bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Miniaturized Antenna for Millimeter-Wave 5G-II Band Communication
Authors: Yadav Manish Varun , Kumar R Chandru , Yadav Swati Varun , Ali Tanweer , Anguera Jaume
Published: January 2024

This article introduces a miniaturized antenna for 5G-II band millimeter-wave communication. The antenna’s performance is meticulously examined through comprehensive simulations carried out using CST Microwave Studio, employing an FR-4 substrate with dimensions measuring 12 × 14 × 1.6 mm3. The proposed design exhibits exceptional qualities, featuring an impressive impedance bandwidth of 70.4% and a remarkable return loss of −35 dBi. The operational frequency range of this antenna extends from 16.2 GHz to 33.8 GHz, featuring a central frequency of 25 GHz, positioning it effectively within the 5G-II Band. The antenna consistently maintains polar patterns throughout this spectrum, which guarantees dependable and efficient performance. It showcases a substantial gain of 3.85 dBi and an impressive efficiency rating of 82.9%. Renowned for its versatility, this antenna is well suited for a diverse range of applications, including but not limited to Ka band, Ku band, 5G-II bands, and various other purposes in microwaves.
Unveiling the Aftermath: Exploring Residue Profiles of Insecticides, Herbicides, and Fungicides in Rice Straw, Soils, and Air Post-Mixed Pesticide-Contaminated Biomass Burning
Authors: Lamnoi Suteekan , Boonupara Thirasant , Sumitsawan Sulak , Vongruang Patipat , Prapamontol Tippawan , Udomkun Patchimaporn , Kajitvichyanukul Puangrat
Published: January 2024

This study delved into the impact of open biomass burning on the distribution of pesticide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) residues across soil, rice straw, total suspended particulates (TSP), particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 µm (PM10), and aerosols. A combination of herbicides atrazine (ATZ) and diuron (DIU), fungicide carbendazim (CBD), and insecticide chlorpyriphos (CPF) was applied to biomass before burning. Post-burning, the primary soil pesticide shifted from propyzamide (67.6%) to chlorpyriphos (94.8%). Raw straw biomass retained residues from all pesticide groups, with chlorpyriphos notably dominating (79.7%). Ash residue analysis unveiled significant alterations, with elevated concentrations of chlorpyriphos and terbuthylazine, alongside the emergence of atrazine-desethyl and triadimenol. Pre-burning TSP analysis identified 15 pesticides, with linuron as the primary compound (51.8%). Post-burning, all 21 pesticides were detected, showing significant increases in metobromuron, atrazine-desethyl, and cyanazine concentrations. PM10 composition mirrored TSP but exhibited additional compounds and heightened concentrations, particularly for atrazine, linuron, and cyanazine. Aerosol analysis post-burning indicated a substantial 39.2-fold increase in atrazine concentration, accompanied by the presence of sebuthylazine, formothion, and propyzamide. Carcinogenic PAHs exhibited noteworthy post-burning increases, contributing around 90.1 and 86.9% of all detected PAHs in TSP and PM10, respectively. These insights advance understanding of pesticide dynamics in burning processes, crucial for implementing sustainable agricultural practices and safeguarding environmental and human health.
Passive Surveillance as a Key Tool for African Swine Fever Eradication in Wild Boar: A Protocol to Find Carcasses Tested and Validated in the Mediterranean Island of Sardinia
Authors: Coradduzza Elisabetta , Loi Federica , Porcu Francesca , Mandas Daniela , Secci Fabio , Pisanu Marco Efisio , Pasini Cinzia , Zuddas Carlo , Cherchi Marcella , Denurra Daniele , Bandino Ennio , Pintore Antonio , Guberti Vittorio , Cappai Stefano
Published: January 2024

African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most important and serious contagious hemorrhagic viral diseases affecting domestic pigs and wild boar and is associated with high mortality rates while also having an extensive sanitary and socioeconomic impact on the international trade of animal and swine products. The early detection of the disease is often hampered by inadequate surveillance. Among the surveillance strategies used, passive surveillance of wild boars is considered the most effective method for controlling the African swine fever virus (ASFV). Otherwise, the design of a sufficiently sensitive ASF surveillance system requires a solid understanding of the epidemiology related to the local eco-social context, especially in the absence of virus detection. Even if the number of carcasses needed to demonstrate ASF eradication has been established, the scientific context lacks detail compared to protocols applied in the active search for wild boar carcasses. The aim of this study was to describe the protocol applied in the active search for carcasses, providing detailed information on the number of people and dogs as well as the amount of time and space used within the Mediterranean area. Using a specific tool developed to record, trace, and share field data (the GAIA observer app), a total of 33 active searches for wild boar carcasses were organized during 2021–2023. Most of these searches were planned to find carcasses that had previously been reported by hunters. A total of 24 carcasses were found, with only 2 carcasses not previously reported. The final protocol applied involved four people, with an average speed of 1.5 km/h. When a carcass had been previously reported, about 2 km of distance had to be covered in about 1.5 h to find the carcass, and even less time was spent when a dog (untrained) was present. In conclusion, it can be stated that, when searching for carcasses, solid collaboration with local hunters or other forest visitors is necessary to ensure carcasses are reported. The process involves small groups of experts actively searching for carcasses, possibly with the use of hunting dogs without special training. The data presented could be of valid support for those countries characterized by Mediterranean vegetation that are faced with the need to plan active carcass searches.
Retinoic Acid-Mediated Inhibition of Mouse Coronavirus Replication Is Dependent on IRF3 and CaMKK
Authors: Franco Justin H. , Harris Ryan A. , Ryan William G. , Taylor Roger Travis , McCullumsmith Robert E. , Chattopadhyay Saurabh , Pan Zhixing K.
Published: January 2024

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the shortfalls in our understanding of how to treat coronavirus infections. With almost 7 million case fatalities of COVID-19 globally, the catalog of FDA-approved antiviral therapeutics is limited compared to other medications, such as antibiotics. All-trans retinoic acid (RA), or activated vitamin A, has been studied as a potential therapeutic against coronavirus infection because of its antiviral properties. Due to its impact on different signaling pathways, RA’s mechanism of action during coronavirus infection has not been thoroughly described. To determine RA’s mechanism of action, we examined its effect against a mouse coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus strain A59 (MHV). We demonstrated that RA significantly decreased viral titers in infected mouse L929 fibroblasts and RAW 264.7 macrophages. The reduced viral titers were associated with a corresponding decrease in MHV nucleocapsid protein expression. Using interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) knockout RAW 264.7 cells, we demonstrated that RA-induced suppression of MHV required IRF3 activity. RNA-seq analysis of wildtype and IRF3 knockout RAW cells showed that RA upregulated calcium/calmodulin (CaM) signaling proteins, such as CaM kinase kinase 1 (CaMKK1). When treated with a CaMKK inhibitor, RA was unable to upregulate IRF activation during MHV infection. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that RA-induced protection against coronavirus infection depends on IRF3 and CaMKK.
Prevention of Viral Hepatitis and HIV Infection among People Who Inject Drugs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Yen-Ju , Lin Yu-Chen , Wu Meng-Tien , Kuo Jenn-Yuan , Wang Chun-Hsiang
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to explore the current evidence on preventing blood-borne virus infections among people who inject drugs (PWID). We conducted a comprehensive search across three databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library) for relevant articles published in English between 2014 and 2023. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, assessed the quality of the paper using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (ROB 2), and conducted a meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3. Completing the harm reduction program (HRP) participation and receiving all three vaccine doses resulted in a 28% reduction in the risk of HBV infection (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.37–1.42). Various interventions increased the willingness of PWIDs to undergo HCV treatment (OR: 5.91, 95% CI: 2.46–14.24) and promoted treatment adherence (OR: 15.04, 95% CI: 2.80–80.61). Taking PrEP, participating in HRP, and modifying risky behaviors were associated with a 33% reduction in the risk of HIV infection (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.61–0.74). Conducting referrals, providing counseling, and implementing antiretroviral therapy resulted in a 44% reduction in the risk of viral transmission (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.47–0.66). Co-infection may potentially compromise effectiveness, so it is important to consider drug resistance.
Australian Cool-Season Pulse Seed-Borne Virus Research: 1. Alfalfa and Cucumber Mosaic Viruses and Less Important Viruses
Authors: Jones Roger A. C. , Congdon Benjamin S.
Published: January 2024

Here, we review the research undertaken since the 1950s in Australia’s grain cropping regions on seed-borne virus diseases of cool-season pulses caused by alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). We present brief background information about the continent’s pulse industry, virus epidemiology, management principles and future threats to virus disease management. We then take a historical approach towards all past investigations with these two seed-borne pulse viruses in the principal cool-season pulse crops grown: chickpea, faba bean, field pea, lentil, narrow-leafed lupin and white lupin. With each pathosystem, the main focus is on its biology, epidemiology and management, placing particular emphasis on describing field and glasshouse experimentation that enabled the development of effective phytosanitary, cultural and host resistance control strategies. Past Australian cool-season pulse investigations with AMV and CMV in the less commonly grown species (vetches, narbon bean, fenugreek, yellow and pearl lupin, grass pea and other Lathyrus species) and those with the five less important seed-borne pulse viruses also found (broad bean stain virus, broad bean true mosaic virus, broad bean wilt virus, cowpea mild mottle virus and peanut mottle virus) are also summarized. The need for future research is emphasized, and recommendations are made regarding what is required.
Pathogenetic and associative relationships between the parameters of periodontal health and bone mineral density in women living in a megalopolis
Authors: Grigorev S. S. , Sablina S. N. , Elovikova T. M. , Zakroeva A. G. , Krokhalev V. Ya. , Fominykh M. I. , Urgunaliev B. K. , Ivanova V. V.
Published: January 2024

Relevance. Osteoporosis and chronic periodontitis are serious issues of modern life. The hypothesis that these two diseases are associated is still open-ended and doesn’t allow setting the record straight for the lack of sufficient evidence.Purpose. The study aimed to detect the relationship between periodontal health parameters and mineral bone density characteristics in postmenopausal women.Material and methods. The study examined 109 female patients with diagnosed moderate chronic generalized periodontitis (К05.31). The participants formed two groups: the main group (76 women) and the control group (33 women). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, FRAХ® and CCI assessed the mineral bone density and patients’ systemic health. Dental status was evaluated using the OHI-S, CAL, PPD, PMA, PI, and PBI. X-ray assessment was based on the Fuchs index for upper and lower jaws, and the mandibular cortical index (MCI) was evaluated by CBCT scans in Galaxis Galileos software (Sirona), Orthophos SL CBCT scanner. The data were statistically analysed using licensed STATISTICA 13.3 software. In descriptive statistics for variables, the median was quartiles corresponding to the 25th percentile and the 75th percentile. The Shapiro-Wilk test and χ2 (chi-square) evaluated the normality of variables.Results. Periodontal pocket depth (PPD) was 4.44 (4.30:4.20:4.50) in the main group. The cumulative change in the clinical attachment level (CAL) was 5.53 (5.50:5.40:5.80), which was significantly higher than the control group parameters (р < 0.001). Bone mineral density of L1-L4 vertebrae corresponded to osteopenia (g/cm2) -0.83 (-080: -0.78: -0.91), spine (Neck) Т-score was -1.70 (-1.7: -2.2: -2.0). In the patients of the control group, the CBCT did not show any signs of inf lammatory destruction, and the DXA test did not reveal any loss of bone mineral densit y.Conclusion. There are mean significant (less than 0.05) correlations between right femoral neck Т-scores and periodontal pocket depth parameters (R = -0.39) and between the same parameter and the clinical attachment level (CAL) (R = -0.37). A significantly high degree of negative correlation is between the spine Т-score of L1-L4 and PPD, correlation coefficient (R = -0.72).
SAĞLIK MESLEK YÜKSEKOKULU ÖĞRENCİLERİNDE AŞI TEREDDÜDÜ VE İLİŞKİLİ ETMENLER
Authors: Çebi Furkan , Mandıracıoğlu Aliye
Published: January 2024

Bu çalışmada, sağlık hizmetleri yüksekokulu öğrencilerinin aşı tereddütleri ve ilişkili etmenlerin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Kesitsel tipteki bu çalışmanın evrenini Ege Üniversitesi Atatürk Sağlık Hizmetleri Meslek Yüksekokulu 2022-2023 öğretim yılında kayıtlı 18 yaş ve üzeri 2343 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Minimum örneklem büyüklüğü hesaplanarak 683 gönüllü çalışmaya dahil edildi. Araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan sosyodemografik bilgiler, sağlık durumu ve alışkanlıklar ile “Aşı Tereddüdü Ölçeği” veri toplama aracı olarak kullanılmıştır. Katılımcıların %67,9’u kadın, %68,5’i birinci sınıf idi. Öğrencilerin %10’u annelerinde, %7,9’u ise babalarında aşı tereddüdü olduğunun bildirdi. Öğrencilerin %13,5’i son bir yıl içinde İnfluenza aşısı yaptırdığını belirtti. Öğrencilerin Aşı Tereddüdü Ölçeği puanlarının ortalaması 32,29±5,1 olarak hesaplandı. Daha genç olan ve ebeveyn aşı tereddütü bildirenlerin ölçek puanı daha düşük saptandı. Ailelerinde aşı tereddüdü bulunan öğrencilerin ve daha küçük yaştaki katılımcıların aşıya olumsuz tutumun sürdüğü gözlenmiştir. Geleceğin sağlık çalışanları olacak bugünün öğrencilerinin aşı tereddütlerinin giderilmesi toplum sağlığı açısından oldukça önemlidir.
Influence of en-APTAS membrane on NO gas selectivity of HfO2-based memristor gas sensors
Authors: Chae Myoungsu , Lee Doowon , Kim Hee-Dong
Published: January 2024

Memristor-based gas sensors (gas sensor + memristor, gasistor) have gained popularity due to their high response characteristics and ability to operate at RT. In this paper, N-[3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine (en-APTAS), a commonly used membrane for NO
x
gas sensors, is applied in the gasistor with carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-top electrode (TE). As a result, we have demonstrated the response time was reduced by 104 s, and the response to 10 ppm Nitric oxide (NO) gas increased to 3.69, indicating an enhanced sensing property in a range of 10–50 ppm. Furthermore, when decorated with the proposed en-APTAS, the gasistor with CNTs-TE demonstrated a 3.76-fold increase in response to NO gas compared to NO2 gas, demonstrating remarkable selectivity. These improved features are attributed to the high adsorption energy of en-APTAS and the large kinetic diameter of NO2. The research proposal will be a foundational stage towards attaining selectivity in other gasistor studies.
Characterization of nanowire light-emitting diodes with InP/InAsP heterostructures emitting in telecom band
Authors: Motohisa Junichi , Tomoya Akamatsu , Manami Okamoto , Katsuhiro Tomioka
Published: January 2024

We report the growth and characterization of InP/InAsP/InP nanowires (NWs) and NW LEDs (NW-LEDs), which emit light at telecom wavelengths. InP-based NWs were grown by selective-area metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy, and a thin InAsP layer was embedded in the NWs. The NW exhibited emission lines in their low-temperature photoluminescence spectra, suggesting the formation of quantum dots (QDs) in the NW. NW-LED operation was demonstrated at both room and low temperatures in the telecom band, but it was found that the emission wavelength range and blueshift behavior induced by current injection differed considerably between room and low temperatures. Our results suggest that an efficient path for carrier injection into the active InAsP layer should be explored for NW-QD-based single-photon sources operating via current-injection.
Initial stage of InSb heteroepitaxial growth on GaAs (111)A: effect of thin InAs interlayers
Authors: Ohtake Akihiro , Mano Takaaki
Published: January 2024

MBE of InSb on the (111)A-oriented GaAs substrates has been studied using electron diffraction, X-ray diffraction, and scanning probe microscopy. The direct heteroepitaxial growth of InSb on GaAs(111)A results in a cracked morphology with flat terraces and deep gaps, which could be attributed to the extremely large lattice mismatch between InSb and GaAs (14.6%). When thin (5–30 monolayer thickness) InAs films are used as interlayers, more continuous and flat InSb films are obtained. The proposed growth technique using (111)A-oriented GaAs substrates and thin InAs interlayers are effective in improving the surface morphology and the structural quality of InSb films in highly lattice-mismatched systems.
ChatGPT y educación universitaria. Posibilidades y límites de ChatGPT como herramienta docente
Authors: Ribera Mireia , Díaz Montesdeoca Oliver
Published: January 2024

La inteligencia artificial está aquí, y será una realidad en el futuro de nuestro alumnado. Aunque tardaremos unos años a aprovechar ChatGPT y herramientas afines con plena productividad, con este libro recorremos el camino con un poco más de calma y conocimiento para ayudar a los docentes hacia una implementación más satisfactoria en el aula y en nuestros quehaceres académicos. Este es un libro interdisciplinario en el que varias miradas se coordinan para explicar el origen, el impacto, los sesgos y los posibles usos de ChatGPT en entornos académicos.
Dynamic Characterization, Flow Modeling, and Hierarchical Control of an Energy-Harvesting Underwater Kite in Realistic Ocean Conditions
Authors: Reed James Christopher , Muglia Michael , Cobb Mitchell , Vermillion Chris
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a hierarchical control framework for a kite-based marine hydrokinetic (MHK) system, along with a detailed characterization of the dynamic and energetic performance of the system under realistic flow conditions. The underwater kite, which is designed to be deployed off of an offshore floating platform, features a closed-loop controller that executes power-augmenting, cyclic cross-current flight. The robustness of the kite's undersea flight control algorithm is demonstrated in a realistic four-dimensional flow model (which captures both low-and high-frequency spatiotemporal variations in the current) that accounts for turbulence and wave effects, which is coupled with a detailed dynamic model that captures the six-degree-of-freedom kite and floating platform dynamics, in addition to the tether dynamics. Using data obtained by the Coastal Data Information Program (CDIP) 192 Oregon Inlet buoy [1], wave data from the Wave Information Studies Hindcast model [2], and a spectral turbulence model developed at Florida Atlantic University, we demonstrate the robustness of the kite's control system and the sensitivity of both average net power output and peak-to-average power to wave parameters. In common wave conditions, the average and net power output are shown to be highly robust to the peak period and significant wave height. In extreme wave conditions, the peak-to-average power ratio is shown to be highly positively correlated with an effective wave energy density metric, which characterizes the wave energy density presented to the kite system based on a weighted distribution along depth of the kite.
Estrategias de aprendizaje, práctica educativa y rendimiento académico desde un enfoque cualitativo
Authors: Aldana-Rabanales Karla Irene
Published: January 2024

La investigación cualitativa incluye opiniones, experiencias y emociones de los informantes clave que permiten enriquecer la comprensión de fenómenos complejos como la educación y las relaciones sociales. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar de qué manera el profesor, en la práctica educativa, promueve las estrategias de aprendizaje con los estudiantes del nivel de Formación General de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala. El enfoque fue cualitativo y el instrumento de recolección de datos una entrevista semiestructurada aplicada a una muestra de seis profesores. El diseño de investigación fue la teoría fundamentada y el análisis de datos se realizó con la aplicación de la herramienta de uso libre QDA Miner Lite para facilitar la codificación abierta, axial y selectiva, lo que permitió llegar a establecer que las estrategias de aprendizaje en la práctica educativa se promueven de forma implícita, explícita, en modalidad presencial, en modalidad virtual. Se organizaron cuatro categorías que se plasmaron en un mapa conceptual que sintetiza la relación de estas con la práctica educativa y el rendimiento académico. Se concluyó que las estrategias de aprendizaje se promueven en la práctica educativa y muestran relación con el rendimiento académico.
Investigation of changes in high temperature performance of asphalt concrete under ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Сердюк В.Р. , Коц І.В.
Published: January 2024

In recent years, asphalt concrete pavement in being a large number of applications, and gradually appeared a number of pavement damage problems, especially in the strong ultraviolet and high temperature environment of asphalt concrete pavement, because of long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation, resulting in high-temperature durability of the pavement deteriorated year by year. In this paper, the number of UV aging cycles, aging temperature and UV radiation intensity on the rutting depth and dynamic stability are investigated through high temperature rutting test. The test results show that: for asphalt concrete, the number of UV aging cycles has a more pronounced effect on dynamic stability and rut depth compared to aging temperature and UV radiation intensity.
Дистанційний моніторинг теплового режиму в містах: теоретичні основи
Authors: Уль А.В. , Мельник О.В. , Мельник Ю.А. , Вакулюк Л.А. , Резь Р.А.
Published: January 2024

Феномен, відомий як міський тепловий острів, спостерігається у містах по всьому світу з 1800-х років. Метеорологічні служби в різних країнах систематично фіксують температуру повітря в різних точках. Однак ускладнене просторове розташування поверхонь у міських районах утруднює або навіть унеможливлює оцінку локальних змін температури поверхні лише на підставі цих даних. Для таких оцінок використовуються супутникові знімки для визначення температури поверхні землі. Дані дистанційного термального інфрачервоного сенсора  дозволяють здійснювати аналіз температури поверхні землі  як у просторовому, так і у часовому вимірах, навіть на глобальному рівні. Оскільки випромінювальна здатність та атмосферні ефекти є ключовими факторами, багато дослідників розробили різноманітні методики з урахуванням цих факторів. В цій роботі розглянуто три алгоритми визначення температури земної поверхні (LST) - алгоритм одного вікна, одноканальний алгоритм та метод рівняння переносу випромінювання, а також три моделі на основі NDVI - модель Ван де Греінд та Ове, модель Валор та Каселлес, а також модель на основі порогового значення NDVI
Ecological Succession of Breeding Bird Communities in Deciduous and Coniferous Forests in the Sopron Mountains, Hungary
Authors: Winkler Dániel
Published: January 2024

The relationship between breeding bird communities and different phases of secondary succession of deciduous (sessile oak – Quercus petraea) and coniferous (spruce – Picea abies) forests in the Sopron Mountains was studied. The bird censi have been carried out in 5 different successional stages using the “double-visit fixed-radius point count technique”. A total of 38 bird species were encountered. There are typical bird communities to order to different stages of forest succession, containing unique bird species or species appearing predominantly in that successional stage. The study has shown structural changes in breeding bird communities during the succession. Bird species richness, density and diversity showed the same trends. Their numerical values were the lowest in the clear-cut areas with young (1-2 year old) plantations, and the highest in the mature stands. After a starting increase (shrub stage) there is a slight decline (10-12 year old stands) because of the canopy closure of the young trees. Further decrease can be observed in the low pole stands, as these habitats are no longer appropriate for species nesting in shrubs and not yet suitable for the hole-nesting ones. Species richness, density and diversity were lower in early pole and older spruce stands than in the corresponding oak stands.
Analysis of Added Value of Duck Egg Processing (Case Study in Home Industry Usaha Baru Telur Asin)
Authors: Hadijah Sitti , Bafadal Azhar , Zani Munirwan
Published: January 2024

Agroindustry is an industrial activity that utilizes agricultural products as raw materials to be processed into new products. Home industry Usaha Baru Telur Asin is a business that processes duck eggs into salted egg products, which use tools and processing technology in their activities. With the help of technology, there will be a transformation of raw materials (duck eggs), which are of lower value, into products (salted eggs) of high value. This study aims to analyze the amount of added value generated from duck egg processing and the remuneration received by workers and agro-industrial processors in the home industry of the Usaha Baru Telur Asin in Lapulu Village, Abeli ​​District. The data collection for this research was carried out in May-August 2022. The location of this research was determined purposively. Namely, the selection was intentional because, in the Village, there is a business processing duck eggs into salted eggs. Respondents to this study were business owners and workers in the " Usaha Baru Telur Asin" home industry. The analysis used to analyze the added value and distribution of the added value created uses Hayami's analysis method. The results showed that the business of processing duck eggs into salted eggs provided an added value of IDR15,154/kg of duck eggs. This value consists of company or processor profits of IDR12,154 and employee benefits of IDR3,000. The enormous remuneration for production factors is found in company profits, which is 60.77%, then the contribution of other inputs with a value of 24.23%, and labor benefits, which have a discount of 15%. It can be seen that the distribution of added value created from the process of processing duck eggs into salted eggs is enjoyed more by companies than workers.
Consumer Satisfaction towards the 9 Marketing Mix Elements (9P) of Fresh Strawberries at the Strawberry Picking Agro-Tourism of Lumbung Stroberi in Raharjo Village-Owned Enterprise Batu City East Java
Authors: Haryati Novi , Nurirrozak Muhamad Zahran , Irwandi Putra
Published: January 2024

Lumbung Stroberi is one of the agriculture-based agro-tourism which is a business unit of Bumdes Raharjo, Batu City, Malang. Since its establishment in 2019, Lumbung Strawberry has focused on selling products and services. Product sales are packaged strawberries while services are educational tourism with the concept of picking strawberries. Business developments show that consumer behavior determines the sales and marketing success of this educative tourism. Therefore, this research aims to determine the level of consumer satisfaction with the marketing mix for strawberry products in Lumbung Straberi Bumdes Raharjo. This research uses a descriptive quantitative approach and was conducted in June - August 2022. This research used a descriptive quantitative approach and was conducted in December 2021-February 2022. This research used an online questionnaire with the Google Form tool. The research method used is Importance Performance Index and Customer Satisfaction Index. The research respondents were 60 people using purposive sampling method and processed using SPSS 26 and Microsoft Excel. This study uses an error tolerance or alpha of 0.5. There are 3 variables used in this research, namely Marketing Mix Performance Level (X1) and Marketing Mix Importance Level (X2) as independent variables and Consumer Satisfaction (Y1) as the dependent variable. The research results show that the overall level of consumer satisfaction (based on the CSI value) is 0.82 and is in the range of 0.81-1.00, which indicates that the visitor satisfaction index is the "Very Satisfied" criterion. This value is included in the good category. This explains that the majority of consumers are very satisfied with the performance of the marketing mix attributes (9P) carried out by Lumbung Straberi in general.
Impact of Covid-19 on Ready-to-Drink Coffee Consumer Behavior for People in Situbondo
Authors: Prayudi Afri , Hariyati Yuli , Hani Evita Soliha
Published: January 2024

Drinking coffee has become a lifestyle for students. Various coffee drinks are available, including coffee-processed and instant coffee. Instant coffee In December 2019, the COVID-19 disease epidemic appeared, which changed the behaviour of coffee consumers. The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of the disease after COVID-19 on the behaviour of instant coffee consumers in Situbondo, to find out the effect of lifestyle on the behaviour of instant coffee consumers in Situbondo and to identify the effect. Post-COVID-19 edition of Situbondo instant coffee consumer lifestyle. This research method is a kind of quantitative descriptive research, and the data analysis method is Partial Least Square (PLS). The variables of this research are: after covid-19 (X1), lifestyle (X2) and consumer behavior (Y1). The results of this study are as follows: After Covid-19 (X1) has a significant effect on consumer behavior (Y1) with a positive original sample value (0.77) with a p-value of 0.000 (<0.05) and t. -statistics of 12.49 (>1,96), lifestyle (X2) has no significant effect on consumer behavior (Y1), the original sample value is positive (0.13) with a p-value of 0.09 (>0.05), and t Statistic 1.72 (<1,96) and post-Covid-19 (X1) has a significant impact on lifestyle (X2), with the original sample value being positive (0.64) with a p-value of 0.000 (<0.05) and a t-statistic of 8.00 (>1,96). This study concludes that post-Covid-19 has a significant effect on consumer behaviour (H1 accepted), lifestyle does not have a significant effect on consumer behaviour (H2 rejected) and post-Covid-19 effect on lifestyle (H3 taken)
The Economics of Development in Small Countries
Authors: Demas William G.
Published: January 2024

First published in 1965, this classic work by William Demas, former president of the Caribbean Development Bank and committed regional integrationist, was released in a limited edition and has been widely unavailable for decades. Adapted from a four-lecture series presented at McGill University in 1964, The Economics of Development in Small Countries deals with the special problems faced in analysing the economics of small countries and seeks to apply these concepts to West Indian economies. Demas’s thesis is that economic development and the achievement of self-sustained growth cannot be considered in isolation from the size of the country. This edition includes a new introduction by Sir Hilary McD. Beckles, in which he considers the groundbreaking work in the context of nearly forty-five years of regional development and finds as relevant and important today as it was in 1965. Co-published with the Caribbean Development Bank
Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation to Improve Upper Limb Spasticity and Function in a Chronic Stroke Patient. A Single Case Study.
Authors: Lerín Calvo Alfredo , Rodriguez Martinez David , Carrasco-González Enrique
Published: January 2024

Hombre blanco de 69 años que se le diagnosticó un accidente cerebrovascular isquémico de la arteria cerebral media en julio del 2020. El procedimiento consistió en dos semanas de tratamiento control mediante entrenamiento robótico y orientado a tareas, seguido de cuatro semanas de tratamiento experimental aplicando rPMS, añadiendo el tratamiento control. Finalmente se aplicó el tratamiento control durante 2 semanas más. Se llevaron a cabo  evaluaciones de espasticidad utilizando rPMS y un goniometro, función motora con la preuba de Nine Hole Peg Test y Finger Taping Test. A nivel estadístico se aplico el método de banda descriptica de dos desviaciones estándar (DTSD) para ver el efecto del tratamiento aplicado
Estimation of Time Since Death by Potassium ion Level in the Vitreous Fluids: A Postmoterm Study in a Tertiary Care Center, South India
Authors: Balavenkataperumal R  , Vinoth Kumar.V  , Rajkumar.G  , Udhayabanu .R  , Jeyasingh.T
Published: January 2024

Background: It is of great value to find time since death in the medicolegal investigations like serious crimes.Vitreous humor was more often used for the biochemical analysis as it is less contaminated or not affected by the putrefactive changes than other fluids of the body. It was stated by many researchers that potassium levels in the vitreous humour is more accurate in predicting time since death.Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the time since death using potassium level in the vitreous humorMethodology: This study includes 54 cases of victims brought to the tertiary care hospital based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cases with known time of death and with clear vitreous humor samples were included. Baseline characteristics like name, age, gender, exact time since death was collected. Vitreoushumor was collected through appropriate standardized technique. Sampling time was also noted. The collected data was entered in MS excel and analysis done in SPSS 23 software. P value <0.05 is considered to be significant.Results: Majority of the study participants belongs to 57-67 years of age group (28%) followed by 27-37 years of age (22%).Male predominance was observed in our study 41(76%). There is a linear correlation found between the vitreous potassium concentration and the postmortem interval (R2=0.907). The rate of the vitreous potassium increase was 0.36 meq/hr (Coefficient of regression =2.76 meq/l/hr)Conclusion: There is a linear relationship found between vitreous potassium concentration and time since death.Thus potassium in the vitreous can be used for assessing the time since death.
DNA Extraction from Postmortem Blood: A Pilot Study for Advancing Molecular Diagnostics in Forensic Medicine Casework
Authors: Sadhu Rama Mohana Rao  , Sravani Yandava  , T. Mohit Kumar Moses  , Kattamreddy Ananth Rupesh  , K. Satyasree  , K. Mamatha  , Anuradha Argi
Published: January 2024

Background: DNA’s role in forensic practice is widely acknowledged for its unparalleled accuracy in identification. While developed countries have established molecular autopsy programs as early as two decades ago, India is yet to initiate such a program. The isolation of DNA serves as the crucial first step in the molecular autopsy protocol. The postmortem blood sample is one of the good sources for DNA extraction which wasn’t considered with rigor by the scientific community so far.Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the specific time period within which DNA canbe effectively extracted from postmortem blood samples. The objective was to identify if there are patterns in the quality and purity of the extracted DNA based on the postmortem interval. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate if the cause of death influenced DNA extractability.Observation and Results: DNA can be extracted from postmortem blood within a timeframe of up to 72 hours after death, given that the deceased body was preserved in cold storage within 12 hours after death. Both the salting out method and the phenol-chloroform method yielded bands of comparable quality, with the phenol-chloroform method showing a slightly higher DNA yield. The average absorbance ratio was 1.4 for the salting out method and 1.6 for the phenol chloroform method, as determined using a Nanodrop.Conclusion: This study concluded that DNA extraction from postmortem blood samples is feasible within 72hours after death. The integrity of the DNA remained intact during this time, but the quality and purity gradually decreased as the postmortem interval increased. The cause of death did not significantly affect DNA extractability.
Assessment of Applicability of Gleurich and Pyle (GP) Method for Determination of Age of Children in 14-18 Years Age-Group at S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur
Authors: Ashish Kumar Sharma  , Sumanta Dutta  , Manish Kumar Dewat  , Narendra Sisodia
Published: January 2024

Background, Aim and Objective: Age estimation is also one of the important factors to establish individual’sidentity and radiological investigations play a phenomenal role in estimation of age in conjunction with clinical examination. The aim of this study to assess the applicability of Greulich and Pyle (GP) method for determination of age in 14-18 years of age group healthy population of Jaipur region. And objective is to assess the skeletal age determined by GP method using hand radiography of study population.Method: This study was carried out on total 80 subjects at the Department of Forensic Medicine in association with the Department of Radiology after obtaining due permission and approval from the RRB and IEC of SMS Medical College, Jaipur during the period from 1st July, 2020 to 31st August, 2021 of subjects between 14-18 years of age. All subjects recruited from each age sub-group category viz 14-15 years (Group A), 15-16 years (Group B), 16-17 years (Group C) and 17-18 years (Group D) including equal number of members from both sexes (10 males and 10 females of each age sub group category). After obtaining valid informed consent for age estimation all details,general physical & dental examination was done and recorded in proposed Pro forma. The skeletal age (bone age) was determined using Greulich and Pyle Atlas (2nd edition, 1959)15. X-ray image on computer was comparedwith images on GP Atlas according to sex and most matching image to assess the skeletal age. Images wereseparated in two groups according to their sex and examined by both observers at different occasions to determine skeletal age of subjects and result derived.Result: Among all (n=80), of 81.2% Hindus (34 males and 31 females), 12.5% Muslims (4 males and 6 females) and 6.25% Jains (2 males and 3 females). Correlation of estimated skeletal age by GP method to the chronological age in both females and males showed a strong positive correlation. {r value=0.987 (females) & 0.974 (males)} and for both p<0.001 which indicates that the correlation of estimated skeletal age and chronological age was statistically significant.Conclusion: Study reveals skeletal age lagged behind chronological age in all age subgroups in both boys and girls but the difference of CA and SA is less in girls as compared to boys. The G-P atlas method, although very old but used with caution can yield good results for assessment of bone age in Indian boys and girls, better for girls. Delay in skeletal maturation was observed in both males and females, but the females in the sample matured earlier then the males. Thus, G-P atlas method seems applicable on Indian children. However, studies on larger sample sizes considering other factors may yield better insight into its forensic application.
Comparative Study of Mandibular Canine Index and Maxillary Canine Index in Sex Estimation among North Indian Population
Authors: Mohammad Abdurrahman Khan  , Manisha Verma  , Sangeeta Kumari  , Anoop Kumar Verma  , Kahkashan Riaz
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Since teeth are easily approachable and each having different morphology, they form an excellent medicolegal and anthropological tool for sex estimation. Sexual dimorphism is difference in size and appearance among male and female teeth that can be applied for determination of sex. The basis of estimation of sex is comparing tooth parameters in male and female individual. Canine teeth shows highest sexual dimorphism among all teeth. Mesiodistal width of maxillary and mandibular canine can be used for sex determination based on sexual dimorphism.Aim: The aim of our study was to evaluate the comparative sex estimation by mandibular canine index andmaxillary canine index in north Indian population.Materials and Methods: The sample comprised of dental impression from 120 individuals (60 males and 60females), all young adults between 20 and 35 years of age. Impressions of the teeth were made using irreversible hydrocolloid (alginate) material and casts poured in dental stone. Mesiodistal dimensions and intercanine distance of mandibular and maxillary canine of both right and left side was measured by caliper. Mandibular and maxillary canine index was calculated by formula given by Nageshwar Rao et al.Results: Data were summarized as Mean and SD. Groups (in Gender Male vs female) were compared by unpaired or independent Student’s t test. When the level of accuracy for sex determination was measured using canine index it was found that 65% males and 65.83% females were predicted correctly. When maxillary canine index was used the sex was correctly predicted in it was found that 40.83% females and 32.50% males were predicted correctly.Conclusion: Mandibular and maxillary canine index can be used for sex estimation in North Indian population but accuracy of mandibular canine index is better than maxillary canine index.
Trends of Poisoning Cases Coming to a Tertiary Care Center in Lucknow: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Richa Chaudhary  , Rajiv Ratan Singh  , Sachin Kumar Tripathi  , Pradeep Kumar Yadav
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The term “suspected poisoning” describes the potential exposure of a human or animal to a poisonous chemical, which might result in a variety of symptoms ranging from minor symptoms to severe consequences. The kind and quantity of the poison implicated may affect the symptoms. If poisoning is suspected, it’s crucial to get help right away so that the correct toxin can be identified and the proper management can be given.Aim: To monitor the epidemiological traits and clinical trends of poisoning cases at the emergency department of Dr. RMLIMS Lucknow.Methods: All 295 instances of acute poisoning were reported to the emergency department between April 2022 to March 2023. It is retrospective observational research of 12 months duration carried out in a tertiary care hospital. Data on the patient’s age, gender, kind of poisoning, length of hospital stay, and result were gathered from hospital medical records and examined.Result: The majority of victims have married housewives with poor socioeconomic and educational standingwho were between the ages of 31 and 40. Agriculture poisons and domestic poisons were the two most often used toxins. Most of the time, the general health at the time of presentation was unstable.Conclusion: Suspected poisoning is a serious medical emergency that might have life-altering effects on thevictims. Knowledge of the probable causes and symptoms of poisoning is crucial to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. Those who have been exposed to harmful chemicals can recover and prevent long-term harm with the proper measures.
Study of Sudden Natural Death: An Autopsy Based Cross Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Medical College and Hospital of Assam
Authors: Ardra P Mohan  , Nayan mani Choudhury  , Yengkhom Nungshiton Singha  , Pranay Sharma  , Bishal Koiri  , Rajkumari Preety Devi
Published: January 2024

Sudden natural death accounts for significant portion of mortality. Autopsy is the only solution for finding the definite cause of sudden deaths. The aim of this study is to find out the causes of sudden natural death and to evaluate associated factors. Study comprise 64 cases of Sudden Death autopsies performed in Silchar Medical College during the period 1st May 2022 to 30th November 2022. The organs were retained for histopathological examination. Information gathered from available documents in departmental records. Inferences made after analyzing data. Out of 514 autopsies during the study period, 64 cases were sudden natural death. Male dominated over female victims. The maximum death occurred in the age group 40-50 years followed by 30-40 years. The cause of deaths in 39% were attributed to cardiac causes and the remaining were due to non-cardiac causes. Sudden unexpected death requires significant health concern as most death occurs in the age ranging from 30 to 50 years. Cardiac causes contribute the maximum and male population are mostly affected. This kind of death of adulthood affects the financial stability of whole family as well as the Society.
Integrating Temperature Data with Other Forensic Methods for Time Since Death Estimation
Authors: Pradeep kumar Yadav  , Rajiv Ratan Singh  , Sachin Kumar Tripathi
Published: January 2024

To reliably calculate the time since death is most important for investigating officers in all unnatural deathcases. Reliability of the study can be obtained only when potential influencing factors are considered during the calculation of time since death. One of the methods used for calculating the time since death is based on the cooling of the body. Cooling of the body is influenced by various internal as well as external factors. There are various body temperature-based methods in practice (Henssge’s rectal nomogram, Henssge’s brain nomogram, and Baccino’s both interval and global formulae based on ear temperature) to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI). The rectum has been traditionally used to determine the central core temperature after death, though the external auditory canal has been proposed as an alternative site. According to published research, techniques based on ear temperature are just as trustworthy as those based on rectal temperature for determining the early PMI and may be employed as rapid, easy, and non-invasive procedures on the scene. It is vital to keep in mind that other aspects such as rigor mortis, lividity, and decomposition must also be taken into account to achieve a more accurate estimate, even if calculating the time since death based on the cooling of the corpse might be informative.Aim: The goal of this study is to thoroughly examine some of the available approaches, compare the accuracy of the results, and determine which method is more accurate (reliable) at estimating the time of death.Methods: It was decided to evaluate some of the earlier research’ published works from different publications and databases. A digital database was searched. Picks were made at random from the studies that were thought to be pertinent to the present goal.Result: Therefore, in addition to the body’s cooling rate, other factors like post-mortem lividity, rigor mortis,chemical changes in the body, and mechanical and electrical excitability of the skeletal muscles, are crucial for a more accurate prediction of the time of death.Conclusion: It is usually advisable to take into account additional factors in addition to the algor mortis-based one when determining the time since death so that a more exact and trustworthy time of death can assist the investigating officer in more precisely resolving medico-legal matters.