bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparıson of the Effects of On-Pump and Off-Pump Techniques on the Quality of Life in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Binicier Nofel Ahmet , Yolgösteren Atıf , Biçer Murat
Published: January 2021

Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare the effects between on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery on the effect of quality of life. Methods: Fifty patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass (CABG) between 01.08.2012 - 31.01.2013 were divided into two equal groups (group 1: off-pump CABG; group 2: on-pump CABG). The quality of life of all patients was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire in the postoperative first week and first month (8 basic parameters in SF-36 questionnaire form: Physical function, pain, physical role, mental health, emotional role, social function, fitness / fatigue, general health) Results: One week after CABG surgery, physical function, physical role, social function and emotional role were significantly better in group 1 than group 2 (p <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of quality of life, one month after CABG surgery (p> 0.05). Physical function was significantly better in female gender one week after CABG (p <0.05). There was no difference between the two genders in terms of quality of life after one month (p> 0.05). Conclusion: We think that CABG performed off-pump in order to avoid from negative effects of cardiopulmonary bypass has no significant effect on the quality of life of the patients in the postoperative period. Nevertheless, in order to get a clearer idea on this issue, we think that large series studies should be conducted with a higher number of patients.
Comparison of Immigrants and Turkish Patients in Terms of Malnutrition and its Effects on Mortality among patients hospitalized in the ICU with Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Avcı Begüm Şeyda , Kuvvetli Adnan , Parlakgümüş Alper
Published: January 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of malnutrition on mortality in immigrants and Turkish patients hospitalized in our ICU with the indication of gastrointestinal cancer. Method: This study was performed as a prospective observational study. One-hundered and three (41.3%) patients were Turkish and 146 (58.7%) were immigrants (all Syrian). Age, body mass index (BMI), duration of hospitalization, albumin value, and 30-day and 6-month mortality rates were evaluated. Also, the following assessment tools were calculated: Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Nutrition risk screening-2002 (NRS), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and III. Results: In total, 150 (60.2%) patients had moderate (SGA B), while 71 (28.5%) patients had severe malnutrition (SGA C). The frequency of SGA C in the immigrants was significantly higher than Turkish ciitzens (p=0.004). The overall mortality rate in our study was 36.9%. No significant difference was found between Turkish citizens and immigrants in terms of overall mortality (p=0.592). Albumin value, APACHE II, APACHE III, CCI and NRS scores were significantly higher in those that died within 30 days. The APACHE 3 score was the most successful tool in predicting 30-day mortality according to ROC analyses. Conclusion: This study revealed that malnutrition is a significant problem for both immigrants and Turkish citizens hospitalized in the ICU. Although there are tools specific for malnutrition assessment, APACHE III score was found to have the highest likelihood to predict mortality.
Endoscopy Assisted Laparoscopic Resection for Gastric Submucosal Tumors Located Within 5cm From The Esophagogastric Junction; Combined Surgery at Difficult Localization
Authors: Pişkin Erol , Aydın Osman , Özgün Yiğit Mehmet , Çolakoğlu Muhammet Kadri , Oter Volkan , Dalgıç Tahsin , Bostancı Erdal
Published: January 2021

Objective: Removal of the lesion with safe surgical margins is often sufficient including GISTs. Endoscopic resections can become challenging or impossible even if the tumor was located near esophagogastric junction. Performing gastrectomy for these mostly benign lesions will also be a rather brutal treatment method in most cases.Therefore, alternative minimal invasive resection techniques and their reliability should be evaluated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopy-assisted laparoscopic transgastric resection method in proximally located submucosal tumors. Materials and methods: Transgastric combined endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery (CELS) with intragastric port was performed in one patient and Transgastric CELS with gastrotomy was performed in six patients who had tumor located near esophagogastric junction at XXX Hospital between February 2019 and February 2020. Results: The patients were included 3 men and 4 women with and average age of 45.8 years (range 25-70). In five of the cases, four ports and nathanson retractor were used for liver retraction. While three ports were used in one patient, the stomach was suspended with traction suture. In one patient, 5 ports were used. The average operation time was 88 minutes (range 59-140 min). While gastrostomy line was closed with linear stapler in two patients, laparoscopic hand sewing method was used in the remaining patients. No patient had intraoperative complications. Conclusion: We strongly suggest that the laparoscopic transgastric resection approach for submucosal tumors close to the gastroesophageal junction, is a feasible and safe method, when used in combination with endoscopy.
Hemşirelerin Bireysel Yenilikçilik Özelliklerinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: Sarıoğlu Kemer Ayşegül , Yıldız İdris
Published: January 2021

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the use of primary health care services in individuals diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases and to investigate the relationship between health status and sociodemographic characteristics and health/disease characteristics. METHODS: The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 313 individuals with cardiovascular disease aged 20 years and over who were admitted to a hospital for any reason by haphazard sampling method. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 59.21 ± 13.52 years. It was seen that 46% of the individuals had hypertensive disease and 88.5% of them had continuous medication. The rate of those who prefer family health care center as the first institution for cardiovascular diseases is 13.4%, and the rate of those who prefer family health care center, as the first institution in case of any health problem is 20.1%. The individuals 89.1% came to the hospital without referral from the family health care center, 16.9% of them found family health care centers inadequate. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It is seen that cardiovascular patients who apply to the hospital benefit less from primary health care services. Strengthening the management of cardiovascular patients in primary care is the main suggestion of this study.
Managing Robots in Healthcare
Authors: Eşkin Bacaksız Feride , Yılmaz Metin , Ezizi Kalbinur , Alan Handan
Published: January 2021

Industry 4.0, which is expressed with similar words such as Digital Transformation, Digitalizing Industry and Fourth Industrial Evolution, is developing a revolution in the fields of service by affecting the economy and all sectors of the world. As one of the most significant developments of Industry 4.0, human-robot cooperation is used in different business areas, but its use in the health sector is becoming more widespread. Robots, also referred to as iron-collar workers, are becoming more reliable in treatment and care by being equipped with advanced features and skills that people have, therefore their availability is increasing. On the other hand, the use of humanoid robots in nursing care will bring about ethical and moral problems such as employment of nurses, autonomous decision making of robots and being responsible for this. In this article, it was aimed to review the current usage and importance of robots in various sectors; especially in the health sector, the attitude of the employees in working with robot workers and robot managers, the potential advantages and disadvantages of the robots in the sector, and the introduction of current moral and ethical problems that may arise.
Impaired Lung Functions Using Tidal Breath Analysis in High-risk Infants with Recurrent Wheezing
Authors: Anık Ayşe , Uysal Pinar
Published: January 2021

Objective: We aimed to investigate lung functions using tidal breath analysis (TBA) in high-risk infants with recurrent wheezing.
Methods: Lung functions measured using TBA in infants with physician-diagnosed recurrent wheezing (≥3 episodes) who applied our institution between 2018-2020, were retrospectively analyzed. Infants were assigned to two groups: high-risk infants with recurrent wheezing (n=30) and wheezy infants without high risk of atopy (n=33).
Results: High-risk infants with recurrent wheezing had lower mean values of tPTEF, tPTEF: tE, VPTEF, and VPTEF: VE than that of wheezy infants without high risk of atopy. There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of Vt/kg and respiratory rate. ROC curve analysis showed that tPTEF: tE ratio <26.5 demonstrated 63.3% sensitivity and 63.6% specificity for detection of high risk of atopy.
Conclusion: This study showed that high-risk infants with recurrent wheezing have lower lung function than those of wheezy infants without high risk of atopy. TBA might be useful method to evaluate lung function in wheezy infants.
The Effect of Obesity on Asthma: Lung Function Analysis Using the Impulse Oscillometry in School-age Children
Authors: Güleç Zeynep , Uysal Pınar
Published: January 2021

Objective: Studies investigating the lung function of school-age obese asthmatics are rare. The purpose of this study was to compare lung functions in school-age obese asthmatics with non-obese asthmatics.
Methods: Ninety-two children were assigned to obese asthmatics (OA group, n=43) and non-obese asthmatics (A group, n=49) groups. A baseline impulse oscillometry test was performed to measure lung functions.
Results: Baseline percent predicted value of R20 (p=0.025), R5-20 (p=0.040), and Fres (p=0.018) were significantly increased in obese asthmatics than non-obese asthmatics. AX was also higher in obese asthmatics compared to non-obese asthmatics, however, the difference was insignificant (p=0.787). Percent predicted value of R5 (p=0.007) and R10 (p=0.017) were higher in atopic than non-atopic obese asthmatics. Percent predicted value of R5 was higher in exercise-intolerant than exercise-tolerant non-obese asthmatics (p=0.045). Additionally, R10 was higher in non-obese asthmatics with household mold exposure than that without household mold exposure (p=0.045). The z scores of BMI or weight were correlated with none of the IOS parameters (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Main bronchial and peripheral airway resistance were higher in school-age obese asthmatics compared to non-obese asthmatics. Peripheral airway resistance was higher in atopic obese asthmatics as well as in exercise intolerant asthmatic children and those with household mold exposure.
The Knowledge and Attitudes of Medical Students, Nurse Trainees, and Pediatric Patients’ Caregivers About Influenza and Influenza Vaccination in Prepandemic Era
Authors: Kara Soner Sertan , Bacak Seher , Aslan Alper , Güngör Şükrü
Published: January 2021

Objective: Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection influencing all aged people. Healthcare workers (HCWs) not only are vulnerable to influenza infection, but also act as a possible mediator for infection transmission. The best way to prevent influenza is annual vaccination. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of medical students, nurse trainees, and pediatric patients’ caregivers about influenza and influenza vaccination in our tertiary hospital.
Methods: We performed the study between April 01, 2019 and June 01, 2019. The survey consisted of a 22-item questionnaire that included questions about the demographic properties, vaccination status, decisions and attitudes about the influenza disease and influenza vaccination.
Results: Among 600 participants 502 of them completed the survey (response rate: 83%). One hundred and fifty participants from each group, who fully completed the questionnaires were included in the study. Most of the study participants have never get flu vaccination before (p<0.001). It was seen that the difference between common cold and flu was better known by medical students and nurse trainees, than the caregivers (p<0.001). A higher percentage of caregivers agreed with the decision that flu could not disappear without using antibiotics (26.0% vs 5.3% and 6.7%) (p<0.001). Most of the participants declared the thought of unnecessity of vaccination, as influenza is a simple infection (p=0.05). Approximately half of the medical students, 70% of the nurse trainees, versus 46% of the caregivers reported that to experience a disease itself is better than vaccination against it (p=0.007). A higher proportion of caregivers noted that they heard or read about harmful effects of influenza vaccines on internet or social media (p=0.008).
Conclusion: This study showed that most of the study participants did never get flu vaccination before. The difference between common cold and flu was better known by medical students and nurse trainees. A higher ratio of caregivers agreed that flu could not disappear without using antibiotics. Most of the participants declared the thought of unnecessity of vaccination. High percentage of participants had misinformation regarding influenza vaccines. A higher proportion of caregivers noted that they heard or read about harmful effects of influenza vaccines on internet or social media.
Testicular Adrenal Rest Tumors in Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Case Series
Authors: Yildirimçakar Didem , Altincik Selda Ayça , Öcal Murat , Özhan Bayram
Published: January 2021

Objective: Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TARTs) are the main etiology of infertility in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The aim of this study is to determine the patients diagnosed with TART and to evaluate the risk factors associated with the development of the disease.
Methods: Clinical characteristics of 31 patients with CAH including 19 male, and 12 female patients who were followed up in our clinic were retrospectively reviewed regarding the presence of TART. Differences between clinical and laboratory findings of patients with and without TART were examined. Six male patients with TART were included in the study. Clinical characteristics such as pubertal stage, treatment doses, laboratory findings were evaluated. Changes in size of TARTs were examined with ultrasound follow-ups at six month- intervals.
Results: The prevalence of TARTs was 31.5 % (6/19 male). Precocious puberty was higher in patients with TART than without TART. The mean age of the patients was 9.1±2.4 (range: 5.2-12.4) years at the time of diagnosis with TART. Five patients with TART were inadequately controlled. Four patients had a history of precocious puberty. Tumor progression was detected in 4 of 6 patients. In three patients with tumor progression, serum 17-hydroxy progesterone (17-OHP) values increased during follow-up, probably due to non-compliance with treatment.
Conclusion: Scrotal ultrasound monitoring should be performed in all male patients with CAH in early childhood irrespective of disease control.
Comparison Between Celiac Patients and Healthy Control Group Regarding Vitamin-Mineral Levels and Complete Blood Count Parameters
Authors: Güngör Şükrü , Acıpayam Can
Published: January 2021

Objective: We aimed to compare the mean platelet volume (MPV) and plateletcrit (PCT) and vitamin-mineral levels in pediatric celiac disease patients with the healthy control group and to compare the results with the literature.
Methods: In this study, clinical and laboratory data of 80 pediatric patients diagnosed with celiac disease (CD) between July 2017 and December 2018 and 42 healthy children in the same age group were retrospectively analyzed.
Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age and gender (p=0.383, and p=0.462, respectively). The frequency of anemia, folate, iron and vitamin D deficiencies was higher in celiac patients compared to the control group (p=0.001, p=0.027, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). When the patients were evaluated according to their complete blood count and vitamin-mineral levels; hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), ferritin and vitamin D levels were found to be significantly lower in the CD group compared to the control group (p<0.001, p=0.026, p<0.00, and p=0.001, respectively). Platelet (PLT), PCT, MPV levels were found to be significantly higher in the CD group compared to the control group (p=0.010, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). We found a weakly negative correlation between the vitamin D levels and the degree of the Marsh classification (r: -0.273, and p=0.023).
Conclusion: Our study have shown that MPV, PCT values are higher and Hb, folate, iron and vitamin D levels are lower in patients with CD compared to healthy controls. We recommend investigating other nutrient deficiencies besides iron deficiency, especially in treatment-resistant anemias. We think that the correlation between vitamin D levels and the degree of histological damage should be elucidated with larger-scale and more comprehensive studies.
La Argentina y el terrorismo transnacional en el ámbito regional
Authors: Mormandi Sofia , Retamozo Enrique Isabel Vanesa , Civale María Laura
Published: January 2021

El terrorismo es un fenómeno internacional que se introduce en agenda a partir del atentado a las torres gemelas, el 11-S. Sin embargo, Argentina ya había sufrido dos atentados terroristas en su territorio previamente y se volvió pionera en la lucha contra el mismo. Al ser una amenaza asimétrica y de carácter global, requiere de la coordinación de múltiples actores para combatirlo, pero el problema se presenta a la hora de encontrar un consenso universal respecto a su definición y características. Ante la falta de acuerdo, los espacios de coordinación, como pueden ser los organismos regionales, pueden volverse ineficaces en el diseño de una estrategia internacional contra el terrorismo si no logran un consenso en cuanto a su identificación. Al no haber una línea universal respecto a ello, Argentina formó su posición en torno a sus propios intereses, focalizándose en los dos grandes temas que la atraviesan: el atentado a la AMIA y la triple frontera.
The Application of Methods for Creative Development of Personalities in Natural Sciences in Studying Foreign Languages for Specific Purposes
Authors: Shvay Roksolyana , Morska Nataliya , Kalynyak Bohdan
Published: January 2021

This investigation proposes to apply the methods of training creativity in the natural sciences to teaching a foreign language for specific purposes. This approach is based on the testing of foreign language competencies in different countries, on the task of training higher education specialists, including foreign language training, on the requirements for learning foreign languages, formulated by the European institutions, and on the requirements for specialists in EU. The methods of teaching creativity of specialists in the natural sciences are based on Molyako’s (2008) five strategies of creative design activity. Their practical application demonstrated in teaching physics has been used in teaching English for specific purposes. The analysis of the results of the application of the proposed methods was carried out based on a questionnaire by Popek (2000), which allows differentiating persons with creative aptitudes. The results of the analysis indicate the feasibility of applying the proposed methods for the creative development of personalities following the needs of modern social relations, focused much more on synthesis and interconnection than on the analysis of individual phenomena and processes.
Miliary Pulmonary Tuberculosis after the First Dose of Intravesical BCG Instillation in a Patient with High-Grade Bladder Cancer
Authors: Stępień Adam , Brudło Michał , Stachura Tomasz , Marcinek Paulina , Soja Jerzy , Sładek Krzysztof
Published: January 2021

A 62 years old patient, who was diagnosed with high-grade T1 (T1HG) bladder cancer, after transurethral resection (TURB) (February 2018) and re-TURB (March 2018), with a history of diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease and three percutaneous coronary interventions was admitted to the Urology Department [...]
Bronchodilatory Effects of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Acute Asthma Attacks: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Motamed Hassan , Forouzan Arash , Heybar Habib , Khorasani Mohammad Javad , Hesam Saeed
Published: January 2021

Introduction: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) regulates different physiological processes such as blood pressure, cardiac growth, and neural and skeletal development. Thus, the aim of this study w as to evaluate the effect of BNP in the treatment of acute asthma attacks. Material and methods: In this randomized clinical trial, patients with acute asthma attacks were enrolled. The patients were divided randomly into two groups. Patients in the interventional group received BNP via intravenous infusion. Two µg/kg of BNP was injected as a bolus in 60 seconds. Then, infusion of BNP immediately began and was given in 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03 µg/kg/min doses every 30 minutes for the first 1.5 hours. The patients in the control group received nebulized salbutamol. Afterwards, peak flow meter findings, hemodynamic parameters, and estimation of the clinical severity of asthma in both groups were checked every 30 minutes. Results: In total, 40 patients were included in this study. The values of PEFR in the 60th and 90th minutes in the control group were lower than those in the interventional group. In the 60th minute, the mean of PEFR was 377.3 in the BNP group but 335.95 in the control group (P = 0.049). Moreover, this difference remained significant in the 90th minute (P = 0.021). However, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) did not differ between the groups at any time (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Although a large experimental study is needed to verify our hypothesis, it seems that BNP might be a therapeutic option in asthma exacerbations, particularly in those with b2 agonist receptor polymorphism.
Role of Ultrasonography in Assessment of Anatomic Upper Airway Changes in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Hussein Sabah , Kamel Khaled Mahmoud , Kaddah Safy Zahid , El-Hamid Emad Efat Abd , Shaban Marwa Moawad
Published: January 2021

Instroduction: Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder, characterized by recurrent narrowing and closure of the upper airway accompanied by intermittent oxyhemoglobin desaturation and sympathetic activation. Ultrasound imaging of the airways has advantages of being safe, quick, repeatable, portable and widely available. Airway ultrasound can visualize and assess the mouth and tongue, oropharynx, hypopharynx, epiglottis, larynx, vocal cords, cricothyroid membrane, cricoid cartilage, trachea, and cervical esophagus. Material and methods: This study assessed the role of ultrasonography in detecting the level and degree of obstruction of airway passages in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its relation to OSA severity. It included thirty-three patients diagnosed as OSA, and ten healthy subjects as a control group. All participants were ≥ 18 years and were subjected to full medical history, Epworth sleepiness score (ESS), thorough clinical examination, complete overnight polysomnography and neck ultrasonography. Results: Ultrasonography findings showed a statistically significant increase in lateral parapharyngeal wall thickness (LPWT) (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in distance between lingual arteries (DLA) (P < 0.01) among OSA patients. Moreover, there was a significant statistical decrease in the retropalatal pharynx transverse diameter (RPD) (P < 0.05) in the OSA group compared to those without OSA. LPWT and DLA are parameters that can be used to predict the severity of OSA. Combination of LPWT and RPD can achieve a 100% sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Ultrasound is more objective and convenient than the questionnaire because it doesn’t require overnight time consumption. It is also more relevant than pulse oximetry for examining pharyngeal airspace. Also, this study demonstrated that submental ultrasonography is sufficiently sensitive for differentiating OSA severity.
Nintedanib—Efficacy, Safety and Practical Aspects of Treatment for Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Martusewicz-Boros Magdalena , Górska Katarzyna
Published: January 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rare disease with progressive course and a very unfavourable prognosis. Antifibrotic drugs are a chance to reduce the rate of disease progression and extend the life of IPF patients. One of these drugs is nintedanib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In the following article, the reader will find a summary of current knowledge on the efficacy and safety of nintedanib treatment of IPF patients. This study uses data from pivotal studies and experience from everyday clinical practice indicating a wide range of possible applications of the drug in IPF patients.
Museet i tidens tegn. Et tidsligt blik på museumsaktivismen
Authors: Haunstrup Rathjen Kasper Thissenius
Published: January 2021

Museum activism seems to be on everyone’s lips these days. The notion of activism enters a museological scholarly and political debate that had previously been defined by questions concerning the relationship between enlightenment and entertainment, authenticity, representation, and globalization. Museum activism challenges the traditional temporal character of the museum by demanding a presentistic – part futuristic – understanding of time. The basic assumption of this article is that the traditional cultural history museums confronts the visitor with his own temporality. The fundamental problem is that museums traditionally asks questions of the temporal character of mankind, whereas activism delivers answers and demands action. This paper aims to discuss the temporal implications of museum activism.
COLONIALIDADE, DEMOCRACIA E CIDADANIA NO BRASIL. SUGESTÕES DE ANÁLISE PARA OS IMPASSES BRASILEIROS CONTEMPORÂNEOS.
Authors: Picelli Pedro de Castro
Published: January 2021

O presente trabalho se esforçará para compreender a esfera de relações sociais de cidadania em diálogo com algumas obras do pensamento social brasileiro tendo em vista um “reposicionamento” dos sujeitos e de suas práticas através das contribuições apresentadas pela historiografia brasileira dos anos 1980. Dessa maneira, tentaremos explorar as contradições que as próprias experiências de liberdade no Brasil expressam em suas práticas e discursos, recorrendo a autores que refletiram a situação colonial como uma condicionante fundamental na constituição das relações sociais em países marcados pela colonialidade. Dentro desta reflexão, adotamos como hipótese central a construção, no Brasil, de um horizonte de cidadania possível e aberto à disputa de todos os sujeitos (fruto de lutas entre os agentes sociais). Entretanto essa mesma construção demandou que instâncias de poder e prestígio fossem apartadas dessa querela, confinando o exercício do mando a determinados sujeitos que, historicamente, recrudesceram suas ações à medida que suas formas de dominação fossem minadas. Dito de outra maneira, a “fobia de submissão” de certos grupos no Brasil não é incongruente às formas que a cidadania é realizada historicamente no país. Assim, buscaram garantir que essa ordem social se reproduzisse ao longo do tempo.
International Entrepreneurship: An Entrepreneurial Behavior Oriented to the Pursuit of International Opportunities
Authors: Tabares Alexander
Published: January 2021

International entrepreneurship (IE) research draws on the notion that internationalization is an entrepreneurial behavior oriented to the discovery, enactment, evaluation, and exploitation of opportunities across national borders to create value and get a competitive advantage. Based on the clear emphasis on opportunity-focused behaviors, IE research has made progress and extended its domain and boundaries to an extent that the mechanisms operating throughout the international opportunity process can be described. The present chapter aims to depict antecedents, mechanisms, and outcomes of this entrepreneurial behavior oriented to the pursuit of international opportunities and it offers directions for future research. As such, the chapter makes four contributions. First, it outlines antecedents at three levels (individual, firm, and environmental) as driving aspects that lead to the international opportunity-related behavior. Second, it reveals the mechanism by which different actors discover, enact, evaluate, and exploit international opportunities. Third, it describes the outcomes of this opportunities process. Fourth, it suggests establishing a conceptual basis around one previously proposed definition incorporating a notion of a social context that would enable IE scholarly community to set the objective criteria around opportunities and go beyond the legal entity of the focal firm and consider multiple actors, resources, processes, history, and context. Finally, the chapter offers some theoretical contributions by proposing directions for future research.
Collaborative Entrepreneurship for Continuous Innovation: A Strategic Alliance Perspective
Authors: Seo Ribin
Published: January 2021

Strategic alliances act as a platform to implement collaborative entrepreneurship while exposing a range of challenges. By capitalizing on entrepreneurial opportunities for continuous innovation, alliance partners can promote the productive utilization of resource-pooling systems and facilitate innovation processes for value co-creation. Simultaneously, the heterogeneity of partners in terms of different motivations and interests interferes with the advancement of collaborative entrepreneurship for resource exchange and orchestration. The objective of this paper is thus to explore how to deal with the potential coordination issues that can make an alliance vulnerable and its returns diminished through a preliminary integrative approach to the interface between collaborative entrepreneurship and strategic alliances. From this approach, three elements that can contribute to leverage values of collaborative entrepreneurship for continuous innovation are identified: social capital, entrepreneurial orientation, and interorganizational learning. Based on the discussion about the functions of each element in the context of alliance partners’ dynamic interactions, a model of analysis on collaborative entrepreneurship for continuous innovation is proposed. Hence, this chapter contributes to a better understanding of how firms can enact collaborative entrepreneurship productively to gain greater benefit from the alliance configuration for collaborative advantage.
From Prehab to Rehab: The Functional Restoration of a Bariatric Individual
Authors: Suhaimi Anwar , Saria Yuliawiratman Brenda
Published: January 2021

The bariatric population presents at a greater risk for functional decline with increasing weight and advancing age. This can be prevented at various time points through multidisciplinary rehabilitation interventions in a multitude of different settings to accommodate the severity of an individuals’ disability and to target different functional goals. Bariatric rehabilitation is a multipronged approach that addresses the ongoing functional impairment, medical comorbidities, hospital-related deconditioning and prevents future cardiovascular and musculoskeletal complications from progressing. The emerging concept of utilising rehabilitation interventions and goal-centric approach as means to reduce post-operative complications and enhance surgical outcomes is also discussed. Pragmatic approaches to post-surgical bariatric rehabilitation are discussed highlighting the multi-faceted rehabilitation concerns to achieve optimal functionality in the face of a chronic medical condition.
Bioethanol Production: An Overview
Authors: Edeh Ifeanyichukwu
Published: January 2021

Bioethanol is currently being considered as a potential replacement for the conventional gasoline, especially as it possesses similar and some superior qualities enabling reduction in GHG and increases fuel reserve. Bioethanol used for commercial purposes is usually produced from edible feedstocks such as corn and sugar cane which increases the production cost. The high cost of these feedstocks is the driving force behind the search for the second, and third generations (3G) bioethanol produced from cheaper and available feedstocks. The fourth-generation bioethanol is being developed to further advance the 3G bioethanol to enhance the potential of algae to capture CO2 and to increase the production of specific compounds. Despite the efforts been made to reduce the cost of production through the use of diverse non-edible feedstocks, the cost of processing the feedstocks is still very high, thereby making bioethanol uncompetitive with the conventional gasoline. The life cycle assessment and techno-economic analyses are usually conducted to assess the economic feasibility and the environmental impact of the bioethanol production processes. This chapter thus, covers the State-of-the-art processes involved in bioethanol production including pretreatment, hydrolysis, fermentation processes, bioethanol recovery, integrated processes, Life cycle assessment, techno-economic analysis, exergy analysis and process simulation.
Three-Dimensionally Ordered Macroporous-Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Ceramics for Drug Delivery Capacity and Evaluation of Drug Release
Authors: Bin Zafar Auniq Reedwan , Hirun Namon , Boonyang Upsorn
Published: January 2021

Bioactive glass ceramics (BGCs) have been used in orthopedic and dentistry due to having better osteoconductive and osteostimulative properties. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the drug release properties of two different BGCs; 45S5 and S53P4. The BGCs were composed with four phases of SiO2 – CaO – Na2O – P2O5 system, synthesized by sol–gel method using dual templates; a block-copolymer as mesoporous templates and polymer colloidal crystals as macroporous templates, called three-dimensionally ordered macroporous-mesoporous bioactive glass ceramics (3DOM-MBGCs). In vitro bioactivity test performed by soaking the 3DOM-MBGCs in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37°C. The results indicated that, the 45S5 have the ability to grow hydroxyapatite-like layer on the surfaces faster than S53P4. Gentamicin drug was used to examine in vitro drug release properties in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The amount of drug release was quantified through UV/Vis spectroscopy by using o-phthaldialdehyde reagent. S53P4 showed high drug loading content. The outcome of drug release in PBS showed that both S53P4 and 45S5 exhibited a slowly continuous gentamicin release. The resultant drug release profiles were fitted to the Peppas-Korsmeyer model to establish the predominant drug release mechanisms, which revealed that the kinetics of drug release from the glasses mostly dominated by Fickian diffusion mechanism.
A Combination of Finite Difference and Finite Element Methods for Temperature and Stress Predictions of Early-Age Concrete Members
Authors: Anh Do Tu
Published: January 2021

A combination of finite difference and finite element methods was employed to develop a model for predicting the temperature development and thermally induced stresses in early-age concrete members (such as bridge footings, piers, columns, girders, and slabs). A two-dimensional finite difference (FD) scheme was utilized for heat generation and transfer within a hydrating concrete member. A finite element (FE) plane strain model was then established to compute the thermal stresses in the concrete subjected to the temperature changes. The FD-FE model can be easily created using any programing language, and the methodology can be used to predict the temperatures and stresses as well as assess the possibility of early-age cracking in concrete members.
Blended Learning in Higher Education: Faculty Perspective through the Lens of the Planned Behaviour Theory
Authors: Verpoorten Dominique , Huart Johanne , Detroz Pascal , Jérôme Françoise
Published: January 2021

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Teaching and Learning Centre of the University of Liège (Belgium) administered a questionnaire to disclose the main predictors of faculty’s intention to resort, within a timespan of two years, to blended learning in at least one of their courses. The instrument was constructed according to the Theory of Planned Behaviour, a sound conceptual framework for probing intentions and their antecedents. In the responses of 114 faculty members, multiple regression analyses detected that attitude towards blended learning, subjective norm and perceived control explained 73% of the intention to use blended designs for teaching purposes in a not too distant future. Data treatment also singled out beliefs working indirectly in favour of the intention to use hybrid approaches: the inclination to think of blended learning altogether in a student-centred, conformist and pragmatic way. Moreover, respondents who declared having already used blended learning in the past expressed stronger opinions congruent with the constructs of attitude, norm and perceived control. The results also establish that pre-lockdown e-learning practices remained rather basic. A better knowledge of what can facilitate or impair the diffusion of blended learning is of importance for higher education institutions and their staff training efforts.
Cataract Surgery Combined with Trabecular MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery)
Authors: Aguilar González Marina , Vila Arteaga Jorge , Marí Cotino Jose
Published: January 2021

Cataract surgery decreases significantly and with maintained effect intraocular pressure (IOP) in both normal eyes as in eyes with glaucoma. In patients with cataracts and glaucoma, it can be performed, isolated or in combination with other techniques, such as the following: minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) in patients with mild/moderate glaucoma that do not require a high tensional decrease; and conventional glaucoma surgery techniques in patients with advanced glaucoma. Although lower than with conventional techniques, MIGS trabecular surgery has a good IOP lowering effect and provides some of the following advantages: a more physiological approach; little traumatic; without bleb; and it does not limit other techniques in the future. Different techniques that combinated or not with cataract surgery facilitate the exit of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork (TM) have been described. Our aim in this chapter is to review the newest of them, such as the following: iStent; ELT (Excimer Laser Trabeculostomy); kahook; ABiC; and OMNI.
The Rate of Compensatory Sweating and Clinical Outcomes of Selective Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy (Ramicotomy) in Patients with Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis
Authors: Toolabi Karamollah , Khaki Siavash , Sadeghian Ehsan , Lamsehchi Narges , Elyasinia Fezzeh
Published: January 2021

Background: Primary hyperhidrosis is a sympathetic disorder characterized by prolonged and uncontrollable sweating. It is associated with emotional stress or psychological causes that preferably affects the axillae, palms, feet, and face. Video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery is currently a globally recognized treatment for primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PH). However, compensatory sweating (CS) is the most prominent long-term adverse effect of thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Objectives: Here, we aim to perform selective sympathetic ramicotomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis patients and evaluate the clinical outcomes of satisfaction, as well as the effect on the frequency, location, and severity of compensatory sweating. Methods: In this single-arm trial study, 24 sympathectomies were carried out on 12 patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis who were candidates for bilateral thoracoscopic selective sympathectomy (ramicotomy) at Imam Khomeini Hospital. The patients’ demographic information was interviewed and followed up using telephone questionnaires in the health center one week after surgery. Then, the rates of compensatory sweating, satisfaction, and failure or recurrence were retrospectively analyzed. Results: No significant differences were observed between age, gender, weight, BMI, and compensatory sweating rates. Notwithstanding, there was a statistically significant difference in the severity of compensatory sweating with patients’ height (P = 0.016). Compensatory sweating occurred in 66.7% of the patients; 50% of the patients were mild, 16.7% of the patients were moderate, and there was no intolerable compensatory sweating or recurrence. The most incidence of compensatory sweating was on the lower back. The rate of satisfaction was 94.5 ± 7.8%. Conclusions: Selective thoracoscopic sympathectomy (ramicotomy) is an effective surgical procedure with a very high level of precision and satisfaction. This technique hence should be considered the method of choice for the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis.
The Effect of Transcutaneous Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation on the Overactive Bladder in a Child: A Case Study
Authors: Radinmehr Hojjat , Tabatabae Azade , Alemi Mohsen
Published: January 2021

: The Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a common disorder that imposes a psychological and economic burden and reduces the quality of life. Oral medications have some problems in the frontline of treatment. Transcutaneous posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS) is available with minimum invasion and at a lower cost. Urodynamic tests are invasive and will be more difficult for children to perform than adults. The present study used the Persian version of the overactive bladder symptoms scale (OABSS) and 24hours Voiding Diary questionnaire to assess the symptoms following the treatment. A 7-year-old girl with complaints about OAB was treated with TTNS treatment for 12 sessions in alternate days. The patch electrodes were applied instead of needle and plate electrodes. The results showed that the case improved immediately after treatment from severe stage to average stage according to OABSS. One month following the end of treatment, the results showed improving scores to the mild stage. The TTNS method was a good, safe, non-invasive, and long-term treatment for this child based on 12 sessions using patch electrodes.
The Efficacy of a Persian Medicine Formulation on Adult Functional Constipation: A Double-blinded Clinical Trial
Authors: Barimani Shahdis , Nimrouzi Majid , Ebrahimi Daryani Nasser , Karimi Mehrdad , Heydari Seyyed Taghi , Ebadiani Mohammad , Hatami Khadijeh , Fallahzadeh Ebrahim
Published: January 2021

Background: Constipation is a common disorder, and its management imposes a significant health burden. Integration of complementary and alternative medicine into the current health system may result in beneficial outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a Persian medicine preparation (Jalinous capsule) on functional constipation. Jalinous capsule is a combination of rose (Rosa damascena), mastic (Pistacia lentiscus), Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), and turpeth (Ipomoea turpethum). Methods: From January to December 2019, 126 patients aged 18 - 50 with functional constipation according to Rome IV criteria referred to Imam Khomeini hospital's gastrointestinal disease clinic were blindly randomized into "Jalinous" capsule group and placebo group for four weeks. Both groups received psyllium indeed. The patients were followed up at weeks two and four of the treatment and four weeks after the termination of the intervention. Results: Although the frequency of defecation, percentage of incomplete defecation and evacuation, straining during defecation, using manual maneuver to facilitate evacuation and defecation time showed significant improvement in both groups (P < 0.001), improvements in the intervention group were significantly more than in control group (P < 0.001). At the end of the second and fourth weeks of taking the drug and four weeks after stopping the drugs, the patients in the intervention group reported less frequent hard stool form in comparison to the patients in the control group (P < 0.001). Their overall self-reported improvement in symptoms after the treatment was significantly higher than the patients in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Adverse effects were not serious and mostly were transient. Conclusion: "Jalinous" capsule is an effective and safe treatment for functional constipation in adults, but more studies are needed to make confident conclusions.
Aracées de Guyane française. Biologie et systématique
Authors: BARABÉ Denis , GIBERNAU Marc
Published: January 2021

La famille des Aracées comprend 118 genres et 3 800 espèces de plantes tropicales. Elle représente­­ la 13e famille la plus riche au monde et la 3e parmi les Monocotylédones après les Orchidacées et les Poacées. Le présent ouvrage est consacré aux Aracées de Guyane française, où la famille est largement représentée avec 21 genres et 122 espèces, dont un grand nombre d’échantillons sont déposés à l’Herbier de Guyane. L’originalité des Aracées réside dans leur morphologie florale variée (fleurs fertiles bi- ou unisexuées, fleurs ­stériles), leur mode de croissance (plantes aquatiques, géophytes, ­grimpantes et épiphytes), leur mode de pollinisation et leur physiologie inhabituelle. En effet, la température de l’inflorescence est susceptible d’augmenter fortement lors de la pollinisation, créant ainsi des conditions favorables pour les activités des coléoptères nocturnes pollinisateurs. Plusieurs chapitres portent sur la biologie et l’écologie des Aracées : les modes de croissance, la morphologie florale, la thermogenèse, la pollinisation et les relations avec les animaux non pollinisateurs. Les usages ethnobotaniques sont décrits dans un chapitre distinct. La dernière partie consacrée à la systématique donne des clés d’identification pour les genres et les espèces de Guyane ainsi qu’une courte description de chaque espèce. L’ouvrage s’adresse aussi bien aux chercheurs qu’aux enseignants et aux étudiants, ainsi qu’aux amateurs désireux d’en apprendre davantage sur cette famille de plantes à la fois spectaculaire et originale.
Jessica Schomberg and Wendy Highby. Beyond Accommodation: Creating an Inclusive Workplace for Disabled Workers. Sacramento, CA: Library Juice Press, 2020. 220p. Paper.
Authors: Brown Robin
Published: January 2021

Jessica Schomberg and Wendy Highby begin with a very broad and thought-provoking discussion of the demographics of disability. Diagnosed “behavioral disorders and mental illness are on the rise while diagnosed physical impairments are decreasing” (15). Disablement is defined very broadly, as occurring where there is a mismatch between the environment and ability. Their review of the evolution of disability theory is effective.
Communicating Collections Cancellations to Campus: A Qualitative Study
Authors: McLean Jaclyn , Dawson Diane , Sorensen Charlene
Published: January 2021

Academic libraries around the world are cancelling big deal journal subscriptions at an increasing rate. This is primarily due to budgetary challenges, the unsustainable hyperinflationary pricing of these packages, and a need to move toward new open access models. It is a complex situation with many vested interests and stakeholders. Some libraries have been the target of angry backlash from faculty after such cancellations. The purpose of this qualitative study is to discover strategies for communicating to the campus community about collections cancellations so that they will better understand and support the library in making these difficult decisions.