bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alamandine alleviates methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity in rats by targeting oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Yildiz Azibe , Aras Muhammed , Gunata Mehmet , Durhan Merve , Polat Seyhan , Parlakpinar Hakan , Cigremis Yilmaz , Vardi Nigar
Published: August 2023

Aim: Nephrotoxicity due to the use of methotrexate (Mtx) is one of the most important problems associated with chemotherapy. Oxidative stress and inflammation are the major pathomechanisms of Mtx-induced nephrotoxicity. Alamandine (Ala), a new member of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), is an important peptide with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. In this study, it was investigated whether Ala ameliorates Mtx-induced kidney damage by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Materials and Methods: Male Wistar albino rats were assigned into three groups: control group, Mtx group, and Mtx+Ala group. At the end of the experiment, kidney tissues were quickly removed. Glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured to determine the oxidative state in kidney tissues. In addition, tissue samples were assessed as histopathological and immunohistochemical for heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 (RIPK3).
Results: Mtx treatment resulted in reduced GSH content, elevated MDA level, increased heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), and caspase-3 expression. These changes in kidney tissues of rats treated with Mtx triggered oxidative stress characterized by apoptosis and kidney damage. Mtx also markedly increased the expression of TNF-α, an inflammation marker, and RIPK3, a marker of necroptosis. However, Ala administration significantly alleviated Mtx-induced kidney damage by reducing apoptosis and necroptosis by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Conclusion: Taken together, our results support that Ala treatment can serve as a new and promising therapeutic strategy against Mtx-induced nephrotoxicity.
Keywords: Alamandine; methotrexate; oxidative stress; inflammation; apoptosis; necroptosis; nephrotoxicity
Bibliometric analysis of acupuncture/acupressure publications used for the prevention/treatment of nausea and vomiting in children
Authors: SARGIN Fatma
Published: August 2023

Objective: The aim of the present study is to analyze the literature on acupuncture/acupressure used in the prevention/treatment of nausea and vomiting in children and to guide future research.
Materials and Methods: Between 01.01.1990 and 31.12.2022, publications on acupuncture/acupressure used for the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting in children were searched in the Web of Science Core Collection. The keywords used during this search were [''acupuncture OR acupressure'' (All Fields) and ''nausea OR vomiting' (All Fields) and ''pediatric OR paediatric OR child OR children'' (All Fields)]. The publications obtained after this search were scanned one by one and it was determined whether they were appropriate for the present study. The organizations, authors, countries, journals, publication languages and types, distribution of publications by years, Web of Science categories and the most used keywords in these studies were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection. Descriptive analyzes were conducted in the light of the data obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection.
Results: There are 117 publications on acupuncture/acupressure, which is used in the prevention/treatment of nausea and vomiting in children. 63.2% of all publications were published in the last 10 years. Of all publications, only 2 (French, German) were not in English. These 117 publications have been published in 64 different journals. The most active authors; Kelly KM (5 publications), Liodden I (5 publications), Norheim AJ (5 publications), Vohra S (5 publications), the most active country; USA, which has 46.1% of all publications, the most active journal; 40 (34.1%) ''Pediatrics'' and the most active organization; 8 (6.8%) “Harvard University”. The most frequently used keywords were “acupuncture, nause, vomiting, pediatrics and chemotherapy”. Looking at the distribution of publication types, almost 90% of all articles were research articles, 73 (62.3%) and reviews 32 (27.3%).
Conclusion: All articles on acupuncture/acupressure used for the treatment/prevention of nausea and vomiting in the field of pediatrics published to date in the Web of Science Core Collection were analyzed in the present study. It is obvious that there is a large literature on this subject in pediatric patients, although it is not as extensive and comprehensive as in adults. Especially in the last 10 years, the number of publications has increased significantly, and it is possible to expect a wider range of literature on this subject in the coming years.
Evaluation of neurologically symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in childhood Wilson's disease with central nervous system involvement: A retrospective observational study
Authors: cel G , r kr
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective: The aim was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of children with Wilson's disease (WD) with and without neurological presentation with abnormalities on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to describe the relationship of these observations with disease severity and functional outcome and their impact on prognosis.
Materials and methods: Demographic, neuropsychiatric findings, laboratory, disease severity and functional results of 48 children with neurologically symptomatic and asymptomatic WD were evaluated retrospectively.
Results: A significant positive correlation was found between the neurologic symptom score and functional outcome in WD with neurological presentation (p <0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between disease severity scores (PELD, MELD, Child Pugh and Dhwin score) and modified Rankin scores (mRS) in WD without neurological presentation (p <0.001, 0.004, <0.001, 0.001, respectively). In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and Internationel Normalized Ratio (INR) values and mRS scores (p= 0.006, 0.012, 0.004, respectively). Kayser-Fleischer Ring sign in the eye was higher in the group with neurological symtomatic WD (p <0.001). The number of patients presenting with clinic of fulminant hepatitis and hepatic encephalopathy was significantly higher in the neurological asymptomatic group (p <0.001)
Conclusion: Brain MRI changes may occur even in hepatic WD and presymptomatic cases, although infrequently, regardless of the presence of neurological symptoms. It should be known that neurological symptoms in children and adolescents may occur without significant liver disease. Even without neurological symptoms, all children with WD should have a brain MRI before treatment.
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Presenting with Wide Complex Tachycardia: a Case Report
Authors: Alghamdi Mohannad , Almulhim Mohammed , Bunaian Abdullah , Alhowaish Emad , Alabdulmhsin Marwah , Alfaraj Abdulaziz
Published: August 2023

Background: Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to pump failure and hypoperfusion. Its causes, presentation, and treatment are well established in the literature. However, the VT treatment algorithm is based on non-traumatic patients. Due to different pathophysiology and presentation, treating VT in trauma patients should be different. Objective: The main purpose is to emphasize the approach to treating VT in severe head trauma patients. Case presentation: This case is a unique presentation of severe head trauma with a paucity of treatment approaches in the literature. In this article, we present a case of a middle-aged male patient presented to a level one trauma center with a history of falls from 2 stories height with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 3/15. ATLS approach was followed in treating this patient, his rhythm strip showed a wide complex regular rhythm, likely representing a VT with a pulse. The patient was treated as unstable because of a decreased level of consciousness. A 100 J synchronized cardioversion was given without restoration of normal sinus rhythm, followed by Mannitol 1g/kg, treating the possibility of high intracranial pressure (ICP), after which his rhythm was restored to sinus. Conclusion: The restoration of sinus rhythm after treating the possibility of high ICP suggests that the cause of VT in this severe TBI patient was the high ICP.
Combined Thoracic Paravertebral Block-Interscalene Block as a Primary Anesthetic for Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Case Report
Authors: AlBassam Bassam
Published: August 2023

Background: Regional anesthesia as a primary anesthetic can offer merits over general anesthesia for patients having multiple comorbidities who are at a high risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) and interscalene block (ISB) have been used widely to improve the quality of postoperative analgesia after breast surgery. Objective: There are limited data on the feasibility of combining TPVB-ISB as a sole anesthetic technique for extensive breast surgery with axillary lymph nodes dissection.Case presentation: In this report, the author presented a successful use of a combined TPVB and ISB as a sole anesthetic with conscious sedation in a 52-year-old patient with multiple comorbidities, including heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, who underwent modified radical mastectomy with left axillary lymph nodes dissection. Conclusion: Combining TPVB-ISB can be used as a sole anesthetic for extensive breast surgery in patients with a high risk for general anesthesia.
Safety and pulmonary function impact of surgical mask usage in stable COPD patients during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Guzel Efraim , Toprak Oya , Mete Burak , Kara Ertan , Gurbuz Okan , Demirhindi Hakan
Published: August 2023

There are hesitations about the use of surgical face masks, which are the main tools in protection from the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the biggest disasters of our age, in chronic airway diseases. The purpose of the study was to examine how stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) responded to short-term surgical mask use in terms of in-mask air quality, oxygen saturation, and pulmonary function. Forty-one patients with stable COPD, by clinical presentation and pulmonary function tests (PFTs), were included in a quasi-experimental study. Stable COPD patients' PFTs, in-mask air quality, and pollution measures were collected before and after wearing surgical masks for two hours at rest. The findings of simultaneous tests of peripheral-blood-oxygen saturation were also recorded. The mean age of participants was 67.1 years and 87.8% were male. The pre- and post-mask PFTs parameters for GOLD (A+B) group were FEV1 (ml), FEV1 (%), FVC (ml), FVC (%), FEV1/FVC (%) and DLCO (%) (p=0.067, p=0. 065, p=0.062, p=0.083, p=0.083, p=0.269, p=0.956, respectively), whereas in GOLD (C+D) group (p=0.340, p=0.538, p=0.728, p=0.044, p=0.105, p=0.054, respectively). In post-mask measurements, the respiratory function was not impaired in GOLD-2022 (A-B-C-D) COPD subgroups. Oxygen and carbon-monoxide concentrations in exhaled air and oxygen saturation decreased after surgical mask use. The difference was statistically significant, but the difference was unimportant in terms of clinical implications. Surgical masks don’t appear to have a negative effect on pulmonary function and clinical parameters in stable COPD. This study may help provide evidence-based data to overcome hesitations in use of surgical masks in chronic airway diseases.
Physician-reported ECOG-PS versus patient-reported (self) ECOG-PS: Which one is a better predictor of survival in cancer?
Authors: Onder Arif , Ozturk Banu , Kocer Murat , Gediz Deniz , Salim Derya , Yildiz Mustafa , Bayram Selami , Goktas Sevil
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study is to determine the discrepancy and agreement between Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) scores evaluated by doctors and patients and examine the factors that influence the performance evaluation of doctors and patients. This study is a prospective and descriptive case-control study. General, demographic, and oncologic data of the patients were collected. e-control study. General, demographic, and oncologic data of the patients were collected. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety and depression surveys were conducted to determine patients' levels of anxiety and depression, and at the same time, both the doctors and the patients were asked to determine their performance status. As a result, the discrepancy in performance evaluation between the patient and the doctor, the factors affecting this discrepancy, and its effect on progression and survival were examined. 277 patients were included. 146 (52.7%) were male, and 131 (47.3%) were female. The most common cancers were breast cancer (17.7%, n=49) and lung cancer (17.3%, n=48). It was found that the doctors' assessment of patient performance increased the progression risk by 3.1 times (HR: 3.080, 95% CI: 1,671-5,675) in ECOG-PS 2 compared to ECOG-PS 0 and by 5 times (HR: 4.980, 95% CI 1.405-17.646) in ECOG-PS 3 compared to ECOG-PS 0. Our study determined a weak agreement between the doctor and patient in terms of performance assessment. The most significant reason for this discrepancy was found to be due to the levels of depression or anxiety in patients. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the performance evaluations determined by doctors are more accurate and meaningful in terms of progression and survival results compared to those determined by patients.
ANALISIS PENGARUH RETURN ON EQUITY (ROE), DEBT TO EQUITY RASIO (DER) DAN NET PROFIT MARGIN (NPM) TERHADAP HARGA SAHAM DENGAN UKURAN PERUSAHAAN SEBAGAI VARIABEL MODERATING (PADA PERUSAHAAN SUB SEKTOR INDUSTRI TEXTILE DAN GARMEN YANG TERDAFTAR DI BURSA EFEK
Authors: Ihsan Sahrul , Karyadi Muhamad
Published: August 2023

Untuk mengetahui  Return On Equity(ROE), Debt To Equity Rasio(DER), Net Profit Margin(NPM), Return On Equity dan Debt To Equity Rasio berpengaruh signifikan terhadap harga saham dengan Ukuruan Perusahaan sebagai variabel moderating pada perusahaan sub sektor industri textile dan garmen yang terdaftar di BEI. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan Hasil penelitian ini menyatakan bahwa Return On Equity  berpengaruh secara parsial terhadap Harga Saham. Hasil penelitian ini menyatakan bahwa Debt To Equity Rasiotidak berpengaruh secara parsial terhadap Harga Saham. Hasil penelitian ini menyatakan bahwa Net Profit Marginberpengaruh secara parsial terhadap Harga Saham. Return On Equity sebagai variabel moderating artinya ukuran perusahaan mampu memoderasi pengaruh Return On Equity terhadap harga saham. Debt To Equitas Rasio bukan sebagai variabel moderating artinya ukuran perusahaan tidak mampu memoderasi pengaruh Return On Equityterhadap harga saham. Net Profit Margin sebagai variabel moderating artinya ukuran perusahaan mampu memoderasi pengaruh Net Profit Margin terhadap harga saham.
ANALISIS PENGARUH GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (GCG) DAN CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) TERHADAP PROFITABILITAS PERUSAHAAN PERBANKAN YANG TERDAFTAR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA TAHUN 2016-2020
Authors: Lalu Rizal Lalu Rizal Ihwandi
Published: August 2023

This study aims to determine the influence analysis of  Good Corporate Governance (GCG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on the Profitability of banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The population of this research is the banking industry as much as 46 and the research sample is 13 with the sampling technique using purposive sampling. Data analysis used multiple linear regression models and the research error rate was α = 5%. Based on the statistical results of the t-test with a t-value of -3.130. T table is searched at a significance of 0.05 the results are obtained for t table of 1,998 (-3,130> 1.998) with a significance level of 0.003 <0.05. Then Ho is rejected Ha is accepted so it can be concluded that Good Corporate Governance (GCG) has a significant effect on profitability. So is CSR on profitability. Based on the statistical results of the t-test with a t-value of -0.745. T table is searched at a significance of 0.05 the results are obtained for t table of 1,998 (-0.745 <1.998) with a significance level of 0.460 > 0.05. Then Ho is accepted  Ha is rejected so it can not be concluded that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has a significant effect on profitability.
 
Keywords: Good Corporate Governance (GCG), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),   Profitability
Теоретичний концепт брендингу в умовах релокації бізнесу
Authors: Урупа І. О.
Published: August 2023

У дослідженні розкрита основна сутність поняття бренду та його зв’язок з торговельною маркою. Розглянуто теоретичні основи бренду та брендингу. Висвітлені основні елементи формування бренду. Узагальнені підходи до використання бренду з метою посилення репутації, пізнаваності компанії. Актуалізована важливість застосування брендингу для посилення позитивного іміджу компанії в умовах посилення конкуренції. Визначено, що бренд в ринкових умовах стає важливою складовою формування конкурентної стратегії фірми та фактором посилення її конкурентоспроможності. Наголошено, що брендинг являє собою комплекс стратегічних та творчих заходів, спрямованих на створення, розвиток і управління образом товару, послуги, компанії чи навіть особистості в мозаїці споживчого уявлення, враження, які споживачі пов'язують з конкретним продуктом чи компанією. Акцентовано, що підтримання та збереження бренду актуальне питання при релокації бізнесу в умовах воєнного стану в Україні. Обґрунтовано, що процес формування сильного бренду стає стратегічно важливим напрямом маркетингової політики фірми та потребує посиленої уваги для її менеджменту. Відзначено, що військові дії внесли значні зміни у функціонування економіки, особливості ведення бізнесу, а активні бойові дії поставили перед компаніями нові виклики для виживання. Значна кількість підприємств з непідконтрольних територій втратила свої активи, керівництво багатьох фірм вимушено переміщували свою діяльність на більш безпечні території країни, деякі розпочинали діяльність «з нуля», а окремі бізнес структури релокувались за кордон. У будь-якому з цих варіантів паралельним процесом для більшості підприємств поставало питання брендингу. Акцентовано, що наявність сильних брендів стає вагомим фактором для забезпечення розвитку, функціонування в умовах релокації бізнесу, дає додаткові стартові можливості для утримання споживачів, масштабування бізнесу, відновлення та подальшого розвитку.
Big Data Management and Analytics as a Cloud Service
Authors: Shahad Alghamdi  , Alghamdi Sarah , Almansour Yasmeen , Badiwalla Alfia
Published: August 2023

Traditional database management systems are inadequate for handling uncertain data due to design limitations. Various methods address database uncertainty, often oversimplifying and restricting representable uncertainties. Rapid data growth from technologies like IoT, multimedia, and social media has led to massive diverse data, known as big data, categorized into structured, semi-structured, and unstructured types. Coping with big data's challenges is encapsulated in the "Vs Model" with volume, velocity, and variety dimensions. It aims to gather variable information for causal understanding and informed decisions. Big data offers competitive advantages: smart decisions (69%), operational control (54%), customer insights (52%), and cost cuts (47%). This research studies big data management and cloud computing, where data and apps are accessed via the internet, saving resources globally. Cloud's simplicity and power facilitate tasks and storage. Risks include bankruptcy or breaches, yet cloud remains valuable for preserving big data. Vital factors in big data's value creation involve converting IT costs to assets and connecting big data outcomes to performance. This abstract summarizes exploration of traditional limitations, big data's essence, cloud's potential, and value creation nuances.
Multi-agent Intelligent System Design for Telemedicine Applications to Develop Health Care Systems of Developing Countries
Authors: AlTaei Mohammad , Hamdoon Subhi Hamadi
Published: August 2023

Various factors controlling health care in any country, but still there is a weakness in the infrastructure of health care systems in some developing countries, including many Arab countries, due to the shortage of medical specialists personnel, global economic crisis, and wars and disasters that struck many countries. A crying need for a tele-medical care becomes a necessity, and in order to overcoming this weakness we have proposed a multi-agent intelligent Telemedicine system in this research. The proposed system can help solve the shortage of specialists urgently and at lower costs. Furthermore, it can save the efforts of the patients' expensive travel for treatment abroad. Moreover, it can avoid infections from social closeness in times of disasters and pandemics.

Nowadays Telemedicine systems have gradually become a popular medical model which have always attracted much attention due to the continuous development of the multi-agents' structure and capabilities of the artificial intelligence systems. So we will focus in the prototype design of our system on the algorithms, techniques and devices that support the multi-agents' structure and AI technologies. The Multi-agent approach happens to be a suitable structure for the development of Telemedicine systems. Worth mentioning it can solve problems that are difficult or impossible for an individual agent or a monolithic system, and the AI capabilities will minimize human errors and improve health care outcomes.

We will start by a state-of-the-art literature survey as conducted on the E-health system architecture, AI capabilities, and multi-agent platform, and then we will illustrate prototype design of the suggested Multi-agent intelligent system for Telemedicine which will contribute in the development of the health care systems in the developing countries.

Keywords: Healthcare system; Medical System; Artificial Intelligence; Multi-Agent, Telemedicine; Telehealth.
Sosialisasi Mitigasi Kebencanaan Berbasis Masyarakat Di Desa Peunayong
Authors: Ruzana Anita rauzana , Dharma Wira , Zardan M.
Published: August 2023

In an effort to reduce disaster risk, disaster management activities need to be implemented as part of people's daily lives. The disaster management paradigm that has developed is more focused on preventing risk from arising, namely at the pre-disaster stage or known as risk management. At this stage strengthening community capacity in dealing with disasters is a very important part. Strengthening community capacity can be established by increasing the active participation of the community in various disaster management activities in Peunayong village in Banda Aceh. Indonesia is an area with a fairly high level of disaster risk, especially on the island of Sumatra including Banda Aceh, because on the island of Sumatra, especially Banda Aceh is an area that often occurs earthquakes, this is because the territory of Indonesia is located between the four Eurasian plates, the Indo-Australian plate, the Philippine plate and the Pacific plate, earthquakes with a magnitude of 7 on the Richter Scale or more often occur in areas around the meeting between these plates, for example the earthquake accompanied by the tsunami in 2004 that hit Aceh, which resulted in many casualties, considering Indonesia's special territory Banda Aceh often experiences earthquakes, so training and counseling on disaster management (disaster mitigation) are needed for the people in Banda Aceh. This community service program is carried out so that the community can prepare themselves and add insight in dealing with disasters, namely by counseling and training the community on disaster management/disaster mitigation.
CRUZANDO O OCEANO: CONTRIBUIÇÕES DA APRENDIZAGEM BASEADA NO ENSINO POR INVESTIGAÇÃO NA PERCEPÇÃO DE PROFESSORES BRASILEIROS E SUL-AFRICANOS
Authors: Locatelli Solange Wagner , Testoni Leonardo André , James Angela Antoinette
Published: August 2023

Estudos comparados internacionais, na área de educação, constituem-se como uma frutífera metodologia de análise, que busca evidenciar os aspectos socioculturais convergentes e divergentes no que se refere ao fenômeno educacional. Nessa linha, dentro da visão específica do ensino de ciências da natureza, o ensino por investigação (EI) estabelece-se no contexto mundial (citado como Inquiry-Based Learning), há décadas, como importante estratégia para os processos de ensino-aprendizagem de conceitos científicos. Desse modo, o presente artigo buscou analisar possíveis contribuições de um curso de extensão sobre o EI na percepção de professores sul-africanos e brasileiros. Para tanto, em um viés teórico, a presente investigação dialoga com os elementos presentes em propostas baseadas no EI, já abordados, tanto no Brasil, por Zômpero e Laburú, como na África do Sul, por Ramnarain. Em uma vertente metodológica, 32 professores sul-africanos e brasileiros tiveram suas respostas a um questionário analisadas por meio da Análise Textual Discursiva. Dentre os resultados obtidos, infere-se acerca de muitas percepções docentes comuns entre os dois grupos analisados, entre elas, a valorização do trabalho colaborativo, a motivação, além da importância atribuída ao EI para uma aprendizagem significativa em Ciências e sobre as Ciências.
PRODUCCIÓN EDITORIAL UNIVERSITARIA EN EL NORTE DE VENEZUELA
Authors: Borges Wilmara , Rodríguez Acasio Freddy
Published: August 2023

Este texto se presenta con el objetivo de describir las perspectivas, realidades y desafíos de la producción editorial universitaria venezolana en el contexto del norte de Venezuela, específicamente del Estado Falcón. Metodológicamente tiene un carácter fenomenológico hermenéutico y se fundamenta en la visión y vivencias de algunos actores sociales directamente involucrados en este proceso editorial, esto lo brinda Ludwik Fleck en relación a los círculos de pensamiento y el rol subjetivo e interpretativo del investigador como un agente coordinador del conocimiento a generar. Los puntos de convergencia que se necesitaban en las entrevistas realizadas permiten reconocer que ha habido un trabajo editorial en el ámbito universitario del estado Falcón (Venezuela), que es loable, pero no ha habido una conciencia editorial en el recorrido histórico que permite sistematizar los logros alcanzados para poder ingresar a los estándares requeridos para posicionarse a nivel internacional y que, además, ha generado un descuido hacia la importancia de apuntar a estos estándares con ambición. La perspectiva de la producción editorial universitaria en el norte de Venezuela ha estado matizada por la necesidad de difundir el trabajo realizado en los centros de investigación y en el seno de los estudios de posgrado a nivel de doctorado.
LOS CENTROS DE INVESTIGACIÓN DEL ÁREA DE EDUCACIÓN EN LA UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL EXPERIMENTAL FRANCISCO DE MIRANDA DE VENEZUELA
Authors: Revilla Hidalgo Yudyth Marlene , Madriz Jesús
Published: August 2023

En el estado Falcón de Venezuela existen once universidades: una privada y diez públicas (de las cuales nueve son experimentales y una autónoma), y en cuanto a los institutos universitarios existen cuatro de carácter privado, conformando así el sistema de educación universitaria del estado con quince instituciones con docentes, estudiantes, personal administrativo y obrero. Particularmente la Universidad Nacional Experimental Francisco de Miranda, de carácter público, ha sido bandera en el campo investigativo apuntando siempre al desarrollo integral del estado Falcón. Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar un recorrido sobre la tradición que acompaña la instalación y desarrollo de los Centros de Investigación en esta institución desde los aportes en el área de Educación. La ruta metodológica de este artículo estuvo orientada por la perspectiva de la narratividad, fenomenología y hermenéutica de Ricoeur, regida además por el axioma de Kant respecto al conocimiento como resultado de la experiencia. Luego del análisis de entrevistas realizadas, se llega a concluir que la labor investigativa en la UNEFM está estrechamente ligada a la producción editorial como consecuencia de esta, de allí que el impulso que se le pueda a dar a la gestión editorial va a motivar y visibilizar los productos investigativos, lo que podría reimpulsar la investigación en esta Alma Mater.
EDUCAÇÃO E DESRESPEITO
Authors: Meucci Arthur
Published: August 2023

Este artigo analisa fenômenos discursivos sobre a escola pública entre os membros de uma comunidade de alto capital econômico na cidade de São Paulo no ano de 2014. Utilizou-se como marco teórico-metodológico a Hermenêutica de Profundidade de John Thompson e a teoria do Reconhecimento de Axel Honneth. Constatou-se um alinhamento ideológico nos discursos de marginalização da escola pública, dos seus membros (educandos e educadores), e uma defesa do ensino privado como instância legítima de formação escolar e ética. Os argumentos e figuras de linguagem utilizada nesses discursos eram veiculados diariamente pelo jornalismo policial nas emissoras de televisão, estabelecendo relações de desrespeitos ao impor estereótipos depreciativos aos estudantes das escolas públicas para a opinião pública.
Presidential Personality and Foreign Policy Decision-Making: The Sunshine Policy under Kim Dae-jung (1998–2003)
Authors: Kim Shin Yon
Published: August 2023

This study uses leadership trait analysis to examine the link between personality and policy regarding South Korea's Sunshine Policy toward North Korea and demonstrates that Kim Dae-jung's personality characteristics largely accounted for this policy's content, process, and outcome.
With an analytical focus on the decision-making system, this study finds that Kim's formal model was characterized by a control deemed inherently more indirect, subtle, and socialized than direct, personalized, or outright. Specifically, this type of control can be attributed to Kim's personality
traits, such as a persistently high need for power and relationship focus, along with other idiosyncratic style variables, such as disinclination toward interpersonal conflict, a sense of efficacy, and a sophisticated cognitive quality. President Kim's resulting management style had the e
ect of empowering members of his advisory group and invigorating the policy process. In addition, the president's trusted chief of staff, who served as a competent and thoughtful custodian manager with substantial authority, helped manage the system effectively and enhanced its stability.
The study concludes that Kim Dae- jung's management style, incorporating socialized control over decision- making, combined with his advocate leadership style in implementation (marked by a relentless push for his rapprochement agenda and a tendency to challenge constraints indirectly), helped
accelerate the overall policy process. This contributed to the improvement of inter-Korean relations during his presidency.
Governing the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia: Shifting Capacity under a Fragmented Political Leadership
Authors: Hong Por Heong
Published: August 2023

Drawing on a variety of material—mass and social media texts, government reports, and everyday observations—this article examines two interrelated dynamics in Malaysia in 2020–2021: the COVID-19 pandemic's unfolding local trajectory and the short-lived Perikatan Nasional
(PN) coalition's governance capacity. Despite political instability resulting from this government's rise to power following internal political manouevrings, it managed to e ectively control a major wave of cases with the help of a centralized healthcare system manned by permanent professional
sta and the imposition of coercive measures. Thus, Malaysia's success in "governing" the early phase of the pandemic is arguably attributable to its strong state infrastructure, notwithstanding the untimely unfolding of this political coup. However, an ideal type approach—that is, concern
with state capacity—is inadequate in making sense of subsequent failures to control the pandemic after a state election took place several months later. Using Migdal's "state-in-society" approach, this article focuses on the political process of pandemic governance to shed light on Malaysia's
shifting state capabilities. Arguably, the resulting shifting responses were mainly shaped by: (1) continuous partisanship; (2) PN's internal fragmentation; (3) PN's complacency in initially "flattening the curve"; and (4) poor governance during the state election.
Fiji's 2022 Election: The Defeat of the Politics of Fear
Authors: Fraenkel Jon
Published: August 2023

An election held under semi-authoritarian conditions in Fiji in December 2022 saw a narrow defeat for coup leader Frank Bainimarama's incumbent FijiFirst Party. This paper looks at the political parties, the campaign issues, and the results. It argues that fear of yet another coup,
as occurred in 1987, 2000, and 2006, was a critical factor determining election outcomes in 2014 and 2018, but a credible rejection of that option by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in 2022 and an opposition campaign that could no longer be depicted as ethno-nationalist paved the way
for regime change in Fiji.
"Ambiguous" Network Monarchy as Problematic Euphoric Couplet
Authors: Nishizaki Yoshinori
Published: August 2023

Frequently cited in the literature on recent Thai politics, Duncan McCargo's influential "network monarchy" concept is nonetheless inadequately developed. As such, it has been questioned and challenged by several scholars in recent years. In his 2021 Pacific Affairs article,
McCargo rebuts many of these scholars' arguments and defends his concept. His defence is unpersuasive, however. It falls short of elaborating on the scope, composition, and modus operandi of network monarchy, leaving the shortcomings of his original concept unrectified. Most seriously, McCargo
now accentuates the "ambiguous" quality of network monarchy—a quality he did not emphasize originally—in order to accommodate new empirical anomalies and counter his critics. By so doing, he renders his argument unfalsifiable. Drawing on Robert Cribb's thoughts, this article first
spells out why or how the insu ciently developed network monarchy concept has become so widespread in the first place. It then examines the untenable nature of McCargo's rejoinder to his critics, especially to Eugénie Mérieau.
El rol de la auditoría informática en la era de la protección de datos personales en Ecuador
Authors: Lucero Luis
Published: August 2023

La auditoría informática es un proceso de control que surge como un órgano de supervisión en instituciones estatales y privadas. Inicialmente, se enfocaba en aspectos económico-financieros, evaluando la integridad y veracidad de la información financiera y contable, y garantizando el cumplimiento de normas y regulaciones. La auditoría informática, por otro lado, tiene como objetivo evaluar y analizar los sistemas y procesos informáticos de una organización, buscando garantizar su integridad, confiabilidad y seguridad. Se lleva a cabo mediante actividades como la revisión de controles internos, evaluación de riesgos, análisis de infraestructura tecnológica y cumplimiento de normativas vigentes. La auditoría informática también se preocupa por la gestión de la información y la eficiencia de los sistemas informáticos. Su importancia radica en la protección de recursos informáticos, cumplimiento de políticas y normas, gestión de la información y mejora de la eficiencia de los sistemas. Se analizó los cambios que han surgido en el ámbito de la auditoria informática en relación a la implementación de la ley de protección de datos en Ecuador.
“Human Papilloma Virus”: A common Spelling Error in Medical Literature
Authors: Kanmodi Kehinde Kazeem , Obute ThankGod Emmanuel
Published: August 2023

Letter to the editor.
Evolution of spontaneous dissecting mycotic Superior Mesenteric aneurysm in a 12-year-old child: A case report
Authors: Mulenga Mulewa , Bvulani Bruce , Maleya Adrian
Published: August 2023

Visceral artery aneurysms are uncommon especially in children. One of the main complications before surgery is rupture. This 12-year-old child presented with a large, fast growing, mycotic superior mesenteric aneurysm that had all the favourable conditions for rupture. There was spontaneous dissection of the weakened media with partial erosion of the aneurysm into the wall of the third part of the duodenum. However, this aneurysm formed a thrombus that gradually occluded the lumen. This led to formation of collateral vessels for the continued vascular supply of the midgut. The uniqueness of this case report has been highlighted from several points (the rarity of the condition in children, the favorability of the conditions to rupture, the gradual but complete luminal occlusion with the eventual formation of collaterals to supply the midgut, and the spontaneous medial dissection with partial duodenal wall erosion without causing rupture). Although there is no standard surgical approach, early elective surgery is recommended. Nonoperative  approach is an option that should aim at reducing the risk for rupture. Control of blood pressure is key. This child underwent surgery. Under total vascular exclusion, the aneurysm was opened. After total luminal occlusion and collateral blood supply to midgut was noted, infected thrombus was evacuated and the aneurysm walls debrided.
Anti-Diarrhoeal Properties of Stem Bark of Cassia Abbreviataagainst Castor Oil-Induced Diarrhoea in Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Chitoti John Lumbala , Kaonga Patrick , Prasha Lavina
Published: August 2023

Objectives: The main objective of the study was to explore the in-vivo anti-diarrheal properties of Methanol, Ethanol, Hot and Coldwater fractions of Cassia abbreviata (Fabaceae) stem bark in mice model in order to validate its traditional use.

Study Design: This study was an experimental based study, where we used 30 Swiss albino mice and these were divided into five groups of six mice.

Methods: The test groups (group three, four and five) received various doses of the crude extracts (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) respectively, whereas the positive control (group two) received Loperamide (5mg/kg) as standard reference drug and negative control (group one) received distilled water (10ml/kg). The antidiarrheal activity of the four extracts from stem bark of Cassia abbreviata were evaluated in a castor oil-induced diarrhea model in mice and compared with Loperamide. Whereas the effect of methanol extract on gastrointestinal motility was also determined by the oral administration of charcoal meal. Data was analyzed using STATA version 13, presented as means and standard deviation, ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc and Pearson tests were done.

Results: The severity of diarrhea was reduced significantly (p<0.001) by the four extracts (400mg/kg doses) where Methanol, Ethanol, Hot and Coldwater extracts had 64.5%, 62.4%, 60.9% and 59.7% respectively, whereas the standard drug Loperamide had 67.7% diarrhea inhibition. This was evidenced by reduction in frequency of diarrheal episodes and stool outputs when compared to the control group. The intestinal peristalsis was significantly (p<0.001) reduced by methanol extract (53.3%) at 400mg/kg when compared to Loperamide (65.5%). 

Conclusion: It was concluded that all the four extracts from the stem bark of Cassia abbreviata scientifically displayed anti-diarrheal properties, which require further scientific studies leading to identification of the actual compounds.
Correlation of Plasma Zinc with Neutralising Antioxidant Enzymes and Cellular Immune Responses in Healthy Nigerian Adults
Authors: Arinola O. G , Edem V. F.
Published: August 2023

Background: Considerable information is available on the role of micronutrient Zinc in many aspects of immune function and protection of cell membranes from oxidative damage in diseased states. To our knowledge, there are no reports relating Zinc levels with different stages neutralizing antioxidant enzymes and cellular immune processes (leucocyte migration, engulfment and intracellular killing of phagocytosis) among healthy Nigerians. 

Methodology: In 50 healthy Nigerians, cellular phagocytic mechanism [percentage leucocyte migration (%LM) and intracellular killing (%NBT)] were determined by microscopy; inflammatory cytokines [Plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6) and 8 (IL-8)] were determined using ELISA; respiratory burst indices [plasma catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO)] were determined by spectrophotometry. Zinc (Zn) was determined using AAS. Phagocytic indices, cytokines and respiratory burst indices were correlated with plasma Zn levels using Spearmans Correlation analysis at α0.05.

Results: The result of the study shows that plasma IL-8 level was negatively correlated with Zn level while catalase was positively correlated with Zn level in healthy Nigerians.

Conclusion: Taken together, these findings suggest that immuno-potential effect of Zn may include production of protective antioxidant neutralizing enzyme (catalase) and reduction of IL-8 inflammatory cytokine.

Recommendation: These findings raise the possibility that Zn supplementation or Zn containing diets may be beneficial to individuals with intracellular infection or inflammatory diseases.
Evaluation of Von Willebrand Factor and other Coagulation Homeostasis Profile of Patients with Sickle Cell Anaemia attending a Tertiary Hospital at Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Onoja Solomon Oloche , Eluke Blessing Chekwube , Dangana Amos , Musa Sanusi , Abdullahi Idris Nasir
Published: August 2023

Background:

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a genetic disorder that has been shown to facilitate certain forms of coagulopathy. However, there is a paucity of data that demonstrated these features in Nigerian Sickle cell anaemic patients.

The objective of study:

This prospective study aims to determine the plasma level of vWF, APTT, PT, platelet count and haematological parameters of SCA patients in steady state in comparison with apparently healthy individuals attending the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 85 participants were enrolled in this study. This comprised of 35 homozygous SCA in steady-state as test subjects (HbSS) and 50 apparently healthy individuals of Hb AA as the control group. Blood samples were collected from all participants; both PT and APTT were analysed using Quick and kaolin methods, respectively., vWF was assayed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Haematological parameters were analysed through the use of an automated haematology analyser.

Results:

There was significant elevation of mean±SD of vWF, APTT and platelet count among SCA patients (52.53 ± 1.45 iu/dl), (48.40 ± 4.99 s) and (287.68 ± 21.43 x109/l) when compared with the mean value in control group (40.16 ±1.50 iu/dl), (33.88 ± 1.34 s) and (219.67 ± 13.9 x109/l) (p< 0.05). However, there were significant decrease in PCV, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count among SCA patients, (24.00 ± 0.82 l/l), (7.89 ± 0.24 g/l) and (2.97 ± 0.8 x 1010/l) when compared with control group (40.95 ± 0.73 l/l), (12.44 ± 0.26 g/l) and (4.81 ± 0.11 x 10/l) (p˂ 0.05) respectively. In addition, significant elevation of mean ±SD MCH and MCHC with mean values of (26.63±0.93 pg) and (33.28 ± 0.52 g/l) among subjects when compared with control groups (25.68± 0.47 pg), (30.30 ± 0.18 g/l) (p˂0.005). However, there were no significant differences in WBC, PT and MCV in both study groups.

Conclusion:

Findings from this study demonstrated prolonged coagulation profile, thrombocytosis and leucocytosis among SCA patients in steady state.
Relationship between placental weight, birth weight, maternal biosocial characteristics and placental-to-birth-weight ratio
Authors: Adeniran Abiodun S , Adesina Kikelomo T. , Ezeoke Grace G. , Fawole Adegboyega A. , Aboyeji Abiodun P. , Ijaiya Munirdeen A.
Published: August 2023

Background: Although routine measurements are taken at birth, the derivable benefits from their interpretations have not been maximized in the care of the newborn. 

 Aim: To determine the relationship between placental weight (PW) at birth, maternal biosocial characteristics, birth weight (BW) and placental-to-birth-weight ratio (PBWR) on immediate and follow up care of the newborn.

 Methods: A cross-sectional study involving parturient who had singleton deliveries at ≥32weeks gestation with comparison of maternal biosocial parameters, PW, BW and PBWR. Deliveries <32weeks gestation, multiple gestation and incomplete placenta were excluded from the study.  Data was retrieved from the institutional birth registry; data management included determination and comparison of mean values and ratio of individual parameters using SPSS version 21.0.

 Result: Among the 8645 participants, the mean PW was 589.2±146g and it increased with maternal age. The mean BW increased with maternal age with a decline from 35years, PBWR declined until age 30years with a rise afterwards. The mean PW increased with parity, the BW increased till the fourth delivery when it began to decline but PBWR did not follow a regular pattern with parity. The PW and BW increased with gestational age while PBWR increased till 36th week, declined from 37th to 42nd week with a rise from 43rd week. The mean PW and BW increased with maternal educational status while booked participants had higher PW and BW but lower PBWR compared to unbooked women.

 Conclusion: The placental weight is a central index for the interpretation of measurements at birth, detection of associated abnormalities and suggestion for neonatal follow-up.
Turbinate Dysfunction as a presenting feature in Paediatric COVID-19 Infection: A case report from Southern Zambia
Authors: Moonga Benedict , Walaza Phiri , Chanda Kapoma , Malan Malumani
Published: August 2023

With the focus on adult patients, children with an upper respiratory tract symptom should be suspected and screened for COVID-19 given the mild presentation of the disease in this population. We present a case of a 1-year-old who presented with features of turbinate dysfunction and a history of COVID-19 suspect contact-mother.
The hidden monster of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in resource limited settings: a call to action
Authors: Chipare Mwakanyadzeni Abigail
Published: August 2023

The emergence of COVID-19 has seen an unprecedented increase in social and economic disruption worldwide. While measures such as lockdowns and directives to stay at home have helped ease the impact of the pandemic, there has been an upsurge of reported cases of intimate partner and domestic violence. This problem has disproportionately affected already socially disadvantaged communities especially those in low and middle income countries. This paper discusses domestic violence in the context of COVID-19 and proffers recommendations on how to address this growing burden. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruption in almost all facets of life globally. As the world grappled with the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, numerous public health interventions have been instituted across the globe and these include physical distancing, social isolation and stay at home measures among others. While “stay at home” messages have helped to slow down community spreading of the virus, there also has been an increased risk of domestic violence which has been reported during these times. A number of researches have reported increased incidences and concerns around domestic violence 1-9 during the COVID-19 pandemic which suggest that this is a growing public health concern which needs urgent intervention. For instance, evidence from a recent study indicated that there was a 7.5%