bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the grade and invasiveness of bladder cancer on disease course severity in patients with bladder tamponade resulting from a bleeding bladder cancer
Authors: Jakus Dora , Čepin Petra , Vrhovac Ivana , Jakus Ivana Alujević
Published: May 2024

Introduction and Objectives:

Urinary bladder tamponade is a common urological emergency, but it has so far been insufficiently researched. The aim of our study was to show the association between the characteristics of bladder cancer (grade and invasiveness) and disease course severity based on blood hemoglobin (Hgb) count at admission, the need for red blood cell transfusion (RBCT), and the length of hospitalization in patients suffering from bladder tamponade.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted, namely, including 25 adult patients surgically treated for bladder tamponade resulting from a bleeding bladder cancer.

Results:

Patients with low-grade cancer had statistically significantly higher mean Hgb values at admission (101.14 ± 8.26 vs. 87.22 g/L ± 10.64 g/L, P = 0.005), as well as a lower mean number of received units of RBCT (0.71 ± 0.76 vs. 2.39 ± 1.46, P < 0.001) and a shorter hospitalization (2.43 ± 0.55 vs. 4.36 ± 1.04 days, P = 0.009) than those with high-grade cancer. Patients suffering from nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) had statistically significantly higher mean Hgb values at admission (96.69 ± 9.86 g/L vs. 81.22 ± 7.23 g/L, P = 0.001), as well as a lower mean number of received units of RBCT (1.31 ± 1.2 vs. 3 ± 1.41, P = 0.004) and a shorter hospitalization (3.31 ± 1.14 vs. 4.78 ± 0.97 days, P = 0.004) than those with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Conclusion:

Low-grade bladder cancer and NMIBC are associated with a milder clinical course of bladder tamponade.
Poor prognosis of urothelial carcinoma in patients presented with persistent paraneoplastic leukocytosis with anemia
Authors: Warli Syah Mirsya , Andy Andy , Prapiska Fauriski Febrian , Siregar Ginanda Putra , Sihombing Bungaran
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Paraneoplastic leukocytosis is a rare manifestation of urological cancer. This condition is well associated with the poor prognosis in other solid tumors. Anemia is the most common hematological manifestation of cancer, affecting 40%–64% of patients with cancer. This condition is also well associated with a poor prognosis. The goal of this research is to determine the clinical presentation and fate of individuals with urothelial carcinoma who have persistent paraneoplastic leukocytosis and anemia.

Methods:

From January 2014 to December 2020, a retrospective cohort of patients with a histological result of urothelial carcinoma was collected. Data were extracted from a single National Cancer Center Hospital in Indonesia. Persistent leukocytosis is defined as a leukocyte count ≥20,000/mL on at least two occasions with a minimum interval of 30 days. Anemia is defined using the WHO definition of anemia. Urinalysis, chest X-ray, and other blood tests were performed to exclude other probable causes of leukocytosis.

Results:

Thirteen of 123 patients screened presented with persistent paraneoplastic leukocytosis and anemia. All patients presented with bladder cancer, with two patients (15.4%) presented with a mixed histological urothelial carcinoma. During the trial, all of the patients died, with a median survival of 20 days after the beginning of paraneoplastic leukocytosis with anemia.

Conclusions:

Persistent paraneoplastic leukocytosis and anemia in a patient with urothelial carcinoma are a rare condition that is associated to a poor prognosis and a lower median overall survival time.
Urinary incontinence: Comparison study to identify the type, incidence and risk factors between admitted women and the general population in Al-Kharj city, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alasmi Raed Abdullah , Saqyan Turki M. Bin , Alanazi Lafi F. , Alharbi Moaath F. , Alashgae Abdulrahman F.
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as the involuntary loss of urine. The condition can happen in both genders, but more frequently in women. There are multiple known risk factors for UI. For women, multiparity, previous vaginal deliveries, and menopause are known risk factors for UI. To diagnose UI, three steps should be done, including the patient history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The options management of UI includes conservative, medical, and surgical, a trial of conservative treatment is recommended by all guidelines before medical or invasive surgical therapy. Conservative therapies include behavioral therapy, physical therapy, and timed voiding.

Aim:

Our aim in this study is to estimate the prevalence of UI in admitted women and the general population and to compare UI between the general population and admitted women in Al-Kharj city.

Material:

A quantitative cross-sectional study of 108 women admitted to maternity and children’s hospital and 435 women from the general population of Al Kharj city, Saudi Arabia, between January and March 2021, aged 18+ years. A hard copy questionnaire was distributed to admitted patients at maternity and children’s hospital, and an electronic questionnaire was distributed by social media to the general population.

Result:

The prevalence of UI in the general population was reported by 132 women (30%). Seventy-four out of 132 women have stress UI (56%), 45 women have urge UI (34%), and the remaining 13 women have mixed UI (10%). The prevalence in admitted women was reported by 38 out of 108 women (35%). Twenty-four out of 38 women have stress UI (63%), 10 women have urgency UI (26%), and the remaining four women have mixed UI (11%).

Conclusion:

UI is a common health problem in our society. Risk factors for UI are advanced age, multi parity, chronic disease, and obesity.
Multiple vesicolithiasis on cystocele and uterine prolapse
Authors: Trengginas Satrio Sarwo , Wibowo Syaeful Agung , Tusarawardaya Setya Anton
Published: May 2024

Uterine prolapse is a condition where some or all parts of uterus descended into the introitus vagina. Patients usually present with lump, feeling of discomfort, pain, urinary, and defecating disorders. Uterine prolapse happen to almost half of the women population. Almost half of the women who had given birth suffer from pelvic organ prolapse that is diagnosed through physical examination; however, only 5%–20% of patients present with symptoms. Uterine prolapse with vesicolithiasis is a rare case. Uterine prolapse can cause bladder obstruction, urine stasis, and chronic infection, which become the risk factors to the increase of urine saturation that can lead to vesicolithiasis. We present a case of multiple vesicolithiasis on cystocele and uterine prolapse in a 79-year-old female who has difficulty of urinating, feeling of burning in the end of urinating, and a mass that protrudes from the vagina for 33 years ago. The patient underwent pervaginam hysterectomy, anterior and posterior colporrhaphy, open vesicolithotomy, and cystoscopy biopsy of the bladder mucosa. She evolved with good postoperative condition and was then discharged.
Technical aspects and outcome review of continent catheterizable channels in the adult neurourologic population
Authors: Alsulihem Ali , Corcos Jacques
Published: May 2024

Multiple techniques for the creation of continent catheterizable channels have been reported. Several continence mechanisms have been used, including tunneled flap valves, nipple valves, and hydraulic valves. Moreover, several organs have been used, including the appendix, bowel, ureters, and bladders. In this review, we describe various techniques and their outcomes in the adult neuro-urological population. Compared to nipple valves, tunneled flap valves using the appendix and other organs are the most commonly performed procedures but have a higher number of reported complications when compared to nipple valves. Hydraulic valves have been largely abandoned due to disappointing long-term results.
A comparative study of air pyelogram and contrast pyelogram for initial puncture access and to see its efficacy during percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Sharma Amit Kumar , Sharma Shweta , Swain Samir , Goel Gourab , Gujela Ajit , Hota Datteswar , Mohapatra Biswajit , Sharma Bhoopendra
Published: May 2024

Objective:

The current investigation was aimed to compare the safety, efficacy, adverse effects, and outcome of air pyelogram versus contrast pyelogram for percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted from August 2018 to November 2020, which included 400 patients with a clinical diagnosis of renal calculus and randomly (1:1) assigned into Group I (air pyelogram) and Group II (contrast pyelogram). Air was injected in Group I and diatrizoate meglumine 76% was used in Group II for PCS identification. In the case of difficulty in visualization in either group, a mixture of contrast and air was used. The following parameters were assessed: duration of access, total duration of radiation exposure during access, total attempts needed to puncture the desired calyx, failure rate, complications, and outcomes.

Results:

Both the groups were comparable including renal calculus characteristics. The mean (standard deviation) duration of access was 3.08 (1.21) and 5.23 (1.02) min (P < 0.0001) in Groups I and II, respectively; in 85% and 57.5% of patients (P < 0.0001), respectively, the caliceal puncture was done in a single attempt. The duration of radiation exposure was more in Group II (P < 0.0001). The failure rate (22%) was higher and statistically significant in Group II. The stone clearance rate was not statistically significant between the groups (P = 0.380). No patient had hypoxia, cardiopulmonary complications, and air embolism in perioperative period.

Conclusion:

Air contrast is effective and safe, and it reduces the duration of caliceal puncture and radiation exposure with lower failure rate. If both air and contrast fail, a combination of both may be effective.
Urodynamic profile of lower urinary tract symptoms in young men
Authors: Manohar C S , Rajawat Mahatab Singh , Keshavamurthy R , Chouhan Prashant Kumar , Poonawala Ali
Published: May 2024

Aim:

To evaluate the impact of urodynamic study (UDS) in the management of young men presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs).

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective, observational study of urodynamic findings of 128 patients presented with LUTS at the Department of Urology, Institute of Nephrourology, Bangalore, over a period of 5 years (August 2014 to July 2019). Pre- and post-UDS diagnoses as well as treatment modalities were compared to evaluate the usefulness of UDS.

Results:

A total of 110 patients (86%) had abnormal UDS findings. Before UDS, 55 (43%) patients were clinically diagnosed for overactive bladder; after UDS, bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) was seen in 32 (25%) patients and detrusor overactivity in 18 (14.1%). Clinically, BOO was diagnosed in 36 (28.1%) patients; however, urodynamic findings of BOO were seen only in 23 (18%) patients. Pre-UDS, bladder underactivity was suspected in 23 (18%); however, underactive detrusor was noted in 20 (15.6%) patients, and 3 (2.4%) patients were normal on UDS. Post-UDS, antibiotics were not prescribed to anyone. 18 (14%) patients underwent surgery after UDS confirmation of BOO. 67 patients (52.3%) had their clinical diagnosis changed following UDS. Concomitant changes in the management were required for 59 patients (46%).

Conclusion:

Etiologies of LUTSs in young men are more varied. Clinical diagnosis and treatment are often empirical and inaccurate. UDS is useful to achieve accurate diagnosis and to guide appropriate treatment. Video urodyanamics should be used to evaluate LUTS in young men.
Clinical study of anticoagulant therapy in patients with severe coronavirus disease
Authors: Zhou Peng , Cai Chuan-Qi , Li Jin-Song , Jiang Huan-Zong , Ke Zun-Xiang , Zhang Shan , Wang Zhong-Jian , Yang Chao , Li Qin , Li Yi-Qing
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVE:

The prognosis of COVID-19 is related to thrombotic events. This study investigated prognostic risk factors, anticoagulant therapy effects, and potential instruction of treatment or prognostic with D-dimer in patients with severe COVID-19 receiving anticoagulant therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We undertook a retrospective study of 87 severe COVID-19 patients who had prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) therapy. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether high-flow oxygen therapy was required during hospitalization: Better and poor prognoses.

RESULTS:

Multivariate logistic regression using risk factors measured before LMWH therapy revealed that older age (P < 0.035) and higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (P = 0.002) had a prognostic value. Anticoagulant therapy yielded significant changes in CRP levels (P < 0.001), white blood cell counts (P = 0.001), neutrophil counts (P < 0.001), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios (P < 0.001), eosinophil counts (P = 0.031), and D-dimer levels (P < 0.001) in the better prognosis group and in D-dimer levels (P = 0.043) only in the poor prognosis group. Prognoses at different D-dimer levels at anticoagulant therapy initiation varied. Among 47 and 40 patients with D-dimer levels ≤4 and >4 μg/ml fibrin equivalent unit (FEU), 33 (70.6%) and 18 (45%) had better prognosis (P = 0.012), respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Anticoagulant therapy reduced inflammation in patients with better prognosis; conversely, minimal effect was observed in those with poor prognosis. During LMWH therapy patients with D-dimer levels, patients receiving anticoagulant therapy at D-dimer levels ≤4 μg/ml FEU had a better prognosis than those at >4 μg/ml FEU.
Psychological effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic on medical students
Authors: Guan Qinghua , Guo Lianrui , Tong Zhu , Wu Yingfeng , Gu Yongquan , Guo Jianming
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVE:

This study investigated the psychological effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on medical students in China.

METHODS:

In February 2020, an online survey was performed using a WeChat app with an online survey program to collect and analyze the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health of medical students across China.

RESULTS:

Overall, 757 medical students responded to the survey. About 2.24% reported middle and high levels of anxiety since the COVID-19 outbreak began, and 14.40% reported middle and high levels of depression. Bachelor's students and those whose residence registration was located in a rural area were more likely to have anxiety and depression, compared with postgraduates and students whose residence registration location was an urban area, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The COVID-19 epidemic is associated with a low but real rate of psychological trauma in the medical students of China, and protective programs are needed to lessen this adverse effect.
Microembolic signal detection in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with oral anticoagulant
Authors: d'Alessandro Alessandro , Mandolesi Sandro , Niglio Tarcisio , Massimo Mancone , Francesco Fedele , d'Alessandro Aldo
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a well-known risk factor for embolic stroke. The incidence of stroke in patients with AF is 4.5% per year. In 93% of cases, strokes in patients with AF are of embolic origin. Trans Cranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring of silent micro-embolic signals (MES) can represent an effective preclinical tool for verifying the efficacy of embolic events in patients treated with antithrombotic prophylaxis (antiplatelet agents, Vitamin K inhibitors, and new oral anticoagulants direct thrombin inhibitors).

METHODS:

We enrolled 16 patients, of both sexes equally distributed (M = 8 plus F = 8) with a known diagnosis of AF with Ejection Fraction greater of 40%, all in anticoagulant treatment by direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and we assessed, through the use of a portable TCD-X, the MES signals during physical activity of 1 h. The aim was of evaluating whether the physical activity of a subject affected by AF worsens the incidence of MES in these subjects.

Result:

25% of patients presented a MES at the time of registration. Two female of 38 and 75 year-old. and two male of 70 and 71 year-old. The 75-year-old woman reported an episode of instability while walking; therefore it was increased her anticoagulant treatment. Men did not perceive the MES.

CONCLUSION:

Both sexes reported the presence of MES equally with a prevalence of 25%. By correlating these results with those of the literature, it is deduced that physical activity is, therefore, not a risk factor for these patients being treated with DOACs. The TDC-X registration implemented is relatively short compared to the current potential of the device which is over 6 h; therefore, it is desirable that further studies be performed in future on statistically adequate sample cohorts and simultaneous bilateral recordings of MES.
Front location determines convergence rate to traveling waves
Authors: An Jing , Henderson Christopher , Ryzhik Lenya
Published: May 2024

We propose a novel method for establishing the convergence rates of solutions to reaction–diffusion equations to traveling waves. The analysis is based on the study of the traveling wave shape defect function introduced in An et. al. [Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 247 (2023), no. 5, article no. 88]. It turns out that the convergence rate is controlled by the distance between the
phantom front location
for the shape defect function and the true front location of the solution. Curiously, the convergence to a traveling wave has a pulled nature, regardless of whether the traveling wave itself is of pushed, pulled, or pushmi-pullyu type. In addition to providing new results, this approach dramatically simplifies the proof in the Fisher–KPP case and gives a unified, succinct explanation for the known algebraic rates of convergence in the Fisher–KPP case and the exponential rates in the pushed case.
On maximal subgroups of Thompson’s group $F$
Authors: Golan Polak Gili
Published: May 2024

We study subgroups of Thompson’s group

F

by means of an automaton associated with them. We prove that every maximal subgroup of

F

of infinite index is
closed
, that is, it coincides with the subgroup of

F

accepted by the automaton associated with it. It follows that every finitely generated maximal subgroup of

F

is undistorted in

F

. We also prove that every finitely generated subgroup of

F

is contained in a finitely generated maximal subgroup of

F

and construct an infinite family of non-isomorphic maximal subgroups of infinite index in

F

.
A gentle introduction to the non-abelian Hodge correspondence
Authors: Thomas Alexander
Published: May 2024

We aim at giving a pedagogical introduction to the non-abelian Hodge correspondence, a bridge between algebra, geometric structures, and complex geometry. The correspondence links representations of a fundamental group, the character variety, to the theory of holomorphic bundles. We focus on motivations, key ideas, links between the concepts and applications. Among others, we discuss the Riemann–Hilbert correspondence, Goldman’s symplectic structure via the Atiyah–Bott reduction, the Narasimhan–Seshadri theorem, Higgs bundles, harmonic bundles, and hyperkähler manifolds.
Development and validation of a predictive model for acute-on-chronic liver failure after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Authors: Zhang Wei , Jin Ya-Ni , Sun Chang , Zhang Xiao-Feng , Li Rui-Qi , Yin Qin , Chen Jin-Jun , Zhuge Yu-Zheng
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a cause of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).

AIM

To investigate the risk factors of ACLF within 1 year after TIPS in patients with cirrhosis and construct a prediction model.

METHODS

In total, 379 patients with decompensated cirrhosis treated with TIPS at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from 2017 to 2020 were selected as the training cohort, and 123 patients from Nanfang Hospital were included in the external validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors. The prediction model was established based on the Akaike information criterion. Internal and external validation were conducted to assess the performance of the model.

RESULTS

Age and total bilirubin (TBil) were independent risk factors for the incidence of ACLF within 1 year after TIPS. We developed a prediction model comprising age, TBil, and serum sodium, which demonstrated good discrimination and calibration in both the training cohort and the external validation cohort.

CONCLUSION

Age and TBil are independent risk factors for the incidence of ACLF within 1 year after TIPS in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Our model showed satisfying predictive value.
Assessment on the status, challenges and prospects of agricultural technologies intellectual property protection in Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Nahom M.
Published: May 2024

Intellectual property right (IPR) is a broad term which describes the protections granted to the creators of IP, and includes; trademarks, copy right, patents, industrial designs, plant breeder’s traderight and in some jurisdictions secrets. The objective of this review is to show the status, challenges, and opportunities for agricultural technologies intellectual protection in the Ethiopian intellectual property regime. There are many agricultural technologies that have the potential to be protected by intellectual property. The results of this review article shows that there are several challenges for the protection of agricultural technologies IPR, including lack of awareness on the concept of IP, lack of clear policy direction for the protection of plant varieties, absence of IP assets creation mechanism, low level of institutional linkage among stakeholders, agricultural IPRs are complex in nature, poor organizational structure to register, and lack of experienced and well-qualified IP officials. But there are also prospects for agricultural technologies IPR protection. Some legal frameworks are in the process of revision, an independent authority for the agriculture sector has established, the Ministry of Agriculture has prepared the draft regulation for PBRs proclamation, amendment of the agricultural and rural development policy has in the process, and the country’s WTO accession process shows some improvement. In conclusion, the status of IP protection for agricultural technologies has not been well-developed and the registration of agricultural technologies is still null.
A Tribute to Joseph Conrad and Aleksandr Grin in Anastasia Tsvetaeva’s Poem “Twins”
Authors: Pudełko Brygida
Published: May 2024

Anastasia Tsvetayeva was a Russian writer, poet and memoirist. She started to write earlier than her younger sister Marina Tsvetayeva. Although Anastasia Tsvetaeva published several stories in the 1910s, she was not a representative of any leading literary association or group. She worked as a teacher of English, and a librarian in the Moscow Museum of Fine Arts. She also translated literary and philosophical works from French, English and German. Living in Moscow, Tsvetaeva was not fundamentally involved in politics, giving time and energy to creative work. However, the religious nature of her works made her unreliable in the eyes of the official authorities. She was arrested twice. During the second arrest in 1937, all her writings were confiscated and destroyed by NKVD. On the far-fetched charge Tsvetaeva was sent to Siberia. While in the camp, at the age of forty-one, Tsvetaeva started writing poems, first in English, and then in Russian. Her only book of poetry Moi edinstvenny sbornik (My Only Collection) was published posthumously in 1995. Tsvetaeva wrote about twelve poems in English. Seven of them – “Maturity,” “Twins,” “My Fate,” “A Dream,” “To Raya,” “A portrait attempt” and “To Thomas Caryle” – are included in her collection of poems.

Tsvetaeva’s four-page poem “Twins,” which was also translated by the author into Russian, praises Joseph Conrad’s novella Typhoon (1902) and Aleksandr Grin’s adventure novel Scarlet Sails (Алые паруса 1923). Except the fact that both writers had Polish ancestors, they were fascinated by the beauty and mightiness of the ocean. Life at sea, perceived as the embodiment of freedom, is something both Conrad and Grin longed for. The sea also occupies a central place in Typhoon and Scarlet Sails. The characters in both stories also struggle with adversities of fate and water – one of the most powerful elements of nature.
Designing, Developing, and Evaluating XR Experiences – Selected Aspects
Authors: Antonopoulou Caterina , Arsenopoulou Natalia , Calì Fabrizio , Papageorgopoulou Penny , Rizopoulos Charalampos
Published: May 2024

This paper aims to highlight various aspects of the design, development, and evaluation processes of immersive XR experiences. It focuses on the creative and expressive aspects of virtual environments (VEs), following the design and implementation processes of artistic VEs as conducted by the under- graduate students of the Department of Digital Arts and Cinema at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the Department of Digital Arts at the University of Malta (UoM), in the course of three laboratory classes of Digital Artistic Creation and Immersive Experience Design, during the academic years 2020–2021 and 2022–2023. Medium-related challenges are discussed in relation to the design and implementation of user interaction, 3D content creation, 3D composition and social engagement in VEs. Furthermore, theoretical approaches of storytelling within VEs and the narrative design process of artistic VEs are discussed. Selected case studies from the students’ virtual artworks are analysed in relation to the applied narrative types and structures. As a further elaboration on the evaluation of XR experiences, a CAVE system is analysed in terms of various characteristics that may affect the quality of the experience.
Exploring the relationship between e-health literacy and online health information-seeking behaviour among pharmacy students in Indonesia
Authors: Puspita Nanda , Kurniawan Adin Hakim , Tias Cahyani Ayu Ning
Published: May 2024

Background: Digital transformation has changed the health service system and how people search for health information. Digital health literacy provides basic knowledge that the prospective pharmacy workforce must have to provide comprehensive pharmacy service.
Objective: This study aims to explore pharmacy students' eHealth literacy level and relate to their behaviour in accessing health information online.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 314 pharmacy students at two pharmacy diploma schools in Jakarta and Bandung, Indonesia. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to identify online health information-seeking behaviour and e-health literacy scores.
Results: Out of 314 students, most were women (86.3%) and sophomores (43.3%). More than half have health applications installed on their smartphone and access health information online more than twice a week. There was a significant relationship between e-health literacy scores and student entry year (p = 0.000), the frequency of online health information-seeking practice (p = 0.001), and installed health apps on smartphones (p = 0.002).
Conclusion: A future altered curriculum and the appropriate study materials on digital health must be implemented to equip pharmacy students with adequate skills before graduation.
A CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOUR IN MALAYSIAN EDUCATIONAL CONTEXT
Authors: JUHARI NOOR FAEZAH , MOHD YUSOFF YUSLIZA , ALKAF ABDUR RACHMAN , AZMI AQILAH SU
Published: May 2024

The main objective of this paper is to construct a conceptual model that employs an integrative approach to enhance our comprehension of employees’ pro-environmental behaviour (PEB). The foundation of this model draws upon the Social Cognitive Theory, which serves as a valuable platform for further research to provide a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the factors influencing PEB in the workplace. The paper not only reviews existing theoretical frameworks but also takes an integrative perspective to formulate a model aimed at unravelling the complexities of PEB within a workplace context. Specifically, the authors have devised a conceptual model that explores the relationship between employees’ green self-efficacy and their engagement in PEB. Additionally, the paper posits that green commitment might function as a mediating factor in this relationship, a facet that has been overlooked in previous research. The proposed model holds the promise of enriching future studies by offering a holistic understanding of the determinants of employees’ PEB. It also sheds light on the degree to which this behaviour is influenced by organisational motivators. In essence, this paper sets the stage for a more comprehensive exploration of the intricate dynamics surrounding PEB in organisational settings.
Intelligent Brain Tumor Detection and Classification Using Image Processing
Authors: Karuppannan Anand , Sellamuthu Sathyaraj
Published: May 2024

The abnormal growths of cells in the brain are called tumours and cancer is a term used to represent malignant tumours. Usually, CT or MRI scans are used for the detection of cancer regions in the brain. Positron Emission Tomography, Cerebral Arteriogram, Lumbar Puncture, Molecular testing are also used for brain tumour detection. In this study, MRI scan images are taken to analyse the disease condition. Objective this research works is i) identify the abnormal image ii) segment tumour region. Density of the tumour can be estimated from the segmented mask and it will help in therapy. Deep learning technique is employed to detect abnormality from MRI images. Multi-level thresholding is applied to segment the tumour region. Number of malignant pixels gives the density of the affected region. The objective of the research is to find the tumour portion of the abnormal MRI brain image using automatic segmentation. The automatic segmentation is accomplished using wavelet transform to extract various features. Then the abnormal images are processed by conventional K means clustering and Fuzzy C means algorithm. But the conventional methods take long iteration and long time to converge. The hybrid clustering method overcomes the long iteration and time.
Cribado neurocognitivo en familiares de personas con deterioro cognitivo
Authors: De León Rivas Julissa Mariela , González Joachín Claudia Rocío , Cruz Cojulún Darinka Gabriela
Published: May 2024

PROBLEMA: el sedentarismo y/o baja actividad física está relacionado con casos de deterioro cognitivo leve en personas adultas, no asociados a la edad. OBJETIVO: determinar la relación entre el deterioro cognitivo leve, y el sedentarismo en adultos, familiares de pacientes geriátricos con deterioro cognitivo diagnosticado. MÉTODO: se eligieron familiares de pacientes geriátricos con deterioro cognitivo diagnosticado, en edades comprendidas entre los 30-60 años de edad, aplicándoseles el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física para medir la actividad física y la evaluación cognitiva de Montreal para identificar deterioro cognitivo leve. RESULTADOS: no se encuentra relación significativa entre la baja actividad física y la aparición del deterioro cognitivo leve. CONCLUSIÓN: se concluye que no hay relación significativa entre deterioro cognitivo y baja actividad física, pero sí signos de alarma para la población entre 40-60 años en quienes se encontraron deterioro cognitivo leve, especialmente en el dominio de memoria, fluidez verbal, cálculo y habilidades visoespaciales, los cuales podrían estar asociados a una baja escolarización.
Evolución del Neurodesarrollo: un proceso de cambio continuo en las etapas del ser humano
Authors: Guix Leonardo Keyla Azucena , Cordón Lemus Sandy Lorely , Herrera Galán Yuliana Mishell
Published: May 2024

PROBLEMA: describir la evolución del Neurodesarrollo y Neurodegeneración en el ser humano. OBJETIVO: conocer el proceso desde el Neurodesarrollo hasta la neurodegeneración en las etapas del ser humano. MÉTODO: el objeto del estudio es describir los cambios que se presentan en el desarrollo del ser humano, como factores biológicos neuronales, sociales, cognitivos, entre otros. Por lo que el diseño de este estudio fue mediante la recopilación teórica de fuentes bibliográficas primarias donde se encontraron, datos verídicos de artículos científicos los cuales han sido analizados, según la evolución cerebral en el individuo. RESULTADOS: de la información recopilada se determinó que el proceso de las etapas del ser humano se encuentra que en el neurodesarrollo se observa un proceso de maduración y en la neurodegeneración un proceso de deterioro en las capacidades neuronales, cognitivas y físicas en el ser humano. CONCLUSIÓN: la neurociencia aporta las bases en las cuales describen los cambios y procesos en la evolución del ser humano.
Consecuencias neurocognitivas y confinamiento, en mayores de 60 años en Cobán
Authors: Zea Wellmann Arely Marisol
Published: May 2024

PROBLEMA: las condiciones de estrés a las que fue sometida la población de 60 años en adelante, como consecuencia del confinamiento y distanciamiento social, así como la disminución de su funcionalidad en varios ámbitos, durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 puede devenir en síntomas de depresión o alteraciones en el sueño. OBJETIVO: describir la situación de salud emocional, alteraciones de sueño y el contexto sociodemográfico, post pandemia, en adultos mayores que residen en Cobán y que no reciben atención en salud mental. MÉTODO: encuesta electrónica de tipo cuantitativo experimental y de alcance descriptivo con la que se evalúan las condiciones de aumento o bajada del peso, condiciones sociodemográficas y contagio de la COVID-19 de 73 personas. Así mismo, se aplica la prueba PHQ-9, un autoinforme que evalúa la presencia de síntomas depresivos y alteraciones en el sueño. RESULTADOS: el 45% de los adultos mayores de 60 años tiene problemas para conciliar el sueño o le cuesta permanecer dormido o duerme demasiado. También, el 94% de las personas que dijeron tener falta de concentración salió positivo de COVID-19. CONCLUSIÓN: se encontró que el deterioro cognitivo manifestado en la falta de concentración o atención tiene una relación directa con el contagio de COVID-19.
Chinese Diaspora in Southeast Asia and the Establishment and the Change of Chinese Ethnic Schooling Therein: From the end of the Qing Dynasty to before 1949
Authors:   Institute for Historical Studies at Chung-Ang University, Chung Eun-Ju
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the development and change of the Chinese
education in Southeast Asian countries since the end of the Qing
Dynasty, when nationalism and national identity sprouted and grew. I
scrutinize the diaspora education in relation with the home country and
also in the context of local Chinese community. Overseas Chinese
diaspora education reflects various issues in Southeast Asia, including
nationality, ethnicity, hometown, adaptation, generational change, and
dual nationality.
In the paper, as the background of modern Chinese education in many
Southeast Asian countries, I discuss the aspects of educational reform
in China and how they were linked to the overseas Chinese education
system since the end of the 19th century, and record the actual progress
in Southeast Asian countries. By doing so, this study aims to read the
relationship between the changing Chinese diaspora generation's
recognition of 'China' along with changes in Southeast Asian Chinese
society projected on the progress of diaspora education.
Італійсько-радянська нафтова угода 1960 р. у контексті європейської енергетичної безпеки
Authors: Дьомін О.Б. , Самофатов М.І.
Published: May 2024

11 жовтня 1960 р. між італійською державною енергетичною компанією Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi (ЕНІ) та радянським «Союзнафтоекспортом» було укладено угоду про експорт до Італії партії нафти на 100 млн. дол. США в обмін на труби великого діаметру, машинне устаткування, шини та технічну допомогу. Ця угода, незважаючи на свій суто економічний характер, суттєво вплинула на міжнародну політичну обстановку свого часу.
По-перше, ця угода продемонструвала небезпечну тенденцію до встановлення економічної співпраці між країнами Європейської економічної спільноти та СРСР, незважаючи на приналежність до ворогуючих таборів «холодної війни». Невдовзі після її підписання Європейська економічна спільнота була змушена переглянути свою політику в енергетичній сфері та вперше ввести поняття «енергетична безпека» до офіційних документів.
По-друге, угода між ЕНІ та «Союзнафтоекспортом», в якій ціна нафти була нижче за загальносвітову, слугувала приводом для НАТО заявити про існування радянського плану Soviet Oil Offensive. Згідно тогочасних звітів, СРСР планував експортувати величезні обсяги до країн Західної Європи в обмін на зміну їх політичної позиції на більш нейтральну. В результаті проведених досліджень Економічний комітет НАТО та Конгрес США обмежились виданням рекомендацій щодо продовження вивчення планів СРСР з розширення торгівлі із країнами Західної Європи та встановлення лімітів на імпорт радянської нафти.
По-третє, непрямим наслідком підписання цієї угоди стало утворення Організації країн-експортерів нафти, яка побоювалася демпінгу ціни на нафту через появу нового конкурента. В 1960 р. заснування цієї організації лишилося непоміченим, однак в подальшому вона значно вплинула на розвиток історії останньої третини XX ст.
Таким чином, дослідження обставин підписання італійсько-радянської нафтової угоди 1960 р. дозволяє простежити формування проблеми європейської енергетичної безпеки, яка є актуальною для країн Європейського Союзу і в наш час.
Analisis Strategi Efektif dalam Pengelolaan Kontrak dan Perjanjian Kerja untuk Pendidik dan Tenaga Kependidikan di SD Al Fatah Surabaya
Authors: Tiawati Serli Eka Riris , Pratiwi Shelly Sonia Alafrio Sandy , Kumara Muhammad Reyhan Attar , Trihantoyo Syunu
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui strategi efektif dalam pengelolaan kontrak dan perjanjian kerja untuk pendidik dan tenaga kependidikan di SD Al Fatah. Metode penelitian menggunakan studi kasus dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui dokumentasi, wawancara, dan observasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa SD Al Fatah melakukan perekrutan melalui iklan dan rekomendasi, menetapkan masa percobaan 6 bulan yang dapat diperpanjang jika berkinerja baik, serta memberikan reward bagi guru berprestasi. Perjanjian kerja mengacu pada peraturan sekolah dan kesepakatan antara kepala sekolah dengan guru. Evaluasi dilakukan dengan melihat adaptasi guru dalam 2 tahun pertama. Transparansi informasi keuangan dan komunikasi yang baik dilakukan agar semua pihak paham isi perjanjian kerja.
Pengaruh Kompetensi Tenaga Pendidik dan Kependidikan terhadap Peningkatan Mutu Pendidikan di SMP Negeri 56 Surabaya
Authors: Febrianti Ivadila , Mujahidah Azmi
Published: May 2024

Kompetensi tenaga pendidik dan kependidikan memiliki pengaruh besar bagi mutu pendidikan dimana tenaga pendidik dan kependidikan seperti kepala sekolah, guru, admin, dan tenaga perpustakaan memiliki peran yang sangat penting bagi peningkatan mutu siswa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kompetensi pendidik dan tenaga kependidikan di SMP Negeri 56 Surabaya serta pengaruhnya terhadap mutu pendidikan di SMP Negeri 56 Surabaya. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode studi kepustakaan internet searching, informasi riset sehingga dapat memberikan informasi berhubungan dengan masalah yang diteliti, dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian studi kasus. Partisipan dalam penelitian ini adalah pendidik dari guru kelas dan tenaga pendidik atau tata usaha SMP Negeri 56 Surabaya yang diambil secara teknik random acak (simple random sampling). Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan wawancara, observasi, dan studi dokumentasi. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian kuantitiatif menunjukkan bahwa kompetensi pendidik berada pada kondisi baik melalui kegiatan mengajar yang inovatif dan kreatif. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan antara pengaruh kompetensi pendidik terhadap kualitas pendidikan di SMP Negeri 56 Surabaya.
Treatment of Diesel-Contaminated Soil by Bioaugmented Composting with Bacteria from the Larva Tenebrio Molitor
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Azcapotzalco, Av. San Pablo No 420, Col. Nueva el Rosario, Alcaldía Azcapotzalco, CP. 02128, CDMX., Bautista José-Alfredo , Vaca Mabel ,   Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Azcapotzalco, Av. San Pablo No 420, Col. Nueva el Rosario, Alcaldía Azcapotzalco, CP. 02128, CDMX., López Raymundo ,   Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Azcapotzalco, Av. San Pablo No 420, Col. Nueva el Rosario, Alcaldía Azcapotzalco, CP. 02128, CDMX., Chávez Sandra ,   Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Azcapotzalco, Av. San Pablo No 420, Col. Nueva el Rosario, Alcaldía Azcapotzalco, CP. 02128, CDMX., Lizardi Arturo ,   Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Azcapotzalco, Av. San Pablo No 420, Col. Nueva el Rosario, Alcaldía Azcapotzalco, CP. 02128, CDMX., Rodríguez René ,   Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Azcapotzalco, Av. San Pablo No 420, Col. Nueva el Rosario, Alcaldía Azcapotzalco, CP. 02128, CDMX., Terres Hilario ,   Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Azcapotzalco, Av. San Pablo No 420, Col. Nueva el Rosario, Alcaldía Azcapotzalco, CP. 02128, CDMX., Rojas María-Neftalí ,   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Ingeniería Cd. Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510 CDMX.
Published: May 2024

In this study, soil composting and bioaugmentation processes were combined to remediate diesel-contaminated soil. Deciduous corn flour, wheat bran, and sawdust were used as co-substrates for soil composting. In addition, consortia of bacteria from the inner tract of the Tenebrio molitor larva were isolated and selected for the bioaugmentation of the composting reactors. It was observed that the isolated inoculum enhanced the treatment and combined with deciduous corn flour, a higher efficiency (87%) and a better removal rate (9.10% diesel removed/week) were registered. In soils with a concentration of 11,796 mg diesel/kg, this combined treatment reduced, in 10 weeks, the pollutant to values below the maximum permissible limits in soils stated by Mexican regulations.
Needs Analysis for University EFL Learners Majoring in Business English: A Scoping Review of Research and Practice
Authors:   Ba Ria - Vung Tau University - Vietnam, Tien Nguyen Phu, , Van Ho Han, ,   Nguyen Tat Thanh University - Vietnam
Published: May 2024

In the context of international economic integration, Business English (BE) has played an increasingly significant role in business settings because BE is considered as a global communicative means, helping business transactions happen effectively among economies all over the world. In Vietnam, BE has been used more and more in trade transactions because Vietnam’s economy has explosively developed and Vietnam has expanded its international trade relations over the last ten years. The aim of the paper is to analyze and synthesize the needs analysis for EFL learners majoring in Business English globally. The results of the paper help higher education in Vietnam see the importance of needs analysis in ESP, needs analysis approaches, theoretical frameworks including target situation analysis (TSA), present situation analysis (PSA), learning situation analysis (LSA), then evaluate existing materials or coursebooks and adapt to create better universities’ curricula to meet the linguistic requirements in the workplaces in Vietnam.
The Role of Relationship between Money Supply and Exports in the Context of Economic Development through Increasing the Resilience of Foreign Exchange Reserves: Evidence from Selected Asian Countries
Authors:   Department of Economics, Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia, Sunaryo Hanafi Arie , Tri Rahayu Siti Aisyah ,   Department of Economics, Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia, Samudro Bhimo Rizky ,   Department of Economics, Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia
Published: May 2024

The importance of building foreign exchange reserve performance is the main requirement in safeguarding the economy in the global order from potential risks and threats originating from the external sector. This has become an important discussion in recent times, but several previous studies have not answered the urgency in building sustainable economic resilience, especially in countries that have economic experience with economic shocks caused by potential risks originating from the external sector. Ordinary-Least Square (OLS) analysis chosen to prove impact of financial stability and international trade on the growth and resilience of foreign exchange reserves as external liquidity for several countries in Asia during 1990 – 2020. The results of this research show that in the long term, both the money supply variable and exports as an independent variable have a positive and significant influence in increasing the resilience of the external liquidity performance of selected Southeast Asian countries. Our policy recommendations emphasize the importance of maintaining the resilience of foreign exchange reserves as external liquidity in order to increase economic resilience in the global economic arena. The government should provide the main focus in increasing policies by increasing the role of the external sector itself through international cooperation.
The Effect of Digital Literacy and Printed Books on Student Learning Outcomes in Elementary School Gugus 2 Tlanakan Indonesia
Authors:   Faculty of Education, PGRI Kanjuruhan University, Sudanco Supriadi Rd, Malang 65148, Indonesia, Subandrio Subandrio , Surjati Endang ,   Faculty of Education, PGRI Kanjuruhan University, Sudanco Supriadi Rd, Malang 65148, Indonesia, Ni’matullah Onik Farida ,   Faculty of Education, PGRI Kanjuruhan University, Sudanco Supriadi Rd, Malang 65148, Indonesia
Published: May 2024

This study aims to (1) analyse the effect of digital literacy and printed books on student learning outcomes in the area of Gugus 2 Tlanakan Sub-district, Pamekasan Regency. (2) To analyse the effect of digital literacy on student learning outcomes in the area of Gugus 2 Tlanakan Sub-district, Pamekasan Regency. (3) To analyse the effect of printed books on student learning outcomes in the area of Gugus 2 Tlanakan sub-district, Pamekasan regency. The research method used is a descriptive method with a quantitative approach. The results of the analysis show that there is (1) an influence of digital literacy and the use of printed books on the learning outcomes of elementary school students in Elementary School Gugus 2 Tlanakan Sub-district, Pamekasan Regency. (2) There is an influence of digital literacy on the learning outcomes of primary school students in Elementary School Gugus 2 Tlanakan Sub-district, Pamekasan Regency. (3) There is an effect of using printed books on the learning outcomes of primary school students in Elementary School Gugus 2 Tlanakan Sub-district, Pamekasan Regency. This study concludes that there is an effect of digital literacy and the use of printed books on the learning outcomes of primary school students in Elementary School Gugus 2 Tlanakan Sub-district, Pamekasan Regency. There is an effect of digital literacy on the learning outcomes of primary school students in Elementary School Gugus 2 Tlanakan Sub-district, Pamekasan Regency. There is an effect of using printed books on the learning outcomes of primary school students at Elementary School Gugus 2, Tlanakan sub-district, Pamekasan Regency.