bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INCREASING SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN TAIWAN: TIPS AND TRICKS
Authors: Devayana Putra Cendra , Lavita Angelina Clara
Published: July 2024

Background: COVID-19 has significantly impacted education, resulting in low acceptance rates at universities in Taiwan and Indonesia. These low acceptance rates contribute to a shortage of human resources, which could have far-reaching consequences for the economy, education, health, and political stability. Nations with limited human capital may become dependent on foreign labor to meet their workforce needs, leading to local unemployment and heightened competition between local and foreign workers. Therefore, investing heavily in education and training is crucial. Objective: To address this issue, community services have been conducted in Indonesia to provide students with information on scholarships and technical strategies. Method: The community services were organized in several steps, including preparation, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Results: The effectiveness of the event was assessed through pre-test and post-test questionnaires. Conclusion: Through a series of scholarship webinars, it was observed that knowledge and awareness about scholarships increased, providing students with greater opportunities for securing scholarships.
OPTIMIZING THE TOUR GUIDE'S PROVISION OF INFORMATION THROUGH ONLINE MEDIA
Authors: Yulianto Irwan , Alvianna Stella , Pandu Dinata Krishna , Luisa Stefani Agnes
Published: July 2024

Background: Tour guides play a crucial role during a vacation. Tour guides do more than only provide information about the tourist spots seen; they also educate foreign tourists who visit an area. The number of travel agents supplying guidance is growing, and they come in a variety of forms, including companies, institutions, individuals, and communities. Objective: This activity tries to solve marketing difficulties (by generating online marketing media) while also giving tourist training, particularly for tour guides, to community members. Method: This activity tries to solve marketing difficulties (by generating online marketing media) while also giving tourist training, particularly for tour guides, to community members. Results: The presence of a website/blog will enhance the number of users or consumers who use the services provided by the "A Day in Malang" Community in Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia. Having a website or blog: Promotions were once limited to word-of-mouth, but with the introduction of online management, marketing has expanded. Conclusion: Tour guide techniques are improving and becoming more professional, both in terms of guiding services and POP (Tourism Operational Planning), allowing activities to be structured and directed in accordance with the schedule established or previously agreed upon.
PILAT (FRESHWATER CATFISH FARMING) IN AN EFFORT TO OPTIMIZE FACILITIES AND IMPROVE THE ECONOMY AT NURUL AMANAH BOARDING SCHOOL
Authors: Wilyanto Putra Roy , Baharrizki Silvia , Audry Astrantia Deswa , Nuraini Sa’adiyah , Selka Dwiyanti Oky , Rangga Wira Kertanegara Sri , Amaliyah
Published: July 2024

Background: Nurul Amanah Islamic boarding school has adequate catfish production facilities, including 12 biofloc catfish ponds, plenty of water, seed and feed wholesalers near the pesantren, and fish collectors ready to sell the catfish harvest. The facilities are still not being used properly. Objective: To establish the economic potential of catfish culture, as well as how to manage and spawn catfish in order to carry out catfish cultivation sustainably. Method: Education is provided by presenting maintenance procedures, feed management that uses maggots as feed support, and proper spawning techniques that identify catfish gonads based on maturity level. The practice of catfish cultivation is carried out by forming the organizational structure of the catfish cultivation board, as well as a rotating picket schedule, the practice of spawning mature catfish by separating them in a concrete pool and giving fibers as a place for catfish to lay eggs later, and after laying eggs within 24 hours, the fibers are taken and separated from the mother to avoid the mother eating eggs. The next practice is to feed catfish on a regular basis in the morning and evening, using maggot as a mixture. Results: The training of freshwater catfish cultivation, it can re-optimize the function of the facilities that are already available. Conclusion: The initiative has been effectively implemented at Pondok Pesantren Nurul Amanah.
Langevin Monte Carlo integration with discountinious contribution function for light transport simulation
Authors: Nikolaev Alexander Alekseevich , Ershov Sergey Valentinovich , Frolov Vladimir Alexandrovich
Published: July 2024

Our paper is devoted to the study of the Monte Carlo method based on the Langevin equation as applied to Monte Carlo rendering. We describe a simplified scene with a complex and discountinious density of contribution function, in which we evaluate the influence of the preconditioning matrix in the Langevin equation. Such a scene allows us to obtain explainable and interpretable results, which is difficult in real scenes encountered in Monte Carlo rendering. Test results demonstrate that a properly selected way to build preconditioning matrix can significantly reduce the number of steps of the Monte Carlo method, necessary to achieve the specified accuracy.
The simplest approximation of integral coefficients in the equations of correlational magnetodynamics for ferromagnets
Authors: Ivanov Anton Valerievich , Lukyanov Andrey Vladimirovich , Zamiatin Sergei Vladimirovich
Published: July 2024

The equations of correlational magnetodynamics (CMD) describe a magnet in the continuum approximation. The main problem in constructing CMD is the calculation of integral coefficients, in particular, the coefficient describing the production of short-range order, depending on the three-particle distribution functions and the structure of the crystal lattice. The work provides the simplest approximations for the integral coefficients of CMD based on the value of pair correlations at the phase transition point. To ensure an equilibrium solution, the coefficients are additionally determined in the upper part of the phase plane according to the assumption of a helical magnetization structure. The resulting approximation provides qualitative agreement with the simulation results within the framework of the original atomistic model of the magnet, and at the same time it turns out to be simple enough for further analysis.
Islamic religious education learning innovations in strengthening character education in the Industrial Revolution Era 4.0
Authors: Harimawan Harimawan , Raharjo Arif Budi , Harianto Eko
Published: July 2024

This research is based on the role of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) subjects in strengthening student character in the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0 at SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Bantul. In connection with this, this research aims to determine Islamic religious education (PAI) learning innovations in strengthening the character of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 at SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Bantul. This research uses qualitative research methods, which are delivered descriptively. Sources of information in this research include school principals, teachers, education staff, and students who participate in learning activities in class XI of the Automotive Light Vehicle Engineering Skills Program (TKRO) at SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Bantul. The primary data source is in the form of the words and actions of the subject, which is the focus of the research; the rest is in the form of additional data such as documents, photos, and others. This research concluded that the "Kaizen" method, which originates from Japanese, the Japanese concept of Continuous Incremental Improvement, can strengthen character education and become a PAI learning innovation in the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0. The "Kaizen" method includes five stages with the prefix "S": Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke.
Review Literatur melalui Publish or Perish pada Inovasi Pembelajaran Kimia SMA
Authors: Widyaningtyas Khotimah Nur , Khumairoh Siti , Iffah Hafidhoh Kamalatul , Saputra Mohammad Ardiyanto , Mulyanti Sri
Published: July 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kajian-kajian jurnal yang membahas tentang inovasi pembelajaran kimia. Metode penelitian menggunakan review studi literatur jurnal berbantuan aplikasi Publish or Perish. Teknik penelitian ini menggunakan metode modus atau berfokus pada data yang sering digunakan peneliti sebelumnya yang dijelaskan menggunakan penyajian tabel dan narasi secara kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa publikasi jurnal inovasi pembelajaran kimia cenderung meningkat, terutama pada tahun 2022. Tingkatan akreditasi masih beragam, dan sebagian besar terindeks pada tingkatan Sinta 2 dan 3 serta Garuda. Jenis inovasi pembelajaran melibatkan media pembelajaran, metode pembelajaran, dan instrumen pembelajaran. Media pembelajaran menjadi fokus utama inovasi, diikuti oleh metode dan instrumen pembelajaran. Manfaat inovasi pembelajaran kimia mencakup relevansi dengan peningkatan produktivitas siswa dan guru, peningkatan minat dan motivasi belajar, pemahaman konsep yang lebih baik, pengembangan keterampilan praktis, kreativitas, dan kemampuan problem-solving.

 
The recital assessment of image fusion based on multi-resolution transforms using smoothness approach proach
Authors: Vadhi Radhika , Kilari Veera Swamy
Published: July 2024

Combining the information from the registered source images is the process involved in the image-fusion. In this present manuscript, two fusion rules are explored. The first one is based on the weightage-based rule. The second one is the Smoothness and weightage-based algorithm. Smoothness is used to reduce the noise from the source images. These two methods are independent of the selection of the transform. In this work, Discrete Wavelet Transform is considered to perform the experimentation. The recital comparison was made between multiresolution transforms using maximum selection method, weightage method, and smoothness along with weightage. The source images are generally multi-focused, satellite, panchromatic, and clinical medical images. The experimental results show that more smoothened (in addition with weightage) images (including edges and curves) provide high visual information. The advantage of this approach is proven using the performance metrics such as PSNR, NCC, MI, ESOP, and FSIM. The blocking artifacts are reduced by decomposing the transforms and the high frequency noise in the source image is smoothened by proposed approaches.
Preliminary study on the extention of the IT system ClassyFarm to the apiary
Authors: Montagnin Clara , Frasnelli Matteo , Fusi Francesca , Bonilauri Paolo , Bertocchi Luigi , Lorenzi Valentina
Published: July 2024

ClassyFarm is a new IT system of the Italian Ministry of Health for the risk categorization of livestock farms in relation to four areas: animal welfare, biosecurity, antimicrobial usage and antimicrobial resistance. Within ClassyFarm, on-farm welfare measurement is carried out using protocols based on both resource-based indicators and animal-based indicators. The aim of this study was to develop a welfare measurement protocol for the apiary. Sixteen Italian beekeeping experts were involved into a focus group to discuss a list of resource-based and animal-based indicators, previously selected by the authors by means of a review of the scientific literature, in order to identify effective and significant welfare indicators to be collected in the field. Despite the difficulties encountered related to the nature of honey bees and the lack of scientific knowledge about their welfare, 12 resource-based and 7 animal-based indicators were identified as potentially able to screen the welfare of honey bee colonies in the apiary. This study represents the first step towards the future extension of the ClassyFarm system to the apiary.
Synovial Fluid Cutibacterium acnes Antigen Is Detected Among Shoulder Samples with High Inflammation and Early Culture Growth
Authors: Toler Krista O. , Paranjape Pearl R. , McLaren Alex , Deirmengian Carl
Published: July 2024

Background:

An emerging paradigm suggests that positive Cutibacterium acnes shoulder cultures can result from either true infection or contamination, with true infections demonstrating a host inflammatory response and early culture growth. This clinical retrospective study examines the relationship between C. acnes antigen, C. acnes culture results, and inflammation.

Methods:

From January 2021 to July 2023, 1,365 periprosthetic synovial fluid samples from 347 institutions were tested for shoulder infection at a centralized clinical laboratory. A biomarker scoring system based on the 2018 International Consensus Meeting (ICM) definition was utilized to assign each sample an inflammation score. Associations between inflammation, culture results, and C. acnes antigen results were assessed utilizing cluster and correlation analyses.

Results:

Of 1,365 samples, 1,150 were culture-negative and 215 were culture-positive (94 C. acnes and 121 other organisms). Among the 94 C. acnes culture-positive samples, unsupervised clustering revealed 2 distinct sample clusters (silhouette coefficient, 0.83): a high-inflammation cluster (n = 67) and a low-inflammation cluster (n = 27). C. acnes antigen levels demonstrated moderate-strong positive correlation with inflammation (Spearman ρ, 0.60), with 166-fold higher levels of C. acnes antigen in high-inflammation samples (16.6 signal/cutoff [S/CO]) compared with low-inflammation samples (0.1 S/CO) (p < 0.0001). The days to C. acnes culture positivity demonstrated weak-inverse correlation with inflammation (Spearman ρ = −0.38), with 1.5-fold earlier growth among the 67 high-inflammation samples (6.7 compared with 10.4 days; p < 0.0001). Elevated C. acnes antigen was observed in only 4 (0.38%) of 1,050 low-inflammation culture-negative samples and in only 5 (4.9%) of 103 high-inflammation non-C. acnes-positive cultures. However, 19.0% of high-inflammation, culture-negative samples demonstrated elevated C. acnes antigen.

Conclusions:

Synovial fluid C. acnes antigen was detected among shoulder samples with high inflammation and early culture growth, supporting the emerging paradigm that these samples represent true infection. Future research should explore antigen testing to differentiate contamination from infection and to identify culture-negative C. acnes infections.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Non-Accessible Ureter: Can History, Gender, Age, BMI, Radiology and Stone Size Predict the Requirement of Pre-Stenting in Narrow Ureters
Authors:   Department of Urology, Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi, Pakistan., v Anil Kumar , Saulat Sharjeel ,   Department of Urology, Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi, Pakistan., Qadri Syed Saeed-uddin ,   Department of Urology, Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi, Pakistan., Mushtaque Ashba ,   Department of Urology, Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi, Pakistan., Osama Muhammad ,   Department of Urology, Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi, Pakistan., Rasheed Umber ,   Department of Urology, Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi, Pakistan.
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Background: The difficulty in access to the ureter during stone removal surgery enhances the chances of redo-surgery, DJ stenting, and associated complications, this failure leads to mistrust in the doctor-patient relationship. Objective: This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the incidence & management of narrow ureters after failure to negotiate retrograde access of rigid or flexible Ureteroscope (6/7.5 Fr ). Materials and Methods: This is a Prospective, cross-sectional study, conducted at the urology department of Tabba Kidney Institute, from June 2022 to June 2023. The minimum required sample size was 250. Patients aged between > 18 to <60 diagnosed with Unilateral and bilateral ureteric stones and hydronephrosis without ureteric stone obstruction were included in the study. SPSS 22 was used to analyze the data, the chi-square test was applied, with p-value <0.05 as significant. Result: The overall mean age of the study population was estimated as 40.71 ± 12 years, while gender distribution indicated 138 (55.2%) male and 112 (44.8%) female patients. Group distribution identified 172 (68.8%) patients with negotiable ureter (Group A), while 78 (31.2%) with non-negotiable ureter (Group B). Conclusion: We conclude that in our population there is a higher incidence of narrow ureters, as compared to other studies which are not accessible even using the same dilatation technique, so it is safe to counsel the patients pre-operatively about the possibility of the narrow ureter and need for pre-stenting. Tabba Ureter Accessibility (TUA) score can be used as a tool to predict the possibility of a narrow ureter. Keywords: Narrow ureter, Ureteric stone, DJ stent, Ureterorenoscope, Dehydration, Hematuria.
Does the Time of Day have an Effect on the Success and Complications of ERCP?
Authors:   Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey., Bas Berk , Kucukdemirci Omer ,   Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey., Ustaoglu Muge ,   Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey., Yildirim Beytullah ,   Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Background: In ERCP, if modifiable risk factors can be minimized, indirectly, the rates of complications will also decrease. Objective: In the present study, the aim is to investigate whether the timing of ERCP (morning versus afternoon) was associated with the success of cannulation and procedure-related complications in patients with bile duct stones undergoing ERCP. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent ERCP for common bile duct (CBD) stones. We compared the complication rate and the success of CBD cannulation between procedures conducted in the morning and those carried out in the afternoon during ERCP. Result: A total of 402 patients were enrolled. The mean age of patients was 64.4 ± 19 years with a total bilirubin value of 7.5 ± 11.6 mg/dL, direct bilirubin value of 4.9 ± 8.6 mg/dL, and CBD of 11±2.4 mm. 201 (50%) of the patients underwent ERCP in the morning and 201 (50%) in the afternoon. The rates of post-ERCP pancreatitis, bleeding, and the success of cannulation were 5.5%, 10%, and 96.5% in the morning ERCP group and 5%, 13.4%, and 93% in the afternoon ERCP group, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in post-ERCP pancreatitis (p=0.606), bleeding (p=0.277), and the success of CBD cannulation (p=0.117). Conclusion: Between morning and afternoon ERCP procedures, no statistically significant difference was detected. Keywords: ERCP, Ampulla vateri cannulation, ERCP complication, Time-of-day, ERCP timing, Cholangitis, Choledocholithiasis.
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: Assessment of Contributing Factors
Authors:   Department of Nephrology, Karachi Institute of Kidney Diseases, Karachi, Pakistan., Danial Khurram , Mushtaq Naseha ,   Department of Physiology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan., Alam Erum ,   Department of Nephrology, Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi, Pakistan., Mushtaq Maliha ,   Department of Nephrology, Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi, Pakistan., Tariq Sana ,   Department of Public Health, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology University (SZABIST), Karachi, Pakistan.
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Background: The frequency of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) assessed worldwide is 13.4% (11.7-15.1%), and cases with ESKD demanding renal replacement therapy are calculated to be between 4.902 and 7.083 million. Several factors prompt anxiety and depression in hemodialysis cases. These include co-morbidities, frequent hospitalizations, habitual pain, sleep disturbances, chronic inflammation, increased fatigue, uremia, failure of family support, non-compliance to adjunctive therapeutics such as restrictions in diet and fluids, and dependence upon treatment and health professionals. Objective: To assess the frequency and contributing factors for incidents of depression, stress, and anxiety in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study conducted at the Karachi Institute of Kidney Diseases from February 2023 to March 2023, the obtained minimum sample size was 194. Data was collected with the help of DASS 10 questionnaire. The data was entered and analyzed by using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22. Data significance was analyzed using Chi-Square test keeping P- value ≤0.05 as significant. Result: A total of 194 participants were recruited in the study, gender distribution recorded male dominance at 103 (53%) and females at 91 (46%). 139 (71.6%), the mean value of the length of dialysis was 15.4 ± 4.9 years while the mean days of dialysis were 2.7 ± 1.3. Moderate depression was reported in 101 (52%) of the study participants, while severe depression was reported in 25 (12.8%). Anxiety was reported as mild most frequently with 133 (68.5%) while stress was reported as mild in 48 (24.7%), moderate in 83 (42.7%), and severe in 63 (32.4%) with a p-value of 0.214. We identified a positive association of severe depression, anxiety, and stress with age ≤ 45 years in general, while participants from the upper middle class reported stress more frequently. Conclusion: This study concluded that compromised socio-economic status, young age, and higher prognosis rates are contributing factors for depression, anxiety, and stress in hemodialysis patients. Keywords: DASS, Depression, Hemodialysis, ESKD, Stress, Anxiety.
Functional Outcomes of Subtrochanteric Femur Fracture Fixed with Dynamic Condylar Screw
Authors:   Department of Orthopedic, Timergara Teaching Hospital Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan., Inam Muhammad ,   Department of Orthopedic, Medical Teaching Institute Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan., Tariq Muhammad ,   Department of Orthopedic, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat, Pakistan., Jamil Muhammad ,   Department of Orthopedic, Medical Teaching Institute Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan.
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Background: Orthopedic surgeons find it most difficult to manage subtrochanteric femur fractures because of its notorious location, where difficulties might arise. Various techniques, including intramedullary and extramedullary implant stabilization have been tried with varying level of success. Objective: Our study aimed to assess the functional results of dynamic condylar screws in sub trochanteric femur fractures in order to aid the underprivileged masses in our area. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in Akbar Medical Center Dabgari Garden Peshawar, Pakistan from September, 2018 to August, 2022. All patients of either gender having age above 20 years with proximal femoral fracture without concomitant fracture, with negative hepatitis profile and no diabetes were managed using a dynamic condylar screw. Functional outcome of the surgery was evaluated using Harris Hip Score. Result: There were total 88 patients in the study with male to female ratio of 3:1 having mean age of 33.96±9.63. Postoperative functional outcome in terms of Harris hips score range from 64 to 94 with a mean of 83.87 ±7.27 SD. Excellent functional outcome were observed in 14.8% patients, good results in 64.8% patients, fair outcomes in 11.4% and poor outcome were observed in 9.1% patients. Conclusion: DCS results are excellent and good functional outcome in majority of patients. Therefore, it can be used as a good alternative to other intra and extramedullary implants fixation. Keywords: Dynamic condylar screw, Femur, Fractures, Harris hip scores, Subtrochanteric, Medullary devices.
Frequency and Resistance Pattern of Carbapenemases (Class A & B) in E. Coli and Klebsiella Species
Authors:   Department of Microbiology, Sir Syed College of Medical Science for Girls, Karachi, Pakistan., Faisal Hina , Alvi Amber Yasmeen ,   Department of Microbiology, Sir Syed College of Medical Science for Girls, Karachi, Pakistan., Idris Azra ,   Department of Microbiology, Sir Syed College of Medical Science for Girls, Karachi, Pakistan., Yasmeen Maliha ,   Department of Microbiology, Sir Syed College of Medical Science for Girls, Karachi, Pakistan., Mushtaq Naseha ,   Department of Physiology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan., Siddiqui Hira Zafar ,   Department of Microbiology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Background: Carbapenems are potent and strong antibiotics that are usually reserved as last resort for bacteria possessing basic antibiotic resistance. These are broad spectrum drugs with more effective coverage against gram negative organisms. The antibiotic resistance pattern observed in bacteria possessing chromosomal group 2f β-lactamases is unique. It involves resistance to carbapenems while remaining sensitive to broadly attacking cephalosporins. Objective: This study aims to provide assessment of frequency of class A & B carbapenamase in E.coli and Klebsiella species producers and establish the resistance pattern from clinical isolates, at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional, prospective study conducted at general hospital liyari, Karachi during Jan 2022- Jan 2023. Sample size was calculated as 400. Samples were divided into Urine samples of urinary tract infection patients (n=150), Pus sample from different sites (n=100), Respiratory tract, tracheal aspirates and sputum sample (n=100) and blood sample from suspected septicemia (n=50). SPSS-22 was used to enter and analyze the data. Chi-square test was used to analyze significance between two mean values, keeping ≤0.05 as significant p-value. Result: Distribution of microorganisms were reported as 120 (41.1%), 80 (28.5%), 2 (0.69%), 24 (8.36%), 55 (19.1%) and 6 (2%) of E. coli, Klebsiella Pneumonia, K.Oxytoca, Gram positive. Gram negative and Yeast respectively. The confirmed presence of carbapenemase (CP) was identifies in urine sample as 4/6 (26.6%) E.coli and 2/6 (13.3%) Klebsiella, while pus samples identifies 3/4 (20%) E.coli and 1/4 (6.6%) Klebsiella. Similarly samples of respiratory tract identifies 2/5 (13%) of E.coli and 3/5 (20%) of Klebsiella. The calculated p-value was insignificant with 0.834 and 0.913 for E.coli and Klebsiella respectively. Conclusion: This study concludes that E.coli is by far the most frequently reported microorganism from class B while class A organisms are in lower frequencies. CRE indicated higher resistance from non-β-lactam antibiotics, limiting treatment options. Keywords: Phenotypic, Detection, Resistance, Carbapenemases, E. coli, Klebsiella.
Efficacy and Safety of Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis with Carbon Fiber Intramedullary Nail: A Unique Seven-Year Follow-up Case Report
Authors: Bernstein Marc , Scheinberg Mila , Sankey Turner , Shah Ashish
Published: July 2024

Although ankle arthritis is a relatively common diagnosis, few patients develop debilitating cases requiring surgical intervention. For certain cases, surgeons often perform a fibular osteotomy and tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis via an intramedullary nail. We present a unique case in which the patient received a carbon fiber intramedullary nail rather for persistent ankle pain, arthritis, and instability. The patient has seven years of radiographic and clinical follow-up, which is one of the longest follow-up intervals for this type of implant. This long-term follow-up case illustrates the efficacy and safety of the carbon fiber intramedullary implant and highlights the scarcity of literature on long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes following a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with a carbon fiber intramedullary nail. Additionally, it provides the impetus for more comprehensive long-term studies regarding carbon fiber implants in the future.
Iatrogenic Urinary Injuries in Colorectal Surgery: Outcomes and Risk Factors from a Nationwide Cohort
Authors: McClelland Paul H. , Liu Tianming , Johnson Ryan P. , Glenn Carter , Ozuner Gokhan
Published: July 2024

Background
Iatrogenic urinary injury (IUI) can lead to significant complications after colorectal surgery, especially when diagnosis is delayed. This study analyzes risk factors associated with IUI and delayed IUI among patients undergoing colorectal procedures.
Methods
Adults undergoing colorectal surgery between 2012 and 2021 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP®) database. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine risk factors and outcomes associated with IUI and delayed IUI.
Results
Among 566,036 patients, 5,836 patients (1.0%) had IUI after colorectal surgery, of whom 236 (4.0%) had delayed IUI. Multiple preoperative risk factors for IUI and delayed IUI were identified, with disseminated cancer [aOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.5; p < 0.001] and diverticular disease [aOR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2; p = 0.009] correlated with IUI and increased body mass index [aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.2; p = 0.003] and ascites [aOR 5.6, 95% CI 2.1–15.4; p = 0.001] associated with delayed IUI. Laparoscopic approach was associated with decreased risk of IUI [aOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.4–0.5; p < 0.001] and increased risk of delayed IUI [aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4–2.5; p < 0.001]. Both IUI and delayed IUI were associated with significant postoperative morbidity, with severe multiorgan complications seen in delayed IUI.
Conclusions
While IUI occurs infrequently in colorectal surgery, early intervention is essential to reduce complications. Patients with complex intraabdominal pathology are at increased risk of IUI, and patients with large body habitus undergoing laparoscopic procedures are at increased risk of delayed IUI.
Synthesis of Nanoporous Carbon from Ulva Lactuca Activated by Eggshell for CO2 Capture: A Novel Approach to Waste Valorization
Authors: MAMMADYAROVA Khadija , YILMAZ Müge Sarı
Published: July 2024

Facing the daunting challenge of climate change, driven by escalating greenhouse gas concentrations, our research introduces an innovative solution for CO2 capture. We explore a novel nanoporous carbon derived from Ulva Lactuca, activated with eggshell waste, spotlighting waste valorization in mitigating atmospheric CO2. Through a systematic methodology encompassing variable carbonization temperatures (700–900°C) and nitrogen flow rates (2–4 ml/min), complemented by a suite of characterization techniques, we unveil the synthesis of this pioneering adsorbent. Our study not only presents a novel, sustainable pathway for CO2 capture but also demonstrates superior performance, particularly with the NC800-4 sample, achieving a CO2 capture capacity of 1.40 mmol/g at 30°C, alongside demonstrating consistent adsorption efficiency over four successive adsorption/desorption cycles. This breakthrough underscores the potential of leveraging waste for environmental remediation, offering a dual solution to waste management and CCUS applications.
Evaluation of antimicrobial action of healing abutment before and after coating with nanoparticles impregnated with essential oil in type 2 diabetic mellitus- A randomized control trial
Authors: Chitlange Pooja , Sathe Seema
Published: July 2024

Background
Dental implants have been validated as a reliable and valid method of replacing lost teeth in recent years, with a principal success rate of roughly 94.6%. Dental implant therapy failures are frequently caused by inadequate stability or misfitting at the implant-abutment interface. In actuality, bacterial infiltration and inflammatory cells are brought on by a micro-gap at the interface between two-tier implants with variable fluid flow at this contact, which results in bone loss nearby. Chitosan is a naturally occurring, non-toxic, biodegradable polysaccharide that is generated from chitin. It is extensively utilized in medicine, particularly for implant coatings, drug transporters, and wound care. Cinnamon is known to include proanthocyanidins, which can disrupt biological processes, and cinnamaldehyde, which is extremely electronegative. The antibacterial qualities are mostly due to the contributions of both components.
The increasing number of failed implants is driving up demand for novel biomaterials that can reduce the risk of surgical site infections. Antibacterial techniques were considered in addition to nanotechnology in order to reduce the risk of infections around the implants, irrespective of surface science focused on enhancing the osseointegration process. Based on local drug delivery models, these methods necessitated specific surface modifications to effectively incorporate antibacterial agents on the surface and subsequently deliver them to the targeted anatomical areas upon implant placement.
Methods
A total of 36 patients will be chosen from the Prosthodontics outpatient departments at Sharad Pawar Dental College, DMIHER, Sawangi Meghe, Wardha.

Methodology

1. Patients will be screened and allocated to two groups: A healing abutment coated with and without nanoparticles in a randomized manner.
2. Saliva Bio Oral Swabs will be used to collect 1 mL of saliva from each patient in an unstimulated manner.
3. To assess the antibacterial activity of the healing abutment with or without coated with nanoparticles, the saliva sample will be sent to the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, DMIHER microbiology department.
Discussion
In order to prevent S. epidermidis biofilms from forming, R Magetsari et al. conducted a study in 2014 to examine the impact of covering chitosan and cinnamon oil as a bio-adhesive on the surfaces of stainless-steel orthopedic implants. This study showed that, at a minimum concentration of 1%, a combination of chitosan and cinnamon oil coating on the surface of stainless-steel orthopedic implants affects S. epidermidis biofilm formation.
Trial registration:
CTRI/2024/05/067110 registered on May 9, 2024.
Safety and feasibility of a rapid reversible induction strategy in anesthesia induction
Authors: Chi Xiaoying , Fan Yichen , Zhang Xiao , Qin Yi , Xiao Jie , Huang Zhenling , Su Diansan
Published: July 2024

Background
Unanticipated difficult airway during anesthesia induction, especially in the circumstance of cannot intubate, cannot ventilate, could be harmful to patients. Rapid reversal of patients to adequate spontaneous ventilation is a reasonable goal. We are committed to studying reversible induction strategies, which can be safe and feasible in the case of difficult airway during anesthesia induction, especially before intubation and ventilation failure.
Methods
High-flow oxygen inhalation (40 l·minute− 1) and FiO2 (100%) were administered preoperatively for five minutes. During anesthesia induction, target controlled infusion was performed with remifentanil 4 ng·ml− 1 and propofol 4 µg·ml− 1, and rocuronium 0.6 mg·kg− 1 was injected intravenously. Subsequently, the oxygen flow was adjusted to 60 l·minute− 1, with the patients’ jaws lifted after the patients had lost consciousness. A direct laryngoscope was used for laryngoscopy and grading. The tracheas of patients with Cormack–Lehane (CL) grade I–II were intubated directly. For the patients with CL grade III–IV, sugammadex (16 mg·kg− 1) was administered and TCI was stopped. Then conscious intubation was performed after the patients were fully awake. The primary outcome was the rate of reversion success within 15 minutes from induction.
Results
In total, 20 patients with CL grade 3–4 undergoing elective surgery needed reversion. The reversion success rate was 100%. The shortest time to reversion was 333 s, the longest was 900 s, and the median time was 455 s. During the whole procedure, no hypoxia occurred, and acceptable hypercapnia appeared.
Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that a rapid reversible induction strategy is safe and easy to perform. Prompt reversal to spontaneous ventilation should be an option for unanticipated difficult airway before cannot intubate, cannot ventilate occurs.
Trial registration
This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04434963) on 17th June 2020.
Factors related to the quality of life in the elderly of Isfahan city
Authors: Ataei Fatemeh , Kheirabadi Gholamreza , Meracy Mohammadreza , Keshvari Mahrokh
Published: July 2024

Background:
The natural and physiological changes of psychological dimensions in old age and the lack of promotion of correct behaviours related to the quality of life cause negative consequences for the elderly. Considering the significant impact of the quality of life on the general health of the elderly, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the factors related to the quality of life in the elderly of Isfahan city.
Materials and methods:
The current cross-sectional study was conducted in Isfahan city in 2022 and the data obtained from 460 elderly were analayzed. In the interview, an information collection form including demographic characteristics and Lipad quality of life questionnaire was completed and then the final conclusion was reported using Pearson's statistical tests and generalized linear model.
Results:
The results of this study showed that the relationship between demographic variables and quality of life and its dimensions in the elderly is significant (p-value˂0.05).
Conclusions:
Older age, female gender, lower level of education, lack of marital status and favorable employment can be predictors of low quality of life among the elderly.
Machine Learning-Based Approach for Predicting Ocean Surface Temperature
Authors: Mishra Jai Prakash , Sharda Shweta , Vyas Sandeep , Parashar Ritambhara , Sharma Yazusha
Published: July 2024

The sea surface temperature (SST) is an essential parameter for the investigation of sea and ocean ecosystems owing to its interaction with water quality, organisms, and hydrological events including floods and droughts. This is because the SST is a measure of how hot the water is at the surface of the ocean. SST forecasting is the technique for estimating future SST values, based on historical SST data, which is useful for analyzing and tracking changes in hydroclimatic variables. Most earlier studies have used complex neural network-based architectures for SST prediction. These models have low accuracy due to high variance. In this paper, a new approach based on Random Forest (RF) of machine learning has been proposed to predict the surface temperature of the global ocean using hydrographic sea surface parameters. The hydrographic datasets provided by California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) are used in this research. The results indicated that STheta, Salnty, O2ml_L, O2Sat, and Oxy_µmol/Kg are useful parameters for predicting thermal information accurately. The suggested technique achieves an R2 score of 0.986 while having a Mean Absolute Error of 0.08°C, which is a significant improvement above the performance shown by the previous research.
Generative AI: A Case Study of ChatGPT’s Impact on University Students’ Learning Practices
Authors: Alnaim Norah
Published: July 2024

Recently, technology has been widely integrated across the educational landscape. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have become essential components of students' learning practices, requiring an examination of the impact of each tool. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of ChatGPT tool on university students’ learning practices. A quantitative online survey was adopted using cross-sectional design to collect the data from university students at King Saud university and Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal university in Saudi Arabia. A total of 402 responses were finalised for data analysis at the end of five weeks after starting the survey. Out of 402 students, 293 have been using ChatGPT. ChatGPT services were mainly used for writing research papers (81.8%), essays (73.8%), and correcting grammar (43.3%). Positive effects included motivating, engaging, and improving skills and competencies of students and negative effects included academic dishonesty, limiting critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. Significant differences were identified among male and female students on perceptions about motivating and engaging ability of ChatGPT (p < .05).Students should be trained to use ChatGPT ethically and universities should adopt alternative assessment practices.
Predicting Live Birth Outcomes Following Single Vitrified-Warmed Blastocyst Transfers in Infertile Couples with Advanced Paternal Age (> 35 years)
Authors: Liu Lidan , Gan Qiuying , Qin Lang , Yang Yihua , Liu Bo , Li Mujun
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to develop and optimize machine-learning models to predict live birth outcomes following single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfers (SVBT) in infertile couples with advanced paternal age (APA) over 35 years. A retrospective cohort study analyzed 1,044 SVBT cycles from two reproductive centers between June 2016 and December 2022. Data were split into training and validation sets in a 0.75:0.25 ratio, with fourteen clinically relevant variables selected for prediction. Ten machine-learning models were evaluated using 10-fold cross-validation, repeated three times. Among the cycles, 29.5% resulted in live births. Key predictors included trophectoderm, inner cell mass, maternal age at oocyte retrieval, blastocyst origin, total gonadotropin dose, endometrial thickness, number of oocytes retrieved, and maternal BMI. The extra trees and stacking models showed the highest performance with AUC and accuracy scores of 0.813 and 0.812, respectively, followed by the random forest model with an AUC and accuracy of 0.810. These models provide reliable tools for predicting live birth outcomes, highlighting the importance of multiple factors such as maternal age and embryo quality in couples with APA undergoing SVBT.
Multi-Scale Attention Patching Encoder Network: A Deployable Model for Continuous Estimation of Hand Kinematics from Surface Electromyographic Signals
Authors: Lin Chuang , Xiao Qiong , Zhao Penghui
Published: July 2024

Background Simultaneous and proportional control (SPC) based on surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals has emerged as a research hotspot in the field of human-machine interaction (HMI). However, existing continuous motion estimation methods suffer from issues such as low accuracy, poorly deployable performance, and limited motion diversity in predicting, which limits their applications in HMI. To overcome these problems, we propose a smooth Multi-scale Attention Patching Encoder Network (sMAPEN).
Methods The sMAPEN consists of three modules, the Multi-scale Attention Fusion (MAF) module, the Patching Encoder (PE) module, and a smoothing layer. The MAF module adaptively captures the local spatiotemporal features at multiple scales, the PE module acquires the global spatiotemporal features of sEMG, and the smoothing layer further improves prediction stability.
Results To evaluate the performance of the model, we conducted continuous estimation of 40 subjects performing over 40 different hand movements on the Ninapro DB2 dataset. The results show that the average Pearson correlation coefficient (CC), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), and smoothness (SMOOTH) of the sMAPEN model are 0.9082, 0.0646°, 0.8163, and -0.0017, respectively, which significantly outperforms that of the state-of-the-art methods in all metrics (p < 0.01). Furthermore, we tested the real-time performance of sMAPEN on the portable device, with a delay of only 97.93ms.
Conclusions Our model can predict up to 40 hand movements while achieving the highest predicting accuracy compared with other methods. Besides, the lightweight design strategy brings an improvement in inference speed, which enables the model to be deployed on wearable devices. All these promotions imply that sMAPEN holds great potential in HMI.
Study on the Relationship between Pericoronary Adipose Tissue and Coronary Artery Stenosis and Plaque Characteristics
Authors: Guan Xuchong , Chang Ya , Wang Le , Li Liu , Zheng Qihou , Wang Yu , Yang Zhiyu , Ma Guoping , Liu Gang , Zhan Yinge
Published: July 2024

Purpose:
Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) attenuation is a non-invasive biomarker of coronary perivascular inflammation. This study aims to explore the relationship between pericoronary adipose tissue mean attenuation (PCATMA) and volume with the severity of coronary artery stenosis and plaque characteristics.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of 370 patients diagnosed with or suspected of coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated differences in PCATMA and PCAT volume among different degrees of vessel stenosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of PCATMA in predicting non-calcified plaques and severe vessel stenosis, determining the optimal cutoff values. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to study the impact of PCATMA on severe vessel stenosis and non-calcified plaques.
Results
Patients with more severe stenosis in the left circumflex artery (LCX) had higher PCATMA compared to those with milder stenosis. Vessels with non-calcified plaques exhibited higher PCATMA than those with calcified plaques (-79.3 ± 8.8 HU vs. -85.8 ± 8.8 HU, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that higher PCATMA specific to LAD, LCX, and RCA vessels was an independent risk factor for predicting non-calcified plaques. LCX-PCATMA ≥ -71.6 HU was an independent risk factor for predicting LCX stenosis ≥ 75% (OR = 2.465, 95% CI 1.387–4.382, P = 0.002) and ≥ 90% (OR = 2.821, 95% CI 1.422–5.596, P = 0.003).
Conclusions
Vessel-specific PCATMA serves as an independent predictor for the presence of non-calcified plaques, and LCX-PCATMA is an independent risk factor for predicting severe LCX stenosis.
Sepsis Prediction: Biomarkers Combined in a Bayesian Approach
Authors: CABRAL Joao Victor Batista , SILVEIRA Maria Mariana Barros Melo da , XAVIER Amanda Tavares , de OLIVEIRA Fabio Henrique Portella Correa , MENEZES Thaysa Maria Gama Leao de Albuquerque , BARBOSA Keylla Talitha Fernandes , FIGUEIREDO Thaisa Remigio , FILHO Jabiael Carneiro da SILVA , SILVA Tamara , FILHO Dario Celestino SOBRAL , de OLIVEIRA Dinaldo Cavalcanti
Published: July 2024

Background
Sepsis is a serious public health problem. The soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 is a marker of inflammatory and infectious processes that has the potential to become a useful tool for predicting the evolution of sepsis. To build a prediction model for sepsis by combining soluble triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-1, C-Reactive Protein, and leukogram using a Bayesian network.
Methods
This is an exploratory translational study, was carried out with 32 children with congenital heart disease who had undergone surgical correction in a public referral hospital in the northeast of Brazil. The TRIPOD recommendations were used.
Results
We found that in the postoperative period, the mean soluble triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-1 was higher among patients diagnosed with sepsis than among those without the diagnosis, respectively (soluble triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-1 post = 394.58 pg/mL versus 239.93 pg/mL p < 0.001). Analysis of the ROC curve for soluble triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-1 and sepsis showed that the area under the curve was 0.761 with a 95% CI (0.587–0.935) and p = 0.013. We found, with the Bayesian model, a 100% probability of sepsis related to post-operative blood concentrations of C-Reactive Protein above 71 mg/dL, leukogram values above 14,000 cells/µL, and soluble triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-1concentrations above the cut-off point (283.53 pg/mL).
Conclusions
The model proposed using the Bayesian Network approach proved to be effective for diagnosing sepsis, with adequate sensitivity and specificity.