bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial activity of pigment extracted from bacteria isolated from soil samples
Authors: Chaturwedi Shashi Bhushan , Mainali Swostika , Chaudhary Richa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate antibacterial activity of pigment extracted from bacteria, isolated from soil samples. During the study, 20 soil samples were collected from different areas (forest, agriculture fields, river sides and dumping sites) of Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts which were processed for isolation of pigment producing bacteria by spread plate technique. The pigmented bacterial isolates were identified and enriched in nutrient broth. Then, pigment was extracted in 95% methanol as solvent, which was further characterized using UV-Vis Spectrophotometric and TLC analysis. The obtained crude pigment extract was processed to carry out the antimicrobial susceptibility assay using agar well diffusion method. Out of 13 total pigmented bacteria isolates, four different colored pigmented bacterial isolates (S4O, S11Y, S14P and S17G) which produced efficient pigment on nutrient agar were chosen and they were further processed. Among these isolates, S4O was identified as Staphylococcus aureus, S11Y was identified as Micrococcus luteus, S14P was identified as Micrococcus roseus and S17G was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. On characterization using UV-Vis Spectrophotometric and TLC analysis, the pigment extracted from isolates S4O, S11Y and S14P were found to be Carotenoids and from isolate S17G was found to be Pyocyanin in nature. The maximum antibacterial activity was shown against Staphylococcus aureus from all the four pigments extracts. The green color pigment extract from isolate S17G was found to be most effective against all the Gram-positive and Gram-negative test bacteria. This study suggests that these pigment extracts from pigmented bacteria may have beneficial antibacterial roles that can be exploited in controlling unwanted bacterial growth.
Optimization of appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis in general surgery: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Doğan Cansu Zeynep , Yalçın Nadir , Cennet Ömer , Metan Gökhan , Demirkan Kutay , Yorgancı Kaya 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Surgical site infections (SSI) are characterized by infections occurring in the surgical incision site, organ or cavity in the postoperative period. Adherence to surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) is paramount in mitigating the occurrence of SSIs. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of SAP use in patients undergoing surgical procedures in the field of general surgery according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) guideline and to determine the difference between the pre-training period (pre-TP) and the post-training period (post-TP) organized according to this guideline.

Methods
It is a single-center prospective study conducted in general surgery wards between January 2022 and May 2023, with 404 patients pre-TP and 406 patients post-TP.

Results
Cefazolin emerged as the predominant agent for SAP, favored in 86.8% (703/810) of cases. Appropriate cefazolin dosage increased significantly from 41% (129 patients) in pre-TP to 92.6% (276 patients) in post-TP (p < 0.001), along with a rise in adherence to recommended timing of administration from 42.2% (133 patients) to 62.8% (187 patients) (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients receiving antibiotics during hospitalization in the ward postoperatively decreased post-TP (21–14.3%; p = 0.012), as did antibiotic prescription at discharge (16.8–10.3%; p = 0.008). The incidence of SSI showed a slight increase from 9.9% in pre-TP to 13.3% in post-TP (p = 0.131).

Conclusions
Routine training sessions for surgeons emerged as crucial strategies to optimize patient care and enhance SAP compliance rates, particularly given the burden of clinical responsibilities faced by surgical teams.
Analysis of the manufacturing craft of the painted gold foils applied on the lacquerware of the Jin Yang Western Han Dynasty tomb in Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
Authors: Gong Zisang , Liu Shengyu , Jia Minghao , Sun Siyuan , Hu Pei , Pei Jingrong , Hu Dongbo , Hu Gang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Seven pieces of gold foils for surface decoration of the lacquerware were excavated in the late Western Han Dynasty tomb in the area of the Jin Yang (晋阳) Ancient City site in Taiyuan (太原), Shanxi (山西), China. These gold foils portray images of the carriage, the leopard, the tigers, the ox, and the dancer with fluttering sleeves, etc., with black lines outlining the contours and red paint depicting vivid patterns. The study used Stereo Microscopes, Metallurgical Microscopy, Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (ESEM-EDS), and Laser Raman Spectroscopy (LRS) to analyse the thickness of the gold foils, the alloy composition, the composition of the paint and other surface attachments, and investigate the manufacturing process. As the results show, the thickness of the gold foils is about 26 μm. The composition is a gold-silver alloy with about 96% Au/(Au + Ag) (surface) and 98% Au/(Au + Ag) (cross-section). The metallurgical observation shows that the gold foils underwent heating and forging. The black lines on the front side are Chinese ink lines, with cracking and peeling phenomenon, and parallel polishing lines can be seen at the peeling places, while no polishing lines are observed on the back side. Some red paint made of cinnabar is above the black lines, and the binder is organic. Some lacquer residues are found on the back. According to the results of the study, the manufacturing process of the gold foils applied on the lacquerware is as follows: the gold foils are obtained by heating and forging, the front sides of the gold foils are polished, the shapes are carved out, and the gold foils are pasted on the lacquerware when the lacquerware’s surface is not yet dry. The gold foils are painted with black Chinese ink and red cinnabar pigment. The study’s results offer important references for understanding the manufacturing craft of the gold foils applied on the lacquerware in the late Western Han Dynasty of China and guide the conservation of the lacquerware decorated with painted gold foils.
Development of a portable small wind turbine for integration into a mobile cooling technology
Authors: Mthethwa Perm , Workneh Tilahun S. , Kassim Alaika 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this study, a small wind turbine prototype was developed to provide electric power for a mobile cooling unit The aim of this study was to design and develop a 600-W small wind turbine that can generate electric energy to power a mobile cooling unit used for the storage of fruits and vegetables, mainly for the benefit of smallholder farmers. Smallholder farmers suffer from high postharvest losses, approximated at 50%, some of which can be avoided by using efficient low-cost cooling units, rather than open transport. Cooling slows down the metabolic rate which consequently extends the produce's shelf life and prevents spoilage, allowing farmers to provide high-quality produce to the market. This could potentially increase the farmers’ monetary returns. The study was conducted in KwaZulu-Natal on the road that stretches between Pietermaritzburg and Estcourt. The wind turbine is made of a 600-mm-diameter rotor with three PVC blades, a permanent magnet synchronous generator, a bridge rectifier, a 230-V AC inverter and a battery for energy storage. The wind turbine was tested against three vehicle speeds of 60, 80, and 100 km h−1, and the two opening levels, level 1 at 45$$^\circ$$

∘

and level 2 at 80$$^\circ$$

∘

relative to the louvre mechanism frame. The results of this study revealed that the power generated by the wind turbine is greatly influenced (p < 0.001) by both the vehicle travelling speed and louvre opening level. The power output of 113.4, 159.6 and 210.0 W per hour was observed for the vehicle speeds of 60, 80 and 100 km h−1, respectively, on louvre opening level 1. The power output of 142.8 W h−1, 268.8 W h−1 and 294.0 W h−1 were observed for a wind speed of 60 km h−1, 80 km h−1, and 100 km h−1, respectively, on Louvre opening level 2. This shows that higher wind speeds (vehicle speeds) produce high-power output which accounts for the small size of the wind turbine rotor. A maximum power coefficient of 0.49 was achieved for this study. The wind turbine can generate the power required to run a cooling technology to a limited extent, thus must have a backup power supply from the diesel engine or be used in a hybrid system.
Imaging of oral cavity and oropharyngeal masses: clinico-radiologic correlation
Authors: Elbadawy Wafaa Mohamed , Eltomy Mohamed Adel , Ammar Mostafa Ibrahim , Shaban Ekhlas Abdelmonem 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Clinical diagnosis of the masses of the oropharynx and the oral cavity is usually straightforward; however, deep extension of lesions should be assessed by imaging. Thirty patients with suspected masses in oral cavity and oropharynx were enrolled in the present study. Contrast-enhanced CT and MRI were used for imaging of all patients, and superficial ultrasound was used as screening (whether the mass was accessible to ultrasound or not). The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical impact of combined imaging modalities for assessment of intraoral and oropharyngeal masses.

Results
There was a statistically significant difference between CT and MRI regarding the detected tumor size, lymph node and adjacent structures. CT had a sensitivity of 77.78% and specificity of 75% in the detection of malignancy. A low apparent diffusion coefficient can detect malignancy with 61.11% sensitivity and 91.67% specificity.

Conclusions
The radiographic diagnosis of the oral cavity presents a complex challenge. According to the unique presentation of each patient, combined CT and MRI imaging will enhance the identification and characterization of lesions in the oral cavity and oropharynx. There is a secondary, limited role for ultrasonography.
Tidally modulated seismic velocity changes observed using submarine dark fiber and the virtual-source method
Authors: Chamarczuk Michal , Ajo-Franklin Jonathan , Sobolevskaia Valeriia , Patterson Jeremy 
Published: June 2024

Natural cyclical stress perturbations, including wet and solid earth tides, coupled with repeatable seismic monitoring approaches, provide a tool for understanding the elastic properties of rocks at depth. Ocean tides, in particular, perturb the overburden and pore pressure, affecting hydraulic and elastic rock properties. The recent emergence of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and seismology using existing dark telecom fiber offers an unprecedented opportunity to instrument the seas and oceans with seismic monitoring networks of large aperture, fine spatial resolution, and broadband sensitivity. We use a submarine dark-fiber array to methodologically assess whether the changes in seafloor seismic velocities are modulated by ocean tidal loading. Considering oceanic ambient noise (AN) in the frequency range between 1 and 5 Hz, we find it possible to retrieve reliable surface-wave estimates using relatively short time windows (approximately 60 min). Next, using the power of linear arrays to capture AN energy from the stationary-phase zones and AN processing techniques commonly used in DAS applications for subsurface monitoring in urban settings, we introduce a methodological approach to turn each segment of dark fiber into a short-offset monitoring array (2 km), providing redundant, hourly, surface-wave estimates. Using four days of AN data recorded by the Monterey Accelerated Research System (MARS) 20 km section offshore cable, we generate the virtual-source gathers for 10 segments spanning the whole MARS cable. We then use virtual-source data from one segment to estimate the hourly velocity changes that are then quantitatively compared with the tidal data. The results suggest that changes in seafloor seismic velocities are likely modulated by tidal height, even in regions without large tidal excursions. This advance demonstrates a new application of submarine telecom fibers for monitoring the seismic stress response of near-seafloor sediments.
Endodontic and prosthodontic management of a rhinectomy patient
Authors: Hackett Stephanie , Ali Rahat 
Published: June 2024

This case report presents the endodontic and prosthodontic management of a rhinectomy patient who sustained iatrogenic damage to the apices of her anterior maxillary teeth during surgical resection of a nasal tumour. We discuss the issues with surgical and prosthodontic management of oncology patients who have undergone surgery and radiotherapy, in addition to the endodontic techniques employed to ensure success of treatment whilst noting important prognostic indicators. The case highlights the importance of routine radiographic review and post-surgical tooth assessment of patients who sustain trauma or have surgery in the midface, since clinicians may only radiograph anterior teeth when they are symptomatic and/or present with trauma. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Close monitoring of traumatized teeth or teeth in close proximity to surgical sites should be provided.
Un panorama comparativo de la agroecología en cinco regiones: hacia la integración holística y transdisciplinar
Authors: Bernal Cuesta Marcela 
Published: June 2024

La agroecología es una ciencia y práctica que estudia y promueve sistemas agrícolas sostenibles, basados en principios ecológicos, que integran la biodiversidad, los ciclos naturales y los procesos biológicos para producir alimentos de manera eficiente, respetando y mejorando la salud del suelo, el agua, la biodiversidad y el bienestar humano. Este estudio presenta un análisis comparativo de la producción bibliográfica en torno a la agroecología entre los años 2010 e inicios del 2023, en cinco regiones: América Latina y el Caribe, África, Asia, Europa y Norteamérica. Mediante una búsqueda en diversas bases de datos utilizando términos específicos, se identificó una amplia gama de información, que luego se delimitó a 40 documentos por región. El método utilizado es el hermenéutico, con el cual se llevó a cabo la lectura e interpretación de los documentos, y se destacaron los métodos, enfoques, temas y desafíos abordados por los autores en relación con la agroecología en cada región. Al respecto se puede deducir que la agroecología se está convirtiendo en una ciencia crucial, que aborda desafíos globales fundamentales como el cambio climático y la seguridad alimentaria, así como soluciones progresivas al desabastecimiento alimentario, la pobreza y la inequidad. Su consolidación como ciencia holística y transdisciplinaria, refleja su madurez y capacidad para ofrecer soluciones integrales a problemas complejos.
Who Wrote the Replies to al-Īsī? Islamization in the Sahel and Trans-Saharan Slavery in Early Modern Mālikī Fatāwā
Authors: Novo Marta G. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This article analyzes how the currently known West African fatāwā up to the 11th/17th-century, namely the rulings by Maḥmud b. ʿUmar b. Muḥammad Aqīt, Maḫlūf al-Balbālī and Aḥmad Bābā al-Tinbutkī, portray the sale of free Muslims (bīʿ al-aḥrār) in the premodern Sahel. It argues that the strong contradictions between Aḥmad Bābā al-Tinbuktī’s Miʿrāǧ al-ṣuʿūd and his previous legal replies to Yūsuf al-Īsī may justify to affirm that these Aǧwiba were not authored by the Timbuktu scholar, and suggests that the reasons for their elaboration and their attribution to him may be related to the interests of traders from the Maghreb, where the manuscripts of the Aǧwiba were found and the Replies supposedly emitted. This study brings forward the hypothesis that the aim of the text may have been to reduce the impact that the extraordinary measure of accepting the enslaved person’s qawl when declaring to have been illicitly captured at times and places where the sale of unenslaveable persons is attested, found in the Sahelian rulings but also in preceding Andalusi and Maghrebian rulings, could have probably caused in putting the indiscriminate sale of West African captives into question. This would also imply the existence of voices against their sale, probably because the adherence to Islam of the enslaved persons must have been clearly manifest.
RSO based selective harmonic elimination control for nine-level switched capacitor inverter
Authors: Sen Priyanka , Sahoo Ashwin K. , Panda Kaibalya P. , Jha Vandana 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Renewable energy utilization has gained much attention in the recent time owing to the sharp increase in the power demand. Out of different renewable sources, photovoltaic (PV) energy utilization in different forms is one of key focus. Power converter such as multilevel inverters (MLIs) are proven as key components for PV systems as well as for other applications such as motor drives, electric vehicles, and charging stations. With the advancement of the design of MLIs, the switched-capacitor (SC) based MLIs have been widely deployed for their boosting capability which is a major requirement for PV systems. In this paper, a reduced switch single input step-up 9-level SC MLI is first proposed. Followed by this, a new Rat Swarm Optimization (RSO) based Selective Harmonic Elimination (SHE) control method is incorporated for switching operation. RSO has the ability to provide the solution with higher competency within less time and a less computationally complex approach. The operation of proposed structure is analyzed and its advantages are justified by comparison with exiting topologies. The effectiveness of RSO based SHE scheme is also verified by comparing it with other nature-inspired algorithms. The effectiveness and workability of the proposed system are examined using simulation and experimental tests.
Expectant management vs. cerclage in cases with prolapsed or visible membranes in the second trimester: is 24 weeks gestation threshold critical?
Authors: Köle Emre , Akar Bertan , Doğan Yasemin , Yalçınkaya Leylim , Doger Emek , Çalışkan Eray 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of cervical cerclage with spontaneous follow-up strategy on pregnancy duration and neonatal outcomes in women with visible or prolapsed fetal membranes.

Methods
Patients who were referred to a single tertiary care centre between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2022 were included in this comparative, retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into two groups, those undergoing cerclage and those followed with no-cerclage. The range of pregnancy weeks for cerclage is between 18th and 27+6 weeks.

Results
A total of 106 cases were reviewed and nine were excluded. Based on shared decision making, cervical cerclage was performed in 76 patients (78.3 %) and 21 patients (21.6 %) were medically treated in no-cerclage group if there was no early rupture of the fetal membranes. The gestational age at delivery was 29.8 ± 6 [median=30 (19–38)] weeks in the cerclage group and 25.8 ± 2.9 [median=25 (19–32)] weeks in the no-cerclage group (p=0.004). Pregnancy prolongation was significantly longer in the cerclage group compared to the no-cerclage group (55 ± 48.6 days [median=28 (3–138)] vs. 12 ± 17.9 days [median=9 (1–52)]; p<0.001). Take home baby rate was 58/76 (76.3 %) in cerclage group vs. 8/21 (38 %) in no-cerclage group. In the post-24 week cerclage group the absolute risk reduction for pregnancy loss was 50 % (95 % CI=21.7–78.2).

Conclusions
Cervical cerclage applied before and after 24 weeks (until 27+6 weeks) increased take home baby rate in women with visible or prolapsed fetal membranes without increasing adverse maternal outcome when compared with no-cerclage group.
Crystal structure of (R)-N, N
′-dimethyl-[1, 1′-binaphthalene]-2, 2′-diamine, C22H20N2
Authors: Jiang Jinke , Li Xue , Wang Guangyao , Jiang Hui 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
C22H20N2, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 13.4475(3) Å, b = 14.6000(3) Å, c = 17.3708(4) Å, V = 3,410.47(13) Å3, Z = 8, R

gt
(F) = 0.0414, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1026, T = 173(2) K.
THE FUTURE STUDY OF UNMANNED CONVENIENCE STORE IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Ee Teck Rong , Abdullah Nor Hazana , Japper Azuraien 
Published: June 2024

Most conventional convenience stores in Malaysia face operation time and manpower problems, indicating the need for solutions such as unmanned convenience store. The unmanned convenience store is a retail outlet without service personnel or cashier. The technology of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things are typically used to facilitate transactions in unmanned stores. However, whether unmanned convenience stores might replace conventional stores in the future has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the key drivers of the unmanned convenience store from merged issues, trends, and challenges and its future scenarios of the unmanned convenience store in Malaysia. This study used exploratory research design by using descriptive survey developed from the STEEPV analysis. Eight merged key drivers had been identified after the merging of all the drivers from STEEPV analysis. Descriptive questionnaires were distributed to the consumers who went to unmanned convenience stores. The technology readiness of unmanned convenience stores was also evaluated using Technology Readiness Index (TRI). The top two drivers that were identified which are “innovation of technology adoption” and “consumer preference” in impact-uncertainty analysis and were used for developing future scenarios of unmanned convenience store in the next 5 to 10 years. Four future scenarios discussed were “technology is at par with customer demand”, “improvement is observed”, “uses of technology are not welcome by customers”, and “not fulfilling customer’s demand”. Consequently, this study may assist future researcher and developers to enhance their understanding of the unmanned convenience store in Malaysia.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN WORKING WITH STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Authors: Шевырева Т.В. , Дорошенко О.В. 
Published: June 2024

В статье представлен обзор компьютерных игр, используемых в процессе обучения обучающихся с ограниченными возможностями здоровья. Рассматриваются результаты исследований, посвященных эффективности такого подхода, а также особенности методики использования компьютерных игр для обучения учащихся с интеллектуальными нарушениями. Авторы анализируют преимущества и недостатки данного подхода и предлагают рекомендации по дальнейшему использованию компьютерных игр в образовании обучающихся с умственной отсталостью.
The article provides an overview of computer games used in the learning process for students with disabilities. The article discusses the results of research on the effectiveness of this approach, as well as the specifics of the methodology of using computer games to teach students with intellectual disabilities. The authors analyze the advantages and disadvantages of this approach and offer recommendations for further use of computer games in the education of students with mental retardation.