bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subconjunctival conbercept for the treatment of corneal neovascularization
Authors: Sun Cun ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Huimin Hospital, Beijing 100053, China, Li Shang , Zhang Jian-Qiang , Jie Ying ,   Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing 100730, China,   Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Huimin Hospital, Beijing 100053, China,   Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing 100730, China
Published: May 2023

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of subconjunctival injection of conbercept in the treatment of corneal neovascularization (CNV).
METHODS: The data on 10 consecutively recruited patients with CNV who received a subconjunctival conbercept (1 mg) once, and measured the area, length, and diameter of neovascularization before and after (1d, 1, 2wk, and 1mo) treatment as well as the occurrence of systemic and ocular complications after treatment were analyzed.
RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction in the area of CNV one day after treatment (mean±SD: 38.46±11.36 mm2), compared with before treatment (42.46±12.80 mm2, P<0.01). There was also a statistically significant reduction in the length (3.86±1.80 mm vs 4.64±1.77 mm, P<0.01) and diameter (0.044±0.022 vs 0.060±0.026, P<0.05) of CNV, one week after treatment comparing to before treatment. The reduction in all three parameters was maximized at two weeks after treatment (area: 29.49±8.83 mm2, P<0.001; length: 3.50±1.88 mm, P<0.001; and diameter: 0.038±0.017 mm, P<0.01). No severe systemic or ocular complication was observed during the study.
CONCLUSION: During the observation period of one-month, subconjunctival injection of conbercept is an effective and safe method for the reduction of CNV. It may be effective as a preoperative drug for neovascular corneal transplantation.
Efficacy of ripasudil in reducing intraocular pressure and medication score for ocular hypertension with inflammation and corticosteroid
Authors: Yanai Ryoji ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan, Kobayashi Masaaki , Nagai Tomohiko , Teranishi Shinichiro , Wakuta Makiko , Kimura Kazuhiro ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan,   Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan,   Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan,   Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan,   Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
Published: May 2023

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of ripasudil, a Rho kinase inhibitor, in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication scores of anti-glaucoma drugs in patients with ocular hypertension with inflammation and corticosteroid.
METHODS: The study included 11 patients diagnosed with ocular hypertension with inflammation and corticosteroid, all of whom were prescribed ripasudil eye drops and followed up for at least 2y after the initiation of treatment. IOP was measured using a non-contact tonometer before enrollment and at each follow-up visit. The medication score of glaucoma eye drops was calculated for each patient.
RESULTS: The mean IOP (26.4±2.9 mm Hg before treatment) significantly decreased after ripasudil therapy (13.7±3.3 mm Hg at 3mo) and remained stable in the low-teens during the 2-year follow-up period (P<0.0001). A significant decrease in the medication score was observed at 12mo or later after the initiation of ripasudil therapy (P<0.05). Both baseline medication scores and glaucomatous optic disc change rates were significantly higher in the five eyes that required glaucoma surgery during the 2-year observation period than the 10 eyes that did not require surgery.
CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate the efficacy of ripasudil, in reducing IOP and the medication score over a 2-year treatment period in patients with ocular hypertension with inflammation and corticosteroid. Our findings also suggest that ripasudil could reduce the IOP in uveitic glaucoma patients with both lower baseline medication score and lower glaucomatous optic disc change rate.
Efficacy and safety of subthreshold micropulse laser in the treatment of acute central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Guo Jian-Jie ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, Henan Province, China, Wan Jing-Jing ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, Henan Province, China
Published: May 2023

AIM: To analyze the efficacy and safety of subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) in the treatment of acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).
METHODS: This is a retrospective case analysis study. Totally 58 eyes of 58 patients were enrolled, and they were divided into different groups. And 39 patients were treated with SML (SML group) and 19 patients were only observed (observation group). The follow-up period was 3mo after diagnosis. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), superficial retinal vascular density (SRVD), deep retinal vascular density (DRVD), the superficial and deep foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, retinal light sensitivity (RLS), perfusion area of choroidal capillary layer (CCL), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) were investigated.
RESULTS: The BCVA, CRT, SRVD, DRVD, the superficial and deep FAZ area, RLS, SFCT of SML group were significantly improved at 3mo (all P<0.05). In the observation group, only CRT, DRVD and SFCT were improved (all P<0.05). Other research items in the observation group were not significantly different from baseline (all P>0.05). At the last follow-up, the BCVA and RLS in the SML group were better than those in the observation group, and CRT was lower, SRVD and DRVD, perfusion area of CCL were larger (all P<0.05). On FAF, no change of treatment spots was found after treatment. No structural laser damage was observed on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and no choroidal neovascularization was observed.
CONCLUSION: SML treatment of acute CSC can improve BCVA, RLS, and perfusion area of CCL, reduce CRT, increase SRVD and DRVD, and is safe.
Photoreceptor changes in Leber hereditary optic neuropathy with m.G11778A mutation
Authors: Miao Qing-Mei ,   Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China, Zheng Hong-Mei , Yuan Jia-Jia , Chen Chang-Zheng ,   Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China,   Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China,   Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
Published: May 2023

AIM: To evaluate the functional and structural changes of photoreceptors in patients and asymptomatic carriers with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) using full-field electroretinography (FERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
METHODS: Individuals diagnosed with LHON at the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and their family members were included in this cross-sectional observational study. The FERG a-wave amplitude of affected patients and asymptomatic carriers was analyzed. The thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), inner and outer segment (IS/OS) and total photoreceptors in the macular fovea and parafovea were measured.
RESULTS: This study included 14 LHON patients (mean age: 20.00±9.37y), 12 asymptomatic carriers (mean age: 39.83±6.48y), and 14 normal subjects (mean age: 24.20±1.52y). The FERG results showed that the dark-adapted 3.0 electroretinography and light-adapted 3.0 electroretinography a-wave amplitudes of patients and carriers were significantly decreased (P<0.001). The ONL and photoreceptors layers were slightly thicker in patients than in normal subjects (P<0.05), whereas they were thinner in carriers (P<0.05). There were no differences in IS/OS thickness among the groups (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION: Photoreceptors function is significantly impaired in LHON-affected patients and asymptomatic carriers. Meanwhile, photoreceptors morphology is slightly altered, mainly manifesting as a change in ONL thickness.
0.05% atropine on control of myopia progression in Chinese school children: a randomized 3-year clinical trial
Authors: Zhu Qin ,   Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming 650021, Yunnan Province, China, Hua Zhi-Juan , Xue Li-Ping , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Jie-Ying , Zhu Ying-Ting , Zhang Xiao-Fan ,   Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming 650021, Yunnan Province, China,   Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming 650021, Yunnan Province, China,   Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming 650021, Yunnan Province, China,   Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming 650021, Yunnan Province, China,   BioTissue (Tissue Tech, Inc.), Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, FL 33126, USA,   Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming 650021, Yunnan Province, China
Published: May 2023

AIM: To evaluate the effect of 0.05% atropine on the control of myopia for 2y (phase I) and on spherical equivalent refraction (SER) progression for 1y (phase II) after its withdrawal in Chinese myopic children.
METHODS: Totally 142 children with myopia were randomly assigned to the 0.05% atropine group or to the placebo group. In phase I, children received 1 treatment for each eye daily. In phase II, the patients received no treatment. Axial length (AL), SER, intraocular pressure (IOP) and atropine-related side effects were assessed at 6 months’ intervals.
RESULTS: During phase I, the mean change of SER was -0.46±0.30 D in the atropine group, compared to -1.72±1.12 D in the placebo group (P<0.001). The mean change of AL in the atropine group (0.26±0.30 mm) was significantly shorter than that in the placebo group (0.76±0.62 mm, P=0.002). In addition, in phase II (12mo after the withdrawal of atropine), there was no significant difference in AL change from the atropine group, when compared with that from the placebo group (0.31±0.25 mm vs 0.28±0.26 mm, P>0.05). Furthermore, the change in SER from the atropine group was 0.50±0.41 D, which was significantly lower than 0.72±0.60 D from placebo group, (P<0.05). Finally, there were no statistically significant differences in IOP between the treatment and control groups at any stages (all P>0.05).
CONCLUSION: The use of 0.05% atropine for two consecutive years may effectively control elongation of AL and thus progression of myopia, without significant SER progression 1y after atropine withdrawal. Therefore, treatment with 0.05% atropine daily for 2y is effective and safe.
Role of 7-methylxanthine in myopia prevention and control: a mini-review
Authors: Lai Lu ,   Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, Guangdong Province, China, Cui Dong-Mei ,   Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, Guangdong Province, China
Published: May 2023

Myopia is becoming increasingly common. By 2050 around 10% of the world’s population is expected to be highly myopic (<-5 diopters) and therefore particularly at risk of suffering from sight-threatening complications. Currently used myopia control treatments, such as multifocal soft contact lenses or spectacle lenses, orthokeratology, and atropine eyedrops, either do not completely arrest myopia progression or are associated with significant ocular and possibly systemic side effects. A new candidate for pharmaceutical control of myopia progression and excessive eye elongation, the non-selective adenosine antagonist 7-methylxanthine (7-MX), appears to be non-toxic and effective in reducing myopia progression and axial eye growth in experimental and clinical studies. The latest findings regarding 7-MX for myopia control and evaluate its potential as a supplement to existing treatment options were reviewed.
The Republic of Mauritania – on the border of the Maghreb
Authors: Salamon Justyna
Published: May 2023

Przedstawienie sytuacji społeczno-gospodarczej w Republice Mauretanii – najsłabiej rozwiniętym państwie Maghrebu, jest istotne w zarówno w kontekście współpracy m.in. z Unią Europejską, jak również z innymi podmiotami prawa międzynarodowego. Przeanalizowane zostaną dane statystyczne – miejsca Mauretania w międzynarodowych rankingach, takich jak: Human Development Index czy Fragile State Index. W trakcie badań postawiono pytania badawcze, z których najważniejsze odnosi się do dywagacji, czy kolejne Country Strategy Paper, a także raporty IMF rzeczywiście wpłynęły na poprawę sytuacji finansowej i gospodarczej Mauretanii, czy miały jedynie wymiar normatywny. W pierwszej części artykułu opisano relacje łączące Mauretanię z Unią Europejską, w drugiej zaś scharakteryzowano mauretańską strategię finansów oraz rolę sektora bankowego.
Prospects for Investing in Forest Climate Projects in Russia
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Kuznetsov Mikhail Ye. , Stetsenko Andrey V. , Nikishova Maria I.
Published: May 2023

This study examines the usefulness of forest climate projects as a vehicle for investment in the domestic carbon market. The main objective is to identify the prerequisites for establishing a Russian carbon market, which would set the stage for sustainable reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The article begins by analyzing the global climate agenda in detail, highlighting the functions and significance of forest climate projects in regulated carbon markets, and describing the market dynamics for carbon units. Since 2021 the Paris Agreement’s provisions have been implemented, the EU Green Deal has been initiated, forestry and land use regulation have became part of the EU emissions trading system, and the CORSIA compensation mechanism for emissions from international air travel has been launched. The article assesses the potential for a Russian carbon market in forestry units. The Siberian regions and Far Eastern federal districts offer the greatest opportunity for carrying out forest climate projects. That opportunity depends upon improving crucial components of forest management in Russia’s state forest holdings in order to increase the carbon stock and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; this would entail reforestation of clearcut areas (with additional measures that enhance carbon storage and prevent emissions from unfavorable factors) as well as planting new forests. The article then elaborates a method for estimating and developing the carbon market potential of forestry units in Russia in order to evaluate the prospects for implementing such projects (a carbon budget). A calculator for carbon credits has been prepared for use by potential Far East investors, and services are available for them to select a forest site via online auctions and execute transactions online.
¿Se puede utilizar la historia local y municipal como herramienta en el proceso de elaboración de políticas públicas? La historia de los municipios de La Cocha y Lules en la provincia de Tucumán, Argentina
Authors: Segura Carlos Miguel
Published: May 2023

Si bien la historia de las políticas públicas es un subcampo disciplinar que tiene desarrollo previo en Argentina, este artículo indaga sobre otra dimensión de la relación entre la historia y las políticas públicas. Esta investigación analiza las posibilidades y potencialidades de los conocimientos producidos por la historiografía sobre historia local y municipal para ser utilizados como una herramienta valiosa en distintas etapas de los procesos de políticas públicas. Para realizar este análisis estudiaremos dos casos específicos: los municipios de La Cocha y Lules de la provincia de Tucumán y las posibles aplicaciones, en las políticas públicas, de los conocimientos producidos por la historiografía sobre la historia de ambos lugares, en áreas como el turismo, la economía, el funcionamiento institucional y la educación.
Incidencia de los perfiles productivos locales en la planificación e implementación de políticas urbanas en la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Comesaña Micaela Florencia , González Sofía Ariadna , Pintos Radice Juan José , Brittez Celina
Published: May 2023

Este artículo indaga los modos de articulación e incidencia de los perfiles productivos de doce municipios de la región centro-sur de la provincia de Buenos Aires -Ayacucho, Balcarce, Bahía Blanca, Benito Juárez, Coronel Dorrego, General Guido, Adolfo Gonzales Chaves, Laprida, Monte Hermoso, Rauch, Tandil y Tres Arroyos- en la configuración de problemáticas territoriales y la implementación de políticas urbanas que se alinean con la normativa provincial, aunque esta no constituya explícitamente un marco orientador o inmediato. Al adentrarnos en las particularidades de las gestiones municipales, concluimos que la producción de suelo urbano y el acceso a la vivienda sigue resultando un tópico complejo, que varía en función de los diferentes contextos y las capacidades institucionales para financiar planes y programas o acceder a financiamiento nacional o provincial. Como resultado, la elaboración de políticas públicas urbano-habitacionales de los municipios estudiados muestran importantes heterogeneidades, pero confluyen en la definición de la regulación del suelo como el principal foco de intervención.
Necesidades habitacionales multidimensionales consensuadas como fundamento de una política habitacional integral
Authors: Romagnoli Venettia
Published: May 2023

La concepción histórica y hegemónica de “vivienda social pública” presenta íntima relación con la percepción del problema y su abordaje desde la política habitacional. El punto de partida de este trabajo es la concepción prevaleciente del “satisfactor” mediante el cual la política habitacional ha dado respuestas a las necesidades habitacionales. Esta concepción, que entiende la vivienda como un objeto físico acabado asociado a una parcela de suelo, producido de manera serial y estandarizada por empresas constructoras, para destinatarios anónimos que no participan del proceso y a quienes se les adjudican las viviendas en propiedad, se emplea como referencia para definir y cuantificar el problema e inducir las soluciones. Dicha noción se encuentra condicionada por los intereses de actores económicos y políticos que ponen en juego estrategias y recursos para incidir en los distintos momentos del proceso de construcción de la política habitacional. Este artículo se propone revisar los principales aportes teóricos en el campo del hábitat social y las políticas habitacionales, que desde un posicionamiento crítico al concepto de “vivienda social pública” han planteado discursos contrahegemónicos en virtud de avanzar hacia la construcción de un concepto de necesidades habitacionales multidimensionales básicas consensuadas desde un enfoque de equilibrio entre universalidad y particularidad.
Estados Unidos: la crisis económica y la política económica de la administración Biden
Authors: Guillén Arturo , Cortés Torres Iván
Published: May 2023

Desde la irrupción de la crisis económica-financiera de 2007-2008, la economía estadounidense ha manifestado una tendencia al estancamiento, bajo un contexto de financierización y alto sobrendeudamiento tanto público como privado. Las medidas de salvamento, sustentadas en los llamados programas de flexibilización cuantitativa (QE) y diversos estímulos fiscales evitaron que la economía estadounidense entrara en una depresión, pero no fueron capaces de provocar crecimiento económico sólido. Con el ascenso de la pandemia del COVID-19 y la crisis global en 2020, la economía estadounidense y mundial experimentaron la recesión más profunda desde la Gran Depresión de los años treinta. En este contexto, la política económica promovida por el presidente J. Biden se ha caracterizado por impulsar una política fiscal contracíclica de orientación keynesiana, enfocada al estímulo del consumo privado y la inversión pública. La política económica de Biden enfrenta límites económicos y políticos que generan una alta incertidumbre tanto en su ejecución como en sus resultados.
Gender Determination by Radiographic Evaluation of Condylar Length, Coronoid Height and Gonial Angle
Authors: Kumari Nisha , Agarwal Nitin , Tripathi Payal , Siddhartha Saxena Vasu , Agarwal Neha , Choudhary Krishnakant
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Forensic dentistry plays an important role in the identification of the gender of an individual in situations like natural disasters (eg. earthquakes, floods, etc.) or man-made disasters (such as accidents and bombings). Among all the bones in the human body, the pelvis and the skull show the maximum sexual dimorphism. But in cases where an intact skull is not found, the mandible becomes our first choice for gender determination, as it is covered with dense, compact bone, which makes it very durable and well-preserved. Aims and Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of condylar height, coronoid height and gonial angle of the mandible for sex determination using orthopantomography and to compare and determine the most reliable parameter for gender determination. Materials and Method: This study was conducted using digital panoramic images of 25 patients of each gender. The images captured were viewed on AutoCAD 2014 software and were subjected to measurements of the condylar, coronoid heights and gonial angles both on the left and right side using AutoCAD 2014 imaging software. The data was entered into a Microsoft Excel sheet and statistical analysis was done. Results: The Student t-test showed significant (P < 0.05) differences and higher values for both condylar height and coronoid height on both the right and left sides of males as compared to females. However, the difference in the mean gonial angle on both the right and left sides did not differ (P > 0.05) between the two genders. All three variables were higher in males as compared to females. Conclusion: The parameters such as condylar height, coronoid height and gonial angle using orthopantomographs are reliable in gender determination and the condylar height of the left side is the best parameter in gender determination.
Estimation of Age by Assessment of Dentin Translucency
Authors: Pooja N. R. , Sai Krishna P. , Makesh Raj L. S. , Jai Santhosh Manikandan V. , Hemalatha A. , Kannan I. , Srikant N.
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Several methods have been advocated for age estimation. Dentin translucency has been considered one of the non-invasive methods for age estimation, and it can be measured using the digital method. Aim: The aim of this study is to estimate the age by evaluating the length of dentin translucency. Materials and Methods: Ground section of 30 freshly extracted single-rooted permanent teeth from different individuals of known age and gender were performed dentin translucency was measured using a digital scanner. It was correlated with the age of these patients. Results: A linear regression analysis was performed to find the relationship between age and length of dentin translucency, and the Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.59, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Dentin translucency can be considered a reliable parameter for age estimation.
Assessment of Accuracy of Digitally Generated Overlays Compared to Conventional Overlays For Simulated Bitemark Analysis on Cheese Blocks
Authors: Javangula Sridhar , Natarajan Kannan , Kumar Manne Rakesh , Sarath Prathi Venkata , Sridevi Swapna , Reddy V. Sravya
Published: May 2023

Background: The bite injury or bite mark is examined as corroborative evidence in serious crimes such as rape, murder, robbery, and other forms of physical and sexual violence. The goal of this study was to comparatively evaluate the accuracy of overlays made with a digital, two-dimensional method compared to those made by directly tracing bite marks and using bite mark images obtained with a photocopier. Materials and Methods: A total of 61 participants were included in the study, of whom 31 were males with ages ranging between 18-65 years and 30 were females. The simulated bitemarks on the cheese block were used to prepare three sets of overlays, first by the way of hand-tracing, followed by a photocopying technique and a third set of overlays prepared using computer software called Adobe Photoshop version CS6 on a personal computer. Each pair of overlays and the study cast was then matched using 5-point criteria given by the ABFO guidelines, and a score between 0-3 was assigned to each observation. Results: The overall scores obtained in each group (A-hand-tracing, B-photocopy, C-digital method) were then compared amongst themselves for associations. By applying the Kruskal Wallis ANOVA test, the manual technique had a 29.5% positive matching rate, in photocopying method 32.8%, and the digital overlay 72.1%, which was significant. Conclusion: In conclusion, the digital overlay method outperformed the hand-tracing and photocopying methods in terms of minimizing the subjective errors and was found to be the most precise and dependable method.
Ecuadorian Tourism Industry Competitiveness Analysis
Authors: Viña-Palomino Nory
Published: May 2023

The tourism industry in developing countries can present differentiated results in their levels of competitiveness. Analyzing the specific cases in this type of economy could open up the possibility of developing more efficient growth processes in the industry. The study proposes to analyze the challenges that restrict the full development of tourism in Ecuador. A literature review related to the competitiveness of destinations is carried out, identifying the potentialities and conditions for the correct development of the sector. It is identified that improvements must be made in current industry regulations, planning and decentralization processes and coordinating related actors.
New Organizational Environment Types Based on Garvin and Quinn – the Case of Slovakian Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Mura Ladislav , Zsigmond Tibor , Bakó Ferenc , Marcell Kupi
Published: May 2023

The aim of the study was to examine what common characteristics can be observed in companies based on Garvin’s learning organization and the Quinn’s organizational culture. Both of the trends are considered a fundamental factor of modern management. Studying the international scientific literature, it is clear that examining the overlaps between the two approaches is highly incomplete. The issue was approached from the perspective of employees, as they show high willingness to express their opinion. A questionnaire survey was used as a part of our research. 549 responses were included in the analysis, during which we applied a cluster analysis. Based on the results, three different types of organizational environment can be defined: supporting, neutral and distancing.
Digital Technology Evolution of the Industrial Revolution From 4G to 5G in the Context of the Challenges of Digital Globalization
Authors: Voronkova Valentyna , Nikitenko Vitalina , Oleksenko Roman , Andriukaitiene Regina , Kharchenko Julia , Kliuienko Eduard
Published: May 2023

The development of a new generation of information technologies and engineering equipment directly affects the path of scientific research and innovation. As a result of these processes, new trends are developing, such as information technology, AI, digital education and medicine, etc. The 4th Industrial Revolution is the result of digital transformation. These processes are the basis for the evolution from the 4th to the 5th industrial revolution. The article analyses the fifth generation of 5G mobile telecommunication systems, which is a new wireless communication standard that will bring significant improvements in the data transfer speed of connecting many devices simultaneously.
Logistic Regression and Predictive Analysis in Public Services of AI Strategies
Authors: Mittal Prabhat , Gautam Suruchi
Published: May 2023

An essential national practice in the general growth of societies and economies is the quick integration of digital capabilities, innovations, and IT skills with government services in public sector. The adoption of digital capabilities and technological advancements renders more efficacy and efficiency to the delivery of public sector government services. The increasing demands of corporations and residents, however, present a significant challenge for the governments. In order to exploit emerging digital technologies, government needs to engage, interact and cooperate with residents, society, and enterprises. It must structure itself and guarantee that appropriate technology is put to use. Technology and innovation must be strategically incorporated in the initiatives to modernize public sector services. The objective of the study is to investigate the impact of various factors like digital capabilities, technology skills, innovation, and data capabilities on the implementation of AI enabled public services. The study uses the Governments' Artificial Intelligence Readiness Index score of 100 countries from Oxford Insights and IDRC. The results imply that use of AI in public services has a significant impact on the purchase of cutting-edge technology, data, and innovative capabilities of a nation.
Analysis of the Adhesion of the Surface Layer Formed due to Cataphoresis Coating
Authors: Fejko Patrik , Dobránsky Jozef , Balint Bali Róbert
Published: May 2023

The paper focuses on the cross-cut test, which serves as a basis for determining the adhesion test on the surface of aluminium parts. The coating adhesion test was performed according to the ISO 2409 standard where. Before carrying out the actual measurement, the tools necessary for making those individual measurements were prepared. A knife, an adhesive tape and a grid were used. The result was evaluated on the basis of the ISO 2409 standard. Spacing of a grid was 2mm apart. Grid exam cut test was carried out on 32 samples. The classification of the samples ranged from 0 to 1. At 1, we found that the surface of the material was slightly damaged. At the scale of 0, a smooth cut was made on the material surface, and no damage occurred. Through research, we found that with a constant chemical degreasing factor, the adhesion test varies according to the EN ISO 2409 standard at values 0 and 1. It follows that if we wanted to achieve worse cutting conditions in the grid, we would have to change the temperature of the solution, the time depositions.
CRM System as a Necessary Tool for Managing Commercial and Production Processes
Authors: Stefanov Tihomir , Varbanova Silviya , Stefanova Milena , Ivanov Ivan
Published: May 2023

The implementation of specialized software in the business supports the processes related to production and employees' activities, and those providing quick access to the necessary information between branches. The need for better business management and closer interaction with customers via the internet underpins the modern CRM systems development. Detailed research of existing CRM systems has established the necessity to design and implement a modern system specialized for the needs of agricultural machinery users in Bulgaria. The report presents a CRM system developed to facilitate information exchange, rapid customer service, synchronization of activities in order to increase agricultural machinery sales with better marketing.
A Regression Model and a Combination of Academic and Non-Academic Features to Predict Student Academic Performance
Authors: Arifin Muhammad , Widowati Widowati , Farikhin Farikhin , Gudnanto Gudnanto
Published: May 2023

Predicting academic performance provides an effective way for students and faculties to monitor their academic progress. The identification of the most significant features was a key outcome of this research, and the college/university databases from online learning platforms are the main academic data sets used to ascertain performance. However, previous research emphasized the addition of other significant features in the prediction of academic performance. Universities’ organizational features include non-academic essential data used in determining student success, but no research has utilized this data to predict student academic performance. Generally, to evaluate binary classification, the relationship between the predicted classifications and the true classifications is analyzed, this approach can lead to the loss of important information from the data. Furthermore, to avoid such loss, this research proposes a regression model by comparing six regression algorithms, and combining academic and non-academic features for prediction student academic performance. Among the various models examined, the gradient-boosted trees regression model demonstrated the lowest error rate. The proposed features have been observed to have a significant impact on academic performance, making them suitable for use in predictions.
Small but Diverse SEM Image Dataset: Impact of Image Augmentation on the Performance of AlexNet
Authors: Mohd Shariff Khairul Khaizi , Amin Megat Ali Megat Syahirul , Mohd Yassin Ahmad Ihsan , Abdullah Noor Ezan , Al-Misreb Ali Abd , Jahidin Aisyah Hartini
Published: May 2023

To this date, scanning electron microscope has produced among the most complex and diverse images at nanoscale resolution. The highly magnified images of backscattered electrons reflected from the surface of samples are non-uniformed, even for the same class of images. The study investigates the impact of having a small but diverse dataset on the performance of AlexNet. A total of 160 samples from EUDAT Collaborative Database Infrastructure is used for the study. Compared to the use of new non-augmented samples to increase the size of dataset, image augmentation has been significantly improved classification performance and generalization ability of the AlexNet.
Virtual Reality Technology in Teaching Computer Hardware: A Prototype and Assessment from User Perspectives
Authors: Fasihuddin Heba
Published: May 2023

Computer courses in public schools are typically taught by traditional methods, that involve images and written text explanations. This makes the content of learning materials unclear and hard to understand. Moreover, it is not easy for public schools to equip computer labs with the required devices, as schools have limited budgets. In this paper a protype using VR technology was introduced and assessed in terms of usability, and acceptance. The aim was to provide an interactive virtual learning environment for teaching/learning computer hardware with the most effective method that allow keeping pace with the rapid evolution in this field. The prototype was based on the use of a VR headset to allow the user to explore the internal components of a computer. A test in terms of functionalities and usability was conducted. Results confirmed that the prototype functions were successfully implemented. Subsequent tests on usability proved satisfactory. It is expected that the proposed prototype and study will enrich the teaching methods of public schools with limited budgets - especially for practical and applied courses.
Application of musculoskeletal ultrasound in gouty arthritis
Authors: Kim Hyun Ok
Published: May 2023

Gout is a representative inflammatory arthritis with an increasing incidence in recent years. Gout may be accompanied by a chronic course in which sodium urate crystals are continuously deposited to form gout nodules if proper uric acid management is not performed after acute symptom onset. In the past, an invasive method was applied to diagnose gout, but the development of various imaging modalities has prompted attempts to diagnose gout with a non-invasive method. Among these, ultrasound examination is a patient-friendly examination, is relatively convenient to perform in an outpatient setting, and can be used for treatment evaluation. Therefore, in this thesis, the ultrasound findings of gout are investigated and applied to actual treatment.
A Case of Zenker’s Diverticulum Mimicking a Thyroid Nodule
Authors: Choi Young Sik
Published: May 2023

The Zenker’s diverticulum is the most common diverticulum of the esophagus. It commonly occurs at the pharyngoesophageal junction that can appear in proximity to the thyroid gland. The food remnants or gas bubbles present in the diverticulum may mimic microcalcifications presented in papillary thyroid carcinoma on ultrasonography. Therefore, it is important to be able to differentiate between Zenker’s diverticulum and malignant thyroid nodule. The author reported a case of Zenker’s diverticulum mimicking a thyroid nodule in thyroid ultrasonography.
Descending Colon Cancer with Hepatic Metastasis on Abdominal Ultrasound in Patients with Left Lower Abdominal Pain
Authors: Lee Jae Joon
Published: May 2023

Ultrasound is essential for differential diagnosis in patients with left lower quadrant (LLQ) abdominal pain. Causes of LLQ pain are variable such as diverticulitis, colitis, appendagitis, and rarely appendicitis (in situs inversus). Colon cancer also is an occasional cause. Ultrasound findings of colon cancer are irregular wall thickening with loss of wall stratification and luminal narrowing. We report a case of descending colon cancer with hepatic metastasis detected on abdominal ultrasound in a 78-year-old female patient with LLQ pain. Ultrasound findings showed irregular bowel wall thickening with loss of wall stratification, luminal narrowing at the descending colon, and multiple hyperechoic nodules with peripheral halo at S4, 7, and 8 of the liver.
Gastric Subepithelial Tumor Diagnosed by Transabdominal Ultrasonography
Authors: Kim Dae Hyun
Published: May 2023

Endoscopic ultrasonography is usually used in the diagnosis of subepithelial tumors but requires special equipment and expertise, which can be obstacles in some clinics. Transabdominal ultrasonography is an easily available diagnostic tool for diagnosing gastric subepithelial tumors. Hydroultrasonography can depict all five layers of the stomach wall. On ultrasonography, the gastric lipoma is recognized as a well demarcated hyperechoic mass mainly located in the submucosal layer. The ectopic pancreas is recognized as a well-demarcated, oval, heterogeneous, hypoechoic mass mainly located in the mucosal and submucosal layers. We diagnosed a lipoma and ectopic pancreas via abdominal ultrasonography after the patient drank water.
Suspected Case of Secondary Splenic Tuberculosis Difficult to Differentiate from Pyogenic Splenic Abscess
Authors: Kim Daejin , Ryu Hanjun , Kim Hyunsoo , Park Changkeun , Jung Jaekwon , Kim Jongmin , Shin Bi , Kim Jeongin
Published: May 2023

Splenic tuberculosis is known to occur due to hematogenous spread from the affected lungs. Ultrasonography shows non-specific features, including hepatosplenomegaly or abscess. Possible small hypoechoic nodules or larger hypoechoic mass-like areas are also observed. Sometimes it is challenging to differentiate splenic tuberculosis from a splenic pyogenic abscess. An 85-year-old man visited our clinic with abdominal discomfort and fatigue. He had a history of antituberculous medication. Upper abdominal ultrasonography showed an about 5 cm-sized pyogenic abscess-like lesion in the spleen. His symptoms and laboratory findings were not improved after a course of empirical antibiotic treatment. He was suspected of having secondary splenic tuberculosis and continued taking antituberculous medication. We are following up on his symptoms and radiologic images.
Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules and Cancer: National Health Insurance Coverage Criteria and Standard Imaging
Authors: Choi Dughyun
Published: May 2023

Ultrasonography is a simple and safe medical tool for diagnosing thyroid nodules and evaluating malignancy. National Health Insurance coverage for ultrasonography was implemented in Korea, and coverage for thyroid ultrasonography has been in effect since 2016. In 2022, with expanded coverage, imaging standards for reimbursement were recommended. The diagnosis of thyroid nodules will be discussed in this article based on updated reimbursement criteria and recommended standard imaging.
Embedding The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South African Municipalities: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Kenneth Nokele Sonayena , Makganya Karabo
Published: May 2023

In South Africa, the current technology has brought multitudes of changes and transformations to the public sector and service delivery. The current state of technology allows municipalities to carry out their duties using ICT platforms successfully. E-participation, e-services, citizen portals, digital city services and goods, broadband fibre rollouts, CCTV networks, data center infrastructure, and private cloud solutions are just a few of these endeavours. The lack of integration of the smart city plan into the IDP, insufficient internal ability to support and sustain projects, and other issues may prohibit most municipalities from effectively adopting 4IR programs. limited support from a broader range of stakeholders, such as workers, communities, labourers, and businesses Among municipal departments, there is a lack of linked and coordinated thinking and activities. This study aims to assess how well the 4IR has worked to improve municipal service delivery. It is concluded that towns may be able to fully integrate modern technologies with the incorporation of 4IR technology into municipal IDP. In order to do this, a number of strategies are suggested, and a theoretical framework for the phenomena is investigated, with the goal of addressing the issues that prevent the proper application of 4IR technologies in South African Municipalities.
Cytarabine determination from urine for Toxicokinetic and Excretion studies by High- Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: DANİŞ İbrahim , GÖLCÜ Ayşegül , ÜNAL Durişehvar
Published: May 2023

Cytarabine (Cyt) (also known as cytosine arabinoside (ara-C)) used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). CYT applied in high doses for treatment can cause renal failure. Monitoring excreted urine drug levels can help kidney failure. For this reason, a method was developed and validated by HPLC-MSMS for urine CYT analysis, which is not included in the literature. In this study, a liquid chromatography (HPLC) with triple quadrupole Mass Spectrometric (MS/MS) method developed for the determination of Cyt from urine for toxicokinetic evaluation. Positive MRM mode selected for the quantification of Cyt. The product and major fragment ion for Cyt 244.0 > 112.0 m/z, for IS 198.0 > 152.0 m/z. The optimal MS parameters for Cyt and IS are as follows Fragmentor 80 V, 70 V, Collision energy, 6, 9 respectively. A novel simple, high-throughput and highly sensitive HPLC-MS/MS method was successfully developed and validated for the determination of Cyt from urine. The developed method has a simple one-step extraction method and a short run time (2.0 minutes) for analysis. The proposed method could be practical and reliable for excretion and toxicokinetic studies and as well as the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring study in humans without an invasive route for Cyt.
Tracheostomy experiences in chronic respiratory failure after congenital heart surgery
Authors: SORAN TÜRKCAN Başak , ATALAY Atakan , YILMAZ Mustafa , ECEVİT Ata Niyazi , BIRINCIOĞLU Cemal Levent
Published: May 2023

Introduction A small number of children with repaired congenital heart defects may require a tracheostomy for ongoing ventilatory support. Congenital airway anomalies, laryngomalacia, postoperative airway complications and genetic syndromes associated with airway and facial anomalies, such as DiGeorge Syndrome (22q11 deletion), can be counted among the reasons why patients are unable to be weaned from the ventilator. In this study, we aimed to define the outcomes of patients who required a tracheostomy due to chronic respiratory failure after congenital heart surgery, and the existing risk factors for in-hospital and post-discharge mortality. Materials and methods The files of 1382 patients who underwent surgery due to CHD in the Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic in ……………., between February 2019 and February 2023, were retrospectively scanned. Patients’ age, gender, body weight, cardiac diagnosis, surgical intervention, length of stay in the intensive care unit, number of extubation attempts, total length of stay on the ventilator, need for ventilator at discharge, rates of weaning from tracheostomy and time of weaning from tracheostomy and mortality rates, were obtained from patient files and hospital database. Results Tracheostomy was performed in 15 of 1382 patients who underwent surgery during the four year study period. Mean (SD) duration of ventilation prior to tracheostomy was 35 days (IQR= 19 – 47). The median follow up time in patients was 224 days (IQR=116-538). Three patients were decannulated and six had died. Causes of death in six patients included sepsis (2), cardiac instability (1), neurological complications (2) and pulmonary haemorraghia (1). The median time to discharge after tracheostomy in patients was 51 days (IQR= 33.50 – 147). Eight patients (53.3%) were discharged on home ventilation. Causes of deaths were often multifactorial for children who died during their initial hospital stay. Mortality was seen in six patients, a rate of 40%. Conclusion The need for tracheostomy after cardiac surgery plays an important role in early and late mortality in children. Ventilator-dependent chronic respiratory failure is the most common cause of childhood tracheostomies. We believe that determining the optimal timing for tracheostomy in the pediatric population will be effective in reducing prolonged ventilation and tracheostomy-related morbidities.
Investigation the impact of liraglutide on the thyroid function tests
Authors: URHAN Emre
Published: May 2023

Aim: Liraglutide is a once-daily glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP‑1 RA) which is an incretin hormone secreted from intestinal L cells in response to nutritional intake and stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion, decreases hepatic glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, provides a feeling of satiety and is the first GLP‑1 RA to be indicated for weight loss treatment for obesity. The impact of liraglutide on thyroid function tests is unknown and to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies on this regard. Our aim is to compare thyroid function tests, other biochemical and hemogram parameters before and 6 months after liraglutide treatment.

Material and Methods: The patients, 18-65 years old, who used liraglutide for at least 6 months due to obesity treatment between January 2021 and January 2023 in Burdur State Hospital were included.

Results: There were 51 patients (39 female, 12 male) using liraglutide without thyroid disease during the study period. Twelve patients discontinued liraglutide use before the 6th month of treatment was completed. Weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values were significantly lower at the 6th month of treatment. Free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) values were similar. and there was no difference other biochemical and hemogram parameters between before and 6 months after treatment

Conclusion: We found a significant decrease in TSH values and improvement in metabolic parameters, but no change in thyroid hormone levels.