bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological characteristics of patients with vaginal cancer in the period 1995 to 2017
Authors: Gavrić Lovrec Vida , Krajnc Barbara , Kozar Nejc , Jakob Nina , Hozjan Tadeja , Takač Iztok
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Vaginal cancer is a rare malignancy that is approximately 3% of all malignant neoplasms of the female genital tract and accounting for approximately 20 new diagnoses each year in Slovenia. The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics of patients with vaginal cancer and to analyse the epidemiologyand describe clinical features, types of treatments applied and factors affecting occurrence of the disease.

Methods: A retrospective study of all vaginal cancers in patients residing in northeastern Slovenia during the years 1995 and 2017 was performed. Patient demographics, disease characteristics, clinical features, referring cytology and histological findings and type of therapy were recorded. Associations among various demographic factors, tumour characteristics, treatments and risk factors of vaginal cancer were evaluated.

Results: A total of 33 patients aged 38–87 years were identified over the 23-year period. The mean age of patients was 64 years. Altogether, we found five different types of neoplasia and 97% of affected patients were between 50 and 80 years old. The most common histologic type of vaginal malignancy was squamous cell carcinoma (78%).

Conclusion: Our results suggested that in eastern Slovenian population, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common vaginal malignancy; it affected primarily older women. This research is first of its kind in the field of vaginal malignancies in the reported region. Retrieval of data from other medical centres of Slovenia would allow more valuable conclusions.
Heart rate reduction using ivabradine protects against periprocedural myocardial injury and angina symptoms in patients with stable coronary disease undergoing coronary intervention
Authors: Naji Franjo , Berro Marcel , Suran David , Kanic Vojko
Published: February 2023

Purpose: There are no data demonstrating that a decrease in heart rate reduces periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Ivabradine is an established anti-ischemic drug that reduces heart rate (HR) and subsequently alleviates symptoms of angina. The present study sought to determine whether HR reduction via ivabradine attenuates PMI.Methods: Forty patients with stable angina and a resting HR of >70 bpm were administered 5 mg of ivabradine twice daily. The control group consisted of 40 patients with a resting HR of >70 bpm. All patients were monitored for one month before the scheduled intervention. After admission, troponin I levels were measured before and 24 h after the procedure. Data on any change in symptoms were also collected in both groups.Results: There were no significant differences between the groups. A significant reduction in HR and angina episodes per week was noted in the ivabradine group (62.3±7.1 bpm vs.79±10.2 bpm; P<0.05 and 0.5±0.1 vs. 2.4±2.1; P<0.05). The mean troponin I levels after the procedure were significantly lower in the ivabradine group compared to the control group (0.12±0.03 ng/mL vs. 0.44±0.08 ng/mL; P<0.05). When analyzing patients after coronary intervention, heart rate of <70 bpm(OR 7.0; CI 1.2 to 41.7; P=0.03) and number of deployed stents (OR 4.4; 95% CI 1.1 to 17.3; P=0.03) were the only significant predictors of PMI after adjustment for potential confounders in a multivariable logistic model. Conclusion: HR reduction achieved by ivabradine reduces PMI in patients undergoing elective PCI.
Usefulness of follicular fluid estradiol and progesterone concentration measurement in predicting outcome of IVF/ICSI natural cycles.
Authors: Gavrić Lovrec Vida , Vlaisavljević Veljko , Kovačič Borut , Gorenjak Maksimiljan , Reljič Milan
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The aim of the study was to establish whether follicular fluid (FF) estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) measurement could be used to predict the outcome of unstimulated IVF/ICSI cycles.

Methods: 91 women underwent 150 unstimulated IVF/ICSI cycles (78 IVF and 72 ICSI). Follicular fluid samples were collected at the time of oocyte recovery. Using the ttest, FF E2 and FF P levels and their ratios (FF P/FF E2) were compared between cycles with successful (with oocyte) and unsuccessful (without oocyte) oocyte recovery, between cycles with and without fertilization and between nonconception and conception cycles.

Results: The oocyte recovery rate was 86.7% (123/150), the fertilization rate 68.3% (84/123) and the pregnancy rate per oocyte recovery 14.0% (21/150). The average FF E2 level was 3530 ± 1339 nmol/L, average FF P 20649 ± 9489 nmol/L and average FF P/FF E2 ratio 7.18 ± 6.42. There were no statistically significant differences in FF E2, FF P levels and their ratio between cycles with unsuccessful and successful oocyte recovery, between cycles without and with fertilization, and between nonconception and conception cycles.

Conclusion: From the FF E2 and P levels and their ratio, it is not possible to make inferences to the likelihood of oocyte recovery, fertilization and conception in unstimulated IVF/ICSI cycles.
About The Contact Lens Sensor Triggerfish®: Experiences Up Until Now
Authors: Faschinger Christoph , Faschinger Eva , Krainz Sarah , Mossböck Georg
Published: February 2023

The purpose is to describe the new device Triggerfish, a sensor contact lens for continuous intraocular pressure measurements, the experiences so far and to judge the possible necessity. Literature search and own publications are presented. Good tolerability and safety, good to fair reproducibility, no validity was observed. Up to now there are too less data to include this new device in every–day practice as a necessary tool for the management of glaucoma. Much more studies testing the validity are warranted.
Konsep Pengembangan Desa Wisata Lebakmuncang Sebagai Eco-Edu Tourism
Authors: Ilecsi Aulia , Hartono Ilham Wahyu , Arini Rindi , Ningrum Yuliatry Mega
Published: February 2023

Desa Lebakmuncang adalah desa wisata agroedukasi dan orientasi budaya yang diberikan oleh pemerintah melalui pembinaan yang dikembangkan oleh masyarakat, dan dikelola langsung oleh Kelompok Kerja Lebakmucang (POKJA) dan dibantu oleh Dinas Pemuda, Olahraga dan Pariwisata Kabupaten Bandung (Dispopar). Sebagai desa wisata diperlukan ide perencanaan dan pengembangan dari Desa Lebakmuncang untuk memaksimalkan potensi pariwisata. Tujuan dari penelitian ini  adalah memberikan ide konsep pengembangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa di Desa Wisata Lebakmuncang sudah menawarkan beberapa paket wisata, adanya homestay, tingkat kebersihan yang baik sekaligus akses jalan yang mudah. Namun terdapat beberapa permasalahan seperti pusat pelayanan informasi yang kurang baik, petunjuk arah kurang detail, kegiatan promosi kurang intensif dan sitem pemesanan tiket melalui internet belum tersedia. Ide konsep pengembangan pada desa wisata Lebakmuncang yaitu Eco-Edu Tourism, yaitu wisata yang menghargai kaidah- kaidah alam dengan melakukan program pembangunan serta pelestarian secara terpadu. Ide pengembangan dilakukan memaksimalkan kualitas dari desa wisata tersebut baik fisik maupun non-fisik dan juga mengclusterkan guna lahan sesuai fungsinya agar memudahkan dalam aseksibilitas dan juga membuat citra kawasan lebih terlihat baik.
Analisis Pengembangan Kawasan Perkotaan Berbasis Kinerja Jasa Ekosistem dalam Pencegahan Banjir dan Luapan. Studi Kasus: Wilayah Perkotaan Pangkalan Banteng, Kabupaten Kotawaringin Barat
Authors: Farizkha Ivan Agusta , Sukarmawati Yuliana , Nugraha Cahyadi Setya
Published: February 2023

Salah satu permasalahan akibat adanya pembangunan yang signifikan di kawasan perkotaan adalah adanya bencana banjir. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengembangan kawasan perkotaan berdasarkan simulasi banjir dan luapan. Metode dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis spasial berbasis Sistem Informasi Geografis. Lokasi studi adalah Wilayah Perkotaan Pangkalan Banteng yang merupakan wilayah dengan tipologi perkotaan di Kecamatan Pangkalan Banteng, Kabupaten Kotawaringin Barat, Kalimantan Tengah. Hasil simulasi terhadap pola ruang menunjukkan bahwa terdapat adanya potensi banjir dan luapan pada area infrastruktur transportasi dan area perumahan. Rekomendasi untuk meminimalisir dampak adalah pengembangan infrastruktur jaringan drainase untuk menjangkau seluruh kawasan perumahan dengan konstruksi yang standar dan relevan dengan kondisi lingkungan serta sistem manajemen konservasi tanah dan air melalui tata kelola lahan untuk menyeimbangkan alih fungsi lahan.
Strategi penanganan covid-19 berdasarkan penderkatan Analisis Pola Interaksi Spasial dan historical frame di Kabupaten Jember
Authors: Farizkha Ivan Agusta , Nugraha Cahyadi Setya
Published: February 2023

Kabupaten Jember termasuk kedalam salah satu wilayah dengan angka positif tertinggi di Provinsi Jawa Timur. Berbagai upaya telah dilakukan untuk mengurangi angka penularan di Kabupaten Jember dari penerapan pembatasan masyarakat, pembatasan mobilitas, pembatasan jam malam, hingga vaksinasi yang terus digencarkan. Analisis interaksi wilayah dilakukan untuk mengetahui pola spasial penularan Covid-19 di Kabupaten Jember. Metode dalam analisis ini menggunakan model Gravitasi untuk mengidentifikasi interaksi penularan antar wilayah kecamatan dan pemetaan untuk menggambarkan pola interaksi penularan Covid-19 di Kabupaten Jember. Berdasarkan hasil analisis diketahui bahwa episentrum penularan Covid-19 di Kabupaten Jember berada di wilayah kecamatan perkotaan Jember yaitu Kecamatan Kaliwates, Sumbersari, Patrang dan Ajung. Peningkatan kasus di wilayah episentrum akan berdampak langsung pada peningkatan kasus di Kecamatan Arjasa dan kemudian peningkatan kasus di Kecamatan Sukorambi. Adapun wilayah kecamatan lainnya juga akan mengalami peningkatan kasus secara merata tetapi tidak sebanyak wilayah episentrum dan turunan utamanya. Strategi yang dapat dilakukan untuk menekan angka penularan dari hasil analisis yang dilakukan terdiri dari: 1) Pembentukan tim taktis khusus guna deteksi dini; 2) Penerapan PPKM mikro; 3) Pembatasan mobilitas; 4) dan penyediaan fasilitas karantina di masing – masing kecamatan.
Pelayanan UPT Puskesmas Batang Kulur Kecamatan Sungai Raya Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Selatan
Authors: Sya’bani Arlan Agus
Published: February 2023

The research methods  used are qualitative methods,  data  collection techniques, namely: observation, interviews and documentation.  The data source was taken through  informants totaling 15 people, using  data  analysis techniques, namely through   the stages of reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions, while  the test  Data credibility using triangulation.The results showed that the  service at the UPT Puskesmas Batang Kulur, Sungai  Raya  District,  Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency, was quite good.  Of the 10 subvariables,  there are 2 good things,  namely: komitmen from management and pengetahu management about quality.  Subvariables that show  quite good results are found in:  the ability to change culture, the ability to build a leadership organization, the value of rewarding and rewarding employees and  the  conformity between structures. organization.  Subvariables that show poor results   are found in: sustainablecycling, planning accuracy  , adequacy of resources and funds and accuracyof adopting quality management principles into the organization.  The factors thathinder the p elayanan  di UPT Puskesmas Batang Kulur, Sungai Raya District, Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency, p ertama, lack of discipline of time of Puskesmas officers in providing services to the community, k edua, k urangnya puskesmas employees in providing services to the community,  k etiga, weinclude employees in the sustainable cycling.  The efforts made to address these  inhibiting factors are: pertama, it is hoped that puskesmas officers  in providing services to the community so that they can   on time, kedua,  adding Puskesmas officers in  providing services  to patients / the community so that the services provided by UPT Puskesmas officers can run well,   third, include officers   in training   sustainable.To improve services at  UPT Puskesmas Batang  Kulur, Sungai  Raya  District,  Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency, it is recommended to the Head of  UPT  Puskesmas Batang Kulur to  convey to  the Head of the Health Office   to  add service officers at   UPT Puskesmas so that services at puskesmas  can run well  and in accordance with the service process.  Meanwhile, Puskesmas employees  are expected to  improve discipline at  work and continue  to  motivate themselves to support the  smooth process of  services provided at the  Batang   Kulur Health Center.  Sungai  Raya  Subdistrict, Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency. For sustainable training  programs, it is hoped that the Head of UPT  Puskesmas Batang Kulur will provide opportunities for their employees. As for the  community, they  are encouraged to participate  in the smooth service process  at the  Batang Kulur Health Center. Keywords: Quality of Service; Public Health; Batang Kulur Health Center
Pengaruh Profitabilitas, Likuiditas dan Solvabilitas Terhadap Nilai Perusahaan Pada Perusahaan Perbankan
Authors: Jamiah Jamiah , Hadi Rizali
Published: February 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of profitability, liquidity and solvency partially and simultaneously on firm value in banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2014-2018. This study uses a quantitative approach with descriptive research type. The sample of this research is 19 companies that have met the criteria that have been set, the sampling method uses non-probability sampling with purposive sampling technique and data calculations using SPSS v.26.This study provides an illustration that the distribution of data that is used as a reference in the study is indicated not to be properly distributed, because in the recapitulation of the financial annual report there are several companies that do not present complete financial statement items, this affects the analysis of the processed data,The results showed that partially the profitability variable had no effect on firm value, liquidity had no effect on firm value, while partially solvency had a negative effect, and simultaneously the profitability, liquidity and solvency variables had no effect on firm value. Keywords: Profitability ; Liquidity ; Solvency ; The value of the company ; Banking
STANDARDI KVALITETE I ODRŽIVOSTI U UGOSTITELJSTVU
Authors: Vrtodušić Hrgović Ana-Marija
Published: February 2023

Globalna konkurencija i sve zahtjevniji kupci nameću potrebu za praćenjem trendova u svim aspektima poslovanja pri čemu fokus na kvalitetu i održivost predstavlja jedan od važnijih preduvjeta za uspješno i dugoročno pozicioniranje na međunarodnom tržištu. U tom kontekstu značajnu ulogu imaju međunarodni standardi sustava upravljanja kvalitetom (ISO 9001), okolišem (14001) i energijom (50001) te je u skladu s tim cilj ovog istraživanja analizirati postojeće stanje u pogledu primjene ovih sustava upravljanja u svijetu, Europskoj uniji te u Republici Hrvatskoj na razini cjelokupnog gospodarstva i posebno za ugostiteljstvo te ukazati na njihov značaj i ulogu u poslovanju što ujedno predstavlja svrhu ovog istraživanja. Provedena analiza pokazuje da se i dalje najviše primjenjuje standard ISO 9001 premda je u 2020. zabilježen pad u odnosu na 2013. godinu. Iako se u manjoj mjeri primjenjuju u odnosu na standard ISO 9001, kod standarda ISO 14001 i 50001 u promatranom je razdoblju zabilježen trend porasta. Analiza pokazuje da je u djelatnosti ugostiteljstva primjena ovih standarda u usporedbi sa svijetom i Europskom unijom još uvijek nedovoljna što zahtijeva poduzimanje mjera za poticanje njihove primjene. S obzirom na trend primjene integriranih sustava upravljanja temeljem dostupnih podataka za 2020. godinu analizirana je i povezanost između primjene standarda ISO 9001 i standarda 14001 na razini Europe. Dodatno kako bi se analizirali učinci primjene ovih standarda provedena je analiza dosadašnjih istraživanja u pogledu rezultata primjene sustava upravljanja kvalitetom, okolišem i energijom i njihove integracije s posebnim naglaskom na ugostiteljstvo budući da se radi o još uvijek nedovoljno istraženoj temi posebno u djelatnosti ugostiteljstva. Provedene analize i dobiveni rezultati predstavljat će osnovu za buduća istraživanja, unapređenje poslovne prakse te bržu i širu primjenu ovih međunarodnih standarda.
ISTRAŽIVANJE TRENDOVA U MOTIVACIJI UČENIKA ZA SREDNJOŠKOLSKIM OBRAZOVANJEM U UGOSTITELJSTVU I TURIZMU U HRVATSKOJ
Authors: Kesar Oliver , Kroflin Mirjana , Kobešćak Mogulić Bruna
Published: February 2023

Svrha ovog istraživanja bila je analizirati motivaciju učenika srednjih strukovnih škola za upisom trogodišnjih ugostiteljskih odnosno četverogodišnjih turističkih zanimanja te saznati kakva su njihova predznanja i percepcija o struci u kojoj planiraju graditi svoju profesionalnu karijeru. Pored toga, željelo se istražiti i koliko učenika ima ozbiljne namjere ostati raditi u struci ili se nastaviti obrazovati u njoj, a koliko njih namjerava napustiti inicijalno odabranu struku. Cilj istraživanja bio je na temelju prethodno analiziranih trendova dobiti ključne informacije na temelju kojih unaprijediti promociju i osnažiti motivaciju učenika za upisom spomenutih zanimanja. U tu svrhu je sredinom 2022. godine provedeno empirijsko istraživanje na uzorku od 686 učenika prvih razreda iz 11 srednjih ugostiteljsko-turističkih škola iz svih krajeva Hrvatske. Analiza je pokazala da na tržištu rada u ugostiteljstvu i turizmu vlada velik deficit formalno obrazovanih i kompetentnih kadrova koji je praćen negativnim demografskim kretanjima u vidu smanjenog broja upisanih učenika u srednje škole, ali i sve slabijom motivacijom učenika za upisom zanimanja u području ugostiteljstva i turizma, osobito kada je riječ o trogodišnjim zanimanjima. Temeljem tih nalaza u radu se iznose smjernice i preporuke za unaprjeđenje promocije i statusa strukovnog obrazovanja u području ugostiteljstva i turizma u Hrvatskoj.
STAVOVI LOKALNOG STANOVNIŠTVA GRADA SAMOBORA O ZELENOM POSLOVANJU U HOTELIJERSTVU REPUBLIKE HRVATSKE
Authors: Ivaniš Marija , Ivanušević Mia
Published: February 2023

Suvremeni turistički trendovi svim destinacijama nameću potrebu za okretanjem ka zelenom turizmu, a turisti svojim ponašanjem i sami sudjeluju u stvaranju takvog oblika turizma u nekoj destinaciji. U Hrvatskoj do sada oko 50 hotela nosi oznaku ‘’Sustainable Hotel’’ certificiranih od strane Udruge poslodavaca u hotelijerstvu Hrvatske. Zeleni hoteli energetski su učinkoviti, recikliraju te iskorištavaju obnovljive izvore energije i manje su štetni za okoliš. Osnovna svrha empirijskog istraživanja bila je utvrditi razumije li lokalno stanovništvo grada Samobora prednosti zelenog poslovanja, prepoznaju li ulogu i značenje određenih eko certifikata kojima su hoteli nagrađeni zbog svog društveno odgovornog poslovanja te smatraju li treba li poticati hotele na primjenu zelene prakse na području Republike Hrvatske. Bez obzira na to što većina ispitanika nije upoznata sa zelenim poslovanjem i obilježjima zelenih hotela, ista ta većina s druge strane prepoznala je neke ključne karakteristike istog te izrazila stav da je važno poticati ovakav oblik poslovanja uviđajući prednosti koje ono stvara. Iako je uzorak istraživanja relativno malen, stavovi ispitanika pokazali su se iznimno pozitivnim. Povratni odgovori su pokazatelj da lokalne zajednice žele biti uključene u zelene inicijative kao i da prihvaćaju svjesnost da prilikom zadovoljenja vlastitih potreba, u obzir trebaju uzeti i potrebe budućih naraštaja. Istraživanje može poslužiti daljnjim istraživanjima što u budućnosti pridonosi boljoj slici održivih hotela na području Republike Hrvatske, a valorizaciju i društvenu odgovornost najviše bi osjetila priroda, čemu koncept održivog razvoja u konačnici i teži.
TRENDOVI U HOTELSKOJ PRODAJI – PRIMJER PODUZEĆA JADRAN D.D. CRIKVENICA
Authors: Trinajstić Maša , Žepina Marijana
Published: February 2023

Svrha – U današnje vrijeme sve veće informatizacije i digitalizacije, sve više hotela ulaže u nove tehnologije kako bi povećali broj online rezervacija. Uvođenje novih rješenja i mijenjanje poslovnih strategija još je više bilo izraženo tijekom posljednje dvije godine za vrijeme trajanja pandemije koronavirusa kada je veliki broj putničkih agencija i turoperatora prestao s radom. Stoga, glavni cilj ovog rada je istražiti trendove u hotelskoj prodaji na primjeru poduzeća Jadran d.d. Crikvenica. Svrha istraživanja je ispitati koliko je zastupljena online prodaja u ukupnim noćenjima, te koliko se rezervacija ostvari putem online direktnih ili indirektnih kanala. Obrada teme – Podaci su prikupljeni metodom intervjua sa osobama odgovornima za hotelsku prodaju te desk metodom. Analizirane su ostvarene rezervacije i noćenja u 2021. godini kroz pojedine kanale prodaje. Zaključci – Rezultati su pokazali da je u 2021. godini najviše rezervacija ostvareno kroz online prodaju i to kroz online turističke agencije (Booking.com, Expedia, Hotelbeds, Sunhotels) te kroz direktnu prodaju (putem call centra i web stranica) dok je najmanje ostvareno kroz ostale putničke agencije (alotmanski ugovori). Također istraživanjem je uočeno da osim ulaganja u samu informatizaciju prodajnih sustava, poduzeće Jadran d.d. ulaže i u edukaciju kadrova jer bez njih nijedna moderna tehnologija u prodaji ne bi uspješno mogla biti provedena. Ukoliko hoteli žele zadržati konkurentnost, osim samog ulaganja u podizanje kategorije smještajnih kapaciteta, moraju se prilagoditi novim turističkim trendovima te ulagati u online prodaju posebice direktne kanale prodaje.
A Survey on Disease Prediction from Retinal Colour Fundus Images using Image Processing
Authors:   Research Scholar, Dept. of Comp.Science,Bharatiyar University, Coimbatore., Ms M. Arulmary , Mr S.P. Victor ,   Associate Professor, Dept. of Comp. Science, St. Xaviers College, Palayamkottai., David A. Heber ,   Senior Clinical Scientist, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, Vannarpettai, Tirunelveli
Published: February 2023

The aim of this survey is to list the various disease predictions from retinal fundus images and various methods used to detect the disease. This paper gives a detailed description about the various diseases predicted in retina by comparing retinal fundus image structure. Till now, the prediction of various diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular disease and other eye problems had been predicted by using retinal fundus images. Next, a comparitive study of the various methods followed using image processing to find out the diseases from retinal fundus images, is provided. The basic matrices observed to predict the diseases are optic disc,nerve cup and rim. To find the differences in the basic matrices, image processing techniques such as mask generation, colour normalization, edge detection, contrast enhancement are used. The datasets that are used for retinal image inputs are STARE, DRIVE, ONHSD, ARIA, IMAGERET. The survey at the end, discusses the future work for the possibilities of predicting gastreointestinal problems via retinal fundus images.
Benefits and Challenges in Digital Banking Sector
Authors:   Assistant Professor Dept of Commerce K.C.S College of Arts & Science, Chennai, Mr T.Arunmozhi , Mr Silviya Aloysius ,   Assistant Professor, Dept of Commerce, K.C.S College of Arts & Science, Chennai
Published: February 2023

Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) is the place business exchanges follow through media communications systems, especially with the assistance of Internet. E-Commerce has been the rising business procedure in the time of globalization, with the assistance of E-trade supervisor can see every one of the undertakings of business from one work area and can settle on speedy choices. E-trades most critical effect is on the segments that are fundamentally transmit data in (postal administration, correspondences, radio and TV) and those that produce it (money, diversion, travel operators or stock brokers).After globalization, E-business has been progressively turned into a vital segment of business technique and a solid impetus for financial advancement. E-managing an account has gotten to be well known in light of its accommodation and adaptability, furthermore exchange related advantages like pace, productivity, availability, and so on. The best preferred standpoint of E-trade is that it interfaces individuals inside a limited capacity to focus time from any part of the world. Permit individuals to appreciate, access items, administrations, data and other individuals which generally would not be so effectively accessible to them. Banks are the foundation of each nations economy and help in expedient exchanges which were unrealistic before the presentation of E-business. This paper demonstrates the advantages and difficulties in the Indian saving money division through E trade.
Urban Green Spaces and Vector-Borne Disease Risk in Africa: Case of the Sibang Forested Park in Libreville (Gabon, Cen-Tral Africa)
Authors: Obame-Nkoghe Judicaël , Makanga Boris Kevin , Zongo Sylvie Brizard , Koumba Aubin Armel , Komba Prune , Longo-Pendy Neil-Michel , Mounioko Franck , Akone-Ella Rodolphe , Nkoghe-Nkoghe Lynda Chancelya , Ngangue-Salamba Marc-Flaubert , Yangari Patrick , Aboughe-Angone Sophie , Fournet Florence , Kengne Pierre , Paupy Christophe
Published: February 2023

In Africa, vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are still a major public health issue especially in cities that gather an increasing human population. Market gardening practices, for example, can favor the transmission of urban malaria, while insufficient water supply and waste management favor the circulation of arboviroses related to Aedes mosquitoes. Urban planning is a major challenge to mitigate vector risks. As a planning strategy, greening is a concept that is increasingly considered as a major element impacting the well-being of inhabitants, but also for the restoration of biodiversity in cities. Nevertheless, the impact of urban green spaces on vector risk remains poorly investigated, as they may serve as refuge for vectors. This is why the diversity of mosquitoes in terms of species and larval habitat, through larval prospections in environmental water collections and human landing catches, is studied here at an intra-urban interface area between a forest and an urban ecosystem in order to assess the vector risk generated by preserving a forest patch in the heart of Libreville, capital of Gabon, central Africa. Out of 104 water containers explored, 94 (90.4%) were artificial, mainly comprising gutters, used tires, and plastic bottles, while 10 (9.6%) were natural, comprising a puddle, streams, and tree holes. The majority of the water collections recovered (73.1%) were found outside of the forested area, natural and artificial ones considered together. A total of 770 mosquitoes belonging to 14 species were collected from water collections. The mosquito community was largely dominated by anthropophilic species like Aedes albopictus (33.5%), Culex quinquefasciatus (30.4%), and Lutzia tigripes (16.5%). The Shannon index of diversity showed that mosquitoes were almost twice less diversified inside the forest (0.7) than outside (1.3). However, both communities were quite similar in terms of common species and relative abundance (Morisita-Horn index = 0.7). Regarding Human landing catches, Aedes albopictus (86.1%) was the most aggressive species, putting people at risk of Aedes-borne viruses. This study uncovered the importance of considering urban forested ecosystems as potential drivers of disease emergence and spread in urban areas, as they might locally boost urban mosquito densities due to poor environmental practices, mainly maintained by humans through poor environmental practices. In Gabon, this study should contribute to guide targeted vector control strategies, especially regarding the implementation of policies for a better environmental management and vector surveillance in urbanized areas.
A Multicriteria Analysis to Support Natural Resource Governance. The Case of Chestnut Forests
Authors: Bruzzese Stefano , Blanc Simone , Novelli Silvia , Brun Filippo
Published: February 2023

Efficient natural resource management prevents and reduces negative impacts, such as environmental damage, misappropriation of resources, and conflicts; several strategies can be leveraged to conserve, protect, and enhance natural resources. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) is useful in providing solutions to addressing decision-choice problems. In this study, the natural resource under evaluation is the chestnut forest, with the objective of valorising its supply chains. The methodology applied is A'WOT, which allows previously identified factors through a qualitative SWOT matrix, to be ordered through an objective quantification using AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process), which is a multicriteria decision-support method. The survey was conducted with a group of chestnut resource (n=20) experts. The SWOT matrix identified a total of 20 factors: 6 strengths and 6 weaknesses and 4 factors each for opportunities and threats. The results express a clear stakeholder interest, which identifies the significant role of civil society in directing management choices for the provision and enhancement of ecosystem and vocational services. This study evaluated the adaptability of decision-support tools applied to a real case of forest resource management to identify and order factors useful to enhance the resource and stimulate the supply chains to achieve greater added value. In a general sense, the methodological potential emerged to replicate or improve the research in other geographical regions, whether regional or extra-regional, or even on a larger scale, such as on a national level.
Effect of Thermomechanical Aging of Orthodontic Aligners on Force and Torque Generation: An in vitro Study
Authors: Elshazly Tarek , Nang Diva , Golkhani Bijan , Elattar Hanaa , Keilig Ludger , Bourauel Christoph
Published: February 2023

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of artificial aging by thermocycling and mechanical loading on force/torque delivery by thermoplastic orthodontic aligners. Ten thermoformed aligners made of Zendura™ thermoplastic polyurethane sheets were aged over two weeks in deionized water by thermocycling alone (n=5) and by both thermocycling and mechanical loading (n=5). The force/torque generated on upper second premolar (Tooth 25) of a plastic model was measured before aging (as control), and after 2, 4, 6, 10, and 14 days of aging, using a biomechanical set-up. Before aging, the extrusion-intrusion forces were in the range of 2.4 to 3.0 N, the oro-vestibular forces were 1.8 to 2.0 N, and the torques on mesio-distal rotation were 13.6 to 40.0 Nmm. Pure thermocycling had no significant effect on the force decay of the aligners. However, there was a significant decrease in force/torque after 2 days of aging for both thermocycling and mechanical loading aging group, which is no longer significant over 14 days of aging. In conclusion, artificial aging of aligners in deionized water with thermocycling and mechanical loading results in a significant decrease in force/torque generation. However, the mechanical loading of aligners has a greater impact than thermocycling alone.
Generalized model representations of the theory thermal shock for local non-equilibrium processes heat transfer
Authors: Kartashov Eduard Mikhailovich , Polyakov Sergey Vladimirovich
Published: February 2023

An open problem of the theory of thermal shock in terms of a generalized model of dynamic thermoelasticity under conditions of a locally nonequilibrium heat transfer process was considered. The model simultaneously includes three coordinate systems: Cartesian coordinates - a massive body bounded by a flat surface; spherical coordinates - a massive body with an internal spherical cavity; cylindrical coordinates - a massive body with an internal cylindrical cavity. Three types of intensive heating and cooling are considered: temperature, thermal, medium. The task is set: to obtain an analytical solution, to carry out numerical experiments and to give their physical analysis. As a result, generalized model representations of thermal shock in terms of dynamic thermoelasticity have been developed for locally nonequilibrium heat transfer processes simultaneously in three coordinate systems: Cartesian, spherical, and cylindrical. The presence of curvature of the boundary surface of the thermal shock area substantiates the initial statement of the dynamic problem in displacements using the proposed corresponding "compatibility" equation. The latter made it possible to propose a generalized dynamic model of the thermal reaction of massive bodies with internal cavities simultaneously in Cartesian, spherical and cylindrical coordinate systems under conditions of intense thermal heating and cooling, thermal heating and cooling, heating and cooling by the medium. The model is considered in displacements on the basis of local non-equilibrium heat transfer. An analytical solution for stresses is obtained, a numerical experiment is carried out; the wave nature of the propagation of a thermoelastic wave is described. A comparison with the classical solution is made without taking into account local non-equilibrium. On the basis of the operational solution of the problem, design engineering relations important in practical terms for the upper estimate of the maximum thermal stresses are proposed.
Global reasons of world instability and ways to its decreas
Authors:   Institute of Telecommunications and Global Information Space of the National Academy of Science of Ukraine, Vorobiyenko Petro
Published: February 2023

The aim of the work is to identify the underlying causes of world instability and, on the basis of this, to suggest recommendations on directions for further research to prevent the catastrophe of the global society. The work analyzes the activities of international organizations for more than 50 years, aimed at ensuring sustainable development of the world. First of all, these are UN resolutions and OSCE decisions. The forecasted indicators of development and risks of the global society in the future are analyzed, as well as the success and failures in the implementation of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Two conclusions were drawn. The first conclusion is that there is the tangible success in increasing the sustainability of development. The second conclusion is that the set goals will not be achieved in full, and for some goals, deterioration is observed, since the global causes of instability have not been identified. The world has 20% entered a period of instability in terms of self-sustainability (A) There are at least three such reasons: imperfection of economic theory; insufficient level of morality in economic and political life between states, in business and ordinary people; the absence of a truly effective system for selecting elites and a system for promoting true leaders to the pinnacle of power, when the pinnacle of power coincides with the pinnacle of wisdom and the pinnacle of morality. Research directions for the development of measures to prevent a global catastrophe are proposed. The first set of studies is aimed at establishing correlations between causes and effects. For example, between improving economic theory and making development more sustainable. The second set of studies is aimed at developing mechanisms to eliminate the causes of instability.
STRUCTURE-ACTIVITY-RELATIONSHIP OF THE POLYPHENOLS INHIBITION OF α-AMYLASE AND α-GLUCOSIDASE
Authors: Bamigboye Taiwo Josiah , Olubiyi Olujide Oludayo , Olawuni Idowu J. , Van Heerden Fanie R.
Published: February 2023

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious public health challenge, projected by WHO to be one of the 7 leading cause of death by 2030. Medicinal plants have been demonstrated to be useful in DM local management because of polyphenols present in these plants. For an alternative treatment approach especially with polyphenols-rich herbs, knowledge of comparative efficacy of the polyphenols will lead to enhanced therapy especially in postprandial hyperglyceamic control.
Materials and Methods:Vegetative parts of Anacardium occidentale, Abelmoschus ecsulentus and Ceiba pentandra, prominent in the local management of DM were identified, collected and subjected to alcoholic extraction. From the crude extracts were isolated agathisflavone, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-diglycoside, mangiferin, isomangiferin and pentagalloyl glucose, belonging to flavonoid, xanthones and tannins structural classes. These polyphenols were evaluated for their potentials to inhibit both α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Physicochemical parameters of the polyphenols were evaluated and molecular docking experiments were carried out to gain insight into the observed inhibitory activity.
Results: quercetin 3-O-glucosidewas the most potent of the polyphenols against the two enzymes. Increase in the number of phenolic hydroxyl group did not increase the inhibitory activity and neither computation of the binding energies with the enzymes nor physicochemical parameters of the polyphenols could explain the observed inhibitory activity against the enzymes, across the structural classes. Thus, only the bioassay against the enzymes α-glucosidase and α-amylase correlated well with the use of the plants in treating diabetic mellitus
Conclusion: Medicinal plants rich in quercetin 3-O-glycoside may have better treatment outcomes in postprandial hyperglycaemia control.
Developmental Foot Deformities in Patients with Connective Tissue Disorders
Authors: Mir Basit , Gaber Karim , Ghali Daniel , Merabia Bouchra Ghania , Lin Celina , Kishta Waleed
Published: February 2023

» Foot deformities make up a large percentage of all orthopaedic complaints in patients with Down syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Larsen syndrome, and osteogenesis imperfecta.

» Some common causes of foot deformities in these conditions include increased ligament laxity, hypotonia, and hypermobility of the joints.

» Treatment options for syndromic foot deformities include the use of foot orthoses, physical therapy, bracing, and various surgical procedures.

» There is limited evidence supporting the use of surgical intervention to correct foot deformities associated with Down syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Larsen syndrome, and osteogenesis imperfecta. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the short-term and long-term outcomes of these procedures.
Lower Hounsfield units on CT are related to 3D-Print Artificial Vertebral Body subsidence after anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion
Authors: Mei Jun , Wang Zhiqiang , Tian Xuefeng , Liu Qingqing , Sun Lin , Liu Qiang
Published: February 2023

Objective

The subsidence of vertebral body replacement may occur after cervical spine ACCF surgery, which may lead to cervical kyphosis, spinal cord compression and neurological dysfunction. The author used CT to measure the relationship between HU value and the subsidence of 3D-Print artificial vertebral body(3D-PAVB) after cervical spine ACCF surgery.

Methods

The data of patients with cervical spondylosis treated by ACCF surgery from 2017 to 2020 in Bethune Hospital of Shanxi were analyzed retrospectively. The statistical data included age, sex, type of cervical spondylosis, body mass index (BMI), disease type, surgical segment, whether to incorporate the ACDF,vertebral height, Cobb Angle, and HU values of vertebral body and endplate. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using VAS, JOA and NDI. Univariate analysis was performed to determine the factors contributing to the subsidence of the 3D-printed artificial vertebra, and independent risk factors were determined by logistic regression. The ROC curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyze the HU value and predict the 3D-PAVB subsidence.

Results

66 patients met the inclusion criteria. 19 patients had 3D-PAVB subsidence, the subsidence rate was 28.8%. Postoperative JOA, VAS and NDI scores of patients in the subsidence group and non-subsidence group were significantly improved. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in age, diabetes, smoking and lower vertebral CT values between the two groups. The average HU value of the subsidence group (251.39 ± 52.62, n = 19) was significantly lower than that of the non-subsidence group (317.06 ± 73.59, n = 47, p<0.01). Multivariate analysis confirmed that smoking and HU of the lower vertebra were independent risk factors for 3D-PAVB subsidence, with an AUC of 0.772 and an optimal threshold of 272 for HU (sensitivity 78.9%, specificity 74.5%).

Conclusion

Smoking and low HU before surgery are independent risk factors for early postoperative 3D-PAVB subsidence. Understanding smoking history before surgery and measuring CT HU value are helpful to predict early 3D-Print artificial vertebral subsidence after cervical spine ACCF surgery. The lower the CT HU value, the higher the subsidence risk.
Synthesis of CeO2 Nanoparticles from Psidium guajava Leaf Extract for Corrosion Inhibition of Zinc in Hydrochloric Acid through Electrochemical Analysis
Authors: Mohamed M. Varusai , Ahamed A. Jafar , Samsathbegum A.
Published: February 2023

CeO2 NPs were synthesized using a green method with Psidium guajava plant leaf extract. The crystal structure was characterized using XRD, EDAX, UV-Vis, SEM, and FTIR. The XRD results indicate that the samples have a cubic fluorite structure in the Fm-3m space group.The Debye-Scherer and Williamson-Hall plot analysis determined the crystal size of the CeO2 NPs to be 12 nm.The FTIR spectra showed the functional groups and corresponding bands of the prepared NPs and the band extension. The UV-Vis spectra showed a strong absorption peak at 358 nm, indicating that CeO2 has good optical properties with a band gap of 3.46 eV. The PL spectrum of the CeO2 NPs showed the presence of eight intense peaks corresponding to emission bands around defects and at low density. The SEM image showed that the CeO2 NPs were relatively spherical and uniform. The EDAX spectrum revealed the purity and complete chemical composition of the CeO2 NPs. The corrosion inhibition effect of CeO2 NPs on zinc metal immersed in 1.0 M HCl was evaluated at room temperature employing the weight loss method and different adsorption isotherms. Arise in inhibitor concentration of the controlled towards a corresponding increase in the effectiveness of corrosion inhibition.The corrosion current density (Icorr) values decreased as the inhibitor concentration increased, and the corrosion rate decreased. Confirmation of a protective film over the zinc metal surface was achieved using electrochemical techniques such as AC impedance and polarization studies.
Pretreatment radiomics power in evaluating neoadjuvant chemotherapy response and outcome for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Yalian , Li Xinyao , Li Wei , Wang Hongbo , Wang Yan
Published: February 2023

Background: This study conducted a meta-analysis of the evaluation value of radiomics in predicting induction chemotherapy (IC) response and prognosis of the patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). By using the method of radiomic to formulate individualized treatment plans for the patients with HNSCC, the survival rate of the patients could be improved while maintaining the normal physiological functions.
Methods: We systematically searched the relevant articles on radiomics predicting IC response and prognosis of the patients with HNSCC published before June 1, 2022. Meta-analysis was used to evaluate the power for radiomics in predicting the response and prognosis of patients with HNSCC to IC.
Results: A total of 16 articles with 8238 patients were included in the study. The predictive value of IC response in patients with HNSCC showed that the diagnostic AUC was 0.87 (0.83-0.89), the sensitivity was 0.85 (0.69-0.94), and the specificity was 0.77 (0.65-0.86). By using radiomics, patients were divided into high-risk group and low-risk group, IC was the protective factor in the high-risk group. The survival time of overall survival (OS) in IC group was 0.35 (95% CI: 0.25-0.49) compared with the non-IC group, the disease progression free survival time (PFS) was 0.38 (95% CI: 0.28-0.52), and the metastasis free survival time (DMFS) was 0.37 (95% CI: 0.26-0.53).
Conclusions: Radiomics has a good predictive ability for the response of patients with HNSCC to IC and the impact of prognosis. Radiomics will assist clinicians in making more individualized treatment decisions for patients with HNSCC.
Chronic wound microenvironment mediates selection of biofilm-forming multi drug resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis with capability to impair healing
Authors: Pastar Irena , Dinic Miroslav , Verpile Rebecca , Meng Jingjing , Marjanovic Jelena , Burgess Jamie , Plano Lisa , Hower Suzanne , Thaller Seth , Banerjee Santanu , Lev-Tov Hadar , Tomic-Canic Marjana
Published: February 2023

Venous leg ulcers (VLU) are the most common chronic wounds characterized by bacterial biofilms and perturbed microbiome. Staphylococcus epidermidis is primarily known as skin commensal beneficial for the host, however, some strains can form biofilms and cause infections. By employing shotgun metagenomic sequencing we show that genetic signatures of antimicrobial resistance, adhesion and biofilm formation in VLU isolates correlate with in vitro bacterial traits. We demonstrate that the capability of chronic wound isolates to form biofilms and elicit IL-8 and IL-1β expression in human ex vivo wounds, correlates with the non-healing outcomes in patients with VLU. In contrast, commensal strains were incapable of surviving in the human ex vivo wounds. We show that major fitness traits of S. epidermis from VLU involve genes for resistance to methicillin and mupirocin, while the biofilm formation relied on the minimal number of genetic elements responsible for bacterial binding to fibronectin and fibrinogen. This underscores the importance of the emergence of treatment resistant virulent lineages in patients with non-healing wounds.
CRISPR-AMRtracker: a novel toolkit to monitor the antimicrobial resistance gene transfer in fecal microbiota
Authors: Li Gong , Long Tengfei , Zhou Shiying , Xia Lijuan , Wan Lei , Diao Xiaoyuan , Gao Ang , He Yuzhang , Sun Ruan-Yang , Ren Hao , Fang Liang-Xing , Liao Xiao-Ping , Liu Ya-Hong , Chen Liang , Sun Jian
Published: February 2023

The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), especially those on plasmids, poses a major risk to global health. However, the extent and frequency of ARG transfer in microbial communities among human, animal, and environmental sectors is not well understood due to a lack of effective tracking tools. We have developed a new fluorescent tracing tool, CRISPR-AMRtracker, to study ARG transfer. It combines CRISPR/Cas9 fluorescence tagging, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and microbial community analysis. The tool integrates a fluorescent tag immediately downstream ARGs, allowing for gene transfer tracking without affecting host cell antibiotic susceptibility, fitness, conjugation, or transposition. Our experiments show that sfGFP-tagged plasmid-borne mcr-1 can transfer across different bacteria species in feces, including Escherichia, Shigella, Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Bacillus. CRISPR-AMRtracker offers a powerful tool for monitoring ARG transfer in microbiota communities and can inform strategies to combat the threat of antibiotic resistance.