bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of TXRF and ICP quantification of cellular AuNP uptake
Authors: Mankovskii Gabriella , Pejović-Milić Ana
Published: May 2024

Studies involving nanoparticle uptake in cells and tissues are contingent upon adequate methods of quantification. For gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), the quantification of uptake typically relies on inductively coupled plasma (ICP) based techniques which require sample pre-treatment and large sample volume (5–10 ml). To address these shortcomings, a total reflection X-Ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy-based method was developed to measure uptake of AuNPs in breast (MDA-MB-231) and prostate (PC3) cancer cells without any sample pre-treatment. In order to directly compare the quantification of TXRF and ICP Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES), samples were pre-treated with the most commonly used ICP-AES wet digestion protocol adopted from literature. The accuracy of both spectrometers was assessed by calculating the recovery rate of 10 nm reference material AuNPs in MDA-MB-231 and PC3 cells. TXRF showed analytically acceptable recovery rates of 96.1% and 98.7% for unfiltered MDA-MB-231 and PC3 cells, respectively, while ICP-AES showed low recovery rate of 23.3% and 27.8% for filtered samples. The nearly 80% underestimation by ICP-AES highlights the importance of proper sample pre-treatment for ICP-based measurements. Furthermore, it also has important implications in the clinical translation of AuNPs as knowledge of uptake is required for determining the nanoparticle injected dose. This work demonstrates TXRF's ability to accurately quantify AuNP without ICP-required wet digestion protocols using only 5 μl of sample per reflector, making the technique a suitable alternative to ICP-AES.
Scientific Study of the Origin of the Painting from the Early 20th Century Leads to Pablo Picasso
Authors: Bakovic Marica , Karapandza Slobodanka , Mcheik Sajed , Pejović-Milić Ana
Published: May 2024

This study applied multiple scientific approaches to establish the significance of an old work of art, Red Guitar, by examining its historical origin and the color materials used in its creation. Additionally, the study provides thus far unknown pieces of Olga Picasso’s family history to be added to her biography. Scientific approaches included digital X-ray radiography, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and elemental thermal conductivity analysis. This combination of techniques provided a broad confirmation as to when the painting was created. The artwork includes colors (white, black, blue, yellow, green, red, and brown/red) and prevalent use of lead- and iron-based historic pigments—chrome yellow, yellow ochre, and red ochre. It also documents the use of unconventional materials, such as the colorant Pigment Red 4, and nitrocellulose. This investigation led to the conclusion that the artwork, Red Guitar, is authentic and in accordance with Picasso’s work during the first two decades of the 20th century.
Predicting Head & Neck Cancer Treatment Outcomes with Quantitative Ultrasound Texture Features & Optimizing Machine Learning Classifiers with Novel Texture-of-Texture Features
Authors: Safakish Aryan , Sannachi Lakshmanan , DiCenzo Daniel , Kolios Christopher , Pejović-Milić Ana , Czarnota Gregory J.
Published: May 2024

Aim: Cancer treatments with radiation present a challenging physical toll for patients, which can be justified by the potential reduction in cancerous tissue with treatment. However, there remain patients for whom treatments do not yield desired outcomes. Radiomics involves using biomedical images to determine imaging features which, when used in tandem with retrospective treatment outcomes, can train machine learning (ML) classifiers to create predictive models. In this study we investigated whether pre-treatment imaging features from index lymph node (LN) quantitative ultrasound (QUS) scans parametric maps of head & neck (H&N) cancer patients can provide predictive information about treatment outcomes.

Methods: 72 H&N cancer patients with bulky metastatic LN involvement were recruited for study. Involved bulky neck nodes were scanned with ultrasound prior to the start of treatment for each patient. QUS parametric maps and related radiomics texture-based features were determined and used to train two ML classifiers (support vector machines (SVM) and k-nearest neighbour (k-NN)) for predictive modeling using retrospectively labelled binary treatment outcomes, as determined clinically 3-months after completion of treatment. Additionally, novel higher-order texture-of-texture (TOT) features were incorporated and evaluated in regards to improved predictive model performance.

Results: It was found that a 7-feature multivariable model of QUS texture features using a support vector machine (SVM) classifier demonstrated 81% sensitivity, 76% specificity, 79% accuracy, 86% precision and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 in separating responding from non-responding patients. All performance metrics improved after implementation of TOT features to 85% sensitivity, 80% specificity, 83% accuracy, 89% precision and AUC of 0.85. Similar trends were found with k-NN classifier.

Conclusion: Binary H&N cancer treatment outcomes can be predicted with QUS texture features acquired from index LNs. Prediction efficacy improved by implementing TOT features following methodology outlined in this work.
Extreme theoretical pressure oscillations in coronary bypass
Authors: Pejović-Milić Ana , Pejovic Stan , Karney Bryan W.
Published: May 2024

Pressure pulsation can cause strong pulsatile flow loads in both the internal and external portions of human blood systems, and thus can induce oscillatory motion in the enclosed blood. Stability, mode shape, and the maximum and minimum pressures are all influenced by the system characteristics and all these aspects should be analysed over the zone of typical excitations. More specifically, oscillatory behaviour is highly dependant on the length, diameter and elasticity of a bypass, the aging of the coronary system as well as of the characteristics of all the vessels around the heart. The analysis is based on a model of the vessels involved, and shows the essential effects in each component. It is found that even in the absence of a bypass graft, wave reflections from the narrowed coronary artery effect the pressure and flow both in the diseased vessel and in the bypass loop, and thus significantly change the response of even such a simplified system as presented here.
The Time is Ripe: New Financial Tools for the City of Toronto’s Parkland Dedication Rate
Authors: Obregón Murillo Jean-François
Published: May 2024

Developments in Ontario municipalities convey parkland under Section 42 of the Planning Act. Cash-in-lieu is contributed for parkland acquisitions when parkland cannot be conveyed. The City of Toronto had amassed $237,620,212 in cash-in-lieu reserve funds as of December 31, 2019. Complex spending rules hamper the use of existing funds. Municipal officials estimate that by 2034 there will be 25 m2 of parkland per person in Toronto compared with 28 m2 in 2016. Washington, D.C. has a green space standard of 38 m2 per person. The Nature Conservancy of Canada and Rally Assets estimates an annual national biodiversity funding gap of CAD 19.5-26 billion. The use of new financial tools for biodiversity conservation is catching on in the financial and philanthropic sectors. This MRP recommends amending existing rules to facilitate the use of cash-in-lieu reserve funds, to pursue new financial tools to acquire parkland, and to convene stakeholders across sectors.
A Group Recommender System for Article Recommendation Using Matrix Factorization
Authors: Shehmir Sarama
Published: May 2024

These days, the Internet contains an overwhelming amount of data for users looking for specific information. This is why we use recommender systems to deal with information overload problems. Among several issues, this research focuses primarily on recommending articles to users who belong to a group. The groups are pre-defined based on employees’ work roles and can be further divided into sub-groups. We use different group recommendation and sub-grouping techniques to decide which one gives optimal results. Three recommendation techniques have been applied to suggest articles to the groups, namely: Before Factorization, After Factorization, and Weighted Before Factorization. In the experiment, Weighted Before Factorization achieves the best results on our dataset, collected from a company’s internal content management system. We have also proposed an enhancement to the above group recommendation models using clustering methods to create further subgroups. Compared with the results on the original pre-defined groups, k-means sub-grouping improves the F1@5, F1@10, F1@15 by 35.75%, 19.52% and 1.54% respectively.
Origin of the impact of rock climbing on cliff ecosystems: A guide to evidence-based conservation management to regulate climbing
Authors: Morales-Armijo Felipe , Sobrevilla-Covarrubias Andrea , Estrada-Castillón Eduardo , Escudero Adrián , Scheepens J , Lorite Juan , March-Salas Martí
Published: May 2024

1. Cliff ecosystems provide refuge to 35-66% of the world’s endemic plants. However, they face growing threats from climbing. Evidence suggests that untouched cliffs harbor approximately twice the plant richness compared to climbed cliffs, with increasing impact as climbing intensity increases. Unfortunately, the origin and extent of the climbing impact has not been assessed so far. 2. We recorded cliff vascular plants and lichens at the protected natural area of El Potrero Chico (Mexico) before and after the establishment of new climbing routes. Subsequently, we re-recorded the routes at various time-points after openings while controlling the number of ascents. Additionally, we examined whether original cliff vegetation abundance influences the extent of climbing impact, and whether the surroundings of the new routes were also affected. 3. We found that the establishment of new climbing routes exerted the strongest negative effects on cliff plants, reducing species richness by 38%, while subsequent climbers’ ascents generated a minimal impact on richness. Worryingly, route opening affected not only species richness in the route itself, but also the surroundings of the climbing routes. Cliff plant abundance decreased by 60.6% within the bolted climbing routes, whereas it rapidly decreased by 42.3% in the surrounding area. However, this impact depended on the original vegetation abundance of the untouched cliffs. Lichen cover showed a gradual decrease, indicating that cliff-dwelling lichens are affected not only by the opening of the route but also by subsequent climbers’ ascents. 4. Synthesis and applications: Given the almost non-existent regulation of outdoor climbing activities in most countries, we urge the implementation of a conservation management protocol that defines clear strategies to regulate climbing activities and preserve pristine cliffs. On untouched cliffs with narrow endemic, rare, or threatened species, we propose banning the establishment of new climbing areas. On cliffs lacking protected or unique species, dynamic management actions should be implemented, setting a maximum number of climbing routes that can be established, and defining Limits of Acceptable Change as climbing intensity increases. The proposed conservation management should help to halt the loss of unique cliff biodiversity and safeguard pristine cliff ecosystems.
IUCN Red List of Ecosystems, Mangroves of the Gulf of Guinea - South
Authors: Ekperusi Abraham , Suarez Ena
Published: May 2024

The Mangroves of the Gulf of Guinea - South is a regional ecosystem subgroup (level 4 unit of the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology). It includes the Angolan, Gulf of Guinea Central, Gulf of Guinea Islands and Gulf of Guinea South marine ecoregions. The biota is characterized by six species of true mangroves with several associated mangrove species. The majority of the mangroves are found in the deltas within this region, and mainly restricted to coastal estuaries and lagoons along the North-East Atlantic coast. The Gulf of Guinea - South mangrove province mapped extent in 2020 was 12,956.4 km2, representing 8.8% of the global mangrove area. The main threats to mangroves are pollution from oil and gas exploration and production, overexploitation, urbanisation, coastal development, agriculture, land conversion, coastal flooding, sea-level rise and the spread of invasive alien species. Today, the Gulf of Guinea - South mangroves cover 33% less than our broad estimation for 1970. If this trend continues, the mangrove cover would decrease by a further 4.2% by 2070. Furthermore, under a high sea-level rise scenario (IPCC RCP8.5) ≈-26.3% of the Gulf of Guinea - South mangroves would be submerged by 2060. Moreover, 1.3% of the province’s mangrove ecosystem is undergoing degradation, with the potential to increase to 3.8% within a 50-year period, based on a vegetation index decay analysis. This is a conservative estimate given the lack of data to measure the true extent of environmental degradation impacting mangrove ecosystems in the province. Overall, the Gulf of Guinea - South mangrove ecosystem is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
Reinforcing the Frontlines: Experiences of Police Auxiliary during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mendoza Jayrie , Dodelon Sabijon  , Yolanda Sayson  , Jasmin Bonggot  , John Kevin Bangaysiso  , And Joan Marie Oville
Published: May 2024

This is a phenomenological study on the experiences of Task Force Kasaligan as auxiliary forces during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cebu City. Phenomenological interviewing was used in data gathering to describe the meaning of the phenomenon. This study was conducted in Cebu City, Philippines, where the participants were selected members of Task Force Kasaligan. These were ten participants who were chosen through purposive convenient sampling. The study utilized an interview Guide to elicit in-depth responses from the participants. The investigation aimed to explore several key areas: the personal experiences of individuals serving as police auxiliaries, the strategies they employ to address challenges faced while fulfilling their roles, and their goals for enhancing the service they provide to the community. Results revealed that three themes came up: two themes on positive and one on negative experiences of the participants in the performance of their duty as police auxiliary during the covid-19 pandemic which are: Knowledge and Competence Leads to Better Performance, Police Presence Makes COVID-19 Spread Lessened; and Bashing and Disrespecting Authorities Leads to COVID-19 Spread. Two themes in how the participants, as police auxiliaries, coped with the problems encountered in performing their duties: Expanding the Maximum Tolerance and Building Strong Collaboration. The aspirations of the participants to enhance the service quality provided to the community revealed two main themes: Firstly, the importance of "Holding on: Security of Tenure," highlighting the significance of job security. Secondly, "Moving on: The Need for Training and Development" emphasizes the necessity for continuous learning and skill enhancement. It was recommended that the Cebu City Police Office and the Task Force Kasaligan Personnel should conduct police partnership programs about the guidelines of COVID-19 health protocols in the different barangays in Cebu City. The purpose of this police partnership program is to strengthen the relationship of the Police Personnel and Task Force Kasaligan Personnel to the community's citizens and to ensure their cooperation.
On the geometry and topology of Da Vinci domes
Authors: Geyssel Nicolé , Moreno María José , Navas Andrés
Published: May 2024

We study the famous Leonardo Da Vinci’s domes, as well as the variations pursued by Rinus Roelofs, from a mathematical viewpoint. In particular, we consider the problem of closing the dome in order to produce a spherical structure. We explain why this problem is related to subtle geometric and topological considerations. This is in contrast with the 1-dimensional analog structure, namely Da Vinci’s bridge, that can be easily closed up to make a circular shape.
A Cutting-Edge Hybrid Approach for Precise COVID-19 Detection using Deep Learning
Authors: Younis Muhammad Hamza , Abbas Safdar , Hayat Umar , Musaddiq Muhammad Hammad , Hashmi Adeel
Published: May 2024

The early detection of COVID-19 is essential for decision-makers to develop effective containment and treatment plans. Traditionally, researchers interpret computer tomography (CT) scans or X-ray images in order to diagnose this disease. This study aims to demonstrate that deep learning models can be applied to three common medical imaging modes: X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans. This study employs and enhances four convolutional neural networks for coronavirus detection, including DenseNet121, ResNet101V2, NASNetMobile, and MobileNetV2. In this study, two main experiments were carried out. In the first experiment, a model was developed by combining imagery data to detect this virus. In order to determine which model performed the best, separate models were trained using different datasets in the second experiment. Because there were only so many photos accessible, data augmentation techniques were used to enhance the amount artificially. The results indicate that the proposed models effectively accomplished the task of classifying COVID-19. The accuracy rates achieved by the combined model, utilizing DenseNet121, ResNet101V2, NASNetMobile, and MobileNetV2, were 88.21%, 93.02%, and 88.89% respectively. When using the combined imaging dataset, the CNN model employing ResNet101v2 exhibited superior accuracy compared to NASNetMobile, DenseNet121, and MobileNetV2 models.
Hákarlamenn á hafi úti: Samspil náttúruafla og hákarlaveiða í sögu og samtíma
Authors: Kaldakvísl Dalrún
Published: May 2024

Um aldir hafa Íslendingar stundað veiðar á hákarli (Somniosus microcephalus) – og um aldir hefur hákarlinn sett mark sitt á vinnu Íslendinga á hafi úti. Í þessum skrifum er fjallað um veiðitengt samband íslenskra hákarlamanna við hafið og hákarlinn út frá sjónarhorni hákarlamanna er stunduðu hákarlaveiðar á 19.–21. öld. Áhersla er lögð á að greina þau tengsl og þá þekkingu sem hákarlamenn öðluðust á hafinu og hákarlinum við hákarlaveiðar. Rýnt er í breytingar á veiðitengdu sambandi hákarlamanna og hákarla með hliðsjón af tæknivæðingu íslenska báta- og skipaflotans og breyttri nýtingu á hákarlinum. Í skrifunum er einkum og sérílagi stuðst við endurminningaskrif manna sem stunduðu hákarlaveiðar á opnum bátum og skútum á 19. öld og öndverðri 20. öld, sem og sagnfræðiviðtöl sem ég tók við hákarlamenn sem stundað hafa hákarlaveiðar á vélbátum á 20. og 21. öldinni. Skrifin varpa ljósi á gerendahæfni hafsins, hákarlsins og hákarlamannsins í sögu hákarlaveiða við Ísland.
Í óleyfi hreppsnefndar: Brottrekstur þrettán húsmanna og –kvenna úr Súðavíkurhreppi í árslok 1885
Authors: Ásmundsdóttir Harpa Rún
Published: May 2024

Í lok árs 1885 bárust þrettán einstaklingum, níu körlum og fjórum konum, bréf frá hreppsnefnd Súðavíkurhrepps við Ísafjarðardjúp þar sem þeim var gert að flytja burt úr hreppnum á næstu fardögum ásamt fjölskyldum sínum. Þetta fólk átti það sameiginlegt að vera utansveitarfólk sem hafði sest að í hreppnum og hafið þar hús- eða þurrabúðarmennsku án þess að hafa fengið tilskilin leyfi frá yfirvöldum. Í bréfi hreppsnefndarinnar kemur fram að nefndin taldi búsetu fólksins í hreppnum brjóta gegn tilskipun um lausamenn og húsmenn frá 1863 og því réðist nefndin í þær aðgerðir að vísa fólkinu burtu úr Súðavíkurhreppi. Í greininni er þessi brottrekstur hreppsnefndar Súðavíkurhrepps á ólöglegu hús- og þurrabúðarfólki skoðaður frá nokkrum hliðum. Í fyrsta lagi verður sjónum beint að umræðu Alþingis um þurrabúðarmenn og þeim viðhorfum sem birtust meðal þingmanna og á síðum tímarita í aðdraganda þess að breytingar voru gerðar á lögum um þurrabúðarmenn árið 1888. Þá er sjónum beint að ástæðum þess að hreppsnefnd Súðavíkurhrepps vísaði þessu fólki burtu úr hreppnum og viðbrögðum þeirra einstaklinga sem svöruðu bréfi nefndarinnar.
Vinnan, takturinn og tímavísindin: Hugmyndir um vísindalega stjórnun og reyndan tíma í vinnuvísindum Guðmundar Finnbogasonar
Authors: Sigurjónsson Njörður
Published: May 2024

Hér er fjallað um stjórnunarkenningar Guðmundar Finnbogason, heimspekings og sálfræðings, eins og þær koma fram í ritunum Vit og strit frá árinu 1915 og Vinnan frá 1917. Markmiðið er að setja íslenska stjórnunarkenningu í samhengi við sögu stjórnunarfræða og skilja betur samband tímakenninga og stjórnunar. Hér er stuðst við útgefna texta frá því tímabili sem Guðmundur setur fram hugmyndir sínar og þær skoðaðar út frá samtímahugmyndum og kenningum um þróun stjórnunarhugsunar. Sérstakur gaumur er gefinn að framsetningu á upplifun af tíma, náttúrutíma og takti, en sjá má af efnistökum Guðmundar að hann er opinn fyrir ólíkum áhrifum eigin reynslu, heimspeki og bókmennta í aðferðafræði sinni og hugsun. Helstu niðurstöður lestursins eru að fyrstu íslensku stjórnunarkenningarnar í upphafi tuttugustu aldar eru settar fram með hliðsjón af nýjum rannsóknum og fanga jafnframt þær andstæðu hugmyndir sem hafa haft áhrif á stjórnunarfræði á síðustu öld. Eins er hægt að greina mun á milli bókanna tveggja, eins konar þróun kenninga Guðmundar um vinnuvísindi, þar sem inntakið tekur á sig aðar myndir en boðberar vísindalegrar stjórnunar sáu fyrir sér. Greinin er framlag til sögu
íslenskra vinnuvísinda, stjórnunarfræða og skilnings á tíma sem viðfangi stjórnunar og stjórnunarhugsunnar.
„Fimmtán prósent þjóðarinnar": Frá Íslandi til Kanaríeyja
Authors: Loftsdóttir Kristín
Published: May 2024

Kanaríeyjar hafa sögulega séð verið áfangastaður fjöldaferðamennsku, sem hefur mótað eyjarnar verulega. Þessi grein spyr af hverju fólk frá Íslandi ferðast til Kanaríeyja og hvernig það lítur á sig í því þverþjóðlega samfélagi sem fyrirfinnst á Kanaríeyjum. Að hvaða leyti skiptir íslenskt þjóðerni máli fyrir þá sem þangað sækja og við hverja samsamar fólk frá Íslandi sig? Greinin byggir á viðtölum sem tekin voru á Íslandi og á Kanaríeyjum við fólk sem hefur búsetu á Gran Canaria og Tenerife, sem og við fólk sem ferðast til eyjanna frá Íslandi til að dveljast í styttri tíma. Sýnt er fram á að langflestir frá Íslandi hafa áhuga á að dveljast á suðurhluta eyjanna tveggja þar sem innviðir miða fyrst og fremst að því að þjónusta og mæta þörfum fólks frá Norður-Evrópu sem eru lífstílsfarendur eða ferðafólk. Bent er á að þrátt fyrir að á yfirborðinu sé fólk frá Íslandi að sækja í svipaða hluti – sól og strönd sem og oft nálægð við aðra Íslendinga – eru aðstæður þó ólíkar sem tengist m.a. efnahag, heilsu og ólíkum aðstæðum og sjálfsmynd einstaklinga. Í víðara samhengi dregur greinin athygli að ferðum Íslendinga út frá ferðaþjónustu sem hnattræns fyrirbæris sem mótar á margflókin hátt staði, sjálfsmynd, sögu og líf fólks sem
þar býr.
الالتزام بضمان سلامة الطالبات في دروس الرياضة المدرسية دراسة تحليلية مقارنة
Authors: Assis  Teacher . Zainab Thamer  shahid
Published: May 2024

تُعد دروس التربية الرياضية والتي تتعلق بالنشاط الحركي الذي تقدمه الطالبات في وقت محدد بحسب المكان المخصص له وكذلك بحسب لجدول المدرسي أثناء اليوم الدراسي والذي تجبر الطالبات على حضوره من الأمور المهمة التي يتوجب الوقوف عليها لأهميتها بالنسبة إلى فئة ليست بالقليلة في المجتمع، وهنا يقع على عاتق مدّرسة )معلمة( مادة التربية الرياضية الالتزام بضمان سلامة الطالبات من التعرض للإصابات البدنية أثناء ممارسة التمارين الرياضية التي تُفرض عليهن، حيث يُعتبر الالتزام بضمان السلامة من أدق الالتزامات لأنه يتعلق بالالتزامات الجوهرية وهي (صحة الإنسان) والتي تنشأ ما بين طرفي العلاقة، وخاصة العلاقة التي تربط الطالبات في المدارس ومدّرسة (المعلمة) الرياضة، وعليه فإن هذا الالتزام يبقى قائماً وفقاً لطبيعته القانونية والشروط الواجب توفرها فيه، وبحسب الأسس الذي أقرتها القوانين والقواعد العامة والتي تفرضها على عاتق المدّرسة (المعلمة) أو الإدارة المدرسية، وبالتالي فإن أي ضرر يصيب أحدى الطالبات ونتيجة خطأ مع توافر العلاقة السببية ما بين الخطأ والضرر، فإن الأمر يترتب عليه تحقق المسؤولية المدنية لمدّرسة (المعلمة) مادة التربية الرياضية.
Physical structuring and inventory taking in organizations with IRBIS64 Library Automation System
Authors:   Siberian Federal University, Sergienko Tatiana V.
Published: May 2024

The author describes the inventory database designed with IRBIS64 LAS tools for stock count and analysis in organizations. The service of reconciliation of inventory database with the accounting data is built in. The report forms for intracompany flow of fixed assets are also designed.
Practical application of Statistics mode on user inquiries within IRBIS64 LAS
Authors:   Siberian Federal University, Sergienko Tatiana V.
Published: May 2024

The statistics plays an important role in various fields. It is used to analyze data and to make informed fact-based solutions, to evaluate efficiency of processes and forecast development scenarios. The methods of statistical data acquisition in IRBIS64 are exemplified. The essential statistical forms acquired in Statistics mode on user request are designed. The Statistics mode is based on operativeness of queries from library specialists and administrators, from simple statistical forms to complex ones.
La gestión regional de las instituciones de educación superior en Costa Rica: Un análisis desde el enfoque de sistemas de innovación
Authors: Delgado Benavides Yahaira
Published: May 2024

En el presente artículo presentamos un estudio de caso cuyo objetivo fue analizar la gestión regional de las instituciones de educación superior estatal realizando una revisión teórica de los enfoques de sistemas de innovación. Realizamos un estudio cualitativo de corte interpretativo y cualitativo de análisis de datos, con un diseño de estudio de caso. Las técnicas de recolección de información fueron diversas: análisis documental y entrevistas. Los resultados indican que la gestión regional en las instituciones de educación superior estatal ha evolucionado desde su creación, siguiendo la pauta de la gobernanza establecida por las casas de enseñanza para su desarrollo y los sistemas de innovación regional, sin embargo, los resultados muestran desafíos regionales en materia de: sostenibilidad financiera, gestión de sedes, oferta académica, articulación interuniversitaria y gobernanza.
Evaluación del impacto ambiental de los residuos de los equipos de protección industrial: una revisión sistemática del arte postpandemia
Authors: Verdezoto Espinoza Edison Miguel , Chiliquinga Guerra Dayana Andrea , Enriquez Illanes Leicer Iván , Vallejo Tixi Javier Fernando
Published: May 2024

Introducción: En el mundo durante la pandemia provocada por el COVID 19, se generaron alrededor de 8,4 y 9,2 millones de toneladas de residuos plásticos que incluyen en su mayoría los equipos de protección industrial (EPP), que fueron utilizados por toda la población mundial principalmente para frenar el nivel de contagio del Coronavirus. Sin embargo, muchos de estos residuos terminaron como desechos en ríos, océanos o incinerados, lo cual ha contribuido a un impacto ambiental negativo, mismo que es la fuente de cambios climáticos, aumento del efecto invernadero, contaminación principalmente marítima y la muerte de cientos de especies. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática de las evaluaciones del impacto ambiental de los generados por los residuos de los equipos de protección industrial postpandemia. Resultados: Las distintas investigaciones muestran claramente la inadecuada gestión de residuos sólidos que existe a nivel general, en términos de huella de carbono y huella energética de los residuos de equipos de protección el impacto al ambiente es inminentemente negativo, además se pudo demostrar a liberación de micro plásticos (MP) y microfibras (MF) de los EPP desechados se convierte en una amenaza emergente para la sostenibilidad ambiental. Discusión: Las investigaciones desarrolladas alrededor del problema generado por los residuos sólidos de los equipos de protección personal son el soporte para mostrar el pésimo manejo de residuos que se tiene en todo el mundo, especialmente en países poco desarrollados, pero aún más importante la necesidad de implementar programas de concientizar social y por otro lado generar políticas ambientales que mitiguen contaminación postpandemia. Conclusión: Se concluyó que las investigaciones desarrolladas establecieron impactos considerable negativos al medio ambiente, entre los que se encuentra generación de residuos sólidos por los EPP que siguen generando contaminación en confluentes hídricos y en la atmósfera.
Evaluación de impacto ambiental de las tecnologías sanitarias: estado del arte y perspectivas de futuro
Authors: Moyón Moyón Myrian Alicia , Martínez Pilco Marcelo Isaías , Merino Hurtado Wendy Michelle , Samaniego Vizcaíno Adriana Alejandra
Published: May 2024

Introducción: El impacto ambiental generado desde el sector sanitario en la actualidad se ha constituido como uno de los principales inconvenientes a nivel mundial, debido entre otras cosas a que las tecnologías sanitarias tuvieron un crecimiento exponencial en cuanto a su elaboración debido a la pandemia del COVID 19 generando niveles de residuos sólidos sanitarias jamás imaginados; esto incluso obligó a varios gobiernos de turno a generar políticas sanitarias que traten de mitigar el impacto negativo de estos desechos. Objetivo: La presente investigación tiene como objetivo explorar los métodos utilizados en distintas partes del mundo para evaluar el impacto ambiental generados por las tecnologías sanitarias. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura científica en las principales bases de datos y se seleccionaron 16 artículos científicos de los últimos cinco años que evalúan el impacto ambiental de las tecnologías sanitarias, además se trabajó mediante un enfoque cualitativo. Resultados: La revisión bibliográfica reflejó que las diversas tecnologías sanitarias tienen una incidencia del 1 al 5% en el impacto ambiental a nivel mundial. Donde la mayor parte de emisiones provienen de inhaladores de que están compuestos por hidrofluorocarbonos, endodoncia dental, resonancia magnética, laringoscopios de metal o plástico, envases farmacéuticos de plástico o aluminio y las pruebas de hematología fueron las tecnologías sanitarias con mayor impacto ambiental. Los principales factores que implican el alto impacto ambiental por parte de las tecnologías sanitarias fueron: uso de electricidad, consumo de combustibles fósiles, ropa médica, desinfecciones prolongadas, equipos tecnológicos, reactivos, entre otros. Conclusión: Se concluyó que la tecnología sanitaria genera a nivel mundial un gran daño negativo al medio ambiente, donde año tras año se incrementan los niveles de basura y emisiones de dióxido de carbono como principales contaminantes.
Reconstruction of Vagina with Bilateral Pudendal Thigh Flap: A Solution for Atresia/ Agenesis of Vagina
Authors: Nazneen Most Afroza , Tisha Tania Afrin , Keya Summi Leonard
Published: May 2024

Reconstruction of vagina is a technically challenging surgery. The aim is to create a functionally and aesthetically satisfactory neovagina in a way that will be reliable and suitable for most  atients. Use of bilateral  udendal thigh fla  to create a neovagina may overthrow the conventional methods as there is no necessity for  osto erative dilation or vaginal intercourse to maintain adequate vaginal length and diameter. Vaginal reconstruction was done with bilateral  udendal thigh fla s, in seven  atients with vaginal agenesis, during 2 years, from July 2021 to June 2023. This method of vagino lasty is sim le, safe, and reliable and has shown satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. The reconstructed vagina has a natural angle and is sensate in its lower  art. No  osto erative stenting or dilatation is required. The donor site can be closed  rimarily and the scar is well hidden in the groin crease.
TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 11-16
Characteristics and Outcomes of SARS-Cov-2 Positive Pregnant Women Admitted to a Dedicated COVID ICU in RMCH, Bangladesh: An Observational Study
Authors: Khatun Wahida , Rahman Md Akkasur , Kamal Abu Hena Mostafa
Published: May 2024

Background: The global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has resulted in millions of infections worldwide, affecting individuals of all ages and genders. Pregnant women with comorbidities face an increased risk of severe COVID-19 infections, posing significant challenges to their clinical management in dedicated COVID-19 Intensive Care Units (ICUs). This single-centre observational study aimed to examine the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19-positive pregnant women admitted to a dedicated COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) in Bangladesh.
Methods: A observational study, analyzing data from pregnant women admitted to hospitals and adult COVID-19 ICUs between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. A total of 21 patients were included in the analysis. Patient demographics, medical histories, gestational age, symptoms, laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes were recorded and analyzed. The primary outcomes assessed were maternal mortality at 30 and 60 days, while the secondary outcomes included the length of ICU and hospital stay, fetal mortality, and preterm delivery.
Results: Among the 21 pregnant patients admitted to the COVID-19 ICU, 10 were COVID-positive, and 11 were suspected COVID cases. A total of 11 patients experienced adverse outcomes, resulting in a 52.4% mortality rate. None of the patients had received vaccination against COVID-19.
Conclusion: This single-centre observational study provides valuable insights into the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19-positive pregnant women admitted to a dedicated COVID-19 ICU at RMCH, Bangladesh. Pregnant women with underlying comorbidities may be at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness, warranting close monitoring and timely interventions. The study underscores the importance of tailored clinical management strategies for pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Further, multi-centre studies are warranted to validate and expand upon these findings, contributing to the global understanding of COVID-19 in pregnancy.
TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 25-33
Role of Alcian Blue Stain in Differentiating Prostatic Adenocarcinoma from Nodular Hyperplasia of Prostate
Authors: Al Imran Zahir , Asafudullah S M , Khanam Khadiza , Sultana Arefa , Majumder Swapna , Aynunnahar Mst
Published: May 2024

Objective: Enlargement of prostate is one of the leading cause of morbidity in men. Alcian Blue stain demonstrates that the acidic mucin is present in prostatic adenocarcinoma but absent in nodular hyperplasia of prostste. So this histochemical marker can be used in distinguishing them. This study aims to determine the role of Alcian Blue stain in differentiating prostatic adenocarcinoma from the nodular hyperplasia of prostate.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi and in the Department of Pathology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) during the period of March 2018 to February 2020. Specimens were processed routinely for Haematoxilin and Eosin stain. The Alcian Blue stain was performed to demonstrate the presence of acidic mucin and the findings were categorized as positive or negative staining. Statistical analyses was carried out by using the Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 for Windows. The components of accuracy test were computed by respective formulae for the tests.
Result: The study involved a total 60 specimens of prostatic tissue among which 30 were histopathologically diagnosed cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma and another 30 were histopathologically diagnosed cases of nodular hyperplasia. Among the 30 cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma the acidic mucin was positive in 25 (83.3 %) cases and negative in 5 (16.7%) cases but in nodular hyperplasia it was positive in 8 (26.6%) cases and negative in 22 (73.4%) cases. The sensitivity of Alcian Blue stain in favour of malignancy was 83.3% and specificity was 73.3%. The overall diagnostic accuracy of Alcian Blue stain was 78.3% and it showed a statistically significant difference in staining between the cases of adenocarcinoma and nodular hyperplasia, indicated by p<0.05.
Conclusion: Alcian Blue stain has a valuable role in differentiating prostatic adenocarcinoma from the nodular hyperplasia. So it can be used in the diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma.
TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 57-63
Correlation with serum Lactate dehydrogenase level and Hematological parameters before and after induction of remission in childhood Acute lymphoblastic leukemia- A prospective study
Authors: Alam A K M Shamsul , Hoshen Md Ibrahim , Ahmmad Be Nazir , Sarke Sanchita , Amin Md Ruhul , Rahman Fazlur , Uddin Md Belal
Published: May 2024

The relationship between serum LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) and the course of neoplasia had been well established in different studies. It might be a promising tool as assessing serum is easy, readily available and cheap in the  prognosis of childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). This study is aimed to evaluate the role of serum LDH before and after induction of remission in childhood ALL. This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, and Rajshahi for a period of two years. Total 30 children aged from 1-12 years newly diagnosed cases of ALL were included. Each patient underwent clinical evaluation and relevant investigations. All information was recorded in a separate case record form. Collected data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS 23. Mean age of the studied children was 5.03±3.17 years. Male children were 66.7% and female children were 33.3%. Mean value of serum LDH was significantly lower at 29th days of induction of remission compared to the value before chemotherapy (432.40±310.52 U/L vs. 829.10±345.58 U/L, p<0.05). Mean peripheral blast cell also reduced after chemotherapy (30.03±16.41% Vs. 0.37±0.96%). Pearson correlation model showed strong positive correlation between LDH level and bone marrow blast cell at both before and after chemotherapy (r> +0.75, p<0.001). This study observed significant reduction of LDH after chemotherapy and positive linear relation with peripheral blast cells.
TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 83-92
Ability of Free/Total Serum PSA Ratio in Diagnosing Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Islam Md Azizul , Islam S M Shahinul , Haque Md Jawadul , Hossain Md Mokter
Published: May 2024

Background: The Prostate gland is the male secondary sexual organ most commonly affected by benign or malignant neoplasm. Prostate cancer (Ca-P) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men and is now the third commonest cause of cancer death in western countries. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of serum prostate-specific antigen levels in differentiating prostate cancer from benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional observational study. The study was conducted at the outpatient department and indoor patients at the department of Urology, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), Rajshahi, and different private clinic in Rajshahi City during the period from July 2019 to June 2020. The study population included male patients above 50 years of age, who attended in the department of Urology, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), Rajshahi, and different private clinic in Rajshahi City complaining of irritative or obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suspected as clinically prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH Statistical analysis of the results was obtained by using window-based computer software devised with Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS-24).
Results: The age distribution of the prostatic carcinoma and BPH patients. Prostatic carcinoma was observed to be significantly higher from 80 years onwards, while BPH was common between 60 - 80 years (p = 0.00001). Table 10shows the validity or accuracy of the free/total ratio of serum PSA as a diagnostic test in differentiating prostatic carcinoma from BPH in patients with total PSA levels between 4-10ng/ml. The percentage of false positives was significantly higher when total PSA ratio was used to diagnose the disease compared to when free to total PSA was used as a diagnostic tool (p<0.000001). The overall accuracy of total PSA was also significantly lower (61.45%) than that of free/total PSA (91.67%) (p< 0.011526).
Conclusion: Free and total prostate specific antigen (PSA) is increased significantly in carcinoma prostate than benign prostatic hyperplasia but free/total ratio of serum prostate- specific antigen level significantly decreases in prostatic carcinoma than benign prostatic hyperplasia.
TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 101-109
Association of Serum Alpha-fetoprotein with the Tumor Characters and HBV Status of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Assess its Resectability
Authors: Haque Md Najmul , Yasmin Mst Rupali , Paul Shantona Rani
Published: May 2024

Background: Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has long been used to complement imaging tests in the screening and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its utility as a predictive marker of long-term risk for HCC in HBV patients is contentious.
Objective: The current study is aimed to assess the serum alpha-fetoprotein with the tumor character and HBV status of HCC to assess its resectability.
Methods: This was a single-center, cross-sectional study done from September 2020 to August 2021 at the department of Hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and liver transplantation surgery at BSMMU. A total of 27 HCC patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings were obtained using a standardized data collecting sheet with the patients' informed agreement. AFP was measured by automated chemiluminescence analyzer (LIAISON XL, DiaSorin, Italy) in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, BSMMU. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean standard deviation and examined using an unpaired t-test. The qualitative data were represented by frequencies and percentages, and the Chi-Square test and Fisher exact test (where applicable) were used to determine any association. The statistical tests were conducted with a 95% confidence interval, and P<0.05 was deemed statistically significant.
Results: Majority of the tumors were single and located in the right lobe. Local extension and distant metastasis were preset in unresectable patients of group 2.Hepatitis B virus was positive in 16 (59.3%) patients and DNA was detectable in 8 (29.6%) patients. HBV positivity and detectable HBV DNA was significantly associated with poor resectable status in group 2 but insignificant in group 1.
Conclusions: In this study, the overall resectability was 37%. HBV positive HCC patients are significantly associated with poor resectability when serum AFP is raised and it would be more indicative when HBV DNA is detected.
TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 111-119
Fungal Agents Causing Chronic Otitis Externa with Their Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern at RMCH
Authors: Mahjabin Mousumi , Alam Md Shah , Nahar Sabera Gul , Arefin Md Maruful , Rahman Nahreen , Amanathullah SKRKMASS , Rahman Nahreen , Haque Md Ahsanul
Published: May 2024

Background: Otomycosis is a well prevalent disease (9-30%) in our country which even might persist for more than 3 months (chronic cases). Now a days, development of antimicrobial drug resistant making difficult to treat such patients all over the world.
Objective: To identify fungal agents causing chronic otitis externa with their antimicrobial susceptibility in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
Material and Method: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from January 2022 to December 2022 in the department of Microbiology at Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi. About 110 suspected chronic otitis externa patients were selected from outpatient department of ENT of RMCH & data were collected by a semi structured questionnaire. Fungal organisms isolated and identified by culture, LPCB stain and relevant tests including a specific Czapek Dox Agar media. Antimicrobial susceptibility was done by modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 24.0). Statistical significance was considered when p value < 0.05.
Result: In this study, near half (48.18%) aural swab from respondent of chronic otomycosis were culture positive for different fungal species. Among all, A. niger was most common species (50.9%) & 1/5th of them was C. albicans (20.8%) along with other species. Most sensitive drug for different fungal species were voriconazole &itraconazole and most resistant drug were fluconazole and ketoconazole.
Conclusion: As common antifungal drugs are resistant to different fungal species & their susceptibility pattern are changes day by day, among otomycosis patients the fungal culture & antimicrobial susceptibility should be done to reduce the morbidity of such patients as well as to reduce the generation of new resistance to antifungal drugs.
TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 185-192
The Variation of Position of Mental Foramen in Relation to Side and Sex in Northern Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Fariya Saian , Mohol Fatima Jomrud , Sharmin Shahin , Khanom Most Ishita , Tahura Saraban
Published: May 2024

Background: The mental foramen is an important anatomical landmarks during surgical intervention and anaesthetic nerve block procedure involving inferior alveolar nerve and mental nerve.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the variation of position of mental foramen in relation to side and sex.
Methods: This cross-sectional type of descriptive study was conducted over a period of 1 year from January 2021 to December 2021 in the Department of Anatomy, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi. This study was performed on 250 dry adult human mandibles (148 were male and 102 were female mandibles) which were collected from the students of Department of Anatomy, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi as well as other Medical Colleges after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Data were collected purposively with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire. All the measurements were performed using digital sliding Vernier calipers and the data were analyzed via SPSS software, version 24.0. Statistical significance was evaluated as appropriate probability level p < 0.05 for all tests.
Results: The study revealed that 96% of mental foramens were oval in shape. Out of six morphometric parameters of mental foramen, four parameters (Distance from alveolar crest to upper margin, distance from lower border of mandible to lower margin, distance from symphysis menti to medial margin and horizontal diameter of mental foramen) were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) but distance from posterior border of ramus of mandible to lateral margin and vertical diameter of mental foramen were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Horizontal diameter of mental foramen of right halves and vertical diameter of mental foramen of both halves were higher in male than female and these were statistically significant (p < 0.05). But horizontal diameter of mental foramen of left halves between male and female was statistically non-significant (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: This study might help us in establishing a reference data-base in our country for the Anatomists in general, Dental Surgeons and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 193-200
Importance of Indexing for Modern Day Medical Journals
Authors: Ali Md Nowshad , Shahid S M Ahsan
Published: May 2024

Abstract not available
TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: I-II