bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous saline irrigation during video-assisted liver transection: The ‘Waterfall’ technique
Authors: Luvira Vor , Suwanprinya Chalisa , Laochuvong Yodkhwan , Tipwaratorn Theerawee
Published: February 2024

The use of a sealing device during video-assisted liver transection has gained a lot of popularity due to its advantages in operative and patient outcomes. However, it has some technical problems including tissue debris sticking to the instrument, excessive smoke production, and loss of pneumoperitoneum from suction. Herein, we describe a novel ‘Waterfall’ technique that uses continuous irrigation of saline directly on the transection plane. This technique washes away tissue particles and smoke, clears the operative view, and improves the effectiveness of tissue sealing.
Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A single cancer center experience
Authors: Abouzid Amr , Setit Ahmed , Abdallah Ahmed , Abd Elghaffar Mohamed , Shetiwy Mosab , Elzahaby Islam A.
Published: February 2024

Objective: Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) was challenging to most surgeons due to the two-dimensional view, difficult manipulations of the instruments, ergonomic discomfort, and the associated muscular spasm and effort. Technological advances with improved surgical experience, have made LG a more feasible and favorable approach for gastric cancer (GC) patients.

Material and Methods: LG was performed in 44 patients with GC between July 2015 to June 2022, in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Egypt, and we assessed the surgical outcomes of this approach as an initial experience of a single cancer center.

Results: Twenty-seven patients underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy, and seventeen underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy. Two cases had combined resection. Operative time was 339.2 ± 76.73 min, while blood loss was 153.86 ± 57.51 mL. The patients were ambulant on postoperative day 0, oral intake was started within three days (range 1-5 days) and the hospital stay was six days (range 3-9 days).

Conclusion: LG for GC is a feasible approach for both early and advanced GC patients as it allows for adequate diagnosis of the peritoneal disease, meticulous dissection, and identification of the lymph nodes with minimal blood loss and decrease surgery-related problems and encourage the early patients’ discharge from hospital and return to daily life activities.
Questionnaire survey of virtual reality experiences of digestive surgery at a rural academic institute: A pilot study for pre-surgical education
Authors: Nanashima Atsushi , Kai Kengo , Hamada Takeomi , Munakata Shun , İmamura Naoya , Hiyoshi Masahide , Hamada Kiyoaki , Shimizu Ikko , Tsuchimochi Yuki , Tsuneyoshi Isao
Published: February 2024

We developed a prototype VR platform, VECTORS L&M (VLM), aiming to enhance the understanding of digestive surgery for students, interns, and young surgeons by limiting costs. Its efficacy was assessed via questionnaires before implementation in surgical education. The VLM provides nine-minute VR views of surgeries, from both 180- and 360-degree angles. It was created with L.A.B. Co., Ltd. and incorporates surgery videos from biliary malignancy patients. Following VLM development, a survey was conducted among surgeons who had experienced it. Twenty-eight participants (32% of observers) responded to the survey. A majority (81%) reported positive experiences with the VR content and showed interest in VR video production, though some reported sickness. Most respondents were experienced surgeons, and nearly all believed VR was important for medical education with a mean score of 4.14 on a scale of up to 5. VR was preferred over 3D printed models due to its application versatility. Participants expressed the desire for future VR improvements, such as increased mobility, cloud connectivity, cost reduction, and better resolution. The VLM platform, coupled with this innovative teaching approach, offers experiential learning in intraabdominal surgery, effectively enriching the knowledge of students and surgeons ahead of surgical education and training.
Histopathological evaluation after pancreatic surgery: Comparison of the results of HPB-specific pathologists and non-specific pathologists
Authors: Cihangir Emral Ahmet , Dikmen Kürşat , Tahernejad Maryam , Sardari Khotan , Rahman Pour Ali , Ekinci Özgür , Kerem Mustafa
Published: February 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the results of the evaluation of HPB-specific pathologists and general pathologists on the specimens of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy by the same surgical team.

Material and Methods: The pathological results of 159 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in the periampullary region was retrospectively examined. Histopathological evaluation results of HPB-specific pathologist (S group) and other pathologists (NS group) were compared. Tumor size (mm), total lymph nodes, metastatic lymph nodes, surgical margin positive/negative (RO/R1/R2 resection) and data of patients who underwent vascular resection were evaluated.

Results: The specimens of 91 patients were examined by a HPB-specific pathologist (S group), and the specimens of 68 patients were examined by non-specific pathologists (NS group). When compared in terms of the average total number of lymph nodes and metastatic lymph nodes dissected, a statistically significant result was observed (p= 0.04, p< 0.01 respectively). Additionally, surgical margin positivity (R1) was found to be statistically higher in the S group (p= 0.02).

Conclusion: In order for the success of HPB surgery to be reflected in the clinic, it is of great importance that the specimens are examined by HPBspecific pathologists.
Penerapan Metode Copy The Master Untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Menulis Cerpen Berbahasa Bali Siswa Kelas Xc Sma Negeri 1 Bebandem Tahun Pelajaran 2022/2023
Authors: Gatriyani Ni Putu
Published: February 2024

enelitian Tindakan Kelas ini dilaksanakan di Sekolah Menegah Atas Negeri 1 Bebandem tepatnya dikelas XC tahun pelajaran 2022/2023. Penelitian ini dilatar belakangi oleh keterampilan siswa dalam menulis cerpen bahasa Bali yang masih rendah, siswa kurang antusias dalam pembelajaran, proses pembelajaran masih berpusat pada guru, dan keterampilan menulis cerpen berbahasa Bali pada siswa masih rendah. Adapun masalah pada penelitian ini yakni (1) Bagaimana penerapan metode copy the master dalam meningkatkan keterampilan siswa kelas X.C Sekolah Menegah Atas Negeri 1 Bebandem dalam menulis cerpen berbahasa Bali?, (2) Bagaimana respon siswa terhadap penerapan metode copy the master dalam meningkatkan keterampilan menulis cerpen berbahasa Bali?. Tujuan pelaksanaan penelitian kelas ini adalah (1) Untuk mengetahui hasil dari penerapan metode copy the master tehadap keterampilan menulis cerpen berabasa Bali siswa kelas X.C Sekolah Menegah Atas Negeri 1 Bebandem! (2) untuk mengetahui respon siswa kelas X.C Sekolah Menegah Atas Negeri 1 Bebandem terhadap penerapan metode copy the master dalam meningkatkan keterampilan menulis cerpen berbahasa Bali!. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode PTK (Penelitian Tindakan Kelas) dengan subjek siswa kelas XC Sekolah Menengah Atas Negeri 1 Bebandem sebanyak 34 orang siswa, dengan jumlah siswa laki-laki 18 orang dan siswa perempuan 16 orang. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan adanya peningkatan keterampilan menulis cerpen berbahasa Bali setelah diterapkannya metode copy the master pada refleksi awal nilai rata-rata siswa 60,88. Pada siklus I nilai rata-rata siswa 71,02 dan pada siklus II mengalami peningkatan dengan nilai rata-rata pada siswa menjadi 80,58. Sedangkan respon siswa kelas X.C SMA Negeri 1 Bebandem terhadap penerapan metode copy the master  dalam pembelajaran menulis cerpen berbahasa Bali tergolong kategori sangat aktif dengan skor rata-rata 26,67 yang tergolong sangat positif Berdasarkan simpulan, maka dapat diberikan saran yaitu: Kepada guru bahasa Bali agar mencoba menerapkan metode ini; (2) diharapkan tulisan ini dapat dijadikan sebagai refrensi pembanding dalam upaya meningkatkan keterampilan siswa.
Effect of Seasonal Floods on Farmers’ Household Food Security in the Kassena Nankana Municipal of Ghana.
Authors: Akwotajie Michael
Published: February 2024

The Kassena Nankana Municipality has experienced an increase in the frequency and severity of seasonal floods, threatening the livelihoods of local farmers. These floods disrupt agricultural activities and exacerbate regional food insecurity. This study examined the extent to which floods affected local farmers’ food security. Interviews were conducted with 150 farm households from five different communities. To understand the nature, scope of the flooding and damages caused by the floods, descriptive statistics were employed. The floods’ effect on farmers’ food security were examined using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) econometric modelling. The Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance (FANTA) Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Consumption Score (FCS) models were used to assess food security levels. The majority of the floods in the area were caused by heavy rains. These floods resulted in total asset losses of GHS 653,640.6 (USD 116,722.00), with maize crops bearing the brunt of the damage at GHS 106,712.00. (USD 19,056.00). Properties worth GHS 276,275.00 (USD 49,335.00) were destroyed, including houses, animal pens, storage rooms, bicycles, and motorbikes, and with estimated loss of 3,383 birds. Due to the floods, two people died and 201 people became ill. Food security was found to be positively associated with factors such as male-headed households, age, income, and access to credit. The size of a household had a negative impact on food security. The study recommended targeted policies to improve agricultural productivity and support smallholder farmers, such as loan and social security schemes, women’s empowerment, and the establishment of irrigation facilities to improve regional food security.
Impact of Institutional Framework on Economic Growth of Nigeria (1996 to 2022)
Authors: Udochukwu Nwachukwu Edwin
Published: February 2024

The presence of institutional gaps in the Nigerian economy has enhanced the need to investigate the impact of institutional framework on economic growth from 1996 to 2022. Under the theoretical framework of the endogenous growth model, the dependent variable in this study was economic growth proxied by real gross domestic product while the independent variables of interest were gross fixed capital formation, labour force, research and development and the six indicators of institutional framework (voice and accountability, rule of law, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, control of corruption and political stability. The fully modified ordinary least square was used as the method of analysis and the results revealed that labour force, research and development and regulatory quality have a positive and significant impact on economic growth. Contrary, control of corruption, government effectiveness and gross fixed capital formation have a negative significant impact on economic growth. More so, voice and accountability and rule of law have an insignificant but positive and negative impact on economic growth respectively. Following these findings, this study concludes that institutional framework has a significant impact on economic growth and hence recommends that the federal government should implement extensive institutional reforms that cut across all the arms and levels of government, with emphasis on the autonomy of ministries, agencies, parastatals and commissions to exercise discretion effectively to enhance the implementation of anti-corruption measures, the rule of law and promote good governance practices which in all would foster sustainable economic growth.
Investigating Isogyres in Ferrofluids and Horocycles from Parlaseric Circle in a Ferrocell
Authors: Tufaile Alberto , Tufaile Adriana Pedrosa Biscaia
Published: February 2024

This study explored the complex relationship between magnetic fields and light polarization in thin films of ferrofluid. Utilizing techniques such as polarized light imaging, multipolar expansion, and Mueller matrix formalism, this work investigated the formation of isogyres, which are distinct patterns observed when polarized light passes through the ferrofluid under various magnetic field configurations. The analysis revealed that the alignment of nanoparticles in response to the magnetic field resulted in the formation of a diffraction grating, influencing light polarization. Through the application of Stokes vectors and Mueller matrices, we gained insights into the complex interplay between magnetic fields and optical properties. The experiment presents the evolution of isogyres from straight lines to parabolas under the influence of a hexapolar magnetic field. The Mueller matrix effectively represented the magnetic field's impact on polarized light, highlighting dark regions corresponding to isogyres. We also report the formation of some patterns related to atmospheric optics and their analogy with the formation of patterns of the parlaseric circle and the luminous horocycle.
 
Received: 19 December 2023 | Revised: 18 January 2024 | Accepted: 5 February 2024
 
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work.
 
Data Availability Statement
The data that support the findings of this article are available in the images of this article and in its references [1, 32, 33, 35].
 
Author Contribution Statement
Alberto Tufaile: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Data curation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Visualization, Supervision, Project administration. Adriana Pedrosa Biscaia Tufaile: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Formal analysis, Resources, Data curation, Writing – review & editing, Visualization, Project administration.
IoT based Smart Trolley for Shopping using RFID and Node MCU
Authors: Sangeetha R  , Gloria Jeyaraj Josephine Pon , Vignesh LK Balaji , ASF Subhamathi , Divya K
Published: February 2024

Customers are helped when shopping by the sophisticated shopping cart system. The goal of this proposed work is to create a hardware and software implementation of a modular, affordable, and user-friendly smart shopping system. This system may be tweaked, and dealers can begin using it right now. It tries to satisfy as numerous of the endconditions druggies as doable. Obviously, digital commerce is growing in vogue, but numerous consumers still need to see what they are purchasing and assimilate the various add-ons offered in the emporium. Still, in these situations, people are pressured to stay in lines that might grow rather long, and bearing in a line creates a variety of discomforts and pressure. Every item may be fixed with an accessible RFID label that, when inserted into a smart shopping cart, may be read automatically by a cart fitted with an RFID reader. This system can incorporate smart shelving, which has RFID scanners installed and can cover stock as well as update a central server. Another advantage of this technology is that it makes tally operations considerably simpler because an RFID reader can automatically read all effects and determine whether a product's expiration date has passed. The IoT website will be completely reconditioned.
Traditional Knowledge Driven Screening of 30 Medicinal Plants from Gandhmardhan, Odisha, That are Effective Against Human Multidrug Resistant Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Dubey Debasmita , Rath Shakti , Tripathy Subrat Kumar , Swain Santosh Kumar , Induar Sadhni
Published: February 2024

The medico folklore use of medicinal plants is the mainstay healthcare system of the tribals in and around the Gandhamardan, Western Odisha. These people depend on the forest and traditional Vaidyas to treat various health ailments, including bacterial infections. While documenting folklore claims, we found the acute dependency of traditional diarrhoea on 30 medicinal plants from the Gandhamardan for treating respiratory tract infections, skin diseases, wound infections, diarrhoea, and dysentery. The plant parts of these plants were collected from the wild, and their phytochemical composition was determined using aqueous and ethanol extracts. The crude extracts at different concentrations were used to elucidate their antibacterial activity based on the zone of inhibition using the agar well diffusion method using eight pathogenic bacteria. The plant extracts revealed the presence of eight secondary metabolites, viz. alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, reducing sugar, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and steroids. All 30 plants were very effective against all the MDR bacteria. The study would provide a scientific basis for clandestine ethnobotanical knowledge that would benefit the antimicrobial stewardship program.
Modeling, analyzing and simulating the dynamics of Tuberculosis-Covid-19 co-infection
Authors: Alemneh Haileyesus Tessema , Melese Zinabu Teka
Published: February 2024

Covid-19 and tuberculosis (TB) are two significant infectious illnesses that may pose significant threats to the public health and their co-infection aggravates the issue. Through the use of a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations and contaminated surfaces from SARS-CoV-2 in the environment, we developed and investigated a mathematical model in this study for the dynamics of the co-infection of Covid-19 and TB transmission. The free equilibrium point of the disease was determined and its stability was investigated. The next generation matrix approach is used to determine the model’s basic reproduction number. The disease-free equilibrium point is not globally asymptotically stable, but it is locally asymptotically stable if R0 < L  We found key model parameters for disease dynamics spread using normalized forward sensitivity analysis. From the numerical simulation results, we conclude that government stakeholders should work in reducing the transmission mechanisms of both diseases. In addition, they should look on mechanisms for removing SARS-CoV-2 contaminated surfaces from the community.
Information processes in stochastic models for strategic thinking operations
Authors: Artikis Panagiotis T. , Artikis Constantinos T.
Published: February 2024

It constitutes a particularly valuable adoption that the family of infinitely divisible distributions is frequently employed as a very suitable choice for investigating theoretical and practical properties of structural probabilistic concepts. In particular, this family is valuable in construction and study of mathematical expressions, or equivalently stochastic models, with extensive practical applicability. The present paper focuses on the development and investigation of a stochastic model by making use of the extremely useful concept of infinitely divisibility. In addition, the paper offers an application of the introduced mathematical expressions in making realistic decisions in the extremely important area of various information processes.
Discussion on ESG Information Disclosure of A-SHARE Listed Companies in China Biomedical Industry
Authors:   Qingdao University of Science and Technology, PANG Xufei , LI Yanze ,   JHU SAIS
Published: February 2024

In the context of global climate change, countries are actively advocating the construction of a green, low-carbon and recycling economic system and promoting high-quality development and high-efficiency governance. Environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) , which is in line with the concept of sustainable development, has been widely concerned by the international community, and ESG disclosure is the foundation of ESG development. The biomedical industry is one of the strategic high points of international science and technological and economic competition. Improving corporate disclosure is of great significance to enhance corporate competitiveness, reduce the risks of corporate, improve corporate performance and thus achieve sustainable development of the biomedical industry. Taking the listed companies in the ESG rating report of Runling Global Biomedical Sector from 2020 to 2022 as samples, this paper makes an objective analysis of the disclosed ESG-related reports, and finds that there are some problems in the development of ESG in China􀆳s biomedical industry, such as low disclosure rate and level, diverse disclosure standards, imperfect disclosure indicators and qualitative indicators. In this paper, an enterprise is selected as a specific research object, uses the case study method, and its disclosure report is compared with the key core issues of Runling Global Ratings by case analysis, so as to improve the core issues of ESG disclosure in the biopharmaceutical industry in light of the common problems that exist in the industry􀆳s disclosure of information. In the future, the development of ESG in the biopharmaceutical industry should improve the disclosure rate of enterprises and the disclosure level of ESG reports; unify the compilation standard of ESG reports; reasonably allocate the disclosure proportion of enterprise indicators, and try to make each indicator quantitative.
Effect of Packaging Formats on the Quality of the Seasoned Fried Sajor-caju Mushroom Product during Storage
Authors: Kanpairo Kamontip
Published: February 2024

The study focuses on transforming Sajor-caju mushrooms into snack foods through frying and flavoring. The main objective is to examine how different packaging formats impact the quality of seasoned fried mushroom products. The process involves steaming and drying the mushrooms until the moisture content is below 6 %. Subsequently, the mushrooms are fried in a vacuum fryer at 115 °C under a vacuum pressure of 620 mm Hg for 5 min. The mushrooms obtained were developed into herb-flavored fried mushrooms according to the recipe and method from the model farm project, Than To District, Yala Province of Thailand. The products were packed in 3 different packaging formats; in PP bags (control sample), in polypropylene plastic bags containing oxygen absorber (PP+O2 absorber), and in aluminum foil bags (AL), stored at room temperature, 29±2 °C for 90 days. The study revealed that different packaging formats resulted in the seasoned fried mushroom product in the color value (L* a* b*), aw value, moisture content, TBA value, total microbial and fungal counts, and sensory acceptance score (p < 0.05) with statistical significance. From the results, it could be concluded that packing in polypropylene plastic bags could store the product for 30 days, and products packed in PP+O2 absorber could maintain an acceptable sensory quality similar to the one newly prepared for up to 45 days. Packing in aluminum foil bags was the most suitable packing format. It could maintain the product quality in physical, chemical, microbial, and sensory properties for up to 75 days while the product still conformed to the Community Product Standard (303/2004). Moreover, the results from this study can be applied to other snack products and further commercialized.
HIGHLIGHTS

Seasoned fried Sajor-caju mushroom is an exciting snack containing high nutritional value and can potentially be an export product that can replace other snack foods
Greasiness occurring in the frying process is still problematic for seasoned fried mushrooms causing a rancid smell and resulting in the product not being stored for a long time
Packing seasoned fried mushroom products in aluminum foil bags was the most suitable packing format. It could maintain the product quality in physical, chemical, microbial, and sensory properties for up to 75 days at room temperature (29±2 °C)

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Pizarra digital interactiva para la enseñanza aprendizaje de las figuras geométricas con niños de preescolar
Authors:   Universidad Católica de Cuenca, CALLE Jessica P. , RODRIGUEZ Milagros C. ,   Universidad Católica de Cuenca
Published: February 2024

El estudio se realizó con 15 niños de preescolar y evaluó el uso de la pizarra digital interactiva (PDI) para el aprendizaje de figuras geométricas. Se aplicó una intervención con un diseño de pretest, posteriormente la aplicación donde los niños recibieron actividades didácticas con la PDI y finalmente el postest. Al comparar los datos obtenidos del pretest y el postest, los resultados mostraron que el uso de la PDI mejoró significativamente en los niños el reconocimiento de figuras geométricas.
Report on the Clinical Observation of Hypervis, an Oral Homoeopathic Liquid for Hypertension & Allied Symptoms
Authors: Sarkar G P , Sarkar Sulakshmi Saha , Sarkar Rupanwita , Das Ankita , Dutta Suvakshan
Published: February 2024

Hypertension, the persistent increase in the blood pressure (BP) above the normal values, is a very worrying public health problem. It causes high morbidity and mortality globally. Pre-hypertension is also a sub-clinical condition, but remains a public health challenge. It is a major risk factor for subsequent cardiovascular diseases. Although defining hypertension is very difficult, but individual patient risk only assess from severity of hypertension. Appropriate intervention is needed to stop its progression and other cardiovascular diseases. The use of homeopathic remedies is rising in the modern time especially in chronic diseases like hypertension and is proved effective in various clinical practices. In this clinical experiment, we have tried to conclude that there might be significant improvement among one group of patients suffering from different symptoms due to pre-hypertension & hypertension by administering combination homeopathic medicine, Hypervis & there was negligible or no improvement while using placebo doses on another group of patients in over 3 months of intervention while both the groups received standardized recommendations for dietary and lifestyle modifications.
Serie Production Excellence: Ausgezeichnete Industrie-4.0-Strategie - Vernetzung mit skalierbaren Produktionskapseln
Authors:   Christian Thiele
Published: February 2024

Die Firma Horn treibt kontinuierlich die Weiterentwicklung undDigitalisierung ihrer gesamten Wertschöpfungskette voran.Um die Digitalisierung im maschinennahen Umfeld zu beschleunigen,hat das Unternehmen eine skalierbare Standardlösung zur Anbindungbestehender und neuer Anlagen entwickelt. Den Vorbildcharakterdieser neuen IT-Architektur unterstreicht die Auszeichnungals „herausragende Industrie-4.0-Einzellösung“ durch dieAllianz Industrie 4.0 Baden-Württemberg.
Predictive Maintenance - KI-Wartungsassistent fürs Hochregallager
Authors:   Kirsten Harting-Stuke
Published: February 2024

Automatisierte Lagersysteme sind eines der Steckenpferde des Automatisierungsspezialisten Lenze. Zusammen mit dem Fraunhofer IEM hat das Unternehmen einenKI-basierten Wartungsassistenten entwickelt und kann die Reparatur und Instandhaltung seiner Hochregallager nun effizient und gezielt einplanen. Künftig könnenauch Kunden diese neue KI-Lösung für ihre Intralogistik einsetzen
The relationship between sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and diabetic ketosis/infection: single center retrospective experiences
Authors: Tan Burak , Çifci Aydın
Published: February 2024

Aims: Diabetes is a serious social problem in our country and around the world. Beyond hyperglycemia, it causes common and potentially life-threatening complications in all systems. For this reason, beyond the regulation of blood glucose, a holistic approach and combating complications are important in diabetes management. Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) are one of many antidiabetic drug families and stand out with their strong blood sugar regulation and cardiac and renal protective effects independent of blood sugar decrease. Despite its strong effectiveness, it is seen as risky in terms of diabetic ketosis and infection, which limits its use. We aimed to investigate the legitimacy of concerns by examining the relationship between SGLT-2 inhibitors and diabetic ketosis/infection.
Methods: Our study was designed single-center and retrospectively. 152 patients over the age of 18 who were treated as inpatients in our clinic with diabetic ketosis between January 2020 and June 2023 were included in the study. In these patients, ketosis and the severity of the infection clinic, if any, were examined through various parameters among Type 2 diabetic patients using SGLT-2 inhibitors, Type 2 diabetic patients not using SGLT-2 inhibitors, and Type 1 diabetes patients. These parameters were determined by the patient's blood and urine biochemistry tests at admission and discharge, the duration of ketosis treatment, the duration of intravenous antibiotic use, and the duration of hospitalization.
Results: Within the scope of the study, type 2 diabetic patients using SGLT-2 inhibitors were compared with type 2 diabetic patients not using SGLT-2 inhibitors and type 1 diabetic patients. In patients using SGLT-2 inhibitors, the leukocyte in urine, an indicator of urinary tract infection, was found to be significantly higher (p<0.002). When the blood biochemistry tests of the patients at the time of admission were compared in terms of ketosis severity, no significant difference was detected between the groups. No significant difference was detected in terms of ketosis treatment duration, intravenous antibiotic use duration, and hospitalization duration.
Conclusion: We believe that we have obtained data showing that ketoacidosis and infection complications associated with SGLT-2 inhibitors are manageable and controllable. Based on this, we recommend that further research be conducted on the side effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors, emphasizing their additional systemic benefits, and that the place of these agents in diabetic treatment should be discussed.
The Integration of Technology in Educational Management among HEIs in Kaduna State, Nigeria: Challenges and Strategies
Authors: Emmanuel Dr. Samuel Hayatu
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the integration of technology in educational management, focusing on four objectives guided by Diffusion of Innovations Theory, Technology Acceptance Model, and Lewin Change Management Theory. Employing a combined qualitative and quantitative research design, the study targeted 197 educators and administrators across four Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The purposive sampling method was utilized, with data collected through survey and interviews.The impact of technology integration on administrative processes and decision-making revealed that institutions with high integration levels exhibited increased efficiency and decision-making improvements. In assessing the effectiveness of various educational technologies, Virtual Reality (VR) stood out, emphasizing the influence of technology choice on the overall educational experience. Challenges faced by educational managers include limited financial resources, resistance from faculty and staff, inadequate infrastructure, and the absence of comprehensive training programs.Strategies for overcoming resistance to technological innovations highlight the success of comprehensive training programs and clear communication with transparency, emphasizing the importance of a thoughtful approach to strategy selection. The study identified a positive association between robust technology integration and enhanced administrative performance. Different technologies yield varied results in teaching and learning experiences, emphasizing the need for strategic technology selection. It was concluded that higher levels of technology integration in educational institutions lead to increased efficiency and improved decision-making. Notably, Virtual Reality (VR) stands out as the most effective educational technology, emphasizing the impact of technology choices on teaching and learning experiences. Addressing challenges faced by educational managers, particularly through comprehensive training programs, is crucial for overcoming obstacles and improving overall educational outcomes. In addition the study recommended that HEIs should prioritize comprehensive training programs for educators and administrators to address challenges identified. This can bridge gaps in technological proficiency, ensuring that stakeholders are well-equipped to navigate and leverage the benefits of integrated technologies effectively.
A CRITICAL REVIEW OF AI-DRIVEN STRATEGIES FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS
Authors: Favour Oluwadamilare Usman  , Nsisong Louis Eyo-Udo  , Emmanuel Augustine Etukudoh  , Beryl Odonkor  , Chidera Victoria Ibeh  , Ayodeji Adegbola
Published: February 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping traditional business paradigms and offering unprecedented opportunities for success. This paper provides a comprehensive and critical review of AI-driven strategies employed by entrepreneurs to enhance their ventures. The review encompasses a thorough analysis of key AI applications, their impact on various aspects of entrepreneurship, and the potential benefits and challenges associated with their implementation. The first section explores the role of AI in market analysis, highlighting how advanced data analytics and predictive modelling contribute to informed decision-making and market forecasting. The discussion then extends to AI-driven innovations in product development, emphasizing the acceleration of ideation, prototyping, and customization through machine learning algorithms. Next, the paper scrutinizes the influence of AI on customer engagement and relationship management. It delves into the personalized customer experiences facilitated by chatbots, recommendation systems, and sentiment analysis, while also addressing ethical considerations surrounding data privacy and algorithmic biases. Entrepreneurial operations and efficiency gains are examined in the subsequent section, emphasizing AI's impact on supply chain management, logistics, and resource optimization. The review underscores the potential for increased productivity and cost-effectiveness through the implementation of AI-powered automation and smart systems. Despite the myriad advantages, the paper critically examines challenges such as ethical concerns, job displacement, and the digital divide. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that addresses the societal impact of AI adoption while fostering inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems. In conclusion, this critical review not only provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of AI-driven strategies in entrepreneurship but also offers insights into the potential future developments and challenges. Entrepreneurs, policymakers, and researchers can leverage this analysis to navigate the evolving intersection of AI and entrepreneurship, fostering a sustainable and ethically sound environment for entrepreneurial success in the digital era.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Entrepreneurship, Strategic Implementation, Innovation, Market Analysis, Predictive Modelling.
Evaluation of Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction According to Heart Rate Turbulence and Variability in Patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: Dural İbrahim Etem , Kuzu Selçuk , Günebakan Çağlar , Yıldız Erkan
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The relationship between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is not clear. Disruption of the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems causes various diseases. It is believed that disorders of the parasympathetic system, particularly, may be responsible for causing BPPV. Heart rate variability (HRV) and HRT (heart rate turbulence), which show autonomic dysfunction, are two non-invasive tests that show the relationship of the heart rate with the autonomic nervous system. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between autonomic dysfunction and BPPV in patients with BPPV by using HRV and HRT, which are non-invasive laboratory parameters.

Patients and Methods: A total of 100 age- and gender-matched volunteers and 100 patients with BPPV were selected for the study between January 2015 and January 2020. We obtained HRT and HRV parameters from 24-hour ECG Holter recordings. We considered a TO above 0 and a TS above 2.5 to be abnormal. We compared the parameters between groups.

Results: A significant difference was observed between the BPPV and control groups in the HRV parameters SDNNI (p= 0.036), SDANN (p= 0.045), and HRT parameter TS (p= 0.048). We showed that abnormal TO (p= 0.025) and TS (p= 0.038) values were significantly higher in the patient group.

Conclusion: Parasympathetic autonomic dysfunction was demonstrated by the lower HRV and HRT values observed in the patients with BPPV compared to the control group in the present study. The present findings must be confirmed with a much larger number of patients and multi-center studies.
Preoperative Atrial Fibrillation and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Outcomes
Authors: Kaya İbrahim Çağrı , Bulut Halil İbrahim , Özbayburtlu Merih , Yenitürk Birkan , Gülhan Didem , Balkanay Ozan Onur
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Traditionally, atrial fibrillation is considered a comorbid factor for coronary artery bypass surgery as well as other surgeries, however, current literature is still limited. In this study, the effects of preoperative atrial fibrillation on coronary artery bypass grafting were investigated.

Patients and Methods: Following the hospital’s clinical trials ethics committee approval, data from 151 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass surgery were collected with the assistance of the hospital’s electronic records system. The follow-up duration was 12 months. Statistically significant P value cut-off taken as 0.05.

Results: The mean age was 61.5 and 26.6% (n= 40) of the patients were female. Preoperative atrial fibrillation (Afib) prevalence was 13.3% (n= 20). No significant differences were observed in patient demographics, metabolic, systemic, and cardiovascular conditions between the group with preoperative atrial fibrillation and the control group (p> 0.05). However, the previous myocardial infarction rate was found higher (38.9 vs. 70.0, p= 0.009), and carotid artery stenosis disease prevalence was found lower (18.2 vs. 0.0, p= 0.038), also mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was found lower (85.9 vs. 69.7, p= 0.002) in the patients with Afib. Intraoperative parameters were not statistically different among the group (p> 0.05). Despite the preoperative dysthymia history, myocardial infarction prevalence, and poor kidney function; there was no difference in terms of postoperative acute kidney injury rates, stroke rates, perioperative complication rates, and thirty-day and 12-month survival (p> 0.05). However, the re-revascularization requirement was higher in patients in the Afib group.

Conclusion: Atrial fibrillation is a prevalent comorbidity in coronary artery bypass grafting patients. However, it was not found as a factor that related to mortality or morbidity and coronary surgery seems feasible in this patient group.
Right Mini-Thoracotomy in the Surgical Treatment of Structural Heart Diseases (SHDs): An Institutional Experience
Authors: Özgür Mustafa Mert , Bulut Halil İbrahim , Özer Tanıl , Aksüt Mehmet , Güzeloğlu Anıl , Kırali Mehmet Kaan
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Surgical treatment of structural heart diseases continues to predominantly involve median sternotomy, despite the ongoing trends favoring minimally invasive approaches that have persisted for many years. In this study, we present data on structural heart disease (SHD) surgeries conducted by our institute using a right mini-thoracotomy approach.

Patients and Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 58 patients who underwent right minithoracotomy procedures between February 2018 and June 1, 2023. Preoperative demographic and medical data were collected from patient files and records. Perioperative and 30-day outcome data were obtained through the national electronic record system.

Results: The average age of the participants was 39.9. Female patients accounted for 31.6% (n= 18) of the participants. The majority of surgeries in this study involved peripheral cannulation and conventional cardioplegia. Mitral valve repair and atrial septal defect closure were the most common procedures performed. Intraoperative outcomes showed favorable results, with no instances of significant bleeding, structural complications, or mortality. Regarding the postoperative 30-day outcomes, the stroke rate was 1.8% (n= 1) among the patients. There were no reported cases of transient ischemic attack (TIA), myocardial infarction (MI), and mortality. The conversion to median sternotomy occurred in 3.4% (n= 2) of the cases. Reoperation and reexploration were required in 1.8% (n= 1) of the cases. The mean length of stay in the ICU was 1.7 days, while the mean length of ward stay was 4.2 days.

Conclusion: This study contributes to the evidence supporting the shift towards minimally invasive approaches in the surgical management of structural heart disease. The low rate of intraoperative conversion, absence of major complications, and favorable postoperative outcomes highlight the safety and feasibility of right mini-thoracotomy. Continued advancements in surgical techniques and clinical expertise are expected to further optimize patient outcomes and improve the quality of care in this field.
Utility of TAPSE/sPAP Ratio in Acute Pulmonary Embolism as Valuable Prognostic Marker as PESI Score
Authors: Çizgici Ahmet Yaşar , Gülmez Recep , Kahraman Serkan , Gültekin Güner Ezgi , Güler Arda , Kalkan Ali Kemal , Uzun Fatih , Yıldız Mustafa , Ertürk Mehmet
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) score is used to determine the risk of mortality and severity of complications in acute pulmonary embolism (APE). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (TAPSE/sPAP) ratio has been recently shown to predict poor 30-day clinical outcome in APE. We aimed to analyze the prognostic value of the TAPSE/sPAP ratio for prediction of 30-day adverse clinical outcomes in APE patients, similar to PESI score.

Patients and Methods: This study enrolled 203 retrospectively evaluated patients (female 108, mean age= 57.4 ± 15.5 years) with the diagnosis of APE between 2010 and 2020. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography before specific APE treatment. Primary endpoints were 30-day mortality, thrombolytic therapy requirement, mechanical ventilation requirement, mental status deterioration, and persistent hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg). The study population was divided into two groups according to the TAPSE/sPAP ratio= 114 patients in group 1 with a low TAPSE/sPAP ratio (<0.494) and 89 patients in group 2 with a high TAPSE/sPAP ratio (>0.494).

Results: The incidence of in-hospital mortality (4.4 vs. 0%, p= 0.045], 30-day mortality [n= 8 (7.0%); 0 (0%), p= 0.009] and primary adverse outcomes (35.1 vs. 0%, p< 0.001) were higher in group 1. The TAPSE/sPAP ratio was negatively correlated with PESI (r= -0.716, p< 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the TAPSE/sPAP ratio [OR= 0.001, 95C% CI= 0.000-0.476, p= 0.028] was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality in APE.

Conclusion: The present study showed that the TAPSE/sPAP ratio may be used in clinical practice for the prediction of short-term adverse outcome risk estimation in APE patients, similar to PESI score.
Atrial Dispersion Predicts Atrial Fibrillation in Mitral Stenosis: A Five-Year Follow-Up SpeckleTracking Echocardiography Study
Authors: Candan Özkan
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Atrial dispersion showing increased electrical heterogeneity may be associated with the occurence of atrial fibrillation (AF). In our study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of atrial dispersion evaluated by speckle tracking echocardiography on the occurence of AF on in patients with mild to moderate rheumatic mitral stenosis.

Patients and Methods: Sixty-two patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis with sinus rhythm, asymptomatic or NYHA 1 symptoms were included in the study. The time to peak atrial strain was measured for each segment by speckle tracking echocardiography in two and four-chamber views. Atrial dispersion was calculated by taking the standard deviation of time to peak strain in 12 left atrial segments. Echocardiographic and clinical parameters of the patients were compared according to the development of AF.

Results: During follow-up (mean follow-up duration, 49.9 ± 12.9 months), 19 patients (30%) developed AF. Compared to patients who did not develop AF at follow-up, patients with AF were older (46.8 ± 10.2 vs. 35.9 ± 12, p= 0.001), while mitral valve area (MVA) (1.38 ± 0.1 vs. ± 1.49 ± 0.18 vs. p= 0.02), PALS (13.7 ± 4 vs. 18.8 ± 5.5, p= 0.001) and PACS (6 ± 2.3 vs. 8.2 ± 3.8, p= 0.002) were found to be lower. Atrial dispersion was found to be increased in patients who developed AF (63.2 ± 13.5 vs. 46.1 ± 22.3, p= 0.003). Age, atrial dispersion and PALS were determined as independent predictors of AF development in Cox regression analysis.

Conclusion: Atrial dispersion, a new parameter measured by STE, predicts the development of AF. Increased atrial dispersion may provide additional benefits in initiating prophylactic antiarrhythmic drug therapy or anticoagulants.
PENGEMBANGAN BAHAN AJAR MATEMATIKA BERBASIS LITERASI NUMERASI PADA MATERI SKALA DAN PERBANDINGAN DI SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Dwirahma Erviona Rizky , Kusmaharti Dian , Yustitia Via
Published: February 2024

Kompetensi literasi numerasi pada peserta didik yang tergolong rendah. Selain hal tersebut juga dalam pembelajaran matematika beberapa guru hanya menggunakan buku paket serta serta minimnya bahan ajar sebagai pendukung pembelajaran yang menyebabkan kurangnya minat peserta didik dan monoton dalam pembelajaran matematika, sehingga dibutuhkan bahan ajar yang terintregrasi literasi numerasi agar dapat menumbuhkan kompetensi literasi numerasi peserta didik. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah (1) mendeskripsikan proses pengembangan bahan ajar matematika berbasis literasi numerasi, (2) mengetahui kelayakan produk bahan ajar matematika berbasis literasi numerasi. Model pengembangan dalam penelitian ini adalah model 4D. Model 4D terdapat empat tahapan diantaranya Define (Pendefinisian), Design (Perancangan), Development (Pengembangan) dan Disseminate (Penyebaran). Namun, dalam penelitian pengembangan yang dilakukan hanya menggunakan tahapan 3D atau sampai tahap Development (Tahap Pengembangan). Dalam penelitian pengembangan ini menggunakan teknik pengumpulan data yakni wawancara tidak terstruktur dan angket serta menggunakan teknik analisis data kualitatif dan teknik analisis data kuantitatif. Hasil dari penelitian adalah (1) sebuah produk bahan ajar matematika berbasis literasi numerasi pada materi skala dan perbandingan di Sekolah Dasar. Berdasakan hasil perolehan skor penilaian dari para ahli (ahli materi, ahli media dan ahli bahasa) didapatkan (2) hasil uji kelayakan dari produk pengembangan bahan ajar matematika berbasis literasi numerasi pada materi skala dan perbandingan di Sekolah Dasar mendapatkan kategori “Sangat Layak”.