bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correspondence of Meningioma Orbital Grading and Clinicopathological Features among Indonesian Patients
Authors: Janah Raudatul , Rujito Lantip , Wahyono Daniel Joko
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND: Orbital meningiomas can cause visual disturbances, protrusion of the eyes, double vision, and optic nerve abnormalities that significantly decrease vision and eventually lead to blindness. To the best of our knowledge, data on the incidence and pathogenesis of orbital meningioma in Indonesia are non-existent.

AIM: This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological relationship with orbital meningioma grading.

METHODS: It is a cross-sectional observational analysis on 44 orbital meningioma patients in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital and the National Eye Center, Cicendo Eye Hospital in 2017–2020. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression with statistical significance (p < 0.05) were engaged in the method.

RESULTS: Orbital meningioma mostly occurred in women aged 30–44 years. Meningioma Grade I was dominated by meningothelial meningioma found in 14 (31.8%) patients, Grade II was atypical meningioma in 9 (20.9%) patients, and Grade III was anaplastic meningioma in 3 patients (6.8%). Clinical symptoms in the form of papillary atrophy (p = 0.046), visual acuity (p = 0.026), proptosis (p = 0.029), and hyperostosis (p = 0.024) were statistically significant and there was a significant difference between Grade I, Grade II, and Grade III using the Chi-square test. Logistic regression results showed that hyperostosis is significantly related to grading the orbital meningioma (p = 0.044) with an odds ratio of 0.206 (IK95% 0.04–0.955).

CONCLUSION: Hyperostosis increases the grading of the orbital meningioma because it is related to the invasion of the tumor into the orbital bone and is a neoplastic process. The presence of hyperostosis which is more common in Grade III meningiomas can be used as one of the most important predictors of meningioma recurrence postoperatively. Nonetheless, our data add to the existing literature the potential points of anti-invasive adjuvant therapy attacks.
Novel Correlations among the Histopathological Components of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ablahad Aween Auda , Mousa Hashim Dawood , Jalal Jalal Ali
Published: November 2022

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive tumor with high mortality and morbidity rates.
Aims:In this study, we aimed to probe whether there is association between stromal histopathological parameters with patient data, as well as, the correlation of these parameters with each other.
MaterialsandMethods:This study was performed at University of Duhok, College of Dentistry, the practical section was carried out between February 2022 and June 2022 as follow:A group of 86 formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples of OSCC and 20 FFPE samplesof healthy gingiva were stained with Hematoxylin and eosin(H&E) and Mason’s trichrome (MT)stains. Tumor/ stroma ratio(TSR), stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes(sTIL), budding activity (BA), cell nest size (CNS), orientation and packing of collagen fibers and collagen fibercontent(CFC) were evaluated. These histomorphological parameters were correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and with each other.
Statistical Analysis Used: Chi square test, fisher exacts test and spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were used for analyzing our study data.
Results: Tumor/ stroma ratio, BA, CNS, orientation and packing of collagen fibers, and CFC were significantly associated with pT stage of the tumor. Moreover, significant correlations were observed among TSR, BA, CNS and CFC. In addition, orientation and packing of collagen fibers were significantly correlated with each other.
Conclusions: Novel correlations were found between collagen fiber features with TSR, BA, and CNS in an easy and cost- effective methods.
Dapagliflozin Protection against Myocardial Ischemia by Modulating Sodium-glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitor, Silent Information Regulator 1, and Fatty Acid Synthase Expressions
Authors: Sweed Eman , Sweed Dina , Galal Nader , Abd-Elhafiz Huda Ibrahim
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND: The emerging role of sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors drugs as potential therapeutic agents in myocardial ischemic (MI) injury treatment has raised the concern for possible mechanisms of action.

AIM: The current experimental study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of dapagliflozin (DAPA) a SGLT2i, on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were divided randomly and equally into three groups. Group 1 (control group): Received 1.0 mL of normal saline through an orogastric tube for 14 days. Group 2 (ISO group): Received 1.0 mL of normal saline orally through an orogastric tube for 14 days. In the last 2 days (days 13 and 14), ISO (100 mg/kg) was freshly dissolved in normal saline and injected subcutaneously once daily. Group 3 (ISO + DAPA-treated group): Received DAPA 1.0 mg/kg/day orally for 14 days. In the last 2 days (days 13 and 14), ISO (100 mg/kg) was introduced like that described in Group 2.

RESULTS: DAPA protects MI development by reversal of blood pressure changes, electrocardiographic alterations, stabilization of cardiac enzymes, inflammation restoration, oxidative stress, and lipid profile. SGLT2 was overexpressed in the ISO-induced MI, which declined in the ISO + DAPA group. Moreover, DAPA induced silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/fatty acid synthase (FASN) overexpression in ISO-induced MI. DAPA could have a potential protective role against acute MI.

CONCLUSION: DAPA protects against acute MI by modulating SIRT1 and FASN expression in cardiac muscles, suppressing oxidative stress, and downregulating inflammatory mediators.
Five new troglobitic species of Tyrannochthonius (Arachnida, Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae) from the Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan Provinces, China
Authors: Li Yun-Chun
Published: November 2022

Five new species of the genus Tyrannochthonius Chamberlin, 1929 are described from caves in the provinces of Yunnan (T. huilongshanensissp. nov., T. xinzhaiensissp. nov., and T. yamuhensissp. nov.), Guizhou (T. dongjiensissp. nov.), and Sichuan (T. huaerensissp. nov.). An identification key is provided for all known representatives of the genus Tyrannochthonius from China.
'We want real live wires, not gas pipes': Communism in the inter-war Durham coalfield
Authors: Mates Lewis
Published: November 2022

Durham was the second largest and best unionised interwar British coalfield. With some leading pre-war Durham miner militants sympathetic to communist inspired movements after 1920, there seemed to be considerable potential for the CPGB's growth. The 'communist moment' seemed to arrive
in 1926. The Durham miners' leaders' inactivity during the general strike and after, contrasted with communists' apparent dynamism, made for excellent propaganda. Hundreds duly flocked to the CPGB throughout the coalfield in those heady months of late 1926. Yet the factors that aided communism's
growth while the dispute raged had the opposite impact after the miners' defeat. A successful counter-attack by local Labour and miners' leaders, coal owner victimisation and the defeatism and demoralisation it engendered, as well as the general depressed state of the industry that brought
short time and unemployment, saw Durham communism retreat rapidly in 1927. The district CPGB's own shortcomings also played a part. Both before 1926 and after 1934, communist influence was most readily exerted through Labour Party miner activists who had never been CPGB members. Their political
careers suggest why communism did not gain a stronger independent foothold in the Durham coalfield.
Des obligations des personnels réservistes à la frontière de leur statut de militaire et de civil : de la disponibilité et du devoir de réserve
Authors: Chaffard-Luçon Pierre
Published: November 2022

Résumé Aux termes du Code de la défense, les réservistes n'ont la qualité de militaires que s'ils sont régulièrement convoqués par l'autorité compétente. Juridiquement, ils sont civils en dehors des périodes où ils sont convoqués et ne devraient alors pas être soumis aux obligations propres aux militaires. Or, la pratique témoigne de l'inverse : la « vie civile » des réservistes est prise en compte par les armées, tant lorsqu'elle fait honneur à l'institution que lorsqu'elle lui porte préjudice. Il s'agit dans cet article d'interroger les obligations pouvant peser sur ces personnels lorsque leurs statuts civil et militaire se rencontrent. Il apparaîtra sur la question de l'obligation de disponibilité et celle du devoir de réserve que la frontière n'est pas aussi marquée que l'affirme le Code : il arrive qu'en pratique les réservistes soient soumis dans leur vie civile à des contraintes propres au statut militaire. Ces contraintes peuvent conduire à des sanctions disciplinaires pour des faits survenus en dehors de toute période de réserve.
Les exportations d'armements et de matériels de guerre dans le Code de la défense : aspects juridiques
Authors: Trigeaud Laurent
Published: November 2022

Résumé En 2019, trois recours furent déposés devant les juridictions administratives françaises par des ONG, visant le refus du Premier ministre de suspendre des exportations d'armements de guerre vers l'Arabie saoudite. Était invoquée la réglementation internationale encadrant le processus d'autorisation d'exportation, plus spécialement le Traité sur le commerce des armes de 2013, qui prohibe toute exportation dès lors que le matériel pourrait être utilisé à des fins contraires aux droits de l'homme ou au droit humanitaire. Ces contentieux mettent en lumière le régime français de transfert institué par le Code de la défense, et révèlent à ce titre un phénomène nouveau : la judiciarisation croissante des exportations d'armements.
Critique juridique du cadre d'emploi de l'armée de terre sur le territoire métropolitain
Authors: Martignac Victor
Published: November 2022

Résumé Le cadre d'emploi de l'armée de terre sur le territoire métropolitain fait aujourd'hui l'objet de dispositions légales qui distinguent une défense civile et une défense militaire. Pourtant, ces deux défenses sont conceptuellement différentes et le passage de l'une à l'autre bénéficiait auparavant d'un cadre d'exception attribué à l'état de siège. Ce dernier, laissé pour compte et qualifié d'obsolète, garantissait pourtant la frontière juridique entre une présence militaire en temps de paix et la conduite de véritables opérations militaires sur le territoire. À l'inverse, les textes légaux et la compétence constitutionnelle du chef des armées ne semblent pas opérer de distinction fondamentale entre une opération sous réquisition et une opération militaire menant potentiellement à des actes de guerre.
Analysis of chaotic economic models through Koopman operators, EDMD, Takens' theorem and Machine Learning
Authors: Leventides John , Melas Evangelos , Poulios Costas , Boufounou Paraskevi
Published: November 2022

We consider dynamical systems that have emerged in financial studies and exhibit chaotic behaviour. The main purpose is to develop a data-based method for reconstruction of the trajectories of these systems. This methodology can then be used for prediction and control and it can also be utilized even if the dynamics of the system are unknown. To this end, we combine merits from Koopman operator theory, Extended Dynamic Mode Decomposition and Takens' embedding theorem. The result is a linear autoregressive model whose trajectories approximate the orbits of the original system. Finally, we enrich this method with machine learning techniques that can be used to train the autoregressive model.
Blockchain-assisted cyber security in medical things using artificial intelligence
Authors: Alshehri Mohammed
Published: November 2022

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) significantly impacts our healthcare system because it allows us to track and verify patient medical data before storing it in the cloud for future use. A rapidly expanding platform like IoMT requires high security to keep all data safe. The patient's prescription history and other sensitive information must be encrypted and managed with great care. Nevertheless, it is challenging to determine what data uses are acceptable while protecting patient privacy and security. Understanding the limits of current technologies and envisioning future research paths is crucial for establishing a safe and reliable data environment. An untrustworthy person can communicate with a trustworthy person via blockchain, a decentralized digital ledger that allows for end-to-end communication. Therefore, this research suggests that the healthcare industry with blockchain-integrated cyber-security based on artificial intelligence (BICS-AI) in medical care to preserve medical-related things. Blockchain applications have the potential to consistently identify the most severe, potentially life-threatening mistakes in the medical field. The use of blockchain for decentralized data protection helps to protect patient health records from compromise. With the help of an access control provider (ACP), here came up with a lightweight solution that addresses this issue by allowing the delegating of security operations. Medical data from IoMT and integrated devices can be collected and stored securely and distributed using a conventional in-depth approach combined with blockchain, making it suitable for healthcare professionals such as nursing homes, hospitals, and the healthcare industry where data exchange is required. The research findings indicate that the suggested system is viable and has a 94.84$ \% $ security rate, a security performance of 96.4$ \% $, a success rate of 89.9$ \% $, and a 5.1$ \% $ latency rate compared to traditional methods.
On $ \sigma $-subnormal subgroups and products of finite groups
Authors: Heliel A. A. , Ballester-Bolinches A. , Al-Shomrani M. M. , Al-Obidy R. A.
Published: November 2022

Suppose that $ \sigma = \{ {\sigma}_{i} : i \in I \} $ is a partition of the set $ \mathbb{P} $ of all primes. A subgroup $ A $ of a finite group $ G $ is said to be $ \sigma $-subnormal in $ G $ if $ A $ can be joined to $ G $ by a chain of subgroups $ A = A_{0} \subseteq A_{1} \subseteq \cdots \subseteq A_{n} = G $ such that either $ A_{i-1} $ normal in $ A_{i} $ or $ A_{i}/ Core_{A_{i}}(A_{i-1}) $ is a $ {\sigma}_{j} $-group for some $ j \in I $, for every $ 1\leq i \leq n $. A $ \sigma $-subnormality criterion related to products of subgroups of finite $ \sigma $-soluble groups is proved in the paper. As a consequence, a characterisation of the $ \sigma $-Fitting subgroup of a finite $ \sigma $-soluble group naturally emerges.
Determinants of Causal Attributions of Homelessness in Croatia
Authors: Družić Ljubotina Olja , Kletečki Radović Marijana , Ogresta Jelena
Published: November 2022

Homelessness is one of the most difficult social issues, and people who have experienced homelessness are often exposed to stigmatisation and negative public perception. Public perception of homeless people also depends on how citizens interpret and what they attribute the causes of homelessness to. Therefore, this paper is aimed at verifying the causal attributions of homelessness based on Weiner’s three-dimensional attribution model. The aim of the research was to examine the determinants of causal attributions of homelessness regarding certain sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics and attitudes towards homeless people. The research was conducted on a representative sample of citizens of the Republic of Croatia (n=1 010). The results showed that, on average, the citizens mostly attribute the causes of homelessness to factors related to the circumstances of a person’s life and the broader social context. Differences were found in certain sociodemographic characteristics, whereby women attribute the causes of homelessness more often to the circumstances of a person’s life and the broader social context, while participants with lower socioeconomic status attribute the causes of homelessness more often to structural factors. The results also point out regional differences in attributing the causes of homelessness to different factors. With regard to the attitude towards homeless people, it was found that participants who attribute the causes of homelessness to factors within the broader social context more also perceive homeless people more positively, considering that the state should take greater responsibility in caring for homeless people, and expressing more willingness to help homeless people. The results can contribute to a more effective development and implementation of intervention and policies aimed at sensitising the public regarding the issue and prevention of homelessness. Key words: attribution theory, homelessness, causal attributions, public opinion.
Wirtschaftlicher wertvergleich der festigkeiten bei vermahlung von zementen
Authors: Anselm Wilhelm
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Der schachtofen
Authors: Anselm Wilhelm
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Peintures applicables sur le ciment et peintures anti-corrosives
Authors: Wallon Jean
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Uber chemische einwirkungen auf beton
Authors: Rissel Ernst
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Le pompage du béton
Authors: Bächtold J.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Use of a flame photometer for estimating the cement contenta of soil-cement and pozzolan-cement mixtures
Authors: Stoll U.W. , Streed E.R.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Kritische betrachtungen über chemische methoden zur beurteilung von kalk
Authors: Dackman A.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Portlandzement für wasserbauten
Authors: Kaiser L.A.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
El horno vertical (2ª. Parte) - Dimensiones y características de la cocción en el mismo (Conclusión)
Authors: Anselm Wilhelm
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Die beurteilung der güte von schachtofenklinker
Authors: Jordan A.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Die bedeutung der calciumsulfatformen bei der abbindezeitregelung des zementes
Authors: Mussgnug G.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Le controle du dosage en ciment dans le béton
Authors: Nyffeler A.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Contribución al estudio de las normas de diferentes países para el cemento Portland. IIIe.- Estabilidad de volumen
Authors: Gaspar Tebar D. , Fraga Sánchez S.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Contribución al estudio de las normas de diferentes países para el cemento Portland. IV.- Bibliografía
Authors: Gaspar Tebar D. , Fraga Sánchez S.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Über die arbeitsweise von Sichtermühlen
Authors: Kraus F.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Effect on reinforcement in concrete of calcium chloride used as an admixture
Authors: Muller P.P.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Dimensionsbestimmung, modellännlichkeit und wärmebilanzen von drehofenkühlern
Authors: Anselm K. Werner
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Amélioration du filage des pâtes céramiques par addition de carbonate de soude
Authors: Alviset L.
Published: November 2022

Este articulo resume los trabajos sistemáticos de investigación, realizados por la. "Société Profeasionnelle des Produits Francais de Terre Cuite” y del "Service des Recherches Teohniques de la Sooiété Francaise de Céramique”. Tenían como finalidad el mejoramiento de las calidades de las arcillas utilizadas en la fabricación de ladrillos macizos o huecos, tubos de gres y productos refractarios. La adioión racional de productos químicos determina una mejora sensible, eliminándose diversos defectos.
Ein schnellverfahren zur bestimmung der körnung im frischbeton
Authors: Rissel E.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Kiln setting and burning. The Hoffman kiln
Authors: Starkie F.
Published: November 2022

Se describe el horno Hoffman, indicándose todas sus características, tanto estructurales como de funcionamiento.
La qualité des argiles à terre cuite et leur composition granulométrique
Authors: Winkler G.F.
Published: November 2022

Se destaca, tomando como base numerosas determinaciones, la importancia, en el plan industrial, de la estructura granulométrica de las arcillas, como factor principal que determina la actitud de una arcilla para preparar un determinado producto.
Ball test for field control of concrete consistency
Authors: Kelly J.W. , Polivka M.
Published: November 2022

Se describe un sencillo ensayo para determinar la consistencia del hormigón fresco, en función de la penetración de una bola do 15y24 cm de diámetro y 13,608 kg de peso. Se establece vina comparación con el ensayo de asiento.
Finding heat expenditure for ton rotary kiln lime
Authors: Eigen H.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Méthode pratique de détermination de la proportion de dègraissant nécessaire à une argile
Authors: Berenstein P.M.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Influencia de la adicción de determinados agentes tensoactivos en la retracción de las pastas y morteros de cemento Portland (conclusión)
Authors: Calleja Carrete J.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
A simple clay-shrinkage measuring-device
Authors: Baldwin L.W.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Effet du momont d'appliccation d’un produit d’étanchéité sur la qualité du béton
Authors: Siegrist A.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
Development in the manufacture and use of vermiculite high temperature insulation
Authors: Hitner J.
Published: November 2022

No disponible
La Consulaire. Du grand canon de la Régence turque d’Alger au monument de Brest
Authors: Le Goualher Jacques
Published: November 2022

La Consulaire, grand canon de bronze du xvie siècle que les arabophones nomment Baba Merzoug, fut transférée en France en 1830, après la prise d’Alger par les français ; elle y est devenue la colonne d’un monument du port militaire de Brest. La médiatisation des demandes de sa restitution, à l’occasion du 50e anniversaire de l’indépendance de l’Algérie, en a fait un enjeu mémoriel entre les deux pays. Mais sa célébrité repose en partie sur des légendes et ses approches mémorielles sont diverses. Pour démêler histoire et légendes, il nous faut retourner aux sources et replacer la Consulaire et les événements qui font sa renommée dans leur contexte historique, qui mêle la naissance de l’artillerie moderne, les origines de la Régence ottomane d’Alger et ses relations avec la France, l’esclavage méditerranéen, l’hagiographie et la diplomatie. Nous pouvons ainsi rendre au dernier des grands basilics ottomans sa véritable origine et lui porter un regard plus lucide.
Les AMAP, un réseau de proximité solidaire et inclusif ? Le cas des Hauts-de-France (HDF)
Authors: Mignot Chloé , Molines Nathalie , Madaboyko-Fintobakila Audrey , Lebeaupin Valentine , Emery Justin
Published: November 2022

Les Associations pour le Maintien de l’Agriculture Paysanne (AMAP) proposent un nouveau modèle de solidarités entre producteurs et consommateurs, visant une transformation sociale et écologique de l’agriculture et de l’alimentation. Les systèmes alimentaires alternatifs comme les AMAP, ou les CSAs aux États-Unis, sont souvent investis par une population socialement homogène, qui appartient aux classes moyennes à supérieures, avec un haut niveau d’éducation, et laissant de côté les populations plus défavorisées. Cette étude met en exergue l’entre-soi socio-culturel des populations en AMAP, à l’aune du concept de capital culturel développé par Pierre Bourdieu, et analyse l’impact du degré d’engagement solidaire et d’ouverture sociale des AMAP sur leur composition. Face à ce constat, nous cherchons à interroger la capacité des AMAP à s’ouvrir socialement, en soulignant notamment que l’inclusion des populations issues de classes sociales défavorisées dépend davantage de conditions socio-culturelles que de conditions matérielles ou financières.Ce travail s’appuie sur l’étude du réseau des AMAP des Hauts-de-France (HDF), qui, contrairement à ce que pourraient laisser présager la grande concentration urbaine et la forte tradition agricole conventionnelle du territoire, constitue un réseau dynamique et développé.
Mechatronics Engineering in the Modern World and Its Use in the Construction Industry
Authors: Singh Aditya
Published: November 2022

Mechatronics engineering is a branch of engineering made by combining several other main branches as well as derived branches of engineering, which comprises mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, computer science engineering, product engineering, robotics, and so on. In the initial development of mechatronics engineering, only mechanics as well as electronics were combined to form it, but as the time passed and with the help of technological advancements, it was expanded to combine other derived and subbranches of engineering. In this book chapter, mechatronics engineering is briefly explained, and how it originated as well as came to current level. It also highlights the role of mechatronics engineering in the construction sector, as well as how it transformed the current construction practices. It also briefly talks about building automation, CAD, and structural dynamics which are a form of applied mechatronics that help in the modern construction industry in its own ways.
Entomopter Wing Analysis Boon for Mars Mission
Authors: Khan Md. Akhtar , K. Swarnashree
Published: November 2022

In this chapter, CFD analysis is performed to understand the aerodynamic characteristics of 3-D Entomopter wing. Entomopter is the MAV which is especially designed for Martian atmosphere exploration. It is a low Reynolds number flyer due to which it can reach to the places where human intervention is not at all possible. The aerodynamic simulations are carried out at different flap angles varying from -20º to 30º in Martian atmosphere. The Entomopter model considered for CFD analysis has a wingspan of 15 cm with varying chord length and Reynolds number ranging from Re=75000 Re=150000 i.e., at a velocity of 2 m/s to 30 m/s. The Entomopter 3-D printed model is designed in CATIA V5 and simulation is carried out using ICEM CFD and ANSYS FLUENT. Entomopters may undertake multimode operations and produce lift by continuously forming and shedding vortices from their flapping wings. So, this research is a viable aspect to understand the future development of MAVs for outer space exploration and can be promising for making impossible things possible.
A Review on Predictive Models Designed From Artificial Intelligence Techniques in the Wastewater Treatment Process
Authors: Mohan Varun Geetha , Ameedeen Mohamed Ariff , Vijayan Bincy Lathakumary , Ali Al-Fahim Mubarak
Published: November 2022

Modeling and optimization of pollutant removal processes are the best solutions to increase the efficiency of wastewater treatment. The relationship between input and output parameters in wastewater treatment processes (WWTP) are complicated. Artificial intelligence (AI) models are generally more flexible when compared with statistical models while modeling complex datasets with nonlinearity and missing data. Studies on AI-based WWTP are increasing day by day. Therefore, it is crucial to review the AI techniques available which are implemented for WWTP. Such a review helps classifying the techniques that are invented and helps to identify challenges as well as gaps for future studies. Lastly, it can sort out the best AI technique to design predictive models for WWTPs.
Human Rights and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Chakraborty Swati
Published: November 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) is developing every day with a new vision and mission in this competitive world. It is an area of computer science that creates intelligent machines that are programmed to work and act like humans. It involves them solving problems and improving themselves. It is expected that they will eventually be able to mimic and perform the same tasks as a human would. As artificial intelligence continues to find its way into our daily lives, its propensity to interfere with human rights only gets more severe. With this in mind and noting that the technology is still in its infant stages, Access Now conducts this preliminary study to scope the potential range of human rights issues that may be raised today or in the near future.
Dialogue and Metaverse
Authors: Chakraborty Swati , Dadhich Avinash
Published: November 2022

The concept of dialogic provides a clear methodological profile and allows us to structure a pragmatic ‘perspective' and the ‘pan-discipline' of discourse. It focuses on methodological premises such as action and reaction; the integration of the human abilities to speak, think, and perceive; dialogic interaction as the intentional effort to pursue definable goals and interests. The series aims to cross disciplinary boundaries and considers a genuinely interdisciplinary approach necessary for addressing the complex phenomenon of dialogic language use. All disciplines that deal with the human ability of dialogic interaction from different perspectives, in everyday interaction as well as in institutional contexts, are addressed: linguistics, philosophy, psychology, sociology, rhetoric, anthropology, applied linguistics, culture sciences, the media sciences, economics, jurisprudence.
Strengthening Multicultural Community for Teenagers Using Role Playing Game Development
Authors: Prestiliano Jasson
Published: November 2022

Teenagers are the generation who are still looking for their identity. The unstable condition of teenagers' minds and emotions makes them easily affected by bad things through media regarding cultural differences. Teenagers usually have groups with a certain culture and do not want to mingle with different cultures outside their circle. This becomes a problem when they have to communicate inter-culturally. Nowadays, teenagers like to play games, and one of the genres they play is role playing game (RPG). In this type of game, players can control the characters in the RPG according to their wishes and follow the story developed by the game designer. This is what underlies how RPG can be one of the breakthroughs in providing an understanding of intercultural communication to teenagers. In this chapter, an RPG is designed to have elements of intercultural dialogue in an implicit way in order to provides messages about peace and develop a community that has diverse cultures. Through the development of this RPG, teenagers can better understand and want to mingle with cultures around them.
When Big Data Meets NFT
Authors: Chen Qinuo , Guo Jingyao , Wei Bocheng , Li Bangcheng , Kelly Jack Michael
Published: November 2022

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are unique digital assets that are based on smart contracts of blockchain technology and traded via cryptocurrencies. They became known to the public in 2021 and kept growing rapidly. Until the second quarter of 2022, the total volume of NFTs has reached $12.22 billion. However, since the NFT market is still in its early stage, there are limited studies on this topic. In this paper, the first purpose is to analyze the overall market structure and volatility, characteristics of top NFTs on famous marketplaces, and future trends of NFTs. The next focus is to summarize current research trends about the concept of NFT, investigate the challenges faced by researchers, and provide current data collection or feature extraction techniques that are frequently utilized to solve those challenges.
Effects of Waste Glass Powder on Properties of Self-Compacting Repair Mortars
Authors: Amar Benyahia , Salhi Mohamed , Boubekeur Toufik
Published: November 2022

This paper studies the effects of fine waste glass powder content (WGP) on fresh and hardened properties of self-compacting repair mortar mixes (SCRMs). For this purpose, mortar mixes were prepared to replace cement with waste glass powder ranging from 0 to 30% at 10% interval and tested. Fresh properties were assessed using mini-slump flow and mini V-funnel. Hardened properties assessed for all mixes were water absorption (at 28-days of age), compressive and flexural strengths (at 7, 28 and 56-days of age). In addition, the adhesion between the repair mortar mixes and substrate was conducted using a 3-point flexural test on a composite prism (half mortar/half substrate) at 28 and 56-days of age. The results showed that glass powder had a negative effect on the workability of mortars. However, in the hardened state, it had a good influence on the strength development after 28 days, durability and adhesion of mortars with the substrate for a waste glass powder content not exceeding 20%.
Static and Dynamic Analysis of Keddara Dam
Authors: Chebout Samya , Bahar Ramdane
Published: November 2022

The numerical analysis using finite difference method to study static and dynamic performance of embankment dams is a complex process, in which the materials behavior, soil-dam foundation interaction, hydraulic conditions and saturation effects, should be taken into account. In this study, static and dynamic analysis of Keddara earth dam, located in Boumerdes region (Algeria), is conducted by a numerical analysis using finite difference method (FLAC 3D), with the objective to define its behavior in terms of settlement, strain and pore pressure variation, during its construction and operation. Two stages are considered; the dam construction stage and water filling stage. In this way, two mathematical models are considered for the static analysis; the elastic model and Mohr-Coulomb model. To conduct a coupled dynamic analysis a real earthquake record is used and the interaction between the fluid and solid phases is taken into account.
Quantitative results for the direct participation of the parenchymal vascular system in cerebral waste removal
Authors: Hu Jiani , Shen Yimin , Fahmy Lara M. , Krishnamurthy Satish , Li Jie , Zhang Li , Chen Yongsheng , Haacke Mark E. , Jiang Quan
Published: November 2022

Background: Impaired cerebral waste clearance (CWC) has been associated with a broad range of both physiological and pathophysiological neurologic conditions.1,2 Because of the unique anatomy of the brain parenchyma, theoretically, in the brain parenchyma, biochemically inert waste such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents can only be removed through two possible pathways: cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathway, and/or vascular pathway. Despite the controversy, there seems to be a solid consensus on the participation of the CSF pathway in CWC.3 In contrast to the CSF system, the current consensus is that the parenchymal vascular system does not participate in CWC. Considering there is a big difference in flow rate between the blood (2 mL/min) and the CSF (3.7 µL/min) and the brain is the most bioactive, energy-consuming organ (20% nutrition for about 5% of body weight) in the body, it is illogical that the brain would rely on the slow CSF circulation for CWC while less bioactive tissues outside the brain require both the fast vascular and slow lymphatic systems to remove waste in a timely manner.4,5

Methods: Superparamagnetic iron oxide–enhanced susceptibility-weighted imaging (SPIO-SWI) and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) methods were used to simultaneously study 7 T MRI signal changes in parenchymal veins, arteries, and their corresponding para-vascular spaces in 26 rats, following intra-cisterna magna (ICM) infusion of different CSF tracers (FeREX, ferumoxytol, Fe-Dextran) to determine the amount of tracer in the artery and vein quantitatively.

Results: The parenchymal venous system participated in CSF tracer clearance following ICM infusion of different MRI tracers with different concentrations of iron. Parenchymal venous participation was more obvious when 75 μg iron was injected. In the parenchymal veins, the relative mean (±SE) value of the susceptibility increased by 13.5±1.0% at 15 min post-tracer infusion (p<0.01), and 33.6±6.7% at 45 min post-tracer infusion (p=0.01), compared to baseline. In contrast to the parenchymal veins, a negligible amount of CSF tracer entered the parenchymal arteries: 1.3±2.6% at 15 min post-tracer infusion (p=0.6), and 12±19% at 45 min post-tracer infusion (p=0.5), compared to baseline.

Conclusions: MRI tracers can enter the parenchymal vascular system and more MRI tracers were observed in the cerebral venous than arterial vessels, suggesting the direct participation of parenchymal vascular system in CWC.
Neurovascular risk factors and dysfunction in aging and dementia
Authors: Iadecola Costantino
Published: November 2022

Brain function requires a finely regulated balance between the delivery of nutrients and the clearance of waste products through the blood flow.1 If the blood flow delivery does not match the dynamic requirements for oxygen and glucose imposed by neural activity, brain dysfunction and damage may ensue. The cognitive alterations caused by vascular factors (vascular cognitive impairment, VCI) and neurodegeneration (Alzheimer’s disease, AD) have traditionally been considered mechanistically distinct, but increasing evidence suggests previously unappreciated commonalities.2 Clinical-pathological studies indicate that vascular lesions aggravate the deleterious effects of AD pathology and traditional stroke risk factors, such as hypertension, are also risk factors for AD, suggesting mechanistic overlap. Furthermore, disturbances of cerebral perfusion and/or energy metabolism occur early in the clinical course of AD suggesting a pathogenic role of vascular insufficiency.3 Corroborating this clinical-epidemiological evidence, experimental data indicate that amyloid-beta, a key pathogenic factor in AD, alters the structure and function of cerebral blood vessels and associated cells (neurovascular complex), effects mediated by activation of innate immune cells leading to vascular oxidative stress and inflammation.1 On the other hand, pathological tau suppresses glutamate-dependent production of nitric oxide, which, in turn, dampens the increase in blood flow produced by synaptic activity, but also leads to neuronal network dysfunction and increased excitability.4 Aging and hypertension can also influence the production and clearance of amyloid-beta, promoting amyloid pathology. Furthermore, ApoE4 plays a critical role in the brain’s susceptibility to vascular damage or neurodegeneration.5 Injury to the neurovascular complex alters cerebral blood flow regulation, depletes vascular reserves, and reduces the brain’s repair potential, effects that amplify the brain dysfunction and damage exerted by incident ischemia and coexisting neurodegeneration. These observations, collectively, indicate that vascular alterations are important both in vascular and neurodegenerative dementias, and suggest novel preventive and treatment modalities for these devastating and highly prevalent conditions. Therefore, in the absence of mechanism-based approaches to counteract dementia, targeting cerebrovascular function may offer the opportunity to mitigate the public health impact of one of the most disabling human afflictions.
Clinical pregnancy rate of women with unexplained infertility with or without cervical mucus aspiration before intrauterine insemination
Authors: Vatsa Richa , Suri Vanita , Gainder Shalini , Arora Aashima , Kaur Japleen , Choudhary Neelam , Sharma Shruti
Published: November 2022

Objective:

To detect effect of removing cervical mucus before performing intrauterine insemination (IUI) on pregnancy rate in patients with unexplained infertility.

Methods:

The randomized controlled trial was conducted in Infertility Division of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a tertiary care hospital. Totally 80 patients of unexplained infertility were recruited. By computer generated block randomization in block size of 4 and 6, patients were randomly allocated at time of starting ovarian stimulation into the cervical mucus removal group or the non-removal of cervical mucus group before IUI, 40 in each group. Ovarian stimulation with clomiphene 100 mg from day 2-6 of menstrual cycle along with human menopausal gonadotropin 150 IU was given alternate day starting from day 7. Follicular monitoring was done and further doses given as per response; trigger was planned when 1-3 follicle reach a diameter of >18 mm. IUI was planned after trigger. IUI was done as per the group allocated. Mucus cleaning was done in the cervical mucus removal group by aspirating mucus with IUI syringe and sterile cotton swab before IUI. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate. Number of difficult IUIs and cycle cancellation due to ovarian hyperstimulation were also noted.

Results:

IUI was not done in 4 patients due to hyperstimulation. Pregnancies per IUI cycle occurred in 7.9% (3/38) in the cervical mucus removal group and 21.1% (8/38) in the non-removal of cervical mucus group. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical pregnancy rate between two groups (P=0.19).

Conclusions:

There is a trend towards a lower clinical pregnancy rate with removal of cervical mucus before IUI in women of unexplained infertility though the difference is not statistically significant. Further studies with large sample size need to be done on this intervention.

Trial registration:

The trial registration was done with Clinical Trial Registry-India (Registration number: CTRI/2019/03/018326).
Do the Covid-19 vaccines affect the reproductive parameters of men?—A Northern Saudi experience
Authors: Alenzi MJ , Ikpi EE , Alshlash AS , Alkhaldi SM , Aljazi ZN , Alrawili M , Alanazi S , Alenazi JA
Published: November 2022

Background:

The COVID-19 vaccine acceptance is a psychological behavior influenced by many factors, including fear of an adverse effect on the reproductive system.

Aims:

The aim of this study is to assess the COVID-19 vaccines effect on reproductive parameters among the male population of northern Saudi Arabia.

Patients and Methods:

We conducted a prospective cohort study among 100 volunteers who received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines. A pre- and post-vaccination blood sample was collected and analyzed for testosterone, prolactin, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Semen samples were also collected and analyzed. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the values between pre- and post-vaccination.

Results:

Of the 100 samples analyzed, there was a significant increase in progressive sperm motility after the second dose of vaccination, but the increase was within the physiological limits (pre-55.03 [42.00–61.75] vs. post-57.50 [42.25–63.00], P = 0.008). Similarly, a significant increase in serum testosterone level after the second vaccination dose was observed (pre-380.65 [301.60–485.73] vs. post-410 [318.18–505.35], P = 0.016).

Conclusion:

These preliminary results show that the COVID-19 vaccines do not have any adverse effect on the reproductive parameters of men. A prospective long-term follow-up study will be necessary on all WHO -approved COVID vaccines to determine their long-term effect on men's reproductive health. The future follow-up study could strengthen our findings and encourage the men who have vaccine hesitancy to take due to fear of its effect on reproductive parameters.
Fatal cryptococcal meningitis in the Non-HIV infected
Authors: Osaigbovo II , Igetei S , Omiunu OJ
Published: November 2022

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is underreported in the immunocompetent, the disease being more commonly associated with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. We report the diagnosis, management, and eventual fatal outcome of CM in a non-HIV-infected man. Late presentation, delayed diagnosis, difficulties in accessing medications, and raised intracranial pressure (ICP) were contributory to his demise. Detailed history, a high index of suspicion, and laboratory workup coupled with prompt antifungal therapy and aggressive ICP management are essential for better outcomes.
Evaluation of pediatric patients with COVID-19 in a Turkish university hospital
Authors: Gundeslioglu OO , Alabaz D , Kose S , Cay U , Tapac N , Kilinc F , Kaymaz ST , Dogan C , Sahin G , Horoz OO , Yi;ldizdas RD , Unal I , Kibar F
Published: November 2022

Background:

Although COVID-19 has a milder course in pediatric patients than in adults, it can have a severe and fatal course in children with an underlying disease (UD).

Aims:

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics, treatment methods, and prognosis of pediatric patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

Patients and Methods:

The files of patients aged 0–18 years diagnosed with COVID-19 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinically and radiologically suspicious cases were accepted as confirmed cases if SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity was found in nasopharyngeal swab samples. The severity of the disease was defined as asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe according to clinical, laboratory, and radiological features.

Results:

A total of 322 pediatric patients, 51.2% male and 48.8% female, were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 12.08 years (1 month–18 years). Of the 322 patients, 81 (25.1%) were asymptomatic. Disease severity was as follows: 218 were (67.7%) mild, 14 were (4.3%) moderate, and 9 (2.7%) were severe. 35.7% of the patients were hospitalized. Six percent were admitted to the intensive care unit, and three (0.93%) patients died. The mortality rate in patients with the UD was 3.3%.

Conclusion:

In our study, we determined that the disease had a more severe course in patients with initial procalcitonin, D-dimer, troponin increase, and thrombocytopenia. Although COVID-19 has a mild course in children, this is unfortunately not true for children with an UD.
A POEMS syndrome patient with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension received the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Authors: Chen Y , Lin J , Jiang X , Zhou Q , Zhang H
Published: November 2022

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare plasma cell dyscrasia disease involving multiple organs combined with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. It has been reported only four times in the English literature. Here, we present the first case of a 62-year-old male POEMS syndrome patient with portal hypertension treated with the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), after he presented with a 10-day history of melena. The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome was given because the patient presented with polyneuropathy, monoclonal plasma cell proliferative disorder, sclerotic bone lesions, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, ascites, hypothyroidism, and hyperpigmentation. The presence of portal hypertension was confirmed by esophageal varices, congested and edematous stomach body, splenomegaly, and transudate ascites in which the serum-ascites albumin gradient of ascites fluid was over 11 g/L (a concentration considered to be associated with POEMS syndrome), as no other causes were found. The patient fasted and received conservative drug treatments on admission, but symptoms of melena soon recurred within 1 week after resuming his diet. After TIPS and venous embolization were performed, symptoms of bleeding were effectively controlled, while the patient subsequently developed hepatic encephalopathy, which ultimately led to death. The presence of gastrointestinal bleeding in POEMS syndrome with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension indicates a poor prognosis. Given that this was the first patient to receive TIPS, and although the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy has increased, TIPS is still acceptable for refractory variceal bleeding.