bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DCE-MRI Performance in Triple Negative Breast Cancers: Comparison
with Non-Triple Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Yin Guobing , Chen Hang , Min Yu , Xiang Ke , Chen Jialin
Published: February 2022

Background:

Triple negative breast cancers are considered the worst prognosis in breast
cancer. Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging has been widely used in the diagnosis
of breast cancer since it is more sensitive to breast cancer. However, few studies report the MRI characteristics
of triple negative breast cancers.

Objective:

The study aimed to evaluate the imaging finding in triple negative breast cancers compared
with non-TNBC and attempt to predict it.

Method:

223 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of breast cancer were enrolled in the study. Dynamic
contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was performed before being diagnosed with
breast cancer, and histopathological assessment was confirmed after biopsy or operation. The patients
were divided into 2 groups based on immunohistochemistry, namely the triple negative breast cancers
or non-triple negative breast cancers.

Results:

The 2 groups demonstrated significant differences regarding the tumor size, margin, outline,
burr sign, enhancement, inverted nipple(P<0.05). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed
to further validate the association of these features, however, only margin [odds ratio (OR),
0.038; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.014-0.100; <0.001], outline [odds ratio (OR), 0.039; 95% confidence
interval (CI), 0.008-0.200; <0.001], burr sign [odds ratio (OR), 2.786; 95% confidence interval
(CI), 1.225-6.333; 0.014], and enhancement [odds ratio (OR), 0.131; 95% confidence interval (CI),
0.037-0.457; P=0.001] were associated with TNBC.

Conclusion:

The results indicated that the specific dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance
imaging features can predict pathological results, with a consequent prognostic value.
Ferulic Acid Attenuates Kainate-induced Neurodegeneration in a Rat Poststatus
Epilepticus Model
Authors: Sadr Seyed Shahabeddin , Khamse Safoura , Suha Ali Jaafari , Roghani Mehrdad , Haftcheshmeh Saeed Mohammadian , Momtazi-Borojeni Amir Abbas
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims:

Increasing research evidence indicates that temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) induced by kainic acid (KA) has high pathological similarities with human TLE. KA induces excitotoxicity (especially in the acute phase of the disease), which leads to neurodegeneration and epi-leptogenesis through oxidative stress and inflammation. Ferulic acid (FA) is one of the well-known phytochemical compounds that have shown potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and promise in treating several diseases. The current study set out to investigate the neuroprotective effects of FA in a rat model of TLE.

Methods:

Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Pretreatment with FA (100 mg/kg/day p.o.) started one week before the intrahippocampal injection of KA (0.8 μg/μl, 5μl). Sei-zures were recorded and evaluated according to Racine’s scale. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring its indicators, including malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite, and catalase. Histopathological evaluations including Nissl staining and immunohistochemical staining of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and neural nitric oxide synthases (nNOS) were performed for the CA3 region of the hippocampus.

Results:

Pretreatment with FA significantly attenuates the severity of the seizure and prevents neuronal loss in the CA3 region of the hippocampus in rats with KA-induced post-status epilepticus. Also, ni-trite concentration and nNOS levels were markedly diminished in FA-pretreated animals compared to non-pretreated epileptic rats.

Conclusion:

Our findings indicated that neuroprotective properties of FA, therefore, could be consid-ered a valuable therapeutic supplement in treating TLE.
A Comparative Study of DC-DC Buck, Boost, and Buck-boost Converters
with Proportional-integral, Sliding Mode, and Fuzzy Logic Controllers
Authors: Amin Arslan Ahmed , Abdullah Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Background:

DC-DC converters are utilized in a wide range of industrial and commercial
applications such as automobiles, renewable energy systems, DC motor control, portable
chargers, uninterruptable power supply, etc. because of their efficiency, ease of use, simpler circuits,
and cheaper solution. The most common ones are the buck, boost, and buck-boost converters.

Methodology:

In this paper, the implementation of these converters has been proposed using advanced
controllers: Proportional plus Integral (PI), Sliding Mode Control (SMC), and Fuzzy Logic Control
(FLC). The controllers have been implemented with practical circuit values in MATLAB Simulink.

Results:

The results show that all proposed controllers can track the input set-point voltage. The PI
controller response was superior in eliminating the steady-state error in all converters. However, it
showed greater overshoot and ripple factor in boost operation. The SMC controller response was
superior in terms of the shortest settling time. However, it showed the greatest peak time in buck
converter and boost mode of the buck-boost converter. The FLC controller showed the highest settling
time and steady-state error in all operations.

Novelty and Significance:

The proposed work is novel as compared to others available in the literature
such that no such comprehensive study was found with all types of DC-DC converters together up
to our best knowledge. The proposed work is significant as it will give complete guidance regarding
simulation implementation of DC-DC converters with advanced intelligent control algorithms.
COILing diverse islands: a virtual exchange between the University of the Bahamas and the Borough of Manhattan Community College
Authors: Oenbring Raymond , Gokcora Deniz
Published: February 2022

This practice report describes a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) exchange between academic writing students at the University of the Bahamas (UB) and English Language Learners (ELLs) at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) of the City University of New York (CUNY). While COIL projects and other classroom virtual exchanges between Western and non-Western institutions have often been construed as tools to introduce cultural and linguistic diversity into Western classrooms, this study shows that the opposite is also possible. In our project, a diverse, largely immigrant group of postsecondary students in New York City participated in an intercultural exchange with a more culturally and linguistically homogeneous student group in The Bahamas. The study details the digital media used to initiate the virtual exchange and the specifics of the assignment sequences, including how the authors worked with the springboard text read by both classes (that is, Richard Rodriguez’s (1978) noted literacy autobiography ‘The Achievement of Desire’, where he describes his academic ambitions as the child of Mexican immigrants to the United States).
Methods and Applications of Social Media Monitoring of Mental Health During Disasters: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Teague Samantha J , Shatte Adrian B R , Weller Emmelyn , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Hutchinson Delyse M
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

With the increasing frequency and magnitude of disasters internationally, there is growing research and clinical interest in the application of social media sites for disaster mental health surveillance. However, important questions remain regarding the extent to which unstructured social media data can be harnessed for clinically meaningful decision-making.

OBJECTIVE

This comprehensive scoping review synthesizes interdisciplinary literature with a particular focus on research methods and applications.

METHODS

A total of 6 health and computer science databases were searched for studies published before April 20, 2021, resulting in the identification of 47 studies. Included studies were published in peer-reviewed outlets and examined mental health during disasters or crises by using social media data.

RESULTS

Applications across 31 mental health issues were identified, which were grouped into the following three broader themes: estimating mental health burden, planning or evaluating interventions and policies, and knowledge discovery. Mental health assessments were completed by primarily using lexical dictionaries and human annotations. The analyses included a range of supervised and unsupervised machine learning, statistical modeling, and qualitative techniques. The overall reporting quality was poor, with key details such as the total number of users and data features often not being reported. Further, biases in sample selection and related limitations in generalizability were often overlooked.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of social media monitoring has considerable potential for measuring mental health impacts on populations during disasters. Studies have primarily conceptualized mental health in broad terms, such as distress or negative affect, but greater focus is required on validating mental health assessments. There was little evidence for the clinical integration of social media–based disaster mental health monitoring, such as combining surveillance with social media–based interventions or developing and testing real-world disaster management tools. To address issues with study quality, a structured set of reporting guidelines is recommended to improve the methodological quality, replicability, and clinical relevance of future research on the social media monitoring of mental health during disasters.
Individual Factors Influencing the Public’s Perceptions About the Importance of COVID-19 Immunity Certificates in the United Kingdom: Cross-sectional Web-based Questionnaire Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Niculaescu Corina-Elena , Sassoon Isabel Karen , Landa-Avila Irma Cecilia , Colak Ozlem , Jun Gyuchan Thomas , Balatsoukas Panagiotis
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Understanding how perceptions around immunity certificates are influenced by individual characteristics is important to inform evidence-based policy making and implementation strategies for services around immunity and vaccine certification.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess what were the main individual factors influencing people’s perception of the importance of using COVID-19 immunity certificates, including health beliefs about COVID-19, vaccination views, sociodemographics, and lifestyle factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional web-based survey with a nationally representative sample in the United Kingdom was conducted on August 3, 2021. Responses were collected and analyzed from 534 participants, aged 18 years and older, who were residents of the United Kingdom. The primary outcome measure (dependent variable) was the participants’ perceived importance of using immunity certificates, computed as an index of 6 items. The following individual drivers were used as the independent variables: (1) personal beliefs about COVID-19 (using constructs adapted from the Health Belief Model), (2) personal views on vaccination, (3) willingness to share immunity status with service providers, and (4) variables related to respondents’ lifestyle and sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

The perceived importance of immunity certificates was higher among respondents who felt that contracting COVID-19 would have a severe negative impact on their health (β=0.2564; P<.001) and felt safer if vaccinated (β=0.1552; P<.001). The prospect of future economic recovery positively influenced the perceived importance of immunity certificates. Respondents who were employed or self-employed (β=–0.2412; P=.001) or experienced an increase in income after the COVID-19 pandemic (β=–0.1287; P=.002) perceived the use of immunity certificates as less important compared to those who were unemployed or had retired or those who had experienced a reduction in their income during the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of our survey suggest that more vulnerable members in our society (those unemployed or retired and those who believe that COVID-19 would have a severe impact on their health) and people who experienced a reduction in income during the pandemic perceived the severity of not using immunity certificates in their daily life as higher.
Use of Digital Technology Tools to Characterize Adherence to Prescription-Grade Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Therapy in Postmyocardial or Hypertriglyceridemic Patients in the DIAPAsOn Study: Prospective Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Arutyunov Gregory P , Arutyunov Alexander G , Ageev Fail T , Fofanova Tatiana V
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Maintaining sustained adherence to medication for optimal management of chronic noninfectious diseases, such as atherosclerotic vascular disease, is a well-documented therapeutic challenge.

OBJECTIVE

The DIAPAsOn study was a 6-month, multicenter prospective observational study in the Russian Federation that examined adherence to a preparation of highly purified omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omacor) in 2167 adult patients with a history of recent myocardial infarction or endogenous hypertriglyceridemia.

METHODS

A feature of DIAPAsOn was the use of a bespoke electronic patient engagement and data collection system to monitor adherence. Adherence was also monitored by enquiry at clinic visits. A full description of the study’s aims and methods has appeared in JMIR Research Protocols.

RESULTS

The net average reduction from baseline in both total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was approximately 1 mmol/L and the net average increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was 0.2 (SD 0.53) mmol/L (P<.001 for all outcomes vs baseline). The mean triglyceride level was 3.0 (SD 1.3) mmol/L at visit 1, 2.0 (SD 0.9) mmol/L at visit 2, and 1.7 (SD 0.7) mmol/L at visit 3 (P<.001 for later visits vs visit 1). The percentage of patients with a triglyceride level <1.7 mmol/L rose from 13.1% (282/2151) at baseline to 54% (1028/1905) at the end of the study. Digital reporting of adherence was registered by 8.3% (180/2167) of patients; average scores indicted poor adherence. However, a clinic-based enquiry suggested high levels of adherence. Data on health-related quality of life accrued from digitally engaged patients identified improvements among patients reporting high adherence to study treatment, but patient numbers were small.

CONCLUSIONS

The lipid and lipoprotein findings indicate that Omacor had nominally favorable effects on the blood lipid profile. Less than 10% of patients enrolled in DIAPAsOn used the bespoke digital platform piloted in the study, and the level of self-reported adherence to medication by these patients was also low. Reasons for this low uptake and adherence are unclear. Better adherence was recorded in clinical reports.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03415152; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03415152
VR-based rehabilitation as a Feasible and Engaging Tool for the Management of Chronic Post-Stroke Upper Extremity Function Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Hernandez Alejandro , Bubyr Liudmila , Archambault Philippe , Higgins Johanne , Levin Mindy F. , Kairy Dahlia
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

A growing number of stroke survivors are left with little to no rehabilitation services upon discharge from stroke rehabilitation, although arm deficits may persist or develop from disuse once rehabilitation services have ceased. Virtual reality-based rehabilitation, combined with new technologies such as telerehabilitation, including serious games using virtual reality environments that encourage users to practice functional movements from home with minimal supervision, may have an important role to play in optimizing and maintaining upper-extremity (UE) function.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to determine the extent to which a one-month intervention using a virtual reality-based serious game is effective in improving upper extremity function compared to an evidence-based home exercise program. A secondary objective was to assess the feasibility of implementing the intervention for chronic stroke rehabilitation in participants’ homes.

METHODS

Fifty-one chronic stroke participants were randomized to Treatment (n=26; Jintronix system) or Standard care (n=25; standardized GRASP kit home program) groups. Participants were evaluated at baseline (pre), immediately after the intervention (post) and at follow-up (4 weeks). The primary outcome measure was the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). Secondary outcome measures included the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) and an abridged version of the Motor Activity Log (MAL-14).

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences between groups were found across measures. Overall time effects were found for the FMA-UE (P=.045), specifically between pre-intervention and post-intervention time points for both groups (P=.03). Nine participants in the treatment group reached or surpassed minimally clinically important difference (MCID) in scores for the FMA-UE, 7 of them having baseline low or moderate arm function, as compared to 3 participants for the standard care group. Nine of the 16 participants in the treatment group who used the system for a total of at least 400 minutes in the program reached MCID for the FMA-UE, as compared to none of the 10 participants who used it less than 400 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that UE training for chronic stroke survivors using virtual rehabilitation in their home may be as effective as a gold-standard home exercise program, and that those who on average used the system more than 20 minutes a day 5 times a week achieved greater improvement in UE function, indicating its relevance to be included as part of ongoing rehabilitation services.

CLINICALTRIAL

NCT02491203 (www.clinicaltrials.gov)

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.1016/j.cct.2015.12.006
Development of Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) Defeathering Machine
Authors:   Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Mindanao State University, Marawi City, Philippines, Casnor Rakim , Gavino Romeo ,   Central Luzon State University, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Published: February 2022

This study aims to design and fabricate a small scale defeathering machine using food grade materials. The overall dimension of defeathering machine is 1250 mm x 1160 mm x 650 mm and has a weight of 95 kg. The machine was designed to a capacity of 800 heads per hour. The fabricated chicken defeathering machine has defeathering efficiency of 99.01% and defeathering efficacy of 95.85% at angular speed of 348 rpm. The prototype was tested using 28 days old broiler chicken. It is recommended for further evaluation using other types of poultry animals.
Microbial Identification and Population Successions in the Novel Carabao Hydrolysis Pretreatment of Agriculture Crops Lignocelluloses Intended for Cellulose Ethanol Production
Authors:   Philippine Carabao Center at CLSU, Central Luzon State University, Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, Florendo Perla ,   Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Published: February 2022

This study was conducted with the objective to elucidate physical, chemical and microbial changes in carabao rumen fluid hydrolysis of bagasse of sweet sorghum and sugarcane, corn stover and rice straw. Identification of microbial species, composition of populations and succession behavior at durations of 3, 6, and 9days of the carabao novel process were determined using API20A kit for anaerobes, spectrophotometry and compound microscopy. Efficiency of microbial conversion of carbohydrates into soluble sugars, pH changes in hydrolysates were determined at various durations. Morphology and physiochemical characterizations showed the occurrences of bacterial groups Clostridium, Bacteroidetes, Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus, rumen fungi species Ruminomyces, Orpinomyces and Neocallimastix and various protozoa of the family Ophryoscolocedae and Isotrichia. Population of microbes was highest in the hydrolysate crop residues sweet sorghum, corn stover, sugarcane and rice straw with corresponding significant difference in average carbohydrates conversion efficiency of 66.49%, 52.43% 52.12%, and 39.28% respectively(p<0.05). Novel process with duration of 6 days had the highest carbohydrates conversion efficiency average of 55.02%. Hydrolysis initial average pH 6.98 had turned acidic at durations of 3 days, 6 days and 9 days while pH variations were significantly different among feedstock, lowest in sugarcane(pH 4.91) sweet sorghum(pH 5.46), corn stover (pH 5.72) and near neutral in rice straw(pH 6.56). Succession behavior of bacteria, fungi and protozoan had influenced microbial population, growth pattern and diversity of species in the novel carabao. In conclusion, the isolation, morphological and physiochemical characterizations of rumen bacteria, fungi and protozoa shows the diversity in the microbial community in the novel carabao, has provided elucidation of the novel carabao microbes efficient conversion of carbohydrates into soluble sugars. Information generated in this study will be of great help in understanding the novel carabao and the improvements when the process proceeds to upscaling as pretreatment of lignocellulosic feedstocks intended for cellulose ethanol production.
Desain Konseptual Internet Accelerator Laboratory (IAL) untuk Siklotron DECY-13
Authors: Frida Iswinning Diah  , Idrus Abdul Kudus  , Suharni  , Fajar Sidik Permana  , Taxwim
Published: February 2022

Pusat Riset dan Teknologi Akselerator Organisasi Riset Tenaga Nuklir Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (PRTA ORTN-BRIN) telah menjadi Pusat Unggulan Iptek (PUI), khususnya di bidang akselerator partikel. Salah satu penelitiannya adalah rancang bangun siklotron DECY-13 untuk produksi radioisotop yang dimanfaatkan pada bidang medis untuk diagnosis kanker. Pada saat ini, litbang siklotron DECY-13 sedang menyelesaikan tahap akhir proses rancang bangunnya. Dalam rangka perluasan manfaat dari litbang ini, akan dibuat fasilitas internet laboratory yang mendukung pelatihan siklotron yang telah berjalan agar dapat diakses dengan lebih luas. Oleh karena itu, dibutuhkan kajian awal untuk penerapan Internet Accelerator Laboratory (IAL) siklotron DECY-13 yang meliputi penyusunan konsep untuk jangka panjang dan desain dari IAL yang akan digunakan. Penyusunan konsep jangka panjang mengikuti road map penelitian siklotron yang telah ditetapkan, sedangkan untuk konseptual desain, pengguna (user) di tahap awal penggunaan telah ditentukan, yaitu mahasiswa dan operator siklotron di rumah sakit. Selanjutnya, dilakukan studi literatur untuk memahami konsep online laboratory dan konsep pembelajaran akselerator yang telah diterapkan di negara lain dalam rangka penentuan persyaratan desain. Identifikasi kebutuhan perangkat IAL didasarkan pada tinjauan kondisi terkini laboratorium siklotron DECY-13 dan rencana penelitian di masa depan. Desain konseptual yang berhasil disusun terdiri atas road map penelitian tentang IAL untuk perencanaan penelitian dalam jangka panjang dan silabus materi untuk target dua pengguna, yaitu mahasiswa dan operator siklotron di rumah sakit. Sementara itu, identifikasi komponen IAL yang digunakan adalah CompactRIO sebagai pengendali utama pada sistem operasi siklotron dan juga sebagai penghubung dengan sistem jaringan. Komponen pendukung dalam sistem jaringan yang digunakan di antaranya adalah sistem basis data, server, LAN, internet, webcam, dan website atau suatu aplikasi untuk diakses oleh pengguna.
Fabrication of All-Terrain Vehicle
Authors: Ninawe Dr. A. P.
Published: February 2022

Abstract: This study is aimed to deal with the Fabrication and Testing of an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) Frame. An ATV is developed to run on various terrains such as soil, gravel, pebbles, etc. Considering this our major focus was to maintain drivers’ safety and better performance of the machine simultaneously. In order to achieve proper parameters, satisfy driver safety, and reduce weight correct alternative of material was required to be concluded. To ensure this, we have conducted several crash tests for drivers’ safety and made the required modifications
Pedagogías del performance: estrategias estético-políticas para repensar la relación masculinidad/feminicidio en la periferia urbana mexiquense
Authors:   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Gutiérrez Vargas José Ricardo
Published: February 2022

El artículo examina la participación de los hombres para enfrentar las predominantes violencias hacia las mujeres en el municipio de Ecatepec, Estado de México. Para ello, se abordan las pedagogías contra el feminicidio, basadas en elperformance, que se han puesto en marcha entre estudiantes varones y mujeres de la preparatoria Francisco Villa 128, ubicada en la demarcación mexiquense. Bajo el postulado teórico/metodológico de “intercorporización”, se analizan testimonios de algunos de estos estudiantes hombres para indagar el nexo masculinidad/conocimiento/cuerpo. Mediante este planteamiento se encontró cómo los hombres, por medio de las interacciones con sus compañeras en los performance, son capaces de re-conocer la realidad feminicida que predomina en sus comunidades, al tiempo que reflexionan sus identidades masculinas. Se concluye que dichas pedagogías son estrategias estético/políticas donde estos varones, a través de la producción de saberes corporizados, ensayan otras formas de entender las relaciones de género en la periferia urbana
“Fragile representation” or Women in Big Politics: The Case of the Administrative Elite
Authors: Kolesnik Natalya V.
Published: February 2022

The research of the feminization of administrative politics is important to understand the transformation of power and the overall development of the Russian society amidst political, economic and social instability. This article presents the study results for the administrative elite in ten Russian regions (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Leningrad, Rostov, Kaliningrad, Kostroma and Novosibirsk Oblasts, Khabarovsk and Stavropol Krais, Republic of Dagestan). The analysis of the socio-demographic characteristics of the administrative elite showed no significant differences between men and women in terms of age, birthplace, as well as the type and the place where first (and subsequent) higher education was received. Studying the career trajectories of women in the ministerial elite showed that they most often occupy elite positions, like men, in middle age, but less often come from economic and security structures; horizontal and vertical movements mostly take place within the same professional institution - executive power agencies. The author identified regional governments with similar gender specifics (relative gender parity and relative gender imbalance). The study revealed that more feminized governments are formed in bordering and economically successful regions, while gender imbalance is most characteristic for the governments of economically dependent regions and those located in the south of the Russian Federation (with some exceptions).
Gender Quotas for Political Participation and the Case of Georgia
Authors: Amiantova Irina S. , Bitsadze Nikoloz
Published: February 2022

The current study focuses on the key elements limiting the political representation of women in the modern world. In order to eliminate discrimination, some countries introduce gender quotas for political participation. Studying the legal framework of modern Georgia shows that, despite the existing common legal basis for the equality of women and men, the reality in political life is different. The lack of effective quota mechanisms significantly weakens the realization of womens civil and political rights. Stereotypical attitudes and perceptions about the role of women in society are the main barriers to recruiting in the political and administrative deployment. Considering the gender aspect of political representation as a complex problem necessitated a systematic approach. The historical and comparative method was used to study the evolution of gender equality. A separate group of methods used in the article was made up of the political and legal analysis of empirical database national statistics. The article shows how the Georgian Parliament affects the position of women in politics by introducing mandatory quotas for national and local government elections, increasing the likelihood of women running, being elected and appointed.
Career Barriers in Ghana: Evidence from Female Civil Servants
Authors: Utkina Valeriya V. , Efimova Alina V.
Published: February 2022

Ghanaian civil service is a classic example of a gender pyramid where top positions tend to be occupied by men, while women (more than 50%) face gender discrimination. Gender stereotypes about women are a major barrier to womens career advancement in Ghanaian civil service. Based on a series of in-depth interviews with women in the Ghanaian public authorities, we identified the main problems women face in the Ghanaian civil service, such as patriarchal practices, gender discrimination, and harassment, including sexual harassment. Our study aims to show the practitioners why it is hardly possible to call public service a comfortable job for women in Ghana.
MODERAÇÃO DA PROPORCIONALIDADE:
Authors: Fischer-Lescano Andreas
Published: February 2022

Resumo: Faz agora parte do senso comum que a denúncia de irregularidades pode efetivamente trazer ilegalidades e queixas sociais à atenção pública. Um grande número de esforços regulatórios transfronteiriços, dos Códigos de Conformidade de Governança Corporativa até a arena política, são, portanto, dedicados ao objetivo de proteger o Whistleblowing transnacional contra a repressão e permitir o protesto contra práticas ilegais. O presente artigo busca demonstrar os limites da proporcionalidade para a solução de casos envolvendo Whistleblowers.
POLÍTICAS DESENVOLVIMENTISTAS NA AMAZÔNIA
Authors: Barbosa Contente Nogueira Caroline , Ken Osoegawa Diego , Paz de Almeida Roger Luiz
Published: February 2022

Este artigo se propõe a descrever e analisar principais projetos de desenvolvimento na Amazônia e suas incidências sobre o desmatamento, seja pelo incentivo à ocupação territorial, promovido pelo Estado brasileiro ou pela introdução das atividades de agropecuária. A metodologia utilizada foi a pesquisa descritiva e analítica, com pesquisa de referencial bibliográfico e documental, assim como análise de dados obtidos por monitoramento do desmatamento na Amazônia nos últimos dez anos. Concluiu-se, após as análises de dados e a descrição histórica, que os projetos de desenvolvimento são pautados pela lógica econômica, sem considerar peculiaridades regionais socioambientais, produzindo impactos ambientais irreversíveis, como é o caso do desmatamento.
ACESSO DIFERENCIADO À DIREITOS EM ZONAS MORAIS URBANAS HOMOGÊNEAS PODE SER EXERCIDO?
Authors: Lobão Ronaldo , Sinclair Allan , Neurauter Maira
Published: February 2022

O presente artigo discute a possibilidade do exercício de direitos culturais previstos na Constituição de 1988, a partir de uma dimensão denominada ‘acesso diferenciado a direitos universais em contextos urbanos”. O elemento central dessa reflexão é o conceito de ‘zonas morais” da cidade, proposto por Robert Ezra Park, que conforma a cidade em espaços públicos homogêneos e poucos conflitivos. A discussão proposta está inserida dentro do que temos pensado, no âmbito do Núcleo de Pesquisa Sobre Práticas e Instituições Jurídicas (NUPIJ-UFF), de uma relação de ‘implicação”. Uma atuação a partir da interação da Universidade com os atores sociais presentes neste conflito, o que mais tarde permite um olhar reflexivo para estes lugares  permeados por uma complexidade muito particular. Ainda que não possa ser enquadrada enquanto uma ‘metodologia”, esta proposta se articula com uma perspectiva interdisciplinar, onde por meio do encontro com outros saberes buscamos inovações no campo do direito que permitam uma maior abertura para a complexidade de conflitos que envolvem direito(s), cultura e natureza nos espaços da cidade.
MIGRAÇÃO, DIREITO E CAPITALISMO
Authors: Osorio Luiz Felipe Brandão , Berner Vanessa
Published: February 2022

Para além dos grandes bailes pomposos, as relações internacionais enfrentam em pleno século XXI a tragédia das mortes e da miséria das migrações. A despeito das importantes construções normativas sobre migrantes em geral, ainda hoje, muitos pagam com a vida pela tentativa de buscar uma melhor condição de vida. Nesse âmbito essencialmente internacional, é fundamental compreender qual o papel do direito em meio a esse mundo que impõe uma vida de privações e negações aos menos favorecidos economicamente. Esse é o horizonte do modo de produção capitalista. É nesse terreno que os movimentos migratórios se constituem, enquanto o direito tenta acompanhar seu fluxo, ao mesmo tempo impondo barreiras e tentando minorar os prejuízos. Assim, com fulcro na crítica e na interface do direito e das relações internacionais, o artigo ambiciona expor o cerne da questão migratória, atrelando diretamente ao capitalismo, legando pistas até para a compreensão da nova lei de migrações no Brasil e seu lugar na sistemática mundial.
Intraoperative Injection of Coloring Dye in the Surgical Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Bum Sik , Yoon Jung Soo , Lim Soo A , Han Yea Sik , Eo Su Rak
Published: February 2022

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a recurring and chronic inflammatory skin disease. Various medical and surgical treatments, with varying degrees of efficacy, have been applied based on the Hurley staging system. Since medical treatment cannot change the natural course of the disease and relapse is inevitable in the long-term, radical excision to reduce recurrences is considered as the only curative therapy option for patients with severe II and III stage HS. However, such methods may require intensive reconstructive surgeries and are often accompanied by intraoperative or postoperative problems, resulting in extended treatments. Several methods to detect the degree of the disease and define the resection area have been employed; coloring agents have also been recommended as an option. In this case, we focused on the use of a coloring dye to determine the precise resection margin for a patient with severe HS, as there have been no conclusive reports on the use of a coloring dye in intraoperative operations or follow-up findings. This method could help preserve more viable tissue to reduce the possibility of complications and the duration of hospitalization.
Treatment for a Post-Reconstruction Seroma Using Viscum album Extract in a Patient with a Pressure Ulcer: A Case Series
Authors: Hwang Won Joo , Oh Seong Jin , Choi Jun Ho , Hwang Jae Ha , Kim Kwang Seog , Lee Sam Yong
Published: February 2022

Seromas commonly occur or recur after reconstructive surgery in patients with pressure ulcers, often leading to infection, increasing the risk of wound dehiscence and flap necrosis, and therefore requiring an additional surgical procedure. Various strategies have been employed to treat seroma, such as retaining as much of the fascia as possible, using progressive tension sutures, inserting suction drains, utilizing sclerotherapy, or applying compression via dressings or specialized garments. However, despite these efforts, seroma prevention remains difficult. In the current report, we describe three cases in which we administered Viscum album extract to prevent and treat seromas that developed following pressure ulcer reconstruction. V. album extract sclerotherapy was performed in a patient with a recurrent seroma, a patient with a persistent seroma, and a patient wishing to undergo sclerotherapy immediately postoperatively as a prophylactic treatment. The seromas resolved shortly after initiating treatment, and recurrence was not observed at any of the subsequent outpatient follow-up visits. These cases suggest that sclerotherapy with V. album extract following pressure ulcer reconstruction can suppress development of seromas and lower the risk of recurrence.
Effective Single-Use Portable Negative Pressure Therapy Used in Acute Morel-Lavallee Lesions: A Case Report
Authors: Choi Min Hyub , Shin Dong Seok , Cheon Ji Seon , Son Kyung Min , Choi Woo Young
Published: February 2022

Morel-Lavallee (ML) lesions are closed degloving injuries characterized by post-traumatic fluid collection and nonspecific clinical features, such as pain and soft, fluctuant appearance. Though often misdiagnosed, they can be identified by analyzing the patient’s clinical trauma history, fluid collection in a typical location, and imaging findings. After diagnosis, various treatments can be attempted, from conservative treatment to surgery, depending on the condition of the wound. Acute ML lesions can be treated conservatively. If traditional compression therapy, such as using gauze and elastic bandage, is difficult to maintain due to the patient’s daily activities, negative pressure wound therapy may be an effective choice of treatment. Herein, we introduce an effective treatment case using a single-use portable negative pressure wound therapy device for an acute ML lesion.
FRASA PREPOSISIONAL DALAM KUMPULAN CERPEN 'SENJA DAN CINTA YANG BERDARAH' KARYA SENO GUMIRA AJIDARMA
Authors: Hanif Anisah
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to determine the functional structure of sentences containing prepositional phrases and categorical patterns of prepositional phrase fillers in the short story Senja dan Cinta yang Berdarah written by Seno Gumira Adjidarma. The focus of this research is the prepositional phrase markers. This research is a descriptive qualitative research. Data collection was carried out by the listening method followed by the advanced note-taking technique. The data analysis technique used is the distribution technique with the basic technique for Direct Elements (BUL). The results of this study indicate that the functional structure of sentences found 25 patterns. Based on the categorical pattern of prepositional phrase fillers in, to, and from the found 11 patterns. The use of prepositional phrases in the short stories serves to state the setting or place of existence and the media. The prepositional phrase to serves to express the setting or destination. Then the prepositional phrase of the function is to state the setting or place of origin.
Approbation of project management methodology in degraded areas revitalization projects
Authors:   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Stepina Mairita , Pelse Modrite ,   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
Published: February 2022

Degraded areas are an important element of modern urban space. This is especially evident in industrial post-socialist countries, including Latvia, where intensive industrialization took place during the 20th century. Regeneration of degraded areas is an opportunity not only to prevent pollution caused by the effects of past industrial activity, but also to improve the urban environment, develop business and take care of the overall image of the urban landscape. One of the tools that local governments in Latvia and also in the European Union (EU) can use to return degraded areas to economic circulation is to implement the opportunities offered by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) projects by absorbing funding from the Operational Program “Growth and Employment” 5.6.2 within the framework of the specific support objective “Revitalization of territories by regenerating degraded territories in accordance with integrated development programs of local governments” (SSO 5.6.2). In order for the project implementation to be successful and to be able to achieve the project goal, the local government, as a project implementer, needs to choose a project management methodology appropriate for a specific project.
Cardiac injury on admission linked to worse outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: Zhou Yiwu , Lv Lin , Yao Rong
Published: February 2022

Background/Aim. The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS Cov-2) has triggered a pandemic that causes a disease with complex clinical manifestations (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19). Soon it became clear that patients who had some comorbidities had a bigger chance of getting the severe form of COVID-19. The aim of the study was to investigate if there was a link between cardiac injury and COVID-19 severity and mortality in patients. Methods. All consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were included and followed up until discharge or death from January 30, 2020, to April 5, 2020. Results. A total of 261 COVID-19 patients were included, and 29 (11.1%) had cardiac injury on admission. Patients with cardiac injury were older than those without cardiac injury (72.8 vs 55.8 years old) and more likely to be male (82.8% vs 42.2%). Patients with cardiac injury were also more likely to be smokers (31.0% vs 12.5%), more likely to have chronic cardiovascular disease (24.1% vs 7.8%), chronic pulmonary disease (17.2% vs 3.0%), and chronic kidney disease (10.3% vs 2.2%) compared to patients without cardiac injury. Laboratory findings suggested that patients with cardiac injury were more likely to have leukocyte counts > 10 ? 109/L, pronounced lymphopenia, direct bilirubin, myohemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, C-reactive protein, and pro-B-type natriuretic peptide but lower levels of serum total protein and estimated glomerular filtration rates compared to patients without cardiac injury. Patients with cardiac injury experienced more complications (72.4% vs 47.8%), including acute respiratory distress syndrome (20.7% vs 2.7%), acute kidney injury (10.3 vs 0.4%), severe COVID-19 (58.6% vs 11.6%) and death (55.2% vs 3.9%) compared to patients without cardiac injury. Multivariate analyses showed that cardiac injury was associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 [hazard ratio (HR) = 8.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.37?32.04] and death (HR = 20.84, 95% CI = 1.32?328.22). Conclusion. Cardiac injury on admission was associated with a higher risk of disease progression and death in patients with COVID-19.
Characteristics and Clinical Course of Diabetes of the Exocrine Pancreas: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Nami , Park So Jeong , Kang Dongwoo , Jeon Ja Young , Kim Hae Jin , Kim Dae Jung , Lee Kwan-Woo , Boyko Edward J. , Han Seung Jin
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVE

The natural course of diabetes of the exocrine pancreas (DEP) is not well established. We aimed to compare the risk of insulin initiation, diabetic complications, and mortality between DEP and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service–Health Screening Cohort between 2012 and 2017, we divided patients with diabetes into those with diabetes without prior pancreatic disease (indicated type 2 diabetes, n = 153,894) and diabetes with a prior diagnosis of pancreatic disease (indicated DEP, n = 3,629). ICD-10 codes and pharmacy prescription information were used to define type 2 diabetes, DEP, and acute and chronic diabetes complications. Kaplan-Meier curves were produced to compare insulin use over time between groups. We created logistic regression models for odds of progression to diabetic complications and mortality.

RESULTS

DEP was associated with a higher risk of insulin use than type 2 diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio 1.38 at 5 years [95% CI 1.30–1.47], P < 0.0001). Individuals with DEP showed higher risks of hypoglycemia (odds ratio 1.85 [1.54–2.21], P < 0.0001), diabetic neuropathy (1.38 [1.28–1.49], P < 0.0001), nephropathy (1.38 [1.27–1.50], P < 0.0001), retinopathy (1.10 [1.01–1.20], P = 0.0347), coronary heart disease (1.59 [1.48–1.70], P < 0.0001), cerebrovascular disease (1.38 [1.28–1.49], P < 0.0001), and peripheral arterial disease (1.34 [1.25–1.44], P < 0.0001). All-cause mortality was higher in those with DEP (1.74 [1.57–1.93], P < 0.0001) than in those with type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

DEP is more likely to require insulin therapy than type 2 diabetes. Hypoglycemia, micro- and macrovascular complications, and all-cause mortality events are higher in DEP compared with type 2 diabetes.
Optimization of Processing Parameters for Minimum Residual Stress and Maximum Wear Resistance During Gas Nitration of 4140 Steel
Authors: TÜZÜNER Sibel , METİN Ali Baran , SARALOĞLU GÜLER Ebru , ŞAHİN Tuğçe
Published: February 2022

Several surface treatments has been applied to the 4140 specimens which are exposed to frictional conditions like gears in order to increase the wear resistance and hardness. Nitration is a common method to improve the hardness of the surfaces. However, the parameters must be chosen wisely. The parameters of temperature, time, flow rate during nitration of SAE 4140 steels were optimized in this study. The ranges for the parameters are selected as 470⁰C - 520⁰C - 570⁰C, 7h - 9h - 12h and 6m3/h - 7.5m3/h - 9m3/h for temperature, time and flow rate respectively. Residual stress, hardness and wear resistance were measured for the specific experiments together with microscopic observations. The nitration process of the threaded part was completed using the optimized parameters. As a result of the study, it was observed that the maximum wear resistance and minimum residual stress values was obtained by the parameters of 470⁰C, 12h, 9m3/h.
Magnetic resonance imaging for lung cancer: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Bak So Hyeon , Kim Chohee , Kim Chu Hyun , Ohno Yoshiharu , Lee Ho Yun
Published: February 2022

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and imaging techniques such as chest radiography, computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play an important role in its diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, post-operative surveillance, and treatment response evaluation. Pulmonary MRI can non-invasively visualize structural and functional abnormalities in the lungs without using ionizing radiation, although it has been suggested that it has less clinical utility than chest radiography, CT, and PET/CT for thoracic diseases, especially lung diseases. With recent advances related to MRI pulse sequences, pulmonary MRI has become practicable in an expanding number of clinical situations. This review article focuses on recent advances in MRI and discusses its clinical applications in the detection, diagnosis, staging, pre-operative evaluation, post-operative surveillance, and treatment response evaluation of lung cancer.