bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dangler for Accelerated Dehydration: A Novel System for Assessing the Impacts of Relative Humidity on Fruit Water Loss During Cold Storage of Blueberries
Authors: Moggia Claudia , Sepúlveda Daniel , Valdés Marcelo , Araya Carlos M. , Pacheco Paula , Diaz Vanessa , Lobos Gustavo A. , Beaudry Randolph , Lorca-Alvarez Javier
Published: June 2023

Blueberries are prone to dehydration during storage. Firmness is one of the most critical quality attributes associated with this period, with the loss of water from the fruit representing the most significant limitation for the fresh market. Therefore, one of the great challenges is maintaining the quality characteristics of the fruit in shipments by sea, which can take up to 60 days when sent from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere. The random arrangement of each fruit within a packaging unit (different proportions of the stem scar and cuticular surface exposed to the environment) represents an essential source of variation in the prediction of softening during the storage period. A special device, referred to as a dangler for accelerated dehydration (DAD), was designed to expose nearly the entire fruit surface to the environment and determine the impact of factors such as relative humidity and the role of the stem scar and cuticle on fruit water loss. Consequently, to evaluate the ability of DADs to find differences in fruit dehydration, blueberries sampled at early, peak, and late harvest dates were placed in DADs and exposed to three controlled levels of relative humidity (30%, 65%, and 96% relative humidity; 1.2 ± 0.7 °C) for 10 days. Berries within the DADs were untreated, immersed in hexane for 5 seconds to remove bloom, painted with quick-drying nail polish on the pedicel end to seal the stem scar or immersed in hexane for 5 seconds, and painted with quick-drying nail polish on the pedicel end. At each harvest, fruit weight loss was significantly affected by the fruit and RH treatments, as well as the interaction between them. A regression analysis of the control treatment indicated that water loss at lower relative humidities occurred faster in fruit from the first harvest. The results reveal that DADs can be used to characterize preharvest and postharvest stimuli at an individual level and within a short time (10 days).
Defining contexts of the Postcolonial, the post-Soviet, and the Peripheral – The Case of Georgia [Postkolonyal, post-Sovyet ve periferik kavramlarının çerçevesi: Gürcistan Örneği]
Authors: EBRALİDZE Aleksandre , GRDZELİDZE Ketevan
Published: June 2023

In some approaches, the post-Soviet condition is comparable to postcolonial. Yet, another approach defines the post-Soviet as a general context and studies its’ peripheral conditions. Within the framework of this approach, post-Soviet represents context, and the periphery is an additional attestation to it. An internal center produces an internal periphery which is represented as a marginal, dependent, and less significant subject. This internal peripheralization and marginalization is represented as a specific construct and considered a post-Soviet, postcolonial occurrence. These specific constructs include the term peripheral as a secondary element. The present article is an attempt to avoid the hyper-definitions produced by the terms post-Soviet and postcolonial, by defining the term peripheral as a secondary component, which is always in bipolar antagonism with its’ center. The autonomous character of the term peripheral is shown in the case of Georgia, which is mainly studied under the general definition of post-Soviet and postcolonial.
Osmanlı-Erken Dönem Türkiye Tarihinde ve Edebiyatında Kalpak İmgesine Yönelik Bir Söylem Çözümlemesi [A Discourse Analysis on the Image of Kalpak in Ottoman and Early Turkish History & Literature]
Authors: TOPÇU Kerem B.
Published: June 2023

Kafkasya halkları, Türkî ve İranî halklar tarafından giyilen bir başlık olan kalpak, kökenine dair çok sayıda varsayımda bulunulmuş bir esvaptır. Türkçede “Papak” olarak da bilinen bu başlığın ‘kalpak’ şeklindeki isimlendirilmesinin etimolojik olarak bu dile ait olduğu söylenebilir; Türk leksikolog ve dilbilimci Hasan Eren’e göre kalpak, ‘deri, kürk ya da kumaştan yapılma bir başlık’ anlamına gelen Türkçe bir kelimedir. Bu esvabın Orta Asya’daki isimdaşı olan esvap ile Kafkasya’da yaygın olan esvabın arasındaki bu etimolojik ortaklık, bugüne kadar yapılmış belli başlı akademik çalışmalarda bu başlığın Türkî olarak kabul edilmesine yol açmış, söz konusu başlığın Osmanlı ordusunda ve Milli Mücadele döneminde kullanılması ise bu fikri güçlendirmiştir. Bu fikir, Türkçe Edebiyat eserlerinde bu kalpağın milli bir imge olarak izinin sürülmesine yönelik girişimlerin önünü açmıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı ise öncelikle Orta Asya’daki esvap ile Kafkasya’daki esvabın arasındaki farklılıkların çözümlenmesi ve belirginleştirilmesi, bunun sonrasında ise milli bir imge olarak kabul edilen Kafkasya kalpağının Foucault’un temellendirdiği bir hakikat rejiminin ürünü haline getirilerek, toplumdaki hakim söyleme eklenmesinin ideoloji ve iktidar/bilgi kavramının bağlamında analiz edilmesidir. Michel Foucault’nun, Anne Norton’ın ve Daniele Lorenzini’nin kuramlarının metodolojisine katkı sağladığı çalışma, Emine Bilgehan Türk’ün “Millî bir İmge Olarak Türk Romanında Kalpak” isimli çalışmasını ve bu çalışmanın içerdiği belli başlı edebi eserleri çözümlemesinin merkezine alarak söz konusu metodolojiyi uygulamaya koyacaktır.
Religious System in the Mughal Empire during the Period of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb
Authors: Ali Muhammad Nasihudin
Published: June 2023

The advice of the Mughal was established by Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur when he succeeded in defeating Abraham Lodi in the battle of Panipat. It also managed to expose the influence of Islam on the Children of Benua India to becoming wider and then continued by its followers. This research aims to analyze the conditions of Mughal society at the time of Sultan Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb implementing their policies in the community, especially religion. This is done because the Indian Subcontinent is an area whose people are Hindu. The method used is library research. This is done to answer the main research question, achieve the study's purpose, and have relevance to the technique used. The method facilitates research by providing insight into Sultan Shah Jahan's and Aurangzeb's policies. In his politics, Shah Jahan tolerated his Hindu people in his activities. They are also assured of their security as citizens of their religion. Moreover, when Aurangzeb did not find a place in the synagogue to be a part of the synagogue, Aurangzeb was more pressed on the values of Islamic society.
Do Gender, Financial Income, And Religiosity Influence Indonesian's Donations?
Authors: Purwatiningsih Aris Puji , Rahmadieni Risky Yuniar , Setyawati Harini Abrilia , Karim Bakri Abdul
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to identify whether gender, financial income, and religiosity influenced Indonesians' donation behavior during the 2021 Covid-19 pandemic. Besides that, its purpose is also to determine which religiosity dimension significantly correlates to the Indonesians' donation intention during the Covid-19 outbreak. The research questions whether gender, financial income, and religiosity influence Indonesian people's donation behavior in the 2021 Covid-19 pandemic era. The data was collected through questionnaires to 334 respondents in 34 provinces in Indonesia that were then analyzed using Partial Least Square (P.L.S.); it was found that financial income, gender, and religiosity significantly influence donation behavior. The religiosity dimension significantly influences donation behavior is the sincerity of Zakat (Islamic charity tax for wealth) paying routine behavior. In contrast, the religion literature study behavior significantly negatively influences the respondents' donation behavior. This study successfully proves that there are influences of gender, financial income, and religiosity on the respondents' donation behavior. This is very important for many stakeholders, like the government, N.G.O.s, and Zakah Institution, so they can formulate policies and strategies to increase the participation of Indonesian in donating.
Diagnostic applicability of infrared thermography in the evaluation of canine mammary tumors
Authors: Holanda André Gustavo Alves , Silva Victória Morais , Demoner Larissa de Castro , Braga Juliana Fortes Vilarinho , Queiroz Genilson Fernandes de
Published: June 2023

Mammary tumors have a high prevalence in bitches and women, and are related to high rates of morbidity and mortality. For the human species, thermography has stood out as a diagnostic tool for breast cancer. However, its clinical benefit in bitches remains unknown. Thus, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic applicability of infrared thermography for canine mammary tumors, as well as to correlate tumor temperature with mitotic index and tumor volume. Thermographic and digital images of eight bitches with mammary neoplasms were captured. Thermograms were entered into the FLIR tools software and the temperature of 15 tumor and 15 healthy glands from the contralateral mammary chain was analyzed. There was no significant difference (p = 0.786) between the mean temperature of neoplastic (33.71°C±1.86) and healthy (33.54°C±1.59) glands. There was a negative and moderate correlation between tumor temperature and mitotic index (ρ= -0.52 p = 0.049). However, no correlation was detected between mammary temperature and tumor volume (p = 0.10). Although thermography allowed no distinction between neoplastic and healthy mammary glands in bitches, it may be promising to assess the proliferative rate of tumors. In addition, malignant neoplasms may be more often hypothermic than healthy tissue.
Effect of Diabetes Supportive Group and Network (DINET) Programme on Quality of Life for Diabetes Patients
Authors: Falah Fakhriatul , Apriana Rista , Ariani Gusti Ayu Putri
Published: June 2023

Gorontalo is ranked 7th in the number of people with diabetes from 35 provinces in Indonesia. One of the causes is the lack of self-care management which impacts the low quality of life of diabetes patients. Supportive group existence is needed as social support for diabetes patient, mainly in the community. This study's purpose is to analyze the effect of the DINET programme on the quality of life of diabetic people. The research method used a pre-experimental design through one group of pre and post-test analyses. The supportive group support provided activities involving diabetes patients, including health education, focus group discussion, physical exercise, and using chatbots and group chat as communication media for support group members. The sample used was 16 people through the purposive sampling method. The instrument for quality of life used is the Diabetes Instrument Quality of Life (DQOL) from the American Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) Research Group. The study's results showed a significant difference in the quality of life of DM patients after the intervention with a p-value of 0.000 (α < 0.05). The support group can be used as social support for diabetes patients to keep their discipline in self-care management to prevent dangerous complications.
Nurses’ Caring Behavior Based on Personality
Authors: Sampe Anita , Wirmando Wirmando , Paulus Lidya Gracelya , Puspita Margareta Sintia
Published: June 2023

Psychological factors, including the characteristics of personality, influence caring behaviour. In this case, nurses can be assessed for their caring behaviour in nursing services through their personality characteristics. The characteristics of a nurse's personality influence the provision of the quality of nursing services carried out. This study aimed to determine the relationship between personality characteristics and hospital nurses' caring behaviour. A cross-sectional study was adopted involving 72 nurses of a Stella Maris Hospital in Makassar selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected from Caring Behavior Assessment (CBA) and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) test results. Statistical analysis used the chi-square test. The study indicated that most nurses were extroverts (66,7%) and had a caring attitude. Based on the chi-square statistical test, a value of p = 0.000 (α = 0.05) was obtained, meaning a significant relationship exists between personality characteristics and caring behaviour. Extrovert personality types care more compared to introvert personality types because their attitudes are intelligent in speaking, anxiety-free, not easily embarrassed, not awkward, friendly, gregarious, able to cooperate, adaptable, flexible, and usually conservative. Therefore, this study recommends hiring nurses who have extrovert characteristics.
Influence of Local Culture on the Identity of Malaysian Portrait Painting
Authors: Abdul Rahim Rosliza
Published: June 2023

This study focuses on the chronology of local cultural themes that were selected from Malaysian portrait paintings. All the artworks were chosen from the permanent Kuala Lumpur National Art Gallery collection. The process was supported with visits and observations, where the process of record was identified and followed with the categorization of themes. All the artworks shared individual, economic, social, and family themes, which became the priorities of the painters. The whole theme from this classification represented the cultural identity and became the most important theme for local painters in this country after it achieved independence.
Reflection of Life within the Context of Electronic Waste Art
Authors: Romat Muhammad Sukor , Abdullah Ramlan a.k.a Razlan , Ahmad Farid Raihan , Jamaludin Noor Azzanny
Published: June 2023

This project was engaged closely in how the reflection of autobiographical factors was utilised and expanded into artwork dealing with electronic waste art features. The artwork that was formed was developed through the process of understanding the inquiries of electronic fabrication from the previous work that related to the formation of new work. The artwork was created and associated with the changes and the transformation of installation and reflection of life home place artwork. This project shared the potential of the new form of the object within the context of electronic waste and represented contemporary strategies in creative artwork making.
Thematic Analysis of Shariah Principles in Digital Advertising: A case study of traditional medicine marketing
Authors: Jaapar Nurzahidah , Mohamed Yusof Mohd Faiz , Mohd Mohd Dani
Published: June 2023

This study examines the application of shariah principles related to the current practice of social media advertising. This study specifically examines the marketing practice of traditional medicine. This qualitative study employs thematic content analysis using ATLAS. ti 22, conducted in three stages: open coding, classification, and theme generation to answer the research objectives. This study highlights the five themes of principles in social media advertising that serve as the primary indication of regulatory control in the marketing of traditional medicine products that do not violate the principle of fiqh muamalat, the purpose of which is to safeguard consumer rights.
Upala pluća povezana s mehaničkom ventilacijom uzrokovana bakterijom Acinetobacter baumannii u razdoblju pandemije COVID-19
Authors: Šitum Ivan , Mamić Gloria , Džaja Nikolina , Hrvoić Lovro , Lovrić Daniel , Siroglavić Marko , Erceg Ante , Perković Romana , Mihaljević Slobodan
Published: June 2023

Infekcije uzrokovane bakterijom Acinetobacter baumannii predstavljaju veliki javnozdravstveni problem. Acinetobacter baumannii kontaminira bolničko okruženje, kožu i sluznice pacijenata te se prenosi rukama osoblja uzrokujući oportunističke infekcije kao što su upale pluća povezane s mehaničkom ventilacijom, bakterijemije, infekcije rana te urinarne infekcije. Ventilatorom uzrokovana upala pluća druga je po učestalosti nozokomijalna infekcija u jedinicama intenzivnog liječenja. Vodeći čimbenik rizika za razvoj ventilatorom uzrokovane upale pluća jest invazivna mehanička ventilacija. U pacijenata s bolešću COVID-19, liječenje u jedinicama intenzivnog liječenja često je zahtijevalo intubaciju i uporabu mehaničke ventilacije izlažući ih riziku od razvoja ventilatorom uzrokovane upale pluća. S obzirom na brojna preklapanja u kliničkoj slici COVID upale pluća i upale pluća povezane s ventilatorom, teško je sa sigurnošću odrediti njezinu prevalenciju. Oštećenja pluća uzrokovana bolešću COVID-19, imunosupresivna terapija, često profilaktičko korištenje antibiotika i organizacijske teškoće – prenapučenost u jedinicama intenzivnog liječenja, manjak osoblja, potreba za zaštitom osoblja od virusa SARS-CoV-2 (engl. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infekcije i dr., pridonijeli su povećanoj pojavnosti ventilatorom izazvane upale pluća uzrokovane Acinetobacter baumannii u pacijenata oboljelih od COVID-a. Brojni mehanizmi otpornosti na antibiotike, uz posljedično sve veću prevalenciju višestruko otpornih sojeva Acinetobacter baumannii predstavljaju izazov u liječenju. U osjetljivih sojeva, monoterapija karbapenemima dovodi do pozitivnog ishoda. Liječenje karbapenem-otpornih Acinetobacter baumannii sojeva u kompliciranim infekcijama provodi se uglavnom kolistinom. Kolistin se može primjenjivati intravenski i inhalacijski te ga se preporučuje koristiti u kombinaciji s drugim djelotvornim antibioticima.
Kongenitalna bilateralna hidronefroza s posljedičnim afunkcionalnim bubregom
Authors: Barukčić Mario , Nikolić Harry
Published: June 2023

Cilj: Prikazati pacijenta s kongenitalnom bilateralnom hidronefrozom i posljedičnim unilateralnim afunkcionalnim bubregom kao jednom od rijetkih razvojnih anomalija urotrakta te ukazati na važnost primjene ultrazvuka sa svrhom ranog otkrivanja i prevencije daljnjih ireverzibilnih oštećenja bubrežnog parenhima. Prikaz slučaja: Muško novorođenče zaprimljeno je na Zavod za intenzivno liječenje i neonatologiju zbog prenatalno dijagnosticirane obostrane hidronefroze u 26. tjednu gestacije. Tijekom boravka u bolnici učinjen je ultrazvuk bubrega koji je pokazao hidronefrozu IV. stupnja desno, s dilatiranim kaliksima i baloniranim pijelonom te blago reduciranim parenhimom. Na očekivanom mjestu lijevog bubrega prikazala se nepravilna, vrećasta formacija u očekivanom području kanalnog sustava, dok se parenhim bubrega nije razaznao. U dobi od jednog mjeseca rađena je dinamička scintigrafija bubrega koja je pokazala usporenu drenažu iz desnog bubrega na području PU ušća. Lijevi se bubreg tijekom pretrage nije prikazao. S obzirom na opisani nalaz, zauzet je konzervativan stav u liječenju ovog pacijenta. Dječak je bio urednog rasta i razvoja. U dobi od dvije godine učinjena je kontrolna scintigrafija koja je ponovno pokazala značajno usporenu spontanu drenažu u području PU ušća, bez poboljšanja nakon aplikacije diuretika. S obzirom na pogoršanje nalaza, pacijent je podvrgnut kirurškom načinu liječenja. Metoda izbora bila je unutrašnja drenaža protezom „double J“. Uslijedilo je ambulantno praćenje parametara bubrežne funkcije. Zaključak: Hidronefroza se može liječiti kirurški, postavljanjem proteze „double J“ i time potencijalno izbjeći invazivnije metode kirurškog liječenja. Međutim, svakom je pacijentu potrebno pristupiti individualno, uzimajući u obzir indikacije i moguće komplikacije.
The Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia in a Patient with Panhypopituitarism and Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Morić Nikolina , Omerović Alen , Mrak Maja , Mirošević Gorana , Rahelić Dario , Klobučar Sanja
Published: June 2023

Cilj: Prikazati pacijenta s porodičnom hiperkolesterolemijom (engl. familial hypercholesterolemia; FH) i panhipopituitarizmom kod kojeg je unatoč trojnoj hipolipemijskoj terapiji ciljna vrijednost LDL kolesterola gotovo postignuta tek nakon uvođenja nadomjesne terapije somatotropinom koja inače nije neophodna za odrasle osobe s panhipopituitarizmom. Prikaz slučaja: 54-godišnji pacijent upućen je na endokrinološku evalvaciju radi hipogonadizma i hiperlipidemije. Pacijentu je 2005. godine učinjena perkutana koronarna intervencija s postavljanjem stenta u desnu koronarnu arteriju te je 2016. i 2017. godine zbog ateroskleroze provedeno endovaskularno liječenje stenoza femoralnih arterija. Pacijent boluje od arterijske hipertenzije, dislipidemije, šećerne bolesti tipa 2 te debljine 3. stupnja (ITM 43,5 kg/m2). Obradom erektilne disfunkcije i poliurije 2018. godine ustanovljen je panhipopituitarizam. Pacijent je redovito uzimao preporučenu nadomjesnu hormonsku terapiju (hidrokortizon, levotiroksin, dezmopresin, testosteron undekanoat) uz kroničnu terapiju (metformin, fenofibrat, atorvastatin, ezetimib, klopidogrel, nebivolol, lerkanidipin). Unatoč maksimalnoj dozi visokopotentnog statina i ezetimiba utvrđena je izrazito povišena razina LDL kolesterola (8,0 mmol/L), ukupnog kolesterola (10,5 mmol/L), triglicerida (3,8 mmol/L) te snižena vrijednost HDL kolesterola (0,6 mmol/L). S obzirom na anamnestičke podatke i laboratorijske nalaze te prema bodovnom sustavu Duch Lipid Clinical Network koji je iznosio 12, vrlo je vjerojatna dijagnoza porodične hiperkolesterolemije te je, uz dosadašnju hipolipemijsku terapiju, preporučeno liječenje PCSK-9 inhibitorom. Tri mjeseca nakon uvođenja PCSK9i u terapiju značajno su se reducirali LDL kolesterol (2,3), ukupni kolesterol (4,0) i trigliceridi (1,8) te porasle vrijednosti HDL-a (0,9). S obzirom na pretpostavljeni povoljan učinak nadomjesne terapije hormonom rasta, preporučen je somatotropin kojega je u daljnjem tijeku liječenja pacijent, uz dosadašnju terapiju, uzimao te se na sljedećem kontrolnom pregledu vrijednost LDL-a dodatno reducirala (1,6), uz povoljan učinak i na ostale lipidne parametre (ukupni kolesterol 3,5, trigliceridi 2,5, HDL 0,8, ne-HDL 2,7). Zaključak: Istraživanja koja se bave odnosom nadomjesne terapije hormonom rasta i dislipidemije, malobrojna su te se u liječenju dislipidemije preporučuje trojna hipolipemijska terapija. U našega pacijenta, koji boluje od FH i panhipopituitarizma, primjenom kombinacije statina, ezetimiba, PCSK9i te somatotropina gotovo su postignute ciljne vrijednosti LDL-a, što može sugerirati da su potrebna dodatna istraživanja u ovom području kako bi se definirale terapijske smjernice.
The social driving forces of desertification in the high Algerian steppe plains
Authors:   Ziane Achour-Djelfa University, Nature & Life Sciences Faculty, Earth & Universe Sciences Department, Djelfa 17000, Algeria, Boussaïd Adel , Schmitz Serge ,   University of Liège, Department of Geography, Laboratory for the Analysis of Places, Landscapes and European Campaigns (Laplec), Clos Mercator, 3 (Bât. B11), 4000 Liège, Belgium
Published: June 2023

The sedentarization of shepherds at the margins of the desert and the introduction of private land ownership in the high Algerian steppe plains has led to profound lifestyle transformations and increased desertification. Based on policy analysis, field observations and oral surveys with 188 household heads, this paper underlines the social drivers of desertification where short-term economic strategies and political misunderstanding are the key elements. Agro-forestry-pastoral practices are no longer in balance with the local environment. Assembling the puzzle pieces has underlined that political leaders and administrators are only partially familiar with the local geosystem, have implemented multiple unsuccessful measures, and have been unable to sufficiently learn (from their efforts) due to political instability. The paper shows that the sedentarization occurring in this fragile environment with low soil fertility creates rural systems that are less resilient to climate fluctuations, which severely impacts both the environment and the most vulnerable inhabitants.
Prospects of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: S. Amitha Banu , Sharun Khan
Published: June 2023

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising tool in regenerative medicine because it stimulates tissue repair and regeneration. PRP contains a high concentration of platelets, growth factors, and cytokines involved in the healing process. This editorial paper aims to give an overview of PRP in regenerative medicine and its potential applications in various medical fields such as orthopedics, dentistry, dermatology, and wound healing. PRP can be integrated with other regenerative therapies, such as stem cell and gene therapy, to enhance tissue repair and regeneration. Therefore, PRP holds great promise as a regenerative medicine tool, and further research is needed to optimize its use and develop standardized protocols for its preparation and application.
Structure of Health Information With Different Information Models: Evaluation Study With Competency Questions
Authors: Rossander Anna , Karlsson Daniel
Published: June 2023

Background

There is a flora of health care information models but no consensus on which to use. This leads to poor information sharing and duplicate modelling work. The amount and type of differences between models has, to our knowledge, not been evaluated.

Objective

This work aims to explore how information structured with various information models differ in practice. Our hypothesis is that differences between information models are overestimated. This work will also assess the usability of competency questions as a method for evaluation of information models within health care.

Methods

In this study, 4 information standards, 2 standards for secondary use, and 2 electronic health record systems were included as material. Competency questions were developed for a random selection of recommendations from a clinical guideline. The information needed to answer the competency questions was modelled according to each included information model, and the results were analyzed. Differences in structure and terminology were quantified for each combination of standards.

Results

In this study, 36 competency questions were developed and answered. In general, similarities between the included information models were larger than the differences. The demarcation between information model and terminology was overall similar; on average, 45% of the included structures were identical between models. Choices of terminology differed within and between models; on average, 11% was usable in interaction with each other. The information models included in this study were able to represent most information required for answering the competency questions.

Conclusions

Different but same same; in practice, different information models structure much information in a similar fashion. To increase interoperability within and between systems, it is more important to move toward structuring information with any information model rather than finding or developing a perfect information model. Competency questions are a feasible way of evaluating how information models perform in practice.
Construction and validation of a standardized dataset for pain facial expressions in critically ill children (Preprint)
Authors: Jiang Longquan , Wu Mengqi , Feng Rui , Fu Weijia , Wang Zhenxu , Wang Yingwen , Gu Ying , Zhang Fan , Gong Weijuan , Qin Yan , Xu Yulu , Zhang Xiaobo
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

For critically ill children who cannot communicate and express themselves sufficiently, facial expressions are important indicators of their pain levels. Dataset training and testing quality is a crucial factor affecting the performance of facial expression analysis algorithms. Establishing a high-quality standardized dataset requires in-depth research.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to propose a standard for constructing a facial expression-based pain assessment dataset for critically ill children by establishing a large-scale, high-quality sample dataset and validating the dataset using deep learning models.

METHODS

Based on the principles of standardization, diversity, and authority of high-quality datasets, we establish standards for constructing a facial expression-based pain assessment dataset for critically ill children. The children's facial expression data were collected in two typical scenarios, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Children's Hospital of Fudan University. Then, each sample was annotated by three clinical experts to classify their facial expressions into five pain levels. Finally, deep learning algorithms were used to verify the feasibility and applicability of the dataset.

RESULTS

The Pain Expression of Critically Ill Children (PECIC) dataset established in this study is the most extensive facial expression-based pain assessment dataset for critically ill children to date, including 53 children, 119 pain expression videos, and 6,951 pain expression images collected from the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Children's Hospital of Fudan University from December 2022 to January 2023. Data collection was balanced for age, weight, sex, and mechanical ventilation status of the children. Each image was annotated by three clinical experts. The Swin Transformer model was trained and tested using the established PECIC dataset, achieving an accuracy of 88.3%, precision of 88.3%, recall rate of 88.7%, F1-Score of 88.5%, and false-positive rate of 3.0%. Prediction errors were evenly distributed among adjacent pain levels. The comparison results with the Classification of Pain Expressions (COPE) dataset demonstrated the usefulness, accuracy, validity, and comprehensiveness of the PECIC dataset.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to the COPE dataset, the PECIC dataset in this study leads to higher accuracy with the trained model, demonstrating better usability and comprehensiveness in training algorithm models. Therefore, using the PECIC dataset for deep learning-based analysis and evaluating pain expressions in critically ill children is more feasible and applicable.
Crystallinity and the Secrets of Life in DNA / RNA Fusogenicity (Preprint)
Authors: Pachankis Yang
Published: June 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

The article hypothesizes the cosmic origins of life forms that are currently known. The hypothesis is divided into two interrelated components of the matter form of life and the environmental conditions of the matter form. The two are interrelated by the thermonuclear dynamics of oscillation and resonance. The philosophical basis for the hypothesis is that a successful cosmological theory should, at least quantitatively, explain biology. Radiochemical separation on telomeres for unique signatures and spectroscopy development is proposed to test the hypothesis.
Etiological spectrum of pneumonia in children in Kyiv, Ukraine
Authors: Khomenko V.E. , Iemets O.V. , Volosovets O.P. , Kryvopustov S.P. , Mozyrska O.V.
Published: June 2023

Background. In Ukraine over the past 20 years, the incidence of pneumonia in children has increased. The aim of the study is to assess the contribution of respiratory viruses and bacteria to pneumonia in children in Ukraine. Materials and methods. The etiology of community-acquired pneumonia was studied in 175 children at Medical Center “Eurolab” and Clinical Hospital 2 (Kyiv, Ukraine) over 2018–2022. Viral and bacterial pathogens were detected using polymerase chain reaction, chromatographic immunoassay. Results. The prevalence of viral pneumonia among total cases of pneumonia was 78.9 % in Kyiv during 2018–2022. Thirty-seven (21.1 %) cases of CAP were classified as bacterial. The most common were respiratory syncytial virus (18.1 %), metapneumovirus (13 %), adenovirus (10.1 %), parainfluenza virus (10.1 %). The other causative viral agents were influenza virus type A (7.2 %), rhinovirus (5 %), bocavirus (2.9 %), SARS-CoV-2 (1.4 %) and measles virus (1.4 %). Etiological spectrum is similar to the results of studies conducted in other European countries. Conclusions. Respiratory viruses, particularly respiratory syncytial virus and metapneumovirus, are the major contributors to community-acquired pneumonia in children in Kyiv.
Predicting the tolerability of inhalation therapy as a stage of a personalized approach in the treatment of children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Skriabinа K.V. , Ilchenko S.I. , Fialkovska A.O.
Published: June 2023

Background. Considering the features of basic therapy for chronic inflammatory bronchopulmonary process in cystic fibrosis (CF), which includes almost daily inhalation of pharmacological drugs (mucolytics, hypertonic saline (HS), antibiotics), evaluation of their tolerability is relevant in practice. The purpose of the study is to create a prognostic scale convenient for use in practical medicine, which would predict development of bronchial hyperreactivity syndrome in children with CF, based on clinical and anamnestic data, the results of molecular genetic research and inhalation tests with increasing concentrations of HS to prescribe personalized treatment. Materials and methods. The results of clinical and anamnestic, microbiological, biochemical, molecular and genetic studies and inhalation tests with increasing concentrations of HS were analyzed in 40 children with CF. The creation of the predictive algorithm was based on the application of correlation analysis, receiver operating characteristic analysis, binary logistic regression, Wald and Kullback method. Results. Two prognostic models have been created that can be used at different stages of providing medical care. Model 1 was built for the ambulatory stage of providing medical care to patients with CF, considering clinical and anamnestic data, molecular genetic predictors, as well as clinical symptoms during inhalation tests with increasing concentrations of HS. This model also can be used in young children who cannot perform spirometry to assess their external breathing function. For the highly specialized medical care, model 2 was created, which considers indicators of spirometric data of inhalation tests with increasing concentrations of HS and the level of exhaled nitric oxide. Conclusions. The developed models make it possible to calculate with high probability the risk of developing bronchial hyperreactivity to perform a personalized selection of HS and choose preventive brocholytic therapy as needed.
The influence of selenium on the course of inflammatory diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract in children
Authors: Sorokman T.V. , Sokolnyk S.V. , Makarova O.V.
Published: June 2023

Background. Impaired homeostasis of the essential microelements in the body of children plays a significant role in the etiology, pathogenesis and therapy of a number of diseases. Studies on the exchange of bioelements in gastrointestinal diseases, in particular, the content of selenium (Se), have not been conducted enough. Aim: to evaluate selenium influence on the course of inflammatory diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract in children. Materials and methods. The study included 112 school-age children with inflammatory diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract (55 with chronic gastritis (CG), 57 with chronic gastroduodenitis (CGD)) as the main group and 20 practically healthy children of the corresponding age as the comparison group. Verification of CG and CGD diagnosis was based on clinical and endoscopic data according to the Houston modification of the Sydney classification of chronic gastritis (1996) with assessment of topography and morphology. Quantitative determination of Se in blood plasma was carried out using mass spectrometry. Results. The average level of Se in blood plasma of children with inflammation of the gastric and duodenal mucosa was (75.82 ± 11.23) μg/l, in children of the comparison group — (85.42 ± 9.44) μg/l (p > 0.05). We did not find gender and age differences in Se plasma levels. Deficiency of Se in the blood of children with CG and CGD was found in 78 cases (69.6 %), while in the comparison group, a decrease in Se level was observed in only 4 children (20 %). There were no significant differences in the content of Se in children with CG and CGD. However, the analysis of indicators depending on the activity of the inflammatory process revealed probable differences: with the first degree of the activity of the inflammatory process in the mucous membrane, the level of Se in the blood plasma was significantly lower ((66.2 ± 6.1) μg/ml), while with the second it was (78.5 ± 7.3) μg/ml (p < 0.05) and with the third — (86.9 ± 9.3) μg/ml (p < 0.01). Conclusions. The concentration of selenium, the essential trace element, in the blood plasma of children with chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract was found to be probably lower than that of healthy children. The level of selenium in the blood plasma of these children probably positively correlated with the degree of inflammation in the mucous membrane of the gastroduodenal region. Changes in the concentration of selenium can affect the general condition of children, the duration and severity of the disease, which must be taken into account during the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Some immunological biomarkers of the severity of neonatal sepsis in newborns depending on different inflammatory response
Authors: Koloskova O.K. , Bogutska N.K. , Vlasova O.V. , Tarnavska S.I. , Shakhova O.O.
Published: June 2023

Background. Objective: to study the diagnostic value and indicators of clinical and epidemiological risk of some immunological biomarkers as indicators of the severity of the clinical course of neonatal sepsis in order to improve treatment outcomes in newborns with neonatal sepsis with an alternative serum content of C-reactive protein. Materials and methods. A comprehensive clinical and paraclinical examination of 56 children with neonatal sepsis was conducted. The severity of neonatal sepsis was determined using the constellation-diagnostic scales of multiple organ dysfunction such as SNAPII, SNAPРЕII, PELOD, SOFA, nSOFA, PEMOD, SCRIB, NEOMOD. The comprehensive immunological examination with evaluation of immunoglobulin A, G, M, C-reactive protein, presepsin, procalcitonin, interleukins (IL) 6, 8, 10 content in blood serum was conducted in all newborns. Two clinical groups were formed. The clinical group I included 25 infants with neonatal sepsis with a serum level of C-reactive protein < 20 mg/l (boys — 52.0 %, city residents — 80.0 %, the average content of C-reactive protein — 8.80 ± 0.41 mg/l). The clinical group II was formed by 31 children with neonatal sepsis and C-reactive protein blood concentration > 20 mg/l (with 62.8 % of boys, p > 0.05; 57.1 % of city residents, p > 0.05; the average content of C-reactive protein — 29.70 ± 1.89 mg/l, р < 0.05). According to the main clinical characteristics, the observation groups were comparable. Results. The conducted studies showed that the severity of the clinical course of neonatal sepsis, determined using the constellation-diagnostic scales of multiple organ dysfunction (SNAPII, SNAPРЕII, PELOD, SOFA, nSOFA, PEMOD, SCRIB, NEOMOD), did not reveal any significant differences in the comparison groups. It was found that in newborns with a C-reactive protein content < 20 mg/l, compared to representatives of the clinical group II, the concentration of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 was lower by 1.7, 1.5 and 1.8 times, respectively. Thus, patients of the group II had the risk of increasing serum content of IL-6 > 31.4 pg/ml (relative risk (RR) 1.7 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3–2.2) with an odds ratio (OR) 2.8 (95% CI: 1.6–5.1)), IL-10 > 18 pg/ml (RR 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1–2.4) with an OR 2.9 (95% CI: 1.6–5.3)), and IL-8 > 24.0 pg/ml (RR 1.9 (95% CI: 1.2–3.1) with an OR 4.7 (95% CI: 2.5–8.8)). Among the studied immunological biomarkers, the concentration of presepsin > 1,000 ng/ml was accompanied by the best indicators of the clinical and epidemiological risk of severe sepsis according to the constellation-diagnostic scales of multiple organ dysfunction (odds ratio 4.3–6.0, relative risk 2.3–2.5, attributable risk 32.0–42.0 %). Conclusions. Elevated content of some markers of neonatal sepsis (presepsin, procalcitonin) and interleukins (IL-6, IL-8) can be considered a biomarker of a severe course of neonatal sepsis with probable development of multiple organ dysfunction.
Bilateral gonarthrosis as the onset of Crohn’s disease in children: a clinical presentation
Authors: Ivanova V.G. , Samoilenko I.G. , Polesova T.R. , Shishkanova N.V. , Miroshnichenko M.V. , Dzyuba O.O. , Krivosheeva V.V. , Momot M.S.
Published: June 2023

Crohn’s disease is an immune-mediated disease characterized by nonspecific granulomatous transmural inflammation with segmental damage to any part of the gastrointestinal tract with the formation of extraintestinal and systemic complications. The disease is complex, multifactorial, which lasts throughout life and affects the physical and psychological development of the individual. According to modern ideas, the occurrence of Crohn’s disease is influenced by external environmental factors against the background of genetic predisposition. According to the literature, in most cases, patients with Crohn’s disease complain of abdominal pain, diarrhea, unexplained anemia, fever, weight loss, or growth retardation. The classic triad of abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss occurs in only 25 % cases. Extraintestinal manifestations such as skin lesions, vasculitis, joint syndrome, aphthous stomatitis or para-anal lesions (anal itching, macerations, fissures, paraproctitis, fistulas) may be the first symptoms in 6–23 % of cases. The diagnosis of Crohn’s disease in children is made on the basis of anamnestic and clinical data, the results of using special research methods, including endoscopic, radiological, ultrasound, histological, spiral computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, as well as immunological and genetic markers. Achieving and maintaining remission can minimize psychological problems and improve patients’ quality of life. A clinical case of Crohn’s disease is presented, which was diagnosed in a 14-year-old child who was treated for juvenile idiopathic oligoarthritis since the age of two and had frequent bacterial and inflammatory diseases. The difficulties of diagnostic search are reflected, which are caused by various symptoms and early onset. Treatment and clinical monitoring were carried out in accordance with the international recommendations of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) 2021. The authors emphasize the need for dynamic clinical monitoring of the patient’s condition, as well as a personalized approach to treatment.
Factors that Influence the Sociological Construct of Adulthood in Adults with Moderate Intellectual Disabilities (ID): An ID Case Study
Authors: Holmes Dr. Vicki-Lynn , Finn Dr. Jane E. , Horton Dr. Libbey , Smith Dr. Temple
Published: June 2023

The most common criteria used to evaluate successful transition into adulthood for young adults have included obtaining employment and establishing autonomous non-relative social support networks (correlate to community involvement). Hence, employment and community involvement are critical in the transition to adulthood for all young adults, including those with intellectual disabilities (ID). However, with respect to those with ID, the construct of Adulthood is multi-faceted and murky. Hence, this exploratory study seeks to determine factors (measured by the Transition Planning Inventory-2) that impact the sociological construct of Adulthood in young adults with ID and to model pictorially the relationship between them. Results indicate for adults with ID, vocational purpose, community involvement, and wellness explain 47% of the variance in the sociological construct of Adulthood. Factor analysis reveals that vocational purpose is characterized by employment and self determination; community involvement by leisure activity, community participation, and interpersonal relationships; and wellness by health and daily living.
IMPROVING FUNCTION IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS WITH PLATELET-RICH PLASMA THERAPY: A FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME EVALUATION
Authors: BABU PASUPULETI ARCHANA , SEKHAR A. CHANDRA , SUJIN S.
Published: June 2023

Objective: Osteoarthritis is a chronic and degenerative disease that commonly affects the knee joint. The effectiveness of using PRP injections in the knee joint for managing osteoarthritis symptoms, which include pain, disability, deformity, and reduced quality of life, is being studied.
Methods: This is a two-year prospective study conducted between January 2019 and December 2020 at the Government General Hospital in Kurnool. The study focused on the management of osteoarthritis knee in 60 patients who received 3 ml autologous intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections, with their pain, joint stiffness, and joint mobility being evaluated using the WOMAC score. The majority of participants were middle-aged women with grade KL 2 and 3 osteoarthritis knee.
Results: The study included 60 cases with KL grade II (28 cases) and grade III (32 cases) of knee osteoarthritis. The pretreatment WOMAC score for KL grade II was 56.11±6.36, which showed significant improvement to 50.76±7.6 (p=0.000) at 2 w, 50.76±7.6 (p=0.001) at one month, 26.97±3.47 (p=0.001) at 3 mo, and 22.11±2.99 (p=0.001) at 6-month follow-up. Similarly, for KL grade III, the pretreatment WOMAC score was 59.21±5.63, which improved significantly to55.76±7.6 (p=0.000) at 2 w, 48.79±5.42 (p=0.001) at one month, 36.46±4.36 (p=0.001) at 3 mo, and 32.12±2.66 (p=0.001) at 6-month follow-up.
Conclusion: PRP injection is a safe and cost-effective alternative for treating knee osteoarthritis, leading to pain relief and an enhanced quality of life, especially in the initial stages. Not only does PRP provide immediate relief, but it also results in gradual improvements over time. Overall, PRP is a viable option for individuals seeking alternative treatments for knee osteoarthritis.
Professional progressive of LIS education through the distance mode in Kolkata: present scenario
Authors: Sarkar Gita
Published: June 2023

This paper traces the emergence of library and information science (LIS) education in Kolkata through distance mode. Describe the current major different pattern of students are involved in distance's mode for professional progressive. It discusses the problem of these students in LIS professional to face the growing challenges of the job market for distance learners as well as regular learners. Nevertheless, current situation maximum students are learnt in distance mode and changing scenario of the society.
THE OPPORTUNITY OF INTRODUCING SERIOUS GAMES IN TEACHING ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES - A STUDY CASE ON PLAYING “SIMPLYCYCLE” SERIOUS GAME
Authors: Supuran Anamaria , Sturza Amalia
Published: June 2023

In the last few years serious games (either digital games or board games) started to be used extensively in several developed universities due to the safe environment in which the future specialists could exercise different scenarios specific to their field of study. Teachers included them into their classes not only because serious games can provide the students with the necessary knowledge and skills for their future jobs, but also because the games could also contribute to the improvement of other skills related to communication, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and innovation that are so much requested today on the labour market. The present study has in view the opportunity and attractiveness of introducing the serious games in the toolbox of the English teachers when introducing and practicing English for specific purposes. The study is based on the application of a questionnaire that measures the attractiveness among students to learn English for Environmental Sciences by playing a board serious game named Simplycycle. The game has been played by more than 100 students organized in teams of five students with different levels of knowledge (beginners, intermediates and advanced).The data provided by the questionnaires showed that the students presented a high degree of involvement while playing the game, a high interest in playing other serious games and that the tested serious game was used successfully even in multi-level teams.