bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Job satisfaction and organizational commitment among nurses working on temporary versus permanent jobs at a tertiary care teaching hospital, Uttarakhand, India
Authors: PANCHAL Neha , SHARMA Suresh Kumar , SHARMA Rakesh , RANI Ritu
Published: February 2023

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess and compare job satisfaction and organizational commitment among nurses working on temporary versus permanent basis at a tertiary care teaching hospital, Uttarakhand, India.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 250 nurses (125 temporary and 125 permanent) were selected using stratified disproportionate random sampling techniques from a tertiary care teaching hospital. Sociodemographic datasheet, Job Satisfaction Survey scale, and Organizational Commitment scale were used to collect data.

Results:

The study results revealed that the job satisfaction score was significantly higher in permanent nurses (139.1 ± 15.4) than in temporary nurses (131.3 ± 12.2) (P < 0.001). However, temporary nurses (85.2 ± 14.4) were more committed toward organization than permanent nurses (80.0 ± 16.0) (P < 0.001). There was a significant association between nurses' job satisfaction and their gross salary (P < 0.001) and their organizational commitment with the selected profession by own will (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The present study concluded that majority of temporary and permanent nurses reported a moderate level of job satisfaction and organizational commitment. This study suggests enhancing employee satisfaction can improve organizational commitment. As well, this study's findings can serve as a valuable foundation for designing policies to enhance organizational commitment in the future.
Diabetes knowledge and self-care practices among people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a diabetes clinic in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: FAMAKINWA Timothy Titilayo , OLUWATOSIN Oyeninhun Abimbola , FARONBI Joel Olayiwola , FAREMI Funmilola Adenike , OGUNLEYE Adeyemi , ADERETI Chinma Stella , OLATUBI Matthew Idowu
Published: February 2023

Objective:

The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and self-care practices of people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted in a clinic in Southwestern Nigeria. It adopted a cross-sectional design. The sample consists of 107 people living with T2DM. Data were collected using Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire and Revised Self-care Inventory Scale.

Results:

The mean diabetes knowledge of the participants was 16.2 ± 3.0 and 70.1% had inadequate knowledge of T2DM. The mean diabetes self-care practice score among the participants was 49.9 ± 4.9, and 89.7% reported poor diabetes self-care practice. There is no significant difference in the knowledge of diabetes between male (16.42 ± 3.42) and female (16.12 ± 2.8) participants (t = 0.45; P = 0.65), and no significant difference in self-care practice of male (49.23 ± 4.51) and female (50.06 ± 5.07) participants (t = 0.75, P = 0.46). In addition, there is no correlation between age and knowledge of diabetes (r = -0.18, P = 0.07) and self-care practices (r = 0.08, P = 0.38) of participants. No significant relationship was found between knowledge of diabetes and diabetes selfcare practices (χ2 = 1.605, P = 0.448)

Conclusion:

Knowledge of diabetes and self-care practices of people living with T2DM in this study were poor. Effort should be directed at improving their diabetes knowledge and self-care practices.
I must eat what I want
Authors: AKPOR Oluwaseyi haobinfriend@.com , ABEGUNDE Samuel Segun , OLORUNFEMI Olaolorunpo , ABIODUN Oluwaseun Oluwafunmilayo
Published: February 2023

Globally, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered as one of the most common diseases, which is associated with irreversible risk factors such as age, gene, race, ethnicity, and reversible factors such as diet, physical activity, and smoking. Noncompliance to dietary regimen is the major factors for rapidly rising incidence of T2DM among developing countries. Recently, elevated HbA1c level has also been considered as one of the leading risk factors for developing microvascular and macrovascular complications. Improvement in the elevated HbA1c level can be achieved through diet management; thus, this study found that improvement in patients' dietary knowledge, attitude toward, and compliance to diet regimen will promote a better control of the disease. In conclusion, the stakeholders (health-care providers, health facilities, agencies involved in T2DM care) should educate the patients on the importance of dietary modification in the disease management. Similarly, there is a need for nurses and other health care professionals to advocate and promote a better holistic management that will encourage patients participation and family involvement in the care.
Exploring the impact of coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic on malaria and identifying the strategies for the containment of twin infections
Authors: SHRIVASTAVA Saurabh Rambiharilal , SHRIVASTAVA Prateek Saurabh
Published: February 2023

The emergence of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and its rapid transmission in different parts of the world has become a major public health challenge. Considering the consequences of malaria in the past, it is the need of the hour that in the process of containing COVID-19, we should not ignore the strategies aimed toward the prevention and control of malaria infection. There is no point in complaining about the developments that have already happened, the best strategy will be to consider the different facets of COVID-19 infection containment as opportunities and then act accordingly. In the process of fighting against the COVID-19 infection, we have ignored the delivery of essential services pertaining to malaria. This calls for the need to revisit the planned and implemented services for COVID-19 infection and use the existing mechanism for implementing the strategies required for malaria elimination.
Drivers of early marriage and teenage pregnancy in Kenya and Uganda during COVID-19 lockdown period
Authors: MASABA Brian Barasa , MMUSI-PHETOE Rose , ODHIAMBO Jacklyne Atieno , RONO Bernard , KABO Jane Wamuyu , MORAA Damaris , RUTTO Alex , MOTURI John Kennedy , NG'AMBWA Thomas Ong'ondo , OCHANDA Damaris , MAWIA Sammy Diana , KIPMEREWO Mary , OYUGI Samuel , OJIAMBO Stephenie Lydia
Published: February 2023

The present study aimed to explore the drivers of early marriage and teenage pregnancy in Kenya and Uganda during COVID-19 lockdown period. A systematic review design was adopted. The major online databases utilized were PubMed, Google Scholar, Uganda and Kenya Ministry of Health repositories, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Studies that were originating from Kenya and Uganda that were publicly available in electronic format published from March 2020 to March 2022 were used. The thematic analysis identified major concepts that were drivers to the present research problem which were as follows: (1) school closure and (2) loss of income by parents. The COVID-19 containment measures introduced in the two countries were noted as major contributing factors. During the pandemic, lockdown led to school closures which meant the teenagers being idle at home with an increased opportunity to indulge in sexual risk behaviors. Schools have been noted to be a safe place protecting this vulnerable population. However, with their prolonged closure, the teenagers were exposed to sexual predators. Parents lost income, and this might have contributed to early marriages and teenagers' dependency on their sexual partners. Based on the reviewed evidence, the present study furthers the advocacy for the reduction of early marriages and teenage pregnancy, especially in the current COVID-19 pandemic era. The study calls upon the governments to intensify efforts toward the present research problem as the COVID-19 pandemic is eroding the earlier gains made within the region.
Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography (PSMA-PET) and Gleason grading system based Artificial Intelligence (AI) Model in Diagnosis and Staging of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Siddu Dinesh M. , Pawar Anil , Lohith G , Sekar Krithikaa
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Prostate cancer is the second-most commonly occurring cancer and the fifth major cause of death among men worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment planning are very crucial in reducing the mortality rate due to prostate cancer. Gleason grading is the most used prostate cancer prognosis tool by doctors for a long time. It is used to determine the aggressiveness of the cancer for planning treatment options. The process requires very trained pathologists to look at multiple biopsy samples under the microscope and assign a grade to the cancer based on its severity.

Methods:

In this work, we are adding Gleason grading capabilities to prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (PSMA PET-CT) scans for tumor habitats and classify them as aggressive or indolent type. Tagging habitats with Gleason grade to categorize them as aggressive or indolent type helps in biopsy planning to extract the right tissue samples and tagging helps to target aggressive tumors during radiation therapy. We have developed a machine learning-based model to automatically classify tumor habitat regions of interest from PSMA PET and CT imaging data into Gleason grade groups of indolent and aggressive.

Results:

The 68Ga-PSMA PET-CT scans are very effective in detecting the presence of different habitats within the tumor with distinct volumes, each with a specific combination of flow, cell density, necrosis, and edema. Habitat distribution through tumor heterogeneity analysis in patients with prostate cancers can be enabled to discriminate between cancers that progress quickly and those that are more indolent.

Conclusion:

We have developed an AI model to classify habitat tumors present in the gross tumor volume into indolent and aggressive types based on the ground truth generated using Gleason grade groups on pathology samples by Healthcare Global Cancer Hospital, Bangalore, India. Habitat analysis helps radiotherapists to target active tumor cells within gross tumor volume and helps in selecting the right tissue for performing biopsy. The currently developed model is performing with an overall accuracy of 90% on test data.
Liquid Biopsy
Authors: Mohanty Abhishek
Published: February 2023

The molecular landscape of the tumors has been typically established using the surgical or biopsy tissue samples resulting in a sampling bias offering only a single snapshot of tumor heterogeneity from the tissue-based tumor profiles. A rapid understanding of such a bias over the years has helped in procuring a precise portrait of the tumors. This practice has positioned the employability of currently employed molecular analysis of the circulating markers in blood and several other body fluids, such as urine, saliva, and pleural effusions, using liquid biopsies. The genomic profiling of the circulating markers such as circulating circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells, or even RNA, proteins, and lipids as part of exosomes has not only guided the monitoring of response to treatment but also the drug resistance and minimal residual disease. The tumor educated platelets (TEPs) and their biological mechanisms driving the influencing of platelets by tumor cells are beginning to unearth TEPS as dynamically predominant components of liquid biopsy. Here, the biology, methodology, and clinical applications of liquid biopsy biomarkers are highlighted. The article puts forth how technological advances have catapulted cancer diagnosis via liquid biopsy in the last decade to obtain a tumor-derived genetic information for its exploitation toward personalized patient care so that liquid biopsy can come into routine clinical practice.
Molecular Profiling of Large B-Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Kaler Amrit Kaur , Shaila  , Ashwini R. , Veena R. , Jadav Sachin , Dharman Baby , Patil Ramesh , Balaram Gautam , Kumari Prassana , Ghosh Mithua , Sudarshan Shruthi , Ajai Kumar B. S.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) comprises of a heterogeneous group of lymphomas with a high-grade morphology and aggressive nature. The diagnosis has gradually evolved from morphological characterization to classification of this group based on ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and molecular studies. Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS) is the most common B-cell NHL reported and a new diagnostic entity termed high-grade B-cell lymphoma harboring an MYC rearrangement with a BCL2 and/or BCL6 have been introduced by the WHO in 2017. MYC and BCL2/BCL6 proteins expression on IHC due to mutations leading to nuclear factor kappa B pathway activation is considered as double-expressor lymphoma (DEL).

Materials and Methods:

Sixty-two patients diagnosed with DLBCL, NOS on histopathology were subjected to IHC markers such as (CD20, CD79a, PAX5, CD10, Bcl6, Bcl2, MUM1, TDT, and Myc) and classified into activated B-cell and germinal center B-cell based on Hans' Algorithm. The samples were consequently subjected to tissue FISH for the detection of MYC, BCL2, and BCL6 gene translocations and classified as double-hit lymphoma (DHL)/triple-hit lymphoma (THL). The FISH results were subsequently compared for IHC expression of c-myc, Bcl2, and Bcl6. The staging, international prognostic index (IPI) scoring and lactate dehydrogenase levels were compared with progression-free survival (PFS) of 15 months among DHL/THL and DEL/TEL.

Results:

The median age of presentation among DLBCL-NOS patients is 58 years, while males (66.7%) were affected more commonly than females (33.3%). The majority of the patients presented with nodal involvement (71%) while extranodal involvement was seen in 29% cases. Hans' algorithm showed a significant P value with the IHC expression of BCL2, BCL6 and C-MYC. IHC and FISH correlation for BCL2 and BCL6 showed 100% sensitivity and 100% negative predictive value. IHC and FISH for c-MYC showed concordant results with a significant P < 0.03. The clinicopathological results of S/D/THL showed association with higher stage disease, higher IPI scoring, and high Ki-67 index with inferior PFS.

Conclusions:

IHC MYC is a sensitive screening modality for MYC translocation and can be used for the identification of rearrangement in lower socioeconomic areas. Based on clinicopathological studies, all patients with DLBCL must undergo MYC FISH testing as these patients behave as high-grade lymphomas. Hence, a new entity DLBCL with MYC rearrangement without BCL-2/6 rearrangements maybe considered as a novel entity and to be studied in future cohorts.
Holistic Approach to Improve Quality of Life in Head-and-Neck Cancer Patients Using CARER Model of Supportive Care
Authors: Mahindra Samara , George Paul , Rao Vishal
Published: February 2023

Aim:

To describe a model (CARER) of supportive care for head-and-neck cancer (HNC) patients and survivors.

Methods:

Primary data were collected from HNC patients from November 2018 to February 2019. An intervention-based CARER protocol was prescribed to 25 HNC patients. Data on movement and meditation, emotional status, spiritual and mental well-being were assessed in patients at baseline and end line (6 weeks). CARER assessed the patients and caregiver's satisfaction through a questionnaire rating on a scale of 1 to 5 (1-worst and 5-best). Student's independent t-test was used to assess differences between various scores at different time points, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

All patients received the CARER 45 program (mean age 56.0 ± 14.0 years) with 100% compliance. When compared to baseline, onco-nutrition score improved significantly at the end line (5.5 vs. 8.7, P < 0.05). Similarly, significant improvement was observed in onco-movement and meditation (5.9 vs. 6.9, P < 0.05) and onco-mental well-being scores (6.2 vs. 7.5, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our study supports the utilization of holistic care using CARER model for patients living with and beyond cancer. Furthermore, this study offers potential support for further research on CARER model to influence future policy and funding decisions.
Expression of Breast Cancer Gene 2 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and its Correlation with the Metastatic Potential
Authors: Mistry Niharika Hitendra , Gosavi Suchitra Rajesh , Dhobley Akshay , Mishra Shubhangi , Kherde Pooja
Published: February 2023

Background:

Breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), a tumor suppressor gene, has been extensively evaluated in various cancers and correlated with metastatic potentials. However, to the best of our knowledge, the correlation has not been reflected in the literature in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Any positive correlation may yield the protein as an exploitable marker for the prediction of metastasis and target for chemotherapy in patients with OSCC.

Materials and Methods:

This observational retrospective study was conducted on 54 tissue samples, 18 samples each of normal oral mucosa, and of OSCC with and without cervical lymph node metastasis. The study samples were immunohistochemically stained with BRCA2 antibody. The staining index was calculated as a product of the percentage of positive cells per high-power field (HPF) (A) and the staining intensity (B).

Results:

Based on intergroup comparisons, it was found that the percentage of positive cells/HPF, staining intensity, and staining index were higher in OSCCs with cervical lymph node metastasis and lower in normal oral mucosa samples. It was found that a large number of the normal oral mucosa samples (n = 13) did not show any BRCA2 immunoreactivity and a large number of the OSCC samples with cervical lymph node metastasis displayed high BRCA2 immunoreactivity (n = 15).

Conclusion:

Overexpression of BRCA2 is linked to the presence of metastases in patients with OSCC and has the potential to be utilised as a marker to predict the outcome of the patient's treatment. The findings may be used in the future to develop targeted therapies, depending on the direction that future research follows.
A Randomized Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Oral Preemptive Pregabalin and Gabapentin for Postoperative Analgesia
Authors: Prasad T. Krishna , Prabu Pavithra , Priyadharsini K. Soundarya
Published: February 2023

Background:

Modern anesthesia practice utilizes preemptive analgesia for providing pain relief postoperatively using oral drugs such as pregabalin and gabapentin which are otherwise used for chronic pain management. We aimed to determine which among the two is more proficient.

Materials and Methods:

This randomized double-blinded control study was done among 72 subjects undergoing lower abdominal surgeries under the subarachnoid block and they were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 received a single dose of tablet pregabalin 150 mg orally, Group 2 received tablet gabapentin 600 mg orally, and Group 3 received placebo drug orally (tablet B-complex) 2 h before subarachnoid block. Pain scores, time of 1st rescue analgesic, total number of rescue analgesics, sedation score, and occurrence of side effects were also noted for 24 h. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16 with Chi-square/Fisher's exact test or analysis of variance/Kruskal–Wallis test. A statistically significant difference was considered when P < 0.05.

Results:

Pain scores were lesser in Group 1 and 2 except at 2nd h. Total rescue analgesic time among maximum subjects in Group 1 was 4 h 30 min, in Group 2 was 3 h 30 min and 4 h, whereas in Group 3 was 3 h (P < 0.001). The total dose of analgesics in the first 24 h was 2 doses in Group 1, 2 doses in Group 2, and 3 doses in Group 3 (P < 0.001). Sedation score was more on Group 1 and 2 in comparison to Group 3 with no side effects in all groups.

Conclusions:

We conclude that pregabalin to be the effective preemptive drug because of its lesser pain intensity scores and good sedation property.
Trends in the Incidence of Japanese Spotted Fever in Japan: A Nationwide, Two-Decade Observational Study from 2001–2020
Authors: Otsuka Yuki , Hagiya Hideharu , Fukushima Shinnosuke , Harada Ko , Koyama Toshihiro , Otsuka Fumio
Published: February 2023

The worldwide spread of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) has become a public health concern. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify trends in the incidence of Japanese spotted fever (JSF), one of Japan’s most prevalent TBDs. Weekly infectious disease reports were used to calculate the annual incidence rates (AIRs) of JSF. Data were stratified by age and sex, and joinpoint regression analysis was performed to estimate the annual percentage change (APC). AIR and APC were geographically compared among the 47 prefectures. A total of 3,453 JSF cases were observed from 2001 to 2020. The AIR per 100,000 population was 0.03 in 2001, which increased approximately 10-fold to 0.33 in 2020. The average APC (AAPC) during the study period was 12.3% (95% CI: 10.7–13.9). By age group, the incidence of JSF increased more rapidly among the older population: 11.5% (95% CI: 10.1–12.9) in those aged ≥ 65 years and 8.9% (95% CI: 6.4–11.5) in those aged < 50 years. Although the AIR over the past two decades was higher in climatically warm regions located in southwestern Japan and on the Pacific coast, increases in the AAPC were notable in colder regions located in eastern Japan. The incidence of JSF continues to increase in Japan, especially among older populations and in eastern prefectures, where the disease has not been previously diagnosed.
Analyzing Health of Forcibly Displaced Communities through an Integrated Ecological Lens
Authors: Tarnas Maia C. , Ching Carly , Lamb Joleah B. , Parker Daniel M. , Zaman Muhammad H.
Published: February 2023

Health care among forcibly displaced persons is frequently driven by siloed approaches. Aspects of the built environment, social factors, and the bidirectional relationship between the changing ecosystem and residents are often ignored in health policy design and implementation. While recognizing factors that create a preference for siloed approaches and appreciating the work of humanitarian agencies, we argue for a new data-driven and holistic approach to understand the health of the forcibly displaced. It should be rooted in the realities of the emergence of new diseases, dynamic demographics, and degrading environments around the displaced communities. Such an approach envisions refugee and internally displaced camps as dynamic, complex ecosystems that alter, and are altered by, spatial and temporal factors. At the root of this approach is the necessity to work across disciplines, to think holistically, to go beyond treating single ailments, and to develop ethical approaches that provide dignity to those who are forcibly displaced.
Našo domišljijo zbuja ter nas tako razveseljuje in podučuje: začetki Jurčičevega in Šenojevega zgodovinskega romana
Authors: Latković Ivana
Published: February 2023

The article presents the similarities between the historical novels of Josip Jurčič and August Šenoa, the founders of this genre in Slovenian and Croatian literature, respectively. The comparison of representative texts of these two authors focuses mainly on a presentation of the then prevailing model of narrative prose texts with historical themes, the attitude to the narrative pattern of Walter Scott, and an analysis of the artistic construction of past reality. These characteristics, as well as the relationship between the historical prose of Jurčič and Šenoa in general, are studied in the context of the novel's status in Slovenian and Croatian literature and its attitude to (German) trivial literature, as well as the authors' critical reflections on literature itself. The comparison reveals a series of similarities and only a few differences, not only in historical novels, but also in variations in the understanding of the social forces that largely cause and drive them.
Poudarki v slovenskem medijskem govoru z vidika izbranih jezikovnih enot
Authors: Huber Damjan
Published: February 2023

The paper deals with sentence stress in media speech, with particular regard to interrogatives, nugatory elements and affirmatives, as well as demonstrative pronouns, comparatives and superlatives. Stress is dealt with as an important marker and organiser of speech, as emphasised content in the flow of speech, and there is a focus on the syllables in words within particular segments that the interlocutors and listeners recognise as highlighted in some way. A comparative analysis of the occurrence of stresses in selected language units, based on a corpus of spoken texts from Slovenian television broadcasts, shows that TV presenters primarily stress interrogatives, whereas their guests (politicians) primarily stress nugatory elements and demonstrative pronouns.
Josip Jurčič – začetnik novinarskega stila
Authors: Kalin Golob Monika
Published: February 2023

Between 1871 and 1881, Josip Jurčič edited Slovenski narod (Slovenian Nation), which in 1873 became the first Slovenian daily after moving from Maribor to Ljubljana. Daily publishing caused time constraints for the creation of texts and thus influenced the formation of journalistic style. The article shows how Josip Jurčič was able to do editorial work and examines the nature of his contribution to the development of journalistic texts and style, based on an analysis of the author's notes in the newspaper, evaluations of his work and a linguistic analysis of his first diary.
Lowry, Malcolm (1909–1957)
Authors: Cannon Nissa Ren
Published: February 2023

Malcolm Lowry (1909–57) was a British-born writer, best remembered for his 1947 novel Under the Volcano. Born in England, Lowry spent much of his adulthood in Canada, and is sometimes classified as a Canadian author. His writing is highly autobiographical, and his posthumously published writing reveals a proclivity for incorporating text from his letters and diary entries into his fictionalised works. Characteristics of Lowry’s writing include non-linear chronology, an emphasis on memory, and an interest in the beauty of the natural world. Lowry envisioned nearly all of his works as connected to one another, part of a never-realised saga entitled The Voyage That Never Ends, which he modelled on Dante’s tripartite Divina Commedia.

Lowry published just two novels during his lifetime: the largely forgotten Ultramarine (1933), and the critically acclaimed Under the Volcano. In the words of Lowry scholar Sherrill Grace, ‘the Malcolm Lowry legend rests upon two foundations, Under the Volcano and alcohol’ (2009: xiii). Lowry’s reputation as a heavy drinker was established before he went to Cambridge University, and the ill-effects of his alcoholism included periods spent in various institutions and hospitals. Lowry died in Ripe, Sussex, England, on 27 June 1957. The coroner found alcohol and barbiturates in Lowry’s system, and ruled it a ‘death by misadventure’.
Problem głodu na świecie w świetle pandemii COVID-19
Authors: Mikulec Anna , Zborowski Marek
Published: February 2023

Głód nadal stanowi poważny i dotkliwy, problem na świecie. Nawet podczas pandemii COVID-19 większy odsetek ludzi umiera z głodu niż z powodu koronawirusa. Czy zatem czeka nas nowa epidemia, tym razem głodu, na świecie? Celem pracy było przedstawienie obecnej sytuacji związanej z brakiem bezpieczeństwa żywnościowego na świecie w aspekcie trwającej jeszcze pandemii COVID-19. Należy spodziewać się, że w najbliższych latach będziemy zmuszeni mierzyć się z ogromnym kryzysem humanitarnym. W związku z powagą problemu przed całą ludzkością stoi dziś zadanie mające na celu zapobiegnięcie rozprzestrzenianiu się epidemii głodu na świecie.

ABSTRACT
The problem of hunger in the world in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Hunger continues to be a serious and pressing problem in the world. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are dying of hunger than of the coronavirus. So, are we going to face a new epidemic, this time of hunger, in the world? The aim of the study was to present the current situation related to the lack of food security in the world in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It is to be expected that in the coming years we may face a huge humanitarian crisis and that all mankind is facing a sentence today aimed at preventing the spread of the hunger epidemic in the world.
Biomechanical Study of Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Review
Authors:   Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, UniversitiTun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia, Azmi Muhammad Huzaifah , Mazlan Muhammad Hazli , Salleh NurSalihaMd , Takano Hiromitsu , Jallil Muhammad Hilmi , Razali Muhammad Anas , Abdullah Abdul Halim
Published: February 2023

Degenerative disc disease is a spinal disorder in which the vertebral disc helps protect nerves and increase spine flexibility that begins to deteriorate. The syndromehappens in the lumbar spine, which is crucial in supporting the weight of the human body. The lumbar vertebrae are naturally larger to absorb the stress of carrying heavy objects. Many surgical treatments are available for this disorder, and the most common treatment is Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) surgery. However, a lot ofquestionable clinical effects related to this procedure, such as cage sinking into vertebral endplates, cage failure and cage relocation. This paper reviews the technical aspects of developing PLIF implants based on clinical, in-vitro, animal, prospective, and retrospective studies.The finite element analysis (FEA) approach has shown the most promising technique by offering virtual biomechanical assessments, low risk of implant failure and bone fractures, and satisfying patient-specific requirements. Many types of FEA software are available in the market, such as Ansys, ABACUS, and Mechanical Finder software. The ability of the software to develop heterogeneous bone models will give an extra advantage in improving the FEA accuracy in terms of stress and distributions and fracture risk assessment. The research approach, biomechanical assessment and data interpretation related to the development of the previous and existing studies will give an insightinto the research strategies and their restrictions. The FEA investigation can be utilized to optimize the mechanical characteristics of PLIF with various infill pattern designs and densities. Moreover, the further research analysis is still needed to improve interbody cage development
A Comparison of Traditional and Contemporary Buildings by Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emission: A Case-Study from Tabriz-Iran
Authors: HEMMATZADEH Zahra , AKGÜÇ Alpay
Published: February 2023

It is evident upon a comparison between the examples of contemporary and traditional buildings that climate-responsive building design strategies of traditional buildings finds increasingly lesser use in contemporary architectural designs and that traditional building culture has begun to disappear. Due to the increasing building stock with the expansion of city centers over the years, a higher amount of energy is required for heating, cooling, and ventilation, which leads to a higher amount of greenhouse gas emission. The ever-increasing greenhouse gas emission is inevitably involved in the emerging global climate crisis. The present study investigated the climate-responsive design approaches adopted in traditional and current buildings in Tabriz, Iran. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of passive system strategies used in the design of traditional buildings in Tabriz on energy efficiency and to analyze current buildings in terms of annual energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions with a view to the changing building stock both architectural and mechanical design terms. The results of the study suggested that transferring the climate-responsive architectural design experiences of the past builders to new generations was crucially important and that it was necessary to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in newly constructed buildings by means of energy efficiency regulations and building standards as promulgated by the government.
Le Concept de Sapientia à l'épreuve de l'écriture, ou quand la chronique devient espace de controverse
Authors: ESCURIGNAN Soizic
Published: February 2023

Dès les années 350, des conflits ont émaillé les relations entre l’Église et le pouvoir laïque, et les pouvoirs temporel et spirituel sont alors entrés en concurrence. Les papes ont engagé un bras de fer avec les puissances temporelles afin de s’affranchir de leur tutelle politique. Surtout, l’Église romaine ne voulait pas d’un modèle césaropapiste à la byzantine où l’Église est subordonnée au pouvoir laïque. C’est dans ce contexte que prend place la célèbre lettre du pape Gélase Ier qui, en 494, affirmait à Anastase Ier que le monde est principalement gouverné par deux choses : l’autorité sacrée des évêques et le pouvoir royal.
Hacia una tipología de los textos de la polémica gongorina
Authors: ELVIRA Muriel
Published: February 2023

Este articulo ofrece una tipología razonada de los textos contenidos en el nuevo catálogo de la polémica gongorina establecido por Mercedes Blanco, Muriel Elvira y Aude Plagnard. Dicho catálogo recoge 222 textos escritos entre 1612 y 1692 que contienen algún juicio de valor acerca de la obra de don Luis de Góngora. El propósito de la tipología es observar cuáles sont los géneros más presentes en este nuevo corpus ampliado para sacar algunas conclusiones acerca de las características de esta importante polémica literaria. Se observa primero la escasa presencia de géneros estrictamente polémicos (el panfleto y, en menor medida, la apología); después se analizan sucesivamente los tres géneros literarios y didácticos más presentes: poemas, paratextos y cartas.
DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF AN IN-WHEEL HUB REDUCER
Authors:   Academy of Applied Technical Studies Belgrade, College of Applied Engineering Sciences in Pozarevac, Belgrade, Serbia, Vasić Milan , Blagojević Mirko ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Engineering, Kragujevac, Serbia, Stojić Boris ,   University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Novi Sad, Serbia, Dizdar Samir ,   Berdiz Consulting AB, Gothenburg, Sweden
Published: February 2023

In order to reduce the greenhouse effect caused by CO2 emissions, a lot of car manufacturers are developing battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Almost all of these vehicles have a traditional powertrain layout with the drive unit located in the car body. However, in recent years, a new technology called in-wheel motors has appeared. It significantly improves handling and manoeuvrability of vehicles but it also presents a challenge for both researchers and manufacturers. Since the motors are fitted into a limited space, they must provide high torque and high efficiency. When a reducer is used, the amount of torque needed is decreased several times, hence the overall dimensions of the motor are reduced. This paper studies a number of issues such as the basic concepts of the in-wheel hub drive systems, traction balance, preliminary gear ratio and possible design solutions for reducers used in in-wheel hub drive units. Characteristics of single-stage planetary and cycloidal reducers are analysed in detail. The results show that planetary reducers have an advantage if a lower gear ratio is needed.
WELDING OF HIGH-HARDNESS ARMOR STEEL
Authors:   Higher Education Technical School of Professional Studies, Novi Sad, Serbia, Čabrilo Aleksandar , Janjić Nenad
Published: February 2023

Armor steels are difficult to weld due to the high percentage of carbon. The coarse-grained area and the fusion line in the welded joint are sensitive areas due to the high hardness and the possible presence of hydrogen produced during the welding process. Furthermore, multi-purpose armored vehicles made of armored steel are exposed to dynamic loading due to traffic on rough terrain. High hardness in the coarse- grained area of the heat-affected zone and dynamic loading can cause cracks. In the weld metal zone, a crack created during the welding process or due to pores can quickly propagate toward the sensitive fusion line, after which its accelerated growth can occur. Based on the above, achieving a welded joint without porosity or cracks for armor steel is necessary. This paper investigated the welding process of high- hardness armor steel with two regimes. The test aims to achieve an optimal hardness level and a compromise between ballistic requirements and toughness. The test results showed that a high-quality welded joint and an optimal balance between hardness and toughness are achieved with increased heat input.
The Clustering Tindak Kekerasan Dalam Rumah Tangga Di Kota Samarinda Menggunakan Algoritma K-Means
Authors: Stepanus Ginting Roni , Hamdani Hamdani , Septiariani Anindita , Alameka Faza
Published: February 2023

Peran Kepolisian Resort Samarinda dalam membantu keamanan dan penegakan hukum sesuai dengan Pasal 5 Undang-Undang No. 23 Tahun 2004 dapat menggunakan data kdrt untuk clustering tingkat kdrt berdasarkan tinggi, sedang dan rendah. Clustering atau mengelompokkan data dapat dilakukan dengan menerapkan algoritma K-Means. Penerapan algoritma ini menggunakan 3 metode perhitungan jarak yaitu, Euclidean Distance, Minkowski Distance dan Manhattan Distance Dan hasil perhitungan algoritma kmeans dengan menggunakan Euclidean Distance Mendapatkan 2 Cluster di C1,9 cluster di C2 dan 1 cluster di C3,Selanjutnya menggunakan Manhattan Distance Dan hasil yang di dapat yaitu 3 Cluster di C1, 8 cluster di C2 dan 1 cluster di C3 dan yang terakhir Menggunakan , Minkowski Distance Distance Mendapatkan 2 Cluster di C1,9 cluster di C2 dan 1 cluster di C3. Penggunaan 3 metode ini dimaksudkan untuk mengetahui perhitungan jarak yang lebih ideal untuk digunakan. Selain menggunakan metode perhitungan jarak, digunakan juga metode pengukuran jarak yaitu SSE (Sum of Squared Errors)  dan ketiga metode perhitungan tersebut mendapatkan hasil SSE (Sum of Squared Errors) nya sebagai berikut.Euclidean Distance=1,2535, Minkowski Distance=1,2418 dan Manhattan Distance=5,7154.
Penilaian Kepuasan Pengguna Website Sistem Informasi Akademik Menggunakan Metode Website Quality
Authors: Islamiah Farida , Rusmiati Rusmiati , Wijaya Rini
Published: February 2023

Pada era Revolusi Industri 4.0 saat ini, hampir semua bidang kehidupan sudah terdigitalisasi. Di bidang pendidikan, digitalisasi layanan pembelajaran dilakukan melalui halaman web sistem informasi akademik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kualitas website terhadap kepuasan pengguna website sistem informasi pendidikan. Responden penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa STIE Widya Praja Tanah Grogot sebanyak 226 orang dengan menggunakan teknik simple random sampling. Survei online digunakan sebagai metode pengumpulan data. Pengujian hipotesis menggunakan analisis regresi linier berganda pengaruh antar dimensi Webqual terhadap kepuasan pengguna. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kualitas website yang terdiri dari usability, information quality, dan service interaction berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kepuasan pengguna sistem informasi akademik. Dengan kata lain, administrator situs web harus mengembangkan situs web yang mencakup semua layanan proses pendidikan.
Optimalisasi Strategi Pemenuhan Persediaan Stok Barang Menggunakan Algoritma Frequent Pattern Growth
Authors: Kurniawan Deddy , Sahata Sipayung Maurits , Ismayanti Rika , Rivani Ibrahim Muhammad , Bintan Yeva , Aulia Miranda Sherina
Published: February 2023

Pemenuhan kebutuhan stok persediaan barang merupakan salah satu dari pilar utama proses bisnis yang rutin dilakukan pelaku bisnis secara umum. Peluang akan terjadinya kesalahan perhitungan yang dilakukan secara konvensional tanpa adanya sebuah analisis mendalam yang menyebabkan tidak akuratnya penentuan jumlah persediaan yang harus dipenuhi. Hasil penelitian menyajikan sebuah solusi dengan pendekatan Data Mining menggunakan teknik aturan asosiasi (association rule). Pendekatan data mining dibangun dengan menggunakan sebuah kerangka kerja pupuler data mining CRoss Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) yang dikerjakan dalam 6 tahapan yaitu Business Understanding, Data Understanding, Data Preparation, Modeling, Evaluation, dan Deployment. Sampel UMKM kota samarinda menjadi objek pada penelitian dengan menggunakan 1000 data dari riwayat transaksi penjualan dalam kurun waktu tertentu yang diidentifikasi dengan menjalankan algoritma Frequent Pattern Growth (FP-Growth) untuk memaksimalkan kinerja komputasi dalam proses ekstraksi pola item barang. Ekstraksi pola aturan dari dataset transaksi penjualan dilakukan dengan 9 kali percobaan dengan melakukan perubahan nilai support (S) dan confidence (C) dengan hasil percobaan trbaik menghasilkan 9 best rule dengan rentang nilai S sebesar 9% - 14% dan C sebesar 60% - 75% yang mencakup aturan 2-itemset dan 3-itemset. Masing-masing rule diterapkan uji lift yang menghasilkan rentang nilai 2.790 – 3.698 dengan rata-rata nilai lift sebesar 3.26, dimana setiap aturan memenuhi nilai minimum (lift > 1.00) yang menunjukkan setiap kombinasi aturan memiliki peluang cross-selling yang baik
Antibiotic Resistance in Gram-negative Bacilli: A Singapore Perspective
Authors: Tan Thean Yen , Hsu Li Yang , Koh Tse Hsien , Ng Lily SY , Tee Nancy WS , Krishnan Prabha , Lin Raymond TP , Jureen Roland
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance in gram-negative bacilli is an area of increasing importance. This prospective study was performed to survey antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. over a 1-year period.

Materials and Methods: Non-duplicate isolates of E. coli, Klebsiella spp., P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. were collected from participating Singapore hospitals during defined collection periods in 2006 and 2007. Confirmatory identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed at Changi General Hospital. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) to a defined panel of antibiotics were determined using microbroth dilution methods. The presence of extended-spectrum beta lactamases and AmpC beta-lactamases in Enterobacteriaceae was determined by phenotypic methods, and susceptibility results were defined using current breakpoints from the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).

Results: Seven hundred and forty-six gram-negative bacilli were received for testing. Resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins was present in a third of Enterobacteriaceae isolates, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) carriage was present in 19.6% and 30.1% of E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively. AmpC enzymes were also detected in 8.5% and 5.6% of E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates respectively. All Enterobacteriaceae were susceptible to imipenem and meropenem. The most active antibiotics against P. aeruginosa were amikacin, meropenem and piperacillin-tazobactam. A third of P. aeruginosa showed reduced susceptibility to polymyxin B. Carbapenem resistance was significantly higher in Acinetobacter baumannii (70.5%) than in other Acinetobacter species (25.0%). The most active antibiotic against A. baumannii was polymyxin B.

Conclusion: Antibiotic resistance is prevalent in gram-negative bacilli isolated from Singapore hospitals. The MIC testing surveillance programme complemented susceptibility data from wider laboratory-based surveillance, and has revealed emerging mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.

Keywords: Enterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Microbial sensitivity tests
Independent Predictors for Mortality in Patients with Positive Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Cultures
Authors: Kwa Andrea LH , Low Jenny GH , Lim Tze-Peng , Leow Pay-Chin , Kurup Asok , Tam Vincent H
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging pathogen in nosocomial infections that may result in high mortality. S. maltophilia often present as part of a polymicrobial culture and it is not well established when treatment is indicated. We aimed to identify predictors of mortality in patients with positive cultures of S. maltophilia. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary care medical centre was performed in 150 adult patients with positive cultures of S. maltophilia. Patients’ demographics, underlying diseases, severity of illness, length of hospitalisation, prior antibiotic exposure, number/types of indwelling catheters, culture sites, and appropriateness of empiric therapy were collected. Logistic regression was used to determine the independent risk factor(s) for infection-attributed mortality. Results: Ninetynine males and 51 females were studied. The mean (SD) age and APACHE II score of the patients were 61.9 (16.0) and 14.0 (6.1), respectively. The respiratory tract was the most frequent site (55.3%) where S. maltophilia was isolated. Infection-attributed mortality was observed in 22 of the 150 patients (14.7 %). Admission to ICU [Odds ratio (OR), 3.767; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.277-11.116, P = 0.016], and delayed effective treatment (OR, 18.684; 95% CI, 4.05086.188; P <0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for mortality. Conclusions: Predictors of mortality in patients with positive cultures of S. maltophilia were identified, which may guide clinicians in patient assessment and devising therapeutic decisions. Further studies are needed to validate our results. Key words: Outcomes, Predictors, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Control in Singapore – Moving Forward
Authors: Pereira Lynette A , Fisher Dale A
Published: February 2023

Singapore has a sophisticated healthcare system and is an important referral centre for Asia. Like much of the world, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is now endemic across its health system. MRSA infection has been associated with considerable attributable mortality, morbidity plus personal and public cost. Nosocomial infections are potentially preventable and need to be considered an unacceptable complication rather than a tolerable byproduct of healthcare. Failure to introduce long-term sustainable infection control initiatives is not an option for responsible clinical leaders and managers. Control of MRSA transmission in Singapore is achievable but we need to accept the challenge and acknowledge that it will take perhaps a decade. It requires implementation of many varied infection control measures to be rolled out sequentially and across all health services. Our ambition, in Singapore, should be for hospitals to achieve an inpatient prevalence of <1% MRSA colonised patients. Identified transmission of MRSA should be regarded as a serious breech. Successful control will require extraordinary collaboration, support, resources, accountability and consistency of effort. Currently, efforts are evolving significantly and today, we have a good opportunity to embark on this difficult journey. Implementing infection control initiatives successfully over the next few years will save lives in the future.

Key words: Colonisation, Infection, Infection control