bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cetoacidosis Diabética en Paciente femenina de 12 años con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 1. Reporte de Caso
Authors: Sánchez León Ana Cristhina , Samaniego Samaniego Ana Cristina , Navas Luna Alex Xavier , Sanjinés Rodríguez María José , Rivas Ayora Génesis Valeria
Published: January 2024

La cetoacidosis diabética (CAD) es común en niños con diabetes tipo 1 de reciente aparición y se caracteriza por hiperglucemia, cetosis y acidosis. Además, la CAD se asocia con edema cerebral, que es la causa más común de muerte relacionada con la diabetes en niños. Si la diabetes se detecta tempranamente, se puede reducir la incidencia de CAD en su inicio. CAD) es el resultado final de la pérdida de producción de insulina, lo que lleva a un catabolismo profundo, aumento de la gluconeogénesis, glucólisis, lipólisis e hidrólisis de proteínas musculares, lo que lleva a hiperglucemia y diuresis osmótica. Los niveles elevados de hormonas contrarreguladoras provocan un aumento de la cetogénesis y la liberación de "cetonas" en la circulación, que se disocian y liberan iones de hidrógeno, provocando una acidosis grave. La deshidratación, la hiperglucemia y la cetoacidosis son signos de esta afección. Se reporta paciente femenina de 12 años que acude por presentar dolor abdominal, localizado en región hipogástrica y flanco derecho, Eva 7/10, se acompaña de vomito de contenido alimentario por 4 ocasiones, motivo por el cual acude a casa de salud mas cercana.
Influence of Thermophoresis and Brownian Motion on MHD Hybrid Nanofluid MgO - Ag/H2O Flow along Moving Slim Needle
Authors: Chundru Maheswari  , Mohana Ramana Ravuri  , G. Balaji Prakash  , D. Ramesh  , D. Vijaya Kumar
Published: January 2024

The objective of this paper is to analyze the impact of thermophoresis parameter, Brownian motion, velocity ratio parameter, similarity radius of the slim needle, magnetic parameter, Prandtl number and thermal radiation on the steady state, laminar, MHD hybrid nanofluid composed of MgO-Ag/H2O flowing along a horizontal hot thin needle. To achieve this, the BVP-5C shooting technique is employed through MATLAB to solve the transformed nonlinear ODEs governing the fluid flow. This study investigates the impact of non-dimensional parameters on the flow velocity, temperature and concentration profiles within the hybrid nanofluid. The effects of skin friction, local Nusselt number and Sherwood number are demonstrated through the use of tables. The observation reveals that elevating the thermophoresis parameter results in a simultaneous reduction in the temperature and concentration profiles, while an opposite behavior is observed for Brownian motion. The magnetic parameter and thermal radiation values result in a rising temperature profile, while the trend is reversed for the velocity ratio parameter, Prandtl number and Schmidt number. The Nusselt number demonstrates an upward trend with higher values of thermophoresis parameter, velocity ratio parameter and thermal radiation. Further, Sherwood number experiences an increase with greater values of Brownian motion and magnetic parameter but it displays a contrasting pattern for thermophoresis, velocity ratio parameter and thermal radiation parameter. Validation of this model with existing data has been excellent.
Kretanja na tržištu rada Republike Hrvatske kao posljedica pandemije Covid - 19
Authors: Tušek Tina , Majić Tomislava
Published: January 2024

Stanje na tržištu rada pojedine zemlje pokazuje kakva je njezina gospodarska situacija. Važnu ulogu u postizanju visoke zaposlenosti i niske nezaposlenosti igraju mjere aktivne i pasivne politike zapošljavanja koje pružaju pomoć nezaposlenim osobama te ih u što većoj količini zapošljavaju. Veliki značaj na tržištu rada imaju aktivne migracije stanovništva koje dovode do velikih iseljavanja u inozemstvo i do manjka radne snage. Postpandemijski period obilježa promjena strukture nezaposlenih prema pojedinim industrijama: najveći broj radnika tražen je u djelatnostima trgovine na veliko i malo, prerađivačkoj industriji, djelatnosti zdravstvene zaštite i socijalne skrbi, djelatnosti pružanja smještaja i pripreme i usluživanja hrane te u djelatnosti administracije.
Genus Erica: An Identification Aid Version 4.00
Authors: Oliver E. G. H. , Forshaw Nigel , Oliver Inge M. , Volk Fritz , Schumann A. W. S. , Dorr Laurence J. , Hoekstra Rendert D. , Musker Seth D. , Nürk Nicolai M. , Pirie Michael , Rebelo Anthony G.
Published: January 2024

Species identification is fundamental to all aspects of biology and conservation. The process can be challenging, particularly in groups including many closely related or similar species. The problem is confounded by the absence of an up-to-date taxonomic revision, but even with such a resource all but professional botanists may struggle to recognise key species, presenting a substantial barrier to vital work such as surveys, threat assessments, and seed collection for ex situ conservation. Genus Erica: An Identification Aid is a tool to help both amateurs and professionals identify (using a limited number of accessible characteristics) and find information about the 851 species and many subspecific taxa of the genus Erica. We present an updated version 4.00, with new features including integrating distribution data from GBIF and iNaturalist, links to taxonomic resources through World Flora Online, and a probability function for identifications, that is freely available for PCs. It remains a work in progress: We discuss routes forward for collaboratively improving this resource.
« Echoes from Deadwood »
Authors: Stuppia Paolo , Harnedy Kate , Hill Brian , Mc Nutt Mark , Rogers Felisa
Published: January 2024

À travers quatre entretiens avec des interlocuteurs rencontrés au fil des années, Paolo Stuppia met en évidence la complexité du mouvement du « retour à la terre », back-to-the-land , aux États-Unis, observé à partir de Deadwood, une municipalité de l’État de l’Oregon qui a vu surgir dans les années 1960-1970 des « communautés intentionnelles » et assisté à l’arrivé de néoruraux, héritiers du mouvement hippie. Ces migrations utopiques ne se sont pas arrêtées depuis. Tout en étant marquées par leur environnementalisme, elles ont croisé la route des Redneck (descendants des colons blancs) et de quelques natifs encore présents sur le territoire. Les entretiens font émerger les tensions et les paradoxes qui traversent ces communautés, tant au plan politique (avec des positionnements de la gauche radicale à l’extrême-droite) qu’économique et social. Après des décennies de coexistence pacifique, l’ère Trump et le COVID ont de nouveau exacerbé les oppositions entre la gauche et la droite, au sein de groupes dont l’identité reste hybride et incertaine.
« Nous sommes la montagne qui ressent »
Authors: Dréau Victorine
Published: January 2024

En Colombie, des luttes pour la Terre sont menées en ville par des communautés paysannes déplacées qui résistent à l’expansion extractiviste et à la reconfiguration néolibérale des territoires. Ces luttes émergent, à Bello Oriente, de pratiques quotidiennes régénératrices des interrelations au sein du vivant – agriculture urbaine, écoconstruction, « médecine traditionnelle » – qui sont des stratégies d’occupation visant à redonner un usage collectif à la terre pour y affirmer les liens à la Terre. L’autrice – qui s’intéresse aux formes relationnelles d’habiter et à la portée politique des pratiques collectives de soin envers le vivant – mène ses recherches dans des quartiers autoconstruits de Medellin, en collaboration étroite avec les communautés en lutte qui les habitent. Elle met ici en lumière la lutte qui s’y déroule pour la soustraction des terres aux logiques de contrôle et de spéculation des bandes criminelles et des institutions de planification urbaine. Une lutte qui s’articule à de nouvelles manières de produire l’urbain, connectées au vivant et autonomes.
Éco-Décalogue
Authors: Löwy Michael
Published: January 2024

L’auteur de ces notes ne se prend pas pour un nouveau Moïse et ne prétend pas avoir reçu cet Éco-décalogue de Jéhovah. Il s’agit simplement d’une tentative de répondre, avec une pointe d’ironie, en peu de signes, à la question que beaucoup se posent de nos jours : que faire face à la crise écologique et la catastrophe climatique ?
Élaboration par méthode du consensus simple d’un outil d’aide au déclenchement d’un hélicoptère au SAMU 14
Authors: Hermilly Maxime , Michel Florian , Hanouz Jean-Luc , Macrez Richard , Aubrion Antoine , Clanet Romain
Published: January 2024

L’objectif principal de ce travail était la création d’un outil d’aide au déclenchement d’un SMUR héliporté au SAMU 14. Nous avons opté pour une méthodologie type « recommandations de bonnes pratiques professionnelles » (RBPP). Le consensus simple a été utilisé. Un groupe de travail multidisciplinaire (pilotes, assistant de régulation médicale [ARM], médecins) a été créé. Des réunions en sous-groupe (pilote, ARM et médecins) ont permis d’élaborer des sous-parties de l’outil. L’assemblage des sous-parties de l’outil a été relu par le groupe de travail puis par un groupe de lecture autonome et validé en réunion de service. Ce travail a permis la création consensuelle d’un outil d’aide à l’emploi du vecteur héliporté en SMUR primaire au sein du SAMU 14. Il est composé de cartes, d’une fiche réflexe et d’une procédure écrite de déclenchement. Cette méthodologie par consensus simple a permis la création d’un outil rationalisant le déclenchement du vecteur héliporté pour le SAMU 14. Il s’agissait du premier travail de ce type au SAMU 14. Cette méthodologie simple et transposable pourrait être utilisée dans d’autres centres 15 ou pour d’autres protocoles multidisciplinaires.
Les facteurs contextuels pour comprendre l’hétérogénéité des résultats d’une politique d’exemption du paiement des soins au Tchad
Authors: Manoufi Dahab , Ridde Valéry
Published: January 2024

Le Tchad a l’un des taux de mortalité maternelle et infantile les plus élevés au monde. Les efforts visant à réduire ces taux ont conduit à la mise en place d’une politique d’exemption du paiement des soins, associée à l’implication des communautés pour encourager l’utilisation des services. Malgré l’introduction de cette initiative, des inégalités dans l’accès et l’utilisation des établissements de santé persistent. L’objectif de cette étude est de comprendre pourquoi et comment cette politique d’exemption, mise en œuvre de manière quasi homogène, a donné des résultats contrastés dans plusieurs centres de santé. Une étude de cas multiples contrastés a été utilisée pour analyser les résultats des consultations pédiatriques et des accouchements dans quatre centres de santé des districts de Bénoye et Beinamar. Les données ont été recueillies lors des entretiens individuels (n=26) et des groupes de discussion (n=22) auprès des femmes bénéficiaires, des agents de santé communautaire et des prestataires de soins. Le logiciel QDA Miner a été utilisé pour traiter les données. L’étude a révélé que les capacités organisationnelles et managériales des prestataires et des acteurs communautaires expliqueraient l’hétérogénéité des résultats observés. Des facteurs contextuels tels que l’éloignement des services ou l’impraticabilité et la dangerosité des routes ont accentué les disparités des résultats observés. Dans la mise en place des politiques de santé, il est important de tenir compte des facteurs humains et contextuels, car ils participent à l’explication de l’hétérogénéité des effets observés et renforcent la pertinence de ce type d’études.
Surveillance des effets indésirables lors des campagnes de la chimioprévention du paludisme saisonnier chez les enfants de 3-59 mois au Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouoba Joël , Lankoandé-Haro Sougrimani , Fofana Souleymane , Nacoulma Aminata P , Kaboré Lassané , Sombié Issiaka , Rouamba Toussaint , Kirakoya-Samadoulougou Fati
Published: January 2024

Introduction : La chimioprévention du paludisme saisonnier (CPS) par l’administration en masse de la sulfadoxine-pyriméthamine + amodiaquine (SPAQ) permet de réduire le fardeau du paludisme chez les enfants de 3-59 mois. La survenue d’effets indésirables (EI) pourrait nuire au succès de cette intervention. Il existe peu d’études sur la surveillance des EI de la CPS en Afrique subsaharienne et plus particulièrement au Burkina Faso, pays de forte endémicité palustre. Notre objectif principal était de caractériser les effets indésirables notifiés au cours des campagnes CPS au Burkina Faso. Secondairement, nous avons évalué la performance de la pharmacovigilance intégrée au programme de CPS dans le but de soutenir la sécurité d’administration de la CPS. Méthodes : Nous avons réalisé une analyse rétrospective à visée descriptive des rapports d’effets indésirables de la CPS enregistrés dans VigiBase® entre le 1 er  janvier 2014 et le 31 décembre 2021. Nous avons utilisé la P-method pour l’analyse de l’évitabilité des effets indésirables graves et les critères de l’OMS pour évaluer la performance de la pharmacovigilance intégrée au programme de CPS. Résultats : Au total, 1 105 cas individuels de rapports de sécurité de la CPS ont été analysés dans VigiBase® pour 23 311 453 doses administrées. Aucun signal de pharmacovigilance n’a été détecté. Le nombre des cas graves était de 101, dont 23 (22,8 %) évitables. Chez 38,1 % des enfants, la survenue des EI a occasionné l’arrêt de l’administration du traitement de la CPS. Le vomissement était l’effet indésirable le plus fréquemment rapporté (48,0 %). La proportion d’enfants dont le traitement a été arrêté pour motif de vomissement était de 42,7 %, tandis que la proportion d’arrêts de traitement pour les autres EI était de 32,8 % (p=0,01). La pharmacovigilance de la CPS a contribué à 46,2 % à l’alimentation de la base de données nationale de pharmacovigilance. Le taux de notification était de 0,03 pour 1 000 enfants exposés en 2021. Le score d’exhaustivité médian des rapports était de 0,7 (P 25 -P 75  : 0,5-0,7) et le délai médian d’enregistrement des rapports dans VigiBase® était de 204 (P 25 -P 75  : 143-333) jours. Conclusions : Les vomissements peuvent nuire à l’objectif de la CPS. Des mesures de gestion de cet effet indésirable doivent être prises pour améliorer le succès de la CPS. Au regard des informations sur le délai de notification et le taux de notification, la notification spontanée devrait être soutenue par une surveillance active, notamment une «  cohort event monitoring  » au Burkina Faso.
Development of the Dardashna Checklist for Identifying Triggers of Behavioral Change in Individuals With Dementia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Amiri Parastoo , Samadani Mehdi , Khazaee Parviz Rashidi , Bahaadinbeigy Kambiz
Published: January 2024

The purpose of the current qualitative study was to describe the development of the Dardashna Checklist to clinically identify behavior change triggers in individuals with dementia. Semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted with four physicians and four experienced caregivers involved in the care of individuals with dementia. From analysis of participants' interviews, themes extracted included
Triggers of Behavioral Change in Individuals With Dementia
and
Types of Behavioral Changes
, using the checklist structure as a guide. The information gathered by this checklist conveys important messages to experienced physicians or caregivers who want to help less experienced caregivers or individuals with dementia. In this case, physicians' prescriptions and the responses of other experienced caregivers will be more targeted and useful. This checklist will help facilitate clinical care decisions, improve quality of life, reduce expenses and side effects of medications, and improve communication among persons with dementia, their caregivers, and health care providers. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50
(1), 37–46.]
Effects of Parental Psychological Control on Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help in Senior High School Students: Serial Mediating Effects of Rejection Sensitivity and Social Withdrawal
Authors: Su Shuowei , Yao Chunli , Yang Keyi , Zhu Xu , Wang Xinyi , Shang Xingchen , Gao Shuang
Published: January 2024

The purpose of the current study was to examine the serial mediating effects of rejection sensitivity and social withdrawal on parental psychological control and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help among senior high school students. In November 2022, 648 students completed a self-report questionnaire. The parental psychological control scale, senior high school students' rejection sensitivity scale, social withdrawal scale, and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help scale were used for measurement. Correlation analysis showed parental psychological control and rejection sensitivity were positively correlated with social withdrawal (
r
= 0.387, 0.466, 0.495, all
p
< 0.001). Parental psychological control and rejection sensitivity were significantly negatively correlated with social withdrawal and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (
r
= −0.325, −0.324, −0.397, all
p
< 0.001). Mediating effect analysis indicated that parental psychological control had a significant direct effect on attitude toward seeking professional psychological help, and rejection sensitivity and social withdrawal had significant serial mediating effects among parental psychological control and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help in senior high school students. These aspects warrant attention as they play significant roles in influencing students' willingness to seek psychological assistance. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62
(7), 47–55.]
On the stability of Fractal interpolation functions with variable parameters
Authors: Attia Najmeddine , Saidi Neji , Amami Rim , Amami Rimah
Published: January 2024

Fractal interpolation function (FIF) is a fixed point of the Read–Bajraktarević operator defined on a suitable function space and is constructed via an iterated function system (IFS). In this paper, we considered the generalized affine FIF generated through the IFS defined by the functions $ W_n(x, y) = \big(a_n(x)+e_n, \alpha_n(x) y +\psi_n(x)\big) $, $ n = 1, \ldots, N $. We studied the shift of the fractal interpolation curve, by computing the error estimate in response to a small perturbation on $ \alpha_n(x) $. In addition, we gave a sufficient condition on the perturbed IFS so that it satisfies the continuity condition. As an application, we computed an upper bound of the maximum range of the perturbed FIF.
New soft operators related to supra soft $ \delta_i $-open sets and applications
Authors: Abd El-latif Alaa M. , Alqahtani Mesfer H.
Published: January 2024

This project aimed to introduce the notion of supra soft $ \delta_i $-open sets in supra soft topological spaces. Also, we declared the differences between the new concept and other old generalizations. We presented new operators such as supra soft $ \delta_i $-interior, supra soft $ \delta_i $-closure, supra soft $ \delta_i $-boundary and supra soft $ \delta_i $-cluster. We found out many deviations to our new operators; to name a few: If $ int^s_{\delta_i}(F, E) = (F, E) $, then it doesn't imply that $ (F, E) \in SOS_{\delta_i}(X) $. Furthermore, we applied this notion to define new kinds of mappings, like supra soft $ \delta_i $-continuous mappings, supra soft $ \delta_i $-irresolute mappings, supra soft $ \delta_i $-open mappings and supra soft $ \delta_i $-closed mappings. We studied their main properties in special to distinguish between our new notions and the previous generalizations. It has been pointed out in this work that many famous previous studies have been investigated here; in fact, I believe that this is an extra justification for the work included in this manuscript.
Forest model dynamics analysis and optimal control based on disease and fire interactions
Authors: Liu Xiaoxiao , Zhang Chunrui
Published: January 2024

Three models for the propagation of forest disease are revisited to include the effect of forest fires and disease spread. We study the global stability of the forest-disease model in the absence of forest fires and the spread of disease. When forest fires caused by grass cover are considered, we show that the equilibrium points are locally asymptotically stable. If both forest fires and the spread of disease exist in the second model, then Turing instability can occur. In this case, the system exhibits complex dynamic behavior. To determine the effect of fire on the forest disease model, we obtain the optimal control expression of the key parameter fire factor, and carry out sensitivity analysis. Finally, we use forest biomass data of some provinces in China from 2002 to 2018 for numerical simulation, and the results are in agreement with the theoretical analysis.
Transmission dynamics of symptom-dependent HIV/AIDS models
Authors: Li Wenshuang , Cai Shaojian , Zhai Xuanpei , Ou Jianming , Zheng Kuicheng , Wei Fengying , Mao Xuerong
Published: January 2024

In this study, we proposed two, symptom-dependent, HIV/AIDS models to investigate the dynamical properties of HIV/AIDS in the Fujian Province. The basic reproduction number was obtained, and the local and global stabilities of the disease-free and endemic equilibrium points were verified to the deterministic HIV/AIDS model. Moreover, the indicators $ R_0^s $ and $ R_0^e $ were derived for the stochastic HIV/AIDS model, and the conditions for stationary distribution and stochastic extinction were investigated. By using the surveillance data from the Fujian Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, some numerical simulations and future predictions on the scale of HIV/AIDS infections in the Fujian Province were conducted.
Seroprevalence of brucellosis among animal handlers in West Bengal, India: an occupational health study
Authors: Modak Dolanchampa , Biswas Silpak , Mondal Agnibho , Biswas Malabika , Mascellino Maria Teresa , Chakraborty Banya , Tiwari Simmi , Shewale Ajit Dadaji , Nale Tushar , Dey Rupali
Published: January 2024

Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonotic disease and a major human health problem worldwide. Due to its ways of transmission, direct or indirect contact with infected animals or their contaminated biological products, the disease exhibits strong occupational association with animal handlers comprising a significant population at risk. This study was undertaken to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in animal handlers and to understand the epidemiological and serological aspects of the same. The animal handlers from the state of West Bengal, India were included in this study. It was a prospective and observational cohort study from November 2021 to March 2022. A total of 669 sera samples were collected from animal handlers and tested using various serological tests for Brucella antibodies. All serum samples were tested using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), standard tube agglutination test (STAT), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 106 (15.8%) patients were diagnosed with brucellosis among the total number of patients tested. Most of the patients affected with brucellosis belonged to the age group 51–60 years (23.5%). The seropositivity rate in male animal handlers was higher than female animal handlers in this study. More studies are needed to understand the occupational association of this disease. Awareness programs, safe livestock practices, and prevention of the disease by timely diagnosis must be implemented in order to control human brucellosis.
Optimization on the electrical discharge machining (EDM) process parameters of aged AA7075/TiC metal matrix composites
Authors: Rajendran Prabu , Duraisamy Velmurugan , Raj Rajendran Ashok , Velur Loganathan Raja
Published: January 2024

The need to optimize the process parameters in Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) for aged AA7075 Metal Matrix Composites (AAMMCs) is evident as it impacts various aspects such as mechanical properties, tool wear, surface finish, integrity, precision, accuracy, process stability, process consistency, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, aluminium alloy AA7075 was chosen as the matrix material because of the need to enhance its mechanical properties. Titanium Carbide (TiC) was chosen as the reinforcing material owing to its superior mechanical properties. Therefore, TiC holds the capability to improve the mechanical attributes of AA7075. The selection of the stir cast method for the manufacturing of AA7075/TiC (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 wt.%) was based on its ease of fabrication, ability to achieve a uniform distribution of reinforcements, reduced susceptibility to oxidation and porosity, and improved control over the microstructure. This AA7075/12wt.%TiC MMC underwent an aging process at 520 °C for 180 min and was subsequently cooled within the furnace environment. The density of the aged and non-aged AA7075/TiC-based composites was determined through a density test using the Archimedes’ principle. Microhardness testing was conducted on the non-aged and aged AA7075-based MMCs employing a Vickers microhardness tester. Tensile strength and compressive strength of the aged and non-aged AA7075-based MMCs were determined by the usage of a universal testing machine (UTM) and a compression testing machine (CTM). The optimal combination of the manufactured AA7075/TiC MMCs was determined based on their mechanical properties. The most effective combination was identified as AA7075/12wt.%TiC MMC due to its superior values in hardness, tensile strength, compressive strength, and density compared to other combinations. The aging process aimed to enhance the mechanical properties without the need for additional reinforcements. EDAX and X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD) tests were employed to determine the weight percentage of the matrix and reinforcements and to identify the formation of precipitates in the AA7075/12wt.%TiC composites. The SEM equipment was utilized to verify the uniform distribution of titanium carbide in the matrix material AA7075. Optimization of EDM process parameters for aged AA7075/12wt.%TiC composite was carried out using Taguchi design-based Grey Relational Analysis (GRA). The selected input parameters for the optimization included the chromium concentration (g×l-1), current (amps) and pulse-on time (µs). The response parameters chosen for optimization were surface roughness (SR) and tool wear rate (TWR). The sequence of influencing EDM input parameters is chromium concentration, pulse on time and current. The optimized EDM process parameters were 8 g×l-1 chromium concentration, 5 amps current and 240 µs pulse on time and the corresponding response were 0.198 TWR and 1.56 SR.
Wear performance of GGG60 ductile iron rollers coated with WC-Co by electro spark deposition
Authors: Buğday Mustafa , Karalı Mehmet , Talaş Şükrü
Published: January 2024

Nodular cast irons are used in many industrial applications such as machine frames and body, rollers and engine blocks due to their higher strengths and ductility with good machinability comparable to grey cast irons. In this study, the outer surface of nodular cast irons (GGG-60) was coated with WC/Co using electro spark deposition (ESD). The aim of the study is to improve both the surface quality and wear behaviour with the coatings formed on the surface of the plastic deformation rollers, whose wear resistance decreases over the time due to high stress working conditions. Heat treatment at 950 ºC for 2 h was applied to the GGG60 specimen rollers and half of the rollers were uncoated and the other half was coated with WC-Co electrodes. The wear behaviour of the heat treated and coated surfaces was measured by ball-on-disc wear method using Al2O3 ball bearing with a diameter of 6 mm for a sliding distance of 250 m at a sliding rate of 6.5 m·s-1 under a dry condition, and using a load of 40 N. WC/Co coatings were successfully applied to rollers. In the SEM/EDS images, the presence of W, Fe, C, Co and Al elements in the coated part of the rollers and Fe, C and Al elements in the uncoated region were detected. It was concluded that Coating and heat treatment increased the wear resistance by nearly 5 times and decreased the friction coefficient by 2.13 times.
Characterizing the mechanical deformation response of AHSS steels: A comparative study of cyclic plasticity models under monotonic and reversal loading
Authors: Arda Akşen Toros , Esener Emre , Firat Mehmet
Published: January 2024

This study evaluates the performance of a user-defined combined hardening modeling method for advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) under monotonic and reversal loading conditions. The plastic behavior of TWIP980 and TRIP980 AHSS sheet metals is investigated using a cyclic plasticity modeling approach. The model incorporates an isotropic von Mises yield criterion and a single-term Chaboche nonlinear kinematic hardening rule. Monotonic and reversal loading stress-strain curves are predicted and compared with experimental results. The model accurately captured the Bauschinger effect for both materials, but it needs help to effectively model the permanent softening behavior observed in TWIP980 steel. Overall, the proposed modeling method agrees well with experimental results for monotonic loading and accurately represents the Bauschinger effect and transient behavior during reversal loading. However, better improvements are needed to capture the permanent softening behavior of TWIP980 steel.
The Impact of Access to Finance on Firm Performance: Evidence from Microenterprises of Sri Lanka
Authors: Liyanage M. L. D. C. J. , Morais S. N. , Abeysinghe S. , Wickramasinghe C. N.
Published: January 2024

Lack of access to finance constantly emerges as one of the most imperative and robust underlying factors restricting firm growth and performance. Even though there were many literatures found on global scale there is very limited research conduct in Sri Lankan context, especially on the microenterprise’s perspective. Therefore, the main purpose of this study to fulfill this gap and investigate the role of access to finance on the performance of microenterprises in Sri Lanka. The study followed positivism philosophy and a deductive approach. As survey strategy was chosen, a structured questionnaire was used as the data collection tool from a sample of 385 Sri Lankan microentrepreneurs. The author has developed hypothesis and test them using the SPSS software. The findings indicate that increased access to finance has positive effects on the growth of profit, sales, and asset base of the micro enterprises. However, its impact of access to finance on employment generation was weak. Further, the study confirms the assumption that employment generation within microenterprise sector is persistently low. This study contributed to the local body of literature by analyzing the different employment groups of microenterprises and their relationship to access to finance in Sri Lankan context.
Healthcare users' knowledge and experiences regarding the management of scabies in the Deder district, Ethiopia
Authors: Jira Sagni C. , Matlhaba Kholofelo L. , Mphuthi David D.
Published: January 2024

Background. Scabies is an ectoparasitic, highly contagious skin disease caused by a human itch mite infes‑ tation of the skin, and it is the leading cause of morbidity and disease burden in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate healthcare users' current knowledge and experiences with scabies management provided at primary healthcare facilities. Materials and Methods. A qualitative research design was used to address the research objectives. Focus group interviews with 58 health care users were used to collect data. Thematic analysis was performed on the verbatim transcriptions using Tesch's approach. Results. The findings showed that the knowledge of healthcare users who participated in the study on scabies, its management, prevention, and control was limited. Health care users experience different chal‑ lenges regarding scabies and the management thereof. Five themes emerged after data analysis. These were knowledge regarding scabies, knowledge regarding the management of scabies, knowledge regarding the prevention of scabies, perceptions regarding receiving treatment for scabies, and recommendations regarding the availability of materials and medication. Conclusions. Healthcare users in the area had limited knowledge and experienced different challenges regarding scabies and their management. These challenges contribute to low‑quality health services with undesir‑ able health outcomes. To narrow this gap, consistent and programed health education was provided to the community through different modalities by using the existing health system to increase awareness regarding scabies. Following the implementation of community awareness, each commu‑ nity member was positioned to prevent and control scabies.
The prevalence of health risk behavior engagement among grade 4 to 7 learners in primary schools: A phase one needs analysis
Authors: Daniels Kurt J. , Pharaoh Hamilton
Published: January 2024

Health risk behaviour, as it pertains to adolescent behaviour, poses a massive challenge for many fields of medicine, not only due to developmental and psychological concerns but also its inevitable contribution to the burden of disease through trauma and non‑communicable diseases resulting from risky behavioural choices. The objective study is to explore the prevalence of health risk behavior engage‑ ment among grade 4‑7 learners at four primary schools in the Western Cape, South Africa, as well as establish a need for a prevention program starting at primary school level. An observational, descriptive, quantitative design was used to conduct this study. Non‑probability, heterogenous, purposive sampling was used to select the study population. A needs analysis assessment using a modified self‑administered Child Health Risk Behaviour survey was conducted using 7‑inch electronic tablets. Four primary schools agreed to participate yielding a total sample size of n=1147 learners in grades 4 to 7. Learners' age ranged from nine years old to fourteen years old with a mean age of 11.45 (SD 1.271). Riding a bicycle without a helmet, physical fight (86.1 and 64.1% among boys and girls respectively), ever smoked a cigarette (boys 36.3%; girls 28.3%) and consuming alcohol without permission (boys 28.7%; girls 23.8%) had the most engagement. Sexual curi‑ osity questions had by far the most positive engagement and consistency of engagement among both boys and girls. This evidence reaffirms the need that early, bespoke and scientific intervention/prevention programs are needed to combat health risk behaviour and subsequently reduce the burden of disease.
Successful treatment of tuberculosis using a collaborative approach between family and health workers
Authors: Stang Stang , Marwang Sumarni , Rachmat Muhammad , Balumbi Musthamin , Ohorella Fadjriah
Published: January 2024

The optimization efforts of promotion, preven‑ tion, provision of preventive treatment, and infection control are strategies to overcome tuberculosis in Indonesia for the period 2020‑2024. This research aims to analyze the effects of a collaborative model between health workers and family support to improve the success of treating patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. This is an experimental research using a one‑group pre and post‑test design. The study samples were TB patients treated at Bainamu and Bontosunggu Public Health Centers, Jeneponto Regency, from June 2021 to January 2022. Using McNemar's statistical test, the data analysis was conducted to determine the differences in patient behavior on factors that support and inhibit the recovery. The results showed that the collaborative model has an impact on eating, healthy living, and spiritual behaviors that support the recovery and cure rate of TB patients.
The theory behind and factors influencing the use of telemedicine during the COVID‑19 pandemic: A systematic review
Authors: Kurniawan Arif , Gamelia Elviera , Anandari Dian
Published: January 2024

A paradigm change in patient health care toward telemedicine services was necessary in 2020 due to the COVID‑19 pandemic, which broke out at the end of 2019. Theories used in determining the determinants of telemedi‑ cine utilization are various theories. Research conducted on the use of telemedicine still has doubts about the basic theory used in analyzing the factors that influence telemedicine, especially during the Covid‑19 pandemic. The goal of this study is to outline the fundamental principles of telemedicine utilization during the Covid‑19 outbreak and the variables that affect it. This Literature Review uses the scoping review method with the tool procedure, namely PRISMA. Based on the conducted literature review, there are 12 scholarly papers addressing the variables that affect the utilization of telemedi‑ cine services. During the Covid 19 epidemic, more individuals in many nations used telemedicine services. Anderson's theory of health care use and the idea of technology adoption or acceptance serve as the foundational theories for forecasting the variables that affect the use of telemedicine. The utiliza‑ tion of telemedicine is influenced by 29 different factors that come from different theories. The desire for health, exposure to COVID 19, co‑morbidities, social media usage, avoiding contamination, time efficiency, ease of use of services, social impact, and hedonic incentive are among the factors associ‑ ated to the COVID 19 pandemic.
Diet behavior and consumption of iron inhibitors: Incidence anemia in adolescent girls
Authors: Wati Erna , Sistiarani Colti , Rahardjo Setiyowati
Published: January 2024

One of the strategies to prevent adolescent girls anemia through efforts to identify the factors that cause anemia. Adolescent girls are are prospective mothers who must prepare physically, mentally, with good knowledge so that they do not experience anemia during pregnancy. The aim of the study was to analyze the risk factors for the inci‑dence of anemia in adolescent girls in Banyumas Regency, Indonesia. Quantitative approach used to identify factors that influence anemia in adolescent girls. Research variables are menstrual period, knowledge, diet attitudes and behavior, perception of body image, role of friends in prevention of anemia, role, exposure to information, consumption of iron, consumption of inhibitors and iron enhancers. The population of this research is young women aged 12‑19 years. The taking technique by simple random sampling was amount 100, Data analysis was univariate, bivariate (chi square) and multivariate (linear regression). The results showed that the prevalence of anemia was 20%. Based on the results of statistical tests, it was obtained a P‑value of 0.005 (0.05) meaning that there was an influence on adolescent dietary behavior, the role of adolescents in preventing anemia and the consumption of iron inhibitors on the incidence of anemia. Anemia in young girls. There is an influence of eating behavior in female adolescents, the role of female adolescents in preventing anemia and consumption of iron inhibitors on the occurrence of anemia in female adolescents.
Infection prevention knowledge and practices among healthcare workers at a health facility in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Amali Owoicho O. , Van Wyk Renay H.
Published: January 2024

The ongoing COVId-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of Infection prevention practices among healthcare workers. Prioritizing this crucial aspect of healthcare can mitigate the spread of infectious diseases and ensure the well-being of our healthcare heroes and their communities. The purpose of the research was to investigate the knowledge and practice of Infection prevention and control. The study was a cross-sectional study that used self-administered paper-based questionnaires. The study sample of 316 eligible healthcare workers were selected using stratified sampling. data was entered into EPI Info version 7.2 and exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis. The ethics committees of the University and the Hospital approved the study. The majority of participants 116 (36.7%) were nurses. The mean age was 34.79 years ± 8.37, 118 (37.30%) were male while 198 (62.7%) were female. Only 169 (53.9%) knew the recommended duration for hand washing. 132 (41.8%) of healthcare workers believed needles should be recapped following use. Healthcare workers were twice as likely to wash their hands before contact and five times more likely to wash their hands after contact with a patient, their bedding, or after a procedure (AOR 1.82, 95%CI 1.04-3.20), (AOR 4.51, 95%CI 1.76-11.54) respectively. Personal protective equipment (PPEs) were twice as likely to be unavailable (AOR 2.39, 95%CI 1.31‑4.37). The findings revealed suboptimal knowledge and practice of hand hygiene indicating the need for healthcare workers to be trained on IPC. PPE(s) must be provided for healthcare workers to improve compliance with IPC practices.
Prevalence of fatigue while driving among two‑wheeled vehicle drivers and associated factors: Exploratory approach from secondary analysis based on hospital data, Benin
Authors: Ahanhanzo Yolaine G. , Kpozehouen Alphonse , Salami Lamidhi , Gaffan Nicolas , Dos Santos Bella H. , Levêque Alain
Published: January 2024

Fatigue while driving is one of the risk factors of road crashes. It's still poorly considered in interventions because of insufficient literature. In addition, the literature on this issue doesn't focus on two-wheelers, the most frequent users in the Benin context. The study examined the prevalence of fatigue while driving among two-wheeled vehicle drivers and the related factors. It's a secondary baseline data analysis from a cohort of road crash victims recruited from five hospitals in Benin. Data were collected from July 2019 to January 2020. Patients who identified themselves as drivers during the accident were included. data on individual characteristics, including fatigue status in the moments preceding the collision, and other risk factors and environmental settings, were extracted. We used multivariate logistic regression. Among the respondents, 12.20% (95% CI=10.20‑14.53) reported fatigue in the moments preceding the collision. The odds of fatigue while driving were significantly higher in male drivers (aOR=3.60; 95% CI=1.08‑11.98), during professional trips (aOR=2.09; 95% CI=1.30‑3.37), in non‑helmet wearers (aOR=1.85; 95% CI=1.09‑3.13), in users of stimulants (aOR=3.13; 95% CI=1.50‑6.54), in those with a history of chronic diseases (aOR=1.95; 95% CI=1.16‑3.27), at dusk (aOR=4.22; 95% CI=2.22‑8.02), at night (aOR=6.90; 95% CI=3.95‑12.05), and on Inter‑State National Roads (aOR=2.01;95% CI=1.18‑3.43). Fatigue is a risk factor for road crashes in Benin, associated with other risk factors that highlight particularly vulnerable profiles and groups. Integrating prevention policies based on these cumulative risk factors will result in efficiency improvements.
Mitigating household psychosocial and economic impact of Coronavirus pandemic in Mathare slums, Nairobi, Kenya: An initiative by the German doctors in Kenya
Authors: Omoto Alloysius L. , Audi George , Hassan Samira
Published: January 2024

The psychosocial and economic impact of Covid‑19 Pandemic in Mathare slums, Kenya, were adverse which necessitated mitigation strategies to be employed to cushion the most vulnerable and help them cope with the new ‘state of affairs’. The pandemic was characterized by a surge in the respiratory infections, unemployment, house‑ holds going hungry, gender‑based violence in families, child abuse cases and increased rates of teenage pregnancy. Retrospective case study design was employed; secondary data from hospital departments were extracted for analysis from March 2020 to December 2021. Interventions in focus were health service provision, gender based and child abuse services, food distribution, wet‑feeding program, business grants and house rent grants. The most common burden faced by Mathare residents was food insecurity which was mitigated by giving 9,423 Patients' food baskets while 1423 patients enrolled to the wet feeding program. Gender Based Violence services provided doubled in the year 2021 with physical and emotional violence being more common than sexual violence which was at 6.2%. Child abuse services were provided more in the year 2020 and 96 teenage mothers were assisted to go back to school. About 158 families received rent grants; which was a 30.4% increase from the year 2020. There was a 75.5% increase in the year 2021 of residents who received business grants. In a pandemic the effects are beyond health hence it is necessary to manage patients comprehensively using a multi‑sectorial approach. However, it is important to put regulations to avoid overdependence.
Endoscopic Transpterygoid Corridor for Petroclival Tumors
Authors: Singh Arvind K. , Patel Biren K. , Darshan Hirisave Ravikumar , Anand Binu , Singh Ajit , Biradar Harshvardhan , George Tobin , Easwer Harihara Venkat , Nair Prakash
Published: January 2024

Background:

The petroclival area is a technically challenging region to operate owing to the proximity of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the need to obtain gross total excision of tumors in this area as they are often resistant to radiotherapy.

Objective:

We present our experience with the endonasal endoscopic transpterygoid approach in managing tumors of the petroclival region and discuss various operative nuances for safer resection.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study of all consecutive cases of lesions occupying the petroclival region that were operated via endonasal endoscopic transpterygoid approach at our center between January 2016 and December 2021 was performed.

Results:

The study included 14 cases of lesions occupying the petroclival region. Gross total resection by intraoperative observation was achieved in 10 patients, near total decompression was performed in two patients, and the remaining two patients underwent marsupialization of lesion. Postoperatively, one patient had right Lower motor neuron (LMN) facial nerve palsy and one patient required surgery for Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea on postoperative day 8. The mean duration of follow-up was 13.8 ± 16.6 months (range: 2–59 months). Four of six patients with visual symptoms on presentation reported improvement in vision, and the other two patients had a stable vision on follow-up. Two patients received radiotherapy postsurgery. No mortality was noted.

Conclusion:

The extended endonasal endoscopic transpterygoid approach can be safely and efficiently used for petroclival lesions. Very sound knowledge of anatomical relationship, use of intraoperative image guidance to avoid injury to ICA, and multilayer reconstruction with a vascularized nasoseptal flap are required to optimize the clinical outcome.
Novel Immune-Related LncRNA Pairs are Associated with Immunol Infiltration and Survival Status in Glioblastoma
Authors: Zheng Ping , Zhang Xiaoxue , Ren Dabin , Bai Qingke , Jiang Ping
Published: January 2024

Background:

Immune-related lncRNA is involved in tumor initiation and progression, while its effect in glioblastoma (GBM) is still unknown.

Objective:

We sought to investigate the association between immune-related lncRNA (ir-lncRNA) and GBM.

Methods:

Transcriptomic and clinical data were obtained from the TCGA dataset, and we found 2008 ir-lncRNA differentially expressed between GBM and adjacent brain tissues.

Results:

Appling the univariate Cox and Lasso regression model, we found 30 prognosis-related ir-lncRNA pairs to construct a Cox regression risk model to associate the outcome of GBM patients. Furthermore, with this risk model, we can identify the tumor immune infiltration status, the expression of immunosuppressive biomarkers, and chemical sensitivity in GBM patients.

Conclusions:

We constructed an immunologic risk model with lncRNA to associate the survival outcome of GBM patients, which can provide useful biomarkers.