bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Event-scale impact and recovery of forest cover following wildfire in the Northern Rocky Mountains
Authors: Epstein Margaret , Seielstad Carl , Moran Christopher
Published: November 2023

Anthropogenic climate change is expected to catalyze forest conversion to grass and shrublands due to more extreme fire behavior and hotter and drier post-fire conditions. However, field surveys of wilderness areas in the Northern Rocky Mountains of the United States show robust conifer regeneration on burned sites. This study utilizes a machine learning (GBM) approach to systematically monitor canopy cover on burned areas in two large wilderness areas from 1985 to 2021. The predictive model was developed from coincident LiDAR and Landsat observations and used to create time series of canopy cover on 352 burned sites. Fire impact, as measured by canopy cover loss relative to pre-fire condition, was highly correlated with burn severity. Recovery was characterized by two metrics: whether or not a site exhibited signs of recovery, and the rate at which a site is recovering. Eighty-five percent of the land area studied showed evidence of recovery. Burned areas that are failing to recover are occurring more recently than their recovering counterparts, with 60% of non-recovering sites burning for the first time after 2003. However, the 5-year probability of recovery is similar among recent burns and for those that burned earlier in the record, suggesting that they may recover with more time. Once sites begin recovering, median time to reach pre-fire state is 40 years. Seven sites have projected recovery times greater than two hundred years, six of which burned for the first time after 2006. While fires that are failing to recover or recovering slowly make up proportionally small portions of the landscape, they may be of particular management interest as harbingers of future forest conversion, particularly under hotter and drier future climate scenarios. This work provides a framework for systematic monitoring into the future and establishes a baseline of recovery in the mountains of western Montana and northern Idaho.
Unlocking the Alchemy: An Analysis of Stainless Steel Creation via Fused Filament, De-Binding, and Sintering
Authors: Batra Raman , kumar Arun , Kumar Ritesh , Parikh Swapnil , chandra Rama , Sharma Vishal
Published: November 2023

Metal, plastic, ceramic, and composite components are made using the additive manufacturing process known as fused deposition modeling (FDM), which boasts zero waste and no need for molds. FDM has gained international attention for both complex and simple metal part production due to its simple setup and approachable process. Feeding filament into a 3D printer results in the extrusion of green components. These "green" components go through a process called thermal de-binding, which is a crucial step in the conversion of filaments into metal parts. Differentiating factors like heating rate, holding duration, and temperature play a role in the successful components made of 316L SS green Ultra fuse are thermally de-binded without creating any defects. Perfect thermal de-binding is accomplished by meticulously controlling these parameters.After de-binding, the Ultra fuse 316L metal is sintered to produce pieces with remarkable characteristics, including a peak, a hardness of 187.88 HV,density of 8.67 g/cm3, and a tensile strength of 570 MPa. This combination of FDM, precise thermal de-binding, and subsequent sintering demonstrates the potential to produce strong metal components with outstanding mechanical properties.
Imaging-Based Diagnosis of Sarcopenia for Transplant-Free Survival in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Keshoofi Pedram , Schindler Philipp , Rennebaum Florian , Cordes Friederike , Morgul Haluk , Wildgruber Moritz , Heinzow Hauke S. , Pascher Andreas , Schmidt Hartmut H. , Hüsing-Kabar Anna , Praktiknjo Michael , Trebicka Jonel , Seifert Leon Louis
Published: November 2023

Background
Imaging-based assessment of sarcopenia is a well-validated prognostic tool for patients with chronic liver disease. However, little is known about its value in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the cross-sectional imaging-based skeletal muscle index (SMI) for transplant-free survival (TFS) in patients with PSC.
Methods
A total of 95 patients with PSC who underwent abdominal cross-sectional imaging between 2008 and 2022 were included in this retrospective study. SMI was measured at the third lumbar vertebra level (L3-SMI). The cut-off values to define sarcopenia were < 50 cm²/m² in male patients and < 39 cm²/m² in female patients. The primary outcome of this study was TFS, which was defined as survival without liver transplantation or death from any cause.
Results
Our study indicates that L3-SMI sarcopenia impairs TFS in patients with PSC (5-year TFS: 33.9% vs. 83.3%, p = 0.001, log-rank test). L3-SMI sarcopenia was independently associated with reduced TFS via multivariate Cox regression analysis (HR = 2.749; p = 0.028). Body mass index reduction > 10% at 12 months, which is used as MELD standard exception (SE) criterion in Eurotransplant (in Germany only until September 2023), was not significantly associated with TFS in the multivariate Cox regression analysis (HR = 1.417; p = 0.330). Substitution of BMI reduction with L3-SMI in the German SE criteria improved the predictive accuracy of TFS compared to the established SE criteria (multivariable Cox regression analysis: HR = 4.007, p < 0.001 vs. HR = 1.691, p = 0.141).
Conclusion
Imaging-based diagnosis of sarcopenia via L3-SMI is associated with a low TFS in patients with PSC and may provide additional benefits as a prognostic factor in patient selection for liver transplantation.
Modification of risk for all-cause and cardiovascular disease-related mortality with changes in the body mass index: A prospective cohort study with 12 years follow up
Authors: Lai Yun-Ju , Yen Yung-Feng , Chen Li-Jung , Hsu Li-Fei , Ahmadi Matthew N. , Inan-Eroglu Elif , Biswas Raaj Kishore , Ku Po-Wen , Stamatakis Emmanuel
Published: November 2023

Background: The longitudinal impact of changes in body mass index (BMI) on the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality has not been extensively studied. We examined whether changes in BMI status over time are associated with risk of all-cause and CVD-related mortality
Methods: This longitudinal study recruited 90,258 adults between 2002-2008 from the Taiwan MJ cohort who underwent repeated BMI measurements at an interval of 3.3 years and were followed up for all-cause and CVD-related mortalityover 12.1 years. Cox proportional hazard and Fine-Gray sub-distribution hazard models with death from non-CVD causes as the competing risk were used to determine the impact of changes in BMI status on the risk of all-cause or CVD-related mortality, respectively.
Results: Over 1,094,606 person-years of follow-up, 2,084 participants died, including 391 (18.8%) CVD-related deaths. After adjusting for other covariates, >10% increase (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.70) or >10% decrease of BMI (aHR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.43-2.43) was significantly associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality, compared with stable BMI. Participants with obesity at baseline who had BMI increase of >10% during the follow-up period had a significantly higher risk of all-cause (aHR = 2.30; 95% CI:1.38-3.85) and CVD-related mortality (aHR = 3.44; 95% CI:1.33-8.89).
Conclusions: A>10% increase in BMI in individuals with obesity was significantly associated with a higher risk of all-cause and CVD-related mortality. Our findings suggest that individuals with adiposity should adopt measures to reduce body weight to prevent premature mortality.
Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Hazara Division: A Cross-Sectional Study in The Pre-and Post-Covid-19 Era
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Fahad Shah , Rehman Masood Ur , Ayub Usman , Ahmad Kaleem , Awan Waqar Ahmed , Khan Dilawar , Waseem Muhammad
Published: November 2023

In COVID-19 there was a lot of misuse of antibiotics that caused the huge burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The study focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on AMR. A total of 1200 samples of urine, PUS, wound, blood, and high vaginal swab (HVS) were collected out of which 529 samples were included while 200 were excluded. Selected samples were cultured and antibiotic disks were applied. Zone size determined antibiotic sensitivity, resistance levels. The statistical analysis was done by using R version 4.3.0. The most commonly isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (46%) followed by the Staphylococcus spp (18.4%), Klebsiella spp (9.7%), Enterococcus spp (5.5%), Coliform spp (4.9%), Pseudomonas spp (3.6%), Enterobacter spp (3.2%), Candida spp (2.3%), Acinetobacter spp (2.1%), Salmonella typhi (1.1%), Streptococcus spp (1.1%), Proteus mirabilis (0.9%), Burkholderia cepacia (0.4%), Citrobacter freundii (0.5%), Morgenella spp (0.2%). In Females (76%) AMR while in males 23.6% AMR was observed. A total of 42 antibiotics AMR trend was seen out of which 21 antibiotics show an uptrend while others show a downtrend. During COVID-19 the increased use of antibiotics occurred so the increased AMR is seen in 2019 and 2020. Post-COVID-19 identification, reduced antibiotic usage resulted in an observed downward trend.
RETRACTED: Bevacizumab for retinopathy of prematurity is not associated with systemic hypertension
Authors: Rodriguez Sarah , Akbar Mizna , Avdagic Ema , Carlos Christine , Blair Michael , Yang Carina , Freeman Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Is Community Pharmacies’ Personnel Well-Oriented about Cosmeceuticals? A Cross-sectional Survey and Costumer Simulation
Authors: Yousefi Nazila , Noqani Hesam , Mohammadnezhad Ghader , Foroughi Mohammad Javad , Peiravian Farzad
Published: November 2023

Background
The cosmetics business is one of the most profitable and advanced global trade sectors, and academic and industrial investments have expanded to provide high-quality products to the right consumers. Thus, this cross-sectional survey assessed Iranian pharmacists and pharmacy technicians' cosmetic product knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
Methods
Demographics were the first questionnaire section after eligibility and consent. Ten questions test knowledge in the second phase. The third portion has nine pharmacist cosmetic product attitudes questions. We used five-point Likert spectrum scaling. The final component of the questionnaire includes a pharmacist practice checklist. This fulfilled 12 pharmacists' obligations. PT demographics, knowledge, and attitude were measured using an eight-, five-, and eight-item questionnaire. A cosmetic sales checklist with eight practice items was devised to evaluate PTs. Pharmacists and PTs were evaluated for scientific advice on exfoliating lotion and anti-stain sunscreen use, skin type, history, and brand presentation. Using a 95% confidence interval, binary logistic regression found significant relationships between categorical dependent and independent variables. Pearson correlation measured knowledge-performance linearity.
Results
The study included 325 pharmacists and 324 PTs. The average knowledge score for pharmacists was 6.38 ± 1.95, while their practice score was 6.35 ± 1.92 out of 10. The overall knowledge score for PTs was 2.8 ± 0.92 out of 5. Results indicate a strong association between pharmacist and PT knowledge and cosmeceutical performance (r = + 0.635 and + 0.564, respectively, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
This study indicates a strong correlation between knowledge and performance in community pharmacists and PTs.
Predictive and prognostic value of excision repair cross-complementing group 1 by multi-omics on the outcomes in patients with advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Yamada Yasuhide , Nagashima Kengo , Azuma Mizutomo , Masutani Mitsuko , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Iwasa Satoru , Takahashi Naoki , Hirano Hidekazu , Kanato Keisuke , Machida Nozomu , Kinoshita Takahiro , Hata Hiroaki , Kawakami Hisato , Takahari Daisuke , Boku Narikazu , Kurokawa Yukinori , Terashima Masanori , Yoshikawa Takaki , Sekine Shigeki , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi
Published: November 2023

Background
To define the optimal chemotherapy regimen for each patient we therefore used tissue from patients to identify molecular prognostic or predictive biomarkers.
Methods
Endoscopic biopsy specimens from primary lesions and surgical specimens on a phase III trial in patients with unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric cancer treated with docetaxel with cisplatin plus S-1 (DCS) or cisplatin plus S-1 (CS), were collected. We measured the mRNA expression of ERCC1 and analyzed SNPs in GSTP1 and ERCC1.
Results
Low ERCC1 expression was associated with favorable prognosis for overall survival, OS by multivariable analysis (P = 0.001). There were significant interactions between the two treatment arms of DCS and CS, and ERCC1 mRNA expression. In patients with low ERCC1 expression of a favorable prognosis, DCS therapy was inferior to CS (P = 0.046). In addition to GSTP1 rs1695 (HR 1.728), ERCC1 rs3212980, ERCC1 rs2298881, ERCC1 rs3212964 with high expression of ERCC1 mRNA were associated with significantly worse prognosis with regard to OS.
Conclusions
ERCC1 mRNA is an independent prognostic factor and predictive marker that can be used to guide the addition of docetaxel. The SNPs of ERCC1 and GSTP1 could be also prognostic or predictive factors.
Clinical Trial Number: UMIN000007652
Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram for ovarian clear cell carcinoma: A study based on the SEER database and a Chinese cohort
Authors: Shen Yao , Zhao Pingge , Zhang Yuhang , Guo Guanlin , Jia Xueyuan , Wu Jie , Kuang Ye
Published: November 2023

Background: Based on the SEER database of patients diagnosed with OCCC from 2000 to 2018, the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) nomograms were constructed, and the OCCC patients from our hospital were used for external validation. We aim to develop scientifically valid prognostic models for OCCC.
Methods: Data were extracted from the SEER database for patients diagnosed with OCCC. Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for OCCC. Two nomograms were developed and the results were evaluated comprehensively by C-index, ROC curve, calibration curve, and DCA curve. Finally, patients diagnosed with OCCC in our hospital were used as the validation set to verify the model.
Results: A total of 1855 OCCC patients from the SEER database were used as the training set and 101 patients from our hospital were used as the validation set. Cox regression analysis of the independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of OCCC was used to construct nomograms. The C-index of the training set OS was 0.76, and the validation set OS was 0.75. The AUC of the training set OS is 0.803, 0.794, and 0.802 for 1, 3, and 5 years, and 0.774, 0.800, and 0.923 for the validation set. The calibration curve and DCA curve also show that OS and CSS have good predictive power.
Conclusions: We constructed nomograms to predict the prognosis of OCCC. The nomograms have satisfactory accuracy and clinical practicability, which can guide the decision of clinicians.
Quantifying microbial robustness in dynamic environments using microfluidic single-cell cultivation
Authors: Blöbaum Luisa , Pianale Luca Torello , Olsson Lisbeth , Grünberger Alexander
Published: November 2023

BackgroundMicroorganisms must respond to changes in their environment. Analysing the robustness of functions (i.e. performance stability) to such dynamic perturbations is of great interest in both laboratory and industrial settings. Recently, a quantification method capable of assessing the robustness of various functions, such as specific growth rate or product yield, across different conditions, time frames, and populations has been developed for microorganisms grown in a 96-well plate. In micro-titer-plates, environmental change is slow and undefined. Dynamic microfluidic single-cell cultivation (dMSCC) enables the precise maintenance and manipulation of microenvironments, while tracking single cells over time using live-cell imaging. Here, we combined dMSCC with robustness quantification to assess performance stability to changes occurring within seconds or minutes.ResultsSaccharomyces cerevisiaeCEN.PK113-7D, harbouring a biosensor for intracellular ATP levels, was exposed to glucose feast-starvation cycles, with each condition lasting from 1.5 to 48 min over a 20-h period. A semi-automated image and data analysis pipeline was developed and applied to assess the performance and robustness of various functions at population, subpopulation, and single-cell resolution. We observed a decrease in specific growth rate but an increase in intracellular ATP levels with longer oscillation intervals. Cells subjected to 48-min oscillations exhibited the highest average ATP content, but the lowest stability over time and the highest heterogeneity within the population.ConclusionThe proposed workflow enabled the investigation of function stability in dynamic environments, both over time and within populations. The strategy allows for parallelisation and automation, and is easily adaptable to new organisms, biosensors, cultivation conditions, and oscillation frequencies. Insights on the microbial response to changing environments will guide strain development and bioprocess optimisation.
Therapeutic Apheresis: Is It Safe In Children With Kidney Disease?
Authors: Kalenderoğlu Muhamed Doğukan , Çomak Elif , Aksoy Gülşah Kaya , Bilge Uğur , Küpesiz Osman Alphan , Koyun Mustafa , Akman Sema
Published: November 2023

Therapeutic apheresis (TA) is already used in the treatment of various diseases in the field of nephrology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and types of complications that occur during TA in children with kidney disease.
Method
Records of children (≤ 18 years) who underwent TA between 2007 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Children with missing data and those with a diagnosis of non-nephrological disease were excluded.
Results
A total of 1214 TA sessions, including 1147 therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) sessions and 67 immunoadsorption (IA) sessions, were performed on 108 patients enrolled in the study. 47.2% of the patients were male and the mean age was 14 (1-18) years. Post-transplant antibody-mediated rejection (64.8%) and haemolytic uremic syndrome (14.8%) were the most common diagnoses indicating TA. Overall, 17 different complications occurred in 58 sessions (4.8%) and 53 sessions (4.6%) were not completed because of these. Technical problems accounted for 41.4%, allergic reactions 25.9% and citrate poisoning 5.2% of complications; the most common technical complication was inadequate flow (15.5%). The incidence of complications was higher in patients aged 3-6 years compared to other age groups (p=0.031). The primary disease, type of vascular access, and the rate of fresh frozen plasma/albumin use were similar between patients with and without complications ( p value 0.359 and 0.125 and 0.118, respectively).
Conclusion
Our study showed that complications occurred in only 4.8% of TA sessions. The most common complication was technical problems.
AN OVERVIEW ON CUBOSOMES AS REMARKABLE NANOCARRIER FOR DRUG DELIVERY
Authors:   Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shalom Institute of Health and Allied Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Uttar Pradesh, India, Gupta Vandana
Published: November 2023

Lipids have been extensively used as main ingredients in various drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers and lipid-based lyotropic liquid crystals. Over the past few years, lipid-based lyotropic, bicontinuous cubic phase liquid crystals have been investigated for their applicability to controlled delivery of active ingredients. Lipid-based lyotropic liquid crystals have highly ordered, thermodynamically stable internal nanostructure, thereby offering the potential as a sustained drug release matrix. The emulsification of cubic lipid phases in water results in the production of cubosomes that can be defined as nanoparticulate disperse systems characterised by high biocompatibility and bioadhesivity. The unique microstructure of cubosomes have the potentials to control the release of active ingredients, improve drug bioavailability and reduce toxicity, enhance the stability of drugs and to increase the penetrability of drug after topical application. This reflection will provide an overview of the lipids used to prepare cubic phase at physiological temperature, as well as the influencing factors on the phase transition of liquid crystals. In particular, the most current research progresses on cubic phase as drug delivery systems and its applications will be discussed. It might act as smart lipid nanoparticles for drug delivery.
impact of transformational leadership style and work discipline on employee performance in the regional revenue agency of South Sumatra Province
Authors: Surawijaya Aries , Widiyanti Marlina , Yusuf Muhammad , Hadjri Muhammad Ichsan
Published: November 2023

This research investigates the influence of transformational leadership style and work discipline on employee performance in the Regional Revenue Agency of South Sumatra Province. The population of this study comprises all civil servants (PNS) in the Regional Revenue Agency of South Sumatra Province in 2023, totaling 107 employees, all of whom were included as samples using a census technique. The multiple linear regression analysis results indicate that transformational leadership style and work discipline positively and significantly impact employee performance. The role of transformational leadership style necessitates the provision of appreciation, support, and motivation to employees. Additionally, work discipline requires strict measures for employees who violate institutional regulations, such as issuing warning letters to those who frequently breach the established rules, especially regarding attendance during working hours. Furthermore, leaving the office should align with approved permissions and be related to work responsibilities rather than personal interests.
Incidence, Risk, and Clinical Course of New-Onset Diabetes in Long COVID: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies (Preprint)
Authors: Talanki Ananya Sri , Bajaj Neha , Trehan Twinkle , Thirunavukkarasu Sathish
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

COVID-19, an infectious disease pandemic, affected millions of people globally, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Causing further concern, significant proportions of COVID-19 survivors endure the lingering health effects of SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen that causes COVID-19. One of the diseases manifesting as a postacute sequela of COVID-19 (also known as “long COVID”) is new-onset diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine the incidence of new-onset diabetes in patients with long COVID and assess the excess risk compared with individuals who tested negative for COVID-19. The study also aims to estimate the population-attributable fraction for COVID-19 as a risk factor for new-onset diabetes in long COVID and investigate the clinical course of new-onset diabetes cases.

METHODS

This is a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases will be systematically searched to identify articles published between December 2019 and July 2024. A comprehensive search strategy for each database will be developed using a combination of Medical Subject Headings terms, subject headings, and text words to identify eligible studies. Cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (only control arms) involving patients with COVID-19 of any age, with follow-up data on new-onset diabetes in long COVID, will be considered for inclusion. Controls will comprise individuals who tested negative for COVID-19, with or without other respiratory tract infections. Three independent reviewers (AST, NB, and TT) will perform article selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of the studies. A fourth reviewer (ST) will review the identified studies for final inclusion in the analysis. The random-effects DerSimonian-Laird models will be used to estimate the pooled incidence proportion (%), incidence rate of diabetes (per 1000 person-years), and risk ratio (with 95% CIs) for diabetes incidence.

RESULTS

A total of 1972 articles were identified through the initial search conducted in August 2023. After excluding duplicates, conducting title and abstract screening, and completing full-text reviews, 41 articles were found to be eligible for inclusion. The search will be updated in July 2024. Currently, data extraction is underway, and the meta-analysis is expected to be completed in August 2024. Publication of the study findings is anticipated by the end of 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings should provide valuable insights to inform both clinical practice and public health policies regarding the effective management of new-onset diabetes in patients with long COVID.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/54853
Empowering Down Syndrome: A Comprehensive Online Platform for Awareness, Support, and Inclusivity
Authors: Rajas Prof. Neha , Patil Sujal , Patil Sushant , Patil Swami , Patil Swarup , Patil Tanisha
Published: November 2023

Abstract: The presented research paper outlines the meticulous development process of an encompassing website dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome while fostering awareness in society. The website encapsulates an array of accessible information, resources, and an interactive online community to bridge the gap between those with Down Syndrome, their families, and the general public. Purposefully designed for user-friendliness and accessibility, the website incorporates informative articles, videos, and interactive materials that encompass medical insights, therapeutic methodologies, educational resources, and personal anecdotes. To facilitate connection and communication among individuals with Down Syndrome, caregivers, families, and professionals, the website incorporates both forum and chat functionalities. This holistic platform aims to challenge misconceptions, cultivate inclusivity, and encourage acceptance by offering educational materials to schools, community organizations, and the public. By perpetually collaborating with experts and incorporating consistent updates and feedback, the website aspires to remain pertinent and current. Its overarching role is to empower individuals with Down Syndrome and contribute to shaping a society that is more comprehensive and embracing.
Stroke Prediction Using Machine Learning
Authors: Petkar Saishashank N. , Joshi Renuka D. , Nikam Aditya M. , Bagul Sonali S. , Khalane Prof. Sushmita
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Stroke, a cerebrovascular disease, stands as a prominent contributor to global mortality, imposing substantial health and financial challenges on individuals and healthcare systems alike. Notably, health-related behaviour has emerged as a crucial determinant of stroke risk, gaining increased attention in preventive efforts. Various machine learning models have been devised to forecast stroke risk or facilitate automated stroke diagnosis, leveraging predictors such as lifestyle elements and radiological imaging. Surprisingly, there is a notable absence of models utilizing data from laboratory tests. As the second leading cause of death worldwide, stroke persists as a significant health burden. This project employs machine learning principles on extensive existing datasets to predict stroke risk based on potentially modifiable factors. The subsequent goal involves developing an application to deliver personalized warnings according to individual stroke risk levels, accompanied by lifestyle correction messages addressing specific stroke risk factors. Stroke, a significant health concern globally, requires timely identification and intervention to prevent severe consequences. Preventing strokes involves promoting health and raising awareness of risk factors.
Technical Condition of Soviet-Era Apartment Buildings, Related Problems and Possible Solutions in Latvia
Authors: Zariņa Zanda , Uzulēns Jānis
Published: November 2023

More than half of Latvia’s population lives in Soviet-built, serial apartment blocks that have reached or are rapidly reaching the end of their useful life. The State Audit Office has acknowledged in its report that there is not an effective approach to housing security in the country, and the funds needed to renovate the buildings exceed the owners’ ability to pay. The main problems are the following: the actual technical condition of these buildings is unknown (technical studies are needed), there are no freely available management fee savings for residents to pay for fundamental studies and repairs or renovations, there is insufficient or difficult access to public support for improving energy efficiency and the overall technical condition of buildings. Apartment buildings are also one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions (36 %), a problem which is relevant in the context of the national climate targets for 2023. In order to establish the actual technical condition of the buildings and to develop the most affordable improvement solutions, it is necessary to carry out a technical investigation for each of the apartment buildings, identifying the problems specific to each series and individual to each building, taking into account the different conditions to which the buildings are exposed in their daily operation. Such an approach would allow for the development of standard solutions to the problems specific to each series, saving resources and ensuring a higher quality of renovation works. The question remains how to address the financial support needed for comprehensive technical studies and the development of standard solutions. Is the technical condition of apartment buildings only a problem for residents (apartment owners), property managers, municipalities or the government?
Tilted Implant Technique Solved Numerous Limitation of Straight Technique
Authors: A.Jassem Natheer , A. Ali. Nabaa
Published: November 2023

Present of important anatomical structures in both upper and lower jaws make challenge during planning for implant procedures in the atrophic alveolar bone and to overcome this problem need bone augmentation which still complex and difficult procedures make it not accepted by large number of patient. In this study we spot light on the teeth implant in an area where short bone or insufficient height of alveolar ridge and inclined alveolar ridge so when we place implant should be tilted either palatelly, mesially or distally in bone around and we compare the success rate between angled placed implant and up right placed implant. 61 patients came to clinic asking for toot h or teeth implant, 300 implant fixtures were placed in both uppe r and lower arch 203 implants were straight and 97were tilted. A fter 24 months follow up in the upper and lower alveolar arche s of dental implant (97.54%) of upright implant were success and (97.94%) of tilted implant were success. Results indicate that the use of tilted implants effective and safe method over bone augmentation procedures and nerve transferring.
Changes in the Transverse Strength of Heat-Cured Acrylic Denture Base by Using Diodes Laser as Surface Treatment
Authors: Khalid Aziz Hawraa
Published: November 2023

Transverse test is considered to be appropriate for polymeric dental materials since compression and tension stresses are correlated to specific fractures that occur during flexural load. So the aim of the study is to evaluate the transverse strength of heat cured acrylic denture base material by using different surface treatment by laser treatment with diodes laser and air-abrasion AL2O3. The 60 specimens of heat cured acrylic denture base material were prepared for this study. They were divided into three groups according to type of the surface treatment and as follows: first group without any treatment (control group), second group is treated with air-abr asion (AL2O3). While third group is treated with Diodes laser, t hen each group subdivided into two groups according to additi on of the soft liner: group a: specimens made from heat cured acr ylic and soft liner, while group b: specimens made from heat cur ed acrylic only, each group consisted from 10 specimens. The res ults showed lowest mean values of the transverse strength for the control group than the specimens with AL2O3 group, and the highest mean values of diodes laser group but statically there was non-significant difference between the groups. In addition the mean values transverse strength of the soft liner bonded to the heat cured acrylic were higher mean than those without soft liner groups. Within the limitation of this study, there was no change in the transverse strength of the heat cured acrylic by using the diodes laser and air-abrasion AL2O3 surface treatment.
Dietary Patterns and Oral Health among School Children Aged 6-12 years Old in Kirkuk City
Authors: Hazem Salih Hiba
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Oral health is the practice of keeping the mouth & teeth clean to prevent dental problems, like caries and ulcers .For this sake a cross sectional study was conducted to determine the extent and effects of dietary pattern on oral health among school aged children in Kirkuk city's primary schools on a sample. Material and methods: Sample size of 120 pupils by selecting 5 pupils from each stage from 4 different schools. The duration of the study was 1 month from the 1st of March 2015 to 31th of the same month and was carried out using a questionnaire which was given to the pupils to be filled by their parents. Results: The most i mportant finding of the study was that there is a relationship betwee n dietary intake and dental problems. Conclusion: That swee teners consumer has the highest percentage of dental problems.
Is A Chronic Periodontitis Patient Likely To Be An ABO Secretor?
Authors: GH.Ali Basima
Published: November 2023

Chronic periodontitis is the most prevalent oral inflammatory disease that affect teeth supporting tissues in response to microbial infection. A secretor is aterm applied to anyone who secret his/her blood type antigen into their body fluids as saliva in the oral cavity. Forty eight males were participated in the present research. Their age ranging from 35 to 55 years. The clinical periodontal parameters included Plaque index (PLI), Gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and Probing pocket depth (PPD) were examined also. .The secretory ABO blood groups from saliva by using Blood Typing Kit # 11 were assessed. After that the patients were divided into se cretors and non-secretors and the comparisons were done between t hem. There was highly significance difference between secretory and non-secretory chronic periodontitis patients in all periodontal pa rameters (PI, GI and PPD), from the total sample the Proportional ratio for secretory chronic periodontitis group was 58.33% while the proportional ratio for the non-secretary chronic periodontitis was 41.66%. Group O is the predominant type of ABO for both groups. Chronic periodontitis is more likely to occur in secretor ABO more than non-secretor ABO.
Measuring the Shear Bound Strength on Acrylic Resin Veneer to Metal Surface of Nickel (A Comparative Study)
Authors: Zeid Abood Aklas
Published: November 2023

The bound strength of metal resin interface of prosthesis is a key factor in determining the service ability of that prosthesis. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of different surface treatment on the shear bond strength of Ni-Cr alloy (CB-Blando 72 alloy) and heat cured acrylic veneer resin (Vertex). Thirty disc shaped samples from base plate wax were prepared, the diameter of disc was (8 mm x 4.5 mm). After casting the metal, the samples were cleaned, finished and polished by silicon carbide abrasive paper with grit size (600 μm) and then the profilometer was u sed to determine the surface roughness of samples. Then the sa mples were divided in to three groups, each group contain (10) sa mples. The first group rece ived no treatment and serve as control .The Second group received micro mechanical treatment using 250 μm Al2o3 .The third group recived micro mechanical treatment using 400 μm Al2o3. The acrylic was prepared as a round shape (8 μm) in diameter and (2 μm) in thickness, which was placed on the metal surface treatment, the acrylic was fabricated in the same conventional way for construction veneer resin. Then all samples was tested the shear bond strength by using Instron universal testing machine .The result from this study showed that, the first group was give low shear bond strength while the second group showed that the air abrasion with 250 μm Al2o3 give the highest shear bond values when compared with the third group which air abrasive with 400 μm Al2o3.
On the possibilities of introducing transcription into the practice of interrogation at the stage of preliminary investigation of crimes
Authors: Sotnikov Konstantin Ivanovich
Published: November 2023

The subject of the study is the modern forensic investigative practice of recording the testimony of interrogated persons at the preliminary investigation, which indicates a tendency to increase the volume of interrogation protocols being compiled. The object of the study is the regularities of the procedure for recording the testimony of the interrogated persons. It is noted that the preparation of the interrogation protocol is the most time-consuming final stage of this investigative action. Analysis of scientific publications in recent years shows that forensic scientists focus on the tactics and psychology of interrogation. As part of the forensic tactics of interrogation, the issues of the specifics of the use of additional means of fixation in the form of audio-video recordings and requirements for the content of the interrogation protocol are also considered. The existing procedure for recording the testimony of interrogated persons in the typewriter mode remains acute. The novelty of the research lies in the author's proposal to introduce modern computer technologies and artificial intelligence into the practice of drawing up interrogation protocols that allow converting oral speech into text. We are talking about automatic speech recognition and the conversion of a speech signal into digital information in the form of text (transcription of oral speech). Currently, transcription is widely used in various spheres of human activity. It is noted that it is permissible to use transcription technology from the standpoint of criminal procedural regulation of interrogation and confrontation.The use of transcription means will allow the investigator to focus on communicating with the interrogated person, achieve psychological contact, track testimony, use tactical techniques, etc. Modern software allows the introduction of the specified technology of recording the testimony of interrogated persons into the practice of interrogation.
Reflections on Chinese studies of Russian women's prose
Authors: Chai Li
Published: November 2023

The active development of women's prose is an important phenomenon in world literature. After the 1980s, a large number of works by Russian writers were translated in China, which attracted more attention of Chinese Russian scholars. The subject of the research is the historical and cultural prerequisites for the study of Russian women's prose in China and the current state of research on this prose. The relevance of the article can be determined by the fact that with the rapid changes in the socio-cultural environment, the study of women's prose in China gradually demonstrates a systematic and interdisciplinary growing trend, thanks to which it is possible to take a fresh look at the study of Russian women's prose in China. Russian writers' main translated works and the main studies of Chinese scientists on Russian women's prose, published since 1942 to the present, are the material of the study. The research method is the analysis of review materials and generalization of philology researches opinions. The author's special contribution to the research of the topic is the answers received to questions about the context, development, current state and directions of studying Russian women's prose in China. Conclusions are drawn that 1992 is an important moment, before that Chinese scientists mainly paid attention to the translation of foreign women's literature, including Russian, after 1992, through a practical analysis of Western feminist theories in literary studies, Chinese researchers proposed the concept of "soft feminism", which influenced the development of women's prose in China, which led to attention to the inner world of a woman, her role not only in the family, but also in culture and history.
DAMPAK PENGGUNAAN APLIKASI TIKTOK PADA PERUBAHAN KARAKTER TINDAK TUTUR SISWA
Authors: Ningrum Andi Widya , Nurhayati Andi , Marhani Marhani
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji dampak penggunaan aplikasi Tiktok pada perubahan karakter tindak tutur. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui observasi dan wawancara terhadap penggunaan aplikasi Tiktok. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perubahan karakter yang didapatkan siswa SMP, menggunakan aplikasi Tiktok untuk hal yang positif dan negatif, bisa dilihat dari video yang mereka tonton dan upload. Rata- rata siswa menggunakan aplikasi Tiktok untuk menonton video tentang edukasi pelajaran. Namun dari segi negatifnya, mereka juga suka meniru sesuatu yang viral di tiktok. Temuan penelitian ini dapat berkontribusi pada pengembangan teori komunikasi dan pemahaman tentang dampak aplikasi media sosial pada cara kita berinteraksi dan berkomunikasi dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Pera Guru Bimbingan dan konseling terhadap terhadap penggunaan tiktok, dapat bermanfaat bagi siswa sebagai penggunaan media layanan sehingga dapat meningkatkan semangat dan kreatifitas pada siswa.
Kata Kunci: TikTok media sosial, Tindak tutur, Karakter, Perubahan, komunikasi
PENGEMBANGAN MODUL LAYANAN INFORMASI BIMBINGAN KONSELING PENCEGAHAN PERILAKU PACARAN PESERTA DIDIK MTs
Authors: Samhah Samhah , Mustaji Mustaji , Rusmawati Retno Danu
Published: November 2023

Penelitian pengembangan produk model Dick & Carey dilakukan untuk menghasilkan produk modul layanan informasi bimbingan dan konseling berbentuk buku bertujuan mencegah perilaku pacaran peserta didik MTs.  Menggunakan instrumen yaitu studi literatur, observasi, dokumentasi dan angket. Analisis data dengan menghitung prosentase keseluruhan subyek uji. Hasil penelitian adalah tersedianya modul layanan informasi bimbingan dan konseling dengan materi pencegahan perilaku pacaran bagi peserta didik MTs. Modul teruji oleh ahli materi, media, desain dinyatakan sangat baik dengan hasil 87,04%, 80,26%, 92,05%. Modul teruji oleh praktisi, kelompok kecil, kelompok besar dinyatakan sangat tepat dengan hasil 99%, 92,8%, 89,81%. Hasil penilaian subyek uji keseluruhan diperoleh prosentase 90,05%. Saran bagi guru bimbingan konseling digunakan untuk mempermudah melaksanakan layanan bimbingan informasi, agar peserta didik terhindar perilaku pacaran. Bagi madrasah, diharapkan memperkaya media bimbingan yang ada. Bagi penelitian selanjutnya modul ini dijadikan motivasi mengembangkan bahan ajar lain yang sesuai, sebagai acuan dan referensi untuk penelitian sebaiknya memberikan tampilan grafis lebih baik
Kata Kunci: Modul bimbingan konseling, pencegahan, perilaku pacaran
RESILIENSI DENGAN ORIENTASI KARIER PESERTA DIDIK SMK
Authors: Wati Yuyun Dwi Retno , Budiono Arifin Nur , Karamoy Yurike Kinanthy
Published: November 2023

Pendidikan adalah suatu tanda bahwa individu telah menguasai ilmu yang telah mereka pelajari dan dapat dipergunakan sebagai bekal untuk membangun karier. Orientasi karier adalah tindakan pengambilan keputusan terhadap pilihan pendidikan dan pekerjaan lebih lanjut yang ditunjukan dengan pemahaman diri, tujuan yang jelas, pencarian sumber informasi yang selaras, pertimbangan peluang dan perencanaan masa yang akan mendatang. Penelitian ini memiliki tujuan untuk mengetahui Hubungan Resiliensi dengan Orientasi Karier Peserta Didik SMK. Metode yang digunakan adalah penelitian kuantitatif dengan sampel 22 orang dan dianalisa menggunakan rumus koefisien Kolerasi dengan mencari r product moment. Hasil penelitian menunjukan  bahwa variabel resiliensi memiliki skor rata-rata 68,05 yang berarti pada kategori sedang dan variabel orientasi karier memiliki skor rata-rata 83,09 yang berarti  pada kategori sedang. Sedangkan pada hubungan kedua variabel terhadap peserta didik memiliki nilai sebesar 0,00 yang berarti uji hipotesis Ha diterima dan Ho ditolak. Sehingga dapat ditarik kesimpulan bahwa terdapat hubungan positif signifikan antara Resiliensi dengan Orientasi Karier peserta didik SMK.
Kata Kunci: Resiliensi, Orientasi Karier
TEKNIK HOMEROOM UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMATANGAN KARIER SISWA SMK
Authors: Zaini Muhammad , Karamoy Yurike Kinanthy , Mutakin Fakhruddin
Published: November 2023

Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) sederajat merupakan tempat atau bagian dari komponen untuk mengasah keterampilan dalam rangka mempersiapkan diri untuk studi lanjut, bekerja dan berkarier. Peneliti melakukan observasi di kelas XI AP SMK. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektivitas teknik homeroom untuk meningkatkan kematangan karier siswa. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif dengan metode penelitian pra-eksperimen (pre-experimental design). Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, kegiatan bimbigan kelompok homerome efektif apabila dilakukan. Hal ini terlihat dari para siswa yang menjadi responden penelitian. Mereka sangat antusias dan sangat menerima adanya kegiatan serta mampu berdinamika kelompok dengan baik. Para siswa yang menjadi responden atau yang tergabung dalam anggota kelompok mampu berdiskusi secara tertib mampu membangun hubungan antar anggota kelompok dengan baik dan mampu mengelola kelompok dengan baik. Selain itu kegiatan juga membuahkan hasil, didalam hal ini yakni meningkatnya kematangan karier  yang dialami oleh siswa.
Kata Kunci: Teknik Homeroom, Kematangan Karier
BIMBINGAN KELOMPOK TEKNIK PROBLEM SOLVING DALAM MENINGKATKAN KETERCAPAIAN TUGAS PERKEMBANGAN PESERTA DIDIK SMA
Authors: Resti Dwi Septia , Putra Fuaddillah , Chandra Yasrial
Published: November 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui  ketercapaian tugas perkembangan peserta didik kelas XII IPA 1 SMA sebelum dan sesudah dilakukan layanan bimbingan kelompok, efektifitas layanan bimbingan kelompok dengan menggunakan teknik problem solving dalam meningkatkan ketercapaian tugas perkembangan peserta didik di kelas XII IPA 1 SMA. Jenis penelitian ini adalah eksperimen, populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah peserta didik di kelas XII IPA 1 SMA berjumlah 33 orang dan sampel pada penelitian ini berjumlah 10 orang. Pengambilan sampel pada penelitian ini dengan teknik nonprobability sampling. Instrumen yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah inventori tugas perkembangan (ITP). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa : (1) ketercapaian tugas perkembangan peserta didik pretest sebelum dilakukannya layanan bimbingan kelompok berada pada tingkat “sadar diri (SDI)”, (2) ketercapaian tugas perkembangan peserta didik postest setelah dilakukannya layanan bimbingan kelompok berada pada tingkat “sadar diri (SDI)  dan saksama (SAK), masih dikategorikan belum tercapai idealnya ketercapaian tugas perkembangan peserta didik di usia 15-18 tahun berada pada tingkat individualitas (IND), (3) terdapat efektifitas layanan bimbingan kelompok dalam meningkatkan ketercapaian tugas perkembangan peserta didik dengan kategori efektif.
Kata Kunci: Bimbingan Kelompok, Problem Solving, Siswa SMA