bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arménie-Azerbaïdjan : la paix dans l’impasse ?
Authors: Minassian Gaïdz
Published: March 2023

Le cessez-le-feu du 9 novembre 2020 est fragile. Bakou cherche une victoire politique qui ne vient pas. La guerre d’Ukraine et les déboires de la Russie ont compliqué la donne dans le Caucase du Sud où, depuis quelques mois, France et États-Unis, humiliés par la médiation russo-turque, sont retournés avec de nouvelles ambitions. La région reste un espace de haute conflictualité entre les ambitions de la Russie, la Turquie, l’Iran, l’Union européenne, les États-Unis, la Chine et l’Inde.
La guerre en Ukraine dans la pensée militaire russe : leçons politico-stratégiques
Authors: Minic Dimitri
Published: March 2023

Dans leurs écrits, les élites militaires russes s’accordent sur la nature et le double objectif de l’« opération militaire spéciale » : une action préventive visant à contrôler l’Ukraine et affaiblir un Occident belliqueux. Elles peuvent néanmoins critiquer l’autorité politique sur l’opportunité de lancer cette opération militaire et sur sa conduite concrète. La portée et les conséquences politiques de ces critiques restent pour l’heure incertaines.
Présent et avenir des langues : une question de civilisation
Authors: Lüdi Georges
Published: March 2023

“Agli occhi della maggioranza dei lettori la linguistica è una scienza umana come tante altre. Eppure è ben più di questo : fare il linguista significa assumersi delle responsabilità e la linguistica è una battaglia”. Ecco come l’autore stesso spiega (p. 15) il perché di questo libro. In effetti, in “un mondo che galoppa verso l’uniformazione ed il livellamento culturale”, il testo di Gilbert Dalgalian costituisce una vera e propria arringa in favore della diversità linguistica e del plurilinguismo. Si schiera decisamente contro l’inglese “totale” e si batte per un bilinguismo precoce, mettendo l’accento sulle lingue regionali, ma anche sulle lingue vicine e sulle lingue dell’immigrazione.
A randomized controlled study comparing the use of ultrasound versus the conventional method in thoracic epidural catheter insertion as a pain relief method in thoracic surgeries
Authors: Abd Elhady Mohamed M. , Mehanna Ayman A. , Maged Noha A.
Published: March 2023

Background

The use of epidural analgesia for the management of postoperative pain has evolved as a critical component of multimodal approach to achieve the goal of adequate analgesia with improved outcome. The introduction of ultrasound technology for epidural insertion presents a novel challenge of acquiring new knowledge and skill set. As with acquiring any new skill, there will be initial challenges for both the novice and experienced anesthesiologist. From correlating anatomy with sonoanatomy and visualizing needles and fluid dynamics in real-time below the skin surface, ultrasound provides opportunities and unique challenges for vascular access and regional anesthesia.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of ultrasound in the process of epidural catheter inserion and whether it can replace the conventional loss-of-resistance (LOS) technique or at least help with better performance by the staff.

Patients and methods

A total of 30 patients scheduled for thoracotomy were randomly categorized by closed envelopes method into two equal groups (15 patients each): group I patients received epidural anesthesia with ultasound guidance, and group II patients received epidural anesthesia with the conventional palpation technique. We recorded time from first puncture till LOS, number of skin punctures till LOS, redirections, and bone contacts. Failure and complications were recorded as well. Patient satisfaction was assessed after catheter insertion and removal, which was 24 h postoperatively in the postanesthesia care unit.

Results

A significant increase in insertion time was recorded in group I (P<0.001). The number of skin punctures till LOS was significantly lower in group I (P=0.043), and needle redirections were also lower in group I (P=0.020). Vertebrae were less hit by the needle in group I (P=0.026). A case of epidural failure was recorded in group II, and also an accidental hemorrhagic tap was recorded in the same group. Patient satisfaction both after catheter insertion and removal was higher in group I (P=0.031 and 0.002, respectively).

Conclusion

From the primary endpoints assessed in this work, one can declare that usage of ultrasound had consumed time owing to lack of experience by the operator, yet it led to less puncture attempts, redirections, and bone contacts and reduced failure rates and complication rates, which led to increased satisfaction. The technique requires more practice and training to familiarize anesthesia staff with it to lower the procedure time.
An unusual presentation of Goodpasture syndrome
Authors: George Jisa , Rajarathinam Buddhan , Kulasekaran Rajkumar , Kurhekar Pranjali
Published: March 2023

Goodpasture disease is an anti–glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease that manifests as progressive glomerulopathy and alveolar hemorrhage. Our case was a 68-year-old female who presented with decompensated liver disease (DCLD) with no prior history suggestive of liver disease. She had dyspnea, bilateral pitting edema, icterus with normal renal parameters, and elevated liver enzymes. Ultrasonogram revealed shrunken liver, ascites, and portal hypertension with normal renal cortex echogenicity. Over the next three days, she developed progressive oliguria, hematuria, and breathlessness, with arterial blood gas showing hypoxia with acidosis and hyperkalemia. Bronchoscopic alveolar lavage was suggestive of hemorrhagic fluid. The patient succumbed to the disease in 24 hours. Anti-GBM antibodies came positive by immunofluorescence assay which confirmed the diagnosis of Goodpasture syndrome. Unusual presentation of DCLD in our case resulted in a delay in diagnosis that could have been crucial in altering the outcome.
The efficacy of paravertebral block evaluated by pain-related biomarkers and reactive oxygen species (ROS) following surgery for breast cancer
Authors: Mitragotri Milon V. , Sheikh Safiya I. , Alur Jagadish , Kurugodiyavar Mahesh D. , Vanti Gulamnabi L. , Sarasamma Athira G.
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims:

Paravertebral block has been found to be a recommended method of analgesia for breast surgeries. We aimed to assess the efficacy of paravertebral block compared to morphine by means of the visual analogue scale (VAS), pain-related biomarkers, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in adult patients undergoing breast cancer surgeries under general anesthesia.

Methodology:

Forty patients undergoing breast surgery with or without lymph outcome were randomly divided into two groups. Group M received general anesthesia with intraoperative injection morphine (0.1 mg/kg) and group P received general anesthesia with paravertebral block with 0.25% bupivacaine (0.3 ml/kg). The primary objective was to compare the postoperative pain using VAS at baseline, 2 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours. Secondary objectives were to compare the levels of pain-related biomarkers and ROS in both the groups at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours and to study the correlation between the VAS and level of pain-related biomarkers and ROS.

Results:

There was no significant difference in the postoperative VAS scores in both the groups (P = 0.252, 0.548, 0.488 at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours, respectively) and no significant difference in the mean biomarkers in both the groups. The mean VAS negatively correlated with biomarker levels at 24 hours and 48 hours, but the change in VAS after 24 hours and 48 hours did not significantly correlate with the change in the biomarkers.

Conclusion:

Paravertebral block is equally efficacious to intraoperative morphine for breast surgeries for postoperative analgesia. The biomarker levels were not significantly different when patients received paravertebral block or morphine.
Anaphylaxis spares no drug
Authors: Makker Robina , Mishra Priyanka , Ahuja Kanishak
Published: March 2023

Peri-anesthetic anaphylaxis is a rare but grave problem. After receiving informed consent for publication, we discuss the case of a female patient posted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy who developed an anaphylactic reaction to intravenous diclofenac, mimicking post-laparoscopy respiratory complication in the perioperative period. A 45-year-old, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA-PS) I, female patient was posted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia (GA). The procedure took 60 minutes and concluded uneventfully. In the post-anesthesia care unit, the patient complained of respiratory difficulty. Even after the supplemental oxygen and in absence of any significant finding on respiratory examination, the patient soon developed severe cardiorespiratory collapse. On evaluation, administration of intravenous diclofenac a few minutes before the event was suspected as the trigger for this anaphylactic response. The patient responded to the injection of adrenaline, and her post-surgical progress over the next two days was uneventful. The retrospective tests done for confirming diclofenac hypersensitivity were found to be positive. No drug, however safe, should be given blindly without proper observation and monitoring. The course of development of anaphylaxis can range from a few seconds to minutes and hence, the earliest recognition and prompt action can be the only deciding factor between life and death for such patients.
Anesthetic concerns of achondroplastic patients with hip movement restriction scheduled for retrograde intrarenal surgery
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Soumily , Kumar Amit , Ayub Arshad
Published: March 2023

Achondroplasia is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder that results in premature ossification of the epiphyseal growth plates and restriction of proximal long bone movement. Herein, we report the anesthetic management of such a patient undergoing stone retrieval in the lithotomy position. He had a restricted ability to flex and abduct the hip joint and lumbar hyperlordosis. These were anticipated to be a concern for the lithotomy position and prone to positional injuries. Hence, the decision was made to position the patient before induction of anesthesia in the presence of surgeons to ensure the optimal exposure needed for the procedure while avoiding any hyperflexion or abduction of the hip and knee joints. The position tolerated by the patient when awake and unsedated should be followed intraoperatively. Achondroplasia is also associated with difficult airway features, obesity, sleep apnea, and multisystem involvement. Careful preoperative evaluation and intraoperative vigilance are needed to manage these patients undergoing surgery.
Central pontine myelinolysis after liver transplant
Authors: Biagio Murta e Di Flora Francisco , Machado Oliveira Maurício Vitor , Henrique Torres Menezes Pedro , Delgado Marina Ayres
Published: March 2023

Based on brain magnetic resonance imaging results, the second and third most frequent causes of central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) were liver transplant (LT) and cirrhosis, which together accounted for 13.7% and 12.5% of all diagnoses of CPM. Medical diseases including cirrhosis, LT, malnutrition, and alcoholism are well-known conditions associated with CPM in addition to hyponatremia. The prognosis is poor and depends on early diagnosis and treatment to achieve better outcomes. This is a case report of CPM occurring after a deceased donor LT in a patient presenting many risk factors such as chronic hyponatremia, previous episodes of encephalopathy, and tacrolimus immunosuppression. We briefly discuss the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment, highlighting the role and challenges of the anesthesiologist in managing this kind of patient and preventing the syndrome in the context of major surgery.
Data Assimilation – Mathematical Foundation and Applications
Authors: Marzouk Youssef M. , Reich Sebastian , Teckentrup Aretha
Published: March 2023

The field of “Data Assimilation” has been driven by applications from the geosciences where complex mathematical models are interfaced with observational data in order to improve model forecasts. Mathematically, data assimilation is closely related to filtering and smoothing on the one hand and inverse problems and statistical inference on the other. Key challenges of data assimilation arise from the high-dimensionality of the underlying models, combined with systematic spatio-temporal model errors, pure model uncertainty quantification and relatively sparse observation networks. Advances in the field of data assimilation will require combination of a broad range of mathematical techniques from differential equations, statistics, machine learning, probability, scientific computing and mathematical modeling, together with insights from practitioners in the field. The workshop brought together a collection of scientists representing this broad spectrum of research strands.
Population Dynamics and Statistical Physics in Synergy
Authors: den Hollander Frank , Sturm Anja , Winter Anita
Published: March 2023

Research at the interface between population dynamics and statistical physics has been developing rapidly, and represents a theme of growing interest worldwide. Population dynamics addresses fundamental questions about the cooperative behaviour controlling multi-type interacting populations subject to evolutionary forces in changing environments. Statistical physics is concerned with the macroscopic behaviour of systems with many interacting components, and with the role of emergent behaviour and phase transitions. Fundamental ideas, methods and techniques have gradually made their way from one field into the other, leading to new problems, new solutions, and new mathematics. This crossroad has developed into a very active research area. In the workshop the focus was on common mathematical concepts and tools, and on the surprising new connections that have become available recently.
Space-Time Methods for Time-Dependent Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Larsson Stig , Nochetto Ricardo H. , Sauter Stefan A. , Wieners Christian
Published: March 2023

Modern discretization and solution methods for time-dependent PDEs consider the full problem in space and time simultaneously and aim to overcome limitations of classical approaches by first discretizing in space and then solving the resulting ODE, or first discretizing in time and then solving the PDE in space.

The development of space-time methods for hyperbolic and parabolic differential equation is an emerging and rapidly growing field in numerical analysis and scientific computing. At the first Workshop on this topic in 2017 a large variety of interesting and challenging concepts, methods, and research directions have been presented; now we exchange the new developments.

The focus is on the optimal convergence of discretizations and on efficient error control for space-time methods for hyperbolic and parabolic problems, and on solution methods with optimal complexity. This is complemented by applications in the field of time-dependent stochastic PDEs, non-local material laws in space and time, optimization with time-dependent PDE constraints, and multiscale methods for time-dependent PDEs.
Joining of Nylon Using Friction Stir Welding (FSW)
Techniques
Authors: Srivastava Ashish , Ramesh C.S.
Published: March 2023

The Friction Stir Welding FSW process, polymeric materials respond differently
than metallic materials. In addition, the same tool design concept is not able
to produce good surface quality with strong welds. Because the welding parameter
is so important in this procedure the key The goal of this effort was to
construct a novel welding tool that could produce reliable seams for all types
of polymers, independent of their configurations, without the use of an
additional heat source. The study initially concentrated on the development of
the tool and the optimization of the welding parameters. Before arriving at the
final tool design, which was able to produce more frictional heat and have
superior surface polish, various tools were conceived, produced, and tested.
Statistical methods were used to optimize the welding procedures, and numerous
mechanical tests were carried out to determine the weld strength. To measure the
active forces during the welding process, a fixture was created and built. The
force platform that was designed allowed for the application of main axial force
in the fusion parameter even while welding with a position control approach.
Because it generates heat and forges the soft material inside the weld nugget,
the axial force’s amplitude is crucial in this process. The welding parameters
that have the greatest impact on temperatures are all those that have to do with
the design of the welding tool, followed by rotating speed and welding speed.
FSW of materials.
The Status of Antioxidants and Oxidative Damage in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: BİNİCİ İrfan , ALP Hamit Hakan , HUYUT Zübeyir , GÜRBÜZ Esra , GÜNBATAR Hülya , AKMEŞE Şükrü , KARAHOCAGİL Mustafa Kasım
Published: March 2023

Objectives: COVID-19 is an important viral disease that affects human health significantly. It has recently become widespread worldwide. The oxidant/antioxidant balance has an important effect on viral infections. This study investigated superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), total thiol (TT), native thiol (NT), disulphide (DS), oxidative DNA damage, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in COVID-19 patients.

Material and methods: 35 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and 35 healthy volunteers at Dursun Odabaş Medical Center were included in the study. Levels of GSH, GPx, SOD, NT, TT and DS were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the serum samples. MDA and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine/106deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG/106dG) were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the serum samples.

Results: SOD, GSH-PX, GSH, NT and TT levels were lower in the COVID-19 patient group compared to the healthy control group, while the levels of DS and 8-OHdG/106dG were significantly higher (p=0.001). In addition, there were a negative correlation between 8-OHdG/106dG and GSH, NT and TT, while there was a positive correlation with DS.

Conclusion: This study revealed that SOD, GPX, MDA, 8-OHdG, and DS increased and GSH, NT, and TT decreased in COVID-19 patients. These results revealed that COVID-19 patients have reduced levels of antioxidant proteins and increased oxidative stress markers.
Use of Nano-Sized Adsorbents for Wastewater Treatment: A Review
Authors: Sarfraz Sadaf , Ullah Habib , Sikandar Shomaila , Raza Aoun
Published: March 2023

There is an increased demand for high-quality drinking water, which requires the removal of hazardous contaminants emerging from municipal, agricultural, and industrial effluents. An approach towards safe drinking water requires the implementation of various treatment processes for water emerging from natural resources as well as coming in the form of industrial wastewater. Pollutants in water bodies may be present in multiple states, including large suspended particles, dissolved chemical substances, in the form of microorganisms or suspended solids. Over the last few years, researchers have concentrated on developing a practical methodology for extracting pollutants from wastewater. During the course of time, although many advanced and complex wastewater treatment processes have evolved, yet adsorption has its own importance. Owing to its simple operation process, low cost, and less sludge formation, adsorption is being considered the most promising technique for wastewater treatment. In this regard, nanomaterial adsorbents have become a topic of great interest owing to their exceptional properties such as high adsorption strength, greater surface area, and chemical stability. Keeping in view, key features of nanoparticles, researchers have explored the applications of various adsorbents at the nanoscale in addressing wastewater treatment issues. The present review focuses on the use of nano-adsorbents in treating various industrial effluents and also provides a comparative assay in terms of the advantages and drawbacks of these nano-adsorbents, employed in removing hazardous contaminants from industrial effluents.
Modeling and Forecasting of Rainfall Time Series. A Case Study for Pakistan Tayyab Raza Fraz
Authors: Raza Fraz Tayyab
Published: March 2023

The change of weather conditions is considered as the major problem, particularly for developing country like Pakistan. Machine learning and artificial neural network models have become attractive forecast techniques for rainfall as compared to traditional statistical methods in the last few years. The behavioral pattern in rainfall (mm) annually by 1901 to 2020 is studied. Moreover, forecasts of three models based on past observations are evaluated. Fundamentally, different techniques are used for model development. Three modeling techniques include a traditional linear time series ARMA model, an emerging nonlinear threshold technique SETAR model, and influential machine learning technique NAR model. Evaluation of forecast performance is based on three forecast error criteria namely MSE, RMSE, and MAPE. Results indicate that the rainfall (mm) will slightly increase in the coming ten years i.e. 2021 to 2030. Furthermore, the findings also reveal that the NAR model is a suitable and appropriate model to forecast the rainfall which outperforms the ARMA as well as the SETAR model.
Physical Risks in terms of Occupational Health and Safety in Underground Coal Mines
Authors: Arıtan Ali Ekrem , Şensöğüt Cem
Published: March 2023

Mining is one of the oldest professions in history. Along with the development of human life, mines also give direction to civilization and the economy. Mining activities carry various risks in terms of occupational health and safety (OHS). These risks can be examined under the main headings of work accidents and occupational diseases. As a result, thousands of workers face illness and death every year. Additionally, economic losses occur as a result of production interruption and stopping. Despite all the efforts to reduce mining accidents, statistics show that underground mining is one of the riskiest among all working industries. It is seen that the physical risk factors encountered in the mining sector line are remarkable in terms of risk factors. Physical risk factors that may be encountered in mines are dust, noise, vibration, lighting problems, and thermal conditions. It is essential to take measures to assess these risks and ensure the comfort of employees where each physical risk factor needs to be examined separately. In this study, physical risks being frequently encountered in underground coal mines are taken into account with recommendations for the risks.
Estimation of Calorific Value of Lignite Field in Kütahya-Gürağaç (Turkey) by means of Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Toraman Sedat , Şensöğüt Cem
Published: March 2023

Artificial neural networks are generally information processing systems that mimic the working principles of the human brain or central nervous system. Artificial neural networks are a method that gives successful results in solving many daily life problems such as classification, modeling and prediction. Artificial neural networks accomplish this by adjusting the connection weights between neurons. It can solve prediction and classification problems with back propagation algorithm, which is widely used in artificial neural networks with multilayer perceptron. In this study, unknown calorific values were tried to be estimated by using the analysis values (depth, ash, moisture, sulfur, calorific value) of the drillings realized in the Kütahya -Gürağaç lignite field. An artificial neural network was created for this purpose. First, 8 neurons were used in the hidden layer of the network, and 10 neurons were used secondarily. In the artificial neural network, the learning function is sigma, the learning rate is 95%, and the network is trained using Levenberg-Marquardt as the training algorithm. The network with 10 neurons converged at the desired margin of error (1e-07) and was completed after 271 iterations. The relationship between actual calorie values and predicted calorie values with network training reached a high ratio of R2=0.97. After the training of the network is completed, the network is simulated for the estimation of seams with unknown caloric values. As a result, caloric values were determined with an average of 97% confidence interval for the unknown coal seams of the field.
Seasonal Aerosol Classification Over South Asia by Satellite based Atmospheric Optical Data
Authors: Liaqut Anum , Younes Isma , Tariq Salman
Published: March 2023

Aerosol optical characteristics have been investigated to explore regional and seasonal inconsistencies of aerosols and to define the dominant type throughout South Asia from 2001 to 2021. MODIS aerosol products from collection 6.1 have been used in present study, that comprise daily values of Angstrom exponent (AE) and aerosol optical depth (AOD) data. MODIS-derived AODs are validated by using nine ground-based AERONET station data. Overall, an adequate correlation is found among the two datasets. However, an overestimation of the MODIS retrievals is found in one site named Jaipur and underestimations are found at two sites named as Gandhi-college and Karachi. The seasonal evaluation shows that aerosol distribution found between 0 and 1.05, depending on the change in geographical location. The highest AOD value originates over the Indo-Gangetic plain (IGP), mostly throughout warm season. The second maximum AOD value covers a large area of South Asia during spring, summer and autumn. The lowest values of AOD are found in winter season excluding the IGP. A region with high aerosol optical depth (AOD) values support a low value of angstrom exponent (AE) indicating the coarse aerosol during warm seasons (spring and summer) over IGP. The region with high AOD and high AE values is showing fine aerosol during the mild to cold seasons (autumn and winter). The threshold values for AOD and AE have been used to classify aerosols. The results demonstrate that urban/industrial aerosols prominent in every season across the region dominate in spring and summer due to frequent occurrence of dust events. The mixed type aerosol is second largest contributor in aerosol formation in all seasons. The Biomass burning/smoke aerosol is dominant over IGP due to open forest and crop burning in autumn. Clean and maritime aerosol has small unnoticeable involvement in the studied region.
ANALYSIS OF THE CONDITIONS FOR SYNTHESIS OF EFFICIENT SIDE-LOBES SUPPRESSION FILTERS FOR PHASE MANIPULATED SIGNALS
Authors:   KONSTANTIN PRESLAVSKY UNIVERSITY OF SHUMEN, 9700, SHUMEN, BULGARIA, Bedzhev Borislav
Published: March 2023

The radio signals, possessing the so-named ideal auto – correlation function, resembling the Dirac delta – function, have a critical role for the wireless communication systems, especially for radars, radio-navigation systems, radio – synchronization and so on. Despite of this at the moment only few classes of such signals are invented. With regard in the paper we analyze in more detail the method for synthesis of pairs of phase manipulated signals and mismatched side-lobe suppression filters (SLSFs), which modify the real periodic auto – correlation function of the signals in the so-named ideal form, resembling the Dirac delta-function. As a result a new necessary condition for synthesis of efficient SLSFs is proven.
THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL GIS FOR THE OWNERSHIP OF THE LAND PROPERTIES
Authors:   KONSTANTIN PRESLAVSKY UNIVERSITY OF SHUMEN, 9700, SHUMEN, BULGARIA, Ivanova Ilinka
Published: March 2023

The creation, storage and transmission of data from the plans and maps and property records to them, used for the development of general and detailed plans is granted to various institutions. This raises serious inconvenience and problems relating to the guarantee of the natural and legal persons’ property in the investment design, real estate trade, territory planning etc. The establishment of a National Geographic Information System, which combines created in Bulgaria maps and plans which serve in the investment planning and spatial planning will ensure the ownership and will end many litigations, which have not only tangible but also intangible consequences.
Rising Trends of STIs and HIV Infection in Singapore – A Review of Epidemiology Over the last 10 Years (1994 to 2003)
Authors: Sen Priya , Chio Martin TW , Tan Hiok-Hee , Chan Roy KW
Published: March 2023

Introduction: This is a review of the epidemiology and trends of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Singapore from 1994 to 2003. Materials and Methods: Data collated for both notifiable and non-notifiable STIs from 1994 to 2003 were analysed. This data consisted of STI notifications from medical practitioners in Singapore as well as from the Department of STI Control clinic itself. Results: There was a decline in the overall STI incidence in Singapore in the first half of the last decade from 215 cases per 100,000 population (7200 cases) in 1994 to 162 cases per 100,000 population (6318 cases) in 1999, followed by an increasing trend in the number of acute STIs (both bacterial and viral) over the past 5 years to 195 cases per 100,000 population (8175 cases) in 2003 (P <0.001). The incidence of HIV has risen sharply over the last decade whilst that of other viral STIs has not decreased. Singaporeans are becoming sexually active at a younger age, with casual partners constituting the main primary contacts. Conclusions: Although there has been a significant decline in the overall incidence of STIs in Singapore over the last decade, a rise in acute STIs over the last 5 years has resulted in the need to identify the causal factors, and to intensify existing as well as develop new STI/HIV prevention programmes for the general population and certain core groups. Key words: Genital herpes, Gonorrhoea, Sex workers, STI/HIV, Syphilis
Clinical Assessment of Absence of the Palmaris Longus and its Association With Other Anatomical Anomalies – A Chinese Population Study
Authors: Sebastin Sandeep J , Lim Aymeric YT , Wong Hwee-Bee
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Ethnic variations in the prevalence of absence of the palmaris longus (PL) are well known. Many techniques for clinically determining the presence of the PL have been described. Studies have also attempted to correlate its absence with other anatomical anomalies. However, most studies have been done in Caucasian populations. Materials and Methods: The presence of the PL was clinically determined in 329 normal Chinese men and women using the standard technique. In subjects with an absent PL, 4 other tests were performed to confirm absence and an Allen’s test was done to assess the palmar arches. All subjects were examined for the presence of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) to the little finger. Results: The overall prevalence of absence of the PL was 4.6%. All techniques were equally effective in determining the absence of the PL. There was no significant difference in its absence with regard to the body side or sex. Absolute deficiency of FDS to the little finger was seen in 6.4%. No correlation could be detected between the absence of the PL and FDS of the little finger. Conclusions: The prevalence of absence of the PL and absence of FDS to the little finger in a Chinese population is much lower compared to previous reports in the literature. There is no association between absence of the PL and absence of the FDS to the little finger. Although all techniques of examining for the absence of the PL are equally effective, the method suggested by Mishra seems the best as it was easily understood by subjects and can be used even when thumb abduction is not possible. Key words: Chinese, Palmaris longus, Tendon anomalies
Evaluation of a Private Higher Educational Institution Marketing Initiatives for School Year 2018-2019: Baseline Data for a Sustainable Marketing Plan
Authors:   CHMSU - Talisay, Lampinez Jose Lizael B.
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to evaluate one private higher educational institution marketing initiatives as baseline data for a sustainable marketing plan during the School Year 2018-2019. Since it was founded, this private higher educational institution has not conceptualized creating a marketing office that has focus its programs and activities solely for marketing. What they had before in marketing was a part-time employee who did the marketing activities for the school in concurrent functions. Recently, a marketing office was created and a marketing officer was appointed, and a marketing program was designed, putting emphasis on five (5) aspects of intensive marketing program. In a highly competitive world of private education where everyone aims to be on top, every higher educational institution enunciated programs in marketing that would leave traces in the hearts and minds of the populace. This study describes the five strategies and plans employed by one private higher educational institution, the purpose of which is for the betterment of the school in general. The five (5) marketing plans and strategies are as follows: 1.) Do It Yourself Internal Marketing 2.) School Campus to Campus Marketing 3.) Parents, Alumni, Community Involvement Marketing 4) Multi Media/ Social Media Marketing and 5.) Extensive International and Local Linkages on Shipping and Hotel Marketing. A systematic marketing program deemed to be of great help to the school in general.
An Empirical Study of the Common Factors Affecting Students’ Academic Performance in Gombe State University, Gombe-Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Sociology, Gombe State University, Gombe-Nigeria, Anas Nasiru , Usman Abdulaziz ,   Department of Sociology, Gombe State University, Gombe-Nigeria, Abdullahi Ibrahim ,   Department of Political Science, Gombe State University, Gombe-Nigeria, Jalo Abubakar I. ,   Department of Political Science, Gombe State University, Gombe-Nigeria
Published: March 2023

Students’ academic performance has been one of the major discourse among social sciences disciplines in tertiary institutions in the last two decades in Nigeria. But unfortunately, very insignificant number of studies in this area has been conducted in the north east tertiary institutions. This research was undertaken to fill this obvious gap. The objectives of the research study therefore includes; to examine the most common factors associated with poor academic performance of students in Gombe State University and to explore the consequences associated with poor academic performance of students in Gombe State University. Furthermore, the research employed a descriptive method and data was collected from a sampled of 584 respondents using Krejcie and Morgan Sample Size Calculator via the aid of the questionnaire. The data was analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (Version, 21). The findings of the study indicated that, the most common factors associated with poor academic performance of students in Gombe State University includes family stress, lack of proper orientation programmes and commitment of students to academic activities and overcrowding in class among others. Similarly, the consequences of poor academic performance of students in the university include poor academic semester results, probation and dismissal among others. Finally, the study recommends among others on the need for parents/guardians to support and encourage their wards by relieving them from family activities during school sessions. Also, the university management need to provide more facilities which will help in reducing congestions among students in class.
A Conceptual Paper on Characteristics of Successful Asnafpreneur in Malaysia
Authors:   Faculty of Computational dan Mathematical Sciences, UiTM Melaka, Munahar Muslihah Mohd , Md Badarudin Dr Ismadi ,   Faculty of Computational dan Mathematical Sciences, UiTM Melaka, Harun Norazman ,   Faculty of Business and Management, UiTM Melaka
Published: March 2023

This conceptual paper is presented with the intention to study the characteristics of a successful asnafpreneur specifically at south states of Malaysia. It started by reviewing the past literature on the features of successful asnafpreneur, business person or source that contribute in someone’s career to bloom. The basis study's foundation was a hypothesis of past successful business person theory. The lack of growth in successful asnafpreneurs and the advancement of technology for asnaf issues in Malaysia are the driving forces behind this study. The novel in these studies is that researcher study the similarities in 4 south states in Malaysia. Other past study only focusses on 1 state or at least 2 states. The discoveries could benefit today's body of knowledge.
Enforcement of Restorative Justice in Traffic Crime Cases Which Causes Death
Authors:   Master of Law, Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya University, Irwanto Albi , Prihartanto Akhmad Novie ,   Master of Law, Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya University, Mulya Thalia Hafitsa ,   Master of Law, Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya University
Published: March 2023

This scientific work will discuss the enforcement of restorative justice in cases of traffic crimes that result in death. The formulation of the problem of law enforcement principles based on restorative justice for traffic accidents that result in human casualties and the principle of justice is in accordance with the principles of restorative justice for traffic accidents that result in human casualties. The research method used is normative research method with a statutory approach, conceptual and case. The results of the study show the application of the concept of restorative justice in the practice of crime prevention in Indonesia, especially when changes to criminal procedural law or criminal law in general are not a priority for legislation, but the concept of restorative justice in Indonesia in the context of criminal law does not yet have a specific forum, and in applying in the process of investigation, prosecution and examination in court as well as restorative justice returns the conflict to the parties who are most known for their influence-victims, perpetrators and the interests of their communities and give priority to their interests. Then attempt a restorative justice approach. but on purpose, namely creating harmony or restoring balance in social relations. thus, the acceptance and functionalization of restorative justice is more on the function of law in solving social problems better.
Pengaruh Interaksi Sosial Teman Sebaya Terhadap Kemandirian Remaja di Sekolah Menengah Atas
Authors: Sukaesih Sukaesih
Published: March 2023

Latar belakang penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui gambaran umum tingkat kemampuan remaja tingkat akhir dalam menjalin interaksi dengan teman sebaya serta pengaruhnya terhadap perkembangan kemandiriannya. Dalam kajian ini, metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kuantitatif. Penelitian dilakukan di SMAN 1 Cisarua Kabupaten Bogor dengan jumlah sampel 132 orang siswa kelas XII dengan teknik random sampling. Proses pengambilan data dilakukan secara daring dengan menggunakan google form. Data dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan google form dengan skala likert. Berdasarkan analisis data didapatkan bahwa 67% atau 89 dari 132 siswa berada pada level sedang dalam kemampuan berinteraksi sosial dengan teman sebayanya dan tingkat perkembangan kemandirian. Hasil uji reliabilitas menunjukan variabel X (interaksi sosial teman sebaya) alpha cronbach sebesar 0.83 dan variabel Y (kemandirian) alpha cronbach sebesar 0.76. Hal ini menunjukkan terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan dan positif antara interaksi sosial dengan teman sebaya dengan kemandirian remaja sebesar 39.3% dan sisanya dipengaruhi oleh variabel lain.
Pengaruh Kompensasi dan Motivasi Kerja terhadap Kinerja Karyawan dengan Kepuasan Kerja sebagai Variabel Mediasi pada Organisasi Oppio Coffe Yogyakarta
Authors: Angody Ilvan Arjun , Prayekti Prayekti
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to describe (1) the effect of compensation on employee performance. (2) The effect of work motivation on employee performance. (3) the effect of job satisfaction on employee performance. (4) job satisfaction mediates the effect of motivation on employee performance. (5) job satisfaction mediates the effect of compensation on employee performance. This research is a type of quantitative research, with a population of all employees of Oppio Coffee Yogyakarta. The sampling technique in this study is a non-probability sampling technique where the technique used is saturated sampling (census). The number of samples in this study were 53 employees of Oppio Coffee Yogyakarta. Data collection techniques in this study using a questionnaire. The data analysis methods used in this research are validity test, reliability test, descriptive test, classical assumption test, multiple linear regression and Sobel test. Data analysis was conducted to identify the independent variables that affect the dependent variable.The results showed that (1) compensation had no positive and significant effect on employee performance. (2) Compensation has no positive and significant effect on employee job satisfaction. (3) Job satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on employee performance. (4) job satisfaction as a mediating variable of the effect of compensation on employee performance has a positive and significant effect. (5) Job satisfaction as a mediating variable the effect of work motivation on employee performance has a positive and significant effect.

Keywords : compensation, work motivation, employee performance, job satisfaction.
Analisa Kesehatan Fiskal di Provinsi Riau Periode 2019 – 2021
Authors: Mukaddas Hamsina , Saefudin Mohamad , Puspitasari Mila , Digdowiseiso Kumba
Published: March 2023

The condition of regional fiscal health is a condition for implementing regional autonomy and fiscal decentralization. This study took samples of districts/cities in Riau Province in the period 2019 - 2021 to be analyzed using the Fiscal Health Index. The results of the analysis will be able to describe the condition of the fiscal health of each Regency/City in the Riau Province area before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research method used is a quantitative descriptive study and determines all districts/cities as the unit of analysis. The measurement model used refers to the Regulation of the Minister of Home Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Number 19 of 2020 concerning Measurement of the Regional Financial Management Index, but only focuses on 3 (three) indicators from the dimensions of regional financial conditions. The three indicators are financial independence, financial flexibility, and service solvency. The results of this study can be concluded that of the 12 districts/cities in Riau Province are included in the low category, both in financial independence, financial flexibility and service solvency. This condition may affect their ability to implement decentralization and regional autonomy. Of the 12 Regencies/Cities in Riau Province that have the highest Fiscal Health Index in a row in 2019-2021 are Bengkalis and Kepaluauan Meranti Regencies, while those with the lowest Fiscal Health Index are Indragiri Hulu and Indragiri Hilir Regencies. This comparison is only in the scope of Regencies/Cities in Riau Province.

Keywords: Regional Fiscal Health, Fiscal Decentralization, Financial Independence, Financial Flexibility, Service Solvability
Upaya Pencegahan Stunting dan Potensi Tumbuh Kembang Anak
Authors: Mukhsin Abd. Mukhsin , Nasution, Dini Rahmawati , Farha Mazidatul , Mustika Mustika , Nahda Zuhra
Published: March 2023

Stunting is a developmental disorder experienced by children due to poor nutrition, repeated infections, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. Stunting is a condition in which children experience growth disorders as a result of insufficient nutritional intake for a relatively long time, causing the child's height to not match his age. Some of the factors that cause stunting are the practice of giving colostrum and exclusive breastfeeding, children's consumption patterns, and infectious diseases, access and availability of food ingredients as well as environmental sanitation and health. Stunting that has occurred if it is not balanced with catch-up growth results in decreased growth, the problem of stunting is a public health problem associated with an increased risk of illness, death and inhibition of both motor and mental growth.

 Keywords: Children, Prevention, Stunting
Upaya Peningkatan Minat Baca Murid SD 112318 Sipare-pare Tengah
Authors: Batubara Indah Wulan Sari , Hasibuan Elda Anzely , Sipahutar Mispa Herlina Wati , Sipahutar Mispa Herlina Wati , Tanjung Intan Sari , Syahputra Abdi , Munandar Arif , Panjaitan Nurul Hayati , Damayanti Nefi
Published: March 2023

Efforts to increase children's interest in reading are a shared responsibility, between librarians, teachers, parents, and the community are directly responsible for developing interest in reading. To develop interest in reading, children need to be given stimuli that encourage interest in reading students themselves. Efforts to encourage students to read as many books as possible are not effective. Forcing children to buy books is also unethical. One of the activities carried out to develop and increase interest in reading for each student is the provision of subsidized textbooks. This book is a reference for students and teachers in schools where textbooks and the learning process always try to complement the reading. Books that stimulate children's interest in reading. Increasing interest and interest in reading, especially among students, requires effective library management. The purpose of this research is to increase students' reading interest which is still very low. The location of this survey is SD Negeri 112318, Merbau Regency, Sipare-Pare Tengah. and has a learning theme for grades 3 and 5.

Keywords: Reading Interest, Librarian, Library