bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing 4C Skills through Team Based Projects Using Product Oriented Modules for Electrical Engineering Education Students
Authors: Nurulita Imansari , Ihtiari Prastyaningrum , Filipus Yubeleo Dari Pratama , Umi Kholifah
Published: June 2022

In order to prepare a reliable generation in the future, students need 21st century skills which are abbreviated as 4C, namely critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication. The Government through the Minister of Education and Culture responded to all forms of 21st century learning challenges by launching the Merdeka Learning Campus Merdeka (MBKM) activity. The Decree of the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Number 754/P/2020 concerning Main Performance Indicators (IKU), especially in KPI 7 concerning collaborative and participatory classes, states that in 21st century learning there are two learning methods used in the classroom, namely case method and team based projects. Therefore, the Electrical Engineering Education Study Program responded by implementing team based project learning combined with using product oriented modules to optimize 21st century skills. The research model used in this study was the ADDIE model which consisted of analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. The instrument used is the 4C skill instrument based on P21. This research is implemented in the 5th semester in Electrical Machinery course in the Electrical Engineering Education Study Program. The results obtained in the research are team based projects using product oriented modules are able to optimize the 4C skills of Electrical Engineering Education students well.
Progress and Prospects of Research Ideas and Methods in the Network Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Yuan Zhongzhu , Pan Yingying , Leng Tian , Chu Yu , Zhang Haojie , Ma Jingru , Ma Xiaoju
Published: June 2022

In recent years, the emerging network pharmacology has been extensively applied to the field of traditional Chinese medicine and has made great contributions to the modernization of TCM. Therefore, this paper provides an overview of the progress of research ideas and methods in the network pharmacology in the last few years in the field of traditional Chinese medicine and presents insights into future research methods and ideas in the network pharmacology. Problems with the current network pharmacology are discussed and prospects of its future development are put forward.
Modern social technologies of constructing the state identity of youth: The potential of figurative and symbolic information
Authors:   Penza State University, Retinskaya Vera N. , Murzina Irina A. ,   Penza State University
Published: June 2022

The article is considers the place of figurative and symbolic elements of modern information space in the process of constructing the state-civil identity of Russian youth. The dangers threatening this process and related to the “digitalization” of modern society are analyzed. It is shown that the figurative and symbolic components of Russian culture have significant socio-technological potential in terms of solving the problem of leveling or compensating for those trends in the Internet space that pose a threat to the reproduction of positive state identity of young people. The question of the need to modify the content and forms of information policy in this area is raised. Particular attention is paid to the prospects of “imaginative content” of such forms of informational influence on young people as computer games and social advertising.
Social services for senior citizens: The view of service recipients
Authors:   Saratov State University, Temaev Timur V. , Synkina Olga P. ,   Saratov State University, Hachaturyan Alexandr K. ,   Saratov State University
Published: June 2022

The article is devoted to the urgent problem – the study of the availability of state paid social services, the degree of satisfaction of elderly citizens with them, as well as the study of their cost and the proposed spectrum. The article presents the results of quantitative (questionnaire survey) and qualitative (interview) studies conducted by the authors as a part of a research group at the Chair of Sociology of Social Work of Saratov State University in Saratov and the region. Relying on quantitative and qualitative methodologies, the authors analyze the solvency of elderly citizens as recipients of social services, the quality and range of services offered by the state.
America’s left turn: A new generation of socialists
Authors:   Research Institute of Humanities under the Government of the Republic of Mordovia, Trushin Mikhail S.
Published: June 2022

The article is devoted to the change in the attitude of American society to the ideology of socialism at the beginning of the XXI century. The article examines reasons for popularity of leftist ideas in the United States, the most popular interpretations of the concept of “socialism” among American citizens, taking into account their age or belonging to a particular social group. The program and the success story of Bernie Sanders, a man who embodies American socialism today, as well as the impact of his political “headway” on the political development of the United States, are analyzed.
On universal anthropological characteristics of speech genre communication
Authors:   Saratov State University, Prozorov Valery V.
Published: June 2022

The article continues the research published in “Speech Genres”, 2020, no. 3. The reliability and consistency of communication in a wide range of speech genres differ in terms of basic quality characteristics of the communication process itself and its final outcome. The main objective of the article is to specify and to reinforce the evidence base of our assumptions connected with the typical structural aspects of different speech genre formations in view of their reliability and consistency. The author attempts to reveal the conceptual and notional capacity of universal anthropological factors of attention, involvement and discovery in textual and cognitive mechanisms of speech genres. The three-level reception of the speech genre script due to the blurred lines between the mentioned parameters is not easy to segment. If and when necessary, we focus on the dominant manifestation of the marked above stages of the communication evolution. Our extensive investigation of speech genres’ structure in their natural specific realization allows us to conclude that the proportion of really impeccable examples of reliability and consistency in everyday communication is not large in comparison with the neat reproduction of speech genres in fiction. Low or notably weakened efficiency of communication is especially clearly revealed when the initiator of communication’s conception of their addressee or the supposed audience is understated, condescending or warped.
Isolation, Molecular Identification and Antibacterial Potential of Marine Bacteria from Deep Atlantic Ocean of Morocco
Authors: Chbel Asmaa , Rodriguez-Castro Jorge , Quinteiro Javier , Rey-Méndez Manuel , Delgado Aurelio Serrano , Soukri Abdelaziz , Khalfi Bouchra El
Published: June 2022

Background: Antibiotic resistance is an important concern for the public health authorities at global level. It is detrimental to human and environmental ecosystems, thus, there is a big need for natural bioactive compounds. In this work, we aimed to find out biomolecules derived from marine bacteria that may constitute an alternative to antibiotics.
Methods: We isolated and identified thirty one marine bacteria collected from deep ocean water in central coast of Safi city, Morocco. Then, we induced biomolecules production in six marine bacterial strains. The extracts were tested for their antibacterial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria such as Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33592 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19117. Furthermore, we partially analyzed the chemical composition of these biomolecules and evaluated their sensibility to different temperatures.
Results: The six marine bacteria were able to produce molecules which inhibited the three pathogenic strains with high inhibition zones reaching 27 mm. These molecules were characterized by heat stability from 60 to 121°C relying on each strain.
Conclusion: The produced molecules may offer a great potential to pharmaceutical industries as they may constitute an alternative to antibiotics that are becoming less effective due to the emergence of drugs resistance.
GC/MS Analysis and Phyto-synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Amygdalus spinosissima Extract: Antibacterial, Antioxidant Effects, Anticancer and Apoptotic Effects
Authors: Farmahini Farahani Azadeh , Hamdi Seyed Mohammad Mahdi , Mirzaee Amir
Published: June 2022

Background: The present study was aimed at phyto-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Amygdalus spinosissima (A. spinosissima) extract and to investigate the antibacterial, antioxidant effects, anticancer and apoptotic effects of phyto-synthe-sized AgNPs.
Methods: The bio-fabricated AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-visible), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Disper-sive X-ray (EDX).
Results: The phyto-synthesized AgNPs showed maximum absorption in 438 nm, in the UV-visible spectrum. XRD peaks were observed at 2θ values in 38.20°, 44.40°, 64.60°, and 77.50° which are indexed as (111), (200), (220), and (311) bands of Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) structures of silver. FTIR analysis indicated that the AgNPs were capped with A. spinosissima extract. SEM and TEM micrographs revealed that the fabricated AgNPs were spherical and the average size range was 17.89 nm. Also, the EDX results show that the content of Ag was 90%.
Conclusion: The phyto-synthesized AgNPs had significant antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, as well as, the AgNPs exhibited great inhibitory effects on DPPH radicals and their antioxidant properties were favorably comparable to the antioxidant outcomes of ascorbic acid. Moreover, the AgNPs showed anti-cancer activity against the MCF-7 cell line with the IC50=6.1 µg/ml. Moreover, the phyto-synthesized AgNPs could induce apoptosis in the MCF-7 cell line significantly. The GC-MS analysis of the A. spinosissima extract showed that 102 bioactive phyto-chemical compounds, which be of use to the synthesis of AgNPs.
Investigation of Durability of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG and IgM Antibodies in Recovered COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Zamani Mohammad , Ghasemi Ahmad , Shamshirgaran Morteza , Ahmadpour Sajjad , Hormati Ahmad , Khodadadi Javad , Varnasseri Mehran , Amini Fatemeh , Shayanrad Amaneh , Younesi Vahid , Poustchi Hossein , Shabani Mahdi
Published: June 2022

Background: Evidence on seroconversion profile of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients is limited. We mainly aimed to evaluate seroconversion and persistence of virus-specific antibodies in patients infected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 118 patients with COVID-19 presentations admitted to three hospitals in Iran and recovered from the disease, during April and May 2020. Presence of COVID-19 was confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing on nasopharyngeal swabs. Serum samples were collected at different time points, including 0-5, 6-15, 16-25, 26-35, and 36-95 days of clinical symptom onset. For measurement of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG and IgM antibody titers, Iran's Food and Drug Administration-approved SARS-CoV-2 ELISA kits were used.
Results: Serologic assay revealed that 37.3% of patients (n=44) were positive for IgM at 0-5 days interval after clinical symptom onset. This rate was 60.2% (n=71) for IgG. There were increasing IgM and IgG seroconversion rates during first 25 days of clinical symptom onset, but seropositivity started to decrease thereafter, which was more evident for IgM (17.9%) than IgG (58.9%) at the 36-95 days post symptoms appearance. In other words, it was found that 83.6% of IgM-positive and 32.9% of IgG-positive patients in the first month of clinical symptom onset became seronegative in the third month of clinical symptom onset.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection were developed in recovered COVID-19 patients; however, some of them were seronegative three months after onset of relevant symptoms. Furthermore, the stability of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies could also correct our expectations from COVID-19 vaccination responses.
Prioritizing Candidate Genes for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus using Integrated Network and Pathway Analysis
Authors: Prakash Tejaswini , Ramachandra Nallur B
Published: June 2022

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has emerged as a major threat to global health that fosters life-threatening clinical complications, taking a huge toll on our society. More than 65 million Indians suffer from T2DM, making it one of the leading causes of death. T2DM and associated complications have to be constantly monitored and managed which reduces the overall quality of life and increases socioeconomic burden. Therefore, it is crucial to develop specific treatment and management strategies. In order to achieve this, it is essential to understand the underlying genetic causes and molecular mechanisms.
Methods: Integrated gene network and ontology analyses facilitate prioritization of plausible candidate genes for T2DM and also aid in understanding their mechanistic pathways. In this study, T2DM-associated genes were subjected to sequential interaction network and gene set enrichment analysis. High ranking network clusters were derived and their interrelation with pathways was assessed.
Results: About 23 significant candidate genes were prioritized from 615 T2DM-associ-ated genes which were overrepresented in pathways related to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, signaling cascades such as insulin receptor signaling pathway, PI3K signaling, IGFR signaling pathway, ERBB signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and their regulatory mechanisms.
Conclusion: Of these, two tyrosine kinase receptor genes-EGFR and IGF1R were identified as common nodes and can be considered to be significant candidate genes in T2DM.
The Efficacy of a New Protocol of Oral Immunotherapy to Wheat for Desensitization and Induction of Tolerance
Authors: Sharafian Samin , Amirzargar Aliakbar , Gharagozlou Mohammad , Parvaneh Nima , Shariat Mansoureh , Tavakol Marzieh , Movahedi Masoud
Published: June 2022

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a novel approach to desensitization and tolerance induction in food allergy patients. This study aimed to design and implement a new wheat OIT protocol, evaluate its efficacy in tolerance induction, and assess specific immunoglobulin-E (IgE) and regulatory T cell changes.
From 2015 to 2017, 26 patients with confirmed IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to wheat were treated via oral immunotherapy (OIT). Patients with prior anaphylactic episodes underwent OIT using the rush method. Specific IgE concentrations and the number of regulatory T cells (CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ T cells) were measured using Allergy Screen immunoblot assay and flow cytometry, respectively. This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20181220042066N1).
The results revealed success rates of 100% and 93.3% for desensitization and tolerance. Specific IgE was significantly reduced after 12 months of OIT. No significant change in regulatory T cell numbers was observed.
In view of the promising findings of this study, the proposed OIT protocol could be viewed as an effective and valuable method to induce tolerance and desensitization in wheat allergic patients.
Significant Effect of Crocin on the Gene Expression of MicroRNA-21 and MicroRNA-155 in Patients with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Mohebbi Maryam , Atabaki Mahdi , Tavakkol-Afshari Jalil , Shariati-Sarabi Zhaleh , Poursamimi Javad , Mohajeri Seyed Ahmad , Mohammadi Mojgan
Published: June 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis associated with gradual joint destruction. The current treatment aims to alleviate pain and inflammation and improve the quality of life. Crocin is an active ingredient in saffron, with anti-inflammatory properties. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. We aimed to evaluate the effect of crocin on the gene expression of microRNA-146a, microRNA-155, microRNA-223, and microRNA-21 in OA patients and compare it with a placebo.
This study was approved and registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (2015021910507N2) and ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03375814. Forty OA patients were randomly divided into two equal groups, receiving either crocin or placebo. Peripheral blood samples were collected before and four months after the intervention. The pain was assessed using the visual analog scale, and laboratory tests included C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The expression levels of microRNA-146a, microRNA-155, microRNA-223, and microRNA-21 genes were evaluated by SYBR Green real-time PCR.
The results showed that the gene expression levels of microRNA-21 and microRNA-155 in patients receiving crocin were significantly decreased and increased, respectively. No significant changes were observed in microRNA-146a and microRNA-223 gene expression levels.
In conclusion, crocin's anti-inflammatory role might be partly attributed to its effects on the gene expression of microRNA-21 and microRNA-155.
A Feasibility Study on Using the Facilities of Health Centers for Developing a Laboratory Network on Vectors and Reservoir Hosts of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Iran
Authors: Yaghoobi-Ershadi Mohammad Reza , Akhavan Amir Ahmad , Shirzadi Mohammad Reza , Hosseini Seyedeh Zohreh , Salomon Oscar Daniel , Hanafi-Bojd Ahmad Ali , Rassi Yavar
Published: June 2022

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an ancient endemic disease in Iran and continues to be a growing health threat to community development and the environment. This paper explains how to use the facilities of health centers for developing a laboratory network on vectors and reservoir hosts of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran.
Methods: A literature search was performed of the relevant multiple databases to include studies on vectors and reservoirs of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. A team of experienced experts was performed. After holding several meetings, field visits and organizing workshops, the activities of laboratories were determined at three levels.
Results: Entomological studies showed that 5 species of the genus Phlebotomus and 10 species of the genus Sergentomyia are active in the south, 4 species of the genus Phlebotomus and one species of the genus Sergentomyia in the central part and 5 species of the genus Phlebotomus and 2 species of the genus Sergentomyia in the north east. Reservoir hosts were identified in the study areas. The tasks of laboratories were regulated at different levels.
Conclusion: The Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education should prioritize the employment of capable persons in the field of Medical Entomology and Vector Control. The survival of this laboratory network depends on hiring and employing interested and persistent people. The universities of Medical Sciences that have the facilities to set up this network will be a very effective partner in the control of the disease in high risk areas. The results can be used in neighboring countries.
Predicting the Potential Distribution of Major Malaria Vectors Based on Climate Changes in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, Southeastern Iran
Authors: Nejati Jalil , Vatandoost Hassan , Zanganeh Baygi Mehdi , Hanafi-Bojd Ahmad Ali
Published: June 2022

Background: Given the significance of climate change and its substantial effects on mosquitoes’ habitats, this study was aimed to model the spatial distribution of the main malaria vectors in the south east of Iran.
Methods: Several scientific databases between 1980 and 2019 were reviewed to find mosquito species and their spatial information in this area. The archived folders in the center for diseases control and prevention were used to exploit essential data on malaria cases and foci. Three representative concentration pathways (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) were chosen to stand for three possible climate scenarios. Finally the potential species distribution of Anopheles stephensi and An. culicifacies s.l. in the 2030s and 2050s horizons were estimated by the Maximum Entropy Model.
Results: So far, a total of 39 mosquito species belonging to the family Culicidae have been reported from the study area. In 2019, the total malaria cases have increased by 91% compared to 2015, as well as a sharp rise than 2018 (249%). In that year, 91% of cases were imported from other countries, which caused 40% increase in the new potential foci than in 2018. The Jackknife test demonstrated the annual mean temperature and precipitation of the coldest quarter with the greatest impact on the environmental suitability of the mentioned two species.
Conclusion: The effect of climate change on the appearance and recurrence of mosquito-borne diseases has been demonstrated in various studies. Collecting further data and conducting investigation on this issue will improve control management, especially for the malaria vectors.
``Fall Program: Visual Ethnography'' -- A Case of Remodeling Cultural Exchange Program into an Academic Virtual Mobility
Authors: Krisnawati Lucia D.
Published: June 2022

For more than a decade, virtual mobility functioned as an add-on to a physical mobility and served as an inclusion strategy for Higher Education Institution in providing equality for diffable students. However, it has become the foremost option in time of the Covid-19 pandemic. This article describes the author’s effort of remodeling the physical cultural exchange program into a credit-based virtual mobility. The aim is to provide an international constructive learning process of capturing students’ own as well as other customs and ways of life into a video or photo collage using Visual Ethnography methods. The program was attended by 51 students coming from 6 countries. They were grouped in 11 small groups for which each was assigned a supervisor. In this program, the virtual and distant learning techniques were combined for delivering lectures, while blended learning technique was applied for live sessions. Participants’ discussion and collaboration were mediated through agreed ICT-based tools within the group. In addition to lectures, a synchronous Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held once a week to monitor student tasks and progress on their final project. The assessment was based on participants’ engagement throughout the program and performance on completing the assigned tasks. The drop-off rate achieves 18% in which participants from Timor Leste contributed the highest rate due to the Internet connectivity issues.
Keywords: virtual mobility, visual ethnography, multidisciplinary distant collaboration, intercultural setting
QSER modeling of half-wave oxidation potential of indolizines by theoretical descriptors
Authors: BOUARRA Nabil , NADJİ Nawel , KHEROUF Soumaya , NOURİ Loubna , BOUDJEMAA Amel , BACHARİ Khaldoun , MESSADİ Djelloul
Published: June 2022

Indolizine derivatives hold essential biological functions and have been researched for hypoglycemic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-tumor actions. Indolizine scaffold has intrigued conjecture and continuous attention and has become an effective parent system for generating powerful novel medication candidates. This research focused on applying the quantitative structure-electrochemistry relationship (QSER) approach to the half-wave potential (E1/2) for Indolizine derivatives using theoretical molecular descriptors. After calculating the descriptors and splitting the data into both sets, training and prediction. The QSER model was constructed using the Genetic Algorithm/Multiple Linear Regression (GA/MLR) technique, which was used to choose the optimal descriptors for the model. A four-parameter model has been established. Many assessment procedures, including cross-validation, external validation, and Y-scrambling testing, were used to assess the model's performance. Furthermore, the applicability domain (AD) was investigated using the Williams and Insubria graphs to assess the correctness of the established model's predictions. The constructed model exhibits great goodness-of-fit to experimental data, as well as high stability (R²=0.893, Q²LOO= 0.851, Q²LMO=0.843 RMSEtr= 0.052, s= 0.056). Prediction results show a good agreement with the experimental data of E1/2 (R²ext= 0.912, Q²F1= 0.883, Q²F2= 0.883, Q²F3= 0.919, CCCext= 0.942, RMSEext=0.045).
Selective C5 nerve root block versus combined interscalene block for clavicle surgery
Authors: ÇEVİKKALP Eralp , YAPİCİ Furkan
Published: June 2022

Objectives: The pain sensation of the clavicle is innervated by two separate plexuses. Regional anesthesia techniques for this area are challenging and complicated. Interscalene block, superficial cervical block, or a combination of these two is commonly used for regional anesthesia in clavicle surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of C5 nerve root block for clavicle surgery.
Methods: Patients were divided into two groups: Group C5B (patients who received C5 nerve root block + superficial cervical plexus block) and Group ISB (patients who received interscalene block + superficial cervical plexus block). Motor block was assessed by the Medical Research Council Scale for Muscle Strength, while the sensory block of the areas corresponding to the nerve trace was assessed using the pinprick and cold testing. Furthermore, ultrasound was employed to evaluate phrenic nerve paralysis.
Results: There was no difference between the groups in terms of mean age. The mean age of Group ISB was higher; however, the comparison of comorbidities revealed no significant difference between the groups. This statistically significant difference was clinically insignificant. Group C5B had lower 6-hour pain at rest, lower 0, 2, 4-hour pain on movement, and less postoperative analgesic consumption. Moreover, the time to first analgesic requirement was significantly longer in Group C5B. The motor examination of the peripheral nerves showed a significant difference in Group C5B.
Conclusions: We are of the opinion that C5 nerve root block can be used instead of interscalene block since it does not produce a motor block in hand movements and preserves diaphragmatic functions. C5 nerve root block may therefore be considered an alternative to conventional interscalene block for clavicle surgery.
Are High Urea Values before Intravenous Immunoglobulin Replacement a Risk Factor for COVID-19 Related Mortality?
Authors: ATAYIK Emel , AYTEKİN Gökhan
Published: June 2022

Aim: This study aimed to examine the data of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment and to investigate the effects of the patients' clinical, laboratory, and treatment characteristics and risk factors for mortality.
Material and Methods: The study evaluated 81 adult COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized for the treatment of COVID-19 between April 2020 and September 2020 and were followed up, treated, and consulted in the immunology clinic for IVIG treatment, in a retrospective manner.
Results: The univariate analyses revealed that the duration of hospitalization in service, being intubated, duration of IVIG treatment, and the urea value before IVIG treatment were related to mortality in COVID-19 patients treated with IVIG treatment. As a result of multivariate analysis, being intubated and urea value before IVIG treatment were found to be independent risk factors for mortality (p=0.001 and p=0.009, respectively). It was found that for the 60 mg/dL level of urea value before IVIG treatment to predict mortality, the sensitivity was 46.2%, and the specificity was 35.5%. The area under the curve was found as 0.647; 95% confidence interval 0.518-0.776 (p=0.029).
Conclusion: The study found that urea values before IVIG treatment were a risk factor for mortality in patients who received IVIG treatment for COVID-19. This is important as it indicates that urea values should be closely monitored in patients given IVIG treatment for COVID-19. It also suggests that when resources are limited and risk stratification is required in COVID-19 patients, urea values can be helpful.
Efficacy of Transarterial Chemoembolization with Drug-Eluting Beads in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: DANIŞAN Gürkan , ARIK Erbil
Published: June 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with drug-eluting beads in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Material and Methods: Twenty-nine patients with HCC who were treated with TACE with drug-eluting beads between 2019 and 2021 were included in the study. The success of the TACE procedure was evaluated using pre- and post-operative contrast-enhanced computed tomography/magnetic resonance images. Patient characteristics, embolizing-bead sizes, procedure-related complications, and pre- and post-procedure alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were recorded.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 65.6±10.4 years, and the objective response rate was 17.2% (5/29). 100-300 μm particles were used in 11 (37.9%) patients, and 300-500 μm particles were used in 18 (62.1%). The median target lesion number was 1 (range, 1-6). Six (20.7%) patients had non-target lesions. There were newly developed lesions in four (13.8%) patients. A significant decrease was found in the median target lesion size after (41; range, 0-116 mm) the procedure compared to the pre- (42; range, 22-188 mm) procedure (p<0.001). A significant difference was found between the median AFP levels before (343; range, 1.44-2000 ng/mL) and after (52; range, 0.95-1435 ng/mL) the procedure (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Since most patients with HCC are diagnosed in the intermediate stage, curative treatment is not possible. TACE is an important treatment option for the local control of the disease in this patient group. However, the success of TACE treatment may vary depending on the cancer stage, number of patients, follow-up period, and type and size of the microsphere used.
Kindergarten as a Space that Promotes Multilingualism
Authors: Berčnik Sanja , Rožman Krivec Laura
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we analyse the kindergarten as a space that promotes children's multilingualism. We define space as a set of conditions that influence children's learning through the physical and psychosocial environment, and the design of space as an essential element that influences the interaction between individuals in a given space. As kindergarten is a culture-creating space, educators should think about the design of the space before actually designing it, as it can influence the development of community and positive identities and contribute to children's learning achievements. We live in a multicultural society where two or more languages are used naturally by up to three-quarters of humanity. Therefore, multilingualism and language pluralism are valuable resources that need to be preserved. Multilingualism in the system can be achieved in different ways. This article focuses on play corners, books, singing, ICT technology, and free play.
»Ni pomembno, kateri jezik otroci uporabljajo, ta princip deluje.« Princip »ena oseba – en jezik« v prvem slovensko-nemškem oddelku v graškem vrtcu GiP Grabenstraße
Authors: Tibaut Katarina
Published: June 2022

Jeseni 2020 je v graškem vrtcu GiP Grabestraße začel delovati prvi slovensko-nemški oddelek. Ta dvojezični oddelek deluje po načelu »ena oseba – en jezik«. V pričujočem članku smo omenjen princip najprej teoretično opredelili in ga v nadaljevanju prispevka empirično nadgradili. Empirična raziskava gradi na kvalitativni metodi raziskovanja, pri čemer smo podatke, ki smo jih pridobili z nestrukturiranima intervjujema z ekspertinjama (vodja vrtca in dvojezična vzgojiteljica), analizirali po kvalitativni vsebinski analizi po Mayringu. Pri analiziranju smo posebno pozornost namenili naslednjim aspektom: izbiri slovenščine kot J2, vlogi staršev, izobrazbi vzgojiteljice, uporabi didaktičnega gradiva in vključevanju kulture.
Poučevanje tujega jezika v predšolskem obdobju: stališča vzgojiteljic in vzgojiteljev do več- in raznojezičnosti
Authors: Smajla Tilen , Gobec Nataša
Published: June 2022

V prispevku predstavljamo rezultate kvalitativne raziskave stališč vzgojiteljev do poučevanja tujih jezikov v predšolskem obdobju v luči razno- in večjezičnosti. Raziskavo smo opravili ob koncu petletnega mednarodnega projekta Jeziki štejejo (akronim JeŠt), v katerem sta sodelovala tudi vrtec in Osnovna šola Dobje, iz katerih prihajajo intervjuvanci. Zanimalo nas je, kakšna stališča imajo zaposleni v tem zavodu do razno- in večjezičnosti v predšolskem obdobju, zato smo izpeljali kvalitativno raziskavo in na osnovi analiz devetih polstrukturiranih intervjujev ugotovili naslednje: večina intervjuvancev se strinja s čim zgodnejšo vpeljavo spoznavanja več- in raznojezičnosti, z dejanskim učenjem jezikov naj se prične šele v šoli ter spoznavanje z jeziki naj poteka prek igre, plesa in glasbe. Ugotavljamo tudi, da večina intervjuvancev elemente raznojezičnosti vključuje spontano in jih načrtno vpeljuje v enostavnejših učnih situacijah.
Korporativni Welnes
Authors:   University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kranj, Slovenia, Peternelj Urška , Bernik Mojca ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kranj, Slovenia, Žnidaršič Jasmina ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kranj, Slovenia
Published: June 2022

The successful operation of a company requires constant supervision and cost control, which includes the absence of employees for reasons. The role is played by the human resources department, whose task is, among other things, to solve how to reduce and optimize the costs associated with the absence of employees. One of the approaches to reducing employees' absence due to health reasons is corporate wellness. This can be an effective way as entrepreneurial preventive care for the health and well-being of employees. Based on the studied literature and research, the paper presents the state of use of Corporate Wellness Programs in Slovenian companies. The results of a survey of 115 employees in Slovenian companies showed that there is a positive link between employee well-being and well-being programs. The results also showed that the company in Slovenia took care of the well-being of its employees at work, and that management does not need the wishes of employees in the implementation of well-being programs. The paper presents the main findings and possible improvements both at the level of the organization and the country.
The Evidence on the Specifics of Public Spending in Small States
Authors:   University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Public Administration, Ljubljana, Slovenia, Pevcin Primož
Published: June 2022

Literature focusing on the small states started to emerge after the World War II. This literature has occasionally stressed the relations among the size of the state and governmental interventionism, exemplifying that small states should be more expensive to run. As rather mixed empirical results tend to be delivered on whether small states should have larger governments, and in order to provide additional empirical evidence, this paper at hand explores how the size of a state relates to the size of the government. Specifically, the study intends to address also the question whether smaller states are different in comparison to larger states regarding the structure and volume of government spending. The findings indicate that scale economies effect can be observed only for governmental consumption spending, but we cannot directly empirically confirm scale effects and the notion on the risk- reducing role of the state for governmental transfer spending.
Strategic Human Resources Management: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors:   Western Serbia Academy of Applied Studies, Valjevo, Serbia, Stojanović Nikola , Bernik Mojca ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Slovenia
Published: June 2022

Recent events (COVID -19 pandemic, the Ukrainian war) not only have an impact on the business operations of organizations, but have also a broader impact on individual work processes in organizations. One of these is strategic human resource management, which includes the connection of personnel management with the policy of the organization. The article represents an scientific explanatory study, developed on the information collected from the literature from journals and books related to strategic human resources management. It tries to discover connections and relations between strategic HR management and employee performance, engagement, and communication. The conclusion of the literature review is, that employee performance, as the key element of strategic human resources management, cannot be analyzed without a thorough knowledge of communication and employee engagement.
Upravljanje referatov za študentske zadeve v slovenskem visokem šolstvu med globalno pandemijo: izkušnje, pridobljene iz COVID-19
Authors:   University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kranj, Slovenia, Vukovič Goran , Ljubotina Predrag ,   Faculty of Applied Social Studies, Nova Gorica, Slovenia, Macuh Bojan ,   Faculty of Commercial and Business Sciences, Celje, Slovenija, Raspor Andrej ,   Faculty of Commercial and Business Sciences, Celje, Slovenija
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Lots of research has been published about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on education, students in particular. However, little is known about the challenges and stress Slovenian Student Administration Office staff experienced during and after the lockdown, which is what this survey aims to address. Methodology: The survey was created in the 1KA survey platform and carried out between 27th May 2021 and 27th August 2021. We invited 120 higher education institutions to participate in the survey, out of which 30 responded. Results: The results indicated that Slovenian Student Administration Office staff were versed with digital technology before the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of them were equipped with digital skills and had prior experience with remote access, e-learning system, video-conferencing and preparing video contents. During e-learning, their work overload increased and they were putting in longer hours. Also, students demanded more instructions and guidance on distance learning compared to the times before the COVID-19 pandemic. The vast majority of the staff surveyed experienced technical barriers but most of them felt able to cope functionally with the stress.
Dekanat szadkowski i jego dziekani w latach 1660-1763
Authors: Zabraniak Sławomir
Published: June 2022

The Szadek deanery, which covered an area of approximately 1,680 km2, was the largest within the Archdeaconate of Uniejow. It Was established rather early - at the beginning of the 16th century. In 1720, there Were 24 parishes and two affiliated churches. Visitation records from 1683-1763 show a decline in the Catholic population of the parishes of this deanery. Only a few of them experienced demographic growth. The percentage of the Jewish population, however, increased significantly. War, diseases and impoverishment were factors contributing to changes in the social fabrics in terms of occupations, religious beliefs and ethnic composition in the territory of the aforementioned deanery. This was the context in which the deans of the Szadek deanery conducted their pastoral activities. They were responsible for the pastoral care of and the faithful and the clergy in their parishes.
Names of the deans of the Szadek deanery can be found on pages of the Uniejow consistory. Their personal signatures are also contained in visitation records and metrical books. On this basis, it can be concluded that deans were usually appointed from among the parish priests of lager parishes, who enjoyed a high level of respect, trust and esteem granted by both fellow priests and the Ordinary. They were often elderly priests with vast pastoral experiences. The office of the dean was generally associated with the provostry in Widawa and the presbytery in Rusiec.
Biografia w liczbach: historiometryczne studium przypadku
Authors: Lebuda Izabela
Published: June 2022

In the historiometric case study described in the chapter, a nomothetic and idiographic approach was described, thus creating a unique possibilities of research into outstanding creativity. Previously, pedagogy and psychology noted few publications that would apply this not so common technique. Thus, an attempt was made to describe the main historiometric assumptions, a case study which would indicate its differences to other research solutions, what are the opportunities it presents, challenges and threats.
Przypadek Janet Frame – pułapki autobiografizmu. Triumf autobiografii
Authors: Skolasińska Agnieszka
Published: June 2022

The article is an analysis of a three-volume autobiography of a New Zealand writer, Janet Frame (1924–2004). A literary description of life of a writer not well-known in Poland is taken as an example of an extraordinary triumph of literature. Thanks to Frame’s talent it becomes possible to transform the social stigma that is connected with schizophrenia into her individual mark of artistic independence. However, Frame’s trilogy is now read also as an example of a broader problem: mutual relations between social norms and human creativity.
Tomato Leaf Curl Disease: A Review
Authors: Keerthana K.G. , Prashanth S.J. , Babu R.L.
Published: June 2022

Tomato is a most economic vegetable in India. Covers major area in its cultivation during crop production, it is threatened by major viral disease i.e tomato leaf curl disease, caused by begomovirus and transmitted by the vector. It causes yield loss up to 90-100 per cent, application of insecticide for the control of vector causes regular outbreak. Identification of resistant source from wild species and their introgression with susceptible source, development of lines/varieties, resistant/tolerant to Tomato leaf curl disease is the safest and long term alternative for solving this problem. This paper covers the major aspect related to virus, virus causing factors, vectors and sources of disease resistance and also breeding tools employed for its resistance and some of the barriers in breeding programme.
Determination of Lethal Dose of Aeromonas hydrophila RTMCX1 and in vitro Efficacy of Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride in Golden Mahseer, Tor putitora (Hamilton, 1822)
Authors: Mallik Sumanta Kumar , Kala Krishna , Shahi Neetu , Pathak Richa , Das Partha , Patil Prasanna Kumar , Pandey Pramod Kumar
Published: June 2022

Background: Aeromonas hydrophila is considered as a major bacterial pathogen to fish. It’s wide host susceptibility has caused huge economic losses in aquaculture. In the present study, the lethal dose (LD50 96 h) of Aeromonas hydrophila, RTMCX1 and its control through oxytetracycline hydrochloride was appraised in fry of golden mahseer, Tor putitora. Methods: LD50 96 h of A. hydrophila, RTMCX1 in fry of golden mahseer was calculated through Probit model analysis. The total microbial load in muscle tissue of infected fry was estimated using standard microbial technique. The effect of oxytetracycline hydrochloride treatment was assessed at varied concentrations; 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg L-1 in experimentally infected fry at 108 CFU mL-1 of A. hydrophila. Result: LD50 96 h of A. hydrophila, RTMCX1 in fry of golden mahseer was calculated as 108 CFU mL-1. The total microbial load in muscle tissue of infected fry was ranged from 103-107 CFU mL-1. The post infection by the test bacterium demonstrated 25% of cumulative mortality in golden mahseer fry. The abnormal behaviour of the experimental fry was become normal and feed intake increased (scale 3) within 96 h of successive oxytetracycline hydrochloride bath treatment 1 h every day at 20 to 80 mg L-1. Post 96 h oxytetracycline hydrochloride treatment at 40-80 mg L-1 also demonstrated significant survival percentage (75-80%) in fry as compared to the group treated with 20 mg L-1 and positive control (p less than 0.05). The present study determined the LD50 of A. hydrophila at 108 CFU mL-1 in golden mahseer fry and its effective control through administration of oxytetracycline hydrochloride bath treatment 1 h at 40 mg L-1 for 4 consecutive days.
Planetary Health in Nursing: A Transdisciplinary Equity-Centered Approach
Authors: Astle Barbara
Published: June 2022

Planetary Health is an evolving and essential field requiring global attention. Nursing must take up the challenge and responsibility to work alongside other disciplines to ensure the health of the global community and the protection of the planet. To act, it is important that a transdisciplinary equity-centered approach be incorporated if we are to address and be responsive to supporting equity-informed solutions for human vitality. This article discusses and compares the Pan American Health Organization Equity Commission's Conceptual Framework and the Planetary Health Education Framework, a project of the Planetary Health Alliance.
Conversations on Gender and Tax
Authors: Hicks Jacky , Smith Berni , Downs Anna , Musillo Benedetta
Published: June 2022

By being ‘gender aware’, tax policy, tax administration and tax research have the potential to both reduce discrimination and promote women’s economic empowerment, and benefit the wider inclusive economic growth and development process. Civil society organisations (CSOs) play an important role in all aspects of taxation and gender, from improving transparency and accountability of government decisions on tax policy, and engaging with governments and oversight institutions on taxation and gender, to educating female taxpayers and monitoring services that revenue authorities and ministries of finance provide. Specialised CSOs could carry out gendered analysis of taxation and its impacts in parallel to gendered analysis of budgeting.
Durability assessment and rational fastening to Traction Engine of gear housing of an electric locomotive
Authors: Andrievskiy Anatoliy , Chaban Elena , Moskvichev Vladimir
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To investigate the dependence of workload of an electric locomotive gear housing on the parameters of its attachment to a traction motor. To determine own oscillation frequencies under various conditions of its attachment to a traction motor. To propose technical solution allowing to reduce the workload of gear housing in the case of abnormal operation of its attachment to a traction motor. To propose an algorithm for housing lifetime calculation taking into account its fastening parameters. Methods: The values of gear housing own frequencies are obtained by solving the system of Lagrange differential equations of the second kind. Created with this purpose mathematical model of mechanical system under consideration takes into account an elastic nature of housing attachment to a traction motor. Results: The influence of conditions and parameters of gear housing attachment to a traction motor on its workload and, correspondingly, its lifetime is shown. The algorithm for gear housing lifetime calculation is proposed, taking into account its fastening conditions and parameters. The significant influence of workload abnormal modes on housing durability is shown. Practical importance: Constructive solution is proposed that reduces gear housing workload in the case of abnormal conditions of attachment to a traction motor. The algorithm for estimating gear housing durability in the case of redistribution of workloads between its reference points has been developed.