bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypergraph representation of multimodal brain networks for patients with end-stage renal disease associated with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Xi Zhengtao , Liu Tongqiang , Shi Haifeng , Jiao Zhuqing
Published: November 2022

The structure and function of brain networks (BN) may be altered in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, there are relatively few attentions on ESRD associated with mild cognitive impairment (ESRDaMCI). Most studies focus on the pairwise relationships between brain regions, without taking into account the complementary information of functional connectivity (FC) and structural connectivity (SC). To address the problem, a hypergraph representation method is proposed to construct a multimodal BN for ESRDaMCI. First, the activity of nodes is determined by connection features extracted from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) (i.e., FC), and the presence of edges is determined by physical connections of nerve fibers extracted from diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) (i.e., SC). Then, the connection features are generated through bilinear pooling and transformed into an optimization model. Next, a hypergraph is constructed according to the generated node representation and connection features, and the node degree and edge degree of the hypergraph are calculated to obtain the hypergraph manifold regularization (HMR) term. The HMR and L1 norm regularization terms are introduced into the optimization model to achieve the final hypergraph representation of multimodal BN (HRMBN). Experimental results show that the classification performance of HRMBN is significantly better than that of several state-of-the-art multimodal BN construction methods. Its best classification accuracy is 91.0891%, at least 4.3452% higher than that of other methods, verifying the effectiveness of our method. The HRMBN not only achieves better results in ESRDaMCI classification, but also identifies the discriminative brain regions of ESRDaMCI, which provides a reference for the auxiliary diagnosis of ESRD.
Multi-robot task allocation in e-commerce RMFS based on deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Yuan Ruiping , Dou Jiangtao , Li Juntao , Wang Wei , Jiang Yingfan
Published: November 2022

A Robotic Mobile Fulfillment System (RMFS) is a new type of parts-to-picker order fulfillment system where multiple robots coordinate to complete a large number of order picking tasks. The multi-robot task allocation (MRTA) problem in RMFS is complex and dynamic, and it cannot be well solved by traditional MRTA methods. This paper proposes a task allocation method for multiple mobile robots based on multi-agent deep reinforcement learning, which not only has the advantage of reinforcement learning in dealing with dynamic environment but also can solve the task allocation problem of large state space and high complexity utilizing deep learning. First, a multi-agent framework based on cooperative structure is proposed according to the characteristics of RMFS. Then, a multi agent task allocation model is constructed based on Markov Decision Process. In order to avoid inconsistent information among agents and improve the convergence speed of traditional Deep Q Network (DQN), an improved DQN algorithm based on a shared utilitarian selection mechanism and priority empirical sample sampling is proposed to solve the task allocation model. Simulation results show that the task allocation algorithm based on deep reinforcement learning is more efficient than that based on a market mechanism, and the convergence speed of the improved DQN algorithm is much faster than that of the original DQN algorithm.
Obračanje na Drugega v duhovni poeziji Jude Halevija in Gorazda Kocijančiča
Authors: Primc Erika
Published: November 2022

Okušanje Presežnega – kar presega naše zmožnosti čutenja, zamišljanja, nas same – je starodavna izkušnja. Vzporedno z njo se oblikuje tudi njeno ubesedovanje, pri katerem je človek hitro ugotovil, da ima opravka z neizrekljivim. In vendar se temu ni odpovedal. Duhovna literatura, ki skuša to neizrekljivo morda ubesedovati najbolj neposredno, je prisotna že od začetkov književnosti – in je še danes prav tako aktualna. Članek obravnava dva trenutka z njene poti: pesniško delo srednjeveškega judovskega pesnika Jude Halevija in sodobnega slovenskega pesnika Gorazda Kocijančiča. Temelji na Kocijančičevem prevodu izbora Halevijevih pesmi (1997) in treh Kocijančičevih pesniških zbirkah: Tvoja imena (2000), Certamen spirituale (2008) in Primož Trubar zapušča Ljubljano (2012). Na primeru njune poezije prikaže, kako se to, kar duhovno pesem potiska v nastanek in je hkrati njen ključni moment – torej obračanje na Drugega – odraža v sami pesmi. Članek se najprej ustavi ob njunih navezavah na tradicijo mistične poezije, saj je v le-tej obravnavani vidik poezije najbolj neposredno prisoten. Nato se posveti obračanju lirskega subjekta na d(D)rugega, na Boga – prek poimenovanj in same strukture pesmi, ki vedno n(N)ekoga nagovarja. Videli bomo, da obravnavana avtorja kljub zgodovinski, kulturni in navsezadnje religijski oddaljenosti pišeta o isti izkušnji.
Le lancement de Maurice Chevalier à Hollywood : ethnicité, charisme et compétences musicales
Authors: Pór Katalin
Published: November 2022

Lorsque Maurice Chevalier arrive aux États-Unis en octobre 1928, à la faveur d’un contrat signé avec Paramount, l’acceptation par le public américain d’une vedette issue du music-hall, étrangère de surcroît, n’a rien d’évident. Il s’agit pourtant d’un enjeu particulièrement important pour le studio, qui a investi une somme d’argent conséquente pour son recrutement. Le studio s’emploie alors à organiser son intégration dans le vedettariat américain, en déployant une campagne de lancement massive. Cet article s’emploie à montrer que la stratégie déployée par Paramount consiste à valoriser une ethnicité présentée sous un jour inoffensif, afin de la mettre au service de la construction progressive d’une image de vedette musicale. Loin d’être monolithique, cette stratégie se construit à travers un processus de négociations permanentes entre la volonté du studio d’installer durablement sa vedette dans le champ américain, les réactions et attentes du public, ainsi que les différents modèles de films musicaux et de vedettes en voie de constitution. Elle témoigne à la fois d’une grande souplesse et d’une véritable réflexivité, ne cessant de mettre en scène ses propres évolutions et reconfigurations.
Jean-Nicolas Servandoni D’Hannetaire et ses filles, gloires du théâtre de la Monnaie
Authors: Aelbrouck Jean-Philippe Van
Published: November 2022

Cet article est un essai de reconstitution biographique autour de trois personnages emblématiques de la scène théâtrale bruxelloise : Jean-Nicolas Servandoni, dit D’Hannetaire, fils caché de l’architecte Servandoni, qui fut directeur du théâtre de la Monnaie, et ses filles Eugénie et Angélique, qui jouèrent à Bruxelles et à Paris. À l’aide de documents d’archives, inédits pour la plupart, nous suivons la vie de ces trois artistes en France et dans les Pays-Bas autrichiens. Les aspects privés et publics sont évoqués, ainsi que les liens qui unissent la famille à l’aristocratie bruxelloise, notamment au prince de Ligne, à Charles-Alexandre de Lorraine et au vicomte Desandrouins. Les gazettes et autres ouvrages contemporains livrent leurs appréciations, tantôt élogieuses et tantôt acerbes, sur leurs jeux d’acteurs et sur leurs trains de vie respectifs. Figures marquantes de la vie bruxelloise, D’Hannetaire et ses filles ont durablement laissé leurs empreintes dans l’histoire du théâtre.
Les destins croisés de François Boucher et Jean-Nicolas Servandoni
Authors: Arsac Lionel
Published: November 2022

Peintre majeur du XVIIIe siècle français, François Boucher fit une brillante carrière durant le règne de Louis XV, devenant premier peintre du roi en 1765. À l’instar d’autres artistes de sa génération, tel Charles-Joseph Natoire, il éprouva une fascination constante pour l’univers de la scène, qui nourrit tout son œuvre. Plus méconnu du fait de la rareté des sources, son travail de décorateur et de dessinateur de costumes pour l’opéra et la foire fut très important, amenant le peintre à côtoyer des talents aussi fameux en leur temps que Jean Monnet, les Favart ou encore Jean-Nicolas Servandoni. De fait, à ses débuts, Boucher fut un des proches du Florentin. Durant les décennies 1730 et 1740, Boucher et Servandoni se succédèrent à la tête des décorations de l’Académie royale de musique, à Paris, et, parfois, œuvrèrent pour les mêmes productions. Au milieu du siècle, leurs carrières semblent prendre des voies divergentes mais les deux artistes ne cessèrent jamais leur activité pour la scène, dont ils accompagnèrent, dans les années 1760, les profondes mutations.
La phrase comme trait de style. L’exemple du roman en vers au xiiie siècle
Authors: Obry Vanessa
Published: November 2022

Les romans en vers du début du xiiie siècle sont volontiers analysés comme des textes de la rupture pour le rapport qu’ils entretiennent aux modèles antérieurs. Dans ce cadre, l’étude de la syntaxe propre aux différents auteurs conduit à distinguer des styles plus ou moins rompus, que l’on peut relier à la singularité de projets littéraires ou de rapports à la tradition. Le présent article propose de mettre en regard des exemples issus de la production de Jean Renart, de Raoul de Houdenc et de Gerbert de Montreuil, afin de réévaluer la pertinence de l’analyse syntaxique pour une recherche sur le style auctorial et de faire la part des tendances caractéristiques d’une génération. Il réfléchit à la valeur à attribuer aux traits de régularité et d’irrégularité syntaxiques et aux phénomènes de variations du rythme de la syntaxe. L’analyse, conduite à une échelle locale, montre comment ces infléchissements rythmiques se combinent avec la façon dont les auteurs traitent de motifs hérités, les phénomènes de régularité constituant des appels à la reconnaissance et à la mémoire. La posture auctoriale impliquée par les variations syntaxiques semble de la sorte refléter un mode de communication littéraire caractéristique de ces romans qui s’adressent à des lecteurs avertis.
Signaler le mensonge dans le Roman de Renart. Jeux et enjeux stylistiques
Authors: Eugène Valentine
Published: November 2022

Le Roman de Renart, œuvre dont la date de composition (1175-1250) coïncide peu ou prou avec celle d’une intense réflexion sur les péchés de la langue (1190-1260), comporte de très nombreux mensonges. On s’étonne toutefois du décalage qu’introduisent les conteurs entre la représentation fréquente de paroles qui, dans les dialogues, contreviennent au critère de vérité et l’usage rarissime de termes méta-discursifs relevant du paradigme morphologique de mentir. Cultivant une forme d’ambiguïté, les dialogues privilégient d’autres vocables qui, absents des textes normatifs, atténuent la portée morale des énoncés. Loin d’être circonscrit à une enquête lexicale, cet article s’intéresse plus globalement aux divers procédés d’euphémisation qui, tout en évitant de nommer la déviance, permettent d’en signaler l’existence.
The Power of the Word That Leads to Healing
Authors: Martines Vicent
Published: November 2022

The authors study the contribution of some classics of medieval and renaissance romance literature to therapeutic writing and bibliotherapy as a means to encourage reading and writing during a pandemic lockdown (in times of pandemic, privation of freedom, or illness). They analyze the cases of the French duke Charles d'Orléans, the Valencian knight Jordi de Sant Jordi, and renaissance author Joan Roís de Corella. In addition, they reflect on the everlasting power and therapeutic value of the written word (reading and writing) since the time of the Egyptian pharaohs.
A Song to Life in Pandemic Times
Authors: Greco Barbara
Published: November 2022

The essay studies the work Julio Llamazares drafted during the months of confinement (March-June 2020) decreed by the Spanish state to counter the spread of the pandemic. Primavera extremeña: Apuntes del Natural is an illustrated book with watercolours by Laudenbahcher and recounts the experience of the author, confined in a “lagar” in the Extremaduran countryside, in a work that oscillates between a diary and a travelogue. The chapter studies the dual component of the text and the conception of the landscape, typical of Llamazares' work, which here acquires new meanings.
El tiempo que nos robaron (2021) de Rosa Huertas
Authors: Darici Katiuscia
Published: November 2022

The aim of this chapter is to analyse “El tiempo que nos robaron” (2021) by Rosa Huertas in the elements that can be most ascribed to pandemic writings. First of all, the author intends to underline the rise of the so called “pandemic narrative” to describe the traumatic experience during COVID-19 emergence. After presenting some theoretical considerations on journaling, the author will describe the salvific importance of writing and the primary importance of an interlocutor as an incentive for writing. The author intends to clarify to what extent the present and, in parallel, the past as it is recalled in the diary, is a stolen time. In addition, the importance of rituals must be taken into consideration. For this purpose, the author will describe the difficulty of filling the time as told by Huertas. The diary ends up being her main daily ritual. In this case, one can observe the importance of writing as a tool to objectify and distance oneself from the disease.
The Contribution of Children's Literature to the Development of the Child
Authors: Bouchtsis Marinos
Published: November 2022

The influence of children's literature on the general development of the child is important. The initiation of the child in the book contributes to the spiritual, cognitive, and linguistic development to the mental and emotional maturation, to the aesthetic cultivation, the wealth of ideas, and offers entertainment, improves expressive ability, and contributes to the formation of the reader's character. “Pandemic” may have been the word of the year 2020, but perhaps, it should have been “coped.” Many families have had to adapt to home education, financial hardship, and losses as well as their daily stressors, and this has had an emotional impact on the children. It turns out that books can be powerful coping tools. Books can help children cope with conversations when difficult things happen. Books can also provide parents, guardians, or teachers around them with the best tools to help children during this pandemic time.
Coronavirus Pandemic and the Isolation of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children in Greece
Authors: Gkigkelou Evangelia
Published: November 2022

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19 as a worldwide pandemic affecting all people around the world. In order to control pandemic spread, governments, including Greece, took some public measures concerning health and social distancing. This has affected nearly every sector of the economy and education as well. Governments were forced to suspend students' attendance at schools and start distance education. As schools have been shuttered and the lives of students have been changed, it is crucial to consider the extreme isolation suddenly facing a special group of pupils: deaf and hard-of-hearing children who rely on sign language, lip reading, and facial expressions. That type of education and the obligatory use of facemasks acted as obstacles in their participation in school procedures and communication with their teachers and peers. However, those two years were transitional and have changed a lot of things regarding the data of these areas. There has been significant growth with innovations that should have been made long ago.
Distance Vocational Education and Training in the Pandemic
Authors: Lalos Christos
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to all types and levels of learning, including vocational education and training. The chapter attempts to provide a preliminary analysis regarding the transition to ex distance education as a consequence of the closure of schools. Based on inputs from 14 informants, members of the Cedefop Ambassadors network for addressing early withdrawal from vocational education and training, covering five Member States and two non-EU countries, the work sheds light on aspects of this in order to highlight the challenges that trainees face in risk of early departure, but also their trainers, as well as the measures taken adopted for their support. Cedefop published a study in English, which the authors translated and summarized in the present work. The study shows that there is no digital integration without social integration. Vulnerable learners are less likely to participate in distance education, while their detachment from the learning process can lead to their early withdrawal from vocational education and training.
Madrinas Paving the Way
Authors: Manosalvas Kiara , Rappaport Brooke , Quezada Lucia , Mahoney Grace-Ellen
Published: November 2022

This chapter provides an overview of the history of Latinx feminism. It includes a brief history about Latinx feminist leaders and the development of feminism including womanism, Black feminism, mujerismo, and womanista. The chapter includes ways in which Latina feminism highlights indigenous ways of knowing including mestiza consciousness, borderlands, and nepantla. This chapter sets the groundwork for the authors to explore contemporary perspectives on Latinx feminism including their own feminist identity developments in another chapter.
Rompiendo Cadenas
Authors: Mora-Ozuna Charmaine , Rodriguez Inés , Vazquez Marjory , Fuentes Jacqueline
Published: November 2022

Four first-generation Latinxs use their personal lived experiences and the experiences that they bear witness to as mental health practitioners to provide a critical lens on the decolonization of intergenerational trauma (IGT) in the Latinx community. The authors acknowledge that IGT is rooted in systemic oppression and colonization. They explore the systemic, cultural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal bidirectional impact that these areas have on the well-being of Latinxs. They highlight the inherent resistance and resilience skills that Latinxs have to survive and thrive from trauma. The authors share culturally responsive interventions that reclaim the cultural values of Latinxs to promote holistic healing and end the transmission of trauma.
Juntos Resistimos y Sanamos
Authors: Fuentes Jacqueline , Rodriguez Violeta J. , Rodriguez Madison L. , Ordaz Ana Carina
Published: November 2022

The authors seek to provide a more holistic, compassionate, and liberatory understanding of Latinx families. This chapter will highlight the importance of understanding families from a historical, culturally centered manner that honors their layered experiences of contextual factors, intergenerational trauma, and strengths-based approach. This chapter seeks to honor ethnic heterogeneity and cultural strengths and expand the notion of what consists of the family constellation. In doing so, the chapter will focus on central aspects of la familia, including child development, parenting, and recommendations focused on engaging Latinx families and improving the assessment and family interventions.
Un Paso Adelante (A Step Forward)
Authors: Cárdenas Bautista Elizabeth , Cárdenas Gabriela , Bautista Gil Manuela Silvia , Cárdenas Villanueva Mario
Published: November 2022

This chapter includes powerful testimoninos in Spanish and English of the history and impact of immigration on individual and familial levels. Framed from the perspective of different family members, the authors share their migration experience to the U.S. South between 1980 and 1990. Topics of pre-migration, acculturation, trauma, the impact of post-migration experiences, and psychological growth are addressed from the perspective of first-generation Mexican immigrants and children of immigrants. The chapter also provides recommendations for mental health providers as they assess and conceptualize Latinx immigrant communities in the U.S. South.
Structural and Electric Properties of Ba-Fe-Ta-Na-Bi-Ti-O Ceramic System
Authors: Yadav Anjana , Chandra Kumar P. , Kulkarni Ajit R. , Prasad Kamal
Published: November 2022

The X-ray diffraction, microstructure, impedance, electric modulus, and ac-conductivity of Ba(Fe1/2Ta1/2)O3–(Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 solid-solutions were studied utilising a traditional high-temperature mixed-oxide technique. The phase-formations of the solid-solutions were determined utilising X-ray data, while SEM micrographs revealed a non-uniform dispersion of grains in the sample of unequal size (~1 – 20 mm). In all of the developed solid-solutions, the frequency (1Hz - 1MHz) dependence of imaginary and real parts of electric impedance in the temperature region of 50 and 500°C showed the NTCR character and hopping type of electrical conduction. The modulus spectrum variation was intrigued by the hopping mechanism for charge transport (temperature-dependent) in the samples with non-Debye type of behaviour. Besides, the low electrical conductivity of these solid-state solutions makes them ideal for industrial applications, particularly as capacitors.
Creep Analysis of Thick Walled Cylinder under Constant Internal Pressure
Authors: Bansal Savita , Singh Satya Bir
Published: November 2022

In this work, the creep analysis of thick-walled rotating cylinder made of Aluminum Silicon Carbide under internal pressure has been investigated taking some assumptions, viz. no change in the volume of the cylinder, cylinder material is anisotropic, principal axes coincides with the axes of anisotropy, effective stress is dependent upon effective strain rate, and there is zero strain in the axial direction (Z direction in polar coordinate). Sherby’s law has been used to calculate the creep rate. After finding the formulas for radial, tangential and axial stresses for anisotropic cylinder, the findings have been validated by checking the values and comparing the graphs for an isotropic cylinder case with one of the already published research for isotropic cylinders with similar conditions. The graphs plotted in cases of anisotropic cylinder, enables us to conclude that despite large stress values in the radial and tangential directions, the creep rates in such cylinders were found to be approximately zero. This led to deduce that anisotropy is very helpful in designing long-lasting cylinders. In corollary, anisotropy helps in minimizing creep behaviour in radial and tangential directions.
An Explicit Thermal Resistance Model Regarding Self-Heating Effect of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor
Authors: Chakraborty Surajit , Shin Ju Won , Amir Walid , Shin Ki Yong , Kim Tae Woo
Published: November 2022

This paper introduced an accurate empirical model for the thermal resistance of a single-finger AlGaN-GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) on three different substrates including Sapphire, SiC and Si. The model reckons the constant thermal conductivity of GaN and substrate, thickness of host substrate layers, gate length (Lg) and width (Wg). The model plausibility is verified by comparing it with DC channel temperature measurement method and charge controlled based device modeling which agrees very favorable observation of the model data. Having nimble expression for the channel temperature is of inordinate importance in the field of designers of power device and monolithic microwave integrated circuits. Proposed model gives a variety of inquiries that would be impossible or impractical to do using time-consuming numerical simulations.
Evaluation of Tensile and Flexural Properties of Unidirectional Glass-Epoxy Laminate with Aluminium Oxide and Magnesium Hydroxide as Filler Materials
Authors: Reddy S. Indrasena , Chowdary P. Gopinadh , Shaik Nazumuddin
Published: November 2022

Low weight is one of the most important factors in the design process of road and flight vehicles. The design engineers are careful with regards to the weight decrease without thinking twice about the primary strength. The composite is a lightweight material that has decent underlying properties and it is generally utilized. Fiber-supported polymer composites assumed a prevailing part for quite a while in an assortment of uses for their high explicit strength. The current work portrays the turn of events and the portrayal of another arrangement of GFRP. Experiments are carried out to study the effect of the addition of fillers by varying their percentages. The present work focus on the effect of the fillers on properties of Glass fiber epoxy laminates with aluminum oxide and magnesium hydroxide powders as the fillers. In the present work, fabrication and experimental investigation on unidirectional glass epoxy composites are carried out. Initially, glass fiber reinforced polymer laminate fabricated without filler material, hand layup followed by vacuum bagging methods are used . Then, by adding Aluminium oxide and Magnesium hydroxide as a filler material with different percentages like 5%, 10%, and 15% by weights and laminates are fabricated and experimental investigation is conducted to study their mechanical behavior. The comparative studies on the laminates are carried out and the obtained results are analyzed and those are quite interesting.
The Influence of Matrix Density on The Weibull Modulus of Natural Fiber Reinforced Nanocomposites
Authors: Wong Dominick , Anwar Mahmood , Debnath Sujan , Hamid Abdul , Izman Sudin
Published: November 2022

In recent decades, polymer composites have gained significant interests within the research community due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. Its properties, such as low cost, lightweight, corrosion resistance, and impact resistance, make it desirable for both household and industrial applications. However, the reliability of the composite model with density influence is still challenging. In this study, experiments were carried out using epoxy systems of varying densities to fabricate oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) carbon nanoparticle composites to investigate the influence of matrix density on its Weibull modulus. It is found that the increase in matrix density increases the nanocomposite reliability. A Weibull modulus of 9.5, 82.2 and 183.4 were obtained for low, medium and high matrix density nanocomposites, respectively. Such findings would facilitate the development of particle-reinforced composites.
Patient’s Satisfaction with Medical Services enhances Medication Adherence among Diabetic Patients
Authors: Anyahara Nnaemeka H. , Akinola Busuyi K. , Shabi Olabode M.
Published: November 2022

Background: Diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa is a chronic and debilitating disease with increasing morbidity and mortality and health care costs.Aim: This study focused on determination of the role of patient satisfaction on medication adherence among persons with diabetes attending the Family Medicine clinic of Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti, NigeriaMaterials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 156 adults with diabetes diagnosed in the hospital and have been attending the clinic for at least 6 months. Relevant data were collected using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire and clinical parameters measured include fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Data were analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software version 17.Result: In this study, 127 (81.4%) of the participants were satisfied with services provided while 87 (55.8%) had good medication adherence. There is significant difference between the satisfied and dissatisfied participants with regard to age group, ethnicity, pattern of medication adherence (based on Morisky medication adherence scale MMAS) as well as glycaemic control (based on FPG). The age of participants is a predictor of satisfaction while the level of patient satisfaction and age of the patients are predictors of pattern of medication adherence of the participants.Conclusion: This study revealed that there is a positive relationship between patient satisfaction, medication adherence and glycaemic control and the dimension of nursing services recorded the highest level of satisfaction.Recommendation: Healthcare providers and administrators need to continually improve the quality of service at every opportunity of caring for the  patients.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with postnatal depression in a South African primary care facility
Authors: Phukuta Nyundu S.J. , Omole Olufemi B.
Published: November 2022

Background: The prevalence and factors that influence postnatal depression (PND) vary according to context. Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with PND in the postnatal clinic of a large community health centre. Method: In a cross-sectional study, the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was administered on 227 consecutive mothers during postnatal clinic visits. In addition, socio-demographic and clinical information were collected. Analysis included descriptive statistics, chi square test and logistic regression. A score of 13 on the EPDS screened positive for PND. Results: Participants’ mean age was 27 years and most completed grade 12 education (52.4%), was single (55.5%), employed or had a working partner (60%) and no previous PND (97%). Although most of the index pregnancies were unplanned (57.71%), most participants had favourable views of them (63%). The prevalence of PND was 38.8%. In the adjusted logistic regression, completing only primary school education (OR:9.11;95%CI:1.03-80.22;p=0.047), using contraceptive prior to index pregnancy (OR:2.05;95%CI:1.12-3.72;p=0.019) and reporting a thought of self-harm or infanticide (OR:7.08;95%CI:5.79–22.21;p=0.000) significantly increased the risk of PND. In contrast, having a relationship with the father of the index child (OR: 0.42; 95%CI: 0.18-0.94; p=0.037) mitigated this risk. Conclusion: The prevalence of PND is high in the study setting and is concomitant with significant risk of suicide or infanticide. This highlights the need to screen and consider PND as a vital sign during postnatal visits, especially in the face of low educational attainment, failed contraception and poor or no relationship with the father of the index child.
Editorial
Authors: Gorvy Rhona A.
Published: November 2022

No abstract available.
Editorial
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: November 2022

No abstract available.
Phonemic Testing
Authors: Epstein A. G.
Published: November 2022

No abstract available.
Controlled trials of physiotherapy
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: November 2022

No abstract available.
Some advances in perinatal care
Authors: Coetzee E. J.
Published: November 2022

No abstract available.
An investigation into post-graduate physiotherapy education in South Africa
Authors: Irwin-Carruthers S. H.
Published: November 2022

This article outlines the development of post-graduate physiotherapy education in South Africa and the problems encountered. The method and results of two surveys are discussed. The first, conducted in 1986, ascertained involvement and interest in post-graduate study, and the reasons for non-participation. The respondents’ needs and preferences were also analysed. The second (1989) survey investigated the extent to which universities were meeting these needs. The difference between clinical specialisation and academic post-graduate study is discussed and the progress made in the former is detailed.Proposals are made for overcoming current problems in postgraduate programmes, including delineating objectives and competencies, optimum management of existing resources and developing new resources. The question remains as to whether the direction in which post-graduate programmes are developing at present can be justified in terms of the needs of the population.
The psychophysiology of low back pain
Authors: Gilder Narina
Published: November 2022

No abstract available
Cancer-cell-intrinsic mechanisms shaping the immunosuppressive landscape of prostate cancer
Authors: Zhu Yini , Duong Loan , Lu Xuemin , Lu Xin
Published: November 2022

Although immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment and achieved remarkable success across many different cancer types, only a subset of patients shows meaningful clinical responses. In particular, advanced prostate cancer exhibits overwhelming de novo resistance to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. This is primarily due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of prostate cancer. Therefore, it is paramount to understand how prostate cancer cell-intrinsic mechanisms promote immune evasion and foster an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Here, we review recent findings that reveal the roles of the genetic alterations, androgen receptor signaling, cancer cell plasticity, and oncogenic pathways in shaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment and thereby driving immunotherapy resistance. Based on preclinical and clinical observations, a variety of therapeutic strategies are being developed that may illuminate new paths to enhance immunotherapy efficacy in prostate cancer.
Understanding the Market Drivers Behind the Reduced Demand for Ivory Products in Japan
Authors: Thomas-Walters Laura , Morkel Benoit , KUBO Takahiro , Rolfes Michael't Sas , Smith Robert J. , Veríssimo Diogo
Published: November 2022

Reducing demand for wildlife products has been recognised as an important global priority. However, consumer demand is a complicated phenomenon involving numerous interacting biological and socio-economic factors, operating at a range of scales and time periods. The demand for elephant ivory is an excellent illustration of the gaps in our current knowledge. Although it is well-documented that Japan is no longer a significant destination consumer market for ivory products, we have little insight into the market drivers behind this change. This is partly because post-hoc evaluations are difficult when relying on traditional quantitative methods. We used General Elimination Methodology and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders to understand the consumer changes in Japan. We identified the two biggest market drivers—the CITES international trade ban and economic recession—as well as a range of minor drivers and enabling conditions. These included respect for government authority, the passive nature of demand for ivory, and a general cultural shift away from conspicuous consumption. This case study highlights the role of theory-based qualitative evaluations in conservation, which recognises that specific outcomes are likely to be caused by multiple contributing factors driven by interactions between different actors.
Therapeutic effects of silver nanoparticles on Escherichia coli-induced endometritis in rats
Authors: Aboelmaaty Amal M. , Sayed Mohamed A. , Elgabry Mahmoud A. , Kotp Mohamed S. , Fouad Ghadha I. , El-Shamarka Marwa E. , Fouad Ehab A. , Soror Ashraf H. , Omara Shimaa T.
Published: November 2022

Background

Silver nanoparticles (AgO-NPs) have shown antimicrobial effects against a broad spectrum of microorganisms.

Objectives

To assess the antimicrobial effects of AgO-NPs prepared using an eco-friendly green method against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli
in vivo after inducing endometritis in rats.

Materials and methods

In female mice, LD50 of AgO-NPs was determined, followed by a chronic toxicity in female rats by oral administration of 0, 20, 30, and 40 mg of AgO-NPs daily for 4 weeks. The induced endometritis model in female rats was performed by inoculating two doses of E. coli (100 μl of 10×105 CFU) intravaginally. Seven days later, vaginal swabs were stained with Wright stain to confirm the development of endometritis and used to re-isolate the inoculated microorganism. Two doses of 100 μl containing 10 mg AgO-NPs were inoculated intravaginally. Estradiol, progesterone, liver and kidney functions, oxidants and antioxidants, and zinc were measured in collected blood samples of chronic toxicity and induced endometritis model.

Results and conclusion

LD50 of AgO-NPs was 800 mg/kg body weight (BW). The use of 40 (1 : 20 LD50), 30 (1 : 26.67 LD50), and 20 (1 : 40 LD50) mg/kg BW during the chronic toxicity experiment was safe as indicated by blood biochemical analyses. The chronic toxicity experiment resulted in normal liver and kidney functions, oxidant–antioxidant status, acute-phase proteins, and ovarian hormones. The green method-synthesized AgO-NPs showed efficacy against E. coli-induced endometritis, and rats responded to the treatment as indicated by the uterine cytology and the clinical analysis with mild adverse effects on both liver and kidney. In conclusion, AgO-NPs showed treatment of experimental uterine infections induced by E. coli in rats and were safe for longer administration in concentrations lower than 50 mg/kg BW.
Novel simple enzymatic potentiometric approach for toxicological assessment of anticholinesterase and Alzheimer’s drugs Enzymatic approach toxicological assessment
Authors: Omran Safaa , Shoukry Eman M. , Mohamed Eman F. , Khaled Elmorsy , El-Attar Rehab O.
Published: November 2022

Background and objectives

A simple and sensitive enzymatic potentiometric biosensor has been developed for toxicological studies of anticholinesterase drugs based on their inhibitory effect on cholinesterase activity. To verify the applicability, eight pharmaceutical formulations for Alzheimer's treatment were assayed, namely rivastigmine, pyridostigmine, cyclopentolate, memantine, meclofenoxate, carbamazepine, oxfendazole, and methotrexate.

Materials and methods

Disposable screen-printed potentiometric sensors were utilized for monitoring the cholinesterase activity. The reaction conditions including the optimal enzyme substrate, incubation periods, and the linearity range for each drug were optimized for each drug.

Results and conclusion

Different sensitivities within subnanogram levels were reported based on the inhibitory effect of the aforementioned pharmaceutical compounds and their LD50 value. The proposed method showed improved sensitivity for the investigated compounds compared with their reported electroanalytical approaches. The introduced analysis protocol was successfully utilized for assaying the cited drugs in their pharmaceutical and environmental samples using a portable measuring system. Moreover, the toxicity of the pharmaceutical compounds against in-vitro cholinesterase enzymes studies can be performed with simple instrumentation requirements.
Swallowing outcomes after posterior cordectomy with partial arytenoidectomy in bilateral abductor palsy
Authors: Arun K. C. , Gandhi Sachin S. , Vishwavijetha S. K.
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

Laser posterior cordectomy with partial arytenoidectomy (PCPA) using CO2 laser is one of the treatment modalities for bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI). In addition to maintaining an adequate airway, the procedure may cause aspiration.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to study the swallowing outcomes after laser posterior cordectomy with PCPA in BVFI.

Study Design:

This was a prospective observational study.

Materials and Methods:

Patients undergoing laser posterior cordectomy with PCPA in bilateral abductor palsy from January 2012 to December 2014 had been examined with Fiber-optic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in 1st, 6th, and 12th weeks after surgery.

Results:

Thirty-six patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Two patients had penetration for liquid in 1st week but recovered without intervention. None of the patients had an aspiration to liquid, semisolid, and solid (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Swallowing is not hampered following laser PCPA done for bilateral immobile vocal folds.
Application of Voice Handicap Index score and flexible laryngoscopy in the evaluation of patients with laryngeal disorders
Authors: Adamu Auwal , Ajiya Abdulrazak , Jibril Yasir Nuhu , Kirfi Abdullahi Musa , Shuaibu Iliyasu Yunusa , Gwalabe Sabiu Abdu
Published: November 2022

Background:

Laryngeal disorders are common in our environment, and a number of studies have been carried out. However, there is a paucity of literature with regard to the evaluation of voice-related handicap, and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) score for specific laryngeal disorders.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to apply the VHI score and flexible laryngoscopy in the evaluation of patients with laryngeal disorders and to determine the mean VHI score for specific laryngeal disorders in our environment.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with the clinical diagnosis of laryngeal disorder who presented at the otolaryngology clinic of our institution. Patients who had previous laryngeal surgery or tracheostomy were excluded. Data was collected on sociodemographic variables, clinical history, and flexible laryngoscopic findings. The VHI score, which comprised of functional, physical, and emotional subscales was also collected and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 90 patients completed the study; 56.7% of them were males, whereas 43.3% were females. The mean VHI was highest in patients with laryngeal tumor (68.8 ± 14.8) followed by patients with vocal cord palsy (58.2 ± 5.7), but it was lowest in patients with acute laryngitis (27.1 ± 5.3). There was a statistically significant difference in mean VHI for each laryngeal disorder (P = 0.000).

Conclusion:

The patients with laryngeal tumor and those with vocal cord palsy had the highest VHI score, which affected their functional and emotional well-being. Therefore, applying VHI score and flexible laryngoscopy is important in the holistic evaluation of patients with laryngeal disorders.
Epidemiological, Clinical, and Histopathological Features of Salivary Gland Tumors among 150 Sudanese Patients: 10 Years’ Experience
Authors: Hamid Somaya T. S. , Abdalla Mohammed A. M. , Zulfu Azza A. , Ramadan Azza , Ahmed Musaab , Ahmed Mohamed H.
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives:

Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) are serious challenges to pathologists. Herein, we aimed to assess epidemiological and histopathological characteristics of SGTs among Sudanese patients.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective descriptive study was undertaken at The pathology department in Khartoum State between 2008 and 2018. Patient records, histopathological reports, and slides were retrieved; and re-examined by two histopathologists. Diagnoses were reclassified according to the 2017 WHO classification of SGTs.

Results:

Overall, 150 cases of Sudanese patients with SGT were included (90 [60%] males and 60 [40%] females). Among these, 105 were benign (70%) and 45 were malignant (30%). The parotid glands were the most common site for both benign and malignant tumors (77/150; 51%: 59 benign (76.6%) and 18 malignant [23.4%]). The next common site was the submandibular gland (54 [36%]: 38 benign [70.3%] and 16 malignant [29.7%]), followed by minor salivary glands (19 [12.7%]: 8 benign and 11 malignant [57.9%]). Benign gland entities included pleomorphic adenoma (88/105; 83.7%), oncocytoma (5/105; 4.8%), myoepithelioma (4/105; 3.8%), Whartin tumors (3/105; 2.9%), basal cell adenoma (3/105; 2.9%), and sialolipoma (2/105; 1.9%). Malignant gland entities included adenoid cystic carcinoma (12; 26.7%), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (10; 22,2%), acinic cell carcinoma (6; 13.3%), poorly differentiated carcinoma (4; 8.9%), adenocarcinoma NOS (not otherwise specified) (4; 8.9%), basal cell adenocarcinoma (3; 6.7%), carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (3; 6.7%), polymorphous adenocarcinoma (2; 4.4%), salivary duct carcinoma (1; 2.2%), and epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma (2.2%).

Conclusions:

SGTs shared several epidemiological and histopathological features, exhibiting high incidence in the parotid and submandibular glands, lower prevalence in minor glands, and greater male predominance.
Ectopic Adrenal Rest in Paratubal Region: A Rare Lesion in a Rare Location
Authors: Chakrabarti Indranil , Das Nabanita
Published: November 2022

Ectopic adrenal rests (EAT) are rare lesions comprising predominantly adrenocortical tissue in various locations. Here, we report a case of EAT in the paratubal location which was incidentally detected in a salpingo-oophorectomy specimen from a 21-year-old female. The identification of these lesions is extremely essential as it can be associated with hyperplasia and neoplasia.
Dose Agreement Analysis of Treatment Planning System-Calculated Doses and Markus Chamber-Measured Doses in the Near-Surface Region for Breast Cancer Patients' Conformal Treatment Plans
Authors: Gaur Garima , Banipal Raja Paramjeet Singh , Garg Pardeep , Gurjar Om Prakash , Kaur Gurpreet , Sachdeva Sheetal , Grover Romikant , Kang Manraj Singh , Dangwal Vinod Kumar
Published: November 2022

Background:

Surface/skin dose measurement is one of the most challenging tasks for clinical dosimetry in radiotherapy and comparison with almost all the commercially available treatment planning systems (TPSs) brings a significant variation with the measured dose.

Aims and Objectives:

In the current study, doses calculated from the TPS in the near-surface region for conformal plans (both three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy [3DCRT] and intensity-modulated radiotherapy [IMRT]) of 35 breast cancer patients were evaluated and compared with the doses measured with Markus chamber.

Materials and Methods:

The computed tomography (CT) images of a solid water slab phantom with a Markus chamber (at different depths ranging from 1 mm to 5 mm from the surface) were taken and imported into the TPS. All the conformal treatment plans made in TPS were executed on a linear accelerator and dose agreements between TPS calculated and chamber measured doses were analysed.

Results:

Results showed that this TPS underestimated the calculated doses in the superficial region by up to 26% and 21%, respectively, with respect to mean and maximum dose values obtained within the effective volume of the chamber used.

Conclusion:

The uncertainty of doses in the superficial region should be kept in mind when evaluating treatment plans for superficial tumours in TPS.
Human Dose Assessment of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD-BBN Heterodimer Peptide based on Animal Data
Authors: Amraee Naeimeh , Alirezapour Behrouz , Hosntalab Mohammad , Yousefnia Hassan
Published: November 2022

Aims:

Calculation of the absorbed dose in human organs is one of the first steps for developing new radiopharmaceuticals. The aim of this study is to estimate the human absorbed dose of a newly developed 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD-BBN radiolabeled compound.

Materials and Methods:

68Ga-NODAGA-RGD-BBN was prepared by varying different parameters at optimized conditions. The stability of the radiolabeled peptide in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and in human serum was evaluated for 120 min. Afterward, the biodistribution of the complex was assessed in normal and tumor-bearing mice, at least for 120 min postinjection. Finally, the human absorbed dose of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD-BBN was estimated based on mice data using Radiation Dose Assessment Resource and Spark method.

Results:

68Ga-NODAGA-RGD-BBN was produced with radiochemical purity of more than 98% (high-performance liquid chromatography/ radio thin layer chromatography (RTLC)) with high stability in PBS buffer and in human serum at least for 2 h. The complex demonstrated high uptake in gastrin-releasing peptide receptor-expressing tumors compared to other nontarget organs. Furthermore, the dose assessment for the complex showed that the kidneys receive the highest absorbed dose in comparison with other organs.

Conclusion:

The result of this study showed that 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD-BBN is an effective and radiolabeled ligand for tumor detection, however more studies are still needed.