Daily Basis Research Articles

The application of Erlang model for process simulation of boundary monitoring of ships proceeding through the Kerch-Yenikalsky Strait

This article investigates the peculiarities of the Kerch-Yenikalsky Channel (KEC) passage. The Kerch Strait is one of the most intensively used sea routes in the Russian Federation, which results in a constant flow of ships and requires organized traffic.
 The Kerch Strait throughput capacity was calculated from statistical data on the number of vessels that pass through it on a daily basis. The number of vessels passing through the Kerch Strait increases noticeably every year.
 The increase in the number of vessels passing through the Strait creates additional problems related to safety of navigation and environmental sustainability of the region. For example, an increase in the number of ships can lead to an increased probability of collisions and accidents, as well as to the deterioration of the environmental situation in the area of the strait.
 In this paper, an algorithm is developed and the factors affecting the KEC passage process are analyzed. The Erlang model is used as a model. This model allows to carry out simulation modeling of the process of customs control providing quantitative data. To build the model, statistical processing of data on the passage of customs control was performed. As a result of simulation modeling the following results were obtained:
 1.The maximum throughput capacity of a given control section was determined;
 2.Calculated the optimal composition of the customs control vessels.

CLINICAL EFFICACY OF ABHYANGA - A CONCEPTUAL STUDY

In Ayurveda, Abhyanga comes under the type of therapy called Snehana. It involves the application of oil with specific motions from the head to the toe with Dosha-specific, warm herb-infused oil. The oil is commonly premixed with herbs for specific conditions. It offers a range of benefits for the mind and body. It nourishes the body, prevents invasion by pacifying Vatadosha, and promotes strength in the body. Abhyanga can be done as a step of Panchakarma therapy as Poorvakarma (Pre–treatment) or Pradhana karma(main therapy). Ayurveda explains that herbal oil contains oil and water-soluble medicinal principles. These medicinal principles enter through the skin pores, become available for absorption at the end part of blood vessels called Srotas, and get absorbed into the blood, reach the target area, and exhibits their action. Hence our Acharya described Abhyanga in a very scientific, elaborate manner with definitions to timing, and duration of Abhyanga, indications and contraindications, and its effect on the body. Abhyanga with oil on a daily basis is not only beneficial to the skin but beneficial to the body. Hence, this study intends to discuss the details of Abhyanga from Ayurveda and modern points of view.

Severe photochemical pollution formation associated with strong HONO emissions from dew and guttation evaporation

The unknown daytime source of HONO has been extensively investigated due to unexplained atmospheric oxidation capacity and current modelling bias, especially during cold seasons. In this study, abrupt morning increases in atmospheric HONO at a rural site in the North China Plain (NCP) were observed almost on daily basis, which were closely linked to simultaneous rises in atmospheric water vapor content and NH3 concentrations. Dew and guttation water formation was frequently observed on wheat leaves, from which water samples were taken and chemically analyzed for the first time. Results confirmed that such natural processes likely governed the daily nighttime deposition and daytime release of HONO and NH3, which have not been considered in the numerous HONO budget studies investigating its large missing daytime source in the NCP. The dissolved HONO and NH3 in leaf surface water droplets reached 1.4 and 23 mg L−1 during the morning on average, resulting in averaged atmospheric HONO and NH3 increases of 0.89 ± 0.61 and 43.7 ± 29.3 ppb during morning hours, with relative increases of 186 ± 212 % and 233 ± 252 %, respectively. The high atmospheric oxidation capacity contained within HONO was stored in near surface liquid water (such as dew, guttation and soil surface water) during nighttime, which prevented its atmospheric dispersion after sunset and protected it from photodissociation during early morning hours. HONO was released in a blast during later hours with stronger solar radiation, which triggered and then accelerated daytime photochemistry through the rapid photolysis of HONO and subsequent OH production, especially under high RH conditions, forming severe secondary gaseous and particulate pollution. Results of this study demonstrate that global ecosystems might play significant roles in atmospheric photochemistry through nighttime dew formation and guttation processes.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Developing ESL Proficiency via Visual Teaching Tools in International Schools of China

The effectiveness of using video-based instruction to teach English to young Chinese autistic language learners is the focus of the following article. The present study employed several methods such as online questionnaires, commentaries, interviews, and quantitative and qualitative methodologies to assess data and accomplish its objectives. The research’s relevance is limited by the reality that Chinese students struggle academically and find it difficult to socialize with their peers on a daily basis. The purpose of this study is to present the results of educating young Chinese autistic students through video-based instruction and visual learning activities. The research’s practical value is strongly reinforced by the content’s usefulness in teaching English to students with special needs. The results demonstrate that visual learning activities and video-based education promote inclusivity in the classroom and encourage peer social engagement.

Turpentine Ointment for the Treatment of Folliculitis: An Open, Prospective, Randomized, Placebo- and Comparator-Controlled Multicenter Trial

Introduction: Folliculitis is a painful infection and inflammation of the hair follicles, mostly caused by bacterial, fungal, or, more rarely, viral infections. Turpentine derivatives have been used traditionally to treat various skin infections and could thus also be effective in treating folliculitis. We carried out an open, prospective, randomized, placebo- and comparator-controlled multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an ointment containing pine turpentine oil, larch turpentine, and eucalyptus oil in the treatment of acute folliculitis. Methods: Seventy outpatients with acute folliculitis were treated with the turpentine ointment, a comparator (povidone iodine solution), or a placebo (Vaseline) for 7 days. Photographs of the affected skin areas were taken by the physicians at four visits and by the patients on a daily basis. Photographs were evaluated by blinded observers. Primary efficacy endpoint was the change in total hair follicle lesion counts. Secondary endpoints included the evolution of the lesion counts in the course of the study, responder rate (improvement of follicle lesions by at least one count), and the patient’s global assessment. Safety endpoints were the tolerability of the treatments and adverse event recording. Results: A decrease of follicle lesions counts was detected for both active treatments but not for placebo, but the differences among groups were not statistically significant. As for the secondary endpoints, the ointment showed statistically significant superiority over placebo for the evolution of the lesions during the course of the study (p = 0.017), the responder rate (p = 0.032), and the subjective efficacy assessment by patients (p = 0.029). All treatments were equally well tolerated, with a similar number of treatment-emergent adverse events. Conclusion: The turpentine ointment is an effective and safe option for the treatment of folliculitis.

Online identity work dynamics of Instagram micro-influencers: an extreme case approach.

Advanced media technologies have become an integral part of people's daily lives, providing them with new tools and environments for the formation and enactment of their identities. To date, the literature acknowledges that media technologies, such as social networking sites, are used to form and enact online identities, and that these platforms can simultaneously pose challenges to individuals' identity work. However, we know little about the precise online identity work strategies that individuals employ in response to the challenges they face over time. This paper examines the online identity work dynamics of Instagram micro-influencers, for whom social network sites enable and guide them in forming and enacting their online identities on a daily basis. The study was guided by the following research question: what are the challenges that Instagram micro-influencers perceive online and what are the online identity work strategies that they employ in response to these challenges over time? This study employs an extreme case approach to rigorously explore the lives of seven micro-influencers on Instagram. We combine in-depth data from narrative interviews, longitudinal data from online autobiographical narratives revealed through the participants' Instagram timelines, and follow-up interviews. Our analysis revealed three main themes that highlight the challenges that Instagram micro-influencers face online: (1) amplified social expectations, (2) feelings of inauthenticity, and, as a result thereof, (3) psychological distress. We found that these challenges were viewed as catalysts for their online identity work processes. We identified three key online identity work strategies that the Instagram micro-influencers employed in response over time: (1) experimenting with their online identities, followed by either (2) segmenting between their online and offline identities, or (3) adding identities through online multiplicity. Our research provides new insights into how individuals may respond to the challenge of managing their online identities over time by engaging in different online identity work strategies. This study highlights the importance of designing online media technologies that enable individuals to cope with online challenges. We emphasize the need to design online spaces for (1) the expression of authentic identities, (2) community building, and (3) online multiplicity.

Neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation: an experience report at the ILCN - Instituto Luso Cubano de Neurologia in Porto, Portugal

This experience report aims to describe a period of observational/ethnographic activity in Neuropsychology, carried out at the ILCN - Instituto Luso Cubano de Neurologia, in the city of Porto, Portugal. This study presents the unit's assessment and rehabilitation models, drawing parallels with the assessment and therapeutic models in Brazil; a characterization of the Institute is carried out, with a profile of the patients and the functions performed by the multi-professional team. The theoretical concepts referenced by the neurosciences will also be described, as will the procedures and instruments used in the follow-ups, the aim of which was to qualify the treatments in order to promote the development and functionality of the users in the face of the difficulties they face on a daily basis, variables which have a direct impact on the establishment of their autonomy and quality of life. To illustrate the activities carried out, two case studies were selected which were monitored by the team from the renowned institute

Attention Failures Cause Workplace Accidents: Why Workers Ignore Hazards and What To Do About It

Accidents readily occur when workers are not attentive to the hazards of their work. For some professionals, such as workers in the construction and mining industry, exposure to workplace hazards occurs on a daily basis. Such repetitive exposure to workplace hazards poses unique challenges for the attention of workers. This review explores how, in the absence of negative consequences, repetitive exposure to hazards decreases attention to them. Recommendations, informed by the science of attention, suggest how to combat the tendency to ignore frequently-exposed hazards and restore worker vigilance, thereby reducing the frequency of workplace accidents. Experiential training incorporating virtual reality holds some promise.

Gaining further insights into the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia: Evidence using capture-recapture methods

ObjectiveWe re-examined the reported number of COVID-19 cases in Australia and across its states during the first wave of the pandemic. We provided estimates of the total number of cases, adjusted for under-reporting. MethodsPublicly available data sourced from Australian governments at federal, state and territory levels included records on cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases and cumulative deaths occurring in Australia and across its states on a daily basis. Lower bound and upper bound estimates of the total number of COVID-19 cases in Australia and across its states, that included the undetected cases that have not been recorded, were estimated. ResultsOn January 25, 2020, Australia recorded its first 4 cases of COVID-19 and the first death occurred on March 3, 2020. On April 1, 2020, 4864 cases had been reported with 21 deaths. Our estimation showed that on April 1, 2020, the minimum and maximum number of COVID-19 cases in Australia were in fact 10,160 (95 % CI: 9781–10,538) and 21,748 (95 % CI: 21,607–22,014) respectively. We estimated that the total number of cases were at least twice and at most four times the observed cases recorded. These differences were also found at the state level where in New South Wales there was a minimum and maximum of 207 and 447 cases in total for every 100 reported cases, while in Victoria these figures were much lower at 157 and 265 respectively for every 100 reported cases. ConclusionCase ascertainment during the pandemic is known to have been underestimated due to difficulties in testing and contact tracing, amongst others. Capture-recapture methods provided a measure of the gap between the official number of cases recorded and the actual number during the first wave of the pandemic.

Een autisme-vriendelijke school: architectuur als eerste stap

Since 2017, it is a legal requirement in the Netherlands that every building with a public function is accessible to everyone. However, the barriers that school-going students with autism encounter on a daily basis are oft en invisible, such as too much noise, too bright light, unclear routes, too few seats during breaks, and a lack of quiet areas. Autism-friendly architecture aims to ensure that autistic students can move freely, feel safe and welcome, and are not overstimulated by the environment, so that they too enjoy going to school, and can socialize with fellow students at appropriate times. To achieve this aim, in this article we describe a number of aspects from an architectural perspective, such as acoustics and light, assigned functions and areas, transition zones and the schoolyard. Creating an autism-friendly school starts with the right architecture of the physical space, recognizing that all students benefit from the necessary improvements in the physical environment.

GEqO: ML-Accelerated Semantic Equivalence Detection

Large scale analytics engines have become a core dependency for modern data-driven enterprises to derive business insights and drive actions. These engines support a large number of analytic jobs processing huge volumes of data on a daily basis, and workloads are often inundated with overlapping computations across multiple jobs. Reusing common computation is crucial for efficient cluster resource utilization and reducing job execution time. Detecting common computation is the first and key step for reducing this computational redundancy. However, detecting equivalence on large-scale analytics engines requires efficient and scalable solutions that are fully automated. In addition, to maximize computation reuse, equivalence needs to be detected at the semantic level instead of just the syntactic level (i.e., the ability to detect semantic equivalence of seemingly different-looking queries). Unfortunately, existing solutions fall short of satisfying these requirements. In this paper, we take a major step towards filling this gap by proposing GEqO, a portable and lightweight machine-learning-based framework for efficiently identifying semantically equivalent computations at scale. GEqO introduces two machine-learning-based filters that quickly prune out nonequivalent subexpressions and employs a semi-supervised learning feedback loop to iteratively improve its model with an intelligent sampling mechanism. Further, with its novel database-agnostic featurization method, GEqO can transfer the learning from one workload and database to another. Our extensive empirical evaluation shows that, on TPC-DS-like queries, GEqO yields significant performance gains-up to 200x faster than automated verifiers-and finds up to 2x more equivalences than optimizer and signature-based equivalence detection approaches.

Online chat-support for bullying prevention and follow-up: an analysis of the characteristics of chat-users and their experiences

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to examine data registered at an online bullying support chat-service over a three-year period to determine the characteristics of users and their experiences. The service was contacted 12,687 times during this period, leading to 7,641 chat-dialogues with counsellors, 57% of which (n = 4,388) were directly related to bullying. Findings indicate that 76% of chat-users were female and 89% were victims of bullying (ages 12–17). The extent of bullying experienced was extensive, typically occurring on a daily basis at school. More than 30% had not sought help prior to contacting the service. Verbal, relational, and physical bullying were all common, although verbal bullying was by far the most prevalent, occurring in 65% of cases. Consistent with survey research on bullying, boys were significantly more likely than girls to have been the victims of physical bullying, while the opposite was true for relational bullying.

Distribution Nature of Foreign Exchange (FOREX) Rates in Nepal

The economy of Nepal is based on the inflow of remittances sent by the Nepalese who have gone abroad for foreign employment. The trend started after the start of the Maoist insurgency and has been going on due to a lack of employment opportunities within the nation. Other than remittance, tourism and a certain amount of foreign aid have been the sources of foreign exchange earnings for Nepal. These sources of FOREX have been able to maintain the balance of payments in Nepal. One unique feature of FOREX rates in Nepal is that the Nepalese rupee (NPR) is pegged with the Indian rupee (INR), the currency of the neighboring nation, India. The central bank of Nepal, Nepal Rastra Bank, publishes FOREX rates for 21 different countries on a daily basis, though exchange rates for 16 currencies have been publishing buying and selling rates for the past decade. Hence, the paper analyzed the distribution nature of 16 countries FOREX buying and selling rates and found that INR FOREX rates have no randomness as they are pegged. The most concerned currencies, like USD, SAR, QAR, and AED, were fitted with beta distribution capabilities to reflect the future trend of the exchange rate. At the same time, the GBP buying rate, JPY, and KRW buying and selling rates were best-fitted in general extreme value (GEV), reflecting the risky nature of currencies. The exchange rate distribution seems to be a concern to the exporter and importer, as the nature of the distribution could help to categorize the level of FOREX risk with a specific currency.

Conception and pilot testing of a self-management health application for patients with pollen-related allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma-the APOLLO app

It has been shown that pollen information services are an important self-management tool for patients with pollen-related allergic rhinitis (AR) and allergic asthma (AA). This study aimed to design an online application for patients with AR and AA, which supports patients to better manage their disease as well as to evaluate the app and present the first results of the pilot study. The pollen data were obtained from the electronic pollen information network of Bavaria, Germany. Participants were asked to fill in their allergy-related complaints in the app over a 60-day period. Subsequently, the app was evaluated. Indices and diagrams visualized the participants’ individual complaints as well as the daily pollen concentration in the air. In order to motivate participants to complete the app on a daily basis, we used elements of gamification. Two thirds of the participants (N = 46) reported feeling better informed about pollen counts and their allergy when using the app. The app's simple and comprehensible design was rated positively. More than 80% of the participants would recommend the app to their family and friends. The app can be a tool for patients with AR and AA to better understand their disease.

ISU Dairy Farm Open House 2022 - An Opportunity for Education and Engagement

The month of June is known as 'June Dairy Month' and therefore, the Iowa State University (ISU) Dairy Farm Open House took place on June 10th, 2022. The purpose of the ISU Dairy Farm Open House was to invite the public, free of charge, to come and visit the ISU Dairy Research and Teaching Unit in order to learn more about the dairy industry's commitment to animal care, to observe how a modern-day dairy operation functions on a daily basis, and to celebrate and learn about all things dairy. Hence, throughout the event, visitors were able to: consume a variety of safe, wholesome, and nutritious dairy products; learn about cow comfort and the various management practices that are in place on dairy farms to assure that all dairy animals are cared for with the utmost care, view a live milking parlor demonstration and learn about the proper steps dairy farms follow in order to harvest milk properly and safely from dairy cows, and participants received a driving tour of the dairy farm. Tours of the ISU Dairy Farm were provided by research faculty and graduate students who have a deep understanding of dairy production and management and therefore, they were able to further enlighten guests on common feeding strategies used for the dairy herd, discuss the dairy industry's commitment to sustainable farming practices, and environmental stewardship. At the end of the driving tour, guests were transported to the 'Ag Discovery Center' to learn more about agriculture throughout Iowa from a variety of commodity groups within the state. An optional, post-even survey (Table 1) was distributed to gauge visitor perception of the dairy industry. Of those who completed the survey (81 respondents), 94% of visitors indicated having a positive or very positive perception of the dairy industry. Also, 98% of respondents indicated they would attend this event in the future, and respondents unanimously indicated they would recommend this event to someone else. Thus, moving forward, there is a continued desire by the public for ISU to continue planning and hosting the ISU Dairy Farm Open House. Due in part because this event is an excellent opportunity for all in involved to continue educating and promoting dairy to the public in order to ensure a thriving dairy industry in the years to come.

Twice or thrice weekly levothyroxine provides similar rates of adherence and post-Ramadan euthyroidism compared to daily levothyroxine during Ramadan fasting

BackgroundHaving to take levothyroxine (L-T4) on a daily basis, on an empty stomach is burdensome and may impair adherence, especially during Ramadan fasting. A long half-life and autoregulation of thyroid hormone levels allows for twice or thrice weekly administration of L-T4. This study aims to establish twice or thrice weekly L-T4 dosing as a convenient and effective practice during Ramadan fasting.MethodsThe study included 2 groups; twice or thrice weekly (TTW) group included patients assigned to take L-T4 twice or thrice a week, and standard daily dosing (SDT) group included patients assigned to take L-T4 daily. Patients freely chose between three L-T4 regimens: before Iftar, before Suhor, or before the next fast. Thyroid status was assessed before and within 6 weeks after Ramadan. Only euthyroid patients were included.ResultsTTW group included 57 patients, while SDT group included 91 patients. Pre-Ramadan TSH in TTW group (1.80 ± 0.88 µIU/L) was higher compared to SDT group (1.39 ± 0.72 µIU/L) [P = 0.003]. Similar adherence rates were observed in both groups, 96.5% in TTW group versus 89% in SDT group, [P = 0.13]. similar rates of post-Ramadan euthyroidism were also found in both groups, 91.2% in TTW group versus 94.5% in SDT group, [P = 0.509]. TTW group preferred regimen 1 (64.9%) significantly more than SDT group (35.2%) [P = 0.001].ConclusionTwice or thrice weekly levothyroxine results in similarly high rates of adherence (96.5%) and post-Ramadan euthyroidism (91.2%) compared to daily levothyroxine during Ramadan fasting.

Style Employed in the Presentation of Environmental News in Taifa Leo Newspaper, Kenya.

Kiswahili is the national language of Kenya and the official language alongside English. Therefore, it is expected that most Kenyans have the ability to interact in both official and non official contexts using the Kiswahili language. One of the platforms that allows people to interact and gather information about what is happening in the world is print media, for example, newspapers. The Kenyan Taifa Leo newspaper is published every day with the aim of providing various types of news to the public. This newspaper presents environmental information, among other news, to the audience in the Kiswahili language. The environment is a pertinent issue both nationally and internationally. This is because it affects the life of every creature on a daily basis in one way or another. So, the information people know about their environment determines how they interact with it. In providing environmental information to their audience, journalists organize it according to their types, importance and sometimes the urgency of the news. To achieve this, they employ different styles, which involve the strategic selection of both linguistic and paralinguistic features with the aim of making the reader understand the intended message precisely and easily. This argument stems from the belief that readers understand information depending on how it is presented to them. Therefore, this paper focuses on the examination and analysis of the styles applied by journalists in the Taifa Leo newspaper of Kenya to convey environmental news.

Congestion forecast framework based on probabilistic power flow and machine learning for smart distribution grids

The increase in renewable energy sources and new technologies such as electric vehicles and storage can generate uncertainties in distribution grid operations, increasing the likelihood of congestions in power lines. Distribution system operators (DSOs) face several challenges while operating their grids in such conditions. These congestions deteriorate the electrical equipment in the long term, reducing its life span. This work proposes a framework to predict grid asset congestions on a daily basis. A congestion forecast framework is proposed by combining probabilistic power flows and machine learning algorithms to support DSOs in their daily decision-making. The framework is tested on a modified IEEE-33 bus system and CINELDI MV Reference system with hourly synthetic data. The results showed that the framework is able to closely predict the congestions on the lines. Computational capabilities are reported and discussed. The study indicates that the framework is a suitable tool for day-to-day congestion predictions in smart distribution grids yielding low error in expected values.

Smart Face Attendance System

Smart Face Attendance System

Awareness of health and environmental effects of plastic bags in bakeries in Al-Laity district, Benghazi

This study assessed public awareness of health and environmental risks associated with plastic bags and available alternatives. A questionnaire-based CT survey was conducted in Benghazi bakeries in the Al-Lathy area specifically over a study period from 6/3/2023 to 22/3/2023. The survey included the pioneers of Al-Laity Bakeries who were permanent residents of the study population. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. The relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents and awareness of the harmful effects of plastic bags was determined using the Chi-square test. The study involved 200 respondents aged 20 years and over, as proven by the results. Most of the respondents (56.5%; 113/200) had a university education level and above. Additionally, 41.0% (82/200) of the respondents were state employees. Furthermore, a majority of the respondents (91.5%; 183/200) reported purchasing bread in plastic bags on a daily basis. The largest percentage of respondents (66.5%; 133/200) reported throwing away plastic bags after a single use. In contrast, 30.5% (61/200) indicated that they would keep and reuse the bags, while a small percentage of 3.0% (6/200) reported burning them. It is noteworthy that most respondents demonstrated awareness of health and environmental risks associated with plastic bags and the availability of alternatives. Promoting the reuse of plastic bags and the utilization of available alternatives can help mitigate the increased risk posed by plastic bag usage.