bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Job Satisfaction at the Height of the Storm
Authors: Zaman Sumbul
Published: February 2023

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has posed significant challenges to resident workflow and education. The impact of a pandemic on resident doctors has not been well characterized. The chapter unfolds the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on resident doctors' work satisfaction. A cross-sectional study was conducted through a manual survey of Indian resident doctors. Data were analyzed through relevant vector machine learning. Resident doctors display greater satisfaction with appreciation, accomplishment, meaningful development, supervision, and the conditions at work. Understanding the modifiable factors during the COVID-19 pandemic may help in formulating interventions to mitigate stress and improve work satisfaction among residents.
A Journeyman Professor's Experience of Precarity and Meaningful Work
Authors: Collister Rupert
Published: February 2023

In this chapter to concept of "meaningful work" and "precarity" have been explored in relation to how the author and other faculty experience them in teacher education ... as a curriculum issue. Further, it explored the intersections of power and privilege as they impact on teacher education curriculum and their potential impact on our teacher candidates. Each person's journey is unique and yet all are journeying together, co-creating this reality called “life.” With that in mind, this chapter undertakes this work as a Currerian journey.
Understanding the Impact of Everyday Stressors on One Secondary School Teacher in the UK
Authors: Swann Sarah
Published: February 2023

This chapter presents a small descriptive case study of workplace stressors of varied tones and hues as experienced by one UK secondary school teacher. This teacher started out his career “feeling excited and like I was doing [something] worthwhile… something noble... doing something for the kids… putting something back”; but twenty years later is now disaffected. The aim is to transport the reader to slices of life in his teaching world; to make the strange familiar to those who do not experience such daily stressors in their everyday work; but also, to make familiar stressors strange to those who have become accustomed to similar workplace environments. More than that however, this chapter provides readers with analytical tools for understanding how one teacher experiences such daily stressors, the emotions which accompany this and the psychological resources that buffer against negative effects.
An Enhanced Gabor Filter Based on Heat-Diffused Top Hat Transform for Retinal Blood Vessel Segmentation
Authors: Dash Sonali , Parida Priyadarsan , Sahu Gupteswar
Published: February 2023

Precise retinal blood vessels segmentation is a vital assignment to diagnose many pathological ailments. Here, an efficient approach has been presented for the segmentation of retinal vessels that includes pre-processing, segmentation, and the post-processing stage. In the pre-processing stage, the retinal images are denoised and restored with the connected vessel lines by utilizing anisotropic diffusion filter. In the next step, retinal images are enhanced by using top hat transform. Further, Gabor filters of various orientations are applied on top hat transformed images to obtain different characteristics of the retinal images. Finally, hysteresis thresholding is applied for the segmentation. The accomplishment of the recommended methodology is inspected with other competitive combined methodologies based on median filter and Gabor filter using different performance indicators. The approach can be used effectively for diagnosis of different ocular disorders, like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, which can be followed by different surgical procedures for further treatment.
Prospective Health Impact Assessment on Nutritional mHealth Intervention on Maternal Mortality
Authors: Adusei-Mensah Frank , Oduro Kennedy J. , Ofosu-Budu Dorcas
Published: February 2023

The aim of the present case study is to assess prospectively the HIA of a proposed mobile health intervention to reduce MMR in 10-years. PHIA was carried out on a proposed mHealth intervention to MMR. In addition, an online feasibility pilot study was carried out involving 41 participants from September 1st, 2021, to January 2022. The intervention improved the well-being of pregnant women via education on good nutrition. It reduced MMR, travel costs, frequency of visits to healthcare centers, and increased equality in healthcare accessibility. Due to the reduced frequency of hospital visits, the risk of transportation and road accidents were noticed. About 88% of participants stated the intervention is feasible and worthwhile. While nearly 95% said they are eager and prepared to use the intervention when implemented. The intervention can improve the health of mothers, MMR, and reduce health inequality. Feasibility and willingness to use the new intervention were very high, hence the intervention should be tested on a larger population and in different geographical regions. .
Academic Stress Among First-Year Undergraduate College Students
Authors: Gupta Kavita , Parimal B. S. , Narang Nishtha
Published: February 2023

The chapter focuses on understanding the concept of emotional intelligence, encompassing perception of emotion, understanding of emotion, emotion management; stress; stress-inducing factors; academic performance; and performance-influencing elements. The chapter consists of related review of literature to highlight the importance of level of emotional intelligence in coping with academic stress during the transition period from school to first-year college life. It could be concluded that understanding the idea of emotional intelligence and ways to deal with academic stress are crucial because both have a significant impact on a student success, growth, and development.
Gender and Culture Shock at University
Authors: Aiseng Kealeboga
Published: February 2023

The chapter seeks to embark on a qualitative study with first-year male students from a public university in South Africa to understand their adjustment and adapting to university life due to challenges with gender and sexuality matters that they face. The authors is mostly interested in male students as they are the usual perpetrators of gender and sexuality offences in universities. With this chapter, the author wants to understand the experiences of these students as they transition from one world (their hometowns) to another (university campuses). Of interest in this study is that some of the students at this university come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds: villages, townships, and farmsteads. Some of them have gone through traditional rites of passage such as initiation schools; others come from patriarchal backgrounds and heteronormative backgrounds.
Social Adjustment Challenges of First-Year Students
Authors: Omer Solomon
Published: February 2023

This chapter discusses the social adjustment challenges first-year students face. The search engines such as Google Scholar, Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), Web of Science, and Psych INFO were used to obtain secondary data. Students joining university today are the most diverse population in terms of their gender, age, socioeconomic status, ethnic composition, family background, native languages, and level of academic preparation. Life transitions, including new experiences and changes, have caused social adjustment challenges in the lives of individuals. Their failure to completely adjust socially may ultimately lead to their failure to take studies seriously and thus perform poorly and or drop out of college all together.
Cultural Adjustment Challenges Among First-Year Students in Universities
Authors: Oluoch James Ndege
Published: February 2023

This chapter presents an overview of the cultural adjustment challenges among first-year students in university. The chapter focuses on the types of cultural adjustments, the stages of cultural adjustments, and the challenges the first-year students experience as they adapt to the new cultural set up in the universities. The purpose of this chapter will be to find the cultural adjustment challenges faced by first-years in the university. In this chapter, document analysis was adopted as the research methodology. The findings of this study had implications to the university management and counseling departments at higher educations. The study recommends that university management should develop appropriate policies to make the learning institutions' environments more conducive for students to adjust effectively in terms of culture. In addition, the author recommends that counseling staff at universities should help the first-year students adapt socially and culturally as they join the universities through peer mentoring.
Coping Mechanism for First-Year Students Transitioning to Higher Education
Authors: Chemagosi Mary Jebii , Ajayi Oluwakemi Bolanle
Published: February 2023

Academic adjustments are modifications in how students participate in classes and activities. These modifications allow students to meet standards but do not change them. Academic adjustments give students equal access to the educational opportunities of the University. Tinto and Astin further posit that academic adjustment is the ability to have successful interactions with the new academic environment and to cope with its academic demands. In addition, it revolves around the fit between the student and the university environment. Baker and Siryk's categorize academic adjustment into four aspects, that is, motivation to learn and have clear academic goals, applying oneself to academic work, exerting effort to meet academic demands, and being satisfied with the academic environment. Academic adjustment challenges refer to the factors that negatively affect adjustment to university and coping strategies used by the university students in the adaptation process from the viewpoint of first-year university students.
Emotion Approach Coping and Adjustment Challenges Among Students in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Githinji Scolastica Kariuki
Published: February 2023

The majority of university first-year students are young adults. They experience salient developmental changes as they transition from adolescence to young adulthood. The changes are less dramatic relative to the adolescence stage; hence, the stage is underestimated by the researchers. In young adulthood, the brain is not fully matured despite adult-like social function expectations. Their cognitive and social-emotional immaturity states are linked to poor decision-making, social-emotional problems, sensational behaviours, and risk-taking behaviours, which aggravate adjustment challenges in higher education. Young adults are experiencing academic, cultural, emotional, financial, intellectual, and social challenges. It is observed that the mental health of university students is a rising concern and is associated with their social functioning demands. This chapter explores young adults' biopsychosocial development, their challenges at higher education, and appropriate emotion coping approaches deemed appropriate for the stage and in yielding adaptive coping.
Exploration of the South African Student Activism Archives as a New History Education Resource on Teaching First-Years at University
Authors: Netshakhuma Nkholedzeni Sidney
Published: February 2023

This chapter explored the South Africa Student Activism (SASA) archives as a new history education resource for teaching first years at university. The history of SASA is underrepresented in the South African history curriculum. This was influenced by the apartheid educational system, which neglected the preservation of the history of students' struggle to inform first-year students entering university to study history. The study used a case study design. Data were collected through interviews and analysis of documents. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with selected students, history teachers, and archivists from a selected university in South Africa. The key findings revealed that utilizing archival material and oral history enhance first-year students during the teaching and learning and development of handbook materials.
Academic Advising for First-Year Students at University
Authors: Rose Otieno Violet
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this chapter is to present an overview of academic advising for first-year students at the universities. A review of literature has been carried out to address the main research question of this study. From reviewed literature, the chapter highlights the core skills of effective academic advising including effective communication, active listening and questioning, decision-making, problem-solving, interpersonal, and role modelling. The chapter indicates that core values are fundamental to providing effective students support, and they need to be shared with staff and demonstrated consistently to have an impact on the students experience. They include approachability, diplomacy, authenticity, high expectations, compassion, and equal partner not superior approach. The chapter discusses methods of academic advising. The study recommends that academic advising programs should include the vision, mission, and values of the university and establish a positive and caring relationship that enhances competencies for effective academic advising transparency in an institution.
From Training Engineering to Pedagogical Engineering
Authors: Khaldi Mohamed
Published: February 2023

In this chapter, the authors look at the different kinds of engineering in formation. Indeed, this chapter is composed of four blocks. Thus, the first block of this chapter concerns the definition of training online and its comparison with traditional training by highlighting its advantages. Then the authors define the concept of modular education. This concept always appears in online training. The second concerns training engineering in which, after having defined the notion of engineering and the pedagogical engineering approach, the authors define the notion of training engineering, its levels, and its stages. The third block concerns pedagogical engineering in which the authors define pedagogical design, pedagogical engineering, the actors of pedagogical engineering, and their distribution in various contexts. Finally, they offer skills based on well-founded work, on a conceptualization of the field, and on an analysis of practices. The fourth block concerns the definition of the two models of pedagogical engineering, the ADDIE model, and the SAM model by defining the stages of each model.
The ADDIE Pedagogical Engineering Model
Authors: Kemouss Hassane , Abdennour Omar , Erradi Mohammed , Khaldi Mohamed
Published: February 2023

Instructional engineering consists of creating training devices from a thorough analysis of data. Indeed, there are many models of instructional engineering: SAT, ASSURE, ADDIE, SAM, etc. Through this chapter, the authors will focus on the most used model: the ADDIE model. It is a model for designing educational systems (face-to-face and distance learning) that proposes five steps for conducting an educational project. The first step is to analyze the initial situation through a diagnosis. The second step is the design of the device. The third step concerns the development of tools and supports. The fourth step concerns the implementation and integration of the training content in the platform used, and the last step concerns the evaluation to regulate the operation. In reality, these steps are not applied in a linear way but with feedback. Through this chapter, the authors propose the theoretical framework of this model and define its basic concepts and those of each stage of the model and propose deliverables for the realization of an e-learning device.
From Learner Profile Management to Learner Model Modeling
Authors: Abdennour Omar , Kemouss Hassane , Erradi Mohammed , Khaldi Mohammed
Published: February 2023

In the educational context, adaptive hypermedia can better guide the learner's learning by providing him with adaptive and personalized educational content, taking into account his learning profile. The idea presented in this chapter is to design and manage effective learner models for all adaptive hypermedia systems (adaptive, macro-adaptive e-learning, ITS, AHES, etc.). This chapter gives an overview of learner profiles and models by referring to the differences between models and learner profiles. The authors then address the learner model in adaptive systems by identifying different adaptive, macro-adaptive, ITS, and AHES e-learning systems. They then discuss learner modeling in terms of learner model content, specific information domains, independent information domains, and learner model components. Finally, they present the process of developing a learner model: steps and techniques, in particular the collection of data, the initialization of the learner model, and the update of the learner model.
From Analysis to Development of the E-Learning Project Management System (SGPE)
Authors: Khaldi Maha , Anoir Lamya , Erradi Omar , Erradi Mohammed , Khaldi Mohamed
Published: February 2023

This chapter concerns the creation of a web application for the management of e-learning projects. The realization of this project goes through several stages. For the analysis, it is necessary to do studies on the existing products to understand their functions in management, communication, and storage. For the needs, it's necessary to define the phases of the project, the participants, their roles, and their interactions at each stage. At the conception, it is necessary to deal with the educational part. The authors propose a pedagogical scenario framework, which is very useful for the conception of training modules for e-learning projects. For the modeling, the choice of the 2TUP process is due to the fact it is based on UML in the development cycle to model the system correctly. After having chosen the different technologies and technological tools for the realization and after having realized the SGPE system, they implemented it in a server on the web to have access as actors according to their tasks in each step.
The Educational Video
Authors: Chougrani Bouchra , Belmir Ibrahim
Published: February 2023

In this chapter, the authors use a heuristic approach to explain the different forms and uses of the video capsule in e-learning. At the same time, they analyze the role of the teacher in the production of educational videos. They show how it is possible, through simple tools, to make attractive videos for learners. They also review the steps involved in transforming a pedagogical scenario into a video script. To highlight these aspects and to propose tools for creating pedagogical videos, they illustrate their remarks by the experience of designing courses and videos for the units of the “Mooc Préparer et Réussir le DELF B2 et le DALF C1” hosted on the France Université Numérique platform and the Mooc “Appui Méthodologique au Travail Universitaire” on Maroc Université Numérique.
Kolb's Learning Styles
Authors: Waladi Chaimae , Sefian Mohammed Lamarti , Khaldi Mohamed
Published: February 2023

This study focused on the relationship between Kolb learning styles and duration of online learning behaviors, the relationship between Kolb learning styles and learning achievements, and also examined the effects of these variables and their mediating mechanisms affecting student learning in e-learning settings. This study focuses on the relationship between Kolb learning style and the duration of online learning behavior and the relationship between Kolb learning style and learning outcomes. Forty students were selected as subjects for the online learning experiment. The results showed that the Kolb learning style had a significant impact on the total reading time and total discussion time of the topics. Although there is no significant effect between Kolb learning styles and learning outcomes, experimental data show that convergers and assimilators have higher average learning outcomes than divergers and accommodators. The findings of this study are of critical importance to educators and facilitators of online courses.
Investigation of Forging Tools on the Basis of Subjective Assessment of Tool Life
Authors: Karaman Abdulkerim , Labs Rainer , Marré Michael
Published: February 2023

Forging tools must be able to withstand very strong mechanical, thermal, tribological, and chemical stresses. The extent to which a tool can withstand these stresses depends on the material used and its pre-treatment as well as the heat and surface treatment, i.e. the load capacity. The ratio of stress to load capacity determines how high the tool life of a forging tool is. This paper deals with the variations in the tool life of forging tools using the example of a specific industrial stage sequence and production conditions. Due to a large number of influencing variables that have an effect on the tool during the entire tool life history, the focus of this work is placed on influencing variables of the forming process. Based on real production parameters of a forging company, which are recorded during a period for the investigation, the process data are analyzed about an influence on the tool life. The investigation focuses on four influencing variables, namely the subjective assessment of the end of the tool life, the interaction between the forming stages, production interruptions, and the cooling and lubrication of the forming tools. For the parameters that are not yet recorded during the trials, promising available measurement methods are identified and tested under laboratory conditions. One example of this is the recording of the actual spray quantities that are sprayed onto the tool surface before the forming process. The results of the investigations show that the tool life fluctuations can be reduced by about 16% and as a consequence, the average tool life can be increased by about 13%.
The de Silva house at Mt. Lavinia by Valentine Gunasekara: Phenomenological analysis of an elite dwelling from the Nationalist Era of Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
Authors: Wijetunge M. N. R.
Published: February 2023

It is commonly assessed that Architect Valentine Gunasekara arrived at ‘Expressionist Modernism’ towards the twilight of his career. Immediately after Ceylon’s independence, an elite contingent spearheaded a nationalist political course, which was perpetuated into the 1990s and beyond. During this nationalist window, the vernacular-based Neo/Tropical Regionalism was mediated as the flagship architectural style of the nation, whereas Gunasekara’s product was pushed into oblivion. In this light, the study of this fascinating style could serve as a useful precedence to asses/theorize similar domestic architectural styles to come. Adhering to a qualitative methodology, the study is based on one single well-justified case study. In terms of collecting information, drawings are secured/reproduced, supported by a photographic survey. The analysis places the case study against periodic changes of the time in question. Phenomenology is used for interpretation. To compensate for gaps in the extant literature, in-depth interviews are utilized. Examining in a phenomenological viewpoint how such examples executed for the elite class frame the periodic changes in local and international arenas, if successful, could be applied to similar cases elsewhere.
Daylight and window view quality for visual comfort: the case of an office building in Jaffna
Authors: Thayanithy Delosha , Perera Narein
Published: February 2023

Architectural lighting is now simple and emotionless due to modern technological innovations, which makes it difficult to recognise the distinct character of a place. With the development of air conditioning and artificial lighting systems, architects are more inclined to adopt them than to design equivalent spaces in natural light, thus, taking advantage of ideal lighting conditions to raise the quality of space.
The major difference between artificial light and daylight is the “view”, daylight integration systems offer. This is a research initiative to ascertain the perceptual influence of daylight and ‘window view quality’ in achieving visual comfort. With this in mind, a single case study is investigated, thereby involving like-minded respondents that engage in a similar work programme. As a limitation of scope, an environmentally rated building in a specific locality – Jaffna – is selected. Post Occupancy Evaluation forms the primary method adopted. Mapping of the space is undertaken, together with Perceptual Spatial Analysis (PERCIFAL) surveys, and correlate responses to the physically observed spaces.
Results show the occupants agree that natural light is the preferred mode of lighting for the workspace. Although the window views are deemed to enrich the working environment, the emphasis on its preference does not strongly correlate among all respondents. Conclusions are drawn on the parameters surveyed - that drive window view quality and daylight perception - to form implications for design both as individual elements and as a whole, to achieve overall visual comfort within a specific office environment.
Assessment of residents' satisfaction of “Liveability” in low-Income high-rise housing in Colombo
Authors: Fernando M. R. S. M. , Coorey S. B. A.
Published: February 2023

Housing low-income communities in high-rise housing have been an issue worldwide. The liveability of housing is compromised due to the need for providing large numbers of housing at minimum cost. There is a lack of understanding of the aspirations, needs, and what defines a liveable home for low-income dwellers.
This study explores the residents’ satisfaction with liveability in low-income high-rise housing in Colombo. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 65 random residents from two typical low-income high-rise housing. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure satisfaction with liveability at three scales namely dwelling unit: building and complex. Results showed that residents were dissatisfied with the dwelling unit and the overall housing complex but satisfied with the building. Although residents were satisfied with safety within dwellings safety in the building and the complex was of concern. Provisions for open spaces, shops, medical facilities, and safety were critical for the liveability of the housing complex. Provision for more space, balconies, private open spaces, places to interact, and housing that reflected residents’ personalities and identities were necessary for liveability.
A nature-based system for improving Mediterranean buildings’ performance: contribution to energy saving by heat transfer reduction and influence of climatic parameters
Authors: Convertino Fabiana , Blanco Ileana , Schettini Evelia , Vox Giuliano
Published: February 2023

Urban environments can be turned greener and more sustainable by letting in vegetation. The application of green façades on buildings’ vertical surfaces is a viable option that brings various advantages. This study focuses on the energy benefit provided by an evergreen green façade in Mediterranean climate conditions. The results came from a long experimental campaign, heat fluxes evaluation and statistical analyses. The thermal behaviour of the experimental green façade was analysed all year round, highlighting differences between warm and cold periods and between time of the day. The main advantage was assessed in terms of energy saving, defined as heat flux reduction through the wall covered with vegetation in comparison with an unvegetated wall. The study pointed out that energy saving was achieved throughout the year, but in different time of the day based on the season. A daytime energy saving was obtained in warm periods due to the shading effect and the plants evapotranspiration. A night-time benefit was reached in cold periods mainly thanks to the thermal and wind barrier action of the green layer. The results showed daily mean values of energy saving equal to 11.47 W m-2 for a warm period and to 3.23 W m-2 for a cold period. The statistical analysis highlighted that the energy saving was positively influenced by external air temperature especially at daytime. Overall, higher energy saving was provided by the green façade when higher external air temperature values were recorded. This research contributes to fill existing literature gaps on the yearly behaviour of green façades and on the energy benefits these provide.
Monitoring Framework for Direct and Indirect Tobacco Advertisements
Authors: Supehia Sakshi , Raina Sunil K.
Published: February 2023

Tobacco use is a significant risk factor contributing to a variety of non-communicable diseases and chronic illnesses. Adolescent smoking is more likely to start as a result of tobacco advertising and promotion, which might result in a rise in the number of adult smokers in the future. Developing a monitoring framework for direct and indirect tobacco advertisement is an important step to control tobacco use.
Evaluation of Voice Handicap and Emotional Status among Dysphonic and Non-Dysphonic Individuals
Authors: Adamu Auwal , Jibril Yasir Nuhu , Kolo Emmanuel Sara , Aluko AbdulAkeem Adebayo , Bello-Muhammad Nafisatu , Ajiya Abdulrazak , Shuaibu Iliyasu Yunusa
Published: February 2023

Background:

Dysphonia impairs verbal communication of the sufferer, which can lead to social isolation, depression, and reduced quality of life. Evaluation of voice handicap and emotional impact of dysphonia are not routinely consider in our laryngology and voice clinics, despite the fact that about 50% to 60% of patients with dysphonia have social and psychological problems.

Aims:

The aim of this study is to investigate the voice handicap and emotional status among dysphonic and non-dysphonic individuals in our environment.

Materials and Methods:

It was a cross-sectional study that included dysphonic patients and non-dysphonic individuals matched for age and gender. A detailed clinical history was obtained, and the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) questionnaire was used to assess the voice handicap and emotional status of the participants. The mean VHI score of dysphonic and non-dysphonic participants was compared.

Results:

Ninety dysphonic patients and equal number of non-dysphonic controls completed the study. The mean VHI score dysphonic patients was higher (46.8 ± 17.7) than that of the controls (5.2 ± 3.9), and there was a statistical significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.000). Most of the dysphonic patients 69(77.8%) had poor emotional status, while most of the controls had good emotional status 83(92.3%).

Conclusion:

This study found high Voice Handicap Index and poor emotional status among dysphonic patients compared to controls. Therefore, patients with dysphonia should be reviewed by a psychologist in order to address the emotional aspect of their problem.
Ileal Perforation by Ingested Fishbone
Authors: Mukherjee Debarpito , Thander Paramita , Rout Sayantan , Halder Pankaj
Published: February 2023

Hollow viscus perforation is one of the most frequent causes of acute gastrointestinal symptoms, but these are rare due to foreign body (FB) ingestion. The majority of ingested FBs that reach the stomach pass uneventfully through the gastrointestinal tract. Hollow viscus perforation following a FB ingestion frequently occurs at the ileum. Fishbones are often ingested by older population, and only a small number of patients can recall an event of swallowing an FB. Here, we present a case of ileal perforation caused by ingesting a fishbone in a 60-year-old man who recovered successfully after receiving emergency surgical treatment.
Tripartite Motif 72 Inhibits Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Neural Stem Cells Induced by Anesthetic Sevoflurane by Activating PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Cai Minmin , Gao Xiang , Yu Shenghui
Published: February 2023

Anesthetics exposure induces neurocognitive deficits during brain development and impairs self-renewal and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs). Tripartite motif 72 (TRIM72, also known as mitsugumin 53, MG53) is involved in tissue repair and plasma membrane damage repair. The neuroprotective effect of TRIM72 against sevoflurane-induced neurotoxicity of NSCs was investigated in this study. First, human NSCs were exposed to different concentrations of sevoflurane. Results showed that TRIM72 was downregulated in sevoflurane-treated NSCs. Exposure to sevoflurane reduced cell viability in NSCs. Second, sevoflurane-treated NSCs were stimulated with recombinant human TRIM72 (rhTRIM72). Treatment with rhTRIM72 enhanced the cell viability in sevoflurane-treated NSCs. Moreover, treatment with a rhTRIM72-attenuated sevoflurane-induced increase in caspase-3 activity in NSCs. Third, JC-1 aggregates were deceased and JC-1 monomer was increased in sevoflurane-treated NSCs, which were reversed by rhTRIM72. Furthermore, rhTRIM72 also weakened sevoflurane-induced decrease in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and increase in malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species in NSCs. Finally, reduced phosphorylation levels of protein kinase B (AKT) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) in sevoflurane-treated NSCs were upregulated by rhTRIM72. In conclusion, TRIM72 inhibited cell apoptosis and reduced the mitochondria membrane potential of sevoflurane-treated NSCs through activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Orthopedic implant hypersensitivity: Characterization of clinical presentation and effects of photobiomodulation therapy
Authors: Wu Ro-Wei , Chang Chung-Hsing
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

Orthopedic implants have improved the quality of life in aging society but also induces several kinds of tissue reactions, referred to as orthopedic implant hypersensitivity (OIH). The aim of our study is to report the clinical characteristics of OIH and the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on these groups of patients.

Materials and Methods:

We collected cases that complained of skin rashes with pruritus after orthopedic implants from January 2017 to June 2022 at the Dermatology clinic in Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital. We recorded the sites and material of orthopedic implants, skin lesions onset time, symptoms, location after implantation, and the disease duration. Laboratory tests were measured, including complete blood count, differential count, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, as well as inflammatory and autoimmune markers. PBMT, including UVB311 nm or low-level laser therapy 808 nm, was performed. Dose, duration, and response were documented.

Results:

Fourteen patients were diagnosed with OIH; twelve presented with localized eczema at the implant sites, and two with generalized eczema. Eleven patients (78.6%) had either elevated eosinophils percentage (>6%) or IgE level (>200 U/mL) or both. Seven patients (50%) had favorable outcome after PBMT and successfully withdrew from systemic steroid.

Conclusion:

In our case series, localized eczema at implant sites was a common cutaneous presentation in OIH. Hence, a surgical scar at the eczema site or long-term waxing and waning generalized eczema should prompt physicians on the possibility of OIH. Blood eosinophils percentage and serum IgE level can be reference biomarkers for OIH. PBMT provides a noninvasive and effective treatment strategy for immune regulation and tissue regeneration.
Changes in retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell complex, and ganglion cell layer thickness in thyroid eye disease: A systematic review
Authors: Chien Lillian , Go Cammille C. , Luna Gabriela M. Lahaie , Briceño César A.
Published: February 2023

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is characterized by progressive orbital inflammation. In severe cases, it can lead to dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON), involving death of retinal ganglion cells and permanent vision loss. Imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT) has enabled noninvasive examination of the structural impact of the disease, including of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), the ganglion cell layer (GCL), and the inner plexiform layer (IPL). In this study, we systematically review 20 studies (897 patients, 1430 eyes) to evaluate changes in retinal thickness in patients with TED, stratified by severity. Most studies found a decrease in thickness in peripapillary RNFL (pRNFL), non-pRNFL, combined RNFL/GCL/IPL, or combined GCL/IPL when comparing patients with DON to healthy controls or to patients without DON. However, results were equivocal regarding differences between non-DON TED patients and controls. In addition, several studies reported a postoperative decrease in pRNFL thickness after orbital decompression surgery. Future studies examining OCT changes of retinal thickness along with disease progression are needed to assess the potential of OCT in diagnosis and management of patients with TED.
Health Care Provisions in the 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Bill
Authors: Baldwin Paul
Published: February 2023

The US Constitution requires that federal money may not be spent unless appropriated by Congress. Under regular order, this is achieved by Congress passing twelve individual bills that, together,
fund all the activities of the federal government. These bills must be approved by the President. The last time Congress passed all the individual bills was in 1996. Since then, the practice has been to
fund the government through a series of continuing resolutions, which serve as temporary spending authorization, normally at levels from the previous fiscal year. Congress is not required to pass twelve
individual appropriations bills. It may also pass a single bill to cover all spending for the fiscal year. This is generally referred to as an "omnibus spending bill". That is what was passed in December
2022. There were health policy provisions in the bill, and this article discusses some of the more relevant areas for pharmacists.
Unified approach to $C^{1,\alpha}$ regularity for quasilinear parabolic equations
Authors: Adimurthi Karthik , Banerjee Agnid
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we are interested in obtaining a unified approach to

C^{1,\alpha}

estimates for weak solutions of quasilinear parabolic equations, the prototype example being

u_t - \operatorname{div} \big(|\nabla u|^{p-2} \nabla u\big) = 0.

without having to consider the singular and degenerate cases separately. This is achieved via a new scaling and a suitable adaptation of the covering argument developed by E. DiBenedetto and A. Friedman.
Shimmy
Authors: Smith Asheley B.
Published: February 2023

The shimmy, also known as the shim-me-sha-wabble, is a jazz dance that features the upper body, especially the shoulders, shaking and quivering horizontally from side to side, such that a dancer’s ‘chemise’ might shift and slide. The dance, often associated with female sexuality, rose to mass popularity in the United States in the late 1910s and early 1920s, after emerging in the American South around the turn of the twentieth century within African-American communities. White performers learned of the shimmy when it eventually animated TOBA [Theater Owners Booking Association] shows as well as black and tan clubs on the South Side of Chicago.
Black Girl (1966)
Authors: Siddiqui Gohar
Published: February 2023

Black Girl is the first feature-length sub-Saharan African production directed by Ousmane Sembène, also known as the father of African cinema. The film traces the story of a Senegalese nanny, Diouanna, who moves from Dakar to France to continue working for her employers. Instead of the fantasy that she had imagined, life in France is drudgery: her status changes from nanny to maid, she does not get paid, and she is not allowed even little freedoms like wearing her heels in the kitchen. Gradually, she retreats into silence and eventually commits suicide. Sembène combines experimental style with African modes of storytelling in Black Girl. For example, hand-held cameras and natural lighting enhance the social realism of the film. At the same time, his belief in the artist as the griot—the storyteller and spokesperson—of African people informs the narrative style of the film. The existentialist world-view of Diouanna, conveyed through her silences and voiceover, is invested with the weight of colonial history. Her suicide is equally a personal act and a political refusal to be oppressed. Sembène’s quietly observing camera records and tells Diouanna’s story and, through her character, presents his political and social critique of colonialism, neo-colonialism, the bourgeoisie, and women’s subordination.
McTaggart, John McTaggart Ellis (1866–1925)
Authors: Trott Elizabeth
Published: February 2023

Cambridge philosopher, metaphysician, and mystic John McTaggart Ellis McTaggart was a key figure in initiating modernist shifts in philosophy by challenging traditional understandings of Christian theology, dualism, and linear time. Representing a ‘new idealism’, McTaggert deeply believed in the human soul and in its immortal nature, although his modernist rejection of Christian theology led him to argue that no ‘God’ was needed to explain the existence of the universe. Rejecting matter (and the traditional dualism of matter and spirit) as a feature of reality, he argued that reality was composed of qualities and relations dependent on perceptions of individuals.
Musil, Robert (1880–1942)
Authors: Hoecker Arne
Published: February 2023

Robert Musil’s work stands out for its intellectually stimulating and at the same time challenging subtlety and diligence. The essayistic form of his writing, his critical and often self-reflexive style, and his ability to draw connections between disparate cultural and scientific discourses have contributed significantly to literary modernism. Although lacking wider acknowledgement during his lifetime, Musil’s extensive yet unfinished novel Der Mann ohne Eigenschaften (The Man without Qualities) (1930–1932) is nowadays considered one of the most important novels of the twentieth century. Born in the Austrian city of Klagenfurt, Musil spent most of his life in Vienna and Berlin. When Austria became part of the Third Reich in 1938, he and his Jewish wife Martha escaped to Switzerland, where he died in Geneva in 1942.
Sheng, Qideng (1939–)
Authors: Lin Pei-Yin
Published: February 2023

Born Liu Wuxiong in Miaoli of Taiwan, Qideng Sheng is an important modernist writer in Taiwan. Graduating from Taipei Normal College, he published his debut work in 1962 in the United Daily (Lianhe bao) literary supplement. In 1966, he co-launched the magazine Literary Quarterly (Wenxue jikan). From 1964 to 1972, he published several experimental works in Modern Literature. He attracted great attention with his short story ‘I Love Black Eyes’ (Wo ai heiyanzhu, 1967). Qideng Sheng eventually left Literary Quarterly. He returned to his hometown in 1970, publishing extensively before turning to photography in 1981. He has published sporadically since the 1990s and when Complete Works of Qideng Sheng was published in 2003 he announced that he would not write more.
MA Group, The
Authors: Gantner Eszter B.
Published: February 2023

The Hungarian avant-garde MA (Today) group was founded by Lajos Kassák in 1916 as a successor of A Tett (The Act), which had been banned in 1915 because of its anti-militarist stance. The MA magazine was characterised by anti-militarism, Expressionist positions in literature and the visual arts, and international aspirations. The authors of MA were the left-wing writers and poets Aladár Komját, Sándor Barta, and Barta Lajos, who were collaborating with the Berliner magazines Der Sturm and Die Aktion. All members of the group emigrated to Berlin after the collapse of the Hungarian Soviet Republic in 1919.
Affandi (1907–1990)
Authors: Sambrani Chaitanya
Published: February 2023

Affandi was an Indonesian modernist artist best known for his expressive paintings depicting scenes of everyday life and his own emotional states, as well as for his portraits of family members. He is known as the first Indonesian modernist to gain international recognition. Affandi was largely self-taught, and while his work reflects strong affiliations with post-impressionist and expressionist tendencies in European art, there is no evidence to show that he studied these systematically. Affandi is best known for his technique of applying paint on to canvas directly from the tube and for working with his fingers instead of brushes, resulting in thick impasto and energetic gestural work that was well-suited to realising his goals of conveying emotionally charged images. During the period of revolutionary resistance against the Dutch (1945–9) Affandi was active in painting posters encouraging armed rebellion. He was a founding member of several Indonesian artists’ organisations including Gabungan Pelukis Indonesia [Union of Indonesian Painters], Jakarta, 1948. Throughout a career that spanned the late Colonial and Postcolonial periods in Indonesian history, Affandi was officially recognised and celebrated on several occasions by state and academic agencies in Indonesia, India, the USA, Singapore and Japan. His final home and studio in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is now the Museum Affandi, and features a display of his works as well as several eccentric architectural, design and landscape aspects.
Jolas, Maria (1893–1987)
Authors: Kelbert Rudan Eugenia
Published: February 2023

Maria Jolas was an important, if backstage, figure in the literary modernist movement in France and the USA. The wife and close collaborator of Eugene Jolas, she made significant contributions, as translator and editor, to transition, her husband’s highly influential little magazine. A lifelong friend of the Joyce family, Samuel Beckett, and Nathalie Sarraute, among others, she left a mark on the cultural currents of the time, and valuable correspondence. While her interrupted early career as a singer initially brought Jolas to Paris from her native USA, this city saw her develop as a woman of letters, a human rights activist, an innovative educator, and founder of the influential École Bilingue de Neuilly.
Rosenzweig, Franz (1886–1929)
Authors: Paltin Judith
Published: February 2023

Born in Kassel, Franz Rosenzweig was a German philosopher of self-conscious Jewish affiliation and a charismatic leader in a circle of existentially minded contemporaries. His major work, The Star of Redemption (1921), presents a sui generis iteration of systematic hermeneutics, a way of proceeding in a world centred on ‘experiential philosophy’ [erfahrende Philosophie] and an ecumenical project of ‘speech-thinking’, or ‘thinking with others’ that influenced Emmanuel Levinas and Walter Benjamin, among others.
Sholay (1975)
Authors: Sapra Rahul
Published: February 2023

Sholay (directed by Ramesh Sippy and written by Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan) is considered to be the most successful movie in the history of Indian film. It is influenced by American western films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), the spaghetti western Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), and also Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1954). To match the magnitude of the American westerns, Sholay was to be India’s first 70 mm film with stereophonic sound, but due to the expense involved, it was shot on 35 mm film and then converted to 70 mm widescreen format.