bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Negative Thermal Expansion Metamaterial Inspired by the Sicilian and Manx Symbols
Authors: Lim Teik Cheng
Published: December 2023

A negative thermal expansion (NTE) metamaterial is established herein by inspiration from the Sicilian and Manx symbols to form rigid units of the metamaterial. By attaching connecting material of positive thermal expansion to the rigid units, the resulting metamaterial exhibits NTE. Analytical forms for the effective coefficients of thermal expansions (CTE) were established using infinitesimal and finite deformation assumptions for small and large temperature changes, respectively. Results indicate that the negativity of this metamaterial’s thermal expansion is enhanced with the thickness of the connecting material but decreases with the dimensions of the rigid units. The transverse isotropy for this metamaterial’s CTE is useful if thermal expansion compensation is required in two orthogonal directions but zero thermal expansion is required in the remaining orthogonal direction.
Performance of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Incorporating Recycled Plastic Aggregate
Authors: Alharbi Yousef R.
Published: December 2023

Recently, research has been devoted to producing a more sustainable and environmentally friendly composite for substituting conventional cement concrete. This supports the global effort toward limiting the environmental impact of cement production. Geopolymer composites or alkali-activated materials have gained more attention within the research community due to the wide availability of waste (e.g., fly ash, slag) or natural (metakaolin, pozzolans) source materials suitable for geopolymer production. The present study investigates the potential of producing metakaolin-based geopolymer mortars with partial substitution of natural sand by recycled plastic fine aggregate (RPFA) to enhance composite sustainability. The primary variables of the experimental program include the percentage replacement of fine natural aggregate by RPFA (0, 10, 20, and 30% by volume). Tests comprising flowability, compressive strength, Flexural strength and unit weight of the various mixes were evaluated. The results indicated that replacing 10%, 20%, and 30% of sand with RPFA caused a reduction in the compressive strength by 10.6%, 21.8%, and 33.9% relative to the control mix. The flexural strength also decreased by 17.5%, 22.4%, and 30.4% compared to the control mix. Although substituting natural aggregate with RPFA reduced the mechanical properties, it improved the mix flowability by up to 20% relative to the control mix. Additionally, a reduction in the unit weight by up to 16.2% relative to the control mix was obtained, which offer a viable mean of producing lightweight mortar.
Synthesis of Calcium Fluoride from Discarded Egg Shell - A Potential Solid Lubricant
Authors: Sukumaran Suneeth , Francis Xavier L. , Deepanraj B.
Published: December 2023

Solid lubricant is an environment-friendly alternative to liquid lubricants, which can be applied in extreme environmental conditions like high temperature and pressure where liquid lubricants fail. In this work, an attempt was made to synthesize calcium fluoride, a solid lubricant material from scrap eggshell powder by using the ion exchange method. The prepared eggshell powder was treated with 40% concentric hydrofluoric acid and was manually mixed using a mortar and pestle. The synthesized CaF2 powder was characterized by using SEM and XRD. The degree of Crystallinity was calculated from the XRD data by using Origin Pro and Excel software. The Crystallinity of the prepared CaF2 powder was found to be 78.01%. The crystal size of the synthesized CaF2 powder was calculated using Scherer’s formula. The crystal size was found to be between 9–22 nm ranges. The synthesized calcium fluoride XRD intensity peaks were matching exactly with the JCPDS card of the standard CaF2 powder, confirming the presence of CaF2.
Effect of Electrolyte Type on Supercapbatteries Based on Silicon as Anode and Cassava Tuber Activated Carbon as Cathode
Authors: Diantoro Markus , Aturroifah Nuviya Illa Muthi , Nuril Laily Rif’atu , Utomo Joko , Nur Afandi Arif , Maensiri Santi
Published: December 2023

Supercapbatteries are energy storage devices to solve low power and energy density problems. In this study, using cassava tubers activated carbon on the cathode side and silicon on the anode side. The electrodes are arranged in a coin cell device using various electrolytes 6M KOH and 1M Et4NBF4. The substrate used as the electrode is nickel foam with a drop-by-drop deposition technique. Microstructural properties of cassava tuber activated carbon and silicon were characterized using XRD, SEM, and FTIR. XRD showed cassava tuber-activated carbon was in an amorphous phase and the diffraction peak was similar to that of commercial activated carbon. On the other hand, silicon exhibits a crystalline phase. Based on SEM, the particle size distribution of cassava tuber activated carbon is 8.87μm, the average pore size is 0.988μm, and the percentage of porosity is 69.49%, while the particle size distribution of silicon is 0.065μm. The FTIR results show the formation of a C=C functional group which characterizes the nature of activated carbon at a wavelength of 1592.04 cm-1. GCD tests show that the electrochemical performance of super batteries is better when using 6M KOH electrolyte, specific capacitance, power density, and energy density 27.6F/g, 282.7W/kg, and 7.4Wh/kg.
Application of a Custom Fe Simulation Technique for the Analysis of Hybrid Double-Cover Butt Joints
Authors: Belardi Valerio G. , Vivio Francesco
Published: December 2023

The simulation of hybrid composite-metal bolted joints using finite element analysis necessitates balancing the accuracy of the results and the simulation time. Accurately analyzing a bolted joint involves understanding various linear and non-linear phenomena. To simplify this process, the Composite Bolted Joint Element (CBJE) technique can be used as a modeling tool within an existing shell model. The CBJE technique uses basic finite elements featuring stiffness characteristics evaluated from the theoretical reference model of the bolted joint to provide precise results in a short time. In this study, the effectiveness of the CBJE technique is examined in the modeling of hybrid double-cover butt joints by comparing the outcomes of stiffness prediction and bolt-load distribution with those generated from a refined 3D model.
Enhancing Assembly Defect Detection from Object Detection to Image Classification
Authors: Hsu Quang Cherng , Jhou Yu Sin , Ye Jhan Hong , Ma Chen Wei , Lai You Rui
Published: December 2023

The paper proposed a deep convolutional neural network together with image processing techniques to detect assembly defects of vehicle components in assembly lines. Traditional detection method such as automatic optical inspection is strongly affected by environmental variation coming from the changes of light source, transfer belt, and component type, therefore, complicated thresholds should be adjusted case by case. The proposed method tries to avoid these problems which is fast and straight forward with satisfactory detection accuracy compared to traditional method.
Application of Electrochemical Method to Evaluate the Corrosion Conditions of Steel Bars
Authors: Lin Yu Feng , Wu Chung Hao
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this research is to use an electrochemical method to evaluate corrosion conditions of steel bars in concrete. According to the description of ASTM C876, when the corrosion potential measurement values of the steel bar are below -350 mV, there may be a greater than 90 percent chance of corrosion. If the current impedance of the concrete is below 10 kΩ-cm, there is a possibility of corrosion in the steel bar. The test plan is as follows: to use concrete with different concentrations of chloride ions or applying an electric current to the steel bars to accelerate the corrosion reaction. In addition, we plan to use a solution of chloride ions to simulate sea tidal erosion on reinforced concrete structures by spraying. According to the experimental observations, concrete containing chloride ions is very likely to cause internal corrosion of the steel bar. The current impedance of the concrete can be used as the basis for assessing the internal humidity and moisture content of concrete. With an increase in curing time, the concrete's resistance correspondingly increases.
Effect of Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag on the Bond Strength of Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Wu Chung Hao , Lin Shu-Ken
Published: December 2023

This research experimentally investigated the bond strength of recycled aggregate concrete containing high volume ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS). Concrete mixtures made with 0%, 15%, 45% and 75% replacement of cement with GGBFS were prepared. Water-to-binder ratios ranged from 0.30 to 0.50. The fresh properties, compressive strength and pullout bond strength of concrete were measured and presented. Test results shows that the compressive strength and bond strength of concrete containing GGBFS were superior to the concrete without GGBFS at all ages. In addition, the bond strength of the recycled aggregate concrete containing high volume GGBFS (75% cement replacement) could exceed that of natural aggregate concrete without GGBFS. This result shows that it is feasible for applying recycled aggregate concrete incorporating high volume GGBFS in concrete constructions.
Functionally Graded Concrete: Structural Design and Effect on Sustainability Parameters
Authors: Kondraivendhan B. , Rathi Tejas
Published: December 2023

Researchers have become interested in functionally graded concrete (FGC) in recent years due to its potential to enhance the desired performance. Functional gradation can be carried out in a continuous or stepped/layered manner. Most studies have been conducted on two layered FGC beams by substituting the richer mixes in either tension or compression zone. Previous studies have incorporated and presented the structural design approach of such two-layered beams. Moreover, the layer in the compression zone was assumed to bear entire compressive stresses. Previous studies exhibited savings in cement by up to 37% using a layer of the concrete class defined by exposure conditions around reinforcement and the concrete of minimal structural class. However, using structural concrete of minimal class in the remaining segments may result in a higher reinforcement requirement, reducing the benefits of savings in embodied CO2 offered by reduced cement consumption. This paper examines how designing the beam as a Functionally Graded Reinforced Concrete (FGRC) beam following Indian Standard 456:2016 affects the cost and embodied CO2 based on cement and steel consumption through the durability approach of design, wherein the substitution of the layer is considered in the tension zone. The study revealed that a 10% and 16% reduction in cost and embodied CO2 could be accomplished.
Compositional Grading of Al2O3/ZrO2/SUS304 Hybrid Materials Using Centrifugal Slurry Methods and Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Imai Yuto , Shirakawa Shota , Shibui Sota , Tsukamoto Hideaki
Published: December 2023

Ceramic/ metal functionally graded materials (FGMs) have been promising to sustain coating structures working under super high temperature as well as high temperature gradient conditions. Compositional gradients in the FGMs can be engineered according to functional performance requirements. This study aims to fabricate Al2O3/ZrO2/SUS304 hybrid FGMs with continuous compositional gradient manners using a combination of centrifugal slurry methods and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The compositional gradients in the FGMs were investigated on microstructures with elemental distributions and hardness on the cross sections of the FGMs. It was demonstrated that the compositions of ZrO2 and SUS304 continuously varied in the FGMs, while Al2O3 resided only on ZrO2-rich sides, which can effectively enhance the fracture toughness of the ZrO2-rich layer. Ball milling treatments can make the Al2O3 layer more formed in the ZrO2-rich layer. With increasing the amount of Al2O3, the Al2O3 layer resided closer to the top of the ZrO2 surfaces in the FGMs subject to ball milling treatments, which can prevent the crack propagation from the ZrO2 top surfaces.
Tensile Strength Determination for Rice Husk Ash and Corn Cob Ash Blended Cement Concrete
Authors: Oyerinde Temitayo Opeyemi , Oyewole Margaret Damilola , Alake Olaniyi , Agbajor Favour David , Mewomo Modupe Cecilia
Published: December 2023

This study concerns the determination of the tensile strength of concrete produced by partially replacing cement with rice husk ash (RHA) and corn cob ash (CCA). The tensile strength of RHA and CCA blended cement concrete and its suitability as sustainable green concrete materials were investigated. Cubes of 100x 100 x 100 mm unmodified concrete (pure cement) and modified concrete (cement, RHA and CCA) were cast using a mix ratio of 1:2:4 containing binder (cement, RHA, CCA), sand, and coarse aggregate. Physical properties (moisture content, grain size analysis and specific gravity) of RHA and CCA, the effect of curing age and the effect of varying percentage replacement of cement with RHA and CCA blended cement concrete on the tensile strength of concrete were investigated. The varying replacement of cement with RHA and CCA were 0% (100% Cement), 10% (5% RHA, 5% CCA, 90% Cement), 20% (10% RHA, 10% CCA, 80% Cement), 30% (15% RHA, 15% CCA, 70% cement) and 40% (20% RHA, 20%CCA, 60% cement). The tensile strength of the 1:2:4 concrete mix of the unmodified concrete at 28 days strength was valued to be 3.39 N/mm2 while that of modified concrete of 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% RHA, and CCA are 3.30, 2.74, 2.69 and 1.63 N/mm2 respectively, showing that tensile strength of concrete decreases with an increasing amount of RHA and CCA and increases with an increasing number of curing age. This research suggests that RHA and CCA concrete of 10% can be used to produce concrete for structural members, while 20%, 30% and 40% of concrete can be used for weak concrete where filling and other minor works are required.
The correlation between creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients
Authors: Riyani Ani , Nerisandi Rizka , Wiryanti Wiwin , Rahmah Widda , Kurnaeni Nani
Published: December 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) was a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia. Measuring the blood creatinine level and calculating the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was crucial in determining if a person had impaired kidney function. These tests provided valuable insights into the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated risk of kidney failure. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between average creatinine levels and GFR with blood glucose levels in type 2 DM patients. This correlative research used a cross-sectional approach and included samples from 30 patients with type 2 DM at a hospital in Bandung, Indonesia. The patients' blood glucose and blood creatinine levels were measured using GFR calculations and a Kenza Max photometer, respectively. The sampling method used was accidental sampling, with the sample criteria being type 2 DM patients who were willing to be respondents and did not have hypertension. The average creatinine levels and estimated GFR values were 0.97 mg/dL and 84.971 mL/min/1.73m². The results of the Pearson correlation test indicated non-significant correlations (p > 0.05, p = 0.703 and 0.819). This suggested that there was no significant relationship between creatinine levels and estimated GFR and blood glucose levels in type 2 DM patients. This study provided a foundational exploration of the link between blood glucose levels and kidney function, which could contribute to developing methods for examining kidney diseases in type 2 DM patients. This study's findings underscore the complexity of the relationship between metabolic control and renal function in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, highlighting the need for individualized patient assessment and management strategies.
Levels of evidence and study designs: A brief introduction to dermato-epidemiologic research methodology
Authors: Chen Yen-Ning , Chi* Ching-Chi
Published: December 2023

Levels of evidence (LOE), also known as hierarchies of evidence, are determined primarily by the inherent bias and validity of the study designs. Understanding LOE is a crucial preliminary step in practicing evidence-based medicine (EBM) or evidence-based dermatology. These hierarchies facilitate the efficient acquisition of the best available evidence for clinicians in decision-making, as well as guiding researchers in conducting new studies with appropriate designs while considering the next higher LOE necessary to improve the quality of currently available evidence. This article provides a concise overview of LOE and study designs based on the 2011 Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine LOE for treatment benefits. We utilize examples from medical literature to elucidate the strengths and limitations of various study designs. Furthermore, we shed light on the key concepts of the updated evidence pyramid and how the EBM research roadmap functions to bridge the gap between current best evidence and clinical practice.
Efficacy of splanchnic nerve neurolysis in the management of upper abdominal cancer pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Goyal Sonal , Kumar Ajit , Goyal Divakar , Attar Pradeep , Bhandari Baibhav , Purohit Gaurav , Mahiswar Aditya Pal , Gupta Shiwam
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims:

Neurolytic splanchnic nerve block (NSNB) is practised in intractable abdominal pain secondary to intra-abdominal malignancies. This review evaluated the efficacy of NSNB.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles published from January 2001 to October 2023. Two independent reviewers extracted the data from the included studies. The quality of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2), and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used for cohort studies.

Results:

Fourteen articles (4 RCTs, 3 non-randomised prospective, and 7 retrospectives) were included. Ten articles were quantitatively assessed and demonstrated significant pain relief at 1 week (standardised mean difference (SMD): 3.46 [2.09, 4.83], P < 0.001, I2 = 95%), 2 weeks (SMD: 4.45 [2.61, 6.29], P < 0.001, I2 = 95%), 4 weeks (SMD: 3.35 [2.23, 4.47], P < 0.001, I2 = 97%), 8 weeks (SMD: 3.7 [2.71, 4.7], P < 0.001, I2 = 86%), 12 weeks (SMD: 4.01 [2.66, 5.36], P < 0.001, I2 = 95%), and 24 weeks (SMD: 2.54 [1.71,3.37], P < 0.001, I2 = 84%). Daily narcotic consumption and quality of life (QOL) significantly improved post neurolysis, but survival rates showed controversial results. Significant heterogeneity was reported, and sub-group analysis revealed a moderate level of variability [I2 = 47.3%] pertaining to study design as a source of heterogeneity. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Pro GDT recommendation for the primary objective was ‘high’ for the analysis of RCTs and ‘very low’ evidence quality for observational studies. Only transient minor complications were reported.

Conclusion:

NSNB appears to be an efficacious technique that provides substantial pain relief, reduces opioid consumption, and ameliorates QOL.
Survival benefit of exenteration in COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital mucormycosis
Authors: Raj Amit , Singh Prabhakar , Sadhukhan Kaushik , Chandra Bhawesh , Kranti Bhavana , Kumar Subhash , Sinha Upasna , Kokkayil Pratyusha , Bhadani Punam Prasad , Sinha Prerna , Sanepalli Sravani , Tiwari Pragati , Nanda Jayadev
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

There has been a sudden increase in the number of rhino-orbital mucormycosis cases, primarily affecting patients recovering from COVID-19 infection. The local health authorities have declared the current situation an epidemic. In this study, we assess the role of exenteration in preventing disease progression and improving survival in patients with rhino-orbital mucormycosis.

Methods:

The patients undergoing exenteration were grouped into the exenteration arm and those denying exenteration were grouped into the nonexenteration arm. The patients were followed at 1 month and 3 months. The 6-month survival data were collected telephonically. Continuous data were presented as Mean ± SD/Median (IQR) depending on the normality distribution of data, whereas the frequency with percentages was used to present the categorical variables. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were created to estimate the difference in survival of patients with exenteration in rhino-orbital mucormycosis versus those without exenteration.

Results:

A total of 14 patients were recruited for our study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the patients were qualified for exenteration; however, only eight patients underwent exenteration and six patients did not consent to exenteration. At the end of 3 months in the exenteration group, four (50%) patients died. Two patients died within a week of exenteration, whereas two patients died after 2 weeks of exenteration. The deaths in the first week were attributed to septic shock and the deaths happening beyond 2 weeks were attributed to severe meningitis. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed the cumulative probability of being alive at 1 month in the exenteration arm to be 85%, and it decreased to 67% by 53 days and subsequently remained stable until the end of 3 months.

Conclusion:

The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis did not show a survival benefit of exenteration at 3 months and 6 months in COVID-associated rhino-orbital mucormycosis.
Use of 30 gauge needle to prevent hypotony during silicone oil removal
Authors: Verma Lalit , Patil Anuja , Gupta Avnindra , Asad Yusra
Published: December 2023

Silicone oil (SO) is used as an intraocular tamponade after complex vitreoretinal surgeries because of its properties such as transparency, inertness, high surface tension, and interfacial tension with water. The only disadvantage of SO tamponade is the need for a second surgery for its removal. However, there is a risk of ocular hypotony soon after the removal of the infusion cannula, especially in retinal vascular conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy. We hereby present a silicone oil removal (SOR) technique using a 30 G needle that prevents intraocular hypotony during SOR.
Factors affecting adherence to glaucoma medication: Patient perspective from North India
Authors: Singh Kirti , Singh Arshi , Jain Divya , Verma Vivek
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Adherence to glaucoma medical therapy is a key factor in achieving target intraocular pressure to prevent glaucoma progression. To determine factors affecting medication adherence in glaucoma patients in an urban population belonging to poor socioeconomic status.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients attending glaucoma services in a tertiary referral hospital of North India. Adherence to medication was determined subjectively by questionnaire and objectively by counting the number of used bottles at the end of a month or during refill, whichever was earlier. Patient-related parameters in adherence toward glaucoma medication were studied based on demography, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). The statistical techniques of bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were adopted to test the objective.

Results:

The population was statistically homogeneous based on gender and income in both groups. A large proportion of patients had bilateral disease (87%) and were on two or more medications (62.5%). Adherence to glaucoma medical therapy was seen in 68% of patients, with knowledge about glaucoma present in 58% of patients. Deterrents to drug adherence were identified as forgetfulness (71%), unavailability of drugs (19%) or funds to purchase the same (26%), polypharmacy (21%), and side effects (5%). Dependence on an escort by 44% and dependence on hospital supply of medications by 60% emerged as the contextual factors requiring scrutiny while prescribing lifelong glaucoma medications. Disease misconceptions (53%) were prevalent and drug instillation practices were unsatisfactory (57%).

Conclusion:

The study offers insight into patients’ perspectives regarding the lifetime use of antiglaucoma medications and focuses on key issues linked to drug nonadherence.
Endoscopic Stapedotomy: Overcoming Limitations and Improving Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Ojha Tarun , Sharma Kanika , Chhabra Biban , Trivedi Bhargavi Bhaskar , Bansal Monika
Published: December 2023

Background:

Stapedotomy is being practiced as a preferred surgical modality for the management of otosclerosis. The operating microscope has been utilized as the conventional tool for stapes surgery over the years. However, certain shortcomings too have been observed. Endoscope provides better and wider field of vision than an operating microscope.

Aims and Objectives:

The study is aimed to compare the technical challenges faced during microscopic versus endoscopic stapedotomy.

Material and Methods:

Forty patients with diagnosed otosclerosis were randomly assigned into 2 groups- patients in first group underwent microscopic stapedotomy, while the other group underwent endoscopic stapedotomy. The 2 groups were then observed in terms of extent of the postero- superior canal bone curettage/drilling required for clear visualization of operating area, need for chorda tympani manoeuvring, visualization of the incudo- stapedial complex, operative time, ease of piston insertion, patient head positioning, post-operative pain, vertigo, effect on hearing and taste impairment.

Result:

Endoscopic stapedotomy offered better access to the oval window requiring less bone removal and chorda tympani manoeuvring. The operating time, pain post operatively, and taste impairment were significantly less in the endoscopic group. No significant difference was observed with respect to hearing outcome and post operative vertigo. Endoscopic stapedotomy had disadvantage of handling the endoscope with one hand and placing the piston with other.

Conclusion:

Endoscopic stapedotomy has clear cut advantage over microscopic stapedotomy in terms of the technicality and accessibility to the operating area.
An Unusual Case of Parry–Romberg Syndrome with Chronic Otitis Media: An Incidental Diagnosis or Underlying Cause?
Authors: Adhikari Biswajit , Jana Sonali , De Kumar Shankar
Published: December 2023

Here, we present a case of a 17-year-old female, who presented to us with bilateral squamous active chronic otitis media and underwent surgery for the same, along with progressive atrophy of the right side of the face for the past 2 years. A 17-year-old female patient presented to us with progressive hemiatrophy of the right side of the face for 2 years and foul-smelling discharge from both ears, also for 2 years. She subsequently underwent a modified radical mastoidectomy of the left ear. Parry–Romberg syndrome is a rare acquired disorder, causing progressive hemiatrophy of the skin and soft tissues of the face, along with, in some cases, atrophy of the muscles, cartilage, and underlying bone. There is no proven underlying etiology, and treatment consists of a delay of disease progression, a wait-and-watch policy, and esthetic restoration of the face once the disease progression halts.
Clinical outcomes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients managed with lower endoscopy: A tertiary center results
Authors: Alhassan Noura S. , Altwuaijri Mansour A. , Alshammari Sulaiman A. , Alshehri Khaled M. , Alkhayyal Yazeed A. , Alfaiz Fahad A. , Alomar Mohammad O. , Alkhowaiter Saad S. , Amaar Nuha Y. Al , Traiki Thamer A. Bin , Khayal Khayal A. Al
Published: December 2023

Background:

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is an urgent presentation with increasing prevalence and remains a common cause of hospitalization. The clinical outcome can vary based on several factors, including the cause of bleeding, its severity, and the effectiveness of management strategies. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive report on the clinical outcomes observed in patients with LGIB who underwent lower endoscopy.

Methods:

All patients who underwent emergency lower endoscopy for fresh bleeding per rectum, from May 2015 to December 2021, were included. The primary outcome was to identify the rate of rebleeding after initial control of bleeding. The second was to measure the clinical outcomes and the potential predictors leading to intervention and readmission.

Results:

A total of 84 patients were included. Active bleeding was found in 20% at the time of endoscopy. Rebleeding within 90 days occurred in 6% of the total patients; two of which (2.38%) were within the same admission. Ninety-day readmission was reported in 19% of the cases. Upper endoscopy was performed in 32.5% of the total cases and was found to be a significant predictor for intervention (OR 4.1, P = 0.013). Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and initial use of sigmoidoscopy were found to be significant predictors of readmission [(OR 5.09, P = 0.008) and (OR 5.08, P = 0.019)].

Conclusions:

LGIB is an emergency that must be identified and managed using an agreed protocol between all associated services to determine who needs upper GI endoscopy, ICU admission, or emergency endoscopy within 12 hours.
Implementación de dos estrategias pedagógicas basadas en la neurociencia cognitivo- social en estudiantes universitarios de primer año en carreras del área de la salud
Authors: Pantoja Silva Veronica Lisette , Ducassou Varela Alejandro , Lagos Gutierrez Leonardo
Published: December 2023

La diversidad cognitiva en las aulas es una condición natural de los seres humanos y es un proceso para considerar en la elección y organización de estrategias de enseñanza. El objetivo fue implementar dos estrategias pedagógicas, basadas en la neurociencia cognitivo-social, para fortalecer el aprendizaje en estudiantes universitarios de carreras de la salud.Metodología: Se utilizó un diseño cuasiexperimental, ex post con grupo control. Participaron 105 estudiantes universitarios de tres carreras del área de la salud de primer año que cursaban la asignatura de Histoembriología. Los resultados se valoraron utilizando la escala deevaluación de los aprendizajes. Resultados: La estrategia mejor valorada es el aprendizaje basado en momentos, seguido de la estrategia tradicional y el aprendizaje basado en autogestión del conocimiento. Análisis: Los estudiantes valoran aquellas estrategias metodológicas que favorecen los procesos de sistematización de la información, planificación ygestión del tiempo, y de los tiempos de aprendizaje.
Autogestión de saberes y prácticas pedagógicas: Creencias acerca de la educación inclusiva en educadoras de párvulos en Chile
Authors: Guzmán Utreras Eduardo , Bizama Tejeda María Teresa , Herrera Yáñez Constanza
Published: December 2023

Se presentan los resultados de una investigación cualitativa cuyo objetivo fue conocer las creencias de educadoras de párvulos acerca de las prácticas pedagógicas que deben implementarse para garantizar una educación inclusiva. Participaron catorce profesoras afines de una comuna de Santiago de Chile, con quienes se efectuaron entrevistas en profundidad con el fin de producir información basada en su experiencia respecto a la educación inclusiva y su desarrollo en el aula de educación inicial. Los resultados apuntan hacia el despliegue de prácticas basadas principalmente en sus creencias acerca de lo que implica la inclusión, las que son autogestionadas por ellas debido a la percepción de un bajo nivel de capacitación y formación inicial docente en sus instituciones universitarias de origen. Estas creencias consolidan prácticas que circundan en lo descrito en la literatura respecto a la ambigüedad del concepto “inclusión” y su puesta en práctica en el aula de clases regular.
Análisis de la cultura escolar sobre la atención a la diversidad desde la perspectiva de los docentes de las Escuelas de Cultura y Difusión Artística de Chile
Authors: Villarroel Raimilla Cony Fernanda , Muñoz Moreno José Luís
Published: December 2023

Esta contribución tiene el objetivo de analizar la cultura escolar sobre la atención a la diversidad desde la perspectiva de los docentes de las Escuelas de Cultura y Difusión Artística de Chile. El estudio llevado a cabo ha recurrido a una metodología de carácter mixto, cuyos instrumentos empleados han sido el cuestionario y la entrevista semiestructurada. El cuestionario online se ha aplicado a 64 docentes y las entrevistas realizadas a 12 miembros de los equipos directivos pertenecientes a esta tipología de centros educativos. Los principales resultados obtenidos constatan la voluntad de las comunidades educativas por desarrollar proyectos educativos orientados a la inclusión. Entre las conclusiones alcanzadas se destaca la necesidad de fomentar una cultura escolar que apueste por la diversidad y sea capaz de concebir a la educación artística como una oportunidad para favorecer el crecimiento y desarrollo personal del alumnado.
Formación inicial docente y políticas de estandarización: análisis de cuatro propuestas formativas en Chile
Authors: Carrasco Aguilar Claudia , Ortiz Sebastián , Verdejo Tabisa , Vergara Lilian , Cárdenas Julieta , Figueroa Sebastián
Published: December 2023

En Chile, la Formación Inicial Docente (FID) ha estado impactada por políticas públicas que paulatinamente se han focalizado en la estandarización de los procesos educativos en las universidades. A través de un estudio de casos múltiple en cuatro carreras de Educación General Básica del país (norte grande, norte chico, centro y sur), se analizó la propuesta formativa de cada universidad en el contexto de políticas estandarizadas con altas consecuencias. El análisis de contenido mostró un rol prescriptivo de las políticas, especialmente de la acreditación obligatoria de las carreras, y del impacto de los estándares orientadores para la FID, que se aprecia con claridad en las asignaturas de práctica. Sin embargo, también aparecen significados y experiencias contextualmente situadas que buscan desarrollar el pensamiento crítico del estudiantado. Los resultados se discuten en torno a los riesgos de estas políticas de invisibilizar los factores socioculturales en la FID.
Acupuncture in diabetic peripheral neuropathy-neurological outcomes of the randomized acupuncture in diabetic peripheral neuropathy trial
Authors: Hoerder Sebastian , Habermann Isabel Valentina , Hahn Katrin , Meyer-Hamme Gesa , Ortiz Miriam , Grabowska Weronika , Roll Stephanie , Willich Stefan N. , Schroeder Sven , Brinkhaus Benno , Dietzel Joanna
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus and can lead to serious complications. Therapeutic strategies for pain control are available but there are few approaches that influence neurological deficits such as numbness.

AIM

To investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture on improving neurological deficits in patients suffering from type 2 DPN.

METHODS

The acupuncture in DPN (ACUDPN) study was a two-armed, randomized, controlled, parallel group, open, multicenter clinical trial. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two groups: The acupuncture group received 12 acupuncture treatments over 8 wk, and the control group was on a waiting list during the first 16 wk, before it received the same treatment as the other group. Both groups received routine care. Outcome parameters were evaluated after 8, 16 and 24 wk and included neurological scores, such as an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) 11 for hypesthesia, neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI), neuropathy deficit score (NDS), neuropathy symptom score (NSS); nerve conduction studies (NCS) were assessed with a handheld point-of-care device.

RESULTS

Sixty-two participants were included. The NRS for numbness showed a difference of 2.3 (P < 0.001) in favor of the acupuncture group, the effect persisted until week 16 with a difference of 2.2 (P < 0.001) between groups and 1.8 points at week 24 compared to baseline. The NPSI was improved in the acupuncture group by 12.6 points (P < 0.001) at week 8, the NSS score at week 8 with a difference of 1.3 (P < 0.001); the NDS and the TNSc score improved for the acupuncture group in week 8, with a difference of 2.0 points (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. Effects were persistent in week 16 with a difference of 1.8 points (P < 0.05). The NCS showed no meaningful changes. In both groups only minor side effects were reported.

CONCLUSION

Study results suggest that acupuncture may be beneficial in type 2 diabetic DPN and seems to lead to a reduction in neurological deficits. No serious adverse events were recorded and the adherence to treatment was high. Confirmatory randomized sham-controlled clinical studies with adequate patient numbers are needed to confirm the results.
Analysis of short tandem repeat mutations in paternity cases from Masovian Voivodeship provinces form years 2018-2022 based on materials of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw
Authors: Żak Krzysztof , Konarzewska Magdalena
Published: December 2023

In paternity cases, genetic tests are of great importance as they allow to exclude or confirm paternity. As a result of paternity tests we can also obtain information on the frequency of short tandem repeat mutations, which are important in the statistical analysis of test results. A total of 468 cases of full paternity trios (mother, child and alleged father) were analysed from years 2018 - 2022 from the central part of Poland. For further analysis of the occurrence of the mutation 346 cases in which paternity was confirmed were qualified. DNA analysis was performed using the PowerPlex®Fusion 6C kit (Promega, USA). 36 mutations were observed in 13 of the 23 genetic markers analysed. 94.44% were one-step mutations and 5.56% were two-step mutations. Among those mutations, there were 18 insertions and 10 deletions, while in 8 cases it was not possible to determine whether an insertion or deletion occurred. There was also a significantly higher share of the father mutation in relation to the mother mutation at a ratio of 4.17:1.
Analiza indykatorów jako sposób przeciwdziałania przez Oddział II SG WP ryzyku rozpętania wojny chemicznej przez Niemcy w latach 20. XX wieku
Authors: Smyrgała Dominik
Published: December 2023

Po odzyskaniu niepodległości w 1918 r. Polska stanęła przed wieloma wyzwaniami związanymi z zapewnieniem sobie bezpieczeństwa. Najważniejszym z nich było przetrwanie w obliczu rewizjonistycznych kroków podejmowanych przez agresywnych sąsiadów, w tym Niemcy i ZSRR. Jednym z istotnych aspektów tego zagrożenia było określenie ryzyka rozpętania przez Republikę Weimarską wojny chemicznej przeciwko II Rzeczpospolitej. W celu poradzenia sobie z tym zadaniem wywiadowczym Oddział II SG WP opracował wiele instrukcji, których struktura i wewnętrzna logika jest porównywalna z techniką analizy indykatorów rozwiniętą dopiero 60 lat później przez amerykańską wspólnotę wywiadowczą. Na podstawie materiałów zachowanych w Archiwum Państwowym w Gdańsku oraz współczesnych podręczników dotyczących technik analizy informacji przedstawiono, jak oficerowie polskiego wywiadu wojskowego na dekady przed sformalizowaniem metody analizy indykatorów opracowali własny sposób, który w zasadzie jest z nią tożsamy. Dowodzi to niezwykłej innowacyjności i zdolności organizacyjnych formującej się dopiero służby wywiadowczej odrodzonego państwa.

Indicator analysis as a way for the Second Department of Polish General Staff to counter the risk of chemical warfare being unleashed by Germany in the 1920s: After regaining its independence in 1918, Poland faced a number of security challenges. The most important of these was survival in the face of revisionist steps taken by aggressive neighbours, including Germany and the USSR. One important aspect of this threat was to determine the risk of the Weimar Republic unleashing chemical warfare against the Second Republic. In order to cope with this intelligence task, the Second Department of Polish General Staff developed a number of instructions whose structure and internal logic is comparable to the indicator analysis technique developed only 60 years later by the American Intelligence Community. On the basis of material preserved in the State Archive in Gdańsk and contemporary textbooks on information analysis techniques, it is shown how officers of Polish military intelligence, decades before the method of indicator analysis was formalised, developed their own way, which is essentially identical to it. This demonstrates the remarkable innovation and organisational capacity of the newly forming intelligence service of the reborn state.
Indicator analysis as a way for the Second Department of Polish General Staff to counter the risk of chemical warfare being unleashed by Germany in the 1920s
Authors: Smyrgała Dominik
Published: December 2023

After regaining its independence in 1918, Poland faced a number of security challenges. The most important of these was survival in the face of revisionist steps taken by aggressive neighbours, including Germany and the USSR. One important aspect of this threat was to determine the risk of the Weimar Republic unleashing chemical warfare against the Second Republic. In order to cope with this intelligence task, the Second Department of Polish General Staff developed a number of instructions whose structure and internal logic is comparable to the indicator analysis technique developed only 60 years later by the American Intelligence Community. On the basis of material preserved in the State Archive in Gdańsk and contemporary textbooks on information analysis techniques, it is shown how officers of Polish military intelligence, decades before the method of indicator analysis was formalised, developed their own way, which is essentially identical to it. This demonstrates the remarkable innovation and organisational capacity of the newly forming intelligence service of the reborn state.
Exponentials as Substitutions and the Cost of Cut Elimination in Linear Logic
Authors: Accattoli Beniamino
Published: December 2023

This paper introduces the exponential substitution calculus (ESC), a new
presentation of cut elimination for IMELL, based on proof terms and building on
the idea that exponentials can be seen as explicit substitutions. The idea in
itself is not new, but here it is pushed to a new level, inspired by Accattoli
and Kesner's linear substitution calculus (LSC). One of the key properties of
the LSC is that it naturally models the sub-term property of abstract machines,
that is the key ingredient for the study of reasonable time cost models for the
$\lambda$-calculus. The new ESC is then used to design a cut elimination
strategy with the sub-term property, providing the first polynomial cost model
for cut elimination with unconstrained exponentials. For the ESC, we also prove
untyped confluence and typed strong normalization, showing that it is an
alternative to proof nets for an advanced study of cut elimination.
Locke, on Theology and Property
Authors: Primiterra Emiliano
Published: December 2023

The aim of this article is to demonstrate that the type of ethics derived from the Lockean system of justice is teleological rather than deontological, as authors like Nozick and Simmons tend to suggest. I argue that the individual cannot be con-sidered as an end in itself, but perhaps as a means to fulfill some other ulterior purpose, namely, to comply with divine will.The main Locke ́s conceptualization on antropologhy derived from Acosta ́s wor-ks. The form in which Acosta studied Amerindians people and what he maintain about this people was more than important to Locke interest. Thus, is important to the study about Locke and his main thesis on theology and property studied, at least, the main thesis of Acosta on Amerindians.Locke use Acosta argumentation about the characterization of barbarianism on Ame-rindians in the passage 102 of the Second Treatise. This is not fortuitous, but answer an important question: “what is the amerindian ́s natural situation?”. To answer this, Locke ground his thesis on Acosta ́s thoughts and research. Because of that, there is a necessary relation between Locke thoughts, thesis on Amerindians and the Acosta ones. The relation between anthropology and theology in Acosta works ground the lockean system not only about the theology but also the property one. In this way, the lockean conquest project grounds, also, on the Acosta ́s thesis about America and Amerindians. The person (a main concept in Locke) is the sub-ject who can perform property, and it only could be possible is the subject is not a barbarian. The theology project that God writes in the hearts of the subject ne-cessarily obligates the subject to perform property is he knows, by the culture in which he sustains his own life, the proper ways in which he could perform it. In the Amerindian ways of culture neither does not be possible that their people perform property at all, nor be sovereigns. The Christian ones who lived in Europe does.
Responsabilidad social de empresas iberoamericanas: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Huaman Cordova Cristina Paola , Pizarro Calderon Anderson Keny , Orosco-Fabian Jhon Richard
Published: December 2023

Las organizaciones necesitan implementar medidas de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial (RSE) para su desarrollo y el bienestar social. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y describir trabajos científicos relacionados con la RSE en países Iberoamericanos, mediante el análisis de datos seleccionados. Se utilizó la guía de declaración PRISMA para seleccionar artículos científicos de bases de datos como DOAJ, Dialnet, EBSCO y Scielo. Los resultados se basaron en artículos publicados entre 2002 y 2022, de los cuales 47 fueron seleccionados. Sin embargo, se excluyeron 7, lo que deja un total de 40. Se encontró que el mayor número de investigaciones científicas se realizaron en 2020 y 2021. Colombia, España y México son los países con mayor cantidad de artículos relacionados. Los hallazgos demuestran la influencia de la RSE en las empresas, ya sea positiva o negativa, dependiendo del contexto y el ámbito en el que se desarrollan estas empresas.
Gobierno electrónico y su beneficio tecnológico en tiempos de pandemia Covid-19: caso Perú
Authors: Nauca Torres Enrique Santos , Samillán Ayala Alberto Enrique , Román Castillo Enny , Rodríguez Figueroa José Jorge , Flores Fernández Mileydi
Published: December 2023

El presente capítulo, versa sobre un análisis de la eficiencia del Gobierno electrónico en tiempos de pandemia COVID-19, utilizando la información de la plataforma Nacional de Datos Abiertos del Gobierno Peruano sobre registros de casos COVID-19 y el repositorio Github de la Universidad John Hopkins. Empleando un diseño de revisión sistemática de literatura y de alcance descriptivo, el estudio concluye que las soluciones tecnológicas con información compartida por el gobierno permiten que la ciudadanía esté informada y promueve la participación ciudadana y la transparencia informativa.