bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’expérience de la complexité et de l’incertitude par les élèves dans le cadre d’un projet d’éducation au développement durable à l’école
Authors: Yves Lena Jean , Chalmeau Raphaël , Julien Marie-Pierre , Vergnolle-Mainar Christine
Published: October 2022

L’orientation principale de cette recherche collaborative est d’étudier comment les élèves de cycle 3 (CM1-CM2) s’approprient des problématiques complexes lors d’une activité de projet en Éducation au Développement Durable (EDD) 1 . Deux questions nous guideront : quelles sont les caractéristiques d’une pensée complexe construite par les élèves ? Quelle prise en compte par les élèves de l’incertitude lors de la projection dans le futur du territoire ? Durant le projet annuel, les élèves découvrent ce territoire et l’étudient au présent (sortie sur le terrain) et au passé (archives et sortie sur le terrain), afin de déterminer les dynamiques passées et présentes. Les élèves ont ensuite imaginé l’évolution d’un site naturel (tourbière et forêt) en s’y projetant en 2038.
Can insects be used in the nutrition of ruminants?
Authors: Renna M. , Rastello L. , Gasco L.
Published: October 2022

Recent studies pointed out that live insects and their products (meals and oils) are suitable protein and fat sources and can be used in the nutrition of farmed monogastric animals. This is as an alternative to traditional plant-derived and animal-derived feedstuffs. To date very little information is available concerning the effects of the dietary inclusion of insects on feed digestibility and performance of ruminant animals. The aim of this editorial is to briefly review the published information on this topic.
U-Dos Double-Bundle and Single-Bundle Allograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Comparative Study
Authors: Berumen-Nafarrate Edmundo , Ramos-Moctezuma Iván René , Pérez-Fontes Avril Guadalupe , Sigala-González Luis Raúl , Leal-Contreras Carlos
Published: October 2022

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are very common among athletes. If these injuries are not repaired, meniscus and cartilage damage will arise, with serious consequences in the joint. Different options for ACL reconstruction have been described, aiming for anteroposterior, lateral, and rotational stability. Using single- or double-bundle grafts has been one of the most discussed topics, aiming for better rotational stability. We performed a prospective randomized study to evaluate the outcomes of ACL reconstruction using double- or single-bundle grafts for 72 patients with acute ACL injuries. Patients were blindly randomized into 2 groups of 36 knees before surgery using a blind envelope that contained the technique to be used: double-bundle U-Dos technique (DB group) or single-bundle technique (SB group). All patients had a preoperative and postoperative evaluation and were followed with the same parameters at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 months. Both anteroposterior and rotational stability were evaluated using a KT-1000 arthrometer (MEDmetric) and an experimental Pivot-Shift Meter (ORMEDS) device. Functional outcomes were measured using the Tegner-Lysholm scale. The DB group had fewer ACL re-tears, fewer meniscal injuries, and better Tegner-Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores. This group also had better KT-1000 and Pivot-Shift Meter values. After 2-year follow-up, the DB group had significantly better results than the SB group. [
Orthopedics
. 2023;46(1):13–18.]
Adherence to Antibiotic Recommendations and Infection Among Patients With Open Long-Bone Fractures: An Examination of Antibiotic Prioritization in Fracture Management
Authors: Carrick Matthew M. , Sercy Erica , Duane Therese M. , Corrigan Chad , Grossman Leonid , Banton Kaysie L. , Tanner Allen , Harken Kyle , Bar-Or David
Published: October 2022

Open fractures are at high risk of infection because of exposure of bone and tissue to the environment. Initiation of intravenous antibiotics is recommended within 1 hour of hospital arrival, although the presence of other severe injuries may lead to delays in fracture management. This retrospective study of adult patients with open long-bone fractures admitted to six level 1 trauma centers between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, aimed to examine adherence to antibiotic recommendations. Associations between receiving recommendation-adherent antibiotics and patient and injury characteristics were investigated univariately and in adjusted regression analyses. The most common fracture locations among the 404 patients included were the tibia (43%) and fibula (26%). Fifty-eight percent of patients received recommendation-adherent antibiotics. After adjustment, patient demographics, comorbidities, cause of injury, and overall injury severity did not show significant associations with adherence to recommendations. Concomitant serious abdominal (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=0.44) and spinal injuries (AOR=0.23) were associated with lower odds of receiving recommendation-adherent antibiotics. Additionally, fractures of certain locations were associated with increased odds of adherence (humerus: AOR=2.78; fibula: AOR=1.64), as were type 3 fractures (AOR=1.55). The overall infection rate was 4%, and adherence to antibiotic recommendations was not associated with infection (3% vs 5% for nonadherent,
P
=.34). Results suggest that although full recommendation adherence was somewhat low among this patient population, certain injury characteristics were predictive of adherence rates. Current antibiotic recommendations may benefit from consideration of how antibiotic initiation may fit into the prioritization of injury management, especially in patients with polytrauma with other severe injuries. [
Orthopedics
. 2023;46(1):54–58.]
Marx y Foucault: subsunción del trabajo, disciplina y biopoder
Authors: Chávez David
Published: October 2022

Diversos estudios sobre la relación teórica entre Marx y Foucault coinciden en que su posible cercanía radica en la correspondencia entre los conceptos de ‘subsunción real del trabajo’ y ‘tecnologías disciplinarias’. Este artículo explora este campo teórico común identificando una proximidad específica entre subsunción formal del trabajo y tecnologías disciplinarias, así como entre subsunción real del trabajo y tecnologías biopolíticas. Pero observando también los límites de esas semejanzas, en la medida en que aquellos conceptos pertenecen a dos sociologías divergentes. Con este objetivo, se hacen algunas precisiones necesarias sobre los conceptos de subsunción del trabajo y tecnologías de poder, luego se examinan sus relaciones específicas y, finalmente, se discuten algunos de los fundamentos sociológicos generales de ambas teorías.
Las creencias que justifican la desigualdad moderan la relación entre el estatus socioeconómico y el apoyo a la redistribución
Authors: García-Sánchez Efraín , De Carvalho Galvão Sofia
Published: October 2022

Este artículo examina la interacción entre el estatus socioeconómico y las creencias que justifican la desigualdad en lo relativo al apoyo a la redistribución. Utilizando datos de una encuesta de São Paulo (Brasil) (N=928), encontramos que el apoyo a la redistribución estuvo negativamente asociado con el estatus socioeconómico subjetivo; pero estuvo positivamente relacionada con el estatus socioeconómico objetivo. Además, las creencias que justifican la desigualdad moderaron esta relación. Por un lado, el efecto negativo del estatus subjetivo sobre el apoyo a la redistribución fue más fuerte para las personas que apoyan las creencias que justifican la desigualdad. Por otro lado, el efecto positivo entre el estatus objetivo y el apoyo a la redistribución solo ocurrió para las personas que rechazaron estas creencias. Los resultados sugieren que el efecto del estatus socioeconómico sobre el apoyo a la redistribución depende del grado de apoyo a las creencias ideológicas que justifican la desigualdad.
Avances en sociología de los sueños
Authors: Barbeta-Viñas Marc
Published: October 2022

Las siguientes notas de investigación tienen como propósito presentar los avances sociológicos en el estudio de los sueños, haciendo hincapié en la valoración de las recientes aportaciones en la materia realizadas por el sociólogo francés Bernard Lahire. Después de esbozar los escasos trabajos precedentes sobre esta cuestión, expondremos que el modelo interpretativo propuesto por el autor francés, fruto del diálogo con las principales disciplinas científicas dedicadas a lo onírico, sienta las bases para el desarrollo de un programa de investigación dedicado a la sociología de los sueños. La construcción de un nuevo objeto de estudio, fascinante y misterioso, y prácticamente sin precedentes en la sociología española, añade interés al abordaje sociológico de los sueños.
Balade au pays des « Merles moqueurs » : regards sur une génération désenchantée dans La Novela de mi vida (2002), de Leonardo Padura Fuentes
Authors: Parisot Fabrice
Published: October 2022

Cet article s’attache à rendre compte, dans le roman La novela de mi vida (2002), de l’évolution, au long d’une trentaine d’années, d’un groupe de jeunes écrivains cubains (appelés les « Merles moqueurs ») confrontés aussi bien au dirigisme culturel mis en place au début des années 70 par un régime réputé autoritaire qu’aux graves répercussions économiques et psychologiques qu’ils subissent dues à la crise du début des années 90 lors de la « Période spéciale en temps de paix » après l’effondrement du bloc soviétique. La vision que propose le romancier Leonardo Padura Fuentes de cette génération est celle d’une génération totalement désenchantée et la représentation qu’il donne à lire de Cuba à travers La Havane est celle d’un pays en pleine dégénérescence.
Joseph Boyden. A Critical Interview
Authors: Bouzonviller Elisabeth , Garrait-Bourrier Anne
Published: October 2022

This interview was conceived and ran by Anne Garrait-Bourrier, Professor in Cultural Studies at Clermont-Auvergne University and Elisabeth Bouzonviller, Professor of American Literature at Jean Monnet University. This article contains an original interview of the Canadian writer Joseph Boyden, recorded on December 12, 2014, at the University Blaise-Pascal, in Clermont-Ferrand. Joseph Boyden was on an 18 month-European tour for the promotion of his latest novel, The Orenda. The French part of this long tour was organized by his French editor, Albin Michel and more specifically by Francis Geffard, the publishing director of the Terre d’Amérique collection, who was the person who discovered Boyden and imposed him in France, as stipulated in Boyden’s very grateful acknowledgements at the end of the Penguin edition of his first novel. The questions asked mainly deal with Boyden’s The Orenda, hence the necessity to introduce the author and his work and replace this novel in a broader literary context.
Graduate Program Relevance and Mathematics Educators Career
Authors: Dimla Robin , De Leon-Pineda Josephine Luz , Quiambao Dolores
Published: October 2022

Graduate education caters advanced learning opportunities among its clientele, and one of the responsibilities is to ensure that the program contributes significantly to the field. This study explored on the contribution and relevance of the Master of Education major in Mathematics Program in the career of the mathematics educators. It also determined the strengths and weaknesses of the program to assess its possible areas for improvement. The explanatory sequential mixed-method research was utilized in gathering and explaining the data taken from the first eight graduates of the program. Based on the findings, the program contributed towards their professional development particularly in enhancing their content and pedagogical knowledge and research abilities. The program also paved the way toward various career opportunities when they earned the degree. More so, the study suggests increasing more relevant courses, research, and other activities that will significantly improve their expertise towards advancing their career.
Comic Books
Authors: Le Van Huynh Ha , Doan Oanh Thi Kieu
Published: October 2022

Collaborative learning is an educational approach that allows learners to learn effectively in groups and construct new knowledge together. Online collaborative learning takes place on an online platform. This educational approach is evaluated as an effective solution to the learner's isolation in online courses. This action research aims to investigate the impact of online collaborative learning by designing comic books on diminishing the learner's isolation and exploring the obstacles to making online comic books. One hundred fifty freshmen at Van Lang University, Vietnam took part in a 10-week project. The action research method was used in combination with three data collection instruments: notes, questionnaires, and focused group interviews. The findings indicate that online collaborative learning with comics can remove the isolation feelings and bring a sense of community to online learners. The research also pointed out difficulties that may arise during designing comics. The action plan has pedagogical values and should be duplicated for the sake of online learning and teaching.
Noun Phrasal Complexity in Computer Science Conference Abstracts
Authors: Wang Yu , Ge Tianshuang , Ren Zhilei
Published: October 2022

Noun phrase (NP) complexity research has shown the effects of both discipline and writing competence on NP complexity in academic writing and has focused more on applied linguistics. Yet few studies examined NPs in the academic writing of computer science (CS), especially in the CS conference abstract writing, in depth. This study fills this gap by investigating the disciplinary preference of NPs through the corpus analysis of 267 published abstracts from a leading CS conference. The authors found that multiple pre-modifiers were the most frequently used device by CS researchers, and attributive adjectives, nouns, and prepositional phrases were fundamental in abstract composition in both CS and applied linguistics. The difference largely lies in the use of devices in later-acquired stages. CS researchers favor more multiple pre-modifiers while their peers in applied linguistics tend to prefer multiple prepositional phrases as post-modifiers. The findings shed light on classroom instruction and future research on NP complexity.
Hybrid Model for Named Entity Recognition
Authors: Chaturvedi Nikhil , Dubey Jigyasu
Published: October 2022

Named entity recognition is an important factor that has a direct and significant impact on the quality of neural sequence labelling. It entails choosing encoding input data to create grammatical and semantic representation vectors. The main goal of this research is to provide a hybrid neural network model for a specific sequence labelling task such as named entity recognition. Three subnetworks are used in this hybrid model to ensure that information at the character, capitalization levels, and word-level contextual representation is fully utilized. The authors used different samples for training and development sets on the CoNLL-2003 dataset to show that the model could compare its performance to that of other state-of-the-art models.
Colorectal Cancer Disease Classification Using Mobilenetv2 Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Raju Mallela Siva Naga , Rao Mallela Siva B. Srinivasa
Published: October 2022

The third most commonly diagnosed cancer behind breast and lung cancers is colorectal cancer. Specifically, in the minimization of health inequalities, it can be supported by the clinical care of AI guidance. To develop generalizable deep learning approaches, an enormous amount of data is essential. In this paper, cycleGAN is used to do data augmentation supposed to overcome the issue of data imbalance. Moreover, segmentation and classification of colorectal cancers are proposed.
Smart Black Box DVR System in IT-Based Vehicle Emergency Rescue Environment
Authors: Choi Sun-O , Kim Jongbae
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the driving habits and patterns are analyzed by automatically recognizing vehicle accidents and recording event data when dangerous situations occur, applying connected car service through IT technology. In addition, SBDS designs the highly scalable modeling that reproduces videos which are recorded before and after accidents. SBDS provides emergency rescue and traffic information services by receiving IoT sensor data connected to have an embedded system in the vehicle and notifying the accident location and video information to the control center, using wireless network service even when the vehicle is dormant. In addition, it is possible to implement a wireless e-Call service by interlocking ECU information and vehicle sensor data in case an emergency occurs.
pH evaluation of storage fluids and ancient DNA extraction from wet specimens in pathology museums
Authors: Ferrari Luisa , Metovic Jasna , Pulcinelli Daniela , Lombardi Antonio , Rullo Daniela , Papola Franco , Ventura Luca
Published: October 2022

Pathology museums host ancient samples obtained during autopsies and generally used for educational purposes in the past. Such collections consist of dry and wet specimens showing diseases that no longer exist or with their natural course unmodified by modern therapies.1,2 In wet specimens, the preservation of macroscopic features due to the storage fluid has a great historical and paleopathological interest. Unfortunately, both original fixatives and storage fluids strongly influence tissue antigens and nucleic acids preservation.3 [...]
Alessandria Biobank: storia, implementazione, nuovi scenari
Authors: Bonvicini Paolo , Libener Roberta , Amore Valentina , Oliveri Giulia , Maconi Antonio
Published: October 2022

Una biobanca, in termini generali, viene descritta come una struttura volta alla collezione, gestione, conservazione e distribuzione di biomateriali e dati ad essi correlati a fini di ricerca genetica.

Il termine biobancaggio si riferisce dunque ad una serie di attività svolte dalle biobanche che differiscono per natura, obiettivi, business models, risultati e impatto sociale, politico e scientifico. Data l’interazione tra biomateriale e dati associati, le biobanche rappresentano un ponte tra l’evoluzione della medicina personalizzata e la preservazione e il miglioramento delle condizioni della salute pubblica, alla luce del ruolo che svolgono nel permettere, appunto, la conservazione di un significativo numero sia di biomateriali che di dati correlati, necessari per l’avanzamento della ricerca biomedica.

Presso l’Infrastruttura Ricerca Formazione e Innovazione dell’Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo è inserito il “Centro Raccolta Materiale Biologico” (CRMB) che comprende la collezione del mesotelioma maligno (BB-MM), istituita fin dal 2005, la collezione del carcinoma mammario, istituita nel 2021, e il Biorepository, istituito già nel 2016 per garantire elevati livelli di qualità e sicurezza in ambito di stoccaggio e conservazione dei campioni biologici previsti da protocolli di studi clinici e/o destinati ad attività di ricerca.

Si configura come un’unità di servizio finalizzata alla raccolta, conservazione e distribuzione dei campioni biologici a scopo di ricerca scientifica, garantendo i diritti dei soggetti coinvolti.

Il presente studio si prefigge, in linea con l’evidenza fornita dalla letteratura scientifica di settore e il suo contributo, di descrivere la storia del biobanking e, parallelamente, l’evoluzione di Alessandria Biobank, tra istituzionalizzazione e risultati raggiunti, per incrementare la conoscenza della biobanca e del suo operato.
From the editor: A change in Business Management - A new look 1979
Authors: Smit Truida
Published: October 2022

The journal Business Management is to become the South African Journal of Business Management as from 1979. This will mean that the journal, which has been published by the South African Association of Business Management since 1970, will in future be published and distributed by the Bureau for Scientific Publications, and will be the only officially recognized journal in its field in South Africa.
Use of Intraoperative Coronary Angiography to Guide Surgical Intervention in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Mueller Jaclyn H. , Hollander Kimberly
Published: October 2022

Following coronary artery bypass graft surgery, graft patency is a major factor contributing to patient morbidity and mortality. There are several modalities available for assessing graft patency intra-op used by both the anesthesiologist and surgeon. However, these modalities have their own advantages and disadvantages which will be summarized in this case report. As illustrated by this case, angiography continues to be the gold standard for coronary anatomy assessment and can be performed easily using a portable digital fluoroscopic system.
A Retrospective Analysis of the Incidence, Outcome and Factors Associated with the Occurrence of Euglycemic Ketoacidosis in Diabetic Patients on Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter – 2 Inhibitors Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Murugesan Karthik Babu , Balakrishnan Soundravalli , Arul Anandhi , Ramalingam Srinivasan , Srinivasan Muralidharan
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

SGLT2i is a new class of drugs used for type 2 diabetes. SGLT2i are known to cause EuKA in the perioperative period. Euglycemic ketoacidosis (EuKA) can cause life-threatening metabolic acidosis in the perioperative setting. Though the event rate of SGLT2i associated diabetic ketoacidosis in nonoperative setting is low, incidence among peri-operative patients can be very high and remains unknown.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to find the incidence, analyze outcome, and establish correlation between risk factors and EuKA in cardiac surgical patients on SGLT2i.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective study analyzing 24 cardiac surgical patients who were on SGLT2i for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Data collection included age, sex, BMI, preoperative HbA1C, albumin, creatinine, type of SGLT2i and timing of stopping before surgery, insulin administration in the immediate pre-operative period; use of CPB, GI infusion and inotropes in the intraoperative period; blood ketone, duration of ventilation, hydration status and length of postoperative stay in postoperative period. Patients were diagnosed to have EuKA if any one of the serially measured postoperative ketone values was more than 0.6 mmol/L (ketone positive). The collected data were used to find an association between the risk factors and the occurrence of EuKA.

Results:

Of the 24 patients, 17 patients developed EuKA. (70.8.%). 10 of the 17 EuKA in our study required preoperative Insulin for diabetic control whereas none in the ketone negative patients required insulin. This was statistically significant (P = 0.019). Association of other factors to EuKA were not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Though the event rate of SGLT2i associated Diabetic ketoacidosis in nonoperative setting is low, (17), the occurrence of EUKA in cardiac surgical patients on SGLT2i in our study was 70.8% (17 out of 24 patients). Patients who require insulin in addition to other oral hypoglycemic drugs for immediate preoperative glycemic control are at risk for the development of SGLT2 inhibitor-induced EuKA postoperatively. Missing the diagnosis of EuKA is fatal in these patients. We couldn't make a diagnosis in our first patient whom we lost. Since it was diagnosed in all our study patients by measuring serial ketone values, there was no mortality and insignificant morbidity. Cessation of SGLT2i before surgery, expectant watch for blood ketones, and treatment with GI infusion reduce morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgical patients.
Impact of a One-Day Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography Workshop on Clinical Practice at a Single Academic Centre
Authors: Menon Priya R , Meineri Massimiliano , Ender Jörg , Forner Anna Flo
Published: October 2022

Background:

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a powerful diagnostic tool which has become an integral part in the management of cardiac surgery patients. We developed a one-day 3D TEE workshop specifically designed to meet the needs of perioperative cardiac anaesthesiologists. We hypothesized that participation in the workshop would increase the uptake of 3D TEE in routine perioperative practice.

Aims:

To examine the impact of one-day 3D TEE workshop on 3D TEE image acquisition and incorporation into routine perioperative practice.

Setting:

Tertiary care hospital.

Design:

Prospective observational monocentric study.

Subjects and Methods:

A convenience sample of 20 cardiac anesthesiologists (with an option to attend the one- day workshop midway through the study) from a single center consented to have their intraoperative TEE images collected during the course of the study reviewed for research purposes. Images acquired 6 months before, immediately after, and 6 months following the workshop and images were examined by a blinded, expert echocardiographer.

Results:

Data collected for 16 participants (8 workshop attendees, 8 non-attendees) indicate that the TEE workshop increased the number of 3D TEE images, but not x images acquired immediately following the workshop (P=0.006). No difference was observed in number of 3D images at six months' post workshop. Workshop participants obtained more 3D and multi-plane images after the workshop and more 3D images at 6 months compared to those who did not attend the workshop.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that a single day hands-on 3D TEE workshop may have had an impact on the implementation of intraoperative 3D TEE in experienced echocardiographers.
Incidence and Severity of Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Surgery Following COVID-19 Infection at a Tertiary Care Center in South India
Authors: Abraham Annu Susan , Sasikumar Niranjan Kumar , Rajan Sunil , Abubaker Reema , Manoharan Kruthika Sree , Kumar Lakshmi
Published: October 2022

Background:

The occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and other sequelae of COVID-19 infections like thromboembolic events in patients coming for surgery following COVID-19 infection in the Indian population had not been adequately studied.

Aim of the Study:

We evaluated the incidence of PPCs, acute kidney injury, and thromboembolic complications such as pulmonary embolism, deep-vein thrombosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, and 30-day mortality rate in post-COVID-19 patients undergoing surgery compared to those without a history of COVID-19 infection.

Settings and Design:

It was a retrospective, observational, case–control study conducted in a tertiary care center.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and sixty-six post-COVID-19 surgical patients were included. A matched control group (n = 166) was formed by choosing patients with no history of COVID-19 who underwent similar surgical procedures under a similar technique of anesthesia. Their medical records were analyzed for the development of postoperative pulmonary and nonpulmonary complications and 30-day mortality.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Independent samples t-test and Chi-squared test were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

The mean age of patients in the control group was significantly higher than those in the post-COVID-19 group. The number of patients who received two doses of vaccine was also significantly higher in the control group. Comparison of the distribution of preexisting medical conditions and postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, and incidence of 30-day mortality did not show any significant difference in both groups.

Conclusion:

Incidence of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and 30-day mortality in post-COVID-19 patients undergoing surgical procedures were comparable with patients with no history of COVID-19 infection.
Comparative Study between Intrathecal 0.5% Isobaric Levobupivacaine, 0.5% isObaric Ropivacaine, and 0.5% Hyperbaric Bupivacaine in Elective Lower Segment Cesarean Section
Authors: Oraon Priyanka , Hembrom Boniface , Kumar Mukesh , Ram Barun , Lakra Ladhu
Published: October 2022

Background:

Neuraxial anesthesia in obstetrics began with the spinal block by Oskar Kreis in 1900. The technique of subarachnoid blockade has been refined since then and various drugs have been used to provide analgesia and anesthesia for infraumbilical surgeries.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted because of newer options available, such as an intrathecal drug with appropriate sensory and motor blockade and minimal haemodynamic changes that can be used in the lower segment cesarean section safely. Ninety patients were randomly divided into three groups including 30 patients in each group. Group B, Group L, and Group R, each receiving 2.2 mL of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine, 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine, and 0.5% isobaric ropivacaine, respectively. All groups were compared concerning sensory block, motor block, hemodynamic stability, and complications if any.

Results:

The onset of sensory block at T8, two-segment regression time from the highest block, time of regression to L1, total duration of analgesia, onset and total duration of motor block were comparable between Group B and L (P > 0.05), but both these groups were statistically significant with Group R (P < 0.05). Hypotension was observed among all the groups; however, the incidence was minimum in Group R.

Conclusion:

12 mg of isobaric ropivacaine and 12 mg of isobaric levobupivacaine, compared to 12 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine (2.2 mL of 0.5% each), when administered intrathecally provides adequate anesthesia for cesarean section. The lesser duration of motor block in ropivacaine compared to the other two drugs could be beneficial for early ambulation, also the incidence of hypotension was lower in Group R.
Assessment of Intraoperative Hemodynamics and Recovery Characteristics in Pediatric Patients Receiving Buprenorphine and Propofol Anesthesia for Cleft Palate Surgery
Authors: Lakra Prabha Rashmi , Thaware Pooja , Bharati
Published: October 2022

Background:

Children with cleft palate are usually operated on before 18 months of age. Cleft palate surgery demands stable hemodynamic parameters, a bloodless surgical field, and an awake and pain-free child after surgery.

Aims:

We aimed to study the anesthesia technique using buprenorphine and propofol for cleft palate surgery.

Settings and Design:

The design involves prospective observational study. The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods:

After the Institutional Ethics Committee approval, 42 patients aged 6 months to 12 years undergoing cleft palate surgery were enrolled. Anesthesia induction commenced with sevoflurane or propofol 3 mg.kg−1. After intubation, buprenorphine 3 μg.kg−1 was given, and propofol infusion was started at 2–8 mg.kg−1.h−1. Hemodynamic parameters, awakening time, and surgeon's satisfaction score were noted. After extubation, pain score, emergence agitation (EA) score, sedation score, recovery score, and adverse events were noted.

Statistical Analysis:

All statistical analyses were performed using the 20.0 version of the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software program. Continuous data were summarized as mean and standard deviation, and were analyzed using a two-sided Student's unpaired t-test. Categorical data were represented using frequencies and proportions.

Results:

The single dose of buprenorphine with propofol infusion started immediately postintubation causes a significant decrease in heart rate after 1 h. This contributed to a favorable operative field, increasing the surgeon's satisfaction score. In the recovery room, patients were essentially pain-free till 2.5 h after surgery, with only one patient requiring rescue analgesia. Furthermore, 90% of patients showed a smooth and calm recovery with no EA. The Steward's recovery score remained high throughout without any complication.

Conclusions:

In cleft palate surgeries, a single-dose buprenorphine 3 μg.kg−1 and propofol maintenance infusion 2–8 mg.kg−1.h−1 were effective in maintaining hemodynamic parameters and a bloodless surgical field and managing postoperative pain with a good recovery profile.
When single-inhaler triple therapy is a preferred option in asthma management?
Authors: Al-Moamary Mohamed S. , Al-Lehebi Riyad , Idrees Majdy M. , Zeitouni Mohammed O.
Published: October 2022

Asthma control is the main goal of management. Unfortunately, most asthma patients with moderate–severe asthma remain uncontrolled despite receiving standard treatment of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) with long-acting β2 agonists (LABA). The addition of long-acting antimuscarinic agents (LAMA) has been shown to improve different aspects of asthma control, including symptoms, lung functions, and probably exacerbations. Such an option could be considered for low-T2 asthma phenotype. Umeclidinium and glycopyrronium bromide are other LAMA agents that have been recently made available in combination with ICS and LABA in single-inhaler triple therapy (SITT) devices. Here, we discuss the position of SITT as a new novel therapeutic option in asthma management and its clinical benefits, potential cost saving, and improved compliance.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality of hospitalized cancer patients with COVID-2019 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ghaleb Nabil , Bulkhi Adeeb , Al-Qurashi Eid , Touman Abdelfattah , Aldobyany Ahmad , Alsaggaf Rajaa Z. , Mabar Hanan , Murtaza Noureen H. , Rajab Ammar
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND:

Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate clinical characteristics and mortality among cancer patients with COVID-19.

METHODS:

This retrospective, observational cohort study included 53 patients with a malignancy and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection in a tertiary care center in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, from March 14, 2020, to October 29, 2020. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were collected from institutional electronic records and analyzed.

RESULTS:

Overall, 53 patients (62% male) were enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 54.9 ± 19.0 years, with 76% aged <65 years. The most common symptoms were fever (66%), dry cough (40%), and dyspnea (36%). Most infections (89%) were community acquired. Hematological malignancies (36%) were the most common cancer type. The most common solid tumors were breast cancer (23%) and colon cancer (9%). Just over half (51%) had a stage 4 tumor, and 30% of the patients had received chemotherapy within 2 weeks before the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Initial chest radiographs showed pneumonia in 43% of patients; 38%, 9%, and 6% required oxygen support, intensive care unit admission, and invasive mechanical ventilation, respectively. The most common complication was secondary bacterial infection (13.2%). The all-cause mortality rate was 17%. In the multivariable logistic regression, dyspnea, leukocytosis, use of systemic steroids, and secondary bacterial infection were found to be risk factors for death.

CONCLUSION:

Hospitalized cancer patients with COVID-19 have a high mortality rate. Our study finds a correlation between multiple independent risk factors and mortality. Patients with dyspnea, leukocytosis, systemic steroid use, or secondary bacterial infection require more care, attention, and possibly more aggressive treatment.
Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Inner and Outer Aspects of Tiger Tail Hairs
Authors: de Almeida Hiram Larangeira , Pinto Joice Brião Göebel , de Almeida Antônia Larangeira , de Castro Luis Antonio Suita , Ruas Caroline Pires
Published: October 2022

Background:

Tiger tail hairs, Morse hairs or pili annulati is a nonsyndromic hair shaft disorder, characterized by alternating light and dark bands along the hair shaft.

Methods:

The outer surface and the inner structure of longitudinally cut tiger tail hairs were examined with scanning electron microscopy.

Results:

Hair specimens of five affected individuals showed small surface undulations with “curtain-like” folding of the hair cuticula (microcanaliculi). In the inner surface cord-like linear structures with serpiginous, tortuous traject were seen, associated with some cavities.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that this condition is due to some deficient protein synthesis/arrangement, not only due to cavities in the hair cortex. The term Tiger tail hair is a descriptive clinical term of little scientific rigor. This disorder has been reported mainly as pili annulati; however, rings are not observed. In analogy to pili canaliculi, in which well-formed grooving is observed in the hair surface, we suggest the term pili microcanaliculi to describe this condition, based in the ultrastructural findings.
Effectiveness of telemedicine in increasing the self – efficacy of patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia at a Tertiary Hospital in Davao City
Authors: Tapodoc Jannah A. , Lasala Lynnette L.
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND:

Telemedicine has the potential of bridging the gap and achieving equity in receiving healthcare services. The department of health encouraged telemedicine using cell phones or consultations through social media platforms to decongest hospitals and reduce possible exposure to COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES:

This study aimed to describe the effectiveness of telemedicine in increasing the self-efficacy of patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) in a tertiary hospital in Davao City.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This research was a mixed method pre-post-test exploratory design with two main phases: a quantitative phase of assessing the effectiveness of telemedicine in increasing self-efficacy to patients with GTN using Strategies Used by People to Promote Health-29, and a qualitative phase of online focus group discussions of patients and health-care workers. Thematic analysis was applied to contextualize the experience of the participants in engaging in telemedicine in the delivery of medical services.

RESULTS:

Total subscale of self-efficacy of the patients during the first consultation was high. The respondents had a high level of confidence in stress reduction and in making decisions. The respondents had a very high positive attitude. After 6 months of telemedicine, the total subscale of self-efficacy was very high. The respondents had a high level of confidence in stress reduction and very high levels of confidence in making decision and positive attitude. The respondents had improved self-efficacy and verbalized that telemedicine was easy and readily accessible.

CONCLUSION:

Telemedicine helped the respondents improve their self-efficacy. There was a significant difference between the baseline stress reduction and making decisions subscales after 6 months of utilizing telemedicine.
Teachers’ Curriculum Knowledge in Teaching Christian Religious Studies among Senior High Schools of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
Authors: Mensah Eric , Owusu Martin
Published: October 2022

The study sought to investigate on teachers’ curriculum knowledge in teaching Christian Religious Studies among Senior High Schools of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The population of the study was CRS teachers in Senior high schools in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Through census sampling approach, all teachers of CRS were involved in filling the questionnaire.  Analysis of data was done through descriptive statistics. The study established that teachers of CRS had high knowledge about the rationale of teaching CRS. It was also found that teachers of CRS had high knowledge of the aims of teaching CRS. It is therefore recommended that Universities that are mandated to train teachers of CRS in Ghana should include courses like curriculum studies in CRS emphasis, the rationale (philosophy and logic) and aims for the subject. This would ensure that teachers who teach CRS have adequate knowledge and the rationale and aims for teaching the subject. The Ghana Education Service (GES) in collaboration with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) should organise regular in-service trainings for the teachers of CRS.
Higher Education Reforms: A Crux in The Gambia’s National Development Agenda
Authors: Touray Yusupha , Adesopo Ayo
Published: October 2022

The development of a nation is positively correlated to the human capital in the development sectors, and only the right higher education system can spur such development. Thus, for any nation to rise to the challenges of its development imperatives, it has to have the requisite structures in place for its human capital formation. The Gambia has made numerous attempts to reform its education system, purposely to address its development challenges but policy implementation cycle after implementation cycle has proven futile and until today the country continues to yearn for a shift from a low-income economy to a middle-income economy. This paper attempted to look at the national development policy initiatives, the link between human capital formation and national development programs, and the education system, human capital dimension for national development and higher education reform agenda and strategies along the four (4) highlighted thematic areas. The reform was in response to the realization of the need to strengthen the engineering and technology base of the education sector as well as the foundation for STEM education and promote a 65 percent turn around in the sciences in the tertiary and higher education system. For these to be achievable, it was suggested that the right educational infrastructure such as the state-of-the-art laboratories and other equipment must be provided. Training of the drivers of the sector in content and pedagogy as well as effective planning and management of the educational system must also be a priority. Finally, the need for strong collaboration with industries and other higher learning institutions at the national, regional and international levels was recommended.
Faculty Perceptions of Self-efficacy in Remote Teaching during COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in a Selected University in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Gude Korso
Published: October 2022

The major purpose of this study was to establish the faculty perceptions of self-efficacy in remote teaching during COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown in a selected University in Sub-Saharan Africa. A quantitative survey method was used to collect data, analyse, and interpret results. The modified 24-items, 5 point Likert Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Scale (TSES) developed by Tschannen-Moran and Woolfolk Hoy (as cited in Butucha, 2010) was used to gather data. It consisted of possible responses ranging from 1 = nothing to 5 = a great deal. Participants were 69 male (68.3%) and 32 female (31.7%) faculty members drown from a total of 145 across all schools in the selected university. The survey instrument assessed self-efficacy in three areas; instructional strategies, classroom management and student engagement. Data was gathered immediately after the faculty had completed their remote teaching and administered the final examinations online while still in the CIOVID-19 pandemic Lockdown.  Since all faculty members were in the lockdown, online survey was sent out to them in google forms. Using excel for Windows version 10, a statistical analysis of the data was done. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were generated to answer the research question. Results revealed that the faculty believed that they can do quite a bit in student engagement (M=4.03, SD=0.81), instructional strategies (M=3.98, SD=0.80) and classroom management (M=3.93, SD =0.79), in teaching remotely during the COVID 19 lockdown. The study recommends  that since technology use in the classroom is now inevitable, the faculty should make intentional efforts to move from doing quite a bit to a great deal in online instructional strategies, classroom management and student engagement.
Performance Evaluation of Waste Stabilization Pond for Treatment of Wastewater from a Tertiary Institution Campus Located in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Alfa M. I. , Owamah H. I. , Ishaq A. , Enokela P. A. , Oluwaseun D. , Chikezie A. O.
Published: October 2022

Appropriate treatment of wastewater before disposal into the environment or reuse is very important in the quest to protect the environment and safeguard public health. This paper investigated the performance evaluation of a waste stabilization pond (WSP) for treatment of wastewater from a tertiary institution campus located in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State in North Central Nigeria. The waste stabilization pond of the tertiary institution campus was designed for a wastewater flow rate of 12,945 m3/day. In order to evaluate the performance of the WSP, a model was developed following the Froude’s number dimensional analysis technique. The model was evaulated based on a wastewater flow of 0.4 m3/day. The final effluent from the maturation pond had 80 mg/L BOD, 195 mg/L COD, 75 CFU/100ml Total Coliforms, 610 mg/L Total solids, 19 mg/L Total Nitrogen, 210 mg/L Chloride, 28 mg/L Phosphate, 1.3 mg/L Ammonia and 7.0 pH. The WSP was able to achieve an overall efficiency of 77.78% reducing all quality parameters to recommended limited with exception of total nitrogen and phosphate. The implementation of this design will go along way to aid the treatment of wastewater from the campus of the university.
Palynomorphs Content and Paleodepositional Environments of Mamu Formation in Okpekpe-1, Imiegba-1 and Imiegba-2, Benin Flank of Anambra Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Obaje S. O. , Akinyele O. , Ahmed R. , Alli B. , Adefemisoye A.
Published: October 2022

Twenty surface samples were taken from road cuttings along Okpekpe and Imiegba areas located in Benin Flank of Anambra Basin, Nigeria with an aim to establish the biozones, age and paleodepositional environments of the Mamu Formation. Using palynological laboratory standard procedures, the shale surface samples collected from the Mamu Formation in the study area were prepared and analyzed. The recovered marker pollens, spores and dinoflagellate cysts from the study area are Milforadia jardinei, Milforadia sp., Longapertites  marginatus, Longapertites sp., Retidiporites sp., Monocolpites marginatus,Cyathidites minor, Cyathidites spp., Cingulatisporites ornatus, Distaverrusporites simplex, Laevigatosporites spp., Foveotriletes margaritae, Subtilisphaera sp., Andalusiella sp., Paleocystodinium australinium and microforaminiferal wall linings. Four biozones were erected for the shale intervals in the study area, namely: Longapertites sp., Monocolpites marginatus, Cyathidites minor, and Paleocystodinium australinium biozone, respectively, dated to Upper Maastrichtian to Early Paleocene age, which are lateral equivalents to Spinizonocolpites baculatus biozone of the Upper Benue Trough. The presence of the dinoflagellates cysts such as Paleocystodinium australinium, Subtilisphaera sp. and Andalusiella sp., microforaminiferal wall linings, pollens and spores established that the shales were deposited in nearshore to shallow marine environments. The presence of Cingulatisporites ornatus and Distaverrusporites simplex are indicative of marine regression that was followed by fluvial continental influence in anoxic bottom conditions that in turn favored the formation of coal seams in shales in the study area. The paucity of palynomorphs in the study area is inferred to have occurred because of the dry climatic condition that prevailed during the Upper Maastrichtian to Early Paleocene.