bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal anastomosing hemangioma following partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Chen Juan , Cai Di-Ming
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Renal anastomosing hemangioma (AH) is a rare benign vascular tumor characterized by unique histopathological features.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a highly unusual case of renal AH. A male patient had undergone partial nephrectomy for clear cell carcinoma of the kidney four years prior. A follow-up computed tomography scan in the third postoperative year revealed a new mass near the surgical site on the same side of the kidney, raising suspicions of tumor recurrence. However, the characteristics on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography were more consistent with those of a benign lesion. The patient strongly insisted on undergoing surgery due to concerns about the possibility of renal cancer recurrence. Postoperative pathology confirmed the diagnosis of renal AH.

CONCLUSION

This case report presents the imaging features of a patient with rare renal AH and a history of renal clear cell carcinoma, providing broader insights into the differential diagnosis of new lesions after surgery for renal cell carcinoma.
Fish diversity and environmental factors at the Don Hoi Lot Ramsar Site, Thailand
Authors: SIRIWATTANARAT RUTHAIRAT , WONGROJ WEERAWICH , NGAMNIYOM ARIN , VILASRI VEERA , CHUNGTHANAWONG SIRIKANYA , PUNNARAK PORNTEP
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Siriwattanarat R, Wongroj W, Ngamniyom A, Vilasri V, Chungthanawong S, Punnarak P. 2024. Fish diversity and environmental factors at the Don Hoi Lot Ramsar Site, Thailand. Biodiversitas 25: 1394-1403. The Don Hoi Lot mudflat, recognized as a Ramsar site, is a globally acclaimed wetland located in the Khlong Khon Sub-district of Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. This research aims to study fish diversity and environmental variables at the Don Hoi Lot Ramsar Site; fish samples were collected using cast nets (mesh size 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm) and gill nets (mesh size of ¾ inch, 1.5 inches, and 2 inches) by local fisheries from four sampling stations which represented upstream (KK1), midstream (KK2), downstream (KK3), and estuary (KK4) zones in Khlong Khon Bay during January to April 2023. A total of 1,389 fish specimens were collected, representing 36 species belonging to 26 families. Higher diversity in number of species (28-35 species), Shannon index (2.90-2.98), and species richness (10.40-13.11) were found at downstream and estuary stations, while the lowest number of fish species (three species), Shannon index (0.75), and species richness (0.68) were recorded at the upstream station. Similarly, the higher relative abundance of fish (84-173 specimens) was observed at downstream and estuary stations, and the lowest relative abundance (29-50 specimens) was also reported at the upstream station. The blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron Rüppell 1852) was the dominant species at the Don Hoi Lot Ramsar Site during the study periods, followed by the Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus Peters 1852)). Principal component analysis (PCA) further revealed that altitude, temperature, pH, salinity, transparency, ammonia, phosphate and silicate had significant relationships within fish assemblages, whereas nitrite and nitrate were less important in this study. Nonetheless, the rapid expansion of the blackchin cichlid population has had an adverse impact on native fish populations, which could pose a real threat to fish diversity and population, and other aquatic organisms.
Review: Status of wild elephant, conflict and conservation actions in Thailand
Authors: SUKMASUANG RONGLARP , PHUMPAKPHAN NARIS , DEUNGKAE PRATEEP , CHAIYARAT RATTANAWAT , PLA-ARD MANANYA , KHIOWSREE NORASET , CHARASPET KHWANRUTAI , PAANSRI PAANWARIS , NOOWONG JESADA
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Sukmasuang R, Phumpakphan N, Deungkae P, Chaiyarat R, Pla-Ard M, Khiowsree N, Charaspet K, Paansri P, Noowong J. 2024. Review: Status of wild elephant, conflict and conservation actions in Thailand. Biodiversitas 25: 1479-1498. This study comprehensively reviewed various aspects of population status, distribution, conflict situations, and conservation strategies for managing human-elephant conflicts (HECs). The primary goal is to foster a clear understanding of the current status, issues, and problem-solving approaches to benefit elephant conservation and management. The key element in elephant conservation is the acceptance of the coexistence between humans and elephants in their respective areas. Managing overlapping areas between humans and elephants is crucial for conservation efforts. A major concern is that elephants venture outside protected areas, increasing risk to both human and elephant populations. Therefore, enhancing the efficiency of conflict management is of the utmost importance to the long-term survival of elephants. This study revealed that vital approaches for managing elephant populations in Thailand include designating conservation areas as the foundation for long-term elephant conservation. In addition, habitat management at the population level, implementing compensation schemes, establishing community-based monitoring groups in conflict areas, improving conflict management practices, and decentralizing decision-making processes in conservation efforts are critical. Other essential elements of successful conservation and management in Thailand include setting population targets for elephants in each conservation area, with the goal of effective management. This was supported by research, community collaboration, decentralization, and performance evaluation to gauge the success of implemented measures in reducing HECs by assessing the number of conflict incidents and fatalities for both humans and elephants. This suggests the need for a fundamental reform of the elephant conservation policy.
The generous genius of Brinsley Samaroo
Authors: Mohammed Patricia
Published: June 2024

Professor Brinsley Samaroo made a sterling contribution to the field of history, particularly that of Indian indentureship and the atrocities of the colonial past. He was a historian of the people, had entered national politics in one phase of his career and continued all his life to serve as a public intellectual for the society of Trinidad in defence of many groups and causes. In this tribute to his life, the author establishes the intellectual heights he had plumbed by the age of 83 and draws on the testimonies of four persons whose lives have been influenced by him in different ways. Each individual underscores the wealth of his knowledge, his generosity as a scholar, his accessibility, gregarious nature and penchant for storytelling. Yet all of this was packaged in a disciplined and no-nonsense individual who was deeply committed to recovering the voices of those who have not yet been heard in history.
Unveiling stereotypes about Fiji’s girmitiya women
Authors: Mishra Margaret
Published: June 2024

This paper pays homage to the late Professor, Brij Lal, for the critical role he played in debunking colonial and patriarchal myths about Fiji’s Indian indentured (girmitiya) women. From as early as 1985, Lal critiqued the way the British administrators wielded power over displaced female labourers by misrepresenting them in internal and external exchanges. My specific focus here is on the way he deconstructed colonial and patriarchal tropes associated with indentured women such as their alleged immorality and promiscuousness, ‘sexual jealousy’, ‘maternal negligence’ and madness, by situating these constructs within a specific historical context. With these interventions as the foundation for this paper, I will illustrate how my own interdisciplinary investigations in the interconnecting fields of gender, indenture, subaltern studies and minor history have attempted to address Lal’s concern that girmitiya women’s perspectives were absent in the historical records.
The botanical afterlife of indenture: Mehndi as imaginative visual archive
Authors: Hosein Gabrielle Jamela
Published: June 2024

This article presents artwork from the project, ‘The botanical afterlife of indenture: Mehndi as imaginative visual archive’, which memorializes the legacy of Indian indenture by recording the flora brought by indentured workers as they exist in the midst of contemporary social life and in the region’s landscape. In the project, mehndi works as a decolonializing and embodied, post-indenture feminist aesthetic praxis and a method for contributing to a new world visual archive. Indo-Caribbean imaginative visual archives can challenge gendered and racialized exclusions in colonial and creole visual representations, and can instead image indenture and post-indenture histories in ways that are accessible, inclusive, consensual and popular; connecting all in the Caribbean and its diaspora to the afterlife of indenture. The article reflects on the images produced, how they echo biographical and fictional writing, and how they critically engage with the orientalising lens of colonial-era photography. In presenting these original designs of a botanical imaginary, the project aims to transform mehndi in post-indenture sites so that art forms which are both traditional and contemporary can be seen as post-plantation techniques for making memory-work an act of beauty. Inspired by his scholarship and encouragement, the project is dedicated to beloved Professor Emeritus Brinsley Samaroo.
Community Leadership Institute for Equity: Planning Processes and Procedures to Develop Partnered Conferences
Authors: Jones Felica , Young-Brinn Angela , Booker-Vaughns Juanita , Williams Clarence , Solomon Olga , Washington Madeline , Shabaik Hafifa Siddiq , Oliva Adrian , Wells Kenneth B.
Published: June 2024

Abstract: Background: Community-partnered participatory research (CPPR) is a research approach that supports equitable collaboration of community and academic co-leaders in research and policy. Despite CPPR’s 25-year history, infrastructure supporting community members in bidirectional learning has not been formalized. Objective: This paper describes processes and procedures using CPPR to plan conferences to develop community leadership training infrastructure. Methods: We utilized rapid ethnographic analysis to examine conference planning processes for community leadership in CPPR. Community and academic leaders in Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Chicago met weekly over two months to plan, given COVID-19, three Zoom conferences on a leadership training institute for CPPR, with planning for (1) community co-leadership in research and policy; (2) local and national CPPR programs; and (3) models for bidirectional training. Results: The planning process emphasized bidirectional learning for community and academic members for research and services/policy to benefit communities, within a Community Leadership Institute for Equity (C-LIFE) to promote equity and power sharing for community leaders. The planning process identified major themes of framing of C-LIFE conference planning goals, developing the conference structure, promoting equity and diversity, envisioning the future of CPPR, challenges, collaborations, future curriculum ideas for C-LIFE, evaluation and next-steps for Zoom conferences in November 2020. Conclusions: It was feasible to use CPPR to plan Zoom conferences to promote community leadership training across multiple sites. Key planning themes included promoting equity, addressing structural racism, bidirectional learning and integrating community, academic, and policy priorities with community co-leaders as change agents.
Studies on the quantitative analysis of an electrochemical solution via the Schlieren method
Authors: Guo Zhijun , Xiong Dongsheng , Li Heyu , Tao Zuimiao , Cao Yan
Published: June 2024

A quantitative schlieren technique has been applied to measure the change of copper sulfate concentration in an electrochemical cell during the copper electroplating process. We constructed a mathematical model that correlates the grayscale values of schlieren images with the concentration of copper sulfate and analyzed the impact of refraction, reflection, and absorption of light during its passage through the solution on the precision of a schlieren quantitative analysis. Ultimately, by examining the temporal and spatial changes in the distribution of the copper sulfate concentration, we ascertained the impacts of convection, diffusion, and electromigration on the concentration distribution. The impact of the current studies would be greatly expanded in important electrochemical practices such as renewable energy conversions and rechargeable batteries.
Feasibility and acceptability of collecting dried blood spots (DBS) from children after vaccination during supplementary immunization activities to estimate measles and rubella seroprevalence
Authors: Carcelen Andrea C. , Prosperi Christine , Hamahuwa Mutinta , Kapungu Kelvin , Chongwe Gershom , Mwansa Francis D. , Ndubani Phillimon , Simulundu Edgar , Bwalya Innocent C. , Matakala Kalumbu H. , Musukwa Gloria , Mutale Irene , Betha Evans , Chaavwa Nchimunya , Kampamba Lombe , Matoba Japhet , Munachoonga Passwell , Mufwambi Webster , Situtu Ken , Thuma Philip E. , Sakala Constance , Kayeye Princess , Truelove Shaun A. , Winter Amy K. , Ferrari Matthew J. , Moss William J. , Mutembo Simon
Published: June 2024

Nested serosurveys within routine service delivery platforms such as planned supplemental immunization activities (SIAs) provide an opportunity to collect information that can be used to answer valuable questions on the effectiveness and efficiency of the delivery model to inform future activities. However, integrating research data collection in SIAs is rarely done due to concerns it will negatively impact the program. We conducted a serosurvey nested within the November 2020 measles-rubella SIA integrated with the Child Health Week activities in Zambia to evaluate this approach. In-depth interviews with the study teams and vaccination campaign staff at the vaccination sites were conducted. Recorded interviews were transcribed, transcripts were coded and then grouped into themes based on a process evaluation framework. A multi-methods analytical approach was used to assess the feasibility and acceptability of collecting dried blood spots from children during the SIA. This included a quantitative assessment of participant enrollment. The serosurvey successfully enrolled 90% of children from Child Health Week due to close coordination and teamwork between the vaccination teams and serosurvey team, in addition to substantial social mobilization efforts. Continually adjusting the sampling interval that was used to select eligible children allowed us to enroll throughout the SIA and capture a representative sample of children in attendance although it was challenging for the staff involved. As vaccination programs aim to tailor their approaches to reach the hardest-to-reach children, embedding research questions in SIAs will allow evaluation of the successes and challenges and compare alternative approaches. Lessons learned from this experience collecting data during an SIA can be applicable to future research activities embedded in SIAs or other delivery platforms.
Barriers, facilitators and proposed solutions to equitable mental health financing and service delivery for the Lebanese populations and displaced Syrians in Lebanon: Findings from a qualitative study
Authors: El Masri Rozane , Chaar Sandy , Elias Joseph , Meksassi Bassel , Ali Rayane , Roberts Bayard , Brown Felicity L. , Asmar Michele Kosremelli , McKee Martin , El Chammay Rabih , Singh Neha S.
Published: June 2024

Forcibly displaced populations experience an increased burden of mental illness. Scaling up mental health (MH) services places new resource demands on health systems in crises-affected settings and raises questions about how to provide equitable MH services for refugee and host populations. Our study investigates barriers, facilitators, and proposed solutions to MH financing and access for Lebanese populations and Syrian refugees in Lebanon, a protracted crisis setting. We collected qualitative data via 73 interviews and 3 focus group discussions. Participants were purposively selected from: (i) national, United Nations and NGO stakeholders; (ii) frontline MH service providers; (iii) insurance company representatives; (iv) Lebanese and Syrian adults and parents of children aged 12–17 years using MH services. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive approaches. Our results highlight challenges facing Lebanon’s system of financing MH care in the face of ongoing multiple crises, including inequitable coverage, dependence on external humanitarian funds, and risks associated with short-term funding and their impact on sustainability of services. The built environment presents additional challenges to individuals trying to navigate, access and use existing MH services, and the social environment and service provider factors enable or hinder individuals accessing MH care. Registered Syrian refugees have better financial coverage to secondary MH care than Lebanese populations. However, given the economic crisis, both populations are facing similar challenges in paying for and accessing MH care at primary health care (PHC) level. Multiple crises in Lebanon have exacerbated challenges in financing MH care, dependence on external humanitarian funds, and risks and sustainability issues associated with short-term funding. Urgent reforms are needed to Lebanon’s health financing system, working with government and external donors to equitably and efficiently finance and scale up MH care with a focus on PHC, and to reduce inequities in MH service coverage between Lebanese and Syrian refugee populations.
Striking the balance: Configurations of causation and effectuation principles for SME performance
Authors: Yu Xiaoyu , Zhao Wenjing , Wang Xinchun , Ma Xiaoshu , Cao Gang
Published: June 2024

Causation and effectuation are two fundamental decision-making logics that managers use for crucial firm strategic decisions. However, existing research has yet to agree on the relationship between the two logics, supporting both the substitution and complementarity of causation and effectuation in influencing firm performance. This leaves us with a puzzle: How do causation and effectuation combine in balance to improve firm performance? To address the gap, we utilize a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) with data collected from 344 small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China to uncover the dynamic relationships between the two logics. Our findings indicate that causation or effectuation alone is insufficient to achieve superior firm performance. By distinguishing between four dimensions of effectuation, we identify three types of configurations for high performance: (1) causation with promotion-focused effectuation principles; (2) causation with prevention-focused effectuation principles; (3) causation with hybrid-focused effectuation principles. More importantly, we find that the effectiveness of the configurations depends on the firm development stage. Our findings provide SMEs with practical insights into how to effectively choose their decision-making logic when faced with different firm growth challenges.
Digital economy and urban economic resilience: The mediating role of technological innovation and entrepreneurial vitality
Authors: Xiao Suping , Zhou Ping , Zhou Lin , Wong Sike
Published: June 2024

Drawing on the diffusion of innovation theory, we argue that the development of digital economy has a positive effect on urban economic resilience. Using panel data from 284 cities in China from 2011 to 2018, we empirically examine the relationship between digital economy and urban economic resilience. We find a positive and significant link between them, mediated by technological innovation and entrepreneurial vitality. Moreover, the heterogeneity analysis shows that the impact of digital economy is most pronounced in smaller cities, with its effects diminishing in larger cities and megacities. Our results underscore the importance and the direction of fostering digital economy development.
Dear admission committee…: Which moves in application essays predict student master grades?
Authors: de Boer Timon , Van Rijnsoever Frank , de Bresser Hans
Published: June 2024

Application essays are a commonly used admission instrument for students entering higher education. The quality of the essay is usually scored, but this score is often subjective and has poor interrater reliability due to the unstructured format of the essays. This results in mixed findings on the validity of application essays as an admission instrument. We propose a more objective method of using application essays, using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), a text mining method, to distinguish seven moves occurring in application essays written by students who apply to a master degree program. We use the probability that these moves occur in the essay to predict study success in the master. Thereby we answer the following research question: What is the effect of discussing different moves in students’ application essays on the student grades in a master program? From the seven different moves (functional unit of text) we distinguished, five of which have a significant effect on student grades. The moves we labeled as ‘master specific’ and ‘interest to learn’ have a positive effect on student grades, and the moves we labeled as ‘research skills’, ‘societal impact’ and ‘city and university’ have a negative effect. Our interpretation of this finding is that topics related to intrinsic motivation and specific knowledge, as opposed to generic knowledge, are positively related with study success. We thereby demonstrate that application essays can be a valid predictor of study success. This contributes to justifying their use as admission instruments.
Differential methylation region detection via an array-adaptive normalized kernel-weighted model
Authors: Alhassan Daniel , Olbricht Gayla R. , Adekpedjou Akim
Published: June 2024

A differentially methylated region (DMR) is a genomic region that has significantly different methylation patterns between biological conditions. Identifying DMRs between different biological conditions is critical for developing disease biomarkers. Although methods for detecting DMRs in microarray data have been introduced, developing methods with high precision, recall, and accuracy in determining the true length of DMRs remains a challenge. In this study, we propose a normalized kernel-weighted model to account for similar methylation profiles using the relative probe distance from “nearby” CpG sites. We also extend this model by proposing an array-adaptive version in attempt to account for the differences in probe spacing between Illumina’s Infinium 450K and EPIC bead array respectively. We also study the asymptotic results of our proposed statistic. We compare our approach with a popular DMR detection method via simulation studies under large and small treatment effect settings. We also discuss the susceptibility of our method in detecting the true length of the DMRs under these two settings. Lastly, we demonstrate the biological usefulness of our method when combined with pathway analysis methods on oral cancer data. We have created an R package calledidDMR, downloadable from GitHub repository with link:https://github.com/DanielAlhassan/idDMR, that allows for the convenient implementation of our array-adaptive DMR method.
Validation of the COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) in Vietnamese patients with cancer
Authors: Tran Binh Thang , Le Dinh Duong , Nguyen Thanh Gia , Nguyen Minh Tu , Nguyen Minh Hanh , Dang Cao Khoa , Tran Dinh Trung
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) has proven to be a reliable tool for quantifying the impact of financial toxicity (FT) in patients with cancer in clinical and public health settings. However, the COST has not yet been validated in Vietnam. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate its reliability and validity among Vietnamese patients with cancer.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 300 patients with cancer aged 27–95 years (mean: 58.5±11.2) in a tertiary hospital. The COST was translated into Vietnamese and English and adjusted to suit the local culture. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients. The construct and convergent validities were also assessed.

Results

The COST demonstrated good internal consistency and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.913; McDonald’s omega = 0.915). The exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors that explained 64.9% of the variance. The adjusted fit indices indicated a good fit of the model (χ2 (39) = 67.78, p = 0.003; standardized root mean squared residual = 0.042; Tucker–Lewis index = 0.971; comparative fit index = 0.979; root mean square error of approximation = 0.061, 90% confidence interval = 0.035–0084). Higher COST scores were significantly correlated with higher health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L utility score: r = 0.21, p = 0.002; EQ VAS: r = 0.28, p < 0.001). Multivariate quantile regression analysis revealed that female sex, rural residence, and unstable job/unemployment were associated with lower COST scores. There was no statistically significant difference in other factors, including clinical factors (types of cancer, staging, and treatment modalities).

Conclusions

The COST is reliable and valid, making it suitable for assessing FT severity in Vietnamese patients with cancer.
Sustainable Theatre: Theory, Context, Practice, Iphigenia Taxopoulou (2023)
Authors: Richards Kimberly Skye
Published: June 2024

Review of: Sustainable Theatre: Theory, Context, Practice, Iphigenia Taxopoulou (2023)

London: Methuen Drama, 256 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-35021-572-6, h/bk, £22.49
“Nosotras no somos una cifra”: aportes etnográficos al estudio del embarazo adolescente en Panamá
Authors: Rodríguez Blanco Eugenia , Gabster Amanda , Ordaz Mejias K. Michelle
Published: June 2024

Introducción. Estudios cualitativos o etnográficos sobre el embarazo adolescente realizados en las últimas dos décadas en América Latina, centrados en las experiencias y el sentido dado a las mismas por las propias adolescentes, han realizado aportes relevantes a la comprensión del tema. La investigación de la que surge este texto se ubica en ese tipo de estudios y abordaje novedoso en Panamá. En ella indagamos en las causas y consecuencias de estos embarazos, identificando específicamente los contextos, las relaciones y los significados dados por adolescentes panameñas en sus propios análisis y testimonios. Metodología. Diseñamos para ello un estudio cualitativo que generó tres productos etnográficos: la construcción coral de una tipología de casos de adolescentes embarazadas, el autodiagnóstico del fenómeno realizado por las adolescentes y sus propios relatos testimoniales. Todo ello recogido en 5 grupos focales en los que participaron 29 adolescentes embarazadas o madres de contextos territoriales y socioculturales diversos del país, y entrevistas testimoniales a 22 de ellas. Resultados. Los resultados muestran dimensiones normalmente ocultas en la problematización dominante del embarazo a estas edades, entre ellas, las condiciones preexistentes de abandono familiar, social e institucional, pero también el estigma y la discriminación que sufren cuando se quedan embarazadas, y que determinarían consecuencias perjudiciales. A nivel más subjetivo, las ideas que mantienen las adolescentes sobre la sexualidad, el noviazgo o la maternidad, son determinantes para entender la ocurrencia y la significación de un embarazo a estas edades. Discusión. Los hallazgos de este estudio son novedosos para el país y dialogan con los resultados de estudios cualitativos y etnográficos realizados en la región, contribuyendo al conocimiento de las causas y consecuencias del embarazo adolescente que pone en diálogo las condiciones objetivas o estructurales con las subjetivas de las adolescentes. Más allá de eso nos permite señalar algunos asuntos hasta ahora menos considerados, como la relación entre el trato recibido por las adolescentes embarazadas y las consecuencias perjudiciales de dichos embarazos o maternidades, así como alcanzar conclusiones sobre lo que revelan este tipo de estudios a la comprensión del tema y para la intervención social. Conclusiones. El abordaje etnográfico y la consideración de la dimensión subjetiva del tema facilita una comprensión de las causas y consecuencias del embarazo en la adolescencia profunda y diversificada en Panamá. El conocimiento generado permite diseñar intervenciones de mayor impacto en la prevención de estos embarazos no deseados, así como evaluar responsabilidades sociales e institucionales en la configuración del problema o sus consecuencias perjudiciales.
On the existence of patterns in reaction-diffusion problems with Dirichlet boundary conditions
Authors: Sônego Maicon
Published: June 2024

Consider a general reaction-diffusion problem,

u
t

=
Δ
u
+
f
(
x
,
u
,

u
x

)
, on a revolution surface or in an
n

-dimensional ball with Dirichlet boundary conditions. In this work, we provide conditions related to the geometry of the domain and the spatial heterogeneities of the problem that ensure the existence or not of a non-constant stationary stable solution. Several applications are presented, particularly with regard to the Allen–Cahn, Fisher–KPP and sine-Gordon equations.
Design and Optimization of Tuned Mass Dampers
Authors:   , Štěpánek Jan
Published: June 2024

Development of modern materials, technologies, and design methods allows building very effective structures: long-span bridges, or high towers and buildings. However, such structures are often slender and susceptible to vibration. The first part of this thesis briefly summarizes the history and methods of vibration control strategies, which are sometimes necessary to protect structures from a dynamic load. The rest of the thesis focuses mainly on Tuned mass dampers (TMD), which are one of the most economical ways of dealing with excessive vibrations. The thesis shows the importance of optimal tuning and damping of TMD, and it describes various approaches to TMD optimization. The study shows that optimal design is influenced by many factors, which covers both structural properties and a dynamic load. The thesis focus on improvement of optimization methods for TMDs regarding computational efficiency and accuracy. A modification of mode superposition method which allows to evaluate response of a structure with the TMD in modal coordinates is presented. This method uses Sherman-Morrison formula for matrix inversion and shows that equations of motion remains uncoupled even if non-proportional damping is introduced into the system. Using this method, it is possible to find optimal parameters of the TMD attached to a structure with numerous degrees of freedom without unnecessary simplification of the structure. A new optimization method using the mode superposition method is presented in the thesis. The method uses a mean value of potential energy stored in the elastic deformation of a structure as a performance index, which leads to a low numerical complexity task if the optimization is performed in the frequency domain. The proposed method also allows a simple inclusion of load spectral characteristics and permits TMD optimization for any loading spectral range. Improved empiric formulas for optimization of TMD attached to damped structures, which extends the classical and commonly used formulas for TMD on undamped structure. In the last chapter, an experimental verification of linear TMD model and its parameter identification was performed using data obtained from a dynamic measurement on a footbridge in Prague.
Correlation of red cell distribution width and left atrial enlargement in Maltese dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease in Republic of Korea
Authors: Choi Hyun-Soon , Lee Han-Joon , Song Joong-Hyun , Song Kun-Ho
Published: June 2024

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is a degenerative disease of the valve leaflets, causing left atrial dilatation and eccentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle by hemodynamic instability. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a hematologic parameter that indicates the variation of red blood cell volume and size, reflecting anisocytosis. Human studies have found that anisocytosis is associated with poor prognosis in heart disease patients, and recent veterinary studies have also confirmed that the increase in RDW is associated with high mortality in MMVD patients. Medical records of 37 Maltese dogs with MMVD were retrospectively reviewed. When comparing RDW among the MMVD stage groups, there was a significant difference between stage B1, B2 and C. A significant and strong correlation between RDW and the left atrial-to-aortic ratio was identified. RDW was significantly correlated with the reticulocyte count independent of hematocrit, and the reticulocyte count exhibited a significant increase at stage C. This suggests that the congestive heart failure secondary to MMVD could be a contributory factor leading to an elevation in RDW. In conclusion, elevated RDW may associated with left atrial enlargement and progression of MMVD.
Persistent right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery originating from the patent ductus arteriosus in a dog: a case report
Authors: Yun Chi-Oh , Hwang Gunha , Kim Sumin , Kim Jin-Yoo , Lee Seunghwa , Lee Dongbin , Cha Jihye , Lee Hee Chun , Hwang Tae Sung
Published: June 2024

A 4-month-old intact male Sapsaree dog was referred due to a history of postprandial regurgitation following consumption of solid food. Thoracic radiography revealed focal leftward displacement of the thoracic trachea at T1 to T4 vertebrae levels. Barium contrast radiography revealed focal dilation of the cranial thoracic esophagus at the heart base level. Persistent right aortic arch (PRAA) with an aberrant left subclavian artery branching from the patent ductus arteriosus was diagnosed by computed tomography angiography (CTA). Although barium contrast radiography can presumptive diagnose PRAA, CTA should be considered for identifying additional vascular anomalies, specific types, and surgical planning.
Dispensable role of wild rodents in avian influenza A virus transmission in Gyeonggi province, Korea
Authors: Lee Chung-Young , Kim Ilhwan , Kwon Hyuk-Joon
Published: June 2024

Avian influenza A viruses (IAVs) present significant threats to both animal and human health through their potential for cross-species transmission and global spread. Clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx highly pathogenic avian IAVs initially emerged in East Asia between 2013 and 2014. Since then, they have spread to Europe, Africa, and America via migratory bird flyways. However, beyond viral transmission primarily facilitated by migratory birds, the potential involvement of other intermediate factors for virus transmission remains poorly investigated. This study aimed to investigate the role of wild rodents as intermediary hosts in the ecology of avian IAVs in Gyeonggi province, South Korea. By capturing and analyzing 189 wild rodents near poultry farms and migratory bird habitats in 2013 and 2014 and employing serological assays and virus isolation techniques, we found no evidence of IAV infection among these populations. Our results suggest that wild rodents may not significantly contribute to the transmission dynamics of IAVs within these regions.
Comparison of nutritive composition, immunoglobulin and microbial community in the colostrum between Holstein and Jersey cows: an observational study in Korea
Authors: Eom Jun-Sik , Lim Dong-Hyun , Choi Ha-Young , Sung Won-Je , Hur Tai-Young , Kim Sang-Bum , Lee Sung-Sill , Moon Yea-Hwang , Kim Eun-Tae
Published: June 2024

This study examined the colostrum nutritive composition, immunoglobulin (Ig), and microbial community in Holstein and Jersey dairy cows according to the time after calving. The experiment used seven Holstein and three Jersey dairy cows. Colostrum was collected immediately after calf calving, 12, and 24 hours, and stored at −80°C until analysis. An analysis of the nutritive composition in colostrum was performed using LactoScop. The immune indicators were analyzed using an ELISA Kit, and the microbial community was assessed using a Macrogen Inc. The protein level was high in all colostrum samples from Holstein dairy cows compared with Jersey dairy cows, but there was no significant difference according to the time after calving. Immune index analysis revealed high IgG and IgA concentrations in the colostrum of Holstein cows immediately after calving and 12 and 24 hours after calving, but the differences were not significant. The microbial community at the genus level revealed Staphylococcus to be predominant at a high rate in the colostrum of Holstein dairy cows and Enterococcus in Jersey dairy cows 12 hours after calving. Pseudomonas was predominant at a high rate in the colostrum of Jersey lactating cows immediately and 12 hours after calving. Chryseobacterium was predominant at a high rate in Holstein dairy cows 12 and 24 hours after calving. In conclusion, these results are expected to be used as research data on the correlation between quality, immunity, and microbial community in the colostrum. In the future, beneficial microorganisms in the colostrum of domestic dairy cows can be used to improve the growth and immunity of Holstein and Jersey calves and assist in research related to postbiotics industrialization.
Atypical loculated pericardial effusion with infectious pericarditis mimicking a cardiac mass in a dog: a case report
Authors: Lee Ji-Yun , Bae Seulgi , Park Jin-Kyu , Jang Min , Lee Kija , Lee Sang-Kwon
Published: June 2024

A 13-year-old, Maltese dog presented with syncope and lethargy. Abdominal ultrasonography demonstrated anechoic peritoneal effusion and hepatic congestion. A focal echogenic round mass compressing the right ventricle and atrium was observed on echocardiography. Cardiac tamponade and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction occurred. On computed tomography, a homogeneous soft-tissue structure compressing the right chamber without contrast enhancement, suspected to be loculated pericardial effusion. During pericardiocentesis, cardiac tamponade was resolved, and irregular pericardial thickening was noted. Pericardial effusion was exudate and gram-positive bacterial colonies were observed on cytology. A diagnosis of fibrinous pericarditis secondary to bacterial infection was established.
Enhancing anti-calcification efficacy in veterinary cardiovascular surgeries: evaluating short-term ethanol’s role in glutaraldehyde fixed pericardial tissues in rats
Authors: Kim Kyung-Min , Lee Won-Jong , Kim Woo-Jin , Moon Chang-Hwan , Jeong Jaemin , Lee Hae-Beom , Jeong Seong-Mok , Kim Dae-Hyun
Published: June 2024

Autologous pericardial tissues are utilized in veterinary cardiovascular surgeries due to their accessibility and effectiveness. To enhance handling and biomechanical properties, glutaraldehyde (GA) fixation is applied. However, GA fixation can induce calcification, leading to tissue failure. This study aimed to establish an optimal rapid anti-calcification protocol by integrating ethanol treatment with the proven effective GA concentration and fixation time, facilitating application from collection to utilization. Pericardia were fixed with 0.625% GA for 20 min and subjected to ethanol treatment for 0 (group A, control), 20 (group B), and 30 minutes (group C). The treated tissues underwent mechanical test and were implanted subcutaneously in 3-week-old male rats for 7 weeks before extraction, followed by calcium analysis and histological examination via hematoxylin and eosin staining. No significant differences in mechanical properties were observed among the groups. The ethanol-treated groups (groups B and C; p < 0.05) exhibited significantly lower calcium levels than control (group A). Microscopy confirmed collagen and elastic fibers preservation, without significant immune cell variance. However, higher fibrocyte presence was noted in the ethanol-treated groups. This study presents a rapid anti-calcification protocol combining ethanol treatment with optimal GA fixation, suitable for direct surgical use of autologous tissues. Further research is necessary for long-term efficacy evaluation.
Current status and challenges in disease surveillance and epidemiological investigation systems for companion animals in South Korea
Authors: Lee Beom Jun , Min Kyung-Duk
Published: June 2024

The surveillance and epidemiological investigation systems for companion animals in South Korea are significantly underdeveloped compared to those for humans and livestock. Recent outbreaks, such as idiopathic neuromuscular syndrome and highly pathogenic avian influenza among cats, have highlighted the need for reliable systems. This short review conducts situation analysis regarding disease surveillance and epidemiological investigation for companion animals in South Korea. The current challenges include an absence of administrative leadership, a lack of legal support, and unreliable medical data. The recommendations for future directions include clear leadership by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, amending the Act on the Prevention of Contagious Animal Diseases to include companion animals, and enhancing the quality of medical data through standardized coding systems, such as Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms. In addition, sentinel surveillance rather than universal systems should be established to provide adequate incentives for local practitioners to provide data and develop sustainable public–private networks. These recommendations could be important for developing a comprehensive and sustainable system for disease surveillance and epidemiological investigation in the companion animal field.
Student-Teacher Alliance Buffers Against the Impact of Moderate Math Anxiety on Course Performance among College Students
Authors: Palmwood Erin
Published: June 2024

Students with math anxiety experience low self-efficacy and high levels of distress when asked to approach math tasks and concepts, which often results in poor course performance.  Despite the wealth of research on this construct, relatively little is known about how math anxiety impacts math achievement in college-aged students or what types of classroom-based processes might buffer against this harmful effect.  The present study therefore examined the student-teacher alliance as a potential buffer against the detrimental effect of math anxiety on course grades in a sample of non-STEM college students enrolled in a required mathematics course.  Students completed questionnaires regarding their math anxiety, overall anxiety, perception of their alliance with their course instructor, and class grade over the course of a semester.  Results indicated that, although elevated math anxiety was associated with poorer course performance, this link was weakened for students who perceived themselves to have a stronger relationship with their instructor.  However, this moderation effect was present for students with low to moderate, but not high, math anxiety.  Findings highlight the importance of college-level math instructors attending to the student-teacher alliance as a potential anxiety mitigation strategy, particularly for students with moderate levels of math anxiety.
Deconstructing the Testing Mode Effect: Analyzing the Difference Between Writing and No Writing on the Test
Authors: Settlage Daniel M. , Wollscheid Jim
Published: June 2024

The examination of the testing mode effect has received increased attention as higher education has shifted to remote testing during the Covid-19 pandemic. We argue that the testing mode effect should be broken into four distinct subparts: the ability to physically write on the test, the method of answer recording, the proctoring/testing environment, and the effect testing mode has on instructor question selection. This paper examines an area largely neglected by the literature surrounding the testing mode effect, the ability (or lack thereof) to write on the test. Using a normalization technique to control for student aptitude and instructor bias, we find that removing the ability of students to physically write on the test significantly lowers student performance. This finding holds across multiple question types classified by difficulty level, Bloom’s taxonomy, and on figure/graph-based questions, and has implications for testing in both face-to-face and online environments.
Correlation Between Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) Score in Sepsis Patients
Authors: Lubis Andriamuri Primaputra , Hamdi Tasrif , Radiansyah Arsil
Published: June 2024

Background: There are an estimated 31.5 million cases of sepsis per year, and approximately 61% end up in sepsis shock, with a potential mortality rate of 5.3 million per year. In addition to the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, several biomarkers have been used to assess severity and predict mortality, including red cell distribution width (RDW). RDW is increased in conditions of ineffective red blood cell production or destruction that occur in inflammation or infection. RDW above 15.5% is associated with rigid and indestructible red blood cells, which can impede microcirculation and contribute to organ dysfunction, a part of the SOFA score.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between RDW and SOFA score in sepsis patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Haji Adam Malik Medan.Methods: This study used a cohort-prospective study design with a consecutive sampling technique of the population that met the inclusion criteria. The samples were sepsis patients who were admitted to the ICU of Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Haji Adam Malik Medan in April–June 2023. The data was analyzed by a Pearson or Spearman analysis test.Result: There was a significant correlation between RDW and SOFA score (r = 0.471; p<0.05) in ICU sepsis patients. There was a significant correlation (p = 0.003) between RDW values and SOFA scores on the third day, where there was a moderate degree of correlation (r = 0.471), but there was no significant correlation (p = 0.103) between RDW values and SOFA scores on the first day. The sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off values of RDW were found to be 76.5%, 75%, and 14.75%, which compared to SOFA were 76.5%, 75%, and 10.5.Conclusion: There is a statistically significant relationship between RDW and SOFA, with a moderate correlation.
The Relationship Between Interleukin-1β Levels and Visual Analog Scale Value in Preeclampsia Patients Who Received Perioperative C-Sectional Parecoxib With Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Irawan Dino , Yusrawati Yusrawati , Siregar Fidel Ganis , Bisri Dewi Yulianti
Published: June 2024

Background: Interleukin1β (IL-1β) increases during inflammation and functions as a mediator that terminates endothelial dysfunction and regulates cellular apoptosis in preeclampsia. Parecoxib is a potential agent because of its superiority as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory that can work peripherally and centrally, with minimal side effects on the mother and baby.Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between IL-1β levels and visual analog scale (VAS) scores in preeclampsia patients who received parecoxib perioperatively for cesarean section with spinal anesthesia.Methods: Non-experimental cross-sectional research on preeclampsia patients who received perioperative parecoxib and underwent cesarean section with spinal anesthesia as many as 18 people at Arifin Ahmad Hospital, Riau Province, and Bina Kasih Hospital, Pekanbaru. Samples were taken by Consecutive Sampling.Result: There was a moderate negative correlation between IL-1β and VAS (p <0.05; correlation coefficient -0.487).Conclusion: In preeclampsia patients who received parecoxib following a 24-hour spinal anesthetic cesarean surgery, there is a correlation between IL-1β levels and VAS scores.