bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pemanfaatan Aplikasi dalam Jaringan pada Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh Mata Kuliah Tata Bahasa Mandarin
Authors: Andriani Susi , Prasetyaningtyas Hudiyekti , Anggrini Resma
Published: August 2024

Abstrak: Pandemi Covid-19 telah menjadi  katalisator perubahan model pembelajaran di seluruh dunia, tidak terkecuali di Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Mandarin (PSPBM) Fakultas Bahasa dan Seni Universitas Negeri Jakarta (FBS UNJ) yang juga berubah dari model pembelajaran konvensional (tatap muka) menjadi Pembelajaran jarak Jauh (PJJ) dalam jaringan (daring).Saat pendemi telah berakhir, kembali pada pembelajaran tatap muka di kelas mungkin  akan berhadapan dengan masalah keterbatasan waktu dan tempat. Perkembangan              teknologi saat ini dapat dipertimbangkan dan dimanfaatkan sebagai salah satu solusi, yaitu dengan mengembangkan model  PJJ  yang berbasis tekhnologi daring (PJJ daring). Dalam pengembangan PJJ daring, salah satu aspek yang harus diperhatikan adalah aspek pemanfaatan aplikasi daring yang digunakan dalam kegiatan pembelajaran. Artikel ini secara khusus akan memaparkan hasil penelitian tentang pemanfaatan aplikasi daring pada kegiatan PJJ daring di masa pandemi untuk Mata Kuliah (MK) Tata Bahasa Mandarin di PSPBM FBS UNJ. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Data diperoleh melalui wawancara terhadap dosen pengampu. Melalui penelitian ini, diperoleh informasi bahwa aplikasi daring yang digunakan adalah Whatsapp, Zoom, dan Google Classroom. Pemaparan terhadap pemanfaatan, pertimbangan pemilihan, dan pandangan dosen pengampu terhadap ketiga aplikasi ini diharapkan dapat menjadi bahan pertimbangan dan masukan bagi pihak-pihak yang akan atau sedang mengembangkan PJJ daring.
Model Perhitungan Tingkat Komponen Dalam Negeri (TKDN) Pengadaan Jasa Konstruksi Di Provinsi Bali
Authors: Bambang Wahyudi I Gede Bambang Wahyudi , Sudiasa I Wayan , Putra I Gusti Putu Adi Suartika , Yuni Ni Kadek Sri Ebtha , Yuliana Ni Putu Indah
Published: August 2024

Penetapan nilai TKDN diatur pemerintah melalui kebijakan dan peraturan yang ditetapkan. Perhitungan umumnya dilakukan pada pengadaan barang dan jasa. Pengadaan konstruksi pemerintah mencakup beberapa komponen yang harus dihitung sebelum dilaksanakan proses tender yaitu RAB, spesifikasi teknis, metode pelaksanaan pekerjaan dan juga nilai TKDN. Penelitian ini akan dilaksanakan pada UKPBJ Provinsi Bali. Penelitian akan menggunakan metode deskriptif kuantitatif dan pengumpulan data dalam bentuk survey dan wawancara. Survey mengukur persentase nilai pada masing-masing variabel yang digunakan untuk menentukan nilai komponen dalam negeri  jasa konstruksi. Wawancara mengetahui besaran nilai yang diterapkan pada masing-masing variabel. Wawancara dilakukan kepada Pejabat Pembuat Komitmen atau tim teknis. Analisis data menggunakan analisis modus melalui Microsoft Excel dengan memasukkan semua komponen yang dianalisis. Variabel yang digunakan untuk menghitung nilai komponen dalam negeri pekerjaan Pengadaan Jasa Konstruksi Pemerintah di Provinsi Bali adalah Analisa Harga Satuan Pekerjaan dan Nilai yang ditetapkan konsultan perencana. Model perhitungan komponen pekerjaan jasa konstruksi pemerintah Provinsi Bali setelah dianalisis menggunakan dasar analisis satuan pekerjaan dengan memperhitungkan Bahan, Material dan peralatan dengan minimal nilai komponen 40% dan Pekerja dengan 100% untuk warga lokal atau kewarganegaraan Indonesia dan Total keseluruhan nilai komponen pada pengadaan Jasa konstruksi di Provinsi Bali minimal TKDN dengan nilai 40%.
PELATIHAN PENULISAN KARYA TULIS ILMIAH: STRATEGI DAN TEKNIK UNTUK PENULISAN ILMIAH YANG BERKUALITAS
Authors: Aminah Muhammad Ardi Budiawan
Published: August 2024

Pelatihan ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pemahaman dan keterampilan dalam membuat karya ilmiah melalui pendekatan analisis dan perbaikan karya tulis ilmiah yang suidah ada, metode pelatihan ini dilakukan melalui rangkaian yang melibatkan penyajian teori dan latihan praktis. Peserta pelatihan diajak untuk memahami konvensi penulisan karya tulis ilmiah yang baik dan mengindentifikasi kelemahan dalam karya tulis ilmiah mereka sendiri dan merumuskan strategi perbaikan yang efektif. Pelatihan ini di lakukan secara daring melalu platform zoom meatings. Pelatihan ini bermanfaat untuk menjadi lebih percaya diri dalam menulis karya ilmiah, memiliki pemahaman yang lebih baik tentang konvensi penulisan ilmiah dan mampu mengindenttifikasi serta memperbaiki kelemahan dalam karya tulis ilmiah, tetapi dalam pelatihan ini tidak semua karta tulis ilmiah peserta dibahas secara mendalan dikarenakan keterbatasan waktu.
Sintesis dan Karakterisasi ZVI dari FeCl₂ dengan Polifenol dari Kulit Pisang Kepok (Musa paradisiaca normalis)
Authors: Hidayat Sahid , Budi Setia , Annisa Devy Nur
Published: August 2024

Abstrak
Besi bervalensi nol (ZVI) telah berhasil disintesis dengan menggunakan reduktor alami polifenol dari ekstrak kulit pisang kepok. Kajian terhadap karakteristik ZVI hasil sintesis berupa ukuran, kristalinitas dan morfologi telah dilakukan dengan menggunakan spektrofotometer UV-Vis, particle size analyzer (PSA), X-ray difractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), dan fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR). Pengukuran konsentrasi Fe2+ yang bereaksi dengan polifenol divariasikan terhadap waktu, yaitu: 0 jam, 3 jam, 24 jam, 48 jam dan 144 jam. Konsentrasi Fe2+ yang bereaksi dengan polifenol terbesar terjadi ketika waktu reaksi 3 jam, yaitu 110465,22 ppm. Distribusi ukuran partikel ZVI hasil sintesis diamati dalam waktu reaksi 0,5 jam; 1 jam; 2 jam dan 3 jam. Waktu reaksi 1 jam menghasilkan distribusi ukuran partikel yang paling rendah, yaitu Dv 10 = 383,93 nm; Dv 50 = 537,17 nm; dan Dv 90 = 851,36 nm dengan polydispersity Index (PDI) sebesar 0,1240. Difrasi sinar-X menunjukkan ZVI hasil sintesis merupakan amorf yang terdiri dari fasa iron dan magnetite dengan presentase masing-masing berturut-turut 17,5 % dan  82,5%.
Kata kunci: aglomerasi, besi bervalensi nol (ZVI), reduksi garam besi
Abstract
Zero valent iron (ZVI) has been synthesized by using a natural reductant polyphenols extract from peel kepok banana. The study on the characteristics ZVI synthesized in the form of size, crystallinity and morphology has been carried out by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, particle size analyzer (PSA), X-ray difractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR). Measurement of the concentration of Fe2+ which reacts with polyphenols varied with respect to time, ie: 0 hours, 3 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours and 144 hours. The concentration of Fe2+ which reacts with the largest polyphenols occur when reaction time of 3 hours, ie 110,465.22 ppm. ZVI particle size distribution of the results of the synthesis was observed within the reaction time of 0.5 hours; 1 hour; 2 hours and 3 hours. Reaction time of 1 hour to produce a particle size distribution of the lowest, ie Dv 10 = 383.93 nm; Dv 50 = 537.17 nm; and Dv 90 = 851.36 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.1240. X-ray diffraction showed that synthesized ZVI is an amorphous phase consisting of iron and magnetite with the percentage of each respectively 17.5% and 82.5%.
Keywords: agglomeration, reduction of iron salt,  zero valent iron (ZVI)
Application of Geographically Weighted Regression for Modeling the Poverty Cases in Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Noerul Hanin  , Irvan Meilandra  , Naomi Nessyana Debataraja  , Retno Pertiwi
Published: August 2024

Poverty is one of the most global issues that remains a concern worldwide, including in Indonesia. Indonesia is among the top 100 poorest countries in the world, ranked 73rd, to be exact. Government wants to decrease the national poverty rate, as outlined in the 2021-2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan, with the expected percentage of poor people in Indonesia on 2024 being 6.5 to 7 percent. Unfortunately, the hope for a reduction in the poverty rate has not been achieved in several regions, such as in 4 out of 5 provinces in Kalimantan. Therefore, the analyzing factors causing poverty in the Kalimantan region is conducted using the Geographically Weighted Regression method in order to give clearly information for government to decrease the poor rate in this region. GWR (Geographically Weighted Regression) is an extension of the regression method. The equation parameters for each observation location differ from one location to another. The weighting function used were fixed gaussian, fixed bisquare, fixed tricube, adaptive gaussian, adaptive bisquare, and adaptive tricube. Based on R2 and AIC value, the best model is the model with fixed tricube function. The R2 score is 0.8952, while the AIC score is 155.83. The GWR model is better than OLS or global regression model. Thus, spatial analysis to see the factors affecting the percentage of poor people in each regency and city in Kalimantan, Indonesia has been successfully carried out.
Sentiment Analysis of Public Opinion on Handling Stunting in Indonesia using Random Forest
Authors: Ningrum Ariska Fitriyana
Published: August 2024

The issue of stunting is important to address, as it has the potential to affect the human resource potential and is related to health levels, and even child mortality. The Indonesian government targets to reduce the stunting rate to 14 percent by 2024 through an accelerated stunting reduction program as an effort to improve the nutritional status of the society and also reduce the prevalence of stunting or stunted children. Understanding public sentiment towards the stunting initiative is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to design effective interventions and allocate resources efficiently. This study aims to analyze public sentiment related to stunting in Indonesia, which impacts children's growth and development. Through the use of sentiment analysis techniques, this study aims to understand public perceptions and attitudes towards the issue of stunting, evaluating whether the general sentiment is positive, negative or neutral. The results of this analysis are expected to provide useful insights for policymakers and health practitioners in designing and implementing more effective strategies to address the issue of stunting.  This study conducted sentiment analysis from crawled Twitter data, showing positive and negative sentiments of the public regarding stunting handling in Indonesia. Furthermore, classification analysis using random forest was conducted and resulted in an accuracy score of 97.5%. The model is good enough but, we suggest trying other algorithms in further research.
Mapping Domestic and Foreign Tourists in East Java Using C-Means Clustering
Authors: Qori'atunnadyah Marita
Published: August 2024

Tourism is a priority sector identified by the government for its potential to drive economic growth, job creation, community development, and regional progress. Although significant, it still requires a detailed mapping of tourist visit patterns to optimize regional tourism potential. This study uses the C-Means Clustering method to categorize districts and cities in East Java based on the number of domestic tourists and foreign tourists. Data from 2018 to 2022 is used to identify different patterns and groups. The methodology involves clustering the data based on similarities in the number of visitors, which provides insight into regional tourism dynamics. The results revealed three main groups of domestic tourists: high, medium, and low-visitation regions. For foreign tourists, five groups were identified, reflecting variations in the level of tourist visits. These groups help understand the distribution and concentration of tourists in different regions, which is important for targeted promotion strategies and efficient resource allocation. A limitation of this study is that it does not go deeper into external factors affecting tourism, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The originality of this research lies in the application of the C-Means Clustering method to map domestic tourists and foreign tourists in East Java not simultaneously, thus providing valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders to encourage collaboration and innovation in the tourism sector.
A Multivariate Approach: Forecasting Jakarta Composite Using Prophet Facebook
Authors: Primandari Arum Handini , Iskandar Shafa Amalia
Published: August 2024

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI, Composite Stock Price Index / IHSG) presents the average share price movement of companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI/IDX), which can reflect the stock market performance. JCI forecasting can provide benefits for investors regarding risk management. On the other hand, gold is a low-risk asset with no credit risk and maintains its value over time. During the pandemic, gold prices increased significantly while stock prices decreased sharply, so gold prices can be used as a regressor in forecasting the JCI. Researchers obtained historical data on the JCI and gold prices (dollars/ounce) from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022. The approach used in this research is multivariate in the Prophet model. The Prophet model uses a procedure to estimate time series data based on an additive model with trends that can be adjusted for annual, weekly, and daily seasonality. Based on the analysis results, the Prophet's multivariate approach is the best method for predicting the JCI compared to the univariate approach. The parameters used in the model are as follows: yearly seasonality, multiplicative seasonality mode, seasonality prior scale, namely 0.5, and changepoint prior scale, namely 0.001. The Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) obtained from the model is 2.78%.
Alain / Marcel et la musique
Authors: Nutting Stephanie , Satyre Joubert
Published: August 2024

Ce texte écrit à quatre mains est un témoignage sur les goûts musicaux d’Alain. Le professeur de linguistique, rigoureux et méthodique, était aussi un mélomane averti et un bon accordéoniste. Comme pour faire la distinction entre l’ordre apollinien qui régit la linguistique et l’effusion dionysiaque qui caractérise l’univers des notes, il se métamorphosait en Marcel chaque fois qu’il interprétait sur son instrument les chansons du répertoire français et international. Ce texte retrace non seulement son parcours musical, mais aussi des événements qui ont dû jouer un rôle fondamental dans son éveil à la musique. La première partie parle de ses goûts musicaux, en particulier, de sa passion pour Georges Brassens et Boris Vian. Il y est aussi question de son engouement pour les balades haïtiennes et brésiliennes ainsi que pour la musique classique. La deuxième partie rapporte une prestation du musicien dans le cadre d’un cours sur la chanson.
Semiotics Analysis of 'Gemoy' Animations Political Communication Strategy in Efforts to Change Prabowo-Gibran's Branding
Authors: Yarnis Yarnis , Muksin Nani Nurani
Published: August 2024

This research will focus on the symbolic interaction of the 'gemoy' character carried by the Prabowo-Gibran pair. This research uses a qualitative research method that uses a literature review by using various data and information about the "gemoy" character found in the media, both print and digital media. The data analysis used is semiotic analysis to analyze the meaning behind the 'gemoy' branding used by Prabowo-Gibran. The results of the study found that the political campaign strategy used by Prabowo-Gibran has a message meaning that the winning team is trying to show another character from Prabowo to attract the attention of young voters. The viral animated character also indirectly disguises Prabowo's figure who has been considered tough because he is a former military man. Therefore, many young voters on several social media accounts showed their support for Prabowo-Gibran by uploading 'gemoy' animated content. The purpose of this research is to find out in more detail the implied meaning of the characters used by the Prabowo - Gibran winning team. This can be a reference for various parties in the future to be able to use unique ways of campaigning that might get a lot of votes from the public. What Prabowo-Gibran has done is almost the same as what Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did. Therefore, the use of unique ways to campaign is one of the positive political strategies to attract public attention. In addition, the results of this study are so that readers can understand that various kinds of political strategies can coexist with the vision and mission of the presidential and vice presidential candidates.
Social Interaction Dynamics in the Digital Era: A Case Study of Online Social Networks
Authors: Wahdiansyah Wahdiansyah , Zidny Muhammad Hilman
Published: August 2024

This research aims to investigate the dynamics of social interaction in the digital era, particularly within the context of online social networking platforms, with a focus on the Islamic perspective. The method employed is a qualitative literature review, which aims to reorganize, synthesize, and analyze relevant literature on this research topic. The findings and conclusions related to the research topic are then compiled based on the analysis of the literature. The results and discussions highlight the role of social media, especially Instagram, as a primary stage for Islamic preaching, as well as the implications of social interaction dynamics within the religious context. Additionally, both the positive and negative impacts of social interaction in online social networks are presented, along with the challenges faced. The implications of the findings for our understanding of the dynamics of social interaction in online social networks from an Islamic perspective are also discussed. It is hoped that this research can provide profound insights into how social interaction in online social networks is understood from the Islamic standpoint while illustrating the complexity and dynamics of this phenomenon within the religious context.
A Robust Portfolio Construction Using the Bootstrap Method to Extract Multidimensional Uncertainty Sets: An Application on BIST100 Stocks
Authors: Çam Salih , Kılıç Süleyman
Published: August 2024

Asset allocation is the main problem of portfolio management. The goal is to maximize the portfolio's expected return while minimizing investment risk by allocating assets optimally. However, it is not possible to exclude all investment risks due to prediction errors, optimization of incorrect models, uncertainties in parameters, etc. The classical models used in portfolio theory disperse model-based risks but ignore the uncertainties of the predicted parameters. Besides, uncertainty-based models, such as robust optimization help to eliminate uncertainty risks in addition to model-based risks. Robust optimization constructs portfolios by considering worst-case realizations of asset returns within uncertainty sets. In this way, the model's solution remains optimal with high probability, while investors are protected from model-based risks. In this paper, we develop a robust optimization formulation based on Bertsimas and Sim (2004) and combine the model with the bootstrap method to create optimal portfolios. The results show that the expected return of the portfolios decreases as the uncertainty of the robust model increases. The expected return of the robust portfolio is as good as that of the classical portfolio for a moderate level of uncertainty. Out of the sample, the robust portfolios outperform the equally weighted portfolio and the target index
ANALYSIS OF THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF AIRLINE COMPANIES IN STAR ALLIANCE IN THE PERIOD 2018-2022 USING LOPCOW-TOPSIS METHODS
Authors: Yavuz İbrahim
Published: August 2024

This study aims to comparatively evaluate the financial performance of the airlines included in Star Alliance for the period 2018-2022 for pre-COVID-19, COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 periods. For the performance evaluation, 5 criteria and a total of 9 financial performance ratios were used. LOPCOW method was used to determine the criteria (importance) weights of the calculated financial performance ratios and TOPSIS method was used to determine the performance rankings. According to the results of LOPCOW analysis, the most important criterion was determined as net profit/total assets (PR3) for 2018, net profit/total equity (PR2) for 2019 and 2021, short-term debt/total assets (FSR3) for 2020 and net profit/net sales (PR1) for 2022. The criterion with the lowest importance weight is net balance sheet position/equity (CA) for 2018, 2019 and 2021, net sales/ current assets (AT) for 2020, and short-term debt/total assets (FSR3) for 2022. According to TOPSIS performance evaluation results, the best performing airline was Shenzhen Airlines in 2018, 2019 and 2020, Thai Airways International in 2021 and Aegean in 2022. The airline that ranked last in the performance ranking was Croatia Airlines in 2018, Asian Airlines in 2019, Thai Airways International in 2020, Air Canada in 2021 and Air China in 2022.
Enantioconvergent Copper-Catalysed Difluoromethylation of Alkyl Halides
Authors: Liu Wei , Ding Decai , Yin Lingfeng , Poore Andrew , Ho Yeu-Shiuan , Cheng Yu-Ho , Hsieh Chi-Tien , Yachuw Stephen , Knieser Rachael , Krause Jeanette , Tian Shiliang , Cheng Mu-jeng
Published: August 2024

Stereochemical-controlled hydrogen bond donors play essential roles in the pharmaceutical industry. Consequently, organic molecules that bear difluoromethyl (CF2H) groups at chiral centers are emerging as pivotal components in pharmaceuticals due to their distinct hydrogenbonding property. However, a general approach for introducing CF2H groups in an enantioselective manner remained elusive. Here, we show that enantioconvergent difluoromethylation of racemic alkyl electrophiles, through alkyl radical intermediates, represents a new strategy for constructing CF2H-containing stereocenters. This strategy is enabled by using copper catalysts bound with a chiral diamine ligand bearing electron-deficient phenyl groups, and a nucleophilic difluoromethyl-zinc reagent. This method allows for the high-yield conversion of a diverse range of alkyl halides into their alkyl-CF2H analogs with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99% e.e.). Mechanistic studies, supported by DFT calculations, revealed a route involving asymmetric difluoromethylation of alkyl radicals and crucial non-covalent interactions in the enantio-determining steps.
WITHDRAWN: Visualization of Görtler vortices in high–enthalpy plasma flow using planar laser-induced fluorescence
Authors: Yu Xin , Yuan Xun , Peng Jiangbo , Zeng Hui , Ou Dongbin , Yang Chaobo , Cao Zhen , Qi Jinhao
Published: August 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors due to author disagreement with the posting of the preprint. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
The Generation of an ocular anti-inflammatory biotherapeutic to enhance wound healing.
Authors: Leger Anthony St. , Shane Jackie , Evans Matthew , Rigas Yannis , Shanks Robert
Published: August 2024

Microbes exist at and colonize mucosal surfaces striking a balance with the host immune system, so that these microbes can thrive on host tissues without causing pathology. Because of this, mucosal barrier-colonizing bacteria can be leveraged to act as long-term delivery vehicles for naturally derived therapeutics. Here, we use a mouse model of corneal wound healing to show that the eye-colonizing bacterium, Corynebacterium mastitidis (C. mast) can be engineered to produce and secrete bioactive murine anti-inflammatory interleukin (mIL)-10. Specifically, we used transposon mutagenesis to identify a native C. mast-specific secretion signal that was used to direct C. mast to secrete mIL-10. Mini-transposons were generated to deliver secretion capable mIL-10 to the bacterial genome. After screening, two isolates were identified that can: 1) colonize the eye, 2) produce and secrete mIL-10, and 3) enhance wound healing in an IL-10-dependent manner. This proof of concept illustrates that eye-colonizing bacteria can be engineered to deliver therapeutics to the ocular surface for the alleviation of ocular surface disease(s).
Isolation and characterization of multidrug-resistance bacterial pathogens from diarrhoeagenic stool in hospitals in Lokoja, Kogi State
Authors: Garba Daniel Edisha , Dibua Uju Marie-Esther , Attah Friday , Oka Chiamaka Ukamaka , Ozoadibe Yvonne Ogechukwu
Published: August 2024

Background: In Nigeria, diarrhoea is a leading cause of illness and death among children under five years of age due to unsafe water supplies, poor sanitation, and hygiene practices. It also contributes to a significant number of hospital admissions in Lokoja, the Confluence city of Kogi State. Traditional antibiotics used to treat these conditions have been frequently misused and consequently, there is widespread resistance among emerging diarrhoeagenic bacteria. This highlights the urgent need for more effective, readily available, non-toxic, and affordable natural products.
A total of 100 diarrhoeal stool samples were collected from children aged 0-5 years (0-60 months). These samples were examined and cultured on three different media: Eosin Methylene Blue agar, Cefixime-Tellurite Sorbitol MacConkey agar, and Salmonella-Shigella agar. Bacterial isolates were analyzed for growth, and pure cultures were subjected to Gram staining and a series of biochemical tests. Susceptibility and multidrug resistance tests were performed using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method.
Results: Out of the 100 analysed diarrhoeal stool samples, 65 (65%) tested positive for the following organisms: Escherichia coli 41 (30.15%), Salmonella species 25 (18.38%), Shigella species 22 (16.18%), Enterobacter aerogenes 21 (15.44%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 15 (11.03%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 12 (8.82%). These isolates exhibited a high level of multidrug resistance, with a resistance index ranging from 0.4 to 0.7, indicating that Lokoja is a high-risk area for these organisms.
Conclusions: Although diarrhoeal diseases can be caused by various agents, bacteria such as E. coli remain one of the primary and most significant pathogens affecting children in selected hospitals in the Lokoja metropolis. Ensuring access to safe drinking water is crucial in preventing these diseases, along with promoting good personal hygiene practices. It is also important to raise awareness about proper sanitation through basic health education programs, in order to reduce the burden of these diseases. Implementing comprehensive surveillance and monitoring systems to track the incidence and spread of diarrhoeal diseases in all communities is essential to effectively address this issue. Furthermore, the government should discourage the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and develop policies to combat this practice.
Demography, sanitation and previous disease prevalence associate with Covid-19 deaths across Indian states
Authors: Chatterjee Bithika , Mande Shekhar C.
Published: August 2024

Severity of Covid-19 diseases has been disproportionate with higher case-fatality ratio affecting developed nations. In India, states with higher income have reported a greater number of deaths compared to lower income states. The global burden of diseases India 2019 and the National Health Profile 2019 data was used to draw correlations with Covid-19 mortality at two different dates of peak Covid-19 cases in India. We explored correlation of mortality in different states of India with prevalence of different diseases, demography, development, sanitation etc. The study found a positive correlation with known demographic parameters such as percentage of elderly population (spearman correlation coefficient(rho) = 0.44 and 0.46 with 1st and 2nd peak respectively). Similarly, percentage urbanization was seen to correlate well with mortality (rho = 0.71 and 0.57) suggesting Covid-19 to be a predominantly urban disease. Prevalence of Autoimmune diseases, and Cancer show higher correlation with deaths. A surprising positive correlation emerged between improved sanitation parameters, such as closed drainage and indoor toilets, with COVID-19 deaths. Overall, the multivariate regression model achieved by combining demography, sanitation, autoimmune diseases and cancer gave us the best prediction for Covid-19 mortality (adjusted R square value of 0.71 with peak 1 and 0.85 with peak 2). Analysis of the Covid-19 related data seems to indicate that as the wealth of a state increases, the state’s urban landscape changes often leading to better sanitation facilities. The lifestyle and prevalence to autoimmune diseases as well as cancer also increases. However, this may affect the state’s ability to fight pandemics due to lower exposure to pathogens and immune training.
The examination of factors impacting spitting or vomiting among children under five years of age during seasonal malaria chemoprevention: A quantitative study in Burkina Faso, Chad, Nigeria and Togo
Authors: Gao Chen , Huang Sikai , Ibinaiye Taiwo , Sawadogo Benoît , Traore Adama , Compaoré Cheick Saïd , Awokou Fantche , Nnaji Chuks , Baker Kevin , Wang Duoquan , Richardson Sol
Published: August 2024

Background
Since 2012, the World Health Organization has recommended seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine (SPAQ) for children aged 3–⁠59 months in areas with marked seasonality in malaria transmission. Full ingestion of SMC medicines without spitting or vomiting during a complete three-day course is critical to ensure SMC effectiveness and avoid increased antimalarial resistance. Although evidence suggests that spitting or vomiting is not rare, there is limited analytical evidence on potential factors associated with spitting or vomiting.
Methods
We utilized data from SMC coverage surveys conducted in Burkina Faso, Chad, Togo and Nigeria between 2020 and 2022. Episodes of spitting or vomiting were defined as children spitting out most of the dose or vomiting the entire dose within 30 min after administration on Day 1 by community distributors (CDs) as reported by primary caregivers. We conducted a cross-sectional study through mixed-effects logistic regression specified with socioeconomic variables, and caregiver knowledge of SMC, to identify factors associated with spitting or vomiting.
Results
The proportion of spitting or vomiting ranged from 1.81% in Nigeria to 4.36% in Chad. The odds of spitting or vomiting were lower if children were administered medicines under directly CD-supervised administration and primary caregivers had a high degree of knowledge of SMC. Spitting or vomiting were negatively associated with caregiver adherence to AQ administration and caregiver reporting of children’s adverse reactions to SMC medicines. Over half of the children did not receive a replacement dose from CDs who spit out or vomited most (or almost all) of the doses. Redosing was positively associated with caregiver educational attainment, caregiver knowledge of SMC, and directly supervised administration.
Conclusions
The direct CD-supervised administration of SPAQ can facilitate and strengthen community engagement strategies to enhance the appropriate administration and full ingestion of SMC medicines by the SMC delivery protocol.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the base of tongue:A case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Peng , Liao Haiyan , Wang Feng , Wang Yufan , Yang Hongyu
Published: August 2024

Purpose
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma originates from reserve cells present in ducts of salivary glands and is the most common malignancy of the salivary glands, commonly found in the parotid gland, followed by the palatal and buccal mucous membranes. However, mucoepidermoid carcinoma occurrence in other intraoral sites, including the tongue base, is extremely rare.
Methods
A 33-year-old man presented with a progressively enlarging mass of the left tongue base. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhancing ill-defined soft tissue mass in the left jaw region with cervical lymph node enlargement of unknown nature, without evidence of distant metastasis. Transoral needle biopsy from the mass revealed low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma pathologically. Complete transoral excision and cervical lymph node dissection were performed, following by tongue and mouth floor defects reconstruction with anterolateral thigh free flap. Examination of the obtained surgical specimen confirmed low-grade MEC with MAML2 gene fusion in the base of tongue. The tumor was removed with negative margins and cervical lymph nodes.
Results
The patient had an uneventful recovery and no evidence of recurrence or metastasis by 40 months of follow-up.
Conclusion
We present a rare case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma at the tongue base. Furthermore, we review related literature, and discuss its clinical features, histopathological characteristic, and treatment strategist.
Enhanced Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Boron-Modified Phenolic Resin Composites in a Multifiller System: Potential Applications in Aerospace Materials
Authors: Liu Yande , Jiang Dawei , Hessien Mahmoud M. , Mahmoud M. H.H. , Xu Miaojun , El-Bahy Zeinhom M.
Published: August 2024

The study investigated the properties of boron-modified phenolic resin (BPR) compositess reinforced with glass fiber (GF) and mica, SiO2 and glass powder (MSG). The BPR/MSG/GF composites exhibited improved mechanical strength, reduced shrinkage, and enhanced insulation properties at high temperatures. Thermogravimetric analysis showed enhanced thermal stability with a residue rate of 89.91% at 800 ℃. The addition of glass powder which is regarded as a fluxing agent, resulted in the densification of the ceramic layer. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) demonstrates that mica undergoes eutectic reaction with other fillers and glass powder to form the final ceramic layer. These findings have implications for the development of high-performance compositess with excellent heat resistance and mechanical strength. Further optimization of filler content and processing conditions can enhance the performance of these composites for specific applications.
Prolonged normothermic perfusion of the kidney – a historically controlled, phase 1 cohort study
Authors: Dumbill Richard , Knight Simon , Hunter James , Fallon John , Voyce Daniel , Barrett Jacob , Ellen Matthew , Conroy Elizabeth , Roberts Ian , James Tim , Allen Gabrielle , Brook Jennifer , Weissenbacher Annemarie , Ploeg Rutger , Coussios Constantin , Friend Peter
Published: August 2024

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease and is limited by donor organ availability. Normothermic Machine Perfusion (NMP) might facilitate safe transplantation of marginal organs. Previous clinical implementations have been limited to short perfusions. NKP1 was a single centre, phase 1, 36-patient, three-stage cohort study investigating the safety and feasibility of up to 24 hours of renal NMP prior to transplantation. We observed a 30-day graft survival of 100%, with comparable outcomes to a matched control cohort (12-month estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 46.3 vs 49.5mL/min/1.73m2, p=0.44) despite much longer total preservation times (15.7 vs 8.9 hours controls, p <0.0001). We saw strong correlations between biomarkers measured ex-situ and post-transplant outcomes, including graft function at one year (correlation between GST-Pi delta and 12-month eGFR, R=0.54, p=0.001). Renal NMP is useful for optimising logistics and as an organ assessment technique, and has potential to expand the donor pool. Trial registration number: ISRCTN13292277.
Continous-discontinous analysis of an unstable slope: evolution of damage zones and potential influencing areas
Authors: Dai Yi , Li Shaokai , Zhang Yiming , Jiao Liqing , Niu Ben , Wen Minjie
Published: August 2024

This study focuses on a slope located in Nanjing, China, which has been continuously deforming since 2003. With a numerical tool continuum-discontinuum element method (CDEM) built in a hybrid finite-discrete framework, the damage evolutions of the slope were simulated and its potential influencing areas were predicted. In the analysis, a seepage model was used to assess the current state of the slope considering hydro-mechanical coupling. The strength reduction method was used to assess the factor of safety of the slope and the location and shape of unsafety blocks. According to the results of the stability analysis, a particle flow model was developed to provide the impact areas of potential landslide. The results show very high kinetic energy of the landslide which can move far away and cause blockage of the national highway nearby. Therefore, it is suggested to adopt comprehensive proactive defense measures to ensure the safety of people's lives and property.
The predictive value of pan-immune inflammatory index for early recurrence of atrial fibrillation after cryoablation
Authors: Gu Pengyang , Xu Peng , Chen Yiqun , Li Jingyu , Sun Hanrui , Xu Haixia , Lu Qi
Published: August 2024

Objective: The pan-immune inflammatory (PIV) index holds prognostic value for cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the PIV index regarding recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cryoballoon ablation (CBA).
Methods: The study included 307 patients with AF. Four inflammatory markers, namely, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune inflammation (SII) index, and PIV index, were used as indicators. COX regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the predictive value of AF recurrence after CBA. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the discriminative power of the indicators.
Result：The PIV index [94.9 (168.9,504.9) vs. 143.2 (98.2,210.6), P< 0.01] and SII index [366.3 (256.6,491.9) vs. 569.9 (658.1,438.4), P<0.01] were significantly higher in the recurrence group. Univariate COX regression analysis showed that these four indices, persistent AF, and left atrial diameter (LAD) were all associated with AF recurrence. In multivariate regression analysis, the PIV index, persistent AF, and LAD (all P < 0.05) were independent predictors of postoperative AF recurrence. The ROC curve analysis showed that the PIV index had a higher predictive value for AF recurrence (AUC = 0.768, P < 0.01, 95% CI: 0.696–0.840) than the SII index and NLR. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with a PIV index > 260.7 had a higher recurrence rate at 1-year follow-up (P < 0.01). Subgroup analysis indicated that PIV had a predictive value in patients with different types of AF.
Conclusion：PIV index may be a potential biomarker for predicting relapse in patients with non-valvular AF after CBA.
Combining social science and chemistry to uncover the potential of the traditional pit method for shea processing
Authors: Turreira-García Nerea , Nielsen Nikoline , Pattison David , Makowicz Ewa , Walbeogo Ella , Dao Yaya , Christensen Jan , Pouliot Mariève
Published: August 2024

Shea oil, a widely consumed commodity globally, is intricately linked to the labor of women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Employing a traditional yet underexplored method, shea nuts are fermented in subterranean pits, presenting significant opportunities for local processors, the industry, and environmental sustainability. Through interdisciplinary inquiry, we investigate the adoption of this method within rural West African communities, considering its chemical and industrial implications. Local processors favor the pit method for its convenience and efficiency. Traditional practices of burying shea nuts for three to six months result in an optimal chemical profile, characterized by lower free fatty acid and polar lipid content compared to boiled kernels, enhancing quality and mechanical processability, both criteria desirable for industrial applications. This method has the potential to reduce the use of firewood and water in producing communities. Nevertheless, encouraging widespread adoption by new processors will likely require increased nut prices based on seasonal factors.
Simple MR Guided Breast Biopsy Strategy: technique and radiological-pathological association
Authors: Khalaj Fattaneh , Moradi Zahra , Ghorani Hamed , Kasaeian Amir , Golazar Mohammad Hosein , Akhlaghpoor Shahram
Published: August 2024

Background
MRI is pivotal in breast imaging, encompassing staging, treatment monitoring, and lesion differentiation. While MRI boasts high sensitivity, specificity, and utility in detecting otherwise unseen lesions, challenges persist in accurately distinguishing benign from malignant findings. The study delves into MRI-guided breast biopsy outcomes and highlights the importance of radiologic-pathologic results.
Methods
This retrospective study analyzed 109 MRI-guided breast biopsies conducted on lesions identified between 2017 and 2023. the patients underwent biopsies for screening and diagnostic purposes. Biopsy procedures involved meticulous MRI guidance using a 1.5 Tesla system. Lesions were categorized based on location and BIRADS lexicon, with biopsy results spanning benign, suspicious, and malignant pathologies. Data collection encompassed a wide array of patient factors and pathology reports, meticulously reviewed by experienced radiologists, shedding light on the efficacy and outcomes of MRI-guided breast biopsies.
Results
The participants had a mean age of 45 ± 11 years. A significant association was found between the history of pregnancy and breast lesion enhancement. Patients with mass enhancement had a higher BIRADS B4b, B4c, and B5 classification rate, while those with non-mass enhancement were more commonly classified as BIRADS B3 and B4a. Histopathology diagnoses were significant in determining the presence of mass or non-mass lesions. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI for detecting malignancy were high for BIRADS categories 4c and 5 but may result in a higher number of false positives.
Conclusions
our research highlighted the significance of MRI in the diagnosis of breast cancer, particularly when used in conjunction with high-risk lesions as well as showed the need of sub-classifying BI-RADS-4 lesions to minimize the number of unnecessary biopsies. The results affirm the ongoing use of MRI-guided biopsy for the detection of breast cancer.
Association between HIV low-level viremia and CD4+ cell count changes among people living with HIV during antiretroviral therapy in Dehong, Southwest China in 2008-2021: a longitudinal study
Authors: Yu Hailiang , Yang Yuecheng , Cao Dongdong , Cao Yanfen , Shi Yun , Xiao Guifang , Li Pinyin , Feng Yanling , Wei Hua , Sun Jinting , Duan Song , Ye Runhua , Jin Cong
Published: August 2024

Background
The impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) low-level viremia (LLV) on CD4 + T lymphocyte (CD4) cell count during antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains unknown in China. We aimed to investigate the association between LLV and changes in CD4 cell count among adults on ART in Southwest China.
Methods
A longitudinal cohort study on people living with HIV (PLWH) were conducted in Dehong Prefecture, Southwest China, with viral load (VL) and CD4 cell count measured yearly. The proportion of LLV with VL of 50–999 copies/ml was described. The incidences of CD4 cell count ≥ 500 cells/µl was calculated by follow-up years. The CD4 cell count and LLV trajectories were classified with group-based trajectory model (GBTM). Associations between LLV and CD4 cell count < 500 cells/µl were analyzed using a generalized estimating equation (GEE) with follow-up LLV as a time-updated variable.
Results
We followed the longitudinal cohort of 7,485 PLWH (median observation time, 8.5 years) from 2008 to 2021 in Dehong. The median age at ART baseline was 36 years and male participants accounted for 60.5%. The median CD4 cell count at baseline was 268 cells/µl. Seven hundred and thirty patients (9.8%) experience continuous LLV trajectories and only 2,125 patients (28.4%) reached CD4 cell count > 500 cells/µl level using GBTM. The risk of CD4 cell count < 500 cells/µl were high for participants with LLV 50–199 copies/ml (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-1.3) and LLV 200–999 copies/ml (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5), compared with participants with VL < 50 copies/ml.
Conclusion
LLV during ART follow-ups is associated with an increased risk of poor CD4 recovery among HIV patients. LLV monitoring and intervention should be strengthened.
The influence of BMI on optimal PEEP titrated by electrical impedance tomography in ARDS patients
Authors: Zhao Yutong , Chi Yi , Yuan Siyi , Gao Yelin , Yang Jin , Zhang Meng , Xu Mengru , Wang Qianlin , Sun Xiaotong , Han Jingbing , Frerichs Inéz , Zhao Zhanqi , Jiang Jing , He Huaiwu , Long Yun
Published: August 2024

Background
Obese patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may require higher positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), but the dose-response relationship between body mass index (BMI) and PEEP remains undetermined. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between BMI and the optimal PEEP titrated by electrical impedance tomography (EIT) in ARDS patients.
Methods
ARDS patients who underwent EIT-guided PEEP titration were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were classified as obese (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m²) and non-obese (BMI < 28 kg/m²). All patients received a decremental PEEP trial from 18 to 3 cmH2O, and the optimal PEEP was determined by the lowest sum of EIT-based regional overdistension and collapse.
Results
Among 115 ARDS patients reviewed, average BMI was 25.1 (22.4–28.0) kg/m2, ranging from 16.0 to 38.1 kg/m2, with 29 (25.2%) patients being obese. Compared to non-obese patients, the titrated PEEP was higher in obese patients (12 [12–15] cmH2O vs 9 [6–12] cmH2O, p < 0.001). At the PEEP level of 3 cmH2O, the proportion of collapse in obese group was higher than in the non-obese group (39.0 [31.0-48.2] % vs 27.5 [18.3–40.7] %, p = 0.004). At the PEEP level of 18 cmH2O, overdistension was lower in obese group (18.0 [14.0-26.6] % vs 25.4 [18.0–35.0] %, p = 0.023). A positive linear correlation was found between BMI and EIT-derived best PEEP (Spearman R = 0.46, p < 0.001). For detecting the optimal PEEP ≥ 12 cmH2O, a cutoff of BMI > 30 kg/m² would provide a specificity of 96.4% and a positive predictive value of 88.2%.
Conclusion
A lower PEEP resulted in more collapse and a higher PEEP resulted in less overdistension in obese ARDS patients. The findings provided evidence to consider BMI in setting PEEP for this patient group.
Elevated temperature enhance task performance by improving cognitive abilities in common rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus)
Authors: Sysiak Monika , Babkiewicz Ewa , Zebrowski Marcin Lukasz , Rutkowska Katarzyna , Kunjiappan Selvaraj , Lee Jae-Seong , Maszczyk Piotr
Published: August 2024

The primary drivers of the thermal sensitivity of ectothermic organisms' task performance remain uncertain, with the potential for changes in mobility, cognitive ability, or the interaction between these factors to be considered. Similarly, it is unclear whether the relationship between these processes varies with experience or task difficulty. These questions were investigated using a common rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) foraging to find a high food density reward (Artemia salina nauplii) in consecutive daily sessions under different task difficulty (short, medium and long distances to the reward and presence or absence of experienced individuals) at two temperatures (16 or 26°C). The results demonstrated that the thermal sensitivity of task performance was within the range of Q10 between 3 and 4 during the first session, rising between second and third sessions, before decreasing to 2 for the subsequent sessions. A positive correlation was observed between thermal sensitivity of task performance and task difficulty. The thermal sensitivity of mobility increased only slightly over consecutive daily sessions, reaching up to Q10 = 2. The discrepancy in thermal sensitivity between task performance and mobility indicates that the improvement in task performance at elevated temperatures is due to enhanced cognition, either independently or through interaction with mobility.