bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of step voltage rise rate on accuracy of evaluating XLPE insulation DC voltage endurance coefficient
Authors: Ma Zhipeng , Li Ningyi , Chen Xingang , Tan Shiyao , Zhang Jinjing , Fan Yijie , Song Xin , Huang Yuyang
Published: April 2023

The voltage endurance coefficient n of cross-linked polyethylene
(XLPE) insulation is an important indicator for the analysis of
insulation failure mechanism. Accurately obtaining the value of n
can provide technical support for the reliability evaluation of cable
operation. The constant stress method and the step stress method are
used to obtain the values of n, but the test parameters can
influence the accuracy of the obtained n values. Two methods for
selecting test parameters are proposed. The equivalence between the two
methods is established, providing theoretical support for the accurate
evaluation of the n value of solid insulation materials by using
the step stress method. The accuracy of the evaluation results is
verified by analyzing the test data. The test results show that the
n=13.04 evaluated by the step stress test
with the proposed parameter selection method is consistent with the test
result of constant stress n=12.83.
A novel bridgeless flying capacitor multilevel rectifier
Authors: Li Yaopu , Cheng Hong , Wang Cong , Zhao Zhihao , Yuan Wei , Wang Jun
Published: April 2023

A novel transformerless three-phase unidirectional bridgeless flying
capacitor (UBFC) rectifier for medium-voltage and high-voltage
applications is presented by this paper. The rectifier consists of three
single-phase rectifiers in wye connection, the DC outputs of the three
single-phase rectifiers are connected in parallel to provide a high
common DC-link bus which makes it convenient to connect with NPC or FC
multilevel inverters. To avoid phase to phase current circulation, an
additional inductor and diode are added to each single-phase rectifier.
Compared with conventional bidirectional multilevel converters, only
half IGBTs are employed with lower voltage stress, line-frequency
transformers are no longer be required, which makes the proposed
rectifier has a series of advantages such as reduced cost, simplified
control complexity, increased reliability and improved overall
efficiency. The basic operating principle of the proposed rectifier in
continuous conduction mode is discussed, an improved carrier-based
level-shifted PWM modulation method integrated with voltage balancing
and the double closed-loop control strategy are proposed to achieve more
voltage levels and keep the flying capacitors in balance. The
feasibility of proposed rectifier is verified by the simulation as well
as experimental results.
PV Modules Life Cycle and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Dangate Milind Shrinivas , R Rajapriya
Published: April 2023

Rapid population growth has exacerbated problems surrounding natural
resource consumption, and environmental concerns have deteriorated in
various parts of the world. Energy generation accounts for a significant
share of overall greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. As a
result, eliminating pollution from energy-generating is a viable and
significant research topic in academia. It is essential to begin
exploring alternatives to traditional electricity plant-based generation
that use coal, oil, or natural gas as a source of raw materials. The
development of alternative power sources is becoming a focal point of
the electricity-generating business over the last few decades. In this
review, Wind power, Solar panels, Biogas as well as fuel cells are
examples of mature modern energy generation systems today. Among these,
photovoltaic panels seem to be the most widely accepted and practical
technology for usage in both residential as well as commercial
buildings. The capability of photovoltaic panels in the US has already
surpassed 14 GW in 2014. By 2030, the solar energy sector hopes to
generate 10% of the nation’s maximum amount of electricity. Systems
using photovoltaic panels have become a new method to produce
electricity. An abundant, limitless, cheap, and clean energy source is
solar radiation. Because they use solar energy, solar panels are
regarded as a clean and environmentally friendly method to produce
electricity. Even though photovoltaic panels produce essentially no
pollution (or) greenhouse gas emissions during operation, they do have
an influence on the environment during the manufacturing and end-of-life
processes. While these impurities are treated improperly and without
safeguards in the recovery portion of the manufacturing process and then
discharged into the environment, they constitute serious pollution
risks. Researchers in Europe and Japan frequently use the term
“Eco-balance” instead of “LCA”, but the two terms have nearly
identical meanings. Along with the LCA approach from 1993, this package
also includes goal and scope definition, life-cycle inventories,
life-cycle impact assessments, and life-cycle improvement analyses.
”LCA is the examination and evaluation of a product system’s inputs,
outputs, as well as potential environmental implications for its life
cycle. Limitations of Life Cycle Assessment as well as the importance of
LCA study are also discussed in this review. A case study of the Lake
Street Garage in Fort Collins, Colorado is also included in this
research. According to the findings of the LCA study, a solar power
system has some benefits in terms of lowering greenhouse gas emissions
and gaseous toxic releases. On the other side, traditional power plants
generate less toxic waste than solar panel systems. The Lake Street
Parking Garage’s solar panel system on its roof will not be able to
recoup its expenses throughout its 25-year lifespan, according to the
LCC result.
Agro-morphological assessment of three alternative grain legume crops
Authors:   Agricultural Academy, Institute of Plant Genetic Resources “K. Malkov”, Bulgaria, Petrova Sofiya
Published: April 2023

The grain legume crops are an important component of agricultural biodiversity and food security, because of the rich protein food and fodder, and a source of income. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the agro-morphological diversity of three alternative grain legume crops (Cicer arietinum L., Lathyrus sp. L. and Vicia ervilia L.) and to select the best accessions with a high yield potential. The assessment of the agro-morphological traits was performed according to the International Descriptors’ of each crop. High variation for Lathyrus sp. L. accessions was observed in the following agronomic traits: plant height, height to the first pod, number of pods per plant, number of grains per plant, mass of grains per plant and mass of 100 grains; for Cicer arietinum L. - number of grains per plant and mass of grains per plant and for Vicia ervilia L. - height to the first pod, number of pods per plant, number of grains per plant and mass of grains per plant. The variability of quantitative traits has shown a high genetic diversity in the evaluated accessions from alternative grain legume collections. The group of early grasspea accessions embraced twelve accessions. Three local chickpea populations had the shortest vegetative period from 86.7 days. Two bitter vetch accessions from the early group possessed positive yield traits. Based on the results obtained from this study, the best accessions were selected, for example: from Cicer arietinum L. - seven accessions; from Lathyrus sp. L. – five accessions and from Vicia ervilia L. – five accessions. According to these results, it can be concluded that the best accessions will be used for the next experimental trials and will be recommended to all interested researchers, breeders and farmers.
Voltage dependence of rock meal based foliar fertilizers with ISR properties, water solutions
Authors:   Agricultural University-Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Ganchev Donyo H.
Published: April 2023

The electrical conductivity of several rock meal based fertilizers with expressed ISR activity, measured as voltage dropping when their distilled water solution was affected with low – voltage electric currents of 5 volts (DC and AC) was examined. For comparison, hard and soft tap water (with 196 and 65 ppm CaCO3 hardness), 1% distilled water solutions of NaCL and CuSO4.5H2O solution and 0.1% solution of organosilicone surfactant were also tested in the conducted trials. The result shows that hard water, solutions of NaCL and CuSO4.5H2O and solutions of fertilizers with fulvic acids content can cause drops in the voltage of electric currents. The same results were received for the fertilizer on the basis of K2O, SiO2, Cu, although other products with similar content do not cause a voltage decrease. There were no differences in the conducted tests between the DC and AC electric currents.
Erosive Lichen Planus: Two Uncommon Cases
Authors: Schepis Carmelo , Siragusa Maddalena , Lentini Maria
Published: April 2023

This article does not have an abstract.
Efficacy of Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist (Anakinra) on a Refractory Case of Schnitzler's Syndrome
Authors: Kluger Nicolas , Rivière Sophie , Guillot Bernard , Bessis Didier
Published: April 2023

This article does not have an abstract.
Anhidrotic Effect of Intradermal Injections of Botulinum Toxin: A Comparison of Different Products and Concentrations
Authors: Rystedt Alma , Swartling Carl , Naver Hans
Published: April 2023

Botulinum toxin is used in various fields of medicine, including in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Three products containing botulinum toxin are commercially available in Sweden; Botox, Dysport and Neurobloc. In the literature dose-response has varied with respect to these 3 products. We hypothesized that the dilution level of botulinum toxin is of importance for the effect and we therefore investigated anhidrosis after intradermal injections of each product in 3 different concentrations. Nine healthy subjects received 0.1 ml injections in the back. The anhidrotic areas were identified by an iodine-starch test after 3 weeks. When the 3 products were diluted to 100 U/ml level the achieved mean anhidrotic areas were approximately the same. This is in strong contrast with the large dose conversion factors suggested for intramuscular injections of the products. Furthermore, the lowest used concentrations for Botox(R) (25 U/ml) and Neurobloc (100 U/ml) led to the largest anhidrotic mean area per unit, respectively. The optimal concentration in this study was 25 U/ml for Botox, 100 U/ml for Dysport and 100 U/ml for Neurobloc, but for Botox and Neurobloc the optimal concentrations may be even lower.
Leg Ulcer Point Prevalence can be Decreased by Broad-scale Intervention: a Follow-up Cross-sectional Study of a Defined Geographical Population
Authors: Forssgren Alexandra , Fransson Ingvor , Nelzén Olle
Published: April 2023

In 1988 a cross-sectional epidemiological study was performed in Skaraborg County, Sweden, establishing leg ulcer point prevalence. Based on the results of that study a complete change in the care of leg ulcer patients was brought into practice. The objective of this postal cross-sectional follow-up study was to evaluate the success of the new management strategy. Responding healthcare providers were asked to report all patients with an open wound below the knee that did not heal within a 6-week period after onset of ulceration. Validity of results was ensured by examining 203 randomly selected patients. Based on clinical examination, an assessment of the underlying causes of ulceration was made. The study setting was inpatient and outpatient care in hospitals, primary care and community care within Skaraborg, with a population of 254,111. The response rate was 100% from district nurses, hospital wards and outpatient clinics. Reports were collected from healthcare providers, mainly nurses, in all 15 communities. A total of 621 individual patients with active leg ulcers were identified. Age-adjusted sex ratio of ulcer patients was 1:1.1 (M:F). The median age was 79 years. A total of 507 patients (82%) were older than 64 years. District and community nurses provided care for the majority (88.5%) of patients. The study verified a point prevalence of 2.4/1000 population in 2002 compared with 3.1/1000 in 1988, a 23% decrease in leg ulcer prevalence. Venous insufficiency was still the dominating causative factor, although the number of patients with venous leg ulcers was reduced by 46%. Arterial ulcers had decreased by 23%, while patients with ulcers of diabetic and multifactorial causes were increased. In conclusion, it is likely that this reduction in point prevalence reflects the introduction of the change in management strategy undertaken in the area.
In vitro and In vivo Characterization of a Novel Liposomal Butorphanol Formulation for Treatment of Pruritus
Authors: Lim Grace J. , Ishiuji Yozo , Dawn Aerlyn G. , Harrison Benjamin , Won Kim Do , Atala Anthony , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: April 2023

As yet no transdermal topical formulations have been developed for the treatment of chronic itch. We developed a formulation containing 2 mg butorphanol tartrate in 100 microl purified water encapsulated into multilamellar phospholipid vesicles. Drug permeation experiments were studied with Franz diffusion chambers using human skin in vitro and on rat skin in vivo. Histological analysis of rat skins was performed to evaluate skin irritation of the formulation in vivo. Physical properties showed stable formulation with desirable viscosity. In vitro dermal penetration rate data suggest that there was significant permeation at time-points 2 h and 4 h, and a steady state was achieved afterwards to 24 h. Maximal plasma butorphanol concentration was noted at 2 h and steady state was achieved at 8 h. Visual skin assessment as well as histological analysis of excised rat skin did not demonstrate any evidence of inflammation and irritation. In vitro and in vivo analysis demonstrated release of a consistent amount of butorphanol in a sustained manner for 24 h. This liposomal transdermal delivery formulation could serve as a method to deliver butorphanol for patients with chronic pruritus.
Psoriatic Skin Lesions Induced by BCG Vaccination
Authors: Takayama Kaoru , Satoh Takahiro , Hayashi Miho , Yokozeki Hiroo
Published: April 2023

This article does not have an abstract
Editorial: Emiliano Panconesi Memorial
Authors: Gieler Uwe , Tomas-Aragones Lucia , Linder Dennis
Published: April 2023

Abstract is missing (Editorial)
The Study of Art Therapy using Mandala for Chronic Pain of Endometriosis
Authors: ST Oh
Published: April 2023

The endometriosis is the extra-uterine existence of endometrial tissue. Usually it is in peritoneal cavity, so it bleeds in peritoneal cavity and adhered with adjacent organs. Therefore, it produces the pelvic pain and it need the medical or surgical treatment. However, the pain is not controlled completely after these treatments. Therefore, other supportive treatment is needed. Art therapy can be used for this purpose, because recently many studies were reported that the pain of endometriosis is related to stress or psychological problem. In the eleven patients who have remained pain after medical or surgical treatment for endometriosis, they were treated by art therapy as mandala therapy. After this therapy, more than 2 VAS (Visual Analog Scale) is significantly decreased in 7 of 11 patients (P<0.05) although VAS is not decreased in 4 of 11 patients. Therefore, I concluded mandala art therapy is helpful for the remained pain after medical or surgical treatment for endometriosis. However, further study is needed by the study of more big sample and long duration.
Vaccine Strain of Measles Virus: A Tool for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Y Pramod Kumar
Published: April 2023

Measles virus, the causative agent of measles, possesses a latently oncotropic character. This character enables the virus to infect, syntialize and lyse the cancer cells. The live attenuated strains, specially the Edmonston strain, recognize CD46 as their receptor. CD46 is overexpressed in adenocarcinoma cells. There is a basal level of expression of CD46 in all nucleated cells. The Edmonton vaccine strain has high affinity towards CD46 receptor but the wild stain has strong affinity towards CD150/ SLAM expressed on the lymphoid cells and epithelial nectin-4. This natural property of the live attenuated vaccine strains of Measles virus is exploited for oncolytic virotherapy. In recent years, virus-mediated oncolytic virotherapy has emerged as most reassuring therapy against carcinoma. Without causing any damage to the neighbouring tissues, the oncolytic Measles virus destroys the cancer cells through self-replication. Genetically modified viruses have been generated to broaden the field of oncolytic virotherapy. Previously non-engineered strains of MeV were used for conducting oncolytic virotherapyhighlighting the need for enhancing efficacy and safety. But with the emergence of reverse genetics system, the viral genome can be manipulated to develop genetically modified strains and this has brought an improvement in the therapeutic index. In this review we will discuss how the genetically engineered MeV strains are generated for oncolytic virotherapy as well as the possible outcomes of this modern therapeutic approach. We will also discuss about MeV mediated oncolytic immunotherapy in this review.
Acute mesenterial ischaemia: a contemporary view
Authors: Podoluzhnyi V. I. , Startsev A. B. , Radionov I. A.
Published: April 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) increased to 10.9 per 100 000 population. Here we discuss causes, symptoms, current diagnosis and treatment of AMI.Frequently, such patients suffer from stenosis or occlusion of superior mesenteric artery accompanied by coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, or chronic brain ischaemia. The main clinical symptom is constant abdominal pain which is sharp in case of mesenteric artery thrombosis or dull if thrombosis is restricted to the branch of superior or inferior mesenteric veins. Conventionally, the diagnosis of AMI is verified by multislice computed tomography angiography and contrast-enhanced multislice computed tomography. Timely diagnosis with emergency surgery reduces mortality from 90% to 30-50%. The best treatment outcomes are observed after early revascularizations and minimally invasive endovascular interventions.
Statistical analysis of medical data: descriptive statistics and group comparison
Authors: Gudinova Zh. V. , Demakova L. V.
Published: April 2023

Here we describe the most common and informative procedures for the primary statistical analysis of medical data. We emphasize the importance of using histogram, normality tests, median, percentiles, confidence intervals, ranking procedures, and as analytical tools. The material is illustrated with step-by-step graphical explanation of applying commercially available software for fulfilling these tasks. The lecture is designed for biomedical students and clinicians.
A clinical case of COVID-19 in a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma and brain damage
Authors: Zoloev G. K. , Kosovskikh A. A. , Rudenkova O. V. , Pikelgaupt Zh. V. , Manzhos V. V. , Cherevatenko K. V.
Published: April 2023

Severe COVID-19 is not restricted to the lungs but also affects other organs and tissues, making the choice of the therapeutic regimen challenging, in particular with patients having comorbid conditions. Here we present the case of successful treatment of COVID-19 in patient with Hodgkin lymphoma and brain injury, focusing on the signs, symptoms, and differential diagnosis.
COVID-19 pandemic in low-risk pregnant women in 2020-2022: disease confounders and clinical characteristics
Authors: Belokrinitskaya T. E. , Frolova N. I. , Kargina K. A. , Shametova E. A. , Chuprova M. I. , Rodionova K. A.
Published: April 2023

Aim. To identify confounders and clinical symptoms of COVID-19 in low-risk pregnant women during the pandemics from 2020 to 2022.Materials and Methods. The study included pregnant women with COVID-19: 1) those who have been admitted in October-December 2020 (n = 163); 2) those who have been admitted in May-August 2021 (n = 158); 3) those who have been admitted in January-February 2022 (n = 160). Patients in all groups were in the 3st trimester of gestation and were comparable in age (18–35 years), socioeconomic status, parity, body mass index, and had no established risk factors for COVID-19.Results. Iron deficiency anemia, tobacco smoking, and belonging to the East Asian ethnic group were recognized as reliable confounders for COVID-19 in pregnant women. In the 1st year of the pandemic, the most common symptoms were: loss of smell/taste (87.7%), somnolence (68,7%), and shortness of breath (68.1%). In the 2nd pandemic year, SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant more frequently resulted in fever above 38°C (19.6% vs 7.4%), pneumonia (61.4% vs 21.4%), respiratory failure (17.7% vs 4.9%), admission to intensive care unit (11.4% vs 6.4%), and invasive mechanical ventilation (1.89% vs 0). Symptoms of COVID-19 in the 3rd year of the pandemic were similar to those observed in seasonal acute respiratory viral infections: runny nose (66.7%) and cough (54.4%), whereas the cases of pneumonia were rare (3.8%).Conclusion. Among the most reliable confounders of COVID-19 in pregnant women without any risk factors in the 3rd trimester of gestation are iron deficiency anemia, tobacco smoking, and belonging to the East Asian ethnic group. Each SARS-CoV-2 variant provoked vastly different symptoms.
Ceruloplasmin and complement C3 are markers of diminished ovarian reserve in premenopausal women
Authors: Salimova M. D. , Atalyan A. V. , Nadelyaeva Ya. G. , Danusevich I. N. , Lazareva L. M. , Kurashova N. A. , Darenskaya M. A. , Sholokhov L. F. , Rashidova M. A. , Belenkaya L. V. , Egorova I. Y. , Babaeva N. I. , Suturina L. V.
Published: April 2023

Aim. To establish cut-off values for the concentrations of complement C3 and ceruloplasmin, diagnostic markers of reduced antral follicle count (AFC) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) which both indicate diminished ovarian reserve, in women of reproductive age.Materials and Methods. Here we enrolled 864 women (18-40 years of age, average age 31.70 ± 5.14 years) who underwent an annual medical examination in 2017–2019 in the Irkutsk Region and the Republic of Buryatia. Reduced AFC was defined as ≤ 5 antral follicles in each ovary at pelvic ultrasound examination whilst reduced AMH was defined as < 1.2 ng/mL. In total, 112 women had reduced ovarian reserve and 752 were included into the control group. In addition to AMH, we also measured serum prolactin, gonadotropins, inhibin B, estradiol, complement C3, and ceruloplasmin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cut-off values were determined by plotting a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calculating the area under the curve (AUC).Results. The cut-off level of complement C3 was 894 (867; 1355.5) mg/mL [AUC: 0.769 (0.635; 0.904)] in women with reduced AFC (≤ 5) and 981.5 (916.5; 1467.5) mg/mL [AUC: 0.62 (0.493; 0.746)] in women with reduced AMH (< 1.2 ng/mL). The cut-off level of ceruloplasmin was 1.745 (1.625; 1.975) mg/mL [AUC: 0.859 (0.759; 0.96)] in women with reduced AFC (≤ 5) and 1.975 (1.665; 2.15) mg/mL, [AUC: 0.662 (0.542; 0.782)] in women with reduced AMH (< 1.2 ng/mL).Conclusion. We have established the cut-off values for the serum complement C3 and ceruloplasmin in women with reduced AFC and AMH, indicators defining diminished ovarian reserve in women of reproductive age.
PENDUGAAN KERAGAMAN GENETIK DAN HERITABILITAS MUTAN PADI HITAM (Oryza sativa L.) GENERASI M2 HASIL IRADIASI SINAR GAMMA
Authors: Mirantika Dewi , Nurhidayah Siti , Nasrudin Nasrudin , Rahayu Sherly
Published: April 2023

The low productivity and long harvesting period of local black rice causes this plant to be rarely cultivated by farmers in Indonesia. One way to increase the genetic diversity of black rice is by using gamma ray irradiation. This study aims to determine the genetic diversity and heritability value of M2 generation black rice resulting from gamma-ray irradiation. The research was conducted in February - June 2021 at the Screenhouse Universitas Perjuangan Tasikmalaya. The genetic material used was black rice M2 generation resulting from gamma ray irradiation with doses 200 gy and PH5 as a control. The research was conducted in 2 experimental stages. The first experiment was in the nursery where M2 seeds were planted with 1000 seeds and 200 seeds for the control. In the second study, the M2 generation black rice mutant was planted with 250 seedlings without replication and the control 10 plants were repeated three times. The results showed that there was a chlorophyll mutation in the M2 generation lines which produced color variations including albino 0.5%, xantha 42%, viridis 5%, tigrina 0.5%, normal 52% at 21 HSS. The survival ability of the black rice mutant was smaller than that of the control. The heritability values in the broad sense of the high category and high genetic diversity were found in the number of productive tillers, the number of total grain, and the number of empty grain. M2 generation black rice irradiated with 200 gy gamma rays was able to provide a response of longer flowering time, narrower flag leaves, lower weight per plant, less filled grain, and increased number of empty grain compared to control (PH5).
Criticism of the Poverty of the Stimulus Argument (POSA)
Authors: Vakili Pouya
Published: April 2023

This paper intends to provide information about the Poverty of the Stimulus Argument (POSA) by presenting different viewpoints. At the outset a brief history of Nativism was provided, and then linguistic nativism and empiricism were elaborated on. Afterward, Plato’s ideas will be argued for and against and then Plato’s problem will be discussed in detail. For this purpose, his ideas will be compared and contrasted with Chomsky’s perspective of innateness. Chomsky’s Universal Grammar will be discussed in the scope of POSA, and its properties will be explained in detail. In addition, Chomsky’s viewpoints will be compared with Skinner’s and Tomasello’s to find out their perspectives on language learning processes. Finally, Universal Grammar will be discussed from the perspective of Usage-Based linguistics in order to highlight the shortcomings of Universal Grammar and address the questions that this theory is unable to resolve.
Non-compliance with Outpatient Follow-up in Child Abuse Cases - A Single Centre Study
Authors: Abdul Halim Siti Rabihah , Taib Fahisham , Ab Rahman Azriani
Published: April 2023

Introduction: To study the characteristics of child abuse cases and determine the risk factors associated with non-compliance to follow-up. Methods: A retrospective review of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) cases attending an outpatient clinic at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia was performed. This was done using a standardized proforma to capture the demographic and clinical data from 2014 until 2020. Variables collected were gender, age at the time of the abuse, religion, education, school attendance, history of previous abuse, parental employment, parental relationship, domestic violence, parental criminal history, substance abuse, and household number. Children under the age of 18 years who were seen by the SCAN team in the emergency department (ED) or during hospital admission within the time frame were included. Results: Compliance rates are defined as the follow-up within the first recommended date given after hospital admission or encounter at the ED. The investigation comprised 311 cases and sexual abuse was reported in 261 cases (83.9%). During the study period, 191 (61.3%) children who were non-compliant with follow-up. Simple binary logistic regression revealed that the significant factors associated with non-compliance to follow-up after the SCAN team review was the patients’ age only. Multiple logistic regression revealed that there were no significant factors associated with failure to comply with outpatient clinic follow-up. Conclusion: This study provides a descriptive study of local child abuse cases. We could not identify any specific factors associated with non-compliance to follow-up.
A 10-Year Review of Obstetrics Anal Sphincter Injury at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Ismail Ahmad Amir , Ibrahim Adibah , Ismail Mohd Pazudin , Nik Lah Nik Ahmad Zuky , Johan Noor Shah Reza , Mohamad Zon Erinna , Wan Adnan Wan Fadhlina , Yaacob Najib Majdi , Engku-Husna Engku Ismail
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) is an uncommon complication that may occur during vaginal delivery and increases the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction following delivery. This 10-year review is aimed to determine the occurrence of OASIS at a tertiary teaching hospital. Methods: A retrospective review of records of women who had their newborns delivered at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia between 2007-2016 was conducted. OASIS was classified according to the classification proposed by Sultan AH in 1999. Women who delivered on the same day with the index delivery but without OASIS acted as the control group (n = 154). Results: There were 61,049 vaginal deliveries over the ten years. A total of 154 women were recorded to have vaginal delivery complicated with OASIS, with a cumulative prevalence of 0.25% per year. Of these, 86% (n = 133) sustained a third-degree, and the remaining 14% (n = 21) had a fourth-degree perineal tear. Three independent risk factors for OASIS were identified using multivariable analysis: primiparity, greater gestational age, and higher infant birth weight. Conclusion: Nulliparous, primiparous, and a higher infant birth weight > 3500 g pose a higher possibility of developing OASIS during vaginal delivery among women who delivered at a tertiary teaching hospital on the east coast of Malaysia.
Implementing Blockchain Technology in IoT Vineyard Monitoring System
Authors:   BEIA Consult International, R&D Department, Bucharest, Romania, STRECHE Robert , ORZA Oana ,   BEIA Consult International, R&D Department, Bucharest, Romania, BOSOC Sabina ,   BEIA Consult International, R&D Department, Bucharest, Romania, SUCIU George ,   BEIA Consult International, R&D Department, Bucharest, Romania
Published: April 2023

Data management is essential in the precision agriculture industry since it is a requirement for exposing a product's attributes and qualities to the customer while ensuring crop security, traceability, and all other values associated with product and organization sustainability. In this way, the aim of the article is to present a solution for securing information from the IoT vineyard monitoring system and to integrate advanced technologies into the crop monitoring process to increase productivity and quality. The background of the article is supported by the study of the DISAVIT project, which develops an intelligent decision support system for smart viticulture. Monitoring the health of the vineyard and their tendency to the occurrence of certain diseases characteristic of these crops requires the analysis of soil quality parameters and meteorological aspects. The data used in this study is collected from Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), then transmitted using 5G communication and stored in the Cloud for processing and interpretation. The HyperLedger framework, which is based on Blockchain technology, is also used to secure the data. Finally, starting from the system's operating architecture, data interpretation and visualization will be performed and the functionality of the data security system will be tested.
Water Quality Assesment in Peatlands from North-Western Romania: Iaz and La Poduri Case Studies.
Authors:   Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, ȘERBAN Gheorghe , BĂTINAŞ Răzvan ,   Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, SABĂU Daniel ,   Water Basin Administration, Someș-Tisa, Romania e-mail: daniel.sabau@ubbcluj.ro, POP Ana-Maria ,   Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Published: April 2023

Present study is focusing on a few peatlands located in north-western part of Romania, as part of a larger project oriented to implement a series of restauration works in degraded peatlands. Water scarcity have transformed some of these peatlands and the loss of biodiversity could be triggered when the hydrological balance is not at the optimum value. Water quality in peatlands is also a good indicator for the health of these wetlands. In order to evaluate the present state a series of in-field measurements have been made using different tools and instruments.
Numerical Analysis of the Flow Over the Dam Spillway.
Authors:   Iskenderun Technical University, Civil Engineering Department, VARÇİN Hakan , ÜNEŞ Fatih ,   Iskenderun Technical University, Hatay – TURKEY, GEMİCİ Ercan ,   Bartin University, Bartin – TURKEY, TAŞAR Bestami ,   Iskenderun Technical University, Civil Engineering Department
Published: April 2023

The determination of hydraulic parameters is very important in the design of the dam spillway structure. Hydraulic parameters are obtained by theoretical and empirical approaches according to the design flow discharge. In general, before the application project, tests are made on the hydraulic model and the design is given its final shape. Advanced numerical modeling techniques can be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to experimental studies. This study investigated hydraulic parameters in three dimensions under design flow in a dam spillway using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In the numerical model, the VOF method, which can solve two-phase flows, and the standard k-e turbulence model are used. Obtained results were compared with experimental results. It was determined that the experimental and numerical model results were quite compatible with each other.
The Influence of the Hydro-Technical System on the Water Flow of the Sebeș River.
Authors:   Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, VIGH Melinda , PANDI Gavril ,   Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Published: April 2023

Along the Sebeș River was built one of the representative hydrotechnical cascade systems in Romania. The significant potential of the river is used primarily to produce electricity at four hydroelectric power stations located downstream of four reservoirs. This system influences the natural runoff, which is controlled at the Petrești hydrometric station. Based on the reconstruction of the natural flows, two series of parallel monthly flows were obtained: one with flow of water drained into the bed (influenced discharge, what is measured) and another with reconstructed values (obtained from calculations). Based on them, the degree of influence of the natural flow was highlighted. The analyses were performed considering the multi-year average monthly flows, the annual average flows, as well as the extreme monthly average flows. Thus, pertinent conclusions can be drawn regarding the influence of the natural flow on the Sebeș River.
Extreme Precipitation Analysis in Novi Sad
Authors:   ", LEŠČEŠEN Igor ,   Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia", BASARIN Biljana ,   "Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia", PAVIĆ Dragoslav ,   "Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia", MESAROŠ Minučer ,   "Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia"
Published: April 2023

A direct consequence of the global climate change is the alteration of seasonal precipitation patterns and as a consequences pluvial flood in urban areas becoming more frequent. In this study, precipitation patterns for the city of Novi Sad were analysed for the 1961-2020 period. For the extraction of extreme precipitation values, the peaks-over-threshold method was applied with the threshold level set at the 90th percentile. For the inspection of time-dependent occurrence rates and assessment of significant changes, a Kernel estimation was applied. For the assessment of the significances of the occurrence rate estimation Cox-Lewis (CL) test was used. The obtained results indicate decreasing trends in occurrence rate and frequency of minor and strong events in the second half of the 20th century. On the other hand, we argue that there is the increase of occurrence rate and frequency of extreme events at the beginning of the new millennia. Regarding the occurrence and frequency of the extreme events a clear increase in occurrence rate and frequency can be observed, especially when frequency is observed as from the year 2000 a total of 11 of these extreme years occurred in contrast to six events prior 2000. The application of the CL test yields a decreasing trend of strong events and increasing trend of extreme events. The p values are as small as 0.0336 and 0.0034 respectively. The test confirms what confidence bands display, i.e., more and more extreme participations per decade towards the modern times.
Therapeutic Valorisation of Thermal Waters from Rural Locations of Bihor County.
Authors:   ", CIURBA PASTOR Anca - Paula ,   University of Oradea, 1 University Street, 410 087 Oradea, Romania & University of Lorraine, LOTERR-EA7304, Île du Saulcy, 57045 Metz, France", HAIDU Ionel ,   University of Lorraine, Laboratory LOTERR-EA7304, Île du Saulcy, 57045 Metz, France, GACEU Ovidiu ,   University of Oradea, 1 University Street, 410 087 Oradea, Romania, AUR Cristina ,   University of Oradea, 1 University Street, 410 087 Oradea, Romania
Published: April 2023

Bihor County has a long tradition in the therapeutic use of thermal waters. Except for the established spa resorts Felix, 1 Mai and Tinca, the study focuses on capitalizing on the spa potential in the country side. The objective of this study is to highlight the evolution and the therapeutic and recreational valorization of the spa factor in rural localities, not included in the state balneo-tourism management plan before 1989, nor in the network of the relevant ministry from the years after this date. The paper inventories the sources of geothermal water at the scale of Bihor county that were the object of individual or collective local valorization, at the level of villages or communes. The geological prospecting works and the special drillings carried out in the period 1960-1970 with the aim of identifying oil or natural gas deposits, sometimes highlighted important geothermal resources, many of them, being interpreted and exploited ad hoc by the rural population for the purpose spa. The paper analyzes how the phenomenon of therapeutic valorization of thermal waters in Bihoren villages developed and evolved, as well as the impact on the social-economic environment. It also assesses the rural development forecasts presented in the strategic development projects at the level of some communes, regarding the exploitation of geothermal waters.
The Construction of Legitimation in Romanian Public Authorities’ Discourses During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors:   University of Bucharest, Romania, CUSNIR Camelia , NICOLA Anamaria ,   University of Bucharest, Romania
Published: April 2023

The global spread of COVID-19 in 2020 has created a wide range of responses from governments, like lockdowns, event prohibitions, social distancing rules, etc. Authorities tried to legitimize these restrictions (including limitations of individual rights) through different strategies in order to obtain people compliance. This paper aims to analyze the discourses of two most trusted Romanian public figures, according to IRES (April 2020), Klaus Iohannis, Romanian President, and Raed Arafat, Romanian State Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, both of whom played key roles in the communication around the COVID-19 health emergency state in our country in March-April 2020. Our goal is to identify how they legitimize their actions by exploring the power relationships between these two Romanian authorities, citizens and other social actors as reflected in their discourses. Our analysis combines van Leuween’s (2007) legitimation strategies with Brown’s (2020) risk features to understand how Romanian authorities managed to respond to COVID-19 crisis. Research showed the two public figures legitimize their actions by using personal authority and that warnings are the most addressed constructions in their discourses. Differences also showed that Arafat was more focused on battling fake news and its effects, while Iohannis was often using good hero’s narratives to explain the decisions implemented to combat the pandemic.
Examining the Effect of Incorporating Social Media Literacy into Moroccan Schools
Authors:   ENSAM-Meknes, Moulay Ismail University, Morocco, BENHADJ Yassine
Published: April 2023

Access to the internet is easier and faster than ever, forcing most people around the globe to adopt a web-based lifestyle. This generates tons of online footprint data, which feeds digital systems and leads to massive information abundance. To address this issue, people, especially teens, who are the most social media users, need to develop certain skills to use these platforms constructively. According to recent evidence, social media literacy (SML) is a golden choice to attain this goal. Considering this, the goal of this study was to implement an online SML course in a Moroccan educational setting and assess how well it could prepare millennials to use social media. The research population covered Moroccan baccalaureate students. The researcher used an experimental design, hallmarking the participation of a control and an experimental group. The mean scores’ differences of the pre-test and the post-test suggested that the course was significantly impactful in improving the SML level of the treatment group. It is hoped that this research will contribute to the online empowerment of Moroccan students, urge policymakers to officially recognize SML in the Moroccan educational system, and help syllabus designers and educators create SML programs that meet the needs of this generation.
Subcronic Toxicity Of Moringa Leaf Extract (Moringa Oleivera L) On Histopathology Heart Organ Of Rats
Authors: Listiani Yunda Putri , Ayuwardani Novi - , Erikania Susanti -
Published: April 2023

Moringa leaf (Moringa oleivera L) is a plant that has benefits as a natural medicinal ingredient. Benefits of Moringa leaves as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antihypertensive, anticholesterol and antidiabetic. Phytochemical test Moringa leaves contain flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenols and steroids. Sub-chronic toxicity test was conducted to determine the negative impact of Moringa leaves on the body if consumed for a certain period of time. The test animals used were 20 male rats with 5 doses of treatment. Parameters observed were body weight (g), relative weight of liver (%), macroscopic changes and liver histopathology. The data were analyzed by One Way Anova and continued with the Post Hoc LSD test. The results of this study showed changes in body weight of rats, changes in the relative weight of the liver, macroscopic changes in the liver in the form of consistency and surface of the liver and histopathological changes in the liver in the form of necrosis with a total liver damage of 46% and the number of normal cells by 54%. Keywords: Moringa Leaf, Subchronic Toxicity, Liver Histopathology.
Characteristics of the Board of Directors and Dividend Policy: A Case Study of Banks in Western Balkans
Authors: Milašinović Marko , Radojević Aleksandra , Jovković Biljana
Published: April 2023

This paper examines the influence of the size and participation of women in the board of directors on the dividend policy of banks in Western Balkans. The research covered 104 banks, observing their dividend policy from 2017 to 2019. The dividend payout ratio was measured by the dividend policy. A relatively small number of banks paid dividends during the observation period. By applying the Fixed-Effect model, it was determined that the size of the board of directors has a statistically significant positive impact on the dividend policy of observed banks. Concerning the participation of women on the board of directors, a statistically significant impact on the dividend policy of banks was not identified. In addition to contributing to the existing literature on corporate finances, the research results can be crucial to investors when deciding to invest funds in bank stocks.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Bank Efficiency in the Western Balkans: A DEA Approach
Authors: Čiković Katerina Fotova , Cvetkoska Violeta , Keček Damira
Published: April 2023

This paper aims to assess and compare the relative efficiency of commercial banks in six Western Balkan developing countries (North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), Kosovo1, and Albania), using the leading nonparametric methodology Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) for the period 2016-2020, and investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemics on the performance of banking systems in these countries. The output-oriented DEA model has been implemented with interest expenses and non-interest expenses as inputs and interest revenue and non-interest revenue as outputs. Our findings show that the average efficiency of the six Western Balkan banking systems differs, and Kosovo’s banking system has noted the highest average efficiency in the whole observed period (2016–2020). In contrast, the banking system in Bosnia and Herzegovina noted the lowest average efficiency. The COVID-19 pandemic decreased the relative efficiency of the banking sectors in all six of the Western Balkan countries observed, except Kosovo. However, additional research that includes all pandemic years is recommended to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the banking systems in the Western Balkans. This study provides invaluable insights for academic members, banking management and regulatory bodies, governments, and the interested public. It is the first empirical study that includes a glimpse of the first impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on banking systems in the developing countries of the Western Balkans.
Jaringan dan komentar sebagai identifikasi potensi krisis pada video Youtube
Authors: Kurniawan Bondan Kartiko , Sunarwinadi Ilya Revianti , Berto Agustinus Rusdianto
Published: April 2023

Crisis can jeopardize the reputation and performance of the company. Crisis occurs when the results of the company's operational activities do not meet the expectations of stakeholders. In a crisis, social media has a role both in disseminating information and as a means of expressing opinions and discussing. Video entitled RRI MENJADI MEDIA PROPAGANDA PKS DAN FPI? I Shelter CSW is a video on the YouTube social media platform that contains criticism of RRI performance which was uploaded on the Cokro TV channel on 19 May 2021. This video was motivated by the resignation of the President Director (Director) of Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) in May 2021 after being requested by the Council Supervisors (Dewas) because they are considered to have committed a number of serious violations by not controlling the reporting of RRI. Even though the President Director has resigned, the fatal error is still a public discussion. Reports also appear on online sites and social media. This research was conducted using the method of social network analysis (SNA) to analyze the structure of networks, groups, and actors. This study succeeded in finding the network structure in the video comments column, which commented on the neutrality of RRI. Most of the comments made by the actors gave a negative assessment of RRI with the words RRI and Kadrun dominating the comments.