bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Management Strategies and Green Innovation Practices: Empirical Evidence from the Malaysian Public Sector
Authors: Abdul Rahim Ramita , Azman Ong Mohd Hanafi , Abdul Wahab Liyana Nafisah , Anwar Nosheen
Published: October 2023

This research study aimed to investigate the impact of knowledge management strategies, specifically knowledge creation, knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing, and knowledge application, on green innovation practices. Knowledge management strategies encompass processes within organizations that involve the development and dissemination of knowledge to enhance business performance. Harnessing knowledge is crucial not only for competitiveness but also for fostering innovation in support of sustainability. Green innovation practices have garnered attention from scholars and policymakers due to their ability to address environmental concerns. Furthermore, organizations increasingly recognize the importance of green practices, prompting globally competitive entities to continuously enhance their competencies to mitigate environmental degradation and improve overall organizational performance. Therefore, this study identified knowledge management strategies as variables that can support green innovation practices.  To conduct the study, a quantitative research approach was adopted, and data collection utilized a closed-ended questionnaire adapted from a prior study. The questionnaire was distributed among employees in the public sector within the Klang Valley region of Malaysia. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants, resulting in the successful collection and analysis of 256 data sets. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS software. The findings indicate that knowledge management strategies, encompassing knowledge creation, knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing, and knowledge application, positively and significantly influence green innovation practices. Among these factors, knowledge sharing was found to have the most substantial impact on green innovation practices. These results confirm the importance of knowledge management practices for organizations seeking success in green innovation practices. Therefore, it is recommended that organizations support knowledge management activities to enhance the adoption of green innovation practices.
SEM Approach for Analysis of Lean Six Sigma Barriers to Electric Vehicle Assembly
Authors: Zope Atul Madhukar , Swami Raju Kumar , Patil Atul
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the barriers that the Lean Six Sigma implementation faces during the assembly of electric vehicles. In order to implement lean Six Sigma methodology in electric vehicle assembly processes effectively, it is crucial to identify and analyze the barriers that hinder process improvement. To identify the obstacles and create a conceptual model, a thorough literature review was conducted. Four factors, namely, integration of assembly, inspection, and testing, lack of trained and knowledgeable human resources, external and in-plant battery transportation, and manual assembly and rigid automation, were found to have the potential to affect the lean Six Sigma implementation. Three drivers, namely assembly cost, assembly time, and assembly effort were selected for the study. The model is then tested using the structural equation modeling and the gathered data. The results show a significant relationship between the three drivers and the four barriers of Lean Six Sigma implementation to the electric vehicle assembly.
Demonstration of the feasibility and practical value of direct acoustic measurements in liquid metals
Authors:   Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University, Kazhikenova S. , Shaikhova G. ,   Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University, Shaltakov S. ,   Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University, Belomestny D. ,   Duisburg-Essen University
Published: October 2023

The temperature dependences of ultrasound absorption and propagation speed in simple semimetals, semiconductors, and semiconductor compounds have been studied in this article. Experimental and theoretical results testify to the microheterogeneity of semimetals and semiconductor melts. Generalization and analysis of experimental data on the absorption and propagation speed of ultrasound in melts based on D.I. Mendeleev periodic law clearly indicate the presence of micro-groups of atoms (clusters) in them, microheterogenizing melts of semimetals and semiconductors. The urgency of this problem is predetermined by the problem of the liquid state of matter. The dependence of ultrasound absorption and propagation speed on temperature is measured using several groups of samples in paper, each group is heated to a different temperature. It is proved that melts have clustered in their atomic matrix, and so melts with semiconductor properties are micro-inhomogeneous. These results are needed to scale melt sonication to an industrial scale and are needed to provide valuable new insights into temperature dependencies of ultrasound absorption.
The method of non-stationary flooding and the conditions for its effective use in the operation of an oil field
Authors:   Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Effendiyev G. , Moldabayeva G. ,   Satbayev University, Tuzelbayeva Sh. ,   Satbayev University, Imansakipova Z. ,   Satbayev University, Hongjun Wu ,   LLP "DPS Kyzylorda"
Published: October 2023

The article describes the essence of unsteady waterflooding, which is one of the most effective methods of increasing the oil recovery factor, used to change the direction of filtration flows, which makes it possible to engage in the development of undeveloped oil reserves and reduce the rate of watering of the deposit in productive reservoirs. A common technological method of unsteady water flooding is the use of cyclic modes of operation of injection wells. The essence of this method is that at an unsteady state in the oil deposit, there are conditions for the continuous manifestation of elastic forces of the reservoir system. In a heterogeneous reservoir between different zones, channels, and fluid flows there are gradients of hydrodynamic pressures, due to which there can be fluid flows from one layer to another, from fractures to blocks, as well as changes in flow directions. During unsteady flooding of heterogeneous formations, a part of oil reserves in low-permeability layers or zones remains uncovered by injected water. The waterflooded reservoir appears as an unsystematic alternation of watered and oil-saturated microflows. While creating in such reservoirs alternately changing in value and direction of pressure gradients, conditions for injection water penetration into stagnant oil-saturated low-permeable zones and channels appear in the oil reservoir and oil movement from them to active drainage zones. As a result of the analysis, the positive effect of the implementation of unsteady waterflooding technology was revealed, and recommendations for improving its application at other operational facilities of oil fields were given.
Research and development of gold ore processing technology
Authors:   “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” JSC, Kenzhaliyev B. ,   Satbayev University, Koizhanova A. ,   “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” JSC; Satbayev University, Atanova O. ,   “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” JSC; Satbayev University, Magomedov D. ,   “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” JSC; Satbayev University, Nurdin H. ,   Universitas Negeri Padang
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the results of technological studies of two samples of gold-bearing ore from the gold-bearing deposit of Kazakhstan deposits 1 and 2. A comprehensive analysis of ore samples by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray phase, chemical, and mineralogical methods was carried out. The calculated initial gold content was determined, and X-ray fluorescence analysis showed that the main elements that make up the ore are oxygen up to 51% and silicon up to 33%. X-ray phase analysis showed the presence of more than 95% quartz and muscovite in the samples. The form of finding gold in the ore, according to the results of mineralogical analysis, is defined as free gold and gold in iron hydroxide. Silver is present in the studied samples in the form of various types of halides. An ore beneficiation scheme has been developed and presented, including gravity and flotation. Gravity enrichment was carried out in two stages, with the production of concentrate and tailings, with the maximum recovery of gold in concentrate up to 91%, flotation enrichment using butyl xanthate reagents and a blowing agent, was carried out in two stages with the production of main and control concentrates and final flotation tailings. The subsequent hydrometallurgical study of the ore was carried out to assess the effect of sodium cyanide on the extraction of gold, tests were performed on the leaching of the initial samples of the ore and the obtained flotation and gravity concentrates in the agitation mode, it was found that cyanide leaching is an effective method for processing the mineral raw materials of the gold-bearing deposit of Kazakhstan, and the obtained flotation concentrates, with the recovery of gold into solution under optimal conditions up to 98%. The results obtained make it possible to predict the effectiveness of the main technological stages in the ore processing scheme, technology optimization, and maximum gold recovery.
Analytical Review of Conductive Coatings, Cathodic Protection, and Concrete
Authors:   Kazakh-British Technical University, Ainakulova D. , Muradova S. ,   Kazakh-British Technical University, Khaldun M. Al Azzam ,   Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Bekbayeva L. ,   Al-Faraby Kazakh National University, Megat-Yusoff PSM ,   Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Mukatayeva Z. ,   Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Ganjian E. ,   Concrete Corrosion Tech LTD, Negim El-Sayed ,   Kazakh-British Technical University,   Satbayev University
Published: October 2023

The principal and most expensive type of degradation that currently affects the performance of reinforced concrete bridge constructions is the corrosion of steel reinforcement. Strong financial losses result from the corrosion of reinforced concrete structures. One popular technique for preventing corrosion in reinforced concrete structures is cathodic protection. Since it can give necessary current in a situation where reinforced concrete buildings have high resistance, impressed present cathodic protection (ICCP) provides strength and adaptability. Conductive coatings, discrete anode systems, titanium-based mesh in cementitious overlay, conductive overlay with carbon fibers, and flame-sprayed zinc are examples of anode materials that are often used for impressed current cathodic (ICC). Chloride ions, in particular, are exceedingly difficult to permeate through a continuous epoxy coating on steel, making an epoxy coating a very effective barrier to these hostile chemicals. Epoxy resins are a great option for shielding metal surfaces from the environment and hostile environments because of their outstanding anti-corrosion qualities, good adherence to a variety of surfaces, and chemical resistance. In this work, the cathodic protection, ICCP, various conductive coatings, and epoxy coating as anode material are reviewed.
Symptomatic obstructive hydrocephalus caused by choroid plexus hyperplasia in a pediatric patient: illustrative case
Authors: Alvarez Ana Sofia , McGinnis John P , Patel Rajan , Weiner Howard L
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Choroid plexus hyperplasia has been described as a rare cause of communicating hydrocephalus due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) overproduction. However, this is the first report of symptomatic obstructive hydrocephalus caused by mechanical obstruction of the aqueduct by a hyperplastic choroid plexus.

OBSERVATIONS

A 4-year-old male presented with headaches and intermittent emesis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed abnormal enlargement of the choroid plexus in the lateral ventricles with extension into the third ventricle, resulting in obstruction of the aqueduct of Sylvius, leading to obstructive hydrocephalus. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) was chosen as the surgical treatment. During the procedure, high pressure flow of clear CSF was noted. Normal intraventricular anatomy was identified, and no cyst or tumor was found. The postoperative MRI showed a patent third ventriculostomy, without complication, and a significant decrease in supratentorial ventricular size. The patient was discharged 3 days after surgery with a complete resolution of symptoms.

LESSONS

Choroid plexus hyperplasia has the potential to cause obstructive hydrocephalus, and it can be effectively treated with ETV. Our hypothesis is that the change in pressure caused by the procedure may have led to an uncorking of the aqueduct by the hyperplastic choroid plexus, contributing to the observed improvement.
Paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysm with delayed stent occlusion after deployment of a flow diverter stent involving the orifice of the anterior cerebral artery: illustrative case
Authors: Imai Takayuki , Shimizu Tatsuya , Yamamoto Yumeki , Shimauchi-Ohtaki Hiroya , Shintoku Ryosuke , Aishima Kaoru , Aihara Masanori , Honda Fumiaki , Yoshimoto Yuhei
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

In-stent thrombotic occlusion is a serious ischemic complication that can also result in ischemia in the distal perfusion territory and the territory of side branches for the artery in which the flow diverter (FD) stent is deployed.

OBSERVATIONS

A 49-year-old female with a large paraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm was treated with an FD involving the orifice of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). The antiplatelet dose was reduced because of an increased clopidogrel response postintervention. The patient developed aphasia 2 months later. Emergency magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography of the brain indicated FD stent occlusion and a small infarct in the distal vascular territory of the ipsilateral ICA, but the anterior choroidal artery (AChoA) territory was preserved by collateral flow. Emergency superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery anastomosis was performed, and she was discharged without neurological deficit 2 weeks after the second operation.

LESSONS

In-stent occlusion after FD deployment involving the orifice of the ACA can cause severe cerebral ischemia that requires an adequate antiplatelet effect and careful follow-up. The AChoA territory can be preserved by collateral blood flow even in cases of in-stent occlusion.
Traumatic middle meningeal arteriovenous fistula presenting with long delayed-onset facial nerve palsy without temporal bone fracture: illustrative case
Authors: Takada Shigeki , Mitani Koki , Ichikawa Tomonori , Sadamasa Nobutake , Taki Waro
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Traumatic facial nerve palsy (FNP) without temporal bone fracture (TBF) has a delayed onset in some cases; however, long delayed-onset FNP in this setting has not been reported. The middle meningeal vein (MMV) is one of the venous drainage routes from the facial nerve. Herein, the authors describe a rare case of traumatic middle meningeal arteriovenous fistula (MMAVF) presenting with the long delayed-onset FNP without TBF.

OBSERVATIONS

A 42-year-old man with pulsatile tinnitus and left FNP was admitted to our hospital 4 weeks after head trauma without TBF. Cerebral angiography revealed an MMAVF between the middle meningeal artery and the MMV on the left side. Seven days after admission, the FNP showed slight improvement, and preoperative angiography revealed decreased shunt flow of the MMAVF. Transarterial coil embolization was successfully performed. Postoperative angiography showed no residual fistula. Two weeks after the procedure, there was complete resolution of the FNP. This clinical course was correlated with the angiographic findings, suggesting that the long delayed-onset FNP was caused by the traumatic MMAVF without TBF.

LESSONS

In patients presenting with long delayed-onset FNP after head trauma without TBF, the vascular lesion must be evaluated to exclude MMAVF.
Christian Apophaticism in Jean-Luc Marion’s Early Works
Authors: Zachhuber Johannes
Published: October 2023

In this article, I investigate Jean-Luc Marion’s early interpretation of Christian apophaticism with special reference to his reading of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite. I observe that the most remarkable, but rarely noted, aspect of this interpretation is Marion’s avoidance of the typical derivation of Dionysius’ negative theology from the Platonic tradition. Instead, he places him in the tradition of the critique of idols in the Old Testament. I argue that this intuition should not be lightly dismissed as early Christian apophaticism was at least partly developed in the context of Christian polemic against pagan idolatry. If Christian apophaticism is understood against this background, Marion’s claim that it foreshadows the modern and postmodern critique of theism appears more plausible than his detractors have been willing to admit.
The Via Negativa and the Aura of Words
Authors: Mortley Raoul
Published: October 2023

The negative capacity is essential to creative thinking; we find it in the transcendentalism of the Judaeo-Christian tradition, though the Neoplatonist explanation of unknowing goes far further than simply pointing to the beyond; the idea of aura provides some understanding of how a word retains its influence even when negated; words or names are crucial in the move upwards in the mystical journey, and in the Neoplatonist and Christian tradition names or words are said to be fundamental, despite the via negativa; the linguistic ontology of Platonism underpins the existence of the names: but we do not have to believe in the ontic status of names for their aura to operate as we meditate over them.
The limits of rational knowledge of God according to Joseph Ratzinger
Authors: Borto Paweł
Published: October 2023

Joseph Ratzinger’s theological thought is distinguished by the conviction that the Christian knowledge of God is closely associated with the concept of the Logos. Therefore, in his reflection, Joseph Ratzinger is a theologian who seeks to render the mystery of God in positive terms. Yet, it would be a mistake to leave this statement without adding that in the rational knowledge of God, theology should at the same time confront what constitutes the limit of rational knowledge. The aim of this article is therefore to provide an overview of how Joseph Ratzinger pointed to the limits of the rational knowledge of God. A two-step method was adopted to achieve this goal. With reference to the synthetic approach, it first accounts for the place that the question of the rational knowledge of God takes in J. Ratzinger’s theological reflection; then it points out how, according to the German theologian, we should understand the apophatic dimension of all theological knowledge; namely, that God, being the infinite Love, can only be known in aspects, and only in the attitude of surrender. In the next step, the most significant aspects of Joseph Ratzinger’s theological reflection on theological knowledge were selected. The analysis of representative texts demonstrates how the German theologian understands limits in the rational knowledge of God. Thus, the understanding of rationality closed to the knowledge of God was presented first, along with the requirements that reason has to meet in order to open itself to the knowledge of God. Then it was demonstrated which of the most important areas of J. Ratzinger’s theological reflection refer to the limits of rational knowledge, and how they do it. The article concerns the limits of knowledge determined by the Revelation, the mystery of God, and the personal centre of Revelation – Christ, as well as the ecclesiastical nature of the creed.
Cumhuriyetin ilk yıllarında kent olgusunun Kadro Dergisi üzerinden incelenmesi
Authors: ÖZKAYA Yakup
Published: October 2023

Çalışmanın amacı erken Cumhuriyet döneminde kent olgusunun Kadro Dergisi üzerinden incelenmesidir. Bu çalışmada nitel araştırma modellerinden tarihsel araştırma kullanılmıştır. Buradaki amaç Kadro Dergisi’nde ilk etapta görünür olmayan kent olgusunu daha geniş bir bakış açısıyla aydınlatmaktır. Literatür taramasının yanı sıra veri toplama aracı olarak çalışmanın amacının bir gerekliliği olarak belge incelemesi seçilmiştir. Bu kapsamda 1932-1934 yılları arasında çıkarılan 36 sayı Kadro Dergisi incelenmiştir. Çalışma üç ana bölümden oluşmuştur. Birinci bölümde, kent tarihi ve Kadro Dergisi’ne ilişkin literatür taraması yapılmıştır. İkinci bölümde, çalışmanın yöntemi ele alınmıştır. Son bölümde, dergilerin taranmasıyla elde edilen verilerin sunulduğu bulgular kısmında Kadrocular’a göre kent olgusu analiz edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak, Kadrocuların kent okumasında, kente ve kentleşmeye ait bakış açılarında iktisadi devletçiliğin hakim olduğu görülmüştür. Kadroculara göre, kentler bir plana göre inşa edilmeli, kentleşme plan dahilinde ve yetkin kişilerin denetimi altında gelişmeli ve devletçilik kapsamında kamusal hizmetler belediyeye devredilmelidir. Kadrocuların kenti ele alış biçiminin hala güncelliğini yitirmediği, kent planlaması fikrinin ve kentleşmeye ilişkin önerilerinin geçerliliğini koruduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Pengaruh Penerapan Indonesia-Japan Economy Partnership Agreement (IJEPA) Terhadap Peningkatan Investasi Sektor Industri Manufaktur Jepang Di Indonesia Tahun 2008-2018
Authors: Hidayat Ahmad Maulana Nur , Purwono Andi
Published: October 2023

The superiority of different resources in each country has triggered the emergence of interdependence and cooperation in various fields, one of which is Economics and Investment. Indonesia-Japan bilateral relations in the field of Economy and Investment have lasted more than 60 years and reached a peak during the agreement of the Indonesia Japan Economy Partnership Agreement (IJEPA) in 2008. After the implementation of Japanese investment IJEPA in Indonesia which had dropped during the Asian crisis hit in 1997 -1998 increased significantly with the largest portion of the increase in the Manufacturing Industry sector in the period 2008 - 2018.
Kebijakan Qatar Dalam Krisis Diplomatik Tahun 2017
Authors: Sa’adah Dea Yuni Nailis , Purwono Andi
Published: October 2023

This thesis departs from the Diplomatic Crisis between Saudi Arabia and Qatar in 2017. In relation to the diplomatic crisis, it was explained that Qatar issued a Policy in the Diplomatic Crisis, and refused to fulfill the 13 demands given by Saudi Arabia and its allies. However, the policy issued by Qatar is inseparable from the encouraging factors. For this reason, this Thesis Writing aims to find out the Factors that encourage Qatar's Policy in the Diplomatic Crisis in 2017. By using KJ Holsti's Foreign Political Study and Literature Study Research Methods, this thesis discovers the Driving Variables namely Oil and Gas Sales Guarantee nature to other countries, Diversification of Economic Sources from the Non-Oil and Gas Sector, Resilience of the Transportation Sector to the Diplomatic Crisis, Alternative Flight Lines, Guaranteed Food Supply from the Outside, Endurance of the Trade Sector against the Diplomatic Crisis and Donald Trump's Defense against Saudi Arabia.
XVI. YÜZYIL ŞAİRLERİNDEN HAKKÂNÎ'NİN CEVÂHİR ADLI MESNEVİSİNİN İKİNCİ NÜSHASI ÜZERİNE BİR DİL İNCELEMESİ
Authors: ÇAKMAK Adem
Published: October 2023

Alan araştırmaları ve kütüphane katalogları üzerine yapılan araştırmalar ve bu araştırmalar sonucunda elde edilen yeni eserler, Türkçe metinlerin zenginliğini ortaya koyması açısından büyük önem taşımaktadır. Bazen kütüphanelerdeki mecmualarda birbiri içerisine geçmiş metinler bulunmaktadır. Bu mecmualar, tam olarak okunduğunda daha önce bilinmeyen bir eser veya bilinen bir eserin yeni bir nüshası tespit edilebilmektedir. Tespit edilen bu eserler, Türkçe metinlerin zenginliğini ortaya koymasının yanı sıra, Türk edebiyatı ve Türk dilinin o dönemdeki durumuna da ışık tutabilmektedir.

Bu çalışmada 16. yüzyıl şairlerinden Hakkânî'nin daha önce tek nüshası tespit edilmiş olan Cevâhir adlı mesnevisinin ikinci nüshası üzerinde durulmuştur. Metin Millî Kütüphane Yazmalar Koleksiyonu, 06 Mil Yz A 6563 / 1, Terceme-i Maksadüʼl-Aksâ adıyla kayıtlı risalede bulunmaktadır. Katalogda bu metnin ve devamında gelen Ahmedî'nin Miʻrâc-nâme adlı eserinin isimleri yazmamaktadır. Dikkatli bir şekilde incelendiğinde mecmuanın sekizinci yaprağından sonra eksik sayfalar olduğu ve bunun bir yanılgı oluşturduğu anlaşılmaktadır. Mensur olarak başlayan mecmua, bu sayfadan sonra nazma geçmiştir. Eksik sayfalardan dolayı gözden kaçan ve Kitâbu Maḳṣadıʼl-Aḳṣâ ile Miʻrâc-nâme arasında bulunan 12 sayfalık bu metin ise Hakkânî'nin Cevâhir adlı mesnevisinin tespit edilen ikinci nüshasıdır. Birinci nüshasında 540 beyit bulunan eserin, bu nüshasında sondan sadece 165 beyit bulunmaktadır.

Çalışmada eksik sayfaları bulunan bu metnin çeviri yazısı hazırlanmış ve metin üzerine bir dil incelemesi yapılmış; imlâ, ses ve şekil özellikleri ortaya konulmaya çalışılmıştır. Metnin imlâ özellikleri incelenirken bazı seslerin yazılışı, fonetik özellikleri incelenirken de ses uyumları ve ses değişmeleri üzerinde durulmuştur. Şekil özellikleri kısmında, metinde geçen bağımlı biçim birimler ele alınmıştır. Tüm bu değerlendirmeler sonucu, eserin Eski Anadolu Türkçesi döneminin dil özelliklerini yansıtan bir metin olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Metnin yazılış tarihi dönemin sonlarına denk gelse de ses uyumları açısından bazı eklerin eski biçimlerini sürdürdüğü görülmektedir. Bununla birlikte bazı sözcüklerde Eski Türkçenin fonetik özelliklerinin korunduğu da tespit edilmiştir. Çalışma ile Eski Anadolu Türkçesi dönemine ait bir metnin daha gün yüzüne çıkarılması ve dil çalışmalarına bir katkı sağlanması amaçlanmıştır.
The Effectiveness of a Community Nurse-Led Support Program for Dementia Caregivers in Chinese Communities: The Chongqing Ageing and Dementia Study
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Gong Juan , Zeng Lingli , Wang Qinghua , Yao Xiuqing , Li Huiming , Chen Yaozhi , Liu Feng , Zhang Mengyuan , Ren Hui , Xiao Lily Dongxia , Lian Yan
Published: October 2023

Background:

As the primary caregivers for people with dementia in China, family caregivers face a significant care burden that can negatively impact their mental and physical health. It is vital to investigate ways to support these caregivers.

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of a program led by community nurses to support caregivers of individuals with dementia.

Methods:

A total of 30 caregivers received nurse-led support in addition to usual care, while 28 caregivers received only usual care. The primary outcome was caregivers’ sense of competency in providing dementia care, which was measured using the Short Sense of Competence Questionnaire (SSCQ). Secondary outcomes included caregivers’ ability to perform daily activities, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) using a neuropsychiatric inventory questionnaire, and quality of life using the short form health survey (SF-36). The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR 2300071484).

Results:

Compared to the control group, the intervention group had significantly higher SSCQ scores and a lower caregiver distress index over time. Physical and mental health-related quality of life also improved significantly among caregivers in the intervention group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of activities of daily living and BPSD.

Conclusions:

The community nurse-led support program significantly improved caregivers’ competency in providing dementia care and quality of life and reduced distress. These findings have important implications for dementia care policies, resources, and workforce development in China, including strengthening community dementia care services through collaboration with specialists in hospitals.
A mobile robot path planning using improved beetle swarm optimization algorithm in static environment
Authors: Lyu Yucheng , Mo Yuanbin , Yue Songqing , Hong Lila
Published: October 2023

Optimization problems in the field of industrial engineering usually involve massive amounts of information and complex scheduling process with the characteristics of high-dimension and non-convexity, which bring many challenges to finding an optimal solution. We proposed an improved beetle swarm optimization (IBSO) algorithm demonstrating the potential to solve different problems of path planning in static environment with good performance. Firstly, the algorithm is an upgrade of the original beetle antennae search (BAS) algorithm and the search strategy is improved by replacing a single beetle by multiple beetles. Secondly, the global search ability gets enhanced, and the diversity of optimization is improved through introducing nonlinear sinusoidal disturbance with Levy flight mechanism in beetles’ position. Finally, the search performance of beetle swarm is improved by simulating the characteristics of employment bees to search for a better solution near the honey source field in the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm. Our experiment results show that IBSO algorithm can achieve higher search efficiency and wider search ranges through well balancing the advantages of local search and fast optimization of the BAS algorithm with the global search of the improved mechanism. The IBSO algorithm has shown the potential to provide a new solution for several optimization problems in path planning in static environment.
Validation of the Greek version of the Salzburg Stress Eating Scale in adults
Authors: Pediaditakis Nikolaos , Michou Maria , Tigani Xanthi , Kanaka-Gantenbein Christina , Costarelli Vassiliki
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

It is widely known that excessive or prolonged stress in humans, can negatively affect eating behavior.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of the study was to validate the Salzburg Stress Eating Scale (SSES) in the Greek language and to examine its psychometric properties, in a sample of adults, in Greece.

METHODS:

An online survey was conducted. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ) R-18 and two subscales of the Dutch Eating Behavior questionnaire (DEBQ) were used, together with the SSES. Certain sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were also assessed. Exploratory Factor analysis (EFA), Cronbach’s α and Spearman’s rho were used.

RESULTS:

The sample consisted of 368 participants (51.1% women) and the mean age of the participants was 35 years. EFA indicated one factor in SSES with Eigenvalues > 1, which explained the 54.6% of total variance. The Cronbach’s Alpha was 0.920. SSES was significantly positively correlated with the subscales of the DEBQ (for the Restrained Eating subscale r = 0.147 and for the Emotional Eating subscale r = 0.615, p < 0.001) and was significantly negatively correlated with two subscales of the TEFQ (for the TFEQ1 r = – 0.233 and for the TFEQ2 r = – 0.562, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The Greek version of SSES is a reliable tool for assessing changes in eating behavior, in relation to stress.
Misreporting study results in main texts and abstracts of randomized controlled trials published by physical therapy researchers (SPIN)
Authors: Saravan Kumar J. , Prakash V. , Hariohm K. , Naveen Kumar I.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

The distortion of truth or “spin” has become a major concern in various fields as it can affect the accuracy of research dissemination. Recognizing the extent of this issue in physiotherapy research is essential for promoting good-quality research and raising awareness.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of spin in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published by Indian physiotherapists.

METHODS:

A Medline search was conducted to identify RCTs published by Indian physiotherapists from January 2000 to November 2018. We included studies with nonsignificant primary outcomes and reviewed them for spin in both abstracts and full texts using the Boutron checklist. Three reviewers were involved in the process.

RESULTS:

Of the 44 RCTs with nonsignificant outcomes, 40 (90%) showed spin in their abstracts and 39 (88%) in their main text conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings reveal a significant prevalence of spin in nonsignificant RCTs published by physiotherapy researchers. Improving research knowledge, enhancing scientific writing skills, and providing mentorship may help reduce spin in result reporting.
Clinical feeding assessment: An effective screening test to predict aspiration in children in low resource settings
Authors: Dahiya Vijeyta , Picardo Naina , Thejesh Ramanadham , John Mary , Varghese Ajoy Mathew
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE: Diagnosis and management of swallowing problems in children is crucial for improvement of their health status and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of clinical feeding assessment (CFA) as a screening test to detect aspiration in children using fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) as the gold standard. METHODS: A prospective study of 80 children aged below 16 years who were referred to a paediatric otolaryngology clinic for swallowing complaints was completed from 2019 to 2020. Swallowing was assessed by both CFA and FEES. Presence of any one of the following symptoms was considered positive for aspiration in CFA: cough, wet vocal quality, and respiratory distress. Aspiration on FEES was measured using the Penetration Aspiration Scale. The clinical predictors of aspiration were analysed. RESULTS: The majority of the children (78.8%) had an associated neurological condition, with cerebral palsy being the most common. CFA had a sensitivity ranging from 80% to 100% and a specificity ranging from 68% to 79% for predicting true aspiration for different food consistencies. The significant risk factors predicting aspiration (p value <0.05) were history of prior intubation (p = 0.009), history of nasal regurgitation (p = 0.002) and spasticity on examination (p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: This study showed that CFA can be used as a screening test in evaluation of paediatric dysphagia. In those with negative CFA, the chances of aspiration are less while those with positive CFA need further evaluation. In addition, the availability and cost-effectiveness of the test make it a good tool for screening aspiration in low-resource settings.
Physical activity and functional limitations in pediatric multiple sclerosis: Are fatigue and depression confounding variables?
Authors: Sikes E. Morghen , Finlayson Marcia , Banwell Brenda , Marrie Ruth Ann , Yeh E. Ann , Motl Rob
Published: October 2023

PURPOSE: Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with risk for functional limitations defined as the perceived reduction in capacity for undertaking activities of daily living. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has been associated with less frequent and less impactful functional limitations, but the symptoms of fatigue and depression have not been considered as potential confounding variables. This study examined whether fatigue and depression confound the association between MVPA and functional limitations among youth with pediatric MS. METHODS: Participant data were accumulated from three ongoing observational studies. The combined sample included 65 cases of pediatric-onset MS (24 male/41 female, 16±1.7 years of age). Data on self-report MVPA, functional limitations, depression, and fatigue were analyzed. RESULTS: MVPA was significantly associated with functional limitations (r = 0.45), fatigue (r = –0.28), and depression (r = –0.32). Functional limitations were associated with fatigue (r = –0.45) and depressive symptoms (r = –0.53). MVPA was significantly correlated with functional limitations (β= 0.27, p = 0.04) even after accounting for general fatigue (β= 0.08, p = 0.64) and depressive symptoms (β= –0.40, p = 0.03) among those with pediatric MS. CONCLUSION: Self-reported MVPA was associated with perceived functional limitations among youth with pediatric MS independent of perceived fatigue and depressive symptoms.
Weighted Shapley values of efficient portfolios
Authors: Shalit Haim
Published: October 2023

Shapley value theory, which originally emerged from cooperative game theory, was established for the purpose of measuring the exact contribution of agents playing the game. Subsequently, the Shapley value was used in finance to decompose the risk of optimal portfolios, attributing to the various assets their exact contribution to total risk and return. In the present paper, the Shapley value results of Shalit [Annals of Finance 17(1) (2021), 1–25] are extended by using weighted Shapley values to decompose the risk of optimal portfolios. The weighted concept, as axiomatized by Kalai and Samet [Journal of Game Theory 16(3) (1987), 205–222], provides a solution to cooperative games when the symmetry of players cannot be justified. The weighted Shapley value theory is applied to model efficient mean-variance portfolios and price their constituents. The computation is carried out for the 13 most traded US stocks in 2020 and the results are compared with the standard Shapley values.
Rare malignant tumors of the ovary during pregnancy: a clinical case report
Authors: Shatokhina Valeriia , Shypko Sofia , Skuryatina Nataliia , Synyshyna Olena
Published: October 2023

This article describes a clinical case of a malignant ovarian neoplasm, which was first detected during an urgent visit of a pregnant woman with signs of fetal distress in the third trimester of pregnancy. The relevance of this problem lies in the possibility of early diagnosis of adnexal tumors during routine ultrasound screenings, the lack of definitive recommendations for the management of such patients and the limited range of treatment methods during pregnancy. The aim of the study is to demonstrate a clinical case of pregnancy with late-detected ovarian malignancy. A 39-year-old pregnant woman at 35 weeks and 4 days' gestation consulted the antenatal clinic of a city maternity hospital with complaints of a decrease in the number and change in the nature of fetal movements over the past 24 hours. After assessment of the fetal condition (cardiotocography, ultrasound), the woman was hospitalized with a diagnosis: Pregnancy III, 35 weeks and 4 days. Fetal distress in the antenatal period. Fetal growth restriction, stage I. Gestational hypertension without significant proteinuria. Multicompartmental cyst of the right ovary. An urgent cesarean section was performed. Clinical diagnosis: рremature delivery by cesarean section. Medical care for the mother with fetal growth restriction of the first degree, fetal distress in the antenatal period. Cyst of the right ovary. Right-sided adnexectomy. Omental resection. Gestational hypertension. On the 5th day, the patient was discharged in a satisfactory condition with a recommendation for further examination in an oncology hospital. Pathological examination of the right ovary: morphological picture, taking into account the results of immunohistochemical examination, in favor of undifferentiated carcinoma; on repeated viewing - granular cell tumor of the ovary of adult type. The patient was routinely hospitalized at the city oncology center for surgical treatment and further examination. Clinical diagnosis: Bl ovarii gr I, adult-type granulosa cell tumor, T1Nx Mx. Condition after surgical treatment: lower midline laparotomy. Pangisterectomy, omentectomy. Sampling of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes on the right. Sanitation and drainage of the abdominal cavity. Clinical group II. The results of this article are of great practical importance for obstetricians-gynecologists, general surgeons and ultrasound diagnosticians in the differential diagnosis of indirect signs of malignant tumors during pregnancy, in the need to examine all pelvic organs during routine ultrasound screening of pregnant women and in establishing cause and effect relationships in the diagnosis of obstetric complications.
Ultrasound and Doppler Diagnostic Capabilities of Lymph Nodes in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Kulyk Viktoriia , Prykhodko Yevhenii , Antoniv Vasyl
Published: October 2023

nodular lesions, autoimmune thyroiditis and neoplastic processes are the leading diseases of the thyroid gland (TG), when it is characterized by the cervical lymph nodes (LN) enlargement. They can undergo macro- and microscopic changes due to inflammatory processes of bacterial or viral origin, benign and malignant lesions of the neck, head and mediastinum. Doppler ultrasonography (US) plays a significant role among the new methods of screening for altered LN and differential diagnosis of pathological processes. The aim of this work is to determine the prospects for the use of LN lesions’ ultrasound diagnostics in inflammatory and oncological processes of the TG. Ultrasound diagnostics was performed to determine Doppler signs (EDV, PSV, RI) and changes in neck LN in 175 patients with and without TG pathologies. According to the results of histopathology, the patients were divided into 4 groups: 46 healthy patients without any thyroid pathology, 44 patients with inflammatory thyroid diseases, 42 patients with thyroid cancer but without metastatic LN involvement, 43 patients with metastatic LN involvement – Thyroid cancer. B-mode ultrasound diagnostic data demonstrated positive complementation with echostructural signs and changes in vascularization. It manifested in a wide range of velocities and atypical angioarchitectonics. 13 (31%) patients had increased vascularization with PSV – 23-45 cm/s, EDV – 14- 8 cm/s, RI – 0.32-0.46. It shows the progression of proliferative processes without necrotic changes in the hilus and its periphery. In 18 (43%) patients dynamic Doppler observation indicated the appearance of accelerated blood flow and an atypical vascular concentration outside nodular capsules. It is an indicator of the cancer spread. Color Doppler mapping and energy Doppler coding of cervical metastases are important diagnostic techniques, that qualitatively and quantitatively complements and details B-mode ultrasound diagnosis.
Clinico-otoneurological assessment of the early postoperative outcome in surgical treatment of Chiari malformation and syringomyelia
Authors: Levchenyuk Sofia , Derkach Yuriy
Published: October 2023

although the pathology of Chiari malformation is extensively studied, many questions have not yet been solved. In particular, the clinical manifestations of this pathology have not been studied in detail entailing the lack of the unified approach for the optimal complex of the diagnostic workup and the selection of the optimal surgical intervention. These questions remain the point of discussion in the scientific literature. The present study is based on the retrospective analysis of the diagnostic findings and treatment outcomes of 59 patients – 24 males (40.7 %) and 35 females (59.3 %) – treated in the Department of spinal cord pathology of the State Institution "Romodanov Neurosurgery Institute, the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine" in 2010-2020. The age of the patients ranged from 16 to 50 years (36.9 ± 3.7 on the average). All patients were examined according to the conventional standards allowing for the assessment of the pre- and postoperative disease course. The following surgical interventions were provided: bone decompression for the inferior parts of the cerebellum at the upper cervical level; the recovery of the CSF flow at the region of craniovertebral junction; the expansion of the space in the fossa cranii posterior and/or craniovertebral junction. The data were processed and analyzed with the aid of STATISTICA 13 software. The quantitative variables were compared by non-parametric methods. The aim of the study was to analyze the preoperative and early postoperative clinico-otoneurological status in patients with Chiari malformation and syringomyelia. The clinical aspects of the disease were evaluated. Most clinical signs and symptoms in patients with Chiari malformation were associated with otolaryngological disturbances (hearing impairment, tinnitus, hoarseness, vertigo, etc.) and cerebellar signs (ataxia, nystagmus). Taking into account non-specific signs and symptoms of the disease, the otoneurological evaluation in these patients is undoubtedly of high importance for the preoperative differential diagnosis as well as the postoperative assessment of treatment outcome. The further study of the problem will allow us to timely diagnose Chiari malformation, to predict the course of the disease and the risk of the possible complications providing the clinicians with important information for decision-making on the optimal treatment strategy. The clinical and instrumental otoneurological examination is an important component of the systemic assessment of the clinical-and-functional status of patients with syringomyelia caused by Chiari malformation that allows for objectifying the dynamics of the otoneurological aspects of the disease in the course of the treatment.
COVID-19 in patients with metabolic disorders: focus on management
Authors: Antonyuk Olena , Boiko Nataliia
Published: October 2023

obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular pathologies, male gender and old age contribute to a significant worsening of the COVID-19 course and were associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury. The study aims to define the main streams of improvement of health care of COVID-19 in patients with metabolic disorders, focusing on the risk factors, and analysing doctoral attitudes to the problems of obesity with an accent on health promotion. Research methods: systemic approach, medical-statistical, questioning, structural-logical analysis, clinical, laboratory and instrumental methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical documents of COVID-19 in-patients treated at the National Military Medical Clinical Centre “Main Military Clinical Hospital” (n=146). There were 2 groups according to the severity of COVID-19 (severe course, n= 37, non-severe – n=109). We also proposed to participate in questioning a group of doctors who were involved in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Results. A high prevalence of diabetes and hyperglycemia in patients with a severe course of the coronavirus disease was revealed, which requires risk management both at the individual and population levels. According to the received results, majority of doctors concern on the problems of obesity and propose to take care on the preventive strategies to the patients with non-communicable diseases. Initial assessments of the clinical and laboratory data are extremely important as it could be necessary to achieve compensation of diabetes before onset of COVID-19. Health promotion of decreasing weight, giving up smoking, regular physical activity could be helpful in improvement of individual health. We propose identifying obesity as an important independent risk factor which helps in decision-making on hospitalisation of COVID-19 patients before severe respiratory insufficiency starts. Baseline creatinine should be analysed, as rapid increase serum creatinine could be associated with acute kidney injury and may need urgent renal replacement therapy while in the case of not enough resources could be challengeable and causing poor outcomes.