Software Analysis Research Articles

힙합 중심 통합예술교육 개발 프로그램이 청소년의 자아존중감에 미치는 영향

This study empirically assesses the efficacy of integrated arts education in enhancing adolescent self-esteem. Focused on the “After-School Hip-Hop School” program supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and targeted at 12- to 24-year-olds residing in the metropolitan area, this research analyzes the structure and intent of the program and investigates its impact on the participants’ self-esteem. We employ both quantitative analysis using the STATA software and qualitative analysis based on Gestalt therapy to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and the transformation in participants. Pre- and post-program surveys that measure characteristics, program satisfaction, and self-esteem, along with observational records, audio recordings, and analysis of rap lyrics, confirmed that integrated arts education positively influences the enhancement of adolescents’ self-esteem. This research substantiates that hip-hop-based integrated arts education can contribute to improving adolescent self-esteem, thus playing a vital role in enhancing their creative response capabilities to cope with various contemporary societal challenges. Additionally, the study presents operational guidelines for practical application in educational settings and proposes new directions for music education using hip-hop, thereby highlighting its significance.

Racial Disparities in Alcoholic Hepatitis Hospitalizations in the United States: Trends, Outcomes, and Future Projections.

Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a serious complication of alcohol consumption with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in the United States where alcohol-related liver diseases rank as one of the leading causes of preventable death. Our study aims to analyze the morbidity and mortality of AH across racial groups and project hospitalization trends up to 2028, thereby informing public health initiatives. We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) spanning 2012 to 2021. The study population comprised hospitalizations identified using specific ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes for AH. We assessed hospitalizations, in-hospital mortality rates, length of stay (LOS), and morbidities related to alcoholic hepatitis adjusting for sociodemographic factors and hospital characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata and R software, employing logistic and linear regression analyses, and SARIMA models for forecasting. Our results indicated a predominantly White cohort (68%), with a notable increase in AH hospitalizations among Hispanics (129.1% from 2012 to 2021). Racial disparities were observed in inpatient mortality, liver transplant accessibility, and the occurrence of in-hospital complications. The study forecasts a continued rise in hospitalizations across all racial groups, with Hispanics experiencing the sharpest increase. Our study reveals a disproportionate rise in the AH burden among Hispanics with projections indicating a persistent upward trend through 2028. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health strategies and improved healthcare access to mitigate the increasing AH burden and address disparities in care and outcomes.

Incomplete microvascular reperfusion in a swine model of recanalized acute ischemic stroke

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): CONTRAST CONSORTIUM (CVON, Dutch Heart Foundation) Background Incomplete microvascular reperfusion (IMR) could be a detrimental factor impairing regained functionality in stroke patients despite early recanalization. However, the presence of this phenomenon remains to be ascertained. Gyrencephalic large-animal models of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) such as swine are gaining attention as a next step in translation of preclinical to clinical stroke research, with brain anatomy and hemostasis more similar to humans. However, the occurrence and relevance of IMR in swine models of AIS is not well described yet, since most models do not include recanalization. Purpose We aimed to study the presence of IMR after brain ischemia in a translational swine model of AIS. Methods Anesthetized female Yorkshire-Landrace pigs (n=23) underwent craniotomy to occlude the right-sided middle cerebral arteries with aneurysm clips. Clips were released after 1 (n=5), 2 (n=5), and 4 (n=5) hours of occlusion to allow recanalization for 4 hours (recanalized AIS, n=15) or left in place for 8 hours (non-recanalized AIS, n=5). Three animals underwent the craniotomy without vessel clipping (Sham, n=3). 3D angiography was used to confirm occlusion and recanalization. Brains were collected after sacrifice, stained with TTC and then processed for histologic analysis. Infarct size was determined by TTC staining and expressed as percentage of the infarcted hemisphere. Histologic sections of the upper quadrant of the left and right hemispheres were immuno-stained with CD61 to visualize platelet aggregates in the microvasculature. Intravascular platelet aggregates (Figure 2A) were quantified using automated software analysis (Orbit) (CD61+ aggregates/mm2). Results All animals survived until the end of the procedure. Figure 1 shows differences in infarct size depending on the duration of occlusion (p=0.006). Figure 2 depicts an overall higher presence of platelet (CD61+) aggregates in the right hemisphere (infarct) compared to the left hemisphere (intact) (Figure 2B). There was a significant difference in platelet aggregates between left and right hemisphere but groupwise comparison showed only a trend (p=0.075) for more aggregates in the right hemisphere, compared to left, after 4 hours occlusion. Linear regression model could not identify whether infarct size and duration of occlusion were independent predictors of the number of platelet aggregates in the right hemisphere (p=0.191). Conclusions IMR occurs after brain ischemia in a swine model of AIS as a result of microvascular platelet aggregates. Further analysis and experiments are needed to elucidate which predictors can explain intravascular platelet aggregation.Infarct SizePlatelet aggregates

Investigating the accuracy of boat propeller blade components with reverse engineering approach using photogrammetry method

This research aims to investigate the accuracy of 3D scanner by conducting a comparative analysis of AI-based photogrammetry method and Agisoft Metashape software, a more affordable and accessible approach compared to expensive commercial solutions. The proposed method uses photogrammetry and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) to measure propeller blade geometry through a three-stage process. In the first stage, the images are taken with a digital camera with calibrated and encoded targets. Additionally, reconstruct the propeller blades in Geomagic Studio. Taking photos of objects only takes a short time and is professional. Subsequently, in the second stage, the 2D images are processed using Agisoft Metashape software and Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms to generate an accurate 3-dimensional (3D) model. The third and final stage employs CAD programs to measure various radii of each blade in the 3D virtual model. To validate the accuracy of the measurements, the results are compared with those obtained through machine CMM measurements of each area on the propeller blade. The results show that this method successfully automates the entire reverse engineering process at low cost, lower shooting time, and producing 3D models with high accuracy. The validation shows that the 3D results using Agisoft Metashape have a smaller error (%) value compared to the 3D results using AI. Ultimately, Agisoft Metashape yields higher accuracy results compared to AI, but the results suggest that AI can serve as an alternative for the reverse engineering process in this modern era.

PURPOSE AND ADVANTAGES OF CHATBOTS

Digital technologies, in particular chatbots, are becoming a key element of interaction between companies (brands) and consumers, performing various functions, replacing a person and imitating his behavior. They find new functional areas related to the current activities of the organization, acquire new competencies that affect the level of market flexibility of the business and its operational efficiency. Chatbots can guide shoppers through transactional steps, saving them cognitive effort and time, and become an asset that differentiates a company or brand from its competitors. The authors believe that the personalized diversification of chatbots across economic sectors and market sectors will increase the level of maturity of companies and brands in the digital environment, aimed at public recognition and universal socialization. Machine learning gives customer service chatbots the ability to detect emotions and also emotionally engage with customers just like human agents do. The development and analysis of intelligent software and hardware, called intelligent agents, are becoming more and more integrated into everyday life. Intelligent agents perform a variety of tasks, from simple to complex operations. Chatbot, which is a typical example of an artificial intelligence system; communicates with users through messaging apps, websites, mobile apps or phone. Chatbots are one of the simplest and most common examples of human-computer interaction (HCI). In chatbot software, the process begins with understanding the offer sent by the user. The sentence submitted by the user is analyzed using natural language processing (NLP) to understand what the user means. Thus, as a result of analyzing the proposal, artificial intelligence makes a decision like a person and transmits to the user the most appropriate answer to the question. Some chatbots powered by machine learning learn more and become smarter as they interact with users. Below are some chatbot software concepts: Chatbots, which are one of the tools that can be preferred to quickly communicate with users, save time. Chatbots, which are becoming increasingly popular today, are coming to the fore in business activities. In this context, the use of chatbots in marketing and customer relations is growing every day. With the help of chatbots, it becomes much easier to reach a large customer base. Keywords: dialog box, artificial intelligence, communications, consumers, chatbots.

Structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of ferrite-based nanoparticles synthesized flexible substrate for chemical sensing application

A compact CaxCo(0.90-x)Zn0.10Fe2O4 based nanoparticles synthesized flexible microwave substrate with single negative (SNG) metamaterial is being successfully fabricated for industrial chemical contamination sensing applications. The unit cell dimensions of the MTM are 0.114λ × 0.114 λ × 0.017 λ. The nanoparticles, derived from the CaxCo(0.90-x)Zn0.10Fe2O4 material with varying Ca concentrations (Ca25, Ca50, and Ca75), have been synthesized using a sol-gel method, and their structural, morphological, and dielectric properties have been comprehensively characterized. Dielectric constants and loss tangents have been measured over the frequency range of 2–20 GHz. Simulation of the S21 response at 3.43 GHz, 6.50 GHz, 11.49 GHz, and 16.46 GHz has yielded maximum magnitudes of −52.78 dB, −48.07 dB, −52.16 dB, and −39.37 dB, respectively. Experimental verification on an FR-4 rigid substrate at 3.28 GHz, 6.58 GHz, 11.76 GHz, and 16.33 GHz has revealed magnitudes of −25.67 dB, −24.56 dB, −31.13 dB, and −25.17 dB. Finally, when fabricated on the flexible microwave substrate, the MTM displayed S21 responses of −48.31 dB, −43.12 dB, −61.80 dB, and −24.70 dB at 3.19 GHz, 6.62 GHz, 11.58 GHz, and 16.65 GHz, respectively. The MTM has exhibited SNG properties in distinct frequency bands and near-zero index (NZI) characteristics. The sensitivity, figure of merit (FOM), and Q-factor have been achieved at 0.096 GHz/RIU, 0.152 GHz/RIU, 0.846 (RIU−1), 0.846 (RIU−1), and 8.430, 29.801, respectively. Its performance has been validated through simulation, VNA measurements, and advanced design system (ADS) software analysis, showcasing promise for diverse applications in S-, C-, X-, and Ku-bands. The anticipated structure performs well in terms of its small size, flexibility, sensitivity, and lightweight, making it suitable for wireless communications and methanol and ethanol contamination sensing in industrial applications.

INFLUENCE OF MANAGEMENT OF CLERKSHIP TRAINING ON STUDENTS’ ACQUISITION OF CLINICAL SKILLS IN MBALE CITY HEALTH TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, UGANDA.A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background: This study focused on assessing the influence management of clerkship training on Students’ Acquisition of Clinical Skills in Health Training institutions in Mbale City. Methodology: The study adopted the cross-sectional design with a sample of 124 respondents from the medical staff in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Data was analyzed using SSPSS software and content analysis respectively. Results: Th study targeted 127 respondents but got a response rate of 124 participants and among these, nurses comprised 53(44.2%) of the sample, 46(38.3%) were Allied Health, 13(10.8%) were Midwives while 8(6.7%) were medical officers. The duration planned for clinical clerkship training is appropriate to promote students’ skills acquisition (Mean=2.11, Standard deviation=0.994). The decision rule is that the calculated p-value (level of significance) must be less than or equal to 0.05. Since the calculated p-value of 0.000 is less than 0.05, the regression model was found to be statistically significant (F=105.838, Df=1, ρ< 0.05, β=0.688) hence the Management of the Clerkships Training positively influences Students’ acquisition of clinical skills. Conclusion: Management of the Clerkships has a significant positive influence on Students’ acquisition of clinical skills. This was interpreted to mean that if Health Training Institutions in Mbale City enhance on Management of the Clerkships, there will be a positive enhancement in Students’ acquisition of clinical skills. Recommendation: Health Training Institutions in Mbale City should work more towards boosting the Management of the Clerkships towards supporting Students’ acquisition of clinical skills.

Measuring and Comparing Service Delivery Time in Government and Outsourced Health Posts Affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Background: The duration of healthcare services has a significant impact on the quality of care and patient's satisfaction. Having information on service delivery time in both government and outsourced Health Posts (HPs) can contribute to evidence-based policymaking and better resource management. Therefore, this study aims to estimate and compare service delivery time in government and outsourced HPs. Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in six affiliated HPs under Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2019–2020. Data were collected through a census using a stopwatch and a time recording form during one working week. The average duration of each service (in minutes) was obtained. The results were reported using descriptive statistics and were analyzed using SPSS24 software and multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The total mean of duration of services provided in government HPs (777.6 minutes) was greater than that in outsourced HPs (788.5 minutes). Among the 10 services provided, the average duration of services for adolescents (20.4±4.5 minutes), young adults (20.5±5.6 minutes), middle-aged adults (26.1±10.4 minutes), and elderly individuals (24.3±13.6 minutes) in government HPs was significantly longer than in outsourced HPs (p<0.05). Additionally, the average duration of health education services (23.1±10.5 minutes) and health ambassador training (36.1±13.7 minutes) in private HPs was significantly longer than in government HPs (p<0.05). Conclusion: In outsourced HPs, it is important to focus on creating a balance between the number of visits and the staff available for services which target adolescents, young adults, middle-aged adults, and elderly individuals. In government HPs, emphasis should be placed on increasing the time allocated for educational and promotional health services. By considering the importance of service delivery time and the observed differences in findings of this study, it is crucial to prioritize the duration of service delivery as an important performance measure when comparing government and outsourced HPs.

Quantitative study on the color of traditional dwellings in Jianxi River Basin, Fujian Province, based on the lab color space model

ABSTRACT The color palette of traditional dwellings is intricately shaped by the characteristics of the geographical environment and the long-standing lifestyle of residents, thus constituting a vital component of rural culture. However, the rapid development in recent years has resulted in the dilapidation of rural features, including haphazard colors employed in buildings. With the advancement of science and technology, the studies of color have transitioned from a qualitative to a quantitative approach. Through a comprehensive comparison of RGB, HSB, CMYK, and Lab color spaces, as well as an evaluation of color card comparison method, software analysis method, and instrument measurement method; this paper reveals that employing the instrument measurement method in conjunction with the Lab color space enables independent assessment free from subjective influence. This approach facilitates more objective and accurate collection of color data while ensuring seamless and lossless transmission between devices. Therefore, to safeguard and enhance the authenticity of traditional dwellings and preserve the architectural style of traditional villages, this paper focuses on investigating the color palette of traditional dwellings in the Jianxi River Basin. The CM-700d spectrophotometer is employed for color data collection, while quantitative analysis is conducted using the Lab color space to unravel the color logics in this region. The findings reveal that earth yellow (average Lab (50.35,7.40,19.63)) constitutes the main color of rammed earth walls, complemented by dark brown (average Lab (38.72,2.97,8.58)) tiled roofs and gray-brown (average Lab (41.95,4.30,12.75)) stone wall bases as accent color; additionally, gray-yellow (average Lab (49 .82,1 .93,10.98)) brick gatehouses serve as accent colors. The integration between these colors and nature is harmonious; however, the absence of distinct color layers and highlights in the traditional dwellings necessitates incorporating bright architectural decorations along with arrangements of flowering plants. This paper conducted a quantitative analysis on the color of traditional dwellings with three main objectives. Firstly, to establish a comprehensive color database that can effectively preserve and promote regional traditional dwelling colors, while aiding designers in capturing regional color characteristics. Secondly, by collecting precise color data, this paper lays the groundwork for future applications of digital color technology. Lastly, it aims to explore the regional color logic and its potential integration with future studies on color evaluation to uncover preferred color combinations among the public for dwellings.

Influence of Youth Unemployment on Youth Involvement in Crime in Kakuma Refugee Camp

Youth, constituting an estimated 70% of the total population, play pivotal roles in society due to their energy and dynamism. Conversely, a significant portion of the refugee population comprises young individuals who, despite being provided with various capacity-building programs, sometimes find themselves involved in criminal activities. The study sought to assess the influence of youth unemployment on youth involvement in Crime in Kakuma Refugee Camp. Employing a descriptive research design, the study was guided by Strain theory. The target population included refugees, host community members operating businesses within the study area, government officials, and officials from humanitarian agencies implementing projects in refugee settlements. Stratified random sampling was utilized to select South Sudanese sub-clans, while purposive sampling was employed to select security officers and stakeholders from various departments. Data collection involved the use of questionnaires and interviews, gathering responses from 125 and 20 respondents, respectively. Primary data was obtained through questionnaires and interviews with government officers working in the camp, such as those from the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), law enforcement officers, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), community peace and protection teams (CPPTs), and national and county government administrators overseeing the refugee camp's jurisdiction. Secondary data was sourced from scholarly journals, books, the internet, reports, newspapers, and treaties on refugees, aiding in achieving the study objectives. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data, utilizing SPSS and NVIVO software, respectively. Results were presented through tables, charts, and figures. The study found that poverty was a significant factor contributing to youth involvement in crime. Additionally, societal treatment, characterized by suspicion, victimization, lack of recognition, and disharmony influenced youth criminal behaviour. To address these issues, the study recommends that humanitarian organizations and governments provide income-generating activities for youth, intensify initiatives to alleviate community involvement in crime, foster positive societal attitudes towards youth, and provide proper guidance on avoiding negative peer influence, thereby deterring youth from joining criminal groups.

Plasma Proteins Associated with COVID-19 Severity in Puerto Rico.

Viral strains, age, and host factors are associated with variable immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 and disease severity. Puerto Ricans have a genetic mixture of races: European, African, and Native American. We hypothesized that unique host proteins/pathways are associated with COVID-19 disease severity in Puerto Rico. Following IRB approval, a total of 95 unvaccinated men and women aged 21-71 years old were recruited in Puerto Rico from 2020-2021. Plasma samples were collected from COVID-19-positive subjects (n = 39) and COVID-19-negative individuals (n = 56) during acute disease. COVID-19-positive individuals were stratified based on symptomatology as follows: mild (n = 18), moderate (n = 13), and severe (n = 8). Quantitative proteomics was performed in plasma samples using tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling. Labeled peptides were subjected to LC/MS/MS and analyzed by Proteome Discoverer (version 2.5), Limma software (version 3.41.15), and Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA, version 22.0.2). Cytokines were quantified using a human cytokine array. Proteomics analyses of severely affected COVID-19-positive individuals revealed 58 differentially expressed proteins. Cadherin-13, which participates in synaptogenesis, was downregulated in severe patients and validated by ELISA. Cytokine immunoassay showed that TNF-α levels decreased with disease severity. This study uncovers potential host predictors of COVID-19 severity and new avenues for treatment in Puerto Ricans.

Managing my own health! An ancillary outlook on pharmaceutical and health supplements consumption

PurposeThe surge in pharmaceutical and health supplement usage among consumers aims to enhance personal well-being. This growing opportunity for pharmaceutical brands has resulted in increased market share and intensified industry competition. Using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study aims to identify the factors influencing Malaysians’ choices regarding pharmaceutical and health supplements. In addition, the variable of past behaviour was incorporated to account for consumer decisions based on prior experiences.Design/methodology/approachUsing purposive sampling, 300 questionnaires were gathered and analysed via Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and structural equation modelling technique via Analysis of Moment Structures software to validate the reliability of each variables and the postulated relationships within the research framework.FindingsResults revealed a pronounced impact of past behaviour on the intention to consume pharmaceutical and health supplements. The mediating role of perceived behavioural control in bridging past behaviour and consumption intention was also ascertained. Notably, the findings support the inclusion of past behaviour in the TPB as a pivotal determinant of intention.Originality/valueThe insights gleaned underscore the escalating trend of pharmaceutical consumption in Malaysia, providing strategies to enhance and maintain the competitive edge and market position of pharmaceutical brands.

AI Based Chatbot: A Case Study Afghanistan Healthcare Services Mental Health Disorder

Artificial intelligence increasingly integrates our daily lives with the creation and analysis of intelligent software and hardware, called intelligent agents. Intelligent agents can do a variety of tasks ranging from labor work to sophisticated operations. A Chatbot is a typical example of an artificial intelligence system. For developing artificial intelligence Chatbot, we have implemented encoder-decoder attention mechanism architecture memory cells, TFIDF (term frequency-inverse document frequency) algorithm and LLM (Large Language Module). To conduct this research, mixed methods research could involve combining both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic. Survey utilized as the main methods for collecting the primary data and reviewed the existing literature for collecting the secondary data in this research. The data was collected from 18 participants, including medical doctors, patients, lecturers and university students in Afghanistan. Additionally, secondary data was obtained through a review of literature from other countries that have faced similar situations. Moreover, the analysis reveals a widespread belief among respondents that the implementation of AI based Chatbot for Afghanistan healthcare service in mental health disorder will contribute to reduce illness in Afghanistan.

Evaluating the Performance and Practicality of a Multi-Parameter Assessment System with Design, Comparative Analysis, and Future Directions

This study introduces a developed environmental quality assessment system, detailing its hardware, software, and comparative analysis against a publicly available system. While showing larger deviations in particulate matter and air humidity parameters, the proposed system demonstrates sufficient accuracy in other environmental characteristics. It establishes a standardized operating procedure and evaluates uncertainty and quality assurance measures, ensuring reliability in environmental measurements. The system offers comprehensive capabilities, measuring parameters like total volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, particulate matter, noise, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, ozone, and carbon monoxide, with real-time monitoring functions for detecting environmental changes. Its user-friendly interfaces, scalability, and potential integration with existing systems enhance its versatility and cost-effectiveness across diverse settings. This study underscores the need for future research to enhance accuracy, reliability, and real-time operability and explore integration with smart city initiatives and environmental management systems. Overall, the proposed system represents a promising advancement in environmental monitoring technology, facilitating comprehensive environmental quality assessment and management.

Analysis of Rectangular Plate with Opening by Finite Difference Method

Steel plates are commonly used to support lateral or vertical loads. Before the design of such a plate, analysis is performed to check the stability of plate for the proposed load. There are several methods for this analysis. In this research, a finite difference method (FDM) is proposed to analyze a rectangular steel plate. The plate is considered to be subjected to an arbitrary transverse uniformly distributed loading and is considered to be clamped at the two opposite edges and free at the other two edges. At first the plate is analyzed considering it to be completely solid and then it was re-analyzed considering a rectangular opening at its centre. The ordinary finite difference method is used to solve the governing differential equation of the plate deflection. The proposed method can be easily programmed to readily apply on a plate problem. The work covers the determination of displacement components at different points of the plate and checking the result by software (STAAD.Pro) analysis.

Effect of work environment, work discipline, work motivation, workload, and transformational leadership on performance of puskesmas employees

This study aims to analyze the influence of the work environment, work discipline, work motivation, workload, and transformational leadership on employee performance at Puskesmas Magelang Regency. The descriptive quantitative method was used in this research. The number of samples is 8% of the employees of all Puskesmas, about 137 employees. Data collection technique used google form online questionnaire from October - November 2022. Data analysis using the Structural Equation Modelling Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) technique with SmartPLS 3.0 Software analysis tool. This study found that work environment and work motivation significantly affected employee performance. Then, the workload and transformational leadership also significantly impact employee performance. Only work discipline did not have a significant effect on employee performance. The Four variables together significantly affect employee performance except for work discipline. Puskesmas leadership and other stakeholders need to pay attention to these four variables to increase the performance of Puskesmas employees, which will also affect Puskesmas performance.

Nutrition knowledge of caregivers and feeding practices of children 6-59 months in rural Kajiado central, Kenya

Abstract Introduction: Childhood malnutrition remains a critical public health concern, particularly in developing countries. This study explores the nutrition knowledge of caregivers and its association with feeding practices among children aged 6-59 months in the Maasai community of Rural Kajiado Central, Kenya. Traditional practices and cultural norms significantly influence daily life in this community, emphasizing the need to understand caregivers' nutritional knowledge and its association with child-feeding practices. Objective: The study aims to determine the association between nutrition knowledge of the caregivers and feeding practices among children aged 6-59 months in rural Kajiado Central, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed study design was employed, with data collected from caregivers (N=294) using a pre-tested questionnaire. Nutrition knowledge was assessed through a nutrition test, and feeding practices were evaluated using a 24-hour recall and dietary diversity score. Focus Group Discussions provided qualitative insights. Data were analysed using SPSS V26, Nutri-survey software, and qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Caregivers demonstrated high nutrition knowledge (60.9% high, 3.4% very high), yet feeding practices revealed challenges. Most children consumed three meals daily, but dietary diversity was limited, focusing on cereals, milk, and fats. Despite high knowledge levels, there was no significant association between nutrition knowledge and several feeding practices (p>0.05). Conclusion: Improving dietary diversity requires addressing infrastructural barriers alongside nutrition education. The study emphasizes the complex interplay between nutritional practices, socio-economic factors, and educational opportunities, highlighting the need for holistic interventions. Recommendations: Infrastructure support is crucial to improving food accessibility in rural areas. Nutrition education alone may not suffice to enhance feeding practices and nutritional status.

The ANALYSIS of the MECHANICAL PROPERTIES of REGIONAL PIPELINES

Piston pumps and compressors are widely used for exploration and transportation of oil and gas. Piston machines are heavy-duty systems that are still failure prone due to high stresses and wear proses. Increasing the efficiency and durability of the piston compressors, pumps, internal combustion engines, etc. directly depends on the correct calculations and designing of these elements. Using ANSYS software, simulation and stress analysis are performed on the basis of the 405GP15/70 and ARIEL heavy-duty balanced opposed piston compressors used in the Caspian Sea-Black Sea Region. During working of the machines and equipment a number of the processes interconnected and causing each other are proceeds (dynamic processes, wear of the interfaced details, change of mechanical properties of materials, etc.). Improvement of modelling of technical condition of cars and mechanisms on a multicriteria basis is one of the actual directions of modern engineering science. The improvement of methods of modelling of change of technical conditions of the piston mechanisms taking into account interrelation of dynamic characteristics, the wear interfaced details and the diagnosed mechanical parameters considered in this article. By observing the analysis results, we can decide whether our designed pipelines are safe or not under applied load conditions. The durable and reliable work of compressor-pump stations used in the oil and gas industry has great importance for practice. Investigation of complex problems with respect to friction and wear (clearances), stresses, and thermodynamics phenomena in the piston machines, and oil and gas pipelines gives the opportunity to solve the problems of increasing the durability of these machines and pipelines. Confirmation that the new methodologies can be produced by the current supply chain improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing the environmental and social impact of the supply chain.

MODELLING AND 3D PRINTING OF JCB ARM

The Hydraulic excavator machines are heavy duty earth movers consisting of a boom, arm and bucket. It works on principle of hydraulic fluid with hydraulic cylinder and hydraulic motors. The Hydraulic excavator arm operation require coordinated movement of boom, arm and bucket. The important criteria for the design to be safe is that, the digging forces developed by actuators must be greater than that of the resistive forces offered by the surface to be excavated. The main objective of this paper is to perform design and analysis Excavator Arm for the calculated Force. The CATIA software is used for making the 3D model of the excavator arm linkage. By using ANSYS workbench software analysis of the excavator arm is done at existing digging force and lifting force. Excavator bucket is very crucial element of hydraulic excavator. The whole loads of excavated materials have been carried out by this element. As the present mechanism used in excavator arm is subjected to deformation and bending stresses during lifting and digging operation respectively, because of which failure occurs frequently at the bucket end of the arm. Keywords: Excavator arm, Digging force, CATIA, ANSYS 16.0.

Using spirometry for screening and diagnosis of chronic respiratory diseases in primary health care: findings from a community health project in rural India

Background Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) such as Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Asthma and post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) are a growing public health concern in India. Early diagnosis and management of CRDs require a good quality spirometry test, a technician to conduct spirometry and a chest physician to interpret the results. In India, these are not available at the primary care level. This study reports the feasibility of a large-scale CRD diagnosis and management program in primary care using a unique point-of-care spirometry solution, Briota PFT in a Box™. # Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 15,602 adults in Dindori Taluka (subdivision), Nashik, Maharashtra state. This study was part of a holistic CRD diagnosis and management program SAVE™ (Spirometry Assisted Virtually Early). Make In India point of care solution Briota PFT in a Box™ was used. A House‐to‐house community-based assessment checklist (CBAC) survey, 4-parameter spirometry test, 15-parameter pre and post-bronchodilator spirometry test and a software-assisted medical examination by the medical officer at primary care were conducted. Software was used to generate CRD diagnosis and lung health score (LHS™). The diagnosis was verified by the chest physician. Confirmed diagnosed patients were provided treatment and offered a patient support program. Interviews were conducted with the patients, nurses, doctors and public health officials for understanding feasibility and documenting learning from program SAVE™. # Results Out of 15,602 adults surveyed, total 4,937 (31.6%) were identified as “CRD high risk”. 1231 participants based on medical examination, spirometry tests and software analysis were identified as CRD candidates by medical officers at primary care. 1154 participants out of 15,602 (7.4%) were confirmed diagnosed as CRD patients post independent evaluation by chest physicians. At the time of follow-up, 537 patients (75% of 712 patients enrolled in patient support program) reported improvement in symptoms and high satisfaction with the program. District health officer, Medical officers, nurses, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) from the primary health care centers confirmed ease of use and feasibility of using Briota PFT in a Box™ in program SAVE™. Outcome and learning from program SAVE™ was documented and submitted to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Government of India. # Conclusions CRD diagnosis and management in large scale settings in primary healthcare level using a point of care spirometry solution Briota PFT in a Box™ is highly feasible.