bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ADMINISTRACIÓN Y CONTROL DE BIENES DEL GOBIERNO AUTÓNOMO DESCENTRALIZADO MUNICIPAL PAJÁN
Authors: Calle García Aldrin Jefferson , Toro Chancay Joselyn Yadira
Published: December 2024

Este estudio se llevó a cabo en el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado Municipal de Paján con el objetivo de analizar cómo la gestión administrativa influye en la administración y control de bienes. La problemática principal identificada fue la falta de estandarización en los procesos administrativos, lo que ha generado inconsistencias en el control de bienes y un uso ineficiente de los recursos. Para abordar esta cuestión, se utilizó una metodología deductivo-inductiva, combinando métodos descriptivos, bibliográficos y de investigación de campo, donde se aplicaron encuestas a 18 funcionarios y la entrevista al director de activos fijos del GAD. Los resultados mostraron que un 61% de los funcionarios considera la gestión administrativa “eficaz” o “muy eficaz”, mientras que un 39% la califica como “poco eficaz” o “ineficaz”. Asimismo, se identificó que las áreas de registro y documentación (33%) y supervisión y auditoría (28%) son las que más requieren mejoras.
LA ADMINISTRACIÓN EN EL PROCESO DE ENSEÑANZA-APRENDIZAJE: UNIDAD EDUCATIVA DANIEL LOPEZ, JIPIJAPA
Authors: Del Pino Yépez Gladys Mabel , Chanaluisa Castro Kleber Josué
Published: December 2024

El estudio se llevó a cabo en la Unidad Educativa Daniel López, ubicada en el cantón Jipijapa, provincia de Manabí, Ecuador, y analiza cómo la gestión administrativa en esta institución impacta en la calidad educativa. La problemática central radica en la necesidad de optimizar recursos y procesos administrativos para mejorar los resultados académicos. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la eficacia de la gestión administrativa y su influencia en el aprendizaje. La metodología combinó enfoques cualitativos y cuantitativos, utilizando investigación descriptiva, documental y de campo, con la participación de 24 personas, incluyendo directivos y docentes. Los resultados mostraron que un 67% de los encuestados considera la gestión “muy eficaz”, mientras que el 33% la califica como “eficaz”, indicando una percepción positiva general. Sin embargo, se identificaron áreas de mejora, como la integración de tecnología y la capacitación continua.
GESTIÓN DE CUENTAS POR COBRAR Y LA SITUACIÓN FINANCIERA DE LA EMPRESA TRAVINAD S.A.
Authors: Calle García Aldrin Jefferson , Pico Vinces Emely Daniela
Published: December 2024

La empresa Travel Industry Advisor S.A. TRAVINAD enfrenta problemas significativos en la gestión de sus cuentas por cobrar, tales como la falta de un proceso estandarizado de facturación, la identificación tardía de cuentas impagas y la ausencia de estrategias efectivas para la recuperación de deudas. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del estudio fue establecer cómo la gestión de cuentas por cobrar incide en la planificación financiera de la empresa. Utilizando métodos analítico-sintético, inductivo-deductivo y de campo, se diagnosticaron estos problemas y se verificó su impacto en la planificación financiera. Los resultados de la entrevista indican que el proceso de gestión de cuentas por cobrar se caracteriza por un seguimiento estructurado, y los desafíos mencionados incluyen la variabilidad en los plazos de pago y la identificación tardía de cuentas impagas. En el análisis FODA, se identificaron debilidades como la falta de automatización y la dependencia de procesos manuales en la facturación, así como la variabilidad en los plazos de pago de los clientes.
ANÁLISIS DE LA EFECTIVIDAD DE LAS ESTRATEGIAS DE PUBLICIDAD EN REDES SOCIALES EN LAS AGENCIAS DE VIAJES Y TURISMO
Authors: Calle García Aldrin Jefferson , López Nieto Briny Fabiana
Published: December 2024

Este estudio se llevó a cabo en el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado Municipal de Paján y aborda la problemática de cómo las políticas de talento humano influyen en la eficiencia operativa de la institución. El objetivo fue determinar el impacto de estas políticas en el desempeño operativo, identificando factores que obstaculizan o potencian la eficiencia. La metodología incluyó el uso de encuestas a los 75 funcionarios del GAD, así como una entrevista al director de talento humano, combinando métodos inductivos, deductivos y descriptivos. Los resultados revelan que el 67% de los encuestados consideran que las políticas de reclutamiento mejoran la eficiencia, aunque el 40% de los empleados sienten que sus opiniones no son tomadas en cuenta para mejorar el clima organizacional. Además, un 47% de los funcionarios ha recibido formación en habilidades blandas, mientras que un 32% mostró interés en recibirla.
GESTIÓN FINANCIERA EN LOS PROYECTOS DE INVERSIÓN DEL GOBIERNO AUTÓNOMO DESCENTRALIZADO PARROQUIAL AYACUCHO
Authors: Morejón Santistevan Maryury Elizabeth , Ramírez Alcívar Julissa Lisseth
Published: December 2024

Esta investigación abordó la problemática de la falta de planificación financiera estructurada y precisa, que ha resultado en ineficiencias, sobrecostos y retrasos en la ejecución de proyectos de inversión, afectando su calidad y viabilidad. Por lo tanto, el objetivo principal fue determinar cómo la gestión financiera incide en estos proyectos. La metodología empleada combinó enfoques cualitativos y cuantitativos, utilizando revisión documental, encuestas y entrevistas. Los resultados indicaron que el 33% de los funcionarios identifica un impacto positivo de la gestión financiera, mientras que otro 33% percibe un impacto negativo. Además, el 44% de los encuestados considera que la falta de personal capacitado es un obstáculo significativo para la eficiencia en la ejecución de proyectos. En conclusión, se resalta la necesidad de mejorar la planificación financiera, incrementar la transparencia y capacitar al personal para optimizar la gestión de los proyectos de inversión en el GAD Parroquial Ayacucho.
CUMPLIMIENTO NORMATIVO Y GESTION ADMINISTRATIVA DE LA COOPERATIVA DE AHORRO Y CRÉDITO POR EL PAN Y EL AGUA
Authors: Lucio Pillasagua Adela del Jesús , Moran Parrales Pierina Monserrate
Published: December 2024

El cumplimiento normativo en las cooperativas de ahorro y crédito es fundamental para garantizar su sostenibilidad y confianza en la comunidad. De este modo, la investigación tiene como objetivo principal evaluar la efectividad de la gestión administrativa en el cumplimiento de las normativas vigentes, dado que el problema de la Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito por el Pan y el Agua, se basa que, aunque cuente con una gestión administrativa fuerte enfrenta desafíos en la implementación consistente de las normativas. La metodología empleada es de naturaleza mixta, combinando métodos inductivo, deductivo y analítico, complementada por técnicas de encuesta y entrevista dirigidas a los empleados de la cooperativa. La muestra consistió en 83 personas, seleccionadas de manera no probabilística e intencional, con el fin de obtener resultados precisos y relevantes para el análisis. Los resultados revelan que, si bien existe un alto nivel de conocimiento sobre la gestión administrativa entre los empleados, la aplicación efectiva de las normas es inconsistente, lo que puede generar problemas legales y operativos.
NORMATIVA DE COMPRAS PÚBLICAS EN PROCESOS DE ÍNFIMA CUANTÍA DEL GAD PARROQUIAL SAN ANTONIO, CANTÓN CHONE
Authors: Quiñónez Cercado Mónica del Pilar , Solórzano Solórzano José Ángel
Published: December 2024

Este estudio aborda la normativa de compras públicas en procesos de ínfima cuantía del GAD Parroquial San Antonio, Cantón Chone, cuyo objetivo fue determinar cómo se aplican estas normativas, establecer procedimientos específicos y verificar el cumplimiento de los proveedores. Metodológicamente, se combinó un enfoque cualitativo y cuantitativo, utilizando la entrevista y encuestas a 9 los funcionarios del GAD Parroquial. Los resultados mostraron que el 37.5% de los encuestados indican revisiones normativas anuales y el 25% nunca las revisa; la falta de conocimiento del personal es el principal desafío (37.5%), seguido de los cambios frecuentes en la normativa (25%); la selección de proveedores se realiza principalmente mediante convocatoria pública (37.5%) y la evaluación de ofertas se distribuye equitativamente entre precio, calidad, tiempo de entrega y cumplimiento de especificaciones técnicas (cada uno 25%).
CONTROL INTERNO EN LA GESTIÓN DEL CONTROL DE COMBUSTIBLE: EMPRESA PÚBLICA AGUAS DE MANTA
Authors: Silva Gorozabel Jhon Jairo , Plaza Reyna Junior David
Published: December 2024

El estudio sobre el control Interno en la gestión del control de combustible se realizó en la Empresa Pública Aguas de Manta, ubicada en Ecuador, donde se identificó la problemática relacionada con la falta de un control eficiente del consumo de combustible. El objetivo fue determinar cómo las Normas de Control Interno influyen en dicha gestión. Se utilizó una metodología mixta que combinó técnicas cualitativas y cuantitativas, incluyendo la entrevista y cuestionarios. Los resultados indicaron que el 76.8% del control es confiable, pero la falta de herramientas tecnológicas, como un software de gestión, afecta la precisión y eficiencia en los procesos, lo que genera un 23.2% de riesgo. A pesar de contar con capacitaciones y mecanismos de supervisión, se identificaron áreas críticas de mejora, como la implementación de un plan de mitigación de riesgos y la alineación con normativas legales. Las conclusiones destacan la necesidad de modernizar la gestión mediante tecnologías avanzadas y mejorar los procedimientos internos para garantizar una mayor transparencia y eficiencia en el control de combustible.
PLANIFICACIÓN ESTRATÉGICA EN LA EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR: MEJORES PRÁCTICAS Y DESAFÍOS
Authors: Holguín Gutierrez Nelson Adrián , Delgado Alvia Kerlyn Yeritza , Guerra Lino Jordan Josue , Loor Velez Melanie Dayana , Reyes Velez Melanie Jelitza , Reyes Villacreses María José , Candelario Martinez Andy Johan
Published: December 2024

La investigación aborda la importancia de la planificación estratégica en la educación superior y su papel en la mejora de la calidad educativa y la administración institucional. Ante la problemática de implementación deficiente en muchas universidades, este estudio se propone identificar mejores prácticas y desafíos, revisando estudios actuales desde perspectivas teóricas y prácticas. A través de un enfoque cualitativo y análisis de contenido, se sintetizaron prácticas clave, como la participación de actores y la alineación con políticas educativas, y se destacaron desafíos, incluyendo la resistencia al cambio y la falta de recursos. Los resultados indican que el las instituciones estudiadas enfrentan barreras organizacionales significativas, mientras que otras presentan dificultades en la continuidad de los procesos estratégicos. Se concluye que una planificación estratégica efectiva requiere compromiso institucional y sistemas de evaluación sólidos.
Water impact analysis due to coal-electricity generation using the life cycle assessment method: a case study in Malaysia
Authors: Mardi Nurul Hani , Ean Lee Woen , Malek Marlinda Abdul , Chua Kok Hua , Ahmed Ali Najah
Published: December 2024

Coal power plants adversely impact air pollution, but they also pose a risk to our water sources. Discharge wastewater from power plants may degrade the quality of nearby water bodies. This study evaluates the potential water-related environmental impacts of electricity generation at an ultra-supercritical coal power plant in Malaysia using the life cycle assessment method. The inventory data were gathered from a Malaysian power plant, and supporting data were taken from the relevant literature. Utilizing the ReCiPe 2016 impact assessment method, this study analyses the mid-point impact categories of freshwater eutrophication (FEP), marine eutrophication (MEP), freshwater ecotoxicity (FETP), and marine ecotoxicity (METP). The results indicate that METP is the leading risk, with an average impact of 1.94 × 10−2 kg 1,4-DCB per kWh electricity generated, followed by FETP (1.40 × 10−2 kg 1,4-DCB), FEP (4.66 × 10−4 kg P eq), and MEP (2.95 × 10−5 kg N eq). About 95% of the mid-point impact is due to the extraction and processing of hard coal. These findings underscore a critical aspect of environmental management at the supply chain level. Furthermore, mitigating direct emissions from power generation could reduce the mid-point impact, as demonstrated by comparisons with previous research.
Podmioty nie-ludzkie w internecie. Przypadek rybika
Authors: Małgorzata Jankowska
Published: December 2024

The article attempts to analyse the discourses around non-human subjects along with their ethical, aesthetic and political connotations. The case of silverfish is an example of how the Internet, as a space both shaping and reflecting cultural tendencies, transformations and conflicts, reveals social modalities of perceiving animals as subjects and/or objects. It demonstrates both extensively anthropocentric models of praxis as well as anti-anthropocentric departures from them.
Wobec śmierci. Studium postaw ludzkich w sytuacji granicznej („Brzezina” Andrzeja Wajdy według Jarosława Iwaszkiewicza)
Authors: Kolasińska-Pasterczyk Iwona
Published: December 2024

Andrzej Wajda’s The Birch Wood was read through the prism of Karl Jaspers’ reflections on death as a borderline experience. The film shows a model case of the experience of death as a “borderline situation” in its two variants: the death of a loved one (in Bolesław’s case – the loss of his wife) and the inevitability of one’s own death (the last stage of Stanisław’s tuberculosis). These are cases of facing the fundamental, existential mystery of death. The dialectic of death – the death of the Other (to which no one, even the close ones, has access) and one’s own death (revealing its “face” to a specific self) translates into variants of human loneliness and different existential situations (sentenced to death and infected with death). This experience is complemented by the situation of little Ola struggling with the trauma of loss. It is an allegorical commentary on the feeling of being trapped in the universe of death. In the interpretation, the emphasis was placed on those factors that differentiate the messages of Iwaszkiewicz’s story and the film.
„Sérénité” Aliny Skiby jako adaptacja opowiadań Jarosława Iwaszkiewicza
Authors: Gołos-Dąbrowska Katarzyna
Published: December 2024

The article presents an analysis of Alina Skiba’s 1988 film Sérénité as a screen adaptation of Jaroslaw Iwaszkiewicz’s short stories (Dreams and Sérénité) The director’s film version is a kind of poly-adaptation – a media transformation of more than one literary work into a new authorial text. The article reveals Skiba’s adaptation strategy. The director does not so much as create a film that is close to the pretexts, but realizes in it numerous Iwaszkiewicz’s tropes and literary motifs. In doing so, she creates a completely autonomous work reflecting the atmosphere of serene reconciliation with old age present in Iwaszkiewicz’s last volume of short stories.
Polski James Dean? Młody gniewny? Fenomen Marka Hłaski i badania transnarodowe
Authors: Galant Jan
Published: December 2024

The article contains a proposal to interpret the work and legend of Marek Hłasko in the transnational context of social and cultural changes in Europe and the world of the mid-1950s. The starting point is the commonly perceived and established in colloquial phraseology similarity of the Polish writer's image to the myth of James Dean and of his works to the literature of the British Young Angry Men. This allows us to ask about the relationship between the characters' class affiliation and consciousness and their image of masculinity, the new model of family life presented, and the role of the author’s tragic death in shaping the artistic legend. What constitutes the methodological framework of the analysis, is the concept of transnational research (transnational turn in literary studies), focusing on the analysis of intercultural connections and flows, while the historical, literary and cultural background is provided by the idea of Cold War culture as a transnational community of experience, which makes it possible to perceive and explain the fact of cultural analogies, similarities and convergences on both sides of the Iron Curtain. The conclusion of the article is that, seen in a transnational context, Hłasko's work and biography represent the most characteristic features and themes of Cold War culture: the experience of the Iron Curtain and migration, the bipolarity of the world, the fear of nuclear conflict, the expansion of popular culture.
Marek Hłasko i „Trybuna Ludu”
Authors: Młynarczyk Radoslaw
Published: December 2024

The article analyzes 4 texts – mini-articles – which Marek Hłasko wrote for “Trybuna Ludu” (en. “People’s Tribune”), the most popular post-war Polish daily newspaper, while working as a driver.The texts were presented against the background of similar reports from construction sites of Polish People’s Republic, written by workers from all over the country. In almost every issue of the newspaper, short contributions by amateur authors appeared, which often took the form of denunciations. An attempt was made to classify the field correspondences genologically, trying to establish their place in the history of Polish literature, determine their literary or journalistic quality. Various categories were applied to settle the dispute: individual style, the perspective of the sender and the recipient model, authorial intentions.Finally, an attempt was made to establish whether it is possible to speak of the individual, separate character of the texts created by Hłasko and his responsibility for the written content, and whether those short texts can be treated as his first literary attempts.
Informatorzy, tłumacze i obserwatorzy: zbieranie (meta)danych i wdrażanie badań w cyfrowej ponowoczesności. W stronę metod opartych na współpracy
Authors: Ogonowska Agnieszka
Published: December 2024

Contemporary media studies are opening up to methods developed in social sciences, which results from the dynamic development of the mediasphere, the attributes of new digital media and the (network) activities of their users. The latter, within the framework of collaborative media anthropology, actively participate in all phases of the research project, which, on the one hand, makes them inclusive and, on the other hand, imposes new ethical and methodological obligations on the academic researcher. This approach is a specific materialization of Margaret Mead’s idea related to the transfer of knowledge and learning strategies in prefigurative societies, in the 21st century from digital natives, and refers to the collaborative ethnography of Luc Eric Lassiter. New ideas and challenges in applied media studies, collaborative research models and related methodological “transgressions” are also important in changing the philosophy of thinking regarding the obligations of media studies and rules of media literacy 4.0.
Przepisywanie PRL-u. Strategie przywoływania przeszłości w najnowszym kinie polskim
Authors: Żyto Kamila
Published: December 2024

Interest in the memory of the Polish People’s Republic and the ways it is articulated is constantly increasing. The number of films and series set in the communist era is growing. There is also a significant drive to rewrite the past of the Polish People’s Republic, that is, to shape stories set in those years in accordance with the conventions and thematic preferences significant for the contemporary pop culture genre. The article indicates strategies adopted by Polish filmmakers while portraying Polish People's Republic. The concept of prosthetic memory as a form of post-memory is introduced to analyze the phenomenon.
Aksjologiczny profil starości w polszczyźnie na podstawie danych korpusowych
Authors: Polkowska Laura
Published: December 2024

The Axiological Profile of Old Age in the Polish Language Based on Corpus Data
In this sketch, an attempt is made to reconstruct the axiological profile of old age in the Polish language. The linguistic material is sourced from the National Corpus of Polish, currently the most representative text database for Polish language users. This text serves as an introduction to the reconstruction of the linguistic picture of old age, presenting essential considerations on the evaluation of the concept. The analysis reveals that old age is primarily conceptualized through metaphors (such as OLD AGE IS A HEAVY OBJECT, OLD AGE IS AN ENEMY) and is positioned among anti-values due to lexical-semantic associations and so-called “contagious conjunctions”.
(Nie)proszony gość, czyli Derrida na kolacji z Don Juanem. Gościnność w „Zwodzicielu z Sewilli” i „Kamiennym Gościu” według filozofii Jacques’a Derridy
Authors: Moreno-Szypowska Jadwiga Clea
Published: December 2024

In the 1990s, the French philosopher considered to be the father of deconstructivism, Jacques Derrida, inspired by the opening of European borders, took up the subject of hospitality, dedicating to it a special seminar, the fruit of which are two extensive volumes entitled L’ hospitalité, which are, unfortunately, still not translated into Polish. To illustrate his views, Derrida used literary classics, mainly Oedipus at Colonus by Sophocles. The author’s thesis is that in the most important work of Spanish theater, The Trickster of Seville and the Stone Guest, one can also find arguments fully attesting to Derrida’s philosophy of hospitality. The figure of Don Juan allows us to look at the guest from a broader perspective; it is not necessarily someone benevolent whom it is good to receive. It can also be a complete stranger about whose true intentions we may even have reasonable doubts. However, even in this case, absolute hospitality dictates that we offer them a warm welcome, for it is necessary to welcome a stranger who wishes perhaps to harm and sometimes even kill the host. This is precisely the situation that occurs between Don Juan and the Stone Guest, whose roles in the drama change and mutual hospitality is transformed into “hostility”, a concept created by Derrida, which allows him to give a surprising twist to his reflections on hospitality.
Wokół estetyki filmowej kulturotwórczych żywiołów. Analiza wybranych kadrów z filmu „Romeo i Julia" Baza Luhrmanna
Authors: Stachowiak-Dudzik Elżbieta
Published: December 2024

This text presents an analysis of selected frames from Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film Romeo+Juliet. The author examines the aesthetics of material elements – fire and water – drawing on Gaston Bachelard’s concept of imagination, supplemented by Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenological theory of perception and Jung’s idea of archetypes. Through the lens of specific hermeneutics of faith (aiming to restore meaning to a text) and a foundational understanding of primordial symbols, she explores their cinematic manifestations.The researcher incorporates traditions of phenomenology and hermeneutics not only by referencing particular theories, but also by employing an essayistic style of argumentation, rich with metaphors and intertextual (or even inter-visual) references. This literary and scientific description is further enriched with comparative elements. Through a reference to William Shakespeare’s original drama, the author seeks to capture the interplay of meanings that emerge from intersemiotic translation, particularly in the relationship between word and image.The analyzed film frames serve as a starting point to ponder the essence of symbolization and the symbol itself, understood as the unity of opposites. The primary aim of this creative analysis is to invite the reader to engage in a game of associations and to participate in culture-creating symbolic interpretations.
Liquefaction Potential Analysis on Pandansimo Bridge using Nonlinear Site Response Analysis
Authors: Pramudyaningrum Astri Tamara , Rifa’i Ahmad , Fathani Teuku Faisal
Published: December 2024

Background

The construction of bridges is one of the infrastructures that support the Trans South-South Java Road in Yogyakarta Province, including the Pandansimo Bridge. This bridge is located in a high liquefaction vulnerability zone near the coastal area with a shallow groundwater table, composed of saturated sandy soil and less than 10 km from the active Opak fault.

Objective

The study aims to evaluate the liquefaction potential in the Pandansimo Bridge area with the scenario of the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake of 6.3 Mw.

Methods

The evaluation used eight modified pairs of ground motion to obtain peak ground acceleration values through nonlinear calculations with site-specific response analysis. Furthermore, the liquefaction potential analysis was conducted based on these results using simplified procedure methods.

Results

The results show that each soil layer’s peak ground acceleration value ranged from 0.30 g to 0.49 g. Liquefaction potential is at a depth of 1 m to 16 m, with various thicknesses for each borehole depending on the soil properties, with vulnerability levels varying from very low to very high.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that liquefaction potential occurs at several borehole locations at Pandansimo Bridge. This liquefaction condition may serve as a reference for mitigating strategies applicable in case of probable liquefaction in the infrastructure.
EARLY LIVE OVARIAN ECTOPIC GESTATION, CAN THE OVARY BE PRESERVED? : A CASE REPORT
Authors: Adiga Chaitra , Vinekar Sripada , Prasad Mohini N , Mahesh Deepa
Published: December 2024

Ovarian ectopic gestation is often missed or misdiagnosed and occurs on or within the ovary. Owing to the similar appearances of ovarian pregnancy and corpus luteum cyst, the diagnosis is not straightforward when yolk sac and fetal pole are absent. We hereby report a rare case of early live ectopic gestation in the ovary at 6 weeks of amenorrhea. Ultrasound examination of the pelvis showed, no intrauterine gestation, but a corpus luteum cyst with associated hemoperitoneum and a thick-walled adnexal cyst close to the ovary with fetal node and cardiac activity within confirming ectopic pregnancy. She underwent emergency laparoscopic cyst removal, preserving the ovary and is doing well.  
Keywords: ectopic pregnancy, laparoscopic cystectomy, live ectopic, ovarian ectopic
Ureteral Carcinoma Complicated by Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis and Ureteritis Cystica
Authors: Hama Yukihiro , Tate Etsuko
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Both xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XP) and ureteritis cystica (UC) are rare diseases, and no case of coexistence with ureteral urothelial carcinoma has ever been reported. The purpose of this article is to present a case of ureteral urothelial carcinoma complicated by XP and UC and to discuss the CT and MRI findings. Case presentation: A 72-year-old woman with a history of diabetes mellitus, recurrent urinary tract infections, and bladder cancer was referred for evaluation of multiple ureteral and renal masses on the left side. No urinary tract stones were found on CT. The tumor in the lower ureter was hyperintense on diffusion-weighted image (DWI), and the tumor in the middle ureter was hypointense on DWI, showing polycystic wall thickening. DWI of the kidney showed multiple hyperintense lesions within the kidney. Pathological examination revealed tumors in the lower ureter, middle ureter, and left kidney as urothelial carcinoma, UC, and XP, respectively. Conclusion: In a patient with a history of diabetes mellitus and recurrent urinary tract infections, XP and UC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma.
Keywords: Urothelial Carcinoma, Renal Tumors, Ureteral Neoplasms, Magnetic Resonance Imaging
IMAGING OF SEVERE RENAL AND LIVER INJURY ON A TRAUMA PATIENT: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Pamarta Trisna Belani , Nabila Astrid Hanan , Karliasari Liana
Published: December 2024

Blunt abdominal trauma accounts for the most abdominal injuries. A quick yet accurate examination must be carried out immediately to identify and promptly address the cause of the internal bleeding. In this case report, we describe A 17-year-old girl who was taken to the emergency room after she lost consciousness following a traffic accident. The patient presented with unstable hemodynamics indicating signs of hemorrhagic shock. The patient then underwent a CT examination with contrast to determine the diagnosis. The patient was diagnosed with internal bleeding with unstable hemodynamics due to liver injury AAST grade IV and renal trauma AAST grade III. In this case, signs of kidney and liver trauma can be recognized, such as fluid accumulation and the severity of injury to each organ. This case report aims to increase awareness of the signs of intra-abdominal bleeding and its severity so that appropriate treatment can be determined immediately.
Keywords: renal injury, liver injury, abdominal CT-Scan
Breaking the cycle: Addressing workplace burnout and promoting sustainable well-being in Malta
Authors: Farrugia Kenneth , Chan John
Published: December 2024

Global research shows an increase in burnout levels and a decrease in personal wellbeing, which can result in over €900 billion loss in global productivity if not addressed (IMF, 2021). The Maltese Government has prioritised promoting personal well-being as one of the main pillars of its National Economic Vision; however, there is a lack of published research specific to burnout in Malta. This study aims to measure the extent of workplace burnout among the working population in Malta and provide valuable insights into creating effective and sustainable policies. A cross-sectional quantitative research approach using an online survey found workplace burnout is prevalent in Malta, affecting 38% of workers with the most common dimension experienced being exhaustion. Workers aged 20-29 years of age face the highest risk of burnout (62%), with women slightly more affected than men by 4%. Strong organizational support and high engagement significantly reduce the incidence of burnout, with 85% of non-burnt-out individuals being highly engaged. This research underscores the critical importance of prioritising employee well-being to address workplace burnout and foster a balance between professional and personal life. By implementing strategies such as workload management, fair compensation, and flexible work arrangements, organizations can create sustainable environments that enhance productivity, resilience, and holistic fulfilment, redefining success for both individuals and businesses.
Distal and Proximal Influences on Self-Reported Oral Pain and Self-Rated Oral Health Status in Saudi Arabia: Retrospective Study Using a 2017 Nationwide Database (Preprint)
Authors: Abogazalah Naif , Yiannoutsos Constantin , Soto-Rojas Armando E , Bindayeld Naif , Yepes Juan F , Martinez Mier Esperanza Angeles
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Oral health significantly influences overall well-being, health care costs, and quality of life. In Saudi Arabia, the burden of oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal disease, has increased over recent decades, driven by various lifestyle changes.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the associations between proximal (direct) and distal (indirect) influences that affect oral pain (OP) and self-rated oral health (SROH) status in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) using an adapted conceptual framework.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study used data from a national health survey conducted in KSA in 2017. The sample included adults (N=29,274), adolescents (N=9910), and children (N=11,653). Sociodemographic data, health characteristics, and access to oral health services were considered distal influences, while frequency and type of dental visits, tooth brushing frequency, smoking, and consumption of sweets and soft drinks were considered proximal influences. Path analysis modeling was used to estimate the direct, indirect, and total effects of proximal and distal influences on OP and SROH status.

RESULTS

The mean age of adult respondents was 42.2 years; adolescents, 20.4 years; and children, 10.58 years. Despite OP reports from 39% of children, 48.5% of adolescents, and 47.1% of adults, over 87% across all groups rated their oral health as good, very good, or excellent. A higher frequency of tooth brushing showed a strong inverse relationship with OP and a positive correlation with SROH (P<.001). Frequent dental visits were positively associated with OP and negatively with SROH (P<.001). Sweet consumption increased OP in adolescents (β=0.033, P=.007) and negatively affected SROH in children (β=–0.086, P<.001), adolescents (β=–0.079, P<.001), and adults (β=–0.068, P<.001). Soft drink consumption, however, was associated with lower OP in adolescents (β=–0.034, P=.005) and improved SROH in adolescents (β=0.063, P<.001) and adults (β=0.068, P<.001). Smoking increased OP in adults (β=0.030, P<.001). Distal influences like higher education were directly linked to better SROH (β=0.046, P=.003) and less OP (indirectly through tooth brushing, β=–0.004, P<.001). For children, high household income correlated with less OP (β=–0.030, P=.02), but indirectly increased OP through other pathways (β=0.024, P=.003). Lack of access was associated with negative oral health measures (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Among the KSA population, OP and SROH were directly influenced by many proximal and distal influences that had direct, indirect, or combined influences on OP and SROH status.
Exploring Nursing Perception of Documentation in the Electronic Health Record (Preprint)
Authors: Jacques Deborah , Will John , Dauterman Denise , Zavotsky Kathleen , Delmore Barbara , Doty Glenn , O'Brien Kerry , Groom Lisa
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Nurses represent the largest group of users within the electronic health record (EHR) system, relying on its tools to support patient care and nursing workflow. Recent studies suggest that redesigning nursing documentation can reduce time in the EHR system and improve nurse satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE

This quality improvement project evaluated nursing documentation perception related to the (EHR), assess the impact of documentation improvement interventions, and identify barriers to develop new strategies to support documentation workflows.

METHODS

This quality improvement project evaluated nursing documentation perception related to the (EHR), assess the impact of documentation improvement interventions, and identify barriers to develop new strategies to support documentation workflows.

RESULTS

Twenty registered nurses participated in the focus group discussions. 88.27% of participants had >3 years of EHR experience at the AHS, and 94.11% reported being competent or above in the EHR system. Six themes emerged: positive feedback, usability and workflow opportunities, nuisance, training and education, communication, and time in system. EHR vendor time data revealed time in flowsheets averaged 30.28% per 12-hour shift.

CONCLUSIONS

Frontline nursing perspectives in the restructuring of EHR workflows is imperative in identifying interventions to support EHR satisfaction.
Development of AI Chatbots for Cancer Information: Reducing Hallucinations and Trade-Offs in Responses with Reliable Data (Preprint)
Authors: Nishisako Sota , Higashi Takahiro , Wakao Fumihiko
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to find information. Providing accurate information is essential to support cancer patients and their families; however, information returned by generative AIs is sometimes wrong. Returning wrong information is called hallucination.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine cancer information returned by generative AIs with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) using cancer-specific information sources and general internet search.

METHODS

We compiled 62 cancer-related questions in Japanese and compared the responses of conventional chatbots with GPT-4 and GPT-3.5 (-turbo-16K) without RAG. We developed generative AI chatbots with different reference information sources—RAG-equipped Cancer Information Service (CIS) chatbot and Google chatbot—and compared the characteristics of their responses with those generated by a conventional chatbot without RAG. The CIS chatbot system included CIS as the reference information source. The characteristics of the responses were analyzed.

RESULTS

For questions on information issued by CIS, the rates of hallucinations for the CIS chatbot were 0% for GPT-4 and 6% for GPT-3.5, whereas those for the Google chatbot were 6% and 10%. For questions on information that is not issued by CIS, the Google chatbot generated hallucinations in 19% of cases using GPT-4 and 35% using GPT-3.5. The conventional chatbot returned hallucinations in approximately 40% of the responses. The reference data from Google searches was higher compared to CIS for producing hallucinations, with an odds ratio of 9.4, (95% confidence interval 1.2-17.5, P < .01), and the odd ratio for the conventional chatbot was 16.1 (95% CI, 3.7-50.0, P < .001).　The conventional chatbot responded to all questions, but the response rate decreased (36% to 81%) for chatbots with RAG. For questions on information not covered by CIS, the CIS chatbot did not respond, while the Google chatbot generated responses in 52% of the cases using GPT-4 and 71% using GPT-3.5.

CONCLUSIONS

Using RAG with reliable information sources significantly reduced the hallucination rate of generative AI chatbots, and increased the ability to admit lack of information, making them more suitable for general use, where users need to be provided with accurate information.
Enhancing Emotion Regulation in Family-Based Treatment for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa through the BALANCE Mobile App: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Miranda Christina , Matheson Brittany , Datta Nandini , Whyte Aileen , Yang Hyun-Joon , Schmiedmayer Paul , Ravi Vishnu , Aalami Oliver , Lock James
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder with high morbidity and mortality, particularly among adolescents. Family-based treatment (FBT) is the leading evidence-based intervention for adolescent AN, involving parents in re-nourishment and behavior interruption. Despite its effectiveness, challenges in emotion regulation (ER) during high-stress situations like mealtimes contribute to suboptimal treatment outcomes, with only 35-50% of adolescents achieving full recovery. Enhancing ER skills during FBT may improve treatment response and recovery rates. The BALANCE mobile app was developed to address this need, offering real-time, DBT-based distress tolerance skills designed to support adolescents and families during mealtimes.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of the BALANCE mobile app, designed to improve distress tolerance during mealtimes for adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) undergoing family-based treatment (FBT).

METHODS

BALANCE was developed collaboratively with Stanford University’s Center for Biodesign, utilizing student input and the Stanford Spezi ecosystem. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through self-reported questionnaires from 24 adolescents (12-18 years old), including those with and without AN.

RESULTS

The app demonstrated high usability and acceptability, with 80% of participants reporting enjoyment and 100% finding it user-friendly. Adolescents reported that BALANCE helped them manage stressful mealtimes more effectively.

CONCLUSIONS

BALANCE shows promise as a tool for enhancing distress tolerance in adolescents with AN during FBT. Future research should explore its integration into clinical practice and its impact on treatment outcomes.
Participación y emprendedurismo infantil: reflexiones desde la historia de la infancia
Authors: Sosenski Susana
Published: December 2024

En este artículo se analiza la relación entre los conceptos de participación infantil y emprendedurismo infantil, cuyo surgimiento se sitúa durante los regímenes de gubernamentalidad neoliberales en la década de 1990. Se argumenta que la participación infantil ha sido instrumentalizada desde el mercado y las propias políticas estatales como una forma de construcción de sujetos neoliberales que deben ser, por fuerza, autónomos, resilientes y capaces de gestionar las problemáticas causadas por una protección deficiente de los derechos por parte de los Estados.
Integrated Use of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Prediction Tools for Risk Prognostication
Authors: Wolff Constantin A. , Aiello Valeria , Elhassan Elhussein A.E. , Cristalli Carlotta , Lerario Sarah , Paccapelo Alexandro , Ciurli Francesca , Montanari Francesca , Conti Amalia , Benson Katherine , Seri Marco , Brigl Carolin B. , Münster Julia S. , Sciascia Nicola , Kursch Sebastian , de Fallois Jonathan , La Manna Gaetano , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Rank Nina , Popp Bernt , Schönauer Ria , Conlon Peter J. , Capelli Irene , Halbritter Jan
Published: December 2024

Key Points

The Mayo clinic imaging classification and the predicting renal outcome in polycystic kidney disease score are used to assess the risk of progression to kidney failure in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Mayo imaging classification and predicting renal outcome in polycystic kidney disease show little concordance; combined use increased the ability to identify rapid progression especially among intermediate risk patients.

Accurate risk prediction is key for determining indication for specific treatment.

Background

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is the most common genetic cause of kidney failure. Specific treatment is indicated on observed or predicted rapid progression. For the latter, risk stratification tools have been developed independently based on either total kidney volume or genotyping as well as clinical variables. This study aimed to improve risk prediction by combining both imaging and clinical-genetic scores.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study of 468 patients diagnosed with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Clinical, imaging, and genetic data were analyzed for risk prediction. We defined rapid disease progression as an eGFR slope ≥3 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year over 2 years, Mayo imaging classification (MIC) 1D–1E, or a predicting renal outcome in polycystic kidney disease (PROPKD) score of ≥7 points. Using MIC, PROPKD, and rare exome variant ensemble learner scores, several combined models were designed to develop a new classification with improved risk stratification. Primary endpoints were the development of advanced CKD stages G4–G5, longitudinal changes in eGFR, and clinical variables such as hypertension or urological events. Statistically, logistic regression, survival, receiver operating characteristic analyses, linear mixed models, and Cox proportional hazards models were used.

Results

PKD1-genotype (P < 0.001), MIC class 1E (P < 0.001), early-onset hypertension (P < 0.001), and early-onset urological events (P = 0.003) correlated best with rapid progression in multivariable analysis. While the MIC showed satisfactory specificity (77%), the PROPKD was more sensitive (59%). Among individuals with an intermediate risk in one of the scores, integration of the other score (combined scoring) allowed for more accurate stratification.

Conclusions

The combined use of both risk scores was associated with higher ability to identify rapid progressors and resulted in a better stratification, notably among intermediate risk patients.
Echoes of innovation: journey through the Croatian speech synthesis landscape
Authors: Poljak Dario , Kocijan Kristina
Published: December 2024

As digital communication becomes increasingly prevalent, the development of speech synthesis
systems for Croatian and related languages is of paramount importance. This paper provides an in–depth
exploration into the field of speech synthesis, emphasizing the Croatian language. It chronologically charts
the evolution of speech synthesis from its mechanical inception to the modern electronic age, culminating
in an analysis of contemporary landscape of digital speech synthesis systems.
The study commences with a synthesis of previous research on Croatian speech synthesis, scrutinizing
the methodologies and strategies implemented, and evaluating their effectiveness, constraints, and results.
A comparative study is also presented, assessing advancements in related Slavic languages, including
Serbian, Slovene, Bosnian, and Macedonian.
The discourse then widens to include the global landscape of speech synthesis. It highlights the latest
breakthroughs, particularly cutting–edge techniques, frameworks, and algorithms that have yielded
significant outcomes in languages with abundant linguistic resources, such as English and Mandarin
Chinese. This comparison elucidates the notable gaps in speech synthesis progress on a global scale.
The paper also addresses the challenges posed by the scarce and suboptimal quality digital linguistic
resources available in Croatia, which hinder the development of speech synthesis. In response to
these challenges, the paper introduces a doctoral thesis dedicated to creating an annotated corpus and
formulating deep learning models specifically tailored for Croatian speech synthesis. The ambition of this
scholarly work is to catalyze advancement, remedy existing shortcomings, and pave the way for a robust
future for Croatian speech synthesis technology.
In conclusion, this survey examines both the historical trajectory and the present state of speech
synthesis in Croatian. It underscores the criticality of ongoing research in this area and the urgent necessity
for enhanced linguistic resources and innovative methodologies. The paper also briefly touches upon the
significant progress in speech synthesis for globally dominant languages, such as English and Mandarin
Chinese, providing a benchmark for future investigations.
Healing leaders: Altruism and psychological safety as antidotes to burnout in health care settings
Authors: Wang Ruirui , Ahmad Naveed , Ryu Hyungseo Bobby , Comite Ubaldo , Ariza-Montes Antonio , Han Heesup
Published: December 2024

Employee burnout is an issue of relevance to several of the United Nations' sustainable development goals. We investigated servant leadership, psychological safety, and employee altruism as important factors for predicting burnout in the Chinese health care sector. A three-phase questionnaire
was administered to 412 health care professionals and data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Servant leadership was found to positively predict psychological safety. In addition, servant leadership interacted with employee altruism to significantly predict burnout via the mediating
variable of psychological safety. These outcomes indicate that servant leadership and a protective, caring organizational climate can be helpful in preventing burnout among health care workers. This has implications for academic research and gives rise to practical recommendations for health
care leaders, in line with the aim of having a resilient and sustainable health care system by 2030.
Effect of public-interest live-streaming anchor's official identity on green product purchase intention
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Liu Wanyuan , Liang Xin , Zhou Xun
Published: December 2024

Alongside the rapid development of live-streaming commerce in China, some government officials have leveraged their professional identities to sell local green products through public-interest live streaming by acting as anchors. In this study we explored the relationship between an
anchor's official identity and consumers' green product purchase intention, as well as the mediating roles of perceived product quality and perceived authenticity. We surveyed 134 participants with live-stream shopping experience and analyzed the data using hierarchical linear regression.
The results showed that an anchor's official identity was significantly and positively associated with perceived product quality, perceived authenticity, and green product purchase intention. Furthermore, perceived product quality and perceived authenticity mediated the relationship between
an anchor's official identity and green product purchase intention. Our findings provide practical guidance for government officials participating in public-interest live-streaming practices.