bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divergierende Sicherheitsniveaus durch unterschiedliche Brandschutzvorgaben der Länder
Authors: Brauns Moritz
Published: November 2023

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden divergierende Sicherheitsniveaus von Brandschutzvorgaben der Bauordnungen der Bundesländer diskutiert. Das brandschutztechnische Sicherheitskonzept von Gebäuden wird durch materielle Anforderungen unter Berücksichtigung der Schutzziele des Brandschutzes mit präskriptiven Vorgaben festgelegt. Durch die Gesetzgebungskompetenz zwischen Bund und Länder wird das Bauordnungsrecht durch die Bundesländer geregelt. Die Landesbauordnungen wurden anhand eines aufgestellten Kategoriensystem durch eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse untersucht. Die Divergenzen wurden in quantitativer und qualitativer Weise ausgewertet. Durch Divergenzen in den Kernregelungen zum Brandschutz ergeben sich im Landesvergleich Ausprägungen für ungleiche Sicherheitsniveaus. In den Bundesländern in Baden-Württemberg, Hamburg, Niedersachsen und Nordrhein-Westfalen liegen qualitativ bedeutende Ausprägungen vor. Ausschließlich geringe Ausprägungen bestehen in Bayern. Dieser Beitrag stellt die wesentlichen Unterschiede von Brandschutz mit Hinblick auf das Sicherheitsniveau im Landesvergleich vor.
Anwendung des Level of Coordination in der Fabrikplanung/Application of the Level of Coordination in Factory Planning
Authors: Neuhäuser Thomas , Lenz Lisa T. , Schäfer Simon F. , Hohmann Andrea , Daub Rüdiger
Published: November 2023

In 72 % der Fabrikplanungsprojekte werden die Kostenziele verfehlt und die Zeitziele in 60 %. Dies ist vor allem auf eine mangelhafte Kommunikation und Koordination zwischen den Planungsbeteiligten zurückzuführen. Um diesen Herausforderungen zu begegnen, werden zunehmend neue Methoden und Werkzeuge in der Fabrikplanung eingesetzt. Eine solche Methode ist das Building Information Modeling (BIM) aus der Bauwirtschaft. Ein Element von BIM stellt das Level of Coordination (LOC) dar, welches die phasenbezogene Ausprägung der geometrischen Kollisionsprüfungen und alphanumerischen Qualitätsprüfungen abbildet. Dieses wurde in einem ersten Beitrag (Teil 1: Level of Coordination in der Fabrikplanung) konzeptionell entworfen und auf die Fabrikplanung übertragen. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt Teil 2 dar, in welchem das Konzept zunächst nochmals erläutert wird und auf ein reales, repräsentatives Projekt angewendet wird. Die anschließende Bewertung zeigt, dass die Nutzung des LOC zu einer Erhöhung der Kosten- und Terminsicherheit in Fabrikplanungsprojekten führen kann.
Schritt für Schritt zur CO2-Neutralität
Authors: Floß Alexander , Koenigsdorff Roland
Published: November 2023

Selten führte die Novellierung eines Gesetzes zu derart vielfältigen und heftigen Reaktionen und Auseinandersetzungen, bis hin zum Einschreiten des Bundesverfassungsgerichts, wie dies bei der Novellierung des Gebäudeenergiegesetzes (GEG) der Fall war. Die mit der neuen Gesetzesfassung angestrebten Verschärfungen und die daraus resultierenden Belastungen für Bürgerinnen und Bürger wurden äußerst kontrovers diskutiert. Eine fachliche Einordnung.
Improving students’ punctuation: classroom experimentation and results in texts by primary and secondary school students in Quebec
Authors: Arseneau Rosianne , Nadeau Marie , Fisher Carole , Giguère Marie-Hélène , Quevillon Lacasse Claude
Published: November 2023

The texts of primary and secondary school students show a high proportion of written errors related to punctuation (Boivin and Pinsonneault, 2018, among others). Yet punctuation instruction often offers students only limited opportunities to improve their control of sign usage in a writing context (Riverin and Dufour, 2018). This article presents a quasi-experimental study involving 16 French classes from cycle 3 of primary school and cycle 1 of secondary school in Quebec (age 10 to 13). Students in the experimental groups carried out a sequence of 20 activities implementing three innovative didactic devices, designed during a first phase of the research, in collaboration with the participating teachers. The aim was to improve punctuation and syntax in writing. We will present results drawn from the analysis of short texts written at pre-test and post-test (two texts at each time: one descriptive and one narrative) in the experimental and control groups, in relation to success variables in segmentation into graphic sentences (capital letter & full stop), and in punctuation within graphic sentences and syntactic sentences (clauses, i.e. subject + predicate (+ sentence adverbial(s)), for some comma usage rules.
Facile Approach to the N,O,S-Heteropentacycles via Condensation of Sterically Crowded 3H-Phenoxazin-3-one with ortho-amino-, hydroxy- and mercaptoanilines
Authors: Ivakhnenko Eugeny P , Malay Vasily I , Knyazev Pavel A , Merezhko Nikita I , Makarova Nadezhda I , Demidov Oleg P , Borodkin Gennady S , Starikov Andrey G , Minkin Vladimir I
Published: November 2023

A convenient method for the synthesis of a series of 2-arylamino-3H-phenoxazin-3-ones based on the nucleophilic substitution reaction between sterically crowded 3H-phenoxazin-3-one and arylamines performed by short-term heating of the melted reactants at 230-250 °C is described and the compounds are characterized by means of single-crystal X-ray crystallography, NMR, UV/vis, IR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Involvement into the reaction of arylamines with o-amino-, o-hydroxy and o-mercapto-substituents widens its scope and provides for an access to derivatives of N,O- and N,S-heteropentacyclic quinoxalinophenoxazine, triphenodioxazine and oxazinophenothiazine systems.
Evaluación de la Reducción de Tiempos en un Almacén Mediante un Sistema de Lectura Automática con Tecnología RFID
Authors: Alvarez Castillo Janeth , Sánchez Gómez Wendy Aracely , Arana Llanes Julia Yazmín , Flores Hernández Alberto Arturo , Contreras Ocegueda Erandi Lizzete
Published: November 2023

El éxito de las empresas depende de cómo administran su información. Toda actividad tiene que llevar un control para que cualquier proceso se realice de manera eficiente. Hoy en día se ha incrementado la dificultad de las tareas que se realizan en las áreas de trabajo provocando que las empresas deban de incrementar su competencia para destacar de las otras. Por lo que es importante automatizar procesos en búsqueda de lograr reducción de tiempo en la realización del control de entrada y salida de objetos y así puedan aumentar su eficiencia como empresa. Por lo anterior, en este artículo se presenta el desarrollo de un sistema de lectura automática con tecnología RFID. El sistema de lectura automática es capaz de gestionar la entrada y salida de accesorios en un almacén mediante tecnología RFID. El sistema de control se compone de un lector y tags RFID, una aplicación web y una base de datos.
Realidades del Sector Construcción Frente a los Peligros de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo Cúcuta Norte de Santander
Authors: Pabón Trujillo Herminio , Carrillo Orduz Jorge Hernán
Published: November 2023

El sector de la construcción ha experimentado un crecimiento significativo y ha ganado importancia en los últimos años. En el año 2022, se registraron 65,257 accidentes laborales en este sector, mostrando una ligera disminución del 0.52% en comparación con el año 2021, donde se reportaron 65,598 accidentes laborales. En el Departamento Norte de Santander, los accidentes laborales en la construcción representaron el 2% en el año 2022, con un total de 1,298 informes de accidentes de trabajo. Cúcuta, la ciudad con el mayor número de accidentes, contribuyó con el 72.65% del total, equivalentes a 943 accidentes laborales reportados. El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar las causas que generan la accidentalidad laboral en alturas en el sector de la construcción en Cúcuta, Norte de Santander. La población objeto de estudio consistió en 12 empresas legalmente constituidas en el sector de la construcción de Cúcuta, Norte de Santander. La muestra incluyó a 10 empresas de la ciudad, y se utilizaron dos instrumentos validados mediante encuestas para recopilar información. Los resultados revelaron que las principales causas de la accidentalidad en el trabajo en alturas están relacionadas con el uso inadecuado de los elementos de protección personal. Otro factor relevante es el estado de salud en el que los trabajadores realizan sus labores, identificándose situaciones en las que se trabaja bajo la influencia del alcohol y sustancias psicoactivas. Además, se observaron problemas personales que afectan la ejecución de las tareas debido a la falta de concentración. Estos aspectos se agravan por la ausencia de un coordinador de alturas en la mayoría de los casos, encargado de verificar, certificar y supervisar las labores.
Detección de un Caso Clínico de Babesiosis Canina en Pungarabato, Guerrero, México
Authors: Arellano Nayelli Delgado , José Bernardo Hernández Jiménez , Antúnez Jesús Velázquez , Laureano Fatima Tirado
Published: November 2023

Las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores de origen bacteriano y protozoario se están presentando frecuentemente en regiones tropicales y subtropicales debido a las condiciones climáticas favorables para el desarrollo y transmisión por vectores patógenos. Entre estos se encuentra la babesiosis que es un padecimiento por hemoparásitos que infecta a los eritrocitos y es provocada por protozoarios del género Babesia canis y Babesia gibsoni, transmitidas por diferentes géneros y especies de garrapatas, entre ellos Rhipicephalus sanguineus. El objetivo del presente artículo es reportar los hallazgos clínicos que presenta un paciente canino con síntomas sospechosos de babesiosis. Se presentó un caso clínico de un paciente canino de raza mestiza de 9 meses de edad, con antecedente de garrapatas y signos clínicos de anemia, la cual se confirmó al realizar la biometría hemática. En el frotis sanguíneo se observaron los trofozoítos basófilos en pares en el interior de los eritrocitos compatibles con Babesia spp y los resultados de la biometría hemática mostraron anemia, leucopenia y trombocitopenia. Se concluye que los signos clínicos presentados en el paciente y la presencia de trofozoítos basófilos, confirman el diagnóstico y coinciden con lo señalado en la literatura.
Metodología Value Stream Mapping (VSM) aplicada a procesos de perforación de pozos petroleros en México
Authors: Vasques Morales Nemías , Castañeda Castañeda Carlos Belisario
Published: November 2023

Con los cambios recientes en el sector energético a nivel mundial, la industria petrolera enfrenta retos importantes en la extracción de hidrocarburos, por lo que se ha priorizado la implementación de operaciones que permitan esta actividad de forma eficiente y optimizada. En este trabajo se analizará la aplicación de una de las herramientas del Lean Manufacturing, el VSM (Value Stream Mapping) con la finalidad de identificar posibles mejoras y disminución de tiempos no productivos en los procesos de perforación de pozos petroleros, de acuerdo a las experiencias previas en campos desarrollados en México. Se pretende demostrar que herramientas de análisis de eficiencia para la manufactura pueden adaptarse a industrias pesadas como la petrolera y en particular del área de perforación.
Auditoria de la Calidad para Fidelizar, Formalizar Servicios de Taxi en Economía Informal, Huaraz, 2023
Authors: Norabuena Mendoza César , Adrianzén Centeno Xandder , Tomás Aguilar Segundo , Figueroa Quito Silvia , Valverde Huerta María
Published: November 2023

El propósito de la investigación consistió en determinar la relación entre la auditoria de la calidad de servicio y la fidelidad del cliente en el transporte de taxi operando en una economía informal, 2023; asimismo describir la situación actual de la auditoría de calidad del servicio, la fidelidad de clientes y la formalización del transporte de taxis en el distrito de Huaraz, el enfoque fue cuantitativo, con diseño no experimental, documental, descriptiva y correlacional. La población conformada por 42,426 personas y la muestra fue de 384 encuestados, se empleó el muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, la recopilación de datos se obtuvo por medio de un cuestionario. Para determinar y demostrar que la relación es directa se aplicó el estadístico d de Somers. Se concluye que la relación es directa entre la auditoria de la calidad de servicio y la fidelidad del cliente. En lo que respecta al panorama actual, los datos muestran que la auditoría de calidad del servicio como la fidelización en el sector de transporte exhiben cifras negativas. Además, se observa que el 65% de los vehículos de taxis en Huaraz operan en una economía informal, se resalta la necesidad apremiante de impulsar la formalización de este sector.
Factores de Riesgo Asociados a la Rehospitalización en Pacientes Egresados Post- Covid Agudo en el Antiguo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara
Authors: Quiroz Sanchez Eduardo , Ponce Orozco Octavio , Jimenez Navarro Stephanie
Published: November 2023

A unos años de haber sido reportados los primeros casos de COVID-19 en Wuhan (China), la enfermedad causada por el coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) persiste como una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en todo el mundo. Muchas instalaciones sanitarias fueron sobrepasadas de su capacidad, provocando una crisis sanitaria sin precedentes. El virus SARS-CoV-2  ha afectado a más de 281 millones de personas en todo el mundo. A pesar de esto, se sabe poco sobre el resultado a largo plazo de los pacientes que requirieron hospitalización por COVID-19, igualmente se conoce poco sobre las causas de rehospitalización en pacientes infectados por SARS-CoV-2.  El presente trabajo analiza los factores relacionados a la rehospitalización de pacientes post COVID agudo. Dado a que la evolución de COVID-19 sigue siendo incierta, (presencia de multiples mutaciones) la caracterización del curso clínico de los pacientes que vuelven a presentarse en salas de hospitalización después del alta es potencialmente importante para la planificación del alta y atención posterior a ésta; así como poder identificar rasgos e identificar de manera oportuna a la población en riesgo para evitar reingresos o complicaciones. Conclusión: Los factores de riesgo independientes asociados a rehospitalización e identificados en nuestro grupo de estudio, se reportan a continuación en número de veces en comparación al grupo control: enfermedad renal crónica (73.12, P < 0.01), obesidad (13.34, P < 0.01), neumopatía (14.33, P < 0.01), tabaquismo (6.62, P < 0.01), ventilación mecánica invasiva (5.88, P < 0.01)
Development of Converter for Linear Wave Energy Stabilizer by Replacing the Inductor Type from the Existing Modified SEPIC Circuit
Authors: Putra Ahmad Khalifa Mohamed Salleh  , Taib Ibrahim  , Nursyarizal Mohd Nor  , Ramani. Kannan  , Mohd Zuraimi Rahman
Published: November 2023

Wave is one of the renewable resources that can replace non-renewable resources to reduce the Green House Gas (GHG) emission. Other than wave geographical location and condition, the electronics technical design and components used also plays an important role to maximize the capture of wave energy. DC-DC converter topologies have been widely used in power conversions. However, wave energy has no uniform pattern making the electricity energy generated by it is unclean. Furthermore, there is no small-scale converter specifically for pico-scale linear generator which require high static gain to capture wave energy. With the aim to improve the performance of energy conversion, this paper proposed a new converter design based on the existing topology which is modified SEPIC. The simulation for the two converters is performed to identify the percentage of performance improvement by using MATLAB Simulink software before fabricating a prototype. The comparison of experimental and simulation data for the converters is conducted and analysed in this paper to validate its percentage of error. From the results obtained, it is proven that the modification made from the existing topology improved significantly to the overall performance of the converter.
Effectiveness Of Kaltenborn Mobilization Versus Muscle Energy Technique On Shoulder Range Of Motion In Adhesive Capsulitis
Authors: Umar Muhammad , Anwar Aqsa , Khan Nida , Marryam Misbah , Rashid Hiba
Published: November 2023

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of muscle energy techniques (post isometrics relaxation) and Kaltenborn mobilizations on shoulder range of motion (ROM) in adhesive capsulitis.
Methodology: A randomized Control Trial (CRT) was conducted on patients with adhesive capsulitis for 6 months September 2021 to February 2022. Data was collected through a convenient sampling technique. 30 patients were taken from the physiotherapy department of the holy family hospital, Rawalpindi. The sample size was calculated using the Open Epi Tool. Data was collected by using Universal Goniometer at baseline, after 2 weeks and after 4 weeks of treatment. Patients who met the inclusion criteria and gave consent were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A & Group B. Group A received muscle energy technique and Group B received grade II & III Kaltenborn mobilizations.
Results: Data was analysed using SPSS software version 22. Both groups showed improvements in shoulder range of motion but Group A showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in flexion and abduction ROM from Group B.
Conclusion: The muscle energy technique is much more effective in improving flexion and abduction ROM except rotation than Kaltenborn mobilizations in adhesive capsulitis.
Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic On Ophthalmology Residency Training- A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Pakistani Residents
Authors: Shaheer Muhammad , Rafique Asima
Published: November 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to get an idea of the impact of COVID-19 on Ophthalmology post-graduate training.

Materials & methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted at the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences/Eye Unit III (King Edward Medical University), Lahore from 01-03-2021 to 31-08-2021. A web-based close-ended questionnaire (Google form) was developed consisting of questions related to residency training in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eighty-one Ophthalmology residents from across the country participated in this survey. Based on the responses to 21 questions, percentages of various variables in questions were calculated. Data analysis was done on SPSS version 22. Responses to questions are mainly presented as percentages. A chi-square test was applied to see the significant difference in survey questions. For categorical variables, Fisher’s Exact test was applied. P-value ≤0.05 is considered significant.

Results: Twenty-seven ophthalmology residents were 1st year residents 23 were 2nd year residents while 3rd and 4th year residents were 14 and 17 respectively. 33% of residents thought their surgical training was affected badly due to covid-19 pandemic while 55% of them were concerned about their basic cataract surgery skills. 67% of residents were in favour of their training extension for 6-12 months. The majority of residents stated that COVID-19 affected their training adversely (p=0.000) and cataract surgery training was the most affected one (p=0.000)

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the clinical and surgical training of post-graduate ophthalmology residents. Formulation of institution-based & nationwide short and long-term strategies regarding web-based teaching, surgical simulation courses and necessary adjustments in curriculum are the need of the hour.
Comparison Of Quality Of Sleep Between Diabetic And Non-Diabetic Population Using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Authors: Saeed Bilal , Siddiqi Fuad Ahmad , Hussain Mehmood , Anwar Wasif , Riaz Sidra , Aziz Muhammad Saad
Published: November 2023

Background: Sleep is an essential event that effects quality of life and hormonal balance in human body. The association between sleep and diabetes is bi-directional.
Methods: This study was conducted with a case control design in the Department of Medicine of Combined Military Hospital Peshawar between June 2022 to November 2022.
Results: . Mean age of study population was 51.1±12.94 years with 46% females and 54% males. Majority population was educated up to matriculation with BMI in normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m2) range. There was no statistical difference in demographic data amongst diabetic and control group . Avg HbA1c was 8.546% ± 1.57% in the diabetic group and 5.712% ± 0.49% in control group. As per PSQI questionnaire 47 (47%) participants were good sleeper across the study population, which included 17 out 50 (34%) individuals in the diabetic and 30 out of 50 (60%) in control group. This equated to statistically significant difference amongst two group with a p value 0.007. A statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) was also seen in PSQI score between diabetic and control groups (9.40 ± 5.82 vs 5.98 ± 4.85 respectively). Diabetics had 2.9 times odds (95% confidence interval 1.29-6.57, p = 0.01) of having bad quality sleep as compared to controls. In the diabetic group majority were males educated up to matriculate having medium adherence treated with both oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin having 3 or more comorbid condition with hypertension being most prevalent single comorbid disease.
Conclusion: By strict glycemic control in diabetics we can imove their quality of sleep Interventions to improve sleep hygiene can be suggested to patients by diabetes educators as part of diabetes self-management education programs.
Association Of Raised Serum Triglycerides With Incidence Of Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Shafiq Saima , Muzaffar Sara , Qurrat-Ul-Ain  , Farooq Naushin , Shams Nadia , Meraj Lubna
Published: November 2023

Background: Pre-eclampsia, a serious multi-systemic pregnancy complication is estimated to occur in 5-10% of pregnancies worldwide.
Objective: To determine the frequency of pre-eclampsia in pregnant females with hyper-triglyceridemia and to study its associations.
Methodology: This Cross-sectional study was conducted at Gynecology Dept. Poly Clinic Hospital, Islamabad (March - Sept. 2022). Pregnant females of age 15-40 years, gestational age 13-20th weeks and singleton pregnancy were included. Known hypertensives, receiving lipid-lowering or anti-hypertensives, chronic kidney or liver disease, teenage pregnancies, primigravida, history of CVA, IHD, epilepsy or endocrine disorders were excluded. After the detailed clinical evaluation, fasting serum triglyceride levels were checked. A total of 225 cases with elevated serum triglycerides were finally selected and evaluated for the presence of pre-eclampsia by monitoring the blood pressure, cardiovascular, gynaecological examination and urine for the presence of proteinuria. Patients were followed till the development of pre-eclampsia or completion of pregnancy.  Results: Among 225 pregnant females with raised serum triglycerides, the mean age was 24.28+5.5 years. Pre-eclampsia was observed in 47(20.89%) of patients.  The Chi-square tests of association between pre-eclampsia and each of parity, residential status, and socio-economic status were insignificant while BMI and Gestational age were significant.  Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women with hypertriglyceridemia. Serum triglyceride levels may predict the women at risk for pre-eclampsia. The risk of preeclampsia in women with hyper-triglyceridemia is independent of parity, and socioeconomic or residential status. Hypertriglyceridemia may predispose to pre-eclampsia even at lower BMI levels. The development of hypertriglyceridemia in early gestation may be an additional risk factor. Early screening of women at risk may lead to better outcomes.
Role Of Low Dose Aspirin In Preventing Preterm Birth In Patients With Previous History Of Preterm Delivery
Authors: Sadaf Maliha , Saleem Aasia , Farkhanda Tallat , Iqbal Khansa , Ashraf Sabeen , Iftikhar Amna
Published: November 2023

Objective: Preterm birth (PTB) occurs between 24-37 weeks of gestation. The important risk factor for PTB is a previous PTB and currently progesterone is used for the management of recurrent spontaneous PTB. Some studies have shown good outcomes but recent studies revealed that the use of vaginal progesterone was not related to a decreased likelihood of PTB or neonatal adverse effects. Thus, the controversy in the literature suggests multiple underlying pathological mechanisms involved in the progression of PTB. This study aims to determine the role of low-dose aspirin in the prevention of preterm birth in patients with a previous history of preterm delivery.
Methodology: In this randomized controlled trial, a total of 172 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected from the inpatient and outpatient departments. Patients were divided randomly into two groups (group A and group B), using random number tables. In Group A, low-dose aspirin (75mg) was given while group B was taken as a control group. Patients were called every 8 weeks in the outpatient department for the assessment of compliance and side effects of the drug. The data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS v25.0. Chi-square was used to compare the two groups for incidence of preterm birth. Relative risk (along with a 95% confidence interval) for the decrease in the incidence of preterm birth with the use of aspirin was calculated.
Results: The age of participants included in the study was 18 to 40 years. The mean age of patients in group A was 33.85±5.210 years and in group B was 32.86±4.139 years. The mean fetal birth weight in group A was 2281.1962±363.125 grams and in group B was 2271.4344±374.797 grams. In the low-dose aspirin group, 10(11.6%) had preterm birth and 31(36.0%) in the control group with a p-value of 0.001, which is statistically significant. The risk of having preterm birth with low-dose aspirin was 1.801 times less than controls.
Conclusion: aspirin in low dose  given before 14 weeks of gestation decrease spontaneous preterm birth as compared to the control group in a woman with a history of previous  preterm birth which was spontaneous
Diagnostic Accuracy Of Barium Swallow For Dysphagia, Keeping Rigid Esophagoscopy As The Gold Standard
Authors: Akram Ansa Umara , Chaudhry Sadia , Masood Sundas , Kausar Amna , Naveed Seema , Manzoor Areesha
Published: November 2023

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of Barium Swallow in detection of patients presenting with dysphagia.

Study Design: Cross-sectional validation study.

Study Setting & Duration: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, District Headquarter Hospital Rawalpindi from 01-09- 2022 to 01-03-2023.

Materials and Methods: Approval of the study was obtained from the Hospital Ethical Committee. A total of 111 patients both male and female patients were selected. The patients suffering from dysphagia as per operational definitions and who have reported for work-up to the Department of ENT, District Headquarters Hospital, Rawalpindi, and fulfill the complete inclusion and exclusion criteria, were selected. Informed consent was obtained from all the patients. Patients were selected by consecutive non-probability sampling technique. The data was analyzed using SPSS 24.

Results: A total of 111 patients were included in this study. The mean age of these patients was 50.79 ± 13.01 years, ranging from 28 to 70 years. The frequency distribution of females 70.27 % was found to be more than that of males 29.73 %. Majority of patients' barium swallow (74.77%) revealed pathologies, while only a small percentage of patients (25.23%) had normal barium swallow. Most of patients (87.39%) had pathologies found during rigid esophagoscopy, while just a small number (12.61%) had normal rigid esophagoscopy. Comparing both investigating tools, esophagoscopy discovered 87.39% of pathologies while Barium swallow detected 74.77%, indicating that esophagoscopy was a more accurate procedure. Patients had esophageal web 55 (25.2%) on barium swallow and 69 (62.2%) on the Rigid esophagoscopy. Barium Swallow had esophageal stricture 28 (52.2) and no Pathology was detected in 28 (25.2 %) patients. As well as Rigid esophagoscopy had esophageal growth13 (11.7), esophageal stricture 15 (13.5), and no Pathology was detected in 14 (12.6 %). Rigid esophagoscopy is more efficient in detecting esophageal pathology than Barium Swallow. In Barium swallows most patients had esophageal web 55 (25.2%) than the esophageal stricture 28 (52.2) and no pathology was detected 28 (25.2). In rigid esophagoscopy most patients had esophageal web 69 (62.2%) than the esophageal growth13 (11.7), esophageal stricture 15 (13.5) and no pathology detected 14 (12.6).

Conclusion: A range of diseases are associated with dysphagia can be found in patients. Two often used diagnostic methods are barium swallow and rigid esophagoscopy. Both Barium swallow and Rigid esophagoscopy are successful in the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. The use of a Rigid esophagoscopy is still a gold standard diagnostic and therapeutic tool for upper aerodigestive tract pathologies.
MICROFINANCE BANKS ACTIVITIES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA
Authors: Nwoke Francis Okechukwu , Chukwu  , Origi Kenechukwu
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the effect of microfinance banks on economic development of Nigeria from (1992-2021) using secondary data from Statistical bulletin of Central Bank of Nigeria and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) annual report. The research work used the fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) regression analysis to test the effect between the independent variables (Microfinance Banks Loans and Credit, Investments and Deposits, Government Expenditure on Education and health) on the dependent variable (human development index). The study discovered that microfinance bank activities had a significant effect on Nigeria's human development index during the study period. Therefore, the study recommends that, microfinance banks should direct their loans to the productive sector in order to create more jobs and improve Nigeria's economic development. In addition, microfinance institutions should assist those who do not have access to traditional banking services in gaining access to their credit facilities. Microfinance institutions should incorporate training and capacity-building programs into their services. They should also contribute to women's empowerment, which will increase women's access to education and health care.
EXCHANGE RATE FORECASTING: THE FUNDAMENTAL FORECASTING MODEL
Authors: N. Kallianiotis Dr. Ioannis
Published: November 2023

This paper is using the fundamental forecasting model, which is a monetarist theory of exchange rate determination, for the current forecasting. This theory is tested empirically by using data, spot and forward rates and a variety of macro-variables from seven different countries with respect the U.S., as our domestic country. A GARCH-M model is used to forecast the volatility of the spot exchange rate. The paper is also using a Vector Auto-regression (VAR) framework to forecast simultaneously spot (s_t) and forward (f_t) exchange rates by utilizing exogenous macro-variables, time trends, and policy instruments. Further, at the end an impulse response function and a Hodrick-Prescott filter are used to present visually the behavior of the spot exchange rate. The countries used in the empirical work are, U.S. with respect the Euro-zone, Mexico, Canada, U.K., Switzerland, Japan, and Australia. The results show that these methods are giving very good forecasting for these seven exchange rates by minimizing the standard error of the regression (SER) and the root mean squared error (RMSE). Of course, uncertainty exists always in the forecasting of any economic variables, due to unanticipated public policies (monetary, fiscal, and trade) and other “innovations” in our financial markets, plus the new philosophies (i.e., liberalism, lack of ethics, perversions, DEI, AI, wars, BRICS, etc.), official measurements, and value system in our markets, societies, and way of living.
RISK-ORIENTED STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING IN UKRAINE
Authors: Fomina Olena , Semenova Svitlana , Moshkovska Olena , Yevdoshchak Volodymyr , Manachynska Yulia
Published: November 2023

In order to survive, Ukrainian enterprises in the conditions of war must look for new ways of effective management, a higher degree of integration of risk management and strategic management. Management accounting helps make risk-based decisions to achieve strategic goals. The expert survey method made it possible to identify the most significant risks for enterprises in Ukraine in war conditions: the risk of increased costs, reduced income, the risk of inability to repay obligations, loss of customers, non-payment of receivables, loss of asset value, risk of unprofitability, reduction of business and bankruptcy. The strategic management accounting risk matrix shows the probability and potential impact of each risk on accounting data. A strategic plan and measurement of the effectiveness of risk-oriented strategic management accounting was developed. It shows the relationship of accounting objects, the financial statements of the enterprise, with analytical indicators for assessing the financial condition and the impact of risks under pessimistic, optimistic and optimal scenarios. In practice, it helps to identify risks, determine their impact on enterprise performance indicators, model indicators, assess their compliance with strategic goals, adapt in a timely manner, and make effective management decisions.
CyberKnife-based stereotactic radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy in older patients with brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lee Jeongshim , Kim Hun Jung , Kim Woo Chul
Published: November 2023

Purpose: We analyzed clinical results of CyberKnife (CK)-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) in older patients (age ≥65 years) affected by brain metastases (BM) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: Forty-three older patients with 92 BM were treated with CK-based SRS/FSRT at our institution between 2009 and 2019. The end-point was overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors influencing OS. The in-field local control (IFLC) within the SRS/FSRT field was also assessed.Results: During a median follow-up period of 18 months, the median OS was 32 months. NSCLC-specific graded prognostic assessment (GPA) (p = 0.027) was an independent significant factor affecting OS in the multivariate analysis. The median IFLC period was 31 months, and the total BM volume (p = 0.025) appeared to be a significant feature of IFLC. No adverse events >grade 2 were reported after SRS/FSRT. Conclusion: CK-based SRS/FSRT is a safe and efficient option for older patients with BM arising from NSCLC, showing good OS without severe side effects. GPA, which was consisted in age, performance status, extra-cerebral metastasis, and number of BM, seemed to be predictive factors for OS.
2023: A Year in Review
Authors: Graebe Jennifer , Cosme Sheri
Published: November 2023

In 2023, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) and Transition to Practice Directors highlighted the ever-changing professional development environment. This column highlights this year's key topics: academic and practice partnerships, workforce development, updated accreditation standards, and mentoring.

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J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2023;54(12):545–547.]
Semi-supervised estimation for the varying coefficient regression model
Authors: Lai Peng , Tian Wenxin , Zhou Yanqiu
Published: November 2023

In many cases, the 'labeled' outcome is difficult to observe and may require a complicated or expensive procedure, and the predictor information is easy to be obtained. We propose a semi-supervised estimator for the one-dimensional varying coefficient regression model which improves the conventional supervised estimator by using the unlabeled data efficiently. The semi-supervised estimator is proposed by introducing the intercept model and its asymptotic properties are proven. The Monte Carlo simulation studies and a real data example are conducted to examine the finite sample performance of the proposed procedure.
A novel delayed exponent coupled chaotic map with countering dynamical degradation
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Liu Lingfeng
Published: November 2023

While chaotic systems have found extensive applications across diverse scientific domains due to their inherent advantages, they often degrade into cyclic patterns when simulated on hardware with limited computational precision. This results in a pronounced decline in properties related to chaotic dynamics. To address this issue, we introduce the delayed exponent coupled chaotic map (DECCM). This model is designed to enhance the chaotic dynamics of the original map, especially at lower computational precisions. Additionally, DECCM can transform any proficient 1-dimensional seed map into an N-dimensional chaotic map. Extensive simulation and performance tests attest to the robust chaotic characteristics of our approach. Furthermore, DECCM holds distinct advantages over premier algorithms, particularly in period analysis experiments. We also introduce various seed maps into DECCM to present 2D and 3D examples, ensuring their generalization through relevant performance evaluations.
Dual ideal theory on L-algebras
Authors: Hu Chun Ge , Li Xiao Guang , Xin Xiao Long
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to study bounded algebras in another perspective-dual ideals of bounded $ L $-algebras. As the dual concept of ideals in $ L $-algebras, dual ideals are designed to characterize some significant properties of bounded $ L $-algebras. We begin by providing a definition of dual ideals and discussing the relationships between ideals and dual ideals. Then, we prove that these dual ideals induce congruence relations and quotient $ L $-algebras on bounded $ L $-algebras. Naturally, in order to construct the first isomorphism theorem between bounded $ L $-algebras, the relationship between dual ideals and morphisms between bounded $ L $-algebras is investigated and that the kernels of any morphisms between bounded $ L $-algebras are dual ideals is proven. Fortunately, although the first isomorphism theorem between arbitrary bounded $ L $-algebras fails to be proven when using dual ideals, the theorem was proven when the range of morphism was good. Another main purpose of this study is to use dual ideals to characterize several kinds of bounded $ L $-algebras. Therefore, first, the properties of dual ideals in some special bounded $ L $-algebras are studied; then, some special bounded $ L $-algebras are characterized by dual ideals. For example, a good $ L $-algebra is a $ CL $-algebra if and only if every dual ideal is $ C $ dual ideal is proven.
Tripartite evolutionary game study on coordination information security in prescription circulation
Authors: Chen Xiaochun , Zhao Jie , Ma Yingying , Lv Bo , Du Xuanjin
Published: November 2023

To further reform the medical and health care system, regulating multi-level treatment and rationalizing the use of medicine, and securing prescription circulation information, this study explores the evolutionary behavior of three players in terms of information security collaboration under the prescription circulation policy, analyzes the evolutionary paths, and examines the influence of key parameters on evolutionary outcomes by constructing a tripartite evolutionary game model consisting of hospitals, retail pharmacies, and healthcare service platforms. The study shows the following: (1) When the information security costs of prescription circulation increase, the willingness of hospitals to promote information collaboration weakens, the probability of control and regulation by healthcare platforms will be enhanced, and the incentive for retail pharmacies to undertake prescription circulation increases and then decreases. (2) The increased profitability of prescription drug sales can cause a decrease in the likelihood of both parties working together to promote information security. Increasing the collaborative space between hospitals and retail pharmacies is conducive to improving information security in the circulation of prescriptions. (3) A bi-directional constraint relationship exists between the circulation and control subjects. The shorter the technology spillover time from the healthcare service platform is, the higher the probability that hospitals and retail pharmacies will maintain the security of prescription information. (4) In the early stages of prescription circulation, the external regulatory action of the healthcare service platform is essential to improve the coordination of information security. Finally, combined with the tripartite evolutionary game model and simulation analysis results, it offers countermeasures and suggestions for the government to realize the prescription circulation information security collaboration.
PalAST: A Cross-Platform Mobile Application for Automated Disk Diffusion Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
Authors: AlAgha Iyad , ElShawa Ayah , Alhayek Ghadeer , Ghabayen Malak , Alkhattib Raghad
Published: November 2023

Antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria to resist the effects of antibiotics, making infections more difficult to treat and increasing the risk of complications and death. One way to fight antibiotic resistance is by identifying the most effective antibiotics for treating bacterial infections. This can be done through a laboratory test called AST, which is used to determine the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics. However, manual AST has several limitations that include time delay, limited accuracy, limited testing capacity, and subjective interpretation of results. Therefore, there is an emergent need for a more reliable and efficient alternative to manual AST. Recently, few works have tried to automate disk diffusion AST through AI-based solutions and mobile applications. However, these works do not support advanced analysis and interpretation of results, do not present evaluation of detection performance, or are not publicly available to download and use. This work proposes PalAST, a cross-platform mobile application that supports automated disk diffusion AST. The application enables biologists to take AST photos and analyze them in real time with minimal human intervention. It uses image processing and a pre-trained machine learning model to detect antibiotic disks in the agar plate and predict bounding circles for inhibition zones. Then, it provides an interpretation of results including the diameters of the inhibition zones, the labels on the antibiotic disks, and the rating of the bacteria as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant to each antibiotic. PalAST also stores the results of tests, allowing users to access and review past test results. PalAST was tested using a number of real AST photos, and the detection performance was evaluated by using common metrics, i.e. precision, recall, and Intersection over Union. We also used expert evaluation through a questionnaire to assess the usability and ease of use of PalAST.
Comprehensive Analysis of the COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on the Prevalence of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
Authors: Barua Ranjit , Datta Sudipto
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused havoc in the world's healthcare systems. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admission rates have varied considerably during the pandemic. Even though the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in fewer acute coronary syndromes (ACS) patients being admitted to hospitals worldwide, clinical characteristics of those patients have not yet been thoroughly examined. Investigating the incidence, clinical presentation, and outcomes of patients with ACS during the COVID-19 pandemic is the goal of the chapter.
Lifestyle Modifications Needed Post COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Fatima Mubeen , Hussain Safdar , Zulfiqar Iqra , Shehzadi Iqra , Babar Momal , Fatima Tehseen
Published: November 2023

Mental and physical health are interlinked. Exposure to epidemics and captivity has psychological effects on human life; however, research on lifestyle modifications is lacking. COVID-19, a respiratory illness, has affected more than 50 million people by November 2020 and caused thousands of deaths worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic threatens safe, fearless living. Preventive measures, like imprisonment, led to dietary and lifestyle changes. Even though a number of vaccines have been developed, and immunization is being provided, the world is still dealing with the disease's social, medical, educational, economic, and political effects. The changes in eating, sleeping, physical activity, smoking, drinking, moods, emotions, social interactions, behaviors, attitudes, and domestic violence affected mental health. Restrictions or confinements have caused depression, anxiety, and stress. Quarantine stopped the virus spread but changed lives. Diet and lifestyle have been changed after COVID-19 shutdown. This study examines maximum factors involved in lifestyle changes post COVID-19 infection.
Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning Support for E-Learning Frameworks
Authors: Arumugam Senthil Kumar , Reddy Asi Vasu Deva , Tyagi Amit Kumar
Published: November 2023

Today's e-rendering frameworks are essential in various fields such as computer graphics, virtual reality, and augmented reality to provide an effective and impressive education to modern society. The integration of big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) techniques into e-rendering frameworks hold significant potential for enhancing rendering efficiency, optimizing resource allocation, and improving the quality of rendered outputs. With the advent of big data, massive amounts of rendering-related data can be collected and analyzed. This data includes rendering parameters, scene descriptions, user preferences, and performance metrics. By applying data analytics, important information can be derived, allowing for more informed decision-making in rendering processes. Additionally, AI techniques, such as neural networks and deep learning, can be employed to learn from the collected data and generate more accurate rendering models and algorithms.
E-Learning
Authors: Pandey Rajiv , Srivastava Nidhi , Bajpai Amit Kumar
Published: November 2023

E-learning is the use of technology to enable people to learn at any time and from anywhere. It is quick, relevant, and ever-changing, and it might include training and the transfer of just-in-time information, and expert advice. Semantic web technology, which allows machine-processable content to coexist and supplement the present web, makes it easier for computers and people to work together. Semantic web technology offers a wide range of applications. E-learning is one of the areas where this new web technology could be beneficial. This chapter gives an overview of e-learning and its necessity. It discusses at length semantic web technologies and how they can be utilized to develop an e-learning environment.
Ontology and Description Logic for E-Learning
Authors: Pandey Rajiv , Srivastava Nidhi , Bajpai Amit Kumar
Published: November 2023

A semantic web is a web environment in which users and computer agents interact semantically. Users need to put their queries exactly as they want; its goal is to make accurate content available. When the machine is capable of answering all questions, it will provide the precise answer as well as a list of hyperlinks. In the semantic web, ontologies serve as a data model for describing the concepts and relationships that exist between them. In this the content is annotated with meta tags to provide useful meaning and allow humans and machines to collaborate. This chapter describes the semantic web and how it can be useful in the case of e-learning. It gives the architecture of a semantic-based conceptual e-learning portal and highlights the importance of ontology in the field of education. Description logic is an integral part of the generation of well-formed datasets. This chapter integrates DL to ontologies.