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The hand is a versatile structure that performs numerous tasks, ranging from exertion of great force such as grip, pinch and torque to execution of precise fine motor skills. The aim of current study was to undertake a preliminary study on hand dimensions as potential predictors of female populations native to the forest and savanna zones of Ghana. A total of one hundred (100) female students aged between 17 and 24 years were recruited into this study, comprising of 53 native to the forest zone and 47 native to savanna zone of Ghana between 12th June to 27th July, 2023 at the Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Statistically significant positive correlation was observed between left hand length and right hand length (R = 0.923, p = 0.000). From the binary regression model, it could be speculated that left-hand breadth could predict female populations native to the savanna zone (LHB: β = − 2.37, Expβ = 0.09, p = 0.014). However, right-hand breadth and length and left hand length did not show any potential of prediction (RHB: β = 0.900, Expβ = 2.460, p = 0.410; RHL: β = 0.168, Expβ = 1.683, p = 0.803; LHL: β = − 0.300, Expβ = 0.741, p = 0.656). The study therefore may speculate that left handbreadth could have the potential to differentiate female populations native to savanna zone from females native to forest zone in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The hand is a versatile structure that performs numerous tasks, ranging from exertion of great force such as grip, pinch and torque to execution of precise fine motor skills. The aim of current study was to undertake a preliminary study on hand dimensions as potential predictors of female populations native to the forest and savanna zones of Ghana. A total of one hundred (100) female students aged between 17 and 24 years were recruited into this study, comprising of 53 native to the forest zone and 47 native to savanna zone of Ghana between 12th June to 27th July, 2023 at the Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Statistically significant positive correlation was observed between left hand length and right hand length (R = 0.923, p = 0.000). From the binary regression model, it could be speculated that left-hand breadth could predict female populations native to the savanna zone (LHB: β = − 2.37, Expβ = 0.09, p = 0.014). However, right-hand breadth and length and left hand length did not show any potential of prediction (RHB: β = 0.900, Expβ = 2.460, p = 0.410; RHL: β = 0.168, Expβ = 1.683, p = 0.803; LHL: β = − 0.300, Expβ = 0.741, p = 0.656). The study therefore may speculate that left handbreadth could have the potential to differentiate female populations native to savanna zone from females native to forest zone in Ghana.

Lukulo is a river that flows through pre-tertiary rocks to the recent. The long Lukulo fluvial processes which included erosion, transportation, and deposition were depicted in extensive alluvial deposits downstream of the river. This vast alluvial plain may be a deposit result of the Lukulo flood in the past. The paleo-flood study is a study of flood events in the past with the technique used, namely knowing slack water deposits. Delineation of slackwater deposits is necessary to determine the location of paleoflood deposition. Geomorphology of Lukulo watershed is needed as a preliminary study to determine the characteristics of the Lukulo watershed. Based on geomorphological analysis of the Lukulo watershed with river geomorphological analysis, field research, and literature studies, the result of this watershed geomorphology was obtained, namely; the morphology of the Lukulo watershed included an elongated oblong shape of the watershed, with an average Rc value of all three segments (upstream, middle, and downstream) of 0,52. The average drainage density (Dd) of river flows in the Lukulo watershed is 8,05 km/km2 (middle class). The Lukulo gradient upstream is 450, entering the middle is reduced to 300, and downstream the gradient is reduced to 100. The morphology and morphometry of the Lukulo watershed are interpreted to mean that Lukulo belongs to the medium-spanned watershed in terms of flood runoff and erosion. The lithology is a mixture of impermeable and permeable rocks. Delineation of diluvial and alluvial deposits is found in the upstream, middle, and downstream, of the Lukulo river. It depicts delineated paleoflood deposits in all segments of the river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of preliminary processing techniques such as peeling, washing, cutting, slicing and drying on chemical composition of sweet potato were studied. Generally there were increases in protein, fat, carbohydrates, ash, fiber and sugars. Calcium, potassium and magnesium contents were increased in all samples. Iron contents were increased as much as 37% to 88%, zinc 7% to 9%, copper 252% to 333%. Vitamin C contents were reduced by 46% and 52%. Thiamine contents increased by between 14% and 100%. Riboflavin and Niacin were greatly increased for all samples. β-carotene contents were increased between 17% and 72%. Tannin was the only anti-nutrient found. It was observed to have reduced in all samples between 66% and 70%. The results of this study may help in understanding changes in nutrition during preliminary processing and therefore preservation of food quality. Abbreviations: Orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP); Purple fleshed sweet potato (PFSP); Yellow fleshed sweet potato (YFSP); White fleshed sweet potato (WFSP); Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC); Trypsin Inhibition Activity (TIA); Analysis of Variance (ANOVA); Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS); Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT); International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFosT); United States Potato Board (USPB), ND (Not Detected). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The needs for an Indonesian version of a tool to measure internalized HIV stigma are identified. This study aims to evaluate the reliability of the Indonesian version of Sayles Internalized HIV Stigma Scale and the correlation of each subscale. A cross-sectional preliminary study involving purposively sampled 20 persons infected with HIV in Bali, Indonesia was conducted. The internal consistency reliability was examined through Cronbach’s α and item-total correlation. Meanwhile, the correlation of each subscale was examined by using Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficient. The results showed a Cronbach’s α of 0.924 and the item-total correlation range from 0.151 to 0.837. Significant positive correlation between overall scale and each subscale were confirmed. These findings indicated acceptable reliability of the Indonesian version of Sayles Internalized HIV Stigma Scale and the possibility of its use as an alternative to assess the internalized HIV stigma in Indonesia.

The study was conducted from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2019. One thousand chiropterans were captured with fishing nets, mist nets or by hand and divided into 18 species and 6 families. Identification was based on the reference collection of IRBAG, Rosevear DR, Hayman RW and Bergmans W.The most representatives were: Hipposideros caffer (15.5%), Mops condylurus (10.8%), Nycteris hispida (7.7%), Neoromicia guineensis (6.8%), Hipposideros jonesi (6.3%), Chaerephon nigeriae (4, 9%), Rhinolophus guineensis (4.2%), Chaerephon pumillus (3.3%), Eidolon helvum (2.6%), Epomophorus gambianus (1.9%), Hipposideros abae (1.3%). On the other hand, the least encountered are: Scotophilus diganii (0.8%), Lissonycteris angolensis (0.7%), Rhinolophus alcyone (0.5%), Rousettus aegyptiacus (0.4%), Scotophilus leucogaster (0.4%) and Neoromicia brunnea (0.2%). These species represent the bulk of the chiropterans fauna, which may play an epidemiological or predatory role for crops and harvests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of manoeuvrability is very important for efficient ship operation but also in ship safety. The aim of this paper is to test and perform a comparative analysis of manoeuvrability performance of a 9000 tdw chemical/oil tanker. The comparative analysis has been performed between the results obtained based from two software’s, namely PHP and MPP, but also between the results obtained in the sea trials with the output data from MPP. In this way it will be shown the differences (if any) in terms of manoeuvrability., and if the two used platforms are effective for providing preliminary determination of performances of manoeuvrability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates ship maneuverability by conducting and comparing calculations using two distinct computational platforms. The results obtained from these calculations are subsequently compared with real data from the sea trials. A detailed analysis of the discrepancies between theoretical and empirical results provides insights regarding the reliability and precision of each computational platform in assessing ship maneuverability in the naval domain. This research contributes to improving methods for evaluating ship performance and validating computational platforms used in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary pages

Background: Data integrity is a priority in any internet research study; it should be maintained to protect the safety and privacy of human participants and to maintain the validity and reliability of research findings. However, one noteworthy risk of web-based research is fraudulent respondent activity. When investigators must utilize anonymous web-based recruitment techniques to reach hidden and expanded populations, steps should be taken to safeguard the integrity of data collected. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to present a novel protocol in the form of an anonymous web-based research data integrity plan (DIP) protocol that outlines steps for securing data integrity while conducting anonymous web-based data collection. Methods: In this paper, we discuss a protocol regarding the development and implementation of a specific DIP in response to fraudulent activity in an original large-scale mixed methods study launched in April 2021. Four primary steps, each with a set of affiliated procedures, are presented: (1) defining the risks, (2) planning research protocols, (3) securing data collection and recruitment, and (4) determining enrollment. Results: Following the relaunch of a large-scale original study and implementation of the DIP protocol, preliminary analyses demonstrated no fraudulent activity. A pre-post analysis is underway to evaluate the effectiveness of the DIP strategies from February 2022 through May 2023. Conclusions: Implementing the DIP protocol could save valuable research time, provides a process to examine data critically, and enables the contribution of rigorous findings to various health fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Suboptimal peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) is highly prevalent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) owing to the mismatch of their PIFR with the corresponding inhaler-device resistance. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a preliminary dose of pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) on patients with COPD with suboptimal PIFR using Diskus dry powder inhalers (DPIs)., Methods: A prospective, randomized, case-control study included 24 patients with COPD. PIFR was measured using the In-Check Dial G16 with low-to-medium resistance. Spirodoc was used to measure baseline spirometric data and compare it before and 30 minutes after the administration of Diskus DPI. On a different day, the study dose was given to each suboptimal patient by the same aerosol generator with preceded 2 puffs of salbutamol pMDI and re-evaluated for spirometric parameters 30 minutes after the study dose., Findings: There was a significant difference between the optimal and suboptimal groups in peak expiratory flow (2.38 ± 1.20 vs 1.49 ± 1.06 L/s, P = 0.050). PIFR showed a statistically significant difference between the optimal and suboptimal groups (71.66 ± 6.15 vs 41.25 ± 9.79 L/min, P < 0.0001). There was a significant difference in forced vital capacity (ΔFVC) between optimal and suboptimal groups without a preliminary dose (0.42 ± 0.21 vs 0.16 ± 0.11 L, P = 0.002), forced expiratory volume in 6 seconds (ΔFEV 6 ) (0.53 ± 0.49 vs 0.17 ± 0.11 L, P = 0.022), forced expiratory volume in 3 seconds (ΔFEV 3 ) (0.41 ± 0.38 vs 0.1 ± 0.16 L, P = 0.013), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (ΔFEV 1 )/FVC (-2.38 ± 8.41 vs 2.96% ± 2.95%, P = 0.033), and ΔFEV 1 /FEV 6 (-4.32 ± 11.23 vs 2.91% ± 4.35%, P = 0.015). There was a significant difference in ΔFVC between optimal and suboptimal groups with a preliminary dose (0.42 ± 0.21 vs 0.23 ± 0.18 L, P = 0.046), ΔFEV 1 /FVC (-2.38 ± 8.41 vs 5.67% ± 6.53%, P = 0.009), ΔFEV 1 /FEV 6 (-4.32 ± 11.23 vs 5.16% ± 4.99%, P = 0.008), and forced expiratory time (ΔFET) (0.28 ± 0.45 vs -0.31 ± 0.70 seconds, P = 0.022). The only parameter that showed a significant difference between suboptimal groups without and with a preliminary dose is Δ peak expiratory flow (0.24 ± 0.59 vs 0.65 ± 0.68 L/s, P = 0.004)., Implications: Administering a preliminary dose of pMDI can minimally enhance the effectiveness of DPIs in patients with COPD with suboptimal PIFR and health outcomes., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None declared., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Obtaining a categorical general surgery residency position is recognized as a highly challenging process, and many aspiring surgeons find themselves matching into a preliminary position. The American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) is relevant as a discriminator, as it is the only national evaluation metric that compares residents between programs. This study examines the correlation between ABSITE performance and the likelihood of obtaining a categorical position for non-designated preliminary surgery residents., Methods: Retrospective analysis of preliminary residents who completed the ABSITE between 2011 and 2021 at a single academic training program., Results: 108 preliminary residents were included. Among preliminary residents who were successful in securing a categorical position, the average ABSITE percentile was 59 (SD = 26.7). In contrast, those who were not able to secure a categorical position, the average ABSITE percentile was 23.6 (SD = 25.3). There was a strong significant correlation between ABSITE percentile and securing a categorical position ( P < 0.001). There was a significant association between citizenship and gaining a categorical position, with US citizens being significantly more likely to successfully gain a categorical position ( P = 0.01; OR 3.32 (95% CI 1.28-8.56)). There was not a significant correlation between citizenship and ABSITE score., Conclusion: This study presents compelling evidence that ABSITE percentile score is positively associated with the probability of securing a categorical position for preliminary general surgery residents. It is therefore imperative that both preliminary residents and their programs place a high value on ABSITE performance to enhance successful career progression., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Preliminary

The management of surface runoff is a very crucial component of integrated water resources planning. One of the most important methods of estimating runoff due to rainfall is the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number method. However, just like many other hydrologic equations which are either empirical or semi-empirical in nature, the universal applicability of this method in its native form remains questionable. This study presents modified SCS models for Oraimiriukwa river basin (ORB) and evaluates their performance in predicting ORB runoff. The performance of the traditional SCS-CN model was examined using NSE and PBIAS. The modified models used an optimization scheme to obtain the actual value of the ratio of initial interception to maximum potential retention (α), which in the traditional SCS-CN method is taken as 20%. The major thrust of this work is that the ratio of initial interception to maximum potential retention (α) is not constant, but rather a function of precipitation. Average α values of 21%, 20%, and 27%, corresponding to CNI, CNII, and CNIII, respectively, were obtained. The traditional SCS model yielded NSE and PBIAS values of − 11.07 and 55.10, respectively. The modified models yielded NSE and PBIAS values of − 0.19 and 2.13, − 0.33 and 3.27, and − 4.37 and − 26.04, for antecedent moisture conditions corresponding to CNIII, CNII, and CNI, respectively. Only CNII yielded models which are single-valued for any given magnitude of rainfall. In view of performance and practicality, the modified models based on CNII were recommended for runoff estimation in ORB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2019-2022 a study on organically grown strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) was carried out, in order to find which most suitable variety for Vlasia Plain area is. The crop was established in 2019 in open-field cultivation, with four strawberry cultivars 'Asia', 'Clery', 'Roxana' and 'Thutop', mound cropping system, with 2 rows, mulched with agrotextile and drip irrigation system. The fruits were harvested and the damaged fruits were eliminated and 20 randomly selected marketable fruits were assessed. Fruit weight, diameter and firmness, sugar content and the pH, were measured. Regarding average fruit weight, 'Thutop' had the highest value (19.75 g/fruit), while the lowest 'Clery' (12.43 g/fruit). Regarding sugar content, 'Clery' had average value of 8.8% Brix and the highest firmness of 1.1363 kgf/cm2. After three years of studies, it can be drawn the conclusion that 'Thutop' recorded the best and most stable results in terms of fruit weight. 'Thutop' has large fruits so it is recommended to be sold as fresh fruit. 'Clery' is recommended for industrialization and obtaining processed products due to the high sugar content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Person-centered care (PCC) within HIV treatment services has demonstrated potential to overcome inequities in HIV service access while improving treatment outcomes. Despite PCC being widely considered a best practice, no consensus exists on its assessment and measurement. This study in Zambia builds upon previous research that informed development of a framework for PCC and a PCC assessment tool (PCC-AT)., Objective: This mixed methods study aims to examine the preliminary effectiveness of the PCC-AT through assessing the association between client HIV service delivery indicators and facility PCC-AT scores. We hypothesize that facilities with higher PCC-AT scores will demonstrate more favorable HIV treatment continuity, viral load (VL) coverage, and viral suppression in comparison to those of facilities with lower PCC-AT scores., Methods: We will implement the PCC-AT at 30 randomly selected health facilities in the Copperbelt and Central provinces of Zambia. For each study facility, data will be gathered from 3 sources: (1) PCC-AT scores, (2) PCC-AT action plans, and (3) facility characteristics, along with service delivery data. Quantitative analysis, using STATA, will include descriptive statistics on the PCC-AT results stratified by facility characteristics. Cross-tabulations and/or regression analysis will be used to determine associations between scores and treatment continuity, VL coverage, and/or viral suppression. Qualitative data will be collected via action planning, with detailed notes collected and recorded into an action plan template. Descriptive coding and emerging themes will be analyzed with NVivo software., Results: As of May 2024, we enrolled 29 facilities in the study and data analysis from the key informant interviews is currently underway. Results are expected to be published by September 2024., Conclusions: Assessment and measurement of PCC within HIV treatment settings is a novel approach that offers HIV treatment practitioners the opportunity to examine their services and identify actions to improve PCC performance. Study results and the PCC-AT will be broadly disseminated for use among all project sites in Zambia as well as other HIV treatment programs, in addition to making the PCC-AT publicly available to global HIV practitioners., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): DERR1-10.2196/54129., (©Jessica Posner, Adamson Paxon Ndhlovu, Jemmy Mushinka Musangulule, Malia Duffy, Amy Casella, Caitlin Madevu-Matson, Nicole Davis, Melissa Sharer. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (https://www.researchprotocols.org), 23.07.2024.)

Fluid off-takes and complex delivery ducts are common in many engineering systems but designing them can be a challenging task. At the conceptual design phase many system parameters are open to consideration and preliminary design studies are necessary to instruct the conceptualisation process in an iterative development of design ideas. This paper presents a simple methodology to parametrically design, explore and optimise such systems at low cost. The method is then applied to an aerodynamic system including an off-take followed by a complex delivery duct. A selection of nine input variables is explored via a fractional factorial design approach that consists of three individual seven-level cubic factorial designs. Numerical predictions are characterised based on multiple aerodynamic objectives. A scaled representation of these objectives allows for a scalarisation technique to be employed in the form of a global criterion which indicates a set of trade-off geometries. This leads to the selection of a set of nominal designs and the determination of their robustness which will eventually instruct the next conceptual design iteration. The results are presented and discussed based on criterion space, design variable space and contours of several flow quantities on a selection of optimal geometries.

The present study considers two concrete situations, namely, the abolition of a decision establishing the right to pension, once it has become final, respectively the abolition of a decision on partial admission or rejection of recognition of entitlement to compensation as a result of political persecution by the dictatorship. established on March 6, 1945 in Romania. Both situations refer to individual administrative acts, intuitu personae, to which a distinct legal framework applies: on the one hand, Law no. 263/2010 on the unitary public pension system, and on the other hand, the Decree- Law no. 118/1990 on granting rights to persons persecuted for political reasons by the dictatorship established starting with March 6, 1945, as well as to those deported abroad or constituted as prisoners. When we refer to the situation of contesting a decision to reject the right to pension by the applicant, the identification of legal remedies is clear, but what happens when the administrative authority competent to issue an administrative act reverts to its own decision, revokes it retroactively and withdraws the right to a pension? We will explain that a retirement decision can only be revoked under certain conditions. In the second situation, we signal not only a deficient application of the legal provisions of Law no. 232/2020 that amended the Decree-Law no. 118/1990, but also a deficiency in the elaboration of the legal framework, which leads to confusions in the situation where the applicant wishes to contest a decision by which his rights to the special indemnity provided by this normative act are not recognized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accident is an unexpected, unplanned occurrence which may involve injury or it may be defined as an unpremeditated event resulting in recognizable damage. Railway related injuries are not those uncommon occurrences in forensic practice. Among the varied presentation of injuries, superficial injuries along with fractures were commonly observed. Over the last 15 years many railway accidents have happened in Andhra Pradesh and in India. Following these train accidents, there has been a large amount of public debate about safety management on the Indian railways. These accidents have raised issues regarding the effectiveness of the safety management of the railway system. This paper presents a summary of the results of a preliminary systemic analysis of several rail accidents in and around Warangal City. The present study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Warangal Medical College, Warangal from January 2013 to June 2014 i.e., 12 months, during which the total postmortem cases were 74 occurred in the jurisdiction of the Govt. Railway Police Station, Warangal. The factors taken to enumerate the study are cause of death, manner of death, relationship between scene of offense and cause of death, relation of intoxication status to the manner of death, age versus manner of death and period of survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Moringa oleifera Lam. is a miracle tree that has been widely utilised in folklore medicine due to its immense amount of phenolic constituents that could treat various ailments. Different techniques have been implemented to extract the phenolic but the parameters may not be optimised to further enhance the amount of phenolic extracted. Thus, the work aimed to enhance phenolic content and antioxidant activity of M. oleifera through RSM methodology, which is rapid and convenience. Methods: At first, antioxidant activity of different parts of M. oleifera (leaves, stem, pod and seed) were investigated. The plant part with the highest antioxidant activity was selected for the optimisation of extraction condition using RSM. In RSM, temperature (XA), extraction time (XB) and solid-liquid ratio (XC) were employed to study the effects on yield, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. Then, the optimum extraction condition obtained via RSM was utilised in LC-MS and HPLC analysis to determine the potential bioactive constituents. Results: The leaves of M. oleifera displayed the highest antioxidant activity as compared to other plant parts. The optimum extraction condition obtained for the leaves extract was: temperature (XA): 82°C, extraction time (XB): 48 min and solid-liquid ratio (XC): 1:30 g/mL (w/v). Meanwhile, LC-MS revealed the presence of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and 3-O-glucoside kaempferol. HPLC analysis detected six compounds; gallic acid, epicatechin gallate, chlorogenic acid, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol. Conclusion: The optimisation are promising to improve yield and antioxidant activity in M. oleifera as compared to non-conventional extractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary taxonomic survey of aquatic plants of Feni district was conducted between July 2016 and June 2017. Traditional taxonomic techniques and random meander methods were applied to record and collect aquatic plant species. A total of 56 aquatic plant species under 29 families were recorded from Feni district. Ecological habitats of aquatic plant species showed variations. Among them, 30% species prefer to grow near the edge of water, 20% as rooted submerged, 18% as rooted emergent, 16% as free floating, 12% as rooted floating and 4% surface creeper in the aquatic habitat. The uses of aquatic plants were showed that 27% species were used as fodder, 14% as medicinal, 11% as vegetable, 11% as edible fruits, 5% as duck weeds, 2% as artifacts and 30% as others purposes in the study area. Abundance of aquatic plant species in the habitat was showed variations. Among them 9% was found very abundant, 30% found common and 61% found rare in the study area. Based on the field observations and discussion with local people we were able to identify a good number of threats to aquatic plants and also pointed out some conservation measures for them. It was seemed that the species Achyranthes aquatica (thuash), Oenanthe javanica (painnaadani), and Chumannianthus dichotomus (patipata) were found to be limited in distribution outside Feni. These rare species need to be given priority for in situ and ex situ conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Well-structured decommissioning planning database based on the standardized ontology makes the planning more effective. • Platform-independent the single-source-of-truth server with own API enables collaboration among different teams. • Results produced by one software tool can be easily transferred to another software tool via common API. • Errors in the transfer of the decommissioning planning data are decreased significantly. • Utilization of a 3D/BIM modelling techniques with the single-source-of-truth application server helps visualizing of the decommissioning activities and the respective data. Estimating costs for decommissioning of nuclear installations (mostly reactors) is an iterative process. Ideally, it starts at the design phase of a power plant or a research facility. At this stage, the preliminary cost estimations are developed, and their accuracy is usually low. During the life cycle of the plant or facility the decommissioning plans can be developed in a more detailed way, e.g. with the support of building information models (BIM) and 3D modeling techniques. Then, based on these detailed plans, the estimation of decommissioning costs may become more accurate. In this paper, the two estimation approaches are presented and evaluated from the perspective of using the same 3D model of the nuclear power plant. As the result, the recommendations for an effective transition from preliminary to detailed planning are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary study on ergonomics of forest concession was emphasized on mechanic operator activities with 62 respondents. The quetioneire consits of ten problem areas, namely audiometry, pollution, vibration, phisycal work load, logging equipment operation, work capacity, psychology of work load, accident, safety, and the inventory of past ergonomic research. In general, the research indicated that the forest concession holders were not well aware of the importance of ergonomic aspect in their ventures.

A growing body of empirical research indicates that several types of pollution seem first to increase as per capita income increases and then to decline. The resulting inverted-U relationship between income and pollution has been christened the 'environmental Kuznets curve.' 1 Research on this topic has largely ignored the fact that pollution control is a public good, provided by government.2 Empirical models typically regress a measure of pollution on income, income squared, and other variables, but omit the form of government as a determinant. As a consequence, the profession can offer no credible insights on the kinds of political reforms that would foster environmental protection in the developing world or on the likely environmental effects of recent trends toward democratization.

Treatment of wastewater by using of microalgae is a cost-effective system. Chlorella sorokiniana pa.91 and Chlorella vulgaris were studied in this research. Chlorella sorokiniana pa.91 was isolated from the dairy wastewater. In this study, treated wastewaters in preliminary and secondary treatment units of dairy wastewater treatment plant were used as medium. Maximum growth of two species of microalgae was examined in these two mediums, and also, nutrient removal was studied. The performance of two species of microalgae was studied on laboratory scale at different temperatures and light intensities. The best observed temperatures for Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella sorokiniana pa.91 were 25 and 28 °C, respectively, and the best observed performance for them was obtained at 7500 lx. The values of specific growth rate and biomass productivity in effluent of preliminary treatment unit for Chlorella vulgaris were 0.331 day−1 and 0.214 g L−l day−1, respectively, and for Chlorella sorokiniana pa.91 were 0.375 day−1 and 0.233 g L−l day−1, respectively. Also, these parameters for Chlorella vulgaris in effluent of secondary treatment unit were determined 0.359 day−1 and 0.166 g L-l day−1, respectively, and for Chlorella sorokiniana pa.91 were obtained 0.422 day−1 and 0.185 g L−l day−1, respectively. The removal efficiency of nitrate, ammonia, phosphate, and chemical oxygen demand for Chlorella sorokiniana pa.91 and Chlorella vulgaris in both of effluents was more than 80%. Based on the results, effluent of treatment plants can be a suitable microalgae growth medium, and the microalgae can be used as effective post treatment system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents design formulas for the preliminary design of tankers built from 2000 to 2018. These formulas could have practical application for the estimation of main tanker dimensions, such as: length between perpendiculars, breadth and draught moulded. All equations presented in this paper have been developed in relation to deadweight and velocity using a regression method. These kinds of relationships have not been demonstrated before in ship theory. The equations presented in the literature are only based on deadweight capacity and do not take design velocity into account. The regressions presented in this article were developed for individual tanker subtypes, such as: Handysize, Medium Range, Panamax, Post Panamax, Aframax, Suezmax and VLCC. The number of equations presented in this article may be used to extend design formulas published by other authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the parametric ship design stage, added ship resistance, a component of total ship resistance is analysed to estimate the required propulsive power. The determination of added resistance at this design stage is problematic because the added resistance is calculated using hull shape, which is unknown at this stage. At the parametric design stage, only basic ship parameters, such as length, breadth, draught, block coefficient and Froude number are defined and known. Therefore, the focus of this research was to develop an effective tool to solve this problem. The article presents a set of five Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to predict added resistance using basic design parameters. Only model test data was used to train the ANNs in order to obtain reliable results. The research showed that using an ANN set consisting of five ANNs developed using different segregated data resulted in slightly more reliable and accurate estimates than using an individual ANN. To facilitate implementation, the developed ANNs were provided in the form of mathematical functions and open source software code from the Mendeley Data repository. A practical example of how an ANN set can be used to solve a design task was demonstrated in this article. • Using a set of ANNs rather than simply one improves the estimate reliability. • A set of ANNs predicts added resistance more accurately than a single ANN. • Training an ANN set on different segregated datasets leads to better data usage. • Software for predicting added resistance during parametric design stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pilot studies play a pivotal role in deciding whether a main study can be undertaken thereby helping in appropriate framing of time, cost and study methods. However, they cannot be employed for testing a hypothesis and are underpowered in detecting clinically significant differences between the treatment arms. Literature from the west has shown serious lacunae on the part of researchers in reporting pilot studies. The present study assessed the reporting quality of pilot studies published from India. Materials and Methods: All the journal articles with a pilot study design published in Indian Journals between January and December 2013 were identified through PubMed search and were assessed for the following: Reason for undertaking the pilot study; report about intention of further work; mention about sample size calculation; statement on other studies evaluating the same hypothesis published elsewhere; whether any hypothesis was tested in the present study; use of inferential statistics including the total number of statistical analyses performed and whether confidence intervals were reported; post-hoc power calculation; application of randomization and/or blinding; total number of study participants and presence of a control group. Results: A total of 93 articles were considered in the present study. None of these reported reasons for undertaking the present pilot study and intention to carry of carrying out further work depending on their results. Also, none of them discussed the feasibility of conducting such studies in the given set-up. A total of 69/93 (67.7%) studies tested a hypothesis and had employed at least one of the statistical tests to infer whether any significant difference exist between various groups. None of the 93 articles mentioned confidence intervals and calculation of the sample size despite all mentioning the presence of previous studies evaluating a similar hypothesis. Similarly, none of these studies mentioned post-hoc analysis of power and median (range) of times of statistical analyses performed includes 5 (0–57). Conclusion: Pilot studies have been poorly reported in Indian biomedical journals, and more attention is required from all the stakeholders of research; researchers, peer reviewers and journal editors. Key words: Feasibility, preliminary, reporting quality

Background: Eating disorders are complex, potentially life-threatening conditions, characterised by disturbances in eating behaviours and extreme fear of weight gain with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Individuals avoid fattening foods. This avoidance of fattening foods may lead to the avoidance of foods which may include those with omega 3 fatty acids. Aim of the work: Aim of the review is to explore the consequence of starvation on the brain both in adolescence and in adults and particularly due to omega 3 deprivation. It also aims to explore the role of the benefits and possible mechanisms of omega 3 supplementation on other mental health conditions and to consider these implications for eating disorders. Methods: The search was undertaken by using PubMed and the search terms, eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and Omega-3. Alternatively, search terms such as depression, schizophrenia or other mental health conditions and omega-3 were used. References lists of identified reviews and articles were also searched for relevant empirical studies. Results: According to a growing body of evidence, the role and importance of omega-3 fatty acids in mental health is well-recognised and well-established to be beneficial. Fatty acids are fundamental components of the brain and are necessary for normal body physiology. Since the body cannot synthesize these fats, it has to be completely obtained from the diet. Brain tissue is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids have a major role within cell membranes and in connections between neurons. Omega-3 FAs deprivation may be correlated with the happening of many psychiatric conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Conclusion: The clinical research evidence on omega-3 supplements in eating disorders is preliminary and not definitive in comparison to other mental health disorders. Thus, this will be an important area for future research, and may lead to the development of newer interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior to any large-scale basic science or clinical research project being funded, it is important for researchers to gather preliminary data. This is essential for providing evidence for the feasibility of research projects and helping to design larger-scale studies. When gathering preliminary data one needs to consider how many data are required, how this work is to be funded and where and when the data will be generated. Most importantly researchers should ensure that the planned data collection will be meaningful, serve its intended purpose and follow the principles of good clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this article is to deal precisely and systematically with the preliminary urban missionary outreach of the apostle Paul as referred to the book of Acts, chapters 13�14. This article covers an ample spectrum of Paul�s mission work together with his companions. The book of Acts gives us a full exposition of the Holy Spirit as the primary agent of mission. The Holy Spirit led the church in Antioch of Syria in the dedication of Paul and Barnabas for their mission work which was specifically to the Gentiles as the Jews who were given the first preference rejected the Gospel (Ac 13:46). Christ in Acts 9:15 indicated his intention of choosing Paul as his chosen vessel to bear his name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel, and this commission of Paul to the Gentiles was also referred to in Acts 22:21. The result of the apostles� propagation of the Word of God was that many Gentile people from different cities repented and became Christians. Although the apostles encountered many challenges and opposition, their initial campaign ended in a good mode, as they experienced the wonderful works of God to the Gentiles as God had opened a door of faith (salvation) among the Gentiles.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article deals with missiological issues as it refers to Paul, who together with his crew encountered many challenges in their mission work like an opposition, expulsion, exaltation, stoning and so on. Even though they faced those challenges, they did not evacuate their responsibility of propagating the Word of God in different metropolitan areas. Thus where the element of �perseverance of the saints� of the Reformed Dogmatics comes in.

Introduction: Neurodivergent emerging adults - defined as individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (e.g., attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, seizures, developmental delays, with or without intellectual impairment) and physical and/or sensory disabilities (e.g., blindness or hearing impairment) - experience poor mental and physical health outcomes. Existing interventions are insufficient because they are not based on the self-reported and developmental needs of this population., Methods: The current study is an exploratory pilot study that features a multidimensional health-based needs assessment of self-identified neurodivergent emerging adults with ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, and other conditions, mean (M) age = 22.8; standard deviation (SD) = 3.4; n = 26). This research used validated measures. The assessment - administered via Qualtrics to the participants in two sites - included the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, Kessler-6 Psychological Distress Scale, Project EAT (Eating and Activity over Time)-IV (with the intuitive eating, weight-related control, emotional eating, and physical activity subscales), and an original health-focused needs assessment developed by interdisciplinary healthcare professionals and neurodivergent individuals., Results: The sample reported low positive mental health, with only 3% reportedly "flourishing." The sample also reported high psychological distress according to clinical and psychometric cut-off scores; varied intuitive eating and weight-control behaviors and attitudes; and distinct needs related to integrating the principles of health promotion into daily life, navigating the healthcare system, and learning from healthcare professionals. Based on these findings, we present an initial conceptualization of "Adulting for Health," a potential virtual education program to promote health-related knowledge and capacities for this population., Conclusions: The results from this exploratory pilot study can be incorporated into existing programs and spur efforts to develop and test new interventions that can ameliorate health disparities for neurodivergent emerging adults., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Hotez et al.)