bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Techniques for Detecting and Identifying Significant Autism Spectrum Disorder Speech Characteristics
Authors: Maragathavalli Dr. P. , Samarla Mr. Suresh Kumar
Published: January 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neuro-developmental disorders that has a lifelong effect on social and communicative behaviors, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Even though there is no cure, initial stage identification of ASD can help improve the patient’s life expectancy Conventional diagnosis of ASD is commonly performed through observation of behaviors and interview of a patient with medical experts by following standard procedures. In any case, these finding strategies are time-consuming. By integrating Machine Learning with neuroscience, a conclusion strategy might potentially be laid out to identify ASD subjects from typical development (TD) subjects. In this study, our main aim is to detect significant features that are associated with speech of ASD subjects by apply machine learning models on a cross-linguistic corpus (English and Danish. These mechanisms can help in earlier diagnosis The speech features from recordings are analyzed by various machine learning algorithms (like “Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest Classifier (RFC), Logistic Regression (LR), XGBoost”) to build a classification model that classifies ASD and TD. In this process we achieved 97% accuracy with XGBoost in classifying ASD and TD. The model recognizes the important features in the order quasi-open-quotient (QoQ), jitter, pitch, duration, Dominant frequency (F2, F1, and F3), creak probability. Additionally, the findings support the use of voice and speech analysis as cutting-edge diagnostic tools for autism in young preverbal children.
PENGARUH PENERAPAN APLIKASI E-REKON&LK DAN KOMPETENSI SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA TERHADAP KUALITAS LAPORAN KEUANGAN PUBLIK
Authors: Supriatiningsih Supriatiningsih , Darwis Hidayat , Usep muhamad saeful bahri
Published: January 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh aplikasi e-Rekon&LK dan kompetensi sumber dayamanusia terhadap kualitas laporan keuangan pemerintah. Populasi penelitian ini yaitu operator penggunaaplikasi e-Rekon&LK tahun satuan kerja lingkup KPPN Jakarta I anggaran 2020, pengumpulan datamelalui kuesioner berjumlah 118 orang, data diolah menggunakan SPSS versi 20. Hasil penelitianmenunjukkan bahwa kompetensi sumberdaya manusia dan aplikasi E-Rekon&LK sama-samaberpengaruh terhadap kualitas laporan keuangan. Untuk memastikan bahwa laporan keuangan yang baik,pemerintah harus memenuhi karakteristik kualitatif tertentu yang disebut dalam Peraturan 71 tahun 2010dengan didukung sumber daya manusia yang kompeten. Pemerintah dituntut untuk membuat laporankeuangan yang baik agar masyarakat (stakeholder) yang menggunakan laporan keuangan dapatmemahami informasi yang terkadung dalam laporan tersebut.
Characteristics of dental cysts
Authors: Palacios Pérez Tamara Marcela , Palacios Pérez Gilda Natalia , Clavijo Rosales Claudia Gabriela , Romero Ibáñez Heiddy Carolina , Feijoo Rosales Evelyn Paulina
Published: January 2023

Introduction: lesions of odontogenic origin such as cysts with benign characteristics can cause great facial destruction and deformities. Cysts" become a type of benign affectation, forming either lumps or a pathological cavity with liquid or semi-liquid content and covered by epithelium on the inside and by connective tissue on the outside.
Objective: to describe the characteristics and how dental cysts manifest themselves.
Methods: a literature review was performed, through an electronic search in the main databases (PubMed, Taylor & Francis, Scopus and ScienceDirect). Articles published between 2016 and 2022 were included.
Results: The characteristics of cysts were identified that present asymptomatically and slow growth can cause dental migration and alteration of adjacent roots. There are different types, but the most common were odontogenic and dentigerous cysts.
Conclusions: It is concluded that there are different characteristics of dental cysts due to the increase in volume and location of the cyst, these present themselves asymptomatically and cause facial inflammation with asymmetry, depending on their manifestations, clinic, radiography. Different types of odontogenic cysts can be found (radicular cyst and collateral inflammatory cyst) and non-odontogenic (nasopalatine duct cyst)
Tumbar al patriarcado. Etnografía con agrupaciones femeninas de Tumbe Carnaval en Arica
Authors:   Universidad de Tarapacá, Araya Isabel
Published: January 2023

En este artículo se analiza la música afrolatinoamericana desde una perspectiva de género, centrándose particularmente en su expresión afrochilena. Se considera el rol de las mujeres afrodescendientes en la manifestación del Tumbe Carnaval, música y danza desarrollada por sus comunidades como una herramienta de visibilización y acción política. A través de una metodología cualitativa, basada en una etnografía con agrupaciones femeninas que tocan y bailan en la ciudad de Arica, se profundiza en el rol de las afrochilenas en la construcción y difusión de las narrativas sonoras y dancísticas del ritmo. Entre los resultados se destaca su práctica como una forma de reivindicar las demandas feministas. Se concluye que el Tumbe Carnaval, como herramienta artístico-política, ha sobrepasado las aspiraciones exclusivamente afrodescendientes, llegando a ser un medio que denuncia el racismo estructural y las desigualdades de género.
Developing Realistic Models for Assessing Marine Plastic Pollution in Semi-Enclosed Seas
Authors:   Danish Meteorological Institute, She Jun , Christensen Asbjørn , Garaventa Francesca , Lips Urmas , Murawski Jens , Ntoumas Manolis , Tsiaras Kostas
Published: January 2023

Having steadily increased with global production in the past 50 years, the presence and accumulation of plastic debris is now recognized as a major environmental problem, with consequences directly affecting not only marine ecosystems, but also society and human well-being. After human activities release plastic litter, it is either directly discharged into the ocean or it is transported to the sea via inland pathways (e.g., rivers, lakes, wastewater treatment plants). Once in the ocean, plastics are further transported and transformed by processes such as ocean currents, winds and waves, water dispersion, fragmentation, biofouling, sinking, sedimentation, and beaching (Figure 1).
Advances in Environmental DNA Sampling for Observing Ocean Twilight Zone Animal Diversity
Authors:   Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Govindarajan Annette , Adams Allan , Allan Elizabeth , Herrera Santiago , Lavery Andone , Llopiz Joel , McCartin Luke , Yoerger Dana , Zhang Weifeng
Published: January 2023

The ocean’s vast twilight, or mesopelagic, zone (200–1,000 m depth) harbors immense biomass consisting of myriad poorly known and unique animal species whose quantity and diversity are likely considerably underestimated. As they facilitate the movement of carbon from surface waters to the deep sea through feeding and migratory behaviors, ocean twilight zone (OTZ) animals are vital to regulating Earth’s climate (Ducklow et al., 2001). However, anthropogenic threats, such as climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, and overfishing pose an imminent threat to OTZ animals. Long-term spatially and temporally intensive observations are essential to our understanding of biodiversity in the OTZ, to resolving global carbon cycles, and to monitoring ocean health. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, which involves studying the trace genetic signatures of organisms (Figure 1), is a promising approach to filling this urgent need. eDNA can be sampled and diagnostic genetic markers (“barcodes”) can be sequenced in order to detect the animals inhabiting a given water parcel. Other laboratory protocols (e.g., quantitative PCR, or “qPCR” and “digital droplet PCR”) can be applied to facilitate quantitative assessments of specific target species (Eble et al., 2020). In seagoing oceanographic research, eDNA assessment is transitioning from being considered an experimental approach to becoming an established routine that can be scaled up to match ocean observing needs.
Pengaruh Usaha Kecil Menengah Sektor Kuliner Terhadap Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Sebelum Pandemi Covid 19 di Makassar
Authors: Dauda Paris , Putri Padriani Paris  , Besse Qur’ani
Published: January 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh usaha kecil menengah sektor kuliner terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi sebelum pandemi Covid 19 di Makassar. Jenis penelitian yaitu kuantitatif dengan data skunder. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh pelaku UKM sektor kuliner di kota Makassar. Pengambilan data dilakukan secara purposive sampling dengan sampel penelitian 30 Usaha Kecil Menengah (UKM) pada sektor Kuliner di Makassar selama 3 tahun yakni pada tahun 2017 hingga 2019. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah regresi sederhana. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa UKM sektor kuliner diperoleh nilai koefisien regresi yang berpengaruh positif dan signifikan. Hal tersebut diartikan UKM berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi di Makassar melalui pendapatan yang diterima masyarakat di 15 kecamatan yang bekerja di sentra pertumbuhan di Kota Makassar. Pertumbuhan ekonomi khusunya UKM sektor kuliner sangat berpengaruh dalam pendorong dengan adanya dukungan pemerintah berupa program-program pelatihan dan tingginya motivasi masyarakat untuk memanfaatkan potensi lokal dengan baik.
Design and construction of a locally designed fish smoking kiln powered by bio-gas
Authors: Ogundana Odunayo , Yahaya Muhammed , Alonge Anthony , Owa Taiwo
Published: January 2023

The origin of fish smoking dates back to antiquity. It is thought that the process was started by hanging the fish product over a fire which was used to reduce the moisture content of the product. Further advancement was made traditionally by the erection of mud, bricks or corrugated iron angle bar. The gas smoking kiln has been developed using locally available materials in the study area towards improving the existing fish smoking kiln techniques. The objective of this work is to improve the quality of smoked fish in Kainji Lake Basin in Nigeria at minimum production cost. The preliminary test performance of the kiln has been conducted using Clarias gariepinus. The result obtained shows that the kiln is less labour intensive and can handle different sizes of fish faster with better appearance of the end product than the conventional smoking methods.
INSEGURIDAD SOCIAL EN LA CIUDAD DE JULIACA
Authors: Huacani Sucasaca Yudy
Published: January 2023

El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar la inseguridad social en la ciudad de Juliaca. El método aplicado es el deductivo, no experimental, transversal, el instrumento utilizado ha sido la encuesta, la muestra es aleatoria de 120 establecimientos. Los resultados confirmaron que el 45 % consideran una mayor inseguridad social al salir de su trabajo, el 55 % mientras lleva, recoge o envía a sus hijos a su lugar de estudios, y el 40 % en su propia casa. El 55 % ha sido víctima de algún hecho delincuencial como el robo, extorsión y amenazas, el 20 % realizó denuncias, y de éstos el 70 % no logró nada, el 60 % se está investigando, y el 80 % indican que atraparon al sospechoso y el juez lo soltó. El 35 % de las empresas adoptaron como medidas de seguridad la contratación del servicio de compañía de seguridad privada, así como reforzaron y enrejaron puertas, ventanas y muros, instalaron alarmas, cambiaron número de teléfono o compraron un arma de fuego. Con los resultados del modelo TOBIT se concluye que el impacto de la inseguridad social está directamente asociado con el aumento de costos, disminución de la productividad, el impacto sobre las inversiones, menores ingresos por ventas, con una alta significancia en los parámetros.
Assessment of Diversity, Growth Characteristics and Aboveground Biomass of Tree Species in Selected Urban Green Areas of Osogbo, Osun State
Authors: Aremu Omolara , O. Adetoro Olusola , Awotoye Olusegun
Published: January 2023

This study assessed the abundance and diversity of trees, estimated the growth characteristics and determined the aboveground biomass of the trees within three selected green areas, namely Riparian Corridor was abbreviated as Riparian corridor (RC), Industrial sites (IS), and Residential sites (RS) in Osogbo, Southwestern Nigeria. Species Diversity Index, Relative Dominance, and Importance Value Index of trees were also estimated. Trees\' diversity and ranking were determined using the R statistical package. A total number of 124 tree stems were enumerated and (RC), (IS), and (RS) had 49, 38, and 37 tree stems belonging to 27, 18 and 20 species respectively. Albizia zygia (Mimosaceae) was the most abundant species in both RC and IS, while Milicia excelsa (Moraceae) was the most abundant in the RS. Growth variables were recorded as 1.18 m2, 5.01 m2, and 11.06 m2 (basal area), and 13.49 m3, 64.03 m3 and 122.39 m3 (volume) for RC, IS, and RS, respectively. The highest mean aboveground biomass was recorded in the RS (28325.20±7639.57 Kg C ha−1). There was no significant difference (P≥ 0.01) between the aboveground biomass of RC and IS but a significant difference (P≥ 0.01) existed between the aboveground biomass of RC and RS. There is a continuous transition of the urban forest.
Field Programmable Reconfigurable Mesh (FPRM)
Authors: Stein Esti , Ben Asher Yosi
Published: January 2023

Many application areas demand increasing amounts of processing capabilities. FPGAs have been widely used for improving this performance. FPRM (Field Programmable Reconfigurable Mesh) is a technique we propose to improve FPGA performance. A Reconfigurable Mesh (RM) consists of a grid of Processing Elements that use dynamic reconfigurations to create varying bus segments between them. The RM can thus perform computations such as Sorting or Counting in a constant number of steps. It has long been speculated that the RM’s dynamic reconfigurations should replace the FPGA’s static reconfigurations. We show that the RM is capable of not only speeding up specific computations such as sorting or summing, but also of speeding up the evaluation of Boolean circuits (BCs), which is the main purpose of the FPGA. Our proposed RM algorithm can evaluate BCs without causing size blowup. Furthermore, tri-state switching elements can be used instead of PEs in a grid.
Cell Therapy for Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Sharma Alok , Sane Hemangi , Gokulchandran Nandini , Paranjape Amruta , Shaikh Zubiya , KM Arjun , Badhe Prerna
Published: January 2023

Muscular dystrophy is a major unmet medical need associated with an inevitable progressive muscle damage and loss of function. Currently, treatment is only symptomatic and supportive. This chapter focuses on cell therapy as a potential treatment approach for muscular dystrophy. Mechanism of action of cell therapy and its ability to alter disease pathology have been discussed. A review of preclinical and clinical studies has been presented with the advantages and shortcomings of various cell types. Rationale for our treatment protocol and experience of treating muscular dystrophy patients has been discussed. Our published results have shown the efficacy of the intrathecal and intramuscular administration of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells in different types of muscular dystrophy patients. The scores on outcome measures such as 6-minute walk distance, North star ambulatory assessment, Brooke and Vignose scale, Functional independence measure, and manual muscle testing either improved or were maintained suggestive of slowing down disease progression. Efficacy and safety of the treatment was also studied using comparative MRI-MSK and EMG showing decreased fatty infiltration in various muscles post-cellular therapy. Thus, it was found that autologous BMMNC transplantation is a safe and effective treatment option and improves the quality of life of MD patients.
DEFEM Method and Its Application in Pebble Flows
Authors: Liu Xu , Gui Nan , Wu Mengqi , Hibiki Takashi , Yang Xingtuan , Tu Jiyuan , Jiang Shengyao
Published: January 2023

Based on the concept of embedded discrete elements (EDEs), the discrete element-embedded finite element model (DEFEM) is extended in this work. The new method can be used to calculate the motion and stress variation of particles. This work discusses its application in granular flow simulation for particle motions with small deformations. The updated Lagrangian finite element method is used to obtain the coupling solution of the internal stress and the overall motion of particles in the DEFEM. The computation of deformation displacement is based on the concepts of displacement decomposition (translational and rotational motions and deformation displacement). The deformation displacement is the difference between particles and template particles [rigid body, using the discrete element method (DEM) to calculate translational and rotational displacements]. It is used to calculate the dynamic stress distribution of particles and the internal force of the node. Therefore, it has a wide scope of application (for example, it can be extended to non-spherical particles). The software validation proves the accuracy of this method. The application of the DEFEM in the accumulation process of particles is given. The motion characteristics and deformation of particles are discussed, and the stress distribution and force chain structure in particle accumulation are obtained.
Detecting Naloxone in Adulterated Urine Samples: Can Naloxone Be Detected When Buprenorphine/Naloxone Film Is Dipped Directly into Urine and Water?
Authors: Furo Hiroko , Lin Tony , Yuan Zhou Yi , Abdelsayed Sarah
Published: January 2023

This study is aimed at exploring if “naloxone” is detected in urine and water samples by dipping buprenorphine/naloxone film directly into these specimens. This study utilized 12 urine samples from 12 healthy participants who were not taking any medications with four samples added as a control. Sublingual generic buprenorphine/naloxone (8 mg/2 mg) film was dipped directly into these samples. They were sent to the ARUP laboratory for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) quantitative analysis. The results were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software. The results showed that “naloxone” was detected at high levels both in urine samples and in water, into which buprenorphine/naloxone film was dipped. In addition, the “naloxone” level was associated with the area of the film and the time in contact with the urine or water samples, but it was not affected by the urine concentration or the temperature of the specimens. This information will be useful for clinicians in identifying urine manipulation and interpreting urine drug test results and can help them for accurate monitoring of their patients’ treatment progress in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment programs.
The Probable Role of Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection in Acute Stroke
Authors: Yanikoglu Atakan
Published: January 2023

Cardiovascular diseases are the most leading cause of worldwide mortality. According to USA statistics, about 1 of 6 cardiovascular deaths is due to stroke. Stroke is the second most common cause of death and a chief cause of disability due to EU data. Treatment, care providing, rehabilitation costs and with the labor loss, the overall cost in EU due to stroke was estimated about €45 billion in year 2017. Acute stroke due to infectious diseases via several possible mechanisms with various clinical presentations were previously reported in the literature. Chlamydia pneumoniae is an obligate intracellular bacteria and extremely common in adult individuals. Besides it being a major cause of pneumonia in adults, association between atherosclerosis and vascular diseases was demonstrated by several sero-epidemiological studies and by direct detection of organism in atherosclerotic lesions by electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction. Also, several sero-epidemiological studies have demonstrated a link between Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and acute stroke. In this chapter, we will summarize the data in literature regarding the association between Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and acute stroke and we will try to explain the possible mechanisms that could be responsible in pathophysiology of stroke in these patients.
Corticosteroids Resistance Diseases Review
Authors: Alghamdi Doha , Alghamdi Abdulrahman
Published: January 2023

Glucocorticoids, the main anti-inflammatory medication, are useful for the treatment of many diseases such as inflammation, respiratory diseases, malignancies, etc., but unfortunately, glucocorticoids cannot inhibit inflammation by various mechanisms. The definition of glucocorticoid resistance is loss of efficacy or reduced sensitization over time and increases due to chronic inflammation. It is affecting 30% of glucocorticoid-treated patients. It shows an essential restriction in the treatment of chronic inflammation and malignancies diseases and can be due to the impairment of various mechanisms along the signaling pathway of glucocorticoids. However, glucocorticoids dissociation has been improved to reduce the SE, DIGRAs “receptor of glucocorticoid dissociation agonists” are a group of trial drugs developed to share various wanted as an anti-inflammatory, suppress immunity, or properties of anti-malignancies of traditional steroids medications with lesser adverse events, but it is so hard to dissociate anti-inflammatory effects from adverse effects. Cases with glucocorticoid unresponsive should use other medications with similar mechanisms in inflammation as well as drugs that may change the molecular mechanism of resistance to glucocorticoid. Here, we discuss the evidence that exists for the hypothesis that individual glucocorticoid resistance underlies the problem.
Linear Quadratic Model in the Clinical Practice via the Web-Application
Authors: Batyan Anatoly , Dziameshka Pavel , Hancharova Katsiaryna , Lemiasheuski Viktar , Orgish Aliaksandr
Published: January 2023

The modern development and improvement of mathematical models that describe the radiobiology of processes in the body occurring under the influence of radiation every year lead to more complicated calculations related to the estimation of its impact both on the effectiveness of radiotherapy and on the possibility of making changes to the radiation treatment regimen. This significantly increases the time spent by medical physics and radiation oncologists and also requires special training of qualified specialists capable of performing such calculations. The aim of the study is to optimize calculations related to the estimation of radiation doses when the radiation treatment schedule changes, by modeling such changes with specially designed software on the basis of the theory of a linear-quadratic radiobiological model. The Web application is accessed via the Internet link https://hypo-calc.github.io/. As an example of using the Web application, the possible cases in clinical practice are considered.
Factors Affecting Household Goat Farmers’ Market Participation and the Extent of Commercialization
Authors: Maureen Ntshangase Zamokwakhe , Sanelise Tafa , Moyo Bethwell , Misery Sikwela , Van Niekerk Johan
Published: January 2023

This paper assessed the factors influencing farmers’ choice to participate in selling goats and the extent of goat commercialization in Zululand district of Kwa-Zulu Natal Province in South Africa. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to 175 selected goat farmers in five local municipalities within Zululand district. A Probit model was used to estimate the factors affecting farmers’ choice to commercialize while Tobit regression model was used to analyze the factors affecting the extent of commercialization. The Probit results show that the factors that positively and significantly affect farmers’ choice to commercialize are gender, education level, quantity of goats, and type of marketing channel. The Tobit results revealed that factors that have a positive significant effect on commercialization are gender, level of education, experience in goat farming, and time of the year. The paper recommends that government support programs should be promoted to achieve high goat production and establishment of formal marketing goat sector to promote commercialization. Furthermore, information about goat nutritional attributes must be effectively shared with the society to change the negative stigma towards goats thus increasing the demand for goat and goat products, thus increasing farmers’ market participation and promoting commercialization.
The Many Faces of Ruan Dacheng
Authors: Hardie Alison
Published: January 2023

The first monograph in English on the life and work of Ruan Dacheng (1587-1646) re-assesses this significant Ming-dynasty literary figure. Ruan Dacheng was in his own time a highly-regarded poet, but is more famous as a dramatist. He is most notorious as a ‘treacherous official’ of the Ming-Qing transition; as a result his literary work has been neglected and undervalued. The book analyses his poetry, plays, and surviving prose writing, as well as addressing his infamous political activities. It sifts fact from fiction in accounts of Ruan’s life, and demonstrates that Ruan was not the close associate of the influential eunuch Wei Zhongxian that he was later believed to be; this view of him, held by adherents of the Donglin and Fushe factions, became widespread only after Ruan’s brief career in power under the Southern Ming and his surrender to the invading Manchus. His intellectual formation and life experiences are related to his literary work, and his poetry, dramas, and surviving prose writings are analysed particularly in relation to their concern with identity and the authenticity of the individual, topics which under the influence of Yangming thought were of great importance in late-Ming intellectual life, particularly to the Gongan literary school, of which Ruan is shown to have been an adherent. Rather than being a transgressive figure, Ruan shared many of the interests typical of the late-Ming literati elite, and as a writer he should be seen as one of the Ming dynasty’s most outstanding poets and dramatists.
The First British Trade Expedition to China
Authors: Jackson Nicholas D.
Published: January 2023

This book explores the pioneering British trade expedition to China launched in the late Ming period by Charles I and the Courteen Association. While utilizing the vivid and unique perspective of its commander, Captain John Weddell, this study concentrates on the fleet’s adventures in south China between Portuguese Macao and the provincial capital, Guangzhou (Canton). Tracing the obscure origins of Sino-British diplomatic and commercial relations back to the late Ming era, Jackson examines the first episodes of interaction, exchange, and collision in the 17th century. His definitive narrative and original analysis constitute a groundbreaking study of early modern British initiatives and enterprise in the coastal areas of south China. The book begins by sketching the Tudor-Stuart historical background of British trade expansion in Asia before precisely reconstructing the voyages of East India Company and then Courteen ships to Guangdong province. The core of the narrative illuminates the communications, intrigues, and confrontations between Ming officials and the British commanders and merchants. The monograph concludes with an analysis outlining the major lessons learned by all the personalities and parties involved in those unprecedented encounters and clashes. Among other theses, Jackson argues that this expedition demonstrates that as early as the 17th century, a significant difference in naval-military strength and sophistication obtained between Great Britain and China.
Assessing the Quality of Educational Services from the Viewpoint of Clinical Teachers and Medical Students Using SERVQUAL Model
Authors: Daryazadeh Saeideh , Yavari Maryam , Sharif Mohammad Reza , Azadchahr Mohammad Javad , Zabihi Hoseini Seyed-Vahid , Akbari Hosein
Published: January 2023

Background: One of the basic steps in improving the quality of health programs is to evaluate it from the viewpoint of beneficiaries. SERVQUAL is a model that is very effective in evaluating the quality of services. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess viewpoint of clinical teachers and medical students about the quality of educational services provided based on the SERVQUAL model in 2018. Methods: This research was descriptive-analytical and 80 medical students and clinical teachers of Shahid Beheshti Teaching Hospital in Kashan participated in it. Data collection tool was SERVQUAL standard questionnaire including 22 items and a 7-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software and descriptive and inferential statistics (t-test) (P ≤ 0.05). Results: The expectations (optimal status) of the participants in the total score of service quality and all its dimensions were significantly higher than their perceptions (current status) (P < 0.001). In other words, from the viewpoint of individuals in all dimensions of quality and their total score, there is a gap that the most significant quality gap in the guarantee dimension (-2.91 ± 1.34), and the lowest in the empathy dimension (-1.54 ± 2.02). The mean gap between the total expectations and perceptions score and its dimensions from the viewpoint of women was higher than men but was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There was also a significant relationship between the service quality gap and individuals' educational levels (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In all aspects of the quality of educational services, there was a negative gap (failure to meet expectations) between expectations and their perception, and this gap was greater in dimension of confidence. The observed differences between the five dimensions of quality should be used as a guide for planning and resource allocation.
Epidemiology, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Risk Factors of Invasive Candidiasis in a Tertiary Hospital During a Four-Year Period
Authors: Arabacı Çiğdem , Aydemir Serkan , Ak Kenan , Dal Tuba
Published: January 2023

Background: Candida infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Acquired resistance to antifungal agents and strains with intrinsic resistance makes it hard to manage the infection. Objectives: We aimed to examine the risk factors of candidemia associated with patient mortality, the species causing candidemia, and their antifungal susceptibility. Methods: Patient data were collected from medical records retrospectively. MALDI-TOF MS was used to identify Candida species. Antifungal susceptibility testing was conducted by the colorimetric broth microdilution method. Results: A total of 155 patients were included in the study. The incidences of candidemia were 0.92, 0.72, 0.99, 0.97, and 2.28 per 1,000 cases in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. Candida albicans accounted for 45% of all cases, followed by C. parapsilosis complex (28%), C. tropicalis (10%), and C. glabrata (8%). The 30-day crude mortality was 45%. There was no significant difference in mortality between C. albicans and non-albicans yeast species. The susceptibility rates for anidulafungin, micafungin, caspofungin, voriconazole, and fluconazole were as follows: 97%, 97%, 97%, 97%, and 90% in C. albicans, 95%, 95%, 98%, 72%, and 67% in C. parapsilosis complex, and 100%, 100%, 100%, 38%, and 63% in C. tropicalis. The susceptibility rates for anidulafungin, micafungin, and caspofungin in C. glabrata were 100%, 100%, and 92%, respectively. All 12 C. glabrata strains were susceptible-dose-dependent against fluconazole and uninterpretable for voriconazole. Conclusions: Incidences of candidemia and susceptibility patterns of strains may vary over time and amongst the regions. Candida albicans was the predominant strain, and echinocandins demonstrated the highest susceptibility rates against the most common species isolated in this study. Antifungal susceptibility tests are crucial in guiding patient treatment.
Machine Learning and Data Mining Methods for Cyber Security: A Survey
Authors: Ziaul Hasan  , Hassan r. Mohammad  , Maka Jishkariani
Published: January 2023

Data mining and machine learning (ML) methods are used more than ever in cyber security. The use of machine learning (ML) is one of the potential solutions that may be successful against zero-day attacks, starting with categorising IP traffic and filtering harmful traffic for intrusion detection. In this field, certain published systematic reviews were taken into consideration. Recent systematic reviews may incorporate older and more recent works in the topic of investigation.. Both security professionals and hackers use data mining capabilities. Applications for data mining may be used to analyze programme activity, surfing patterns, and other factors to identify potential cyber-attacks in the future. The new study uses statistical traffic features, ML, and data mining approaches. This research performs a concentrated literature review on machine learning and its usage in cyber analytics for email filtering, traffic categorization, and intrusion detection. Each approach was identified, and a summary was provided based on the relevancy and quantity of citations. Some well-known datasets are also discussed since they are a crucial component of ML techniques. On when to utilize a certain algorithm is also offered some advice. Four ML algorithms have been evaluated on MODBUS data gathered from a gas pipeline. Using ML algorithms, other assaults have been categorized, and then the effectiveness of each approach has been evaluated. This study demonstrates the use of ML and data mining for threat research and detection, focusing on malware detection with high accuracy and short detection times.
Understanding the Global Democratic Decline. Case Study: The United States of America
Authors: Vaș Eliza
Published: January 2023

This paper aims to investigate the global democratic decline and examines specific indicators and qualitative data released by major research bodies around the world (Center for the Future of Democracy, Freedom House, The Economist Intelligence Unit, Idea International). It focuses on the status of democracy, quality of democracy and citizens’ satisfaction with democracy. An overall conclusion is that the world experiences the worst democratic decline from the past two decades. Furthermore, a closer analysis is being completed for the United States of America situation with the purpose of understanding the democratic erosion from 2016-2020. The current research concludes with a series of recommendations regarding the social polarization, the spread of disinformation and the ultraconservative movements, and improvements needed for the overall health of democracy.
The Accession Negotiation Chapters between Montenegro and the European Union
Authors: Schiop Emilia Nicoleta
Published: January 2023

The aim of the paper is to analyze the progress of the negotiations between these two entities. The objectives of the article are: to present the context of the negotiations, to show the institutions which are involved in the process, to present the debating groups, the lobby and a case from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration from Montenegro, to show the current state of these negotiations (to analyze the most relevant chapters from the process from the European reports), to evaluate. The literature review is related to the significance of the paper explained in the previous work (about candidate countries’ negotiations with the EU, in the waves of enlargement starting 1973). Montenegro does not meet the conditions for membership of the EU. All negotiation chapters are not closed. To resolve this issue, the EU works towards revealing the mandatory requirements related to the accession process, while the candidate country is striving to meet its membership conditions by creating the necessary institutions during the process. About the methodology, the paper starts with the theoretical part (from special sources). There are official documents of studying the international elements. This article is analyzing some of the domains from the European Commission reports on Montenegro from 2015 and 2018. I am transforming the content into position documents. They will have the following structure after the analysis: introduction (presentation of the issue, the circumstances), points of agreement, points of disagreement and conclusions (document analysis). The paper has chosen to analyze the European reports related to the accession negotiation, because the information is objective and it shows both sides (EU and Montenegro throw agreement and disagreement points). By using a case from a ministry from Montenegro and lobby groups leads to highlight the Montenegrin point of view.
The Phenomenon of Trafficking in Human Beings in the International and European Documents
Authors: Iuhas Anca
Published: January 2023

Trafficking in human beings is considered to be the modern slavery. In the last few decades, it has spread and is continuing to spread all across the world due to its high-demand character and also due to the complex transborder network of organised crime working underground. In order to counteract this phenomenon, there needs to be a similarly complex network of international actors, such as international organisations, states, NGOs and all the other actors involved, which intensively and efficiently cooperate in order to prevent THB, prosecute offenders and protect victims. Most counter trafficking efforts have accelerated after 2000, when the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children was adopted. Therefore, in the area of legal measures, much has been done, but in the area of gathering data, prosecution of offenders and protection and assistance of victims there is still much to be done. This article will make a general overview of the most important EU documents issued in the area of counter trafficking, in addition to the UN Protocol, assessing the legal and policy framework that is already in place in the EU concerning this aspect.
Aspects from the Activity of the League of Nations (1919-1932). The Covenant of the League of Nations
Authors: Oltean Anca
Published: January 2023

Finally we can say that the failures of the League of Nations were not due so much to the existance of a totalitarian power, but to the wish of the democratic states to keep the peace with any price. These democratic states made to the expansionist states concessions, sacrifiing for this the territorial integrity and independance of the smaller states. This peace, thus implemented, was a false one and was not of long duration. It was based on the older principles of the balance of the powers and not on the democratic objectives of the League of Nations Pact. This is why it was possible a new conflagration that could not be avoided. In spite of its failures, the League of Nations organisation has still the merit to be a road opener in the field of international cooperations between states.
European Rural Area and the Concept of Rural Development. Interdisciplinary perspectives
Authors: Bonaciu Gabriel
Published: January 2023

The rural space is not a material and uniform space. Uniformity can be considered in two aspects: the first is related to physical space - topography, basement, soil and microclimate; the second refers to demography - density, polarization from small communities to large urban areas. Through this article, we propose a conceptual analysis of rural Europe from the perspective of five disciplines: historical, geographical, sociological, political and functional economic. The purpose of this conceptual analysis, in which the literature has been used, is to understand the evolution of European rural space and rural development in the context of the transformations to which it has been subjected
The Development of the European Neighbourhood Policy: The Case of Ukraine and its Effects
Authors: García Andrés César
Published: January 2023

The implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2004 was an instrument established to achieve a rapprochement between the countries of Eastern Europe and the Southern Mediterranean with the European Union. Since this common policy began, it has evolved very differently in the distinct countries that are part of it. One such country is Ukraine, which has developed special relations with the European Union. So much so that, since the implementation of a specific dimension called the Eastern Partnership in 2009, relations have been fluctuating between Ukraine and the European Union.
Analisis Relevansi Pendidikan Agama Kristen Di Universitas
Authors: Sirait Junio Richson , Istinatun Hestyn Natal
Published: January 2023

Pendidikan Agama, termasuk Pendidikan Agama Kristen bagi setiap mahasiswa Kristen adalah mata kuliah yang wajib diajarkan di lembaga pendidikan secara khusus di Indonesia. Namun, mahasiswa saat ini banyak yang lebih berorientasi kepada pengembangan kompetensi keilmuan bidang studinya dan mengabaikan mata kuliah wajib umum seperti Pendidikan Agama Kristen. Tujuan dan target yang akan dicapai yaitu untuk mengetahui relevansi Pendidikan Agama Kristen di Universitas dengan harapan untuk menemukan peranan dan dampak dari pembelajaran terhadap kehidupan mahasiswa secara utuh dan benar. Permasalahan yang terdapat dalam Pendidikan Agama Kristen dikaji menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif dengan strategi analisis isi. Melalui kajian tersebut, disimpulkan bahwa Pendidikan Agama Kristen masih relevan untuk diajarkan di semua Universitas karena memiliki peranan penting dalam perkembangan spiritual, moral dan pembangunan sosial.
Phonkis: Propuesta de aplicación para el aprendizaje en estudiantes universitarios de la carrera de literatura inglesa
Authors: Peña Alvarez Zulema Izamar
Published: January 2023

El objetivo de esta investigación fue diseñar una aplicación móvil para mejorar lashabilidades de pronunciación y entonación de los estudiantes universitarios de la carrerade literatura inglesa de la Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador. A partir de ello, se realizóun estudio cuantitativo exploratorio, donde a través de un muestreo de conveniencia setrabajó con 42 estudiantes, quienes fueron sometidos a un diagnóstico inicial, así comoa una encuesta para conocer su percepción después de la presentación de la propuestadel aplicativo. Los resultados evidencian que el 34,01 % de la población evaluadapresenta dificultades en el área de expresión oral; lo cual genera problemas relacionadoscon la lectura y gramática del idioma. Por otro lado, un 68 % se muestra conforme conla implementación de un aplicativo en su formación académica. A partir de ello, seconcluye que es necesario el desarrollo de nuevas estrategias de aprendizaje como lamodalidad m-learnig que tiene un gran nivel aceptación entre los estudiantes de nivelsuperior.
Indicadores de influencia en el rendimiento escolar postpandemia
Authors: Vera Menendez Luis Vinicio
Published: January 2023

La educación fue uno de los sectores que se vio interrumpida por la propagación de la covid-19, ya que, los gobiernos dispusieron entre las medidas para contrarrestar la pandemia el cierre temporal de las escuelas, provocando en los estudiantes una afectación en su rendimiento académico. En ese sentido, el objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar los indicadores de influencia en el rendimiento del aprendizaje escolar pospandemia. Para ello se realizó una encuesta que permitió determinar el nivel de rendimiento académico y la identificación de factores influyentes. El instrumento fue aplicado a 80 personas entre docentes, padres de familia y alumnos. Los resultados evidenciaron un regular rendimiento académico, conformado por el 56.67%, reflejando la existencia de problemas en el aprendizaje, influenciado por factores socioemocionales, problemas de conectividad en la virtualidad, accesibilidad a la información a tiempo de los contenidos teóricos, desmotivación, entre otros. Concluyéndose que, el sistema educativo atraviesa una situación crítica, que, a pesar del desarrollo de estrategias para su continuidad, se ha visto condicionado por factores como el bienestar psicológico y socioemocional, ya que influyen directamente en el desempeño de los estudiantes.
Photosensitivity genodermatoses, porphyrias
Authors:   University of Debrecen – Medical Center – Department of Dermatology, Scheili Andrea , Tósaki Ágnes , Horkay Irén , Remenyik Éva
Published: January 2023

Sunlight has many biological effects. If the average or low dose of light produces more pronounced, intense, or unusual acute or chronic skin symptoms, it is called photosensitivity. Rarely, photosensitivity is due to a genetic abnormality. Genophotodermatoses result in photosensitivity due to mutations in proteins with a protective function against light, while porphyrias result in the accumulation of phototoxic metabolites. Most of them also have a genetic background. The present report describes these diseases in the light of the latest literature data but does not cover diseases associated with melanin synthesis, which also results in photosensitivity.
Multimodal treatment options for Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors:   University of Szeged Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical Center Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Ágoston Dóra , Hánis Csilla , Ócsai Henriette , Csányi Ildikó , Varga Erika , Korom Irma , Németh István , Kis Erika , Kemény Lajos , Oláh Judit , Baltás Eszter
Published: January 2023

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare neuroendocrine skin tumor with an aggressive behavior. The clonal integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus and the UV light can be highlighted in its pathogenesis. Risk factors for its development are advanced age, chronic UV exposure, caucasian skin type, male gender, and immunosuppression. The disease is prone to rapid progression and the prognosis is unfavorable. In its treatment, surgical removal of the primary tumor and biopsy of the sentinel lymph node, as well as adjuvant radiation therapy, are of particular importance. Among the systemic treatments, immune checkpoint inhibitors are recommended as the first line. The authors discuss the latest European guideline for the diagnosis and the treatment.
Breakthroughs in the treatment of advanced and metastatic non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas)
Authors:   University of Pécs Medical School Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Oncodermatology, Lengyel Zsuzsanna , Németh Csongor , Németh Klára , Kádár Zsolt , Gyulai Rolland
Published: January 2023

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common malignant tumors worldwide and their incidence shows a continuous increase. Basal cell-, and squamous cell carcinoma account for approximately 99% of the NMSC cases. The majority of NMSCs are curable, however, there are locally advanced or distant metastatic cases where our therapeutic options have been limited until nowadays. In this article, the authors briefly summarize the registered systemic therapies used in the treatment of advanced NMSCs, as well as provide an outlook on possible future therapies.