bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notas sobre o científico na arquitetura filosófica de Peirce
Authors: Severo Taís , Rocha da Silva Alexandre
Published: December 2021

O artigo objetiva problematizar a função do científico à luz da arquitetura filosófica de Charles Sanders Peirce. Para tanto, recupera conceitos centrais na obra do autor, como o falibilismo e a autocorreção, na tentativa de demonstrar o quanto a ciência está mais comprometida com a superação do erro do que com a afirmação de quaisquer verdades finais. A produção de crenças e a estruturação de hábitos de conduta são consideradas criticamente a partir dos quatro métodos descritos pelo autor: a tenacidade, a autoridade, o a priori e o científico. Cada método tem sua efetividade pragmática e sua perspectiva epistemológica. O confronto entre tais epistemologias traça, no artigo, o mapa a partir do qual diferentes estudos da comunicação se desenvolvem.
Towards a Conceptual Framework for Security Requirements Work in Agile Software Development
Authors: Tøndel Inger Anne , Jaatun Martin Gilje
Published: December 2021

Security requirement work plays a key role in achieving cost-effective and adequate security in a software development project. Knowledge about software companies' experiences of security requirement work is important in order to bridge the observed gap between software security practices and security risks in many projects today. Particularly, such knowledge can help researchers improve on available practices and recommendations. This article uses the results of published empirical studies on security requirement work to create a conceptual framework that shows key concepts related to work context, this work itself and the effects of this work. The resulting framework points to the following research challenges: 1) Identifying and understanding factors important for the effect of security requirements work; 2) Understanding what is the importance of the chosen requirements approach itself, and; 3) Properly taking into account contextual factors, especially factors related to individuals and interactions, in planning and analysis of empirical studies on security requirements work.
Expert Group Knowledge Triggers
Authors: Dreyer Hanna , Bown Gerald Robin , Wynn Martin George
Published: December 2021

Specialised knowledge is a key component of success in an organisational context that resides in the expertise of the organisation's personnel. To explore this situation, an ethnographic case study was chosen in which data was collected from a software development project. Extempore verbal exchanges occur through the interplay of project team members in weekly meetings, as the software was tested, analyzed, and altered in accordance with the customer's needs. Utilizing tacit knowledge from the project members as well as the group, new tacit knowledge surfaces and spirals, which allows it to build over time. Five extempore triggers surfaced during the research generated through explicit stimuli, allowing project members to share and create new knowledge. Through the use of ideas developed by Husserl and Heidegger, this study has cast some light on verbal exchanges that, through their interjection, allow significant learning to take place. The theoretical development places these learning triggers in an interpretive framework, which can add value to other software development projects.
Application of Design Thinking Methodology to the Various Phases of the Software Development Life Cycle
Authors: Shankar Sahana Prabhu , M. S. Supriya , E. Naresh
Published: December 2021

Design thinking is often thought of as a creative way of problem solving. People are told to believe what they are told and what they read, and with that is the downfall of creativity. Designers need to see the world through the eyes of a 5-year-old. People needs to give themselves permission to be creative. It takes intelligence to answer a question, but it also takes creativity to answer the question. People have to imagine the world as it never existed before. Design thinking can be termed as “consumer-centric”, “end-user centric” or simply “human-centric” thinking. It works from the perspective of the user in general with user satisfaction being the primary goal. The methodology that I adopted is thinking from the user's perspective and working towards user's satisfaction as the goal. Design thinking is a problem-solving technique evolved in different fields like architecture, engineering, and business. The key element to the success of designing a software system lies in user participation. Therefore, it was basically developed to derive a solution by understanding the user's need.
SERIES
Authors: Gupta Chetna , Chandani Priyanka
Published: December 2021

Requirement defects are one of the major sources of failure in any software development process, and the main objective of this chapter is to make requirement analysis phase exhaustive by estimating risk at requirement level by analyzing requirement defect and requirement inter-relationships as early as possible to using domain modeling to inhibit them from being incorporated in design and implementation. To achieve this objective, this chapter proposes a tool to assist software developers in assessing risk at requirement level. The proposed tool, software risk estimator, SERIES in short, helps in early identification of potential risk where preventive actions can be undertaken to mitigate risk and corrective actions to avoid project failure in collaborative manner. The entire process has been supported by a software case study. The results of the proposed work are promising and will help software engineers in ensuring that all business requirements are captured correctly with clear vision and scope.
Co-Diffusion Effects in Software Sourcing Arrangements
Authors: Dayyala Niharika , Arslan Faruk , Walstrom Kent A. , Bagchi Kallol K.
Published: December 2021

This study analyzes the temporal diffusion of software sourcing arrangements by applying innovation diffusion theories. The study tests the co-diffusion effects 1) between onshoring and offshoring and 2) between insourcing and outsourcing. The results from the analysis indicate the existence of one-way complementary co-diffusion effects between on-shoring and offshoring and between outsourcing and in-housing. Positive, significant effects of innovation were found for in-housed, on-shored, and offshored software projects. Furthermore, a negative, significant effect of imitation was found for outsourced software projects. Indications were co-diffusion effects are stronger than diffusion effects.
Measuring Software Development Project Performance
Authors: Yildirim Nihan , Ersöz Semih , Altun Bilal
Published: December 2021

Adopting agile methodologies to software development processes helps software companies to sustain their growth through efficiency for long term. In the digital transformation era, Industry 4.0 as part of High-Tech Strategy 2020 for Germany involves agile principles and brings the latest technological trends in production process. The purpose of this chapter is to design a proper agile project management performance measurement model for start-up software companies. First, all key performance indicators related to agile development in the literature have been listed. Then KPIs that are provided from literature review with content analysis have been reviewed and categorized by expert opinions that were collected through in-depth interviews. Seven strategic KPIs and their data collection systems are defined and designed. Lastly, process and data collection improvements are recommended in order to sustain agile development measurement model.
Knowledge Management and Quality Control in Software Outsourcing Projects
Authors: Sen Gupta Rajorshi
Published: December 2021

This article describes how entrepreneurs face critical risks in terms of quality control and knowledge management while outsourcing software development to independent service providers. First, it is recommended that lump-sum payment contracts should be avoided since software development project involves uncertainty. Instead, a variable payment contingent on observed quality can induce the service provider to exert optimal effort on the project. Second, entrepreneurs must not overlook the importance of providing economic incentives. They can protect their intellectual property by withholding critical knowledge and paying information rents in terms of higher than market wages to the service providers. Third, a startling result is that a low wage nation is not necessarily the optimal location to outsource software development projects. Thus, high wage-strong IPR nations might be chosen instead of low wage-weak IPR nations. Finally, the article explains the apparent paradox that software projects are often outsourced to locations that are characterized by weak intellectual property rights regime and high propensity of imitation.
Evaluation of Determinants of Software Quality in Offshored Software Projects
Authors: Kannabiran Ganesan , Sankaran K.
Published: December 2021

Successful offshoring engagements of Indian software vendors is increasingly dependent upon the quality of the projects delivered rather than cost considerations. However, delivering quality software is reliant on effective management of various organizational, technological and people aspects. This research is to identify and evaluate the determinants of quality on software projects delivered by vendors through offshoring. Data related to recently completed projects were collected through a survey of 440 project managers from Indian vendors. Based on structural equation modeling, the authors analyze the influence determinants on specific product quality attributes. It is found that, out of six determinants, technical infrastructure and process maturity have significant influence on most of the attributes of quality in offshored IS projects from India. The authors provide a set of implications for practice and directions for further research.
Towards a Security Competence of Software Developers
Authors: Assyne Nana
Published: December 2021

Software growth has been explosive as people depend heavily on software on daily basis. Software development is a human-intensive effort, and developers' competence in software security is essential for secure software development. In addition, ubiquitous computing provides an added complexity to software security. Studies have treated security competences of software developers as a subsidiary of security engineers' competence instead of software engineers' competence, limiting the full knowledge of the security competences of software developers. This presents a crucial challenge for developers, educators, and users to maintain developers' competences in security. As a first step in pushing for the developers' security competence studies, this chapter utilises a literature review to identify the security competences of software developers. Thirteen security competences of software developers were identified and mapped to the common body of knowledge for information security professional framework. Lastly, the implications for, with, and without the competences are analysed and presented.
Impact of Service Quality on Satisfaction
Authors: Koner Souren , Mondal Abu Sayeed , Roy Rupsha
Published: December 2021

In this present work, Retail Service Quality Scale (RSQS) developed by Dabholkar et. al. (1996) has been used to measure service quality. For the purpose of examining the dimensionality of the scales a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed using AMOS 20. A four factor model was derived after the analysis. High correlations among these four factors led to the inclusion of the second order service quality construct. For measuring satisfaction scale items were adapted from Khan et. al. (2016). By using structural equation modeling approach, it is found that customers of cosmetics retail stores evaluate service quality on the basis of four dimensions- personal interactions, physical appearance, problem solving, and convenience. A statistically significant relationship between service quality and satisfaction is also reported. Findings and research approach of this study will be of immense use to the researchers and practitioners in cosmetic retailing category.
The Impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on Education
Authors: Dang Mandy Yan , Zhang Yulei Gavin
Published: December 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities have moved a large portion of their classes online. To better support students’ online learning activities and to best resemble the face-to-face setting, the technology-supported, synchronous remote learning platform was adopted in most cases. In this study, we aim to investigate factors that could influence students’ learning in this new environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, a research model was developed and tested with 428 students. The result showed that students’ IT competence had a significant impact on their learning satisfaction, while social influence had a significant impact on their intention to use the remote learning technology in future classes. As to technology facilitating conditions, significant impacts were found from it (at both institution and student levels) to learning satisfaction. We also found that COVID-19 related mental impacts could influence students’ satisfaction on and intention to use the remote learning technology.
The Use of Information and Communication Technologies to Increase the Motivation of Students When Studying English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Gaydarenko Vadim , Medvedeva Elena , Solovyeva Nataliya , Plakhtii Anastasiia
Published: December 2021

The research is devoted to the study of the possibilities of using information and communication technologies to increase the motivation of students in the process of learning English. Based on the results of a survey attended by 400 second-year students of the XXXX University being involved in the experimental course, the evolution of motivational behavior in the learning process has been demonstrated. The scientific value of the study relates to the concept outline of the synergistic relationship between the motivational behavior of students and the content of the online learning course. The practical value of the study relates to the demonstration of the educational experience of constructing the concept of an effective training course with a focus on maintaining the appropriate level of motivation.
The contribution of family physicians to chronic disease management through continuity of care in Ghana
Authors: Engmann Stephen T.
Published: December 2021

Chronic non-communicable diseases contribute significantly to Ghana’s disease burden. Ghana’s ability to achieve universal health coverage is threatened by the rising burden of chronic non-communicable diseases. There is a high unmet need for cardiovascular diseases care, with primary health care for cardiovascular diseases not being readily available, equitable, or sensitive to the requirements of target populations. The contribution of family physicians in the management of the chronic disease burden through care continuity cannot be overemphasised. This is a short report of the implementation of a chronic care clinic by a family physician in Manna Mission Hospital, which is located in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Before the implementation, there was no such clinic in the hospital and patients with chronic conditions who visited the facility were sometimes lost to follow-up. The clinic which commenced in January 2019 has provided care for patients with chronic non-communicable diseases to date. The most common chronic diseases managed at the clinic include hypertension and heart failure, diabetes, stroke, asthma, sickle cell disease, and joint disorders. This report gives an account of the contribution of family physicians to chronic disease burden management through continuity of care in a low-resource setting like Ghana.
Autistic children's parents and hospital dentistry
Authors: Tahririan Dana , Shariati Saharosadat , Nilchian Firoozeh
Published: December 2021

Background:

It is difficult to perform dental procedures in autistic children, and parental involvement is necessary for successful hospital dental services. Therefore, in order to promote oral health in autistic children, this study was aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and performance of autistic children's parents with respect to hospital dentistry.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted with the parents of 100 autistic children aged 2–6 years selected from among the children of Isfahan autism treatment centers. A self-administered questionnaire, including parental demographic information and 22 items on the assessment of knowledge, attitude, and performance of autistic children's parents regarding hospital dental procedures under general anesthesia, was completed by 100 parents. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using Chi-square test.

Results:

A total of 100 parents of autistic children, with an average age of 37.4 ± 6.1 years, were recruited in this study. The results showed that 56%, 50%, and 3% of parents had poor knowledge about dental hospital services, dental complications, and hospital dentistry rules, respectively. Further, 51% of parents believed that general anesthesia was dangerous to their children. In addition, 69% of children had little or no cooperation with the dentist. There was also a significant relationship between the knowledge, attitude, and performance of autistic children's parents regarding hospital dentistry and the parents' age and sex.

Conclusion:

This study showed that autistic children's parents had poor knowledge, attitude, and performance with respect to hospital dentistry.
Comparison of the cleaning efficacy of XP-endo shaper and Mtwo rotary files in oval-shaped canals
Authors: Simdar Narges , Bashardoust Nazanin , Jahangir Majid
Published: December 2021

Background:

Cleaning and shaping of root canals are essential steps for the success of endodontic therapy. This study compared two types of rotary files in oval-shaped root canals: XP-endo shaper (FKG, La Chaux-de- Fonds, Switzerland) and Mtwo (VDW, Germany, Munich) with regard to cleaning ability and canal preparation. Mtwo is a system of nickel–titanium files with S-shaped cross-sectional design and XP-endo shaper can change its shape according to the temperature.

Materials and Methods:

This in vitro study was performed on 16 pairs of freshly extracted contralateral mandibular premolars with a single oval-shaped canal that were selected and divided into two groups according to the root canal instrumentation technique: XP-endo shaper and Mtwo. Then, each root cut into three coronal, middle and apical sections and processed for histologic evaluation of canal wall planning and the presence of debris. Sections were evaluated by using AutoCAD 2017 software. Statistical analysis was used to compare between both the groups using repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction for post hoc comparison and independent sample t-tests. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

With a statistically significant difference in the middle third, untouched area and area with debris in XP-endo shaper group were smaller (respectively P = 0.013 and P = 0.011). Despite the percentage difference between groups, there was not a statistically significant difference in other sections.

Conclusion:

Statistically in the middle section of the oval-shaped canals, the XP-endo shaper performs better than the Mtwo rotary files.
Surgical Tracheostomies in Sars-CoV-2-Positive Patients
Authors: Muraleedharan Manjul , Panda Naresh Kumar , Patro Sourabha Kumar , Sharma Vikas , Hage Neemu
Published: December 2021

Aims:

Operating under personal protective equipment (PPE) has become the new norm. This study aims at assessing how the ear, nose, and throat surgeons coped with the changes, with tracheostomy as the procedure of interest.

Materials and Methods:

Chart review of 30 patients who underwent tracheostomy from March 23, 2020, to December 31, 2020, was done. A questionnaire was given to the senior residents in charge of the procedures after each tracheostomy and their experience on the various aspects of the procedure. The responses were compiled and various factors affecting the surgical experience and outcome were analyzed.

Results:

Vast majority of patients underwent tracheostomy for prolonged intubation (90%), which made preoperative assessment of cases difficult. The average time was 12.33 ± 2.54 min. Delay in procedures and difficulties of operating under PPEs made COVID-positive tracheostomy challenging.

Conclusions:

It is possible to perform aerosol-generating procedures safely with adequate protective gears. Tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients needs to be after careful considerations by intensive care specialists and streamlining of various logistical factors is very essential for effective utilization of Operation theatre and surgeons' time.
Thrombosed Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Horseshoe Kidney Presenting with Acute Limb Ischemia
Authors: Tamlikha Muhammad Aizat , Pathamanathan Sunil Siri , Hussein Hanif
Published: December 2021

Acute thrombosis of an abdominal aortic aneurysm with a horseshoe kidney (HSK) is a very rare phenomenon. This anatomical anomaly poses a challenge for the surgeon which requires prompt treatment. We present a case report of an elderly man who presented with a threatened acute left leg ischemia and a pulsatile abdominal mass. Computed tomography revealed a huge fusiform infrarenal aortic aneurysm extending to the left iliac artery with thrombotic occlusion and a HSK. He underwent emergency transabdominal laparotomy and aneurysectomy with inlay bifurcated graft repair. The renal isthmus was preserved and left accessory renal artery was reimplanted onto the graft. Postoperatively, bilateral lower limb was viable and kidney function was normal. He was discharged well. Open surgery remains the gold standard in treating such a complex case promptly.
Advancement on the Alexis Carrel Technique
Authors: Singla Animesh , Kotecha Krishna
Published: December 2021

Since description of the first vascular anastomosis techniques pioneered by Alexis Carrel, vascular reconstructive techniques have undergone several advancements. The traditional three-point “Alexis” technique for and end-to-end anastomosis remains a textbook description of an ideal anastomosis, especially in microsurgery. In clinical practice, dissection extent, vessel mobility, and timing can limit the applicability for daily use. We describe a more intuitive procedure, using common vascular techniques of parachuting and growth factor inclusion to achieve a technically perfect end-to-end anastomosis. In particular, the usual limitations of the “Alexis” technique do not limit this procedure making it easily learnable and reproducible.
HawkOne Directional Atherectomy for Infra-Inguinal Arteries
Authors: Singh Gurkirat , Aziz Omar , Lee Arvind Dhas
Published: December 2021

This review aims to explore the HawkOne atherectomy (Medtronic), a single use directional atherectomy device, explaining in depth its indication, selection, preparation and application. It further provides techniques and tips to troubleshoot the device upon its use. Further, a review of the current evidence for directional atherectomy in the infra-inguinal arteries is conducted. Identifying that directional atherectomy in the infra-inguinal arteries allow for significant plaque modification and lumen gain without the use of barotrauma from balloon angioplasty. Highlighting that directional atherectomy had a lower incidence of flow limiting dissections and need for stenting after such treatment.
Intracardiac Thrombus in Community-Acquired Klebsiella pneumonia – An Unprecedented Complication
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Tandon Rohit , Mohan Bishav , Jain Narender Pal
Published: December 2021

Left ventricular thrombi commonly occur in the presence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Their occurrence in the presence of preserved left ventricular systolic function is extremely rare. Here we present a case of a diabetic lady with community acquired Klebsiella pneumonia who also had large intraventricular thrombi which were managed conservatively.
Relation between molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) occurrence and war pollutants in bombarded regions
Authors: Elzein R , Chouery E , Abdel-Sater F , Bacho R , Ayoub F
Published: December 2021

Background:

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH), a developmental enamel defect affecting one or more first permanent molars (FPMs) and sometimes incisors (PIs), is one of the most common pandemic health problems in the world. MIH etiology is still unclear and has been suggested to be related to exposure to environmental toxicants during enamel mineralization.

Aims:

To assess the susceptibility to MIH occurrence in regards to war pollutants through the investigation of the prevalence and the clinical characteristics of MIH in a group of Lebanese children whose FPMs and PIs enamel mineralization coincides with the 2006 Lebanese war.

Patients and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was performed in schools from different regions of Lebanon. Schoolchildren born in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 were examined for MIH. Clinical status, lesion type, extension, and severity were recorded using the short form chart of the MIH index. Pearson's Chi-square or Fischer's exact test were used to determine if there is a significant relationship between categorical variables.

Results:

An overall MIH prevalence of 22.93% has been reported. Forty-seven point seventy-five per cent had both molars and incisors affected. Demarcated opacities were the most frequently observed clinical status. Most of the MIH FPMs and PIs were mildly affected with lesions extended on less than the third of the tooth surface.

Conclusions:

MIH prevalence among children born around 2006 Lebanese war is high. The hypothesis of a relation between MIH susceptibility and war pollutants in bombarded regions is legible but requires to be elucidated via additional in vitro and in vivo studies for accurate risk assessment.
Eyelid edema – An unusual presentation of ocular tuberculosis
Authors: Roque Joana , Coutinho Inês , Alves António , Ferreira Mara
Published: December 2021

We describe the case of a 71-year-old woman with periocular tuberculosis manifesting as eyelid edema. The diagnosis of tuberculosis infection was particularly difficult given the atypical presentation, the negative result of interferon-gamma release assay, and the absence of active or past pulmonary disease. Skin biopsy and its analysis with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) enabled the definitive diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. This represents an exceptionally rare form of eyelid tuberculosis and highlights the importance of a thorough investigation in the diagnostic workup of unspecified and refractory cases of eyelid edema that should include histopathological tissue analysis.
Optimization of Wind Sail using Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Prasanth K. , Senthil Prakash M.N. , Sivaprasad K.
Published: December 2021

The marine industry is highly dependent on oil as the fuel and the increased consumption of this fast-depleting oil recourse creates a shortage of fuel for the future as well as pollutes the environment. The pollution of water bodies also seriously affects marine life. Thus, the need for an alternate sustainable fuel source is of great importance. One such feasible alternative energy source is wind energy. The abundance, free availability and ease of conversion make it an ideal alternative to oil. Wind energy can be extracted by wind turbines or by sails. The sails convert the wind energy directly into energy for propulsion. The challenge in the conversion is the relative angle of attack of wind on the sail. The wind cannot be expected to be always in the direction of the course of the ship. When the wind is at an angle to the direction of the course, the thrust in the course director will be reduced and a component of thrust is developed on the sail which shifts the course of the ship. Bringing the ship back to the original course will create an additional expenditure of fuel. In such circumstances modification of the sail section shape from its conventional form to an optimal form helps to reduce these deficiencies. Therefore, the effort here is to numerically analyze the aerodynamic characteristics of wing-sails and to optimize their shape. The aerofoil NACA 0018 used here was chosen through a high fidelity two-dimensional computational analysis which was done earlier. The tip of the NACA 0018 was further modified by tilting it through different angles and at different chord positions forming a flap. The main objective of the study is to optimize the angle and the position of the flap relative to the chord of the aerofoil. The flapped airfoils were formed by modifying them from 10% chord length to 60% chord length. That flap angle was also varied from 0 degrees to 50 degrees in steps of 10- deg. The angle of attack on the sail was varied from 0 to 10 degrees in steps of 2 degrees. The thrust in the direction of course and the lateral thrust of each of these sail sections were estimated, tabulated and graphs were plotted. Analyzing these, an optimum shape for the sail section is derived.
Su Shi in razcvet tem v poeziji ci – na primeru pesmi na melodijo »Mesečina na Zahodni reki«
Authors: PRETNAR Mojca
Published: December 2021

Študija razloži značilnosti poezije ci 詞 in na primeru enega najpomembnejših pesnikov oblike ci iz dinastije Song (960–1279), Su Shija 蘇軾 (1037–1101), in njegovih petnajst pesmi, ki jih je napesnil na melodijo ・・Mesečina na Zahodni reki・・, razišče njegovo inovativnost pri širjenju tematike v obliki ci s pristopom našanja elementov poezije shi 詩 v poezijo ci (以詩為詞). Teh petnajst Su Shijevih pesmi, ki jih je iz kitajščine prepesnila avtorica študije, kaže tematsko pestrost, ki je poezija ci pred Su Shijem ni poznala. Tako v tradicionalnih kot inovativnih pesmih Su Shi širi tematiko s pomočjo aluzij, sposojanjem elementov iz literarnih, zgodovinskih, filozofskih del in z ustvarjanjem asociacij na zgodbe, dogodke in osebe iz zgodovine, mitologije in literature.
Quality assessment of nine brands of metformin hydrochloride tablets marketed in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Odeniran1, Olubukola A. , Olayemi Olubunmi J. , Galadima, Isa H. , Kirim Rukaiyatu A. , Isimi Christianah Y. , Mustapha Kudirat B.
Published: December 2021

Metformin is a drug of first choice in management of type II diabetes mellitus and the Nigerian market is flooded with many brands of metformin tablets. The aim of this study is to assess the pharmaceutical quality of nine brands of metformin tablets circulating in pharmacy outlets in Abuja. The brands were assessed for uniformity in weight, hardness, friability, disintegration time and in vitro dissolution using official methods. The content of active ingredient was also determined spectrophotometrically. All the brands had weights within the official limits, hardness was found to differ across the brands with values ranging between 1.20 and 11.50 kgF. Friability values were between 0.00 and 2.25%, disintegration time was between 2.06 and 10.36 min and within official specifications for film-coated tablets. Drug release within 60 min was between 93 and 103%, however, one of the brands fell outside the lower limit of the official specification and therefore, failed the dissolution test. Similarly, all but one of the brands were within the official specification of the percent content of active ingredient. The results highlight the need to routinely carry out market surveillance on drug products so as to safeguard the health of patients.
Prevalence of Viral Hepatitis Among Pregnant Women Attending Traditional Birth Homes in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Alfred Utibe-Abasi O. , Akwiwu Euphoria C. , Ugochi Valerie E. , Akpotuzor Josephine O.
Published: December 2021

Despite emerging infections and diseases that are transmissible through poor gynaecology/ obstetrics care, preference for traditional birth attendants over conventional caregivers still exist. Laboratory diagnosis remains essential for detection of new cases as well as overall management of infected persons. Pregnant women accessing care at traditional birth homes constitute a vulnerable group since laboratory testing for hepatitis is lacking at the centers, hence the present study. This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The study participants were pregnant women accessing care at traditional birth homes in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. The subjects were each screened for the presence of antibodies to HBV and HCV using immunochromatographic methods. Data processing was carried out using SPSS version 22.0. Results are presented as numbers and frequencies expressed as percentages. Socio-economic variables including education and income were seen to be disproportionally distributed among the pregnant women accessing care at traditional birth homes. Five (5) out of 88 enrolled pregnant women were reactive to either of both viral hepatitis screened. The prevalence of HBV (4.5%) was higher than that of HCV (1.1%). Six out of the seven (85.7%) centers informed the attendees of the need to undertake laboratory screening for transmissible infections. However, none of the centers made it mandatory for laboratory test results to be obtained. One center out of seven (14.3%) ensured that sharps used during child delivery were not shared. This study observed the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections among pregnant women attending traditional birth homes in Uyo, Nigeria to be 4.5% and 1.1% respectively.
Bacteriological Quality Analysis of Water in Storage Tanks in A University Community, South Southern - Nigeria
Authors: Ogba Ofonime M. , Olorode Oluwayemisi A. , Okon Mary P. , Umoh Nse O.
Published: December 2021

The use of unsafe water supplies and microbial contaminated water may pose serious health challenge to users. The aim of the study was to determine the level of bacterial contamination of the various water sources and the suitability for human use and consumption in University of Calabar Community, Nigeria. A total of 30 water samples were obtained from the University storage tanks and analysed for the presence of bacteria. The level of feacal coliform count, total coliform count and heterotrophic bacterial count was analysed using membrane filtration method and standard culture method on a differential and selective media. The samples were cultured on MacConkey and Nutrient agar. The isolates obtained from the above media were subcultured into slants of nutrient agar. Isolates were subjected to Gram staining and biochemical tests. The feacal coliform, Escherichia coli was isolated from all the water samples. Total coliform counts ranged from 1cfu/ml - 92cfu/ml while total heterotrophic bacterial count ranged from 1cfu/ml to 161cfu/ml. The bacteria species isolated were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus species, Enterobacter aerogenes, Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Proteus species, Lactobacillus species and Listeria species. The results obtained from this study have shown high level of bacterial load which makes the water unsuitable for human consumption. Further treatment may be needed as the bacteria isolates from the water samples point to feacal contamination which may be due to inadequate treatment of water, contamination while in the storage tanks or passage through contaminated pipes supplying the community. The consumers may be at high risks of enteric bacterial infections.
TÜRKİYE’DEKİ SURİYELİ GÖÇMENLERE VERİLEN SAĞLIK HİZMETLERİNİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ, SORUN VE ÖNERİLER
Authors: AYDIN Yusuf
Published: December 2021

Suriye'de yaşanan olaylar ve iç savaş nedeniyle göç eden Suriyelilerin en temel ihtiyaçları olan sağlık, barınma, eğitim ve çalışma hakkı gibi konular gittikleri ülkelerde önemli bir sorun olduğu gibi Türkiye'de de aynı sıkıntılarla karşılaşmaktadırlar. Ağırlıklı olarak barınma ve çalışma hakkı konularında ciddi mesafeler alınmış olunmakla birlikte, sağlık ve eğitim de ise çalışmalar devam etmektedir. Bununla birlikte sağlık ve eğitimde ilgili bakanlıklar tarafından belli kararlar alınmış ve uygulanmaya başlanmıştır. Bu anlamda, sağlık alanında sosyal devlet olmanın gereği olarak, göçmenlerin sağlık hizmetlerini almasına yönelik önemli uygulamalar başlamış olmakla birlikte, çıkan sorunlar doğrultusunda müdahaleler de yapılmaktadır.

Bu çalışma ile Suriyelilere yönelik sunulan sağlık hizmetleri değerlendirilecektir. Çalışmanın ilk bölümünde genel olarak Suriyeli göçmenler hakkında bilgi verilecek, ikinci bölümde ise Türkiye'de Suriyeli göçmenlerin aldıkları sağlık hizmetleri özellikle sağlık bakanlığı verilerine göre değerlendirilecek ve tespit edilen sorunlardan yola çıkılarak çözüm önerileri sunulacaktır.
PROCESSO ESTILOIDE ALONGADO NAS RADIOGRAFIAS PANORÂMICAS EM UMA SUBPOPULAÇÃO
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brasil., Carvalho Pedro Luiz de , Amaral Neto Antônio Martins do ,   Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brasil., Freitas Larissa Victória Barbosa ,   Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brasil., Saito Kunihiro ,   Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brasil., Andrade Wagner Almeida de ,   Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brasil., Medeiros João Marcelo Ferreira de ,   Universidade Brasil, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Published: December 2021

Styloid process elongation associated with symptoms such as cervicofacial pain, tinnitus and otalgia is called Eagle Syndrome. The objective of this study is to assess the presence of elongated styloid process through panoramic radiographs, in a subpopulation of the State of Para, Brazil, as to age and sex. Panoramic radiographs were selected and the apparent size of the styloid process was measured from the point where the styloid leaves the tympanic plate to the lower tip of the process. Data were analyzed by means of chi-square tests and the “t” test with a significance level of 5%. Forty-three percent of all elongated styloid processes were observed in patients aged between 18 and 35 years old. Of these styloid processes measuring more than 30 mm, there were 815 that showed a Type I elongation pattern, being 98 that showed a Type II calcification pattern and 92 showed a Type III calcification pattern. It is concluded that the Type I elongated styloid process was the most frequent, but no statistically significant correlation was found between the presence of the elongated styloid process and the studied variables.
Periodical Press as a Source on the History of German Settlements in the Volga Region in the 1920s (based on the Materials of the Newspaper “Die Welt-Post”)
Authors: Erokhina Olga V. , Furman Ekaterina L.
Published: December 2021

The newspaper “Die Welt-Post” is analyzed in the article, namely, the rubric “Letters from Russia”, from 1920. It published correspondence of Volga Germans and their relatives who immigrated to America in the late 19th – early 20th centuries. The analyzed material allowed finding out how the Volga Germans perceived the economic and political situation in the country. Having survived the revolution, the Civil War like many peoples of the Soviet Russia, they experienced all the hardships of the economic policy pursued by the Bolsheviks. In the letters, they described the process of requisitions of food by food detachments in the villages and even told stories about their personal participation in the open confrontation with the authorities. With the first signs of famine in the Volga region, the Germans began to turn to relatives in America with requests to send food, clothing, money, or help to leave the country. However, there were also those who wanted to receive books, newspapers or magazines because they were in an information vacuum or wanted to develop intellectually. The Germans were very religious people and therefore they perceived the events that took place as tests sent from above. American aid had been perceived similarly. Often the Germans gave characteristics in an allegorical form using references to the Bible.
Students’ Cognitive Test Anxiety and Secondary School Examination Performance: Moderating Effect of Gender and School Sector
Authors: Ali Hakim , Ejaz Aisha , Bagum Munwar
Published: December 2021

Despite a bulk of research in international context investigating the relationship of cognitive test anxiety with students’ academic performance, little work has yet been done in this area on samples of students in Pakistan. This correlational design study was, therefore, conducted to examine the relationship between secondary school students’ cognitive test anxiety and their examination performance in educational context of Pakistan and to ascertain how the direction and/or strength of this relationship may be moderated by students’ gender and their school sector. Data were collected on students’ cognitive test anxiety, total obtained marks in SSC examination and obtained marks in English along with students’ gender and school sector from 1712 mixed ability students enrolled in year 11 in 91 public and private institutions. Both the descriptive and inferential statistical techniques (i.e., Mean, SD and Independent samples t-test) along with Pearson’s R correlations and hierarchical multiple regression were performed to analyze the data. Results depicted that female sample students reported higher level of cognitive test anxiety in comparison to their male counterparts. Results also suggested a small but significant negative effect of cognitive test anxiety on students’ examination performance and that student cognitive test anxiety component accounted for 10% of variance in their examination performance. Results further revealed that the magnitude of relationship between students’ cognitive test anxiety and examination total point scores do not change much for the moderating variables and these variables accounted only for 3% of variance. The magnitude of moderating effect, however, found to be somewhat stronger in the school sector in comparison to students’ gender.
Association between Rheumatoid Arthritis and other autoimmune diseases
Authors: Serrano Eliana Rebeca , Pérez Silvana Karina , Bande Juan Manuel , Sosa Julia , Kohan María Paula , Santa Cruz María Julia , Medina María Alejandra , Klajn Diana Silvia , Ángel José , Benegas Mariana , Saturanski Etel , Quintana Rosana , Pons-Estel Bernardo , Pereira Dora , Dellepiane Analía , García Salinas Rodrigo , Correa María de los Ángeles , Citera Gustavo , Sacnum Mónica , Hartvig Claudia , Demarchi Julia , Bartel Guillermo , Gómez Andrea , Kirmayr Karin , Velasco Zamora José Luis , Chichotky Yamila , Salazar María Marta , Rillo Oscar , Bohr Analía , Pérez Dávila Adriana , Najera Hugo , Chuquimia Jearmany René , Secco Anastasia , Martínez Alejandro , Buschiazzo Emilio , Juárez Vicente , Raiti Laura , Cruzat Vanesa , Smichowski Andrea , Casado Gustavo , Zelaya David , Álvarez Damaris , Kerzberg Eduardo Mario , Rosa Javier , García María Victoria , Retamozo Cinthya , Costi Ana Carolina , Pena Claudia , Maldonado Ficco Hernán , Papasidero Silvia Beatriz
Published: December 2021

Objectives: To determine the frequency of autoimmune diseases (AID) in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients and to compare this frequency between patients with and without RA or other rheumatologic AID.
Methods: Multicenter, observational, analytical, retrospective study. Consecutive patients with diagnosis of RA (ACR/EULAR 2010) were included. Patients with initial diagnosis of primary ostearthritis (OA) were used as control group.
Results: A total of 1549 patients were included: 831 RA (84% women, mean age 55.2 [±13.6]) and 718 OA (82% women, mean age 67 ([± 11.1]). The frequency of AID in the RA group was 22% (n=183). RA patients showed higher frequency of rheumatologic AID (9.4 vs 3.3%, p< 0.001), and lower frequency of non-rheumatologic AID than OA patients (15.3 vs 20.5%, p= 0.007). The most prevalent rheumatic AID was Sjögren’s Syndrome, which was more fre-quent in the AR group (87.2 vs 29.2%, p<0.001). The frequency of rheumatologic AID in RA patients was higher in those with erosive RA (11 vs 6.8%, p=0.048).
Conclusion: The frequency of AID in RA patients was 22%. Rheumatologic AID were more frequent in RA patients, whereas non-rheumatologic AID prevailed in OA patients.
Septic polyarthritis presentation of three cases
Authors: Riscanevo Nadia , Novatti Elisa , Flores Janet , Baenas Diego , Caeiro Francisco , Saurit Verónica , Álvarez Cecilia , Alvarellos Alejandro
Published: December 2021

Polyarticular septic arthritis is defined as the infection of two or more joints, almost always of bacterial etiology and hematogenous spread.
It is considered a medical emergency, which should be recognized early, avoiding the spread of infection, associated with high mortality and the risk of joint structural damage.
We present three cases of polyarticular septic arthritis, highlighting the importance of clinical suspicion and early synovial fluid study for diagnosis and treatment with antimicrobials, joint evacuation and joint lavage.
Use and prescription of medical cannabis by rheumatologists in Argentina
Authors: Scublinsky Darío , Kirmayr K. , Ink M. , Ibelli F. , Graf C. , Lanza R. , González Negri M. R. , Damin C.
Published: December 2021

The use and prescription of cannabis and its derivatives in Rheumatology is still under discussion. The cannabis law was enacted near 3 years ago, although the regulation is just beginning. The objective of this study was to know how rheumatologists positions themselves about the use of cannabis in the framework of his medical practice.
Through a survey conducted during the 2019 Argentine Congress of Rheumatology, 314 doctors answered questions about the use, recommendations and opinions regarding the indication and use of cannabinoids in their daily practice. 78.3% (246) knew of the existence of a national law. 51.6% (162) disagreed with the use of cannabinoids by their patients, while 36.6% (115) agreed, 3.2% (10) reported to strongly agree, and 8.6% (27) strongly disagreed. For patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, 94.6% (297) reported that they never prescribed cannabinoids, 4.1% (13) prescribed them rarely, and 1.3% (4) sometimes. For degenerative rheumatic diseases, 90.4% (284) never prescribed cannabinoids, 6.7% (21) did it rarely, and 2.9% (9) did so sometimes. For fibromyalgia, 84.4% (265) never prescribed cannabinoids, 8.3% (26) prescribed them rarely, 6.4% (20) sometimes. The main obstacle to prescribing (more than one answer allowed) was not having enough scientific information (50.3%, 158), 47.5% (149) were uncertain about the cannabis preparation, 47.1% (148) had no knowledge about doses or posology, 41.4% (130) didn´t trust the producers, 38.9% (122) were no convince by the trials in the field . There were no significant differences between the variables age, gender, years in the specialty or workplace and the responses described.
Conclusion: According to specialists in Argentina, the use of cannabis in rheumatology requires more scientific and pharmaceutical data to prescribe cannabinoids in a safer framework.
Calciphylaxis of the temporal artery simulating temporal arteritis
Authors: Gallo Jesica , Henares Eduardo , Paira Sergio
Published: December 2021

Calciphylaxis is characterized by intense deposition of calcium in small blood vessels, skin, and other organs, described mainly in patients with chronic renal insufficiency, renal transplant of parathyroid dysfunction. To date, there are only seven cases described in literature of calciphylaxis mimicking giant cell arteritis (GCA). In this review, we present the eighth case pathologically documented.
Paul Klee and systemic sclerosis
Authors: Canillas Fernando , Canillas Lucía
Published: December 2021

Paul Klee represents one of the pillars of avant-garde art of the early 20th century.
He produced an enormous amount of artistic works in the sixty years of his life.
Systemic sclerosis appeared five years before he died, but this did not reduce his creative activity.
This article analyzes his life and his illness that so influenced his work and that is a paradigmatic example of resilience in the face of adversity.