Standard Methods Research Articles

Implementasi Pendekatan Jurimetri dalam Penyelesaian Sengketa Hak-Hak Perempuan dalam Putusan Cerai Talak

The divorce gives rise to rights and obligations, especially women's economic rights after divorce, namely iddah, mut'ah and madhiyah livelihood. Judges in determining the amount of alimony still vary and there are no standard rules and methods so that judges can guide them in determining the value of alimony for wives as a result of divorce which reflects propriety and justice. The author will put forward the idea of ​​the jurimetric method as a mathematical analysis method related to determining the amount of iddah, mut'ah and madhiyah maintenance for wives after divorce. The aim of the research is to analyze the application of the jurimetric approach in resolving disputes over women's rights in divorce decisions for talak at the Gedong Tataan Religious Court and the Sukadana Religious Court and to analyze the perspective of maslahah al mursalah and the theory of justice towards the implementation of the jurimetric approach as a method for determining the amount of women's rights in decisions divorce. This research is normative legal or normative juridical research which is descriptive analytical in nature. The application of jurimetry in determining the amount of women's rights in divorce and divorce decisions regarding 'iddah, mut'ah and madhiyah income, is carried out by collecting empirical data which is then expressed in variables. Jurimetry is a tool to interpret norms for the sake of realizing justice. By applying a jurimetric approach in determining the amount of 'iddah, mut'ah and madhiyah income, it has fulfilled procedural justice and distributive justice and fulfilled maslahah al-mursalah.

Performance Comparison of Ambient Ionization Techniques Using a Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer for the Analysis of Amino Acids, Drugs, and Explosives.

The utilization of ambient ionization (AI) techniques for mass spectrometry (MS) has significantly grown due to their ability to facilitate rapid and direct sample analysis with minimal sample preparation. This study investigates the performance of various AI techniques, including atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP), thermal desorption corona discharge (TDCD), direct analysis in real time (DART), and paper spray coupled to a Waters QDa mass spectrometer. The focus is on evaluating the linearity, repeatability, and limit of detection (LOD) of these techniques across a range of analytes, including amino acids, drugs, and explosives. The results show that each AI technique exhibits distinct advantages and limitations. ASAP and DART cover high concentration ranges, which may make them suitable for semiquantitative analysis. TDCD demonstrates exceptional linearity and repeatability for most analytes, while paper spray offers surprising LODs despite its complex setup (between 80 and 400 pg for most analytes). The comparison with electrospray ionization (ESI) as a standard method shows that ambient ionization techniques can achieve competitive LODs for various compounds such as PETN (80 pg ESI vs 100 pg ASAP), TNT (9 pg ESI vs 4 pg ASAP), and RDX (4 pg ESI vs 10 pg ASAP). This study underscores the importance of selecting the appropriate ambient ionization technique based on the specific analytical requirements. This comprehensive evaluation contributes valuable insights into the selection and optimization of AI techniques for diverse analytical applications.

Determination of eight neonicotinoid pesticides in wastewater by solid phase extraction combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Neonicotinoid pesticides are a relatively new class of pesticides that have garnered significant attention owing to their potential ecological risks to nontarget organisms. A method combining solid phase extraction with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS/MS) was developed for the rapid and accurate detection of eight neonicotinoid pesticides (dinotefuran, E-nitenpyram, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, imidacloprid, imidaclothiz, acetamiprid, and thiacloprid) in wastewater. The chromatographic mobile phase and MS parameters were selected, and a single-factor method was used to determine the optimal column type, extraction volume, sample loading speed, and pH for SPE. The optimal parameters were as follows: column type, HLB column (500 mg/6 mL); sample extraction volume, 500 mL; sample loading speed, 10 mL/min; and sample pH, 6-8. The matrix effects of the wastewater samples were reduced by optimizing the chromatographic gradient-elution program, examining the dilution factor of the samples, and using the isotope internal standard calibration method. Prior to analysis, the wastewater samples were diluted 5-fold with ultrapure water for pretreatment. Subsequently, 2 mmol/L ammonium acetate aqueous solution containing 0.1% (v/v) formic acid and methanol was used as mobile phases for gradient elution on a ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.8 μm). The samples were quantified using positive-ion multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode for 10 min. Imidacloprid-d4 was used as the isotope internal standard. The SPE process was further optimized by applying response surface methodology to select the type and mass of rinsing and elution solvents. The optimal pretreatment of the SPE column included rinsing with 10% methanol aqueous solution and elution with methanol-acetonitrile (1∶1, v/v) mixture (7 mL). The eight neonicotinoid pesticides showed satisfactory linearity within the relevant range, with linear correlation coefficients (r) all greater than 0.9990. The method detection limits (MDLs) ranged from 0.2 to 1.2 ng/L, and the method quantification limits (MQLs) ranged from 0.8 to 4.8 ng/L. The average recoveries of the eight neonicotinoid pesticides were in the range of 82.6%-94.2% at three spiked levels, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranging from 3.9% to 9.4%. Finally, the optimized method was successfully applied to analyze wastewater samples collected from four sewage treatment plants. The results indicated that the eight neonicotinoid pesticides could be generally detected at concentrations ranging from not detected (ND) to 256 ng/L. The developed method has a low MDL and high accuracy, rendering it a suitable choice for the trace detection of the eight neonicotinoid pesticides in wastewater when compared with other similar methods. The proposed method can be utilized to monitor the environmental impact and assess the potential risks of neonicotinoid pesticides in wastewater, thus promoting the protection of nontarget organisms and the sustainable use of these pesticides in agriculture.

Rapid determination of chlorate and perchlorate in tea by ion exchange chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Ion exchange chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (IEC-MS/MS) has recently become the preferred method for detecting ionic substances in tea. In this study, an IEC-MS/MS method was developed for the rapid determination of chlorate and perchlorate residues in tea samples. The optimal sample extraction process, pretreatment column, and chromatographic and mass spectrometric conditions were systematically investigated. In the optimal process, the tea samples were ultrasonically extracted with methanol-water (13∶7, v/v), and a PRiME HLB SPE column was used to purify the sample extract. An AceChrom Hybri-A IEC column (150 mm×2.1 mm, 5.0 μm) was used for separation, and 100 mmol/L ammonium acetate-acetonitrile (40∶60, v/v) was used as the mobile phase for isocratic elution. The flow rate was 0.3 mL/min, the column temperature was 40 ℃, and the injection volume was 5.0 μL. The mass spectrometric data were collected in negative electrospray ionization mode combined with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode to achieve the rapid and accurate separation and qualitative analysis of the desired chemical components. Quantification was performed using the internal standard (IS) method. The measurement results showed a good linear relationship when the mass concentrations of chlorate and perchlorate were between 2.00-200 and 1.00-100 μg/L, respectively, with correlation coefficients (r2) greater than 0.9990. The average recoveries of chlorate and perchlorate at three spiked levels of low, medium, and high ranged from 88.54% to 97.25% with relative standard deviations (RSDs, n=7) of 3.2%-5.2%. The limits of detection for chlorate and perchlorate were 12.0 and 8.0 μg/kg, respectively, while the limits of quantification were 40.0 and 26.6 μg/kg, respectively. The results of tests conducted to assess the linearity, specificity, accuracy, precision, and applicability of the method to the analysis of chlorate and perchlorate in 15 tea samples collected from a local market demonstrated its validity for the routine analysis of tea samples. The proposed method is simple, rapid, sensitive, and accurate, and can meet requirements for the rapid screening and quantitative analysis of residual trace chlorate and perchlorate in large quantities of tea samples.

Automated Synthesis of [11C]PiB via [11CH3OTf]-as Methylating Agent for PET Imaging of β-Amyloid.

Efficient synthesis of precursor from commercially available starting materials and automated radiosynthesis of [11C]PiB using commercially available dedicated [11C]- Chemistry module from the synthesized precursor. [11C]PiB is a promising radiotracer for PET imaging of β-Amyloid, advancing Alzheimer's disease research. The availability of precursors and protocols for efficient radiolabelling foster the applications of any radiotracer. Efficient synthesis of PiB precursor was performed using anisidine and 4-nitrobenzoyl chloride as starting materials in 5 steps, having addition, substitutions, and cyclization chemical methodologies. This precursor was used for fully automated radiosynthesis of [11C]PiB in a commercially available synthesizer, MPS-100 (SHI, Japan). The synthesized [11C]PiB was purified via solid-phase methodology, and its quality control was performed by the quality and safety criteria required for clinical use. The synthesis of desired precursors and standard authentic compounds started with commercially available materials with 70-80% yields. The standard analytical methods were characterized all synthesized compounds. The fully automated [11C]-chemistry synthesizer (MPS-100) used for radiosynthesis of [11C]PiB with [11C]CH3OTf acts as a methylating agent. For radiolabelling, varied amounts of precursor and time of reaction were explored. The resulting crude product underwent purification through solid-phase cartridges. The synthesized radiotracer was analyzed using analytical tools such as radio TLC, HPLC, pH endo-toxicity, and half-life. The precursor for radiosynthesis of [11C]PiB was achieved in excellent yield using simple and feasible chemistry. A protocol for radiolabelling of precursor to synthesized [11C]PiB was developed using an automated synthesizer. The crude radiotracer was purified by solid-phase cartridge, with a decay-corrected radiochemical yield of 40±5% and radiochemical purity of more than 97% in approx 20 minutes (EOB). The specific activity was calculated and found in a 110-121 mCi/μmol range. A reliable methodology was developed for preparing precursor followed by fully automated radiolabeling using [11C]MeOTf as a methylating agent to synthesize [11C]PiB. The final HPLC-free purification yielded more than 97% radiochemical purity tracer within one radionuclide half-life. The method was reproducible and efficient for any clinical center.

Single-Stage Bronchoscopy-Guided Protocol for Tracheostomy Decannulation in Adult Patients

IntroductionTracheostomy decannulation is a routine procedure in airway management. There is no standard decannulation method; however, the two commonly practiced approaches are tracheostomy downsizing and intermittent capping, which are both accompanied by multiple visits to the clinic and increase patient discomfort. Herein, we explore fiberoptic bronchoscopy application in a novel single-stage decannulation protocol. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study on tracheostomy patients eligible for decannulation. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed on patients with spontaneous ventilation for ≥48 h, age ≥18, hemodynamic stability, normal chest X-ray, adequate swallowing, effective cough, adequate consciousness, patent speaking valve, and absent history of recurrent aspiration. Tracheostomy removal occurred after evaluating the airway and ruling out tracheomalacia, tracheitis with stenosis, obstructive granulation tissue, and moderate-to-severe stenosis. We documented patients' demographic and clinical information, along with details of their post-decannulation course. ResultsOut of 58 patients admitted for tracheostomy removal, we excluded six patients (10.3%) from the study because, despite clinical indications for successful weaning, they exhibited abnormalities that interrupted the decannulation process. Of the remaining 52 patients, 50 (96.1%) were successfully weaned off, while two needed reinsertion during their hospital course. Bronchoscopy findings were unremarkable in 33 (63.5%) patients, and the most frequently observed abnormalities were paucity of vocal cord movement in 5 (9.6%) patients and granulation tissue formation in 5 (9.6%) patients. No further airway management was necessary after discharge. ConclusionsOur study introduces the innovative approach of single-stage bronchoscopic decannulation as a potentially beneficial tool for immediate decannulation. Based on our experience, we achieved a relatively satisfactory outcome following single-stage tracheostomy decannulation with bronchoscopy. The approach shows promise in providing valuable airway insights and predicting possible decannulation failures. Further research is needed to evaluate its impact on stress reduction for patients and surgeons, its superiority compared to traditional techniques, its long-term effects on healthcare, and its potential cost-effectiveness.

Construction of Metal Interpretable Scoring System and Identification of Tungsten as a Novel Risk Factor in COPD

Numerous studies have highlighted the correlation between metal intake and deteriorated pulmonary function, emphasizing its pivotal role in the progression of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, the efficacy of traditional models is often compromised due to overfitting and high bias in datasets with low-level exposure, rendering them ineffective in delineating the contemporary risk trends associated with pulmonary diseases.To address these limitations, we embarked on developing advanced, interpretable models, crucial for elucidating the intricate mechanisms of metal toxicity and enriching the domain knowledge embedded in toxicity models. In this endeavor, we scrutinized extensive, long-term metal exposure datasets from NHANES to explore the interplay between metal and pulmonary functionality. Employing a variety of machine-learning approaches, we opted for the “Mixer of Experts” model for its proficiency in identifying a myriad of toxicological trends and sensitivities. We conceptualized and illustrated the TSAP (Toxicity Score at Population-level), a metal interpretable scoring system offering performance nearly equivalent to the amalgamation of standard interpretable methods addressing the “black box” conundrum.This streamlined, bifurcated procedural analysis proved instrumental in discerning established risk factors, thereby uncovering Tungsten as a novel contributor to COPD risk. SynopsisTSAP achieved satisfied performance with transparent interpretability, suggesting tungsten intake need further action for COPD prevention.

Enabling uncertainty quantification in a standard full-waveform inversion method using normalizing flows

To maximize the utility of seismic imaging and inversion results, we need to compute not only a final image but also quantify the uncertainty in the image. Although the most thorough approach to quantify the uncertainty is to use a method such as Markov chain Monte Carlo, which systematically samples the entire posterior distribution, this is often inefficient, and not all applications require a full representation of the posterior. We use normalizing flows (NFs), a machine learning technique to perform uncertainty quantification (UQ) in full-waveform inversion (FWI), specifically for time-lapse data. As with any machine learning algorithm, the NF learns only the mapping from the part of the prior spanned by the training data to the distribution of final models spanned by the training data. Here, we make use of this property to perform UQ efficiently by learning a mapping from the prior to the distribution that characterizes the model perturbations within a specific range. Our approach involves using a range of starting models paired with final models from a standard FWI as training data. Although this does not capture the full posterior of the FWI problem, it enables us to quantify the uncertainties associated with updating from an initial to a final model. Because our target is to perform UQ for time-lapse imaging, we use a local wave-equation solver that allows us to solve the wave equation in a small subset of our entire model, thereby keeping computational costs low. Numerical examples demonstrate that incorporating the training step for NF provides a distribution of model perturbations, which is dependent on a designated prior, to quantify the uncertainty of FWI results.

Extraction, Characterisation and Utilisation of Bioactive Compounds from Date Fruit

Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.), known for its rich bioactive compounds, was the focus of this study, which aimed to optimize microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) methods for isolating these compounds and developing fortified milk with added date syrup. The research evaluated total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) under varying microwave frequencies, extraction times, and plant-to-solvent ratios. Date fruits were procured, cleaned, processed into powder, and subjected to various MAE conditions, with standard spectrophotometric methods used to quantify TPC and TFC. Optimal extraction conditions for maximum TPC (37±1.1 mg GAE/g) and TFC (460±0.6 mg QE/g) were identified at a microwave frequency of 720 W, an extraction time of 5 minutes, and a plant-to-solvent ratio of 1:15, highlighting the significant influence of microwave power and extraction time on phenolic and flavonoid contents. Furthermore, the research explored the nutritional enhancement of milk through fortification with date syrup, assessing the fortified milk for total soluble solids (TSS), pH, TPC, and TFC, which demonstrated an improved nutritional profile. This research provides valuable insights into the MAE of date fruits and the potential of date syrup in developing functional food products, guiding future studies and industrial applications aimed at enhancing the nutritional and functional properties of food products.

Simultaneous determination of 61 hormones in water by solid phase extraction-ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Concerns over the emergence of steroid hormones as pollutants in water have grown. Steroid hormone compounds present challenges in the simultaneous detection of total residual hormones owing to their analogous structures and diverse types. In this study, we established a rapid and high-throughput continuous online method based on solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled with ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for the simultaneous determination of 61 hormone components, including 48 glucocorticoids, 1 mineralocorticoid, 4 androgens, and 8 progesterones, in water. Various SPE columns were investigated to assess their extraction efficiency for enriching and purifying target compounds in a large sample volume (1 L). An HC-C18 SPE column was selected because of its superior performance. Acetonitrile was used as a washing solution during SPE to ensure that the majority of the tested substances achieved recoveries exceeding 70% and effectively avoid interferences from water-soluble components. Various C8 and C18 columns were tested, and the optimal HPLC conditions for hormone retention were established. We systematically evaluated different UPLC columns and mobile phases, including methanol-water and acetonitrile-water systems with 0.1% formic acid added to the aqueous phase. The optimized UPLC conditions were as follows: BEH C18 column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.7 μm); column temperature, 40 ℃; flow rate, 0.3 mL/min; injection volume, 5 μL; mobile phase A: 0.1% formic acid aqueous phase; mobile phase B: acetonitrile. Gradient elution was performed as follows: 0-0.5 min, 30%B; 0.5-15.0 min, 30%B-75%B; 15.0-18.0 min, 75%B-98%B; 18.0-19.0 min, 98%B; 19.0-19.1 min, 98%B-30%B; 19.1-20.0 min, 30%B. Both positive- and negative-ion modes were explored in the UPLC-MS/MS experiment to obtain the full scan of the parent ions, and positive mode was finally selected for electrospray ionization (ESI). Two product ions exhibiting strong signals and minimal interference were selected for quantitative and qualitative ion analyses, using an external standard method for quantification. MS/MS was performed in positive-ion (ESI+) mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scanning. The MS/MS parameters were as follows: atomizing gas pressure, 379 kPa; curtain air pressure, 241 kPa; spray voltage, 5500 V; desolvation temperature, 550 ℃; collision exit voltage (CXP), 13 V; intake voltage (EP), 10 V; and residence time of each ion pair, 0.5 ms. Other instrument settings, such as the collision energy and declustering voltage, were also optimized. The 61 hormones exhibited excellent linear relationships within their corresponding concentration ranges, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.99. The method detection limits (MDLs) were in the range of 0.05-1.50 ng/L. The average recoveries of the 61 hormones across three spiked levels ranged from 62.3% to 125.2%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs, n=6) of 1.1%-10.5%. Using this method, we successfully detected 10 hormone components (cortisone, fluticasone propionate, ciclesonide, betamethasone dipropionate, clobetasone butyrate, diflucortolone valerate, halobetasol propionate, isoflupredone, difluprednate, and hydroxyprogesterone caproate) in various surface water and groundwater samples collected from the Taihu Basin region. The SPE-UPLC-MS/MS method presented in this paper is simple, highly sensitivity, and exceptionally accurate. Thus, it exhibits promising potential for tracing targeted hormone residues in water and will be of great value in monitoring and ensuring water safety. Finally, a regional analysis was conducted on the hormone levels in water, and suggestions were made for the targeted treatment of hormone residues in future sewage treatment processes.

Computed tomography angiography-guided analysis of morphologic properties of the thoracic aorta and arch branches among the adult population: A cross-sectional study.

Before performing any surgical or endovascular procedure, the anatomical classification of the patient is essential for treatment planning. Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) is a standard method to evaluate thoracic aortic anatomy and associated variations. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed among adult participants without any peripheral vascular diseases undergoing thoracic CTA. Demographic data were collected along with factors retrieved from the patients CTA, such as the type of aortic arch, length, and diameter of ascending and descending aorta, the diameter of the main branches and the distance between branches, the angles by which the main arteries rise from their origins, and left anterior oblique angle of the aortic arch. 164 patients, with a mean age of 57 ± 19.3 years, entered the study. 53 (33.8%) had a bovine arch, which was mostly observed among males. A decrease in the frequency of type I arch and also an increase in the frequency of type 2 and 3 arches was observed with the increase in age (p < 0.001). The BCT diameter had a direct association with both left common carotid artery diameter (r = 0.478, p < 0.001) and left subclavian artery diameter (r = 0.470, p < 0.001). The length of the descending aorta had a direct correlation (r = 0.294, p < 0.001) with the length of the ascending aorta. Complex endovascular interventions are vital method in treating aorta, head, and neck pathologies. Accurate knowledge of thoracic aortic anatomy is becoming crucial for diagnosis and intervention planning.

Evaluating CO2 concentration effects on growth kinetics and fatty acid composition in Euglena gracilis

ABSTRACT Industrial development has significantly increased CO2 emissions, from 280 ppm in the pre-industrial era to over 400 ppm today, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change. This study investigates the impact of varying CO2 concentrations on the growth, biomass accumulation, and biochemical composition of Euglena gracilis as microalgae-based carbon capture and utilization. E. gracilis was cultivated with CO2 concentrations of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 30%, using white LED lights at 3000 lux. Growth was monitored through cell counts and optical density, while biomass and primary metabolites were analysed using standard methods. Fatty acid content was assessed using GC-MS and GC-FID. The results showed optimal growth at 5% CO2, with biomass reaching 2.3 g l‒1 on the day of harvest. The highest lipid content was obtained in the 15% CO2 treatment with a total lipid of 0.35 g l‒1. As for the decrease in pH, it showed that each treatment experienced a reduction in pH from 3.5 to almost 2.0. Fatty acid content was dominated by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially in the control group and 15% CO2 treatment, contributing up to 47.66%, and 46.36% to the group, respectively. The study highlights the importance of optimizing CO2 levels for microalgae cultivation to enhance biomass and lipid production. Elevated CO2 levels boost lipid synthesis but can stress cells if too high, suggesting a need for adaptive CO2 addition methods.

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT PACKAGING MATERIALS ON THE KEEPING QUALITY OF KULIKULI

The effects of different packaging materials: plastic material, aluminium foil, glass material, low density polyethylene bag (LDPB) and a blend of plastic materials and LDPB on the keeping quality of kulikuli was studied. The quality indices studied were peroxide value, free fatty acid, saponification value and sensory attributes using standard methods. The results of the study showed that at the end of first week of storage, stored snacks exhibited different variabilities in the quality parameters measured. Snacks stored in foil paper and in a blend of plastic and LDPB had significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower levels of quality indices measured. However, snacks stored in glass material and LDPB had higher values. At the end of the third week of storage, snack samples showed increased fatty acids, peroxide and saponification values which ranged from 8.97 – 13.46 mg/100 g, 12.40 – 13.40 meqO2/kg 84.15 – 44.80 mg KOH/g, respectively. Snacks stored in foil paper and in a blend of plastic and LDPB mantained lower levels of quality indices measured. Similarly, there were steady increase in free fatty acid, peroxide and saponification values of the snack samples with increasing storage time up to the seventh week of storage. Therefore, it can be deduced from this study that snacks stored in a blend of plastic and LDPB and foil paper alone up to three weeks maintained good product quality based on indices measured.

Development of a device made on a 3D printer to determine physical properties of grains

The physical properties of grains are essential for harvesting, storage, and commercialization. These properties, such as bulk density and moisture content, are usually measured with self-propelled machines, expensive equipment, or in laboratories, making them inaccessible to small producers. The research developed a low-cost and easy-to-use device that measures these properties. Tested and calibrated with corn and beans using the standard oven method 105°C/24h, it achieved an excellent coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.998 for beans and 0.999 for corn. The bulk density was calibrated using a precision scale and a hectoliter weight kit, resulting in r2 values of 0.928 for beans and 0.926 for corn. The device is a viable option for Precision Agriculture for small producers.

Proximate analysis and sensory evaluation of two indigenous soup consumed in Owo local government, Ondo state

This study has provided insights into proximate analysis and sensory evaluation of two indigenous soups consumed in Owo Local Government, Ondo State. The Spices are naturally cooked and are safer and healthier for adults than the foreign Soups which are often preserved with chemicals. These spices on soups were subjected to laboratory analysis for their proximate contents using standard methods. The result revealed that obe korowu had a moisture content of 63.15% while obe erinaje had a moisture content of 64.02%, it further revealed that obe korowu had an ash content of 2.8%, fat of 9.25%, fiber content of 2.05%, protein content of 12.64%. The carbohydrate content of 10.12% while obe aje had 3.41%, 8.57%, 1.96%, 13.12%, and 8.93% for ash content, fat, fiber content, protein content, and carbohydrate content respectively. The result further revealed that obe korowu scored 4.20, 4.30, 3.35, and 4.56 while obe erinaje scored 3.40, 3.20, 3.40, and 3.94 by the panelists in terms of their taste, aroma, texture, and overall acceptability respectively. The study concludes that traditional soups can be used as vehicles or carriers of nutritional/medicinal benefits. It is believed that the production and distribution of these spices in soups can improve the nutritional status of the dependent groups.

Petroleum spills and assessment of heavy metals in water, sediment, soil from Afiesere River, Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria

The study which was to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in water, sediment and soil of Afiesere river because of the anthropogenic activities of petroleum exploration and attendant spills in the area. Surface water, sediment, surface soil and sub-surface soil samples were collected from Afiesere River, Ughelli, Delta State. Some physiochemical parameters of water were analysed using standard methods and Hanna water quality checker. The concentrations of five heavy metals, namely; lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) were determined in water, sediment, surface soil, and sub-surface soil using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Flame-AAS). The results obtained show the mean values of pH, temperature, total dissolved solid, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, phosphate, nitrate, and sulphate as follows: 6.87 ± 0.18, 27.40 ± 0.28oC, 4.00 ± 0.00 mg/L, 8.67 ± 0.25 µs/cm, 4.23 ± 0.08 mg/L, 0.65 ± 0.17 mg/L, 0.01 ± 0.00 mg/L, 0.01 ± 0.03 mg/L, and 2.17 ± 0.18 mg/L respectively. The heavy metals; Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu and Ni mean concentrations are as follows: in water, 0.06 ± 0.02, 0.02 ± 0.01, 0.46 ± 0.01, 0.03 ± 0.01 and 3.56 ± 0.07 mg/L; in sediment, 0.52 ± 0.03, 0.02 ± 0.00, 0.21 ± 0.02, 0.07 ± 0.01 and 0.26 ± 0.01 mg/kg; in surface soil, 0.50 ± 0.03, 0.02 ± 0.00, 0.07 ± 0.01, 0.03 ± 0.00 and 2.91 ± 0.03 mg/kg; in sub-surface soil, 0.55 ± 0.02, 0.02 ± 0.01, 0.26 ± 0.02, 0.06 ± 0.01 and 0.36 ± 0.08 mg/kg respectively. The results showed a significant difference at P&lt;0.05. The results obtained in this study were within and above the set standard for water, sediment and soil by World Health Organization (WHO). The metals are toxic, can bio-accumulate and are potential carcinogens; therefore treatment of water is very important. Periodic medical examination of the inhabitants of the area must be a top priority.

Delayed kernels for longitudinal survival analysis and dynamic prediction.

Predicting patient survival probabilities based on observed covariates is an important assessment in clinical practice. These patient-specific covariates are often measured over multiple follow-up appointments. It is then of interest to predict survival based on the history of these longitudinal measurements, and to update predictions as more observations become available. The standard approaches to these so-called 'dynamic prediction' assessments are joint models and landmark analysis. Joint models involve high-dimensional parameterizations, and their computational complexity often prohibits including multiple longitudinal covariates. Landmark analysis is simpler, but discards a proportion of the available data at each 'landmark time'. In this work, we propose a 'delayed kernel' approach to dynamic prediction that sits somewhere in between the two standard methods in terms of complexity. By conditioning hazard rates directly on the covariate measurements over the observation time frame, we define a model that takes into account the full history of covariate measurements but is more practical and parsimonious than joint modelling. Time-dependent association kernels describe the impact of covariate changes at earlier times on the patient's hazard rate at later times. Under the constraints that our model (a) reduces to the standard Cox model for time-independent covariates, and (b) contains the instantaneous Cox model as a special case, we derive two natural kernel parameterizations. Upon application to three clinical data sets, we find that the predictive accuracy of the delayed kernel approach is comparable to that of the two existing standard methods.

Acupuncture indication knowledge bases: meridian entity recognition and classification based on ACUBERT.

In acupuncture diagnosis and treatment, non-quantitative clinical descriptions have limited the development of standardized treatment methods. This study explores the effectiveness and the reasons for discrepancies in the entity recognition and classification of meridians in acupuncture indication using the Acupuncture Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (ACUBERT) model. During the research process, we selected 54 593 different entities from 82 acupuncture medical books as the pretraining corpus for medical literature, conducting classification research on Chinese medical literature using the BERT model. Additionally, we employed the support vector machine and Random Forest models as comparative benchmarks and optimized them through parameter tuning, ultimately leading to the development of the ACUBERT model. The results show that the ACUBERT model outperforms other baseline models in classification effectiveness, achieving the best performance at Epoch = 5. The model's "precision," "recall," and F1 scores reached above 0.8. Moreover, our study has a unique feature: it trains the meridian differentiation model based on the eight principles of differentiation and zang-fu differentiation as foundational labels. It establishes an acupuncture-indication knowledge base (ACU-IKD) and ACUBERT model with traditional Chinese medicine characteristics. In summary, the ACUBERT model significantly enhances the classification effectiveness of meridian attribution in the acupuncture indication database and also demonstrates the classification advantages of deep learning methods based on BERT in multi-category, large-scale training sets. Database URL: http://acuai.njucm.edu.cn:8081/#/user/login?tenantUrl=default.

Electrothermal coupling analysis of submarine cables

ABSTRACT With offshore wind power transmission engineering development, submarine cable laying plays an important role in energy supply. Deep-water heavy-current composite submarine cables generate heat during power transmission, which raises their temperature and impacts energy efficiency and mechanical properties. To address the issue of heat release affecting structural sections during cable operation, a structural temperature field calculation theory is introduced, establishing a method for calculating the temperature field of submarine cables.The IEC standard's equivalent thermal circuit method and COMSOL Multiphysics' electromagnetic, thermal coupling method were employed to assess the current carrying capacity at the insulation temperature. The finite element model's accuracy was confirmed by comparing manufacturer-provided parameters. Additionally, a 3D finite-element model of the cable was created to determine its tensile, bending, and torsional stiffness with and without the electric-heat-force field coupling.

The effect of Rebozo technique on perceived labour pain and childbirth experience: A randomized controlled trial.

Pain, stress, and anxiety experienced during childbirth can have detrimental effects on labor and delivery. The rebozo technique is an ancestral method used to minimize pain and enhance relief during gestation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the rebozo technique on the birth process and its probable benefits on the birth experience. This survey was conducted from January to May 2021 in a randomized and controlled manner. A total of 113 pregnant women with their first children were surveyed. Women between 37 and 41 weeks of gestation without complications who were admitted to the delivery room with a cervical dilation of 4 cm or more were chosen as participants. In the Rebozo group, subjects were randomly selected by trained personnel to apply the standardized method, while the control group received a relaxing massage. Cervical dilation, fetal position, contraction patterns, and measures related to the birth experience were key indicators. Women in the rebozo group had lower pain levels during birth and greater birth satisfaction. Mean cervical dilation in the latent phase was 5.61 cm in the rebozo group and 5.71 cm in the control group. In the active phase, cervical dilatation was 6.03 cm in the rebozo group and 6.68 cm in the control group, and this difference was statistically significant (P < .001). In the transition phase, the birth time was 46.29 minutes in the rebozo group and 68.71 minutes in the control group (P = <.007**). In the total birth experience score, the rebozo group received an average of 68.52 points, while the control group received 51.58 points (P < .001). This research has established that the use of the rebozo technique throughout labor helps enhance her feelings about being pregnant, as well as heightening fulfillment with delivery.