bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Super Tax Deduction Policy on Research and Development Activities in Indonesia
Authors: KRISTANTI Kalyana Mitta , SAPTONO Prianto Budi
Published: January 2024

The Indonesian government encourages industrial sector participation in research and development (R&D) activities. One of the government's supports in increasing private R&D is issuing a super tax deduction (STD) policy for R&D activities. However, the number of taxpayers who have received confirmation of conformity to carry out R & D still needs to be more extensive compared to the total number of taxpayers. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of applying STD to R&D activities. This study uses a qualitative method. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews and literature studies. The research results show that STD incentives are not fully effective with two-dimensional indicators. First, the suitable policy has not run optimally because the goal of providing STD incentives to increase research and development activities in Indonesia has not been achieved. Second, the right environmental dimension has yet to be effective due to the potential for multiple interpretations related to recognizing and recording R&D costs between accounting and taxes.
Analysis of Motor Vehicle Taxpayer Compliance at UPTD-PPD SAMSAT Tomohon
Authors: DIDIPU Annisa , WARONGAN Jessy , MINTALANGI Syermi
Published: January 2024

Tax is mandatory contribution of the people to the state that is coercive and cannot be directly rewarded for services. Taxes serve as a source of funds for the government to finance its expenses. Tax compliance is one of the supports that can increase local original revenue. The purpose of this study is to determine the compliance of motor vehicle taxpayers in UPTD-PPD SAMSAT Tomohon. This study used qualitative research methods. Data collection was carried out through direct field observation. The resulta showed that in fulfilling their tax obligations, taxpayers must meet the specified conditions, namely understanding the provisions of motor vehicle tax laws and regulations, filling out forms completely and clearly, calculating taxes owed correctly, paying taxes owed on time, not having tax arrears, never being convicted of committing criminal acts in the field of taxation. However, in carrying out its tax obligations, there are factors that affect taxpayer compliance including taxpayer awareness, econokic factors, bust work and service quality. To improve taxpayer compliance, the government has made various efforts including innovating and improving the administrative system, adding service advertisements and socializing programs to build public awareness.
Review of the genus Prochasma Warren (Geometridae, Ennominae, Boarmiini), with description of a new species from Hainan, South China
Authors: Liu Bo , Stüning Dieter
Published: January 2024

The few already published generic features of the genus Prochasma Warren, 1897 are reviewed and new-found characters are added to make the generic description more comprehensive. A new species, Prochasma diaoluoensis Liu & Stüning, sp. nov. is described from Hainan Province, China. It is the only Prochasma species found on this island and exceptional for its conspicuous pattern, vivid coloration and some morphological characters not observed in other species before. Descriptions and illustrations of adults, their venation, and male and female genitalia are presented. An identification key and an annotated checklist of all presently known species of Prochasma are provided. In addition, a DNA barcode sequence is given for the new species, and preliminary phylogenetic estimations of the genus Prochasma are discussed.
Best proximity points for proximal Górnicki mappings and applications to variational inequality problems
Authors: Dhivya P. , Diwakaran D. , Selvapriya P.
Published: January 2024

We introduce a large class of mappings called proximal Górnicki mappings in metric spaces, which includes Górnicki mappings, enriched Kannan mappings, enriched Chatterjea mappings, and enriched mappings. We prove the existence of the best proximity points in metric spaces and partial metric spaces. Moreover, we utilize appropriate examples to illustrate our results, and we verify the convergence behavior. As an application of our result, we prove the existence and uniqueness of a solution for the variational inequality problems. The obtained results generalize the existing results in the literature.
A surface defect detection method for steel pipe based on improved YOLO
Authors: Wang Lili , Song Chunhe , Wan Guangxi , Cui Shijie
Published: January 2024

Surface defect detection is of great significance as a tool to ensure the quality of steel pipes. The surface defects of steel pipes are charactered by insufficient texture, high similarity between different types of defects, large size differences, and high proportions of small targets, posing great challenges to defect detection algorithms. To overcome the above issues, we propose a novel steel pipe surface defect detection method based on the YOLO framework. First, for the problem of a low detection rate caused by insufficient texture and high similarity among different types of defects of steel pipes, a new backbone block is proposed. By increasing high-order spatial interaction and enhancing the capture of internal correlations of data features, different feature information for similar defects is extracted, thereby alleviating the false detection rate. Second, to enhance the detection performance for small defects, a new neck block is proposed. By fusing multiple features, the accuracy of steel pipe defect detection is improved. Third, for the problem of a low detection rate causing large size differences in steel pipe surface defects, a novel regression loss function that considers the aspect ratio and scale is proposed, and the focal loss is introduced to further solve the sample imbalance problem in steel pipe defect datasets. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the accuracy of steel pipe surface defect detection.
Review of Green Manufacturing: A Sustainable Tool to a Cleaner Environment
Authors: Noiki Ayodeji A. , Edun Bose Mosunmola , Salawu Enesi Y. , Afolalu Sunday  Adeniran
Published: January 2024

Recently, there is a significant increase in the number of people pursuing healthy living and expecting firms to adopt green manufacturing practices leading to improvement in the standard of living. The rapid deterioration of the environment has harmfully affected the socio-economic growth and development across the nations of the world. The severity of this effect is more pronounced among developing nations. The concern for a sustainable environment is thriving as one of the priorities for strategic firms, organization management, manufacturers, and product designers. The study present a critical review of the existing works of literature on green manufacturing,its evolution,definition and concept. The economic, environmental, social impacts from a global perspectives were discussed. The various challenges militating against its implementation and its possible drivers were examined. However, there are numerous opportunities and future research in the area of green manufacturing that are yet to be explored. Keywords: Green Manufacturing; Sustainable; Impact; Opportunities; Performance: Implementation
Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Academic Adjustment of First-Year Management Undergraduates of State Universities in Sri Lanka
Authors: Amarasinghe A. H. H. M. , Rathnakara K. A. K. S.
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of emotional intelligence on academic adjustment of first-year Management undergraduates of State Universities in Sri Lanka. To achieve this purpose, the researcher established three basic questions. Those are to explore the existing level of Emotional Intelligence on Academic Adjustment, relationships between Emotional Intelligence and Academic Adjustment, and the impact of Emotional Intelligence on Academic Adjustment of first-year Management undergraduates of State Universities in Sri Lanka. A structured questionnaire was used as the method of data collection and a sample of 347 first-year management undergraduates in state universities were selected using a stratified sampling method, through Morgan Table. The researcher considered three state universities in Western Province, Sri Lanka: University of Kalaniya, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and University of Colombo. Quantitative research approach was used for this study. The data were analyzed using reliability analysis, validity analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The result indicated that Appraisal and Expression of Emotions, Regulation of Emotions, and Utilization of Emotion are in high level among selected respondents. Also, results indicated that emotional intelligence has a strong positive relationship with academic adjustment among first-year undergraduates of state universities in Western Province, Sri Lanka. Further, regression results reveal that Appraisal and Expression of Emotions (0.330), Regulation of Emotions (0.117), and Utilization of Emotion (0.146) significantly impact on Academic Adjustment among first-year management undergraduates of state universities in the western province, of Sri Lanka.
Painless grey eyes
Authors: Bandara J. M. R. P.
Published: January 2024

No abstract available
Bronchoscopic bronchial brush cytology: an underutilized modality for diagnosing lung cancer in resource limited facilities: a case series of nine patients
Authors: Gupta Aditi , Anet R. Belinda
Published: January 2024

Lung cancer incidence is on the rise with increasing industrialization across the globe. Early diagnosis is the key to a better prognosis. In the current scenario, in developing countries, the majority are diagnosed late, when surgical or curable treatment is not possible, and only palliative treatment options are left. Bronchoscopy is the most widely used modality for the diagnosis of lung cancer. Perhaps, all its accessories are not widely used. Bronchial brush is an easy, cost effective, easily available, without significant complication rates, safe, feasible, with high specificity which offers early preliminary report where biopsy is not possible. It should be used along with biopsy to increase the yield and accuracy in all suspected lung cancer patients who require bronchoscopy.
Attitudes Toward Injury-Prevention Program Participation Based on Race and Collegiate Division in Female Athletes
Authors: Gabriel Emily H. , White Brandi M.
Published: January 2024

Context

Injury-prevention programs (IPPs) have been effective in reducing lower extremity injury rates, but user compliance plays a major role in their effectiveness. Race and collegiate division may affect attitudes toward participation in IPPs and compliance in female collegiate athletes.

Objective

To compare attitudes toward IPPs based on race and collegiate division.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Survey.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 118 female collegiate athletes (age = 19.71 ± 1.47 years, height = 169.46 ± 9.09 cm, mass = 69.57 ± 11.57 kg) volunteered.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Participants completed the Health Belief Model Scale and the Theory of Planned Behavior Scale (TPBS) on 1 occasion. The Health Belief Model Scale contains 9 subscales (perceived susceptibility, perceived consequences, fear of injury, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, community-led self-efficacy, individual self-efficacy, general health cues, external health cues), whereas the TPBS has 5 subscales (perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived social norms, social influence, intention to participate). The independent variables were race (White versus Black, Indigenous, and other people of color [BIPOC]) and National Collegiate Athletic Association division (I and III). Mann-Whitney U tests were used to detect differences in attitudes toward IPP participation based on race and collegiate division.

Results

White female athletes perceived fewer TPBS barriers to participation in IPPs (P = .003) and more community-led self-efficacy when compared with BIPOC female athletes (P = .009). Division I athletes perceived a greater fear of injury (P = .002) and more general health cues (P = .01) than Division III athletes.

Conclusions

For lower extremity IPPs, BIPOC and Division III female collegiate athletes may need different implementation strategies. Individuals who identify as BIPOC may benefit from interventions focusing on solutions for common barriers to participation and improving community-led self-efficacy, and Division III athletes may benefit from interventions focusing on education related to the risk of injury and general preventive health behaviors.
The predictive role of computed tomography with oral contrast in the successful management of adhesive small bowel obstruction
Authors: Khattab Mohamed , Ayad Amr , Aziz Sameh , Alaa Peter , Grace Marie N. , Saber Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Background

Adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) stands out as one of the most frequent and clinically significant complications following abdominal surgery. The present study aimed to investigate the role of computed tomography (CT) with oral contrast media in guiding treatment and predicting the success of conservative treatment in patients presenting with adhesive SBO.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective study that was conducted on adult patients who were clinically and radiologically proven to have SBO and had a history of at least one previous abdominal surgical intervention. The included patients underwent CT examination of the abdomen and pelvis with oral contrast. Patients who had the oral contrast seen reaching the right colon were admitted and completed conservative management. Surgical intervention was indicated in patients who showed failure of treatment with oral contrast.

Results

This study included 70 patients, of whom 29 (41.4%) had contrast in the right colon during CT examination after the first oral contrast administration. The remaining patients (n=41, 58.6%) indicated a second oral contrast CT study after 24 h. Sixteen (22.9%) patients had nonresolving obstructions and underwent surgical intervention. Overall, 52 (74.3%) patients were successfully treated with oral contrast studies, with no subsequent morbidity. Significant predictors for surgical intervention were a history of more than one previous surgical intervention (OR=6.08, CI: 1.75–21.14, P=0.005) and nonpassage of contrast to the right colon in the CT study (OR=0.099, CI: 0.029–0.341, P<0.001).

Conclusion

This study highlights the clinical relevance of CT with oral contrast studies in guiding management. A history of multiple previous surgeries and nonpassage of the oral contrast to the right colon emerged as a significant predictor for surgical intervention.
Incidence of COVID-19 in general surgery emergency and complications associated in different types of management
Authors: Elhawary Ramy Y. , Nashed George A.F. , Milad Nader M. , Mekkawy Mohammed , Ghobashy Ahmed M.
Published: January 2024

Background

COVID-19 disease causes complications that are classified according to likelihood to high such as venous thromboembolism, acute kidney injury, and postintensive care syndrome. Other complications are low in likelihood such as cytokine release syndrome, pancreatic injury, gastrointestinal complications, and pregnancy-related complications. Mortality and morbidity are really high when it is combined with surgical intervention especially under general anesthesia.

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence of COVID-19 in general surgery emergency and complications associated in different types of management.

Patient and method

This is a retrospective study from June 2020 to January 2021 including all COVID-19 positive cases admitted in general surgery department during previously mentioned period. Before September 2020, screening for COVID was based on swab for only clinically suspected COVID-positive patients. Starting from September 2020, routine swab to all admitted patients was done. All data collected about included cases in study underwent statistical analysis to get results.

Results

In this study, incidence of COVID-19 is 1.35%, mortality incidence is 26.4% (about 92.9% of mortality cases underwent surgery) and morbidity incidence is 30.2%. About 74% (73.6%) of positive cases improved and discharged. Management of cases is according to guidelines of management to each disease and decision of ER consultant. About 77.4% of cases are managed surgically; about 70.7% of cases operated upon underwent exploration. However, 60.4% of cases are admitted with sepsis and septic shock. Asymptomatic cases for COVID during admission are 26.4%.

Conclusion

Incidence of COVID-19 in acute general surgery emergency in Kasr Al-Ainy is not that high. However, cases operated upon in the era of COVID are associated with high incidence of mortality. Cases are presented to our institute late, which might be an effect of lock down.
Pleurectomy versus pleural abrasion in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Salaheldin Abugabal Abdelfatah E.M. , ElDewer Mostafa A. , Mostafa Ahmed , El Nori Ahmed
Published: January 2024

Background

A prevalent clinical issue that can affect people of any age is pneumothorax. Depending on the degree of cardiorespiratory impairment, the severity of the symptoms, and the size of the pneumothorax, the course of treatment might range from conservative to surgical. In this study, we examined the risks of pneumothorax recurrence in individuals with spontaneous pneumothorax using the pleural abrasion and pleurectomy procedures.

Patients and methods

We did a randomized controlled trial involving 80 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax. Patients were randomly allocated to undergo video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery bullectomy with mechanical pleurodesis; pleural abrasion, or pleurectomy. We compared the incidence of recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax as a primary outcome, postoperative drainage amount, hospital stay, and mortality as our secondary outcome in both groups. This trial is listed on ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT05407974.

Results

There were two cases of recurrence of pneumothorax in the pleurectomy group and no recurrence in the pleural abrasion group with P value of 0.152. The drainage amount was higher in the pleurectomy group with mean 230.00±75.79 ml than the abrasion group with mean 192.50±65.58 ml (P=0.020). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups as regards hospital stay (P=0.556), there were no cases with hospital mortality in both groups.

Conclusion

Mechanical pleurodesis performed with bullectomy as a technique to reduce the recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax has proven its efficiency in our study. Despite pleurectomy group showed increase in the drainage amount postoperatively compared with pleural abrasion. There was no difference in the recurrence rates, hospital stay, and in hospital mortality in both groups. Our conclusion does support the adoption of mechanical pleurodesis in patients undergoing bullectomy for spontaneous pneumothorax whether by pleurectomy or pleural abrasion.
Leptin as a predictive marker for lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Abdelrahim Hossam S. , Mohamed Mohamed A. , Elshafei Mahmoud A. , Farahat Mahmoud S. , Goda Mohammed H.
Published: January 2024

Background

Leptin is a neuroendocrine hormone produced from adipose tissue with many vital functions. There is a well-known association between leptin and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Preoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis is one of the interesting topics in PTC. This study aimed to determine whether the serum leptin peptide is a significant predictor marker for node metastasis in cases with PTC.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective comparative study which was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals and El-Sheikh Zayed specialized hospital between January 2021 and January 2023. Forty patients with PTC were enrolled in this study and according to postoperative histopathology, we divided them into two groups: group A, 24 cases, those with pathological negative node and group B, 16 cases, those with pathological positive node.

Results

We had no statistically significant difference in the preoperative demographics data between both groups. Postoperatively, the median serum leptin level and percentage of leptin decrease were significantly higher in in group B. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative serum leptin level, thyroid imaging reporting and data system, multifocality, extra thyroid extension, and size of dominant nodule were significant predictors for node metastasis. There was a significant negative correlation between leptin level and age, while there was a significant positive correlation between leptin level and lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion

Preoperative serum leptin level is considered a significant predictor marker for lymph node metastasis in PTC.
Laparoscopic value in the management of acute abdomen during pregnancy
Authors: Ahmed Emad A. , Helmy Mena Z. , Taha Ahmed A.-R. A. , Saleem Abd-El-Aal A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Acute abdominal pain during pregnancy represents a challenging pathology in diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the value of laparoscopy in managing pregnant patients presented with acute abdomen.

Materials and methods

From June 2022 to June 2023, 45 pregnant females presented with acute abdominal pain were prospectively analyzed. These patients were treated laparoscopically, aiming for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Intra- and Postoperative evaluations for the laparoscopic value were assessed for all possible complications early, during the hospital stay and until the first postoperative 30 days.

Results

Inflammation 82.2%, including acute appendicitis 89.7%, and cholecystitis 10.3%, were found to be the most common causes of acute abdomen. No intraoperative or postoperative morbidity, including infection, sepsis, or wound dehiscence, was reported until the first 30 days. Similarly, no postoperative mortality was detected. Moreover, no cases had abortions during their conception time.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic value exceeds the treatment advantages but has a significant role in diagnosing the etiologies of acute abdomen during pregnancy. Laparoscopy could successfully treat different pathologies during pregnancy. No restriction for the time of conception regarding the use of laparoscopy was reported. Further comparative studies regarding laparoscopic use during pregnancy should be conducted.
Outcome of dufourmentel flap versus conventional rhomboid (Limberg flap) in the treatment of complex pilonidal sinus: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Abdelrahman Emad M. , Kilany Elsayed O. , Shoulah Ahmed A. , Ghazy Amal H. , Elgazzar Sherif A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Management of pilonidal disease lacks a single optimal treatment strategy, and recurrence is a problem for both the patient and the surgeon. Various flap-based treatment approaches are available for the treatment of such problems. This study aims to compare the outcome of dufourmentel flap versus conventional rhomboid in complex pilonidal diseases.

Patients and methods

The present randomized controlled study included 64 patients with complex pilonidal sinus, who were randomly divided into two groups: group A (n=32) patients underwent a dufourmentel flap while group B (n=32) patients underwent conventional rhomboid (Limberg flap). Follow-up was planned for early postoperative complications and recurrence as well as the aesthetic outcome.

Results

The mean age was 25.3±7.4 and 25.8±5.8.years in groups A and B, respectively. There was a statistically significant longer flap in group A when compared with group B (P=0.04). The mean operative time was 39.3±4.8 and 43±4.4 in groups A and B, respectively. Postoperative follow-up revealed a higher rate of complications in group B than in group A with a statistically significant difference in postoperative infection/discharge, hematoma, seroma, and partial flap loss.

Conclusion

Due to its adaptability, repeatability, clear, and predictable closure of the defect, and low recurrence rate, the authors suggest the dufourmentel flap as a suitable approach in the treatment of difficult and recurrent cases.
Outcomes of continous versus interrupted suturing techniques for biliary-enteric anastomosis after choledochal cyst excision in children
Authors: Sabra Tarek Abdelazeem , Abdelmohsen Sarah Magdy , Maher Ahmed , Abdelgawaad Moamen Shalkamy , Mohamed Abdelhalem Showkat , Mohammed Haitham Mohammed Ahmad , Badawy Amr
Published: January 2024

Background

In this study, the biliary-enteric anastomosis following choledochal cyst excision was studied using continuous suture and interrupted suture procedures in a pediatric population.

Patients and methods

In this study, information on 57 children who received continuous suture choledochal cyst surgery at our facility between 2015 and 2020 was gathered retrospectively. The patients that were enrolled were divided into two groups: continuous suture (n=24) and interrupted suture (n=33).

Anastomotic leakage, anastomotic duration in minutes, hospital stay in days, and cost were all compared between these groups.

Results

The incidence of anastomotic leakage was higher in the interrupted suture group (4.17 vs. 6.6% for continuous suture and interrupted suture, respectively), but the difference was statistically insignificant (P=0.63). The groups did not differ regarding hospital stays (P=0.25). The mean time required to complete the anastomosis in the continuous suture group was 15.3±4.1 min, compared with 23.5±5.2 min in the interrupted suture group (P<0.0001). The costs were &z.euro;5±0.0 in the continuous suture group and &z.euro;30±6.4 in the interrupted suture group (P<0.0001).

Conclusion

The anastomotic leakage and hospital stay did not differ between the continuous suture and interrupted suture groups. In contrast, the continuous suture group had a considerable advantage over the interrupted suture group in terms of anastomotic duration and cost.
Efficacy of local metronidazole with glyceryl trinitrate versus topical glyceryl trinitrate alone in the treatment of acute anal fissure: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Elgendy Hesham M. , AbdelMawla Ahmed , Hussein Ahmed F.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Anal fissure is one of the most common diseases of the anorectal region that is frequently encountered in surgical practice, equally affects both women and men. Acute anal fissures last shorter than 6 weeks. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons favors conservative management of anal fissure as the first line of treatment. A rectal ointment containing 0.2% glyceryl triturate (GTN) can be recommended to promote the healing of anal fissures and decreasing sphincter spasm. Metronidazole is a 5-nitroimidazole derivative antibiotic with a cytotoxic bactericidal effect particularly on anaerobic bacteria.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether local metronidazole antibiotic cream is effective and safe to use in reducing the symptoms and improving the healing process of acute anal fissure.

Patients and methods

This study was performed in Mansoura University Hospital, surgery outpatient clinic from the period of July 2022 till July 2023. This study was a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Total 100 patients were included in this study and randomly divided into two groups, 50 patients in each group. First group (group 1) treated by combination of local metronidazole 10% with 0.2% GTN while the second group treated only with GTN.

Results

Anal pain were present in both group in all patients with acute anal fissure while constipation were 88% in group 1 and 76% group 2. To lesser extent itching, bleeding, and diarrhea were presented in both group.

Visual analog scale for pain intensity were equal in both groups at the time of first clinical examination. After 1 week and 1 month of treatment there were statistically significant difference between both groups thus the visual analog scale were lower in group 1 than group 2 (0.001 and <0.001, respectively).

Healing of acute anal fissure was assessed clinically at variable interval for all patients there is statistically significant difference between both group (0.004) as regard healing, first group showed earlier and faster healing and fewer number of nonhealing of the fissure at the end of follow up.

Conclusion

Adding local metronidazole 10% to the classic GTN treatment will improve the symptoms of acute anal fissure specially pain and discomfort and markedly accelerate healing process.
Comparison of Solar P&O and FLC-based MPPT Controllers & Analysis under Dynamic Conditions
Authors: Pavithra C , S Vidhyareni , M Vijayadharshini , K B Shree Akshaya , N Varsha
Published: January 2024

Increase in electricity generation is caused due to population increase, which leads to the depletion of fossil fuels, and increased pollution. This leads to focusing on alternate renewable energy, mainly solar photovoltaic generation, due to the abundant availability. The maximum power generated by a PV module depends on the temperature and irradiance because the P-V and V-I natures are non-linear. Various DC-DC boost converters are used along with the MPPT techniques because the conversion efficiency of the PV system is low [1][2]. In this paper, comparative analysis between Perturb and Observe (P&O) and Fuzzy Logic-based Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) systems along with modified SEPIC are done using MATLAB/ SIMULINK software. Simulations are done at different irradiations to observe its tracking speed towards MPP. From the obtained output (simulation), it is observed that the Fuzzy Logic Converter (FLC)-based MPPT controllers have good dynamic performance, reduced oscillation, high tracking speed, maximum power, etc...[3].
Quotients of the curve complex
Authors: Maher Joseph , Masai Hidetoshi , Schleimer Saul
Published: January 2024

We consider three kinds of quotients of the curve complex, which are obtained by coning off uniformly quasiconvex subspaces: symmetric curve sets, non-maximal train track sets, and compression body disc sets. We show that the actions of the mapping class group on those quotients are strongly weakly properly discontinuously (WPD), which implies that the actions are non-elementary and those quotients are of infinite diameter.
Решение дробного уравнения Лиувилля в статистической механике с использованием производных Римана-Лиувилля и Капуто
Authors: Korichi Zineb , Souigat Abdelkader , Bekhouche Randa , Meftah Mohammed Tayeb
Published: January 2024

C использованием производных Римана-Лиувилля и Капуто получены решения дробного уравнения Лиувилля для систем, гамильтонианы которых содержат производные нецелых порядков по своим переменным. Путем решения дробного уравнения Лиувилля вычислена функция плотности вероятности классического идеального газа. Если использовать дробные производные в смысле Римана-Лиувилля, то обнаруживается, что функция плотности зависит как от импульса $p$, так и от координаты $q$. Если использовать производную в смысле Капуто, то функция плотности не зависит от ($p,q$) и является константой. Также проведено аналогичное исследование модели газа, состоящего из $N$ дробных осцилляторов в одномерном пространстве, и получено, что функция плотности зависит от способа задания дробной производной.
First Molecular Identification of Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia africae in Ticks from Ghana
Authors: Tagoe Janice A. , Addo Seth O. , Mosore Mba-tihssommah , Bentil Ronald E. , Agbodzi Bright , Behene Eric , Ladzekpo Danielle , Addae Charlotte A. , Nimo-Painstil Shirley , Fox Anne T. , Bimi Langbong , Dafeamekpor Courage , Richards Allen L. , Letizia Andrew G. , Diclaro Joseph W. , Dadzie Samuel K.
Published: January 2024

The threats from vector-borne pathogens transmitted by ticks place people (including deployed troops) at increased risk for infection, frequently contributing to undifferentiated febrile illness syndromes. Wild and domesticated animals are critical to the transmission cycle of many tick-borne diseases. Livestock can be infected by ticks, and serve as hosts to tick-borne diseases such as rickettsiosis. Thus, it is necessary to identify the tick species and determine their potential to transmit pathogens. A total of 1,493 adult ticks from three genera—Amblyomma, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus—were identified using available morphological keys and were pooled (n = 541) by sex and species. Rickettsia species were detected in 308 of 541 (56.9%) pools by genus-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay (Rick17b). Furthermore, sequencing of the outer membrane protein A and B genes (ompA and ompB) of random samples of Rickettsia-positive samples led to the identification of Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia africae with most R. africae DNA (80.2%) detected in pools of Amblyomma variegatum. We report the first molecular detection and identification of the rickettsial pathogens R. africae and R. aeschlimannii in ticks from Ghana. Our findings suggest there is a need to use control measures to prevent infections from occurring among human populations in endemic areas in Ghana. This study underscores the importance of determining which vector-borne pathogens are in circulation in Ghana. Further clinical and prevalence studies are needed to understand more comprehensively the clinical impact of these rickettsial pathogens contributing to human disease and morbidity in Ghana.
Clinical Laboratory Investigations and Antivenom Administration after Malayan Pit Viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma) Envenoming: A Retrospective Study from Southernmost Thailand
Authors: Chesor Musleeha , Chaisakul Janeyuth , Promsorn Panuwat , Chantkran Wittawat
Published: January 2024

The Malayan pit viper (MPV: Calloselasma rhodostoma) is a medically important venomous snake causing numerous envenomations in Thailand. Administration of specific snake antivenom is the only effective treatment for MPV-envenomed patients. However, inappropriate administration or misuse of snake antivenom is problematic in some remote areas of tropical countries where the snakebite envenoming rate is notable. Currently, the indications for administration of MPV antivenom are focused mainly on hematological factors. These include 1) venous clotting time > 20 min, 2) unclotted 20-minute whole-blood clotting time, 3) international normalized ratio > 1.2, 4) platelet count < 50 × 103/μL, 5) systemic bleeding, and 6) impending compartment syndrome. We aimed to determine the association between laboratory data and antivenom administration in MPV-envenomed patients. A retrospective study of data from 2016 to 2021 in Narathiwat Province, the southernmost province in Thailand, was conducted. A total of 838 MPV-bitten patients were included in this study. Local effects and systemic effects were observed in 58.8% and 27.7% of patients, respectively. Coagulopathies, which range from abnormal blood clotting to systemic bleeding, represented the majority of systemic effects. Acute kidney injury developed in 2.5% of patients. In this study, 57.3% of patients were considered appropriate antivenom recipients. Interestingly, the present study revealed that local bleeding and mild to moderate thrombocytopenia became the independent factors for inappropriate use of MPV antivenom. Reeducation and supervision regarding the rational use of snake antivenom are needed to minimize the misuse of antivenom.
Breast Carcinoma: Correlation of Molecular Subtypes with Histopathologic Characteristics
Authors:   Department of Pathology, Ramaiah medical college and hospitals, MSRIT Post, MSR Nagar, Bangalore, 560054, Karnataka, India,, Devadass Clement Wilfred , Royal Angel Beula , Saxena Prachi , Devraj Darshitha , Gouri Mangala
Published: January 2024

Context: Breast carcinoma is a heterogenous disease and similar histological subtypes may exhibit different behavior and treatment response. The molecular classification may provide better prognostic, predictive and therapeutic information than histological classification. The study aimed at evaluating the distribution of molecular subtypes of breast cancer and its association with prognostic factors. Method: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on breast cancer cases, over a period of 2 years, at M.S. Ramaiah Medical College and Hospitals, Bengaluru. The resection specimens were evaluated for histopathological features. Immunohistochemical analysis for ER, PR, Her2neu and Ki-67 expression was performed to identify molecular subtypes. Correlation of molecular subtypes with histopathological prognostic factors was done by Chi- square test or Fischer’s exact test. Results: A total of 85 cases were evaluated and classified into Luminal A (50.6%), Basal like (27%), Luminal B (11.8%) and HER-2 enriched (10.6%) molecular subtypes. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the commonest histologic type across all the molecular subtypes. Majority of low-grade tumors were Luminal A and most of high-grade tumors were Basal like (p= 0.004). HER-2 enriched and Basal like tumors were relatively more frequent in ≤ 50 years of age and Luminal A tumors exhibited less frequent lymph node metastasis. However, these associations fell short of statistical significance. Conclusion: Luminal A tumors are the most common molecular subtype. Statistically significant correlation exists between histologic grade and molecular subtype. There is no significant correlation between molecular subtype and age, tumor size, nodal metastasis, pathological T stage and TNM stage. Keywords: Basal like, Breast carcinoma, HER2­Enriched, Luminal A, Luminal­ B, Molecular subtypes
The Effect of a Strategy Based on the Generative Learning Model in Developing Social Problem Solving in the Subject of National and Civic Education for Basic Tenth Grade Students
Authors: Sirbil Taghreed Yousef Ahmad , Talafha Hamed Abdullah
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a strategy based on the generative education model in developing social problems solving in the subject of national and civic education among tenth grade students. The study followed the quasi-experimental methodology, and its members consisted of (148) male and female students from the basic tenth grade, with (76) students in Zaid bin Haritha school who were divided into two equally experimental and control groups, and (72) female students in Al-Qadisiyah school for girls were distributed into two groups, experimental and control group equally. To achieve the objectives of the study, a development test for social problems solving was prepared, which consisted of (25) multiple-choice items. The results showed that there was a statistically significant effect at the significance level (α = 0.05) on the experimental group that was studied using the generative education model for tenth graders of both sexes compared to the usual method. The study recommended the need to prepare an application guide for teachers of national and civic education for the tenth grade, in which it is clarified how to prepare and implement lessons using the generative learning model.
The Practicing Degree of High Schools’ Principals in the North District within the Green Line of Servant Leadership and its Relation to Teachers’ Organizational Commitment
Authors: Khaldi Ahmad Ali , Ashour Mohammad Ali , Al-Momani Mohammad Ahmad
Published: January 2024

The study aimed to identify the relationship between the degree of practice of secondary school principals in The North district within The Green Line of servant leadership and the level of organizational commitment among teachers at those schools. The descriptive correlational methodology was used, and the questionnaire was a tool for the study. The study sample consisted of (305) teachers who were chosen using the simple random method. The results showed that the degree of servant leadership practice was high, and the level of organizational commitment was high, and the existence of a statistically significant correlation at the significance level (α=0.05) between the degree of servant leadership practice and the level of organizational commitment. The study recommended encouraging school principals to practice servant leadership, and to maintain a high level of emotional, continuity and organizational commitment among teachers.
Administrative Style among Primary School Principals within the Green Line and its Relationship to Teachers' Participation in Administrative Decision-Making Process
Authors: Masarwah Hazar Ghaleb , Ashour Mohammad Ali , Al-Omari Khaled Mohammad
Published: January 2024

The current study aimed to identify the administrative style practiced by primary school principals within the green line and its relationship to teachers' participation in decision-making process from the teachers' point of view. The study used the descriptive correlational survey methodology, through utilizing two questionnaires for data collection, first, a questionnaire to identify the leadership style, which consisted of (30) items distributed equally into the autocratic style, the democratic style, and the laissez-faire style, second, a questionnaire measuring the level of teachers’ participation in the decision-making process, which consisted of (25) items, distributed into the two fields: Decisions related to educational aspects (15 items), and decisions related to administrative aspects (10 items), as they were applied to a simple random sample consisted of (380) teachers.The results showed that the three leadership styles (autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire) came with a medium degree of practice, and that the level of teachers' participation in decision-making was medium. The results also showed the existence of a positive statistically significant correlation between the practice of the democratic and laissez-faire styles and the participation of teachers in decision-making, and the absence of a statistically significant relationship between the practice of the autocratic style and the participation of teachers in decision-making.
The Predictive Ability of Communicative Competence of Peer Acceptance among the Twelfth-grade Students in the State of Kuwait
Authors: Alhabashi Reem Abdulmohsen , Mattar Jehan Wadiea
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to identify the level of communicative competence and peer acceptance, and the relationship between the communicative competence and peer acceptance, and whether there were differences in the relationship between the variables attributed to sex between the twelfth-grade students amounted to (25215) students for the academic year 2020/2021.  The sample of the study consisted of (608) males and female's students. They were selected through the convenience sampling method. The correlational descriptive methodology was applied in this study. Two tools were also used commensurate with the study and its objectives. Tools were the communicative competence and peer acceptance scale. Results showed that the level of communicative competence was high with a mean of (3.83), and the level of peer acceptance was also high with a mean of (4.18), Results also showed that there was a statistically significance positive relationship at the significance level (0.05) between communicative competence and peer acceptance, where the value of correlation coefficient was (0.61). The results also showed that the communicative competence has explained (37%) of the variation in peer acceptance as predicted by peer acceptance, and there were statistically significant differences at the level of (0.05) in the relationship between the communicative competence and peer acceptance in favor of males.
Teaching Quality and its Relationship with Achievement Motivation of Tenth Grade Students in Kuwait State
Authors: Mubarak Maryam Mubarak J. , Mattar Jehan Wadiea
Published: January 2024

The current study aimed to identify the level of teaching quality and the achievement motivation among tenth grade students in Kuwait and the relationship between them. The sample was formed of (956) students, containing (395) male students and (561) female students of the secondary school’ tenth grade in Kuwait. Their ages range from (15-16) years old. Two tools were used: the three-dimensional teaching quality scale (Classroom Management, Cognitive Activation, Support), and achievement motivation scale. The results indicated that both teaching quality and achievement motivation had high levels. The results also indicated that there was a statistically significant positive correlation at level of significance (0.05) between the total score of teaching quality and achievement motivation amounted to (0.444). Moreover, the results concluded that there were no statistically significant differences at the significance level (0.05) in the relationship between teaching quality and achievement motivation attributed to the variable of gender.

Finally, this study recommended that further studies concerning teaching quality and achievement motivation should be conducted on various age groups.
Negative Self-Criticism and Refusal to Communicate and their Relationship to Irrational thoughts among Gifted Students at King Abdullah II Schools of Excellence
Authors: Al Smadi Intisar Mohammed Ali , Algaralleh Abdulnaser Musa
Published: January 2024

The present study aimed to verify the existence of a correlational relationship to negative self-criticism and refusal to communicate with irrational thoughts among gifted students in King Abdullah II Schools of Excellence. To achieve the objectives of the study, the negative Self-Criticism Scale by (Gilbert, Clark, Hempel, Miles, & Irons, 2004) was translated, And the translation of refusal to communicate scale through: (Nafees, &Juhan, 2018; Huff, S., Anderson, Adamsons, & Tambling, 2017), and the translation of the scale of irrational thoughts (Gavita, & Duta, 2013). The psychometric properties of the validity, reliability and applying the scales on a sample of students in King Abdullah II Schools of Excellence. The sample consisted of (247) students. The results of the study concluded that there was a moderate level of negative self-criticism, refusal to communicate and irrational thoughts among gifted students, and that there was a positive correlation between negative self-criticism and refusal to communicate Irrational thoughts.
The Role of Cultural Intelligence as a Mediating Variable in the Relationship between Psychological Adjustment and Academic Adaptation among the Students of Mu'tah University
Authors: Al-Botoush Haneen Mohammad , Al-Saraireh Raji Awadh
Published: January 2024

This study aimed at identifying the level of psychological adjustment, academic adaptation and cultural intelligence among the students of Mu'tah university, identifying the impact of the variables of (gender, faculty) on the cultural intelligence, psychological adjustment and academic adaptation, as well as identifying the role of cultural intelligence as a mediating variable in the relationship between psychological adjustment and academic adaptation among the students of Mu'tah university. In order to achieve the study objectives, three scales were used: the scale of cultural intelligence, the scale of psychological adjustment and the scale of academic adaptation; their validity and reliability were verified. The study sample consisted of (295) male and female students. The results revealed that the level of cultural intelligence, psychological adjustment and academic adaptation was medium. The results revealed that there was a relationship for cultural intelligence as a mediating variable between psychological adjustment and academic adjustment. The results showed that both psychological adjustment and cultural intelligence accounted for (32%) of academic adjustment. The results also revealed that there was no statistically significant impact for the variables of (gender, faculty) on the level of cultural intelligence, psychological adjustment and academic adaptation among the students of Mu'tah university.