bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF ROE DEER (CAPREOLUS CAPREOLUS) AND SHEEP (OVIS ARIES) FEMUR MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AS A METHOD OF DETERMINATION ANIMAL SPECIES
Authors: NEŠIĆ Ivana , BOŽIČKOVIĆ Ivana , NEDIĆ Drago , ĐORĐEVIĆ Milena , GUDEA Aleksandru , RADOJKOVIĆ Jelena , BERLEA Alina , CUKIĆ Nikola , BLAGOJEVIĆ Miloš
Published: May 2023

Forensic analysis of the osteological characteristics of femurs of roe deer and sheep was performed by the method of comparison. In this study, 6 femurs of adult roe deer and 6 femurs of adult sheep were used. After the soft tissue remains were removed from the bones, they were boiled and then bleached in 3% the solution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). After bleaching, the bones were air-dried and then photographed. The roe deer femur is on average 2.3 cm longer than the same bone in sheep. The body of roe deer femur is strongly curved cranially, and in sheep it is slightly curved. The caudal surface of the femur body in sheep has two rough lines that were absent in the middle third in roe deer femoral body. The supracondylar fossa in roe deer is deep and in sheep shallow. The deep fovea in roe deer and shallow fovea in sheep were observed on the middle of the femoral head. The greater trochanter in roe deer femur is higher and narrower in comparison to sheep. The lateral surface of the greater trochanter of femur in roe deer is rough and in sheep it is smooth. The trochanteric fossa in roe deer femur is narrow and deep, while in sheep it is wide and shallow. On the distal extremity of the femur, the trochlea in roe deer is shallower than in sheep. On the lateral condyle, the popliteal muscular fossa in roe deer is narrow and shallow and in sheep wide and deep. The roe deer patella is on average 0.3 cm shorter and 0.4 cm narrower compared to sheep.
Formation of the Legal Culture of a Polygraph Examiner in the Process of Professional Training
Authors: Sadekov Rustem Rafekovich
Published: May 2023

The author in the article examines in detail such aspects as the current state of actual pedagogical issues of acquisition by polygraph specialists in the process of professional training of comprehensive knowledge that allows them to understand the nuances of conducting special psychophysiological studies using polygraph devices. The importance of high-quality training of this category of specialists is considered, due to the fact that the nature of the tasks they solve is specific and is associated with ensuring the security of state structures, decision-making within the framework of screening studies and criminal proceedings. The pedagogical aspects of obtaining high-quality education by polygraph examiners, the formation of important professional competencies, legal culture, and the ability to make decisions within the framework of their official activities in departmental educational organizations of the law enforcement unit are of the utmost importance. The main contribution of the author to the study of the topic is that the purpose of the study was formulated, which was to study the peculiarities of the formation of the legal culture of polygraph examiners in the learning process. The object of the study was the readiness of polygraph examiners to perform their official duties in accordance with the established procedure. In the course of the study, the possibility of performing official duties by this category of specialists in professional activities within the framework of regulatory legal support, in compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation in this area was analyzed, which in turn is also a purposeful pedagogical interaction, which certainly ensures the comprehensive development of polygraph specialists.
Calculation of thermodynamic properties and transport coefficients of Ar-C-Si plasma
Authors: Zhu Cheng , Chen Xian-Hui , Wang Cheng , Song Ming , Xia Wei-Dong ,   School of Engineering Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230022, China
Published: May 2023

The compositions, thermodynamic properties and transport coefficients of the argon-carbon-silicon plasma at local thermodynamic equilibrium and local chemical equilibrium in temperatures range of 300－30000 K and pressure range of 0.1 to 10 atm and are different mixture ratios are investigated in this work. The condensed phases and Debye-Hückel corrections are both taken into account. The equilibrium component in gas phase is calculated by mass action law (Saha’s law and Gulberg-Waage’s law), Dalton’s partial pressure law, conservation of the elements and charge quasi-neutral equation, and at the same time the condensed species is calculated under the assumption of local phase equilibrium. Thermodynamic properties including density, enthalpy and specific heat are evaluated through a classical statistical mechanics approach. The transport coefficient calculations including viscosity, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity are carried out by using a third-order approximation (second-order for viscosity) of the Chapman-Enskog method. Collision integrals are obtained by using the relatively new data. The results show that the concentration and ratio of blend of C vapor and Si vapor can greatly affect the properties of the Ar plasma owing to the introduced C and Si vapor’ s own properties and their new reactions. While the pressure influences those properties through the shift of chemical equilibrium and the change of total number density. In addition, the introduction of condensed species leads the thermodynamic properties and transport coefficients of the lower temperature plasma to become almost the same as those of pure argon, and causes discontinuous points at phase-transition temperature. The final calculation results are in good agreement with those in the literature, and the slight difference in transport coefficient between them can be explained by the different selection of interaction potentials. The results are expected to provide reliable basic data for the numerical simulation of argon-carbon-silicon plasma.
Global variance reduction method for Monte Carlo simulation of thermal radiation transport
Authors: Li Shu , Wang Yang , Ji Zhi-Cheng , Lan Ke ,   Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing 100094, China,   Graduate School of China Academy of Engineering Physics, Beijing 100088, China
Published: May 2023

The implicit Monte Carlo (IMC) method is an important numerical approximation method of simulating the thermal radiative transfer problems under high temperature condition. However, one problem plaguing the IMC method is that the calculation error distributions of the radiation specific intensities are highly asymmetric in space and time. By theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, we find that the error is affected by the records of track in the tallying mesh. Accordingly, a global variance reduction method for implicit Monte Carlo simulation is developed and the corresponding formulas are derived. This method includes three key techniques: 1) the automated dynamic distribution method for the Monte Carlo simulation source particles; 2) the dynamic weight-window technique and the none-bias weight revise algorithm that is suited to the particle distribution method; 3) the analytical estimation variance reduction method of the radiation specific intensity. In view of the above, a three-dimensional simulation code, named IMC3D, is developed to simulate the thermal radiative transfer phenomena. The typical thermal radiative transport problem, known as Marshak wave, is simulated. The simulation results indicate that the global variance reduction method for implicit Monte Carlo makes the statistical errors much more symmetric in space and time and the maximum of error is controllable, thereby increasing the calculation speed approximately 10 times. The new IMC method and code are used for simulating the radiative transportation in hohlraum of ICF successfully.
The fat body cortical actin network regulates Drosophila inter-organ nutrient trafficking, signaling, and adipose cell size
Authors: Ugrankar-Banerjee Rupali , Tran Son , Bowerman Jade , Kovalenko Anastasiia , Paul Blessy , Henne W Mike
Published: May 2023

Defective nutrient storage and adipocyte enlargement (hypertrophy) are emerging features of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Within adipose tissues, how the cytoskeletal network contributes to adipose cell size, nutrient uptake, fat storage, and signaling remain poorly understood. Utilizing the Drosophila larval fat body (FB) as a model adipose tissue, we show that a specific actin isoform—Act5C—forms the cortical actin network necessary to expand adipocyte cell size for biomass storage in development. Additionally, we uncover a non-canonical role for the cortical actin cytoskeleton in inter-organ lipid trafficking. We find Act5C localizes to the FB cell surface and cell-cell boundaries, where it intimately contacts peripheral LDs (pLDs), forming a cortical actin network for cell architectural support. FB-specific loss of Act5C perturbs FB triglyceride (TG) storage and LD morphology, resulting in developmentally delayed larvae that fail to develop into flies. Utilizing temporal RNAi-depletion approaches, we reveal that Act5C is indispensable post-embryogenesis during larval feeding as FB cells expand and store fat. Act5C-deficient FBs fail to grow, leading to lipodystrophic larvae unable to accrue sufficient biomass for complete metamorphosis. In line with this, Act5C-deficient larvae display blunted insulin signaling and reduced feeding. Mechanistically, we also show this diminished signaling correlates with decreased lipophorin (Lpp) lipoprotein-mediated lipid trafficking, and find Act5C is required for Lpp secretion from the FB for lipid transport. Collectively, we propose that the Act5C-dependent cortical actin network of Drosophila adipose tissue is required for adipose tissue size-expansion and organismal energy homeostasis in development, and plays an essential role in inter-organ nutrient transport and signaling.
Osteoblast-intrinsic defect in glucose metabolism impairs bone formation in type II diabetic male mice
Authors: Song Fangfang , Lee Won Dong , Marmo Tyler , Ji Xing , Song Chao , Liao Xueyang , Seeley Rebecca , Yao Lutian , Liu Haoran , Long Fanxin
Published: May 2023

Skeletal fragility is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Here, in a mouse model for youth-onset T2D, we show that both trabecular and cortical bone mass is reduced due to diminished osteoblast activity. Stable isotope tracing in vivo with 13C-glucose demonstrates that both glycolysis and glucose fueling of the TCA cycle are impaired in diabetic bones. Similarly, Seahorse assays show suppression of both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation by diabetes in bone marrow mesenchymal cells as a whole, whereas single-cell RNA sequencing reveals distinct modes of metabolic dysregulation among the subpopulations. Metformin not only promotes glycolysis and osteoblast differentiation in vitro, but also improves bone mass in diabetic mice. Finally, osteoblast-specific overexpression of either Hif1a, a general inducer of glycolysis, or Pfkfb3 which stimulates a specific step in glycolysis, averts bone loss in T2D mice. The study identifies osteoblast-intrinsic defects in glucose metabolism as an underlying cause of diabetic osteopenia, which may be targeted therapeutically.
RNA-binding deficient TDP-43 drives cognitive decline in a mouse model of TDP-43 proteinopathy
Authors: Necarsulmer Julie C , Simon Jeremy M , Evangelista Baggio A , Chen Youjun , Tian Xu , Nafees Sara , Marquez Ariana B , Jiang Huijun , Wang Ping , Ajit Deepa , Nikolova Viktoriya D , Harper Kathryn M , Ezzell J Ashley , Lin Feng-Chang , Beltran Adriana S , Moy Sheryl S , Cohen Todd J
Published: May 2023

TDP-43 proteinopathies including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by aggregation and mislocalization of the nucleic acid-binding protein TDP-43 and subsequent neuronal dysfunction. Here, we developed endogenous models of sporadic TDP-43 proteinopathy based on the principle that disease-associated TDP-43 acetylation at lysine 145 (K145) alters TDP-43 conformation, impairs RNA-binding capacity, and induces downstream mis-regulation of target genes. Expression of acetylation-mimic TDP-43K145Q resulted in stress-induced nuclear TDP-43 foci and loss of TDP-43 function in primary mouse and human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cortical neurons. Mice harboring the TDP-43K145Q mutation recapitulated key hallmarks of FTLD, including progressive TDP-43 phosphorylation and insolubility, TDP-43 mis-localization, transcriptomic and splicing alterations, and cognitive dysfunction. Our study supports a model in which TDP-43 acetylation drives neuronal dysfunction and cognitive decline through aberrant splicing and transcription of critical genes that regulate synaptic plasticity and stress response signaling. The neurodegenerative cascade initiated by TDP-43 acetylation recapitulates many aspects of human FTLD and provides a new paradigm to further interrogate TDP-43 proteinopathies.
Styxl2 regulates de novo sarcomere assembly by binding to non-muscle myosin IIs and promoting their degradation
Authors: Chen Xianwei , Li Yanfeng , Xu Jin , Cui Yong , Wu Qian , Yin Haidi , Li Yuying , Gao Chuan , Jiang Liwen , Wang Huating , Wen Zilong , Yao Zhongping , Wu Zhenguo
Published: May 2023

Styxl2, a poorly characterized pseudophosphatase, was identified as a transcriptional target of the Jak1-Stat1 pathway during myoblast differentiation in culture. Styxl2 is specifically expressed in vertebrate striated muscles. By gene knockdown in zebrafish or genetic knockout in mice, we found that Styxl2 plays an essential role in maintaining sarcomere integrity in developing muscles. To further reveal the functions of Styxl2 in adult muscles, we generated two inducible knockout mouse models: one with Styxl2 being deleted in mature myofibers to assess its role in sarcomere maintenance, and the other in adult muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) to assess its role in de novo sarcomere assembly. We find that Styxl2 is not required for sarcomere maintenance but functions in de novo sarcomere assembly during injury-induced muscle regeneration. Mechanistically, Styxl2 interacts with non-muscle myosin IIs, enhances their ubiquitination, and targets them for autophagy-dependent degradation. Without Styxl2, the degradation of non-muscle myosin IIs is delayed, which leads to defective sarcomere assembly and force generation. Thus, Styxl2 promotes de novo sarcomere assembly by interacting with non-muscle myosin IIs and facilitating their autophagic degradation.
Using DNA metabarcoding to assess insect diversity in citrus orchards
Authors: Liu Chenxi , Ashfaq Muhammad , Yin Yanfang , Zhu Yanjuan , Wang Zhen , Cheng Hongmei , Hebert Paul
Published: May 2023

Background

DNA metabarcoding is rapidly emerging as a cost-effective approach for large-scale biodiversity assessment and pest monitoring. The current study employed metabarcoding to assess insect diversity in citrus orchards in Ganzhou City, Jiangxi, China in both 2018 and 2019. Insects were sampled using Malaise traps deployed in three citrus orchards producing a total of 43 pooled monthly samples.

Methods

The Malaise trap samples were sequenced following DNA metabarcoding workflow. Generated sequences were curated and analyzed using two cloud databases and analytical platforms, the barcode of life data system (BOLD) and multiplex barcode research and visualization environment (mBRAVE).

Results

These platforms assigned the sequences to 2,141 barcode index numbers (BINs), a species proxy. Most (63%) of the BINs were shared among the three sampling sites while BIN sharing between any two sites did not exceed 71%. Shannon diversity index (H′) showed a similar pattern of BIN assortment at the three sampling sites. Beta diversity analysis by Jaccard similarity coefficient (J) and Bray-Curtis distance matrix (BC) revealed a high level of BIN similarity among the three sites (J = 0.67–0.68; BC = 0.19–0.20). Comparison of BIN records against all those on BOLD made it possible to identify 40% of the BINs to a species, 57% to a genus, 97% to a family and 99% to an order. BINs which received a species match on BOLD were placed in one of four categories based on this assignment: pest, parasitoid, predator, or pollinator. As this study provides the first baseline data on insect biodiversity in Chinese citrus plantations, it is a valuable resource for research in a broad range of areas such as pest management and monitoring beneficial insects in citrus gardens.
Durability of concrete exposed to combined freeze-thaw, sulfate, and acid attacks after two years
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Firat University, Elazığ (Turkiye), Tanyildizi Harun
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the frost resistance of concrete exposed to sulfate and acid attacks after two years. The cement content was selected as 300 kg/m3, 350 kg/m3, 400 kg/m3, 450 kg/m3, and 500 kg/m3 in this study. 100 mm cubic specimens were prepared for experiments. After the specimens were cured in the water at 20 ± 2 °C for 28 days, they were kept in the laboratory conditions at 20 ± 2 °C for 23 months+2 days. Then, these samples were subjected to freeze-thaw cycles after being exposed to 5% sodium sulfate, 5% magnesium sulfate, 1% sulfuric acid, and 2% sulfuric acid for four days. Thus, the samples were exposed to the four different combined attacks. Lastly, the mechanical properties, weight change, and relative dynamic modulus of elasticity of these specimens were determined. Furthermore, the SEM and EDS analyses were carried out on samples. This study found that the highest compressive strength, the highest ultrasonic pulse velocity, and the lowest weight loss were the samples with 500 kg/m3 cement content subjected to combined freeze-thaw and 1% acid attack.
Incorporating vegetal fibers for sustainable sandy soil
Authors:   Laboratory of materials Science and Environment (LMSE), Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Hassiba Benbouali University of Chlef, Chlef (Algeria), Berkane Hachemi Adda , Della Noureddine ,   Laboratory of materials Science and Environment (LMSE), Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Hassiba Benbouali University of Chlef, Chlef (Algeria), Denine Sidali ,   Laboratory of materials Science and Environment (LMSE), Civil Engineering Department, University Center of Tipaza, Tipaza (Algeria), Missoum Benziane Mahdi ,   Laboratory of materials Science and Environment (LMSE), Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Hassiba Benbouali University of Chlef, Chlef (Algeria)
Published: May 2023

Incorporating fibers into the soil is a reinforcement remediation technique to improve its physical and mechanical properties. Depending on the type of fibers, synthetic fibers, have negative impacts on the environment linked to the waste of their chemical industry. Currently, vegetal fibers consider an economic and ecological alternative to soil reinforcement. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the influence of two types of randomly distributed fibers (Alfa and Sisal fibers) on the mechanical properties of sandy soil. Direct shear tests were performed on Chlef sand at relative density (Dr = 75% and 40%) and of fiber contents varying from 1, 2, 3 and 4% for sand samples reinforced with Alfa fibers and 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7% for sand samples reinforced with Sisal fibers. The test results show that the inclusion of vegetal fibers in sandy soil improves the peak and residual shear strength. In addition, soil resistance was found to attain a maximum with the optimums of 0.7% for sisal fiber content and 3% for Alfa fibers.
Machine learning methods for prediction real estate sales prices in Turkey
Authors:   Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu (Turkiye), Çılgın Cihan , Gökçen Hadi ,   Gazi University, Ankara (Turkiye)
Published: May 2023

Owning a house is one of the most important decisions that low and middle income people make in their lives. The real estate market is a significant factor of the national economy as much as it is important for individuals. Therefore, predicting real estate values or real estate valuation is beneficial and necessary not only for buyers, but also for real estate agents, economists and policy makers. This issue represents an active area of research, as individuals, companies and governments hold considerable assets in real estate. In this context, the aim of the study is to predict real estate prices with Machine Learning methods using the real estate sales data set in June and July 2021 belonging to the province of Ankara. In particular, it is to perform a comprehensive comparison on Machine Learning regression types methods that give successful prediction results in various but similar tasks, which are not included in the real estate literature. Real estate data obtained over the Internet was first included in a detailed data preprocessing process, and then Linear, Lasso and Ridge Regression, XGBoost and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) methods were used on this dataset. According to empirical findings, XGBoost and ANNs appear as very important alternatives in predicting real estate sales prices.
Soil stabilization using rice husk ash and cement for pavement subgrade materials
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering and Planning Education, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Yogya-karta, Sleman, Yogyakarta (Indonesia), Eksana Wibowo Dian , Ramadhan Dymas Agung ,   Department of Civil Engineering and Planning Education, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Sleman, Yogyakarta (Indonesia), . Endaryanta ,   Department of Civil Engineering and Planning Education, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Sleman, Yogyakarta (Indonesia), Prayuda Hakas ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Bantul, Yogyakarta (Indonesia)
Published: May 2023

This study employs rice husk ash and pozzolan cement as additional soil stabilization materials. This study aims to evaluate the bearing capacity of the soil to be used as embankment soil for subgrade pavement materials. The soil samples were collected from two different areas in the Yogyakarta region, Indonesia, namely the Wates and Imogiri regions. This study consists of experimental approach that defines a soil embankment for road subgrade with a trapezoid-shaped with top dimension of 10 cm x 20 cm, a base dimension of (20 cm x 40 cm), and a height of 10 cm. In addition, the specimens in this study were divided into two groups: the embankment with a 1 cm-thick sand base and the embankment without a sand base. The USCS classified the samples from Wates as OH-type or organic clays with moderate to high plasticity and by AASTHO as group of A-7-5 (22). The soil from Imogiri was categorized as inorganic silt or fine diatoms sand with OH clumps or AASTHO classified this soil as group A-7-5 (11). The addition of rice husk ash and pozzolan cement as stabilizing soil materials has a moderate effect on the engineering properties of the soil, particularly the bearing capacity and bearing capacity ratio of soil. This soil stabilization also demonstrates that the engineering properties of the stabilized soil significantly improved compared to the original soil without stabilization.
Effect of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) fibers on the shear behavior of RC deep beams
Authors:   Department of civil engineering, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz (Iran), Ramhormozy Ali , Kazeminezhad Ehsan ,   Department of civil engineering, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz (Iran, Safakhah Soroush ,   Department of civil engineering, Semnan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan (Iran)
Published: May 2023

Today, environmental health needs more attention than in the past. Objects consisting of plastic materials such as bottles take many years to decompose. Therefore, in the recent years, a lot of research has been done to reuse them and one of which is use in the concrete mixes. In previous research, very low percentages of these materials (between 0.5% and 1.5%) has been used as fine aggregate substitutes in the concrete and evaluations have more focused on the flexural strength. In this research, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a substitute for sand and Polypropylene fibers (PP) as an additive material are used in the concrete mixes. 14 concrete beams in both reinforced and unreinforced states have been evaluated. The replacement percentage of the PET is 10, 30 and 60% and additive percentage of the PP is 0.5, 1.5 and 3% of the total weight of concrete. The dimensions of the beams have been chosen in such a way to categorized in the deep beams. So, rectangular cross-section has been considered (width = 100mm and height = 400mm). Shear strength and ductility are two important parameters that have been evaluated in this research.
Effects of concrete cover thickness and concrete strength on temperature transfer in high temperature exposed FRP reinforced concrete
Authors:   Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Sakarya (Turkey), Aydın Ferhat , Akyürek Mustafa ,   Sakarya University, Sakarya (Turkey), arslan şeymanur ,   Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Sakarya (Turkey), Yılmaz Kemalettin ,   Sakarya University, Sakarya (Turkey)
Published: May 2023

While Fibre-Reinforced Plastics are lightweight, show a high tensile strength, and have no issue with corrosion, they are unfortunately brittle and perform poorly against temperature. Therefore, it is important to know the time and magnitude of the temperature reaching the bars in the high-temperature effect of FRPs produced in the form of bar in reinforced concrete structural elements in concrete. This study set out to examine the time and temperature values of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforced concrete under high-temperatures. The effects of concrete cover thickness and concrete strength on temperature transfer were researched experimentally. GFRP bars were placed in specimens prepared in three concrete strengths and three different concrete cover thicknesses (20-40-60 mm) exposed to temperature, and temperature-time graphs were created by measuring bar temperature, concrete surface temperature and ambient temperature. The critical time to a glass transition temperature, and optimum cover thickness of GFRPs according to concrete strength and concrete cover thickness were discussed. The study results appeared to indicate that the thickness of the concrete cover is very effective in protecting the bar against temperature in reinforced concrete structural elements, as concrete strength, itself, has only a limited effect.
Stakeholders’ issues as a source of project delays: a meta-analysis between building and road projects
Authors:   Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga (Colombia), Mejía Guillermo , Sánchez Omar ,   Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C. (Colombia), Castañeda Karen ,   Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga (Colombia), Pellicer Eugenio ,   Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia (Spain)
Published: May 2023

Delay is one of the most common and complex issues that adversely affect the performance of construction pro-jects. Although much research exists on project delay, only some studies have systematically summarized and compared the causes of delay by the project type. In addition, few studies have quantitatively combined the variability across studies and related them to the responsibilities of project stakeholders. This study conducted a meta-analysis to provide quantitative and reliable evidence on delay causes combining previous research. This study categorized the top ten causes of delay published in primary research studies, calculated the average aggregate relative important index (RII) of these causes, quantitatively summarized their impact on building and road projects using meta-analysis techniques, and linked them to stakeholder responsibility. Based on an initial 160 top ten-delay causes reported, the study aggregated them into sixteen factors and seven management areas. This research found a different prioritization of delays by project type. Overall, while "site management & technical processes" was the most critical delay factor for building projects, "external issue" was for road projects. The comparison by region shows that "skills, knowledge & experience" was the most critical factor for African studies, but "late delivery and material-equipment issues" was for Asian studies. These factors were related to project stakeholders for defining mitigation actions that led to better project performance. Finally, this study provides a first taxonomy of delays, where the previous causes reported in the literature were clustered into factors and management areas.
Implementation of total quality management (TQM) in malaysian industrialized building system (IBS) projects
Authors:   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University Technology of PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Tronoh (Malaysia), Alawag Aawag Mohsen , Alaloul Wesam Salah ,   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University Technology of PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Tronoh (Malaysia), Liew M.S. ,   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University Technology of PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Tronoh (Malaysia), Musarat Muhammad Ali ,   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University Technology of PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Tronoh (Malaysia), Baarimah Abdullah O. ,   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University Technology of PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Tronoh (Malaysia)
Published: May 2023

Total Quality Management could be defined as a transformation in management style aimed at constantly increasing customer satisfaction via the design and improvement of organizational systems and processes. It is critical to use an industrialized building system to increase project successful implementation. Awareness of TQM advantages and its application could greatly improve project efficiency and performance. A literature search on TQM was done to determine the TQM implementation present state and level of awareness in IBS construction projects. The purpose of this study is to identify the current TQM implementation status in IBS projects and determine its level of awareness and potential benefits from the Malaysian construction stakeholders’ perception. A mixed approach was applied in this research with the participation of consultants, contractors, clients, and academicians from various construction industry public and private sectors in Malaysia. The questionnaire survey was used to conduct the study. A total of 371 questionnaires were collected, for a sample size of 265. The findings indicated that most construction organizations are unaware of the TQM approach. The Cronbach's Alpha coefficient achieved from the study was (0.934), indicating that the questionnaire was reliable. The statistical analysis revealed that increased efficiency, improved customer satisfaction, enhanced teamwork, increased profitability, and improved safety are the most essential TQM benefits that concerned the participants. Furthermore, the results of this study provide IBS construction practitioners with significant awareness of the components that empower TQM implementation in the construction sector. This study contributes to the understanding of TQM and project performance by demonstrating their capacity to enhance the Malaysian construction sector. Additionally, it was found that the Malaysian construction industry has not achieved a high level of quality implementation programs.
Experiencias significativas sobre renovación curricular por competencias para carreras de ingeniería, Universidad del Bío-Bío
Authors: Castro Claudia Bañados
Published: May 2023

En el presente trabajo trata el cambio curricular implementado en la facultad de Ingeniería de la Universidad del Bío-Bío para seis de sus carreras. Se abordan las resistencias observadas por parte de los docentes para implementar cambios que buscan un enfoque centrado en el estudiante, orientado al desarrollo de competencias y considerando los resultados en el aprendizaje. Se detallan las metodologías utilizadas para implementar estos cambios y los resultados obtenidos al final del proceso.
Assessing the Effect of Weed Management Practices on Weed Flora, Growth and Yield of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Raghuwanshi Monika , Jha A. K. , Verma Badal , Sahu M. P. , Dubey Abhijeet
Published: May 2023

A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm, AICRP on Forage Crops, Department of Agronomy, JNKVV, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) during of the year 2019. The main objective of the experiment was to find out the effect of different weed control treatments on complex weed flora in fodder maize. Ten treatments were tested in randomized block design with three replications. Treatments consisted of pre-emergence application of atrazine 1000 g/ha, pendimethalin 750 g/ha, atrazine 750 g/ha + pendimethalin 750 g/ha and post emergence application of 2, 4-D 500 g/ha, tembotrione 120 g/ha, topramezone 35 g/ha, tembotrione 120 g/ha + atrazine 250 g/ha, topramezone 35 g/ha + atrazine 250 g/ha, hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS and weedy check. Weed intensity and dry matter accumulation by weeds were recorded species wise and then the effectiveness of weed management and the weed control efficiency were calculated. In maize field, the predominated weeds were Echinochloa colona, Commelina communis, and Digitaria sanguinalis among monocots, Phyllanthus niruri and Eclipta alba among dicots along with a respectable sum of numerous minor weeds. Experimental results indicated that hand wedding has recorded highest weed control efficiency (88.64%) followed by PoE application of topramezone 35 g/ha + atrazine 250 g/ha (74.38%) and tembotrione 120 g/ha + atrazine 250 g/ha (68.31%). All weed control treatments significantly affected the plant height, LAI, stem girth and leaf: stem ratio of crop. Among different herbicidal treatments, topramezone 35 g/ha + atrazine 250 g/ha was found significantly superior and gives highest green fodder yield (47.26 t/ha), dry fodder yield (13.64 t/ha), crude protein yield (1.51 t/ha), net monetary returns (Rs. 44824/ha) and B: C ratio (2.72). Thus, herbicide application of topramezone 35 g/ha + atrazine 250 g/ha was found more reliable to control complex weed flora of fodder maize with higher green fodder yield and net returns.
Socio-demographic and HIV-Related Factors Associated with Depression among Retroviral Positive Adolescents in Port Harcourt
Authors: Okeafor Chukwuma U. , Godstime Onyeunoegbunem
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Depression with HIV constitute a co-morbid condition associated with severe sequalae, which include deliberate self-harm and suicide, even among adolescents. Identifying demographic and HIV-related determinants of depression among adolescents living with HIV is vital for instituting relevant evidence-based interventions for curbing this problem. Thus this aimed to determine the relationship between these factors (socio-demographic and HIV-related factors) and depression among adolescents living with HIV.

Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was employed. It involved 140 HIV-infected adolescents, who were selected from the HIV Paediatric clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) via systematic sampling method. Depression was determined based on the depression component of the depression anxiety stress scale (DASS-21), while social support was assessed using the social support rating scale. Socio-demographic and HIV-related factors comprised independent variables, while dependent variable was depression.  Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed at p<0.05.

Results: The mean (±) age of HIV-infected adolescents in the study was 14.05±2.68years. Close to half of the adolescents in the study had been living with HIV from birth (46.4%;n=65). The prevalence of depression was 14.2% (n=20). HIV-infected adolescents aged ≥16 years were four times more likely to experience depression than their younger aged counterparts (AOR: 4.40;95%CI:1.42-13.70). Also, those with higher social support had significantly lower odds of experiencing depression (AOR:0.94;95%CI:0.90-0.99).

Conclusion: About 1 in 7 adolescents living with HIV are burdened with depression in the study area. Social support and age of adolescents showed significant relationship with depression in the study. The integration of mental health in Paediatric HIV care could optimize health outcomes.
An Observational Analytical Study on Correlation of Serum Uric Acid and HbA1C in Prediabetic and Diabetic Patients
Authors: Mohan Prashanth B. , S. Patil Rekha , Kumar B. C. Pavan , Kabara Abhishek L.
Published: May 2023

Aims: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia caused by either deficiency in insulin production or insulin action, or both. HbA1c is a commonly accessible test indicated by most doctors to assess the long term glycaemic control in diabetes patients over the duration of past 3 months. Oxidative stress can be predicted in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients through the serum uric acid levels. Therefore, this study aimed at finding out the association between serum uric acid and glycaemic control (HbA1c).

Study Design: Analytical Observational Cross Sectional Study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of General Medicine, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital, Belagavi; conducted between 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020.

Methodology: A one year analytical observation type of study was conducted on 108 patients between the ages of 30 and 70 years diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Prediabetes were included in this research. Patients diagnosed with myeloproliferative or lymphoproliferative illnesses, psoriasis, pregnancy, gout and those on medications for gout, and chronic alcoholics were excluded. Enzymatic approach was used to measure serum uric acid (UA) using an automated device and HPLC technique was used to measure whole blood HbA1c.

Results: 108 patients were included in the research out of which, 67 were diabetics and 41 were pre-diabetics. A majority of the participants were males, with a mean age of 59.12±14.06 years. The serum uric acid was substantially greater amongst the patients with diabetes mellitus (6.76±3.1mg/dL) compared to participants with pre-diabetes (5.5±1.9mg/dL). The serum HbA1c and the serum uric acid have a mild positive significant association in diabetics.

Conclusion: There is a weak association of serum uric acid with HbA1c among diabetic patients. Diabetes mellitus patients have greater serum uric acid levels than those with prediabetes mellitus.
Fatigue, Anxiety and Depression in Tunisian Sarcoidosis Patients
Authors: Baya Wafa , Hassine Imen Ben , Anoun Jihed , Mzabi Anis , Fredj Fatma Ben , Karmani Monia , Gargouri Imen , Aissa Sana , Rezgui Amel , Kechrid Chedia Laouani
Published: May 2023

Aims: In sarcoidosis patients, fatigue in (is) one of the most frequent symptoms.It represents an integral part of the clinical picture. Many factors have been discussed in previous reviews.

The aim of this study was to assess the degree of fatigue in sarcoidosis patients along with their psychological state and to identify the influencing factors among the disease features and the psychological troubles.

Study Design:  We conducted an observational, descriptive, transversal and analytic study.

Place and Duration of Study:  Patients were included from the internal medicine department and the pneumo-allergology department in Sahloul and Farhat Hached hospitals (between October 2018 and March 2019).

Methodology: We included 34 patients from two internal medicine department. Two scores were used: the « Fatigue Assessment Scale » (FAS) and the « Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale » (HAD).

Results: The population was predominantly female (70.6%) with an average age of 49.77 years ± 12.32. Fatigue was noted in 52.9% of the patients. Ten patients had a score ≥ 35 (29.4%). Bone and joint involvement had a significant impact on the FAS. The disease duration and general signs were found as independent factors. The HAD score was ≥ 8 in 58.9% of the cases for anxiety and in 50% of the cases for depression. Anxiety was found to be an independent factor associated with fatigue.

Conclusion: Our results are quite worrying. The impact of sarcoidosis must be assessed regularly to ensure a better quality of life.
Design and Simulation of PDMS and PMMA Based Touch Mode Capacitive Pressure Sensor: A Comparative Study
Authors: Meetei Maibam Sanju , Singh Heisnam Shanjit
Published: May 2023

Aims: In this research work, a design method and a comparative of a touch mode capacitive pressure sensor (TMCPS) using poly-dimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) and poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the done. A novel method is proposed to linear the output characteristics of the sensor because planer type capacitive sensors are non-linear.

Study Design: This method uses a mechanical coupler to convert the deflection of the diaphragm into a linear displacement that helps to linear the output characteristics. The mathematical model of the sensor is designed and simulated the 3D model to validate the mathematically calculated values.

Place and Duration of Study: This study is done in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh at COMSOL Simulation Laboratory during 2021 to 2023.

Methodology: The mechanical and electrostatic components of the sensor are represented mathematically model in two separate parts. For this study, a square diaphragm was used since it exhibits greater deflection than circular or rectangular diaphragms. In order to validate the model equation, a 3D model of a sensor is created in the COMSOL Multiphysics simulator and simulated. For the pressure range of 0.1 [MPa] to 10.1 [MPa], the identical 3D model of the sensor construction with a square diaphragm thickness of 20 µm is simulated for PDMS and PMMA. The different elements influencing the sensor's sensitivity are discovered, and the effects of the materials PDMS and PMMA on the output characteristic are discussed.

Results: The simulated and calculated sensitivity of the sensors based on PDMS are 0.03685 [fF/MPa] and 0.03467 [fF/MPa] respectively. And the simulated and calculated sensitivity of the sensors based on PMMA are 0.03929 [fF/MPa] and 0.03748 [fF/MPa] respectively. It is observed that the PDMS based TMCPS has more sensitivity then the PMMA based TMCPS.

Conclusion: The PMMA based TMCPS has higher sensitivity than the PDMS based TMCPS. The various parameters that affect the sensitivity of the sensor are diaphragm shape, size, Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus, area covered by the dielectric material, dielectric constant of the polymers dielectric and surface are of the electrode plate.

Future Scope: Future research for TMCPS can be conducted using composite polymer dielectric materials and new polymer dielectric materials to improve the sensitivity. One can optimize the sensor using different tools as the mathematical model is developed.
Essential Electronic Health Record Reforms for This Decade
Authors: Detmer Don Eugene , Gettinger Andrew
Published: May 2023

This Viewpoint posits suggestions to reform electronic health records (EHRs), including use of unique personal safety identifiers, reduction of administrative and regulatory content from clinical time, inclusion of patient-entered information into the EHR, and reinvention of the clinical note.
Engaging Medicare Beneficiaries in Coverage Choices
Authors: Richman Barak D. , Schulman Kevin A.
Published: May 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the recently announced monthly Medicare Part B premium hike and the limited role beneficiaries play in decisions about their coverage, and proposes ways to engage Medicare beneficiaries in program decisions.
Bacterial Decolonization for Prevention of Radiation Dermatitis
Authors: Kost Yana , Deutsch Alana , Mieczkowska Karolina , Nazarian Roya , Muskat Ahava , Hosgood H. Dean , Lin Juan , Daily Johanna P. , Ohri Nitin , Kabarriti Rafi , Shinoda Kosaku , McLellan Beth N.
Published: May 2023

Importance

Evidence-based approaches for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) are limited, and additional strategies are necessary to optimize care.

Objective

To determine the efficacy of bacterial decolonization (BD) to reduce ARD severity compared with standard of care.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This phase 2/3 randomized clinical trial was conducted from June 2019 to August 2021 with investigator blinding at an urban academic cancer center and enrolled patients with breast cancer or head and neck cancer receiving radiation therapy (RT) with curative intent. Analysis was performed on January 7, 2022.

Interventions

Intranasal mupirocin ointment twice daily and chlorhexidine body cleanser once daily for 5 days prior to RT and repeated for 5 days every 2 weeks through RT.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome as planned prior to data collection was the development of grade 2 or higher ARD. Based on wide clinical variability of grade 2 ARD, this was refined to grade 2 ARD with moist desquamation (grade 2-MD).

Results

Of 123 patients assessed for eligibility via convenience sampling, 3 were excluded, and 40 refused to participate, with 80 patients in our final volunteer sample. Of 77 patients with cancer (75 patients with breast cancer [97.4%] and 2 patients with head and neck cancer [2.6%]) who completed RT, 39 were randomly assigned BC, and 38 were randomly assigned standard of care; the mean (SD) age of the patients was 59.9 (11.9) years, and 75 (97.4%) were female. Most patients were Black (33.7% [n = 26]) or Hispanic (32.5% [n = 25]). Among patients with breast cancer and patients with head and neck cancer (N = 77), none of the 39 patients treated with BD and 9 of the 38 patients (23.7%) treated with standard of care developed ARD grade 2-MD or higher (P = .001). Similar results were observed among the 75 patients with breast cancer (ie, none treated with BD and 8 [21.6%] receiving standard of care developed ARD grade ≥2-MD; P = .002). The mean (SD) ARD grade was significantly lower for patients treated with BD (1.2 [0.7]) compared with patients receiving standard of care (1.6 [0.8]) (P = .02). Of the 39 patients randomly assigned to BD, 27 (69.2%) reported regimen adherence, and only 1 patient (2.5%) experienced an adverse event related to BD (ie, itch).

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this randomized clinical trial suggest that BD is effective for ARD prophylaxis, specifically for patients with breast cancer.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03883828