bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Millimeter Wave Power Amplifiers with Different Power Combining Techniques
Authors: Bagger Reza , Sjöland Henrik
Published: November 2023

Four-millimetre wave power amplifiers, three-stage differential cascode with inductively coupled impedance transformers, were designed and fabricated in a 130 nm SiGe HBT BiCMOS process with fMAX = 330 GHz. The PAs, where the signal splitting/combining, number of differential pairs and transistor size in the final stage differ, are used in power/efficiency benchmarking. Balun as output impedance transformer was used in two of PAs with different transistor sizes in their third stage, 120 µm respective 160 µm. The power combiners in two other PA embodiments were realized by Parallel Combining Transformer, PCT, and Series Combining Transformer, SCT. The PAs with balun combiner achieve a PSAT of 19.3 dBm with 10.5% third stage PAE at 8.5 dB backoff from PSAT, PAE3rd BO. For the PA with SCT combiner, PSAT was 18.3 dBm with 7% PAE3rd BO, and the PA using PCT achieved a PSAT of 18 dBm and 6.5% PAE3rd BO, measured at 39 GHz. The fractional bandwidths exceeded 36% for balun and SCT and 32% for PCT, respectively. The implemented SCT and PCT with their lower input impedance show lower voltage swing at collector of final stage for equivalent output power level compared with one-way combiner (balun). Also the PAs with PCT and SCT show a lower sensitivity to load impedance variations.
Determinants of preterm delivery among mothers who gave birth in hospitals of Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia, 2023: Unmatched case-control study
Authors: Tilahun Cherinet , Getie Asmare , Tadesse Hiwot , Geta Temesgen , Ashiko Adisu
Published: November 2023

Background: Preterm delivery refers to childbirth that occurs before 37 full weeks’ gestation. Globally, around 13.4 million babies are born preterm annually, a million died due to its complications. Identifying its determinants is mandatory to decrease preterm birth and thereby neonatal deaths. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of preterm delivery among mothers who gave birth in hospitals in the Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia.
Methods: An Institutional-based unmatched case-control study design was conducted from March 29 to May 20, 2023, in the Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia. Cases were women who gave birth after 28 weeks and before 37 completed weeks, and controls were women who gave birth at and after 37 and before 42 weeks of gestation from the first day of the last normal menstrual period. A consecutive sampling method was used. Data were collected by a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were coded and entered into Epi data 3.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 25. Variables that had a P-value < 0.25 in the bivariate logistic regression analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Finally, p-value < 0.05 was used to claim statistical significance.
Result: From a total of 405 eligible participants, 399 respondents (133 cases and 266 controls) participated in this study with a response rate of 98.52%. The result of the multivariable analysis shows that mothers who resided in rural areas [AOR=2.777:95% CI (1.507-5.118)], not receiving support from their partner [AOR=2.368:95% CI (1.243-4.514)], less than four antenatal care visits [AOR=4.520:95%CI (2.384-8.569)], developed pregnancy-induced hypertension [AOR=5.248:95%CI (2.270-12.135)] and exposed for intimate partner violence [AOR=2.945:95%CI (1.105-7.848)], had statistically significant association with experiencing preterm delivery.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Most of the determinants for preterm delivery have been proven modifiable. Thus, designing new strategies, providing policy for partner support during pregnancy and Health care providers should give due attention to mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension and exposure to intimate partner violence and increase the awareness of antenatal care follow-up and support during pregnancy to reduce preterm delivery.
Mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes ameliorate D-galN/LPS induced acute liver injury via PTEN-mediated macrophage polarization
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Fu Yu , Wei Shuyi , Liang Liwei , Li Ting , Feng Lei , Cai Lei , Fu Shunjun , Li Yang , Li Shao , Pan Mingxin , He Guolin
Published: November 2023

Background: It is widely acknowledged that Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) exert their effects through paracrine mechanisms by releasing bioactive components, such as exosomes, while previous studies have confirmed the critical role of macrophage polarization in acute liver injury, the impact of exosome-mediated liver repair on macrophage polarization requires further clarification.
Methods: Human placental mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hPMSC-Exo) were intravenously administered to the mice 2 hours before exposure to LPS/GalN. The effects of hPMSC-Exo were evaluated using serum biochemical analysis, TUNEL assay, and H&E staining. In order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying acute liver injury therapy, the expression levels of relevant genes were evaluated using qPCR and WB analysis, respectively. The exosome transfected miR-26-5p were used for further determine the mTOR signaling in hPMSC-Exo based threapy.
Results: hPMSC-Exo alleviated liver inflammation and promoted liver repair in a mouse model of D-galN/LPS-induced DILI (drug-induced liver injury). Subsequent investigations revealed that hPMSC-Exo induced the polarization of M1 macrophages towards an M2 phenotype, both in vivo and in vitro. Bioinformatics analysis identified miR-26-5p as a potential mediator of macrophage polarization and PTEN as its downstream target. Attenuation of macrophage polarization modulation was observed when miR-26-5p levels were reduced in hPMSC-Exo. Similarly, knockdown of PTEN also demonstrated hepatoprotective efficacy and reduced inflammation levels in a mouse model of DILI.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest the involvement of the PTEN/mTOR/TGF-β1 signaling pathway in regulating macrophage activation through hPMSC exosomal miR-26-5p, highlighting its therapeutic potential in the treatment of liver injury.
Surgical Outcomes of Adults with Spinal Tuberculosis from 1992 to 2019: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Furukawa Mitsuru , Fujiyoshi Kanehiro , Yanai Yoshihide , Kato Takashi , Kobayashi Yoshiomi , Konomi Tsunehiko , Yato Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2023

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the postoperative fusion rate and risk factors for kyphosis progression in adults affected with spinal tuberculosis.
Methods: Overall, 134 patients with spinal tuberculosis from the thoracic to lumbar spine from 1992 to 2021 were included in this study. The patients were divided into Group A, comprising those who underwent only anterior spinal fusion (ASF); Group B, comprising those who underwent ASF and revision surgery; and Group C, comprising those who underwent planned ASF plus posterior instrumentation. Data concerning the affected level, bone fusion rate, and progression of the postoperative local kyphosis angle were collected. The risk factors for the progression of local kyphosis angle after ASF were determined using linear regression analysis.
Results: The overall bone fusion rate was 83.2%. No significant differences in the bone fusion rate were detected between the three groups. Postoperative kyphosis did not progress in the thoracic and lumbar spine in the combined Group A+B; however, the kyphosis angle in the combined Group A+B progressed when the affected level occurred in the thoracolumbar region compared with the kyphosis progressive angle in Group C.
Conclusion: In spinal tuberculosis, the fusion rate of ASF with only grafted bone was good; however, in patients affected in the thoracolumbar spine region, posterior instrumentation is desirable because of local kyphosis progression risk after surgery.
Association between healthy lifestyle combinations and periodontitis in NHANES
Authors: Xu Jiani , Huang Yanqiu , Wang Jie , Wang Huilin , Sun Chen , Shi Wentao , Jiang Xinquan
Published: November 2023

Background
Periodontitis is closely associated with systemic diseases. Healthy lifestyle interventions have health-enhancing effects on systemic disorders and periodontitis, but the extent to which healthy lifestyle combinations are associated with periodontitis is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between periodontitis and different healthy lifestyle combinations.
Methods
5611 participants were included from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2009–2014). Six healthy lifestyles factors were defined as fulfilling either: non-smoking, moderate drinking, moderate body mass index (BMI), physical activity, healthy sleep and appropriate total energy intake. Then, the adjusted logistic regression models were performed to identify the association between the periodontitis risk and the scoring system composed of six lifestyles (0–6 scale). Finally, different scenarios were dynamically and randomly combined to identify the optimal and personalized combination mode.
Results
Higher healthy lifestyle scores were significantly associated with lower periodontitis risk (p < 0.05). Four lifestyle factors (smoking, drinking, BMI, and sleep) significantly varied between the periodontitis and healthy groups (p < 0.05). Smoking was considered as a strong independent risk factor for periodontitis in both former and current smokers. Results further indicated that the combination of these four lifestyles played the most essential role in determining the magnitude of periodontitis risk (odds ratio [OR]: 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21 to 0.50). In the total population, the majority of three lifestyle combinations outperformed the two combination models, whereas the two-combination of nonsmoking-drinking (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.58) had relatively lower risk than the three-combination of healthy drinking-BMI-sleep (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.66).
Conclusion
This cross-sectional study suggests that smoking, drinking, BMI, and sleep are significantly related with periodontitis and smoking is the principal risk factor related among them. This study provides various customized lifestyle combinations for periodontitis prevention.
Comparative study of the mouthparts of different feeding crab species in the waters adjacent to the Yangtze River Estuary
Authors: Ding Yue , Yuan Lin , Wu Huixian , Deng Yazhuo , Liu Jingyu , Xue Junzeng
Published: November 2023

The intertidal zone of the Yangtze River estuary is highly heterogeneous and suitable for crabs of various feeding habits. The ability of decapod crabs to occupy various ecological niches is closely related to the structure of their oral appendages during the feeding process. In this study, we investigated the morphological and structural characteristics of the oral appendages of crabs and their relationship with feeding habits, and selected three crab species with different feeding habits in the Yangtze River estuary, namely, Macrophthalmus abbreviatus (detritivorous), Portunus trituberculatus (carnivorous), and Chinomantes haematocheir (phytophagous). Their mouthparts were dissected and placed under a stereomicroscope to observe and photograph the morphological structure of their oral appendages. The results showed that all three crab species had six pairs of oral appendages, which were distributed in the same position in the oral cavity, and the structure of each pair of oral appendages was the same. In terms of appearance and morphological structure, the main differences were in the mandible and the third maxilliped. In terms of setal types, M. abbreviatus existed two obvious special setal structures, spoon-tipped setae, anchor setae and the single row of semi-anchor setae; P. trituberculatus had special unilateral serrated setae; and C. haematocheir did not have peculiar setae. In this paper, we discuss the adaptation of crab oral organ structure and feeding habits, and reveal the influence of estuarine environmental changes on crab distribution, with a view to providing a theoretical basis for the conservation of crab biodiversity in the Yangtze River Estuary.
Efficacy of Combined Exercise and Nutrition Intervention Study for Possible Sarcopenia in Community-Based Primary Care Clinics (ENdSarC): study protocol for a multicenter single-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ji Woohyuk , Lee Daehyun , Kim Minjin , Lim Nahyun , Lim Jae-Young , Baek Jae Uk , Kim Sungwouk , Lee Choong Hyung , Kim Miji , Won Chang Won
Published: November 2023

Background
Sarcopenia is a geriatric disease characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength. Although combined exercise and nutrition intervention is known to be effective for sarcopenia, clinical trials involving patients with sarcopenia in primary care are scarce. We describe a protocol for a trial to examine the effects of a 12-week combined exercise and nutrition intervention in older Korean adults with possible sarcopenia in community-based primary care.
Methods
This multicenter, randomized, controlled trial will include 94 community-dwelling older participants aged 65–85 years with possible sarcopenia (47 participants in the intervention and control groups each). Resistance exercises, which incorporate concentric and eccentric exercises, will consist of an introductory phase (3 weeks: twice-weekly supervised exercise sessions and once-weekly home exercises; contraction exercises), an expanded phase (3 weeks: twice-weekly supervised exercise sessions and once-weekly home exercises; eccentric exercises), and a maintenance phase (6 weeks: once-weekly supervised exercise sessions and twice-weekly home exercises; power/eccentric exercises). Nutritional supplementation will be provided according to the nutritional status of the participants using a Mini-Nutritional Assessment. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks, and the primary outcome will be the 5-times chair stand test results.
Discussion
To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of a combined exercise and nutritional supplementation intervention in older patients with possible sarcopenia in community-based primary care clinics. These findings will provide new insights to clinicians regarding the long-term usability for doctors and patients with possible sarcopenia in community-based primary care.
Trial registration:
This trial was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on September 16, 2023 (registration number: NCT06049914).
Language or Rating Scales Based Classifications of Emotions: Computational Analysis of Language and Alexithymia
Authors: Sikström Sverker , Nicolai Miriam , Ahrendt Josephine , Nevanlinna Suvi
Published: November 2023

Background: Rating scales are the dominating tool for the quantitative assessment of mental health. They are believed to have a higher validity than language-based responses, which are the natural way of communicating mental states. Furthermore, it is unclear how difficulties articulating emotions affect the accuracy of language-based communication of emotions.
Objective: We investigated whether narratives describing emotional states is more accurately classified by questions-based computational analysis of language (QCLA) compared to commonly used rating scales.
Method: In Phase 1, participants (N = 348) generated narratives describing events related to depression, anxiety, satisfaction and harmony. In Phase 2, another set of participants summarised the emotions described in the narratives of Phase 1 in five descriptive words and rating scales (PHQ-9, GAD-7, SWLS and HILS). The words were quantified with a natural language processing model (e.g., LSA) and classified with machine learning (e.g., multinomial regression).
Results: The results showed that the language-based responses had considerably higher accuracy in classifying the emotional states compared to the rating scales. The degree of alexithymia did not influence the correctness of classification based on words or rating scales, suggesting that QCLA are not sensitive to alexithymia. However, narratives generated by people with high alexithymia were more difficult to classify than those with low alexithymia.
Conclusion: These results suggest that the assessment of mental health may be improved by language-based responses analysed by computational methods compared to currently used rating scales.
The dose-dependent effect of the D2R agonist quinpirole microinjected into the ventral pallidum on information flow in the limbic system
Authors: Peczely Laszlo , Grace Anthony A.
Published: November 2023

The ventral pallidum (VP) receives its primary inputs from the nucleus accumbens (NAC) and the basolateral amygdala (BLA). We demonstrated recently that in the VP, the D2 DA receptor (D2R) agonist quinpirole dose-dependently facilitates memory consolidation in inhibitory avoidance and spatial learning. In the VP, D2R can be found both on NAC and BLA terminals. According to our hypothesis, quinpirole microinjected into the VP can facilitate memory consolidation via modulation of synaptic plasticity on NAC and/or BLA terminals. The effect of intra-VP quinpirole on BLA-VP and NAC shell-VP synapses was investigated via a high frequency stimulation (HFS) protocol. Quinpirole was administered in three doses into the VP of male rats after HFS; controls received vehicle. To examine whether an interaction between the NAC shell and the BLA at the level of the VP was involved, tetrodotoxin (TTX) was microinjected into one of the nuclei while stimulating the other nucleus. Our results showed that quinpirole dose-dependently modulates BLA-VP and NAC shell-VP synapses, similar to those observed in inhibitory avoidance and spatial learning, respectively. The lower dose inhibits BLA inputs, while the larger doses facilitates NAC shell inputs. Independent from the synaptic facilitation, intra-VP quinpirole increases the amplitude of gamma frequency band (GFB) of the power spectral density after NAC HFS. The experiments with TTX demonstrates that the two nuclei do not influence each others’ evoked responses in the VP, but intra-BLA TTX increases the GFB. These findings demonstrate the important role of VP D2Rs in the regulation of limbic information flow.
Functional and structural brain connectivity in disorders of consciousness
Authors: Altmayer Victor , Sangare Aude , Calligaris Charlotte , Puybasset Louis , Perlbarg Vincent , Naccache Lionel , Sitt Jacobo Diego , Rohaut Benjamin
Published: November 2023

Objective: Brain connectivity, allowing information to be shared between distinct cortical areas and thus to be processed in an integrated way, has long been considered critical for conscious access. However, the relationship between functional intercortical interactions and the structural connections thought to underlie them is poorly understood. In the present work, we aim to explore this structure-function relationship in patients with disorders of consciousness, and to investigate the interest of exploring both types of connectivity for clinical diagnosis.
Methods: We explore both functional (with an EEG-based metric: the median weighted symbolic mutual information in the theta band) and structural (with a brain MRI-based metric: fractional anisotropy) connectivities in a cohort of 78 patients affected with a disorder of consciousness.
Results: Both metrics could distinguish patients in a vegetative state from patients in minimally conscious state. Crucially, we discovered a significant positive correlation between functional and structural connectivities. We then showed that this structure-function relationship takes place in the long-range cortico-cortical deep white matter bundles involved in the Global Neuronal Workspace theory of consciousness.
Interpretation: Altogether, these results support the interest of a multimodal assessment of brain connectivity to refine the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of patients with disorders of consciousness.
Determination of fractional electron capture probabilities of 59Ni by means of Metallic Magnetic Calorimeters
Authors: Kaur Arshjot , Chambon Lucille , Loidl Martin , Lourenço Valérie , Rodrigues Matias , Zahir Mostafa-Lokmann
Published: November 2023

The fractional electron capture probabilities of 59Ni were measured using Metallic Magnetic Calorimeters (MMCs). 59Ni was one of the radionuclides chosen as a part of the European metrology research (EMPIR) project MetroMMC. The measurement was performed by using the Decay energy spectroscopy (DES) technique, where the radionuclide is embedded in the absorber to have a 4π geometry. Two different source preparation techniques adapted for the measurement are also discussed: electroplating on gold and micro drop-dispensing on gold nanofoam. The total energy spectra obtained from both sources are compared with each other, and the measured fractional electron capture probabilities are compared with those available in the literature and from the BetaShape code.
Regulatory effect of Ficus Carica Latex on Cell Cycle Progression in Human Papillomavirus Positive Cervical Cancer Cell Lines: Insights from Gene Expression Analysis
Authors: Cakir Muharrem Okan , Bilge Ugur , Ghanbari Arshia , Ashrafi G Hossein
Published: November 2023

Cervical cancer presents a significant global health concern with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) identified as the main cause of this cancer. Although current treatment methods for cervical cancer can eliminate lesions, preventing metastatic spread and minimizing tissue damage remains a major challenge. Therefore, the development of a safer and innovative therapeutic approach is of utmost importance. Natural products like Fig latex, derived from the Ficus Carica tree, have demonstrated promising anti-cancer properties when tested on cervical cancer cell lines. However, the specific mechanisms by which Fig latex exerts its effects are still unknown. In this study, we conducted RNA-seq analysis to explore how fig latex may counteract carcinogenesis in HPV-positive cervical cancer cell lines, namely CaSki (HPV type 16-positive) and HeLa (HPV type 18-positive). Our results from this investigation indicates that Fig latex influences the expression of genes associated with the development and progression of cervical cancer, including pathways related to " Nonsense-Mediated Decay (NMD), " Cell Cycle regulation ", and “ Transcriptional Regulation by TP53 ”. This selective impact of fig latex on cancer-related pathways suggests a potential novel therapeutic approach for HPV-related cervical cancer.
The role of Methyl-CpG binding domain 3 (Mbd3) in epileptogenesis
Authors: Nizinska Karolina , Olszewski Maciej , Binias Sandra , Nowicka Dorota , Szydlowska Kinga , Nazaruk Kinga , Wojtas Bartosz , Lukasiuk Katarzyna
Published: November 2023

Methyl CpG binding domain 3 (Mbd3) protein belongs to the MBD family of proteins and is responsible for reading the DNA methylation pattern. Our previous study showed increased levels of NuRD complex proteins, including Mbd3 protein, in the brains of epileptic animals. The present study investigated whether the Mbd3 protein determines the seizure threshold. An increase in Mbd3 protein levels was demonstrated in the entorhinal cortex/amygdala in the rat’s brain 4 hours after pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures. Reduction of Mbd3 level using shRNA coding AAV vector injected to the amygdala prolonged the latency time to the onset of an acute seizure in the PTZ challenge test. This was accompanied by increased anxiety in the open field test. An overexpression of Mbd3 using AAV decreased anxiety, increased their excitability in the open field test, and accelerated epileptogenesis in the PTZ-kindling model. mRNA profiling with RNA-seq upon increased expression of MBD3 was performed in a model of magnesium deficiency-induced epileptiform discharges in vitro, revealing time- and state-specific gene expression changes. Our data indicate the pro-epileptic properties of the Mbd3 protein in vivo and in vitro.
Advanced energy scale correction techniques for the X-ray Transition Edge Sensors of the Athena mission
Authors: Cucchetti Edoardo , Smith Stephen J. , Witthoeft Michael C. , Eckart Megan E. , Pajot François , Porter Frederick S. , Peille Philippe
Published: November 2023

The X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) onboard the future European X-ray telescope Athena will be the first space instrument carrying an array of more than a thousand transition edge sensors. One of the key challenges of the X-IFU is the measurement of narrow X-ray atomic lines to determine velocity shifts at an unprecedented level of accuracy. For this reason, the energy scale of the instrument needs to be known with extreme accuracy, of 0.4 eV at the 1-sigma level up to 7 keV. The energy scale will be measured on the ground through a dedicated calibration campaign using fiducial X-ray sources. Though calibrated, the energy scale is extremely sensitive to the environmental conditions around the TES array, as well as to possible drifts in the readout chain electronics. Left uncorrected, the energy scale can naturally drift up to hundreds of eVs. Changes of the TES gain will be monitored via onboard X-ray calibration sources, and the energy scale will be corrected accordingly either per pixel, or within a small groups of pixels. Although simulations show that a 0.4 eV level can be achieved, the very high accuracy required by the X-IFU calls for experimental validation. A dedicated measurement campaign has been performed by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center to characterize the energy scale of a prototype kilo-pixel array of X-IFU-representative TESs. The analysis of the data demonstrated the ability to correct for various drifts using two fiducial lines to track the temporal gain variation. In this paper, we propose to extend this study on the same data set by investigating multi-parameter correction techniques based on both the pulse-height of the fiducial line and the pre-pulse baseline level, utilizing the knowledge of the TES set point acquired on the ground. Investigations on the co-adding of pixels to perform a joint correction over pools of pixels is also explored.
Expression patterns of Piezo1 in the developing mouse forebrain
Authors: Kim Hye Yoon , Kang Bokeum , Lee Pa Reum , Kim Kyungmin , Hong Gyu-Sang
Published: November 2023

Malformation during cortical development can disrupt the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neural circuits, contributing to various psychiatric and developmental disorders. One of the critical factors of cortical neural networks is the fine regulation of neurogenesis through mechanical cues, such as shear stress and substrate stiffness. Piezo1, a mechanically-activated channel, serves as a transducer for these mechanical cues, regulating embryogenesis. However, specific cell-type expression patterns of this channel during cortical development have not yet been characterized. In the present study, we conducted an RNAscope experiment to visualize the location of Piezo1 transcripts with embryonic neuronal/glial lineage cell markers. Our analysis covered coronal sections of the mouse forebrain on embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5), E14.5, E16.5, and E18.5. In addition, applying Yoda1, a specific Piezo1 agonist, evoked distinct calcium elevation in piriform cortices of E16.5 and E18.5 embryonic slices. Furthermore, pharmacological activation or inhibition of this channel significantly modulated the migration of neurosphere-derived cells in vitro. These findings contribute valuable insights to the field of mechanobiology and provide an understanding of the intricate processes underlying embryonic brain development.
Machine learning predicts student exam performance with high sensitivity allowing personalized interventions
Authors: Seneviratne Thilanka , Manathunga Supun
Published: November 2023

Background
In the realm of medical education, evaluating student performance is crucial for refining teaching strategies and identifying areas of improvement. This study explores the potential of using exam scores to predict future academic outcomes. By employing statistical methods and machine learning we investigate how scores from different exams interrelate and influence student progress.
Methods
The study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. The results of the Foundation (F), Systematic Pharmacology 1 (S1) and Systematic Pharmacology 2 (S2) examinations of three consecutive batches of medical students were extracted and de-identified. The data set was randomly split into a 70% training set and a 30% test. A multiple linear regression model, random forest model, k-nearest neighbour model and a support-vector machine model were fit to predict the score of S2 using F and S1 scores. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed on training data to predict the performance of S1 and S2 using marks of the preceding examinations. The linear regression model was validated by running the predictions on the test set. The accuracy measures were calculated for the cutoff score established by the training data. Odds ratios were computed to assess the association between failing an exam and the likelihood of failing the subsequent exams.
Results
The results of 583 students were analyzed. The multiple linear regression model had a residual standard error of 8.21 and an adjusted R squared value of 0.45. The F statistic was 84.5 (p-value < 0.001). The ROC curve for the model predicting S2 performance using the linear combination of F and S1 scores had an AUC of 87% for training data and 88% for testing data. The sensitivity and the specificity for unseen test data were 100% and 64.7% respectively.
Conclusion
S2 performance could be predicted using the F and S1 scores with 100% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. Thus, this model could be used in the early identification of students with a potential to fail in future exams which will enable early and personalized interventions and implementation of corrective measures.
Persamaan Latar Belakang dan Perbezaan Prestasi Perniagaan dalam Kalangan Francaisi Milik Keluarga dan Bukan Milik Keluarga di Malaysia
Authors:   Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia, Hanafiah Mohd Hizam , Abd Aziz Nurul Ashykin ,   Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Pahang, Malaysia
Published: November 2023

Perniagaan francais berkembang pesat di Malaysia khususnya selepas pihak kerajaan melancarkan Program Pembangunan Francais pada tahun 1992, mewujudkan Bahagian Francais pada tahun 1995 dan memperkenalkan Akta Francais 1998. Kini Malaysia memiliki sekitar 870 sistem francais berdaftar dengan 60 buah sistem francais tempatan berjaya menembusi 55 buah negara. Di sebalik perkembangan menarik perniagaan ini, jurang utama kajian adalah amat kurangnya penyelidikan mengenai perniagaan francais milik keluarga dijalankan oleh penyelidik. Justeru, objektif kajian ini adalah untuk meneliti persamaan latar belakang dan perbezaan prestasi perniagaan antara francaisi milik keluarga dan bukan milik keluarga. Kajian tinjauan ke atas 204 usahawan francaisi di Malaysia melalui borang soal selidik telah dijalankan dengan responden terdiri daripada 90 usahawan francaisi milik keluarga dan 114 usahawan francaisi bukan milik keluarga. Bersasarkan analisis statistik, kajian mendapati bahawa faktor latar belakang iaitu tahap pendidikan, pengalaman kerja, jumlah pelaburan dan kebergantungan sumber pendapatan kepada perniagaan francais tidak signifikan antara francaisi milik keluarga dan bukan milik keluarga. Kajian turut mendapati faktor persepsi kejayaan dan niat untuk kekal dalam sistem francais tidak signifikan antara francaisi milik keluarga dan bukan milik keluarga. Namun begitu, francaisi bukan milik keluarga memiliki prestasi perniagaan yang lebih baik dari segi prestasi jualan dan bilangan pekerja, berbanding francaisi keluarga.
Keberkesanan Aktiviti Pembelajaran Sejarah di Muzium: Satu Kajian Kes
Authors:   Faculty of Language Studies and Human Development, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kelantan, Malaysia, Abdul Talib Nur Syazwani , Abdul Ghani Kamarulzaman ,   Faculty of Language Studies and Human Development, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kelantan, Malaysia, Yusuff Nur Azuki ,   Faculty of Language Studies and Human Development, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kelantan, Malaysia
Published: November 2023

Muzium memainkan peranan dalam pendidikan bagi membolehkan pelajar berhubung secara terus dengan koleksi dan menjadikan sesi pengajaran dan pembelajaran berpusatkan pelajar selain memberi keseronokan semasa berlangsungnya pembelajaran. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk meneroka pandangan guru berkaitan pembelajaran Sejarah berasaskan lawatan muzium dan mengenal pasti persepsi pelajar terhadap aktiviti pembelajaran Sejarah melalui lawatan muzium. Kajian ini dijalankan ke atas pelajar tingkatan empat dan guru Sejarah di Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Seramai 205 orang pelajar dijadikan responden dan tiga orang guru Sejarah dipilih berdasarkan ciri-ciri tertentu. Kajian ini menggunakan borang soal selidik kepada pelajar dan protokol temu bual dijalankan ke atas guru Sejarah. Dapatan kajian mendapati pembelajaran Sejarah di muzium memberikan keseronokan, melibatkan pelajar secara aktif, meningkatkan kefahaman dan minat pelajar terhadap Sejarah. Antara aktiviti yang sesuai dijalankan di muzium ialah menyelesaikan tugasan bersama rakan, melakukan aktiviti penerokaan untuk menyelidik dan menganalisis daripada koleksi dan menggunakan peta i-think semasa menyalin nota. Justeru, kepelbagaian aktiviti pembelajaran yang berpusatkan pelajar akan menggalakkan pemikiran kritis dan kreatif pelajar. Guru perlu bijak dalam mengenal pasti kehendak dan minat pelajar bagi memastikan kaedah yang digunakan adalah bersesuaian dengan pelajar.
Penghijrahan Dalaman Masyarakat Melayu dan Sumbangannya kepada Sektor Penanaman Padi di Kerian, Perak (1874–1941)
Authors:   History Section, School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Mohamed Sharif Siti Noor Hafizah
Published: November 2023

Artikel ini membincangkan penghijrahan dalaman masyarakat Melayu iaitu dari Kedah, Pulau Pinang dan Seberang Perai dan sumbangannya kepada sektor penanaman padi di Kerian, Perak dari tahun 1874 sehingga tahun 1941. Penghijrahan dalaman masyarakat Melayu di Semenanjung Tanah Melayu (STM) dan sumbangannya semasa penjajahan tidak pernah dibincangkan dalam mana-mana penulisan sedia ada. Sebaliknya, penulisan-penulisan lalu berkaitan penghijrahan masyarakat Melayu hanya membincangkan peranan dan sumbangan penghijrahan orang Melayu dari luar STM. Maka, wujud pandangan bahawa hanya penghijrah dari luar STM sahaja yang memainkan peranan penting dalam pembangunan ekonomi Semenanjung, khususnya semasa penjajahan British. Walhal, penghijrahan dalaman masyarakat Melayu adalah sangat penting dalam pembangunan ekonomi Semenanjung Tanah Melayu (STM) misalnya di Kerian, Perak. Hal ini kerana golongan penghijrah inilah yang sebenarnya memainkan peranan awal dalam pembangunan ekonomi Kerian, khususnya dalam penanaman padi sehingga menjadikan Kerian sebagai sebuah daerah penanaman padi yang utama bukan sahaja di Perak, tetapi juga di Negeri-Negeri Melayu Bersekutu (NNMB). Peranan penghijrah masyarakat Banjar sebaliknya hanya mulai signifikan selepas pembukaan Rancangan Pengairan Kerian, 1906. Sekalipun dengan kehadiran masyarakat Banjar ini, penghijrahan dalaman masyarakat Melayu terus berlaku dalam jumlah yang signifikan iaitu melebihi jumlah kemasukan penghijrah masyarakat Banjar di Kerian. Perbincangan artikel ini bermula dengan kemasukan British secara rasmi di Perak pada tahun 1874 dan berakhir pada tahun 1941 ekoran pendudukan Jepun. Sumber-sumber primer yang dirujuk bagi penulisan ini ialah rekod-rekod kolonial seperti Laporan Tahunan NNMB, Warta Kerajaan Negeri Perak dan Laporan Banci Penduduk.
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PATHOGENIC PSEUDOMONAS SPECIES FROM URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI)AND WOUNDS IN SAUDI ARABIA AT MAKKAH REGION
Authors:   M.Sc. Umm Al-QuraUniversity Faculty of Applied Sciences Department of Biology., Al-Zahrani Faisal , S. Dablool Anas ,   Public Health Department, Health Sciences College at Al-Leith, Umm Al-QuraUniversity, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Published: November 2023

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa(p.aeruginosa) is an opportunistic infection that causes severe urinary tract infection, it is well established That its common species in wound infection (chronic wound) is aeruginosa, here we studied the clinical isolates in urine and wound and their sensitivity pattern. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study aimed to isolate and characterizing the p. aeruginosa from urine and wound samples, 106 participants were enrolled for this study, patients under antibiotic and unconsented were excluded, bacteria were isolated with automated instrument, data was analyzed by SPSS V26, p.value<0.050 was considered significant data was expressed as percentage. Result: One hundred sex participants were enrolled for this study, n=77(72.64%) Saudi and n=29(27.35) was non-Saudi nationality. The male was n=56(52.83%), while female n=50(47.16%) study participants. We included the wound sample which comprises 49.05% and urine samples 50.94% table (1). Of 106 isolates of P. aeruginosa enrolled for this study, the overall drug resistance was moderate ranging from 6(5.66%) to 27(25.47%) to the all 13psudomonal antibiotic tested. Piperaquine is the lowest resistance in comparison to other antibiotics (5.66% p.value<0.050 while the ipeneme is the most resistant in comparison to the other 12 antibiotics 25.47% p.value<0.050. finally, the overall multiple drug resistance of P. aeruginosa was 16.11%. Conclusions: The clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa in urine and wound samples were moderate resistance further hospitals survey was required.
CREATION OF AN INTELLIGENT SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZING ELECTRICAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION FOR LIGHTING IN A BUILDING FOR DOMESTIC OR ADMINISTRATIVE USE
Authors:   EPO: Institute of Computer Engineering and Telecommunication Polytechnic, School of Ouagadougou/Burkina Faso., Rodrigue Kabore W. , Imbga B. Kossi ,   LETRE: Laboratory of Renewable Thermal Energy Joseph Ki-ZERBO University.,   LAREME: Laboratory of Research in Energetics and Meteorology, Norbert Zongo University., Emmanuel Ouedraogo ,   LETRE: Laboratory of Renewable Thermal Energy Joseph Ki-ZERBO University.
Published: November 2023

This article consists of the implementation of an intelligent system for the management and optimization of electrical energy consumption in a building for domestic or administrative use. Waste of energy is usually due to laziness, forgetfulness and ignorance.The systems that we have proposed in this part are solutions for optimizing the consumption of electrical energy for lighting. In the creation of these systems we used two kinds of microcontroller cards such as the Arduino card and the ESP8266 Wifi card to control our different sensors and system components.The solutions that we will put in place must manage the factors that lead to the waste of electrical energy in order to be able to manage and optimize the consumption of electrical energy. Our system is called intelligent because the entire lighting system can be done remotely by sending SMS.
DECOMPOSITION OF VOLATILE GASES AND WATER FROM TARFAYAOIL SHALE (MOROCCO) UNDER HYDROGEN.BEHAVIOR IN HETEROGENEOUS KINETICS
Authors:   DepartmentofChemistry,FacultyofSciencesBenmsikCasablanca,UniversityHassanIIMorocco., Attaoui Abdeljabbar
Published: November 2023

Volatile gases and oil shale water are the first constituents to decompose during hydropyrolysis (H2) in the dynamic regime. In this study we investigated the kinetics of this reaction for these compounds. In addition to TG (thermogravimetry), the Red-Croft (microthermobalance) also provides information on DTG (thermogravimetric derivative).By adopting the resolution of the Coast-Redfern approximation, we have given an approach to the activation energies for volatile gases (Ea1) and for water (Ea2). The bituminous layers chosen are the Z2 layer, which formed in the Cretaceous in a cold climate, and the Z3 layer (Cretaceous, Turonin), which formed in the warm climate(A.Attaoui et al: 2022).At a heating rate of 21Â°C/min, we noted for the Z2 layer:Ea (volatile gases)=27.31 kj/mole and Ea (water)=34 kj/mole and for Z3 we noted:Ea (volatile gases) = 27.34 kj/mol and Ea (water) = 32.9 kj/mol.
BIODENTINE V/S BIOSTRUCTURE MTA- THE BETTER ROOT END FILLING MATERIAL- CLINICAL CASE REPORT
Authors:   Sri Hasanamba Dental College and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India., Rudranaik Sandeep , Chickmagravalli Krishnegowda Sahadev ,   Sri Hasanamba Dental College and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India., Makonahalli Jaganath Bharath ,   Sri Hasanamba Dental College and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India., Bhat Harnad Amritha ,   Sri Hasanamba Dental College and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.
Published: November 2023

An ideal root end filling material is the one which is biocompatible, easy to handle, dimensionally stable ,radio opaque, set in the presence of wet environment, have good compressive strength, non staining, have adequate working time and must be antibacterial in nature. Newer materials have been introduced over the years and two such materials are Biostructure MTA and Biodentine. Both of them fulfil the criteria of an ideal root end filling material. So this case report compares the two materials and the post operative healing following the placement of the material.
Wetland water quality assessment of eco-engineered landscaping practices: a case study of constructed wetland parks in Hangzhou
Authors: Huang Yan , Li Tianjie , Jin Yang
Published: November 2023

Urban constructed water quality treatment (WQT) wetlands are often applied to be integrated with ecological engineered landscaping (EEL) measures for wastewater treatments. This study aims to identify the interrelationships between the hydrological factors and pollutant removal contributions of typical WQT wetlands at each WQT stage, i.e., subsurface flow wetlands (SSF), vertical flow wetlands (VF), free surface flow wetland (FSF), floating wetland island (FWI), aeration ponds (APs), and ornamental ponds (OPs) in four typical wetland parks in Hangzhou, China. Water quality indices (WQIs) of wetland parks have been monitored. Interactive comparisons and correlations between hydrological indicators and WQIs (i.e., pH, DO, NH3-N, CODCr, and TP) are developed, while the removal contribution of each WQI was explained. It is found that each stage had heterogeneous effects on wastewater treatment due to various geo-ecological factors, including hydraulic conditions, plant type, and microbial microenvironment, whereas the temperature of waterbodies affected WQT performances at full sites in all seasons. Three corresponding EEL guiding principles were derived, i.e., optimising the EEL measures, adapting planting methods, and incorporating multifunctional design and adaptive management. The findings will be helpful for improving the efficacy of WQT stages as one of the potential ecosystem services provided by wetland parks.
Construction of a rural water environment management system from the perspective of ecocivilization
Authors: Chen Feng
Published: November 2023

The ecological protection of rural water resources is not only related to people's living environment, but also affects their drinking water safety. Currently, the water environment in rural areas is severely polluted and lacks an effective management system. To improve the effectiveness and efficiency of rural water environment management and to improve the development of rural water resources, this paper conducts in-depth research and exploration on the construction of a rural water environment management system from the perspective of ecological civilization. This article first analyzes the causes, impacts, and current situation of rural water resource pollution. Then, from the perspective of ecological civilization, it analyzes the necessity of building a rural water environment management system, and explores measures to reform the rural water environment management system with the goal of maximizing water resource benefits. To verify the effectiveness of the management system, this article conducted comparative experiments on the construction of water environment management systems from three perspectives: water quality, water pollution level, and water resource utilization rate. The results show that compared with before construction, the water resource utilization rate after establishing a management system has increased by 32.4%.
CAML: Cryptographic-Based Cloud Security for Healthcare Data with Machine Learning Technique
Authors: M.H. Chaithra , S. Vagdevi
Published: November 2023

Background:

The Cloud model is one of the most realistic frameworks with a vast
range of social networking interactions. In medical data, security is a major constraint as it incorporates information about the patients. The cloud environment subjected to mobility and openness
is exposed to security issues and limits authorization levels for data transmission.

Objective:

This paper aims to propose a security model for attack prevention within the healthcare
environment.

Method:

The proposed Cryptographic Attribute-based Machine Learning (CAML) scheme incorporates three stages. Initially, the homomorphic encryption escrow is performed for secure data
transmission in the cloud. Secondly, the information of the users is evaluated based on the consideration of users' authorization. The authorization process for the users is carried out with the attribute-based ECC technique. Finally, the ML model with the classifier is applied for the detection
and classification of attacks in the medical network.

Results:

The detected attack is computed and processed with the CNN model. Simulation analysis
is performed for the proposed CAML with conventional ANN, CNN, and RNN models. The simulation analysis of proposed CAML achieves a higher accuracy of 0.96 while conventional SVM,
RF, and DT achieve an accuracy of 0.82, 0.89 and 0.93, respectively.

Conclusion:

Conclusion: With the analysis, it is concluded that the proposed CAML model achieves higher
classification accuracy for attack detection and prevention in the cloud computing environment.
Assessment of Panoramic Radiograph Errors: An Evaluation of Patient Preparation and Positioning Quality at Soelastri Dental and Oral Hospital
Authors: Suparno Nilasary Rochmanita , Faizah Ariyani , Nafisah Ahda Nasfa
Published: November 2023

Background:

Dental radiography is an important component of comprehensive patient care. One of the most frequently used extraoral radiographic techniques is panoramic radiography. Panoramic radiographs lose value when the quality of the diagnostic radiographs is poor. In their application, there are still many errors that occur in panoramic radiographs.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the quality and frequency of panoramic radiograph errors due to patient preparation and positioning errors at the Soelastri Dental and Oral Hospital, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (RSGM Soelastri UMS), Indonesia.

Methods:

This type of research is descriptive, quantitative, observational, and takes a retrospective approach. A total of 312 panoramic radiographs of patients at RSGM Soelastri UMS from January to December 2021 who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were taken at random stages and evaluated. Radiographs were compared with ideal quality, given a National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) rating, and the frequency of errors that occurred was evaluated.

Results:

The most common rating obtained on panoramic radiographs in this study was 2 of 173 (55.45%). The frequency of preparation errors was 1.22%, while the frequency of patient position errors was 98.78%. The highest patient position error was not placing the tongue on the palate, which was 49.68%.

Conclusion:

The quality of panoramic radiographs at RSGM Soelastri UMS in the period from January–December 2021 generally has a rating of 2, according to the NRPB, and there are still errors in patient preparation and positioning.