bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supporting Young Children's Numeracy Development With Guided Play
Authors: Cankaya Ozlem
Published: May 2022

Mounting longitudinal evidence demonstrates that young children's numeracy knowledge before kindergarten determines their mathematics achievement path in primary grades and high school graduation. Mathematics education and children's play do not have to be binary and compete for time in early learning and childcare learning environments. Indeed, researchers demonstrate that play and planned mathematical activities enrich one another and ultimately contribute to children's learning outcomes. Guided play, in which educators combine planned learning experiences with the child-directed nature of play, focuses on learning outcomes through adult scaffolding. This chapter synthesizes research on how play experiences can be an organic but powerful process for scaffolding and elevating young children's mathematical understanding in light of current evidence from early numeracy research. In the conclusion of this chapter, evidence-based recommendations are introduced for facilitating children's developing numerical competencies and activating existing knowledge through guided play.
Personalized Mastery-Based Learning Ecosystem
Authors: Thai Khanh-Phuong , Betts Anastasia Lynn , Gunderia Sunil
Published: May 2022

Children differ greatly in what they know and are ready to learn when they enter school. However, when their individual needs are assessed and addressed, even very young children can learn and can greatly surpass grade-level expectations. This chapter discusses the partial implementation of a research-based personalized mastery-based learning ecosystem (PMLE) that uses My Math Academy, a games-based learning program and personalized teacher resources to deliver learning outcomes for young children at scale. The implementation of the My Math Academy PMLE with nearly 1000 prekindergarteners at a high-need school district resulted in significant learning gains, including gains beyond grade level, despite large learner variability in students' prior knowledge and learning progress. Teachers also felt empowered to deliver differentiated instruction, building on the personalized learning students experienced through My Math Academy. Results showed that the PMLE framework can help close equity gaps and help children excel in ways that defy expectations.
Linking Open Innovation and Firm Performance
Authors: Musiello-Neto Francisco Eugenio , Rua Orlando Manuel Martins Marques Lima , Arias-Oliva Mario
Published: May 2022

This study aims to analyze the relationship between open innovation and firm performance. A quantitative methodology was adopted with a survey of 251 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) top managers in the hospitality sector, particularly in hotels. The primary data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis treatments, highlighting the application of the structural equations model. The findings show that open innovation enhances hotel performance. In practical terms, this study will guide, on the one hand, the firms' top managers of the hospitality sector in the definition of open innovation strategies to develop the relevant resources and capacities for achieving superior performance. On the other hand, it can contribute to the meaning of effective government programs to support firms in this sector.
Isolated Territories and Infrastructure Development
Authors: Wiseman Yair
Published: May 2022

Madagascar invests large amounts of money in road infrastructure, parallel to investments in railway infrastructure and rail subsidies. However, there seems to be no economic justification for investing in two land transport infrastructures in parallel. The amount of state funds channeled into these projects is as expected limited, resulting in deficit funding for both rail and road infrastructure. This results in poor infrastructure and an inferior transportation system. The chapter posits that Madagascar should invest singularly in a land transportation infrastructure; as the well-known proverb advises, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
The Impact of South Africa's Immigration Policies on Intra-Africa Trade and Development
Authors: Tshishonga Ndwakhulu Stephen
Published: May 2022

This chapter interrogates the impact that immigration policies have on Africa intra-trade and development. Institutional foundations exist with well-intentional initiatives, such as African Continental Free Trade (AfCFTA), Trade Invest Africa Unit (TIAU), and African Growth and Opportunity Act. However, these initiatives are often undermined by anti-immigration policies, which, instead of promoting intra-continental trade and developmental state, make it impossible for countries and entrepreneurs to freely trade. The chapter argues that ill-conceived immigration policies undermine intra-Africa trade and development, as well as the continental attempts to develop adequate infrastructure, transport, and communication networks for Africa's development and economic prosperity. The chapter is qualitative and uses case studies to deliberate on the effects of immigration policies on Africa intra-trade and state development interventions.
Formalisation of Land Rights in Africa
Authors: Lokhandwala Zainab
Published: May 2022

Numerous African countries have undertaken land rights formalisation programmes since 1970-80. These programmes are within the context of a larger theoretical debate for and against the formalisation of property rights. Programmes vary based on diverse input and output factors. For instance, finance and human resources are input factors. The recognition of communal management rights, administrative recognition of occupation, and registration of transactions of land are output factors. Despite the diversity of different programmes, some broad conclusions can be drawn about their effects. The effect of such programmes on tenure security is analysed by discussing the meaning of tenure security, actual and perceived elements of 'security', whose tenure security (identifying the winners and losers) and de jure and de facto security (legal and practical elements). The chapter collates numerous secondary sources to show how formalisation, although aims and claims to increase tenure security have either no effect or a detrimental effect on tenure security.
Statistical Analysis and Linear Modeling of the Heat Exchangers Fouling in Phosphoric Acid Concentration Units
Authors: El Aguel Saoussen , Meddeb Zina , Jeday Mohamed Razak
Published: May 2022

Several factors influence the functioning of the heat exchangers in phosphoric acid concentration units and significantly affect their energy performance such as the cleanliness of the products, the operating conditions, the deposit of fouling on the walls. During the phosphoric acid concentration operation, fouling leads to a significant drop in the overall heat transfer coefficient, which is highly dependent on the thermal efficiency of the heat exchanger. This chapter presents the statistical study of the experimental database of two concentration units in order to study the variability of the system and identify outliers using principal component analysis. According to Hotelling's (T2) test, the authors identified 148 outliers for the two heat exchangers. Two reduced models of the thermal efficiencies were obtained by projection to latent structures (PLS) method. The application of the PLS regression method resulted in reliable correlation coefficients R2 equal to 0.9 for both configurations of heat exchangers.
A Creative Intervention for Supporting the Mental Wellness of Nurses
Authors: Scott J. Blake , Cook Christa L , Holic Nathan , Florida University of Central , Woody Aislinn
Published: May 2022

Mental health challenges are prevalent among nurses who have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, with dangerous and demoralizing working conditions, mental health stigma, and limited mental health support contributing to such challenges. A wide range of interventions have been developed to support nurses' mental wellness therapeutically, through organizational and broader advocacy, and by educating communities and publics about nurses' experiences. Nurses have produced various forms of artistic expressions, including comics or “graphic testimonials,” to document, process, and share their experiences. Yet such forms, as examples of “graphic medicine,” remain a relatively untapped and unique resource for supporting the mental health of nurses and advocating for and educating others about their lived experiences, needs, and vulnerabilities. As a unique medium, graphic testimonials have much to offer mental health interventions for nurses, especially through destigmatizing, integrated, and capacity building approaches that empower nurses to decide how best to use them.
Team Resilience in Healthcare
Authors: Swinson Jonah , Bowers Clint , Canon-Bowers Jan
Published: May 2022

This chapter focuses on the broader topic of team resiliency within the healthcare profession. Specifically, the authors discuss the current body of literature relating to healthcare teams, the concept of team resilience, and its potential application within the field of healthcare. Moreover, the authors propose different means of developing team resilience within healthcare teams including the theoretical application of an existing team resilience model to the healthcare profession. Lastly, suggestions are provided for future research that could help to develop the body of knowledge related to the topic.
Transportation Modes and Supply Chains
Authors: Tolli Andres , Hilmola Olli-Pekka
Published: May 2022

Due to environmental and market access requirements, companies need to be able to serve versatile transportation modes. Therefore, multimodality and management of supply chains of different transportation modes as one service is vital for companies to succeed. This is also arising as finding from two case studies of this research. The authors analyze two Estonian companies, one international manufacturer, and another one from logistics services. In the situation of manufacturer, different transportation modes are tied more on location of its alternative suppliers. Earlier railway was not an option, but nowadays even distant Chinese suppliers are evaluated with this alternative. Within logistics service companies, different transportation modes are tied to/from where handled products (cars) are coming from and their destination. For example, Russian markets are served by railways, which creates delays due to larger transportation lot size as compared to trucks.
Analysis of the Impact of Air Transportation on the Spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Atalan Abdulkadir , Atalan Yasemin Ayaz
Published: May 2022

With the COVID-19 pandemic, some restrictions in social life were imposed on people by the administrators. The basis of these restrictions was to prevent the spread of this epidemic in order to overcome it. Many sectors were directly or indirectly affected as a result of the restrictions. This study was conducted to reveal the statistical impact of travel by airline transportations on the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States (the U.S.). The data of the confirmed COVID-19 cases were handled for 223 days of covering between March 5, 2020 and October 13, 2020. This study provides statistical evidence that travel by airline transportation is statistically related to a significant impact on COVID-19. The result of this study suggests that social restrictions should continue for a while for the COVID-19 pandemic to be less affected by the second wave worldwide.
Concept Maps to Facilitate Meaningful Learning
Authors: Zheng Robert Z.
Published: May 2022

This chapter takes a new perspective in examining the role and function of concept maps in meaningful learning. Drawn from cognitive theories in memory research and cognitive load, the author examines the limitations of cognitive architecture in human learning in general and concept maps in particular. Taking from Ausubel's meaningful learning theory, the concept of prior knowledge was carefully examined where meaningful learning can be achieved through the activation of prior knowledge which in turn alleviates the constraints of cognitive architecture in information process. An important contribution of this chapter is its conceptual proposition of integrating cognitive strategies into the design of concept maps to improve the performance of concept mapping in learning. The strategies are to alleviate cognitive overload and direct learners' attention to important information in learning. Discussions on the role of these strategies are made with directions for future study.
Innovations on Concept Mapping-Based Activities for Learning Assessment
Authors: Moon Brian , Correia Paulo Rogério Miranda , Ballego Raíssa dos Santos
Published: May 2022

This chapter reveals how concept mapping has provided insight into learner thinking and progress since 1972. Despite its broad appeal, however, concept mapping has not yet reached ubiquity as a technique for assessment – primarily due to several challenges of implementation and limitations on further innovation of the original approach. In its 50th anniversary, a critical question remains: How can the process of concept mapping as a data collection technique enable the assessment of cognitive structures so that teaching may proceed accordingly, at scales that create genuine benefit? This chapter aims to answer this question by highlighting four challenges and presenting innovations designed to overcome them that have resulted in compelling findings and the development of a software tool to enable large-scale assessment based on concept mapping.
Exams for the Purpose of Meaningful Learning
Authors: Remesal Ana , Estrada Flor G. , Corrial Carlos L.
Published: May 2022

This chapter presents theoretical and practical ideas for revisiting exams design for meaningful learning. The authors suggest rethinking exams as a chance to pursue new learning opportunities. A brief review of exams throughout history locates the proposal in the classroom context. Authors argue that exams should not merely focus on assessing meaningful learning as a result. More importantly, they should aim at assessing meaningful learning in its process. Exams ought to promote new chances of meaningful learning. The authors consider exams within an interactional, multi-phased classroom assessment model and propose the new concept of synchronous self-assessment as an assessment strategy to promote students' awareness and agency. In the authors' view, earlier proposals are either too broad or too narrow, missing the goal of rethinking the examination as an exceptional opportunity for quality assessment. Although this practical assessment strategy has only been reported in higher education until now, the authors consider its suitability at earlier educational levels.
Financial Literacy for Families
Authors: Reis Leonilde , Silveira Clara , Carvalho Luisa C. , Aleixo Conceição , Marques Anabela , Filho Geraldo Alemandro Leite , Junior Ismael Mendes dos Santos
Published: May 2022

Balanced development requires the involvement of all stakeholders. In this context, the smart economy will also create innovative mechanisms, especially digital mechanisms that allow optimizing solutions. The chapter aims to analyze the situation in Portugal and Brazil regarding initiatives to raise awareness of the problem by the fact that they are two countries in which families have a high level of indebtedness. The methodology adopted is the design science research because it is a methodology of wide use to allow several iterations during the construction and development of the artifact. The main results are pressing to present a systematization of financial literacy initiatives to list them and interconnect them with the legal framework at the European level in Portugal and Brazil.
Nanotechnology Applications in Breast Cancer
Authors: Tung Bui Thanh , Quynh Cao Thi Xuan , Hong Nguyen Khanh
Published: May 2022

Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease in women worldwide. Despite much technological progress, the current clinical therapy's lack of specificity leads to reduced therapeutic efficiency and serious systemic side effects. In recent years, nanotechnology applications for cancer treatments have attracted a lot of attention because of their advantages in tumor targeting, prolonged blood circulation time, and enhanced accumulation of drugs in tumors. Many liposomal and polymeric-based formulations have been developed to treat breast cancer and showed significantly higher efficiency than free drugs in clinical trials. The versatility of nanoparticles allows for the delivery of multiple active agents with the ability to target various types of cancer. Nanotechnology is a promising field that is expected to introduce new strategies to positively impact the survival rates and quality of life of breast cancer patients. This chapter presents the advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology applications in breast cancer.
Emotion and Online Learning
Authors: Torres Ileana , Statti Aubrey , Torres Kelly M.
Published: May 2022

Emotion plays a critical role in learning, including the online learning experience. However, without the proper tools for engagement, online learning can be an isolating experience. The importance of emotion in teaching and learning is as essential to consider as the curriculum itself. Instructors should consider strategies for promoting emotional presence and engagement in online learning environments and the ways in which emotions influence student's motivation, decision making, and ultimately, the learning process. The chapter provides an overview of the importance of considering the connection between emotion and online learning as well as some of the research that addresses the ways in which to create emotionally sound online courses where the emotional needs of online learners are met.
The Culture of Peace and Leadership for Peace
Authors: Schellhammer Erich Paul
Published: May 2022

This chapter first gives an outline of the international understanding of peace that is rooted in the Kantian concept of human dignity and has found its latest concretization in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals laid out in 2015. Thus, peace is a vison within a predominant culture of war requiring more or less drastic changes of individual mindsets that, collectively, form a culture. The second part addresses the role of a peace leader who aligns followers around the vision of peace and acts as a catalyst for the required change in viewing one's self, the other, and the world. It addresses obstacles to move towards a culture of peace that are based on the same psychological features that can be used by a peace leader to engage followers in transformative processes. It also discusses the challenges for a peace leader as a situated individual, the necessity of accepting multiculturalism, and an ethics that helps a peace leader to stay on course.
Business and Leadership for Peace
Authors: Ledbetter Bernice
Published: May 2022

This chapter presents a review of the literature on business for peace to provide an evidence-based, in-depth analysis of the subject. This review suggests there is a gap in understanding the influence of leadership in business's commitment to advance peace. To address this gap, the constructs of ethical leadership are examined in an attempt to extend the discussion of business for peace by integrating leadership theory. The paradox of the role of business in advancing peace as both a conflict enabler and peace advocate is acknowledged with the recommendation that ethical leaders engage in inclusive problem solving through full spectrum thinking. The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate that responsibility to promote business as a peace actor relies on ethical leaders who lead with moral courage. The chapter concludes with a case example of a business leader who exemplifies ethical leadership to promote peace through her entrepreneurial venture.
The Technology of Peacebuilding
Authors: Svetanoff Rachel , Aresty Jeffrey
Published: May 2022

This chapter highlights the need for a new way to make law to govern internet interactions by incentivizing the world's peripheralized youth in becoming global citizens and forming online communities that can be trusted. The chapter also describes the emerging digital infrastructure of digital identity that can be used by youth in the new data economy to create access to opportunities unavailable to them in the physical world. With a new framework for developing appropriate policies for internet governance, including an acknowledgment that all citizens have a duty to participate in developing the norms of cyberspace, the authors present several opportunities for youth to participate in the global economy.
COVID-19 Chest X-Rays Classification Using Deep Learning
Authors: Singh Simranjit , Sajwan Mohit , Singh Deepak
Published: May 2022

The SARS pandemic has spread throughout the world. Also known as “sporadic” or “spontaneous,” the disease is contagious and can spread from someone who is in direct contact with someone else. COVID-19 is most commonly detected through RT-PCR tests, which may take longer than 48 hours. The data obtained from chest x-rays for COVID-19 patients has been found to be very promising for resolving emergencies, urgent care, and overcrowding. Deep learning (DL) methods in artificial intelligence (AI) play a significant role in the identification of the disease COVID using chest x-rays. In this chapter, a novel method for the effective classification of COVID-19 chest x-rays is proposed called XDeep. The developed model is able to achieve high classification accuracy, and the effectiveness is shown by comparing it with state-of-the-art models.
A Smartphone-Based Dermatological Disease Identification System Using Probabilistic Neural Networks
Authors: Thomas Siji A. , Jacob Jerin Geo , Thomas Sini K. , K. Mathew , George Thomas , S. Arun M.
Published: May 2022

In this chapter, the different dermatological diseases are differentiated using the concept of probabilistic neural networks (PNN). There are different colour transformations for various dermatological diseases. This chapter mainly focuses on the differentiation of psoriasis and dermatitis with the normal one. The colour, shape, and textural features of the patches are studied and analysed for recognising the various dermatological diseases. The colour, texture, mean, median, entropy, standard deviations are considered for feature analysis. The pre-screening system uses the PNN algorithm after the feature extraction. The experimental results define the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, and the system scores sensitivity of 0.91, specificity of 0.94, with an accuracy rate of 96.25%.
Study of Behavioral Changes and Heart Rate Variability Through Speech Signal Analysis in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Deshpande Anjali , Thakur Kavita , Vyas Prafulla , Sinha G. R.
Published: May 2022

This work shows the behavioral and heart condition monitoring of the patients during the COVID-19 infection. As the COVID-19 infection spreads very easily through contact, this work introduces a noninvasive technique to monitor such patients. The heart condition monitoring can be done through the analysis of acousticalcardiogram (ACG) as well as the behavioral changes observed through the Formant analysis. The speech of the patient is recorded, digitized, and its analysis is done using the PRAAT software. The required information from the speech samples is extracted and subjected to the analysis. The spectrogram of each utterance is plotted, and its first and second formants are analysed to form the vowel triangle. These vowel triangle provides behavioral monitoring. The monitoring of heart condition can be done using ACG. The Formant analysis of utterance of 12 Hindi consonants provides the assessment technique of the patient heart condition.
New perspectives for prevention of the post-thrombotic syndrome
Authors: Prandoni Paolo
Published: May 2022

While on conventional anticoagulation, up to 50% of patients with one or more episodes of proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can develop post-thrombotic (PTS) manifestations. The potential strategies for PTS prevention are the treatment of acute DVT with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), the use of elastic compression stockings (ECS) and that of the direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in place of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) for the initial and long-term treatment of DVT. Based on the results of three randomized clinical trials, CDT cannot be recommended on a routine basis because of its invasiveness, the associated risk of major bleedings and the uncertainty about its efficacy. According to the results of a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, ECS are no longer recommended for PTS prevention on a routine basis. However, based on the results of a recent subanalysis of a prospective cohort study, patients with residual vein thrombosis and/or popliteal valve reflux at three months are likely to benefit from ECS for at least six months. Finally, following the demonstration that the inadequacy of VKA therapy plays a key role in the PTS development, several retrospective and prospective studies have shown that the use of DOACs for the initial and long-term treatment of DVT in place of VKAs reduces the risk of PTS by approximately 50%. In conclusion, the availability of DOACs and the potential of ECS in selected patients with proximal DVT are expected to play a key role for decreasing the rate and the severity of PTS in the forthcoming years.
Milvexian and other drugs targeting Factor XI: a new era of anticoagulation?
Authors: Donadini Marco P. , Ageno Walter
Published: May 2022

For almost 90 years, the discovery and development of anticoagulant drugs have focused on maximizing their antithrombotic efficacy while minimizing the risk of bleeding, in addition to providing manageable compounds with predictable and/or monitorable effects [...].
Moving beyond p-value
Authors: Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Iacoviello Licia
Published: May 2022

Scientific literature is overflowing of significance testing and p-values. P-value states how discordant the observed finding is with a null hypothesis. P<0.05 indicates that an association greater than that detected would happen less than 5% of the time under a null hypothesis of no association [...].
Safety and efficacy of treatment with vitamin K antagonists in patients managed in a network of anticoagulation services or as routine general care
Authors: De Girolamo Gianfranco , Sarti Luca , Cecoli Sonia , Bonora Karin , Ajolfi Chiara , Bellelli Francesco , Coluccio Valeria , Palareti Gualtiero , Marietta Marco
Published: May 2022

This is a retrospective, record-linkage study aimed at comparing the effectiveness and safety of two management models of vitamin K antagonists: a Network model (NAS), in which anticoagulation clinics and general practitioners (GP) share the same management software and database, and an individual General Practitioners model. Main outcomes were thromboembolic events (TE), major bleeding (MB) and all-cause mortality. Crude incidence rate and sub-distribution hazard ratio were calculated. Fine and Grey models were used to calculate SHR in multi-variable analysis. 9,418 patients in the NAS and 5,508 in the Routine General Care (RGC) cohort were included. Patients in the NAS cohort had a lower incidence of TE and mortality in respect to the RGC (sHR 0.76%, 95% CI 0.64-0.90 and 0.82%, 95% CI 0.75-0.89, respectively). More patients in the NAS than in the RGC cohort attained a Time in Therapeutic Range >60% (62.2% vs 35.7%, p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in MB incidence. This study shows that the NAS model for vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants management significantly improves the TTR and reduces the incidence of TE and mortality, without affecting the MB rate.
Developing a novel prediction model for the impact of varicocelectomy on postoperative fertility
Authors: Kandevani Naser Yousefzadeh , Namdari Farshad , Hamidi Morteza , Dialameh Hossein , Behzadi Arya
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate inflammatory markers as predictors of fertility after varicocelectomy and to develop a prediction model. This prospective cohort was conducted on patients with varicoceles who were presented to the clinic of Imam Reza hospital of Tehran during 2019-2020. Semen analysis, complete blood count (CBC), and scrotal ultrasonography was requested. Patients with abnormalities of semen analysis were chosen as candidates for varicocelectomy. 6 months after the operation, semen analysis was repeated. Hematologic and semen analysis parameters were recorded at baseline and follow-up visits. Treatment success was defined as 50% increase in total motile sperm count (TMSC) in cases with preoperative TMSC> 5 million/cc or 100% increase in TMSC in cases with preoperative TMSC< 5 million/cc. Patients were then categorized into two groups based on treatment success and statistical analysis was performed on these two groups. 124 infertile patients with varicocele were evaluated in our study. 52 patients (41.93%) showed improvements in semen analysis after varicocelectomy. After univariate and multivariate analysis three parameters were used in our predictive model as body mass index (BMI)>23.70 kg/m2 (4 scores), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) >1.80 (3 scores), and TMSC<14.69 million (2 scores). A cut-off value of 5 was associated with an 87.5% sensitivity and an 84.6% specificity for the prediction of failure of varicocelectomy. Varicocelectomy can improve semen analysis parameters in almost all infertile men with varicocele. Using BMI, NLR, and baseline TMSC as the suggested scoring system can predict the success of varicocelectomy for improving fertility and determine the appropriate infertile candidates for surgery.
Evaluation of the ex-vivo porcine simulator on EUS-guided cystogastrostomy using lumen-apposing metal stent training
Authors: Ibrahim Mostafa , Roshdy Noran , Taleb Amerah , Alfadda Abdulrahman , Al-Lehibi Abed , Altonbary Ahmed , Galal Ahmed , El-Fouly Amr , Kozlowska Anna , Khor Christopher , Isayama Hiroyuki , Okasha Hussein , Barthet Marc , Giovannini Marc , Pausawasdi Nonthalee , Eisendrath Pierre , Kongkam Pradermchai , Ratanachu-ek Thawee , Nakai Yousuke
Published: May 2022

Bckground and Objectives:

EUS-guided cystogastrostomy is a well-established advanced endoscopic technique with a steep-learning curve which necessitates an ex-vivo simulator that would allow for adequate training. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of the model in allowing training for EUS-guided cystogastrostomy using lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS).

Subjects and Methods:

The model was created by ROEYA Training Center, Egypt, using native porcine tissue to create fluid collections simulating both cystic and solid lesions. It was designed and tested in advance while the hydrogel was added on-site. The simulator was evaluated prospectively in five training sessions involving 17 international experts. The task was to successfully deploy the LAMS to drain the created cyst. After using the simulator, the experts were asked to fill a questionnaire to assess their experience. The primary endpoint was overall satisfaction with the model as a training tool.

Results:

All of the experts were satisfied with the model as a tool to train endoscopists for the technique. 76.5% (n = 11) of the experts thought the model to be moderately realistic. Proper visualization was reported by 94.1% of the experts. All experts believed the lesions to be either slightly like or very similar to real lesions. The model was graded “easy” in difficulty by 11 of the experts.

Conclusions:

In all parameters assessed, the experts thought the model to be a useful tool for future training. This preliminary study suggests that the aforementioned simulator can be used to train endoscopists on using LAMS in a risk-free environment.
Independent risk factors for true malignancy in atypical cytologic diagnostic category in EUS-FNA/FNB of the pancreas
Authors: Zhang Ping-Ping , Wang Teng , Li Shi-Yu , Li Li , Su Xiao-Ju , Gu Pei-Yuan , Qian Yi-Ping , Li Feng , Gao Li , Jin Zhen-Dong , Wang Kai-Xuan
Published: May 2022

Background and Objects:

An atypical cytologic diagnosis arises from inflammation or early neoplastic process. It is commonly found in EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration/biopsy (EUS-FNA/FNB) tissue sampling of pancreatic malignancies. The aims of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic performance of EUS-FNA/FNB in patients with cytologic diagnosis of atypical cells and to develop a prediction model for malignant tumors of the pancreas in the atypical cytologic diagnostic category.

Methods:

Two hundred and twenty-six patients in the atypical cytologic diagnostic category were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictive factors for pancreatic malignancies. The final diagnoses were confirmed by repeat biopsy; surgical pathology, or clinical follow-up for at least 6 months.

Results:

The atypical cytologic diagnosis using EUS-FNA/FNB was associated with an absolute risk of malignancy (82.3%). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that older age, long axis of the mass, and increased carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) were independent risk factors for true malignant pancreatic tumors among patients in the atypical cytologic diagnostic category. The calibration curve had a slope of 0.96, and a regression coefficient (R
2) of 0.91. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the validation group was 0.803.

Conclusions:

Atypical lesions of EUS-FNA/FNB have a higher risk of malignancy. Older age, the long axis of the mass, and elevated serum CA19-9 level were identified as independent risk factors for true malignant pancreatic tumors among patients in the atypical cytologic diagnostic category.
Ultrasound elastography
Authors: Cui Xin-Wu , Li Kang-Ning , Yi Ai-Jiao , Wang Bin , Wei Qi , Wu Ge-Ge , Dietrich Christoph F.
Published: May 2022

Physicians have used palpation as a diagnostic examination to understand the elastic properties of pathology for a long time since they realized that tissue stiffness is closely related to its biological characteristics. US elastography provided new diagnostic information about elasticity comparing with the morphological feathers of traditional US, and thus expanded the scope of the application in clinic. US elastography is now widely used in the field of diagnosis and differential diagnosis of abnormality, evaluating the degree of fibrosis and assessment of treatment response for a range of diseases. The World Federation of Ultrasound Medicine and Biology divided elastographic techniques into strain elastography (SE), transient elastography and acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI). The ARFI techniques can be further classified into point shear wave elastography (SWE), 2D SWE, and 3D SWE techniques. The SE measures the strain, while the shear wave-based techniques (including TE and ARFI techniques) measure the speed of shear waves in tissues. In this review, we discuss the various techniques separately based on their basic principles, clinical applications in various organs, and advantages and limitations and which might be most appropriate given that the majority of doctors have access to only one kind of machine.
Expression of specific microRNAs in tissue and plasma in colorectal cancer
Authors: Fellizar Allan , Refuerzo Vivencio , Ramos John Donnie , Albano Pia Marie
Published: May 2022

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNA/miR) play significant roles in the regulation of cell differentiation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. They become dysregulated during carcinogenesis and are eventually released into the circulation, enabling their detection in body fluids. Thus, this study compared the miRNA expression in tissue and plasma samples of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and clinically healthy controls and determined miRNA expression as a potential CRC biomarker.Methods: Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), miR-21-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-92a-3p, miR-135b-5p, miR-196b-5p, and miR-197-3p, expression was analyzed and compared between the malignant (n = 41) and the adjacent neoplasm free mucosal tissues (n = 41) of CRC patients. The findings were validated in plasma samples (n = 36) collected from the same CRC patients prior to surgery or any form of treatment and compared to plasma from their age and sex-matched controls (n = 36).Results: MiR-21-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-92a-3p, and miR- 196b-5p were upregulated and miR-135b-5p was downregulated in CRC malignant tissues compared to their expression in adjacent neoplasm-free tissue. This was further observed in the plasma of the same CRC cases compared to controls. MiR-92a-3p showed itself the most sensitive (0.93; p < .001) and most specific (0.95; p < .001) in detecting CRC in tissue. In plasma, miR-196b-5p was the most sensitive (0.97; p < .001) and specific (0.94; p < .001) in detecting CRC. Plasma miR-92a-3p and miR-196b-5p were the most sensitive (0.95; p < .001) and specific (0.94; p < .001) in the early detection of CRC.Conclusions: Results show that specific miRNAs dysregulated in malignanttissues are released and can be detected in the circulation, supporting their potential as non-invasive biomarkers of CRC.
Expression of prostate-specific membrane antigen in the neovasculature of primary tumors and lymph node metastasis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Erkılınç Gamze , Yasan Hasan , Kumbul Yusuf Çağdaş , Sivrice Mehmet Emre , Durgun Meltem
Published: May 2022

Background: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expression is encountered in tumor-associated neovascularization.Methods: PSMA-antibody was applied to the paraffin blocks of 51 patients who were diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and underwent laryngectomy and one who underwent lymph node dissection. The percentage of vascular expression in tumoral and extratumoral stroma and lymph nodes and intensity score in tumoral epithelium were evaluated and divided into groups according to the level of PSMA expression. Final PSMA expression was determined by multiplying intensity and percentage scores.Results: The mean age was 61±10 years. Patients with perineural invasion, cartilage invasion, and local invasion exhibited higher PSMA expression scores. Age, tumor differentiation, tumor diameter, perineural invasion, tumor localization, capsular invasion, depth of invasion, surgical margin status, local invasion, nodal metastasis, TNM classification, and stage were similar in high and low PSMA expression groups. There was no PSMA expression in extratumoral vascular stroma. Significantly higher PSMA expression was observed in the vascular endothelium of metastatic lymph nodes compared with reactive lymph nodes. Patients with advanced-stage disease exhibited higher PSMA vascular expression scores compared to those with earlier stages (p<.001). PSMA expression was not correlated with overall survival, disease-specific survival, or disease-free survival (p>.05).Conclusions: Our study suggests that higher PSMA expression is associated with cartilage invasion, local invasion, and advanced-stage of disease. PSMA expression can be utilized for detection of lymph node metastasis and has some predictive role in cases of neck metastasis.
Neuropathologic features of central nervous system hemangioblastoma
Authors: Yoda Rebecca A. , Cimino Patrick J.
Published: May 2022

Hemangioblastoma is a benign, highly vascularized neoplasm of the central nervous system (CNS). This tumor is associated with loss of function of the VHL gene and demonstrates frequent occurrence in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. While this entity is designated CNS World Health Organization grade 1, due to its predilection for the cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord, it is still an important cause of morbidity and mortality in affected patients. Recognition and accurate diagnosis of hemangioblastoma is essential for the practice of surgical neuropathology. Other CNS neoplasms, including several tumors associated with VHL disease, may present as histologic mimics, making diagnosis challenging. We outline key clinical and radiologic features, pathophysiology, treatment modalities, and prognostic information for hemangioblastoma, and provide a thorough review of the gross, microscopic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features used to guide diagnosis.
Multi-methodological Characterisation of Medieval to Early Modern Coral Beads from a Cesspit of the “Fronerei auf dem Schrangen” in Lübeck (Germany)
Authors: Bente Klaus , Berthold Christoph , Wirth Richard , Schreiber Anja , König Andreas
Published: May 2022

Eight late medieval to early modern red beads representative of a total of 41 from a cesspit of the “Fronerei auf dem Schrangen” in  Lübeck, Germany, were investigated using micro X-ray computed tomography (3D-μXCT), X-ray microdiffraction (μ-XRD2), transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Raman spectroscopy (RS). The microscopic properties of the material were characterised non- destructively or minimally invasively for colouration, mineralogical and chemical composition determination but also with regard to  their macroscopic external appearance. The polished beads are spherical with flattered tops and boreholes perpendicular to the  flattening and show partially traces of working. As base material for all examined beads, high Mg-Calcite with polyenes could be  identified. Combined with density and microstructure data, the beads are undoubtedly red precious corals, identical with modern corallium rubrum from the Mediterranean also confirmed by C- and O-isotopic analyses. The studies provide general criteria for the  determination of corallium rubrum, confirming the macroscopically determined identification of other coral artefacts associated with  the Hanseatic League, and thus prove their iconographic importance as well as the trade contacts with the Mediterranean region. However, the extent to which the characteristics of the coral beads indicate accidental or intentional individual or collective societal or  social circumstances is left to further study.
El peso de la precariedad laboral en la pobreza de los hogares con menores
Authors: Lanau Alba , Lozano Mariona
Published: May 2022

En España, el 70% de niños en pobreza viven en hogares con uno o más trabajadores; y pese a que solo un 27% de los hogares en España hay menores, los hogares con menores constituyen la mayoría de hogares en pobreza laboral (53%). No obstante, a menudo se piensa en la pobreza laboral y la pobreza infantil como problemas separados. La mayor parte de los análisis sobre la pobreza laboral en España usan datos de un momento en el tiempo y se focalizan en individuos que trabajan. Sin embargo, dado que los hogares comparten necesidades y recursos, entender los factores que incrementan el riesgo de pobreza requiere poner el foco en los hogares. En este trabajo, fruto de una investigación del Centre d’Estudis Demogràfics en la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, adoptamos una perspectiva dinámica para analizar la interrelación entre pobreza infantil y laboral y específicamente la concentración de la pobreza laboral en hogares con niños, niñas y adolescentes. En base a datos longitudinales de la Encuesta de Condiciones de Vida (2017-2020) examinamos el papel que juegan el nacimiento de un bebé, la presencia de menores en el hogar o su edad en los procesos de empobrecimiento. Encontramos que en 2020 sólo un 4% de las entradas en pobreza laboral coinciden con un aumento en el número de niños, niñas y adolescentes en el hogar. En contraste, en el 37% de las entradas se reporta una disminución de ingresos sin que disminuya el número de trabajadores (por ejemplo, por un periodo temporal de desempleo), y en el 29% una reducción en la prestación de desempleo. Los hogares con menores suelen tener mayores dificultades para salir de la pobreza, lo cual se traduce en periodos de pobreza más prolongados. Concluimos que los cambios en la situación laboral son más relevantes que los cambios en la composición del hogar para entender la pobreza laboral e infantil. A su vez, factores de riesgo como la temporalidad dificultan particularmente la salida de la pobreza de hogares con menores. Reducir la pobreza infantil requiere afrontar la pobreza laboral y a la inversa.
Lingkungan Kerja dan Komitmen Organisasi serta Pengaruhnya terhadap Kepuasan Pegawai
Authors: Mardikaningsih Rahayu , Sinambela Ella Anastasya
Published: May 2022

Employees are one of the company's assets to survive in the midst of competition so that improving the quality of employees and creating a conducive work environment is also needed. Currently, companies need employees who are committed to the company, but it requires a work environment that supports it. In this study, conducting research on company employees in Surabaya, purposive sampling technique is the choice for sampling with the results of the number of respondents obtained as many as 55 respondents. Multiple linear regression analysis was used for this research, which when concluded from the research results obtained that the work environment and organizational commitment affect employee satisfaction. Companies need to increase organizational commitment and create a conducive environment to increase employee satisfaction
Pengaruh Saluran Distribusi, Gaya Hidup dan Kelompok Acuan Terhadap Minat Beli Ulang Air Minum Dalam Kemasan Merek Cleo di Surabaya
Authors: Munir Misbachul , Putri Amartya Fazrani Widya
Published: May 2022

Water is a basic element of living things, they cannot survive without water. If we consume less water, it can cause changes in plasma volume thermoregulation, hallucinations, and can even cause death. Meeting the human need for water creates bottled drinking water. With the existing brand competition, companies want to know the aspects that determine buying interest in money. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of distribution channels, lifestyle, and reference groups in the formation of repurchase interest in bottled water with the Cleo brand. This research is a quantitative research. The population of this study is an infinite number of consumers of Cleo brand bottled drinking water in Surabaya. The sample used was 100 respondents with multiple linear regression analysis techniques. The results of the three independent variables are proven to have a role to influence consumers when they take action to buy water in the Cleo brand packaging. Distribution channels, lifestyle, and reference groups have a real role in generating repurchase interest
Transversal and Technical Competency of Engineers with Masters’ Degree in the Philippines
Authors:   Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija Philippines, Bernardo, Estrelita L.
Published: May 2022

This study intends to determine the set of transversal and technical competencies of Engineers with Masters’ Degree in the Philippines. Correlating with the set of competencies acquired, this study also aims to connect the relationship between the said competency and the respondents’ journey to masters’ degree. Descriptive Quantitative type of research was used in this study with 52 engineers with masters’ degree as respondents. Results showed that most of the respondents believed that it has been a great advancement technically and transversally after having their respective masters’ degree. In addition to that, all the respondent’s insight about the transversal and technical competency they obtain are the same, that it has been their strength for their institution. Most of the Engineers with masters’ degree now enjoy the fruit of their hard work for pursuing the degree advancement. Apart from the competency level which emerged gradually, they also enjoy the benefits of salary adjustments and promotions. The labor market has been competitive nowadays and it is and advantage for an engineer to obtain masters’ degree for them to adapt well.