bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONTEMPORARY UNIVERSITY PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICE: AN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT
Authors: Karapetyan Vladimir , Sargsyan Hasmik
Published: May 2021

“Organization of practice in the sphere of higher education continues to remain the Achilles’ heel of our education system,” Armenia’s Minister of Education and Science Armen Ashotyan said during the opening of the international conference entitled Modernization of Constant /Continuous/ Practice and Introduction of Organizational Mechanisms in the System of Higher Pedagogical Education that kicked off at Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU) on July 1. Professor Alexander Gluzman, Rector of the Crimean University of Humanities, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Academician of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, presented the main directions of practical training at Ukraine’s higher pedagogical institutions. He emphasized that the conformity of educational programs and practice provisions is an important step in preparing future pedagogues.
The plenary session was concluded by Professor Vladimir Karapetyan, Head of the Chair of Age and Pedagogical Psychology, ASPU, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, who in his report “Broadening the Base of Operations as a Necessary Condition for the Formation of Practical Skills” dwelt on the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge. The professor said there are many problems in the education system, but practice is a scientific matter which should be subjected to a thorough and comprehensive study: it is not merely an educational problem, but also a guarantee for developing a person’s outlook and belief as a specialist.
The international conference “Modernization of Constant /Continuous/ Practice and Introduction of Organizational Mechanisms in the System of Higher Pedagogical Education” wrapped up at Armenian State Pedagogical University on July 4.
Key words: International experience, pedagogical practice, university education.
Mulheres no mercado de trabalho do magistério superior
Authors: Machado Raimunda Nonata da Silva , Almeida Ana Carla de Melo
Published: May 2021

Este estudo analisa a inserção histórica da mulher no mercado de trabalho e sua relação com a educação. Discute a persistência da desigualdade de gênero entre homens e mulheres no Brasil e o longo caminho a ser percorrido, em direção à superação deste fenômeno social, especialmente, quanto às dimensões étnico-raciais que desafiam os modos de vida de mulheres afrodescendentes. Faz uso de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, abordando três aspectos principais: 1) a questão da divisão sexual no mercado de trabalho, que engloba as desigualdades de gênero no uso do tempo para dedicação à profissão, aos cuidados com a família, a imposição de múltiplas jornadas de trabalho; 2) a relação entre conquistas nas trajetórias educacionais e atuação no mercado de trabalho, especialmente, nos embates de inserção das mulheres na profissão docente; e, 3) a necessidade de políticas públicas que incentivem a participação equitativa de mulheres no mercado de trabalho. Os resultados evidenciaram a necessidade de políticas públicas baseadas em princípios de transversalidade, intersetorialidade e interseccionalidade, visando distribuição de competências (políticas, institucionais e administrativas) com foco no aumento das redes de fortalecimento da autonomia econômica das mulheres via escolarização e participação no mercado de trabalho, sem obliterar que existem especificidades para mulheres afrodescendentes, lésbicas, rurais, dentre outras.
Criticality assessment for a regional maritime economy
Authors: Robinson, PhD R. Michael , Ezell, PhD Barry
Published: May 2021

Objective: To identify and assess the criticality for infrastructure assets and better understand their dependencies, interdependencies, and supply chain reliance.Design: This study used a modified mission impact, symbolism, history, accessibility, recognizability, population, and proximity model combined with a deliberative process with regional subject matter experts. Setting: Hampton roads Virginia maritime area.Participants: Emergency managers, US Corps of Engineers, US Coast Guard, law enforcement, railroad industry, intelligence community, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Department of Transportation, and Virginia Port.Main outcome: A prioritized list of one-to-n critical assets in the maritime area and identification of up and downstream dependencies.Results: The final most highly critical grouping included 26 out of 277 assets including especially important road bridges and tunnels, rail bridges and choke points, shipping channels, and marine terminals. Conclusions: Subject matter experts identified 277 critical infrastructure assets in the Hampton Roads Maritime Area (HRMA). From these, 26 assets that were deemed to be significantly more critical than others. From this reduced list, 12 were further assessed to be most important. The selection process provided significant support to those responsible for providing protection, mitigating potential damage, and planning recovery and allows informed, objective expenditures of limited funding. Additional key findings include the following:Proximity, or the potential for an asset that has been damaged or destroyed to cause direct harm to adjacent assets in the surrounding community, drives criticality in the HRMA more than any other factor in the model.A small group of 26 out of 277 assets exerts an outsized impact in the HRMA—nearly 20 percent of criticality—due to the potential consequences associated with their destruction or disruption.Road transportation, particularly tunnels, represents the primary dependency among critical assets. Major road and maritime transportation assets rely heavily on federal and state organizations to maintain their function.Supply chain: The critical asset group supports or supplies many missions and industries both nationally and internationally, including defense, manufacturing, commercial enterprise, and the movement of raw commodities.
Challenges in handling a civilian mass pediatric disaster during flood relief in a partially inundated armed forces medical facility
Authors: Patnaik, MD, DNB Saroj Kumar , Lamba, MD, DNB, PDF N. S. , Aneja, MD, DNB Aradhana , Gupta, MD Ashish Kumar
Published: May 2021

Background: Armed forces hospitals are often called upon to provide medical aid to civilians during natural calamities. Though children are often the most vulnerable segment of population in these events, research that addresses their unique needs and the role of armed forces hospitals remains sparse. Objectives: We examined pediatric morbidity and mortality at a flooded armed forces hospital. Factors that affected outcomes were identified. Methods: 158 patients were evacuated en masse from a children’s hospital in northern India that was submerged by flood to an adjacent partially inundated armed forces hospital specializing in military medicine and adult trauma. The children were provided case-based clinical care as per existing disaster management protocol. Geoclimatic vulnerability factors, morbidity/mortality, and medical and logistical challenges for future intervention were investigated.Results: One pediatrician who provided initial triage was joined by two others after 48 hours. A limited load of adult patients permitted more resources for the children, majority (49 percent) of whom were neonates. Intensive care was necessitated for 32 (20.2 percent) cases, with half managed in adult ICU. Overall in-hospital mortality was 5.7 percent. Experienced staff, cross-specialty multitasking, and innovative and noncensorious leadership were identified as assets amidst resources compromised by flooding. Clear delineation of primary caregiver role of pediatrician at outset, pediatric emergency care training, pediatric triage, resource allocation for thermoregulation, oxygen therapy and ventilation, earmarking centers for transfer of cases, and safe transportation to the centers were identified as areas meriting further attention.Conclusion: Armed forces hospitals in vulnerable geoclimatic zones must address pediatric concerns in disaster management plans.
Emergency Management Missing from the Pandemic?
Authors: Hertelendy, PhD Attila J. , Waugh, Jr., PhD William L.
Published: May 2021

The change in presidential administrations in the United States promises new approaches to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. The first year of the pandemic response in the United States has been characterized by a lack of national leadership. Moreover, the message from the White House Coronavirus Task Force has been muddled at best. There have been great inconsistencies in how the States have chosen to address spreading infections and increased stress on individual Americans who are trying to protect themselves and their families. The same pattern can be found with the distribution of vaccines and management of vaccinations. Politics has often conflicted with public health concerns. The States have been left to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to medical personnel and first responders and to formulate their own guidance for protective measures.
Research productivity on COVID-19 in Dimension database: An analytical study
Authors: Balasubramani, PhD Jeyapragash , Anbalagan Muthuraj
Published: May 2021

This paper examines the publications on COVID-19 in Dimensions database. A total of 13,697 records for the year 2020 have been extracted and analyzed under various categories. MS-Excel has been used to analyze the data with simple calculations. It is found that the “proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2” article has received highest Altmetric Score of 31,680 among the top 10 articles, and also it is found that “Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel corona virus in Wuhan, China” article has received the highest number of citations (1,400). The source “medRxiv” has published the highest number of research articles (1,314), and the source “The Lancet” has received the highest number of citations (4,915). The author “Elisabeth Mahase” has published more number of articles (41) on COVID-19.
Assessing fear of COVID-19 at an academic medical center
Authors: Brand, PhD Michael W. , Wiskur, PhD, MSW Brandt , Rojas, PhD Julio I.
Published: May 2021

Purpose: This study measured the degree of COVID-19-related fear among academic medical center employees, identified subsections with high COVID-19 fear, and validated the Fear of COVID-19 Scale with medical professionals in the United States. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional, inter-net-based survey delivered by Qualtrics. The survey was conducted at the Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center between May 21 and June 18, 2020. The medical center is composed of seven health-care colleges, child and adult hospitals, a Veterans Hospital, and outpatient services clinics across the Oklahoma City area. Faculty, staff, and students (N = 1,761) from the Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center completed the survey. Results: COVID-19 fear is highest among non-clinical employees, smokers, and those with pre-existing conditions. Males and females, both clinicians and non-clinicians, appear to express their COVID-19 fears differently. Employees worried most about their families contracting the virus. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale is a valid and reliable assessment instrument among US healthcare workers. Responses were compared based on pre-existing medical condition(s), patient care or nonpatient care, sex, and occupational specialization. Analyses reveal a strong Cronbach’s α measure of internal consistency (α = 0.87). Significant differences were observed among employees with a nonclinical emphasis (p = 0.02), with a predisposing medical health condition (p < 0.001), and with a nonacademic occupational specialization (p < 0.01), and by sex (p < 0.001). Conclusions and discussion: COVID-19 fear significantly impacts academic medical center employ-ees. Medical centers should address both healthcare and nonhealthcare workers’ COVID-19-related fears. It is important to recognize that men and women may have different types of fears and express them differently, necessitating a gender-specific approach to man-aging COVID-19 fears. Employees with pre-existing conditions or who have vulnerable family members require additional support to remain fully functional and on the job.
COVID-19 in India: A glimpse of pariah
Authors: Raina Madhu
Published: May 2021

This new year's wake-up call presaged us of a Democles’ sword in the form of COVID-19, an epidemic turned pandemic. An infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus (COVID-19) seems to reach an innovative and horrendous landmark every day. The deadly coronavirus has made cataclysmic ruinations and sparked massive disruption to global travel and trade. Nobody had ever imagined that a universal, imperceptible, novel enemy of human race would emerge that would bring many parts of the society to a standstill. It has created an alarming situation across globe, and the world is responding to this novel virus with urgency and purpose. This article is a preface of COVID-19 in India.
Polynomial modeling of emergency department arrivals: An analysis of local and national utilization patterns
Authors: Karpman, PhD Mitchell , Menon, MD Nandakumar , Turcotte, PhD, MBA Justin
Published: May 2021

Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is a national problem that is associated with ambulance diversion, decreased patient and provider satisfaction and poor patient outcomes. This study presents a novel approach to modeling the relationship between time of day, day of week, and ED arrivals using a hierarchical polynomial regression model. A series of hierarchical regression models were created to determine polynomial effects and capture the covariability (defined as R2) of the relationships from the 2009 to 2017 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) Emergency Department Public Use Data File and institutional data from a regional medical center from 2018 to 2019. The following hierarchical regression models were constructed: cubic main effects, cubic interaction effects, quartic main effects, quartic interaction effects, quintic main effects, and quantic interaction effects. Based on maximal improvement in R2 and significance of each of the four effects in both the national and institutional data sets, the quartic main effects model was determined to be optimal for describing ED arrival patterns. In alignment with prior studies, significantly higher ED arrival volumes were observed on Mondays in comparison to all other weekdays.
A research agenda to explore the emergency operations center
Authors: Cavaliere, PhD Paolo , Cox, MA Zachary , Kendra, PhD James , Mankins, BA Aimee , Michaud, MEd Michael , Nibbs, MA, MPS Farah , Popovski, MA Vasko , Woody, BA Michelle
Published: May 2021

Objective: The emergency operations center (EOC) is an essential component of modern emergency management. Traditionally understood as a place where officials communicate with the public, support coordination, manage operations, craft policy, gather information, and host visitors; there has been little recent research on their structure, operations, or work procedures. EOCs may in fact be, as we argue here, places where emergency managers come to find workarounds, delegate tasks, and find new sources of expertise in order to make sense, make meaning, and make decisions. However, despite their status as a symbol of emergency management and recipients of large amounts of funding, there has been relatively little scientific research into the EOC. With this paper, we synthesize the existing research and propose a variety of research questions to accelerate the process of inquiry into the EOC.Design: Informed by an extensive literature review, this article presents a comprehensive look at the existing state of knowledge surrounding EOCs.Interventions: Research questions to support investigation of the EOC are suggested.Conclusions: The EOC is an underexplored setting ripe for development and discovery by researchers and emergency managers seeking to influence the field of emergency management.
Phytochemical screening, invitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of polyphenolic fraction extracted from Camellia sinensis bud extract
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry, Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Indi., bharathi J. Divya , Prabha Dr. D. Chandra ,   Department of Biochemistry, Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Indi., Ragunathan Dr.R. ,   Director and research supervisor of Centre for Bioscience and Nanotechnology Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Published: May 2021

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world today, second only to water, well ahead of coffee, beer, wine and carbonated soft drinks. The tea plant, Camellia sinensis, is a member of the Theaceae family and black, oolong, white and green tea are produced from its leaf and buds. Tea beverage is an infusion of the dried leaves of Camellia sinensis. The present study aims to screen the phytochemicals screening, in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of polyphenolic compound extracted from Camellia sinensis bud extract. The qualitative phytochemical results revealed the presence of important phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins. The C. sinensis buds could be a rich source of antioxidants. The extract showed significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Total phenolic content of the bud’s extract was found to be 123 mg/GAE. The extract possesses a significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
How Does Organizational Support Affect Lecturer Performance in Higher Education?
Authors: Novitasari Dewiana
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to measure the effect of perceived organizational support on performance of private higher education lecturers in Tangerang which are mediated by lecturer engagement. Data collection was done by simple random sampling to the private higher education lecturer population in Tangerang. The returned and valid questionnaire results were 231 samples. Data processing was used SEM method with SmartPLS 3.0 software. The results of this study concluded that perceived organizational support have a positive and significant effect on the lecturer performance, both directly and indirectly through mediating lecturer engagement. This new research proposed a model for building the lecturer performance among the private higher education lecturers in Tangerang through enhancing perceived organizational support with lecturer engagement as a mediator. This research could pave the way to improve lecturer readiness in facing the era of education 4.0.
Implementation of Kaizen costing towards improving cost management at the water and sanitation and electricity departments of the Ethekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal
Authors:   , Khuzwayo Siyanda Percy
Published: May 2021

Little is known about kaizen costing opportunities and challenges in service organizations since little research has been conducted about its implementation in this sector (Singh and Singh 2009: 63). Kaizen costing is a management accounting technique that is mainly focused on improving the cost management of the organisation. Since the cost management performance of South African municipalities is very poor, the purpose of this study is to evaluate whether implementing kaizen costing will improve cost management at the water and electricity departments in eThekwini municipality. Studies have shown that there are a lot of unexploited benefits which can be gained by South African municipalities as well as other organisations by implementing kaizen costing. This is a quantitative descriptive case study of the Water and Sanitation and Electricity Departments in the eThekwini Municipality where data was collected from the target respondents using questionnaires. The 320 questionnaires, which consisted of predominantly closed-ended questions, were self-administered to the target respondents. The results were analysed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. The findings of this study revealed that the adoption of kaizen costing may be successful in improving the cost management inefficiencies faced by the South African municipalities. Based on the findings, the majority of the respondents indicated that they would embrace and support the application of a kaizen costing at the Water and Sanitation and Electricity Departments in the eThekwini Municipality. The study recommends that the Water and Sanitation and Electricity Departments in the eThekwini Municipality should consider implementing kaizen costing to improve its cost management.
Tolvaptan reduces the required amount of albumin infusion in patients with decompensated cirrhosis with uncontrolled ascites : a multicenter retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study
Authors: Suzuki Y , Naganuma A , Hoshino T , Hatanaka T , Ueno T , Namikawa M , Takizawa D , Arai H , Suzuki H , Takagi H , Tojima H , Yamazaki Y , Sato K , Kakizaki S , Uraoka T
Published: May 2021

Background : The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether tolvaptan treatment reduces the amount of albumin administered, volume of ascites removed, and frequency of paracentesis procedures in patients with decompensated cirrhosis with uncontrolled ascites with conventional diuretics.

Patients and methods : The control (C) group included patients treated with conventional diuretics. The tolvaptan (T) group included patients treated with both tolvaptan and conventional diuretics. Both groups were matched according to baseline parameters. The amount of albumin administered, volume of ascites removed, and frequency of paracentesis within 30 days of onset of uncontrolled ascites were compared between the two groups.

Results : After matching, 74 patients (C=37, T=37) were included. Baseline parameters (C vs. T group) were as follows : age, 69.5 ± 9.3 vs. 70.4 ± 11.0 years (p = 0.702) ; males, 24 (64.9%) vs. 25 (67.6%) (p = 0.999) ; patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 17 (45.9%) vs. 18 (48.6%) (p = 0.999) ; serum albumin levels at treatment initiation, 2.76 ± 0.48 vs. 2.73 ± 0.49 g/dL (p = 0.773), and serum creatinine levels at treatment initiation, 1.18 ± 1.23 vs. 1.09 ± 0.48 g/dL (p = 0.679). In the C vs. T groups, respectively, mean amount of albumin administered was 51.0 ± 31.4 vs. 33.4 ± 29.8 g/month (p = 0.016) ; mean volume of ascites removed was 2,905 ± 4,921 vs. 1,824 ± 3,185 mL/month (p = 0.266) ; and mean frequency of paracentesis was 0.92 ± 1.46 vs. 0.89 ± 1.45 procedures (p = 0.937).

Conclusions : Tolvaptan reduced the use of albumin infusion in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and was effective and acceptable for uncontrolled ascites.
Assessing the Dimensional Validity and Reliability of the University of Florida Critical Thinking Inventory (UFCTI) in Chinese: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Baker Matt , Lu Peng , Lamm Alexa
Published: May 2021

The importance of assessing critical thinking has been emphasized extensively by numerous administrators and educators in higher education worldwide. In a contemporary agricultural sustainable development environment, agricultural students need to develop critical thinking to manage complex situations and to deal with controversial issues in international agriculture settings. From psychological points of view, thinking varies cross-culturally. In other words, people from different cultures think differently. With the increasing number of Chinese students studying in the U.S., educators need to be aware of the importance of supporting these Chinese students within the intercultural classroom environment. Thus, it is necessary to explore and understand the way Chinese students think to help them more easily adapt to a culturally diverse educational environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of a Chinese version of the University of Florida Critical Thinking Inventory (UFCTI). The UFCTI measures critical thinking styles using two constructs: engagement and seeking information. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was applied to examine the hypothesized measurement model based on the theoretical foundations of the original UFCTI (English version). The CFA findings indicated the UFCTI measurement model between the two versions is equivalent. Specifically, the results confirmed the two-factor measurement of critical thinking style: engagement and seeking information. The findings also indicated adequate validity and reliability for the UFCTI Chinese version
Historical K index data collection of Soviet magnetic observatories, 1957–1992
Authors: Sergeyeva Natalia , Gvishiani Alexei , Soloviev Anatoly , Zabarinskaya Lyudmila , Krylova Tamara , Nisilevich Mikhail , Krasnoperov Roman
Published: May 2021

Abstract. The K index is one of the oldest universal indices of
geomagnetic activity, introduced in 1938 by Julius Bartels, that is still
being widely used. Up to the present day, long-term time series of
homogeneous K index records have been accumulated at data repositories all
over the world. The multidecadal practice of its application makes it an
indispensable source of information for the retrospective analysis of
solar–terrestrial interaction for nearly eight solar cycles. Most
significantly, while studying the historical geomagnetic data, K index
data sheets are in certain cases far easier for automated analysis than the
conventional analogue magnetograms. The presented collection includes the
results of the K index determination at 41 geomagnetic observatories of the
former USSR for the period from July 1957 to the early 1990s. This unique
collection was formed at the World Data Center for Solar-Terrestrial Physics
in Moscow. The historical data, which are offered to the international
scientific community, cover the second half of the 20th century and can be
used for the retrospective analysis and study of geomagnetic events in the past,
as well as for data validation or forecasting (Sergeyeva et al., 2020). The
dataset is available at: https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.922233, last access: 16 September 2020.
Representation of seasonal land-use dynamics in SWAT+ for improved assessment of blue and green water consumption
Authors: Msigwa Anna , Chawanda Celray James , Komakech Hans Charles , Nkwasa Albert , van Griensven Ann
Published: May 2021

Abstract. In most (sub)-tropical African cultivated regions, more than one cropping cycle exists following the (one or two) rainy seasons. During the dry season, an additional cropping cycle is possible when irrigation is applied, which could result in 3 cropping seasons. In most agro-hydrological model applications such as SWAT+ in Africa, only one cropping season per year is represented. In this paper, we derived dynamic and static trajectories from seasonal land-use maps to represent the land- use dynamics following the major growing seasons, for the purpose of improving simulated blue and green water consumption from simulated evapotranspiration (ET) in SWAT+. This study builds upon earlier research that proposed an approach on how to incorporate seasonal land use dynamics in the SWAT+ model but mainly focused on the temporal pattern of LAI and tested the approach in a small catchment (240 km2). Together with information obtained from the cropping calendar, we implemented agricultural management operations for the dominant trajectory of each agricultural land-use class for the Kikuletwa basin (6650 km2 area coverage) in Tanzania. A comparison between the default SWAT+ (with static land use representation) set up, and a dynamic SWAT+ model (with seasonal land use representation) is done by spatial mapping of the evapotranspiration (ET) results. The results show that ET with seasonal representation is closer to remote sensing estimations, giving higher performance than default: the Root Mean Squared Error decreased from 181 to 69 mm/year; the percent bias decreased from 20 % to 13 % and Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency increased from −0.46 to 0.4. It is concluded that representation of seasonal land-use dynamics produces better ET results which provide better estimations of blue and green agricultural water consumption.
Gender Imbalance, Marriage Squeeze and Multiple Biological Clocks: Exploring Challenges to the Intergenerational Contract in North India
Authors: Mishra Paro , Kaur Ravinder
Published: May 2021

This paper maps the impact of gender imbalance on intergenerational relations in north India. It uses the idea of multiple biological clocks to understand the impact that gender imbalance and male marriage squeeze have on two categories of persons: “overage” unmarried sons and their aging parents, and the inter-generational contract between them within the family-household. De-linking the idea of the biological clock from the female body, this paper demonstrates that social understandings of bodily progression are equally significant for men, who, in the Indian context, need to marry by a certain age, and their elderly parents who need to be cared for. In north India, where family-household unit is the most important welfare and security institution for the elderly, disruptions to household formation due to bride shortage caused by sex ratio imbalance, is subjecting families to severe stress. Families with unmarried sons struggle with anxieties centred on the inability to arrange marriages for aging sons, questions of allocation of household labor, the continuation of family line, and lack of care for the elderly. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in north India, this paper explores the tensions and negotiations between elderly parents and unmarried sons concerning the fulfillment (or lack of it) of the intergenerational contract against the backdrop of gender imbalance. It concludes by discussing the various strategies available to families in crisis that involve shame-faced adoption of domestic and care tasks by unmarried sons or bringing cross-region brides who then provide productive, reproductive, and care labour.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies and the Conceptualization of Ageing in India
Authors: Majumdar Anindita
Published: May 2021

Through a mapping of field data collected from two parts of India: Hisar in North India and Hyderabad in South India, this paper looks at the ways in which reproductive decline and ageing have become part of the discourse on assisted reproduction in India. The importance of mapping reproductive decline in different clinics and regional spaces highlights certain shared and distinct conflicts. The thematic discussions of the research findings place the privileging of temporalities in an ambivalent relationship with chronological ageing and reproductive decline. The linkages between ageing and infertility/fertility are more marked in the infertility clinic wherein the diagnostic protocols and treatment towards achieving parenthood are evaluated through the prism of social and moral judgements. Rural-urban differences, gendered expectations of familial roles and rules, and lived environments and lifestyles have a huge impact on the use and dissemination of assisted reproductive technologies in India. In this paper, social expectations surrounding fertility, children, and the family become part of the clinical discourse in the administration of assisted reproductive technologies; and carry important implications for ageing and age-related markers of status and role.
Between Care and Contract: Aging Muslim Immigrants, Self-appointed Helpers and Ambiguous Belonging in the Danish Welfare State
Authors: Sparre Sara Lei , Rytter Mikkel
Published: May 2021

In Europe, a growing population of aging citizens have migrant background, and many have their origin in non-Western countries. Often, care arrangements in these families are different from those of the majority populations. In Denmark, a growing number of immigrant families utilise an option in the Social Service Act, under which municipalities can contract a family member to take care of an elderly citizen at home. Due to the special construct of the ‘self-appointed helper arrangement’, the caregiver is both a professional care worker, formally employed by the municipality, and a close relative. As such, the arrangement provides a unique opportunity to examine ideas and practices of care at the intersection of the immigrant family and the state.Based on data from interviews with and observations among both immigrant families and municipal care managers, we explore consequences of this care scheme for aging citizens and their self-appointed helpers. Drawing on the concept of ‘lenticular subject positions’, we show how both the self-appointed helpers and the care managers adopt two different, often contradictory, perspectives or subject positions simultaneously.In all, we argue that the self-appointed helper arrangement constitutes a grey zone in the Danish public health care system, since both care managers and helpers seem to neglect the national legislation and standard procedures, in relation to the elders and the general work environment. The consequences are most severe for the self-appointed helpers who end up in a particular precarious position at the margins of the Danish labor market.
How to Interpret Covid-19 Predictions: Reassessing the IHME’s Model
Authors: Schroeder S. Andrew
Published: May 2021

The IHME Covid-19 prediction model has been one of the most influential Covid models in the United States. Early on, it received heavy criticism for understating the extent of the epidemic. I argue that this criticism was based on a misunderstanding of the model. The model was best interpreted not as attempting to forecast the actual course of the epidemic. Rather, it was attempting to make a conditional projection: telling us how the epidemic would unfold, given certain assumptions. This misunderstanding of the IHME’s model prevented the public from seeing how dire the model’s projections actually were.
Cannabis medicinal en Argentina: perspectiva desde la salud pública
Authors: Agnese Ornella , Sueiro López Rocio Macarena , Taito Vicenti Iara Yamila , Franco Juan Víctor Ariel
Published: May 2021

Esta revisión analiza la situación actual de la utilización del como herramienta terapéutica dentro del ámbito de la salud en Argentina, haciendo referencia a los distintos actores involucrados y dilemas futuros que pueden presentarse. Paracomprender en su totalidad el marco social, cultural e histórico, se desarrollan distintos aspectos, como la descripción química y biológica del , evolución del consumo a través de la historia, las repercusiones del consumo y las distintas aplicaciones que tiene en el campo de la medicina. También se describen las diferentes realidades que hay en el mundo, así como las legislaciones de otros países y la comparación de estas con la que tenemos en nuestro país. Finalmente se mencionan los desafíos pendientes y sus posibles abordajes.
Mientras haya vida, hay todo: una mirada en la sexualidad del adulto mayor
Authors: Ghidara Eleonora
Published: May 2021

Introducción. Desde un punto de vista integral, la sexualidad comprende aspectos de orden biopsicosocial. Los prejuicios y el desconocimiento llevan a evitar hablar sobre este tema en la consulta con el adulto mayor (AM). Objetivo. Profundizar en la vivencia de la sexualidad del AM. Metodología. Estudio cualitativo, fenomenológico, realizado en dos centros de actividades recreativas para AM en San Miguel de Tucumán, que incluyó 13 entrevistas semiestructuradas en profundidad a pacientes mayores de 60 años, 11 de sexo femenino, seleccionados en forma intencional y por conveniencia en Agosto de 2018. Resultados. Existe una dicotomía entre quienes hablan del tema y quienes no; sin embargo, todos expresan el deseo de naturalizarlo tanto en su círculo social como en la consulta médica. Los AM aceptan el proceso de envejecimiento, tienen una autopercepción positiva de su imagen y pese a los prejuicios, experiencias, comorbilidades y adversidades, se adaptan buscando formas para sentirse bien y disfrutar de una sexualidad plena. Conclusión. El envejecimiento y la sexualidad son conceptos dinámicos que confluyen con las experiencias de vida. Creemos que como médicos de familia es importante brindar una atención integral, abordando las diferentes dimensiones del ser humano, incluyendo su sexualidad.
Mean platelet volume as a diagnostic parameter of respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: ANDAN Hanife Hilal , TAS Tugba , DOGAN Güzide , YILMAZ Ayse Esra
Published: May 2021

Our aim was to investigate RSV related parameters by comparing clinical findings and physical examination with routinely ordered whole blood counts and biochemical variables in under two age children hospitalized for lower respiratory tract infections. The sample consisted of 193 children [RSV positive (n=85), RSV negative (n=108)] with lower respiratory tract infections from May 2010 to May 2013. Sociodemographic findings, chief complaints and physical examination findings were retrospectively evaluated. RSV positive and negative groups were compared using Chi-square test (% 95 Confidence Interval- %95 CI), Mann-Whitney U test (p:0,05). No significant differences were found in demographic variables and treatment decisions between two groups. In RSV positive group, higher hyponatremia (p ≤0.001) and AST values (p=0.003) were found. Decreased MPV were determined 71.8% in RSV positive group. RSV positive patients had decreased MPV values (OR:10.929, 95% CI). Higher hyponatremia and increased AST values were found to be associated with RSV infection; and decreased MPV was significantly related with RSV infection. This is the second study in literature within our knowledge that found decreased MPV values in RSV positive patients. The mechanism related with decreased MPV, hyponatremia, and increased AST values in RSV infection should be investigated further.
Ultrastructural examination of testicular tissues and evaluation of ZO-1 protein levels obtained from azoospermic cases
Authors: ALTUN Ayşe , CANILLIOĞLU Yasemin
Published: May 2021

Spermatogenesis is a process that involves cellular and biochemical processes. The purpose of this study is to understand the role of tight junctions in spermatogenesis by evaluating Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) protein levels of cells from the testicular sperm extraction (TESE) biopsies in patients with azoospermia. The study included 40 infertile men with azoospermia. They were divided into two groups, as spermatozoa positive (n=20) and spermatozoa negative (n=20). Testis tissues were examined morphologically, immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The structure of seminiferous tubules was deteriorated, degenerated and hyalinized in spermatozoa negative group. ZO-1 expression level was normal in blood-testis barrier of spermatozoa positive group in comparing to lateral surfaces of Sertoli cells spermatozoa negative group. The ultrastructural results were also supported with light microscopy findings. These findings suggest that decrease of the ZO-1 protein expression level in Sertoli cells might be one of the factors involved in the impairment of spermatogenesis in spermatozoa negative group. Therefore, we suggest that tight junctions may have crucial roles in spermatogenesis.
Histopathological findings of gastric specimens of patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: UYLAS Ufuk , GUNDOGU Ramazan , CICEK Egemen , ŞANSAL Müfit , AKTAŞ Aydın , SUMER Fatih , KAYAALP Cuneyt
Published: May 2021

Sleeve gastrectomy is the most preferred surgical procedure in obese patients. In the literature, the necessity of pathological examination of the specimen is emphasized because of malignant case reports. In this study, we aimed to present the histopathological findings of the specimens of our patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy due to obesity in the light of the literature. Patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy due to obesity between 2014-2019 in our clinic were retrospectively screened. Endoscopy was not performed in patients with no symptoms. After the obesity committee, the patients were operated and the specimens were sent for routine histopathological examination. Patients' age, gender, body mass index, surgical procedure information, and histopathological features of resected gastric specimens were analyzed. A total of 411 patients were included in the study and there were 309 (75.2%) female patients. The overall mean age was 35 ± 10.3 and the mean body mass index was 44.7 ± 5.2 kg / m2. The pathology of 85 (20.7%) of the patients were reported as completely normal. Abnormal pathological findings were detected in 326 (79.3%) patients. No malignant finding was found in the specimen pathology results. The necessity of endoscopic examination before sleeve gastrectomy is controversial. Even if no malignant pathological result was detected in our study, we believe that routine pathological examination is required for medicolegal reasons.
Are AIMS65 and glasgow-blatchford scores useful in predicting health costs in patients admitted to emergency department with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a prospective and observational study
Authors: YÖNAK Hayrullah , ÖZDEMİR Serdar , KOKULU Kamil , AKÇA Hatice Şeyma , İSLAM Mehmet Muzaffer , ALGIN Abdullah , YUNUSOV Murad , EROĞLU Serkan Emre
Published: May 2021

We aimed to investigate the use and superiority of AIMS65 (Albumin, INR, Alteration in mental status, Systolic blood pressure, age) and Glasgow-Blatchford scores (GBS) in predicting hospital health costs in patients admitted to emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients above the age of 18 who were admitted to the Emergency Department of Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital between 01.06.2018 and 31.05.2019, who were diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal bleeding were included in the study. Patients’ calculations of AIMS65 and GBS were recorded. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used, and statistical significance was assessed. A total of 151 patients included in the study, 109 (72.2%) were male. Of the patients 2(1.3%) were discharged from the emergency department and 7 (4.6%) were exitus. According to AIMS65 risk scoring, costs of emergency department and inpatient clinics and total clinical costs were higher in high risk group compared to the low risk group (p=0.007, p=0.007 and p=0.003 respectively). The costs of emergency department and inpatient clinic and total costs were found statistically significantly different between GBS groups (p<0.001, p=0.019, and p=0.001 respectively). AIMS65 risk score and GBS have been revealed to be useful in predicting the costs of emergency department and inpatient clinics and total clinical costs for patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Evaluation of the association between bilateral calcaneal fractures and suicide attempts: Findings from 4 different trauma centers in Turkey
Authors: GÜLTAÇ Emre , ACAN Ahmet Emrah , KILINÇ Cem Yalan , GÜNDÜZ Nermin , DEMİRKIRAN Nihat Demirhan , YÜCENS Mehmet , AYDOĞAN Nevres Hürriyet
Published: May 2021

In this study we aimed to determine the association between bilateral calcaneal fractures and suicide attempt and some socio-demographic characteristics. This study was conducted among patients admitted to the emergency departments of four trauma centers with bilateral calcaneal fractures between January 2014 and March 2017. The Sociodemographic Data Form, Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DSM-IV) and Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) were applied to participants. Comparisons about age and gender was made between suicidal and non-suicidal patients with bilateral calcaneal fractures. Twenty-three patients with bilateral calcaneus fractures were included in the study. Of the 23 patients with bilateral calcaneal fractures, 14 (61%) were evaluated as suicidal and nine (39%) were evaluated as not suicidal. The majority of suicidal jumpers were female (n = 11, 78.6%). Suicidal patients were younger compared with non-suicidal fallers. As a result of SCID I interview, nine (64.3%) of 14 suicidal jumpers were diagnosed with serious psychiatric diagnoses: One patient was diagnosed with first episode psychotic disorder, one with schizophrenia, one with Schizoaffective Disorder, one with Bipolar Disorder, two with Major Depressive Disorder and three with Adjustment Disorder. Based on our study results we determined that suicidal jumpers are frequently diagnosed with serious psychiatric disorders. Therefore, the psychiatric dimension should be taken into consideration in the treatment plan for patients with bilateral calcaneal fractures and the multidisciplinary approach should be taken.
Thromboembolic complications in Takotsubo Syndrome during Covid-19 outbreak. A review with case report
Authors: KOLBAKIR Ferşat , YUCEL Semih Murat , DESER Serkan Burç , KARAKAYA Deniz , SOYLU Korhan , DEMIRAG Mustafa Kemal , GUCLU Murat Muzafer , POLAT Merve
Published: May 2021

New coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which started in Wuhan, China and spread rapidly all over the world, has become the most important cause of the emotional distress for susceptible people. Because the people also remained in fear and anxiety during the period when the elderly population in the whole country was desperate due to the COVID-19 outbreak and was asked to stay at home in fear of death. In addition, the fact that the patients were hospitalized together with COVID-19 patients caused his psychological distress to be experienced even more. Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) is known as a distress-induced transient left ventricular dysfunction. In our patient with TTS, it was found that a new apical thrombus, which was not seen in the left ventricle, was seen in previous echo and computerized tomographic investigation, and that it was a source of thromboemboli, by stress triggering neurocardiac reactions. While under the medical treatment of viral pneumonia, under the Coronavirus transmission measures, thrombus in the LV was removed by being taken to the emergency open heart surgery. Our case is the first patient in the literature where a new thrombus developed in the LV and splenic infarction in TTS triggered by the pandemic. In this article; We have presented the experience of TTS triggered by pandemic, etiopathogenesis of left ventricular thrombus, open heart surgery indications when COVID-19 is suspected, coronavirus transmission measures in the surgical approach, the postoperative treatment and literature is reviewed.
Lance Adams syndrome following post-hypoxic myoclonic status epilepticus in an adolescent patient with chronic renal failure: A case report
Authors: UDURGUCU Muhammed , AŞILIOĞLU YENER Nazik , ÇELİK Ömer Gökhan , ESER KAYIKCI Seher
Published: May 2021

Myoclonic contractions that may occur after hypoxia might be related to post-hypoxic status epilepticus (PHSE) or Lance Adams syndrome (LAS). It is important to distinguish these two myoclonic conditions in terms of treatment and prognosis. In the literature, both PHSE and LAS have not been reported in pediatric age group including adolescents. Here we report an adolescent case with chronic renal failure who developed PHSE and then LAS after a long-term cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
A case of multiple trauma and lighter gas inhalation
Authors: AKCA Hatice Şeyma
Published: May 2021

The rate of volatile substance abuse is increasing among young people around the world. A 10-year-old boy was brought to the emergency room by the 112-emergency ambulance service due to fall from the roof of a four-storey building. His general medical condition was moderate-poor; his GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) was nine, blood pressure: 118/90 mmHg, heart rate: 98/min, O2 saturation was: 100%. Skin abrasions were present on his jaw and the occipital region of the scalp. The patient was accepted as a multiple trauma patient. When the patient's confusion did not resolve, the patient's father informed us that the child may have inhaled lighter gas. The patient was hospitalized at the pediatric ward and was discharged on the 14th day of admission as his symptoms completely improved. Clinicians should be alert with regard to acute and/or chronic end-organ damages in the cases of gas inhalation without any antidote.