bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Embedding storytelling in practice through CAKE – a recipe for team wellbeing and effectiveness
Authors:   Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland, Dickson Caroline , MacDonald Kath ,   Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland
Published: May 2023

Background: CAKE, an interactive resource to promote individual and team wellbeing and effectiveness through storytelling was co-designed with community nurses in 2020. In Phase 1 of this project, CAKE comprised seven slices that guided teams through a process of connecting, storytelling, reflecting and action planning to promote wellbeing. It was developed in response to an increasing awareness of psychological harm experienced by nurses and other healthcare professionals. Levels of stress in the workplace are currently contributing to problems with recruitment and retention, and a lack of resources have impacted on practitioners’ wellbeing, and their ability to be compassionate caregivers and to contribute to healthful teams. Aim: Phase 2 of the project sought to: 1) develop facilitators of CAKE; 2) pilot test the prototype CAKE resource in a range of contexts; and 3) create a digital version of CAKE. Methods: An evaluation approach to pilot testing, using multiple methods of data collection, involved 130 health and social care practitioners at 17 sites across the UK. Eight facilitator support sessions, underpinned by the Critical Ally model were offered and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: The findings revealed two overarching themes: facilitating CAKE and experiencing CAKE. In the former, three themes emerged: preparing for CAKE, trying CAKE and embedding CAKE. The latter had two themes: giving it a go and culture change. Following the study, the number of CAKE slices was increased from seven to eight by separating reflection and action planning, and minor amendments were made around spelling and grammar. Conclusion: We propose CAKE as a novel resource to promote individual and team wellbeing and effectiveness in health and social care teams. CAKE users acknowledge the challenges in creating space to use the resource, but when it is implemented teams embed practices that create healthful teams. As facilitators use CAKE, they develop their facilitation skills but they require preparation and support. Implications for practice: Taking time out to use CAKE can improve individual and team wellbeing and effectiveness Using CAKE supports the growth of gentle facilitation practices within teams CAKE has the potential to develop teams in which collective leadership is the norm Successful implementation of CAKE is dependent on support from managers and a culture that prioritises wellbeing
The application of a person-centred approach to process improvement in ophthalmology services in the North East of the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Teeling Seán Paul , Keow Anne-Marie , Cunningham Úna , Keegan David
Published: May 2023

Background: Ophthalmology in the Republic of Ireland has one of the longest waiting lists in healthcare, with around 44,000 people awaiting a first outpatient appointment. In the north-east region, 12,500 people are waiting. The North-Eastern Region Integrated Eye Care Service (NERIECS) was established in 2021 to improve patient care and access to services. A key driver for the team was to understand ‘how we work together’ to enable a shared vision of change within regional services. Aim: To support hospital and community ophthalmology services, which comprise eight organisations in the region, to prepare for the development of system-level integration of eyecare services. Methods: We integrated a popular process-improvement methodology, Lean Six Sigma, with a person-centred approach to support staff to develop a shared vision of change and to deliver improvements for ophthalmology services. Findings: The integrated approach enabled staff to work in ways that supported the development of good quality, person-centred care that takes account of the outcomes for and experiences of ophthalmology patients and their families, and of staff. Conclusions: Our work builds on a recent study that identified coherence in the underlying philosophy, intention, method and outcomes of Lean Six Sigma and person-centred approaches to healthcare improvement, highlighting the added value of an integrated approach in enabling improvement that positively impacts patient outcomes and healthcare culture. Implications for practice: The application of an integrated approach to process improvement in healthcare is shown to be effective beyond a single study site, having a positive impact across geographic and organisational boundaries, and across levels of care (primary, secondary, tertiary and post-acute) The integrated approach puts the focus on synergies between both methodological approaches and avoids improvement work being reduced to the use of a decontextualised toolkit
A case study evaluation of the legacy practitioner role: implications for system and workforce transformation
Authors:   University of East Anglia, Norwich, Hardy Sally
Published: May 2023

Background: The World Health Organisation’s Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health: Workforce 2030 sets out how vital the healthcare workforce is to the resilience of communities and health systems. Nurses are the largest professional group in that workforce and therefore support for nurses’ practice roles and wellbeing is pivotal to sustaining the global health economy. Nurses with extensive experience can contribute significantly in this respect, and the notion of the legacy practitioner role arose in response to the need to retain the expertise of long-serving nurses. Aim: The aim of the pilot project evaluation was to gather impact evidence of a newly introduced legacy practitioner role, as a workforce planning strategy for retaining the expertise of professionals considering or close to retirement. Design: A mixed-methods case study evaluation was used to capture stakeholder-driven process and outcome data. Emphasis was placed on interacting with project participants and stakeholders with a view to understanding human interconnectedness in the context of sustainable learning and quality-driven improvements at system level. Data analysis used first-order thematic analysis to capture process indicators, followed by a second-order impact framework analysis of workforce and system-level transformation to capture potential sustainable outcome indicators. Conclusion: Evidence identified six core aspects of the legacy role, with one outcome indicator related to reducing attrition in the workplace. Two overarching themes – enhancing practice skills and knowledge exchange – considered the impact of the role, not only with existing healthcare staff but in ‘feeding forward’ practice expertise to the potential future workforce. Implications for practice: Evidence suggests the legacy role can enable knowledge and skill enhancement, and help stressed or anxious staff and learners overcome thoughts and intentions to leave The role provides clinically credible, practice-driven expertise, helping create the conditions for safe and effective person-centred practice Legacy roles can inspire a professional expertise, based on values of compassion and respect that are spread and sustained among new staff External stakeholders who engage with legacy practitioners can also experience positive outcomes
PhD trials and parenthood tribulations: adopting a person-centred approach to support the ticking of two clocks
Authors:   Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland, Kelly Alison
Published: May 2023

Women who are trying to carry out doctoral studies and build a career may find this time overlaps with their biologically optimal reproductive years. The assumption that this should oblige women to prioritise one or the other needs to be challenged and a person-centred approach adopted for students wishing to start a family during their PhD studies. Challenging this binaristic premise and taking person-centred approaches to support doctoral student mothers can help to encourage further women of childbearing age to undertake doctoral research training. Person-centredness is defined by McCormack and McCance (2017, p 3) as: ‘…an approach to practice established through the formation and fostering of healthful relationships between all care providers, service users and others significant to them in their lives. It is underpinned by values of respect for persons, individual right to self-determination, mutual respect and understanding. It is enabled by practice development.’ Research has shown that the ability of women to balance work and family responsibilities is a significant determinant of their ability to advance academically (Thanacoody et al., 2009). Studies have also demonstrated that women take longer than men to complete doctoral programmes and experience a lower publication rate compared with men as a result of family obligations (Velander et al., 2021). Equally, it has been shown that starting a family during academic studies can negatively affect women’s careers but not men’s (Acker and Webber, 2017). Combining motherhood and academic work within higher education has long been discussed and these discrepancies are significant when it comes to women developing research careers. So we need to ask, how can we adopt person-centred approaches to support doctoral student mothers in completing their PhD research and its associated publications as well as successfully navigating motherhood?
Person-centred care in Australian aged care
Authors:   Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Elise Brianna
Published: May 2023

This paper is derived from research I undertook as a part of my honours degree in nursing. My research produced a thesis that examined person-centred care in Australian residential aged-care settings. The idea for this came from my 15 years’ experience as an aged-care nurse and questions arising from my lived experience of person-centred care not being a reality for residents, families and staff despite being widely espoused in the aged-care sector. The sector in Australia is undergoing a system redesign, with proposals for a new Aged Care Act put forward this year by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (RCACQS, 2021) after a review of the aged-care system between 2018 and 2021. The review looked into the prevalence of elder abuse and estimated that almost 40% of residents may have experienced emotional, physical or neglectful abuse (RCACQS, 2020a). Person-centred care could be an important concept to establish in Australian residential aged care in order to tackle the experience of abuse and embed high-quality, safe services.
Into a place where thoughts can bloom: a reflection on how raising awareness of our multiple intelligences can support learning and growth
Authors:   Foundation of Nursing Studies, London, Cook Grace
Published: May 2023

A prerequisite of the Person-centred Practice Framework is ‘knowing self’ (McCance and McCormack, 2021). ‘Knowing self’ includes being aware of our own values and beliefs, and is essential for authentic facilitation. Active learning supports the development of this awareness as it can enable a deeper understanding of our perceptions, emotions, values and beliefs (Dewing and Lynch, 2021). According to those authors, the methodology of active learning has six principles, one of which is: ‘In-depth drawing on the primary senses (including seeing, noticing and observing), and multiple social intelligences’ (2021, p 270). I first became aware of the concept of multiple intelligences a year ago and this article will focus first on what multiple intelligences are and why they are useful to consider. Following this, I will share how I am discovering which of the intelligences I favour and how I can use them to develop knowledge. Finally, I will consider what changes I have made so far.
ERGENLERDE ETNİK GRUP VE BOŞ ZAMAN AKTİVİTESİ
Authors: ÖZEKES Mustafa
Published: May 2023

Bu araştırmada iki farklı Avrupa ülkesinde yaşayan, aynı etnik gruba ait ergenlerin diğer etnik gruplardan boş zaman aktivitelerine katılım düzeyleri açısından farklılaşıp farklılaşmadığı araştırılmıştır. Bu amaçla 14-24 yaşları arasında Almanyada yaşayan 88 Alman, Almanyada yaşayan 75 Türk, kosovada yaşayan 268 Türk ve 203 Arnavut olmak üzere 634 ergen denek olarak kullanılmıştır. Özekes ( 2011 ) tarafından geliştirilen boş zaman aktivite ölçeğinin kullanıldığı bu çalışmada ölçek Almanca ve Arnavutça’ya tercüme edilmiştir. Veri toplama sırasında ölçek almanlara Almanca , Arnavutlara Arnavutça, Türklere Türkçe olarak uygulanmıştır. Boş zaman aktivite ölçeği deneklere yaşadıkları ülkelerde farklı sosyal ortamlarda veya okullarında araştırmaya katılmaya gönüllü bireyler arasından seçkisiz olarak seçilerek uygulanmıştır. Yapılan tek yönlü ANOVA analizi sonuçları araştırmaya katılan etnik gruplar arasında boş zaman aktivite ölçeğinin tüm alt alanlarında anlamlı farklılıklar olduğunu göstermiştir. Bulunan bu anlamlı farkların hangi gruplardan kaynaklandığını belirlemek için posthock analizlerinde sanatsal, sosyal, fiziksel boş zaman aktivite alt ölçekleri için Dunnet testi; entelektüel, pratik ve özbakım alt ölçekleri için LSD çoklu karşılaştırma testleri yapılmıştır. Yapılan çoklu karşılaştırma testleri sonucunda Alman ergenlerin, Türk ergenlerden tüm boş zaman etkinliklerinde anlamlı düzeyde farklılaştığı bulunmuştur. Aynı şekilde Kosova’da yaşayan etnik gruplarolan Türkler ve Arnavutlar arasında sosyal, entelektüel, pratik, özbakım aktivitelerinde anlamlı farklar olduğu bulunmuştur. Bulgular genel olarak değerlendirildiğinde boş zaman aktivitelerine katılım düzeyinin yaşanılan ülkenin hakim kültüründen daha fazla ait olunan etnik grubun sahip olduğu değerlerle ilişkili olduğu değerlendirilmiştir. Ergen bireyler ailelerinin sahip olduğu ve kendilerinin içinde yetiştiklerietnik kültürel değerlere uyan boş zaman aktivitelerine katılma eğilimini göstermektedirler. Bu araştırmada sosyo ekonomik düzey ölçülmemesine rağmen etnik gruplar arasındaki bu farkın sosyo-ekonomik düzey ile ilişkili olmayıp farklı etnik gruplar arasındaki yaşamsal ve iletişimsel farklılık nedeniyle bu ayrımın olabileceği düşünülmüştür. Ülkemiz gibi farklı etnik grupların yaşadığı bir ülkede ergenlerin boş zaman aktivitelerine katılımları kendi kültürel değerleriyle alakalı olabileceğinden, kültürler arası ilişkilerin ergenler arasında güçlendirilmesi açısından ergenlik döneminde ortak boş zaman aktivitelerinin oluşturulmasının etnik kültürler arası ilişkiyi olumlu etkileyebileceği üzerinde durulmuştur.
Dom Bosco: notas para um olhar integral em vista da promoção dos “pobres” e “marginalizados”
Authors: Peixoto Fernando Campos , Veras Cesar Augusto , Borges Pedro Pereira
Published: May 2023

O presente artigo-ensaio tem por objetivo apontar algumas notas que possibilitam perceber a ação da vida de Dom Bosco, isto é, sua forma de atuar, como sendo fruto da compreensão de um homem que entendeu o Verbo Encarnado, Deus encarnado na realidade concreta de cada pessoa humana, não alheio aos sofrimentos e dilemas sociais. Para responder a tal objetivo, o método adotado para esta pesquisa será o dedutivo-indutivo. Quanto à metodologia, esta será a de revisão bibliográfica. É possível notar que, para além de um líder espiritual, Dom Bosco foi um homem profundamente “humano”, pois compreendeu a realidade da existência humana em suas periferias existenciais e reais, não somente espirituais. Mas também foi um homem compelido pela espiritualidade do Verbo Encarnado, sendo tal dimensão importantíssima em sua missão, pois constitui seu ideal de vida.
Karakteristik Sukuk Negara Ritel Sebagai Objek Jaminan Fidusia
Authors: Sri Wulandari  , Yudhantaka Lintang , Amalia Fitri Nur
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Retail State Sukuk (hereinafter “SR”) as a movable object based on statutory provisions and can be transferred actually fulfills the characteristics of being a fiduciary guarantee object. However, in its application, SR as a sharia investment product is still not used as an object of collateral in lending or financing, in contrast to bonds that have been accepted and used by banks as collateral. This study will discuss the characteristics of SR (especially the SR018T3 and SR018T5 series) in general and how the SR process can be accepted as an object of fiduciary guarantees. Statute and conceptual approach are applied in this legal research. The result shows that SR fulfills the characteristics of a fiduciary guarantee object because it can be transferred, guaranteed and traded in the secondary market. In order to make SR an object of fiduciary guarantee, it is necessary to pay attention to the tenor of SR. If the tenor is not considered, the SR value will be erased, because if the tenor has expired or the maturity date of the nominal value of the sukuk has been entered, it will be disbursed to the name registered as the owner of the sukuk on the Record Date.
Keywords: Sukuk, Retail State Sukuk, Fiduciary.
Abstrak
Sukuk Negara Ritel (selanjutnya disebut SR) sebagai benda bergerak berdasarkan ketentuan perundang-undangan dan dapat dipindahtangankan sebenarnya memenuhi karakteristik sebagai objek jaminan fidusia. Namun dalam penerapannya SR sebagai produk investasi syariah masih belum digunakan sebagai objek jaminan dalam pemberian kredit ataupun pembiayaan, berbeda dengan obligasi yang sudah diterima dan digunakan bank sebagai jaminan. Penelitian ini akan membahas mengenai karakteristik SR (khususnya seri SR018T3 dan SR018T5) secara umum dan bagaimana proses SR dapat diterima menjadi objek jaminan fidusia. Pendekatan perundang-undangan dan konseptual diterapkan dalam penelitian hukum ini. Hasil yang diperoleh yaitu SR memenuhi karakteristik sebagai objek jaminan fidusia karena dapat dipindahtangankan, dijaminkan dan dijualbelikan di pasar sekunder. Untuk menjadikan SR sebagai objek jaminan fidusia perlu memperhatikan tenor SR tersebut. Jika tidak memperhatikan jangka waktu ini maka nilai SR akan hapus, sebab jika telah habis masa waktunya/ tenornya atau telah masuk tanggal jatuh tempo nilai nominal sukuk akan dicairkan kepada nama yang terdaftar sebagai pemilik sukuk pada Tanggal Pencatatan Kepemilikan.
Kata Kunci: Sukuk, Sukuk Negara Ritel, Jaminan Fidusia.
Immediate lymphatic reconstruction for the prevention of breast cancer-related lymphedema: an experience highlighting the importance of lymphatic anatomy
Authors: Friedman Rosie , Kinney Jacquelyn R. , Bahadur Aneesh , Singhal Dhruv
Published: May 2023

Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) has become increasingly utilized for the prevention of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). A growing body of evidence has demonstrated the long-term efficacy of ILR in reducing the rate of BCRL. While certain risk factors for BCRL are well-recognized, such as axillary lymph node dissection, regional lymph node radiation, and elevated body mass index, other potential risk factors such as age and taxane-based chemotherapeutics remain under discussion. Our experience with ILR has highlighted an additional potential risk factor for BCRL. Lymphatic anatomy, specifically compensatory lymphatic channels that bypass the axilla, may play a largely underrecognized role in determining which patients will develop BCRL after ILR. Foundational anatomic knowledge has primarily been based on cadaveric studies that predate the twentieth century. Modern approaches to lymphatic anatomical mapping using indocyanine green lymphography have helped to elucidate baseline lymphatic anatomy and compensatory channels, and certain variations within these channels may act as anatomic risk factors. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to highlight ways in which variations in lymphatic anatomy can inform the application and improve the accessibility of this procedure. As ILR continues to advance and evolve, anatomical mapping of the lymphatic system is valuable to both the patient and lymphatic microsurgeon and is a critical area of future study.
Lymph nodes of the perimandibular area: from anatomical classification to pathological role in cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx and skin
Authors: Tirelli Giancarlo , Uderzo Francesco , Gardenal Nicoletta , Boscolo-Rizzo Paolo , Marcuzzo Alberto Vito
Published: May 2023

Lymph node status of the neck is the most important prognostic factor in head and neck cancer. Neck dissection, which consists of the systematic excision of the neck nodes, represents the gold standard of surgical treatment in clinically positive necks. In cases in which metastases to lymph nodes of the neck are not detectable, the decision to perform an elective neck dissection depends on the stage and the site of the primary tumor. This narrative review focuses on the anatomical description and oncological role of a group of lymph nodes of the neck that historically has not been well defined. Over the years, several authors have described the groups of lymph nodes that lie where the facial vein crosses the mandible, but to date, no unique definition or a clear view of their oncological role has been proposed. Recently, the term “perimarginal nodes” was coined to refer to this group of lymph nodes, and emphasis was placed on the risk of leaving them undissected during neck dissection. This paper aims to provide a surgical-anatomical classification of these lymph nodes and describe their oncological role on the basis of a review of the relevant literature.
An intelligent control method for the spraying amount of a self-propelled weeder based on a dynamic programming algorithm
Authors:   Educational Technology and Information Center, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China, Zou Dandan , Che Gang ,   College of Engineering, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China, Wan Lin ,   College of Engineering, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China, Liu Shiqi ,   Institute of New Rural Development, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China.
Published: May 2023

When the self-propelled weeder reaches an obstacle, the amount of pesticide spraying does not change according to the actual situation, leading to an application imbalance. Therefore, an intelligent control method of spraying output of a self-propelled weeder based on a dynamic programming algorithm (DPA) was proposed. The dynamic norm algorithm transformed obstacle avoidance path planning into a multi-stage decision-making problem. The obstacle avoidance path was planned, and the pesticide dosage control equation was designed by using the PID control algorithm to realize the obstacle avoidance and variable application of self-walking weed killer. The experimental results show that the designed self-walking weeder can effectively avoid obstacles, and the maximum average dosage error is 1.4%. Therefore, the method can effectively apply the dosage according to the actual situation and guarantee the balance of spraying quantity.
Continuum Mapping and S-base Space Solution to Coin Weighing Problem
Authors: Chen Lizichen
Published: May 2023

A problem involving the government's inspection of coins in Lower Slobbovia is discussed in the American Mathematical Monthly. It is desirable to classify and correct counterfeit coins by utilizing the fewest possible measures. However, previous article only proves the existence of the solution, which does not give a practical solution to the problem. In this article, we provide an effective method to achieve the identification of coin heaps using Dirac delta functions, Singularity functions (and their selectivity), unit-order construction of continuum mappings and construction of discretization of unique basis vectors without attempted expansions in S-base space.Finally, possible applications of this mathematical approach in gene mutation detection are also presented.
An AI Enhanced Strategy of Service Offloading for IoV in Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Yu Peng Hong , Song Zhang Xiao , Wu Li Hong , Xi Xu Le , Dong Wang Xiao
Published: May 2023

A full connected world is expected to gain in the 6th generation mobile network (6G). As a typi-cal fully connected scenario, the internet of vehicle (IoV) enables intelligent vehicle operations via artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing technologies. In the future of vehicular net-works, wide variety of services need powerful computing resources and higher quality of ser-vice (QoS). Existing resources are insufficient to match these requirements. Aim to this problem, An intelligent service offloading framework is provided. Based on the framework, an Algorithm of Improved Gradient Descent (AIGD) is created to accelerate the speed of iteration. So, the con-vergence of convolutional neural network (CNN) based on AIGD is able to be accelerated too. Then, an Algorithm of convolutional long short-term memory (CN_LSTM) Based Traffic Predic-tion (ACLBTP) is designed to gain the predicted number of vehicles belonged to the edge node. At last, an Algorithm of Service Offloading Based on CN_LSTM (ASOBCL) is conducted to of-fload these services to the vehicles belonged to the edge node. In ASOBCL, sorting technique is adopted to speed up the offloading work. Simulation results demonstrate the fact that the pre-diction strategy designed in this paper has high accuracy. The low offloading time and main-taining stable load balance is gained via running ASOBCL. Low offloading time means short response time. And, the QoS is guaranteed. So, these strategies designed in this paper are effec-tive and valuable.
Phenolic Composition and Wound Healing Potential Assessment of Moroccan Henna (Lawsonia inermis) Aqueous Extracts
Authors: El Massoudi Soukaina , Zinedine Abdellah , Rocha João Miguel , Benidir Meryem , Najjari Ilham , Ghadraoui Lahsen El , Benjelloun Meryem , Errachidi Faouzi
Published: May 2023

The present study aims at valorizing Moroccan Henna (Lawsonia inermis) by developing healing formulations for cosmetic and therapeutic uses. For such a goal, the plant was collected from three locations in Southeastern Morocco (Alnif, Tafraoute Sidi Ali and Tazarine). Phytochemical anal-yses of aqueous extracts of Henna leaves was performed by determining phenolic compounds contents, flavonoids and tannins in the extracts. Then, specific formulations were prepared using aqueous extracts of L. inermis to assess their in vivo wound healing potential in Swiss Albino mice as animal model. Results disclosed that phenolic compound contents (13.48%), flavonoids (9.25%) and tannins (2.57%) are higher in Henna leaf extracts from Alnif, while Tazarine Henna aqueous extract was found to be richer in saponins (0.32%). Exclusion chromatographic analysis on Se-phadex G50 gel corroborates the obtained results and shows that Lawsone levels (Henna coloring agent) are higher in Henna collected from Alnif. Aqueous Henna leaf extracts, at a dose of 10% in petroleum jelly, have been tested for their ability to heal induced burns in mice. Healing moni-toring, carried out with Henna extracts on mice batches and those of two control batches (Mice batch treated with petroleum jelly alone and batch treated with petroleum jelly containing 1% flamazine), showed a great reduction in burnt surface with an accentuated contraction percentage (CP) and complete re-epithelialization duration (CRD) at 21 days in the three studied Henna-based formulations. These findings suggest the interest of potential development of Henna-based for-mulations, as source of phenolic compounds, for further dermatological, cosmetic and therapeutic applications.
Complete Full Arch Supported by Short Implant (>8MM) in Edentulous Jaw: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rosa Alessio , Pujia Alberto Maria , Arcuri Claudio
Published: May 2023

Background: This study aimed to evaluate survival rate, marginal bone levels, and full arch prosthetic success on short implants when placed in areas of severely resorbed and edentulous mandibles. Methods: This is a systematic review of all randomized controlled trials of at least 10 patients with a control group in which bone augmentations were performed that were published between January 2010 and February 2023. Only 3 relevant studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: It obtained demonstrate that short-term dental implant survival rates ranged from 94.2% to 97.4% with a 5-year follow-up and the prosthetic success rate varied by 62% during the same follow-up. The mean marginal bone level values ​​of the affected short implants ranged from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. Conclusions: The data obtained demonstrated that short dental implants positioned with criterion and precision as a full-arch fixed support are a valid therapeutic choice for the medium-long term rehabilitation of severe edentulous mandibular atrophy.
Characterization of a Decellularized Sheep Pulmonary Heart Valves and Analysis of their Capability as a Xenograft Initial Matrix Material in Heart Valve Tissue Engineering
Authors: İNAL Müslüm Süleyman , DARCAN Cihan , AKPEK Ali
Published: May 2023

In order to overcome the disadvantages of existing treatments in heart valve tissue engineering, decellularization studies are carried out. The main purpose of decellularization is to eliminate the immunogenicity of biologically derived grafts and to obtain a scaffold that allows recellularization while preserving the natural tissue architecture. SD and SDS are detergent derivatives frequently used in decellularization studies. The aim of our study is to decellularize the pulmonary heart valves of young Merino sheep by using low-density SDS and SD detergents together, and then to perform their detailed characterization to determine whether they are suitable for clinical studies. Pulmonary heart valves of 4-6 month old sheep were decellularized in detergent solution for 24 hours. The amount of residual DNA was measured to determine the efficiency of decellularization. Then, the effect of decellularization on the ECM by histological staining was examined. In addition, the samples were visualized by SEM to determine the surface morphologies of the scaffolds. Uniaxial tensile test was performed to examine the effect of decellularization on biomechanical properties. The results showed DNA removal of 94% and 98% from the decellularized leaflet and artery portions after decellularization relative to the control group. No cell nuclei were found in histological staining and it was observed that the 3-layer leaflet structure was preserved. As a result of the tensile test, it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference between the control and decellularized groups in the UTS and elasticity modulus, and the biomechanical properties did not change. In conclusion, we suggest that the pulmonary valves of decellularized young Merino sheep can be used as a initial matrix in heart valve tissue engineering studies.
Study of the Symptoms’ Severity and Adherence to Therapy of Myelofibrosis Patients Treated With Ruxolitinib
Authors: Stoeva Vera , Petrova Guenka , Mitov Konstantin , Tachkov Konstantin Tihomirov
Published: May 2023

We aimed to explore symptoms severity and adherence to therapy for patients with myelofibrosis treated with ruxolitinib in Bulgaria.
It is a prospective, non-interventional study performed at the Specialized hospital for active treatment of hematological diseases in Sofia during 2022 - 2023. Date of diagnosis, demographic characteristics, clinical indicators, ruxolitinib dose, and other data points were collected. Clinical indicators were assessed at baseline, in the middle and at the end of observation. Severity of symptoms was measured with MPN-SAF TSS and adherence to therapy with the Morisky 4 questionnaire 6 times during the observation.
The mean age of diagnosis was 58.5 years, with the average duration of disease of 3 years. Pa-tients’ laboratory results were within physiological ranges, with spleen size experiencing a con-stant decrease. The average value for the severity of the symptoms per MPN-SAF TSS results decreased significantly, indicating better disease control. The average adherence to therapy did not change and remained high at around 9 points, except for one patient.
In conclusion the treatment of myelofibrosis patients with ruxolitinib decreased symptoms se-verity and spleen size. Patients were adherent to the therapy over the observed period but as treatment duration increases the risk of adherence decreasing.
A FEM Free Vibration Analysis of Variable Stiffness Composite Plates through Hierarchical Modelling
Authors: Giunta Gaetano , Iannotta Domenico Andrea , Montemurro Marco
Published: May 2023

Variable Angle Tow (VAT) laminates offer a promising alternative to classical straight fiber composites in terms of design and performance.
However, analyzing these structures can be more complex due to the introduction of new design variables.
Carrera's Unified Formulation (CUF) has been successful in previous works for buckling,
vibrational, and stress analysis of VAT plates.
Typically, one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) CUF models are used,
with a linear law describing the fiber orientation variation in the main plane of the structure.
The objective of this article is to expand the CUF 2D plate finite elements
family to perform free vibration analysis of composite laminated plate structures with curvilinear fibers.
The primary contribution is the application of Reissner's Mixed Variational Theorem (RMVT) to a CUF finite element model.
The Principle of Virtual Displacements (PVD) and RMVT are both used as variational statements for the study of monolayer and multilayer VAT plates dynamic behavior.
The proposed approach is compared to Abaqus three-dimensional (3D) reference solutions,
classical theories and literature results to investigate the effectiveness of the developed models.
Results demonstrate that mixed theories provide the best approximation of the reference solution in all cases.
Inhibitory Effect of Quercetin on Oxidative Endogen Enzyme: A Focus on Putative Binding Modes
Authors: Olla Stefania , Siguri Chiara , Fais Antonella , Era Benedetta , Fantini Massimo Claudio , Di Petrillo Amalia
Published: May 2023

Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability of the body to neutralize them by antioxidant defense systems. Cells produce ROS as a control of physiological processes, but increasing ROS becomes pathological leading to non-specific and irreversible damage to biological molecules, such as DNA, lipid, and protein. Endogenous ROS are mainly produced by mitochondria during both physiological and pathological conditions, and enzymes, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX), xanthine oxidase (XO), lipoxygenase (LOX), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and monoamine oxidase (MAO). To neutralize ROS, the body employs enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense systems. The dietary intake of bioactive phenols, such as quercetin (Que), is a non-enzymatic system that can quench ROS and protect from pro-oxidative damage. In this review, we evaluate the ability of Que to target endogenous oxidant enzymes involved in ROS production and explore the mechanisms of action underlying its antioxidant properties. Que not only acts as a free radical scavenger by donating electrons through the negative charges in its phenolic and ketone groups, but it can effectively inhibit the activity of several endogenous oxidative enzymes, binding them with high affinity and specificity. Among all targets, Que showed the best results in molecular docking simulations with XO, followed by MAO-A, 5-LOX, NOX, and MPO. Taken together, these findings highlight the potential of Que as a natural antioxidant therapy for oxidative stress-related diseases.
Exosomes Analysis in Prostate Cancer: How They Can Improve Biomarkers Performance
Authors: Salciccia Stefano , Frisenda Marco , Bevilacqua Giulio , Gobbi Luca , Bucca Bruno , Moriconi Martina , Viscuso Pietro , Gentilucci Alessandro , Mariotti Gianna , Cattarino Susanna , Forte Flavio , Fais Stefano , Logozzi Mariantonia , Sciarra Beatrice , Sciarra Alessandro
Published: May 2023

Backgound: Exosomes are extracellular nanovesicles, carriers of different biomolecules such as lipids, proteins, nucleic acids. Their composition and the fact that their release dramatically increases in case of tumorigenesis, opens different scenarios on the possible application in the research for new biomarkers.Methods: The most widely applied methodologies include ultracentrifugation techniques, size-based techniques, immunoaffinity capture-based techniques (mainly ELISA) and precipitation. To optimize the acquisition of exosomes from the reference sample, more techniques can be applied in sequence for a single extraction, determining an increase in labor time and costs. Results: The analysis of PSA-expressing exosomes provides an incredibly accurate way to discriminate between healthy patients and those with prostate disease. Specifically, IC-ELISA alone method achieved 98.57% sensitivity and 80.28% specificity in discriminating prostate cancer (PC) from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).An immunocapture-based ELISA assay was performed to quantify and characterize carbonic anhydrase (CA) IX expression in exosomes. The results revealed that CA IX positive exosomes were 25-fold higher in plasma samples from PC patients than in those from healthy control. Conclusions: The analysis of PC-linked exosomes represents a promising diagnostic model that can effectively distinguish patients with PC from those with non-malignant prostatic disease, However, the use of exosome analysis in clinical practice is currently limited by several issues, including a lack of standardization in the analytical process and high costs, which are still too high for a large-scale use.
Impact of Water Properties on the Performance of PEM Electrolyzer
Authors: Binhazzaa Zaid , Almutairi Zyead
Published: May 2023

Energy demand has exponentially increased with the increase in the world population and ur-banization. Renewable energy is clean, renewable, and environmentally friendly. Hydrogen production through Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer is an efficient way to produce renewable energy. The efficiency and energy consumption of the PEM electrolyzer depends on the feed water quality. In this report, we study the effect of pH, TDS, and conductivity on hydrogen production as well as energy consumption during the process. pH values (3, 7, 9), TDS values (300ppm, 600ppm, 900ppm), and conductivity values (30mS/cm, 70mS/cm, 100mS/cm) were studied to understand and optimize the hydrogen production using PEM electrolyzer. The in-vestigations showed that hydrogen production is significantly affected by pH, total dissolved solids, and conductivity, and the best levels of each variable were identified by extensive testing. The findings show both the scientific significance of proton exchange electrolysis in meeting the growing energy demands of society as well as the importance of knowing the influence that di-verse conditions have on the creation of hydrogen. Our research, in general, contributes to the expanding body of scientific knowledge on the topic of the effective production of hydrogen and offers useful insights for the continuation of investigation in this field.
Investigation of Auxetic Structural Deformation Behavior of PBAT Polymers Using Process and Finite Element Simulation
Authors: Schneider Yanling , Guski Vinzenz , Sahin Ahmed Ogulcan , Schmauder Siegfried , Kadkhodapour Javad , Hufert Jonas , Grebhardt Axel , Bonten Christian
Published: May 2023

The current work investigates the auxetic tensile deformation behavior of the inversehoneycomb structure with 5 × 5 cells made of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-coterephthalate) (PBAT). Fused deposition modeling, an additive manufacturing method, produced such specimens. Residual stress (RS) and warpage, more or less, always exist in such specimens due to layer-by-layer fabrication, i.e., repeated heating and cooling. The RS influences the auxetic deformation behavior, but its measurement is challenging due to the very fine structure. Instead, the finite-element(FE)-based process simulation realized by an ABAQUS plug-in numerically predicts the RS and warpage. The predicted warpage shows a negligible slight deviation compared to the design topology. This process simulation also delivers the temperature evolution of a small volume material, revealing the local cyclic heating and cooling. The achieved RS serves as the initial condition for the FE model used to investigate the auxetic tensile behavior. With the outcomes from FE calculation without considering RS at hand, the effect of the RS on the deformation behavior is discussed for the global force-displacement curve, the structural Poisson’s ratio evolution, the deformed structural status, the stress distribution, and evolution, where the first three and the warpage are also compared with experimental results. Furthermore, the FE simulation can easily provide the global stress-strain flow curve with the total stress calculated from the elemental ones.
Voices of Resiliency: Exploring the Transformative Journey of Educators and Students in the Post-Pandemic Education Era
Authors: Eslit Edgar R.
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has invited us to envision education anew, embracing a new era of instructional practices and learning environments. This study explores language teachers' and students' experiences in the post-pandemic landscape, providing valuable insights into the challenges, adaptations, and opportunities. Grounded in socio-cultural perspectives and educational theories, such as Vygotsky's socio-cultural theory and Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory, the study employs Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to comprehensively analyze secondary data sources. Findings reveal the significant role of social interaction and cultural context in language learning, amid reduced face-to-face contact and increased reliance on technology. The study uncovers the intricate interplay between individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors, shedding light on educators' and learners' challenges. Autonomy, competence, and relatedness emerge as crucial for intrinsic motivation and optimal learning outcomes. While acknowledging limitations related to secondary data sources, the study offers a comprehensive overview of the literature, informing language education practices in the post-pandemic era. It contributes to understanding the complex dynamics and interactions within language education and calls for future research using primary data collection methods to explore experiences and perspectives further. By understanding post-pandemic experiences, this study aims to shape education policies, practices, and pedagogical approaches, supporting effective language learning and the well-being of educators and learners in this transformed educational context.
Evaluation of the Effects of Different Polishing Protocols on the Surface Characterizations of 3D-Printed Acrylic Denture Base Resins
Authors: Al-Dulaijan Yousif A. A.
Published: May 2023

A chairside polishing kit is an alternative to a laboratory polishing technique. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different polishing techniques on the surface roughness of three-dimensional (3D)-printed acrylic denture bases (ADB). One hundred twenty disc-shaped specimens were fabricated from one conventional heat-polymerized (HP) ADB resin and two 3D-printed (Asiga (AS) and NextDent (ND)) ADB resins (n=40 per ADB resin). Each group was furtherly divided based on the polishing protocol (n=10) as follows: convectional polishing protocol (C), Microdont chairside polishing kit (M), Shofu chairside polishing kit (S), and unpolished group (U). The surface roughness (surface roughness average (Ra) and average maximum profile height (Rz)) of the printed specimens were measured using an optical profilometer, and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to capture the surface at ×1000. Two-way ANOVA and post hoc tests were used for data analysis (α = 0.05) at significant levels. In unpolished groups, there was a statically significant difference between HP vs 3D-printed ADBs (p < 0.0001). For Ra values, the lowest values were presented in HP-C, AS-S, and ND-C. While the highest values were shown in all unpolished groups. Within the material, there were statistically significant differences between the three polishing protocols (C, M, and S) vs unpolished (p < 0.0001), while there was no significant between C, M, and S groups (p = 0.05). The Rz values had the same pattern as the Ra values. The two chairside polishing kits were comparable to conventional polishing technique, and it could be recommended for the clinical application.
Drought-Responsive Genes in Tomato: Meta-Analysis of Gene Expression using Machine Learning
Authors: Chowdhury Rabiul Haq , Eti Fatiha Sultana , Bhuiyan Md. Atiqur Rahman , Gupta Shipan Das , Rubel Mehede Hassan
Published: May 2023

Plants have a natural protective process of altering their genetic molecules in response to changing environments. To uncover the genetic potential of plants, it is crucial to understand how they adapt to adverse conditions by analyzing their genetic molecules. In the study, we focused on understanding the responsive genes of tomatoes under drought conditions. We analyzed RNASeq data from different Tomato genotypes, tissue types, and different drought durations. We used a time series scale to identify early and late drought-responsive gene modules and applied a machine learning method to identify the best responsive genes. We found six candidate genes of Tomato (ASCT, FLA2, BAG5, DCL2b, NFP7.3, and ADC1) that were responsive to drought. We further constructed their protein-protein interaction network to identify their potential interactors and found them drought responsive proteins. The candidate genes can help to explore the adaptation of tomato plants under drought conditions. The identification of these candidate genes and modules can have far-reaching implications for molecular breeding and genome editing in Tomato, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie drought adaptation. This research underscores the importance of the genetic basis of plant adaptation, particularly in changing climates and growing populations.