bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Union Councils Ratokot &amp; Khairpur Juso, Pakistan, for Drinking Water Usage through Synthetic Pollution Index (SPI) and Water Quality Index (WQI): A Case Study.
Authors: Ahmed Sheeraz 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The degradation of groundwater quality has emerged as a significant global concern, impacting regions worldwide, including Pakistan. Thus, this study aimed to assess the suitability of groundwater for drinking purposes in UC Ratokot and Khairpur Juso. A total of twenty-five groundwater samples were collected from various villages within these regions, and both on-site and laboratory-based physicochemical analyses were conducted. Parameters such as color, odor, taste, sulfate (SO4), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total hardness (TH), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were assessed, with each sample's results compared against WHO standards.
Analysis using two models, namely the Water Quality Index (WQI) and Synthetic Pollution Index (SPI), revealed insights into groundwater quality. Findings indicated that all samples exhibited no discernible external color or odor, with turbidity below 5 NTU. However, the taste of 68% of samples from 17 villages was notably bitter, rendering them unsuitable for consumption. Overall, results showed that 100%, 88%, 72%, 68%, 60%, 52%, and 52% of samples exceeded WHO limits for EC, TDS, Mg, Cl, Ca, TH, and SO4, respectively.
Assessment based on the SPI revealed that 40%, 48%, 8%, and 4% of samples were classified as highly contaminated, unfit for drinking, slightly contaminated, and moderately contaminated, respectively. Similarly, the WQI categorized 12%, 36%, 40%, and 12% of groundwater samples as unfit for drinking water, very poor water, poor water, and good water, respectively.
An approach for flood flow prediction utilizing new hybrids of ANFIS with several optimization techniques: a case study
Authors: Ahmadi Negin , Fard Moradinia Sina 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Using machine learning methods is efficient in predicting floods in areas where complete data is not available. Therefore, this study considers the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) model combined with evolutionary algorithms, namely Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) and Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA), to predict the flood of Shahrchay River in the northwest of Iran. The data used included the daily data of precipitation, evaporation, and runoff in the years 2016 and 2017, where 70% of the data were used for model training and the rest for testing the models. The results showed that although the ANFIS model provided values with high errors in several steps, especially in steps with maximum or minimum values, the use of HHO and AOA optimization algorithms resulted in a significant reduction in the error values. The ANFIS-AOA model utilizing an input scenario including the flow in the previous one to three days exerted the most promising results in the test data, with Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 0.93, 1.34, and 0.69, respectively. According to Taylor's diagram, the ANFIS-AOA hybrid algorithm predicts flood values with greater performance than the other models.
Spatial Heterogeneity in Determinants of No Condom Use at First Sex in South Africa
Authors: Mokhele Tholang , Moeti Thabiso , Fundisi Emmanuel , Naidoo Inbarani , Tshitangano Frederick , Weir-Smith Gina 
Published: April 2024

Background
Condom use, especially at first sex for unmarried people, is an important behaviour that reduces the risk of HIV transmission, and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), as well as unwanted pregnancies. In reviewing the literature, little information was found to elucidate the spatial context of condom use among people who had an early sexual debut. Understanding factors that influence no condom use at first sex in different local or geographical areas can add value in addressing these risky first-sex practices and minimise the risk of getting HIV, STDs, and unwanted pregnancies in South Africa, especially among young people. Therefore, this paper aimed to determine the spatial heterogeneity of factors associated with no condom use at first sex in South Africa using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) with Poisson distribution and local bivariate relationships.

Methods
This article used data from the fifth South African National HIV Prevalence, HIV Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey (SABSSM V) of 2017. Spatial autocorrelation, GWR using Poisson distribution, and local bivariate relationships were undertaken using ArcGIS Pro.

Results
Geographically weighted regression using Poisson distribution results highlighted being female, being young, having never married, being unemployed, having sexual debut at a younger age, having two or more sexual partners, having no risk of being infected with HIV, and having good Self-perceived Health (SPH) to be significant factors influencing no condom use at first sex, with pseudo R2 = 0.96 and AICc = 692. Local bivariate relationships showed the relationship between no condom use at first sex and most explanatory variables to exhibit a positive linear relationship in most districts with the exception of having never married, which showed a positive linear relationship in only 18 districts, while 33 districts showed a concave relationship. These relationships were all significant with p < 0.05.

Conclusion
This localised analytical approach may contribute to the development of geo-targeted interventions and policies tailored to specific regions within South Africa, thereby improving the effectiveness of efforts to promote safe first sexual practices. Educational programs targeting youth should be developed to further raise awareness of the risks associated with unprotected sex and the importance of condom use. More efforts should be made to break the barriers, such as sexual relationship power, gender, and sociocultural and religious influences, which tend to put young, never-married, and unemployed women at risk of no condom use at first sexual debut. It is further recommended that the type of relationship between no condom use at first sex and each explanatory factor at the local region be considered during geo-targeted interventions as this will assist in the type of intervention and duration of intervention.
Implementasi model pembelajaran berbasis proyek pada mata pelajaran Bahasa Jawa
Authors: Subekti Panca Aditya , Verrysaputro Exwan Andriyan 
Published: April 2024

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah memaparkan implementasi model pembelajaran berbasis proyek pada mata pelajaran bahasa Jawa. Metode kualitatif deskriptif digunakan sebagai tahapan langkah dalam penelitian ini. Data-data dalam penelitian dikumpulkan melalui teknik wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan Miles dan Huberman, yaitu dengan langkah 1) data dikumpulkan, 2) data direduksi, 3) data disajikan, dan 4) data disimpulkan. Informan meliputi kepala sekolah, guru, dan juga siswa. Hasil penelitian ini adalah model pembelajaran berbasis proyek ini dilaksanakan untuk materi wayang. Model PjBL ini dinamai Ngenger. Ngenger dilaksanakan dengan menyiapksan siswa kelas VII, menusun jadwal kegiatan Ngenger, melakukan pengawasan terhadap pelaksanaan Ngenger, melakukan penilaian kepada siswa, dan mengadakan evaluasi terhadap pelaksanaan Ngenger.
Effects of Empagliflozin in Type 2 Diabetes With and Without Chronic Kidney Disease and Nondiabetic Chronic Kidney Disease: Protocol for 3 Crossover Randomized Controlled Trials (SiRENA Project)
Authors: Nielsen Steffen Flindt , Duus Camilla Lundgreen , Buus Niels Henrik , Bech Jesper Nørgaard , Mose Frank Holden 
Published: April 2024

Background
Sodium-glucose-cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), reducing the risk of cardiovascular and renal end points by up to 40%. The underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.

Objective
The study aims to examine the effects of empagliflozin versus placebo on renal hemodynamics, sodium balance, vascular function, and markers of the innate immune system in patients with DM2, DM2 and CKD, and nondiabetic CKD.

Methods
We conducted 3 double-blind, crossover, randomized controlled trials, each with identical study protocols but different study populations. We included patients with DM2 and preserved kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/min/1.73 m2), DM2 and CKD, and nondiabetic CKD (both with estimated glomerular filtration rate 20-60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Each participant was randomly assigned to 4 weeks of treatment with either 10 mg of empagliflozin once daily or a matching placebo. After a wash-out period of at least 2 weeks, participants were crossed over to the opposite treatment. End points were measured at the end of each treatment period. The primary end point was renal blood flow measured with 82Rubidium positron emission tomography–computed tomography (82Rb-PET/CT). Secondary end points include glomerular filtration rate measured with 99mTechnetium-diethylene-triamine-pentaacetate (99mTc-DTPA) clearance, vascular function assessed by forearm venous occlusion strain gauge plethysmography, measurements of the nitric oxide (NO) system, water and sodium excretion, body composition measurements, and markers of the complement immune system.

Results
Recruitment began in April 2021 and was completed in September 2022. Examinations were completed by December 2022. In total, 49 participants completed the project: 16 participants in the DM2 and preserved kidney function study, 17 participants in the DM2 and CKD study, and 16 participants in the nondiabetic CKD study. Data analysis is ongoing. Results are yet to be published.

Conclusions
This paper describes the rationale, design, and methods used in a project consisting of 3 double-blind, crossover, randomized controlled trials examining the effects of empagliflozin versus placebo in patients with DM2 with and without CKD and patients with nondiabetic CKD, respectively.

Trial Registration
EU Clinical Trials Register 2019-004303-12; https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search?query=2019-004303-12, EU Clinical Trials Register 2019-004447-80; https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search?query=2019-004447-80, EU Clinical Trials Register 2019-004467-50; https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search?query=and+2019-004467-50

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/56067
Restoring Nature's Allostasis to Disordered Water Ecosystems with KELEA - Kinetic Energy Limiting Electrostatic Attraction
Authors: Martin W John 
Published: April 2024

Natural ecosystems typically sustain their functions despite moderate
changes in one or more of their components. The adaptability to change
is referred to as Nature’s Allostasis. Functional sustainability of
ecosystems is not intrinsically possible, however, if the alterations
within the ecosystem exceed certain thresholds, referred to as tipping
points. The resulting failure of Nature’s Allostasis is attributed to an
insufficiency of the required energy. KELEA, an acronym for Kinetic
Energy Limiting Electrostatic Attraction, is proposed as a fundamental
force of Nature. Its primary role may be to prevent the fusion and
annihilation of electrostatically attracted opposing electrical charges.
It also functions as a life force energy that is distinct from
photosynthesis and food metabolism. Various compounds and devices can
create elevated localized levels of KELEA. One such compound, marketed
as Kiko Technology, comprises volcanic materials that have been
pulverized, heated, and subsequently cooled before being made into small
cylindrical pellets. Water that is close to heightened levels of KELEA
responds by a loosening of its intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The
energy in KELEA activated water can assist in restoring Nature’s
Allostasis in polluted inland waterways. This was shown by treating
several bodies of water, which were heavily contaminated with toxic
blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Relatively few Kiko pellets in
conjunction with small amounts of biochar and a mineral water
conditioner were required for long-lasting remedial benefits. Moreover,
there was the progressive return of wildlife to the treated regions of
water. This relatively simple approach should find widespread
application to many of the world’s polluted waterways.
Baltikums befrielse
Authors: Nilsson Mads Michael Hastrup 
Published: April 2024

Bogen Baltikums befrielse fra 2023 af T. Berglund og N. Sennerteg giver en meget bred fremstilling med mange personlige beretninger af krigene i Baltikum i 1918–1920, der førte til at estere, letter og litauere kunne oprette egne stater. Delen om Litauen er noget kortfattet, men generelt giver bogen fine indblik i meget forskellige aktørers perspektiver, hvilket hjælper til at forstå de især i Letland meget komplicerede interessekonflikter.
The book Baltikums befrielse (Freeing the Baltic) by T. Berglund and N. Sennerteg offers a very broad presentation with many personal reports of the wars in the Baltics in 1918–1920 that made it possible for Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians to form their own states. The part about Lithuania is quite brief, but in general, the book offers good insights into the perspectives of very different players. This helps to understand the very complex conflicts of interest that were at play, in Latvia in particular.
«Slava Ukraini!» Strategy and the Spirit of Ukrainian Resistance, 2014–2023
Authors: Heier Tormod 
Published: April 2024

Kunnskapen om Ukrainas motstandskamp i 2014–2023 har i hovedsak dreid seg om Ukrainas militære styrker. Dermed går vi glipp av den viktige rollen som Ukrainas frivillige bataljonene spilte. Ikke minst i krigens innledende faser, da kaoset herjet og staten var paralysert. Kan studiet av Ukrainas frivillige bataljoner utvide det teoretiske rammeverket vi bruker for å forstå militærmaktens politiske nytteverdi?
Knowledge about Ukraine's resistance efforts from 2014–2023 has primarily focused on the state's armed forces. Less attention has been given to the important role played by Ukraine's volunteer battalions, not least in the current war's first phases, when chaos reigned, and the state remained paralyzed. Can a study of Ukrainian volunteer battalions broaden the theoretical framework we use to understand the political purpose of the military?
Tissue oxygen saturation is positively correlated with oxygen delivery and cardiac output in a canine hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation model
Authors: Baird Taylor N. , Talbot Charles T. , Hall Kelly E. , Hess Ann M. , Zersen Kristin M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To determine if tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) correlates with oxygen delivery (DO2) and/or cardiac output (CO) in a canine hemorrhagic shock model.

ANIMALS
8 healthy purpose-bred dogs.

METHODS
Dogs were anesthetized, and hemorrhagic shock was induced by withdrawing up to 60% of total blood volume, targeting a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 mm Hg. The withdrawn blood was returned to the patient in 2 equal aliquots. Data was collected at 4 time points: 10 minutes after MAP was stabilized under anesthesia (time point [TP]-1), 10 minutes after up to 60% of blood volume was removed to target a MAP of 40 mm Hg (TP2), 10 minutes after the return of 50% of shed blood (TP3), and 10 minutes after the return of the remaining 50% of shed blood (TP4). Total blood volume withdrawn, StO2, CO, heart rate, and MAP were recorded, and DO2 was calculated at each TP.

RESULTS
Mean StO2 significantly decreased between TP1 (77.8% [± 9.54]) and TP2 (44.8% [± 19.5]; P < .001 vs TP1). Mean StO2 increased to 63.1% (± 9.85) at TP3, but remained significantly lower compared to TP1 (P = .002). There was no difference between mean StO2 at TP4 (82.5% [± 12.6]) versus TP1 (P = .466). StO2 has a strong, positive correlation to both CO (r = 0.80; P < .001) and DO2 (r = 0.75; P < .001).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE
A decrease in StO2 may be used in conjunction with physical examination findings and diagnostic parameters to support a diagnosis of shock. The return of shed blood was correlated with increases in StO2, DO2, and CO, suggesting that StO2 may be used as a marker of adequate resuscitation.
Lopinavir-ritonavir for SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review
Authors: Rădună Oana , Stepan Bianca , Bobu Emanuel , Blidaru Andreea , Cerbu Bianca , Marincu Iosif , Frent Stefan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus that first emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The virus quickly spread throughout the countries, transforming the initial outbreak into a global pandemic. Lopinavir-ritonavir is an antiretroviral protease inhibitor combination drug that was proposed for the treatment of COVID-19 in the early phases of the pandemic. We conducted a systematic literature search on clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of lopinavir-ritonavir in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. 10 studies satisfying the inclusion criteria were analyzed and discussed in the current review. Four studies were randomized controlled trials, while the remaining had an observational design. The reported results are mixed, with some of the studies demonstrating the benefits of the combination drug, while others show little or no effect. These contradictory reports may be explained by the differences in study design, study population, the onset of treatment, and severity of disease, rendering this topic a subject for further debate.
Evaluating the Accuracy of Patient State Index for Measuring Anaesthetic Depth in Patients Undergoing Propofol-Sevoflurane Anaesthesia
Authors: Zakalkins Antons , Kazūne Sigita 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Processed electroencephalographic indices such as the Patient State Index (PSi) have been proposed as a method of monitoring the depth of general anaesthesia. However, in order to establish the validity of PSi, it is necessary to compare its accuracy to other techniques, such as the isolated forearm technique (IFT). 30 ASA (American Society of Anaesthesiologists classification) I–III patients were administered standard propofol-sevoflurane anaesthesia with PSi monitoring. Before each dose of muscle relaxant, the forearm contralateral to the intravenous cannula was isolated for 30 minutes. PSi, hand movements, and exhaled sevoflurane concentrations were recorded during the induction of anaesthesia, intubation, throughout the surgical procedure, prior to extubation, and patients’ responses to commands were classified as positive or negative. The Brice questionnaire was used to assess intraoperative awareness after the patient regained consciousness. All patients completed the study without memory of the surgery or IFT commands, 53.3% of patients showed a response to IFT commands during intubation. PSi values ranged around 26 (23.5; 30) in IFT non-responders and 33.5 (26; 42) in responders (p = 0.15). The best cut-off value for PSi to predict IFT response was 55, with a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 85.2%, which led to the conclusion that PSi is not a fully reliable tool for monitoring the depth of anaesthesia.
Morphobiometric Characterisation of Carob Tree Pods Cultivated in Algeria and Evaluation of Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Sensory Properties of Their Powders
Authors: Toumi Sanaa , Acem Kamel , Abdelhamid Djamel , Khedim Kheira , Lagraa Ikram , Loumani Zahira 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Given its very important economic and environmental interests, the cultivation of carob tree in Algeria has experienced remarkable development, which is reflected in the methods of plant multiplication, the increase in the surface area of its cultivation, and in particular, the growing number of carob fruit processing industries (first and second transformation). In this context, the present study focused on the evaluation of the food quality of whole pod powders and carob pulps from three different regions of Algeria (Boumerdes, Relizane, and Tissemsilt). The experimental part presents a morphobiometric characterisation of carob pods carried out during the 2020–2021 production campaign — length, width, mass, volume, thickness, size index (length/width), the number and mass of seeds, analysis of the food quality of carob powders from whole pods and their pulps and determining their physicochemical properties (particle size, pH and dry matter), nutritional properties (ash, crude proteins, total sugars, crude fibres, fats) and sensory (colour, taste, texture, and smell). The results showed that the morphobiometric characteristics of the carob pods studied (physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties of the powders) strongly depend on the biogeographical site of the carob tree and the conditions of its production. Compared to the other carob fruit powders analysed, Relizane carob pulps powder showed a better sensory appreciation; this powder was characterised by a colour (100% light brown), taste (50% sweet, 50% very sweet), texture (100% fine), and odour (100% carob with strong intensity). Indeed, the study of the food quality of the two types of powders obtained separately from whole pods (seeds and pulps) and from the pulps is very valuable and opens possible ways of food valorisation of carob tree fruit.
Logic and Law: A Matter of Values Behind Content and Form
Authors: Schang Fabien 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This special issue on Logic and Law consists of four research papers and one interview focusing on epistemological reflections on relationships between logic and law, whether in a reductionist or complementary approach. Logic aims to elucidate through formal frameworks, yet it often grapples with the intricate nuances of everyday legal discourse. While law endeavors to delineate permissible conduct within defined jurisdictions, it often encounters challenges stemming from the ambiguity of terms, leading to frequent judicial interpretations and the perception that proliferating exceptions undermines the efficacy of the rule itself.
Susceptibility to Flooding and Urban Flooding in Small Municipalities: Hydrogeomorphological, Land Use and Land Cover Aspects in a Multi-Criterion Analysis
Authors: Guimarães Édson Avelar , Silva Vinícius Vanderley Miguel da , Silva Luis Felipe Umbelino da , Molisani Maurício Mussi , Lugon Júnior Jaber 
Published: April 2024

Objective: To investigate areas susceptible to flooding and inundation, testing the hypothesis that the accumulation of surface water does not depend exclusively on fluvial flood pulses.

Theoretical Framework: Anthropogenic actions have played a significant role in modifying natural physiography, especially through urbanization and occupation of environmentally sensitive areas. These interventions have a direct impact on the dynamics of natural processes, highlighting the need to understand local hydrogeomorphology in order to ensure efficient territorial planning.

Methodology: The research comprised a multi-criteria analysis involving hydrological, geomorphological, land use and occupation data associated with precipitation data for a small municipality. This municipality has urban development in the area of influence of a main river in its catchment area.

Results and Discussion: Around 52% of the municipality is urbanized with 95% on slopes ranging from 0 to 23º, upstream of a cumulative flow of 18,000. Rainfall is 1366 mm/year and tends to decrease, although there has been a 62% increase in flooding in recent years. Around 75% of the urbanized area is vulnerable to pluvial flooding, while the rest is subject to both pluvial flooding and fluvial flood pulses.

Research Implications: Insights into how the results can influence urban planning practices, extending to the fields of hydrogeomorphology and land use and occupation management.

Originality/Value: The methodology is simple and accessible to small municipalities and urban planning entrepreneurs. Its relevance is evidenced by the fact that it improves urban planning, minimizing socio-economic and environmental costs.