bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns on particulate air pollution across Europe
Authors: Putaud Jean-Philippe , Pisoni Enrico , Mangold Alexander , Hueglin Christoph , Sciare Jean , Pikridas Michael , Savvides Chrysanthos , Ondracek Jakub , Mbengue Saliou , Wiedensohler Alfred , Weinhold Kay , Merkel Maik , Poulain Laurent , van Pinxteren Dominik , Herrmann Hartmut , Massling Andreas , Nordstroem Claus , Alastuey Andrés , Reche Cristina , Pérez Noemí , Castillo Sonia , Sorribas Mar , Adame Jose Antonio , Petaja Tuukka , Lehtipalo Katrianne , Niemi Jarkko , Riffault Véronique , de Brito Joel F. , Colette Augustin , Favez Olivier , Petit Jean-Eudes , Gros Valérie , Gini Maria I. , Vratolis Stergios , Eleftheriadis Konstantinos , Diapouli Evangelia , Denier van der Gon Hugo , Yttri Karl Espen , Aas Wenche
Published: September 2023

Abstract. To fight against the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19) in 2020, lockdown measures were implemented in most European
countries. These lockdowns had well-documented effects on human mobility. We
assessed the impact of the lockdown implementation and relaxation on air
pollution by comparing daily particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide
(NO2) and ozone (O3) concentrations, as well as particle number
size distributions (PNSDs) and particle light absorption coefficient in situ
measurement data, with values that would have been expected if no COVID-19 epidemic had occurred
at 28 sites across Europe for the period 17 February–31 May 2020.
Expected PM, NO2 and O3 concentrations were calculated from the
2020 Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) ensemble forecasts,
combined with 2019 CAMS ensemble forecasts and measurement data. On average,
lockdown implementations did not lead to a decrease in PM2.5 mass
concentrations at urban sites, while relaxations resulted in a +26 ± 21 % rebound. The impacts of lockdown implementation and relaxation on
NO2 concentrations were more consistent (−29 ± 17 and +31 ± 30 %, respectively). The implementation of the lockdown measures
also induced statistically significant increases in O3 concentrations
at half of all sites (+13 % on average). An enhanced oxidising capacity
of the atmosphere could have boosted the production of secondary aerosol at
those places. By comparison with 2017–2019 measurement data, a
significant change in the relative contributions of wood and fossil fuel
burning to the concentration of black carbon during the lockdown was
detected at 7 out of 14 sites. The contribution of particles smaller than 70 nm to the total number of particles significantly also changed at most of
the urban sites, with a mean decrease of −7 ± 5 % coinciding with
the lockdown implementation. Our study shows that the response of PM2.5
and PM10 mass concentrations to lockdown measures was not systematic at
various sites across Europe for multiple reasons, the relationship between
road traffic intensity and particulate air pollution being more complex than
expected.
Assessing Arctic low-level clouds and precipitation from above – a radar perspective
Authors: Schirmacher Imke , Kollias Pavlos , Lamer Katia , Mech Mario , Pfitzenmaier Lukas , Wendisch Manfred , Crewell Susanne
Published: September 2023

Abstract. Most Arctic clouds occur below 2 km altitude, as revealed by CloudSat satellite observations. However, recent studies suggest that the
relatively coarse spatial resolution, low sensitivity, and blind zone of the radar installed on CloudSat may not enable it to comprehensively
document low-level clouds. We investigate the impact of these limitations on the Arctic low-level cloud fraction, which is the number of cloudy
points with respect to all points as a function of height, derived from CloudSat radar observations. For this purpose, we leverage highly resolved
vertical profiles of low-level cloud fraction derived from down-looking Microwave Radar/radiometer for Arctic Clouds (MiRAC) radar reflectivity
measurements. MiRAC was operated during four aircraft campaigns that took place in the vicinity of Svalbard during different times of the year,
covering more than 25 000 km. This allows us to study the dependence of CloudSat limitations on different synoptic and surface conditions. A forward simulator converts MiRAC measurements to synthetic CloudSat radar reflectivities. These forward simulations are compared with the original
CloudSat observations for four satellite underflights to prove the suitability of our forward-simulation approach. Above CloudSat's blind zone of
1 km and below 2.5 km, the forward simulations reveal that CloudSat would overestimate the MiRAC cloud fraction over all campaigns
by about 6 percentage points (pp) due to its horizontal resolution and by 12 pp due to its range resolution and underestimate it by
10 pp due to its sensitivity. Especially during cold-air outbreaks over open water, high-reflectivity clouds appear below 1.5 km,
which are stretched by CloudSat's pulse length causing the forward-simulated cloud fraction to be 16 pp higher than that observed by
MiRAC. The pulse length merges multilayer clouds, whereas thin low-reflectivity clouds remain undetected. Consequently, 48 % of clouds observed
by MiRAC belong to multilayer clouds, which reduces by a factor of 4 for the forward-simulated CloudSat counterpart. Despite the overestimation
between 1 and 2.5 km, the overall low-level cloud fraction is strongly reduced due to CloudSat's blind zone that misses a cloud fraction of
32 % and half of the total (mainly light) precipitation amount.
Smart Learning Environment: An Access to Quality University Education in Nigeria
Authors: Francis Ogunbodede Kolawole , Iroroeavwo Achugbue Edwin
Published: September 2023

A well-liked method for enhancing access to quality university education in Nigeria is the Smart Learning Environment (SLE). Traditional classroom environments are no longer able to meet the needs of the expanding student body due to the rising demand for university education. Technology-assisted, individualized, and flexible scheduling are all features of SLE’s novel approach to education. The potential of SLE to offer Nigerian students a quality education is examined in this research, with an emphasis on the benefits, strategies, challenges, and probable solutions to the challenges. However, for the SLE deployment to be effective, ample infrastructure, sufficient training, and cooperation from all stakeholders are necessary. The paper suggests that SLE is an effective way to improve access to university education in Nigeria.
QUALIDADE, e-CIDADANIA E EDUCAÇÃO A DISTÂNCIA: UMA RELAÇÃO POSSÍVEL
Authors: Lima Daniela da Costa Britto Pereira
Published: September 2023

Este estudo faz parte de uma rede de pesquisa nacional e internacional sobre a regulamentação e qualidade da educação a distância (EaD) e tem como objetivo compreender e relacionar a e-cidadania com a qualidade como elementos importantes do desenvolvimento da garantia de desenvolvimento da EaD numa perspectiva socialmente referenciada. Para isso foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico no repositório internacional Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), considerando o período 2019-2023. Concluiu-se ser relevante a inclusão da e-cidadania como um dos indicadores da qualidade socialmente referenciada na EaD, pela similitude de seus conceitos e propósitos na formação do profissional cidadão emancipado. 
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Educação a Distância; e-Cidadania; Qualidade Socialmente Referenciada.
Szkolnictwo polskie na Białostocczyźnie w latach 1915-1919 (w okresie okupacji niemieckiej)
Authors: Szot Adam
Published: September 2023

Podczas pierwszej poważnej kontrofensywy na froncie rosyjskim, wojska niemieckie zdobyły Białystok w sierpniu 1915 r. i ruszyły dalej na wschód. W rezultacie okręg białostocki znalazł się pod niemiecką administracją, która prowadziła politykę konfiskat i hurtowej eksploatacji lokalnych zasobów na potrzeby działań wojennych. Inne środki, mające na celu germanizację ludności regionu (który miał zostać przyłączony do Prus Wschodnich), nadawały priorytet niemieckiemu językowi i instytucjom. Polacy postrzegali nagły koniec rosyjskiego panowania jako wyjątkową okazję do założenia polskich szkół. Inicjatywa ta została podjęta przez szereg nowo utworzonych dobrowolnych stowarzyszeń, wśród których główną rolę odgrywało Towarzystwo Popierania Szkół Polskich w Białymstoku. Również duchowieństwo katolickie nie zwlekało z zakładaniem polskich szkół elementarnych w parafiach na terenie całego województwa, a także kładło podwaliny pod polskie szkoły średnie w Białymstoku. Władze nie były jednak gotowe tolerować z radością niczego, co zagrażało monopolowi niemieckiego systemu oświaty i mogło stać się zalążkiem polskiego odrodzenia narodowego. Nauczyciele i duchowni związani z polskimi szkołami byli szykanowani, a w niektórych przypadkach skazani na karę więzienia. Ale patriotyczna polska społeczność była niezrażona. Nie tylko wydała na świat wielu entuzjastycznych młodych ludzi, którzy chcieli kształcić się na nauczycieli, ale także wielu wykształconych dorosłych wszystkich zawodów, którzy zgłosili się na ochotnika do prowadzenia lekcji języka polskiego w ramach szeroko zakrojonej kampanii walki z analfabetyzmem. Liczba polskich szkół nadal rosła, choć w znacznie wolniejszym tempie niż wcześniej. Okupacja niemiecka w Okręgu Białostockim (sierpień 1915 - luty 1919) została zapamiętana jako czas trudności i wyzysku ekonomicznego. Fakt, że w tych latach nastąpiło zdumiewające odrodzenie polskiego szkolnictwa, jest mało zauważany. Źródła, uważane za zaginione, zostały odnalezione przez autora niniejszego artykułu w Archiwum Archidiecezjalnym w Białymstoku. Dzięki tym dokumentom możliwe stało się uzyskanie dokładniejszego obrazu tego etapu historii Białegostoku i dziejów szkół polskich w tym regionie.
Relationship of pre-hospital clinical status with behavior of intracranial pressure and outcomes in pediatric patients with severe head trauma.
Authors: Abreu Pérez Daysi , Lacerda Gallardo Angel Jesus , Galvez. Jose Antonio
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The prehospital phase of the management of pediatric severe traumatic brain injury may have a direct influence on the results. Objective: To evaluate the influence of prehospital variables on intracranial pressure and the results in pediatric patients with severe TBI. Method: A descriptive study of 41 pediatric patients who were admitted to the medical emergency department and later admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit due to severe head trauma was carried out between January 2003 and December 2018. Results: children aged 5-17 years predominate, and the highest number of cases were received between 0-3h at the neurotrauma center. Of the 41 cases, 27 arrived with a non-expedited airway and hypoxia was verified upon arrival by pulse oximetry. A correlation was observed between arterial hypotension on admission and elevated intracranial pressure in 9 of 15 children (60%) and in the deceased (40%). Discussion: Clinical conditions, oxygenation, arterial hypotension, and treatment in the prehospital phase may influence the state of intracranial pressure and other intracranial variables in pediatric patients with severe head injury.
Características clínicas y laboratoriales de pacientes adultos ambulatorios con Chikungunya del Hospital Nacional de Itauguá de Paraguay durante la epidemia 2022-2023.
Authors: Montiel-Jarolín Dora , Samudio Margarita , Torres Estela , Jarolín Magalí , Taboada Verónica , Sánchez Luis
Published: September 2023

Introducción: La infección aguda por chikungunya produce una infección auto-limitada caracterizada principalmente por fiebre alta, artralgias, artritis, cefalea, mialgias y exantema pruriginoso; una minoría presenta síntomas persistentes que puede evolucionar a la cronicidad. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas y laboratoriales de pacientes adultos ambulatorios con chikungunya en un hospital de referencia durante la epidemia del 2022-2023 en Paraguay. Materiales y Método: estudio descriptivo de corte trasversal de pacientes adultos con chikungunya que consultaron en el Hospital Nacional de Itauguá entre enero-marzo de 2023. Resultados: Se incluyeron 140 pacientes entre 19 y 79 años (edad media: 46,6±13,6), 77,9% del sexo femenino y 89,3% del departamento Central. El 72,9% de los pacientes fueron confirmados por RT-PCR y el resto por la clínica o serología. El 48,6% tenía alguna comorbilidad, el 65% se encontraba en la fase aguda, y el resto en la fase subaguda (35%). Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron la poliartralgia (96,4%); artritis (98,6%), fiebre (95,7%), astenia (100%), mialgias (96,4%), cefalea (82,9%), exantema (95%). Los síntomas gastrointestinales fueron menos frecuentes; náuseas (37%), vómitos (15,7%) y diarrea (20%). Entre los principales hallazgos laboratoriales se encontraron la proteína C reactiva aumentada (45,7%), leucopenia (23,6%), eritrosedimentación aumentada (27,9%), citólisis hepática leve (13,6%).  Todos fueron tratados con paracetamol; el 60,4% y el 87,8% de los pacientes en fase aguda y subaguda recibieron AINES, respectivamente.   Conclusión: La combinación de fiebre alta y artralgia severa fue el rasgo característico de la infección por el virus chikungunya en la epidemia en Paraguay.
The Use of Jigsaw Strategy on Students’ Speaking Ability in Expressing Gratitude and Appreciation
Authors: Bukit Herawati , Sarma Dewi Kemala. S  , Manik Sabar , Panggabean Himpun
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this research was to identify the effectiveness of jigsaw strategy on students' speaking ability in expressing gratitude and appreciation. This study employed a quantitative research design and involved two groups of students: the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group was taught using the Jigsaw Strategy, while the control group received instruction without jigsaw strategy. The population of the research consisted of 60 students from the second grade of SMP Singosari Delitua, and a purposive sample technique was applied where 30 students was selected as  control group and another 30 students were selected as experimental group.  Speaking tests, including pre-tests and post-tests, were used to collect the data for both groups. In the control group, the mean deviation was 8.87, indicating a low level of improvement. This group was taught without the Jigsaw Strategy. On the other hand, the experimental group taught using the Jigsaw Strategy, had a mean deviation of 23.03, showing a higher level of improvement. As a result, it was concluded that the Jigsaw Strategy had a significant impact on students' speaking achievement in expressing gratitude and appreciation. Based on the information provided, this research can be considered an effective approach to the teaching and learning process.

Keywords: Speaking, Appreciation, Gratitude, Jigsaw Strategy
Data-efficient GNN models of communication networks using beta-distribution-based sample ranking
Authors: Helm Max , Jaeger Benedikt , Carle Georg
Published: September 2023

Machine learning models for tasks in communication networks often require large datasets to be trained. This training is cost intensive, and solutions to reduce these costs are required. It is not clear what the best approach to solve this problem is. Here we show an approach that is able to create a minimally-sized training dataset while maintaining high predictive power of the model. We apply our approach to a state-of-the-art graph neural network model for performance prediction in communication networks. Our approach is limited to a dataset of 100 samples with reduced sizes and achieves an MAPE of 9.79% on a test dataset containing significantly larger problem sizes, compared to a baseline approach which achieved an MAPE of 37.82%. We think this approach can be useful to create high-quality datasets of communication networks and decrease the time needed to train graph neural network models on performance prediction tasks.
Gestão sustentável do saneamento Nota Técnica 2 – Avaliação de ciclo de vida como ferramenta de auxílio à tomada de decisão para a escolha de estações sustentáveis de tratamento de esgoto
Authors: Fernandes Matheus Augusto de Oliveira , Gutierrez Kátia Gonçalves , Silva Lucas de Almeida Chamhum , Lobato Lívia Cristina da Silva , Chernicharo Carlos Augusto de Lemos
Published: September 2023

A Avaliação de Ciclo de Vida (ACV) é uma metodologia de gestão ambiental utilizada para avaliar os impactos ambientais de um produto ou processo ao longo de todo o seu ciclo de vida. Esta ferramenta pode ser usada para auxiliar na escolha de estações de tratamentos de esgoto (ETEs), ainda que sua utilização para este fim ainda seja incipiente no Brasil. A presente nota técnica apresenta uma revisão de estudos de ACV no setor de tratamento de esgoto no Brasil e busca contribuir para a disseminação da metodologia como ferramenta de auxílio à tomada de decisão. Por meio da revisão da literatura, pôde-se observar o aumento no número destes estudos e a versatilidade da ACV, tendo sido aplicada para ETEs com diferentes tecnologias e portes. Dentre os desafios observados para a sua utilização, destaca-se a ausência de inventários regionalizados, que possibilitariam a realização de estudos mais representativos. Embora existam problemas de acessibilidade a softwares e bancos de dados, a ACV ainda se destaca como uma ferramenta de análise integrada com grande potencial de utilização no setor.
OpenPodcar: An Open Source Vehicle for Self-Driving Car Research
Authors: Camara Fanta , Waltham Chris , Churchill Grey , Fox Charles
Published: September 2023

OpenPodcar is a low-cost, open source hardware and software, autonomous vehicle research platform based on an off-the-shelf, hard-canopy, mobility scooter donor vehicle. Hardware and software build instructions are provided to convert the donor vehicle into a low-cost and fully autonomous platform. The open platform consists of (a) hardware components: CAD designs, bill of materials, and build instructions; (b) Arduino, ROS and Gazebo control and simulation software files which provide standard ROS interfaces and simulation of the vehicle; and (c) higher-level ROS software implementations and configurations of standard robot autonomous planning and control, including the move_base interface with Timed-Elastic-Band planner which enacts commands to drive the vehicle from a current to a desired pose around obstacles. The vehicle is large enough to transport a human passenger or similar load at speeds up to 15 km/h, for example for use as a last-mile autonomous taxi service or to transport delivery containers similarly around a city center. It is small and safe enough to be parked in a standard research lab and be used for realistic human-vehicle interaction studies. System build cost from new components is around USD7,000 in total in 2022. OpenPodcar thus provides a good balance between real world utility, safety, cost and research convenience.
Rezension von: Krüger, Walter (Red.), 650 Jahre Stadt Niederstetten
Authors: Göpfert Eberhard , Krüger Walter
Published: September 2023

650 Jahre Stadt Niederstetten. Red.: Walter Krüger / hrsg. von der Stadt Niederstetten. - Tauberbischofsheim: Fränkische Nachrichten, 1991. -803 S.: zahlr. Ill. (Veröffentlichungen zur Ortsgeschichte und Heimatkunde in Württembergisch Franken; Bd. 4)
Risk Factors for Postoperative Urinary Retention After Lumbar Fusion Surgery: Anesthetics and Surgical Approach
Authors: Heard Jeremy C. , Lee Yunsoo , Lambrechts Mark J. , Ezeonu Teeto , Dees Azra N. , Wiafe Bright M. , Wright Justin , Toci Gregory R. , Schwenk Eric S. , Canseco Jose A. , Kaye Ian D. , Kurd Mark F. , Hilibrand Alan S. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Schroeder Gregory D. , Kepler Christopher K.
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) after lumbar fusion surgery can lead to longer hospital stays and thus increased risk of developing other postoperative complications. Therefore, we aimed to determine the relationship between POUR and (1) surgical approach and (2) anesthetic agents, including sugammadex and glycopyrrolate.

Methods:

After institutional review board approval, L4-S1 single-level lumbar fusion surgeries between 2018 and 2021 were identified. A 3:1 propensity match of patients with POUR to those without was conducted, controlling for patient age, sex, diabetes status, body mass index, smoking status, history of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and the number of levels decompressed. POUR was defined as documented straight catheterization yielding >400 mL. We compared patient demographic, surgical, anesthetic, and postoperative characteristics. A bivariant analysis and backward multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis (P-value < 0.200) were performed. Significance was set to P < 0.05.

Results:

Of the 899 patients identified, 51 met the criteria for POUR and were matched to 153 patients. No notable differences were observed between groups based on demographic or surgical characteristics. On bivariant analysis, patients who developed POUR were more likely to have been given succinylcholine (13.7% vs. 3.92%, P = 0.020) as an induction agent. The independent predictors of POUR identified by multivariable analysis included the use of succinylcholine {odds ratio (OR), 4.37 (confidence interval [CI], 1.26 to 16.46), P = 0.022} and reduced postoperative activity (OR, 0.99 [CI, 0.993 to 0.999], P = 0.049). Factors protective against POUR included using sugammadex as a reversal agent (OR, 0.38 [CI, 0.17 to 0.82], P = 0.017). The stepwise regression did not identify an anterior surgical approach as a notable predictor of POUR.

Conclusion:

We demonstrate that sugammadex for anesthesia reversal was protective against POUR while succinylcholine and reduced postoperative activity were associated with the development of POUR. In addition, we found no difference between the anterior or posterior approach to spinal fusion in the development of POUR.
A Hybrid Model for Performance Evaluation of Fixed VANETs using Novel 1C3N and Topology-Based Ad-Hoc Routing Protocols with Packet Loss Control Methods
Authors: A Tamilarasi , D Sivabalaselvamani , L Rahunathan , N Adhithyaa
Published: September 2023

Vehicular ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) play a significant role in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Design. Intelligent Transportation Systems are the first mandatory requirements for any smart city. Researchers are vigorously working on ITSs for smart cities and so VANETs have received a lot of attention. In VANETs, Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) message transmissions are carried out using wireless access technologies like IEEE 802.11p and IEEE 1609 WAVE family of standards. The crucial challenge in the implementation of VANETs involves the task of deciding the routing protocol because unlike MANETs, handover in VANETs is extremely high. In this paper, a novel routing technique, One Caption for 3 Nodes (1C3N) algorithm is proposed. This algorithm is implemented along with other topology-based existing routing protocols for the implementation of VANETs in the Coimbatore-Urban Area (Indian Smart City). The performance evaluation is carried out by comparing metrics like goodput, Overhead, Packet delivery ratio (PDR), Packet loss ratio (PLR) and end-to-end delay for four existing VANET routing protocols. The results show that a proper combination of packet loss model with routing protocol enhances the goodput and reduces the overhead for a fixed VANET. It is observed that the proposed 1C3N routing technique provides 60-65% better goodput than the other four algorithms.
Knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding biomedical waste management among nursing students: A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Vasamreddy Lalasa , Boddu Mahalakshmi , Nellore Srivani , Valluri Anitha
Published: September 2023

Background: Biomedical waste management (BWM) has become a major challenge among health-care facilities around the world as these facilities continue to generate more than ever biomedical waste due to mounting health-care facilities.

Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices on BWM among I and IV year nursing students.

Materials and Methods: A non-experimental, descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Sri Padmavathamma Govt. College of Nursing during October and November 2022 using the total enumeration method. A structured questionnaire was developed after extensive literature review and consultation with subject experts. The questionnaire consisted of a total of 31 questions, which included 12 questions to assess knowledge, 10 questions to assess attitude and 9 questions to assess practices. The collected data were entered in MS Excel spread sheet and analyzed using SPSS20 version software. Descriptive statistics was used to present the study findings. The Chi-square test was applied to assess the associations between knowledge, attitude, and practice scores with study groups (I and IV year students).

Results: A total of 180 nursing students participated, including 90 from I year and 90 from IV year. The results showed that 4th-year students had a better knowledge, positive attitude, and awareness with regard to all the aspects of BWM compared to 1st-year students.

Conclusion: Further improvement should be made through conducting programs on the knowledge and practices related to BWM in the interest of the environment, public health, and health of the health-care workers.
A comparative study of efficacy and safety of montelukast versus acebrophylline as add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroids in bronchial asthma
Authors: M Renuka , Panchaksharimath Praveen , Shivanna Archana
Published: September 2023

Background: Non-responding to standard doses of inhalational corticosteroids (ICS) remains a challenge in the management of asthma, requiring add-on therapy. Acebrophylline, a theophylline derivative, with multiple mechanisms of action and properties, could work as a suitable alternative to montelukast as an add-on therapy.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of montelukast versus acebrophylline as an add-on therapy to ICS in the treatment of bronchial asthma.

Materials and Methods: One hundred bronchial asthma patients, fulfilling inclusion/exclusion criteria, were enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two groups of 50 each to receive either oral montelukast 10 mg OD or oral acebrophylline 200 mg OD with budesonide. Inhaled salbutamol was permitted as rescue medication during acute exacerbations. Primary outcome measures were change in pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters and asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) scores at baseline and 12 weeks. Adverse events, if any were recorded.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the improvement of mean PFT parameters at the end of 12 weeks in the montelukast group (P < 0.001), but not in acebrophylline group (P = 0.253). Montelukast was more efficacious than acebrophylline in improving PFT parameters at 6 and 12 weeks. Both treatment modalities significantly improved ACQ score at 12 weeks (P < 0.001), the difference between two groups was not statistically significant (1.4 ± 0.53 in Group A vs. 1.32 ± 0.44 in Group B, P = 0.436). No significant adverse effects were seen in both groups.

Conclusion: Montelukast, with low-dose ICS, had better efficacy over acebrophylline. Both montelukast and acebrophylline improved the quality of life in mild-to-moderate persistent asthma patients by decreasing nocturnal symptoms and the need for rescue medications.
Prevalence of IBS and its relationship to vitamin D deficiency in Al- Nasiriyah city, Iraq
Authors: Husseiny Auday , zamili Sadeq , Shala Hayder
Published: September 2023

Objective: To learn how common irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is in the city of Al-Nasiriyah and whether or not this disorder is linked to a lack of vitamin D.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 396 patients based on Raisoft online application's population size. Patients were randomly enrolled from July to December 2022 at three outpatient clinics in various city quarters. Study factors were age (years), gender, family history of IBS, smoking, place of residence, marital status and vitamin D level.
Results: We found that 56.06% patients had deficiency of vitamin D while 39.65% had insufficiency of vitamin D. We noted that 18.18% had mixed IBS while 15.15% had unclassified IBS,13.38% had constipation and only 7.58 had diarrhea. There was significant association between Vitamin D level and place of living. Females had significant deficiency in vitamin D level (59.6%) and 50.7% and 45.1% cases of IBD had deficient and insufficient, respectively.
Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common. Most urban patients’ features were mixed IBS, unclassified IBS, or constipation, and vitamin D insufficiency. Vitamin D insufficiency was higher in women. Most IBS patients were deficient or insufficient.
Evaluation nurses’ knowledge about prevention of nosocomial infections in Al-Basrah Teaching Hospitals, Basrah, Iraq
Authors: Ali Alyaa , Saud Ahmed
Published: September 2023

Objectives: To evaluate nurses' knowledge of nosocomial infection prevention.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Basrah city at Al-Basrah Teaching Hospitals from October 24th, 2021, to April 13th, 2022. The participants of study were 100 nurses. The study's instrument, a pre-designed questionnaire, was used. The questionnaire was divided into two sections that covered sociodemographic information and understanding of nosocomial infection prevention. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed.
Results: Women made up the majority of the study population (57.0%), were more men to be in their 20s or 30s (66.7%), have nursing degrees (45%), and had one to five years of work experience (50%). The majority of them (84.0%) had previously undergone nosocomial infection-related training. A lack of association existed between total nurses' knowledge of nosocomial infection prevention and demographic characteristic, but there was a significant correlation within gender and this information (p=0.05).
Conclusion: The study concluded that the nurses lacked adequate understanding of nosocomial infection prevention.
What's Making a COVID-19 a dangerous disease for long time?
Authors: Ali Diaa , Shlash Ahmed , Shamran Mohammed , Ashour Ibrahim
Published: September 2023

Objective: To evaluate COVID-19 complications among recovered patients and determine the association between these complications and patients' demographic data.
Methodology: This descriptive retrospective study was conducted from December 15th, 2021 to May 1st, 2022 in the city of Al-Najaf. A convenience (non-probability) sampling was used and 157 patients with COVID-19 disease were enrolled. The information was gathered using a specially designed questionnaire that was divided into three sections: sociodemographic traits, medical history, and the systematic COVID-19 Complications.
Results: Out of 157 patients, 73 were women and 84 men. Even after recovering from COVID-19, the patients continue to experience difficulties. Acute respiratory failure (46.5%), pneumonia (15.35%), blood hypercoagulability (35.7%), diarrhea (33.1%), myalgias (19.1%), and arthralgias (15.3%) were the most frequent consequences.
Conclusion: The study concluded that COVID-19 is a deadly virus that affects every system of the body and might lead to serious consequences that could endanger the patients' lives.
Health Belief Model Efficacy on improving hypertension control among old age at Kirkuk City, Iraq: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kader Mahir , Faraj Raad
Published: September 2023

Objective: To identify the efficacy of Health Belief Model on improving hypertension control behaviors among old age.
Materials: This experimental randomized controlled trial was conducted at primary health care in Kirkuk City, Iraq from July 17, to October 20, 2022 and included 100 elderly with high blood pressure were selected from the Kirkuk sector and the Daquq sector of the Kirkuk Health Department.
The instrument consisted of two parts: Part I: Socio demographic consisting of 12 items and Part II: primary subscales: This consisted of six primary subscales of 51 items and Part III: secondary subscales consisting of 16 items. The data were collected by interview technique and SPSS version 24 was used for the statistical analysis.

Results: All composed of health belief model who delivered perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefit, due to action and self-efficacy had an moderate evaluation (33.3-66.7), except for perceived barriers which was rated low (0.00-33.3).
Conclusions: Mean score of practice behavior increased after the educational in the intervention group.
Knowledge level about Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever among a sample of medical students in Mosul City, Iraq
Authors: Taqi Fahad , Noori Tabarek , Shaker Ehab
Published: September 2023

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge of medical students regarding Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Mosul city, Iraq.
Materials: This cross-sectional study included 204 medical technical undergraduate students in Al- Mosul 1st & 2nd stage. We used convenient sampling. Google form ws used online and via email.
Results: The study had 204 participants with mean age 19±1.09 years; the percentage of male & female and first & second stage were almost the same, 81% of them live in urban area. We found that 72% students had good knowledge about Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.
Conclusion: Highest proportion of the study sample had good knowledge regarding Crimea-Congo hemorrhagic fever.
Effectiveness of intervention program on nurses' practices about nursing care plan of patients Post Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy
Authors: Thamer Muntadher , Ahmed Sabah
Published: September 2023

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the interventional program on nurses' practices toward nursing care plan of patients post transsphenoidal hypophysectomy.
Methodology: A quasi-experimental study was carried out with the use of pre-test and post-test approach during the period 23th of January 2022 to 6th of March 2023. A Non-Probability purposive sample of 40 nurses working at Ghazi Al-Hariri Hospital for Surgical Specialties was selected. An educational program through the use of practice checklist including 62 items concerning nurses' practices toward nursing care plan of patient post transsphenoidal hypophysectomy in ICU and neurosurgical ward was administered. Pre and post test were done to assess the effectiveness.
Results: Pre-test score of 1.20 changed to 2.24 in post-test There was a highly significant difference in the overall practices scores of the study sample throughout two measurement periods (pre- and post-test) with a p-value of less than 0.05.
Conclusions: Study found that organizing a nursing education program can be a crucial way for nurses who work in intensive care units and neurosurgical ward to advance their knowledge and expertise in nursing care of patients after transsphenoidal hypophysectomy.
Covid-19 and Fungal Infection: A literature review
Authors: Darmadi Darmadi , Pakpahan Cennikon , Surja Sem
Published: September 2023

Fungal infections have emerged as a significant and potentially lethal complication in critically ill patients with Covid-19. Infections caused by Aspergillus, Candida, and Mucormycetes, are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients, especially those with preexisting comorbidities. The underlying mechanisms that predispose fungal infections are not fully understood, but the use of corticosteroids, underlying conditions, prolonged hospitalization, and antibiotic are several factors that might be associated. They are associated with higher mortality rates, increased healthcare costs, delayed recovery, and prolonged hospitalization. Antifungal therapy for COVID-19-associated fungal infections can interact with other drugs used to treat COVID-19, which can complicate management. The emergence of antifungal resistance is a concern for the management of COVID-19-associated fungal infections.
Co-relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and patient of phenotype RIPK3 and gastric carcinoma in AL-Diywaniah Province, Iraq
Authors: Kenani Heyam , Khafaji Aqeel
Published: September 2023

Objective: To diagnose H. pylori infection and assess the likelihood of developing gastric cancer. It is necessary to describe instances and phenotypes of necroptosis in gastric cells.
Methodology: Fifty patients who had undergone gastrectomy from January 2020 to December 2022 were interviewed. A noninvasive investigation has been performed on each specimen to check for the presence of H. pylori by using stool, antibody test, urea breath test, and biopsy taken on endoscopy.
Results: Increased population of RIPK3-positive cells was observed in both gastric glands and lamina propria in H. pylori infected human oxyntic gastritis and atrophic specimens. Phenotypic analysis revealed that many RIPK3-positive cells were H + K+ ATPase-positive parietal cells in the gastric glands and are predominantly CD3-positive T lymphocytes CD68-positive macrophages, and SMA-alpha-positive stromal cells. Positive tests for H. pylori were conducted on 50 individuals on chemotherapy who already had gastric cancer as a consequence of exposure to bacteria. The incidence of stomach cancer was 62% in males and 38% in females with age between 30-85 years.
Conclusion: An increased population of RIPK3-positive cells was observed in several types of gastric cells. Future studies that define the effects and mechanisms developed of H. pylori disorders are needed.
Procalcitonin Level In COVID-19 Patients: A single center study
Authors: Mahdi Batool
Published: September 2023

Objective: The study the association of procalcitonin (PCT) and c-reactive protein (CRP) levels in COVID-19 patients and it's role as a guide in progress and management of those patients.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study analyzed 200 CIOVID-19 patients in a single privet center in Baghdad, Iraq from January 1, 2021 to January 1, 2022. Demographic data like age, sex, and clinical symptoms were recorded. High sensitivity CRP and PCT in the serum were measured via dry fluorescence immunoassay (Lansionbio-China).
Results: Out of 200 patients, 50 had moderate Covid and 150 had severe disease. Mean serum PCT levels was 0.039±0.05 ng/mL in the moderate group (range 0.011-0.067) and 0.43±0.21 ng/mL in the severe group (range 0.211±0.513). Mean serum PCT and CRP levels were higher in severe patients than in moderate patients.
Conclusions: PCT and CRP may be an indicator of disease severity in COVID-19.
Vital Ağartmanın Kompozit Rezin Yüzey Sertliğine Etkisi
Authors: TORBALI ÇOKKEÇECİ İlke , DENİZ ARISU Hacer
Published: September 2023

Günümüzde estetiğe verilen önemin artması ile vital ağartma tedavileri de popülerlik kazanmıştır. Estetik diş hekimliğinde ağartma uygulamaları oldukça hızlı sonuç veren konservatif tedavilerdir. Doğru teşhis ve tedavi planlaması ile başarılı sonuçlar elde edilmektedir. Ağartma tedavileri için farklı içerikte ve konsantrasyonda ürünler bulunmaktadır. Ağartmanın temel mekanizması dişlerde renklenmeye sebep olan büyük moleküllü bileşiklerin okside edici ajanlar aracılığıyla daha küçük moleküllere parçalanması prensibine dayanmaktadır. Diş dokusuna nüfus ederek ağartma etkisi gösteren okside edici ajanlar aynı zamanda hastanın mevcut kompozit rezin restorasyonlarında da çeşitli değişikliklere sebep olabilmektedir. Restoratif diş hekimliğinde özellikle çürük sebebi ile kaybedilen diş dokusunun tedavisinde en çok tercih edilen direkt restoratif materyal olan kompozit rezinlere toplumun çoğunluğunda her yaş grubundan hastada rastlanmaktadır. Vital ağartma tedavileri uygulanırken dişlerdeki mevcut kompozit restorasyonlarda oluşabilecek değişiklikler ve riskler göz önünde bulundurulmalıdır. Bu derlemenin amacı günümüzde popüler olan vital ağartma tedavilerinin kompozit rezin restorasyonların yüzey sertliği üzerindeki etkilerini incelemektir.
Genetic fingerprinting: Advancing the frontiers of crop biology research
Authors: Romero Gabriel , Adeva Cheryl , Battad II Zosimo
Published: September 2023

Genetic fingerprinting is one of the DNA-based techniques that have permeated a wide gamut of biological research, beginning with forensic biology and medicine and now extending to agriculture. The advent of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ushered a revolutionary approach in producing genetic fingerprints, supplanting hybridization-based techniques. PCR-based methods can be accomplished using either arbitrary markers of unknown location in the genome or those markers that target specific genome sites. Among agricultural crops, rice and maize are the most intensively characterized for DNA markers. At present, genetic fingerprinting has also been applied in many aspects of crop biology, such as taxonomy and phylogeny, diversity analysis, hybridity testing, gene mapping, molecular breeding, and somaclonal variation. This paper describes genetic fingerprinting technology and discusses its applications in the major crops of the Philippines, highlighting the progress made by Filipino scientists.
Neutrality and School Choice: Two Cheers for Carson v. Makin
Authors: Boersma John
Published: September 2023

In 2022 the Supreme Court decided the case of Carson v. Makin, a First Amendment free-exercise case centering on the constitutionality of the exclusion of religious schools from Maine’s school tuition assistance program. In a 6–3 decision, the Court held that the exclusion of religious schools violated the Free Exercise Clause of the Constitution. The dissenting opinion of Justice Breyer, in contrast, argued that the State acted within its power in excluding religious schools from the program. Notably, both opinions appeal to the concept of neutrality to justify their decision. In this article, I analyze the role neutrality plays in the case. I argue that the concept of neutrality does not operate as an absolute standpoint from which it is possible to judge whether public aid to religious schools is justified. Finally, I conclude that the majority’s opinion will result in further litigation.
Antroposeeni, kapitaloseeni, fossiilikapitalismi
Authors: Säynäjoki Sakari
Published: September 2023

Antroposeenin käsitteen on kritisoitu syyllistävän universaalia ”ihmiskuntaa” ekokatastrofista ja samalla häivyttävän ympäristötuhojen yhteiskunnallista taustaa. Ihmiskunnan sijaan syylliseksi on esitetty kapitalismia, ja keskustelua käydään siksi useimmiten antroposeenin ja kapitaloseenin käsitteiden välillä. Artikkelissa esitetään, että kapitaloseenin näkökulmasta esitetty kritiikki antroposeenia kohtaan ohittaa liiaksi aikamme ekokatastrofin kannalta ratkaisevan tekijän, fossiilienergian ja siihen kytkeytyneen kapitalismin eli fossiilikapitalismin. Artikkelin pääväite on, ettei fossiilikapitalismia kannata analysoida pelkästään kapitalismina yleensä, vaan sitä tulee tutkia myös suhteessa itse fossiilisiin polttoaineisiin. Artikkelissa esitetään fossiilisten polttoaineiden ja kapitalismin erityisestä suhteesta alustava analyysi, joka perustelee väitteen fossiilikapitalismin erityisluonteesta. Ellei erityisluonnetta huomioida, jää tutkimus helposti joko yhteiskunnalliseksi tai tekniseksi eikä yhdistä näitä kahta puolta. Antroposeeni vs. kapitaloseeni -debatin tulisi siksi keskittyä tarkemmin juuri fossiilikapitalismiin.
Marxin Feuerbach-teeseistä "filosofian uuteen käytäntöön"
Authors: Lahtinen Mikko
Published: September 2023

Tarkastelen artikkelissani marxilaisten teoreettisten ja poliittisten keskustelujen peruskysymystä teorian ja käytännön suhteesta. Analyysin keskiössä on Karl Marxin Feuerbach-teesit (kirj. 1845) ja varsinkin viimeinen, yhdestoista teesi, jossa nousevat esille ”maailman tulkitseminen” ja ”maailman muuttaminen”. Feuerbach-teesejä koskevan esitykseni pohjustukseksi luon katsauksen Marxin näkemyksiin hänen intellektuaalisen työnsä kahdesta ”kohdeyleisöstä”, työväenluokasta ja porvaristosta, sellaisina kuin ne nousevat esille hänen Pääomansa yhteydessä. Artikkelissani luen Feuerbach-teesejä eräänlaisena ”agendana”, toimintasuunnitelmana, joka pohjustaa ja suuntaa Marxin käsityksiä teorian ja käytännön, työväenluokan ja hänen (”marxilaisen”) teoriansa suhteista. Artikkelin loppuosassa valaisen sitä, millaisia aineksia nämä Marxin näkemykset ovat tarjonneen Antonio Labriolalle ja Antonio Gramscille heidän työstäessään Marxin materialistista historiankäsitystä ”praksiksen filosofiana”. Tässä yhteydessä tuon esille Louis Althusserin esittämän näkemyksen, jonka mukaan Marx ja Gramsci (kuten myös Lenin) avasivat näkymiä ”filosofian uuteen käytäntöön”. Artikkelini viimeisessä osiossa pohdin Gramscin Vankilavihkojen (kirj. 1929–1935) valossa sitä, mitä tämä ”filosofian uusi käytäntö” voisi konkreettisesti tarkoittaa.
Avainsanat: teoria, käytäntö, filosofia, historiallinen materialismi
Presentation, management and short-term outcomes of extradural spinal tumours at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Mutembo Hilgard , Sonkwe B.B.D. , Munthali J.C
Published: September 2023

Objectives: To investigate the clinical presentation of patients with extradural spinal tumours and establish the factors that determined the treatment they received and outline the outcomes of that treatment at the University Teaching Hospital between January 2013 and December 2016.

Material and Methods: This was a retrospective study of the presentation, management and shortterm outcome of extradural spinal tumours at the University Teaching Hospital. A questionnaire was used to obtain data from patients' hospital records. Data was analysed using Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 software.

Results: Of the 62 patients in the study, 34 were female and 28 male. The age range was 14 to 87 years, with a mean of 55.03. Backache (93.8%), Limb weakness (91.9%), loss of sensation (50%), urine and stool incontinence (43.5% and 41.9% respectively), back deformity (11.3%), night pain (85.5%), weight loss(67.7%), poor appetite (61.3%), fever (35.5%) and night sweats(29%) were common symptoms. Sixty-eight percent of patients were bedridden. Visual Analogue Scale scores were  greater than 5 in 84% of patients. A muscle power grade of 3 or less (n=48), impaired muscle tone (n=38), abnormal reflexes (n=52), presence of a sensory level(n=37) and back deformity (n=17) were common signs. Plain radiography, Computed Tomography Scans, Magnetic Resonance Scans and Tecnetium Bone scans were done in 60, 35, 17 and 2 patients respectively. The commonest surgical host category was A (64%). Secondary Extradural Spinal Tumours comprised 82% while 18% were primary. Surgery was done in 14 patients with 1 failing to afford implants. Forty-eight received nonsurgical treatment. Nineteen percent of patients had improved pain scores but the rest remained the same or worsened after treatment. Complications included decubitus ulcers, Urinary Tract Infection, Deep Veinous Thrombosis, pneumonia, sepsis and joint stiffness. Fourty patients died and eighteen patients were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions: The ages of patients followed normal distribution with female to male ratio of 1.2 to 1. Most patients presented with symptoms and signs of advanced disease. The type of extradural spinal tumour, stage of disease, completeness of diagnostic workup, availability of implants, need for tissue diagnosis, type of surgical host and availability of nonsurgical treatment modality determined the choice of treatment. Poor outcomes in quantity and quality of life are a reflection of the late presentation, delayed diagnosis, lack of resources and difficulty of  treating these tumours. Extradural spinal tumours are not uncommon and cause significant morbidity and mortality in those affected.