bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crime Event vs Corpus Delicti, whether the Paradox is Resolved?
Authors: Левинова Т.А.
Published: November 2022

В статье с учетом правовых позиций Конституционного Суда Российской Федерации рассмотрена взаимозависимость оснований, предусмотренных п. 1 и 2 ч. 1 ст. 24 УПК РФ, приведены примеры неоднозначного их толкования на практике, определена архитектура принятия процессуальных решений за отсутствием события преступления. По мнению автора, недостаточно зафиксировать, что отсутствие в деянии состава преступления возможно констатировать только при условии установления наличия и совершения конкретным лицом общественно опасного деяния, содержащего объективные признаки преступления. Требуется определить содержание и обеспечить в различных стадиях уголовного процесса единообразие формулировок данного основания (отсутствие события преступления), влекущего тождественные правовые последствия в виде реабилитации лица и признания за ним права на возмещение причиненного вреда.

Taking into account legal positions of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, the article considers interdependence of the grounds provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Article 24 of the Criminal Procedural Code of the Russian Federation, presents examples of their ambiguous interpretation in practice, and determines the architecture of making procedural decisions in the absence of a crime event. According to the author, it is not enough to fix that the absence of the corpus delicti in the act can be ascertained only if the presence and commission by a specific person of a socially dangerous act containing objective signs of a crime is established. It is required to determine the content and ensure uniformity of formulations of this ground at various stages of the criminal process (absence of a crime event), entailing identical legal consequences in the form of rehabilitation of a person and recognition of his/her right to compensation for the damage caused
E-Government in the Field of Public Administration Development
Authors: Мельникова Н.А. , Калабанова А.Е.
Published: November 2022

В статье рассмотрены вопросы внедрения цифровых технологий в жизнь человека. Современный период характеризуется активным использованием возможностей глобальной сети Интернет во всех сферах общественной жизни. Особое внимание уделяется необходимости развития информационно-коммуникационных технологий в области государственного управления, так как это позволит обеспечить его надлежащее функционирование. Авторами проанализированы мнения ученых относительно содержания понятия «электронное правительство» в узком и широком смыслах. Отмечаются две составляющие электронного правительства: во-первых, это средство коммуникации между органами государственной власти и гражданами, во-вторых, это современная технология, применяемая в системе государственного управления. «e-Government» позволяет обеспечить необходимый уровень взаимного доверия между государством и гражданами за счет значительных преобразований в уровне демократии. Возможности электронного правительства используются также и для взаимодействия между ведомствами: внедряется система электронного документооборота на всех уровнях, что позволяет облегчить прием обращений граждан, уменьшить бюрократические процессы и увеличить скорость принятия решений. Перевод государственных услуг в электронную форму значительно повышает их доступность, что оказалось особенно востребовано в условиях пандемии COVID-19. Однако качество предоставления возможности дистанционного взаимодействия государства и граждан все еще требует улучшения в современных условиях

The article discusses issues of introducing digital technologies into human life. The modern period is characterized by the active use of capabilities of the global Internet in all spheres of public life. Particular attention is paid to the need to develop information and communication technologies in the field of public administration, as this will ensure its proper functioning. The authors analyze scientists’ opinions on the content of the concept of “e-Government” in a narrow and broad sense. They note 2 components of e-government: a means of communication between public authorities and citizens and a modern technology used in the public administration system. E-Government promotes mutual trust between the state and citizens due to significant changes in the level of democracy. Possibilities of e-government are also used for interaction between departments: an electronic document management system is being introduced at all levels, which makes it easier to receive citizens’ appeals, reduce bureaucratic processes and increase the speed of decision-making. The transfer of public services to electronic form significantly increases their availability, which turned out to be especially important in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the quality of providing opportunities for remote interaction between the state and citizens still requires improvement in modern conditions.
Antropologija obrazovanja u digitalnom dobu
Authors:   ", Božić Jadranka ,   UNION University – Nikola Tesla”, Faculty of Sport, Belgrade
Published: November 2022

The text considers the anthropological consequences of living in the digital, postmodern age and their effects on the education system and culture. In accordance with an immeasurable role of art education in personality development, we speak of art as the highest expression of human creativity. The contemporary, dominantly technical, development of science, being detached from culture, has an important influence on both school and university education. We point to transdisciplinarity as a possibility for integrative research, reconciliation of science(s), arts and spirituality, with the aim of incarnating human beings. The unfavorable impact of the information abundance in which the generation of “digital natives” is growing up is reflected in the increasingly dangerous disproportion between technological and anthropological potentials.
“Parent” or “Friend”: Teacher Metaphors from the Perspective of Future Teachers
Authors:   University of Primorska, Faculty of Education, Koper, Slovenia, Bratož Silva , Pirih Anja , Žefran Mojca
Published: November 2022

Several studies in the area of education have recently applied metaphor analysis as an analytical tool for investigating the perceptions and attitudes of various stakeholders, such as learners, practicing and pre-service teachers, language teachers, etc. about different aspects of teaching and learning (Nikitina and Furuoka, 2008; Oxford et al., 1998; Chen, 2003). The primary aim of the study presented in this paper is to identify the ways pre-service teachers perceive the teacher‟s role through metaphors. The theoretical framework first looks at metaphor from a cognitive perspective (Lakoff, 1993). We then turn to the conceptualisation of teachers through metaphors, with particular reference to the typology of teacher metaphors developed by Oxford et al. (1998), Oxford (2001), and Chenʼs (2003) classification system for metaphors about teaching. The second part presents the results of qualitative research which was carried out based on the analysis of studentsʼ personal documentary material in the form of argumentative essays. The results of the content analysis are presented in different categories and include a selection of direct quotations by the participants. The results indicate that future primary school teachers perceive the teacher‟s role through a variety of metaphors, such as teachers as friends, parents or role models. We would like to argue that their perceptions expressed through metaphors reflect different educational paradigms.
Creating a Stimulating Inclusive Environment in Preschool Teaching
Authors:   University of Zagreb, Faculty of Teacher Education, Kudek Mirošević Jasna
Published: November 2022

It has been proven that only high-quality services of competent preschool teachers lead to benefits, whereas low quality services have a significant negative effect on children and society overall. If preschool teachers are competent for planning and creating stimulating, acceptable and inclusive activities, the effect is evident not only in the child’s overall development, but also in the quality of their own work and the preschool institution in general. The questionnaire on creating an inclusive environment was distributed to 204 preschool teachers working in early childhood education institutions in Croatia. The aim was to examine the extent to which preschool teachers plan and create an inclusive environment in early childhood institutions with emphasis on offering educational support and development of social skills and habits in children. The statements were interpreted and elaborated through a qualitative analysis of frequencies. The results show preschool teachers’ high awareness of creating an inclusive environment, though there is still lack of methods for adapting work with children with special educational needs. Reforms should certainly give priority to issues of quality and continuous professional development of preschool teachers.
Učenje kroz pokret u pristupima muzičkom obrazovanju
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Education in Užice, Tanasković Marija K.
Published: November 2022

The movement is related to dance and play, and it is significant for the musical development of an individual and his/her perception of music. Some research results show that learning through movement is familiar to children and can contribute to their development in many aspects (musicality, creativity, but also to their cognitive, social and physical development). Some approaches to music education focusing on the child, which is an imperative of modern upbringing and education, emphasize the importance of understanding the content of learning through sensory perception and practical activities. Music is associated with speech, movement and play, as these elements coexist in children. The paper gives an overview of approaches and methods (Dalcroze, Orff, Kodaly, Gordon) in music education in which movement has a dominant role and significance, as it activates not only the body and the mind, but also encourages the perception of music and its means of expression.
Transtornos alimentares durante o período gestacional
Authors: Costa Daniela Andrade , Dos Santos André Manoel Correia
Published: November 2022

No período gestacional, a mãe e a criança passam por uma fase de rápida transformação, com expressivas alterações fisiológicas, anatômicas e metabólicas, tornando esse período de maior vulnerabilidade a alterações da dieta. Para garantir um acompanhamento adequado da gravidez, o pré-natal deve começar no primeiro trimestre de gestação, assim como a regularidade é fundamental, pois o profissional de saúde pode identificar alguns indícios de Transtorno Alimentar (TA), tal como, quando a gestante deixa de apresentar ganho de peso nas últimas duas visitas consecutivas e/ou existe uma história pregressa de TA da gestante, podendo trazer prejuízos significativos para a mãe e o bebê, pois é um momento que a demanda de energia e de nutrientes é fundamental para uma gravidez sem intercorrências. Estabelecer o diagnóstico de TA durante o período gestacional não é simples, pois ainda não há indicadores laboratoriais confiáveis para o diagnóstico.
Состав пищи камчатского краба Paralithodes camtchaticus (Tilesius 1815) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Anomura) в губе Зеленой Баренцева моря летом 2015 и 2016 гг.
Authors: Пушкина Наталья Сергеевна
Published: November 2022

Изучен состав пищи камчатского краба Paralithodes camtschatica (Tilesius 1815) из губы Зеленой Баренцева моря. Материал был собран в августе 2015 (44 особи) и в июле 2016 гг. (24 особи). Размер крабов колебался в пределах 40–200 мм. Камчатский краб – эпибентофаг. Среди его жертв доминируют моллюски (в основном двустворчатые), бурые и красные водоросли, иглокожие. Кроме того, в пище встречаются фораминиферы, полихеты, бокоплавы (Caprellida), усоногие раки и детрит. Межгодовые вариации состава пищи камчатского краба в губе Зеленой незначительны и формируются лишь за счет второстепенных объектов питания. Коэффициент Фроермана (среднее количество жертв в одном желудке) у камчатского краба составляет 5,91–6,06, что почти в 3 раза выше, чем у креветок (хищников-собирателей). Исходя из этого P. camtschatica может быть отнесен к хищникам-собирателям. Состав диеты камчатского краба в губе Зеленой за год фактически не изменился, хотя из него выпали краб, немертины, актиния, яйцевые капсулы – случайные объекты питания. Однако несколько изменились соотношения между отдельными объектами питания у разновозрастных групп краба. По этому признаку доминирующие и второ-степенные объекты питания можно разделить на несколько групп. Это, с одной стороны, моллюски (частота встречаемости которых уменьшилась на одну треть), занимавшие в виртуальном пищевом комке более половины его объема у молоди и лишь одну треть – у взрослых, а с другой стороны, фораминиферы и мшанки, полностью исчезнувшие из него. Напротив, частота встречаемости морской капу-сты возросла в 3 раза, а рыбы – в 2 раза, но их роль в питании краба не измени-лась. Водоросли, например, теперь занимают не 7,1 % от объема пищевого комка, а четверть, т. е. в три раза больше, чем в 2015 г. Вероятно, это следствие про-странственного разобщения относительно мелких и более крупных особей.
Muhasebe Bilgi Sistemi Tasarımında REA Muhasebe Modeli
Authors: KARAGÜL Aziz Arman
Published: November 2022

Information is the basis for businesses to continue their activities and make decisions about their activities. Since knowledge is not a readily available value, it can be produced by systematically processing data, which can also be expressed as the smallest parts of activities. This is done through information systems, which are systems that produce information. Although businesses can collect a lot of data about their activities with the opportunities brought by information and communication technologies, it will be possible for them to include this data in the information producing process for decision-making purposes only if the databases are structured for these purposes. There are many models in structuring databases. Within the scope of this study, the REA (resources-events-agents) accounting model, which is one of the models used in the design of the database of the accounting information system that produces financial information, and which plays an important role in the structuring of the databases of today's enterprise resource planning systems, has been examined, and theoretical explanations are explained by an example.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is examining the REA accounting model, which is one of the models used in the structuring of databases and especially developed for accounting applications, and explaining the model with the help of a purchasing transaction example.

Method: In line with the purpose of the study, the literature on the REA model has been reviewed and a purchase transaction example has been developed for the model.

Findings: The REA accounting model has been a milestone in the development of today's enterprise resource planning systems. How the data in the database will be organized and how they can be associated with each other is the basis of the information producing of the enterprises. In this respect, the REA model has revealed the necessity of examining the business activities in terms of activities, not functions.

Originality: The ability of enterprise resource planning systems to carry out business activities lies in the systematic organization of data related to activities. However, the fact that financial and non-financial data have different attributes due to their nature creates problems in associating them with each other. At the point of the REA model solving this problem, this study is important in terms of bringing the subject to the Turkish accounting literature.
The Practice and Drivers of CSR Disclosure Among the Blue-Chip Companies in North Macedonia
Authors:   Faculty of Economics-Skopje, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Tocev Todor , Dionisijev Ivan ,   Faculty of Economics – Skopje, Ss Cyril and Methodius University, Minovski Zoran ,   Faculty of Economics-Skopje, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje
Published: November 2022

Non-financial reporting is becoming an increasingly common topic of discussion and is a matter of time before it is regularly implemented around the world. Stakeholders want to see how companies contribute to the common good and what social activities they undertake, so although in the Macedonian practice Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosure is not mandatory, there is a growing intention to publicly disclose information about social activities. CSR is extremely important for businesses and other stakeholders, and it requires businesses to develop a corporate strategy that balances environmental, social, and ethical concerns. Through this type of activities, companies manage to increase their influence in society, to leave a good impression but also to contribute to the improvement of society and place of living, which is a win-win situation for everyone. The paper aims to examine the level of CSR reporting in domestic practice, through research conducted on the blue-chip companies listed on the Macedonian Stock Exchange. We analyzed the financial and annual reports and official websites of the joint stock companies that were part of the MBI10 index in the period from 2016 to 2020. First, a theoretical review of the CSR is presented, followed by a literature review on the CSR’s indicators and the state of the CSR in the Macedonian practice. Our findings from the conducted content analysis and linear regression show that larger and more profitable companies show a greater propensity for social responsibility and display more information about their undertaken social related activities.
The Role of Opioids in Managing Chronic Non-cancer Pain
Authors: Sng Ban Leong , Schug Stephan Alexander
Published: November 2022

The use of opioids for the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain has become more widespread recently. Available data support the short-term use of opioids in clearly defined nociceptive and neuropathic pain states. Their use in ‘pathological’ pain states without a clear diagnosis, such as chronic low back pain, is more contentious. A decision to initiate opioid treatment in these conditions requires careful consideration of benefits and risks; the latter include not only com- monly considered adverse effects such as constipation, but also opioid-induced hyperalgesia, abuse, addiction and diversion. Ideally, treatment goals should not only be relief of pain, but also improvement of function. Opioid treatment of chronic non-cancer pain requires informed consent by, and preferably a treatment contract with, the patient. Treatment should be initiated by a trial period with defined endpoints using slow-release or transdermal opioids. Ongoing management of the patient requires ideally a multi-disciplinary setting. Treatment should not be regarded as life-long and can be discontinued by tapering the dose.

Key words: Neuropathic pain, Opioid-induced hyperalgesia, Pain management, Prescription drug abuse
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain
Authors: Jeon Younghoon , Huh Billy K
Published: November 2022

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is one of the most effective modalities for management of re- fractory neuropathic pain unresponsive to conservative therapies. The SCS has been successful in providing analgesia, improving function, and enhancing quality of life for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, ischaemic and phantom limb pain, and coronary artery disease. This technique has proven to be cost effective in the long term despite its high initial cost. In this review article, we discuss the history of SCS development, mechanism of action, and indications for SCS.

Key words: Failed back surgery syndrome, Ischaemic pain, Neuropathic pain
Laparoscopic Systemic Retroperitoneal Lymphadenectomy for Women with Low-Risk Early Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Lee Jung Hun , Jung Un Suk , Kyung Min Sun , Hoh Jeong-Kyu , Choi Joong Sub
Published: November 2022

Introduction: There is no consensus on the extent of lymphadenectomy and the appropriate patients for lymphadenectomy in low-risk patients with endometrial cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for low-risk patients with endometrial cancer.

Materials and Methods: From January 2004 to May 2008, we reviewed the medical records of 28 patients with low-risk, endometrial cancer; endometrioid type, grade 1 or 2, and with a depth of myometrial invasion of less than one-half of the myometrium. All patients underwent laparoscopically-assisted staging surgery.

Results: The median age and body mass index were 56 years (range, 28 to 75) and 25.5 kg/m2 (range, 21.3 to 37.2). The median operating time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 142 minutes (range, 110 to 410), 215 mL (range, 100 to 700), and 7 days (range, 3 to 19), respectively. No conversion to laparotomy was noted. The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 21 (range, 10 to 48) pelvic nodes and 12 (range, 4 to 21) para-aortic nodes. One (3.6%) patient presented pelvic lymph node metastasis and 2 (7.1%) presented isolated para-aortic lymph node metastasis. The complication rate was 14.3%. No recurrence in the vaginal vault, distant metastasis, port site metastasis was noted up to the last follow-up.

Conclusion: Systemic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy should be considered in all low-risk patients with endometrial cancer until it is concluded to be clinically insignificant through large-scale prospective research in the future. However, it will be difficult to explain statistical differences in survival rates according to lymphadenectomy, because the increase of the survival rate resulting from lymphadenectomy will fall within the margin of statistical error.

Key words: Endometrial cancer, Laparoscopy, Lymphadenectomy
Primary Lymphoedema at an Unusual Location Triggered by Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Tabel Yilmaz , Mungan Ilke , Sigirci Ahmet , Gungor Serdal
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Lymphoedema results from impaired lymphatic transport leading to the pathologic accumulation of protein-rich lymphatic fluid in the interstitial space, most commonly in the extremities. Primary lymphoedema, a developmental abnormality of the lymphatic system, may become evident later in life when a triggering event exceeds the capacity of normal lymphatic flow.

Clinical Picture: We present a 3-year-old nephrotic syndrome patient with an unusual localisation for primary lymphoedema.

Treatment and Outcome: The patient was treated with conservative approach and she was cured.

Conclusion: In this particular case, lymphoedema developed at an unusual localisation, which has not been recorded before.

Introduction: Lymphoedema results from impaired lymphatic transport leading to the pathologic accumulation of protein-rich lymphatic fluid in the interstitial space, most commonly in the extremities. Primary lymphoedema, a developmental abnormality of the lymphatic system, may become evident later in life when a triggering event exceeds the capacity of normal lymphatic flow.

Clinical Picture: We present a 3-year-old nephrotic syndrome patient with an unusual localisation for primary lymphoedema.

Treatment and Outcome: The patient was treated with conservative approach and she was cured.

Conclusion: In this particular case, lymphoedema developed at an unusual localisation, which has not been recorded before.
The Evolution of Radiology from Paraclinical to Clinical
Authors: Hong Khim Boey
Published: November 2022

The perception of Radiology in the early 60s as paraclinical stems from the poor image the clinicians had for our limited resources in providing only plain film studies, VIPs and the single contrast barium studies which exclude only gross lesions. The evolution to clinical status started as early as the mid 60s. My personal recollection and reflection of the histological events that took place covered here highlights the reasons for the transformation from paraclinical to clinical and these form the main theme for this paper. Radiologists’ professionalism plays an infinite part in the evolution to clinical Radiology. Rapid technological advances in imaging help to propel Radiology to the forefront. But credit must go to the individual Radiologist for their personal efforts and contributions. Reflection on past events of Radiology in Singapore leading to the establishment of Clinical Radiology was presented. The future of Radiology is brought up for discussion on the role of Radiologists with reference to subspecialisation necessitated by the ever increasing advances in Medical Imaging and demand for Interventional Radiology.

Key words: Reflection and recollection, Paraclinical to clinical, Technological advances, Specialisation and sub-specialisations
Patent Blue Dye in Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis
Authors: Yap Yan Lin , Lim Jane , Shim Timothy WH , Naidu Shenthilkumar , Ong Wei Chen , Lim Thiam Chye
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) has been described as a treatment of chronic lymphoedema. This microsurgical technique is new and technically difficult. The small caliber and thin wall lymphatic vessels are difficult to identify and easily destroyed during the dissection.

Materials and Methods: We describe a technique of performing lymphaticovenular anastomosis with patent blue dye enhancement. Our patient is a 50-year-old lady who suffers from chronic lymphoedema of the upper limb after mastectomy and axillary clearance for breast cancer 8 years ago.

Results: Patent blue dye is injected subdermally and is taken up readily by the draining lymphatic channels. This allows for easy identification of their course. The visualisation of the lumen of the lymphatic vessel facilitates microsurgical anastomosis. The patency of the anastomosis is also demonstrated by the dynamic pumping action of the lymphatic within the vessels.

Conclusion: Patent blue dye staining during lymphaticovenular anastomosis is a simple, effective and safe method for mapping suitable subdermal lymphatics, allowing for speedier dissection of the lymphatic vessels intraoperatively. This technique also helps in the confirmation of the success of the lymphaticovenular anastomosis.

Key words: Lymphaticovenular anastomosis, Lymphoedema, Patent blue dye, Supermicrosurgery
Neuroapplication of Amplatzer Vascular Plug for Therapeutic Sacrifice of Major Craniocerebral Arteries: An Initial Clinical Experience
Authors: Ong Cheng Kang , Lam Dang V , Ong Michelle T , Power Mark A , Parkinson Richard J , Wenderoth Jason D
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Clinical use of the Amplatzer vascular plug in the cardiopulmonary and peripheral vasculatures has been described extensively in the literature. We present our initial experience in adapting this device for therapeutic sacrifice of major craniocerebral arteries.

Materials and Methods: Between July 2007 and November 2008, 8 patients (mean age 59.1 years; range 18 to 82 years) underwent therapeutic occlusion of major craniocerebral arteries using the device, for direct caroticocavernous fistula (1 patient), symptomatic unruptured giant cavernous internal carotid aneurysms (2 patients), and preoperative embolisation before surgical resections of skull base tumours that had encroached upon the internal carotid or vertebral artery (5 patients). The plugs were used alone or in conjunction with detachable platinum coils. The applications of the device, as well as the angiographic and clinical results of the procedures were evaluated.

Results: Applications of the plugs were straightforward and successful in all cases, with hermetic occlusions of all target arteries. When used without additional coils, several plugs were deployed in tandem to achieve complete occlusion of the artery. No migration of the device was seen. No patient developed untoward neurological deficits following the procedures, and the 3- and/or 6-month follow-up showed stable results.

Conclusion: The Amplatzer vascular plug could be a valuable addition to the neurointerventional armamentarium, particularly in therapeutic occlusion of major craniocerebral arteries. Rigidity of the delivery system limits its current use to vessels below the skull base. The potential risk of distal thromboembolism also requires further evaluation.

Key words: Amplatzer vascular plug, Craniocerebral artery, Direct caroticocavernous fistula therapeutic sacrifice, Giant aneurysms, Skull base tumours
Hypoxic-ischaemic Brain Injury in Young Infants
Authors: Liauw Lishya
Published: November 2022

Many imaging techniques are available for the detection of hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury in young infants.This paper presents an overview of the imaging findings in hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury with an emphasis on MR imaging.

Key words: Hypoxia-ischaemia, Infants, Imaging, MR imaging, Neonates, Ultrasonography
Imaging of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Goh Julian , Lim Keith
Published: November 2022

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a unique disease that shows clinical behaviour, epidemiology and histopathology that is different from that of other squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now the preferred imaging modality in the assessment and staging of NPC, especially in relation to its superior soft tissue contrast, ability to demonstrate perineural tumour spread, parapharyngeal space, bone marrow involvement and its ability to show the involvement of adjacent structures, such as the adjacent paranasal sinuses and intracranial extension. An understanding of its patterns of spread and the criteria used in the AJCC TNM staging system is important to relay the relevant information to the referring clinician, so that appropriate treatment planning decisions may be made. In this article, the various features of NPC that are pertinent to staging and treatment planning will be discussed, inclusive of locoregional spread, nodal involvement and metastatic disease.

Key words: Magnetic resonance imaging, Staging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Acute Optic Neuritis in Singapore
Authors: Lim Su Ann , Sitoh Yih-Yian , Chng Soke-Miang , Yi Boey Pui , Goh Kong Yong
Published: November 2022

Introduction: The Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial (ONTT) has established that the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings at the time of presentation of optic neuritis (ON) is the strongest indicator of the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). Reports from Singapore as well as other Asian countries have indicated that these abnormalities are less frequently encountered compared to that reported by the ONTT. This paper aims to describe systematically the brain MRI as well as the optic nerve abnormalities in patients after an episode of acute optic neuritis.

Materials and Methods: Patients who presented with acute optic neuritis were retrieved from our prospective optic neuritis study and their MRI scans were reviewed and graded in accordance with the standardised classification employed in the ONTT.

Results: Fifteen of 24 patients had MRI brain and optic nerves performed during the acute episode. In the evaluation of brain abnormalities, 40% were classified as grade 0, 20% grade I, 20% grade II, 6.7% grade III and 13.3% grade IV. Optic nerve abnormalities were observed in 80% of cases. At study entry, 10 patients had idiopathic (monosymptomatic) ON, 3 had multiple sclerosis (MS), one each with infective and autoimmune optic neuritis, respectively. The single patient who developed MS at study completion presented with grade II brain abnormalities at the initial MRI. For those with idiopathic ON, our study revealed a higher percentage of grade 0-I brain changes as well as a lower lesion load compared to the ONTT. Lesion load and grade was also lower in anterior optic neuritis compared with retrobulbar disease.

Conclusion: Our study revealed a lower percentage of grade II-IV brain MRI abnormalities as well as less lesion load in idiopathic ON compared to the ONTT. This may be related to the lower prevalence of MS in our predominantly Asian population. As diagnostic tests and understanding of neuromyelitis optica or Devic’s disease improves, we may see more patients being diagnosed with this condition, which may also explain our findings. Our data also showed that MRI grade and lesion load in cases of anterior ON was lower than for retrobulbar disease. MRI in ON has an essential role in characterising the disease, evaluating for associated brain lesions, and assessing prognosis in retrobulbar disease but may be less useful in anterior disease.

Key words: Multiple sclerosis, Optic nerve enhancement, Periventricular plaques
Imaging Findings of Chronic Subluxation of the Os Odontoideum and Cervical Myelopathy in a Child with Beare-Stevenson Cutis Gyrata Syndrome after Surgery to the Head and Neck
Authors: Too Chow Wei , Tang Phua Hwee
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Although uncommon, fractures of the os odontoideum are known to occur in children under 7 years old, following acute trauma.

Clinical Picture: We report a case of chronic subluxation of the os odontoideum resulting in cervical myelopathy in a child with Beare-Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome after surgery to the head and neck.

Treatment and Outcome: The patient was initially put in a Halo vest, following which occipital cervical fusion was performed.

Conclusion: Subluxations and fractures at the odontoid synchondrosis are rare but should be anticipated in young children with risk factors for instability of the cervical spine.

Key words: Myelopathy, Os odontoideum, Subluxation, Synchondrosis
Prevalence and Control of Hypercholesterolaemia as Defi ned by NCEP-ATPIII Guidelines and Predictors of LDL-C Goal Attainment in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population
Authors: Khoo Chin Meng , Tan Maudrene LS , Wu Yi , Wai Daniel CH , Subramaniam Tavintharan , Tai E Shyong , Lee Jeannette
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Few studies in Asia have assessed the burden of hypercholesterolaemia based on the global cardiovascular risk assessment. This study determines the burden of hypercholesterolaemia in an Asian population based on the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) guidelines, and examines predictors of low-density lipoprotein cholestrol (LDL-C) goal attainment. Materials and Methods: Five thousand and eighty-three Chinese, Malays and Asian-Indians living in Singapore were assigned to coronary heart disease (CHD)-risk category based on the NCEP-ATPIII guidelines. Awareness, treatment and control of hypercholesterolaemia based on risk-specific LDL-C goal were determined, including the use of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT). Cox-regression models were used to identify predictors of LDL-C above goal among those who were aware and unaware of hypercholesterolaemia. Results: One thousand fi ve hundred and sixty-eight (30.8%) participants were aware of hypercholesterolaemia and 877 (17.3%) were newly diagnosed (unaware). For those who were aware, 39.3% participants received LLT. Among those with 2 risk factors, only 59.7% attained LDL-C goal. The majority of them were taking statin monotherapy, and the median dose of statins was similar across all CHD risk categories. Among participants with 2 risk factors and not receiving LLT, 34.1% would require LLT. Malays or Asian-Indians, higher CHD risk category, increasing body mass index (BMI), current smoking and lower education status were associated with higher risk of LDL-C above goal. Being on LLT reduced the risk of having LDL-C above goal. Conclusion: The burden of hypercholesterolaemia is high in this multi-ethnic population especially those in the higher CHD risk categories, and might be partly contributed by inadequate titration of statins therapy. Raising awareness of hypercholesterolaemia, appropriate LLT initiation and titration, weight management and smoking cessation may improve LDL-C goal attainment in this population.

Key words: Asians, Awareness, Cholesterol, Goal attainment, Prevalence ratio, Treatment
The Use of Parenteral Nutrition in an Acute Care Hospital
Authors: Chuah Sai Wei , Ng Doris HL , Liu Peiyun , Liu Huimin , Ng Jia Lin , Ling Khoon Lin
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is an important supportive therapy. However, it is expensive and associated with significant complications. Our aim is to describe the patients given PN in 2006, to compare with the 2001 cohort and determine if PN had been prescribed for the appropriate indications. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study of adult patients receiving PN between January and December 2006 was undertaken in a single institution. Appropriateness of indications for PN was based on the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) guidelines 2002. Results: One hundred and eighty-two patients received 194 courses (102 males, 92 females) of PN. Median age was 62 years (range, 16 to 100). Eighty-two percent were surgical patients and 18% were medical patients. Median PN duration was 9 days (range, 2 to 115). Common indications were surgeons’ anticipation of non-functioning gut postoperatively [47 (24.2%) courses], postoperative complications [33 (17.0%) courses] and postoperative ileus [31 (16.1%) courses]. Indications for PN met A.S.P.E.N. guidelines in 93.3% of cases compared to 78.3% in 2001. In 1.5% of cases, we were unable to determine if the indications met the guidelines. Ten courses did not meet the guidelines; 3 had PN for <7 days preoperatively, 6 had PN because the managing team thought the patients were critically ill and 1 was given PN for refusal to eat because of depression. Conclusion: Since 2001, there has been an increase in the proportion of PN given for appropriate indications. However, physician education with respect to the benefit of PN for preoperative and critically ill patients with functioning guts needs reinforcing. Key words: American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N) guidelines, Indications of Parenteral Nutrition, Inappropriate use of Parenteral Nutrition
COLONIAL LEGACIES IN INDONESIA'S URBANIZATION AND URBAN HOUSING: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Choi Eun Young
Published: November 2022

Since the 1980s, Indonesia has experienced rapid urbanization, and it has become one of the countries with the exponential growth of urban population. Densified urban population is worsening environmental issues such as particulate air pollution, water pollution, and waste disposal. Environmental injustice of poverty and the extreme polarization of rich and poor are increasing in Indonesia’s urban societies. Ecological crisis due to climate change in the Anthropocene is closely associated with the nature and culture binary that disconnects human-world relationships. As Indonesia had been colonized by the Dutch for 350 years and occupied by Imperial Japan during World War II, the built environment has become the embodiment of colonial legacies that bequeaths the dichotomy of nature and culture through urban spaces and housings. By engaging with my lived experiences in Jakarta – the capital of Indonesia – and the historical references of Indonesia’s development of the built environment and urban housing, I will discuss the nature and culture binary as the colonial legacies in Indonesia’s built environment. I argue that the formation of colonial whiteness grounded on the nature and culture binary has evolved to transmit and preserve colonial legacies by a new medium of industrial capitalism. The emergence of gate communities, luxury housings and skyscrapers, and the maintenance of room layouts from the colonial period are the specific features of the corporeal manifestations of everlasting colonialism in Indonesia’s built environment. In response to Indonesia’s urbanization in the Anthropocene, I suggest Timothy J. Gorringe’s theology of grace to call for the need for a contextualized theology of grace for Indonesia that could transform and reimagine the built environment in light of the immanence and transcendence of God.
INTERVARIETAL CROSSES, AN ALTERNATIVE FOR INCREASING YELLOW MAIZE (Zea mays L.) PRODUCTION IN VARIABLE ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Díaz Juárez Roberto de la Cruz , Santacruz Varela Amalio , Castillo González Fernando , Gómez Montiel Noel Orlando , García Zavala J. Jesús , Muñoz Orozco Abel
Published: November 2022

In Mexico, maize (Zea mays L.) is grown under rainfed conditions within immensurable number of variable environments that limit production. To cope with these adversities, genotypes of different genetic constitution have been generated, such as intervarietal crosses; however, knowledge of the yield potential of those crosses in variable environments is limited. The objective of the study was to determine the yield potential of intervarietal crosses of yellow maize in environments of high-valley lands in central Mexico, as well as the components that influence yield under the hypothesis that intervarietal crosses are equal in yield to conventional hybrids. Crosses, open-pollinated parental varieties and commercial controls were evaluated in a randomized complete block design. Fifteen agronomic variables and yield components were measured. A combined analysis of variance and comparison of means (Tukey, p ≤ 0.05) were applied, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated. The analysis of variance detected statistical differences in all the factors of variation in most of the evaluated variables. The intervarietal crosses performed statistically equal to the controls but superior to the parents. The crosses excelled in ear diameter and ear length, total weight of grains in the ear, 100-grain weight, grain length, grain width, plant height, ear height, shelling corn coefficient and prolificacy index. In 23 crosses, the genotype × environment interaction effect was not significant. Intervarietal crosses have yield potential compared to conventional hybrids. Ear and grain traits had the greatest influence on yield. Intervarietal crosses represent an alternative to increase yield and production of yellow maize in the high-valley lands of central Mexico.
Experimental and Computational Study on Effect of Vanes on Heat Transfer and Flow Structure of Swirling Impinging Jet
Authors:   Department of Mechanical Engineering, B S Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai - 600048, India, Illyas S. M. , MuthuManokar A. , Kabeel A. E.
Published: November 2022

The study focuses on heat transfer performance and flow structure associated with swirling jet on a flat target surface. The analysis is carried out with helicoid inserts of swirl number S = 1.3 by varying the number of vanes with Reynolds number between 11200 and 35600. The comparison of swirling jet with circular jet is carried out on its heat transfer performance. The heat transfer and flow structure are visualized using thermo-chromic liquid crystal sheet and oil film technique respectively. The numerical simulation is also performed at Re = 24700 for H/D distance between 1 and 4 using computational fluid dynamics. The heat transfer results reveal that the presence of axial recirculation zone at Re = 29800 and 35600 for the triple helicoid affects the uniformity of heat transfer distribution at 0 < X/D < 1.5 at H/D = 3. The axial component of velocity with respect to swirling jet is less than zero in the stagnation area and it increases at 0.57 < r/D < 0.97 for single vane and 0.63 < r/D < 0.97 for double and triple vanes. While the steep increase in tangential velocity of the triple vane jet is apparent at 0 < r/D < 0.5 at H/D = 2 and 3, the maximum value of point radially shifts inward towards the jet. The location of maximum turbulent kinetic energy approaching the surface at about r/D = 0.9 - 1.2 which characterizes the swirling jet at H/D = 2.
Impact of Slots on the Aerodynamic Performance of the Variable Inlet Guide Vane Cascade of a Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Xin J. , Liu X. , Zhao L. , Wu H. , Tian Z. , Lu H.
Published: November 2022

This study reconstructed the flow field of a symmetrical variable inlet guide vane in a centrifugal compressor through the passive control method of vane slots. Based on the high-fidelity numerical simulation model verified by experiments, the influence of different slot forms on the flow field was investigated, and the passive control mechanism was revealed. The results demonstrated that the vane slot method can effectively suppress the suction surface separation and broaden the range of low-loss incidence angles. Overall, the 50_30 slotted vane achieves the best flow field control, with a 65.6% reduction in the total pressure loss coefficient and a 2.3° reduction in the deviation angle, respectively, at a 25° incidence angle. The linear characteristics of the pre-swirl grade variation curve with variable inlet guide vane incidence angles are also improved. Furthermore, changing the slot outlet angle has the most significant influence on the aerodynamic performance as it changes the throat width of the location, thereby affecting the flow rate and momentum of the jet. Finally, the impact of the velocity varies in the first self-similarity region on the slotted vane. The results indicate that, in contrast to the baseline vane, the suppression effect of the slot jet on the flow separation improves with the inlet velocity, whereas the deviation angle of the slotted vane declines with the inlet velocity. Meanwhile, the higher the incoming flow velocity, the better the slotted jet can inhibition of flow separation.
Experimental Study on a Generic Side-View Mirror with Slotted Cylindrical Foot
Authors: Fu W. , Li Y.
Published: November 2022

A simple model consisting of a mirror-housing and its cylindrical foot is applied to represent the automobile side-view mirror that causes unwanted aerodynamic noise and wind drag during high-speed driving. An additional slot is made on the solid foot to modify the flow around the mirror and thus reduce the side wall pressure fluctuation and aerodynamic drag. Flow fields and wall pressure fluctuations of these side-view mirror models have been investigated experimentally in a wind tunnel. The airflow rate through the slot varies with the changing of the slot area. Wall surface pressure sensors, particle image velocimetry (PIV), and six-component balance were applied to measure the acoustic and flow characteristics. The results demonstrated that, with the increase of slot airflow rate to 30%, the side wall pressure fluctuations were reduced by 5.1 dB and the drag coefficient decreased by 10.2%. The PIV measurements showed that the vortex cluster center behind the mirror was moved upward from the wall surface due to the slot airflow injection into the wake. The turbulent kinetic energy in the side-view mirror wake near the wall decreased with the increment of the airflow rate, reducing the side wall pressure fluctuations and thereby suppressing the noise generation.
Herniation from Right Iliac Crest Secondary to Autogenous Bone Grafting: A Rare Case Presentation
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of General Surgery MGIMS Sewagram, wardha., Hivre Dr. Mangesh
Published: November 2022

Development of Hernia after iliac bone harvesting was described for the first time by Oldfield in 1945. Hernia is one of the complications that patients undergoing iliac crest bone harvesting for grafts may develop, occurance being 5-9%. These hernias usually remain asymptomatic but can present with pain as the most relevant symptom when they occur. Abdominal Ultrasonography or Computed Tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis can help the surgeon reach a diagnosis by delineating the defect of the iliac crest. The tension-free mesh repair can be performed with a transabdominal, retroperitoneal or laparoscopic approach. Hernia developed through an iliac crest defect following bone graft harvesting is a not only a rare but one of the major complication. Attention should be paid while harvesting bone graft so that this complication can be avoided.