Value Today Research Articles

The MAS4AI framework for human-centered agile and smart manufacturing.

Volatility and uncertainty of today's value chains along with the market's demands for low-batch customized products mandate production systems to become smarter and more resilient, dynamically and even autonomously adapting to both external and internal disturbances. Such resilient behavior can be partially enabled by highly interconnected Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPS) incorporating advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. Multi-agent solutions can provide better planning and control, improving flexibility and responsiveness in production systems. Small modular parts can autonomously take intelligent decisions and react to local events. The main goal of decentralization and interconnectivity is to enable autonomous and cooperative decision-making. Nevertheless, a more efficient orchestration of various AI components and deeper human integration are required. In addition, global behaviors of coalitions of autonomous agents are not easily comprehensible by workers. Furthermore, it is challenging to implement an Industry 4.0 paradigm where a human should be in charge of decision-making and execution. This paper discusses a Multi-Agent System (MAS) where several software agents cooperate with smart workers to enable a dynamic and reconfigurable production paradigm. Asset Administration Shell (AAS) submodels hold smart workers' descriptions in machine-readable format, serving as an integration layer between various system's components. The self-description capability of the AAS supports the system's adaptability and self-configuration. The proposed concept supports the plug-and-produce functionality of the production modules and improves human-machine integration in the shared assembly tasks.

Masyarakat Madani dan Hegemoni Media: Pembentukan Masyarakat Moderat di Era Digital

Mainstreaming religious moderation is a must in a pluralistic Indonesian society in the midst of the changing times. This article aims to analyze the succession of the development of a moderate society at the time of the Prophet Muhammad as a stepping stone for the internalization of today's moderation values. Given the rapid development of information and communication media, society is faced with the problem of healthy media from radicalization. By using the literature review method, the author seeks to find the values ​​of moderation instilled by the Prophet Muhammad and their relevance to the present. The results of this study show: that first, the model of civil society is a model of moderate society under the auspices of the moral and intellectual leadership of the Prophet Muhammad. Second, the formation of a moderate society is built holistically in public society and media society. Third, the mainstream of religious moderation in the media is an effort to build hegemony with intellectuals as the axis.

Efficacy and safety of closed-loop control system for type one diabetes in adolescents a meta analysis

This meta-analysis compares the efficacy and safety of Closed-Loop Control (CLC) to Sensor-Augmented Insulin Pump (SAP) for adolescent patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). Eleven randomized-controlled trials were included with a total of 570 patients, from a total of 869 articles found adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The efficacy of the therapies were evaluated from the day, night and during physical activities monitoring of the of the mean blood glucose (BG), Time In Range (TIR), and Standard Deviation (SD) of the glucose variability. The safety measure of the therapies, was assessed from the day and night recording of the hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events occurred. Pooled results of comparison of mean BG values for day, night and physical activities, − 4.33 [− 6.70, − 1.96] (P = 0.0003), − 16.61 [− 31.68, − 1.54] (P = 0.03) and − 8.27 [− 19.52, 2.99] (P = 0.15). The monitoring for day, night and physical activities for TIR − 13.18 [− 19.18, − 7.17] (P < 0.0001), − 15.36 [− 26.81, − 3.92] (P = 0.009) and − 7.39 [− 17.65, 2.87] (P = 0.16). The day and night results of SD of glucose variability was − 0.40 [− 0.79, − 0.00] (P = 0.05) and − 0.86 [− 2.67, 0.95] (P = 0.35). These values shows the superiority of CLC system in terms of efficacy. The safety evaluation, of the day, night and physical activities observations of average blood glucose goal hypoglycemic events − 0.54 [− 1.86, 0.79] (P = 0.43), 0.04 [− 0.20, 0.27] (P = 0.77) and 0.00 [− 0.25, 0.25] (P = 1.00) and hyperglycemic events − 0.04 [− 0.20, 0.27] (P = 0.77), − 7.11 [− 12.77, − 1.45] (P = 0.01) and − 0.00 [− 0.10, 0.10] (P = 0.97), highlights the commendable safety factor of CLC. The CLC systems can be considered as an ideal preference in the management of adolescents with type 1 diabetes to be used during a 24 h basis.

Evaluation of Brinjal Genotypes (Solanum melongena L.) for Growth, Yield and Quality Characters in Bundelkhand Region of U.P, India

The experiment was conducted at Vegetable Research Farm, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, UP, India during the Rabi season in 2021 and 2022 to assess the performance of thirty-four genotypes of brinjal. The investigation was carried out in a Randomised Complete Block Design with three replications. The genotype BUB-18-27 exhibited the best yield potential of all the genotypes evaluated based on mean performance, followed by BUB-18-12, BUB-18-4, BUB-18-24, BUB-18-20, BUB-18-22, BUB-18-25, Kashi Taru, BUB-18-25 and BUB-18-17. From the earliness point of view, the genotypes BUB-18-20 recorded lowest value for days to 50% flowering and days to first fruit harvest among the recognized high yielding genotypes. The genotype BUB-18-27 was also found positively best with respect to average fruit weight, total soluble solids, fruit diameter, fruit circumference, number of primary branches and leaf area index. Other genotypes showing better performance for fruit yield per plant were also better for most of fruit yield contributing traits. As a result, these genotypes can be utilized for further improvement of fruit yield and its contributing traits in brinjal.

Assessment of the impact of crop management strategies on the yield of early-maturing maize varieties in the drylands of Niger Republic: Application of the DSSAT-CERES-Maize model

Maize is increasingly becoming important in Niger for use as food and feed. Production is however, faced with several abiotic and biotic constraints. Researchers have developed early-maturing maize varieties that are tolerant to drought, the parasitic weed Striga hermonthica and diseases that fit into the short growing production environment. The evaluation and deployment of these varieties would, however, involve costly and time-consuming field trials across the maize production zones of the country. The CERES-Maize model was applied to assess the performance of two early-maturing maize varieties under varying planting windows and nitrogen application in three agroecological zones of the country. The model was calibrated with datasets collected from field trials conducted under optimal conditions (supplementary irrigation and full nutrient supply) at three locations in northern Nigeria. The model was validated with independent data set obtained from field trials conducted in 2020 and 2021 at 4 locations in the Republic of Niger under rainfed conditions. For each variety the treatments were five nitrogen (N) rates (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha−1). The results from model calibration and validation revealed that the model accurately reproduced the observed value for days to flowering, physiological maturity, aboveground dry biomass and grain yield with low nRMSE (0.4–12.7%) and high d-index (0.70–0.99) for both varieties. The long-term simulation results (1985–2020) showed that the maize performance was dependent on location, planting window and nitrogen rates. The variety 2014 TZE-Y yielded higher than Brico in all locations for all treatments because it takes longer to mature and accumulate higher dry matter and have higher number of kernels. Simulated yields were generally higher in the Sudan savanna agroecological zone than in the other zones because of higher rainfall and higher clay content of the soil in this zone. The response to N application was influenced by planting window in each agroecological zone. With the exception of two sites, grain yield declined with planting beyond July 14 (PW3) and response to N was not significant beyond this date in the Sudan savanna agroecological zone. Grain yield declined with planting beyond July 7 in the Sahel and Sudan Sahel agroecological zones. There was no further response to N beyond 30 and 60 kg N ha−1 when planting is delayed beyond July 7 in the Sahel and Sahel-Sudan agroecological zones, respectively.

A Survey of the Influence of Skill Sets on the Performance of Professional Accountants

Purpose: This study has two purposes: i) to determine which skill sets are considered the most important and necessary for today's accountants, and ii) to investigate the impact of major categories such as business skills, soft skills, technical and digital skills, and ethical skills on the performance of accountants in the workplace Methodology: Under the assumption that there is an infinite population, a sample of 315 accountants was randomly chosen from the contacts on LinkedIn. In order to categorise 22 skills into four groups—business, soft, technical, digital, and ethical skills—data was collected from 91 respondents (28.3% response rate) during the course of the month of February 2023 Findings: According to the study's results, today's accountants place a higher value on time management, problem-solving, critical thinking, knowledge of and ability to interpret accounting standards, leadership (SS), business knowledge (BS), professional behaviour, adherence to the code of conduct (ES), financial statement preparation, interpretation, and analysis (TDS), as well as other skills. The independent variables "business skills" (BS), "technical and digital skills" (TDS), and the control variable "continental location" (CL) all significantly improve the employment performance of accountants, according to the findings of the regression analysis. Originality/Value: This study advances both theory and application. It places a strong emphasis on educating professional accountants about the need to arm themselves with the newest skill sets in light of a changing environment in order to improve their performance at work. It also looks at the most important skills that affect how well professional accountants perform. The study recommends that colleges and institutions provide accounting students enough time to acquire each of the four skill sets. To enhance these skills, particularly business, technological, and digital capabilities, professional accountants should take part in CPD with their employers.

P-467 Early (day 1–4) post-treatment serum hCG level changes predict single-dose methotrexate treatment success in tubal ectopic pregnancy

Abstract Study question How effective is the change between day 1 and 4 post-treatment serum hCG level at predicting single-dose methotrexate treatment success in tubal ectopic pregnancy (tEP)? Summary answer Any fall in day 1–4 serum hCG signifies an 85% (95%CI 76.8–90.6) likelihood of treatment success for tEP managed with single-dose methotrexate. What is known already For those with tEP managed by single-dose methotrexate, current guidelines advocate intervention if day 4–7 hCG fails to fall by ≥ 15%. The trajectory of hCG over day 1–4 has been proposed as an early indicator that predicts treatment success, allowing early reassurance for women. However, almost all prior studies of day 1–4 hCG change have been small or retrospective. Study design, size, duration This was a prospective cohort study of women with tEP (pre-treatment hCG of ≥ 1000 IU/L and ≤5000 IU/L) managed with single-dose methotrexate. The data were derived from a UK multicentre randomised controlled trial of methotrexate and gefitinib versus methotrexate and placebo for treatment of tEP (GEM3). For this analysis, we include data from both treatment arms. Participants/materials, setting, methods Participants were categorised by single-dose methotrexate treatment success or failure. Treatment success for this analysis was defined as complete tEP resolution to serum hCG &amp;lt;30 IU/L following single-dose methotrexate treatment only. Patient characteristics between groups were compared. Changes in day 1–4, 1–7 and 4–7 serum hCG were evaluated as predictors of treatment success through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Test performance characteristics were calculated for percentage reduction thresholds including optimal thresholds. Main results and the role of chance A total of 322 women with tEP and hCG ≥1000 IU/L and ≤5000 IU/L were treated with single-dose methotrexate. The overall single-dose methotrexate treatment success rate was 59% (n = 189/322). Day 1–4, 1–7 and 4–7 serum hCG change predicted single-dose methotrexate treatment success with ROC area under curve 0.80 (95% CI 0.74–0.85), 0.86 (95% CI 0.81–0.91) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.85–0.93) respectively. Any fall between day 1 and day 4 hCG predicted single-dose methotrexate treatment success with a positive predictive value of 85%, negative predictive value 57%, sensitivity 58%, specificity 84%, positive likelihood ratio 3.6 and negative likelihood ratio 0.5. A less than 18% rise in day 1–4 serum hCG was identified as an optimal classification threshold and predicted treatment success with 82% positive predictive value, 69% negative predictive value, 79% sensitivity, 74% specificity, positive likelihood ratio 3.0 and negative likelihood ratio 0.3. Limitations, reasons for caution Our findings may be limited by intervention bias resulting from existing guidelines which influences evaluation of hCG changes reliant on day 7 serum hCG levels. Wider implications of the findings This large prospective cohort demonstrates the value of day 1–4 serum hCG changes in predicting single-dose methotrexate treatment success in tEP. We recommend clinicians provide early reassurance to women who have fall or modest (&amp;lt;18%) rise in day 1–4 serum hCG that their treatment will likely be effective. Trial registration number This study is a secondary analysis of the GEM3 trial (ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN67795930).

P-063 Microfluidic technology is highly effective in selecting a sperm population with high progressive motility and low DNA fragmentation index

Abstract Study question Which sperm preparation procedure is able to select the best population of sperm? Summary answer Microfluidic sperm sorting using Fertile Plus device isolates sperm with the highest motility and lowest levels of DNA fragmentation. What is known already The sperm selection in Medically Assisted Reproduction should lead to fully functional spermatozoa able to reach the fertilization site and allow optimal fertilization and embryo development. These abilities are dependent on specific sperm parameters such as, but not limited to, motility, morphology, Acrosome Index (AI), and DNA fragmentation Index (DFI). At present, the routine sperm selection is suboptimal, does not replicates the physiological processes observed in nature and consequently may induce sperm damage. The new Microfluidic Sperm Sorting technology allows a physiological selection of sperm. However, no comparison with other selection procedures regarding all the above-mentioned parameters was reported. Study design, size, duration Prospective-observational study performed at an University Hospital-IVF Centre between April-November 2022 comparing the effect of four different sperm selection procedures on various semen parameters. Fifty-two samples with minimum 20x106 sperm/ml and progressive motility ≥30% were included. Descriptive statistics reported the mean±SD [minimum-maximum] values for each variable. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for the absolute agreement in between the four different procedures, where DGC was considered the standard-of-care. An ICC-value &amp;lt;0.4 indicates a low agreement. Participants/materials, setting, methods Unused raw semen after routine diagnostic analysis were individually split in 4 fractions and processed immediately by different sperm preparation methods: 1) sperm wash (SW), 2) Density Gradient Centrifugation (DGC), 3) Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS, (Miltenyi Biotec)), and 4) Microfluidic Sperm Sorting (MSS) using Fertile Plus Device (Koek Biotechnology). Each fraction was analyzed for progressive motility, morphology, Acrosome Index (AI) and DNA fragmentation Index (DFI; TUNEL assay protocol). Main results and the role of chance The mean age of the patients was 35.9 years (SD ± 6.8). The mean value of days of abstinence was 4.1 (SD ± 6.8). Mean progressive motility rates were: 54.3±10.6% [23-86%], 74.3±11.8% [38-90%], 77.2±12.5% [37-92%] and 88.6±4.2% [73-96%] for SW, DGC, MACS, and MSS, respectively. Mean percentages of normal morphology were: 3.3±2.9% [0-13%], 4.1±3.1% [0-13%], 4.2±3.7% [0-18%], and 5.1±3.9% [0-16%] for SW, DGC, MACS, and MSS, respectively. Mean AI were: 8.5±4.9% [1-20%], 9.7±6.0% [1-30%], 8.7±4.9% [0-19%], and 10.8±6.8% [1-30%] for SW, DGC, MACS, and MSS, respectively. Mean DFI were: 6.2±4.6% [0.8-26.1%], 2.7±3.2% [ 0.2-14%], 2.1±4.3% [0.9-20.8%], and 0.2±0.4% [0.0-2.3%] for SW, DGC, MACS, and MSS, respectively. Values referring to ICC absolute agreement between the DGC and the other methods indicate MSS as the only procedure in strong disagreement regarding progressive motility [0.29, 95%CI (-0.2-0.58)] and DFI [0.17; 95%CI (-0.19-0.45)]. No disagreement regarding morphology and AI was observed between all techniques. A further paired comparison confirmed the strong disagreement between MSS and MACS [0.2; 95%CI (-0.17-0.49) and 0.21; 95%CI (-0.25-0.52)] and between MSS and SW [0.06; 95%CI (-0.04-0.25) and 0.06; 95%CI (-0.15-0.28)] regarding progressive motility and DFI, respectively. Limitations, reasons for caution Differences in DNA-damage may have been smaller between techniques if abstinence period was shorter. Due to the design of the experiment, data on clinical outcomes are not available. Wider implications of the findings The selection of a population of highly motile spermatozoa with undamaged DNA from unprocessed semen is ideally performed with MSS using Fertile Plus. Question remains how these results compare with a shorter abstinence period and whether this improves the embryological outcomes in the IVF laboratory. Trial registration number NCT05383599

Tillage intensity by organic fertilization interaction on sunflower performance and some soil properties

Abstract A field trail was performed to study the impacts of soil tillage system and some organic and inorganic fertilizers treatments on sunflower performance and soil characteristics in the semi-arid region across 2015–2016 growing season. The tillage systems were (T1) conventional tillage, and (T2) reduced tillage while the fertilizer treatments were (F1) control, (F2) 20 t ha−1 farmyard manure, (F3) 40 t ha−1 farmyard manure, (F4) 20 t ha−1 farmyard manure plus 50:25:25 kg ha−1 NPK, (F5) 100:50:50 kg ha−1 NPK. The two-way entry (treatment) by tester (trait) biplot tool, described 84 % of the observed variability (68 % and 16 % by the first two principal components, respectively). The which-wins-where pattern, showed six vertex treatment (tillage system × fertilizer type) as: T1-F1 which had the highest values for bulk density; T1-F3 which had the highest values for days to maturity, organic matter and root depth; T1-F5 which had the highest values for soil phosphorus and harvest index; T2-F1 which had the highest values for mean emergence time; T2-F3 which had the highest values for soil potassium and achene yield; and T2-F4 which had the highest values for soil nitrogen. The ideal treatment pattern indicated that T2-F4 was the best treatment combination. We found that the best performance for sunflower achene yield was obtained with using reduced tillage system plus F3 or F4 fertilizer treatments. Finally, application no fertilizer or using only chemical fertilizers could not improve sunflower performance in both tillage systems.

USEFULNESS OF AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS IN HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: A MONOCENTRIC CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY EXTENDED TO A 5- YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Objective: Blood pressure (BP) control in haemodialysis (HD) patients is crucial given their very high cardiovascular risk. Per-dialytic BP levels do not accurately predict the cardiovascular mortality. Here, we compare the prognostic yield of 2 ambulatory BP measurement techniques in prevalent HD patients. Design and method: We recruited adult patients who had been on chronic HD for more than 3 months. Seven-day home BP monitoring (HBPM) (values of Day 1 discarded) and 44-h interdialytic ambulatory BP monitoring (iABPM) were performed. Pre- and post-dialysis BP levels were measured during the 6 dialysis sessions prior to iABPM. A 5-year follow-up was carried out to assess all-cause and cardio-vascular mortality. Results: We recruited 43 patients including 15 women. Mean age was 68.3±13 years, mean body mass index was 24.1±3.8 kg/m2, median dialysis vintage was 2.4 years [0.25;11], and 67% of patients were under anti-hypertensive medications. In patients considered as normotensive in pre-dialysis (n = 17), masked hypertension was found in 24% (11.6% of the entire cohort) and 29%, based on iABPM and HBPM, respectively. Conversely, among hypertensive patients in pre-dialysis (n = 26), “white-coat” hypertension was noted in 23% (14% of the entire cohort), either by iABPM or HBPM. In treated hypertensive patients, ambulatory techniques detected a higher proportion of uncontrolled hypertension (76% of cases in iABPM and HBPM) compared to pre-dialysis measurements (65% of cases). Focusing on the first 24 hours of iABPM underestimated the proportion of hypertensive patients (49% of the entire cohort) compared to the 44-h coverage (58% of the entire cohort). Restricting HBPM for only 3 days decreased the concordance with iABPM from 86% (k = 0.79) to 76.7% of cases (k = 0.67). After a 5-year follow-up, 25 patients were deceased including 6 patients from cardiovascular causes. All-cause mortality was associated in an adjusted model for age and gender with day-time systolic BP measured by iABPM (p = 0.045). Conclusions: In chronic HD patients, 44-h iABPM and 7-day HBPM show a reliable concordance and help to re-classify ∼25% of cases miscategorised on the basis of pre-dialysis measurements. Day-time systolic BP levels using iABPM were significantly associated with 5-year all-cause mortality.

Adherence to Botulinumtoxin Treatment: A 2-year Retrospective Claims Database Analysis (P12-11.008)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To describe treatment dynamics and persistence with botulinumtoxin (BoNT) over 2 years in a retrospective longitudinal study. <h3>Background:</h3> Understanding the use of BoNT in clinical practice is essential for improving clinical care. Real-world evidence on long-term persistence with BoNT therapy is limited. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> This study assessed medical claims data from the IBM MarketScan database among patients with a first medical claim for BoNT (not product specific) between October 2016 and October 2019. The index date was the day of the first BoNT administration, and a 1-year washout period before this date was used to identify incident BoNT use. On-label indications were defined as those approved for abobotulinumtoxinA. Six cohorts were analyzed: 1, all patients; 2, all patients, excluding those with off-label indications at the index date; 3, all patients with on-label diagnosis during the study period; and 4, 5 and 6, all patients with diagnosis of stroke, migraine and bladder dysfunction, respectively, before the index date. The number of treatments in the 2-year follow-up period and persistency (120-day look forward from treatment date; 80th percentile value of days to next treatment) were evaluated. <h3>Results:</h3> Across all cohorts (cohort [n]: 1 [19 711], 2 [5741], 3 [3238], 4 [611], 5 [7778] and 6 [1791]), 18.8–46.9% of patients received only one injection. Proportions of patients receiving three to eight injections remained consistent, with 0.3–15.7% receiving eight injections. Mean number of treatments across cohorts was 2.1–4.7, and time between treatments (80th percentile) was 105–319 days. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> In this retrospective longitudinal real-world study, there was a large drop-off in the proportion of patients receiving BoNT treatment after first injection, with few patients receiving eight injections over 2 years in accordance with the standard treatment regimen. These data are limited in providing the underlying reasons for the drop-off; further research is warranted. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Simpson has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Allergan. Dr. Simpson has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Merz. Mr. Bouchard has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Ipsen. Mr. Bouchard has stock in Ipsen. Dr. Page has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Ipsen. Dr. Page has received stock or an ownership interest from Ipsen. Dr. Spurden has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of IPSEN. Mr. Goldfarb has nothing to disclose. Atul T. Patel, 15908 has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Revance. Atul T. Patel, 15908 has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Allergan. Atul T. Patel, 15908 has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Ipsen. Atul T. Patel, 15908 has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Allergan/Abbvie. Atul T. Patel, 15908 has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for IPSEN. The institution of Atul T. Patel, 15908 has received research support from Allergan. The institution of Atul T. Patel, 15908 has received research support from Revance. The institution of Atul T. Patel, 15908 has received research support from IPSEN.

Is post-transplant day + 14 immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) a reliable surrogate marker for predicting early platelet engraftment in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant?

BackgroundProphylactic platelet transfusion is given to patients when the platelet count is less than ten thousand to prevent clinically significant bleeding till platelet engraftment is documented. Despite a very low platelet count, if platelet engraftment is confidently predicted, then platelet transfusion can be avoided in an otherwise stable patient.ObjectiveTo determine the role of post-transplant day + 14 immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) and immature platelet fraction (IPF) as surrogate markers for early prediction of platelet engraftment in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.Material and methodsThis prospective study was done at the National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation between January 2017 and December 2020. A total of 56 and 31 patients were enrolled in the deviation and validation cohorts respectively. IPF and IRF were tested on a Sysmex XN-1000 hematology analyzer on days + 14 and + 21 of the bone marrow transplant. Platelet count on day + 14 and the day of engraftment was documented. Spearman correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) calculation were done using the statistical package STATA version 12, to determine IRF and IPF cut-off values to predict a median platelet engraftment day.ResultsThe derivation and validation cohorts were statistically comparable. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for IPF and IRF was 0.53 (95% CI: 0.37 – 0.68, p = 0.750) and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.61 – 0.89, p = 0.001) respectively. A weak inverse correlation (rs0.36, p = 0.007) between IRF and platelet engraftment day was found. The ROC demonstrated that the cut-off value for Day + 14 IRF of 13% has a sensitivity and specificity of 92.9% and 37% respectively. This finding was confirmed in the validation group with sensitivity and specificity of 88.2% and 45.2% respectively.ConclusionThis study found that Day + 14 IRF but not IPF value can reliably predict platelet engraftment by day + 17 post-transplant.

Comparison of Cocoa Bean Quality Produced with Different Starter Cultures and Fermentation Methods

<i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>, <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> and <i>Acetobacter tropicalis</i> and <i>Shah</i> (maize-based fermented broth) was used as starter cultures in fermentations and the quality of cocoa bean produced assessed. This was a cross sectional study. Experiments were performed at JPJ Biotechnology Laboratory at IRAD Ekona, Cameroon from March – October, 2020. Fermentations of 10kg were performed in buckets and heaps. These were inoculated with 10^⁶CFU/mL per kg of cocoa bean for Composed Starter (CS) and 100 mL per kg of cocoa for <i>Shah</i>. Samples were collected every day for 5 days. Dried beans from Day 3 onwards of fermentation were assessed using cut-test and Equivalent per cent Fully Brown Score (EB_Score) while the Fermentative Index (FI) was carried out on dried beans of the 5 days. Means were compared using Analysis of Variance and a <i>p </i>-<i> </i>value < 0.05 was considered significant. Good cocoa bean quality (CBQ) with a cut-test of 66% and 62% was respectively obtained with CS and <i>Shah</i> after 3 days in bucket. Natural fermentation attained 62% fully brown beans after 4 days. The CBQ from heap fermentation with CS reached 64% after 4 days while all others remained moderate. Calculated EB_scores were not significantly different except for heap fermentations with values of Day 4 and 5 being higher. By Day 3, CS (FI=1.06) and <i>Shah</i> (FI=1.01) had FI values >1 suggesting that these bucket fermentations could be terminated. In the heap fermentation, good CBQ with CS (FI=1.02) was achieve on Day 4. <i>Shah</i> went on to D5 though the value of D4 (0.96) was not significantly different from that of D5 (1.03). An affordable method for cocoa fermentation was proposed using <i>Shah</i>. Good CBQ was attained faster with use of starter cultures and fermentation time was reduced to 3 days. This is the first study to demonstrate that <i>Shah</i> can be used as a starter culture with comparable results to CS for cocoa fermentation.

사진과 영상의 물리적 현전 - 시각적 이미지의 촉각성 부재

Images appearing in photographs and on video screens have taken the place of many parts of the material world. Nevertheless, because humans live in real time and space, it is necessary to engage in some introspection over the types of relationships images have with the things that exist around us. The reason for thinking about what images that exist on flat screens seek and desire is that the illusory experiences that photos and videos provide to humans are expanded and made more meaningful. In this study, the cause and purpose of the phenomena by which two-dimensional illusion images remind us of three-dimensional objects and predict a physical presence are studied because our visual-oriented culture requires tactile experience and a desire to approach reality. This reveals that the image is becoming an object, based on a reconsideration of media specificity and the modernistic self-reflection attitude that Rosalind Krauss urged in the post-medium condition. In the midst of the digital revolution and with the spread of the Internet, the value of direct experience created by today's photos and images in relation to real materials is explored. The subject of the study focuses on phenomena and cases in which images are expressed on a flat medium and sequentially arouse a desire for material goods in photography and video. For this purpose, the study is based on the image theories of Alan Sekula, Walter Benjamin, and Martin J, centering on that of W.J.T. Mitchell. Since the advent of the era of pictorial turns, people wish for images to be alive and ultimately to summon material objects. By considering Plato's and Aristotle's conception of existence and sense, and aura and presence as defined by Walter Benjamin and André Bazin, this discussion that seeks today's visual-centered values gradually recognizes the importance of tactile sense and examines the tendency to request a balanced experience between material and materials.

Days between sessions predict attrition in text-based internet intervention of Binge Eating Disorder

BackgroundThe number of days between treatment sessions is often overlooked as a predictor of attrition in psychotherapy. In text-based Internet interventions, days between sessions may be a simple yet powerful predictor of attrition. ObjectiveWe hypothesized that a larger number of days between sessions increased the likelihood of attrition among participants with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) in a 12-session Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program. Participants could work on the sessions whenever convenient for them and received written support from a psychologist. Material and methodsWe compared 201 adult participants with mild to moderate BED (85 non-completers and 116 completers) on the number of days between sessions to predict attrition rates. ResultsMixed model binomial logistic regression showed that non-completers spent significantly more days between sessions across the first four treatment sessions (1–4) when controlling for age, gender, and intake measures of BMI, BED, overall health status (EQ VAS), and depression symptoms (MDI) (OR = 1.042, p < .001). Age (OR = 0.976, p < .001) and EQ VAS (OR = 0.984, p < .001) were also significant. The risk of attrition increased by 4.2 % for each additional day participants spent completing a session.A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that classification accuracy increased across sessions from 61.1 % in session 1 and 65.7 % in session 2 to 68.8 % in session 3 and 73.2 % in session 4. The optimal cut-off point in session 4 was 17.5 days, which detected 60.4 % of non-completers (sensitivity) and 78.4 % of completers (specificity).An exploratory repeated measures of ANOVA of days between sessions showed a significant within-subjects effect, where both non-completers and completers spent more days between sessions as they progressed from sessions 1 through 4 (F = 20.54, df = 3, p < .001). There was no interaction effect, suggesting that the increase in slope did not differ between non-completers and completers. ConclusionsParticipants spending more days between sessions are at increased risk of dropping out of treatment. This may have important implications for identifying measures to reduce attrition, e.g., intensifying interventions through automated reminders or therapist messages. Our findings may have important transdiagnostic implications for text-based Internet interventions. Further studies should investigate the predictive value of days between sessions in other diagnoses.

Genetic Diversity Analysis in Foxtail Millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.] Genotypes

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is one of the least studied crops in terms of genetic resource characterization and genetic enhancement while compare to cereals. Hundred foxtail millet lines representing the national collection were evaluated at Medziphema, Nagaland University in Summer-2022 for polygenic trait evaluation and data subjected to genetic diversity analyses. Hundred foxtail millet genetic resources were divided into ten clusters by non-hierarchical cluster analysis (k-mean) was used and Elbow method was used to find out the optimum number of clusters. Genotypes were grouped into different cluster viz. Cluster I (6), Cluster II (9), Cluster III (12), Cluster IV (4), Cluster V (9), Cluster VI (8), Cluster VII (14), Cluster VIII (17), Cluster IX (17) and Cluster X (4). Cluster X had four accessions which are characterized by desired mean values and the genotypes belongs to these clusters can be utilized for the future breeding programs. The first five PCA components generated up to 82.43 percent of the diversity across genotypes tested for various agro-morphological variables. The first principal component explained 37.50 percent while, the second, third, fourth and five principal component exhibited 16.53 percent, 10.91 percent, 9.53 percent and 7.49 percent variability respectively, among the germplasm lines for the traits under study. Genotypes G2, G5, G10, G27 have low values for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height and high values for panicle length, flag leaf length and peduncle length, biological yield, fodder yield and grain yield per plant so that these genotypes can be used for general cultivation under Nagaland conditions and these materials could be used in further breeding programme

Cosmology in theories with spontaneous scalarization of neutron stars

In a model of spontaneous scalarization of neutron stars proposed by Damour and Esposito-Farese, a general relativistic branch becomes unstable to trigger tachyonic growth of a scalar field $\ensuremath{\phi}$ toward a scalarized branch. Applying this scenario to cosmology, there is fatal tachyonic instability of $\ensuremath{\phi}$ during inflation and matter dominance being incompatible with solar-system constraints on today's field value ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{0}$. In the presence of a four-point coupling ${g}^{2}{\ensuremath{\phi}}^{2}{\ensuremath{\chi}}^{2}/2$ between $\ensuremath{\phi}$ and an inflaton field $\ensuremath{\chi}$, it was argued by Anson et al. that a positive mass squared heavier than the square of a Hubble expansion rate leads to the exponential suppression of $\ensuremath{\phi}$ during inflation and that ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{0}$ can remain small even with the growth of $\ensuremath{\phi}$ after the radiation-dominated epoch. For several inflaton potentials approximated as $V(\ensuremath{\chi})={m}^{2}{\ensuremath{\chi}}^{2}/2$ about the potential minimum, we study the dynamics of $\ensuremath{\phi}$ during reheating as well as other cosmological epochs in detail. For certain ranges of the coupling $g$, the homogeneous field $\ensuremath{\phi}$ can be amplified by parametric resonance during a coherent oscillation of the inflaton. Incorporating the backreaction of created particles under a Hartree approximation, the maximum values of $\ensuremath{\phi}$ reached during preheating are significantly smaller than those obtained without the backreaction. We also find that the minimum values of $g$ consistent with solar system bounds on $\ensuremath{\phi}$ at the end of reheating are of order ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ and hence there is a wide range of acceptable values of $g$. Thus, the scenario proposed by Anson et al. naturally leads to the viable cosmological evolution of $\ensuremath{\phi}$ consistent with local gravity constraints, without modifying the property of scalarized neutron stars.

The Role Of Citizenship Education In Efforts To Instill Democratic Values

Citizenship Education is able to instill democratic values ​​in young citizens and society. This shows that today's democratic values ​​are able to optimally nurture the younger generation and society so that awareness as citizens of their duties and responsibilities can be carried out properly. The inculcation of democratic values ​​is more effectively implemented through the role of subjects in schools, one of which is Citizenship Education. One of the subjects' missions is to instill democratic values. The inculcation of democratic values ​​aims to form citizens who are aware of their rights and obligations so that they are able to resolve problems peacefully and are able to respect togetherness. The method used in this paper is descriptive qualitative. The results of the role of Citizenship Education in an effort to instill democratic values ​​include: 1) Embedding democratic values ​​in the preparation of lesson plans, 2) Embedding democratic values ​​in a sense of unity and integrity, 3) Assessment based on the assessment of the attitude of independence and 4) The role of Citizenship Education Teachers as role models for their students to provide examples of the inculcation of democratic values ​​that are implemented through learning in schools.

Effect of foliar application of varying doses of salicylic acid at different growth stages on growth, quality and nutrient uptake efficiency of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Background: The ubiquitous presence of salicylic (SA) acid in plant systems has been confirmed by many scientists. Salicylic acid is widely distributed throughout the plant and is proposed to affect a number of phyto-physiological activities. As an endogenous plant growth factor or a hormone SA has number of functions including florigenic and thermogenic role, part in plant-pathogen interaction, signal transduction, etc. Method: The present investigation was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Division of Vegetable Science, SKUAST-K, during Kharif 2020 to find out the effect of foliar spray of varying doses of salicylic acid (SA) applied at different plant growth stages on growth and quality attributes of French bean var. Shalimar French Bean-1. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with twelve treatment combinations and three replications. Result: The investigation revealed that the treatment combination T1D2 (250ppm of SA applied at plant emergence stage) recorded minimum values for days taken to 50 per cent flowering and days taken to pod formation. Moreover, the same treatment combination T1D2 also recorded maximum values for plant height, number of primary branches plant-1, number of leaves plant-1 et al., leaf area and shoot dry weight plant-1. It was further revealed that in the treatment combination T1D2 maximum values of vitamin C content, TSS, protein content, leaf chlorophyll content and pod dry matter content were also recorded, while pod anthocyanin content was maximum in the treatment combination T2D2 (250ppm of SA applied at vegetative stage). The treatment combination T1D2 also significantly enhanced nutrient uptake efficiency of the plants and resulted in lowest values for the available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, soil EC and maximum values for organic carbon as compared absolute control. than absolute control D0.

Platelet ve Ortalama Platelet Hacim Kinetiklerinin Ventilatör İlişkili Pnömoni İçin Prognostik Önemi

Objective: Platelets play an important role in cases of inflammation and infection, along with in the hemostatic process. The aim of study is to evaluate prognostic efficiency of platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV) and MPV/PC for mortality prediction in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Methods: A total of 150 VAP patients were divided into two groups as Survivors (n=98) and Non-survivors (n=52) according to intensive care unit mortality. The PC and MPV on days 1 and 4 of VAP were evaluated. Results: Thirty (31%) patients in the survivors group and 35 (67%) patients in the non-survivor group had thrombocytopenia, respectively (p&lt;0.05). The non-survivor group had higher MPV and a higher MPV/PC on the 1st and 4th days, while the survivor group had higher PC levels, respectively (p&lt;0.05). Platelet count, MPV and MPV/PC had the highest AUC levels at day 4 (0.68, 0.80, 0.73, respectively). The prognostic values of day 4 MPV and MPV/PC measurements were similar (p=0.17). Day 4 PC were found to be negatively correlated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.91, p=0.01). Day 4 MPV and MPV/PC values were the independent mortality predictors (aHR: 2.59, p&lt;0.01 and aHR: 1.63, p=0.01). The survival probability of VAP patients with &lt;9.25 fL of MPV day 4 was significantly higher than those with ≥9.25 fL (p=0.002, log-rank test) Conclusion: In addition to thrombocytopenia, MPV and MPV/PC are useful predictors of poor outcomes. Changes in MPV responses may be a more useful prognostic assessment tool for VAP patients than PC. Keywords: Immune response, mean platelet volume, platelets, prognosis, ventilator-associated pneumonia