bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Martyr or Invader?
Authors: Choi Sangdo
Published: November 2023

Martyr is the title given to someone who has died for the sake of their faith. However, the dead cannot speak about their own death. Judgments on behalf of the dead are inevitably done by the living, posthumously. In this sense, martyr‐making is the politics of the death operated by the living. Taking this perspective of martyr‐making, this paper seeks to reassess the martyr‐making process in the Protestant Church in Korea (PCK), focusing on the case of Rev. R. J. Thomas's death in Korea in 1866. Some argue that Thomas, with his original desire to be a missionary and his contribution in providing the Bible to native Koreans, is the first Protestant martyr in Korea. However, others contend, with the viewpoint of decolonization, that his approach, which appeared invasive, cannot be justified, even though he himself identified as a missionary. Even the ambiguity of his death prevents him from being called a martyr. Given that the process of martyr‐making or unmaking inevitably involves potential politicization by specific living authorities who interpret and designate individuals as martyrs, this paper explores the trends of martyr‐making in the PCK, where political and religious ideologies are deeply intertwined.
Decolonizing “Last Will Be First” and “Mission from the Margins”
Authors: Jagessar Michael N.
Published: November 2023

This contribution arose from the CWME's “decolonizing seminar” (5–9 June 2023), held in Lisbon on the theme “Making the last first.” Paying particular attention to mission archives and inherited missional‐theological deposits, this essay makes a case for decolonizing mission as both habit and method to create systemic change. Decolonizing of mission as a process is for the whole of the oikos and ecumenical family and is not only a Western Europe and former colonies matter, as coloniality and empires transcend periods, events, and locations.
Lesslie Newbigin's WCC Legacy
Authors: Behan Shawn P.
Published: November 2023

From 1958 to 1965, J. E. Lesslie Newbigin worked for the International Missionary Council and then the World Council of Churches, specifically leading the integration of the organizations. Newbigin had a profound impact on the importance and role of mission within the ecumenical movement during the early transition of decolonialism around the globe. This article will reflect upon the history, contribution, and legacy of Newbigin in the conversation of mission in the ecumenical movement, specifically the World Council of Churches Commission on World Mission and Evangelism and the International Review of Mission. This reflection comes at the 25‐year mark since Newbigin's death and addresses part of Newbigin's legacy that recent books, The Church and Its Vocation and Becoming a Missionary Church, could only briefly discuss.
Freedom from Colonial Bondage
Authors: Pattel‐Gray Anne
Published: November 2023

This article sets out the colonial legacies and realities which continue to dominate indigenous peoples’ lives, experience, communities, and capacities in Australia. It roots this colonial violence in the particular efforts of missionaries to convert and dominate indigenous peoples with a white colonial God. The Bible was a key weapon for this work, but it is also central to the decolonial work of reconstruction and reparation. While Aboriginal Christians are rereading the biblical texts in ways that push back against the colonial occupation that is at the heart of the church's biblical exegesis, the article is pointing to this as a task laid on all churches and Christians, who can and should decolonize the dominant biblical and theological narratives. Further, there is a deep need to see theological education as a key location for reparation by the colonial inheritors, so that indigenous Christians can continue to deepen and deliver the tools that will help liberate mission and theological education from their colonial legacies.
Decolonizing Ourselves
Authors: Ekué Amélé Adamavi‐Aho
Published: November 2023

This article outlines some key steps and motifs for developing a decolonial relational ethics that will be vital not just to the work of decolonization but also to the practice of the ecumenical movement if it is to both add its weight to the calls for decolonization and itself be decolonized. The author interrogates key dimensions of her own field of study in Christian ethics and engagement in the ecumenical movement. She highlights some of the key spaces and often marginalized communities and persons who can shape the ecumenical movement's further engagement in decolonization. It offers a critique and a vision rooted in the author's lived experience and the scholarship of decolonization while seeking application in methodologies for colonial systems, relationships and mindsets to be challenged and reset.
Decolonizing Ableist Pedagogy
Authors: Novsima Isabella
Published: November 2023

How can someone born without a privileged language and not educated in a privileged educational institution engage in decolonization? This is a very relevant question for most people who live in the context of the global South. This paper proposes a constructive imagination to decolonize ableist pedagogy through feminist disability analysis. I argue that colonial pedagogy is inherently ableist. This paper is situated in an anti‐ableist and anti‐patriarchal framework, unveiling the normate culture and patriarchal‐colonial logic. However, the main source of analysis and epistemological tool is my body and experience as an Indonesian woman living with a disability. In trying to decolonize pedagogy, the experience of the body becomes more important than forming a new abstract theory of decoloniality. This paper proposes decolonizing ableist pedagogy as a communal work which requires examining colonial language and the binary thinking of body and mind through delinking the colonial space and crippling the colonial time. Based on this awareness, the decolonialization of ableist pedagogy is as imperative as the decolonialization of church mission.
Tracking severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission and co‐infection with other acute respiratory pathogens using a sentinel surveillance system in Rift Valley, Kenya
Authors: Ruttoh Vincent Kiplangat , Symekher Samwel Lifumo , Majanja Janet Masitsa , Opanda Silvanos Mukunzi , Chitechi Esther Wanguche , Wadegu Meshack , Tonui Ronald , Rotich Peter Kipkemboi , Nyandwaro Tonny Teya , Mwangi Anne Wanjiru , Mwangi Ibrahim Ndungu , Oira Robert Momanyi , Musimbi Audrey Gwazima , Nzou Samson Muuo
Published: November 2023

Background

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been the most significant public health challenge in over a century. SARS‐CoV‐2 has infected over 765 million people worldwide, resulting in over 6.9 million deaths. This study aimed to detect community transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 and monitor the co‐circulation of SARS‐CoV‐2 with other acute respiratory pathogens in Rift Valley, Kenya.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional active sentinel surveillance for the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus among patients with acute respiratory infections at four sites in Rift Valley from January 2022 to December 2022. One thousand two hundred seventy‐one patients aged between 3 years and 98 years presenting with influenza‐like illness (ILI) were recruited into the study. Nasopharyngeal swab specimens from all study participants were screened using a reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) for SARS‐CoV‐2, influenza A, influenza B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Results

The samples that tested positive for influenza A (n = 73) and RSV (n = 12) were subtyped, while SARS‐CoV‐2 (n = 177) positive samples were further screened for 12 viral and seven bacterial respiratory pathogens. We had a prevalence of 13.9% for SARS‐CoV‐2, 5.7% for influenza A, 2% for influenza B and 1% for RSV. Influenza A‐H1pdm09 and RSV B were the most dominant circulating subtypes of influenza A and RSV, respectively. The most common co‐infecting pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 29) and Haemophilus influenzae (n = 19), accounting for 16.4% and 10.7% of all the SARS‐CoV‐2 positive samples.

Conclusions

Augmenting syndromic testing in acute respiratory infections (ARIs) surveillance is crucial to inform evidence‐based clinical and public health interventions.
Reaction kinetics and microstructure of pegmatite‐based geopolymer composites: influence of calcined clay nature
Authors: Nana Achile , Alomayri Thamer , Tome Sylvain , Nath Susanta , Kamseu Elie , Bignozzi Maria Chiara , Leonelli Cristina , Kumar Sanjay
Published: November 2023

This research reports the investigations of threshold reactivity limit of blends of pegmatite with different calcined clays as well as the influence of calcined clay source on the geopolymerization kinetic, microstructural, and physico‐mechanical properties of feldspathic mineral‐based inorganic polymer composites. These composites were designed from 85 to 94 wt% of the solid solution of pegmatite and calcined clay. The three‐point flexural and compressive strengths, porosity, and microstructure as well as heat evolution rate of geopolymerization reactions of resulting composites were affected by the type of calcined clay. The four calcined clays provided the highest mechanical properties of the composites when added in the range of 12–15 wt%. Specifically, the values of flexural and compressive strengths ranged from 32 to 34 MPa and 101 to 105 MPa, respectively, for geopolymer composites with 15 wt% of metakolin added, while they ranged from 38 to 42 MPa and 106 to 107 MPa with 12 wt% of meta‐hallosyte added. The polycondensation/polymerization process of calcined clay developed sufficient amounts of N‐A‐S‐H and polysialate geopolymer to cover the incongruently dissolved fine particles of pegmatite. The resulting microstructure was dense and compact with the lower cumulative pore volume at about 91 mm3/g. It was concluded that designing the pegmatite/clay‐based geopolymer composites with high mechanical strengths and low porosity resulted in sustainable, low energy consumption and environmental‐friendly materials for civil engineering.
The association of social support and hope with self‐stigma and perceived recovery among people with schizophrenia: The serial mediation effect
Authors: Huang Li Ting , Liu Ya Ling , Pao Che Hao , Chang Yu Ho , Chu Ru Ying , Hsu Hui Min , Wei Dia Ru , Yang Chiu Yueh
Published: November 2023

Background

It is essential to assist individuals with a mental illness who have achieved clinical recovery in their personal recovery. Understanding the relationship between self‐stigma and social support and the effects on perceived recovery can be valuable for clinical professionals in helping patients lead meaningful lives.

Aim

To examine the serial mediating roles of social support and perceived hope in self‐stigma and the effects on perceived recovery.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The study was conducted from September 2019 to June 2020. One hundred and fifty‐seven patients with schizophrenia in seven chronic rehabilitation wards were enrolled. Each patient had a Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale score ≤ 60 points, and they regularly participated in occupational rehabilitation. Research tools included demographic data, the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Herth Hope Index (HHI), and Perceived Recovery Inventory (PRI). IBM SPSS 24.0 was used to analyse the data. Pearson correlation was used to analyse the relationships between variables, and models 4 and 6 of PROCESS macro V3.4 for SPSS were used to examine the mediation model.

Results

The results indicated that self‐stigma and perceived recovery in patients with schizophrenia are negatively correlated, that peer support and perceived hope mediate the relationship between them, and that peer support and perceived hope also have a statistically significant serial mediating effect.

Conclusion

The serial mediation effect of peer support and perceived hope on the relationship between self‐stigma and perceived recovery was statistically significant in this study.

Impact

This research delves into strategies to assist psychiatric patients in reducing self‐stigma and achieving recovery. The findings underscore the heightened significance of peer support for patients in rehabilitative wards and offer valuable insights for medical staff.

Reporting Method

STROBE checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Product Repositioning by Merging Firms*
Authors: Atalay Enghin , Sorensen Alan , Sullivan Christopher , Zhu Wanjia
Published: November 2023

We examine merging firms' additions and removals of products for a sample of 66 mergers across a wide variety of consumer packaged goods markets. We find that mergers lead to a net reduction in the number of products offered by merging firms. Merging firms tend to both drop and add products at the periphery of their joint product portfolios, with the net effect of increasing within‐firm product similarity. These results are consistent with theories of the firm that emphasize cost synergies among similar types of products or managerial core competencies linked to particular segments of the product market.
Effect of steam explosion on the morphological, textural, and compositional characteristics of betel nut
Authors: Yang Bowen , Xu Yaping , Kang Xiaoning , Kang Zonghua , Chen Weijun , Chen Wenxue , Zhong Qiuping , Zhang Ming , Pei Jianfei , Chen Haiming
Published: November 2023

To reduce the adverse physical effects on the oral mucosa caused by excessive hardness of betel nut fibers, steam explosion was used to soften betel nuts. The effect of three operating parameters (pressure holding time, explosion pressure, and initial moisture content) on the morphology, texture, and chemical composition of the betel nuts was investigated. The fiber hardness and Shore hardness decreased by 56.17%–89.28% and 7.03%–34.29%, respectively, and the transverse tensile strength and fiber tensile strength also decreased by up to 60.72% and 24.62%, respectively. Moreover, the coefficient of static friction and moisture content increased. After steam explosion, the betel nut increased in transverse diameter, became darker and more yellow–red in color, and showed a damaged microstructure. The contents of free phenol and alkaloids decreased after steam explosion treatment, with free phenols and total alkaloids decreasing from 34.32 mg(GAE)/g and 7.84 mg/g to 21.58 mg(GAE)/g and 6.50 mg/g, respectively, after the A‐50 s treatment condition. The steam explosion increased the quantity of phenols, alkaloids, and soluble solids released from the betel nut under the same simulated release conditions of the texture analyzer. The research also showed that increased pressure holding time and explosion pressure enhanced the explosion efficiency, while the initial moisture content was reduced the explosion efficiency. Therefore, steam explosion is an effective pretreatment approach to soften betel nut and facilitate healthy development of the betel nut industry.
Excellent hepatitis C virus cure rates despite increasing complexity of people who use drugs: Integrated‐Test‐stage Treat study final outcomes
Authors: O'Sullivan Margaret , Jones Anna‐Marie , Mourad Adele , Haddadin Yazan , Verma Sumita
Published: November 2023

Achieving hepatitic C virus (HCV) elimination requires linking people who use drugs (PWUD) into care. We report final direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs)‐based outcomes from the Integrated‐Test‐stage ‐Treat (ITTREAT) study. Project ITTREAT (2013–2021), based at an addiction centre, was a ‘one‐stop’ service with innovative linkage to care strategies. Primary outcome was sustained virological response (SVR12) (intention to treat ITT) including whether individuals were recruited in first (period 1) versus last four (period 2 included the COVID‐19 pandemic) years of the study. Number recruited were n = 765, mean age 40.9 ± 10.1 years, 78% males, history of current/past injecting drug use (IDU) and alcohol use being 77% and 90%, respectively. Prevalence of a positive HCV PCR was 84% with 19% having cirrhosis. Comparing those recruited in period 2 versus period 1, there was increasing prevalence of IDU, 90% versus 72% (p < .001); homelessness, 67% versus 50% (p < .001); psychiatric diagnosis, 84% versus 50% (p < .001); overdose history 71% versus 31% (p < .001), receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) 75% versus 52% (p < .001) and comorbidity 44% versus 25% (p < .001). Of those treated with DAAs (n = 272), ITT SVR rates were 86% (95% CI: 81%–90%), being similar in period 2 versus period 1. Predictors of non‐SVR were receiving OAT (OR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12–0.87, p = .025) and ≥80% adherence (OR 0.01, 95% CI: 0.003–0.041, p < .001). Reinfection rates period 2 versus period 1 (per 100 person‐years) were 1.84 versus 1.70, respectively. In the treated cohort, mortality was 15%, being mostly drug‐related. Despite increasing complexity of PWUD, high SVR12 rates are achievable with use of OAT and good adherence.
Overexpression of the TaEXPA19 gene improves low‐temperature tolerance in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Li Fei , Hu Baozhong , Peng Lina , Feng Xu , Miao Yu , Dong Jiamin , Wang Mingjing , Wang Xu , Li Fenglan , Xu Yongqing
Published: November 2023

Low temperature is one of the main abiotic stresses that affects plant growth, causing serious damage or even death to plants. The differential expression of the TaEXPA19 gene in the above and underground parts of winter wheat and the implications for cold resistance remain unclear. In this study, the TaEXPA19 gene was cloned and analysed for expression in winter wheat, and transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana was constructed to investigate the effect of the TaEXPA19 gene in response to low‐temperature stress on plant growth. The TaEXPA19‐A and TaEXPA19‐D genes have different response patterns in the above and underground parts of transgenic A. thaliana. When plants were subjected to low‐temperature stress, the leaves were quickly upregulated and the roots were downregulated, and then upregulated to respond to low‐temperature stress to promote the growth of leaf length and leaf width petiole length. The results indicated that TaEXPA19 genes could improve low‐temperature tolerance in plants. The results of this study laid a foundation for the study of the cold resistance of winter wheat.
The management of pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa differs between dermatologic and non‐dermatologic providers: A retrospective review
Authors: Atherton Kelly M. , Shope Chelsea N. , Andrews Laura A. , Robinson‐Pirotte India S. , Wine Lee Lara , Cotton Colleen H.
Published: November 2023

Background/Objectives

There is a paucity of pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) literature. The objective of this study was to characterize differences in management of pediatric HS patients by dermatology versus non‐dermatology clinicians.

Methods

We examined a retrospective cohort of 195 pediatric patients with HS seen at our institution (3/1/19–3/1/20). Two‐sample t‐tests and two‐proportion z‐tests were performed.

Results

A total of 76.1% of subjects were seen by dermatology at least once, and of these, 79.1% were referred. HS diagnosis was most often made by dermatology (36.6%), followed by pediatrics (21.6%). Patients managed by dermatology were significantly more likely to have used standard of care therapies (p < .001). Of dermatology‐managed patients, 19.7% were currently prescribed a biologic, as compared with zero patients not managed by dermatology. Those managed by dermatology were less likely to undergo surgical excision (13.3% vs. 25.5%, p = .04).

Conclusions

Our results support increased likelihood of treatment escalation with medical management by dermatologists. Relatively high utilization of referral to dermatology exists, but with only moderate patient adherence. There is a need for improved access to dermatologic care and prospective studies to determine whether differences in specialty management translate to improved patient outcomes.
Effectiveness of systemic treatments on pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis: A systematic review in pediatric patients
Authors: Kouwenhoven Tessa A. , van Muijen Marloes E. , van de Kerkhof Peter C. M. , de Jong Elke M. G. J. , Kamsteeg Marijke , Seyger Marieke M. B.
Published: November 2023

Background/Objectives

Itch is one of the hallmarks of atopic dermatitis (AD), which has a significant impact on the quality of life of pediatric patients with AD and their caregivers. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the antipruritic effects of systemic AD treatments in pediatric patients with AD.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched, including studies providing original data on the effects of systemic treatment on pruritus in pediatric patients (<18 years) with AD. Placebo‐controlled trials reporting a Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale 4 (PP‐NRS4) response were included in a meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 30 studies were included, with most evidence available for dupilumab. Overall, marked improvements of pruritus (50% or greater reduction in pruritus outcome measurements) were found for treatment with cyclosporin A (2–16 years), dupilumab (6 months–17 years), abrocitinib, and upadacitinib (both 12 and 17 years). Nemolizumab (12–17 years) may be promising in reducing pruritus in pediatric patients; however, data are limited. Only five randomized controlled trials could be included in our meta‐analysis, in which dupilumab, abrocitinib, and upadacitinib showed a significantly higher probability of achieving a PP‐NRS4 response compared with placebo. Our study was limited by a lack of homogeneity of included studies.

Conclusions

Cyclosporin A, dupilumab, abrocitinib, and upadacitinib are all effective in decreasing pruritus and, therefore, in improving the quality of life in children with AD. As more systemic treatments for AD become available, it will be imperative to incorporate patient‐oriented treatment goals such as reduction of pruritus into therapeutic decision‐making.
Trends in sedation‐analgesia practices in pediatric liver transplant patients admitted postoperatively to the pediatric intensive care unit: An analysis of data from the pediatric health information system (PHIS) database
Authors: Goldstein Matthew , Jergel Andrew , Karpen Saul , He Zhulin , Austin Thomas M. , Hall Matt , Deep Akash , Gilbertson Laura , Kamat Pradip
Published: November 2023

Background

Children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), after liver transplantation, frequently require analgesia and sedation in the immediate postoperative period. Our objective was to assess trends and variations in sedation and analgesia used in this cohort.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System from 2012 to 2022.

Results

During the study period, 3963 patients with liver transplantation were admitted to the PICU from 32 US children's hospitals with a median age of 2 years [IQR: 0.00, 10.00]. 54 percent of patients received mechanical ventilation (MV). Compared with patients without MV, those with MV were more likely to receive morphine (57% vs 49%, p < .001), fentanyl (57% vs 44%), midazolam (45% vs 31%), lorazepam (39% vs. 24%), dexmedetomidine (38% vs 30%), and ketamine (25% vs 12%), all p < .001. Vasopressor usage was also higher in MV patients (22% vs. 35%, p < .001). During the study period, there was an increasing trend in the utilization of dexmedetomidine and ketamine, but the use of benzodiazepine decreased (p < .001).

Conclusion

About 50% of patients who undergo liver transplant are placed on MV in the PICU postoperatively and receive a greater amount of benzodiazepines in comparison with those without MV. The overall utilization of dexmedetomidine and ketamine was more frequent, whereas the administration of benzodiazepines was less during the study period. Pediatric intensivists have a distinctive opportunity to collaborate with the liver transplant team to develop comprehensive guidelines for sedation and analgesia, aimed at enhancing the quality of care provided to these patients.
Electronic relaxation mechanism of 9‐methyl‐2,6‐diaminopurine and 2,6‐diaminopurine‐2′‐deoxyribose in solution
Authors: Ortiz‐Rodríguez Luis A. , Caldero‐Rodríguez Naishka E. , Seth Sourav Kanti , Díaz‐González Karitza , Crespo‐Hernández Carlos E.
Published: November 2023

Prolonged ultraviolet exposure results in the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) in RNA. Consequently, prebiotic photolesion repair mechanisms should have played an important role in the maintenance of the structural integrity of primitive nucleic acids. 2,6‐Diaminopurine is a prebiotic nucleobase that repairs CPDs with high efficiency when incorporated into polymers. We investigate the electronic deactivation pathways of 2,6‐diaminopurine‐2′‐deoxyribose and 9‐methyl‐2,6‐diaminopurine in acetonitrile and aqueous solution to shed light on the photophysical and excited state properties of the 2,6‐diaminopurine chromophore. Evidence is presented that both are photostable compounds exhibiting similar deactivation mechanisms upon the population of the S1(ππ* La) state at 290 nm. The mechanism involves deactivation through the C2‐ and C6‐reaction coordinates and >99% of the excited state population decays through nonradiative pathways involving two conical intersections with the ground state. The radiative and nonradiative lifetimes are longer in aqueous solution compared to acetonitrile. While τ1 is similar in both derivatives, τ2 is ca. 1.5‐fold longer in 2,6‐diaminopurine‐2′‐deoxyribose due to a more efficient trapping in the S1(ππ* La) minimum. Therefore, 2,6‐diaminopurine could have accumulated in significant quantities during prebiotic times to be incorporated into non‐canonical RNA and play a significant role in its photoprotection.
Impact of a free medication intervention on seizure recurrence and anxious and depressive symptoms in people living with epilepsy in the Republic of Guinea
Authors: Rice Dylan R. , Guelngar Carlos Othon , Traoré Mohamed , Condé Mohamed Laminé , Diallo Djenabou , Lee Nathanael J. , Ham Andrew Siyoon , Cissé Fodé Abass , Mateen Farrah J. ,   for the Guinea Epilepsy Project
Published: November 2023

Background and Objective

Of ~5 million people living with epilepsy (PLWE) in Sub‐Saharan Africa, roughly one‐third experience depression and over one third experience anxiety. In Guinea, these issues may be compounded by fewer available resources, such as appropriate anti‐seizure medications (ASMs). We aim to quantify seizure frequency, anxiety and depression in PLWE in Guinea, before and after a free ASM intervention and neurologist's consultation.

Methods

Guinean participants >12 years old with ≥2 unprovoked seizure were prospectively recruited. As part of a broader interview, participants reported prior 30‐day seizure frequency and screened for depression (PHQ‐9) (range 0–27 points) and anxiety (GAD‐7) (range 0–21 points) with re‐evaluation at 90 days.

Results

Of 148 participants enrolled (mean age = 27.3 years, range 12–72; 45% female), 62% were currently taking ASMs. For the 30 days pre‐enrolment, average seizure frequency was 3.2 (95%CI 2.3, 4.2); 28% of participants were seizure‐free. ASM regimens were modified for 95% of participants, mostly initiating levetiracetam (n = 115, 80% of modifications). 90‐day study retention was 76% (n = 113) among whom 87% reported full adherence to the ASM. After 90 days, the average seizure frequency over the prior 30 days was 1.5 (95%CI 0.5, 2.6), significantly lower than at baseline (p = 0.002). 66% were seizure‐free.

At baseline, average PHQ‐9 score was 21.2 (95%CI [20.2, 22.2]), indicating severe depressive symptoms. Average GAD‐7 score was 16.5 [15.6, 17.4], indicating severe anxious symptoms. At 90‐days, average PHQ‐9 score was 17.5[16.4, 18.5] and significantly lower than baseline (p < 0.001). Average GAD‐7 score was 14.4 [13.6, 15.3] and significantly lower than baseline (p = 0.002). Seizure frequency was not correlated with PHQ‐9 nor GAD‐7 scores at baseline but was at 90 days for both PHQ‐9 (r = 0.24, p = 0.01) and GAD‐7 (r = 0.22, p = 0.02) scores. The prevalence of suicidal ideation dropped from 67% to 47% of participants (p = 0.004).

Discussion

ASM management has dual importance for PLWE in resource‐limited settings, improving both seizure control and mental health.
SINGLE-FACTOR ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE ON THE EFFECT OF BLADE'S NUMBER ON ROTOR DRAG-TYPE PERFORMANCE
Authors: Prabowoputra Dandun Mahesa , Hadi Syamsul , Prija Tjahjana Dominicus Danardono Dwi , Aziz Mochamad
Published: November 2023

The State Electricity Company supports 59% of the national electricity supply in Indonesia. The electricity supply from hydro energy is only 8.17%, so this value must be increased to reduce the supply of power plants sourced from fossil fuels. A water turbine is one of the main components in converting hydropower to electrical energy. A cross-flow type water turbine is one of the popular rotors in research in recent years. Several methods are used in turbine development research, including computational fluid dynamics and experimental methods. This research has been done using two methods: the experimental and CFD methods. The study was conducted on variations in the number of blades on the rotor, with variations in blades 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. This study aims to determine the effect of the number of blades on turbine performance. This study was carried out for five repetitions for each rotor. CFD analysis was performed using the Ansys Student version with the CFX solver. The meshing method is tetrahedral, with a speed limit of 4.91 m/s and outlet pressure according to room pressure. This study uses CFD to know the pressure contours and velocity streamlines. The results of this study were analyzed using a single-factor DOE. The most optimal number of blades is 3-blades producing 9.38 Watt of power, and the Coefficient of power is 0.0748. Analysis of Variance for the Single-Factor shows that the number of blades significantly affects the energy produced. Cross-flow rotor design with 3-blades is a good design alternative for hydro turbines.
SHEAR STRENGTH OF SOFT CLAY REINFORCED WITH ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE (ABS) COLUMN
Authors: Nedunchelian N Thevagar , Hasan Muzamir
Published: November 2023

The troublesome soil that many geotechnical engineers encounter in the sector is clay soil. It presents a major danger to the foundations of light structures. Granular columns have proved beneficial in resolving foundation stabilisation and settling issues, making soft clay more appropriate for foundation building. This study aims to determine whether adding acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) to kaolin clay increases its shear strength. The physical, mechanical, and morphological properties of the materials used in this research (i.e., kaolin and ABS) must first be identified. The soft clay kaolin was strengthened with ABS columns and tested using the unconfined compression test (UCT) and the unconsolidated undrained test (UUT). The diameter of the columns used in this study was 8, 12, and 16 mm, while the penetration depth ratio used was 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0. The highest improvement in shear strength occurred at a height penetration ratio of 0.5 with values of 102.94%, 48.56%, and 50.02%. The UCT results demonstrated a decrease in the volume of the replacement ratio, followed by an increase in the height of the column. The UUT was conducted to evaluate the soft clay's shear strength when reinforced with an ABS column. The cell pressure used was 50, 100, and 200 kPa with the same column diameter specification as the UCT. The friction angle, υ, increased significantly from 8.92% to 18.21%. Furthermore, there was an improvement in cohesiveness, c, which increased from 4.54% to 45.45%. The results show that installing ABS columns improves the strength and compressibility of clay samples.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DIFFERENT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MODELS AND RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY FOR HEPTACHLOR REMOVAL USING FE/CU NANOPARTICLES
Authors: Yeo Wan Sieng
Published: November 2023

Water is a basic and essential resource in the human body. Every structure in the body including cells, tissues and organs needs water to work properly. Hence, without food, humans can last up to several weeks, but just a few days without water. Meanwhile, before water is consumed by a human’s body, harmful impurities such as heptachlor which is a highly toxic organochlorine compound in the water must be removed. To remove heptachlor from the wastewater, the adsorption using the bimetallic iron/cupper (Fe/Cu) nanoparticles can be a solution. However, the effectiveness of the elimination of heptachlor using the Fe/Cu nanoparticles could be affected by environmental factors including pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial adsorbate concentration, and stirring rate. Response surface methodology (RSM) is widely used to correlate these factors with the heptachlor removal efficiency to achieve performance optimisation. However, the artificial intelligence models may perform better than RSM to optimise the heptachlor removal process. Therefore, this study aims to compare the performance of different artificial intelligence models with RSM for heptachlor removal using Fe/Cu nanoparticles. These different artificial intelligence models include principal component regression (PCR), artificial neural network (ANN), locally weighted kernel partial least square regression (LW-KPLSR), partial least square regression (PLSR), and least-square support vector regression (LSSVR). Based on the obtained results, the LW-KPLSR model performed better than other artificial intelligence models and RSM. Its root means square error, and mean absolute error are around 159% to 3,297% lower than other models and RSM. Moreover, its coefficient of determination which is so-called R2 is the highest among others. These results denote that LW-KPLSR is more convincing as compared to RSM to predict optimum performance of heptachlor removal.
Investigating the Influence of Shariah Compliance on the Level of Currency Exposure Across Time Scales: An Application of Wavelet Approach
Authors: Abdul Wahab Hishamuddin
Published: November 2023

Currency exposure is defined as the risk where firm value is sensitive to changes in foreign exchange movement. Several studies have been devoted to measure the extent of foreign exchange exposure of Malaysian corporations. However, previous efforts have ignored the potential of Shariah compliance and time scale effects on the measurement. Motivated from these specification problems, the study investigated the influence of Shariah compliance on the level of multi-scale exchange rate exposure using the Maximal Overlap Discrete Wavelet Transformation (MODWT) approach. The study focused on a sample of 12 Shariah compliant firms (SCF) and 12 non-Shariah compliant firms (NSCF) listed under the Food and Beverage industry in Malaysia from July 2005 till August 2018. As a result, the study found that the level of Shariah compliance had a negligible impact on the level of exchange exposure. The study also found that the level of currency exposure increased from low to high time scale, indicating that widened investment intervals entail greater exchange risk for both SCF and NSCF. In terms of policy implication, the study infers that the SCF and NSCF share almost identical exchange risk profiles which uphold the law of one price. In fact, there is no basis to expect different risk management routines in dealing with exchange risk between the two groups. However, the study stresses the importance of incorporating the time scale factor in managing exchange risk for both groups.
Analysis of Genetic Parameters and Operators in Solving Looping and No Looping Shortest Path
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Adam , Misro Md Yushalify
Published: November 2023

Studies on shortest paths are significantly impactful given its wide range of applications especially in transportation and route planning. This study provides an additional solution to various existing optimizationmethods by proposing a Genetic Algorithm (GA) approach incorporated with Haversine formula to find the solution to shortest path problems. Two cases are taken into account, namely Looping Shortest Path (LSP) and No Looping Shortest Path (NLSP). The algorithm is tested for a road map containing 20, 30, and 40 cities. The experiment is repeated several times to find the best combination of genetic parameters and operators for the problem under consideration.
Herschel-Bulkley Model of Blood Flow through an Asymmetric Stenosed Artery on Unsteady Reactive Solute Dispersion
Authors: Zainul Abidin Siti Nurul Aifa Mohd , Jaafar Nurul Aini , Ismail Zuhaila
Published: November 2023

This study examined the effects of chemical reaction, stenosis shape parameter and non-Newtonian behaviour on solute dispersion in blood flow via an asymmetric stenosed artery using the generalised dispersion model (GDM). The Herschel–Bulkley (H-B) fluid model, which consists of a yield stress and power-law index, is used to represent the non-Newtonian characteristics of blood in a narrow artery at a low shear rate. The impact of stenosis shape parameter, chemical reaction, power-law index and plug flow radius on the dispersion coefficient and effective axial diffusion of solute is shown. The findings showed that the aforementioned parameters significantly impact the overall process of the chemically reactive solute in a bulk flow. The dispersion coefficient and effective axial diffusion decreases with an increase in the chemical reaction rate, stenosis shape parameter and power-law index. As time passes, the dispersion process slows and becomes almost constant implying a steady state of diffusion. In short, this study provides further insights into the physiological processes involved in the dispersion of drugs and nutrients in the circulatory system.
Global Optimization Method For Minimizing Portfolio Selection Risk
Authors: Kerk Lee Chang , Mokhtar Nurkhairany Amyra , Shamala Palaniappan , Badyalina Basri
Published: November 2023

This study employed the global optimization method called Modified Trusted Region Method (MTRM) to resolve the portfolio selection risk problem. An objective of unconstrained optimization problem was formulated with four sets of fund data. The relationship between the level of acceptable risk and the weighting factor was analyzed numerically. The return of portfolio increased along with the level of acceptable risk since a high return was always accompanied by higher risk. By contrast, the risk of portfolio decreased as the weighting factor increased. The MTRM could resolve the portfolio optimization problem.
New Approaches in Frequency Table Construction for Continuous Symmetrical Data
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Bappah , Subhi Mohammad Jamiluddin , Jamsari Asyraf Abdul Wafi
Published: November 2023

In computing statistical measures from a frequency table, the midpoint represents the observations in each class. The assumption that the observations are distributed uniformly and concentrated around the midpoint is not always valid. In this article, two new methods of constructing a frequency table, using the mean and median of the classes, are compared with the existing method, which uses the midpoint. The simulation study using symmetrical positive data shows that the method which used the classes’ mean performed well compared with the other methods. Freedman and Diaconis (FD) rule is the recommended rule when choosing the number of classes.
OVERVIEW OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING EDUCATION REQUIRED FOR THE UNDERSTANDING OF VITRUVIUS’S TEN BOOKS ON ARCHITECTURE
Authors: Fapohunda Christopher
Published: November 2023

The contents of many books, prima facie, can be known by their title. But within the context of the present day grammatical construction and images formed in the mind through some words, Vitruvius’s “Ten Books on Architecture”, written in 1st century, does not fall into this category. Apparently, the over 2000 year’s gap in knowledge and usage of precepts as well as educational attainment that formed the basis for the writing constituted unfamiliar background and terrain for the 21st century researchers and academia. Consequently many civil engineering developmental resources for research activities contained in the book, especially on concrete and structural materials, remain hidden from many researchers. The purpose of this work is to identify the depths of instructional and educational attainment, both in learning and practice that formed the background for writing and thus, for the understanding of the book, especially for engineers in the developing Nations.  To accomplish this work, the Roman society of the time and her educational systems were studied from materials available from the public domain. Analysis of the materials obtained showed that a wide-range and multi-faceted education through learning and practice, were required to operate in the construction industry at the time; and that all construction work, including military and machine construction were termed Architecture and under the control of the Head of the Government. It is also concluded that this learning, now parceled into different disciplines, is available in the public domain for the understanding and application of precepts in the Ten Books on Architecture for a robust structural and civil engineering practice
PREDICTING GEOTECHNICAL AXIAL CAPACITY OF REINFORCED CONCRETE DRIVEN PILE USING MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUE
Authors: Zi Xun Ooi , Abdullah Rini Asnida
Published: November 2023

Modified Meyerhof method is a popular method to calculate pile geotechnical axial capacity in Malaysia currently. From past experience, pile design based on empirical and analytical method produce variability of predicted capacity, in which, there is a wide scatter of predicted capacities and tendency for the predictions to be conservative, i.e. to underestimate the load capacity. This study provides options of machine learning and statistical approach for prediction of pile capacity based on soil investigation and dynamic pile load test result. It serves as an additional checking for engineer during design of pile based on conventional empirical method. It also helps to provide deeper insights of non-linear variables related to pile capacity through machine learning and statistical approach. This study helps engineer to design pile foundation optimally, economically and safely. The prediction of pile geotechnical axial capacity with machine learning technique and statistical approach for local marine clay soil in Penang, Malaysia is proposed in this study. The information from soil investigation report and dynamic pile load test report are gathered from six projects at Batu Kawan and Nibong Tebal located in Penang state that contributed 439 numbers of data. The skin friction factor, end bearing factor and pile geotechnical axial capacity are computed and predicted using empirical method, machine learning model and statistical model. Support Vector Machine illustrate best fit model for predicting skin friction factor with R2 of 0.517 while Random Forest seems to be the best fit model for predicting end bearing factor with R2 of 0.264. Random Forest is found to be the best model in predicting the geotechnical pile axial capacity compare to other models as it explains 96.2% of the variability of pile capacity.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PORTLAND AND WHITE CEMENT IMPACT ON UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF SOIL
Authors: Sarkar Razesh Kanti , Al Hussain Hameem , Mim Aseaya Khanom , Chowdhury Tasnova
Published: November 2023

Soil improvement plays a vital role in any engineering project, as the entire load from the superstructure is transmitted on the underlaying soil. Weaker soil increases foundation dimension, which is costly and soft soil generally causes difficulties on construction sites when it has low strength and low stiffness. Hence, in order to reduce cost and achieving better structural stability, soil must be stabilized with a mixture in order to achieve larger load carrying capacity. When soils fail to meet the geotechnical requirements, stabilizing the soil using cement is an essential process in geotechnical practice. Clay soil was stabilized in this study using white cement and regular Portland cement. White cement and Portland cement were collected and mixed with clay soil in amounts of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%. Soil tests such as grain size distribution, specific gravity test, unconfined compressive test, soil tests were performed on samples. The report includes field sampling, laboratory testing and engineering analysis and evaluation. From the result of unconfined compressive strength test, it is found that the addition of 6%, 8%, 10% of Portland cement and 10% of white cement increases the shear strength of the clay soil.
A lower bound in the problem of realization of cycles
Authors: Rozhdestvenskii Vasilii
Published: November 2023

We consider the classical Steenrod problem on realization of integral homology classes by continuous images of smooth oriented manifolds. Let be the smallest positive integer such that any integral ‐dimensional homology class becomes realizable in the sense of Steenrod after multiplication by . The best known upper bound for was obtained independently by Brumfiel and Buchstaber in 1969. All known lower bounds for were very far from this upper bound. The main result of this paper is a new lower bound for that is asymptotically equivalent to the Brumfiel–Buchstaber upper bound (in the logarithmic scale). For , we prove that our lower bound is exact. Also, we obtain analogous results for the case of realization of integral homology classes by continuous images of smooth stably complex manifolds.