bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Work Life Balance in Engineering Consultancies in NCR during COVID-19
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Management Studies, JSS Academy of Technical Education, Noida, Saxena Dr. Kokila , Prakash Ms. Shalini ,   Research Scholar, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow
Published: February 2022

The paper determines the level of work life balance (WLB) while work from home and while attending the office regularly. The participants were same and they have to rate the Work Life Balance assuming themselves in both the situations. The two groups compared were male employees and female employees. The participants were taken randomly from four engineering consultancies in NCR (Jacobs Engineering, Tractebel Engineering, Bechtel India Pvt. Ltd. and Ercom Engineers Pvt. ltd.). 124 completed responses found to be completed. Further the study compares the mean values of Work Life Balance while work from home and regular office among male and female employees. The results reveal that the employees can maintain the WLB level well while work from home. The hypothesis testing results show that there is no significant difference among the male and female employees in the level of Work Life Balance while work from home and regular office.
FORMULATION AND IN-VITRO CHARACTERIZATION OF ABACAVIR SULPHATE EFFERVESCENT FLOATING TABLETS
Authors:   School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics,  Nalla Narasimha Reddy Education Society’s Group of Institutions, Hyderabad, Telangana, India., Thatikonda Nihari , Beri Sree Giri Prasad ,   School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics,  Nalla Narasimha Reddy Education Society’s Group of Institutions, Hyderabad, Telangana, India., Chinnala Krishna Mohan ,   School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics,  Nalla Narasimha Reddy Education Society’s Group of Institutions, Hyderabad, Telangana, India., Nalla Aravinda ,   School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics,  Nalla Narasimha Reddy Education Society’s Group of Institutions, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Published: February 2022

fter oral administration of Abacavir, rapid absorption occurs from upper part of gastro intestinal tract with peak concentrations occurring at 0.63 - 1 hr after dosing. Conventional drug therapy with tablets produce relatively rapid and high peak blood levels that requires frequent administration to maintain effective range of plasma drug levels. This conventional therapy leads to reduced effectiveness with poor therapeutic management. To overcome the inadequacy of conventional therapy with tablets, floating sustained release Abacavir tablets were developed. Floating sustained release Abacavir Sulphate tablets were prepared by using direct compression method. Tablet were formulated using Ethyl Cellulose with hydrocolloids like Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC K4M) and Carbopol 974P as release retarding polymers, Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and Citric acid as effervescent agents. Tablets were then evaluated for various physical parameters including hardness, thickness, weight variation, friability, drug content, in-vitro buoyancy, Swelling index and Invitro gastro retentive drug release were conducted. Drug and excipient compatibility studies show that they are compatible with each other. The optimized formulation (F9) shows the hardness of 5.7kg/cm2, tablet thickness of 2.74mm, 0.45% of friability, in-vitro buoyancy was up to 6 hours and % drug release was 90.56% in 6 hours. Drug release kinetics was found to follow non-fickian diffusion. Hence, F9 is considered as optimized formulation based on invitro buoyancy and % drug release.
A Rare Case: Myocardial Infarction during Pregnancy
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Murat , ÇIĞŞAR Gülşen , ÇİFTÇİ Handan , GUNAL Elnare
Published: February 2022

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is rare during reproductive ages, but is three to four times more common in pregnant women than nonpregnant women. AMI during pregnancy is associated with high maternal and fetal mortality. We present a 22-year-old patient with 28 weeks pregnancy who was admitted to emergency department with chest pain and diagnosed with AMI in her follow-up.
Halftone Wave Front Control: Numerical Simulation and Laboratory Demonstration
Authors: Yoneta Kenta , Murakami Naoshi , Ichien Hikaru , Sudoh Seiji , Nishikawa Jun
Published: February 2022

High-contrast instruments are required for direct imaging of faint exoplanets around bright host stars. In high-contrast instruments, a wave front control system is needed to generate a dark hole by suppressing residual stellar speckles. However, the achievable contrast is limited by the phase quantization error (i.e., finite phase resolution) of wave front control devices, such as deformable mirrors or spatial light modulators. In this paper, we propose a halftone method for wave front control to improve the contrast using a wave front control device with quantized phase modulation. In a numerical simulation, the contrast was improved from 1.4 × 10−9 to 3.8 × 10−10 by halftone wave front control. In addition, we performed a laboratory demonstration in which a spatial light modulator was used for wave front control, and the contrast was improved from 2.2 × 10−7 to 6.0 × 10−8 for a phase resolution of 2π/256.
Efficient and Precise Transit Light Curves for Rapidly Rotating, Oblate Stars
Authors: Dholakia Shashank , Luger Rodrigo , Dholakia Shishir
Published: February 2022

We derive solutions to transit light curves of exoplanets orbiting rapidly rotating stars. These stars exhibit significant oblateness and gravity darkening, a phenomenon where the poles of the star have a higher temperature and luminosity than the equator. Light curves for exoplanets transiting these stars can exhibit deviations from those of slowly rotating stars, even displaying significantly asymmetric transits depending on the system’s spin–orbit angle. As such, these phenomena can be used as a protractor to measure the spin–orbit alignment of the system. In this paper, we introduce a novel semianalytic method for generating model light curves for gravity-darkened and oblate stars with transiting exoplanets. We implement the model within the code package starry and demonstrate several orders of magnitude improvement in speed and precision over existing methods. We test the model on a TESS light curve of WASP-33, whose host star displays rapid rotation (

v
sin

i

*

=
86.4

km s−1). We subtract the host’s δ-Scuti pulsations from the light curve, finding an asymmetric transit characteristic of gravity darkening. We find the projected spin–orbit angle is consistent with Doppler tomography and constrain the true spin–orbit angle of the system as

φ
=

108.3

−
15.4

+
19.0

°. We demonstrate the method’s uses in constraining spin–orbit inclinations of such systems photometrically with posterior inference. Lastly, we note the use of such a method for inferring the dynamical history of thousands of such systems discovered by TESS (https://github.com/rodluger/starry, https://rodluger.github.io/starry, https://github.com/shashankdholakia/gravity-dark).
Effect of Nurse-Led Program in Coronary Heart Diseases Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Afik Al , Nursalam Nursalam , Sufyanti A. Yuni , Fikriana Riza
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Proper management for CHD patients is needed to reduce mortality. Nurses have a very important role in making CHD patients can carry out optimal health behaviors.
AIM: This review study aims to identify the effect of the nurse-led program on CHD patients.
METHODS: This systematic review was based on four electronic databases (Scopus, Science Direct, ProQuest, SAGE Journals) and published between 2011 and 2020. This review used the Joanna Briggs Institute and Prisma guidelines. The study’s eligibility was assessed from the title, abstract, research methodology, and full text. The review results were presented in tabulated data and narrative form.
RESULTS: Nine articles showed that the nurse-led program significantly improved health behavior, health-related quality of life, clinical outcome, and illness perception in CHD patients.
CONCLUSIONS: It is expected that the improvement of management in CHD patients will improve patients’ quality of life. Hence, it could reduce the number of morbidities and mortality.
Culinary Industry Health Product in Surakarta, Indonesia: Health Policy Guaranteeing Halal and Healthy Products
Authors: Nurhayati Nunik , Dimyati Khudzaifah , Absori Absori , Wardiono Kelik , Iksan Muchamad , Rizka Rizka , Harun Harun
Published: February 2022

AIM: This paper aims to analyze the behavior of small and medium industrial food producers in Surakarta City in ensuring the halal status of their products according to the legal policy after the enactment of Law number 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Guarantee.

METHODS: This paper uses a juridical empiric methods and approaches.

RESULTS: The results showed that 87.79% of respondents stated that halal (good and health food for Muslims) certification is important, but only 16.07% already had a halal certification. This shows that the level of compliance of Law number 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Guarantee is still low. Islamic guidelines on ethics as a basis can be one of the elements in legal policy of this law that can be a driving force for legal culture on food producers’ behavior in guaranteeing halal and health products. There is a close relationship between ethics and law as both revolve around human actions. Non-compliance does not only come from a lack of ethics. Respondents stated that they pay attention to the process in food production so that they are guaranteed halal and healthy, but due to technical problems and costs in obtaining halal certification, they do not register to obtain it. Halal product guarantee is legal certainty of the halalness of a product as evidenced by a halal certificate. There is no legal impact if a product is not labeled as halal because in Law number 3 of 2014, it does not require entrepreneurs to register halal guarantees for their products. However, if a product has a halal label, it will gain the trust of consumers as a choice of products to be purchased or not.

CONCLUSION: Thus, halal certificates will have a positive social and economic impact.
Factors Associated with Iron Deficiency in Elementary School Children
Authors: Flora Rostika , Zulkarnain Mohammad , Fajar Nur Alam , Jasmine Annisah Biancika , Yuliana Indah , Tanjung Risnawati , Sulaiman Sulaiman , Putra Sumitro Adi , Martini Sri , Aguscik Aguscik
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is the leading cause of iron deficiency anemia and is a health problem for children in developing countries. School-age children are susceptible to iron deficiency because children’s growth and development require iron. Although iron is needed for children’s growth and development, iron also plays a role in cognitive function. Many factors cause iron deficiency in children.

AIM: This study aims to determine the most dominant factor causing iron deficiency in elementary school children.

METHODS: The design of this study was case-control, with a sample of elementary school children aged 9–12 years in the Tuah Negeri Subdistrict. After examining the serum iron, children were grouped into two groups, namely, iron deficiency and normal. Each group consists of 85 children, and the total sample is 170 children. Measurement of serum iron levels was done by spectrophotometric method, while data on children’s characteristics were obtained through questionnaires. In addition, nutritional status measurements were also carried out to determine whether the child was stunted, measurements based on TB/U, and Z-score was calculated using Anthro 1.02 software. Finally, the data were analyzed by univariate, bivariate, and multivariate using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.

RESULTS: Based on the child characteristics data, 60% of children aged >10–12 years, 54.1% were female, and 23.5% of children were stunted. Data on the characteristics of parents obtained 67.6% of mothers and 74.1% of fathers with low education; 84.1% of mothers and 55.3% of fathers work as farmers, and 54.7% have low economic status. Bivariate results showed that two characteristic variables, namely, economic status (p = 0.003) and nutritional status (p < 0.001), were significantly related to the incidence of iron deficiency in children. The results of multivariate analysis showed that children with low economic status were at risk of 2.361 times (p = 0.011) of having an iron deficiency while stunting children were at risk of 6.785 times (p < 0.001) of having iron deficiency.

CONCLUSION: Stunting is the dominant factor associated with iron deficiency in elementary school children in Tuah Negeri Sub-district.
Socioeconomic impacts on medication adherence among patients with hypertension: A multicentre cross-sectional study in Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Setiadi Adji Prayitno , Widiyastuti Sari , Mariati IGA Dewi , Sunderland Bruce , Wibowo Yosi Irawati
Published: February 2022

Socioeconomic impacts on adherence are understudied, particularly in disadvantaged areas. This study aimed to evaluate socioeconomic factors on medication adherence among patients with hypertension in Lombok, Indonesia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in all six public hospital outpatient clinics in Lombok in 2017. Data was obtained using a validated questionnaire to which the Morisky Green Levine Adherence Scale (MGLS) questionnaire was used to assess medication adherence. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine independent socioeconomic associations. A total of 693 patients with hypertension were included (response rate 84%). The majority had low adherence (76.2%). Significant independent associations were reported between setting and education with adherence (rural versus urban setting: odds ratio 3.54, p<0.001; primary versus university level education: odds ratio 5.39, p<0.001). Socioeconomic associations provide some basis for the development of patient and population-based interventions to improve adherence among patients with hypertension in Indonesia, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
Combating Disruptive Behaviors: Strategies to Promote a Healthy Work Environment
Authors: Longo Joy
Published: February 2022

Disruptive behaviors among healthcare workers threaten the safety and well being of both patients and staff. The Joint Commission now charges healthcare organizations seeking accreditation to address these behaviors. All members of the healthcare team need to be knowledgeable about disruptive behaviors. In this article the author reviews the causes and consequences of disruptive behavior for both patients and healthcare workers, discusses initiatives for addressing disruptive behaviors, and provides specific steps for nurse managers and staff nurses to combat disruptive behaviors.
Possibilité et limites d’une philosophie photographique
Authors: Lucken Michael
Published: February 2022

Prenant appui sur l’œuvre du philosophe japonais Nakai Masakazu (1900-1952), cet article expose une conception de la photographie qui permet de sortir le déploiement technique de l’horizon des fins catastrophiques. Il s’en dégage les linéaments d’une philosophie qu’on peut qualifier à proprement parler de photographique où se mêlent des schémas issus du bouddhisme et de la théorie marxienne du reflet.
La dialectique et l’État
Authors: Douet Yohann
Published: February 2022

Après avoir présenté les « réformes » de la dialectique hégélienne par Croce et Gentile, nous examinons leur critique par Gramsci : les penseurs néo-idéalistes nieraient, contrairement à Hegel, les contradictions réelles – négation liée à certains égards à la logique des révolutions passives. Nous nous arrêtons ensuite sur les conceptions de l’État de Croce et de Gentile, dont les perspectives – respectivement libérale et étatiste – pêchent toutes deux par abstraction pour Gramsci. Ce dernier s’attache à penser l’État en son sens intégral (dans son unité dialectique avec la société civile), et juge pour cela nécessaire, ici aussi, de revenir à Hegel.
Points de vue sur la jeunesse – Volume 1
Authors: Widmaier Benedikt
Published: February 2022

Au cours de la dernière décennie, les débats sur la théorie de la démocratie ont été dominés par des théories axées sur les citoyens. En Amérique (citoyenneté engagée) comme en Europe (citoyenneté active) ou en Allemagne ( Bürgerschaftliches Engagement , c’est-à-dire engagement citoyen), ces théories étaient dominées par la conviction qu’il existe des effets d’entraînement entre l’engagement social et la participation politique : les citoyens qui sont intégrés et engagés dans une organisation de la société civile finiront également – tôt ou tard – par prendre part aux affaires politiques. Surtout dans la version européenne de la « citoyenneté active », nous pouvons montrer que cette conviction repose pour l’essentiel sur la théorie du « capital social » (Robert Putnam). L’article présente certains faits sur l’évolution de la théorie de la démocratie qui sont examinés plus particulièrement dans le contexte de la philosophie de la « citoyenneté active » présentée dans des documents européens (Conseil de l’Europe, CRELL…). Il montre ensuite que, depuis quelques années, les doutes concernant les effets d’entraînement attendus se sont intensifiés dans le domaine des sciences sociales. Ces débats sur la théorie de la démocratie présentent un grand intérêt non seulement pour l’avenir de la démocratie (« postdémocratie » ?) mais également pour le développement de nouveaux concepts d’éducation à la citoyenneté. Dans cet article, l’auteur demande que les concepts de l’éducation à la citoyenneté soient davantage axés sur des questions politiques que par le passé. La question est de savoir si nous avons besoin de davantage de « capital politique » en plus du « capital social » (bien entendu nécessaire) et comment nous pouvons créer ce « capital politique ». Enfin, est proposé un concept pédagogique concret pour le développement de l’éducation à la citoyenneté européenne. L’idée de « laboratoires transnationaux pour des politiques actives d’apprentissage » a déjà été évoquée lors d’une conférence sur l’avenir de l’emploi international des jeunes organisée par l’IJAB et le ministère allemand de la Jeunesse il y a quelques années.
Points de vue sur la jeunesse – Volume 4
Authors: Călăfăteanu Adina Marina
Published: February 2022

Les technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC) jouent un rôle de plus en plus prégnant dans la vie des jeunes. Des termes tels que « natifs du numérique », « génération internet », « génération Google » ou « enfants du millénaire » ont été employés afin de mettre en lumière la place éminente que prennent les nouvelles technologies pour susciter l’adhésion des jeunes aux outils de communication en ligne. Ce chapitre examine le rôle joué par les trois thèmes interdépendants – identité, citoyenneté et apprentissage – pour encourager les natifs du numérique à utiliser des outils de communication non traditionnels.
El buen gobierno de los robots para su correcto impacto en la sociedad: ¿qué herramientas existen?
Authors: Amesti Mendizábal Christi , Zardoya Jiménez Natalia
Published: February 2022

La inteligencia artificial (IA) y la robótica son dos realidades que han venido para quedarse y cuya implicación en nuestra sociedad afecta a distintos ámbitos. El hecho de que nos encontremos ante una tecnología capaz de emular actitudes humanas como son el aprendizaje o la adaptación, convierten a la IA, y en concreto a los robots dotados de la misma, en máquinas imprevisibles. Asimismo, nos encontramos con la agravante de la posible interacción entre máquinas y sujetos de carácter vulnerable como son los consumidores o los pacientes, lo que entraña un riesgo aún mayor. Precisamente por ello es necesario un análisis desde el punto de vista jurídico, así como también ético, de las consecuencias del manejo de los robots inteligentes en nuestra sociedad.
Incidencias filosóficas actuales en la sociedad digital: ideologías, desinformación y confusión epistemológica
Authors: Palomo Miguel
Published: February 2022

A través de la difusión de elementos informativos (es decir, cualquier ítem creado y difundido con la finalidad de transmitir información) en la sociedad digital, la desinformación modifica 1) la ideología social y política de los usuarios de las redes sociales y de otras herramientas digitales, así como su cosmovisión o conjunto de ideas sobre la realidad; 2) la actuación ética del sujeto en el mundo, lo que incluye actos violentos, terroristas y de terrorismo estocástico; y 3) las condiciones de veracidad que se le otorgan a un hecho para etiquetarlo como veraz, lo que deviene en el fenómeno de la confusión epistemológica, mediante el cual se otorga veracidad a un hecho por el mero deseo de que sea verdadero, en lugar de apelar a voces de autoridad reconocida.
La libertad reproductiva en disputa: gestación en venta como opresión
Authors: Torres Quiroga Miguel Ángel
Published: February 2022

Comprender los dilemas éticos en torno a la subrogación de útero exige un conocimiento preciso de los conceptos de libertad y autonomía reproductiva. Una aproximación pertinente debe reconocer la naturaleza de la opresión sexual, sobre todo de cómo influye en la autonomía de las mujeres, en sus elecciones, en la identidad propia y en las relaciones interpersonales. El objetivo de este ensayo es defender la relevancia de las críticas del feminismo radical a las corrientes liberales progresistas, que a menudo prestan mayor atención a los intereses de los denominados padres intencionales. Considerando lo que varias filósofas igualitaristas han expuesto desde una perspectiva socio-relacional de la autonomía para permitir la subrogación bajo ciertas condiciones -específicamente, sostienen que la regulación es compatible con la autonomía reproductiva de las mujeres si se sigue una modalidad altruista en un ambiente de protección y apoyo ante la revocación del consentimiento-, defiendo que las feministas radicales esclarecen apropiadamente cómo la opresión contra la mujer permanece en el ambiente cultural que aprueba los contratos de subrogación. La metodología macroscópica, basada en la metáfora del ave enjaulada de la filósofa norteamericana Marilyn Frye, es una herramienta provechosa para comprender por qué la subrogación no implica una mejoría para la autonomía reproductiva de las mujeres, incluso si permite que algunas madres gestantes obtengan un ingreso suficiente para sobrellevar la presión económica.
The First “Scientific Photographs” of a Sperm Whale (1890) : Francisco Afonso Chaves and the Wonderful Inaccuracy of Image
Authors: Reis Victor dos
Published: February 2022

En 1890, à Paris, a été publié un texte intitulé « Des formes extérieures du Cachalot », signé par G. Pouchet et F.-A. Chaves, illustré de trois dessins et de trois photographies. Celles-ci sont annoncées comme « les premières photographies scientifiques de la baleine ». Grâce à eux, il est enfin possible de « réparer les caractéristiques extérieures de cet animal, aussi connu que mal connu » et donc, comme indiqué dans l’ouverture, mettant fin à une longue ère de représentations inexactes. Les auteurs de l’article sont deux naturalistes réputés : Charles Henri Georges Pouchet (1833-1894) et l’Azorean Francisco Afonso Chaves (1857-1926). Ce dernier est également un photographe remarquable dont le travail, principalement stéréoscopique, est resté inconnu au cours des dernières décennies. Le but de cet article est d’analyser les photographies de Francisco Afonso Chaves et de comprendre pourquoi elles jouent un rôle central dans la publication de 1890. Comme le souligne avec force Georges Pouchet, elles constituent les premières représentations scientifiques d’une espèce jusqu’alors mal comprise et mal visuellement représentée. Mais finalement, qu’est-ce qui rend ces photographies scientifiques ? Et comment le visuel et le visible se mêlent-ils dans ces images ?
De la distinction entre images scientifiques et images artistiques
Authors: Vladova Tania
Published: February 2022

L’article questionne les porosités grandissantes entre images scientifiques et images artistiques, et discute la pertinence du maintien de cette distinction méthodologique. À partir d’exemples de scientifiques qui interrogent, tour à tour, des images scientifiques, et des images artistiques, sont discutées certaines fonctions des images que le discours scientifique met en avant. Il s’agit plus précisément de comprendre si la fonction probatoire et le commentaire scientifique permettent de classifier une image comme scientifique et de pointer certaines zones troubles qui rendent la distinction problématique.
Detonation Spraying of Composite Targets Based on Ni, Cr and B4C for Magnetron Multi-Functional Coating
Authors: Sirota Viacheslav V. , Zaitsev Sergey , Prokhorenkov Dmitriy , Limarenko Michael , Skiba Andrey , Kovaleva Marina G.
Published: February 2022

The paper presents a method of producing a ceramic metal composite target by detonation gas-thermal spraying allowing spraying almost any powder compositions with high deposition efficiency of up to 90% and the possibility of spraying large areas at a relatively low cost, differentiation by coating thickness and size. The efficiency of detonation technology and related devices for the production of original composite cathodes for magnetron sputtering using the example of the powder composition Ni + Cr + B4C is justified. These materials make it possible to obtain composite coatings with a unique composition and characteristics using a magnetron. Magnetron sputtering is one of the most suitable methods for the industry. The influence of the process mode of metal ceramic powder application on copper substrate is considered. The structure of a metal-ceramic composite target was studied by scanning electron microscopy. It was shown that the target surface is dense without visible pores. The elemental composition of the powder is uniformly distributed over the target surface.
Ferromagnetic Lubricants in a Bearing with a Porous Coating of a Base Ring
Authors: Opatskikh A.
Published: February 2022

Based on the flow equation of the ferromagnetic liquid lubricant for the “thin layer”, the continuity equation and the Darcy equation describing the flow of a lubricant in a porous body, the paper presents an accurate self-similar solution of the V-shaped sliding support with a porous coating of the base ring surface taking into account the rheological properties of the lubricant with ferromagnetic properties when the working gap is partially filled at the laminar flow mode. Analytical dependencies were obtained for the field of velocities and pressures in lubricating and porous layers. Besides, the main working characteristics of the studied friction pair are determined: bearing capacity and friction force. The paper provides the assessment of the influence of parameters characterizing ferromagnetic rheological properties, length of the loaded region of the Hartmann number and parameter characterizing the presence of electromagnetic field on the bearing capacity and friction force.
Valutazione scientifica ed etica di un metodo per il prelievo diagnostico del liquido seminale umano
Authors: Spagnolo A. G. , Mancini A. , De Marinis L. , Chiarenza D. , Le Pera C. , Di Pietro M. L. , Giacchi E. , Pompa G.
Published: February 2022

Numerose situazioni cliniche richiedono il prelievo di liquido seminale a fini diagnostici. Abitualmente ciò viene ottenuto mediante masturbazione, ma tale metodica di raccolta solleva obiezioni di carattere psicologico ed etico. L'articolo illustra i risultati di uno studio condotto su 30 pazienti, 17 dei quali si sono sottoposti a prelievo dello sperma con un apposito vibratore clinico (Viricare). Il risultato è stato positivo nel 64.7% dei casi (11/17). Gli Autori concludono che - pur con una casistica volutamente limitata, da verificare ulteriormente su un numero maggiore di pazienti - il Viricare possa costituire una valida alternativa alla masturbazione, non solo nell'ambito di ospedali cattolici, ma in tutte le strutture sanitarie ove si pratica prelievo di liquido seminale, al fine di fornire un'alternativa a persone sensibili alle problematiche psicologiche ed etiche che tale test diagnostico può suscitare.
Early effectiveness of type-2 severe asthma treatment with dupilumab in a real-life setting; a FeNO-driven choice that leads to winning management
Authors: Carpagnano Giovanna Elisiana , Scioscia Giulia , Buonamico Enrico , Lacedonia Donato , Diaferia Fabrizio , Capozza Elena , Lepore Giorgia , Resta Onofrio , Foschino Barbaro Maria Pia
Published: February 2022

Background: Dupilumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the IL4/IL13 signaling pathway, already used for atopic dermatitis and chronic rhinitis with nasal polyps, recently approved for severe type-2 asthma. It demonstrated its efficacy in randomized control trials. The aim of our study is to evaluate possible early clinical improvement and type 2 biomarkers modifications in severe asthmatic patients treated with dupilumab in a real-life setting.Methods: We included 12 patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma and dupilumab was chosen if there was at least one evidence of blood eosinophils >150 cells/ml and/or FeNO >25 ppb during last year. Recent blood eosinophil count report, assessment through ACT, FeNO test and spirometry were performed at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. We calculated also the number of patients achieving a minimal, yet clinically relevant difference in FEV1 and ACT.Results: After three months of treatment with dupilumab, ACT had a significant improvement (mean ACT pre 13.25±4.65 vs mean ACT post 19.17±4.45; p<0.01), so as FEV1% (mean FEV1% pre 62.58±15.73 vs mean FEV1% post 71.00±13.11; p<0.01). FeNO had a significant reduction (median FeNO 32 pre, IQR 19-48.5 vs median FeNO19 post, IQR 16.5-26), differently from eosinophils blood count (median eosinophils pre 280, IQR 193.8-647.3 vs median eosinophils post 349.5, IQR 103-836.8; p=0.52). Four patients (33%) had a positive MCID for FEV1, and eight patients (67%) had a positive MCID for ACT.Conclusions: In RCTs performed during clinical development program dupilumab showed an early efficacy in increasing FEV1, reducing FeNO and improving asthma control. Our study demonstrates early improvement in asthmatic symptoms, lung function and FeNO in severe type-2 asthma patients after only 3 months of dupilumab biologic therapy. The introduction of FeNO levels evaluation in the selection criteria for dupilumab, further helps the identification of eligible patients among type-2 severe asthma patients and lets a complete outpatient assessment. Further real-life studies with a longer follow-up time will be useful to confirm dupilumab efficacy and to promote its use in clinical practice.
Immediate Effects of Walking With a Knee Brace After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Biomechanical, Biochemical, and Structural Approach
Authors: Evans-Pickett Alyssa , Davis-Wilson Hope C. , Johnston Christopher D. , Blackburn J. Troy , Hackney Anthony C. , Pietrosimone Brian
Published: February 2022

Context

Individuals who undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are at higher risk of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Altered joint tissue loading caused by aberrant gait biomechanics leads to deleterious changes in joint health linked to the onset of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Knee braces have been used to modify joint tissue loading in individuals with joint injury, yet the effects of walking with a brace after ACLR on biomechanical, biochemical, and structural cartilage outcomes are unknown.

Objective

To compare biomechanical, biochemical, and structural outcomes between braced and nonbraced walking in individuals with ACLR.

Design

Crossover study.

Setting

Research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 34 individuals with unilateral ACLR (18 females, 16 males; time since ACLR = 50.1 ± 36.8 months).

Intervention(s)

Gait biomechanics were assessed during braced and unbraced conditions on separate days.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Vertical ground reaction force, knee-flexion angle, and internal knee-extension moment waveforms were evaluated throughout the stance phase and compared between conditions. Percentage changes in serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (%ΔCOMP) and femoral cartilage cross-sectional area (%ΔCSA) measured via ultrasound were calculated after a 3000-step walking protocol.

Results

Braced walking increased the knee-flexion angle (largest difference = 3.56°; Cohen d effect size = 1.72) and knee-extension moment (largest difference = −0.48% body weight × height; Cohen d effect size = −1.14) compared with nonbraced walking but did not influence vertical ground reaction force. Whereas no difference (P = .20) in %ΔCOMP existed between the braced and nonbraced conditions in the entire cohort (n = 30 with complete blood data), a larger increase (P = .04) in %ΔCOMP was seen during nonbraced than braced walking in individuals who demonstrated increased COMP during nonbraced walking. No difference (P = .86) in %ΔCSA was present between the braced and nonbraced conditions.

Conclusions

Braced walking may improve sagittal-plane gait biomechanics and %ΔCOMP in a subset of individuals who demonstrate a typical increased COMP response to load (ie, increase in COMP) after nonbraced walking.
Re-examining John 13:1–17 in the context of Nigerian political leadership
Authors: Ijeudo Nnamdi U. , Unachukwu Daniel C.
Published: February 2022

John 13:1–17 presents a style of leadership that is quite different from the traditional understanding and practice of leadership. This model of leadership in John’s Gospel is manifested in Jesus’ symbolic example of servant leadership, also known as the feet-washing. Feet-washing, generally the responsibility of servants, was seen as a degrading job that even the disciples could not do for their own leader. For Jesus, however, feet-washing is an illustration of humility, genuine love, and service. This article, therefore, is an attempt to critically examine this symbolic act of leadership in the context of John 13:1–17, and its implication on the development of Nigeria. Using the historical-critical exegetical method of analysis, it was discovered that this symbolic act of leadership by Jesus as presented in Johaninne pericope is a challenge to political leaders in Nigeria today. The hermeneutics of the study showed that Nigerian political leaders have displayed leadership styles that are based on selfishness, tyranny, nepotism, and tribalism that are an impediment to peace, stability, and national development. From the findings above, it is recommended, among others, that Nigerian political leaders should see leadership as an opportunity to serve and not as a do-or-die affair. This will improve the attitude, quality of life and inclusive growth in Nigeria.Contribution: This work critically investigates Jesus’ exemplary act of servant leadership narrated in John 13:1–17 in juxtaposition with Nigerian political leadership. Such an exegetical work is designed so that the present and upcoming political leaders in Nigeria could learn and emulate Jesus’ core qualities, strategies and attitudes that resulted in transforming and improving the lives and well-being of his followers.
Exomologesis as an absolute form of standing in inter-religious dialogue
Authors: Bîrzu Vasilică V.
Published: February 2022

The present study intends to offer another perspective over the inter-religious dialogue emphasising the spiritual state of exomologesis as an essential means of accomplishing a better and real understanding of a participant in dialogue. It makes some short analysis of penitential confession as homologation with the Logos, of the prayer as inner dialogue or confession or exomologesis with the Logos and of the confessions as a literary style, which all engages the deep, spiritual dimensions of communion with the Logos and finally analyses and exemplifies the ecstatic and existential spiritual dimensions of the exomologesis as an absolute form of standing in dialogue.Contribution: The study offers the necessary spiritual understanding and impulse for a more efficient inter-confessional and inter-religious dialogue, promoting HTS Journal as a herald of this dialogue essential and indispensable for the life of the world.
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy as a tool to assess brain activity in educational settings: An introduction for educational researchers
Authors: Barreto Candida , Soltanlou Mojtaba
Published: February 2022

Background: Educational research has been conducted mainly by using behavioural approaches. Whilst such methods provide invaluable insights into the field, several important questions such as ‘how do we learn?’ and ‘what mechanisms cause individual differences?’ cannot be answered thoroughly by using only behavioural approaches. In the last three decades, the advances of neuroimaging technologies and computational power have allowed researchers to investigate these questions beyond behavioural measures that provide complementary knowledge about human brain.Aim: One of the most recent neuroimaging techniques that holds much promise for use in educational settings is functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). This article aims to introduce the fNIRS technique to educational researchers interested in neurocognitive mechanisms of academic learning and achievements to further promote the growing field of Educational Neuroscience.Method: We present the properties of the fNIRS device, its basic principles and important considerations when planning an fNIRS study.Results: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy is a portable, cost-effective and easy-to-handle neuroimaging device that allows experimentation in naturalistic settings such as in the school.Conclusion: Even though several articles describe different applications and technical features of the fNIRS technique, there is still a need for materials with a more accessible language for those unfamiliar with neuroscientific and technical terms.
Leadership mindset regarding talent management practices: A case study of the City of Windhoek Council
Authors: Shingenge Selma N. , Saurombe Musawenkosi D.
Published: February 2022

Orientation: Municipalities are facing significant challenges in attracting talented personnel because of poor talent management practices.Research purpose: The main objective of this research was to determine how effective the leadership mindset is regarding talent management in Windhoek City Council in Namibia.Motivation for the study: Limited research currently exists on the outlook that leaders have in municipalities regarding talent management practices.Research approach, design and method: A qualitative approach was adopted for this study; semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain data. The participants were six top staff members from Human resource division in the City of Windhoek Council in Namibia. In addition, data were analysed through content-thematic analysis.Main findings: The findings of this study showed that effective talent management practices are crucial for an organisation to attract and retain skilled and experienced workers to reach a sustainable competitive advantage. The study revealed specific elements that constitute sound leadership mindset regarding talent management. These were talent management practices, leadership mind-set, recruitment strategy/talent acquisition and talent retention strategy.Practical/managerial implications: If individuals’ talents are not harnessed because of poor leadership and a lack of sound mindset and commitment to talent, this will negatively affect talent management in organisations. Thus, the findings of the study challenge the government to formalise the draft talent management policy at municipalities to help municipalities remain competitive through attracting, developing, retaining and rewarding talented employees.Contribution/value-addition: The study provides important insights that could assist the City of Windhoek Council and the government at large to attract talented personnel and become an employer of choice.
Drone-based Geographical Information System (GIS) Mapping of Cassava Pythoplasma Disease (CPD) for Precision Agriculture
Authors:   CCSICT, Isabela State University, San Fabian, Echague, Isabela, Philippines, Plata Irma T. , Panganiban Edward B. , Alado Darios B. , Taracatac Allan C. , Bartolome Bryan B. , Labuanan Freddie Rick E.
Published: February 2022

The development of Drone-based Geographical Information System (GIS) Mapping of Cassava Pythoplasma Disease (CPD) for Precision Agriculture is intended to detect Cassava Phytoplasma Disease. Cassava phytoplasma disease (CPD) is a major danger to the country's cassava sector right now. The Philippines is one of the Asian countries that grow cassava as an agricultural commodity. This initiative delivers unique solutions to help Cassava farmers in the region solve their challenges. The researchers developed the system using the Rapid Application Development (RAD) Methodology as a guide. The system's process flow was conceptualized using Data Flow Diagramming. The methods used in the detection process are Pixel Intensity, Color Intensity, and Ratio and Coordinates Plotting using Raw Data and Featured Layer. The development of the Drone-based Geographical Information System (GIS) Mapping of Cassava Pythoplasma Disease (CPD) for Precision Agriculture is an effective and innovative tool in detecting CPD in order to prevent the spread of the disease. The implementation of the developed system addressed the current needs of the partner agency in monitoring and preventing the occurrence of the CPD in their cassava plantation. Visual Imaging of CPD Heat Map Using Arc GIS JavaScript API was an effective tool in detecting the presence of Cassava Phytoplasma disease in cassava plantation using the different techniques and methodologies Keywords — ARC GIS, Heat Map, JAVA Script, Visual Imaging, Web-based system
Implementation of Machine Learning in Health Management to Improve the Process of Medical Appointments in Perú
Authors:   Systems Engineer Program, Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades, Lima-Perú, Ponce Edwin Jose Kcomt , Huamaní Enrique Lee , Delgado Alexi
Published: February 2022

The Peruvian health system has presented various deficiencies, one in particular is the difficulty and time for a user to schedule a medical appointment, in various health centers nationwide it is a problem for many citizens to easily access the health service. This research proposes developing a mobile app that allows automating this process by streamlining the procedures that lead to good health management to optimize both financial and human resources for better performance, quality and user experience that is insured at the service of ESSALUD. The results show that digital transformation and modernization with the support of technology significantly improve health management and therefore the medical appointment process, as well as other aspects that reduce the time of care and guarantee a reduction in the administrative work of the personnel of health allowing them to spend more time in patient care. Keywords—artificial intelligence; health; health management; machine learning; medical appointment
Mobile Application to Reduce Illiteracy in Rural Areas of Peru
Authors:   Systems Engineer Program, Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades, Lima-Perú, Campos Meyluz Monica Paico , Huamaní Enrique Lee , Delgado Alexi
Published: February 2022

Illiteracy is one of the main problems that Peru faces in education, it is known that the highest percentage of illiteracy occurs in rural areas of our Country. That is why the research work is focused on children and adults who cannot read or write. Therefore, a mobile application prototype was designed to reduce illiteracy in Peru where they can learn to read and write with the activities provided in the application. A hybrid methodology was used, which is the union of Design Thinking and soft systems and the Moqups tool, since they were the most appropriate to develop this work. In this way, the result was the design of a mobile application that will make children and adults who do not know how to read or write to learn with the appropriate educational methods, such as the alphabetical method and the syllabic method, which will make their learning easy. and simple. Likewise, you can take advantage of the use of technology to improve and strengthen education, since educational technology is a didactic and innovative tool that can be implemented in educational classrooms. Keywords— Mobile application, hybrid methodology, educational methods, illiteracy, educational technology.
Evaluación ecológica rápida para un ciclismo de montaña responsable en el bosque seco tropical, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Authors: Vera Morales Marcos , Naranjo Morán Jaime , Calle Delgado Madeleine , Pino Acosta Andrea
Published: February 2022

El ciclismo de montaña es una actividad común asociada a la disminución de la biodiversidad en ecosistemas frágiles como el bosque seco tropical, donde se ubica el Bosque Protector “La Prosperina” en la costa del Ecuador continental. Lugar poco estudiado a pesar del endemismo propio de la Región Tumbesina. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar el estado de conservación por medio de una evaluación ecológica rápida para identificar el impacto del ciclismo de montaña. Se utilizaron sistemas de información geográfica y un análisis multitemporal. Las rutas representan un área total de 51314,16 m2 con una capacidad de carga de 7 ciclistas por día, realizando modalidades tipo Enduro y X-C (cross country). En el cuestionario se identificaron propuestas de participación en actividades para los recorridos, limpieza y conservación. Con relación a la conservación de flora, Prestonia parvifolia se encuentra en peligro crítico y Croton rivinifolius en peligro de extinción. Se identificaron dos aves en peligro de extinción siendo el gavilán dorsigris (Pseudastur occidentalis) y el perico cachetigrís (Brotogeris pyrrhoptera), y una especie casi amenazada el perico caretirrojo (Psittacara erythrogenys). En este estudio, se evidencian resultados que favorecen la gestión para la protección de la biodiversidad.
Análisis del colector de admisión de un SUV híbrido con diferentes materiales mediante simulación CFD
Authors: Guamán Narváez Edwin Rolando , Luna Suárez Nelson Humberto , Guaña Fernández William Vinicio , Aquino Santos Doris Lizbeth , Díaz Vinueza Jorge Darío
Published: February 2022

Los elementos que componen los motores de combustión interna han mejorado a lo largo de los años como consecuencia de los estudios de eficiencia realizados, los colectores de admisión son elementos que permiten la entrada de la mezcla aire-combustible a los cilindros tras lo cual se comprimen en la cámara de combustión. El objetivo de esta investigación fue comprobar el colector de admisión de un vehículo SUV híbrido, con diferentes materiales como: Nylon (Poliamida), Aluminio 3.0205 (EN-AW1200) y Hierro fundido O.6010 (EN-GJL-100). El método sintético se utilizó para la recolección de datos bibliográficos que se utilizaron en la elaboración del modelo CAD. Además, este mismo método se utilizó para obtener las primeras condiciones y la ejecución de la simulación CFD. Los resultados mostraron que el material más adecuado para la fabricación de esta autoparte es el Nylon (Poliamida) con una ganancia en la velocidad de entrada de 32,408 m/s, superior a la del hierro fundico que generó una velocidad de 32,083 m/s, y mejor que el aluminio que genera una velocidad de 31,194 m/s.