bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Univariate and Multivariate Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) Model to Predict Covid-19 Cases in Malaysia Using Integrated Meteorological Data
Authors: Wei Shen Ng , Abu Bakar Azuraliza , Mohamad Hazura 
Published: August 2023

The rate of transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been very fast since the first reported case in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The disease has infected more than 3 million people worldwide and resulted in more than 224 thousand deaths as of May 1, 2020, reported by The World Health Organization (WHO). In the past, meteorological parameters such as temperature and humidity were essential and effective factors against serious infectious diseases such as influenza and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Therefore, exploring the relationship between meteorological factors and active COVID-19 cases is essential. This study employs the long-short term memory (LSTM) method to predict Covid-19 Cases in Malaysia. We propose a univariate and multivariate model using Covid-19 cases and meteorology data. The univariate LSTM model uses Covid-19 active cases data in a year as a control attribute for model development. The multivariate LSTM model uses the integrated Covid-19 cases, and meteorology data consists of attributes: minimum, maximum, and average values of Humidity, Temperature, Windspeed, and Pressure from 13 states of Malaysia. The model's performance is evaluated using errors such as MAE, RMSE, MAPE, and the R2 Score. The low errors and higher R2 score indicate the model's excellent performance. We observed that the univariate LSTM model gives the least error in five states, indicating that those states' daily active cases are the main contributing factors. In the multivariate LSTM model, the daily cases and humidity, temperature, and windspeed are the main factors in several different states. The result of the study is to help the government to prevent and manage the spread of the COVID-19 and other upcoming pandemic better.
Lubricity Performance of Ethylene Glycol Ester from Soybean Oil as a Lubricity Enhancer Bio-Additive for Low-Sulfur Diesel Fuel
Authors: Zetra Yulfi , Hariyanto Rhiby Ainur Basit , Firmansyah R. Arizal , Burhan R. Y. Perry , Pusparatu  
Published: August 2023

The present study aims to show the tribological properties of soybean oil's ethylene glycol ester (SOEGE) and its effect on low-sulfur diesel fuel lubrication. The SOEGE or 2-hydroxyethyl ester was synthesized by a transesterification reaction of soybean oil and ethylene glycol with a potassium carbonate catalyst. The product was characterized using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Then, the lubricity of commercial diesel fuel (Pertadex) and SOEGE were tested alone using the High-Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) machine. Its mixture form with various product doses in Pertadex (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1% v/v) was also tested with the same apparatus. This study showed that the product's coefficient of friction and Wear Scar Diameters (WSD) were 0.057 and 154.4 m, respectively. This value is lower than Pertadex and Fatty Acids Methyl Ester (FAME) of Soybean oil from the literature. Furthermore, adding products into Pertadex can reduce the coefficient of friction and WSD of Pertadex. The Pertadex coefficient of friction was reduced from 0.161 to 0.135 after the addition of 0.8% product. At a concentration of 1% product, WSD Pertadex was successfully reduced by 39.42%. These phenomena imply that ester ethylene glycol has an excellent lubricating effect on low-sulfur diesel. This work's findings open opportunities for other researchers to develop alternative lubricating bio-additives for low-sulfur diesel through the in-depth study of tribochemistry or tribosurface.
Identification and Antimicrobial Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Tualang Bee Honey
Authors: Zamri Amir Izzwan , Mohd Hasali Nur Hazwani , Ahmad Fisal , Tuan Chilek Tuan Zainazor , Jamzuri Muhammad Nur Shazwan , Abu Hasan Zuha Rosufila , Shariff D. N. 
Published: August 2023

Malaysia tualang honey usually collected from the combs of Asia rock bees (Apis dorsata), which build their hives high up in the tualang tree (Koompassia excelsa). Tualang honey is used commonly as a medicinal product and as food in Malaysia. LAB strains have been discovered to exhibit antimicrobial properties even though especially in Malaysia, the research on LAB found from honey are still scarce. The study was conducted to isolate and identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from Tualang honey bee from East Coast Peninsular Malaysia. The Tualang honey identified LAB strains were further tested against several pathogenic bacteria by using well-diffusion method. The LAB were primarily identified by colony morphology, microscopy of Gram`s stain, biochemical tests and 16s rRNA sequencing method. 10 isolates LAB that has been identified as Leuconostoc mesenteroides (5 isolates), Lactobacillus kunkeei (4 isolates), and Lactobacillus farraginis (1 isolates) were selected for the characterization of antimicrobial agents produced by LAB. It was found that from 10 isolates, 5 isolates exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa results in excellent inhibition zones diameters larger than 15 mm. This study indicated that lactic acid bacteria isolated from Tualang honey has potential antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and can be further characterized for health benefits and potential use in food industry at Malaysia.
Keywords: Tualang Honey, LAB, pathogen, 16s rRNA sequencing, antimicrobial activity.
Cardiovascular and respiratory evaluation in adenosine A2A receptor knockout mice submitted to short‐term sustained hypoxia
Authors: Souza Juliana R. , Machado Benedito H. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSustained hypoxia (SH) in mice induces changes in the respiratory pattern and increase in the parasympathetic tone to the heart. Among adenosine G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), the A2A receptors are especially important in mediating adenosine actions during hypoxia due to their expression in neurons involved with the generation and modulation of the autonomic and respiratory functions. Herein, we performed an in vivo evaluation of the baseline cardiovascular and respiratory parameters and their changes in response to SH in knockout mice for A2A receptors (A2AKO). SH produced similar and significant reductions in mean arterial pressure and heart rate in both wild‐type (WT) and A2AKO mice when compared to their respective normoxic controls. Mice from WT and A2AKO groups submitted to normoxia or SH presented similar cardiovascular responses to peripheral chemoreflex activation (KCN). Under normoxic conditions A2AKO mice presented a respiratory frequency (fR) significantly higher in relation to the WT group, which was reduced in response to SH. These data show that the lack of adenosine A2A receptors in mice does not affect the cardiovascular parameters and the autonomic responses to chemoreflex activation in control (normoxia) and SH mice. We conclude that the A2A receptors play a major role in the control of respiratory frequency and in the tachypnoeic response to SH in mice.
Low-energy α-particle irradiation of polymeric-based nanofiller
Authors: El-Malawy Doaa , Hassan H. E. , El Ghazaly M. , Abdel Samad S. , Al-Abyad M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this study, the induced defects and modifications enhanced by alpha particle on CdO and ZnSe-doped polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were investigated. Casting method was used to prepare three sets of thin polymeric sheets doped with variable concentrations of the selected fillers. The prepared CdO and ZnSe particles were in the range 3–21 nm. The samples were irradiated with 4.5 MeV α-particle emitted from 241Am radioactive source at gradually increased fluence. The enhanced change that occurred in the physical properties for both types of samples due to α-particle irradiation was measured using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. All the pristine samples exhibited two separated direct band gaps around 4.0 eV and 4.6 eV, while the irradiated samples showed decreasing for the first band gap up to 3.71 and the second gap remained almost unchanged. The three investigated sets displayed PL emission peaks within the range 270–700 nm. The intensity of the PL peaks was increased by increasing the filler concentration. The net PL was quantified using the area under the emission peaks which showed that α-particle causes interchangeable defects and cross-linking processes. The formation of C–H and O–H function groups due to α-particle interactions was confirmed by FTIR analysis. The results revealed that the filler–polymer interface has a great impact on the formed defects which control the observed characteristics in the polymeric composite medium. The presented data are very helpful for α-particle dosimetric applications using these types of polymeric composites.
Neutral atom quantum computing hardware: performance and end-user perspective
Authors: Wintersperger Karen , Dommert Florian , Ehmer Thomas , Hoursanov Andrey , Klepsch Johannes , Mauerer Wolfgang , Reuber Georg , Strohm Thomas , Yin Ming , Luber Sebastian 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe present an industrial end-user perspective on the current state of quantum computing hardware for one specific technological approach, the neutral atom platform. Our aim is to assist developers in understanding the impact of the specific properties of these devices on the effectiveness of algorithm execution. Based on discussions with different vendors and recent literature, we discuss the performance data of the neutral atom platform. Specifically, we focus on the physical qubit architecture, which affects state preparation, qubit-to-qubit connectivity, gate fidelities, native gate instruction set, and individual qubit stability. These factors determine both the quantum-part execution time and the end-to-end wall clock time relevant for end-users, but also the ability to perform fault-tolerant quantum computation in the future. We end with an overview of which applications have been shown to be well suited for the peculiar properties of neutral atom-based quantum computers.
Auto-fellatio behaviour observed in the Indian Palm Squirrel Funambulus palmarum (Linnaeus, 1766)
Authors: Abinesh Anbazhagan , C.S. Vishnu  , Ramesh Chinnasamy 
Published: August 2023

Masturbation is an auto-sexual behaviour, a widespread phylogenetic trait in many taxa. Masturbation in squirrels was rarely reported. We observed an Indian palm squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) doing the auto-fellatio activity away from the scurry in Bhavanisagar, Tamil Nadu. However, the auto-fellatio behaviour in F. palmarum is novel.
Morpho-anatomy and habitat characteristics of Xanthostemon verdugonianus Náves ex Fern.-Vill. (Myrtaceae), a threatened and endemic species in the Philippines
Authors: Jumawan Jess H. , Sinogbuhan Arlyn Jane M. , Abucayon Angie A. , Taperla Princess Ansie T. 
Published: August 2023

A study provided insights on morphoanatomy of Xanthostemon verdugonianus, an endemic and vulnerable species in the Philippines. Sampling was conducted in its natural habitat with presence of dominant vegetation and rehabilitated sites of the species. In a purposive manner, quadrats were established to collect samples and describe the morpho-anatomy, associated species, and soil particle characteristics. The leaf is opposite with a distinct reddish color when young in shoot terminal. The leaf cuticle is distinctly thick, hypostomatic with presence of paracytic stomata, and the compact spongy layer could be an adaptation to xeric conditions. The stem and roots contain tissues manifesting secondary growth having secondary xylem and formation of outer bark. Inflorescence is corymb, complete flower is bright red, with prominent cup-shaped hypanthium, persistent lobe-shaped calyx, and inferior ovary. Fruit is globular capsule round-ovoid in shape with a woody texture. Placental seeds are visible upon splitting of matured fruits which are flattened and deltoid to semicircular shape. A total of 31 species under 18 flora families are associated with X. verdugonianus with the mean abundance of 8 species per plot. Ultramafic substrate was dominantly composed of medium sand particles, and the reddish color indicating oxidation of metallic elements in the soil. Analyzing the morpho-anatomical features can help to explain its endemicity, survival in the wild, and adaptation to climate change.
“When Everything Is Human, the Human Is an Entirely Different Thing …” Animal Powers in the Ancient Egyptian Demonic Imagery and Beyond
Authors: Lucarelli Rita 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This article attempts a comparative analysis of the ancient Egyptian demonic imagery of animal and hybrid figures, according to anthropological studies and theories of perspectivism, as well as by referring to studies of Monster Theory and Cryptozoology. The aim is to disclose what kind of agency real and imaginary animals of the ancient Egyptian Duat (Beyond) possess and how it relates to the agency of humans and other non-human beings populating the Realm of the Dead.
To Each His Turn … Today Yours, Tomorrow Mine: François Sully’s Turn in History
Authors: Moir Nathaniel L. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
François Sully (1927–1971) is an underreported figure in the critical period of U.S.-South Vietnamese relations between 1960 and 1963. As one of the earliest journalists the First Republic of Vietnam expelled in 1962, his reporting introduced Vietnam to American readers, and his journalism influenced a generation of Western reporters covering the intervention of U.S. forces in Vietnam. However, despite his extensive reporting for Newsweek and other outlets, little is known about Sully or how his contentious relationship with President Ngo Dinh Diem of the Republic of Vietnam contributed to political turbulence before Diem’s assassination on 2 November 1963. This is the first article to focus exclusively on Sully’s reporting on Vietnam and the first to assess his efforts using primary sources. It argues that Vietnamese Studies and Vietnam War scholars have underestimated or overlooked his journalism due to the “Vietnamese turn” in their scholarship. In supporting this argument, this article places Sully in the broader context of the media’s coverage – both in the East and the West – of the Vietnam War, and it focuses on Sully’s role in the political divisions between Diem and U.S. authorities. As the first article to provide a historical account of Sully’s journalism, it provides a basis for a more informed understanding of his writing. Such understanding is a precondition for analyzing his biases and perceived contributions to orthodox interpretations of the Vietnam War.
Bilateral Labor Agreement with Gendered and Unfree Labor: Vietnamese Women Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Trần Angie Ngọc 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Using a systemic and institutional analysis of transnational dynamics in the recruiting, hiring and placement of Vietnamese female migrants in domestic work in Saudi Arabia, this article showcases the experiences of Vietnamese female domestic workers in Saudi Arabia and contributes to the social protection and migrant domestic worker literatures. It contributes a critical analysis on whether bilateral labor agreements can be mechanisms for social protection of migrants. Focusing on the case of Vietnam, I argue that the bilateral labor agreement (bla) signed between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia, enacted by the Vietnamese labor brokerage state and the Saudi Kafala systems, is a form structural violence because it fails to provide social welfare and protection for Vietnamese women domestic workers. In this systemic/structural violence, intersectionality shows that not all female workers suffer the same since ethnic minority workers most often suffer more than the majority (Kinh) female workers. Moreover, inside the Kafeel (the employer/sponsor) homes of this system, most of these female workers suffer, as unfree labor, from being transferred from one house to another, resulting in precarity, cycle of debt and dispossession of their rights.
Maintaining glucose integrity ex-vivo: Impact of preanalytical specimen handling
Authors: Islam Md Nahidul , Lyons Claire , Griffin Tomas P , Hamon Siobhan , Dunne Fidelma P , O’Shea Paula M 
Published: August 2023

Background Adopting the WHO protocol for glucose analysis is arguably impractical in the routine clinical setting. Deviations may develop due to a lack of understanding regarding the impact of glycolysis on the accuracy of results. Aim We sought to assess the stability of glucose in two different blood collection tubes (BCT), BD Vacutainer® FX ‘Fl-Ox’ and Greiner Vacuette® FC-Mix ‘FC-Mix’ stored at room temperature (RT:18–22°C) and 4°C over 8.5 days. Method Each participant provided venous whole blood collected into 51 BCTs; ‘Fl-Ox’ (n = 26) and ‘FC-Mix’ (n = 25). One Fl-Ox sample from each participant was handled according to the WHO recommended method. The remaining BCTs were stored at 4°C/RT prior to analyses at designated study timepoints. Glucose was measured using the hexokinase assay on the Cobas® 8000 platform. Results Participants (n = 8, Male = 2) were aged 24–56 years. Plasma glucose measured in FI-Ox BCTs according to the WHO sample-handling method had a median concentration of 5.73 mmol/L (Range: 5.39–10.37 mmol/L). Glucose decreased by greater than minimal difference (>0.26 mmol/L) in blood collected into Fl-Ox and stored @4°C/RT within 24 h of phlebotomy. FC-Mix BCT maintained glucose <0.26 mmol/L @4°C over a period of 8.5 days and up to 4 days @RT when compared to the WHO recommended method. Conclusion Glucose in FC-Mix BCT stored @4°C demonstrated the best agreement with results determined using the WHO specifications. When FC-Mix tubes were stored @RT, glucose was stable for 4 days. These findings suggest that the FC-Mix BCT effectively inhibits glycolysis and should be introduced into routine clinical practice.
More time in a community setting: A service evaluation of the impact of intrathecal drug delivery systems on place of care of patients with cancer pain
Authors: Mitchell Alison , Somerville Lesley , Williams Nicola , McGhie Jonathan , McConnachie Alex , McGinn Gordon , Lee Jiyoung 
Published: August 2023

Background: Intrathecal Drug Delivery Systems are underutilised in the management of refractory cancer pain despite evidence of their efficacy. Not all patients who are offered this treatment modality accept it. There is no current evidence that indicates if the use of intrathecal drug delivery systems impacts on place of care for patients with cancer related pain. Aims: This service evaluation compared place of care, place of death and morphine equivalent daily dose at end of life for patients in whom Intrathecal Drug Delivery was successfully established versus those who chose comprehensive medical management. Setting/participants: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study of 45 patients with cancer pain comparing those who had ongoing analgesia successfully delivered via an implanted Intrathecal Drug Delivery System ( n = 28) with those who continued to receive comprehensive medical management ( n = 17). Results: There was a markedly greater time spent in the community in the intrathecal group than the medical management group (median 126.5vs 25.5 days; p = 0.002) and a lower morphine equivalent daily dose at end of life (median 127.5vs 440.0 p = 0.022). Conclusion: In patients with advanced cancer, the successful establishment of intrathecal analgesia is associated with more time in the community and a lower morphine equivalent daily dose at end of life. The study has low numbers, and the sample was retrospectively selected. Nevertheless, these findings suggest the initial investment of time in an inpatient setting may be beneficial. Further research is required, using larger, prospective studies of patient outcomes in this setting.
Working alongside next of kin to enhance discharge: A quality improvement collaboration to co-design discharge for mental health patients
Authors: Kealy-Bateman Warren , Stewart Daniel , Powell Hugh , Storrier Kirbie , Mackenzie Margo , Dowton Christopher 
Published: August 2023

Objectives Mental health (MH) patients seen in the emergency department (ED) setting are often viewed in isolation, outside of the context of their loved ones, the next of kin (NOK). This is especially problematic when a patient is detained under the mental health act. This project aimed to improve this engagement. Methods A sense of urgency was created from a guiding coalition of the local MH and ED executive of a rural hospital. The vision was communicated to the team for action. This was then institutionally incorporated as best practice during a 3 month trial. Results NOK were engaged more frequently as a result of this quality improvement strategy, rising to 90.8% (2021) from 63.2% (2020) compared to the previous year χ2 (1, N=166) =18.75, p = .000015. Admissions for all MH patients from the emergency department fell to 28.3% (2021) from 39% (2020) χ2 (1, N=652) =8.32, p = .0039. Conclusions Working with NOK is a best practice strategy that was embraced by clinicians when highlighted. This resulted in less restrictive practice and more community treatment. Creating a frame for the patient that is standardised, provides containment and co-designs future health care is beneficial.
Quality of Evidence and Pedagogical Strategy in Using Gamification in Medical Education Literature: A Systematic Review
Authors: Salehi Amir Mohammad , Mohammadi Hossein Ali , Jenabi Ensiyeh , Khanlarzadeh Elham , Ashtari Koosha 
Published: August 2023

Introduction Gamification is the use of game principles in non-game settings such as medical education. Effective evidence for using gamification in medical education needs well-designed studies that describe outcomes related to interventions. The study objective was to systematically review the study designs describing gamification interventions in medical education focusing on their characteristics and medical students’ learning. Methods We systematically searched the databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until 2021. Articles were appraised using the Medical Education Research Quality Instrument (MERSQI). Results The search result included 423 articles, of which 53 articles had inclusion criteria. Of these, 23 articles were classified in the non-electronic games group and 30 studies in the electronic games group. The quality of evidence in both groups was assessed using the MERSQI average checklist. In total, 90% of studies reported the effectiveness of game intervention in one of the 4 levels of the Kirkpatrick pyramid. The predominant pedagogical approach in both groups was the cognitive approach. The psychomotor approach and the affective approach were more prominent in the electronic and non-electronic games groups, respectively. Conclusion This study shows that gamification training techniques improve the performance of medical students in most cases.