bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Decay of Pertussis Antibodies in Children Aged 0–14 Years in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Wang Wen , Wang Zhiguo , Chen Qiang , Li Mei , Jia Chengmei , Xu Yan , Wu Yun , Sun Xiang , Sun Hui
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate possible influencing factors based on the distribution of the pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) antibody levels in 0–14-year-old children in Jiangsu Province, China, and to analyze changes in IgG antibody levels after pertussis vaccination in children over time via a restricted cubic spline (RCS)-fitted binary logistic regression model. We collected surveillance data on pertussis through the National Notifiable Disease Reporting System (NNDRS). Serum samples were collected, and PT IgG/FHA IgG antibody levels were determined via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A binary logistic regression model was fitted with an RCS. Peak incidence occurred in children aged 0–1 years from 2007 to 2022, and a second peak emerged in children aged 5 years and older from 2018 onwards which shifted towards older age groups. The geometric mean concentrations (GMC) of the anti-PT IgG antibody and anti-FHA IgG antibody in 1129 patients were 15.13 (13.49–16.76) IU/mL and 22.99 (21.17–24.81) IU/mL, respectively. The seropositivity rates of the anti-PT IgG and anti-FHA IgG antibodies in the group receiving a full vaccination course (four doses) were significantly higher than those of other groups (24.6% vs. 43.3%). The RCS fitting model showed a non-linear relationship between the duration after immunization and the odds ratio (OR) of having PT-IgG and FHA-IgG antibody concentrations ≥20 IU/mL in children with documented immunization histories (1–4 doses) (Poverall < 0. 001; Pnonlinear ≤ 0.001). The children with histories of immunization demonstrated antibody levels that decreased to very low levels around 17 months after the last dose of the vaccine. Therefore, it is recommended that pertussis-containing vaccines be administered as booster immunizations for older children.
The History and Prospects of Rabbit Sperm Sexing
Authors: Pinto-Pinho Patrícia , Ferreira Ana F. , Pinto-Leite Rosário , Fardilha Margarida , Colaço Bruno
Published: August 2023

Sperm sex selection is a longstanding challenge in the field of animal reproduction. The cuniculture industry, in particular producers of males or females for breeding purposes, would greatly benefit from the pre-selection of the offspring’s sex. This review article overviews the current and future developments in rabbit sperm sexing technologies, as well as the implications of implementing these methodologies in cuniculture. The first attempts of sperm sexing were performed in rabbits; however, a both efficient and cost-effective methodology was not yet developed for this species. Those included sperm sexing according to differences in sperm density, surface electric charge, pH susceptibility, antisera reaction, and flow cytometry. Separation by flow cytometry has proven to be efficient in rabbits, yielding fractions with approximately 81% and 86% purity for X- and Y-sperm, respectively. However, it is not cost-effective for cuniculture and decreases sperm quality. The advantages, limitations, and practical considerations of each method are presented, highlighting their applicability and efficiency. Furthermore, herein we explore the potential of immunological-based techniques that overcome some of the limitations of earlier methods, as well as recent advancements in sperm sexing technologies in other animal models, which could be applied to rabbits. Finally, the challenges associated with the development and widespread implementation of rabbit sperm sexing technologies are addressed. By understanding the advantages and limitations of existing and emerging methods, researchers can direct their efforts towards the most promising directions, ultimately contributing to a more efficient, profitable, and sustainable cuniculture.
The Combination of Toxic Adenoma and Diffuse Nodular Goiter: the Choice of Tactics of Surgical Treatment
Authors:   Izhevsk State Medical Academy, Styazhkina S.N. , Ledneva A.V. , Galieva A.A. ,   First Republican Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Health of the Udmurt Republic
Published: August 2023

oxic thyroid adenoma (Plummer's disease) is a primary benign tumor disease of the thyroid gland, accompanied by autonomous hyperproduction of thyroid hormones. With a combination of Plummer's disease in one lobe and diffuse nodular goiter in the other lobe of the thyroid gland without compression syndrome, it is necessary to strive to perform hemithyroidectomy of the lobe with toxic adenoma. Two clinical examples of a combination of toxic adenoma of one lobe and diffuse nodular goiter of the other lobe of the thyroid gland with different surgical tactics are given
Alcohol and smoking brief interventions by socioeconomic position: a population-based, cross-sectional study in Great Britain
Authors: Buss Vera Helen , Cox Sharon , Moore Graham , Angus Colin , Shahab Lion , Bauld Linda , Brown Jamie
Published: August 2023

Background

Alcohol and smoking brief interventions (BIs) in general practice have been shown to be effective in lowering alcohol and smoking-related harm.

Aim

To assess prevalence of self-reported BI receipt among increasing or higher-risk drinkers and past-year smokers in England, Scotland, and Wales, and associations between intervention receipt and socioeconomic position.

Design & setting

Cross-sectional study using data from a monthly population-based survey in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Method

The study comprised 47 799 participants (15 573 increasing or higher-risk drinkers [alcohol use disorders identification test consumption score ≥5] and 7791 past-year smokers) surveyed via telephone in 2020–2022 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). All data were self-reported. Prevalence of self-reported BI receipt was assessed descriptively; associations between receipt and socioeconomic position were analysed using logistic regression.

Results

Among adults in England, Scotland, and Wales, 32.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 31.8 to 32.7) reported increasing or higher-risk drinking and 17.7% (95% CI = 17.3 to 18.1) past-year smoking. Among increasing or higher-risk drinkers, 58.0% (95% CI = 57.1 to 58.9) consulted with a GP in the past year, and of these, 4.1% (95% CI = 3.6 to 4.6) reported receiving BIs. Among past-year smokers, 55.8% (95% CI = 54.5 to 57.1) attended general practice in the past year; of these, 41.0% (95% CI = 39.4 to 42.7) stated receiving BIs. There was a tendency for patients from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds to receive more alcohol (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.38, 95% CI = 1.10 to 1.73) or smoking BIs (aOR 1.11, 95% CI = 0.98 to 1.26), but for the latter the results were statistically non-significant. Results did not differ notably by nation within Great Britain.

Conclusion

BIs in general practice are more common for smoking than for alcohol. A greater proportion of BIs for alcohol were found to be delivered to people who were from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and who were increasing or higher-risk drinkers.
Sex Differences in Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality in Adults with and without CKD: NHANES 1999–2018
Authors: Oh Ester S. , You Zhiying , Nowak Kristen L. , Jovanovich Anna J.
Published: August 2023

Key Points

Women with CKD had a lower cardiovascular disease mortality risk than men.

Kidney function markers (i.e., eGFR and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio) may influence mortality risk in women with CKD, but not in men.
The Interplay between Gender and Learning Styles: Implications for Second Language Teaching
Authors: Opeoluwa Olagbaju Oladotun
Published: August 2023

Learning styles refer to the variation that exists in the ability of people to accumulate interpret and assimilate information. A learning style is an individual’s preferred way of learning and scholars (Reid (1995), Wagaman (2008), Montgomery and Groat (1998) to mention a few) have established that when a teacher’s style matches the student’s learning styles then learning will occur. Research evidences (Howe 1997), Burham (2008) and Sax Leonard (2008)) support that gender plays a unique role in the way we learn. This paper thus seeks to investigate the relationship (if any) between gender and learning styles with its’ possible implications for language teaching. The paper draws conclusions that majority of females’ preferred learning style is the diverging and assimilating (thinkers than doers) while a greater percentage of the males fall under converging and accommodating learning styles (doers than thinkers). Girls are motivated by the desire to impress adults while boys are motivated by the object or material to be learnt. This of course has serious implications for language teaching. Lastly, language teachers are encouraged to develop their instructional packages to cater for the differences in the students’ gender and learning styles. Other stakeholders in the education industry are to accommodate the knowledge of different genders and learning styles in educational planning.
Toz Metalurjisi Yöntemiyle Üretilmiş 6061 Al Matrisli B4C Takviyeli Kompozit Malzemelerin Radyasyon Absorbsiyon Özelliklerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: TURŞUCULAR Elif Dicle , VAROL Remzi
Published: August 2023

Radyasyon günlük hayatta birçok alanda,kullanılan pek çok teknolojik alette karşımıza çıkan ve fazla maruz kalındığı takdirde ölümcül sonuçlar doğurabilen bir enerjidir.Aynı zamanda gelişen dünyanın artan enerji ihtiyacını karşılayabilmek için her gün dünyanın pek çok farklı yerinde yeni nükleer enerji santralleri inşa edilmektedir.Dolayısıyla hem kullanılan teknolojik aletler hem de yapılan yeni nükleer enerji santralleri bazında artış olması,gün geçtikçe insanoğlunun genel radyasyon maruziyetini artırmaktadır.Bu nedenle günümüzde, radyasyonun olumsuz etkilerinden dolayı radyasyon absorbsiyonu ve radyasyon absorblayan materyaller ve materyal grupları üzerine yapılan çalışmalar oldukça önem kazanmıştır.Öte yandan B_4 C (Bor Karbür) ise, tank zırhı, kurşun geçirmez yelekler, motor sabotaj tozları,aşındırıcılar,nükleer santrallerdeki kontrol rodları gibi oldukça büyük öneme sahip ve spesifik alanlarda kullanılan son derece sert ve nötron absorblayıcı (radyasyon soğurucu) özelliğe sahip bir bileşiktir.2900-3580 Knoop sertlik değerinde oldukça yüksek sertliğe sahip fakat bir o kadar da gevrek (kırılgan) bir yapıda olması nedeniyle tek başına B_4 C (Bor Karbür)’den müteşekkil yekpare bir plaka oluşturulmasında büyük zorluklarla karşılaşılacağı için, 6061Al matrisi ile kompozit bir malzeme haline getirilip parça üretimi sağlanabilmektedir.Bu çalışmada, B_4 C (Bor Karbür ) takviye elemanı ile 6061Al matris elemanı belirli oranlarda ( B_4 C katkısı olmadan salt 6061Al, %5 B_4 C katkısıyla,%10 B_4 C katkısıyla,%15 B_4 C katkısıyla,%20 B_4 C katkısıyla) bir araya getirilerek toz metalurjisiyle (sıcak pres sinterleme yöntemine bağlı olarak) kompozit malzeme olarak 5 adet numune imal edilmiştir.Bu numunelerin radyasyon absorblama özelliklerinin incelenmesi ve değişen bileşen oranlarına bağlı olarak radyasyon absorblama özellikleri ile doğrusal (lineer) zayıflatma katsayısı ve enerji değerlerinin; imalatı sağlanan malzemelerin yoğunluk ve kalınlıklarının iç yapı,sertlik değerleri ve gerilme değerlerine bağlı değişimlerinin nasıl seyredeceğinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır.Çalışma kapsamında üretilen numunelere tatbik edilen deneyler sonucunda elde edilen verilerle NIST XCOM üzerinden hesaplanan teorik verilerin mukayeseleri ve amaçlanan değişimlerin belirlenmesi gerçekleştirilmiştir.Numunelerde artan Bor Karbür (B_4 C) yüzdelerine bağlı olarak doğrusal (lineer) zayıflatma katsayılarının azaldığı gözlemlenmiştir.Bu gözlemler sonucunda çalışmanın ileride yapılacak olan bilimsel çalışmalara ışık tutması ve katkı sağlaması hedeflenmektedir.
Inteligencia artificial en Educación
Authors: Atencio-Gonzáles Rously Eedyah
Published: August 2023

Editorial
The Impact of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on Intra-Industry Trade: An Empirical Analysis Using a Panel Vector Autoregressive Model
Authors:   Korea Trade Research Association, Zhao Guofeng , Mun Cheol-Ju
Published: August 2023

Purpose – This study aims to examine the dynamic relationship between the variables impacted by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the level of intra-industry trade among member states, with the ultimate objective of deducing the short- and long-term effects of RCEP on trade. Design/methodology – This study focuses on tariffs, GDP growth rates, and the proportion of regional FDI to total FDI as research variables, and employs a panel vector autoregression model and GMMstyle estimator to investigate the dynamic relationship between RCEP and intra-industry trade among member countries. Findings – The study finds that the level of intra-industry trade between member states is positively impacted by both tariffs and intra-regional FDI. The impulse response graph shows that tariffs and FDI within the region can promote intra-industry trade among member countries, with a quick response. However, the contribution rates of tariffs and intra-regional FDI are not particularly high at approximately 1.5% and 1.4%, respectively. In contrast, the contribution rate of GDP growth can reach around 8.5%. This implies that the influence of economic growth rate on intra-regional trade in industries is not only long-term but also more powerful than that of tariffs and intra-regional FDI. Originality/value – The originality of this study lies in providing a new approach to investigating the potential impact of RCEP while avoiding the limitations associated with the GTAP model. Additionally, this study addresses existing gaps within the research, further contributing to the research merit of the study.
Trade Facilitation for E-Commerce Export Clearance
Authors:   Korea Trade Research Association, Yi Ji-Soo
Published: August 2023

Purpose – There is a paucity of literature dealing with exporters’ compliance issues in e-commerce exports. This study aims to fill this gap in the literature by exploring customs initiatives to facilitate the e-commerce exports of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the changed compliance environment. The central question of this study was divided into five subquestions: first regarding the pros and cons of trade facilitation measures for Korean e-commerce export clearance; second and third questions about risk and compliance management for facilitation fourth about instruments, the changes in Korean SME compliance burden in e-commerce exports, and ways to improve trade facilitation for e-commerce exports. Design/methodology – This study adopts a qualitative approach using a case study method to understand the SME experience in Korean e-commerce export compliance procedures. A qualitative method was selected to answer research questions requiring an in-depth understanding of the regulatory procedures of customs administration and exporters’ compliance burden. Because this study addresses the changing compliance environment for which statistical data is insufficient, a quantitative method is considered inappropriate. Based on the approach, data were collected using multiple sources, including an extensive literature review, interviews, and field observations. Thematic pattern matching was applied to interpret the data. Findings – This study examined ways to support SMEs in the changed e-commerce export compliance environment. Facilitation measures for e-commerce exports have contributed to SME access to global markets, simplifying export clearance procedures, and saving exporters’ compliance costs. However, such instruments are limited in promoting SME compliance capabilities to cope with intensified competition and strengthened controls over foreign exporters in cross-border e-commerce. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of reshaping facilitation measures for e-commerce exports based on risk and compliance management theories to a system encouraging exporters’ voluntary compliance. Originality/value – This study’s academic significance derives from verifying the relationship between trade facilitation instruments and risk and compliance management procedures using an actual case in Korea. It is also of practical importance in navigating the directions for improving facilitation measures for e-commerce exports in a changed compliance environment.
Measures to Increase Job Satisfaction of Oncologists at Outpatient Cancer Centers
Authors: Russkikh Sergey V. , Moskvicheva Liudmila I. , Tarasenkо Еlena А. , Makarova Ekaterina V. , Vasiliev Mikhail D. , Arsenina Yulia V. , Valova Yulia V. , Doletskiy Alexey N.
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Job satisfaction of oncologists at outpatient cancer centers is an important factor that determines not only personal well-being of a doctor, but also the effectiveness of provision, quality and availability of primary specialized oncological care.
Objectives: To assess the risk of emotional burnout and to determine the level of job satisfaction of oncologists working in outpatient departments in order to propose actions to reduce the risk of job burnout and to elaborate measures promoting job satisfaction.
Materials and methods: In June–August 2022, as part of quantitative sociological surveys, 71 oncologists of Outpatient Cancer Centers located in Moscow and the Moscow and Ivanovo Regions were interviewed to assess their job satisfaction using V.A. Rozanova’s questionnaire. In addition, we conducted a qualitative sociological study consisting of six in-depth interviews with healthcare experts, including heads of federal and regional cancer clinics.
Results: We established that 21.1 % of the respondents were not satisfied with their job. Male specialists and surgeons demonstrated significantly lower job satisfaction than their colleagues. The main reasons for such dissatisfaction were the amount and fairness of wages, long working hours, disunity of actions between employees when performing collective tasks, and the leadership style of the chief. As measures to optimize the performance, the respondents emphasized better equipment of departments, impartial record of achievements of each employee for fair incentive pays, clear distribution
of duties and responsibilities within implementation of collective project tasks, creation of opportunities for paid extra work, and organization of regular meals at the expense of the employer.
Conclusions: The main ways to increase job satisfaction of oncologists at outpatient cancer centers can be optimization of the incentive system that takes into account individual performance indicators, effective organization of the workflow in departments and their sufficient equipment, elaboration of personal development plans, organization of additional formal internal communication channels, an increase in the level of knowledge, skills and abilities of chief medical officers in the field of human resource management, and expansion of employee benefits based on their preferences.
Early results of total arterial off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting using bilateral internal mammary arteries
Authors: Abdelmotelb Ayman , Ralhan Sarju , Saber Mohsen
Published: August 2023

Background: The optimal coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) technique is still evolving. This study aimed to evaluate the early results of the total arterial off-pump technique using bilateral internal mammary arteries.

Methods: This study was performed from May 2018 to May 2019 at a cardiac surgery center in India. It included 200 patients with coronary artery disease who had off-pump CABG using bilateral internal mammary arteries. The patients had follow-ups for three months. There were 50 females, and the mean age was 50±10 years.

Results: Conversion to on-pump was required in one case (0.5%). The use of complete vein grafts was needed in three cases (1.5%), and vein graft extension was done for two cases (1%). Intra-aortic balloon pump was used in one case (0.5%). Postoperative re-exploration for bleeding was done in two cases (1%), and sternal dehiscence or deep infection occurred in two cases (1%). A pacemaker was used in one case (0.5%), and postoperative need for dialysis occurred in three patients (1.5%). No operative mortality or postoperative stroke was reported. Redo surgery was required in one patient (0.5%).

Conclusions: Off-pump total arterial revascularization technique using bilateral internal mammary arteries could have an acceptable early outcome.
Left internal mammary on-lay patch vs. saphenous vein patch in reconstructing diffusely diseased left anterior descending artery
Authors: Rezk Moataz E , Gamal Mahmoud , Kasb Ibrahim , Shaheen Yousry , El Shafiey Mahmoud
Published: August 2023

Background: Several operative techniques were described to reconstruct the diffusely diseased left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The superiority of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) vs. the saphenous vein patch is controversial in LAD reconstruction. Thus, this study compared LIMA on-lay patch vs. saphenous vein patch in reconstructing diffusely diseased LAD artery.

Methods: This study was conducted between June 2020 and May 2022 including 60 patients with a diffusely diseased LAD. LIMA patch was used in 30 patients (Group I) and saphenous vein patch in 30 patients (Group II) without endarterectomy. Males presented 85%; the mean age was 56.68 ± 6.44 years. The mean patch length in the LIMA group was 4.48±0.87 cm and 4.60± 0.93 cm in the saphenous vein group.

Results: The mean aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 66.80± 19.93 and 108.00± 25.74 minutes in the LIMA group and 84.40± 30.65 and 132.53± 45.41 minutes in the venous Group (P= 0.011 and 0.013, respectively). The mean intensive care unit stay was 50.40 ± 38.65 hours in Group I and 92.00± 51.62 hours in Group II (P˂ 0.001). Four patients (13.3%) needed an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in Group I, and 11 patients (36.7%) in Group II (P= 0.037). Postoperative low cardiac output occurred in 13.3% of Group I and 53.3% in Group II (P= 0.001). Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in 13.3% of Group I, while in Group II was 33.3% (P= 0.067). The renal complications were 3.3% in Group I and 16.7% in Group II (P= 0.085). Two patients (6.7%) were complicated with bleeding in Group I, and nine (30.0%) in Group II (P= 0.02). The postoperative ejection fraction was 58.17± 5.25% in Group I and 53.3± 5.23% in Group II (P= 0.001). On the first postoperative day, the creatine kinase-myoglobin binding level was 61.73± 30.19 IU/L in Group I and 92.63± 45.88 IU/L in Group II (P= 0.004). Hospital mortality occurred in one patient (3.3%) in Group I and two in Group II (6.7%) (P˃ 0.99).

Conclusion: LAD reconstruction using the LIMA patch could have better early outcomes than the saphenous vein patch.
Indications and outcomes of pneumonectomy for benign diseases: A single-center experience
Authors: Mohamed Essam , Abdel Ghaffar Ayman , Aboelwafa Wesam , Mohammadien Hamdy
Published: August 2023

Background: Pneumonectomy can be used to manage destroyed lung; however, it is associated with a high risk of complications. This study analyzed the outcomes of pneumonectomy in patients with destroyed lungs.

Methods: The study included 28 patients who had pneumonectomy for benign lung diseases from January 2011 to December 2017. Descriptive analysis was used to present patients' demographics, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes. Intraoperative blood loss was compared in tuberculous vs. non-tuberculous patients and those who had extrapleural vs. intrapleural pneumonectomy.

Results: The study included 11 (39%) males, and the mean age was 36.6 ± 9.8 years (range: 5– 61). The persistent cough was the presenting symptom in 93% of cases, expectoration in 78.6%, hemoptysis in 46.4%, and chest pain in 28.6% of patients. Indications for pneumonectomy were tuberculosis in 13 (46.4%), septic bronchiectasis in 10 (35.7%), invasive opportunistic infections in 3 (10.7%), neglected endobronchial foreign body in 1 (3.6%), and neglected rupture bronchus in 1 (3.6%) patient. Pneumonectomy was left-sided in 21 (75%) patients. We performed extrapleural pneumonectomy in 7 (25%) patients, intra-pericardial isolation in 5 (17.9%) patients, and two patients (7.2%) had completion pneumonectomy. Mean perioperative bleeding was 390.7± 233.8 ml. The intraoperative blood loss was more in patients with tuberculosis and extrapleural pneumonectomy (P< 0.05). Postoperative complications occurred in 7 patients (25%), and we reported one operative mortality. 

Conclusions: Pneumonectomy for benign lung disease is a challenging procedure. Destroyed lung due to TB and bronchiectasis are the most common indications. The outcome could be improved with careful patient selection, appropriate preoperative preparation, meticulous operative techniques, and high postoperative care standards.
Comparison of automated fastener (Cor-Knot) versus manually tied knots in patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve replacement
Authors: Manoly Imthiaz , Fouly Mohamed
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Automated knot fastener has been used in minimally invasive valve surgery to alleviate the longer total operating time and improve outcomes. Their advantages over manual knot tying remain questionable. This study aims to compare automated knot fasteners' efficacy with conventional knot-pushers in minimally invasive mitral valve replacements (MiMVR).

Methods: Between 2016 and 2020, 50 patients underwent isolated mechanical mitral valve replacement via right mini-thoracotomy in rheumatic or degenerative mitral valve disease. The patients were grouped into two groups. Group I (n= 25) included patients who had MiMVR using the Cor-knot device, and Group II (n= 25) had MiMVR using the conventional knot-pusher. Primary endpoints were cross-clamp, cardiopulmonary bypass, and total operative times and the secondary outcomes were paravalvular leak and reoperation. There were no significant differences in the demographic data between the two groups.

Results: Cross-clamp time (79± 1.11 vs. 98.88± 1.34 min; P<0.001), cardiopulmonary bypass time ( 132 (Q1- Q2: 129- 134) vs. 148 (140- 155) min; P<0.001) and operative times ( 206 (203- 209) vs. 228 (223- 234) min; P<0.001) were significantly shorter in Group I. There was no difference in postoperative complications between groups. The early paravalvular leak occurred in one patient (4%) in Group I and required valve re-exploration. In Group II, four patients (16%) had a paravalvular leak; 3 of them were severe and required valve re-exploration (P= 0.35). Transthoracic echocardiography at discharge revealed no evidence of a paravalvular leak in both groups.

Conclusion: Automated fastener device (Cor-knot) could reduce operative times during minimally invasive mitral valve replacement. Operative complications are comparable between both techniques, and follow-up studies are recommended.
Minimally invasive approach for the management of right atrial angiosarcoma; A case report
Authors: Aluthman Uthman , Elmahrouk Ahmed , AlAmri Rawan , Alanazi Maram , Almutawa Abdulmonem , Jamjoom Ahmed
Published: August 2023

Cardiac angiosarcoma is a rare primary cardiac tumor. Outcomes of minimally invasive resection of cardiac angiosarcoma are rarely reported in the literature

A male patient aged 28 years old presented with a right atrial mass compressing the superior vena cava and associated with pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentesis was done, and a preoperative workup revealed no distant metastasis. We planned excision of the mass through a right mini-thoracotomy approach. Intraoperatively, we found the mass invading the entire atrial wall thickness, and excision of the mass with a reconstruction of the right atrial wall was performed. Minimally invasive resection of atrial angiosarcoma could be feasible. Atrial angiosarcoma could present with vague signs and symptoms
Effectiveness of daily fluid balance charting versus body weight measurement as a guide for fluid administration therapy after cardiac surgery
Authors: Elgazzar Mohammed , Said Ehab , Sanad Osama , Lotfy Gamal , Shafie Mahmoud
Published: August 2023

Background: Several studies have established a link between fluid overload and an increased risk of death. After cardiac surgery, patients' fluid status should be assessed at close intervals. A daily fluid balance (FB) has several limitations. This study aims to determine the agreement and correlation between fluid status changes calculated by the daily fluid balance through the conventional charting approach and body weight (BW) change using beds equipped with weighing scales.

Methods: This is a prospective observational study that included 50 patients who underwent cardiac surgeries. It evaluates the precision and usefulness of determining body fluid status and requirements using daily fluid balance and body weight measurements.

Results: The mean age of the study group was 52.9 ±10.44 years. The mean weight, height, and BMI were 87.1 ± 16.68 Kg, 170.4 ± 4.59 cm, and 30.12 ± 6.21 kg/m2. The mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 9.5 ±3.73 h. Mean ICU and hospitalization times were 2.4 ± 0.67 and 6.3 ± 1.36 days, respectively. The mean cumulative fluid balance was 0.52 ± 3.21 L, and the overall change in body weight (discharge weight − admission weight) was 0.55 ± 2.89 kg. There was a highly significant positive correlation between overall bodyweight and cumulative fluid balance (r- coefficeient= 0.947, p-value <0.001).

Conclusion: Bodyweight measured by weight-enabled beds could seem sufficiently robust or accurate to replace daily FB in ICU post open heart. Such measurement might be used to monitor overall changes in BW in patients with a prolonged ICU stay.
N-type conducting AlInN/GaN distributed Bragg reflectors with AlGaN graded layers
Authors: Kobayashi Kenta , Shibata Kana , Nagasawa Tsuyoshi , Watanabe Ruka , Usui Kodai , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Iwaya Motoaki , Kamei Toshihiro
Published: August 2023

We obtained a 40-pair Si-doped n-type conducting AlInN/GaN distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) with a low surface pit density, 3.0 × 106 cm−2, by introducing 5 nm Si-doped Al0.39Ga0.61N graded layers grown at high temperature, 1150 °C. A combination of a 0.6 nm GaN cap layer on AlInN and a subsequent thermal cleaning during a temperature increase process up to 1150 °C for the following AlGaN graded layer growth was effective for a suppression of pit/threading dislocation generations at the interfaces of the AlInN layers and the AlGaN graded layers in the DBRs without any additional cleaning processes. We also found that an initial AlN mole fraction of 0.39 in the graded AlGaN layers provided the lowest vertical resistance of the Si-doped AlInN/GaN DBRs with the Si-doped AlGaN graded layers, suggesting that Al0.39Ga0.61N provides the lowest potential spike in the conduction band of the interface with Al0.82In0.18N among AlGaN alloys.
F2-Net: Feature Finding Network for Long-Tailed Fine-Grained Food Recognition
Authors: M. Rodríguez-de-Vera Jesús , G. Estepa Imanol , Bolaños Marc , Nagarajan Bhalaji , Radeva Petia
Published: August 2023

Food object recognition plays a crucial role in several healthcare applications. Nevertheless, it presents significant challenges that hinder its progress compared to other food computing areas. The challenges include the occlusion of ingredients as well as long-tailed and fine-grained data distributions. In this work, we propose F2-Net, a Feature Finding Network, aimed specifically at tackling these food recognition challenges by improving the feature learning capabilities of food recognition models. Specifically, we improve vanilla R-CNN architecture by tailoring it for food recognition. We incorporate state-of-the-art components addressing long-tailed classification, localization, segmentation, and improving the representation ability of the base network. Secondly, we design an efficient multi-task framework for fine-grained food recognition, which exploits the lexical similarity of dishes during training to improve the discriminative ability of the network. Finally, we include a Graph Confidence Propagation (GCP) module based on graph neural networks to aggregate the information of overlapping detections and refine the final prediction of the network (prior to non-maximum suppression application). Extensive analysis and ablations of different components of our proposed F2-Net highlight that it successfully addresses the targeted problems and leads to noticeable gains in performance. Remarkably, the proposed method achieves competitive results and outperforms current state-of-the-art methods in three public food benchmarks: UECFood-256, AiCrowd Food Challenge 2022, and UECFood-100 segmented.
Size, Efficiency, and Reliability Analysis of a Multiport Traction Inverter with Downsized DC-DC Converter for a Catenary/Battery Tram
Authors: Fedele Emanuele , Iannuzzi Diego , Spina Ivan
Published: August 2023

The use of a NPC-type multilevel converter as multiport inverter (MPI) has recently been considered a promising solution for the compact integration of multisource systems in various applications. This paper presents a broad analysis of a quasisingle stage propulsion system (QSS) that employs an NPC-type MPI and a downsized boost dc-dc converter for an urban tram vehicle with overhead line connection and onboard batteries. The control and dynamic performance are detailed and validated experimentally. Furthermore, the power losses, VA rating, weight, volume, and reliability of the QSS system are evaluated and benchmarked against a conventional architecture for a case-study catenary/battery tram model. The analysis reveals that the QSS system can achieve significant savings in volume, weight, and round-trip energy efficiency, higher reliability due to intrinsic redundancy, but with increased VA rating, part count, and complexity.
Teacher’s transformation in Service-Learning training and experience: a Review of Literature
Authors: Kulberg Taub Mikol
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a review of literature researched with the aim to highlight the relationship between the educational proposal of Service-Learning and teachers and educators, in terms of personal and professional transformation. This review took place during the first explorative part of a doctoral study. The research was conducted using four different databases (Eric, Web of Science, Scopus and the university of Florence library system, SBA Unifi). The software used for it was Endnote. The 58 full-text papers included (60 studies), show three categories detected: the most numerous is the category of future teachers (n=49); few studies concern in-service teachers (n=4), while seven studies concern both the two categories. Educators are totally absent by the results. Analyzing the main findings of each study, the transformative potential of SL is in evidence.
 
La trasformazione dei docenti mediante la formazione e l’esperienza del service-learning: una revisione della letteratura.
Questo contributo presenta una revisione della letteratura, effettuata allo scopo di evidenziare la relazione tra la proposta educativa del Service-Learning (SL) e docenti e educatori, in termini di trasformazione personale e professionale. La revisione si colloca nella prima fase esplorativa di un progetto di dottorato. La ricerca è stata effettuata utilizzando quattro differenti database (Eric, Web of science, Scopus, e il portale del sistema bibliotecario di ateneo, lo SBA dell’Università di Firenze) mediante l’utilizzo del software Endote. I 58 articoli esaminati, contenenti 60 studi, mostrano tre categorie di studi: la più numerosa riguarda studi su futuri docenti (n=49); pochi studi hanno riguardato docenti in servizio (n=4), mentre sette studi hanno riguardato entrambe le tipologie di docenti. Gli educatori risultano assenti dai risultati della revisione. Analizzando i principali risultati di ogni singolo studio, si evidenzia la potenzialità trasformativa del SL.
La sfida della corruzione politica all’etica pubblica. Introduzione
Authors: Ceva Emanuela , Ferretti Maria Paola
Published: August 2023

The article presents political corruption as a problem of public ethics of institutions. It first explains the theory of institutional action that underlies the conception of political corruption as a deficit of “office accountability”. Having clarified the officeholders’ duties in their institutional capacity, it portrays political corruption as an “internal enemy” of public institutions. A discussion follows of the normative implications for an approach to anti-corruption based on the officeholders’ direct engagement.
L’ingiustizia della corruzione politica. Integrità, rappresentanza e delega democratica
Authors: Pellegrino Gianfranco
Published: August 2023

This paper develops a view of the wrongness of personal political corruption. The latter is wrong even when it has no impact or relations with political institutions. The thought is that instances of personal moral corruption of politicians are wrong to voters because they amount to forcing the latter to be authors, namely responsible, of their representatives’ misdeeds. Political corruption is wrong because it violates citizens’ moral integrity, i.e., their entitlement to abstain from immoral deeds, and to be free of responsibility for them.
Analyse géographique de la récurrence du phénomène des extrêmes thermiques et canicules dans la province de Najaf
Authors: الجبوري نجاح عبد جابر
Published: August 2023

Le phénomène des extrêmes thermiques récurrents et des vagues de chaleur revêt une grande importance dans les études climatiques en raison de leurs effets importants sur divers aspects de la vie, car l'élément thermique est l'un des éléments climatiques les plus importants pour déterminer l'état général du climat et son impact. sur les systèmes biologiques des organismes vivants, y compris les plantes et les animaux, ainsi que sur les activités urbaines que l'homme entreprend, et de donner une image détaillée de l'état thermique en général et d'indiquer les cas d'extrêmes et de fluctuations thermiques qui se produisent dans le temps au fil du temps et peut-être au cours d'une journée, et malgré le fait que le climat du gouvernorat se caractérise par des taux de températures élevés pendant la saison chaude de l'année et des extrêmes thermiques où ils s'élèvent en d
Expressive techniques in poetic images in the love poems of Andalusian cities
Authors: Al-Khalidi Ali , Al Ziyadi Abadi
Published: August 2023

The research aimed to explore the elements of beauty in Andalusian poetry and transform them into images that reflect the deep connection between Andalusian individuals—especially poets—and their cities and homeland, Al-Andalus. This connection is evident in lyrical poetry, where the purpose was not to express love for a woman, but rather to convey a profound sense of affection and devotion between the individual, his homeland, and his city.
Based on this concept, the study examined poetic imagery and the extent to which Andalusian poets mastered its expression. The research, titled "Techniques of Expression in Poetic Imagery in the Love Poetry of Andalusian Cities," was structured into an introduction and four main sections.
The introduction discussed the fusion of human emotions with the sensory images surrounding them. The first section analyzed similes in the love poetry of Andalusian cities, highlighting their role in illustrating the beauty of the place and the poet’s deep attachment to it. The second section focused on the meanings of metaphorical images, examining how they were employed to express emotions and sentiments.
The third section explored symbolic and indirect imagery in the love poetry of Andalusian cities, revealing how these figures carried hidden meanings that required contemplation from the reader. Meanwhile, the fourth section examined rhetorical devices, such as paronomasia (wordplay) and antithesis, and their impact on the aesthetics of poetic expressions related to Andalusian cities.
Finally, the conclusion summarized the key findings of the study, emphasizing the role of poetic imagery in shaping the emotional bond between the poet and his city in Andalusian literature.
Pengaruh Metode Pembelajaran Tutor Sebaya Terhadap Social Skills Peserta Didik
Authors: Kalsum Ummu , Saddia Andi , Irmaya Irmaya
Published: August 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan social skills peserta didik antara kelompok yang menggunakan metode pembelajaran tutor sebaya dengan kelompok yang tidak menggunakan metode tutor sebaya. Jenis penelitian ini adalah True Experimental dengan menggunakan pretest posttest control group design yang dilakukan di SMA Negeri 2 Campalagian. Pada kelompok eksperimen menggunakan metode pembelajaran tutor sebaya sedangkan kelompok kontrol tidak menggunakan metode tutor sebaya. Instrumen yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah angket social skills. Data dianalisis menggunakan analisis deskriptif dan analisis inferensial. Penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa : (1) terdapat peningkatan yang signifikan antara kedua kelompok dengan nilai sig sebesar 0,000 pada taraf signifikan 0,05 (2) penerapan metode pembelajaran tutor sebaya dapat meningkatkan kemampuan social skills peserta didik, dapat dilihat pada hasil posttest kelompok eksperimen social skills mengalami peningkatan sebesar 17,75.
Kajian Literatur: Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Terhadap Keterampilan Kolaborasi Siswa dalam Pembelajaran IPA
Authors: Yanto Nurfitra , Muhiddin St. Mutia Alfiyanti , Arsyad Arie Arma
Published: August 2023

Dalam proses pembelajaran perlu diterapkan model pembelajaran yang tepat dengan tujuan untuk membantu peserta didik dalam mengembangkan gagasan, informasi, dan keterampilan-keterampilan yang ada pada peserta didik. Keterampilan kolaborasi merupakan keterampilan yang perlu dilatihkan kepada peserta didik. Diperlukan model pembelajaran yang tepat untuk  melatihkan keterampilan kolaborasi dalam proses pembelajaran khususnya pada mata pelajaran IPA. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji artikel mengenai jenis-jenis model pembelajaran yang dapat melatihkan keterampilan kolaborasi pada mata pelajaran IPA. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian studi literatur. Seluruh artikel yang dikaji merupakan artikel yang bersumber dari jurnal yang terakreditasi minimal SINTA 4 dan terdapat pula artikel terindeks scopus. Pada penelitian ini ditemukan bahwa pembelajaran inovatif dapat melatihkan keterampilan kolaborasi dengan baik. Ditemukan pula bahwa selain model pembelajaran, bahan ajar berupa LKPD juga merupakan hal yang cukup penting untuk melatihkan keterampilan kolaborasi pada peserta didik.
Exploring the Potential of Crude Methanolic Leaf Extract of Gossypium Hirsutum in Malaria Treatment, Pain Relief, and Inflammation Reduction
Authors: Itopa Umar Sheriff , Olalekan Olatunji , Maruf Yekeen Olaide
Published: August 2023

The increasing resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to standard anti-malarial drugs has led to a search for new compounds with antimalarial properties. Throughout history, various plants have been used for the treatment of malaria. Gossypium hirsutum, a plant commonly used in Ondo state for malaria treatment, was the focus of this study. The crude extracts of Gossypium hirsutum were evaluated for their anti-plasmodial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. To assess the anti-plasmodial effect, Plasmodium berghei was inoculated into 12 mice divided into four groups, with three mice in each group. Groups 1 and 2 were treated with doses of 200mg/kg.bw and 400mg/kg.bw of the crude plant extract, respectively. Group 3 received 5mg/kg.bw of chloroquine phosphate, while group 4 received normal saline. The analgesic effects were evaluated using the Eddy's hot plate method and the Tail flick method in mice. The anti- inflammatory effect was assessed using egg albumin-induced paw edema in rats. The crude methanolic extracts of Gossypium hirsutum demonstrated activity against Plasmodium parasites and a significant anti-inflammatory effect, suppressing paw edema by 49.7%. Animals administered with the extracts showed increased resptime to thermal pain induction in both the hot plate and tail flick methods, similar to the effect oonse bserved with the standard drug. The crude plant extract reduced parasitemia in mice by 79.2%, accompanied by a slight but statistically insignificant decrease in packed cell volume (PCV) and the weight of treated animals. Overall, the crude extract of Gossypium hirsutum exhibited effectiveness in managing malaria, along with a moderate analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. These findings suggest that the plant contains active compounds with promising antimalarial effects, which could be further isolated and studied.
PENGUATAN PEDULI LINGKUNGAN MELALUI MEDIA CERITA RAKYAT DI KECAMATAN NGAWI SEBAGAI PEMBELAJARAN TEKS FIKSI
Authors: Claudia Vinsca Sabrina , Suwandi Sarwiji , Wardani Nugraheni Eko
Published: August 2023

Pembelajaran teks yang diberikan oleh peserta didik pada jenjang Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP) berwujud teks fiksi dan nonfiksi. Penelitian ini berfokus terhadap teks fiksi tentang cerita rakyat berbasis kearifan lokal untuk kelas VIII. Pengambilan cerita rakyat kearifan lokal dilatarbelakangi adanya unsur kepedulian alam sebagai penguatan nilai karakter untuk mewujudkan tujuan pendidikan karakter yang tedapat pada Sistem Pendidikan Nasional. Dengan demikian, para pendidik berusaha menyediakan media cerita rakyat sebagai sarana untuk pembelajaran teks sastra khususnya pada teks fiksi. Maka, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan dan menggambarkan (1) Pembentukan karakter melalui media cerita rakyat; (2) Media cerita rakyat memanfaatkan cerita kearifan lokal di kecamatan Ngawi, kabupaten Ngawi, dan (3) Penerapan nilai peduli lingkungan dalam cerita rakyat di kecamatan Ngawi, kabupaten Ngawi. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa (1) Media cerita rakyat dapat memberikan sarana edukasi sekaligus pengajaran pendidikan karakter berwujud nilai peduli lingkungan; (2) Cerita rakyat di kecamatan Ngawi sebagai media untuk memberikan motivasi kepada peserta didik menjelaskan tentang kepedulian terhadap lingkungan sekitar, dan (3) Sarana media pembelajaran alternatif untuk materi teks fiksi yang kreatif dan inovatif.
ANALISIS PUISI PENDEKATAN STRUKTURAL
Authors: Rendika Nya Revi
Published: August 2023

Abstrak

 

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan mengenal secara detail puisi karya chairil anwar dan amir hamzah dan kemudian dianalisis dengan pendekatan struktural. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif berjenis library research. Analsis data yang dilakukan dengan analisis konten yang ada di dalam strukur puisi dengan teori yang telah ada. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada dua puisi yang disajikan terdapat tipografi yang beragam dengan penggunaan diksi yang baik. Konklusi yang ada  di tiap puisi memberikan amanat yang beragam dimana puisi chairil anwar beramanatkan Jangan pernah menduakan seseorang yang mencintai dengan tulus dan tanpa pamrih. Karena ketika ketulusan itu ternodai maka akan ada yang terluka. Dan amanat yang ada di dalamm puisi Amir Hamzah yaitu jika ada seseorang yang mencintai kita dengan setulus hati maka janganlah pernah kita berusaha untuk mencari cinta yang lain karena cinta yang baru, karena yang baru belum tentu baik.