bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation of night ventilation for cooling a kitchen in hot dry summer conditions
Authors: Ayala Moreno Juan Pedro , Ayala Moreno Alma Angelina
Published: August 2024

Passive design strategies in buildings have been lost over the years being replaced by active systems. The energy demand for active systems in buildings have increased more and more contributing extensively to the environmental problems. Return to passive strategies in buildings design is a promising way for improving comfort and reducing energy demand. Passive strategies can be learned from traditional or old buildings in each climate zone. In this study the focus was on testing the performance of night ventilation for cooling an old building with some optimal characteristics but under extreme summer conditions in a desert climate. That is why a kitchen, which usually performs without air conditioning, was selected and monitored. Three ventilation schemes were tested: with windows closed day and night, with windows opened day and night with assisted night ventilation and with controlled windows with assisted night ventilation. Based on the results of the three ventilation schemes it is seen that night ventilation together with controlled windows allows matching indoor with outdoor average temperatures, that is, decreasing indoor average temperature about 3.6°C compared with the no ventilation scheme. It also helps to decrease indoor maximum temperatures in about 1.3°C compared with the no ventilation scheme. Although night ventilation helped lower indoor temperatures under extreme summer conditions it was not enough to achieve comfort during the usage hours even for acclimatized local people, which suggest the opportunity of application in transition periods, when temperatures are not extreme but still hot, giving the possibility of achieving the full effectiveness under hot but not extreme conditions.
Educação, socialização e identidade étnica nas peças teatrais de Marie Faulhaber
Authors: Neumann Rosane Marcia
Published: August 2024

O presente estudo segue os vestígios da produção literária de Marie Faulhaber (1867-1939), uma imigrante alemã, que chegou ao Sul do Brasil em 1902, acompanhada do marido, o pastor protestante Hermann Faulhaber. Professora de formação, dedicou-se à educação e a escrita de peças de teatro, nas quais a colônia, os colonos e o seu cotidiano figuram como cenário, com o intuito de propiciar aos seus expectadores momentos de sociabilidade, cultura e educação, contribuindo na construção e (re)atualização da identidade étnica alemã.
olhar sobre a produção artística de Vera de Figueiredo durante a ditadura civil-militar brasileira (anos 1970)
Authors: Oliveira Alcilene Cavalcante
Published: August 2024

Neste artigo, aborda-se a relação entre o cinema e outras artes, por meio da trajetória artística de Vera de Figueiredo (1934 - ), nos anos 1970. Mostra-se que a arquiteta carioca, que se tornou artista, desafiou o cânone masculinista das artes, a censura da ditadura civil-militar brasileira e as tentativas de invisibilização e de silenciamento de suas obras.
Apresentação
Authors: Oliveira Cláudia de , Guerra Paula
Published: August 2024

Como historiadoras e críticas, moldaram a interpretação e a valorização das obras de arte. No entanto, esses papéis foram igualmente marginalizados na historiografia oficial da arte. Este dossiê visa corrigir essas omissões históricas ao adotar uma abordagem teórico-empírica contemporânea. Ele busca explorar e ressaltar as narrativas das mulheres artistas que foram apagadas dos registros oficiais, bem como de outros campos de produção científica nas ciências sociais. O objetivo é não apenas reconhecer suas lutas e realizações, mas também reavaliar o impacto de suas contribuições na história da arte.
Aplicando Design Thinking para Potenciar la Experiencia de Usuario en la Interacción con un Sitio Web Universitario
Authors: Carballo María Laura , Lopez Miguel Eduardo , Martin Adriana
Published: August 2024

Con el propósito de obtener una solución innovadora y centrada en el usuario, se deben estudiar en profundidad aquellos enfoques que prioricen la Experiencia del Usuario y la resolución exitosa de sus tareas. Existen propuestas dirigidas a diseñar productos y servicios que propician la empatía de sus usuarios. Design Thinking surge como un proceso destinado a crear soluciones que sean técnicamente factibles, organizacionalmente sostenibles y emocionalmente significativas. Queda claro que Design Thinking puede contribuir a encontrar una solución que enriquezca la experiencia de acceso e interacción, al comprender plenamente las necesidades del usuario.
En el presente trabajo, se pone en práctica un proceso colaborativo que considera las fases de Design Thinking para mejorar la experiencia de uno de los perfiles de usuarios, relacionados al sitio web de la Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral. Los resultados preliminares ponen en evidencia que el uso combinado de enfoques potencia la satisfacción del usuario y, la eficacia en la experiencia de navegación.
Pengaruh Lingkungan Ekonomi terhadap Kinerja Usaha Masyarakat Desa Paya Lombang, Kabupaten Serdang Bedagai
Authors: Mita Fadillah  , Nurhayati
Published: August 2024

Posisi usaha mikro, kecil dan menengah (UMKM) dalam perekonomian nasional mempunyai peran penting dan strategis. Banyaknya pelaku usaha di Desa Paya Lombang berpengaruh terhadap kinerja usaha masyarakat dan keberlangsungan usaha dari apa yang seharusnya diuntungkan oleh pelaku usaha agar kinerja UMKM dapat berjalan dengan baik, sedangkan tidak berhasil karena kendala modal usaha. Teknik pengumpulan data meliputi observasi, diskusi, dokumentasi dan pengamatan langsung untuk mengetahui jenis usaha masyarakat Paya Lombang. Hasil penelitian, desa Paya Lombang mempunyai jumlah usaha yang banyak sebanyak 2.133 unit yang terdiri dari 41,8% petani padi, 26,2% pengrajin batu bata, 7% petani ikan, 6% petani sayuran dan lain-lain seperti sembako, pedagang makanan, bengkel, peternak sapi/kambing 18,5%. dengan peternak ikan yang 150 unitnya atau 7% mempunyai persentase omzet terbesar.
Apresentação: In media res: pensando com as atmosferas
Authors: Reinhardt Bruno , Corrêa Diogo Silva
Published: August 2024

Nesta introdução ao dossiê “Atmosferas e Antropologia”, revisamos alguns temas centrais ao debate contemporâneo sobre atmosferas na teoria social e apresentamos os artigos que compõem o volume. Nos guiamos por algumas questões basilares. O que são as atmosferas? Apresentamos a fenomenologia das atmosferas de Hermann Schmitz e suas repercussões contemporâneas, destacando como ela fornece novas soluções para os problemas da materialidade, mediação e sentidos. Como as atmosferas são produzidas? Propomos uma tipologia de atmosferas e dialogamos com os conceitos de Stimmung e geradores para analisarmos a sua relação com as técnicas, o habitus e a performance. Como a ubiquidade, visceralidade e indeterminação que caracterizam as atmosferas são incorporadas na modernidade pelo capitalismo e pelas mídias de massa? Por fim, como as atmosferas exercem seu poder? Destacamos como este conceito permite uma redescrição de componentes essenciais da política, como a soberania, a estética e a temporalidade.
The Influence of Good Corporate Governance, Non Performing Financing, Capital Adequacy Ratio, Financing to Deposit Ratio on Financial Performance (Case Study of Sharia Banks in Indonesia for the period 2018 – 2022)
Authors: Wulandari Dwi Siva
Published: August 2024

This research aims to determine and analyze the influence of Good Corporate Governance, Non Performing Financing, Capital Adequacy Ratio, and Financing to Deposit Ratio on Return on Assets of Sharia Banks in Indonesia in 2018 - 2022. The population in this research is 13 Sharia Commercial Banks in Indonesia. Indonesia for the period 2018 – 2022. The sample used was 10 Sharia Commercial Banks. The data collection method uses the documentation method. The data analysis method in this research uses the Eviews program application. The results of this research are that Good Corporate Governance has no effect on Return On Assets, Non Performing Financing has a negative effect on Return On Assets, Capital Adequacy Ratio has no positive effect on Return On Assets and Financing to Deposit Ratio has no positive effect on Return On Assets.
Agency cost of debt as incentive for executive inside debt: Evidence from empirical study
Authors: Chen Xian
Published: August 2024

The substantial holdings of inside debt cause both academia and industry to wonder about the reasons. Jensen and Meckling (1976) suggest that debt-like compensation could lower the agency cost of debt. Nevertheless, empirical evidence is still lacking for whether the management really chooses to use inside debt as mitigation of agency cost of debt. In this study, the author uses the value of non-tax-deductible deferred compensation from the ExecuComp database as the measure of inside debt, leverage as the proxy for agency cost of debt, and examines the causal effect of changes in leverage on inside debt. Using phased increases in corporate income taxes in US states between 2006 and 2016 using difference-in-differences regression, the author identifies the causal effect of tax-motivated corporate leverage on the balance of deferred compensation. Firms increase their deferred compensation balance by $85,000 with a 1% increase in leverage. This finding implies changes in the agency cost of debt as a potential reason for variations in inside debt values and provides evidence for Jensen and Meckling’s (1976) theory.
Rescate de la cultura popular del Caribe Colombiano a través de una estrategia educomunicativa que promueva la tradición oral de los mitos y leyendas entre educandos de básica primaria y secundaria de la ciudad de Montería
Authors: Malluk Marenco Ana Lorena , Rodríguez Hoyos Carlos José , Fernández Ortega Flora del Pilar , Agudelo Jiménez Jorge Ricardo , Figueroa Altamiranda Rafael Gustavo
Published: August 2024

La producción de este libro se dedica a todas las personas que hicieron parte activa de la investigación; aquellas que enriquecieron cada paso del proceso con sus conocimientos y experiencias. También es un homenaje a las personas que, sin estar presentes, contribuyeron con sus aportes al objeto de estudio: reconocidos expertos y gestores culturales de la región Caribe colombiana y del departamento de Córdoba que, gracias a la tradición oral y a los escritos, permanecen inmortales en el tiempo.
Edge Device Integration to visualize Blue Whale Tracking using Space-Borne Remote Sensing Datascientifically
Authors: Bandaru prudhvi Narayana , DrSVasavi * , Sigireddy Balasai
Published: August 2024

Introducing a CNN-based system for autonomously detecting and tracking
blue whales in the Indian Ocean using spaceborne images. Leveraging deep
learning models and image processing techniques, the system achieves
accurate results with SASPlanet, UK Polar data, and Worldview-2 imagery.
Employing Modified-MobileNet,RTDETR, and Segformer architectures, it
offers a cost-effective solution for Detection , Segmentation and
visualizing whales on edge devices like Telegram and WhatsApp bots.
Evaluation metrics include an F1-score of 80, mAP of 83, precision of
90%, and recall of 98%, demonstrating robust performance in whale
detection using spaceborne remote sensing data.
Structural abnormalities in Paraguayan southern three-banded armadillos Tolypeutes matacus (Chlamyphoridae)
Authors: Smith Paul
Published: August 2024

Two structural abnormalities are reported in southern three-banded armadillos Tolypeutes matacus (Chlamyphoridae) from Paraguay. Additional reports of individuals with amputated legs are noted, and a potential explanation for the frequency of such occurrences associated with predation and their defensive behaviour is hypothesized. This is the first documented report of a band anomaly for adults of this species.
Alaska Gold Company: Using Financial Analysis to Uncover a Firm’s Underlying Economics
Authors: Bowen Robert M. , Jollineau S. Jane , Pfeiffer Glenn
Published: August 2024

Students reasonably assume that financial reporting provides useful insights into financial performance. Alaska Gold is an instructional case that is based on a disguised real-world company, where reported GAAP-based financial statements obfuscate the firm’s underlying economics. The Company mined gold for its first two years of operations but reported zero gold revenue for each of these years because it did not sell any. In the third year, the Company sold all of the gold mined to date—and reported gold revenue and related cost of gold sold. Students use publicly available data to prepare an alternative analysis that unveils the economics of what really happened to Alaska Gold in each of the three years 2017–2019. The situation helps students appreciate that accounting rules, business models, managerial discretion, and economic context are important to understanding and evaluating financial performance.
Current Knowledge of Chickenpox
Authors: M Akram
Published: August 2024

The varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection that causes chickenpox can be dangerous for adults, babies, and immunocompromised individuals. In ganglion neurons, latency follows primary infection. There is no visible neuronal damage and no production of virus particles during this time. When the virus reactivates, it replicates and generates zoster (shingles) in the tissues that the implicated neurons innervate. This process also results in inflammation and cell death, which can induce persistent radicular pain (postherpetic neuralgia). Postherpetic neuralgia has an unclear etiology and is challenging tos manage. Furthermore, meningitis, myelitis, cranial nerve palsies, stroke (vasculopathy), retinitis, and gastroenterologic infections such ulcers, pancreatitis, and hepatitis might arise as consequences of zoster. The only human herpesvirus for which extremely effective vaccinations are available is VZV
O “NOVO RURAL”: UMA RUPTURA PARADIGMÁTICA
Authors: Silva Rhafic Concolato da
Published: August 2024

As mudanças em discussão representam uma ruptura com as condições ou percepções históricas, sugerindo desvios dos padrões de desenvolvimento e de vida no espaço rural, impulsionados pela globalização e modernização da produção a partir da segunda metade do século XX; justificando o adjetivo '‘novo’' ao rural. Os processos de reestruturação da economia e da sociedade questionaram a abordagem clássica do rural como espaço da agricultura. O “novo rural” revitaliza os espaços, cria empregos não-agrícolas e novas fontes de renda, e tem novos atributos a funções, refletidos na crescente diversificação das atividades econômicas. A pesquisa se enquadra como básica, adota uma abordagem qualitativa com revisão de literatura e análise teórica. O turismo rural, ecológico e cultural faz parte desse novo rural. Além do aspecto econômico, a terra possui uma dimensão social significativa, transcendendo sua natureza física ao incorporar valores simbólicos e culturais. A pluriatividade reflete a capacidade de adaptação do espaço rural às novas dinâmicas econômicas que não operam de forma isolada, mas estão profundamente entrelaçadas com os modos de vida e as identidades na comunidade.
Evaluation of Homoeopathic Drugs against Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. in Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)
Authors: Sagar B. Vidya , Basha S. Ameer , Begum A. Sajeli , Kumar K. Ashok , Manchanda Raj Kumar , Khurana Anil , Sarangi Manas Ranjan , Narula Ritika
Published: August 2024

The study was conducted from June to October, 2022 at the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India to screen the thirty homeopathic drugs under in-vitro condition against the groundnut stem rot pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii. Bio-efficacy of homeopathic drugs was tested by agar well diffusion method to identify the potential drug against stem rot pathogen. In this method, notably, Chelidonium (88.88%) and Colchicum (82.21%) emerged as particularly potent, significantly inhibiting Sclerotium rolfsii mycelial growth and reducing sclerotial formation compared to the control, while Acidium phosphoricum showed a very low mycelial inhibition percentage (13.33%). Chelidonium exhibited the lowest sclerotia production (52), followed by Colchicum (62), compared to the control (400). Sclerotial initiation delayed in Arnica montana (18 days) and Thuja occidentalis (14 days), whereas in the control group, it occurred within six days. Early ooze formation from sclerotia was observed in treatments with Cina and Nux vomica (8 days), while it was delayed in Arnica montana (18 days). The cultural characteristics, such as mycelial pattern, sclerotial arrangement, and color of sclerotia, also changed among the treatments. Significant inhibition of sclerotial germination was observed, particularly with Chelidonium and Colchicum treatments at 15 and 20-minute durations. Chelidonium and Colchicum, shown significant antifungal properties against the groundnut stem rot pathogen. These findings suggest that, homeopathic drugs could potentially be used to manage stem rot in groundnut crop, reducing the reliance on chemical fungicides.
THE EFFECT OF BLENDED LEARNING ON EDUCATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND CREATIVITY OF IRANIAN EFL LEARNERS
Authors: Fazlali Fatemeh
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the influence of blended learning instruction (BLI) on the educational accountability and creativity of intermediate EFL learners in Iran. Moreover, it aims to identify EFL learners’ attitudes toward BLI. To this end, 60 female intermediate EFL learners were selected out of 90 through their performance on a sample of the Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT). The participants were assigned into two 30-learner groups (i.e., BLI and control). The first questionnaires were administered as their pre-test to check EFL learners’ educational accountability and creativity level before the treatment. During the intervention, the experimental group received instruction through BLI, while the control group received conventional instruction. The second questionnaires were administered as a post-test to check EFL learners’ educational accountability and creativity level after the treatment. Moreover, 10 EFL learners were randomly selected from the BLI group to be interviewed. The results of the two separate ANCOVAs indicated that BLI significantly affected EFL learners’ educational accountability and creativity. The results of the interviews indicated that the majority of the participants believed that BLI made them more self-directed and autonomous. Similarly, 90% of the learners believed that BLI had changed their views towards self and cooperative learning.
PUBLIC SPEAKING LEARNING ASSISTANCE TO INCREASE STUDENTS' CONFIDENCE
Authors: Tarigan Fatin Nadifa , Nasution Alwi Fahruzy , Hasibuan Siti Aminah , Nurmayana Nurmayana , Siregar Epi Supriyani
Published: August 2024

Public speaking is a skill that everyone, including students, should have to increase their self-confidence. Public speaking cannot be avoided since basically humans often have to do it with various purposes. However, many students feel unable to speak in public because they lack confidence, don't master the material, or don't understand how to do it. This community service activity aims to do learning assistance for public speaking to increase the self-confidence of students at Gajah Mada Middle School, Medan. The methods used were direct lecturer, simulations and interactive discussions regarding the basics of public speaking, effective and good communication techniques, and various tips for developing yourself, especially in terms of public speaking. During the learning assistance, participants received basic material and public speaking techniques as well as direct practice. Meanwhile, the research used qualitative method for collecting data. As for the research results, the community service recommends the following: 1) Add extra hours to improve students’ English speaking, 2) Add contest that can motivate students to increase their confidence in public speaking, especially in English language.
Pemeliharaan Pemisah (PMS) 150 KV di Gardu Induk 150 KV Wonogiri
Authors: Varian Saverovito Jethro , Sulistyo Lilik
Published: August 2024

Kebutuhan listrik semakin meningkat dengan datangnya alat-alat baru dan penemuan-penemuan terbaru tentang alat yang seluruhnya membutuhkan energi listrik sebagai sumbernya. Masyarakat yang menjadi konsumen listrik terus meningkat dan menuntut mutu serta kualitas pelayanan listrik yang lebih baik.PLN sebagai Perusahaan Listrik Negara berusaha untuk menyediakan energi listrik yang ada dengan seoptimal mungkin seiring dengan meningkatnya konsumen energi listrik. Diperlukan suatu sistem pengamanan dan sistem pemeliharaan instalasi Gardu Induk listrik untuk memanfaatkan energi listrik yang ada serta menjaga kualitas sistem penyaluran dan kerusakan peralatan. Di dalam suatu Gardu Induk terdapat peralatan yang disebut pemisah atau DS (Disconnecting Switch) yang berfungsi sebagai alat yang digunakan untuk menyatakan visual bahwa suatu peralatan listrik sudah bebas dari tegangan tinggi.Pemisah merupakan suatu peralatan sistem tenaga listrik yang berfungsi sebagai saklar pemisah rangkaian listrik dalam kondisi bertegangan atau tidak bertegangan tanpa arus beban, oleh karena itu pemisah memerlukan perawatan secara rutin dan terjadwal agar dapat bekerja secara baik sesuai dengan fungsinya pada saat beroperasi. Pemeliharaan dan perawatan yang baik dapat meminimalisasi gangguan atau kerusakan peralatan serta untuk memperpanjang pemakaian atau umur pemisah.
A perennial controversy: The St. Peter Sandstone of the American Midwest
Authors: Brick Greg
Published: August 2024

The St. Peter Sandstone of the American Midwest is presented today in textbooks as a simple and unproblematic example of “layer-cake geology.” The thesis of this paper is that the very simplicity of St. Peter Sandstone has made it challenging to characterize. In widely separated states, the sandstone appeared under different names. Several theories about how it formed began to circulate. The story of the St. Peter is not only the story of the assemblage of a stratigraphic unit over a vast area during three centuries, but also the role the study of the provenance of this unit played in the development of sedimentology in the early twentieth century, research that was made all the more challenging by its “simple” mineralogy. Indeed, the St. Peter has been controversial since it was first described.
Mitigating gaps in Indonesia’s social health insurance: Strategies for fulfilling the right to health for disabled persons
Authors: Wibowo Wahyudi
Published: August 2024

This study aims to identify gaps in Indonesia’s national social health insurance scheme (Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional or JKN) in meeting the right to health for disabled persons in the country and to propose strategies to mitigate the gaps. This study employed descriptive qualitative methodologies. A questionnaire survey and structured interviews were undertaken from the period of October to December 2021, with a purposive sample of 317 disabled persons at their working age. Data collection also included on-site observations to sample of healthcare providers in six provinces and focused group discussions with key stakeholders. This study found that JKN is the primary source of hope for disabled persons. Nevertheless, approximately ten percent of disabled persons have been omitted from the scheme. Moreover, respondents of the survey expressed notably lower satisfaction level compared to the national average. Meanwhile, 25% of them also reported that JKN did not cover certain disability-specific benefits. The findings suggest that the national social health insurance scheme is not well prepared to offer disability-inclusive services. Thereby, policymakers should implement various interventions to improve the admission processes for disabled persons and to develop a system to identify disabled members based on their specific disabilities. Additionally, stipulating standards for disability-friendly minimum services for healthcare providers and incorporating the standards into the credentialing systems, providing regular training on disability-friendly services for healthcare personnel, also enhancing benefits coverage for disabled members in the Indonesian Case Base Groups (INA-CBGs) are the necessary strategies to mitigate the gaps.
Investigating the effect of financial literacy on financial inclusion: Mediating role of financial technology
Authors: Rusliati Ellen , Soegoto Agus Supandi , Martutiningrum Dwi , Suganda Dudung Ahmad , Dahliana Difi , Yulinda Yulinda , Sweet Sesa Pascalina Van
Published: August 2024

This research aims to analyze the relationship between financial literacy variables and financial inclusion, the relationship between financial literacy variables and financial technology, and the relationship between financial technology variables and financial inclusion. The analysis of this research is to learn more about how financial literacy and the use of financial technology influence financial inclusion. This type of research is associative quantitative. Next, the relationship between these variables is explained using statistical formulas. Consequently, the term for this research is “quantitative research”. The study population is the number of people who use financial services. For this sampling, the purposive random sampling method was used. The following criteria are determined in sampling: 1) Minimum age 17 years, this is intended to take the minimum age standard in sampling and is considered capable of understanding the contents of the questionnaire statements. 2) Have ever used financial services. In this study, 11 question items were used to measure 3 variables, so this study used the largest range, namely 231 respondents. The intervention variable will be used as a reference for the Partial Least Square (PLS) method to analyze this research data. This study uses a causal model (causal modelling, relationships, and influence) or path analysis. The hypothesis that will be discussed in this research is tested using the Structural Equation Model (SEM), which is operated with Smart PLS. The results of this research show that financial literacy has a positive and significant impact on financial inclusion in society. Financial literacy has a positive and significant impact on financial technology. financial technology has a positive and significant impact on financial inclusion, financial technology can offset the impact of financial literacy on financial inclusion. The results of this research are used as input for the community so that they pay more attention to their internal human resources related to financial products that can be used for investment. With knowledge of the right financial products, it is hoped that they can create good financial behaviour so that an awareness of the importance of carrying out good financial planning. For financial institutions, it is hoped that this can increase easy access to financial products and services, in particular credit for businesses as additional capital for the community.
Accuracy of Kinovea-based kinematic gait analysis compared to a three-dimensional motion analysis system in healthy dogs
Authors: Winkler Elena V. , Lauer Susanne K. , Steigmeier-Raith Stephanie I. , Zablotski Yury , Mille Monika A.
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to compare the accuracy of kinematic measurements obtained using the 2-D video-based kinematic motion analysis (KMA) software Kinovea (version 0.9.5; http://www.kinovea.org) with 3-D KMA in healthy dogs.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 3-D marker–based KMA (VICON-Nexus, version 2.12.1, and Procalc, version 1.6; VICON Motion Systems Ltd) was performed on healthy dogs (body weight ≥ 20 kg; height at withers > 50 cm) walking on a treadmill (study period: November 2022). Simultaneously, dogs were video recorded by 1 smartphone (iPhone SE; Apple Inc) at a 1.50-m distance perpendicular to the shoulder (60 frames per second; 1,920 X 1,080 pixels) for KMA using Kinovea. Joint angle and joint angle velocity of the shoulder, elbow, carpus, hip, stifle, and tarsus were calculated for 6 synchronized gait cycles. Each gait cycle was divided into 10 increments. The difference between 3-D KMA and Kinovea was assessed for each parameter using robust linear mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

34 dogs were included. The estimated joint angle difference between 3-D KMA and Kinovea was less than 2° for all shoulder and elbow gait cycle increments. For the carpus, hip, stifle, and tarsus, the difference was less than 2° in 9, 5, 4, and 4 out of 10 gait cycle increments, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Kinovea provides accurate kinematic data for the shoulder and elbow of healthy dogs. Carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal kinematics were less accurate.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The use of Kinovea for clinical and research purposes remains limited. Future Kinovea-based studies are needed to investigate the accuracy of carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal kinematics.
Effect of the Addition of Selected Unmalted Raw Materials to Barley Malt on Selected Parameters of Malt Extracts
Authors: Rydzak Leszek , Vasiukov Kostiantyn , Guz Tomasz , Domin Marek , Kovalyshyn Stepan , Kiczorowski Piotr
Published: August 2024

The paper presents the results of research on the problem of the influence of various types of unmalted grain and its quantitative share on important parameters of the malt extract. The aim of the work was to control what precentage of unmalted grain can be added to malt, so that their starch is saccharified only thanks to the action of endogenous malt enzymes. The grains of millet, oats, buckwheat and spelt were used as unmalted raw materials. The basis of the mixture subjected to extraction was Pilsner type barley malt. The percentages of the additives ranged from 5 to 50%. Both the unmalted grain and the malt were crushed. The extract was prepared with the use of two methods: congress and infusion. Saccharification time, pH and extract content were tested. The results were analyzed statistically. It was found that the amount and type of unmalted raw material influenced the saccharification time of starch and the content of the extract and had no effect on the pH of the extract. Millet grain starch was saccharified if its amount was about 40% of the tested mixtures. In other variants of the experiment, endogenous malt enzymes were able to break down the starch when the amount of additive was as high as 50%.
A Review of the Relaxation Models for Phase Transition Flows Centered on the Topological Aspects of the Nonequilibrium Mass Transfer Modelling
Authors: Angielczyk Wojciech
Published: August 2024

The first part of this work is a brief (application-oriented) review of the different classes of multiphase flow models. The review starts with the most generic approaches and descends to the class of Homogeneous Relaxation Models (HRM) of two-phase flow. Subsequently, this work presents a detailed review of the developed relaxation equations describing nonequilibrium mass transfer in two-phase flows. Some of the reviewed equations (in particular, the closure equations of HRMs) have quite simple mathematical structures but there are indications that they should be, in a specific way, more complex. Consequently, the main aim of this article is to bring attention to this problem and expose its nature and practical importance. The analyses conducted in this study reveal that relaxation closure equations formulated as advection equations may disrupt the phase space structure of the model, whereas equations formulated as phasic mass conservation do not pose such an issue. This distinction arises from the presence of a greater number of gradients in the conservation equations (a minimum of two, compared to potentially just one in an advection equation), rendering the conservation equations mathematically more complex.
A Novel Analytical Method for the Exact Solution of the Fractional-Order Biological Population Model
Authors: Elzaki Tarig M. , Mohamed Mohamed Z.
Published: August 2024

In this research, we develop a new analytical technique based on the Elzaki transform (ET) to solve the fractional-order biological population model (FBPM) with initial and boundary conditions (ICs and BCs). This approach can be used to locate both the closed approximate solution and the exact solution of a differential equation. The usefulness and validity of this strategy for managing the solution of FBPM are demonstrated using a few real-world scenarios. The dependability of the suggested strategy is also shown using a table and a few graphs. The approximate solutions that were achieved and the convergence analysis are shown in numerical simulations in a range of fractional orders. From the numerical simulations, it can be seen that the population density increases with increasing fractional order, whereas the population density drops with decreasing fractional order.
Effect of multi-digit tactile imagery training on reaction time
Authors: Ramu Vadivelan , Lakshminarayanan Kishor
Published: August 2024

Study aim: Reaction time (RT) is the time taken to make a decisive voluntary response to a stimulus. It is an indirect index of the central nervous system’s ability to process information and a simple method to evaluate sensorimotor performance and coordination. The current study explored the potential of tactile imagery (TI) training to enhance RT in distinct digits within the same hand, namely the index and middle fingers and the thumb.

Materials and methods: Forty right-handed healthy adult participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (undergoing TI training) or the control group. RT to press a button following a vibrotactile stimulus to the index finger, middle finger, or thumb in the left hand was recorded before and after TI training in the experimental group, with the control group undergoing similar RT assessments. A sensory-motor apparatus facilitated precise data collection.

Results: The experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in RT after TI training compared to their baseline and the control group’s RT.

Conclusion: The current study demonstrates the effectiveness of TI training in enhancing finger dexterity and RT within the same hand. These findings have implications for motor control research and support the incorporation of TI training in interventions aimed at improving sports performance and rehabilitation outcomes.
Managing Multifactorial Deep Vein Thrombosis in an Adolescent: A Complex Case Report
Authors: Mănescu Măriuca , Grama Alina , Dincă Andreea Ligia , Chinceșan Mihaela
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Although rarely diagnosed in the pediatric population, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is experiencing a growing incidence, while continuously acquiring different nuances due to the widening range of risk factors and lifestyle changes in children and adolescents.

Case presentation

A 17-year-old female within four weeks after child delivery was admitted to our clinic due to a six-month history of pain in the left hypochondriac region. After a thorough evaluation, the presence of a benign splenic cyst was revealed, which was later surgically removed. Following the intervention, the patient developed secondary thrombocytosis and bloodstream infection which, together with pre-existing risk factors (obesity, compressive effect of a large cyst, the postpartum period, the presence of a central venous catheter, recent surgery, and post-operative mobilization difficulties) led to the occurrence of extensive DVT, despite anticoagulant prophylaxis and therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin.

Conclusions

DVT raises many challenges for the pediatrician, requiring a personalized approach. Although rare, pediatric patients with multiple concomitant high-risk factors should benefit from interdisciplinary care as DVT may not respond to standard therapy in such cases and rapidly become critical. Continual efforts to better understand and treat this condition will contribute to improved outcomes for pediatric patients affected by DVT.
A Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Haloperidol and Dexmedetomidine on QTc Interval Prolongation during Delirium Treatment in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Haspolat Ali , Polat Fuat , Köprülü Ali Şefik
Published: August 2024

Background

Haloperidol and dexmedetomidine are used to treat delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU). The effects of these drugs on the corrected QT (QTc) interval have not been compared before. It was aimed to compare the effects of haloperidol and dexmedetomidine treatment on QTc intervals in patients who developed delirium during ICU follow-up.

Method

The study is single-center, randomized, and prospective. Half of the patients diagnosed with delirium in the ICU were treated with haloperidol and the other half with dexmedetomidine. The QTc interval was measured in the treatment groups before and after drug treatment. The study’s primary endpoints were maximal QT and QTc interval changes after drug administration.

Results

90 patients were included in the study, the mean age was 75.2±12.9 years, and half were women. The mean time to delirium was 142+173.8 hours, and 53.3% of the patients died during their ICU follow-up. The most common reason for hospitalization in the ICU was sepsis (%37.8.). There was no significant change in QT and QTc interval after dexmedetomidine treatment (QT: 360.5±81.7, 352.0±67.0, p= 0.491; QTc: 409.4±63.1, 409.8±49.7, p=0.974). There was a significant increase in both QT and QTc interval after haloperidol treatment (QT: 363.2±51.1, 384.6±59.2, p=0.028; QTc: 409.4±50.9, 427.3±45.9, p=0.020).

Conclusions

Based on the results obtained from the study, it can be concluded that the administration of haloperidol was associated with a significant increase in QT and QTc interval. In contrast, the administration of dexmedetomidine did not cause a significant change in QT and QTc interval.
Understanding the Correlation between Blood Profile and the Duration of Hospitalization in Pediatric Bronchopneumonia Patients: A Cross-Sectional Original Article
Authors: Listiarini Dessika , Desai Dev , Hidayat Yanuar Wahyu , Handoko Kevin Alvaro
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Pediatric bronchopneumonia is a prevalent life-threatening disease, particularly in developing countries. Affordable and accessible blood biomarkers are needed to predict disease severity which can be based on the Duration of Hospitalization (DOH).

Aim of the Study

To assess the significance and correlation between differential blood profiles, especially the Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and the DOH in bronchopneumonia children.

Material and Methods

A record-based study was conducted at a secondary care hospital in Indonesia. After due ethical permission, following inclusion and exclusion criteria, 284 children with confirmed diagnoses of bronchopneumonia were included in the study. Blood cell counts and ratios were assessed with the DOH as the main criterion of severity. Mann-Whitney test and correlation coefficient were used to draw an analysis.

Results

Study samples were grouped into DOH of ≤ 4 days and > 4 days, focusing on NLR values, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and leukocytes. The NLR median was higher (3.98) in patients hospitalized over 4 days (P<0.0001). Lymphocyte medians were significantly higher in the opposite group (P<0.0001). Thrombocyte medians were similar in both groups (P=0.44481). The overall NLR and DOH were weakly positively correlated, with a moderate positive correlation in total neutrophils and DOH, and a moderate negative correlation in total lymphocytes and DOH. The correlation between the DOH ≤ 4 days group with each biomarker was stronger, except for leukocyte and thrombocyte. Analysis of the longer DOH group did not yield enough correlation across all blood counts.

Conclusions

Admission levels of leukocyte count, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and NLR significantly correlate with the DOH, with NLR predicting severity and positively correlated with the DOH.
Acute Calculous Cholecystitis Associated with Leptospirosis: Which is the Emergency? A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Moriczi Renata , Muresan Mircea Gabriel , Neagoe Radu , Sala Daniela , Torok Arpad , Bara Tivadar , Balmos Ioan Alexandru , Ion Razvan , Vasiesiu Anca Meda
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Leptospirosis is a bacterium with a worldwide distribution and belongs to the group of zoonoses that can affect both humans and animals. Most cases of leptospirosis present as a mild, anicteric infection. However, a small percentage of cases develop Weil’s disease, characterized by bleeding and elevated levels of bilirubin and liver enzymes. It can also cause inflammation of the gallbladder. Acute acalculous cholecystitis has been described as a manifestation of leptospirosis in a small percentage of cases; however, no association between leptospirosis and acute acalculous cholecystitis has been found in the literature.

Case presentation

In this report, we describe the case of a 66-year-old patient who presented to the emergency department with a clinical picture dominated by fever, an altered general condition, abdominal pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, and repeated vomiting. Acute calculous cholecystitis was diagnosed based on clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings. During preoperative preparation, the patient exhibited signs of liver and renal failure with severe coagulation disorders. Obstructive jaundice was excluded after performing an abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography scan. The suspicion of leptospirosis was then raised, and appropriate treatment for the infection was initiated. The acute cholecystitis symptoms went into remission, and the patient had a favorable outcome. Surgery was postponed until the infection was treated entirely, and a re-evaluation of the patient’s condition was conducted six-week later.

Conclusions

The icterohemorrhagic form of leptospirosis, Weil’s disease, can mimic acute cholecystitis, including the form with gallstones. Therefore, to ensure an accurate diagnosis, leptospirosis should be suspected if the patient has risk factors. However, the order of treatments is not strictly established and will depend on the clinical picture and the patient’s prognosis.
Navigating interdisciplinary research: Historical progression and contemporary challenges
Authors: Li Xiaoqiang , Cai Fen , Bao Jintao , Jian Yuqing , Sun Zehui , Xie Xin
Published: August 2024

Interdisciplinary research plays a crucial role in addressing complex problems by integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines. This integration fosters innovative solutions and enhances understanding across various fields. This study explores the historical and sociological development of interdisciplinary research and maps its evolution through three distinct phases: pre-disciplinary, disciplinary, and post-disciplinary. It identifies key internal dynamics, such as disciplinary diversification, reorganization, and innovation, as primary drivers of this evolution. Additionally, this study highlights how external factors, particularly the urgency of World War II and the subsequent political and economic changes, have accelerated its advancement. The rise of interdisciplinary research has significantly reshaped traditional educational paradigms, promoting its integration across different educational levels. However, the inherent contradictions within interdisciplinary research present cognitive, emotional, and institutional challenges for researchers. Meanwhile, finding a balance between the breadth and depth of knowledge remains a critical challenge in interdisciplinary education.
Bridging IDF force-design complexities: Blueprint for bottom-up innovation – The emergence of transformational commanders and 5th Gen CINOs
Authors: Frenkel Michal , Alkaher David
Published: August 2024

In the face of an intricate defense landscape, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confronts evolving challenges, necessitating transformative strategies. In the past decade, the IDF championed innovation through decentralized silos (“islands of innovation”), steered by 4th generation Chief Innovation Officers (CINOs) with ‘liquid professionalism’. Since the establishment of the Combat Methods and Innovation (CMI) division, the IDF has formed an institutionalized innovation management system, managed by intraorganizational 5th generation CINOs. This system allowed binding these islands into a cohesive framework (an archipelago) designed to rapidly respond to internal developments and external challenges, showcasing the IDF’s capacity to navigate the complexities of modern warfare with agility and foresight. The main contribution of this article is two-folded, first it advocates for the cultivation of two types of change agents: a. the ‘transformative commanders’, leaders adept at instigating profound, organization-wide change; b. intraorganizational 5th generation CINOs. Second, it introduces a dual-pronged framework specifically designed to harness and streamline a bottom-up innovation within military organizations, and in particularly within the context of the IDF. This interdisciplinary framework is derived from both sociological and organizational systems engineering perspectives. The methodology employed to delineate its contributions leverages the theory of systematic operative design.
Improving the Performance of Hybrid System-Based Renewable Energy by Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Kechida Abdelhak , Gozim Djamal , Toual Belgacem
Published: August 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a critical indicator of technological progress in recent years. The present study uses AI to enhance the efficiency of a hybrid system that operates on renewable energy sources. The hybrid system we propose consists of a wind energy conversion system (WECS), a photovoltaic system (PVS), a battery storage system (BSS) and electronic power converters. AI manages these converters cleverly. We use the maximum power point tracking (MPPT)-based fuzzy logic controller (FLC) to regulate the boost converter in the PVS and the WECS. We propose an adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)-based controller to control the bidirectional converter of the storage system. The design of this module intends to maintain voltage stability on the direct current (DC) bus and improve energy quality. We study and simulate this system using MATLAB/SIMULINK. The results of this research show that the FLC-MPPT technique outperforms the Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm in terms of efficiency in power production. The console we propose also shows good results in maintaining the voltage stability in the DC bus in comparison with the proportional integral (PI) controller. This paper has the potential to contribute to the development of environmentally friendly resource performance.