bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tailored Incident Investigation Protocols: A Critically Needed Practice
Authors: Al-Bayati Ahmed Jalil
Published: April 2024

Construction scholars and practitioners have identified a repetitive pattern of direct causes leading to both fatal and non-fatal injuries among construction workers. Over the years, direct causes such as falls, electrocutions, and being struck have consistently represented a substantial proportion of recorded and reported injuries in the United States. One potential factor contributing to this repetition is the absence of root cause investigations for incidents. Incident investigations should focus on system deficiencies and shortcomings instead of individual behaviors. While the identification of incident root causes provides the needed information to eliminate the direct causes, it is inherently complex. Recently, the use of tailored incident investigation protocols as a practical and systematically conducted method was suggested to uncover the root causes of incidents, subsequently assisting in reducing their recurrence. To illustrate the feasibility of such an approach, this article provides a step-by-step guide to creating a tailored investigation protocol for revealing the root causes of arc flash incidents by utilizing a panel of safety experts. In addition, this study demonstrates the feasibility of developing tailored investigation protocols for other common causes, such as falls and electrocutions. Tailored investigation protocols streamline the identification of potential root causes to a manageable number, relying on subject matter experts. Consequently, they enhance learning from incidents by mitigating investigators’ biases and potential lack of experience. Safety practitioners can use the method presented in this article to create tailored investigation protocols based on their working environment to improve learning for occupational injuries.
Nigerian Migrant Women and Human Trafficking Narratives: Stereotypes, Stigma and Ethnographic Knowledge
Authors: Acién González Estefanía
Published: April 2024

During the last decades, Nigerian migrant women in the European sex market, described as victims of trafficking, have generated consistent concern and outrage. This article analyzes data from an ethnographic study of more than 800 Nigerian sex workers in southern Spain, describing the networks used by these women to carry out their migration projects and the relationships they establish with their agents. Thus, it contributes to refuting the hegemonic narrative about trafficking and its victims by contrasting it with data collected and systematized over almost a decade of participant observation and informal conversation. This paper argues that the stereotypical image of the Nigerian migrant women as victims of abuse and violence by transnational trafficking networks functions to justify strict migration-control policies and the denial of labor rights to sex workers. As an antidote to the dominance of narratives based on stereotypes and pseudoscientific claims, this paper underscores the urgent need for ethnographic research and its focus on emic (participant) perspectives. The goal is to develop tailored and effective policies and practices for the prevention of and intervention in migrant women’s experience of exploitation, abuse, and violence.
Mapping Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers Associated with the Pre-Flowering Morphological Performance of Fenugreek under Different Levels of Salt Stress
Authors: Dobeie Amani Mahmoud , Nemr Rahma A. , Abd El-Wahab Mustafa M. H. , Shahba Mohamed , El-Soda Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Salinity is a significant factor restricting plant growth and production. The effect of salinity stress on different growth parameters of 111 fenugreek genotypes was examined in an experiment with three salinity levels (0, 3000, 6000 mgL−1). A completely randomized block design with two replicated pots per treatment was used. Non-significant treatment effects were observed on fresh weight (FW); however, all traits showed significant genotype-by-treatment (GxT) interactions. This GxT was reflected in substantial SNP x environment interactions. Of 492 significant SNPs associated with the measured traits, 212 SNPs were linked to the correlated traits using an arbitrary threshold of three. Several SNPs were associated with FW and dry weight, measured under the same salinity treatment. The correlation between both traits was 0.98 under the three salinity treatments. In addition, 280 SNPs with conditional neutrality effects were mapped. The identified SNPs can be used in future marker-assisted breeding programs to select salt-tolerant genotypes. The results of this research shed light on the salt-tolerant properties of fenugreek.
Master–Slave Game Optimal Scheduling for Multi-Agent Integrated Energy System Based on Uncertainty and Demand Response
Authors: Zhu Boyu , Wang Dazhi
Published: April 2024

With the transformation of the energy market from the traditional vertical integrated structure to the interactive competitive structure, the traditional centralized optimization method makes it difficult to reveal the interactive behavior of multi-agent integrated energy systems (MAIES). In this paper, a master–slave game optimal scheduling strategy of MAIES is proposed based on the integrated demand response. Firstly, a master–slave game framework of MAIES is established with an energy management agent as leader, an energy operation agent, an energy storage agent, and a user aggregation agent as followers. Secondly, in view of the wind and solar uncertainty, the Monte Carlo method is used to generate random scenarios, and the k-means clustering method and pre-generation elimination technology are used for scenario reduction. Then, according to different flexible characteristics of loads, a multi-load and multi-type integrated demand response model including electric, thermal, and cold energy is built to fully utilize the regulation role of flexible resources. On this basis, the transaction decision-making models of each agent are constructed, and the existence and uniqueness of the Stackelberg equilibrium solution are proved. Finally, the case simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed optimal scheduling strategy of MAIES. Compared to the scenario without considering the wind and solar uncertainty and the integrated demand response, the rate of renewable energy curtailment was reduced by 6.03% and the carbon emissions of the system were reduced by 1335.22 kg in the scenario considering the proposed method in this paper.
Residents’ Risk Perception in Developing Destinations
Authors: Camprubi Raquel
Published: April 2024

This paper addresses a gap in research concerning local communities’ perceptions of emerging tourism destinations through the lens of risk perception theory. Despite extensive exploration of perceived risk across disciplines, little attention has been paid to how local communities perceive the risks associated with tourism development. This article aims to propose a framework to explore the multifaceted aspects of residents’ risk perception, encompassing various types of risks, emotions, personal factors, and the role of the media. By formulating research questions that probe into these dimensions, the paper also aims to provide a background for empirical studies that validate and refine the proposed model. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of local community perceptions, offering insights for policymakers and practitioners to foster sustainable tourism practices and community engagement.
The Impact of Digital Transformation on the High-Quality Development of Enterprises: An Exploration Based on Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liang Dong , Tian Jin
Published: April 2024

With the rapid development of the digital economy and digital technologies, the significance of digital transformation for high-quality enterprise development has been growing. Anchored in the framework of the Resource-Based View, this study employs a meta-analytic approach to systematically, quantitatively analyze 40 empirical studies published between 2010 and 2022. The aims are to synthesize and identify the impact mechanisms of digital transformation on high-quality enterprise development, while also further examining the moderating effects of heterogeneity. The findings reveal that digital transformation exerts a significantly positive influence on high-quality enterprise development through three mechanisms: factors related to innovation, factors linked to enterprise performance, and factors associated with capital market performance. Notably, irrespective of the degree of heterogeneity, both the primary effects of digital transformation on high-quality enterprise development and the moderating effects of various impact mechanisms are statistically significant. The results underscore the importance of digital transformation in driving high-quality enterprise development and offer valuable insights for relevant decision makers.
Study on Soil Total Nitrogen Content Prediction Method Based on Synthetic Neural Network Model
Authors: Liu He , Wang Jiamu , Liu Shuyan , Hu Qingran , Huang Dongyan
Published: April 2024

Rational utilization of soil total nitrogen is one of the keys to achieving sustainable agricultural development. By accurately measuring the content of total nitrogen in the soil, the utilization efficiency of nitrogen in the soil can be improved, and the scientific use of chemical fertilizers can reduce the pressure of agriculture on natural resources and realize the sustainable development of agriculture. In order to measure soil total nitrogen content simply and accurately, combined with the method of artificial olfactory systems, a new method of soil total nitrogen content detection based on convolutional noise reduction autoencoder (CDAE)–whale optimization algorithm (WOA)–deep residual shrinkage network (DSRN) is proposed. In order to obtain more salient features for fusion, the channel mechanism of the DSRN is improved by adding global Max pooling. The model uses a CDAE for the first filtering stage to automatically obtain data that filters simple noise and uses the WOA to automatically optimize hyperparameters. Finally, the optimized hyperparameters were used to train the DRSN for secondary filtering and predict the soil total nitrogen content. Experimental results show that the R2 of CAE-WOA-DSRN test set is 0.968, which is significantly better than the R2 of a traditional algorithm (0.873) and a simple BP network (0.877), and it can more accurately measure soil total nitrogen content.
The Use of Gamification and Web-Based Apps for Sustainability Education
Authors: Novo Carolina , Zanchetta Chiara , Goldmann Elisa , de Carvalho Carlos Vaz
Published: April 2024

This article dwells on the role of gamified digital tools in promoting environmental self-awareness and action. In particular, it unfolds the outreach of a web application, developed within the European GoBeEco project, aimed at encouraging users to adopt ecological and sustainability habits. In this article, the focus is on the implementation of the project in Portugal, and, therefore, the data presented in the results reflect the involvement of participants on a national level. Overall, more than two dozen participants were involved in the validation of the application, which comprised three evaluation phases involving the distribution of questionnaires and the organisation of a focus group aimed at assessing the role of GoBeEco in fostering sustainable personal change and also evaluating specifically the role that gamified elements played in that change. Results show that the application had a very positive impact on the users and helped mitigate the well-documented gap between sustainable awareness and action, and, also, that the gamification strategy contributed to that purpose. We argue that the potential of these applications in Portugal is latent but still has room for growth. In this sense, the study also highlights future paths for the development and implementation of these tools, based on the features most valued by users—access to statistical data, examples from real life, gamified and fun elements, and focus on daily, individual actions, among others.
Niche–Regime Interactions of Organic Model Farmers in Bavaria, Germany: Linking Activities of Individual Farmers
Authors: Hinzpeter Kilian , Winder Gordon M.
Published: April 2024

Organic farming is seen as a promising alternative in the transition to more sustainable agri-food systems. Within the multi-level perspective (MLP) framework for such transitions, the linkage between the innovative niche and the dominant regime is considered crucial. We explore the linkage activities of individual organic model farmers through farm webs that were created based on semi-structured interviews. As the agri-food transition’s designated executing actors, individual organic model farmers must be understood as change agents. This research shows that these model farmers show high levels of linking activities, but each engages in a variety of linkages that are put together individually. This research reveals the reasons for choosing specific linkages, revealing the varying potential impacts of organic model farmers and their relevance in the transition process, and emphasizes the need for tailored policies that support farmers in adopting sustainable farming practices.
Interaction Effect of Export Trade, Foreign Direct Investment and Technological Independent Innovation in China
Authors: Li Xianke , Li Chongyan
Published: April 2024

China has made significant progress in the field of clean energy and sustainable development, with its photovoltaic industry technology leading globally. What has been the trajectory of China’s successful technological catch-up over the past two decades? Is China’s experience sustainable? To clarify the interaction logic between export trade (ET), foreign direct investment (FDI), and technological independent innovation (TII) in China, this paper uses panel data from 31 provinces and cities in the Chinese Mainland between 2000 and 2022. A panel vector autoregression (PVAR) model is constructed from a dynamic endogenous perspective to verify the interaction and regional heterogeneity among the three. The results are as follows: (1) The unified analytical framework shows a significant bidirectional “positive feedback effect” between ET and TII. However, FDI inhibits TII to a certain extent. Furthermore, the correlation between ET and FDI is weak. (2) The impact of ET on TII is most pronounced in the western region, while the central region sees the highest contribution rate of FDI to TII. The self-evolution effect of TII is most evident in the eastern region. This study provides suggestions for the government to develop an adaptation policy for local industrial technology conditions and establish a National Sustainable Systems of Innovation (NSSI) with multiple comparative advantages, and serves as a reference for establishing a “Chinese model”.
Time Evolution of the Symmetry of Alphabet Symbols and Its Quantification: Study in the Archeology of Symmetry
Authors: Gilevich Artem , Frenkel Mark , Shoval Shraga , Bormashenko Edward
Published: April 2024

We investigated the time evolution of the symmetry of symbols constituting alphabets rooted in the Phoenician script. A diversity of quantitative measures of symmetry of graphemes appearing in Phoenician, Western Greek, Etruscan from Marsiliana, Archaic Etruscan, Neo-Etruscan, Euclidian Greek, Archaic and Classical Latin and Proto-Hebrew scripts, constituting the Phoenician script family, were calculated. The same measures were established for the Hebrew/Ashurit and English scripts. The Shannon-like measures of symmetry were computed. The Shannon diversity index was calculated. Our findings indicate that the Shannon diversity index increased with time in a monotonic way for the studied scripts. The diversity of symmetry groups inherent for addressed alphabets grows with time. We also introduced the symmetry factor of the alphabet. The symmetry factor quantifies the averaged level of symmetrization of the alphabet and the possible parsimony of graphical information necessary for the drawing of the entire set of graphemes constituting the alphabet. We found that the symmetry factor is decreased with time for the alphabets rooted in the Phoenician script. This means that the average level of symmetrization of the studied alphabet increases with time. The parsimony of graphical information necessary for writing graphemes is consequently increased with time. The values of the symmetry factor calculated for the addressed scripts are close to one another, with the pronounced exception of the Hebrew/Ashurit script. Our study supplies the arguments for the point of view, according to which the modern Hebrew/Ashurit script did not emerge from the Phoenician one.
The Great Canadian (Electric) Road Trip: Evaluating EV Use in National Park Tourism
Authors: Knowles Natalie , Scott Daniel , Mitchell Samuel
Published: April 2024

As part of its 2050 net zero emission commitment, Canada has a mandate to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) to decarbonize transportation. While the EV charging infrastructure is expanding in urban areas, the infrastructure for inter-city and nature-based tourism has not been assessed. This study combined four metrics of feasibility and convenience into an EV readiness index to evaluate 94 road trip itineraries associated with Canada’s iconic national parks. Index scores ranged from not possible (0) to equal to the travel experience of internal combustion vehicle (20). With the summer range, the average one-day route score was 19.2, as 82% of one-day itineraries could be completed without requiring additional charging. Multi-day routes scored lower (14.0), with 24% being highly inconvenient or impossible due to gaps between charging stations. With a reduced winter EV range, average index scores for one- and multi-day trips declined as charging needs increased (18.4 and 13.2, respectively). Across the 94 travel routes, EVs were estimated to produce only 17% of the carbon dioxide emissions of internal combustion vehicles (this was much lower in some provinces). The findings also highlight key regional differences in tourism EV readiness and where infrastructure is needed to provide equitable access to Canada’s national parks for tourists seeking to decarbonize their holiday travel.
From Normal Renal Function to Renal Replacement Therapy after Liver Transplantation: A Case Report
Authors: Mangold Samuel , Albu Gergely , Maillard Julien , Aldenkortt Florence , Schiffer Eduardo
Published: April 2024

Postoperative renal failure significantly impacts long-term renal function and the overall survival of patients receiving liver transplantation (LT), being a crucial factor in their morbidity and mortality. It is difficult to define whether the causes of renal failure are solely related to surgery or anaesthesia during liver transplantation (LT). Indeed, liver disease requiring liver transplantation is often the cause of preoperative renal failure. We report a case of a 62-year-old patient undergoing LT for cholangiocarcinoma that led to acute kidney injury postoperatively while his preoperative renal function was normal. This report highlights the major influence that the surgical and anaesthetic procedure can have on renal function and identifies the factors that may have led to renal replacement therapy being required for this patient.
Detection of Autumnal Concentration of Coscinodiscus granii in the Southern Baltic—A Method for In Situ Measurement of Marine Particles
Authors: Pawlik Magdalena M. , Ficek Dariusz
Published: April 2024

Efficient means for measuring the abundance and species composition of phytoplankton in situ continue to pose a big challenge to scientists. Hitherto, analyses and interpretations have been based mainly on small numbers of data acquired from microscopic examinations of water samples. Hence, information on devices facilitating such measurements is highly desirable. This paper examines the opportunities offered by the LISST-100X instrument for measuring in situ the concentrations and spatially variable biovolumes of a species dominant in the southern Baltic during the autumnal bloom. Microscopic analysis of phytoplankton in water sampled from different locations in the southern Baltic confirmed earlier results, indicating that this bloom was due to the overriding prevalence of one microplankton diatom species—Coscinodiscus granii. Combining the microscopic measurements of C. granii cell sizes with the size distribution ranges employed by the LISST-100X yielded equivalent spherical diameters (EDSs) ranging from 47.4 to 188.0 µm, with maxima in the 78.4–92.6 and 92.6–109 ranges. Comparative analysis of the particle size distribution (PSD) spectra was used to separate the abundance of C. granii from the total suspended particulate matter (SPM). Spatial in situ measurements in 2012 and 2014 of C. granii concentrations in surface waters showed that both its abundance and its percentage contribution to the total SPM were highly variable. Over a distance of several km, these concentrations varied from values close to zero to 0.2 µL L−1 in 2012 and from 0.3 to 0.9 µL L−1 in 2014, whereas the percentage in the total SPM was found to vary locally from a few to c. 50%. The proposed method and results demonstrate the success of the LISST-100X instrument in detecting size and volume concentrations of phytoplankton in size classes ranging from 1.25 to 250 μm. However, the correct interpretation of LISST data requires that the dominant phytoplankton species concentration in the suspensions be large enough for the signal (peak) to be readily visible against the background PSD of other SPM.
Design Issue Analysis and Operation Effect Evaluation of Large-Scale Storage Tank
Authors: Li Junqi , Yang Chengyuan
Published: April 2024

In order to address the issue of combined sewer overflows (CSOs), W city has constructed a large-scale storage tank with a volume of 220,000 m3. The storage tank is planned for CSO control in the near term and stormwater runoff pollution control in the long term. However, the actual operation of the storage tank is unsatisfactory. This paper elucidates the design scheme and operation mode of the tank and analyzes the challenges encountered during its design and operation. A storm water management model (SWMM) model was constructed to simulate the effect of the storage tank working in a combined sewer system (CSS), a separate sewer system (SSS) and a decentralized storage situation. This study determined that during the 2022 rainy season, the actual reduction in pollutants by the storage tank was only about 60% of the designed value. As a result, the inadequate treatment capacity of the downstream wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) resulted in the water being retained in the tank for a long time, leading to unsatisfactory operation outcomes. If the storage tank works in SSS and the problem of water retention can be solved, it could reduce the total runoff volume by 30% and the total amount of pollutants by 40% during the same rainy season. At the same time, under the premise of constant total storage volume, if decentralized storage tanks were used to control runoff pollution, the reduction effect can be increased by up to 11.6% compared with that of the centralized storage.
Functional and morphological evaluation of the dentofacial system in patients with distal occlusion using ultrasonic diagnostic methods
Authors: Oborotistov N. Yu. , Fokina A. A. , Vracheva D. N. , Ermoljev S. N. , Yanushevich O. O. , Persin L. S. , Sedoykin A. G.
Published: April 2024

Relevance. The integrity of the dentofacial system, significantly influenced by the functional condition of the masseter muscles (MM) and the morphological alterations in the alveolar bone, plays a crucial role in the outcome and duration of orthodontic treatment for distal occlusion. Ultrasonic diagnostic methods, due to their physiological compatibility, high information content, and ergonomic design, offer a preferable alternative for assessing and tracking these changes throughout orthodontic treatment.

Materials and methods. This study included 55 individuals of both genders, aged 9-12, with either normal occlusions (NO) or distal occlusions (DO). Ultrasound examinations of the MM at rest and during maximum voluntary teeth clenching were conducted to evaluate MM thickness and echotexture. Ultrasonic densitometry measurements were conducted through the assessment of ultrasound transit velocity (UTV). This was carried out across the interalveolar bone with probes positioned on the buccal and oral sides between two neighboring teeth roots.

Results. The findings indicated that DO patients had a notably thicker MM compared to their NO counterparts. Variations in MM echotexture were observed, with differences in the anechogenic and hyper echogenic zones. Recorded UTV values illustrated that the highest alveolar bone density in DO subjects was predominantly in the frontal regions of both jaws on the left side, whereas the lowest density was observed in the right lateral regions. For NO subjects, the highest density values were identified in the frontal region of the mandibular bone, with the lowest in the maxillary bone's lateral regions on both sides.

Conclusion. The application of advanced ultrasonic diagnostic methods in this study facilitated a detailed functional and morphological analysis of the MM, as well as an evaluation of alveolar bone density in individuals with both distal and normal occlusions. The development of ultrasonic alveolar bone density chart from this research provides a valuable addition to dental examination protocols for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Empirical Capacity Degradation Model for a Lithium-Ion Battery Based on Various C-Rate Charging Conditions
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Lee Juhyung , Shin Kyungseop , Kim Kwang-Bum , Chung Kyung Yoon
Published: April 2024

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in many applications due to their high energy density, high efficiency, and excellent cycle ability. Once an unknown Li-ion battery is reusable, it is important to measure its lifetime and state of health. The most favorable measurement method is the cycle test, which is accurate but time- and capacity-consuming. In this study, instead of a cycle test, we present an empirical model based on the C-rate test to understand the state of health of the battery in a short time. As a result, we show that the partially accelerated charge/discharge condition of the Li-ion battery is highly effective for the degradation of battery capacity, even when half of the charge/discharge conditions are the same. This observation provides a measurable method for predicting battery reuse and future capacity degradation.
Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cell using Ru Dye Attached PCBM
Authors: Park Il-Su , Hwang Jae-Keun , Jun Yongseok , Kim Donghwan
Published: April 2024

Ru dye (Z-907) is a crucial photosensitizing material in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). To enhance the utilization of Ru dye’s photosensitizing properties in bulk heterojunction solar cells, a method was developed to synthesize phenyl-C61- butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) nanoparticles that are chemically linked to Ru dye. PCBM contains a methoxy (−OCH3) group, whereas Ru dye incorporates a carboxyl group (−COOH) within its molecular structure. By exploiting these complementary functional groups, a successful bond between Ru dye and PCBM was established through an anhydride functional group. The coupling of PCBM with Ru dye results in a modification of the energy levels, yielding lower LUMO (3.8 eV) and HOMO (6.1 eV) levels, compared with the LUMO (3.0 eV) and HOMO (5.2 eV) levels of Ru dye alone. This configuration potentially facilitates efficient electron transfer from Ru dye to PCBM, alongside promoting hole transfer from Ru dye to the conducting polymer. Consequently, the bulk heterojunction solar cells incorporating this Ru dye-PCBM configuration demonstrate superior performance, with an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.62 V, short circuit current (Jsc) of 0.63 mA cm−2, fill factor (FF) of 65.6%, and a photovoltaic conversion efficiency (η) of 0.25%.
Secondary hyperparathyroidity in patients with progressive chronic kidney disease
Authors: Dinh Thi Minh Hao , Vo Tam
Published: April 2024

In patients with end-stage chronic kidney failure, there are a number of disorders that cause bone damage. In particular, secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is related to chronic kidney failure, a calcium-phosphorus metabolism disorder that causes bone disorder. Secondary HPT occurs when parathyroid hormone(PTH) is continuously produced in response to chronically low serum calcium levels, commonly seen in patients with progressive chronic kidney disease. In this article we present a case of secondary HPT causing facial and thoracic bone changes.
Key words: end-stage chronic kidney failure, chronic kidney, secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT).
Developing the ‘OCRAT’ Progressive Web Application (PWAs) for assessing ovarian cancer risk strategies
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Bach , Tran Doan Tu , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Early prediction of ovarian cancer has not been given much attention, the application of combined models in clinical practice is not widespread, and the calculation of these models is still difficult due to the complexity and multiple variables. we have developed a PWA (Progressive Web Apps) application called OCRAT (Ovarian Cancer Risk Assessment Tools - Ovarian Cancer Risk Assessment Tools) with the goal of simplifying the calculation, contributing to increasing the ability to apply these models in clinical practice, teaching, and scientific research.

Materials and methods: We used Progressive Web App (PWA) to build the app including four distinct models ROMA, CPH-I, RMI 4, and ADNEX.

Results: The app called OCRAT composes 3 main functions: ROMA&CPH-I, RMI 4, and ADNEX can install and run properly in any operating system. The app was officially announced at the Vietnam National Conference of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2023.

Conclusions: This application has been widely introduced to specialized obstetricians and gynecologists and has received positive feedback due to the application’s convenience, accuracy, and ease of access.

Key words: ovarian cancer, ROMA, CPH-I, RMI 4, ADNEX, OCRAT.
Classification of postoperative complications in plastic and reconstructive surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Singhal Shaani , Tobin Vicky , Hunter-Smith David , Rozen Warren
Published: April 2024

"Introduction: Postoperative complications are an integral aspect of the surgical audit, being a surrogate marker of surgical quality. Despite demonstrated efficacy in most specialties, there is scarce validation of current systems in plastic and reconstructive surgery, let alone a system unique to the specialty. This review aims to establish the efficacy of current systems in plastic and reconstructive surgery and formulate a classification unique to our specialty. Methods: A PUBMED literature search was performed in January 2023 encompassing all available literature. Search terms included ‘classification’, ‘grading’, ‘postoperative complications’ and ‘adverse events’. Further additions through bibliographic linkage generated a total of 363 articles. Results: Twenty-four papers were related to PRS. Sixteen used current systems to describe postoperative complications, whereas eight papers used a system designed uniquely for PRS. The downfall of conventional systems is the simplicity of return to the operating theatre, constituting a single grade in the Clavien-Dindo Classification. Return to theatre has a broad scope for heterogeneity in plastic and reconstructive surgery, particularly in reconstructive patients. A modification of the Clavien-Dindo Classification is proposed. Conclusion: There is limited efficacy of current classification systems for postoperative complications in plastic and reconstructive surgery nor a well-validated system unique to the specialty. A modified system with a detailed emphasis on return to the theatre will be of value to plastic and reconstructive surgery and ideally correlate with important outcomes. This will be validated in a retrospective review of the complication audit from the developing institution."
Art, pharmacy and history of skin marking and surgical inks in plastic surgery
Authors: Pan Tzong-Yang , Heng Irene , Sommerlad Brian , Dean Nicola
Published: April 2024

Plastic surgeons can be distinguished in pre-planning much of their surgery by drawing on the skin. The history of marking the body with ink in plastic surgery goes back to the 1400s. The Sommerlad pen was originally developed at the London Hospital in the 1970s. Sommerlad pens and Bonney’s blue ink allow for a consistent weight of the pen in hand, a reliable source of ink, and an ability to vary the thickness of the line drawn. There has been a suspicion that gentian violet, a component of Bonney’s blue ink, is a carcinogen, resulting in supply problems. Animal models have demonstrated the carcinogenic properties of gentian violet, but evidence to support the carcinogenic potential of gentian violet in humans is sparse. In the surgical setting, we must adhere to using published and described ink formulas. Proprietary formulations lack standardisation, and the compounds used are not always disclosed. The concerning findings of in-vitro and animal models are a valuable addition to our knowledge about these compounds; however, to over-extrapolate and restrict its use on humans as a topical skin marker takes away an important component of a plastic surgeon’s armamentarium.
Update on gender-affirming surgery
Authors: Blake William
Published: April 2024

William Blake looks at advances in the provision of gender-affirming surgery and how plastic surgeons in Australia can respond to the need for better surgical care for gender-diverse people.
Thieves and kidnappers
Authors: Lee Mark , Ashton Mark
Published: April 2024

Plagiarism undermines the integrity of research. Editor-in-Chief Mark Lee outlines some tools that can help researchers avoid unintentional plagiarism and promote a culture of integrity in plastic surgery research.
Meeting the Challenges of Online Education during Covid-19 Pandemic: Implications for Blended Learning
Authors: Majed Nehreen , Ara Arjumand , Chowdhury Sarwar R
Published: April 2024

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, technological and administrative systems for implementing online learning, and the infrastructure that supports its access and delivery, had to be adapted quickly. While disparity in accessibility existed between urban and rural students, extensive resources had been allocated and processes developed to connect learners with course activities and materials, to facilitate communication between instructors and students, and to manage the administration of online learning. Educators needed to make way for this transition with the available technological support and their existing IT skills. Although the pandemic is over, online education still remains a viable option for continuing education in an emergency situation. Exploring the challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic and delving deep into the nature and the types of these challenges and their possible reasons will pave the way of translating these insights into academic practices required for laying the foundation of blended learning (BL) in higher education. Recently the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh has published a proposal for adopting BL in the higher education institutions of Bangladesh. This case study consisting of both quantitative and qualitative research, explores the challenges faced by the teachers of the University of Asia Pacific (UAP) during the online shift of education because of the pandemic. Based on the findings, a blended learning framework has been developed which can be applied in tertiary level education in Bangladesh and elsewhere.
Premarital and Extra Marital Sexual Issues in Tanjore Region based Tamil Novels
Authors: Balakrishnan M
Published: April 2024

The family system is the organization that appears to fulfill the natural sexual needs of a man. A consensual sex through legal or traditionally and ritually defined, accepted marriage is a statute norm in Tamil society and hence it has systemically regulated the fulfillment of a man’s sexual need within the family system. But premarital sex does happen with or without the knowledge and acceptance of society. Extramarital or post marital relationships also happen in the event of unfulfilled desires and expectations. Such illicit sexual affairs create problems within family leading to disturbed and fragmented marital life and fatal consequences at times. Illicit affairs and its impact on family well being has formed the theme of Tanjore based novels like sennel, vellikizhamai, nenjin naduvae, kuruthipunal, poruppu, mathipetra minor, mogamul, velvi thee, pasitha manudam. This article explores these novels in this context. While issue of premarital has been dealt in sennel, vellikizhamai, nenjin naduvae, kuruthipunal and pasitha manudam, impact of post marital relationship has been depicted in pasitha manudam, velvi thee. Sexual affairs with prostitute and mistress has been narrated in poruppu, mathipetra minor, kuruthipunal (Indhira Parthasarathy) and nenjin naduvae (C.M. Muthu).
TO THE STATE AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTION OF THE HEALTHCARE «CHELYABINSK REGIONAL CHILDREN'S CLINICAL HOSPITAL» TURNS 85 YEARS OLD
Authors: Заравнятных Е.А.
Published: April 2024

Государственному автономному учреждению здравоохранения «Челябинская областная детская клиническая больница» в 2023 году исполняется 85 лет. История становления и развития Челябинской областной детской клинической больницы – это путь от детских отделений для лечения детей с туберкулезом, коклюшем, дифтерией, пневмониями, патологией желудочно-кишечного тракта на базе Челябинской областной клинической больницы до современного эффективного медицинского учреждения 3 уровня, оказывающего медицинскую помощь детскому населению Челябинской области.
THE CONCEPT OF CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL APPROACH IN STUDYING CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS
Authors:   Omsk State Medical University, Omsk, Russia, Антонова И. В. , Понкрашина Л. П. ,   Omsk State Medical University, Omsk, Russia, Антонов О. В. ,   Omsk State Medical University, Omsk, Russia
Published: April 2024

The study aims to determine the main directions of the concept of a comprehensive clinical and epidemiological study of malformations in children living on the territory of one of the centers of the chemical industry of the Siberian Federal District in order to improve a multi–level program for their prevention. A comprehensive retrospective analytical study of the results of the Omsk long-term monitoring of all cases of malformations in children and fetuses was conducted, as well as an analysis of domestic and foreign literature on terminology, classification, epidemiology, and prevention of a wide range of congenital malformations. The analytical review revealed numerous aspects of the problem of congenital malformations, ranging from issues of terminology, classification, and registration to the lack of comprehensive, region-oriented, and personalized strategies for their prevention. The authors present the main aspects of the multidisciplinary problem of congenital malformations and offer solutions. The importance of primary prevention of malformations is emphasized, as is the interaction of pediatricians with geneticists, epidemiologists, hygienists, and teachers in children’s educational institutions.
CHARACTERISTICS OF GASTROINTESTINAL SALMONELLOSIS IN CHILDREN FROM NIZHNY NOVGOROD
Authors:   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Сенягина Н. Е. , Краснов В. В. ,   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Егорская А. Т. ,   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Пименов Д. А. ,   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
Published: April 2024

The study aims to examine the epidemiological, etiological, and clinical features of gastrointestinal salmonellosis in children living in Nizhny Novgorod. A retrospective analysis of 49 children with gastrointestinal salmonellosis who received treatment in the Infectious Hospital No. 23 in Nizhny Novgorod was conducted. Database was compiled via clinical and laboratory diagnosing methods to assess the age of the patients, the duration of the disease upon admission to the hospital, the results of physical examination and laboratory tests using statistical methods. Most children were 3 years old or older (71.4 %) and admitted in 2–3 days after the onset of the disease (77.6 %). The most common infectious agent was serovar S. enteritidis D (84.8 %), while every 2nd child (46.9 %) had a mixed infection. The severity of the disease was mostly moderate (93.9 %) with the presence of intoxication (87.8 %), febrile fever (65.3 %), abdominal pain syndrome (93.8 %), repeating vomiting (57.7 %). Half of the patients developed grade I exicosis (53 %). astrointestinal symptoms were often combined with leukocyturia (49 %). The fecal culture test was highly informative for verification of specific bacterial agent. Long-term germ fecal excretion was detected in 12.2 % of patients, mostly in children under the age of 3 years (83.3 %). The study provides etiological, clinical and epidemiological features of gastrointestinal salmonellosis in children living in Nizhny Novgorod.
GENETIC DETERMINANTS OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC CORONARY SYNDROMES
Authors:   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia, Секисова В. Е. ,   District Cardiological Dispensary “Center for Diagnostics and Cardiovascular Surgery”, Surgut, Russia, Воробьёв А. С. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia,   District Cardiological Dispensary “Center for Diagnostics and Cardiovascular Surgery”, Surgut, Russia, Николаев К. Ю. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia, Урванцева И. А. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia,   District Cardiological Dispensary “Center for Diagnostics and Cardiovascular Surgery”, Surgut, Russia, Донников М. Ю. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia, Коваленко Л. В. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia, Каспарова А. Э. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia, Ратушная Е. А. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia,   District Cardiological Dispensary “Center for Diagnostics and Cardiovascular Surgery”, Surgut, Russia, Безденежных А. И. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia,   District Cardiological Dispensary “Center for Diagnostics and Cardiovascular Surgery”, Surgut, Russia
Published: April 2024

The study aims to determine the genetic determinants related to chronic and acute coronary syndromes, associated with both the adverse prognosis and the fewer complications of cardiovascular diseases, the variants of modern genetic risk scales that allow improving the prognosis methods for risk of adverse outcomes (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, acute cerebrovascular accident) in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Most of the traditionally assessed risk factors, such as blood pressure, smoking, and physical activity levels, are variable, while genetic determinants remain constant throughout life, which provides new prospects in risk-factor assessment and the development of reducing methods for risk of adverse outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases. There is no unified approach to the use of genetic scales in practice, despite the istablished associations of some determinants with the outcome of acute and chronic coronary syndromes.
MODERN MARKERS OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Authors:   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia, Белоцерковцева Л. Д. ,   Surgut District Clinical Center of Maternity and Childhood Health Care, Surgut, Russia, Ерченко Е. Н. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia,   Surgut District Clinical Center of Maternity and Childhood Health Care, Surgut, Russia, Хисамиева Л. Ф. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia
Published: April 2024

The study aims to generalize and systematize information obtained from the literature of 10 years from the MEDLINE, PubMed, eLIBRARY.RU, and RISC databases about additional markers of glycemic control in gestational diabetes mellitus for evaluation of its effectiveness and treatment correction. The review article included 22 literature sources out of 156 analyzed publications on the issue. There is not enough research available on such markers as fructosamine, glycated albumin, and 1.5-anhydroglucitol. Therefore, it is required to study and implement them into practice further on in order to optimize the treatment and manage pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus.
SYMPTOMS AND CLINICAL DATA OF COMMUNITYACQUIRED PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN
Authors:   Khanty-Mansi State Medical Academy, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, Углева Т. Н. , Ушакова О. Н. ,   District Clinical Hospital, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia
Published: April 2024

The study aims to identify the main symptoms and features of the clinical manifestations of community-acquired pneumonia in relation to age in 652 hospitalized children with community-acquired pneumonia confirmed by X-ray in 2014–2019. Coughing (100 %), fever > 37.5 °С (45.3 %), tachycardia (66.8 %), and tachypnea (18 %) were the most prevalent clinical symptoms in children aged 1 to 14. Rapid breathing in children with acute respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing with rale and retraction, is the most significant clinical marker associated with pneumonia. It is statistically significantly associated with hypoxemia, as well as severe hypoxemia (SpO2 < 92 %), which is the most common in children under the age of six.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM’S FUNCTIONAL CONDITION IN ATHLETES WITH HEARING LOSS LIVING IN THE NORTHERN REGION
Authors:   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia, Литовченко О. Г. , Максимова А. С. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia
Published: April 2024

The study aims to assess the functionality of the cardiovascular system’s condition in athletes with hearing impairment who live in the North region. 22 higher qualification volleyball players (26.42 ± 6.75 y. o.) with hearing impairment who had lived in the North region for at least 10 years participated in the research. Based on 5-min RR intervals measured at rest, the authors examined the functionality of the cardiovascular system’s condition in athletes with hearing impairment. The statistical indicators of RR intervals and indicators of variation heart rate monitoring were evaluated. The study determined the indicators of variation heart rate monitoring and statistical indicators of heart rate variability in athletes with hearing impairment that were defined by increased parasympathetic regulatory effects combined with a moderate increase in ergotropic reactions of regulatory systems on heart rhythm modulation. Due to the centralization of heart rhythm management, intense physical activity causes a moderate tension of autonomic regulation mechanisms in some volleyball players with hearing impairment.
PROBLEMS OF THE PHARMACOTHERAPY REGIMENS USED FOR PATIENTS WITH COMORBIDITIES AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF A NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION
Authors:   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia, Аскерова А. А. ,   Surgut District Clinical Hospital, Surgut, Russia, Аббасова С. Г. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia,   Surgut District Clinical Hospital, Surgut, Russia, Сундукова Е. А. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia, Арямкина О. Л. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia
Published: April 2024

The study aims to assess the prescribed etiotropic and pathogenetic therapy regimen for coronavirus infection (COVID-19) taking into account the category of patients with comorbidities. Therefore, the literature including all temporary methodical guidelines on prevention, diagnosing, and treatment of COVID-19 and consensus minutes on the issue of acute COVID-19 treatment were analyzed. The literature for searched for in eLibrary, PubMed, CyberLeninka, and Google Academia databases for the last 10 years. The positive and negative effects of pharmacotherapy leading to the search for a new treatment regimen were assessed via the analysis of changing therapy regimen in terms of the data on their effectiveness and probable collateral damage and treatment of patients with comorbidities.