bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra- and peritumoral MRI radiomics assisted in predicting radiochemotherapy response in metastatic cervical lymph nodes of nasopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Xu Hao , Wang Ai , Zhang Chi , Ren Jing , Liu Jieke , Zhou Peng
Published: February 2023

Background: In this investigation, intratumoral (Intra) and peritumoral (Peri) features obtained from MRI imaging were used to create and evaluate radiomic models for response prediction to radiochemotherapy of metastatic cervical lymph nodes in individuals with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC).
Methods: Retrospectively, we included 145 consecutive subjects with NPC, 102 in the training set and 43 in the validation set. A total of 5408 initial radiomic features were acquired from the metastatic cervical lymph node's Intra and Peri areas. Then, employing multivariate logistic regression analysis, the radiomic features were chosen and integrated with clinical characteristics to create predictive models. And at last, these developed prediction models were examined using sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics.
Results: In the training and validation sets, there was no statistically significant variation in the AUC among the Intra radiomic signature, Peri radiomic signature, combined Intra and Peri radiomic signature, and combined Intra and Peri radiomic nomogram (all P > 0.05). With an AUC of 0.941 (0.877-0.978) in the training set and 0.783 (0.631-0.894) in the validation set, the combined Intra and Peri radiomic nomogram enabled good discrimination among the responders and non-responders groups.
Conclusions: The early response of metastatic cervical lymph nodes to radiochemotherapy in individuals with NPC may be predicted by pretreatment radiomic models determined by the combined Intra and Peri features from MRI imaging, facilitating therapeutic interventions and clinical decision-making.
A Modified ICH Scoring Model to Predict Functional Outcomes in Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage Survivors-Prospective Study
Authors: Tseng Wen-Che , Chiu Yi-Hsiang , Hsiao Ming-Yen
Published: February 2023

Background
Primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for 85% of ICH and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Researchers have developed several predictive models for mortality and functional outcomes for ICH since 2001. However, models that predict long-term functional outcomes of activities of daily living (ADL) among ICH survivors remain scarce. This study developed a modified ICH scoring system that incorporates body temperature to predict ADL functional outcomes 1 year after ICH and compared it with the original model.
Methods
This prospective observational study examined the functional outcomes for patients who received rehabilitation 1 year after primary ICH in a tertiary medical center between 2019 and 2021. This study excluded patients who died before discharge and those with ICH related to aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, or trauma. Body temperature and comorbidities were incorporated into the original ICH score. Functional outcome was based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score and the Barthel Index (BI). Severe dependency in ADL was defined by a BI of ≤60, and severe disability was defined by an mRS score of ≥4 at 1 year after ICH.
Results
A total of 100 patients were recruited. The modified ICH score was significantly associated with functional independence 1 year post-ICH, as measured by both the BI and mRS (p = 0.012 and 0.01, respectively). When predicting severe dependency at the 1 year follow-up, the modified ICH score had a higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) compared with the original ICH score, both in terms of BI (AUC = 0.8545 and 0.8417, respectively) and mRS (AUC = 0.8768 and 0.8466, respectively).
Conclusions
The present study developed a modified ICH score model that outperformed the original model in the prediction of ADL functional outcomes at 1 year. This is the first study to incorporate the effect of long-term rehabilitation into the development of the model.
Risk factors for the leakage of the repair of duodenal wounds. A secondary analysis of the Panamerican Trauma Society multicenter retrospective review.
Authors: Garcia Alberto F , Sanchez Alvaro I , Ferrada Paula , Wolfe Luke , Duchesne Juan , Fraga Gustavo , Benjamin Elizabeth , Campbell Andre , Morales Carlos , Pereira Bruno , Ribeiro Marcelo , Quiodettis Martha , Peck Gregory , Salamea Juan C , Kruger Vitor , Ivatury Rao , Scalea Thomas
Published: February 2023

Background: Leak of the repair of a traumatic duodenal perforation (TDP) determines intra-abdominal infection, fistula, and mortality. The risk factors for the leak of a TDP have yet to be entirely studied. We performed a secondary analysis of a retrospectively collected database conformed from eleven trauma centers from the Americas to identify risk factors for filtration of a TDP.
Methods: Patients ≥18 years old with duodenal trauma, surgically treated from 2006 to 2017, were included. Subjects who died during the first 48 hours were excluded. Demographics, trauma mechanism, trauma severity, associated injuries, transfusions, and type of surgical treatment were examined as potential risk factors for a leak of the surgical repair of the TDP. Multiple logistic regression (MLR) modeling was used to identify independent contributors to the risk of leak.
Results: We included 288 patients. Median age was 29 years (IQR 22-43), and 236(81.9%) subjects were males. Penetrating trauma occurred in 223 (77.3%) patients. Duodenal injury AAST severity was grade 3 in 180 (62.5%) cases and grade 4-5 in 40 (13.9%) patients. Duodenal leakage developed in 50 (17.4%) subjects. Compared with the subjects without a leak, the patients who leaked had significantly lower SBP at admission, higher ISS, higher abdominal AIS, and a higher proportion of duodenal AAST 3 lesions. MLR identified as independent predictors of leakage of the duodenal repair hypotension on admission, abdominal AIS, duodenal AAST grade 3, and duodenal repair with techniques different from primary repair. The discriminative ability (AUC= 0.824 (0.766-0.883) and goodness to fit of the model (p = 0.271) were good.
Conclusion: Hypotension at arrival, abdominal AIS, duodenal OIS=3, and complex surgical procedures were identified as independent risk factors for duodenal repair leakage. We recommend abandoning complex surgical procedures, including duodenal tube decompression, favoring primary duodenal repair.
Objective Wearable Measures Correlate with Self-Reported Chronic Pain Levels in People with Spinal Cord Stimulation Systems
Authors: Patterson Denis , Wilson Derron , Fishman Michael , Moore Gregory , Skaribas Ioannis , Heros Robert , Dehghan Soroush , Ross Erika , Kyani Anahita
Published: February 2023

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a well-established therapy for treating chronic pain. However, treatment response to SCS therapy may vary among people with chronic pain due to diverse pain perspectives amongst them. While, currently, chronic pain is evaluated by clinically validated patient reported outcomes (PROs) measures completed during a clinical assessment, monitoring improvement of the participant’s progress over time and comparison of PROs across participants remains subjective and challenging. Thus, objective measures to quantify pain are invaluable. This study aims to assess the feasibility of using digital biomarkers collected from wearables during SCS treatment to predict pain and PRO outcomes. Twenty participants with chronic pain were recruited and implanted with SCS. During the six months of the study, activity and physiological metrics were collected and data from 15 participants was used to develop a machine learning pipeline to objectively predict pain and PRO measures. We were able to reach the accuracy of 0.832 ± 0.012 in pain intensity prediction. The feature importance analysis showed that digital biomarker from the smart watch such as heart rate, heart rate variability, step count, and stand time can contribute to modeling different aspects of pain. The results of the study suggest that wearable biomarkers can be used to predict therapy outcomes in people with chronic pain and bring us another step closer towards objective evaluation of chronic pain.
Scalable synthesis of 2D Ti 2 CT x MXene and molybdenum disulfide composites with excellent microwave absorbing performance
Authors: Miao Baoji , Cao Yange , Zhu Qingsong , Nawaz Muhammad Asif , Ordiozola Jose Antonio , Reina Tomas Ramirez , Bai Zhiming , Ren Junna , Wei Fengchun
Published: February 2023

The signal crosstalk and electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems direly need to be resolved in the rapid development of modern microwave communication technology for a better working frequency and transmission power of electronic systems. Where the new absorbing materials such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)/titania (TiO2)/Ti2CTx and MoS2/Ti2CTx composites could meet the requirement of “thin, strong, light weight, and wide band” for excellent absorbing performance. In this work, a lighter Ti2CTx material was selected as the matrix, and MoS2 was in-situ grown on Ti2CTx matrix by traditional hydrothermal method and microwave solvothermal method. The fabricated composite exhibited synergic effect of two-dimensional heterostructural interface and double dielectric elements, where the small amount of TiO2 and the certain proportion of TiO2(Ti2CTx oxide) with MoS2 improve the impedance matching to -54.70 dB RLmin and EABmax of 4 GHz. Polyethylene glycol 200 was used as the solvent instead of water to make Ti2CTx less oxidized during the composite process, where the microwave heating would attain fast speed, short time, high efficiency, and uniform product. Since, the MoS2/Ti2CTx composite without oxidizing possessed a wider EAB at a thinner thickness, thus resulting in the excellent microwave absorption performance and confirming the validity and rationality of new microwave absorption materials.
Identifying and evaluating the effectiveness of phasing and timing of the current situation of lighted-intersection with AIMSUN and SYNCHRO simulator software
Authors: HASANVAND SALMAN
Published: February 2023

In recent years, the growth of vehicles and population growth has caused countless problems in most of the world's megalopolis and also has expanded the range of people's travel due to the simultaneous motorization of transportation with economic development, and the structure of urbanization has changed along with the growth of urbanization. The aim of the research is to improvement the traffic condition and phasing of lighted-intersection for improvement of traffic condition quality and sustainable urban transportation. The research method is quantitating, that it has been exploited transportation theory by using internet and library resources and in the practical part has applied modeling and optimization software Synchro toward of transportation making-smart of an urban.
Maintenance and enhancement of forest ecosystem services: a non-industrial private forest owner perspective
Authors: Bergkvist John , Nikoleris Alexandra , Fors Hanna , Jönsson Anna Maria
Published: February 2023

The transition to a fossil-free society in Sweden is expected to cause an increased demand for forest-derived products which may intensify existing conflicts between environmental goals. This study investigated the role of non-industrial private forest owners in sustaining multiple forest values and their prioritizations among forest ecosystem services, management strategies, as well as their views on future needs. The study results were generated through the means of a survey which revealed a consistent high valuation among all respondents of ecosystem services relating to water quality, timber quality, recreation, and biodiversity. A majority of the respondents desired increasing proportions of mixed species and broadleaved stands within the future forest landscape. Certified forest owners who were members of a forest owner association (CMs) were characterized by favoring values relating to forest production, such as high stand growth and high timber quality, with carbon substitution as the preferred means of mitigating climate change. Forest owners lacking both certification and membership in a forest owner association valued the ecosystem services recreation and biodiversity significantly higher, and also preferred retaining more old forest within the landscape. The survey results revealed a higher management activity among CMs, resulting in a more frequent establishment of mixed and broadleaved stands. Forest owners with medium to large scale properties were well-represented within the CM-category. The results indicated that while the CMs are more interested in production than owners of small properties, they are also more likely to have taken adaptive measures favoring risk management and biodiversity.
The Burden of Ocular Morbidities Among Elderly Patients Visiting a District Healthcare Facility in Malawi
Authors: Banda Owen , Mzumara Thokozani , Ogbonna Grace
Published: February 2023

Background: The population of older adults is growing dramatically. Sadly, this populace is highly prone to develop various ocular morbidities, which if left unattended can lead to blindness.
Aim: To determine the distribution of ocular morbidities among older adults at a secondary hospital in Malawi.
Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at Mzimba North District Hospital in Malawi. We retrieved 314 patient records from the hospital’s ophthalmic outpatient registry from August 2020 to July 2022 using a non-probability census sampling technique. Data entry and analysis were done employing SPSS (v.26).
Results: More females 164 (52.2%) than males 150 (47.8 %) had ocular morbidities. Cataract 108 (34.4%) was the most common ocular morbidity followed by allergic conjunctivitis 104 (33.1%), then pingueculae 44 (14%), and glaucoma 8 (2.5%) Cataract showed a statistically significant difference between males and females (p<0.05). And Glaucoma portrayed a statistically significant variation according to age groups (p<0.05). According to the time of the year, most cases were attended to in March compared to August.
Conclusion: The majority of blinding conditions among the elderly in Malawi are preventable. Thus elderly Malawians above 50 years are encouraged to get a routine eye exam at least once a year.
Expression and prognosis of ICOS and its ligand in Chinese lung adenocarcinoma population
Authors: Zhan Xiao-kai , Liu Xi-kun , Zhang Sen , Chen Hong
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy has become the fastest-adopting treatment paradigm for lung cancer with improved survival. By binding with its ligand (ICOSL), an inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOS) could contribute to reversing immunosuppression and improving immune response and thus be a potential target for cancer immunotherapy.
METHODS: We selected 54 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissues from cases with stage I-III lung adenocarcinoma cancer. Immunohistochemical expression of ICOS and ICOSL were evaluated. The correlation with clinical parameters in Chinese patients was also compared with TCGA results.
RESULTS: The positive rates of ICOS and ICOSL were 68% and 81.5% respectively in lung tumor tissues. Among them, 9 cases had low expression of ICOS and 22 cases had high expression of ICOS; ICOSL expression was low in 20 cases and high in 24 cases. According to the IASLC (8th edition), phase I lesions was detected in 21 cases, phase II lesions in 15 cases and phase III lesions in18 cases. The median survival of all patients was 44.5 months, the median DFS was 32 months. Univariate analysis showed that the factors significantly associated with OS were tumor size, regional lymph nodes involvement, stage, and expression level of ICOS/ICOSL. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that only the stage was a significant predictor of prognosis.
CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the expression level of both ICOS and ICOSL were significantly associated with prognosis. Therefore, ICOS and its ligand may be potential therapeutic targets in NSCLC.
Performance Evaluation of Supervised Machine Learning Based Intrusion Detection with Univariate Feature Selection on NSL KDD Dataset
Authors: Walling Supongmen , Lodh Sibesh
Published: February 2023

In order to provide exceptional security in networks and secure sensitive and private data, an efficient technique for detecting intrusions is critical nowadays. Due to the rapid expansion of Internet and network technology use, which also accorded to an escalation in the number of attacks, IDS are currently of more interest to researchers. Network intrusion detection (NID) is used to identify network invasions, which is essential for assuring the security of the Internet of Things (IoT) and have become a quintessential element in nearly any security infrastructure. Lately, machine learning algorithms have been used to offer prospective IDS solutions. Intrusion detection is carried out by SVM, kNN, Decision Tree and Logistic Regression using trained attack patterns. Simulation results demonstrate the competence of the proposed detection system to recognize anomalies and sound an alarm. Additionally, feature selection should be incorporated as a preprocessing step to reduce big datasets and enhance accuracy and system performance. In this study, we present an IDS model with feature selection based on univariate selection that works in conjunction with ML based classifiers such as decision tree, SVM, kNN and logistic regression. Using the NSL-KDD data set, we exemplify how our model can outperform conventional ML classifiers in terms of detection rate, precision, recall.
Oversewing/Suturing of the Staple Line During Sleeve Gastrectomy is an Effective and Affordable Staple Line Reinforcement Method. A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Diab Abdul-Rahman Fadi , Sher Theo , Awshah Sabrina , Noom Madison , Docimo Salvatore , Sujka Joseph Adam , DuCoin Christopher Garnet
Published: February 2023

Bleeding and leaks are the most ominous postoperative complications after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Various staple line reinforcement (SLR) techniques have been innovated as oversewing (OS)/suturing, omentopexy (OP)/gastropexy (GP), buttressing, and gluing. Currently, no high-quality evidence supports the use of one method over the other, or even supports the use of SLR over no SLR. This study aims to compare postoperative outcomes between LSG with OS versus LSG without any SLR.
Prevalence and secular trends of four causes of blindness and visual impairment in Iran (1990-2019): A comparative study based on the Global Burden of Disease project’s data
Authors: Khatami Kiana , Estedlal AliReza , Vali Mohebat , Kamalipour AliReza , Nezhad Golnoush Mahmoudi , Nejabat Mahmood , Nowroozzadeh Mohammad Hossein , Vardanjani Hossein Molavi
Published: February 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Cancer Risk Based on Sexual Orientation in the United States: A Comparative Analysis between Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Heterosexual Individuals
Authors: Tundealao Samuel , Sajja Anusha , Titiloye Tolulope , Egab Iman , Odole Iyanuoluwa
Published: February 2023

Purpose
Our study aimed to compare the prevalence and likelihood of cancer diagnosis between lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) groups and the heterosexual population in the United States between 2017 and 2021.
Methods
This study analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2017–2021, which included 134,372 heterosexual and 4,576 LGB individuals aged 18 and above. The prevalence of any cancer and some selected cancers were calculated for the LGB and compared with heterosexual adults. Sexual orientation was used to predict cancer diagnosis for each sex using multiple logistic regression, adjusting for other sociodemographic determinants.
Results
The unadjusted prevalence of any cancer among the LGB population was 9.0%. Lesbian and Bisexual women had higher prevalence of cancer of the cervix, uterus, ovary, thyroid, bone, skin melanoma, leukemia, and other blood cancers than Heterosexual women. Gay and Bisexual men had a higher prevalence of cancer of the bladder, kidney, skin (non-melanoma, and other kinds), bone, lymphoma, and leukemia than Heterosexual men. After adjusting for other socio-demographic factors, gay men were 1.73 (CI: 1.14–2.63, p = 0.01) times more likely than heterosexual men to be diagnosed with cancer, while lesbian women were 2.26 (CI: 1.24–4.16, p = 0.009) times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than heterosexual women.
Conclusion
Some sexual minority subgroups are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than their heterosexual counterparts. As a result, more research and SM-specific intervention efforts should focus on cancer risk assessment, screening, prevention, treatment, and survivorship in SM populations.
Study on Species composition of Moths (Insecta: Lepidoptera) in Chemancheri Panchayath, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
Authors: Samynathan M. , Abhirami B. , Selvaraju Raja , Velmurugan Kalamani , Pandeeswari M. , Navaneethan M. , Shameema P.
Published: February 2023

Moths are the important component of terrestrial ecosystems due to their role as food resources for birds and small mammals, night pollinators, nutrient recyclers and potential indicators. The current study will be the first report on moth species identification, population, species composition, abundance, and their status based on IUCN category of moth fauna in Chemancheri panchayath, Kozhikode, Kerala. In this study period, totally 104 specimen moths were collected from the 4 sampling sites. Out of these, 61 specimens were identified, 37 specimens are consolidated in to 11 families and 22 specimens are consolidated in to 18 species. Based on the result shows the highest number of moth species, the Erebidae family was the most dominant, representing 36 species and followed by Crambidae representing 7 species, Noctuidae and Limacodidae with 4 species each, Notodontidae representing 3 species, Dripanidae representing 2 species, Eupterotidae, Zygaenidae, Geometridae, Bombycidae, Saturnidae with 1 species each. So from this we can conclude that species in the family Erebidae and Crambidae are dominant in the sites when compared to other families. The present study was designed to find the diversity and species composition of moths existing at different trophic level in food chain for sustainable ecological process in Chemancheri panchayath, Kozhikode, Kerala.
New insights on Climate Change and Adaptation Research in Brazil
Authors: Chiquetto Julio Barboza , Nolasco Marcelo Antunes
Published: February 2023

We present a thorough analysis of the scientific production in climate change and adaptation in Brazil. We employed a mix of quantitative and qualitative approaches to reveal and discuss how climate change research has been conducted. We compare the broader climate change research with more specific climate adaptation research in order to understand the main differences and convergence points, and how science conducted from a mitigation and adaptation perspective demonstrates potential to confront the climate change challenges and drivers in Brazil. Four main clusters of investigation within climate change were detected: 1) impacts on forest and plant development, 2) land use and ecology, 3) adaptation/governance, and 4) climate/atmospheric studies. Only about 5% of the total studies on climate change are concerned with adaptation, for which three main clusters of research were identified: 1) adaptation actions and policies; 2) urban environment, vulnerability and health and 3) food and coastal impacts. Although there are strong research trends for climate change in the Amazon Forest, there was less evidence of scientific production concerning climate adaptation for this and the other Brazilian biomes, as well as for smaller cities, rural and traditional communities or poorer regions. Our results shed a light on the more commonly chosen research topics, their strongest points and potential gaps and trends, which can contribute to the scientific communication and implementation of climate change and adaptation plans and actions in Brazil and a better understanding of the climate science knowledge from the perspective of a middle-income country.
Population genetic analysis of the wild hard-shelled mussel, Mytilus unguiculatus (Valenciennes 1858) in South Korea using a microsatellite multiplex assay
Authors: Woo Jiyoung , Heo Jung Soo , Kim Keun-Yong , Kim Keun-Sik , Hwang Hyun-Ju , Yoon Moongeun , An Hyesuck , Kang Kook Hee , Park Jeong Su , Nam Ki-Woong , Koh Insong , Tran Biet Thanh
Published: February 2023

The Korean or hard-shelled mussel, Mytilus unguiculatus, previously known as Mytilus coruscus, is one of the most economically and ecologically important bivalves in South Korea. However, the population size of this species has drastically reduced owing to overharvesting and habitat shrinkage. Because its genetic information is poorly documented, we contributed, in this study, the genetic diversity and structural analyses of 246 adult samples of M. unguiculatus from seven populations along the coastal areas of the mainland and islands of South Korea using microsatellite multiplex assay. Genetic diversity analyzed from 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci was consistently moderate (0.50–0.57) in all populations. No recent bottleneck was found, indicating that the number of the studied populations did not decrease to an extent that resulted in a reduction of genetic diversity. Additional tests did not reveal any genetic structure across them, possibly resulting from constant gene flow, strong dispersal of planktonic larvae, and genetic admixture between wild populations. These results suggest that M. unguiculatus populations along the coastal areas of South Korea should be managed as a single unit. Our study provides crucial information for future genetic monitoring, conservation management, and population restoration plan in preparation for the rapid decline in mussel resources.
Mpox emergence in Japan: risks of establishment in Asia and the global resurgence
Authors: Endo Akira , Jung Sung-mok , Miura Fuminari
Published: February 2023

In late January 2023, mpox cases without a travel history were frequently reported in Japan, suggesting the possibility of sustained onward growth of local cases. Compared with many of the previously affected countries, Japan is more closely connected with other Asian countries. In the current global mpox outbreak, Asia has been the least affected region so far with limited or no vaccine rollout. As a result, many countries in this region (including low- and middle-income countries) are left with a large susceptible population to mpox. If local transmission is established in these countries, the global spread of mpox may reemerge.
Zur (Bildungs-)Gerechtigkeit im Zusammenhang mit digitalen kollektiven Aushandlungsprozessen zur nachhaltigen Entwicklung
Authors: Kminek Helge , Wahl Johannes
Published: February 2023

Der Beitrag befragt den Konnex und die Interdependenz von Nachhaltigkeit, Digitalität und (Bildungs-)Gerechtigkeit grundlagentheoretisch und diskutiert auf Basis medienpädagogischer Perspektiven Konsequenzen für kollektive Aushandlungsprozesse zur nachhaltigen Entwicklung. Im Zentrum steht die Frage nach den Wesenszügen der drei relational zu denkenden Begriffe und welche Konsequenzen aus dieser Konstellation für die Gestaltung gerechter und nachhaltiger Bildungserfahrungen in einer Kultur der Digitalität resultieren. Es werden drei Topografien entwickelt, die unterschiedliche Akzentuierungen des Konnexes von Digitalität, Nachhaltigkeit und Bildungsgerechtigkeit vornehmen. Hinsichtlich der kontrovers diskutierten Begriffsbestimmungen von Gerechtigkeit und Nachhaltigkeit werden Grundpositionen systematisch entfaltet und die aus diesen Positionen zu ziehenden Konsequenzen für den Konnex und die Interdependenz skizziert. Insbesondere wird das Spannungsverhältnis von Gleichheit und Gerechtigkeit verhandelt und es wird die Schwierigkeit der Bestimmung diskutiert, was Nachhaltigkeit sei unter dem Einbezug der Konzepte der schwachen und der starken Nachhaltigkeit. Die Argumentation kulminiert in der These, die Nutzung digitaler Medien und ihrer Infrastrukturen für Nachhaltigkeit und Gerechtigkeit auf ein notwendiges Minimum zu begrenzen und in diesem Rahmen so viele Kontexte für Medienbildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung wie nötig zu schaffen.
Student Satisfaction and Retention: Impact of Service Quality and Digital Transformation
Authors: Forid Md. Shak , Hafez Md. , Khan Wahiduzzaman
Published: February 2023

A country’s economic and technological development in the twenty-first century depends heavily on higher education. Similar to other countries, the majority of higher education institutions in Bangladesh are private universities that offer educational services alongside public (government-funded) universities. This study aims to investigate how service quality dimensions and digital transformation influence student satisfaction and student retention in private universities in Bangladesh. Data were acquired from a convenient sample, including students from the top five private universities in Bangladesh, through a self-administered questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was completed by 210 of the 235 students who were asked to participate. Each questionnaire was carefully examined. 200 were determined to be appropriate for this study. A conceptual model of eight factors, including the five dimensions of the SERVQUAL model, digital transformation, student satisfaction, and student retention, was framed and tested. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), multiple regression, and bivariate regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 26.0 to test the hypothesized relations. According to the findings of descriptive data, students are satisfied with the quality of private university services and digital transformation activities. This study reveals that all the service quality dimensions positively and significantly impact student satisfaction except the empathy dimension. It is also found that digital transformation substantially influences student satisfaction. Furthermore, student satisfaction has a positive and significant influence on student retention. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first initiative to investigate the impact of service quality dimensions and digital transformation on student satisfaction and student retention in the context of private universities in Bangladesh. This study contributes to higher education institutions for the improvement of service quality dimensions and the digital transformation to obtain student satisfaction and student retention in highly competitive educational sectors. Finally, this work argues that digital transformation in higher education is necessary for survival and growth in the twenty-first century.
A NARRATIVE INQUIRY STUDY ON LANGUAGE LEARNING THROUGH POP UP BOOK
Authors: Arifatin Fais Wahidatul
Published: February 2023

This research is a narrative inquiry research that focuses on students' perceptions and experiences in language learning using a pop-up book. The use of media in learning is considered very important so that researcher focused on language learning by using realia media in the form of pop-up books. Narrative inquiry research is a form of qualitative research in which researcher obtains data from documentation and student interviews. This research was conducted at MTs Muhammadiyah 13 Solokuro, at the 7th grade level with a total of 9 students. The study took place from March to May 2022. The results of this study indicate that students have a good perception of language learning using pop-up and of course they have new experiences with the methods applied in the learning. There have been many studies on the development and application of a method in learning, while this time the researcher choses to look for something different by looking at the stories, perceptions and experiences of students.
Design of a new oscillating-buoy type wave energy converter and numerical study on its hydrodynamic performance
Authors:   School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering，Jiangsu University of Science and Technology，Zhenjiang 212100，China, Zhang Yu , Li DongQin , Hong Shihuan , Zhang Miao ,   School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University，Zhenjiang 212013，China,   School of Foreign Languages, Shenyang Jianzhu University，Shenyang 110168 ，China
Published: February 2023

In this study, with respect to wave energy generation technology, a new scheme is proposed for oscillating-buoy type wave energy conversion. A three-dimensional model of a power generation device is established based on SolidWorks, and a three-dimensional viscous numerical pool is setup using STAR-CCM+ to facilitate the simulation analysis of the device. The hydrodynamic performance and energy capture characteristics of the device were examined using theoretical analysis and numerical simulations. The regularities of parameters, such as motion response, force, and output power of the device, were analysed under four wave environments with different time periods (T) and wave heights (H). The analysis and conclusions can be utilised as a reference for studying the hydrodynamic performance of wave power generation devices.
Cement and Concrete—Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Pöllmann Herbert , Snellings Ruben , Valentini Luca
Published: February 2023

The need to meet the globally increasing demand for construction materials, while reducing the environmental impact of cement and concrete production, poses a technological and societal dilemma. Detailed knowledge concerning the mineralogical, geochemical, and microstructural features of ancient and modern binders is fundamental for novel, sustainable, cement-based materials to be designed, manufactured, and deployed. This introduction provides several basic concepts related to cement and concrete, as well as a general overview of the role played by these construction materials in ancient civilizations and in today’s society, and of how they are expected to evolve to ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban future.
BRASH syndrome, the vicious cycle: A case report
Authors: Saini Twinkle , Reny Jacky , Al Hennawi Hussam , Cox Andrew , Janga Chaitra , DeLiana Danila , McCaffrey James
Published: February 2023

First described in 2016, BRASH syndrome is an underreported clinical entity characterized by bradycardia, renal dysfunction, atrioventricular nodal blockade (AVNB), shock, and hyperkalemia. The recognition of BRASH syndrome as a clinical entity is crucial for early and effective management. Patients with BRASH syndrome present with symptomatic bradycardia that is resistant to treatment with standard agents such as atropine. In this report, we present the case of a 67-year-old male patient who presented with symptomatic bradycardia with an ultimate diagnosis of BRASH syndrome. We also shed light on predisposing factors and challenges encountered during the management of affected patients.
INVICTUS: Vitamin K antagonists remain the standard of care for rheumatic heart disease-associated atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kotit Susy
Published: February 2023

Study and Results: The INVICTUS trial was conducted to assess efficacy and safety of once-daily rivaroxaban compared with a dose-adjusted VKA for the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with RHD-associated AF. A total of 4,531 patients (age: 50.5±14.6 years) were followed for 3.1±1.2 years in which 560/2292 patients in the rivaroxaban group and 446/2273 in the VKA group had a primary-outcome adverse event. The restricted mean survival time was 1599 days in the rivaroxaban group and 1675 days in the VKA group (difference, −76 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], −121 to −31; P<0.001). A higher incidence of death occurred in the rivaroxaban group than in the VKA group (restricted mean survival time, 1608 days vs. 1680 days; difference, −72 days; 95% CI, −117 to −28). No significant between-group difference in the rate of major bleeding was noted.
A MIMO system for the replication of accelerations excited in a vehicle by single obstacle crossings at comfort-relevant excitation points in a comfort simulator
Authors: Reichel Kevin , Meywerk Martin
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the replication of accelerations in a vehicle excited from single obstacle crossings. The accelerations should be replicated at multiple comfort-relevant excitation points in a comfort-simulator. For the vertical accelerations at the seat rails and the foot rests, research on the positions and the number of shakers is conducted. The implementation of an electrodynamic shaker for each controlled measurement point turns out to be mandatory. By positioning them at the left and right seat rails, errors can be minimized due to similarities in the transmission behavior. The longitudinal excitations of the seat back by means of shakers are performed very precisely. The direct coupling by a construction on the headrest allows fast exchange of the vehicle seats. The combination of all acceleration replications simultaneously can be performed satisfactorily comparing them with in-vehicle field measurements. The noise-based excitation signal for system identification turns out to be a significant parameter.
Disparities in drinking water quality: evidence from California
Authors: Acquah Sarah , Allaire Maura
Published: February 2023

Reducing disparities in drinking water quality is a state-level priority in California, yet targeting communities for assistance is hindered by the lack of empirical evidence regarding populations disproportionately affected. The study addresses this gap by analyzing drinking water quality violations and identifying the types of communities disproportionately burdened by water contaminants. Using a sample of 1,710 Community Water Systems (CWSs) and probit regression models, we analyzed the likelihood of violation as a function of low-income, minority groups, and vulnerable populations. Results indicate that environmental justice concerns are prevalent. Low-income communities and minority groups (Hispanics and non-Whites) face greater likelihood of water quality violations. Low-income communities are 1.77% more likely to have any health-related violations. Severely disadvantaged communities face greater likelihood (3.44%) of water quality violations. Tribal water systems are 2% more likely to violate the Total Coliform Rule. Children aged five and under are 3% more likely to be exposed to health-based water quality violations. Failure to address prior violations leads to greater likelihood (38.94%) of future violations, while large utility systems and purchased water sources have the propensity to reduce violations. Overall, these findings can guide policy decisions to prioritize assistance to communities disproportionately impacted by poor water quality.
Sarcoma of the right femur with heterogeneous morphology similar to myoepithelial carcinoma and amplification of the EWSR1 gene in a 14-year-old boy. Clinical observation and literature review
Authors: Sidorov I. V. , Fedorova A. S. , Konopleva E. I. , Sharlai A. S. , Konovalov D. M.
Published: February 2023

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is one of the most frequent primary bone tumors and has a well-studied diagnostically important genetic background. However, there are primary bone round-cell tumors with atypical morphology different from conventional ES, tumors with rearrangement of the EWSR1 gene with partner genes not from the ETS gene family, tumors with unusual changes in the EWSR1 gene (amplification or deletion), which can cause significant diagnostic difficulties. In this article, we will describe a case of a primary bone tumor with an atypical morphology similar to myoepithelial carcinoma, where an amplification of the EWSR1 gene was detected. According to morphological, immunological, genetic and clinical signs, this tumor was classified as a sarcoma from the EWSR1::non-ETS group of round-cell sarcomas, namely a sarcoma with EWSR1::NFATC2 rearrangement, first formalized in the WHO classification of soft tissue tumors in 2020.
Proton beam therapy in pediatric patients with central nervous system tumors: method features, clinical data analysis
Authors: Smirnova А. Yu. , Radulesku G. G. , Vorobyov N. А. , Bezyazychnaya I. V. , Martynova N. I. , Morgacheva D. A. , Belogurova M. B. , Dinikina Yu. V.
Published: February 2023

Introduction. Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the most common pediatric solid tumor, that need multimodality treatment approach including surgery, intensive chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT). Due to toxicity, mostly late, RT has limited use in children, especially those under 3 years of age. The physical characteristics of proton beam therapy (PBT) minimize the risk and types of toxicity compared to photons, making it the preferred choice for pediatric use.   Aim – to analyze the experience of PBT in patients under 18 years of age with various types of CNS malignancies, the assessment of risk factors for acute and late toxicity and its clinical manifestations. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of 63 courses of PBT performed in 58 patients with CNS malignancies for the period from 2018 to 2022 was carried out on Proton Center of the Sergey Beresin Medical Institute. The manifestations of local and systemic toxicity (predominantly acute) were analyzed, with an assessment of the influence of age, the volume of RT, the use of previous and concomitant CT on the severity of adverse events (AE).   Results. In the study cohort, patients with embryonal CNS malignancies predominated (72.3 %). Median age was 5 years 2 months, median follow-up was 15 months. In 36 % of cases, a complete response was achieved by the start of PBT. Patients with craniospinal irradiation (CSI) prevailed (60 %). Among the manifestations of toxicity, AE grade I–II predominated. The most common AE were local reactions (dermatitis (84 %), focal alopecia (96 %)). Among systemic AE, hematological complications (84 %) were the most often occurred. A more pronounced toxicity profile was registered in the group with CSI, while concomitant CT, the patient’s age, previous CT did not significantly affect the severity of most of the assessed AE parameters (p > 0.05). The analysis of late toxic effects was difficult due to the short follow-up period, the cumulative effect of other treatment modalities on the AE’s development. The reported complications included persistent focal alopecia (14 % of cases), endocrinopathies (7 %), neurological manifestations (6 %). One (2 %) child had a severe neurological deficit, secondary epilepsy with psychomotor regression, which can also be associated with the potentiating effect of previous CT and high-dose CT.   Conclusion. The analysis of our data and literature review allows to conclude that PBT has relatively low toxicity profile, which is the determining factor for choosing this method of RT in pediatric patients. The main risk factor of AE’s was CSI. The acceptable acute toxicity of repeat PBT makes it possible to be used in pts with disease progression or relapse in case of absence of alternative therapeutic options.
Innovative advances in pediatric oncology and hematology: data of 54th Congress of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP)
Authors: Valiev T. T.
Published: February 2023

The success in pediatric oncology and hematology diseases treatment opened the way to cure more than 90 % of patients with leukemias and lemphomas. The ability to share an achievements in modern paediatric oncology and hematology, to find an actual directions of development, to permit the specialists from every corner of the world to communicate and discuss the most difficult aspects in diagnosis and treatment of paediatric malignancies – the basis of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) work. In the current issue it is presented the thesis of reports of 54th SIOP Congress, which took place in Spain (Barcelona) from September 28 to October 1, 2022. New target drugs (blinatumomab, inotuzumab ozogamicin, dinutuximab, venetoclax, daratumumab, asciminib), cellular (CAR-T) and immune approaches for malignancies treatment, new achievements in supportive care, psychological and social aspects of medical care organization for paediatric patients with malignancies – only a few topics, that were discussed of the event.
Risk of leptomeningeal metastasis in children with parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma with intracranial spread
Authors: Rodina A. D. , Polyakov V. G. , Gorbunova T. V. , Krylov A. S. , Kashanina A. L. , Merkulov O. A. , Varfolomeeva S. R.
Published: February 2023

Introduction. Soft tissue tumors account for up to 8 % of all malignant neoplasms in children. According to the international histological classification, about 150 different morphological variants of soft tissue tumors have been registered, of which 45 % are rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Most often, RMS occurs in early childhood – the average age of patients at the time of diagnosis is 5 years. The incidence rate of RMS is 0.9 per 100,000 children. In 25 % cases, the initial diagnosis reveals distant metastasis to the lungs, bones, bone marrow, and 8 % – leptomeningeal metastasis. More than 7 % of patients with localized parameningeal RMS develop leptomeningeal metastasis, according to the Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group.   Purpose of the study – report the incidence, prognosis of leptomeningeal metastasis and treatment outcomes in children with intracranial spread of RMS.   Materials and methods. The study included 45 patients aged 1 to 17 years with a diagnosis of RMS of parameningeal localization with intracranial spread, who received special treatment from 2003 to 2020. The study included 6 (20 %) patients in whom the tumor developed in early childhood (up to 3 years). The boys predominated – 25 (55.5 %) in the study. The primary tumor spread to the orbit in 7 (15 %) cases, the skull base in 7 (15 %) cases, the middle ear in 4 (8 %) cases, the nasopharynx in 3 (6 %) cases, and the brain substance was affected in 16 (35 %). Metastases in regional lymph nodes were determined in 7 (15 %) patients. Multiple metastatic lesions of bones and bone marrow – 4 (9 %) cases, leptomeningeal metastases – in 2 (4 %). 45 (100 %) patients received drug treatment according to the protocols approved by the Academic Council of the Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at N. N. Blokhin National Medical Research Centerof Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia. Radiation therapy was performed in 33 (74 %) patients, while total focal dose of 50 Gy was administered to the primary tumor. Affected lymph nodes of the neck were irradiated in 10 (23 %) patients, total focal dose is 45.0 Gy. Surgical treatment was performed in 15 (34 %) patients. Multicomponent treatment was performed in 15 (34 %) patients.   Results. During the observation period from 12 months to 14 years, 21 (49 %) patients are alive. 21 (51 %) patients died from tumor progression, 1 (2 %) died from complications of special treatment.   Conclusions. The treatment of this group of patients is one of the urgent problems of pediatric oncology, which is based on polychemotherapy, supplemented by intrathecal administration of anticancer drugs and craniospinal irradiation. The development of new therapies requires a multidisciplinary approach to achieve a significant improvement in the survival of children with leptomeningeal metastases RMS of parameningeal localization.