Graphical Form Research Articles

Neural tube defects in a war-torn Tigray regional state of Ethiopia: a retrospective study of 54,626 deliveries

BackgroundThe Tigray region of Ethiopia has a significantly high prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs), ranging from 1.31 to 2.15% of total births. The prevalence has worsened due to ongoing regional war and conflict since October 2020. This study aims to assess NTD prevalence in these challenging conditions.MethodsThis institution-based, retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted across 11 public hospitals in the Tigray region. The study reviewed all delivery records from October 2020 to December 2023. Data were collected from hospital records, focusing on cases of neural tube defects (NTDs) and relevant maternal and neonatal characteristics. This retrospective analysis aimed to identify the prevalence of NTDs, as well as factors contributing to their occurrence. The data analysis involved using SPSS version 27 for comprehensive data management and statistical evaluation. Descriptive statistics provided an overview of the data, while binary logistic regression offered insights into the factors associated with neural tube defects. The results were systematically presented in both textual, tabular, graph formats to facilitate understanding and interpretation.ResultsOut of 54,626 delivery records, 1,612 cases of NTDs were identified (1,434 NTD cases and 178 isolated hydrocephalus cases). The specific birth prevalence of NTDs was 262.5 per 10,000 (95% CI, 249.1-276.5 per 10,000), with NTDs being the predominant cause of stillbirths. Anencephaly (136.6 per 10,000), spina bifida (110.6 per 10,000) and encephalocele (15.4 per 10,000) were the most common defects. Risk factors for NTDs include maternal age (20–29 years), rural residency, first pregnancies, a history of early neonatal death, lack of folic acid and multivitamin use, as well as neonatal factors like stillbirth, male sex, and preterm birth.ConclusionThis study reveals the alarmingly high prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in the Tigray region, with a birth prevalence of 262.5 per 10,000 births. Anencephaly, spina bifida, and encephalocele were common, contributing to stillbirths. Risk factors include maternal age (20–29), rural residency, first pregnancies, lack of folic acid and multivitamins, and neonatal factors like male sex and preterm birth. The findings stress the need for public health interventions, including folic acid awareness, better prenatal care, maternal nutrition research, stronger health systems, and a national surveillance system to prevent birth defects.

Adults living with dementia and chronic wounds, wound types, care challenges, and impact across dementia stages: A scoping review protocol.

The objective of this scoping review is to map the existing evidence on the epidemiology, care challenges, and impacts of various wound types among individuals living with dementia across different stages of the disease. Dementia is a growing global health concern, projected to rise significantly as the population ages. This condition not only affects cognitive function but also increases the risk of chronic wounds in part due to impairments in mobility, self-care, and communication. Current wound care guidelines inadequately address the specific needs of individuals with dementia. This scoping review seeks to fill this gap by comprehensively exploring the intersection between dementia and wound care. This review will include studies involving adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with dementia or cognitive impairment who are experiencing alterations in skin integrity, such as pressure injuries, venous and arterial ulcers, and diabetic ulcers. Both qualitative and quantitative studies will be considered, as well as studies focusing on the challenges faced by caregivers in managing wounds in this population. Excluded are studies such as editorials and opinion articles. A comprehensive search strategy will be employed across multiple electronic databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and PubMed, as well as grey literature sources like ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global and OpenGrey. The search will include studies published in English and French without date restrictions. Data will be extracted using a pilot-tested tool and presented in graphical, diagrammatic, and tabular formats. A narrative summary will accompany these visuals, providing context and insights into the data in relation to the review's objectives.

Challenges and Strategies Adopted for Remote Teaching of Biochemistry During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

In March 2020, the global landscape witnessed widespread upheavals in both socioeconomic and educational spheres due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With measures imposed to control the virus's spread, educational institutions around the world embraced digital learning, introducing challenges in the adaptation to virtual education. This shift proved especially daunting in resource-limited nations with limited digital infrastructure. This scoping review aims to explore the experiences of biochemistry educators during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on successful pedagogical strategies used to overcome challenges in remote teaching. The goal is to compile valuable information applicable to health-related undergraduate and postgraduate courses. This review considers studies and experiences related to the transition to remote biochemistry education during the pandemic. It encompasses a variety of pedagogical approaches, including online teaching tools, interactive methods, and alternatives to practical laboratory classes. The search spans databases such as MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Evidence Synthesis, with a focus on identifying systematic or scoping reviews; however, none were identified in the preliminary search. Starting in February 2022, the scoping review protocol was scheduled for completion by July 2024. From an initial pool of 1171 results, 85 articles were selected, with duplicate verification pending for the subsequent phase of the project. The findings from this review on biochemistry teaching strategies will be communicated using a combination of descriptive narrative, graphical, and tabular formats, emphasizing diverse pedagogical approaches pertinent to the subject. Dissemination will occur through regional and national scientific conference presentations, alongside publication in a peer-reviewed journal. This review aims to generate innovative pedagogical approaches and pinpoint learning activities, materials, and tools that support social and collaborative learning across various subjects, including biochemistry. Moreover, it will offer perspectives from students and educators on the implemented activities, with the intention of integrating them as supplementary methods to boost student participation, and thereby, improve learning outcomes and skill development. Open Science Framework VZSA7; https://osf.io/VZSA7/. DERR1-10.2196/59552.

Health seeking behavior among adult patients with cataract attending eye clinic at Homa bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital

Cataract; is the clouding of the natural crystalline lens of the eye leading to preventable blindness. Globally, cataracts resulted in approximately 15.2 million cases of blindness in the population over the age of 50 years in 2020. Majority of patients with cataract seek treatment late when vision loss has deteriorated and some even have total blindness. Cataract is a highly treatable condition when detected early and results in good visual outcomes. The main objective of the study was being to determine the health seeking behavior among adult patients with cataract attending eye clinic at Homa Bay County referral hospital so as to reverse the trend of blindness. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. The study population were all patients attending the eye clinic during the period of data collecting and are estimated to be 85 patients. The census method of sampling was applied so as to include the whole population in the study. Some data were collected from the patient records while others were through personal interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, and descriptive variables such as means and frequencies were calculated. The findings were presented in the form of graphs and tables. There were total of 59 respondents who participated on the study. Majority of the respondents 34 (59.3%) were aged between 68 years and above ,37 (62.7%)were females and 22 (37.3%) were males.40 (66.1%) presented to the clinic with VA of > 3/60. 36 (61.0%) reached primary level, only 1(1.7%) reached tertiary level, 31(52.54) have sought treatment at the chemist before reporting to the hospital. 42 (71.2%) reported from 6 months and above to the facility, 57 (96.6%) comes from Homa Bay. In the study we noticed that 52.5%( 31 out of 59) had sought treatment first from the chemist. In this study, 61.0% (36 out of 39) respondents had poor access to eye care service due to cost of transport, 62.7% (37 et of 59) participants was due to cost of treatment and 69.5% (41 out of 59) was due to distance. In this study 35.6% (21 out of 59) respondents had blood pressure and cataract 18 out of 21 had poor vision of >6/60. 35 respondents had no blood pressure and 32 had severe visual acuity to blindness and 27.3% had no blood pressure. Pressure and diabetes as a comorbidity, It was concluded that majority of participants seek treatment at the chemist, decreased eye sight was a sign of cataract, reached primary level, believed that decreased eye sight was a sign of cataract It was also observed that patient who had cataract majority had no high blood pressure. It was recommended that decentralization of eye screening and treatment at the sub-county levels where is easily accessible. Harmonizing on the cost of treatment and also invite donors to fund on free camp to help the vulnerable. Deployment and training of eye workers and setting of full equipped 8 sub-county eye unit center for easy accessibility.

Axisymmetric torsion problem by a rigid disc of an elastic half-space weakened by an external crack

In this paper, an axisymmetric torsion problem of a circular rigid disc of an elastic medium weakened by an external crack is presented. The mixed boundary-value problem is converted to a system of dual integral equations by using the Hankel integral transforms method. A system of Fredholm integral equations is obtained using the Abel integral equations formulas. The Jacobi polynomials series development is used for reducing the studied problem to a system of infinite algebraic equations. The latter system is solved numerically by the truncation method. Some physical quantities namely the displacement, the stress, and the stress intensity factor are obtained analytically and presented in the form of tables and graphs. A discussion is also followed dealing with the effect of the crack radius and the layer thickness on the rigidity of the medium. The results are validated with the particular case of the large thickness as well as with a comparison with those given by the finite element method.

The Use of 3D-CRT Technique in dose Distribution Analysis for Cervical Cancer Treatment Planning

Three Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy (3D-CRT) is a technique used in designing a cancer treatment (treatment planning system) using radiation emitted through a gantry with direction, angle, number of fields, and radiation energy according to needs. Determination of direction, angle, number of fields, and radiation energy precisely aims to provide effectiveness in cancer treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficient use of multiple gantry angles in cervical cancer using a LINAC machine with 3D-CRT technique. Data processing in this study was carried out using quantitative analysis techniques, namely descriptive statistics. This analysis technique uses secondary data obtained from the results of the description that has been carried out by doctors at the Radiotherapy Installation. Data processing was carried out by carrying out a treatment planning system on 7 patients with each patient receiving planning using 4 gantry angles and 6 gantry angles. These results are visualized in the form of tables and graphs of absorbed doses received by patients. Based on this study, it can be concluded that using the 3D-CRT technique in cases of cervical cancer, using 4 gantry angles is more efficient than using 6 gantry angles.

Soliton solutions of the (2 + 1)-dimensional Jaulent-Miodek evolution equation via effective analytical techniques

In this study, we investigate the -D Jaulent-Miodek (JM) equation, which is significant due to its energy-based Schrödinger potential and applications in fields such as optics, soliton theory, signal processing, geophysics, fluid dynamics, and plasma physics. Given its broad utility, a rigorous mathematical analysis of the JM equation is essential. The primary objective of this work is to derive exact soliton solutions using the Modified Sub-Equation (MSE) and Modified Auxiliary Equation (MAE) techniques. These solutions are computed using Maple 18, and encompass a variety of wave structures, including bright solitons, kink solitons, periodic waves, and singular solitons. The potential applications of these solutions span diverse domains, such as nonlinear dynamics, fiber optics, ocean engineering, software engineering, electrical engineering, and other areas of physical science. Through numerical simulations, we visualize the physical characteristics of the obtained soliton solutions using three distinct graphical formats: 3D surface plots, 2D contour plots, and line plots, based on the selection of specific parameter values. Our results demonstrate that the MSE and MAE techniques are not only efficient but also straightforward in extracting soliton solutions for the JM equation, outperforming other existing methods. Furthermore, the solutions presented in this study are novel, representing contributions that have not been previously reported in the literature.

Influence of Joule heating and slip on 3D MHD rotating nanoliquid flow with radiation, viscous dissipation, Soret and Dufour effects

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of Joule heating, slip conditions, Dufour and Soret effects on three-dimensional magneto-convection of nanoliquid over a rotating surface in the existence of thermal radiation, viscous dissipation and internal heat generation/absorption. Design/methodology/approach The considered physical system is modelled by a set of partial differential equations (PDEs) with conditions at surface. Then, the nonlinear PDEs are altered into a system of ordinary differential equations and they are solved numerically by the Runge−Kutta−Fehlberg method. Plotting the collected velocity, temperature and solute concentration characteristics allows one to see how relevant parameters affect the results. Calculations are made for skin friction and the rate of heat and mass transfer. Findings The outcomes are portrayed in the form of tables and graphs with a wide range of parameter involved in the study. It is observed that the local thermal energy transfer rate enriches on increasing the value of both thermal and solute slips. The solutal slip parameter suppresses the solute transport rate and thermal slip supports the solute transport. Practical implications Combining the Dufour and Soret effects is used in oil reservoirs, binary alloy solidification and isotope separation in mixtures of gases. Heat exchangers, nuclear reactors and thermal engineering can all benefit from the usage of nanofluid with Joule heating. Social implications This study is mainly useful for thermal sciences and chemical engineering. Originality/value The investigation of the effects of slip circumstances and Joule heating on magnetohydrodynamic rotating nanoliquid stream with thermal radiation and cross-diffusion makes this work unique. The discoveries produced are valuable and distinctive, and they have applications in many areas of thermal science and technology.

A comparative study of casson and Jeffrey nanofluids flowing through the radiative bidirectional stretched surface with porous media

A comparative study of radiative Casson and Jeffrey fluids flows generated by the chemically reactive bidirectional stretched sheet is presented. Energy and mass species analysis is performed under radiative heat generation impacts. The Robin’s heat and mass conditions are imposed for the analysis of considered model. The boundary-driven equations are simplified into one independent variable equation by the implication of similarity constraints. The resulted model is tackled by the help of homotopic scheme. The results of various parameters are sketched and interpreted for both Casson and Jeffrey nanofluids. The convergence is expressed through numeric benchmarks and graphical form. The numeric evaluation of Sherwood and Nusselt number is presented against the versatile parametric values. The results showed that the higher velocity curves appeared in Casson nanofluid case as comparative to case of Jeffrey nanofluid. The temperature heat generation constraints boosted the temperature of both Casson and Jeffrey nanofluids. The incrementing trend of chemical reactive and Lewis number resulted weaker concentration profiles for Jeffrey and Casson fluids. The conducted research model has magnificent appliances in solar energy devices, chemical reactors, solar reservoirs, nuclear power plants, heat reservoirs, microwave oven, thermal radiant, thermal imaging and many others.

Thermal Analysis of Eyring-Powell Hybrid Nanofluid: A Case of Combined Convective Transport and Radiative Heat Flux along Inclined Stretching/Shrinking Sheet

Hybrid nanofluids are designed to improve conventional nanofluids' stability and other thermal properties. The present work investigates the flow of combined convective transport and the influence of radiation on the studied flow. A hybrid nanofluid ( Cu Al O  2 3 /water) flows through a vertically inclined stretching/shrinking sheet. To simplify the governing equations, the deterministic two-variable differential equations (PDEs) are systematically transformed into a system of one-variable differential equations by using appropriate similarity transformations. The bvp4c function of the MATLAB program is also used to solve the simplified mathematical model. The present study investigates and presents in tabular and graphical form the effects of stretching/shrinking surfaces, suction, and volume fraction of the nanoparticles on the velocity and temperature profiles as well as on the engineering quantities. The present results are first validated and confirmed as acceptable before the full calculations are performed. Overall, the results of this study show that the investigated parameters influence the flow characteristics, which can serve as a controlling factor for heat transfer.

New Fixed-Point Results in Controlled Metric Type Spaces with Applications

In this manuscript, we present several novel results in fixed-point theory for a complete controlled metric space. The first presented result is inspired from the Caristi contraction where we explore the existence and uniqueness of fixed points under specific conditions. Furthermore, we propose a graphical form of it by endowing the considered space with a graph and develop a new fixed-point theorem, which is illustrated by two examples. Also, we establish a theorem for the α-admissible mapping. To demonstrate its effectiveness, the last theorem proposes an approach to solve a second-order differential equation.

Исследование изменений аномалии силы тяжести с изменением высоты во внешнем гравитационном поле Земли

In the work the possibility of harmonic continuation (along the radius-vector) of anomalous potential values and its derivative from the Earth`s surface to satellite altitudes is investigated. It was performed by means of the Poisson integral, which allows solving the classical outer boundary Dirichlet problem for harmonic functions on the sphere in the form of Fourier series on spherical ones. The set of normalised harmonic coefficients of the global high-degree geopotential model EIGEN-6C4 of bounded one n = 2190 is used to compute the globular functions. The results of net anomalies of gravity force to outer space calculated at sea level and at the altitude of 500 kilometres in the form of cartograms and graphs are presented. The studies show that at distance from the Earth`s surface the characteristics of the anomalous gravity field differ in magnitude along a complex curve, and the images on the map seem to blur. Moreover, with reaching altitude up to 500 kilometres, the anomalies decreased compared to those of gravity calculated at the sea level, almost 6-7 times

The Disappearance of COVID-19 Data Dashboards: The Case of Ephemeral Data

Data dashboards provide a means for sharing multiple data products at a glance and were ubiquitous during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data dashboards tracked global and country-specific statistics and provided cartographic visualizations of cases, deaths, vaccination rates and other metrics. We examined the role of geospatial data on COVID-19 dashboards in the form of maps, charts, and graphs. We organize our review of 193 COVID-19 dashboards by region and compare the accessibility and operationality of dashboards over time and the use of web maps and geospatial visualizations. We found that of the dashboards reviewed, only 17% included geospatial visualizations. We observe that many of the COVID-19 dashboards from our analysis are no longer accessible (66%) and consider the ephemeral nature of data and dashboards. We conclude that coordinated efforts and a call to action to ensure the standardization, storage, and maintenance of geospatial data for use on data dashboards and web maps are needed for long-term use, analyses, and monitoring to address current and future public health and other challenging issues.

Methodology for determining freight indices

The paper considers the issues of quantifying the indicator of the freight market conjuncture and analyzes some basic principles used in calculating freight indices. It is noted that the current geopolitical situation has a significant impact on the general behavior of the global freight market and inevitably leads to temporary restrictions on the functioning of the Russian market, which objectively determines the need to calculate domestic indices based on their own methods. The existing world practice of determining freight indices is considered, as well as the features of the Russian freight market as an integral part of the world market. It is emphasized that the nomenclature of transported goods, the geography of transportation and the parameters of the fleet used are radically different from the world ones, which makes them irrelevant for Russian shipowners mastering export cargo flows from Russia and also that foreign freight indexes are only informative and cannot be used in practical work. The paper shows the structure of the formation of freight rates and identifies the main components of the carrier’s expenses. The structure of the freight rate is the basis for the formation of the proposed methodology for calculating freight indices. The criteria for determining the specific weights of individual sectors of the freight market are considered. The conclusions drawn in the conducted research are supported by analytical data presented in graphical form. The practical use of the presented methodology will allow interested parties involved in transportation to make informed management decisions.

THE NON-COPRIME GRAPHS OF UPPER UNITRIANGULAR MATRIX GROUPS OVER THE RING OF INTEGER MODULO WITH PRIME ORDER AND THEIR TOPOLOGICAL INDICES

In its application graph theory is widely applied in various fields of science, including scheduling, transportation, industry, and structural chemistry, such as topological indexes. The study of graph theory is also widely applied as a form of representation of algebraic structures, including groups. One form of graph representation that has been studied is non-coprime graphs. The upper unitriangular matrix group is a form of group that can be represented in graph form. This group consists of upper unitriangular matrices, which are a special form of upper triangular matrix with entries in a ring R and all main diagonal entries have a value of one. In this research, we look for the form of a non-coprime graph from the upper unitriangular matrix group over a ring of prime modulo integers and several topological indexes, namely the Harmonic index, Wiener index, Harary index, and First Zagreb index. The findings of this research indicate that the structure of the graph and the general formula for the Harmonic index, Wiener index, Harary index, and First Zagreb index were successfully obtained.

Computational simulation of the Aerodynamic performance of NACA2412 and NACA25112 in low Reynolds numbers

The present study introduces the basic definition of aerofoil and NACA series aerofoil. Then numerically investigates the two-dimensional aerodynamic characteristics of NACA 2412 and NACA 25112 aerofoils at a Reynolds number of 2. 0106. This study utilises the fluid dynamics simulation tool ANSYS Fluent, which is based on the finite volume method, to acquire the necessary data. The geometric model and grid of aerofoil were built with ANSYS Meshing and simulated with the pressure-based solver. In addition, the experimental environment of this study is the inlet speed of 30m/s and the air pressure of 1ATM. The study based on the Nabier-Strokes control equation completes simulation processing with SSTK-Omega. The aerodynamic characteristics of NACA2412 and NACA25112 were compared, including the pressure, velocity distribution map and the lift resistance coefficient change with the angle of attack. These experimental results are presented in the form of graphs. This experiment can be used for subsequent wind tunnel experiments or for developing a new aerofoil.

Going Over the Wall: Supporting Critical Artificial Intelligence Literacy Using Narrative Design Fiction

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly embedded in every aspect of our lives and educators are beginning to consider how to teach with and about it. Most AI curricula distinctly focus on developing digital or physical technical skills such as coding, robotics, and programming, while only sometimes critically considering the social and ethical dimensions of AI. This may lead to a future disparity between critical thinking and technical competency in AI literacy programming. This qualitative case study research focuses on how a week-long virtual camp used narrative design fiction in graphic novel format as a framework for camp activities and discussions for students in grades 6-8, to facilitate conversations related to the social and ethical implications of AI use. Results suggest that participants gained deeper and more complex opinions on AI and human-technology relationships via critical conversations facilitated through the narrative design fiction. Recommendations for future work on speculative futures, reflection, and narrative design fiction are presented.

Commutative Rings and Corresponding V-Graphs

Algebraic graph theory, which applies algebraic techniques to graph problems, is a pivotal area of study. Many ring algebraic properties have representations in graph theory. In this paper, we introduce an innovative type of graph related to rings that we call the V-graph. Let T be a ring with identity. The V-graph of T, denoted by V(T), consists of a set of vertices equal to all non-zero elements of T. Two different vertices u and v are adjacent if and only if uv is a regular element in T. We present several examples to demonstrate how this form of graph differs from the known ring-based graphs, such as zero-divisor graphs, unit graphs, and quasi-regular graphs. We calculate the diameter and independent number, as well as the domination number for the V-graph of the ring of integers Zn.

The Effects of Gain-Versus-Loss Messages Following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet and Low-Glycemic-Index Diet on Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Fatigue in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Protocol Study

Background: The global prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is rising, and there is currently no cure. The dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and low glycemic load diets have demonstrated benefits in improving mood and physical function among adults with MS. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of gain- versus loss-framed messages on stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting MS who follow DASH and Low-Glycemic-Index diets. Methods and Results: This open-label, 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted at the MS Association of Ahvaz. The study included men and women aged 18 - 55 with an Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score below 4.5. A total of 96 participants were randomly assigned to receive either gain-framed or loss-framed messages. Educational messages, presented in graphical or textual formats, were tailored to participants based on their responses. Outcomes were assessed using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and measures of pain intensity, physical activity, dietary intake, and adherence to the recommended interventions. Data were analyzed using both per-protocol and intention-to-treat methods. SPSS version 26.0 was used for statistical analysis, with significance set at P < 0.05. Conclusions: If this study demonstrates the effectiveness of gain- and loss-framed messages, these approaches can be utilized to enhance knowledge and awareness among individuals with MS. Furthermore, they can promote adherence to DASH and low Glycemic Index diets, potentially improving stress, anxiety, fatigue, and pain intensity in this population.

Eduecolinguistic Learning Design in Indonesian Formal Educational Institutions: An Islamic Perspective

Environmental problems in the world in general and in Indonesia in particular currently require serious solutions to create a conducive environment for future generations. This research describes education about environmental issues and the importance of ecological awareness in the younger generation. The research method used is descriptive quantitative which aims to analyse the environmental awareness of students and university students on the importance of protecting the environment. There are three stages of research, namely: data provision, data analysis, and data presentation—the first stage, providing data using a questionnaire with an online questionnaire instrument, namely Google Form. As for the research sample, namely junior high school students, high school students, university students, 350 respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. The second stage is data analysis with content analysis and data verification from local environmental experts. In the third stage, the data is presented in the form of tables and graphs. The results showed that the positive response of students and college students towards environmental awareness was very good 80%. Awareness of the need to actively participate in building public awareness of the importance of protecting the environment, the percentage of positive responses is very good 97.77%. The students also understand that there are environmental problems in West Java, the most important of which is the problem of waste and water pollution and provide plans for various social actions to provide solutions to these problems, such as socialising the importance of (3R) reduce, reuse, and recycle; Other activities, such as: Donating used items that are still good, planting plants, and limiting the use of water and electricity.