bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Contact Tracing for Serratia marcescens Biofilm on High-Usage Body Towels in Rivers State Bathrooms
Authors: CN Amadi-Ikpa , KH Ogbonda
Published: June 2023

The placement of body towels before and after use in bathrooms where Serratia marcescens proliferates calls for concern, as Serratia marcescens, an airborne opportunistic pathogen has been reported keratinolytic.  Serratia marcescens, a bacterium commonly noticed with a pink or red slimy appearance in toilet sinks, bowls, and tiles presents an aesthetically, unappealing and disgusting appearance in the toilet surroundings. The study aimed to trace the presence of Serratia marcescens on frequently used body towels hung in the bathroom doors. Swabs from forty (40) differently used towels were collected from twenty (20) volunteered homes and analyzed using standard microbiological procedures. Microbiological procedures involved inoculating the swab sample on a prepared peptone broth and plating on MacConkey agar media, followed by identification and streak of the recovered isolate onto Congo red agar media for biofilm formation.  Results showed the recovery of Serratia marcescens isolates. The three homes showed a Serratia marcescens count of 3 X 10, 1 X 102, and 7 X 10 CFU per swab for house units C, I, and P respectively.  Serratia marcescens could form a biofilm, a basic feature that allowed it to strive on a body towel. The results derived strongly identified the presence of Serratia marcescens biofilm on body towels hung in the bathrooms. This could have health implications for towel users due to the bacteria's keratolytic properties. Hence, the need for constant surveillance to support effective measures of hygiene, aimed at preventing the spread of Serratia marcescens is recommended.
Penerapan Algoritma K-Means Untuk Pemetaan Biodiversity Kayu Bulat Di Indonesia
Authors: Harsono Sugi , Prihatin Tutut Dwi , Sadad Anwar , Kusrini Kusrini , Maulina Dina
Published: June 2023

Indonesia merupakan salah satu negara didunia yang memiliki kawasan hutan luas yang tersebar di pulau sumatera, jawa, kalimantan, sulawesi, bali, nusa tenggara, maluku dan papua. Hutan memiliki fungsi sebagai penghasil oksigen dan habitat terbesar keanekaragaman hayati di Dunia. Kebakaran hutan terjadi hampir di seluruh wilayah Indonesia dan merupakan permasalahan yang terus berulang, dan intensitas akan mulai meningkat pada musim kemarau. kebakaran hutan akan menimbulkan banyak sekali kerugian baik dari segi kesehatan yang akan mengancam keselamatan jiwa maupun material, mempengaruhi kualitas udara, lahan, air, kerusakan fasilitas dan tempat hidup flora dan fauna yang ada, berkurangnya produksi oksigen hingga musnahnya keanekaragaman hayati. Untuk dapat memperkecil kemungkinan terjadinya kebakaran hutan yang terus meningkat diperlukan analisis pemetaan titik penyebaran api, penyebab kebakaran,  dan keanekaragaman hayati hutan. Penelitian ini menggunakan etode pengumpulan data primer dataset persebaran titik kebakaran hutan, data statistik kehutanan, kemudian dilanjutkan dengan pengolahan data Algoritma K-Mean dan visualisasi pengolahan data menggunakan bahasa pemrograman Python dan mapping menggunakan GeoPandas. Hasil yang didapatkan adalah jenis produksi hutan tertinggi terdapat di Pulau Sumatera dengan jenis Kayu Akasia sebesar 28,573,433.84 m3, kemudian Pulau Jawa jenis Kayu Sengon sebesar 5,431,029.46 m3 dan Pulau Kalimantan jenis Kayu Rimba Campuran. Sedangkan luas area kebakaran terluas pada kawasan hutan terdapat di Pulau Kalimantan sebesar 243,013.5 hektar dari jumlah area hutan Kalimantan 53,054,900 hektar atau sebesar 0.458 %. Kmeans 5 klaster antara Pulau Sumatera dan Pulau Jawa adalah Klaster 1 terdapat 82 jenis Kayu, Klaster kedua Kayu Akasia, Klaster ketiga Kayu Ekaliptus, Klaster keempat Kayu Sengon dan Klaster kelima adalah Kayu Rimba Campuran, Mahoni dan Jati.
Research of trends in the development of Russian linguistics in China in the 21st century on the basis of national projects funded by the Social Sciences Foundation.
Authors: Rui Yang
Published: June 2023

The national project funded by the Social Sciences Foundation of China is the most advanced project of the Foundation for Scientific Research in Philosophy and Social Sciences in China. This article analyzes the relevant data of national projects to study the direction of the development of Russian linguistics, to determine trends and the fulcrum of research in China.
علاقة تركيز الانتباه بدقة التصويب لدى لاعبي المدرسة التخصصية في المثنى بكرة اليد
Authors: تالي خلف فيحاء
Published: June 2023

اشتمل الفصل الاول على المقدمة واهمية البحث ومشكلته واهدافه , وفروضه , ومجالاته , وتكمن أهمية البحث هي ربط العمل العقلي (درجة وزمن تركيز الانتباه) بـ(دقة التصويب) على الهدف بكرة اليد  .أما مشكلة البحث  فتجسدت في أن هناك ضعف بتركيز الانتباه والتي تؤثر بدقة التصويب بكرة اليد. اما فروض البحث فكان هناك علاقة ارتباط معنوية بين زمن تركيز الانتباه قبيل التصويب ودقة التصويب لدى لاعبي المدرسة التخصصية بكرة اليد . وتم تحدد مجتمع البحث بلاعبي المدرسة التخصصية  لفئة الشباب بكرة اليد لسنة (  2021 / 2022  ) والبالغ عددهم (20) لاعبا . وقد استخدم الباحث المنهج الوصفي بالطريقة المسحية , وبعد تطبيق المنهج بشكل كامل تم جمع نتائج الاختبارات ومعالجتها احصائيا وعرضها ومناقشتها بأسلوب علمي بغية تحقيق هدف البحث .

ومن ذلك استنتجت الباحثة  مجموعة من الاستنتاجات منها :

وجود علاقة ارتباطية ذات دلالة معنوية موجب بين زمن تركيز الانتباه قبيل التصويب على الهدف ودقة التصويب .

واوصت الباحثة بمجموعة من التوصيات منها :

التأكيد على عملية تركيز الانتباه وحدة الانتباه في الوحدات التدريبة لغرض تطوير دقة التهديف .
اعداد انموذج لبعض المتغيرات البايوميكانيكية للمستوى العراقي لفعالية الوثب الطويل
Authors: عبد الرضا كاظم , عبد الواحد تيسير ناظم
Published: June 2023

تظهر أهمية البحث بوضع أُنموذجٍ لبعض المتغيرات البايوميكانيكية التي تلعب دوراً فاعلاً في فعالية الوثب الطويل, إذ يُعتمدُ عليه كمحكٍ للمقارنات ولاستنتاج مكامن الضعف والقوة , ذلك من خلال إخضاع  البحث للتحليل من أوجه متعددة في ضوء القوانين وقواعد الميكانيكا الحيوية للوصول لأفضل النتائج , وتكمن مشكلة البحث : أنَّ الارقام والانجازات والمستويات المحلية في فعالية الوثب الطويل ولجميع الفئات , وخاصة المتقدمين تبتعد كثيراً عن المستويات القارية والعالمية , فضلاً عن ثبوت الرقم العراقي في الوثب الطويل منذُ ثمانينات القرن الماضي , كُلُّ ذلك ولَّد للباحث مشكلةً حاول دراستها قد تكون من أهم الأسباب , وكذلك افتقار المدربين لنموذج المتغيرات البايوميكانيكية واتخاذه كمحكٍ , ومن هنا لجأ الباحث إلى دراسة تلك المتغيرات البايوميكانيكية لفعالية الوثب الطويل للمتقدمين , واستخراج قيم هذه المتغيرات , ومقارنتها بقيمٍ موضوعيةٍ تجسدت بالأنموذج , التي يأمل الباحث من مدربي الاندية العراقية , والمنتخب الوطني لفعالية الوثب الطويل الوصول إلى المسافة المستهدفة من خلال العمل على تطوير قيم المتغيرات بحيث تقترب من قيم الأنموذج ؛ لغرض تحسين الاداء الفني والانجاز, ويهدف البحث إلى :

إعداد أنموذج لبعض المتغيرات البايوميكانيكية للمستوى العراقي بفعالية الوثب الطويل لدى عينة البحث .

2- التعرف على قيم المتغيرات البايوميكانيكية للمستوى العراقي بفعالية الوثب الطويل لدى عينة البحث .
 وفيما يخص إجراءات البحث الميدانية , إذ إنَّ مجتمع البحث هم اللاعبون المتقدمون لأندية محافظة بغداد لفعالية الوثب الطويل للموسم الرياضي ( 2021-2022) , والبالغ عددهم (14 لاعب ) , إذ تم اختيار عينة البحث بالطريقة العمدية للاعبي نادي الشرطة , ونادي الحشد الشعبي فقط , والبالغ عددهم  ( 4 ) لاعبين من المجتمع الأصل , استخدم الباحث المنهج الوصفي .
دراسة تحليلية عن التهكم التنظيمي لمدرسي التربية الرياضية في مركز مدينة الموصل
Authors: نوح بدل صالح سجى
Published: June 2023

هدف البحث إلى إعداد وتطبيق استبيان التهكم التنظيمي لمدرسي التربية الرياضية والتعرف على التهكم التنظيمي ومستويات ابعاده (المعرفي، العاطفي، السلوكي) لمدرسي التربية الرياضية في مركز مدينة الموصل.

واستخدم الباحثون المنهج الوصفي بأسلوب المسح لملاءمته البحث الحالي، وتم اختيار عينة البحث بطريقة الحصر الشامل العمدية، إذ ضمت جميع مُدرسي التربية الرياضية في مدينة الموصل، وحصل الباحثون على (177) استمارة قابلة للتحليل الإحصائي. ولتحقيق أهداف البحث تطلب اعداد استبيان التهكم التنظيمي لمدرسي التربية الرياضية، ولتحقيق أهداف البحث تطلب إعداد استبيان التهكم التنظيمي بأبعاده (المعرفي، العاطفي، السلوكي) والتحقق من صدقه وثباته، وفي معالجة البيانات إحصائيا تم استخدام النسبة المئوية، الوسط الحسابي، الانحراف المعياري، معامل الارتباط البسيط (بيرسون)، معادلة سبيرمان براون، معادلة الفا كرو نباخ، ومعادلة جتمان. واستنتج الباحثون الى إمكانية تطبيق استبيان التهكم التنظيمي بأبعاده لمدرسي التربية الرياضية، ووجود مستويات متوسطة من التهكم التنظيمي وبعديه (المعرفي، العاطفي)، ومستوى منخفض من التهكم التنظيمي السلوكي لمدرسي التربية الرياضية في مركز مدينة الموصل.
BARRIERS IN ACHIEVING ASTHMA CONTROL IN CLINICAL PRACTICE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors:   SO “National institute of phthisiology and pulmonology named after F. G. Yanovsky NAMS of Ukraine”, Feshchenko Y. I. , Polianska M. O. , Opimakh S. G. , Moskalenko S. M. , Zvol I. V.
Published: June 2023

The main goals of bronchial asthma (BA) treatment are to achieve good symptoms control and to minimize future risk of asthma-related mortality, exacerbations, persistent airflow limitation and adverse effects of therapy. Despite the availability of effective treatments for asthma the real life asthma control is lower than expected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the barriers in achieving asthma control in clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic according to the literature data. There are both general and COVID-19-related barriers in achieving the goals of asthma treatment. In most patients, the causes for the lack of asthma control are incorrect inhaler technique, poor adherence to treatment, overuse of short-acting bronchodilators, comorbidities, the influence of adverse environmental conditions and psychosocial factors. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the asthma control through quarantine restrictions and the influence of post-acute COVID-19 disorders. On the one hand, quarantine restrictions had a positive effect on the asthma course: there was a decrease in the seasonal respiratory viral infections and the asthma exacerbations frequency. On the other hand, asthma patients were significantly affected by the pandemic due to a high level of anxiety, stress and limited access to routine medical care. Health disorders in post-COVID-19 period negatively affect the control of BA. After recovery from acute COVID-19 a proportion of asthma patients experienced poorer control and required increased asthma maintenance therapy. Approaches to improving asthma control include adherence to established asthma management guidelines, patient and healthcare professional education, regular asthma monitoring and assessment, review of inhaler technique, provision of a written asthma action plan, use of digital technologies. Key words: bronchial asthma, asthma control, COVID-19.
KONSEP DASAR EKONOMI MAKRO ISLAM
Authors: gunawan sahrul
Published: June 2023

RESUME INI DIBUAT UNTUK MEMENUHI TUGAS MATA KULIAH EKONOMI MAKRO SYARIAH
Enhanced Leaf Segmentation Using Hybrid Color and Texture Analysis
Authors: Fotiadis Giannis
Published: June 2023

This paper presents an enhanced leaf segmentation methodology by employing a hybrid approach combining color and texture analysis. Accurate leaf segmentation is crucial for various applications in plant phenotyping and precision agriculture. The proposed methodology leverages both color and texture features to improve segmentation accuracy. Initially, color-based analysis is performed by utilizing color spaces and color thresholding techniques to distinguish leaves from the background. Texture analysis is then employed to further refine the segmentation results by considering the local spatial variations within the leaf regions. Various texture descriptors such as local binary patterns (LBP) and gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) are utilized to capture textural information. By fusing the color and texture features using suitable fusion techniques, the proposed methodology achieves robust and accurate leaf segmentation results. Experimental evaluations on diverse leaf datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the hybrid approach, outperforming traditional methods based solely on color or texture analysis. The enhanced leaf segmentation methodology holds great potential for applications in plant phenotyping, crop yield estimation, and disease detection, enabling more precise and efficient analysis of plant characteristics and health.
A Methodological Comparison of Protocols and Analytical Techniques to Assess Submaximal Fitness Tests Outcome Measures
Authors: Shushan Tzlil , Lovell Ric , McLaren Shaun J. , Barrett Steve , Buchheit Martin , Scott Tannath J. , Norris Dean
Published: June 2023

Background: Submaximal fitness tests outcome measures are frequently collected with a wide array of technologies and methodological approaches. Purpose: To examine the test-retest reliability of various submaximal fitness test outcome measures derived from different protocols and analytical techniques. Methods: Twenty-six semi-professional adult football (soccer) players performed three SMFT protocols (2 continuous, 1 intermittent) twice, seven days apart. Heart rate indices (exercise heart rate, heart rate recovery), scapulae-mounted (PlayerLoad vector magnitude), and foot-mounted (flight and contact-time, stride length) micro-electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) derived variables were collected using different timeframes and analytical approaches adopted in the literature. Absolute reliability was quantified as the group mean difference (MD), typical error of measurement (TE), also expressed as the coefficient of variation (CV; where appropriate) and standardised units (i.e., d). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to quantify relative reliability. Results: The highest degrees of reliability were evident for exercise heart rate, the vertical component of PlayerLoad (expressed in arbitrary units) and contact-time. These estimates were not influenced by SMFT protocol (e.g., exercise regime, intensity) or analytical approach. All other measures displayed poorer reliability and/or were different between protocols and analytical methods. Conclusions: SMFT protocols impact upon the test-retest reliability of various outcome measures; however exercise heart rate, PlayerLoad vertical and contact time (derived from foot-mounted MEMS) appear to have stable measurement properties to assist the assessment of aerobic capacity and lower-limb neuromuscular status, respectively.
Isu-Isu Kebijakan Publik di Indonesia
Authors: Sufrianto  , Arsalim  , Sufrianto.
Published: June 2023

Buku ISU-ISU KEBIJAKAN PUBLIK DI INDONESIA berisi sebahagian rekaman sejarah perekonomian Indonesia di era tahun 1990-an, suatu era penting bagi perjalanan bangsa Indonesia. Sebagai era transisi segala segi kehidupan bangsa, mulai dari persoalan ekonomi, politik, budaya, demokratisasi, dan lain-lain, yang awalnya serba terkungkung oleh rezim pemerintahan otoriter berubah menjadi era keterbukaan. Di era transisi inilah penulis, hidup sebagai seorang aktivis yang idealis. Idealitas itu bukan diwujudkannya dalam gerakan, sebagaimana dilakukan kebanyakan aktivis saat itu dan saat ini, melainkan diwujudkan dalam bentuk tulisan. Tulisan-tulisannya disebar ke berbagai media massa, seperti Harian Kendari Pos, Fajar, Republika, Pelita, Media Indonesia, dan lain-lain. Ini sekaligus menandaskan diri penulis sebagai ilmuwan, yang kemudian terjun berkecimpung di dunia birokrasi.
KEBIJAKAN PENDAPATAN DAN KEBIJAKAN BELANJA EKONOMI ISLAM
Authors: FADHILAH AISYAH
Published: June 2023

Kebijakan pendapatan dan kebijakan belanja negara sudah tidak asing lagi bagisiapapun karena kedua kebijakan ini merupakan kebijakan yang dibuat oleh negara lalukemudian di akui dengan tujuan mengatur arah perekonomian yang dimiliki negara. Dalamekonomi islam tentunya kedua kebijakan ini memiliki perbedaan dan fungsi masing masing,dimana kebijakan pendapatan negara merupakan kebijakan yang dapat di pakai oleh negaradalam memperoleh sebuah modal atau keuntungan dari sebuah pajak akan tetapi dalam hal iniekonomi islam mengenal istilah pajak yaitu ZIWAK, Kharaj, Fa’I, Ghanimah, dan Khums.Sedangkan di dalam kebijakan belanja negara ekonomi islam akan berkaitan dengan beberapahal yaitu diantaranya pembangunan infrastruktur, sosial dan kesejateraan, pendidikan danmiliter. Dalam ekonomi kontemporer kedua kebijakan ini mengalami perkembangan meskipunperkembangannya tidak begitu jauh beda dengan apa yang ada pada masa Rasullah SAW danpara Khularaursasyidin (Abu Bakar, Umar Bin Khattab, Ustman Bin Affan dan Ali bin AbiThalib serta Bani Umayyah, Bani Abbasiyah).Pandangan ekonomi islam mengenai pendapatan negara akan selalu berkaitan denganZakat, Infak Sadaqah, Waqaf, Kharaj, Ghanimah, Khums dan Jizyah. Negara memperolehpendapatan dari instrumen – instrument itu adapun semua instrument itu memiliki fungsi danasala masing – masing. Dimana ke delapan instrumen atau sumber pendapatan negara menurutekonomi islam ini berasal dari beberapa sumber dna tentunya sumbernya juga berbeda beda.Pada era kontemporer saat ini kedelapan sumber pendapatan negara sudah tidak lagi begitukuat akan tetapi hanya saja masih tetap ada di dalam negara dan masih terhitung. Sumberpendapatan yang paling kuat saat ini yang di gunakan oleh pemerintah adalah ZIWAK (Zakat,Infaq, Sadaqah Dan Waqaf).Belanja negara dalam pandangan ekonomi islam ada beberapa hal yang dimanasemuanya bertujuan untuk menciptakan kesejateraan dan kemaslahatan bagi masyarakatnyasecara menyeluruh. Pengeluaran negara dalam hal ini berkaitan tentang pembangunanInfrastruktur, sosial dan kesejateraan, pendidikan dan juga militer. Dalam hal pembangunanInfrastuktur ini selalu berkaitan kepada pembagunan seperti bagunan rumah, pembagunan jalanraya, pembagunan Rumah Sakit dll.
DOES GRAVITATIONAL TIME DILATION HAVE INFLUENCE ON PROPAGATIONS OF GRAVITATIONAL WAVES?
Authors: WANG XINGHONG
Published: June 2023

This article uses thought experiments and strict logical deductions to discuss the propagation of gravity field and find that no gravity field are “static” or “current”. All gravity field are generated some time before and they are not static but are continuously propagating. And, any change of any gravity field will propagate before interacting with any celestial bodies in the universe. If gravitational time dilation has influence upon propagation of the change of gravity field , no change of any gravity field will be able to propagate across the event horizon of any black hole and interact gravitationally with the black hole. This indicates, if a celestial body changes its location and causes the change of its gravity field, this change of gravity field will not propagate into a black hole, so the black hole will not respond to the change of the location of the celestial body. This will rule out the possibility of existence of binary black hole system. But the existence of binary black hole system has already been confirmed. In conclusion, gravitational time dilation must have no influence upon the propagation of the change of gravity field. Because gravitational wave is a disturbance of gravity field, it is also a change of gravity field, gravitational time dilation must have no influence upon the propagation of gravitational waves.
SK Pangkat IIIB
Authors: Marni
Published: June 2023

Kementerian Pendidikan Nasioanal Keputusan Menteri Pendidikan Nasional No. 177/H15.11/KP/E/SK/2010
Psychological Traits and Public Attitudes towards Abortion The Role of Empathy, Locus of Control, and Need for Cognition
Authors: Cheng Jiuqing
Published: June 2023

In the summer of 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the historic Roe v. Wade ruling, prompting various states to put forth ballot measures regarding state-level abortion rights. While earlier studies have established associations between demographics, such as religious beliefs and political ideologies, and attitudes toward abortion, the current research delves into the role of psychological traits such as empathy, locus of control, and need for cognition. A sample of 294 U.S. adults was obtained via Amazon Mechanical Turk, and participants were asked to provide their attitudes on seven abortion scenarios. They also responded to scales measuring empathy toward the pregnant woman and the unborn, locus of control, and need for cognition. Principal Component Analysis divided abortion attitudes into two categories: traumatic abortions (e.g., pregnancies due to rape) and elective abortions (e.g., the woman does not want the child anymore). After controlling for religious belief and political ideology, the study found psychological factors accounted for substantial variation in abortion attitudes. Notably, empathy toward the pregnant woman correlated positively with abortion support across both categories, while empathy toward the unborn revealed an inverse relationship. An internal locus of control was positively linked to support for both types of abortions. Conversely, external locus of control and need for cognition only positively correlated with attitudes toward elective abortion, showing no association with traumatic abortion attitudes. Collectively, these findings underscore the significant and unique role psychological factors play in shaping public attitudes toward abortion. Implications for research and practice were discussed.
A psychological platform for chatbot and human co-piloting in education
Authors: Fryer Luke K.
Published: June 2023

Chatbots will have a growing role within formal education. What should that role be? How might we treat chatbots as an opportunity to enhance and reenergise teaching and learning? This position paper suggests that answers to these questions should start with our foundational psychological theories about what students need to function and develop well. This position paper outlines how psychological needs theory, focusing on students' basic psychological needs for competence and relatedness might be a path forward. Teacher behaviour supporting these psychological needs (i.e., involvement and structure), which have established relationships with learning outcomes, are used as a base for assessing the potential roles of human and AI instructors. A balanced approach that draws on the strengths of each instructor is suggested as a possible way forward for research and practice in this area. Co-piloting the educational ship forward could herald a brighter future for students across educational levels and contexts
Associations between physical activity and subcategories of mental health: A propensity score analysis among a global sample of 341,956 adults
Authors: Huong Christopher , Brown Denver M. Y.
Published: June 2023

Background: Evidence indicates that physical activity (PA) can be a clinically useful and low-cost option for preventing and managing many mental health problems. Further investigation into which specific aspects of mental health are most influenced by PA can help to elucidate the differential effects that PA may confer.Purpose: This study used cross-sectional data from the Global Mind Project to investigate the influence of regular PA on overall mental well-being and specific subcategories of mental health across different adult age groups. Methods: Participants completed the 47-item Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) and reported how frequently they engaged in daily bouts of PA for 30 min or more. Weighted propensity score models were used to estimate the Average Treatment effect on the Control (ATC) of PA engagement on overall mental well-being as well as six subcategories of mental health.Results: An estimated ATC of 17.8 was found for overall MHQ, corresponding to a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.25. Among the mental health subcategories, PA engagement was estimated to have the largest treatment effect for Mind-Body Connection (ATC=19.25; SMD=0.31), followed by Adaptability and Resilience (ATC=17.57; SMD=0.26), Core Cognition (ATC=16.33; SMD=0.25), Drive and Motivation (ATC=15.86; SMD=0.24), Mood and Outlook (ATC=15.27; SMD=0.22), and Social Self (ATC=13.02; SMD=0.17).Conclusion: Our findings support the existing literature demonstrating an exposure effect of regular PA engagement on overall mental well-being, and builds on this work by revealing consistent effects that exist across specific subcategories and the adult lifespan.
Measuring the Variability of Personality Traits With Interval Responses: Psychometric Properties of the Dual-Range Slider Response Format
Authors: Kloft Matthias , Snijder Jean-Paul , Heck Daniel W.
Published: June 2023

Measuring the variability in persons’ behaviors and experiences using ecological momentary assessment is time-consuming and costly. We investigate whether interval responses provided through a dual-range slider (DRS) response format can be used as a simple and efficient alternative: Respondents indicate variability in their behavior in a retrospective rating by choosing a lower and an upper bound on a continuous, bounded scale. We investigate the psychometric properties of this response format as a prerequisite for further validation. First, we assess the test-retest reliability of factor-score estimates for the width of DRS intervals. Second, we test whether factor-score estimates of the visual analog scale (VAS) and the location of DRS intervals show convergent validity. Third, we investigate whether factor-score estimates for the DRS are uncorrelated between different personality scales. We present a longitudinal multitrait-multimethod study using two personality scales (Extraversion, Conscientiousness) and two response formats (VAS, DRS) at two measurement occasions (six to eight weeks apart) for which we estimate factor-score correlations in a joint item response theory model. The test-retest reliability of the width of DRS intervals was high (ρ ≥ .73). Also, convergent validity between location scores of VAS and DRS was high (ρ ≥ .88). Conversely, discriminant validity of the width of DRS intervals between Extraversion and Conscientiousness was poor (ρ ≥ .94). In conclusion, the DRS seems to be a reliable response format that could be used to measure the central tendency of a trait equivalently to the VAS. However, it might not be well suited for measuring intra-individual variability in personality traits.
Self-Certification: A novel method for increasing sharing discernment on social media
Authors: Howe Piers , Perfors Andrew , Ransom Keith , Walker Bradley , Fay Nicolas , Kashima Yoshihisa , Saletta Morgan , Dong Sihan
Published: June 2023

The proliferation of misinformation on social media platforms has given rise to growing demands for effective intervention strategies. One suggested method is to encourage users to deliberate on the veracity of the information prior to sharing. However, this strategy is undermined by individuals' propensity to share posts they acknowledge as false. In our study, we demonstrate that the practice of self-certification significantly enhances discernment in sharing. We observe that compelling users to verify their belief in a news post's truthfulness before sharing it markedly curtails the dissemination of false information. Importantly, this approach doesn't hinder users from sharing content they genuinely believe to be true. Thus, we propose a method that substantially curbs the spread of misleading content on social media without infringing upon the principle of free speech.
Unsorted Partisanship and Anti-Democratic Orientation in the American Public
Authors: Malka Ariel , Federico Christopher , Costello Thomas H
Published: June 2023

Influential perspectives on polarization in the United States imply that partisans will be more willing to degrade democracy when they are ideologically aligned with their own party and ill-disposed toward the opposing party. We report consistent evidence from national surveys for countervailing patterns that complicate this account. Cultural conservatism and out-party favorability are reliably associated with anti-democratic orientation among Democrats (but not Republicans), with effect sizes exceeding those of key covariates such as education. Among Republicans (but not Democrats), left-leaning economic attitudes are reliably associated with anti-democratic orientation. This raises the possibility of a check on the capacity of polarization to produce support for democracy-degrading action. It also suggests that increased centrality of sociocultural conflict and Republican cultivation of a right-wing populist reputation might sort anti-democratic Americans into the Republican Party. However, two survey experiments suggest that Republican messaging is unlikely to accelerate such a sorting process in the short-term.
Naturalistic food categories are driven by subjective estimates rather than objective measures of food qualities
Authors: Carrinton Madeline , Liu Alexander G. , Martin Alex , Avery Jason
Published: June 2023

Food-related studies often categorize foods using criteria such as known levels of fat and sugar content (e.g. high-fat, high-sugar foods; low-fat, low-sugar foods), and use these categorizations for further analyses. While these criteria are relevant to nutritional health, it is unclear whether they agree with the ways in which we typically group foods. Do these objective categories correspond to our subjective sense? To address this question, we recruited a group of online participants to perform a triplet comparison task involving implicit object similarity judgements on images of 36 foods, which varied in their levels of fat and sugar. We also acquired subjective ratings of other food properties from another set of online participants. We used the data from 487 participants that completed the online triplet task (13,580 triplets in total) to generate a similarity matrix of these 36 foods. We then performed Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering of the resulting matrix to identify naturalistic categories of those foods and the properties underlying the judgements of their similarity. Overall, subjective ratings of food properties, obtained from an additional 369 individuals, explained significantly more variance of the Principal Components than objective nutrient values, derived from a USDA database. The first PC was most highly related to participants’ judgements of how processed the foods were, while the second component was most related to subjective estimates of sugar and fat content. K-means clustering analysis revealed five emergent food groupings along these PC axes: sweets, fats, starches, fruits, and vegetables. Our results suggest that naturalistic categorizations of food are driven mostly by subjective assessments of food qualities, rather than objective food properties, and that these differences should be considered and explored when developing methods for scientific food studies.
The Transaction Test
Authors: Bogliacino Francesco , Leonardo Pejsachowicz , Liva Giovanni , Lupiáñez-Villanueva Francisco
Published: June 2023

This article introduces the transaction test, a novel experimental method to detect whether deceptive designs (known as dark patterns) induce choices that are inconsistent with individual preferences. In a highly powered online experiment, we assess three dark patterns and one transparency-based remedy in decisions involving data protection. Compared to a placebo condition, dark patterns increase choice inconsistency by an effect in the range of 11-31% of the outcome in the control, depending on experimental conditions. The transparency-based remedy fails to mitigate these effects. We assess the robustness of the methodology and replicate the main findings in a controlled lab experiment. Our findings demonstrate how the transaction test, by providing an empirical assessment of the legal concept of unfairness, offers a flexible tool for the regulation of dark patterns and other commercial practices.
Stable or Dynamic? The Development of Muslims’ and Non-Muslims’ Friendship-Making Across Adolescence and the Emergence of Muslim Girls’ In-Group Bias
Authors: Kretschmer David , Leszczensky Lars
Published: June 2023

Friendship segregation between Muslim and non-Muslim youth may result from both Muslim in-group bias and non-Muslim reluctance to befriend Muslims. However, previous studies pro-vide only snapshots, thus ignoring how religious friendship-making develops throughout adolescence. This is particularly concerning for Muslim girls, who are increasingly exposed to endogamy norms during adolescence, which may complicate their out-group friendships. Analyzing six waves of longitudinal friendship network data in German schools with growth-curve and stochastic actor-oriented models, we examine how religious friendship-making evolves from age 11 to 17. While Muslim girls initially have as many interreligious friends as their male counterparts, their in-group bias increases substantially throughout adolescence. By contrast, both Muslim boys’ in-group bias and non-Muslims’ reluctance to be friends with Muslims remain stable throughout adolescence. Over the course of adolescence, Muslim girls thus evolve from the group most open to intergroup friendships to the group most focused on the religious in-group.
Lateral Approach to Thyroid Surgery: An Alternative Open Thyroidectomy Technique
Authors: Bhandari Ramesh , Aryal Bivek , Sapkota Anika , Kandel Damodar , Sharma Sona
Published: June 2023

Background: Thyroidectomy is one of the common surgical procedures for thyroid related various pathology. Midline approach is the classical and common in which thyroid gland is approached after splitting the strap muscles in midline. The objective of this research is to elaborate the surgical technique of lateral thyroid approach for hemi-thyroidectomy, also to measure the efficacy in preserving the important anatomical structures and to assess the complications.
Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of ENT-Head and Neck Surgery of Bharatpur Hospital, Chitwan, Nepal during January 2019 to March 2021. Benign thyroid diseases that required hemi-thyroidectomy were included in this study. Surgical technique was discussed with special focus for access of superior pedicle and preservation of important anatomical structures.
Results: Among 36 cases most of those 16(44.4%) were operated after 1 year of disease occurrence. Not a single case was undergone strap muscle cutting or sacrifice of superior belly of omohyoid muscle. Recurrent laryngeal nerve was found in 94.4% (33 cases). External branch of superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) was in 91.7 %( 33) cases. Superior parathyroid glands were found in majority of the cases but not found in 8.3 %( 3). Inferior parathyroid glands were found in all cases. Post-operative drainage was 38 ml(mean).
Conclusion: Vital structures were preserved in more than 90% cases and major complication occurred in none of the cases. We conclude that this approach is good, safe and comfortable to the surgeon.
Radiation Dose Measurement during CT Abdomen Examination of Adult Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yadav Subhash Chandra , Banstola Saraswati , Mukhi Sadhan , Palikhey Anjan
Published: June 2023

Background: Computed tomography (CT) has become a routine imaging modality for many clinical applications due to its wide availability, minimally invasiveness, short scan time, excellent anatomical resolution, and high diagnostic value. The radiation dose to patients from CT examinations is the highest contributor to diagnostic medical exposure, which is a growing public concern. The aim of this study was to measure radiation doses for abdominal CT examinations in adult patients and compared them to international standard dose values.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 92 adult patients with abdomen CT scans using a 16-slice computed tomography scanner at the department of Radiodiagnosis & Medical Imaging, UCMS-TH, Bhairahawa, Nepal from August 2018 to January 2019. The radiation doses were measured by convenient techniques: volumetric computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol), dose length product (DLP) & effective dose (ED) and data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results: The mean BMI of the study participants was 23.92±4.29 kg/m2. The mean values of contrast-enhanced scan CTDIvol, DLP, and an ED in our study were 7.31 mGy, 421.46 mGy.cm and 6.31 mSv respectively which is very low as compared to European Guidelines (EG) & International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). There was a statistically significant association between patient BMI with CTDIvol, DLP and ED during non-contrast, contrast-enhanced and delayed scans.
Conclusion: The CTDIvol, DLP, and ED were lower than the European guidelines and IAEA standards. Toward preventing health effects from ionizing radiation, our study follows public concerns and minimizes radiation doses.
Nirmasi (Delphinium) poisoning with salvoes of malignant ventricular arrhythmias in central Nepal: A case report
Authors: Laudari Shankar , Murtuza Shahid , Bhusal Santosh Sharma , Yadav Rachit
Published: June 2023

Nirmasi is a commonly used herb in Nepal especially in hilly and Himalayan regions. It is known as Delphinium species herb. Nirmasi has been used in Nepalese and Indian rural communities since ages for treatment of chronic illnesses like headache, epilepsy, mania, paralysis, rheumatism, toothache, and various types of pain. However, many species of Nirmasi (Delphinium) are poisonous and look quite similar in morphology to the beneficial ones. As a result, unintentional poisoning is common. Poisoning due to these plant products results in various symptoms attributed to gastric irritation, competitive neuromuscular blockade, and cardiotoxicity caused by various alkaloids present in them. We report here a case of poisoning due to Nirmasi herb ingestion presenting as epigastric pain, vomiting, profuse sweating, syncopal attack, hypotension and malignant ventricular arrhythmias managed successfully with antiarrhythmics and supportive treatment.
Study of Serum Uric Acid Levels in Thyroid Dysfunctions
Authors: Bhattarai Anshu , Kathayat Goma , Karmacharya Poonam , Tiwari Indu , Singh Surjit
Published: June 2023

Background: Hyperuricemia in thyroid dysfunctions has been linked to either impaired renal handling of uric acid or overproduction of uric acid. This study aimed to determine the serum uric acid levels in patients with thyroid dysfunction and to determine the link between thyroid dysfunction and hyperuricemia.
Methods: This prospective and quantitative study which was conducted at Department of Biochemistry, Manipal Teaching Hospital determined the serum uric acid concentrations of 30 years or older; male or female participants diagnosed with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. T3 and T4 was determined by chemiluminiscence immunoassay (CLIA) and OCD VITROS dry chemistry analyzer was used to determine serum uric acid level. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics using frequency with percentage and inferential statistics using non-parametric tests were used.
Results: In a total of 100 participants, prevalence of hyperuricemia was 42% (31% in hypothyroidism and 11% in hyperthyroidism). The mean serum uric acid in overall participants was 6.25 ± 2.04 (6.55 ± 1.84 in hypothyroidism and 6.05 ± 1.71 in hyperthyroidism).Significant association was seen between thyroid status and hyperuricemia (p = 0.001).Also, significant difference (p = 0.02) was seen in serum uric acid between hyperthyroid and hypothyroid patients.
Conclusion: Higher prevalence rate of hyperuricemia was found among hypothyroid patients than in hyperthyroid subjects, and a significant association was found between thyroid dysfunction and hyperuricemia. This indicates need for more research to further uncover the mechanisms underlying it.
A Continuing Global Threat of a Neglected Tropical Disease: Dengue
Authors: Reddy Kasarla Rahul , Thummala Sruthi Reddy , Kasarla Rajeshwar Reddy
Published: June 2023

Dengue fever is one of the most important mosquito borne neglected tropical disease of major public health concern. The disease may be asymptomatic or may give rise to undifferentiated fever, dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever, or dengue shock syndrome. This review outlines the current knowledge of the dengue virus, mosquito vector, transmission, immune pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and the treatment and management and prevention and control of these infections and recent advances in vaccine development.
Convergence of Infinite Product by Schlömilch's Method
Authors: Kumar Nand Kishor
Published: June 2023

This paper presents the resolution of sine and cosine as an infinite product from Schlomilch method. It also discusses the convergence of the infinite products of sin θ and cos θ. Some important Series from Infinite Product has been evaluated.
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL-FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS OF THE COMBINED COURSE OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION AND PRIMARY GLAUCOMA
Authors: Tuychibaeva Dilobar
Published: June 2023

Relevance. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma are currently the main causes of irreversible vision loss in developed countries.
Purpose. To study the epidemiological and clinical-functional aspects of the combined course of age-related macular degeneration and primary glaucoma and to assess the quality of life of these patients.
Material and Methods. The analysis of 5,000 outpatient records of patients over 35 years of age who were observed in the consultative polyclinic of the multidisciplinary clinic of the Tashkent Medical Academy in the period 2011-2022 was carried out. All patients were divided into three groups: group 1 - glaucoma, group 2 - AMD, group 3 - glaucoma + AMD.
Results. A retrospective analysis of 5,000 outpatient records of patients older than 35 years revealed the presence of glaucoma in 30.3% of cases, AMD - in 37.94%, their combination - in 20.3%. At the same time, in the structure of AMD, signs of the dry form of the disease were diagnosed in 74% of cases, geographical atrophy - in 12% and wet form - in 14%. However, it requires careful monitoring of the dynamics of visual-functional and structural changes in the retina and optic nerve, as well as timely correction of therapy.
Conclusion. The combined course of diseases having a neurodegenerative nature of the lesion leads to a decrease in not only visual, but also cognitive functions, significantly affects the quality of life of patients of the older age group and their adaptation in society.
Predicting optic atrophy in patients with anterior uveitis by computed tomography-based assessment of optic nerve diameter
Authors: Венгер Л.В. , Ковтун Олексій , Савко В.В.
Published: June 2023

Background: An objective assessment of factors for ocular inflammation and its sequelae and diagnostic assessment of possible development of the sequelae in early phases of uveitis are essential for early and effective treatment of endogenous uveitis.

Purpose: To determine whether it is possible to predict optic atrophy in patients with anterior uveitis using computed tomography (CT)-based assessment of optic nerve diameter.

Material and Methods: Patients with anterior uveitis underwent a routine eye examination (ophthalmoscopy, biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, and Humphrey perimetry). In addition, they underwent CT-based assessment of optic disc diameter at 3-5 mm from the entrance into the orbit in the affected eye and the contralateral healthy eye. Patients received treatment as per the protocol.

Results: The percentage difference in optic nerve diameter between patients with uveitis complicated by optic neuritis and those with uveitis only for affected eyes was large (33.1%) and statistically significant. At 3 months and 6 months after initiation of treatment, mean optic disc diameter in patients with optic neuritis decreased by 37.2% and 49.1%, respectively, compared to baseline values. At 6 months, a decrease in optic nerve diameter among optic neuritis patients was observed both in those who received treatment and in those who failed to receive treatment, but was less marked in the former patients. Particularly, from 3 months to 6 months, optic nerve diameter decreased by 17.3% in treated optic neuritis patients versus 23.5% in those who remained untreated.

Conclusion: CT-based data on the change in the optic nerve diameter at the entrance into the orbit in patients with optic neuritis is an objective characteristic of the presence and grade of atrophic process. Early identification of the potential for development of optic atrophy in individuals with optic neuritis will make it possible to treat them early and, consequently, to prevent or stabilize the process.
Characteristics and parental viewpoints regarding digital device use in children aged 4 to 8 years
Authors: Bodrožić Selak Matea , Kotrla Topić Marina , Merkaš Marina
Published: June 2023

In the present digital age, the number of digital devices and media has multiplied, giving young children and their parents access to them anytime and anywhere. The family and home environment constitutes an important ecological context for fostering and supporting the development of safe online behaviour, as well as preventing risky online behaviour in young children. During childhood, parents play an influential role in shaping a child’s use of digital technology (DT) devices through parental practices that are shaped by their beliefs about DT. The first aim of this study was to describe preferred digital devices, activities, and emotional states related to digital device use among children aged 4 to 8 years. The second aim was to describe parental viewpoints about their children’s device use. The data was collected through online interviews with 31 children (16 girls), aged 4 to 8 years, and one parent of each of the children included in the project “Digital technology in the family: patterns of behaviour and effects on child development”. The results show that smartphones are the children’s favourite device and playing video games is their preferred digital activity. Most children reported feeling happy when they used DT devices, as well as feeling sad and angry when they had to stop using them. Parental motivation for providing children access to DT devices can be child- and parent-oriented. Parents frequently emphasised the educational aspects of their children’s device use, but they were aware of the negative and positive effects on the children’s functioning. The findings indicate that children’s daily context of living in association with DT usage is characterised by small, portable devices that are used mainly for entertainment. Additionally, their parents allow the use of such devices because they believe that DT can have a positive impact on child development, and they need to occupy children’s attention in specific situations. However, DT device usage is limited due to the awareness of the negative impact on child development.
The Impact of Citrus Bergamot Extract on Hemato- Biochemical, Inflammatory and Oxidative stress Parameters Induced by Acute Amikacin Toxicity in male Albino Rats
Authors: Ausama Ayob Jaccob  , Fatima F. Dari  , Muhsin S.G. AL-Moziel
Published: June 2023

One of the most efficient aminoglycoside is amikacin. Yet, it has been linked to unwanted renal toxicity, which has resulted in negative alterations in various biochemical indicators, particularly those related to oxidative stress, kidney function, and inflammation. The goal of this research was to see how citrus bergamot extract affected hemato-biochemical, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters in male rats triggered by acute amikacin toxicity.A total of 30 male rats were divided into five equal groups, each with six rats. The first group received 1 ml DW orally and its represent control group. Group 1 was given 1 ml of DW orally and I.P. AK (1.2 gm/kg) on day seven. Group 2 was given 100 mg/kg CBE orally for ten days. Groups (3) and (4) were given 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of CBE, respectively, orally for ten days. On the seventh day of the experiments, I.P. AK (1.2 gm/kg) was given to the test groups. At the end of the trial, blood samples were used to assess oxidative stress, renal function, inflammatory markers, and some hemato-biochemical parameters.Significantly higher levels of serum MDA, IL-6, urea, and creatinine, and an adversely affect lipid profile, are indications of AK-induced nephrotoxicity. Supplementation of CBE attenuated AK-induced change in these biomarkers.It was concluded that CBE supplementation protects against the nephrotoxic effects of AK because to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipemic properties.