bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of healthcare workers' perceptions of difficult patients: Samsun province example
Authors: Küçük Yavuz Selim
Published: August 2024

Aims: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the difficult patient perceptions of physicians/dentists, midwives/nurses, medical secretaries, security personnel and other healthcare professionals working in public hospitals in Samsun by comparing them according to their gender, age, marital status, profession, educational status and place of duty.
Methods: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted within the scope of the validity and reliability analysis of the survey created to evaluate the perceptions of difficult patients among 238 healthcare professionals working in public hospitals in Samsun, and 28 statements were collected under 4 dimensions. Student-t test, ANOVA test and post-hoc analyzes were performed at 5% significance level to test the research hypotheses.
Results: While the struggle levels of health workers were generally low, it was observed that the struggle levels of women, under 40 years of age, and health workers working in polyclinics and emergency services were lower when compared according to gender, age and the units they worked in. While the burnout levels of healthcare professionals are generally found to be above average or high, it was found that the burnout levels of female, single, undergraduate and graduate educated healthcare professionals, physicians and nurses working in outpatient clinics, emergency services and inpatient services were higher when compared according to gender, marital status, education, profession and the units where they work.
Conclusion: Within the framework of health management and organization, it is thought that in-service training should be organized for healthcare professionals with lower levels of struggle to increase their level of coping with difficult patients, and to reduce the burnout levels of healthcare professionals with higher levels of burnout, and they should be supported with tools that will enable staff empowerment.
Evaluation of the relationship between TMD pain and toothache and dental anxiety
Authors: Orhan Zeynep Dilan , Ciğerim Levent , Güzel Mehmet , Doğru İbrahim , Kahraman Nazlı Hilal , Hussein Abdalrahim , Baş Hayrettin
Published: August 2024

Aims: The aims of the study were to evaluate the relationship between pain experienced and dental anxiety in patients presenting to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery with tootache and TMD pain.
Methods: This retrospective, observational study was conducted on patients who applied to the oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic between January and June 2022. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the reason for visiting the clinic. Patients in group 1 had toothache and patients in group 2 had temporomandibular disorder pain. Pain was assessed by VAS and dental anxiety by MDAS. The statistical significance level was accepted as p
Evaluation of home health services provided to children in Batman province
Authors: Canpolat Semih , Parlak Mehmet Emin , Öz Erdoğan , Tunç Feyat , Balcı Koray
Published: August 2024

Aims: To evaluate the home health services provided to children in Batman, a province in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkiye, where the birth rate and consanguineous marriages are high.
Methods: For this descriptive and cross-sectional study, data from 460 patients aged 0-18 years who received services from the Home Health Unit of Batman Training and Research Hospital between January 10, 2018, and January 10, 2023, were retrospectively scanned through the Hospital Information Management System.
Results: 57.6% of the patients were male and 42.4% were female. The mean age of the patients was 10.64±4.5 years; the proportion of patients aged 0-6 years was 20%, 7-12 years was 41.1%, and 13-18 years was 38.9%. Mental retardation was observed in 15%, cerebral palsy in 42.8%, hydrocephalus in 7.8%, epilepsy in 17%, spina bifida/meningocele/meningomyelocele in 4.1%, neuromuscular and motor disorders (paresis/plegia, etc.) in 10.4%, and osteogenesis imperfecta in 3%. While 99.6% of reasons for physician visits were non-emergency, the most common reason for visits by non-physician health personnel was dressing and monitoring of fever, pulse, and blood pressure, at 94.8%. The proportion of patients in need of nursing services was 98.7%; the proportion of patients with pressure sore signs was 87.8%; and the proportion of fully dependent patients was 93.9%.
Conclusion: To provide home health services more effectively and efficiently, it is necessary to increase social awareness, improve health literacy to eliminate regional differences, and expand telehealth applications. For better quality service delivery, it is of vital importance to provide periodic training to those engaged in patient care, especially on managing bed sores. In this way, home health services for children can become more accessible and effective.
Evaluation of general characteristics of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were admitted to the ward and intensive care unit from the emergency department: a retrospective clinical study
Authors: Ertürk Nihal , Özensoy Habibe Selmin , Yarkın Neslihan , Varan Edip
Published: August 2024

Aims: COVID-19 has caused many negative biological and psychological effects all over the world for a long time. Our aim is to present the general characteristics of patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 by applying to the emergency department and who were admitted to the intensive care unit or service.
Methods: 1210 patients who were hospitalized in the emergency department, treated between 1 June 2020 and 1 January 2021, who had a positive COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction test result and were examined retrospectively, were included in the study. p
Effectiveness of microfinancing on women’s entrepreneurial intentions through structural equation modeling in Balochistan, Pakistan
Authors: Amjad Sadaf , Danish Muhammad
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND: Women entrepreneurship holds a fundamental role in uplifting economies, by providing job opportunities, driving innovations, and alleviating poverty. This study focuses women entrepreneurial intentions in Balochistan Pakistan, where extreme poverty and limited women participation exist. Despite women’s informal, unregistered, and unrecognized status, they possess the potential for productivity and can play a vibrant role in economic activities.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the impact of microfinancing, risk, and opportunities on women entrepreneurial intentions in Balochistan, Pakistan. Therefore, it seeks to explore the mediating and moderating effects of opportunities and risk attitudes. The emphasis is on identifying women entrepreneurs who are risk-takers, planning to initiate businesses, and require initial funds.

METHODS: This is an exploratory and descriptive study; based on primary data collection through survey from 280 women entrepreneurs in district Quetta of Balochistan, Pakistan. Snowball sampling was employed for cross-sectional data gathering, and empirically analyzed by PLS-SEM.

RESULTS: The results exhibited positive and significant roles of microfinancing, opportunities, and risk attitudes in influencing women’s entrepreneurial intentions. The findings revealed the absence of financial assistance, which is the primary barrier for business startups and expansions.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings recommend microfinancing stimulate women entrepreneurial activities; enhance risk-taking ability to explore more business opportunities. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) are advised to formulate improved strategies tailored for women’s entrepreneurial development in Balochistan, Pakistan.
New insights into the identification of biochemical traits linked to rooting percentage in fig (Ficus carica L.) cuttings
Authors: Mirsoleimani Abbas , Zinati Zahra , Abbasi Shima
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

The fig ( Ficus carica L.) tree known for its tasty and nutritious fruits, is typically propagated by cutting. While previous studies have focused on the effects of different treatments and environmental conditions on fig cutting propagation, little attention has been paid to the specific role and association of biochemical properties in leaves, stem bark and fruit on the rooting process.

OBJECTIVE:

This research explores the complex relationship between 40 biochemical traits and the rooting ability of fig cuttings. To achieve this objective, various machine learning techniques were employed, such as a random forest model, feature importance analysis, linear regression, and principal component analysis (PCA).

RESULTS:

The random forest model showed significant predictive ability with a classification accuracy of 100%, supported by a high kappa statistic. Feature importance analysis identified a* (a colorimetric parameter in fruit), fruit trans-ferulic acid and leaf total flavonoids as the most influential traits in determining the rooting ability of cuttings. The robustness of these findings is supported by the high R-squared value (0.9002) and low error metrics (MAE 0.7554 and MSE 0.6980) of the linear regression model built on these important traits. In parallel, PCA indicated that a*, leaf total flavonoids and fruit trans-ferulic acid were the dominant traits in samples with lower rooting percentage.

CONCLUSIONS:

These identified biomarkers can be effectively used by fig breeders and growers to select and introduce fig cultivars with improved rooting ability.
Group-based trajectory analysis of longitudinal employment patterns and predictors for adults with visual impairments
Authors: Cmar Jennifer L. , McDonnall Michele C.
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND: A substantial gap in employment rates has been documented between people with and without visual impairments, but most employment-related research for people with visual impairments has focused on employment at one time point. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine longitudinal employment trajectories by visual impairment and investigate factors associated with trajectories for people with visual impairments. METHODS: The data source was the 2014 Panel of the Survey of Income and Program Participation. Participants were 816 adults with visual impairments and a matched comparison group of 816 adults without visual impairments. We used group-based trajectory modeling to estimate employment trajectories, identify predictors of trajectory group membership, and explore the impact of health on employment trajectories. RESULTS: Visual impairment was associated with a lower probability of membership in the Rising, Declining, and High employment trajectory groups compared to the Low group. Predictors of trajectory group membership included disability benefit receipt, non-visual disabilities, gender, race, age, and education. Fair or poor health was associated with decreases in all four trajectories over time. CONCLUSION: Visual impairment is a risk factor for not working across multiple years. Disability benefit receipt was the strongest predictor of trajectory group membership for this population.
Investigating trends in the youth transition service delivery and consumer demographics of Centers for Independent Living
Authors: Walters Charles B. , Plotner Anthony J. , Crane Kelli T.
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND: Recent state funding opportunities have brought about a renewed interest in the value of collaboration with Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to support the positive postschool outcomes of youth with disabilities. While the potential of CILs in this domain of practice has been well described, their engagement in such collaborative efforts has been limited. OBJECTIVE: The current study was conducted to better understand the involvement of CILs in supporting transition-age youth with disabilities. METHODS: Through an analysis of publicly available CIL administrative data, the authors examined consumer demographics and service categories from 2015 to 2022. RESULTS: Their findings indicated that, on the whole, CIL involvement with youth has remained limited and the disability demographics of consumers have changed little over time. Moreover, while there has been a steady increase in consumers receiving support in the category of “youth/transition services,” this upward trend has been slight. CONCLUSION: From these results, it can be argued that CIL support of transition-age youth is an issue that merits the ongoing attention of the field. In this article, these findings are discussed alongside implications for the field and future research.
The prevalence and influencing factors of remunerative employment in people with chronic spinal cord injury in a middle-income country: Analysis of the Thai International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey database
Authors: Pattanakuhar Sintip , Kammuang-lue Pratchayapon , Srisuppaphon Donruedee , Chotiyarnwong Chayaporn , Kovindha Apichana , Schwegler Urban
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND: Remunerative employment (RE) is one of the optimal rehabilitation goals for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, there has been no study systematically determine the RE status and its related factors in Thais with chronic SCI. OBJECTIVE: To cross-sectionally determine RE statuses and their influencing factors in Thais with chronic SCI. METHODS: Data from a Thai arm of the International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey (InSCI) were analyzed. The prevalence of RE and related work status were described. RESULTS: Of 223 individuals with chronic SCI whose age was less than 60 years included in this study, 79 (35%) were remunerative employed. Most of them (41, 54%) were self-employed. The most common reason for unemployment was related to health conditions or disabilities. Education year, attending vocational rehabilitation service, and admission≥2 times per year were independent influencing factors of RE with an odds ratio of 1.090, 2.534, and 0.418, respectively. CONCLUSION: Since education and vocational rehabilitation were the modifiable positive influencing factor of employment, educational and vocational rehabilitation programs should be formally established and universally applied together with medical rehabilitation to increase the prevalence of RE in people with SCI in Thailand.
Teaching workplace communication skills to college students with intellectual disability
Authors: Downey Angelica , Dukes Charles , Kearney Kelly B. , Ramasamy Rangasamy , Torres Ayse , Carey Gwendolyn , Adams Kaley , Kenney Stefanie
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND: College students with Intellectual Disability (ID) are afforded many educational opportunities through Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs, including employment training. Competitive employment can contribute to a rich independent life, thus more employment training opportunities can be beneficial. Low employment rates for adults with ID have motivated these efforts to develop proper employment training. In the past, on-the-job (OTJ) training with a job coach was one of the only supports for adults with ID in the workplace. Now, there are a variety of evidence-based strategies that can be used in the workplace or in other community settings, such as Covert Audio Coaching (CAC), to teach adults with ID the skills they need to maintain a job. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if CAC would increase on-topic workplace communication skills for college students with ID. METHODS: This study used a multiple probe design to examine the effects of CAC on teaching workplace communication skills to college students with ID in a real-world setting. In this study, students interned in an office setting and spoke to a co-worker at their work setting while the interventionist used a two-way radio system to provide coaching statements to the student during their conversations. RESULTS: All students in this study increased their on-topic communication exchanges and these results demonstrate that CAC is an effective intervention for this population. CONCLUSION: CAC can be used as an employment support for adults with ID, specifically in the community setting. Limitations and implications of this study were further described at the end of the article.
Quantum Solution of Classical Turbulence. Decaying Energy Spectrum
Authors: Migdal Alexander
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a recent advancement that transforms the problem of decaying turbulence in the Navier-Stokes equations in \(3+1\) dimensions into a Number Theory challenge: finding the statistical limit of the Euler ensemble. We redefine this ensemble as a Markov chain, establishing its equivalence to the quantum statistical theory of \(N\) fermions on a ring, interacting with an external field associated with random fractions of \(\pi\). Analyzing this theory in the turbulent limit, where \(N \to \infty\) and \(\nu \to 0\), we discover the solution as a complex trajectory (instanton) that acts as a saddle point in the path integral over the density of these fermions.

By computing the contribution of this instanton to the vorticity correlation function, we obtain an analytic formula for the observable energy spectrum—a complete solution of decaying turbulence derived entirely from first principles without the need for approximations or fitted dimensionless parameters. Our analysis reveals the full spectrum of critical indices in the velocity correlation function in coordinate space, determined by the poles of the Mellin transform, which we prove to be a meromorphic function. Real and complex poles are identified, with the complex poles reflecting dissipation and uniquely determined by the famous complex zeros of the Riemann zeta function.

Universal functions of the scaling variables supersede the traditional turbulent scaling laws (K41, Heisenberg, and multifractal). These functions for the energy spectrum, energy decay rate, and velocity correlation significantly deviate from power laws but closely match the results from grid turbulence experiments[1][2] and recent DNS data[3] within experimental error margins.
Cervicovaginal foetal fibronectin in predicting success of induced labour among nulliparous women: a systematic review
Authors: Inayat Fawad , Tariq Imad , Bashir Nabiha , Ullah Fawad , Aimen Hadiqa
Published: August 2024

Background The global rates of labor induction continue to exhibit a surge, attributed to a range of medical, obstetric, and non-medical factors. Although the Bishop score is often used to assess cervical preparation, its ability to accurately predict outcomes, particularly in nulliparous women with an unfavorable cervix, is still unknown.
Method A complete review of the literature was undertaken, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases, with the search period extending until April 2023. The studies included in this analysis focused on investigating the predictive value of fFN concerning induced labor outcomes in nulliparous women. The process of data extraction primarily concentrated on the features of the study, interventions, controls, criteria for inclusion and exclusion, and the outcomes that were evaluated. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
Results The review synthesized findings from five studies, revealing varied predictive values of fFN. Sciscione et al. (2005) reported no significant difference in vaginal delivery rates between positive and negative fFN groups (Positive fFN: 55.8% vs. Negative fFN: 53.3%; P > .70). Uygur et al. (2016) found a higher cesarean section rate in patients with negative fFN results (P = 0.002). Reis et al. (2003) highlighted that higher parity and Bishop scores were more predictive than fFN alone (P = .021 for funneling; P = .157 for fFN presence). Grab et al. (2022) and Khalaf et al. (2023) further corroborated fFN's role in predicting labor outcomes, with the latter study demonstrating high sensitivity (85%), specificity (80%), and accuracy (82.6%) in predicting successful labor induction (P < .05 for Bishop score relation with fFN; P = 0.029 for positive vs. negative fFN).
Conclusion This systematic review validated that fFN is a significant biomarker for predicting labor induction outcomes, especially in nulliparous women. The combination of additional clinical factors with fFN has been shown to boost its prediction accuracy, indicating the need for a personalized strategy to labor induction.
Ishmael and Ahab, the Sinister Double at the Limit
Authors: Barbado Mariscal Pedro
Published: August 2024

In this article, I will focus on a reading of Moby Dick based on the identification between the two key figures of the work: Ahab, the captain who tries to transgress the limits of the human, according to the terminology of the philosophy of Trias, and a narrator, Ishmael, who seems to know every thought of the Pequod's crew and whose entry into the narrative already raises a doubt as to his identity. To do this, I will use Eugenio Trias' philosophy of the limit as methodology.
Mediatized Eurocentric Beauty Ideals and their Effects on African Women: Demystifying the Moroccan Context
Authors: Samiha Zouitni  , Abdelghanie Ennam
Published: August 2024

This research investigates the profound influence of Eurocentric beauty ideals, propagated predominantly through mainstream media, on the self-perception and body image of Moroccan women. Focusing on a sample of 134 females, the study examines how exposure to these ideals through media outlets, such as television, and social media impacts beauty and self-perception. The findings highlight several critical dynamics. Firstly, there is a significant negative correlation between high exposure and both self-esteem and body image, indicating that greater consumption of Western media is associated with lower self-esteem and more negative body image perceptions. Secondly, our research reveals that Moroccan women experience substantial pressure from social media as well as their inner circle to conform to certain beauty standards, which adversely affects their psychological health and perception of beauty. Finally, the study identifies age and education as significant moderators in how media exposure affects women, suggesting that these factors may offer some resilience against the negative impact of media. These insights underscore the need for a broader representation in media to foster healthier self-perceptions and challenge the dominance of Eurocentric beauty standards.
A Study on Izzy’s Existential Predicament and Growth in Little Fires Everywhere from the Perspective of Spatial Criticism
Authors: Zhu Hazel
Published: August 2024

Little Fires Everywhere is a novel written by contemporary writer Celeste Ng in 2017. The novel portrays a stubborn and sensitive, brave and bold little girl—Izzy. She has been living in a repressed physical space for a long time, suffering from the control and contempt of family members as well as the isolation and ostracism of teachers and classmates in the social space, which eventually led to the alienation of her psychological space. Later, in the process of communicating with her tenant, Izzy’s shriveled heart is ignited. She sees different lifestyles, captures the meaning of life, and begins to defend freedom and seek her true self in an extremely rebellious way. Finally, she achieves transformation and growth in psychological space and achieves self-redemption in a rigid world. This paper employs spatial criticism theory to analyze the existential predicament Izzy confronts in various spaces and her resistance from three dimensions: the mundane physical space, the oppressive social space, and the estranged psychological space. The aim is to illuminate to readers that only through persistent rebellion can individuals shatter the constraints of space and attain true freedom in the face of repression and injustice.
The Arab Novel Beyond Borders: Gender Identity Construction and Diaspora in Najat El Hachmi’s The Last Patriarch
Authors: Aouaki Soukaina
Published: August 2024

Enough scholarly interest has been invested in studying diasporic literatures and discourses. However, given linguistic constraints, Moroccan diasporic texts have received little attention. Through the lens of gender theory, this paper attempts to offer some critical reflections on Najat El Hachmi’s The Last Patriarch. It specifically looks at the ways in which gender identities are constructed and transformed within a conservative patriarchal family residing in diaspora far-flung from the homeland. It also examines how binary static identities are reshuffled, making the protagonist engage in a quest for independence and self-assertion. The complexities of immigrant identities, incorporating binary elements such as languages (Amazigh and Catalan), modernity, and tradition, allowed the protagonist to go beyond shame, taboos, and stereotypes to deconstruct the patriarchal figure. As a migrant, El Hachmi’s protagonist presents a critical vision of both realities, thus taking her destiny into her “own” hands and toppling down ‘the last patriarch.’
Determining Perioperative Mortality in Patients with Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Insights from a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Prapassaro Tossapol , Chinsakchai Khamin , Somkiat Techarattanaprasert  , Wongwanit Chumpol , Ruansetakit Chanean , Hongku Kiattisak , Hahtapornsawan Suteekhanit , Puangpunngam Nattawut , Sermsathanasawadi Nuttawut , Tongsai Sasima , Moll Frans ML , Mutirangura Pramook
Published: August 2024

Objective: Analyzing factors determining perioperative mortality in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) undergoing open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).Materials and Methods: Inclusion of 147 consecutive rAAA patients who underwent OSR (n=37) or EVAR (n=110) between 2000 and 2017. Assessment of patients' demographic data, intraoperative details, and perioperative complications. Investigation of comparative outcomes between OSR and EVAR. Employing logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with perioperative mortality.Results: Perioperative mortality rate of 19.04% (28/147), with 8.1% (3/37) for OSR and 22.7% (25/110) for EVAR (p=0.139). Higher prevalence of unfit patients in the non-survived group (82.1% vs. 47.9%, p=0.002). Non-survived group had significantly higher preoperative serum creatinine levels (1.8 ± 1.74 vs. 1.4 ± 5.89, p=0.011). Intraoperatively, non-survived group had higher rates of aortic balloon usage and cardiac arrest (64.3% vs. 22.7% and 28.6% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified age > 80 years old, unfit patient status, aortic balloon usage, postoperative myocardial infarction, postoperative congestive heart failure, and abdominal compartment syndrome as independent predictors of 30-day mortality.Conclusions: No significant difference in perioperative mortality between OSR and EVAR in rAAA patients. Independent predictors of 30-day mortality include age > 80 years old, unfit patient status, aortic balloon usage, postoperative myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and abdominal compartment syndrome. Valuable insights for clinicians in predicting outcomes and improving patient care in rAAA cases.
Developing Cerebral Palsy Screening of Functional Abilities in School (CPS –FAS)
Authors: Wangthomrong Laksika , Boonsinsukh Rumpa , Wannapakhe Jirabhorn
Published: August 2024

Objective: This study aimed to determine the psychometric property of a newly developed functional abilities screening tool for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in special education units.
Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. The tool for cerebral palsy screening of functional abilities in school (CPS-FAS) was established by surveying 28 pediatric physical therapists and holding focus group discussions with them. The CPS-FAS tool was used to evaluate content validity, reliability, and discriminative ability with 30 school-age children with CP at levels 1-3 of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).
Results: The CPS-FAS generation process established 21 activity-problem screening items for children with CP, which had good content validity (index of item-objective congruence (IOC) = 1), good internal consistency (α = 0.92), and showed significant differences between GMFCS levels 1 and 3 (p > 0.001) and GMFCS levels 2 and 3 (p > 0.001).
Conclusion: The CPS-FAS tool can be applied to school-age children with CP in a special education unit to screen such children for activity problems that affect school living without environmental obstruction and language barriers, and it only takes a short time (10-15 minutes) to complete.
Incidence and Factors Associated with Breastfeeding at Six Months in Very-Low-Birthweight Infants: A Single-Center Prospective Study
Authors: Limpivilas Nutchayavaree , Tanaanunmongkol Pongwut , Chumuang Vichsinee , Siripattanapipong Pitiporn , Kitsommart Ratchada
Published: August 2024

Objective: Primary objective was to determine success rate of breastfeeding (BF) at 6-month-postnatal age (PNA). Secondary objective was to explore factors associated with unsuccessful BF at 6-month-PNA in very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants.
Materials and Methods: Single-center, prospective, observational study was conducted. Inclusion criteria were discharged VLBW infants and maternal desire for BF. We conducted telephone interviews to assess feeding type and volume every 2 months until 12-month-PNA and reasons for BF cessation.
Results: Eighty-nine VLBW infants were included. Mean (±standard deviation) maternal age was 31.4 ± 6.5 years. Median [P25, P75] gestational age was 29.0 [28.0, 31.5] weeks. At 6-month-PNA, 22 infants (24.7%) were exclusively breastfed, which decreased to 2 infants (2.2%) by 12 months. Rate of successful BF at 6 months was 55.1%. After controlling for potential confounders, factors associated with unsuccessful BF at 6 months were male [aOR (95% CI) 3.2 (1.1, 9.4), p = 0.04], longer hospitalization stays [aOR 1.0 (1.0, 1.1), p = 0.02], born via cesarean section [aOR 4.1 (1.1, 15.4), p = 0.04], maternal education below bachelor's degree [aOR 4.0 (1.1, 14.0), p = 0.03], and introduction of additional feeding types at hospital discharge [aOR 3.8 (1.2, 12.2), p = 0.03]. Main reason for unsuccessful breastfeeding at 6 months was inadequate milk supply (77.5%).
Conclusion: Fifty-five percent of VLBW infants retained successful BF at 6 months. Main reason for unsuccessful BF was inadequate milk supply.
Vitamin D Deficiency as a Factor Associated with Neuropathic Pain in Multibacillary Type Morbus Hansen
Authors: Tertia Clarissa , De Liyis Bryan Gervais , Tini Kumara , Meidiary Anak Agung Ayu , Widyastuti Ketut , Suryapraba Anak Agung Ayu , Widyadharma I Putu Eka
Published: August 2024

Objective: Morbus Hansen (MH), caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is marked by neuropathic pain. Prior studies link low vitamin D levels to diabetic neuropathic pain, yet research on its role in MH-related neuropathic pain is limited. This study investigates the role of vitamin D deficiency in MH-related neuropathic pain.
Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among multibacillary (MB) MH patients at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital, Bali from April to August 2023. Neuropathic pain was assessed using the Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire, while serum 25(OH)D levels determined vitamin D status. The cutoff for deficiency was determined via ROC curve analysis.
Results: Among 42 participants, those without neuropathic pain exhibited higher mean serum vitamin D levels than those with neuropathic pain (28.69 ± 8.16 vs. 22.11 ± 9.54 ng/ml; p=0.021). The ROC curve identified a cutoff value of 30.25 ng/ml, categorizing participants into vitamin D deficiency (<30.25 ng/ml) and non-deficiency (≥30.25 ng/ml) groups. Bivariate analysis revealed a heightened incidence of neuropathic pain among MH patients with serum vitamin D levels below the designated cutoff point (OR: 6.60; 95%CI: 1.484-29.355; p=0.022). Multivariate analysis indicated that two variables significantly correlated with neuropathic pain in MH patients: vitamin D deficiency (OR: 14.337; 95%CI: 2.431-84.542; p=0.003) and peripheral nerve enlargement (OR: 12.564; 95%CI: 2.096-75.307; p=0.006).
Conclusion: Disparities in average vitamin D levels were observed between MH patients with and without neuropathic pain. Vitamin D deficiency, alongside peripheral nerve enlargement, emerged as significant risk factors for neuropathic pain in MH patients.
Challenges and Development of the Insurance Market in Albania
Authors: Zamira  , Çelo Dr. Robert
Published: August 2024

The insurance market in Albania has experienced substantial changes in recent years. This analysis focuses on the structure and performance of the insurance market in Albania, including the main product categories such as compulsory and voluntary insurance. One of the main challenges for the insurance market in Albania is the low level of penetration compared to European standards. Public awareness and promotion of insurance culture are important factors in improving this aspect. The study also addresses legal changes and innovations in the market, including changes in the legal framework and insurance technology. This analysis is based on various sources, including the Financial Supervision Authority (FSA) reports, financial data of insurance companies, and insurance market trends. Understanding these aspects provides a complete overview of the developments and challenges of the insurance market in Albania and brings a basis for the discussion on the growth opportunities of this sector in the future. The methodology provides a structured approach to investigate the challenges and development of the insurance market in Albania in the post-pandemic period. By combining data from various sources, the study aims to produce a comprehensive analysis that can inform policy recommendations and strategic decisions for stakeholders in the Albanian insurance industry. The study revealed that the market demonstrated resilience despite initial disruptions, with a gradual recovery in premium volumes and a rebound in demand for various insurance products. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, leading to improved customer service, streamlined operations, and enhanced data management.
TRANSLATING DIRECTIONAL ACCURACY INTO PROFITABILITY: MACHINE LEARNING BASED PREDICTIVE MODELS FOR GLOBAL STOCK INDICES
Authors: Kaur Jasleen , Dharni Khushdeep
Published: August 2024

Understanding the linkage between directional accuracy and return remains a negligibly explored domain in the context of stock market prediction. Maximum studies in the given domain are based on mathematical accuracy measures and directional accuracy measures. Merely the efficiency of directional prediction may not suffice, as themagnitude of directional change also assumes importance in stock markets. Without any doubt, profitability measures reign supreme in the case of the stock market. The current study attempts to investigate the association between Accuracy rate and returns for data sets based on seven stock indices across the globe. The outcome of the study relies on machine learning: ANN (Artificial Neural Networks) and SVM (Support Vector Machine) based predictive models, built using 196 data sets of variable duration. The results of the current research reveal a strong positive correlation between accuracy rate and returns. Moreover, significant variations in the extent of therelationship are also observed. Quantile regression models indicate a relatively stronger relationship between accuracy rate and return at the lower range of returns. Findings of the study carry value for academicians, researchers, and practitioners in the field of machine learning and stock market predictions.
GREEN HPLC DETERMINATION OF PHENYTOIN AND METHOD VALIDATION
Authors: Ökmen Ertuğrul Faruk , Çubuk Demiralay Ebru , Konçe İlkay , Daldal Yaşar Doğan
Published: August 2024

Objective: In this study, the chromatographic behavior of the antiepileptic drug phenytoin was determined by the green HPLC method. The optimization of the developed method was based on the capacity factor values of phenytoin in varying water-ethanol binary mixtures and the ethanol concentration in the mobile phase where the compound was analyzed.
Material and Method: Ethanol-water binary mixtures containing 35%, 40%, and 45% (v/v) ethanol were used in the optimization for the determination performed by the RPLC method. Retention times of the compound were determined with the Zorbax SB-CN (150x4.6 mm, 3.5 µm ID) column. Analyzes were performed at a constant flow rate (0.3 ml/min) and column temperature (37°C). The optimum condition for quantitative analysis was determined as an ethanol-water binary mixture containing 40% (v/v) ethanol with a pH of 6.5.
Result and Discussion: In this study, the hydrophobicity of phenytoin was calculated using the logk-φ relationship. The optimum condition was determined using the obtained chromatographic data, and the quantitative determination of phenytoin in the commercial tablet formulation was made by the internal standard method. Under these conditions, excellent linearity (r>0.99) was obtained in the concentration range of 0.8-2.8 μg/ml. The detection limit of the developed method is 0.021 μg/ml; the limit of quantitation was calculated as 0.064 μg/ml. The recovery value of the method was determined as 99.61%. It was concluded that the parameters of precision, accuracy, and method robustness were appropriate for the validation procedures.
MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF THE MCR-1 GENE IN PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA AND ACINETOBACTER BAUMANII STRAINS
Authors: Akgül Ömer
Published: August 2024

Objective: The emergence of antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumanii isolates poses serious risks to public health. Our study aimed to investigate the presence of colistin resistance and mcr-1 gene positivity in these isolates.
Material and Method: Culture, biochemical tests, antibiotic susceptibility tests, and molecular tests were used to isolate and identify P. aeruginosa and A. baumanii strains.
Result and Discussion: A sum of 156 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 89) and Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 67) were obtained using the 550 clinical samples collected in one year from the largest hospital in Van, Turkey. The results of antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that approximately 82.8% of P. aeruginosa and 94.6% of A. baumannii strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Colistin resistance was detected in 11.23% (10/89) of P. aeruginosa isolates and 11.94% (8/67) of A. baumannii isolates using agar dilution and microdilution methods. Out of the 18 colistin-resistant isolates, the mcr-1 gene was detected in three P. aeruginosa and two A. baumannii strains. The detection of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance in P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii is of great concern due to the high potential for colistin resistance to spread in clinical settings. Understanding the unique circumstances of worldwide colistin resistance can be facilitated by promoting the creation of quick processes for identifying colistin resistance profiles and putting them into practice in hospital laboratories. Colistin and carbapenem treatment are two effective ways to treat emerging resistant super-microbes and slow down the emergence of resistance.
‘The Body Carries the Border’ – A Somatechnical Approach to Borderscape Violence
Authors: Achenbach Alina
Published: August 2024

In bio-/necropolitical accounts, the border penetrates and insists on, that is, transforms, the bodies of people on the move, marking the constitutive violence of sovereignty-based hospitality or hostility. What is largely conceptually neglected in such accounts, however, is the subversive and risky activity of people on the move who themselves are insisting on the border by outsmarting and transgressing it. Extensions of bio-/necropolitics focusing on the debilitating aspects of state violence show how the border extends beyond a liminal status that reproduces binaries – such as exclusion/inclusion, (non-)citizenship, and (il-)legality) – thereby enabling a recentring of people on the move as agents. This paper seeks to (re-)formulate the idea of a ‘border-as-assemblage’ by offering a somatechnical reading of border transgression. The body on the move forms part of this assemblage as it challenges and reproduces the border across different technoscapes. In particular, I focus on the scene of the forensic examination room where people on the move must prove their deservingness by exposing their bodies to a medicalising-moralising gaze. This scene forms the entrance point to a consideration of the somatechnical entanglements giving shape to the assemblage of the migrant body. I reflect also on how somatechnics could be mobilised to think the body as a potential site of struggle against this (physically and epistemically) violent objectification and, in so doing, offer new perspectives on border resistance through refusal and as claim to opacity.
Analysis of anamnestic data from genetic counseling of couples with history of repeated spontaneous abortions from Split Croatia
Authors: Culic Vida , Roje Damir , Vulić Robert
Published: August 2024

Aim: To show the importance of how important are in the genetic counselling process of spontaneous abortions, including careful and detailed analyses of anamnestic data and drawing a family tree.Methods: We included 451 couples with normal karyotypes and treated in the Genetic Counseling Unit due to one or more unsuccessful pregnancies from 1985 to 2010.Results: Second-generation relatives of both partners had two times higher number of SA than the general popu-lation. Almost one third of participans (men and women) were historically exposed to some harmful agent. The "motherhood age effect" is not present, male partners in the group with 3 spontaneous abortions (SA) were older. Both men and women had previous urinary and/or genital infections more often than in the general population. There was no significant correlation between occupation and SA and the frequency of urogenital infections with the type of occupation. Women were affected by computer work or exposure to food and chemicals, while men mostly by heat and cold exposure. Harmful habits predominant in women was smoking and alcohol by men.Conclusion: The research showed how much important information could be obtained for further investigation of the causes of a complex multifactorial process such as recurrent spontaneous abortions.
Study of Student’s Perception in Learning Vocabularies Through Budi Harjo’s Challenge at Tik Tok
Authors: Arina Sania
Published: August 2024

In the word of learning innovation is intended here to be anything fresh and qualitative improvement, of course there is something that differs from what existed before and is intentionally made to develop in the attempt to achieve learning objectives. In the meantime, what is implied by the term "new" in that case is linked to something that the receiver of the invention has not learned or applied. This study explores students’ perception in learning vocabularies through a challenge in a Tik tok platform. By doin this reasearch, the writer intends to find out 1) student’s perception in learning vocabularies through @budy harjo’s challenge at tik tok by learning through #duet in Tik Tok and 2) know the process of learning vocabularies @budy harjo’s challenge at Tik Tok through student’s perception. In this study, the researcher focuses on fifteen students whom join the @Budiharjo’s challenge for learning vocabularies at Tik Tok, the observer confined as an e-learning platform by using #duet and #learning vocabularies at Tik Tok. The observer adresses one main aspect; these are the implementation of speaking through #duet at Tik Tok as e-learning platform implemented in English learning based on four stages.
Implementasi Wifiq Sebagai Media Dakwah Pada Santri Pondok Pesantren Al Muhsinin
Authors: Ahmad Mujahidin  , Muhammad As'ad
Published: August 2024

Penelitian ini membahas implementasi Wifiq sebagai sarana media dakwah pada santri Pondok Pesantren Al-Muhsinin. Melalui pendekatan kualitatif dengan fokus pada aspek spiritual, penelitian ini mengungkap peran Wifiq dalam mendekatkan diri kepada Allah melalui simbol-simbol, huruf, angka, nukilan al-qur’an, hadist maupun doa-doa tertentu. Dengan memilih Pondok Pesantren Al-Muhsinin Cukir, Diwek, Jombang, sebagai objek penelitian. Penelitian ini menyoroti bagaimana Wifiq dipahami sebagai ilmu yang tidak hanya spiritual, tetapi juga memiliki keterkaitan dengan ilmu-ilmu kuno dan pemahaman keagamaan yang memang dikombinasi dengan ilmu Wifiq, Rajah, Azimat atau Haikal. Meskipun kontroversial, Wifiq tetap dianggap sebagai bagian dari warisan ulama dengan nilai-nilai yang dapat meningkatkan wawasan dan kejiwaan spiritual. Penelitian ini menunjukkan kompleksitas dan kedalaman ilmu Wifiq dalam konteks kehidupan keagamaan dan keilmuan Islam, serta implikasinya dalam praktik dakwah dan identitas pesantren.
The Competence and Authority of Midwives in giving Birth without the assistance of a Doctor in Nigeria
Authors: Aidonojie Paul Atagamen , Aidonojie Esther Chetachukwu , Afolabi Majekodunmi Toyin , Eregbuonye Obieshi , Adebayo Adesoji Kolawole
Published: August 2024

Life per se is not short, but our actions and inaction often result in the shortness of our life. This quote is concerning the fact that in Nigeria and the global standard it is required that during childbirth delivery there should always be a doctor present to avoid complications that may result in the death of the mother or the child. However, in Nigeria, it has been observed that the majority of the childbirth delivery conducted in hospitals or at any other place by local or trained mid-wife are often executed without the involvement or presence of a doctor.  In this regard, is it legally and medically in abeyance to conduct childbirth delivery without the aid of a doctor, given the possible complication that may result in loss of life and damage to the mother and child. It is in this regard that this study tends to adopt a hybrid method of study (involving a doctrinal and non-doctrinal) in ascertaining the legal issues and challenges in curtailing mid-wife involvement in child delivery in the absence of a medical doctor. 307 questionnaires were distributed to respondents, and the data obtained were analyzed by adopting an analytical and descriptive method. The study, therefore, found that there are very high incidences of the mortality rate of a pregnant mother and their baby during delivery by mid-wife and nurses given the absence of a doctor. The study further found that though there are laws and ethical codes that regulate childbirth delivery in Nigeria, however, there are challenges that often mitigate the curtailment of mid-wife or nurses involved in childbirth delivery without the aid of a doctor. We thus concluded and recommended that authorities should establish effective regulations and sanctions for midwives or nurses participating in childbirth deliveries without the presence of a doctor.