bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying the Effect of Annealing Temperature and Thickness on Electrical Properties of PZT Films Prepared by Sol-Gel Technique
Authors: Gatea Hamed Alwan , Hachim Faten K.
Published: March 2023

Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) film was synthesized by sol-gel technique on a silicon substrate. The raw materials used to synthesize the solution of PZT consist of lead acetate, zirconate nitrate and titanate (IV) isopropoxide and 2methoxy ethanol is used as a stabilizer for Ti structure. Acetic acid is the solvent used to solve lat acetate and zirconate nitrate. The XRD pattern of the sample shows that the film has a tetragonal phase with a perovskite structure. FESEM revealed the surface morphologies and the cross-section of the film. The different thicknesses of film and annealing temperatures are investigated in this work. The dielectric constant was measured at 1 kHz, PZT films have a dielectric constant value ( 312-552 ) and a dielectric loss (0.02-0.08) at ambient temperature. Keywords: PZT film; Lead zirconated titanate; ferroelectric properties; dielectric constant.
Effects of La+3 and Sc+3 Ions on Structure and Microstructure of PZT Ceramics for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Al-Aaraji Mohammed Naji , Hasan Wisam Naji , Al-Marzoki Kutaiba
Published: March 2023

Solid solutions of PZT ceramic at Zr/Ti ratio of 0.56/0.44 having various content of softener (La+3) and hardener (Sc+3) ions according to chemical formula (Pb1-y Lay) (Scx Zr0.56-x Ti0.44) O3, [y= (0.0 and 0.02); x= (0.02, 0.04 and 0.06)], were prepared via conventional solid state reaction methods. Structural and microstructural characteristics were investigated systematically. The measurements of XRD diffraction spectra showed occurring of phase transformation after doping with Sc+3 ions in both, PZT and PLZT ceramics, through emerging of tetragonal phase to coexist with the rhombohedral phase. Their fraction varied depending on content of Sc+3 ions. SEM mages display a different influence of softener and hardener ions, at 0.02 % mole, on the grain size. Doping with La+3 causes reduction in grain size, whereas Sc+3 increase the grain size. However, further increase in Sc+3 content in both (PZT and PZT) ceramics causes sharp decreasing in grain size. The latter feature is preferable in terms of increasing in the energy storage values.
Laryngotracheal injuries: case series and review of literature
Authors: Widanage W. H. U. P.
Published: March 2023

Laryngotracheal injuries are rare presentation to the emergency room which can potentially carry high mortality and morbidity rate if not identified and managed appropriately. Here we present a series of three patients presented with laryngotracheal injuries and managed successfully at a base hospital in Sri Lanka between march 2021 and august 2022.
Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma arising from nasal cavity: A Rare Case
Authors: Hettiarachchi K. S. , Thuduvage V. S. , Perera R. N. A. , Dissanayake H. T. R. W. , Wickramarathna K. B. M. , Widanage W. K. D. M. , Dumingoarachchi D.
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Epithelial Hemangioendothelioma is an uncommon malignancy of soft tissues, mostly occur in females in their 4th and 5th decades of life. It is very rare to occur in nasal cavity and prone to have local recurrences and distant metastasis. Here we present a 37 year old male patient with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in nasal cavity with extension to the surrounding structures.
Case report: Patient presented to University Hospital - Kotelawala Defense University with a history of right side nasal obstruction, facial pain and headache. Imaging studies showed large focal lesion with extension to the surrounding structures and impending intracranial extension. Endoscopy and neuronavigator guided tumor excision done and histopathology report came as epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.
Conclusion: Radical local excision is the key important step in the management of Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.
Pediatric primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a comparison of treatment at pediatric surgery vs. thoracic surgery departments
Authors: Miscia Maria Enrica , Castellano Maria , Chiarini Stella , Lauriti Giuseppe , Casaccia Marco , Lelli Chiesa Pierluigi , Lisi Gabriele
Published: March 2023

Management of pediatric Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (PSP) is controversial and based on guidelines on adults. Therapeutic strategies include: observation, needle aspiration, chest drain, or surgery. We aimed to assess: i) differences in the management of PSP in pediatric vs. adult departments; ii) risk of recurrence associated to each therapeutic choice; iii) management of “large” pneumothorax (i.e. >3cm at the apex on chest X-Ray); iv) role of CT scan in addressing the treatment. We reviewed all PSP treated at Pediatric Surgery Unit (PSU) and Thoracic Surgery Unit for adults (TSU) in a 10-year period (2011 to 2020). We included a total of 42 PSP: 30/42 1st episodes and 12/42 recurrences. Among the 30/42 1st episodes, 15/30 were managed in the PSU and 15/30 in the TSU. Observation was significantly most common among PSU patients (9/15, 60%) vs. TSU cases (1/15, 6.7%; p=0.005]. Chest drain placement was reduced in PSU (3/15, 20%) vs. TSU (12/15, 80%; p=0.002). Observational was associated with a reduced risk of recurrence (0/10, 0%) compared to chest drain (7/15, 46.7%; p=0.01). Management of 20/42 “large” pneumothorax was: 4/20 (20%) observation, 10/20 (50%) chest drain, 2/20 (10%) needle aspiration, 4/20 (20%) surgery. Twentythree/ 29 PSP (79.3%) underwent CT-scan after the first episode. Bullae were detected in 17/23 patients and 5/17 (29.4%) had seven episodes of recurrence. PSP patients treated by PSU were more likely to receive clinical observation. Those managed by TSU were mostly treated by chest drain. Observation seems an effective choice for clinically stable PSP, with low risk of recurrence at a mid-term follow-up. CT-scan seems not to detect those patients at higher risk of recurrence.
Evaluation of respiratory exchange ratio (RER) for predicting postoperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing oncological resection for gastrointestinal malignancies – A prospective cohort study
Authors: Padhy Shibani , Gurajala Indira , Durga Padmaja , Kar Akhya Kumar , Doppalapudi Manjeera , Pranay P
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims:

Predicting complications after major oncosurgery is particularly daunting in the elderly subcategory of patients owing to factors like preexisting age-related immune cellular senescence and a significant imbalance of oxygen delivery (DO2) and consumption (VO2) characteristic of major oncological surgeries. The respiratory exchange ratio (RER) indicates DO2–VO2balance and onset of anaerobic metabolism. We evaluated the ability of RER in predicting the occurrence of postoperative complications following geriatric oncosurgery.

Materials and Methods:

In the study, we enrolled 96 patients aged 65 years and above undergoing definitive surgery for gastrointestinal malignancy. The RER was calculated at predefined time points by a non-volumetric method from the respiratory parameters as RER = (end-tidal fractional carbon dioxide [FetCO2] – fraction of inspired carbon dioxide [FiCO2]/fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO2] – end-tidal fractional oxygen [FetO2]). Other indices of tissue perfusion, like central venous oxygen saturation and lactate levels, were also recorded. The patients were followed up for postsurgical complications. The predictive value of RER and other perfusion parameters was assessed and compared by appropriate statistical methods.

Results:

The patients who sustained major complications had a higher RER than the patients who did not sustain complications (1.47 ± 0.99 vs. 0.90 ± 0.31,P= 0.001). An intraoperative cutoff value of RER ≥0.89 was found to best predict postoperative complications at a specificity and sensitivity rate of 81.2% and 76%, respectively. End-operative partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) gap of >5.2 mm and elevated arterial lactate could also predict postsurgical complications in this age group.

Conclusion:

The RER can serve as a noninvasive, real-time and sensitive indicator of tissue hypoperfusion and postoperative complications in geriatric gastrointestinal oncosurgery.
Screening for carriers of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae in critical care units
Authors: Raju Kevin Thevarmadam , Kuruvilla Thomas S. , Joseph Sharon
Published: March 2023

Background:

The increasing cases of carbapenemase resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) across the world is a cause of concern. Asymptomatic carriage of CRE in critical care units is a menace to infection control.

Aims:

This study determines the carriage rate of CRE in patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICU's) and evaluates the potential risk factors, leading to colonization in patients with CRE.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty rectal swabs from patients in the ICU's were screened for carriage of CRE. The samples were inoculated onto ChromID CARBA SMART bi-plate. The organisms showing color appearances as per the manufacturer's instructions were considered as CRE. Routine disk diffusion technique was also employed and CRE was defined as an organism belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family which was resistant to either imipenem or meropenem.

Results:

The organisms isolated were identified and the percentage of carriage of carbapenem-resistant organisms was 12 (20%), of which Klebsiella pneumoniae was 4 (33.3%), Escherichia coli 6 (50%), Citrobacter freundii 1 (8.3%), and Enterobacter spp. 1 (8.3%). Out of these, 2 (3.3%) showed OXA 48 type resistance seen with K. pneumoniae and E. coli. Prior hospitalization, the use of high-end antibiotics and patients who have undergone surgeries were the most common potential risk factors for colonization with CRE.

Conclusion:

The prompt detection of CRE by routine screening using cost-effective methods and reduction of potential risk factors for gut colonization reduce the transmission of drug resistance in any hospital setting and pave the way for better antibiotic stewardship and appropriate contact isolation precautions.
La Bataille de Kirholm d’Henri Krasiński et le roman historique transnational polono-français à l’époque romantique
Authors: Szczur Przemysław
Published: March 2023

Bataille de Kirholm by Henri Krasiński and the transnational Polish-French historical novel in the Romantic era The author of the article proposes an interpretation of the novel Bataille de Kirholm by Henri Krasiński through the notions of francophony, migration and transnationalism. He analyzes the authorial posture adopted by the writer, based on his migrant status, but also the poetics of his text, based on the transposition into French of Polish historical, cultural and linguistic elements. He thus intends to underline the interest of a little-known literary phenomenon, that of historical novels with Polish subject, published in the Romantic era by French-speaking Polish authors.
« Les envers d’un échec » : le cas d’Amos ou les fausses espérances d’Anna Langfus
Authors: Jakubczuk Renata
Published: March 2023

“The flipside of an error”: The case of Amos or False Hopes by Anna Langfus

The current article is a preliminary sketch of the study of recurring motives found in the dramatic works of Anna Langfus. After a short presentation of the profile of the writer and the role of the theater in her life, we look into an unpublished play Amos ou les fausses espérances / Amos or False Hopes (1961). The concept of “patterns of transitivity”, proposed by Jean-Pierre Richard in Onze études sur la poésie moderne / Eleven Studies on Modern Poetry, is guiding our reading of Langfus’ play in this context.
Od Za grzechy do Bezdomnych. Aleksander Marten (1898–1942?), artysta żydowskiej i polskiej kinematografii dźwiękowej
Authors: Włodek Roman
Published: March 2023

From Al Khet (For the Sins) to On a Heym (Without a Home): Aleksander Marten (1898–1942?), a Filmmaker of Jewish and Polish Sound Cinematography Mordka Matys Tenenbaum (1898–1942?), also known as Aleksander Marten, is one of the least known Yiddish filmmakers. After ending his theatrical career in Germany and Austria, he went on to direct a Yiddish film Al khet (For the Sins) in Warsaw (1936). It was a melodramatic family story which brought him success and recognition both in Poland and in the diaspora, thus becoming the starting point of the so-called “golden age of Jewish cinema.” It was then that, among others, the following films were made: Yiddle with His Fiddle (Yidl mit’n fidl, dir. Joseph Green and Jan Nowina-Przybylski, 1936), The Handshake (Tkies kaf, dir. Henryk Szaro, 1937), The Dybbuk (Der Dibuk, dir. Michał Waszyński, 1937), and A Little Letter to Mother (A brivele der mamen, dir. Green and Leon Trystan, 1938). Marten, however, chose a different path. Following the example of filmmakers who worked both in Polish and Yiddish cinema, i.e., Szaro, Konrad Tom, Trystan, and Waszyński, the next year he decided to try his hand at Polish film, directing a sensational drama What Women Dream Of (O czym marzą kobiety). It bore a close resemblance, almost shot by shot, to the German film Was Frauen träumen (1933). In 1939, his other film Without a Home (On a heym) had its premiere. It was a drama about Jewish immigrants who struggled to adapt to new living conditions in America. It was also the last Yiddish film made in inter-war Poland.
Surveillance and Security in Immigrant Detention Centres in Poland. An Overview of Key Technologies and Practices
Authors: Stępka Maciej
Published: March 2023

Guarded Centres for Foreigners are the key instrument of detention policy in Poland. They are often considered as one of the key and at the same time most secretive forms of securitization and criminalization of foreigners. With panoptical practices of (in)direct observation and robust electronic surveillance the centres are tasked with containing and producing a (self)disciplined, knowable, governable and deportable immigrant, who can be swiftly expelled from the Polish territory. Building on ethnographic research, including interviews and photographic material, this article explores specific practices and technologies of surveillance in Polish detention centres by describing and discussing how they are deployed by detention personnel. It overviews different types of direct surveillance (e.g direct observation, counting, inspection), at the same time discussing the role of monitoring technologies, which have significantly influenced the practices and spaces of detention. The article concludes that further development of electronic surveillance in the Polish guarded centres may be inevitable and lead to further “panopticonization” of detention in Poland.
Ochrona antyterrorystyczna obiektów użyteczności publicznej oraz infrastruktury krytycznej przed atakami z wykorzystaniem pojazdów mechanicznych
Authors: Jaźwiński Jarosław
Published: March 2023

Wykorzystywanie pojazdów jako narzędzi w atakach terrorystycznych, do których doszło w ostatnich kilku latach, spowodowało, że coraz częściej zaczęto stosować blokady antyterrorystyczne wokół budynków infrastruktury krytycznej oraz w przestrzeniach publicznych. Proces ten postępuje wraz ze wzrostem świadomości i wiedzy decydentów o istnieniu tego rodzaju zagrożeń. Z powodu różnorodności urządzeń wykorzystywanych do ochrony przed atakami ich dobór nie jest rzeczą oczywistą, a także nie są to rozwiązania łatwe w realizacji. W artykule autor podejmuje próbę opisu zaistnienia ryzyka dla obiektów infrastruktury krytycznej ze strony pojazdów drogowych użytych jako broń do prze- prowadzenia ataków. Opisuje możliwości zapobiegania tego typu zdarzeniom i rekomenduje rozwiązania pomocne przy projektowaniu i wykonaniu systemów zewnętrznego bezpieczeństwa budynków. Wskazówki zawarte w artykule mogą być źródłem wiedzy dla osób odpowiedzialnych za bezpieczeństwo obiektów, jednak oprócz podstaw teoretycznych w projektowaniu bezpieczeństwa zewnętrznego obiektów niezbędne jest przeprowadzenie każdorazowo specjalistycznej oceny ryzyka, realizowanej przez kwalifikowanego konsultanta.

Anti-terrorist protection of public facilities and critical infrastructure against attacks with motor vehicles

The use of vehicles as tools for terrorist attacks, which has been occurring over the past few years, has led to the increasing use of anti-terrorist blockades around critical infrastructure buildings and in public spaces. This process has progressed as awareness and knowledge of the existence of this type of threat has increased among decision-makers. The variety of devices used to protect against attacks and their selection is not obvious and easy to implement. In this article, the author attempts to describe the occurrence of risks to critical infrastructure facilities from road vehicles used as weapons to carry out attacks. He describes the possibilities of preventing this type of event and recommends solutions to help in the design and implementation of external building security systems. The guidelines contained in the article can be a source of knowledge for those responsible for the security of facilities, but in addition to the theoretical basis in the design of external security of facilities, it is necessary in each case to carry out a specialised risk assessment, carried out by a qualified consultant.
Anders Behring Breivik. Studium przypadku skrajnie prawicowego terrorysty – samotnego wilka (część 2)
Authors: Izak Krzysztof
Published: March 2023

W części drugiej artykułu poświęconego casusowi Andersa Behringa Breivika autor odpowiada na pytania, czy istniała możliwość zapobieżenia atakowi, jaki miał on wpływ na nastroje społeczne, charakter zmian wprowadzonych w polityce bezpieczeństwa wewnętrznego w Norwegii oraz na sprawność działania służb bezpieczeństwa tego państwa. Analizuje ponadto działania Breivika pod kątem spełnienia przez niego kryteriów terrorysty samotnego wilka, jak również opisuje ataki terrorystyczne przygotowywane bądź przeprowadzone przez jego naśladowców.

Anders Behring Breivik. A case study of a far-right terrorist – a lone wolf (Part II)

In the second part of the article on the case of Anders Behring Breivik, the author answers the questions of whether the attack could have been prevented and what impact it had on public sentiment, the nature of the changes to internal security policy in Norway and the performance of the country’s security services. In addition, he analyses Breivik’s actions in terms of whether he meets the criteria of a lone wolf terrorist, as well as describing terrorist attacks prepared or carried out by his imitators.
Anti-terrorist protection of public facilities and critical infrastructure against attacks with motor vehicles
Authors: Jaźwiński Jarosław
Published: March 2023

The use of vehicles as tools for terrorist attacks, which has been occurring over the past few years, has led to the increasing use of anti-terrorist blockades around critical infrastructure buildings and in public spaces. This process has progressed as awareness and knowledge of the existence of this type of threat has increased among decision-makers. The variety of devices used to protect against attacks and their selection is not obvious and easy to implement. In this article, the author attempts to describe the occurrence of risks to critical infrastructure facilities from road vehicles used as weapons to carry out attacks. He describes the possibilities of preventing this type of event and recommends solutions to help in the design and implementation of external building security systems. The guidelines contained in the article can be a source of knowledge for those responsible for the security of facilities, but in addition to the theoretical basis in the design of external security of facilities, it is necessary in each case to carry out a specialised risk assessment, carried out by a qualified consultant.
Determining Regression Models for Photosynthesis and Stomatal Resistance as Affected by Temperature and Light Intensity in Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill.) and Eggplant (Solanum Melongena L.) Grown in Glasshouses
Authors: ÖZKARAMAN Fikret
Published: March 2023

This study was carried out to examine the relationships between net leaf photosynthesis and temperature and light intensity, between stomatal resistance and temperature and light intensity in tomato and aubergine grown with a range temperature from 10 to 30 °C and different light intensities from 3 to 7 MJm-2 d-1. The study was carried out in a six-compartment greenhouse (size 4 m * 8 m), the temperature of which can be controlled by air conditioning, on tomato and eggplant plants. Each of the six greenhouse compartments was set to have maximum temperatures of 10, 12, 16, 18, 20 and 24 °C. Commercial varieties named "Counter" for tomato and "Bonica" for eggplant were used. "Fisons M2" commercial compost was used in all growing media and nutrient was applied equally. In the study, different sowing and planting dates were applied to benefit from natural light conditions (between 3 and 7 MJm-2d-1). Average temperature in each compartment was recorded using a 'Combine' data logger at 15 minute intervals. A porometer (Delta-T device, MT -3) was used to measure the stomatal resistance of tomato and eggplant leaves. The stomatal resistance measurements of the plants were made at the same time of the day (between 11.00-13.00) at 15-day intervals at the top, middle and lower levels of the crown of four different plants in different environmental conditions. In tomato, leaf photosynthesis increased curvilinearly with temperatures up to about 20.5 °C at low light intensity and declined at higher temperatures. The highest photosynthesis was obtained from the plants grown at a temperature of 22.5 °C and 7 MJm-2d-1 light intensity. The lowest photosynthesis was at 10 °C and 3 MJm-2d-1. In aubergine, at low light intensities, net photosynthesis increased curvilinearly up to 23 °C while it increased up to 20 °C at high light intensities and declined at higher temperatures. Maximum net leaf photosynthesis was found to be greater in tomato than aubergine.
A note on gray whale distribution and abundance in the Magdalena Bay Complex, México during the 1997 winter season
Authors: Perez-Cortez M. Hector , Urban R. Jorge , Loreto C. Pablo A.
Published: March 2023

The goal of this study was to determine the distribution and abundance of gray whales, distinguishing between cow-calf pairs and single whales, in the different areas forming the Magdalena Bay Complex at Baja California Sur, Mexico. The lagoon complex comprises three well-defined zones: Santo Domingo Channel or Puerto Adolfo López Mateos region in the north; the central part properly known as Magdalena Bay; and the southern portion, Almejas Bay. The study period spanned eight weeks during the 1997 winter season. Fifteen surveys were conducted: 5 at Santo Domingo Channel, 7 at Magdalena Bay and 3 at Almejas Bay. Maximum combined counts by area and date were as follows: Santo Domingo Channel: 100 whales (83 cow-calf pairs and 17 single whales) on 27 February; Magdalena Bay: 81 whales (9 cow-calf pairs and 72 singles) on 14 February; and Almejas Bay: 109 whales (15 cow-calf pairs and 94 single whales) on 28 February. Santo Domingo Channel was the main calving zone within the lagoon complex and had the highest number of cow-calf pairs; for every count in this zone the number of cow-calf pairs was always higher than that of single whales. In contrast, Magdalena and Almejas Bays were mainly used for courtship and mating, or aggregation areas for young and immature whales. It is recommended that these studies continue and attempt to cover the entire season, and complete even coverage of all areas within the Complex. This will allow more effective management and regulation of human activities affecting gray whales within the Magdalena Bay lagoon complex.
Interactions between common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and the artisanal fishery in Asinara Island National Park (Sardinia): assessment of catch damage and economic loss
Authors: Lauriano G. , Fortuna C. M. , Moltedo G. , Notarbartolo Di Sciara G.
Published: March 2023

In 1999, the Italian Central Institute for Applied Marine Research (ICRAM), in response to reports made by local fisheries, began a study into the interactions between common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and the artisanal fishery in the Asinara Island National Park (Sardinia). Using onboard observers, fishing boat surveys were carried out to determine the frequency of interactions, variations in the catch of target species and damage to two different types of trammel net caused by dolphins. Interactions occurred primarily with trammel nets targetting striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus; the less valuable peacock wrasse, Simphodus tinca, was also caught). Interactions also occurred with trammel nets set for lobster (Palinurus elephas), cuttlefish (Sepia spp.) and scorpionfish (Scorpaena spp.), but these were considered negligible. The target species, catch and damage inflicted on the catch was recorded, both in the presence and absence of dolphins, in an effort to ascertain associated damage and economic cost. Loss of catch was found to be significant only in the case of nets deployed during the red striped mullet fishing season. Although the level of interaction was high relative to the narrow red striped mullet fishery season, the overall economic impact on the fishing community was found to be modest. The presence and regulations of the national park area may provide an opportunity for investigating mitigation activities compatible with both cetacean conservation and the maintenance of the traditional fisheries.
Stratification of lipids, fatty acids and organochlorine contaminants in blubber of white whales and killer whales
Authors: Krahn Margaret M. , Herman David P. , Ylitalo Gina M. , Sloan Catherine A. , Burrows Douglas G. , Hobbs Roderick C. , Mahoney Barbara A. , Yanagida Gladis K. , Calambokidis John , Moore Sue E.
Published: March 2023

The biopsy 2 via dart, trocar or surgery 2 is becoming the preferred protocol for sampling skin and blubber of many cetacean species, because a small sample from a healthy animal may provide better information than a larger sample collected via necropsy from an ill or emaciated animal. Furthermore, the biopsy is often the only means of obtaining samples (e.g. for threatened or endangered species). Because biopsy darts collect only a small sample of tissue 2 and blubber can be heterogeneous in structure and composition 2 it is essential to compare the results obtained from biopsies to those found by analysing full-thickness blubber samples obtained via necropsy. This manuscript compares blubber stratification in two odontocete species, white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) and killer whales (Orcinus orca). Five parameters (i.e. lipid percent and classes, contaminant concentrations and profiles, fatty acid profiles) were measured by blubber depth. Results of these comparisons strongly suggest that biopsy results must be interpreted with caution and in conjunction with results from species-specific blubber depth profiling. For example, lipid classes measured in biopsy samples of white whales and killer whales were similar to those for equivalent-depth samples obtained by necropsy. In addition, lipid-adjusted contaminant concentrations measured in dart or trocar samples adequately represented those obtained by necropsy of both species. Conversely, the lipid content in biopsy samples was lower than that found in same-depth necropsied samples due to loss of lipid during sampling. Also, because of the high level of fatty acid stratification observed, fatty acid profiles from the outer blubber layer collected via biopsy from both species are less likely than the metabolically active inner layer to be useful in determining the prey species consumed by these odontocetes. This study demonstrates, for white and killer whales, that properly interpreted results from blubber biopsies can provide valuable information about the body condition, health and life history of individual animals.
A note on the friction of different ropes in right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) baleen: an entanglement model
Authors: Cavatorta Derek , Starczak Victoria , Prada Kenneth , Moore Michael
Published: March 2023

Entanglement in fishing gear, particularly fixed trap, constitutes a significant source of North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) mortality. Entanglements may initiate with rope fouling baleen plates before snagging other appendages. Low friction between rope and baleen may minimise the risk of a sustained, progressive entanglement. The friction of eight different rope types against right whale baleen was examined by measuring the tension as each rope was pulled through two baleen plates held underwater. Polypropylene rope generated less friction with the baleen than all other fibres tested, including nylon, polyester, and commercial sinking line (a polypropylene/polyester blend). Thus, new commercial floating line (3-strand polypropylene) generates less friction than new commercial sinking line, both of which are commonly used in the fixed gear industry. Therefore, minimising rope friction should be one of the design parameters for whale-safe fixed fishing gear. Further study is required on the impact of rope aging, mouth closing and operator safety before recommendations can be made to industry.
A preliminary note on population structure in eastern South Pacific common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus
Authors: Sanino G. Paolo , Waerebeek Koen Van , Bressem Marie-Francoise Van , Pastene Luis A.
Published: March 2023

Previous studies of eastern South Pacific common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, defined offshore and inshore ecotypes in Peru based on cranial and tooth morphology, documented the presence of a single resident inshore community (‘pod-R’) in central-north Chile, and confirmed the presence of offshore bottlenose dolphins off Chile. Here, mtDNA control region (331bp) was examined to evaluate genetic relationships between four geographic areas: inshore pod-R (n=8), Chilean offshore population (n=8), Peruvian inshore (n=3) and offshore (n=12) ecotypes. This is the first genetic analysis of T. truncatus in this ocean basin. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the three Peruvian specimens morphologically identified as inshore ecotype in an independent cluster, supported by 100% bootstrap value. The net genetic distance between Peruvian inshore and Peruvian offshore ecotypes was estimated at 2.9%, and even higher when compared with Chilean bottlenose dolphins. Morphological and mtDNA evidence combined argues for considering inshore and offshore ecotypes as evolutionary significant units, to be managed accordingly. Despite its inshore behavioural ecology, pod-R presented a high divergence from the Peruvian inshore ecotype and a relatively closer affinity with the Chilean offshore stock (3.41% and 0.87% net interpopulational distance, respectively). However, homogeneity tests showed significant genetic differences of pod-R with all other groups, including Chilean offshore. This, combined with a low nucleotide diversity (0.0069) and behavioural observations, suggest that pod-R may be reproductively isolated and active protection measures are recommended. Only one haplotype from a total of 21 was shared by Peruvian and Chilean offshore animals. Their net genetic distance was estimated at 0.024 and no significant differences were found in haplotype frequencies, suggesting a single, wide-ranging ‘Peru-Chile offshore stock’.
A note on a pygmy right whale (Caperea marginata) sighting in the southwestern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Matsuoka Koji , Pitman Robert L. , Marquez Fernanda F. C.
Published: March 2023

There are no previously published sightings of pygmy right whales (Caperea marginata) from the southwest Pacific Ocean. This note reports a sighting of 14 pygmy right whales approximately 445km southeast of Christchurch, New Zealand, at 17:30 on 5 January 2001 (46°26’S, 177°18’E). No cow-calf pairs were observed. Although feeding was not directly observed, several animals defecated during the observation period. The faeces were bright red and formed into small red clumps that bobbed at the water’s surface which implies that the whales had recently been feeding in the immediate area. It appears that pygmy right whales may aggregate at the Sub-tropical Convergence during the austral summer and that this area may represent an important feeding ground.
Observations of cetaceans in the Maldives, 1990-2002
Authors: Anderson R. Charles
Published: March 2023

Cetaceans observed in Maldivian waters were recorded during the period August 1990 to June 2002, from both vessels-of-opportunity and dedicated cetacean-watching cruises. A total of 1,829 cetacean sightings were recorded during 535 days at sea (equivalent to 261 standardised days). There were 83 multispecies sightings, plus a further 58 sightings without associated effort data and 129 strandings were recorded by the author and others, making a total of 2,108 cetacean records. In all, 20 different species were positively identified from sightings. Spinner dolphins were the most abundant species seen, accounting for 35% of sightings and 53% of numbers. This species showed a clear diurnal pattern of behaviour, with many schools entering the atolls in the early morning, and leaving in the late afternoon. Spinner dolphins regularly occurred with pantropical spotted dolphins and both species associated with yellowfin tuna. Bryde’s whales also associated with yellowfin tuna and appeared to be most common in Maldivian waters during El Niño Southern Oscillation events. Blue whales were only recorded during November to April. Dwarf sperm whales were especially difficult to locate in rough weather but relatively common, making up one sixth of all sightings in flat-calm conditions. Melon-headed whales were particularly common in the south of the Maldives, but rare in the centre and north. Other species recorded were humpback whale, sperm whale, rough-toothed dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, striped dolphin, Fraser’s dolphin, pygmy killer whale, false killer whale, killer whale, short-finned pilot whale, Blainville’s beaked whale, Longman’s beaked whale and Cuvier’s beaked whale.
Impact of Inadequate Food Supply on Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Angola
Authors: Manuel Adelina
Published: March 2023

Purpose: The study sought to analyze the impact of inadequate food supply on tourism and hospitality industry in Angola

Methodology: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.

Findings: The results show that food safety is important for the wellbeing and safety of hotel guests. Application of standard food safety systems, compliance to food safety system and implementation of food safety system impact the provision of safe food in hotels. From the study findings, it was concluded that application of standard Food safety systems, compliance to food safety system and implementation of food safety system impact the provision of safe food in hotels. Empirical findings revealed that mid- and low-tier hotels found the increases in commodity prices challenging and thus employed innovative methods to combat rising food costs. High-tier hotels were more concerned about satisfying customers' needs by maintaining high-quality food products and services.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The theory of change and Maslow hierarchy of hotel expectations theory may be used to anchor future studies in the tourism sector. The study results will also benefit other stakeholders such as the policy makers as well as researchers and scholars from different parts of the world. The top management hospitality in the country will also use the study findings to improve tourism performance in all their activities and programs. The study recommends that the adoption of effective social protection development policies in tourism will help to improve efficiency in their major operations and activities.
Analysis of Adolescent Barriers in Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues
Authors: Bhagavathi Prisha , Vitone Tyler
Published: March 2023

Although previous research has hypothesized that barriers such as misconceptions and shame associated with mental health would hinder not only university students but younger adolescents as well, there has not been a systematic review that explores this topic in depth. In this study, we looked at four major kinds of barriers that adolescents face in seeking help for mental issues. The lack of mental health literacy is a general problem of society at large and this affects adolescents too. Another common issue arises from the stigma and negative attitudes and beliefs associated with mental health issues. Apart from these two issues, something specific to adolescents was the unique situation of adolescents not having complete control over where they received mental health like at school or through the intervention of guardians. This leads to confidentiality and trust issues that are unique to adolescent lives. Other practical barriers that were uncovered like cost and logistics issues are also captured. With this analysis, this paper also discusses solutions that may be effective in overcoming these barriers.
A Study on the Impact of COVID-19 on Adolescent Food Insecurity: How Adolescent Food Insecurity is associated with Future Food Insecurity
Authors: Song Hyun Joon , Kim Sujin
Published: March 2023

The intention of this study was to determine the significance of transformations in adolescent food insecurity following the outbreak of COVID-19, and to investigate the possible effects that adolescent food insecurity has on the future. The data was compiled from an open-source network regarding adolescent food insecurity from January 2019 to December 2021. To further study the implications of adolescent food insecurity, I implemented a qualitative research design and focused on statistical data provided by the USDA’s Economic Research Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To accurately estimate the number of residents experiencing food insecurity in the United States, the USDA ERS uses publicized data from the U.S. Census Bureau of Labor Statistics to research the factors contributing to food insecurity. From the statistical data released by the USDA ERS in September 2021, it is evident that the pandemic caused an increase in food insecurity across the nation. But when looking closer at the age discrepancy of the research, it is evident that adolescents are understudied compared to younger children and adults. However, adolescents’ vulnerability to food insecurity makes it imperative to conduct deeper research on food insecurity for their age group. The socioeconomic and demographic indicators used by the USDA and CDC to analyze food insecurity are low income, health issues, education level, Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program status, race disparities, and urbanization. To analyze the factors influencing adolescent food insecurity in the United States, it is necessary to examine the meaning of these indicators.
A Novel Method of Transit Detection Using Parallel Processing and Machine Learning
Authors: Haider Zarar
Published: March 2023

Ultra-short-period (USP) planets are rare Earth-sized planets with the shortest possible orbital periods  of all known planets. The study of this group is important for investigating planet formation and evolution processes. To date, only slightly over 100 USPs have been detected in Kepler  photometry data of nearby FGKM dwarfs. However, traditional methods used in detecting planets and transit-like events are often biased, inefficient and time-consuming. For the first time, we introduce a GPU fast phase folding technique coupled with a Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN) specifically used for searching for USP planets. The DCNN is trained on a set of 2,000,000 synthetic USP samples and performs exceedingly well in identifying both true and false positive transit signals, with a 99.5% validation accuracy over the given training set. With the computational power provided by GPU fast phase folding, our method, compared to the traditional Box Least Squares method, has shown to be ~1000 times faster in searching for transit signals in a photometric light curve with the same or better precision and recall rate. Furthermore, our method can also be applied to other interesting planet populations beyond USP planets. We used this method to search through all available KIDs in the Kepler database and were able to reproduce all existing USP planets with a 100% recovery rate. We also discuss how further adjustments can be made, making this system even more efficient and powerful, as well as how it can be applied to broader planet populations.
Mathematical Ranking of AI Classifiers Using Confusion Matrix and Matthews Correlation Coefficient
Authors: Bhamidipati Anshuman
Published: March 2023

This research primarily deals with mathematically ranking the level of accuracy of various Artificial Intelligence (AI) based machine learning classifiers, using Mathews Correlation Coefficient (MCC), leveraging Confusion Matrices. A detailed Literature survey was done to gather the existing knowledge. This knowledge was used as foundational basis to further build the scope of this research project. The classifiers used were Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). These classifiers were used for Face recognition of individuals. A total of 33 adult test subjects with 10 images per subject resulting in a total of 330 distinct images were part of this research project. These test subjects were from the Labeled Faces in The Wild publicly available database along with teachers from James B. Conant High School who voluntarily participated in this research. Python based face recognition program wrappers and associated environment was built around pre-existing classifiers and the image data was passed to these wrappers. These wrappers recognized the faces of individuals in the images over 10 trials wherein each trial consisted of 33 distinct images, with varying degree of accuracy and presented that as outputs. These outputs were used to determine the Confusion Matrices which in turn were used to calculate the MCC scores. The MCC scores were plotted, and these results showed that the SVM AI classifier had the highest level of relative accuracy for face recognition, followed by KNN and CNN classifiers.
Denoising Speech Signals with Hifi-Coulomb-GANs
Authors: Satheesh Anirudh , Muthu-Manivannan Karthick
Published: March 2023

Recorded speech signals often contain noise that affects the quality of the signal and reduces intelligibility. Several studies have used Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to remove noise artifacts and improve speech intelligibility. However, GANs can suffer from gradient vanishing or gradient explosion that can reduce their effectiveness in denoising. To mitigate gradient vanishing, we applied the CoulombGAN architecture to speech denoising using a model structure similar to Hifi-GAN, the current state of the art speech denoiser. We call this new model Hifi-CoGAN. We used a WaveNet generator to denoise signals, a PostNet for general cleanup, and a Multi-Resolution Discriminator to evaluate the signal quality relative to the clean signal. Our results show that Hifi-CoGAN was able to outperform Hifi-GAN in many of the narrowband signals (signals with a limited range of frequencies) in terms of the Short-Term Objective Intelligibility (STOI) and Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality (PESQ) metrics. However, the model did not perform as well as Hifi-GAN with wideband noise signals (signals with a wider range of frequencies) such as white noise, so future work must be done to improve the model for these noise signals.
Mental Health Burden from COVID-19: Findings from a Single Hybrid Hospital in Northwest Malaysia
Authors: Che Hat Siti Zulaiha , Khalid Karniza , Anuar Amalina , Ang Wei Chern , Jamaluddin Ruzita
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Mental and emotional exhaustion is highly common during pandemics, therefore routine monitoring would allow for prompt intervention to prevent institutional collapse. Our study aimed to explore the prevalence of mental and emotional burnout among healthcare workers in Hospital Tuanku Fauziah, Perlis during the early COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. Method: Universal sampling was performed on healthcare workers from Hospital Tuanku Fauziah, Perlis, Malaysia. Screening was done for depression, anxiety and stress level using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) questionnaire in both Malay and English versions, from 1 March 2020 until 31 December 2020. The project was part of the state’s initiative to screen for mental and emotional burnout among healthcare workers during the early pandemic times. Results: There were 1,161 returned questionnaires. Majority were between the age of 30 to 39 years old (n=529, 45.6%), female (n=834, 71.8%) and were from clinical-based department/unit (n=742, 63.9%). Ninety (7.7%) respondents scored severe and extremely severe for depression, anxiety, or stress. Clinicians were found to have 4.09 times increased in odds to require psychiatric intervention (95% CI: 2.00, 8.34, p<0.001) and persons from non-clinical work divisions also had 2.11 increased odds to require psychiatric intervention (95% CI:1.53, 2.93, p<0.001). Twenty-eight (2.4%) respondents required continuing psychiatric assessment and follow-up due to panic attacks, worsening panic disorder and acute stress reaction with anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: Regular assessments of mental and emotional exhaustion among healthcare staff should be performed to safeguard their mental health and ensure prompt management.
Exploring the Views of Healthcare Practitioners on Postnatal Mental Illness Screening Among Malaysian Women
Authors: Mohd Arifin Siti Roshaidai , Daud Siti Aishah , Ruslan Nur Liyana Shahmi , Abang Abdullah Khadijah Hasanah , Abas Nurul Ain Hidayah , Husain Rohayah , Abd Aziz Karimah Hanim , Musa Ramli , Syed Mohideen Fathima Begum , Perveen Asma , Che Mat Khairi , Idris Izazol
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Healthcare practitioners involved in the maternity care provision should be equipped with adequate knowledge and skills in the screening of postnatal mental illness. The promotion of a screening tool for this purpose can enhance these skills among the healthcare providers. In Malaysia, there is a lack of fundamental knowledge among healthcare practitioners regarding postnatal mental illness and their perceptions are not fully understood, thus hindering the development of relevant screening tools. This study aimed to explore the views of Malaysian healthcare practitioners on the indicators and potential mechanisms for the screening of postnatal mental illness. Method: This qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews involving 28 healthcare practitioners at maternal and child health clinics, psychiatric departments, and obstetrics and gynaecology departments across 18 maternal and child health clinics and six government hospitals in the states of Pahang, Terengganu, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, and Kuala Lumpur. The data were analysed using framework analysis. Results: The healthcare practitioners’ views on postnatal mental illness were reflected in three themes, namely perceived causes of postnatal mental illness, indicators of postnatal mental illness, as well as screening and intervention mechanisms for postnatal mental illness. According to the respondents, the existing screening tools available within the clinical practice were less sensitive in assessing postnatal mental illness. Conclusion: The introduction of a relevant screening tool in addressing the common symptoms of postnatal mental illness can improve its the detection among Malaysian women.