bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraabdominal Causes of Abdominal Pain
Authors: KARCIOGLU Ozgur , YENİOCAK Selman , HOSSEINZADEH Mandana , Bahar SEZGIN Seckin
Published: August 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic renal failure (CRF), amyloidosis, sickle cell
anemia (SCA) and acute intermittent porphyria are among diseases that can be
associated with abdominal pain (AP) at some point in the course of the pathological
process. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe life-threatening syndrome
characterized by fluid loss, electrolyte changes, hyperosmolarity and acidosis. These
pathophysiologic factors can explain AP in patients with DKA. Vomiting and AP can
also be initial manifestations of DKA even in euglycemic patients.
SCA is one of the most common autosomal recessive diseases classified in
hemoglobinopathies. The disease is first recognized by history, then by peripheral
smear and hemoglobin electrophoresis, and advanced studies. Splenic sequestration
crisis is a severe complication of SCA that prompts emergent treatment, Opiate
analgesia and hydration is the main treatment.
Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and end-stage renal disease are also prone to
severe AP due to peritonitis which is triggered by continuous ambulatory peritoneal
dialysis in vulnerable patients. Amyloidosis is mostly recognized with typical attacks
i.e., febrile episodes, exanthema, AP, myalgias and arthralgias.
Acute intermittent porphyria is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by severe
neurovisceral attacks of AP, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, and hypertension in the
absence of signs compatible with peritonitis. Management of mild attacks comprises
symptomatic treatment, optimized calorie intake, and fluid replacement to beware
dehydration.
Fuzzy Reliability Calculation Based on Stochastic Finite Element
Authors: Mo Wenhui
Published: August 2022

Based on the stochastic finite element, the fuzzy reliability calculation of
structure with static problems, linear vibration, nonlinear problems and nonlinear
vibration is studied. The mean and variance of stress are obtained by the stochastic
finite element method. The normal membership function is generally selected as the
membership function of engineering problems. The fuzzy reliability of structure can
be obtained by using the calculation formula of fuzzy reliability.
Uncertain Analysis in Finite Elements Models
Authors: Mo Wenhui
Published: August 2022

This book explains uncertainty analysis for finite elements and general nonlinear problems. It starts with the fundamentals of the topic and progresses to complex methods through 9 chapters. Each chapter focuses on a specific, relevant topic and provides information in a structured reading format for advanced learners. The author explains different models relevant to the topic where applicable, in an effort to cover the diverse aspects of mathematical analysis.

Topics covered in the book include:

- Nonlinear stochastic finite element methods

- Reliability calculations

- Static analysis of interval finite element

- Linear and nonlinear vibration analysis

- Stochastic, random, fuzzy and mixed fields

- Mixed finite element analysis

Uncertainty Analysis in Finite Elements Models is an ideal reference for advanced courses in mathematical analysis and engineering that require students to understand the basics of uncertainty analysis and basic reliability calculations.
Vroege miltvuurvaccinaties in onze streken: Kruishoutem, 1885
Authors: Devriese L. , Van der Meeren C.
Published: September 2022

In 1885 kon het nog maar pas in Frankrijk beschreven miltvuurvaccin (1880 en 1881) in het Oost-Vlaamse dorp Kruishoutem al toegepast worden bij varkens. Dit blijkt uit brieven van de plaatselijke dierenarts aan het gemeentebestuur, bewaard in het gemeentelijk archief. De diagnose miltvuur was hier waarschijnlijk foutief, maar dit doet niets af van de historische en didactische betekenis van de voorgestelde inentingen. Deze korte mededeling kadert de miltvuurvaccinatie in het geheel van onze kennis over deze toen revolutionaire nieuwigheid.
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Maes D. , De Schauwer C.
Published: September 2022

Hematocrietwaarden bij varkens
The Archipolitics of Jacques Rancière
Authors: Perica Ivana
Published: September 2022

The paper examines Jacques Rancière’s critique of Hannah Arendt, whom he considers as a proponent of liberal political philosophy. The fact that he finds in Arendt an advocate of the liberal, even conservative fixation of the borderline between the private and the public sphere and at the same time oversees her insistence on what he would call ‘dissenting’ politics – particularly her notions of beginning and revolution – demands the uncovering of possible tacit reasons of his rebuttal of Arendt.
In the center is the axis to which their two seemingly irreconcilable political-theoretical edifices are bound, around which they ‘twist’ and, although separated, are even able to supplement each other: the axis of the private and public, i.e. of the social and political, and the notion of arché as its balance point. The assumption is that Rancière’s radical posture against Arendt prevents him to also learn something from her purportedly juxtaposed position. Moreover, it seems that Arendt’s political thought even offers solutions for paradoxes into which he maneuvers himself.
Therefore, and contrary to Rancière’s own insistence on the irreconcilable differences between them, Hannah Arendt represents for Rancière’s political thinking a theoretical forefield that precedes his own work and even anticipates its critique.
Field Philosophy and the Societal Value of Basic Research
Authors: Radder Hans
Published: September 2022

Review of: Robert Frodeman and Adam Briggle (2016) Socrates Tenured: The Institutions of 21st-Century Philosophy. London: Rowman & Littlefield, 167 pp.
Aspectos florísticos, ecológicos y etnobotánicos de Mammillaria deherdtiana subsp. dodsonii (Cactaceae), una planta endémica y amenazada
Authors: Rendón-Aguilar Beatriz , Bernal-Ramírez Luis Alberto , Arias-Montes Ángel Salvador , Jiménez-Sierra Cecilia Leonor , Ballesteros-Barrera Claudia , Ortega-Jiménez Sinuhé , Bravo-Avilez David
Published: August 2022

Antecedentes y Objetivos: En Oaxaca, México, se reportan 26 especies del género Mammillaria; siete de ellas endémicas. Mammillaria deherdtiana subsp. dodsonii está catalogada como amenazada. Los objetivos del trabajo fueron describir las características demográficas, reproductivas y aspectos etnobotánicos de su uso, así como los aspectos florísticos y bioclimáticos de las localidades estudiadas. Métodos: En enero de 2015 se encontraron dos localidades de Mammillaria deherdtiana subsp. dodsonii en la Sierra Norte. Entre enero y marzo se ubicaron cinco transectos de 5 m2 en una de ellas, en los cuales se registró el número de individuos, se establecieron categorías de tamaño y se obtuvo la estructura poblacional. Para la marcha floral se eligieron diez flores y cada dos horas se registró el diámetro de la apertura del perianto. Se registraron las especies de plantas vasculares que crecían cerca de ella y se obtuvieron datos de las variables climáticas. Se entrevistó a los pobladores para documentar el conocimiento y uso que le dan a esta cactácea.Resultados clave: La estructura poblacional es multimodal. Los individuos juveniles conforman 65% y los adultos reproductivos 33% en la localidad estudiada. La antesis dura siete horas; se observó dicogamia y hercogamia, lo cual indica un sistema de cruza xenógamo. La subespecie es reconocida con nombres en español y zapoteco y es usada de manera ocasional como alimento, medicina y ornamento. Se registraron 15 especies pertenecientes al bosque de Pinus y Abies. Las preferencias ambientales de la subespecie son temperaturas de 9.6-12.7 °C y precipitación de 1009-1405 mm.Conclusiones: El sistema de cruza xenógamo resulta preocupante por la observación de un solo visitante floral. La presencia de cerdas y espinas radiales sugiere adaptaciones morfofisiológicas de esta subespecie al frío. Se sugiere profundizar en la presencia y efectividad de los polinizadores y en la dinámica de reclutamiento de la subespecie.
Preoperative Alkaline Phosphatase-adjusted CA19-9 as a Superior Prognosticator for Extrahepatic Biliary Tract Cancer With Jaundice
Authors: IKUTA SHINICHI , AIHARA TSUKASA , NAKAJIMA TAKAYOSHI , KASAI MEIDAI , YAMANAKA NAOKI
Published: August 2022

Background/Aim: The major limitation of carbohydrate antigen (CA)19-9 as a tumor marker is the high incidence of false-positive results during cholestasis. We evaluated preoperative CA19-9 and its adjusted values [ratios of CA19-9 to total-bilirubin (TB), direct-bilirubin (DB), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] to investigate the most suitable prognostic parameter in extrahepatic biliary tract cancer (eBTC) patients with or without jaundice. Patients and Methods: eBTC patients (n=140) who underwent resection were divided based on the absence (TB <2.0 mg/dl, n=90) or presence (TB ≥2.0 mg/dl, n=50) of preoperative jaundice. Within each group, the associations with overall survival (OS) were assessed for CA19-9, CA19-9/TB, CA19-9/DB and CA19-9/ALP ratios using Cox regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, and area under the curve (AUC) estimates. Results: In univariate analysis in the group without jaundice, both high CA19-9 and high CA19-9/TB ratio were associated with poor OS, whereas other parameters were not. ROC-AUC for OS prediction was greater in CA19-9 than in the CA19-9/TB ratio, and CA19-9 was identified as an independent prognosticator in multivariate analysis. In the group with jaundice, CA19-9 was not significant; however, CA19-9/TB, CA19-9/DB, and CA19-9/ALP ratios were all associated with poor OS. In ROC-AUC analysis, CA19-9/ALP ratio showed the highest predictive value; furthermore, it was an independent prognosticator in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Adjustment of the CA19-9 value was less useful as a predictor in the absence of jaundice. On the other hand, the CA19-9/ALP ratio showed superior prognostic value in jaundiced patients with eBTC.
Semantic Web Recommender System over Different Operating Platforms
Authors: Khalil Sharif Halo , Hama Ali. A. Faraj Kamaran
Published: August 2022

Semantic-Web Recommender System (SWRS) evaluation over different operating systems (OSs) used to facilitate and improve human electronic recommendation management (HERM). The HERM is address the needs of user and dataset of movie in our proposed system through internetworking means which increase the speed of automated recommendation and enhance the goodness of SWRS and services also electronically to select right movies-title to user demand. Furthermore, it will be a benefit for selection a right favor by user for right selection from (i.e., 3000 records in dataset of movie-Lens) in the backend. There are a direct relation between time-consume of selection movie-title, also the time-consume, and accuracy. The two-mentioned parameters, namely, time-consume and accuracy over two different operation system (OSs) which designed by web technology Python. In our research, SWR system is proposed; it is provide with some recommendation methods. The system designed and improved using content-based algorithm (CBA). Investigational results indicate that the developed algorithm technique confident a reasonable performance such as accuracy and time consuming compared to other existing works with a testing average accuracy of 85.63 for windows and 88.35 for Linux operating system. In conclusion, SWRS investigated on two different operating platforms and could be seen that the Linux is faster than windows in accuracy and time consuming.
Prevalence of antibiotic resistance in pre-and post-treatment of drinking water treatment plant (DWTPs) in Malaysia: protocol for a cross-sectional study (Preprint)
Authors: Mohamad Zuraifah Asrah , Bakon Sophia Karen , Jamilan Mohd Azerulazree , Daud Norhafizan , Ciric Lena , Ahmad Norazah , Muhamad Nor Asiah
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a known global public health threat. In addition to this, it brings serious economic consequences to agriculture. Antibiotic resistance is an interconnection of humans, animals and the environment as proposed in tricycle surveillance by the WHO. In Malaysia, research and surveillance of AMR are mainly derived from clinical samples, agricultural settings, and surface water, but no surveillance of the drinking water system is currently performed. Hence, this policy-driven study is a combined effort of microbiologists and engineers to provide baseline data on the magnitude of AMR as a possible pollutant in the drinking water system which is not being monitored at present.

OBJECTIVE

To study the baseline level of antibiotic resistance in drinking water distribution from pre-and post- drinking water treatment plants in a selected state in Malaysia.

METHODS

This is a lab-based, cross-sectional study in a selected state, Malaysia. Water samples from six drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) were collected. Samples were collected at three sampling points consisting of the intake sampling station, service reservoir outlet station, and distribution system sampling station. These were tested against seven types of antibiotics in triplicates. Samples were screened for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs) and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) and quantified for the level of antibiotics present in the DWTPs.

RESULTS

Results include descriptive statistics of the number of bacterial colonies harvested from water samples grown on Reasoner’s (R2A) agar with or without antibiotics, the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant genes, and the level of antibiotics detected in water samples.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides baseline information on the status of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, the presence of resistance genes as contaminants, and the level of antibiotics present in drinking water systems, with the aim of demonstrating to policymakers the need to consider AMR as a parameter in drinking water surveillance.

CLINICALTRIAL

This study is not a clinical trial
A Theoretical Argument for Associations Between Perceived Credibility and Health Behavior: Literature Review (Preprint)
Authors: Long Sylvia
Published: September 2022

UNSTRUCTURED

Credibility continues to grow as a marker of trust and fidelity in the realm of health behavior. To date, research has not explored the direct and indirect relationship between media credibility specifically and individuals’ compliance with health recommendations promoted through mass media. This literature review advances mass media, persuasion, and health communication literature by establishing a theoretical rationale supporting the propagation of a causal relationship between credibility, health belief, and one’s willingness to comply with nonpharmaceutical intervention recommendations. Of primary focus is the Health Belief Model (HBM), early persuasion literature on Source Credibility Theory, and additionally regarded theoretical paradigms.
Development, Reliability, and Structural Validity of the Scale for Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in Ethics Implementation Among AI Researchers: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Xiaobo , Gu Ying , Yin Jie , Zhang Yuejie , Jin Cheng , Wang Weibing , Li Albert Martin , Wang Yingwen , Su Ling , Xu Hong , Ge Xiaoling , Ye Chengjie , Tang Liangfeng , Shen Bing , Fang Jinwu , Wang Daoyang , Feng Rui
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Medical artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly contributed to decision support for disease screening, diagnosis, and management. With the growing number of medical AI developments and applications, incorporating ethics is considered essential to avoiding harm and ensuring broad benefits in the lifecycle of medical AI. One of the premises for effectively implementing ethics in Medical AI research necessitates researchers' comprehensive knowledge, enthusiastic attitude, and practical experience. However, there is currently a lack of an available instrument to measure these aspects.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive scale for measuring the knowledge, attitude, and practice of ethics implementation among medical AI researchers, and to evaluate its measurement properties.

METHODS

The construct of the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice in Ethics Implementation (KAP-EI) scale was based on the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) model, and the evaluation of its measurement properties was in compliance with the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) reporting guidelines for studies on measurement instruments. The study was conducted in 2 phases. The first phase involved scale development through a systematic literature review, qualitative interviews, and item analysis based on a cross-sectional survey. The second phase involved evaluation of structural validity and reliability through another cross-sectional study.

RESULTS

The KAP-EI scale had 3 dimensions including knowledge (10 items), attitude (6 items), and practice (7 items). The Cronbach α for the whole scale reached .934. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the goodness-of-fit indices of the scale were satisfactory (χ2/df ratio:=2.338, comparative fit index=0.949, Tucker Lewis index=0.941, root-mean-square error of approximation=0.064, and standardized root-mean-square residual=0.052).

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that the scale has good reliability and structural validity; hence, it could be considered an effective instrument. This is the first instrument developed for this purpose.
Use of a Reinforcement Learning-Enabled Digital Health Intervention to Promote Mammograms: A Single-arm Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Bucher Amy , Blazek E. Susanne , West Ashley B.
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Preventive screenings such as mammograms promote health and detect disease. However, mammogram attendance lags clinical guidelines, with roughly one quarter of women not completing their recommended mammograms. A scalable digital health intervention leveraging behavioral science and reinforcement learning and delivered via email was implemented in a US health system to promote uptake of recommended mammograms among patients overdue for the screening.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to establish the feasibility of a reinforcement learning-enabled mammography digital health intervention delivered via email. The research aims included understanding the intervention’s reach and ability to elicit behavioral outcomes of scheduling and attending mammograms.

METHODS

The digital health intervention was implemented in a large Catholic health system in the Midwestern US. From August 2020 to July 2022, 139,164 eligible women received behavioral science-based messages assembled and delivered by a reinforcement learning model to encourage follow-through on clinically recommended mammograms.

RESULTS

139,164 women received at least one intervention email during the study period, and 81.5% engaged with at least one email. Deliverability of emails exceeded 98%. Among message recipients, 25% scheduled mammograms and 22% attended mammograms (88% of scheduled). Results indicate no practical differences in the frequency with which people engage with the intervention or take action following a message based on their age, race, educational attainment, or household income, suggesting the intervention may equitably drive mammography across diverse populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital health interventions may be a valuable approach to prompt mammograms in a health system setting among patients who are overdue. In this feasibility study, the intervention showed proportionate reach across demographic sub-populations, and was associated with scheduling and attending mammograms.
Fishes in the Upstream Rheophilic Stretch of River Barak at Karong
Authors: Kar Devashish , Khynriam Dimos
Published: September 2022

11 species of fishes belonging to 8 genera, 4 families and 3 Orders have been recorded. The cyprinids were the most abundant group. The contribution of cyprinids to the total fish collection depicts its highest (96.87 %) contribution in river Barak at Karong. Among the cyprinids, Barilius bendelisis and Crossocheilus burmanicus depicted the bulk of abundance (19.35 and 33.87 % respectively) in river Barak at Karong.
Mangrove ecology and species distribution along the Gorai Creek of Mumbai coast, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Padmakumar Vidya , S Murugan
Published: September 2022

The extensive mangrove forest of Gorai Creek, Mumbai coast, has recently seen substantial deterioration. The results of a study on mangrove diversity conducted in Gorai Creek on the Mumbai coast from June 2017 to May 2018 are presented here. During the course of the study, twelve species of mangroves from five families and eight genera were identified in each of the three study locations along the creek. Avicennia marina accounted for 13.44% of the Gorai creek marshes, confirming its predominance. Sonneratia alba, Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera cylindrica, Kandelia candel, and Acanthus ilicifolius are among the mangrove species found in the estuarine embayment, with other species strewn around. A diverse range of species, including endangered migratory birds and herpetofauna, can be found in these mangrove environments. Mangroves have been observed to have narrowed in density with time, and it is critical to begin conservation efforts as speedily as humanly possible.
Experimental Study on the Partial Replacement of the Cement with Waste Marble Dust and Fine Aggregate with CRT Waste
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Lalotra Sourabh
Published: August 2022

Abstract: The attention of the world towards sustainable development is one of the major concerns from the past few years. This act of using huge volume of natural aggregates in construction industry leads to the shortage of natural aggregate in construction process. The latest trend in construction industry is to use alternate materials which can be best substitute of natural aggregates so that there is no compromise in terms of strength and durability considerations of structure. Reusing waste materials as an alternative to natural aggregates can help in reducing environmental problems, pollution, waste disposal and global warming. From the last few years, it has been found that the waste generated from demolition of construction site and old structures is increasing at more rapidly. Thus, reusing and recycling these wastes may reduce the usage of natural aggregates and thus contribute in reducing environmental hazards. In the present experimental work, the natural fine aggregates are partially replaced by crushed CRT Glass aggregates with replacement ratio of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% and cement is partially replaced by marble dust with replacement ratio of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. Five different mixes of were prepared and based on the results. In this experiment, five different mixes of combined Marble Dust and crushed CRT aggregates were used in the present study. The different mixes are studied for mechanical and durability properties of M-35 concrete. The results have demonstrated that the concrete mixes with 5% CRT aggregates and 10% marble dust replacement gives compressive strength and split tensile strength slightly more than the normal design mix.
Relationship Between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Bacterial Load Sputum in Tuberculosis Patients in Simalungun, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Saputra Nico Dana
Published: August 2022

Abstract: Vitamin D is involved in innate and adaptive immune function and its deficiency is a risk factor for tuberculosis (TB) infection. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients and to examine the relationship between vitamin D levels and sputum swab positivity, which reflects bacterial load. This is a cross-sectional study conducted from June 2022 to August 2022 at multiple primary health care facilities at Buntu Turunan Public Health Center and Perdagangan Regional General Hospital, Simalungun Regency. Up to 101 adult tuberculosis patients who were sputum smear-positive, untreated, on treatment, or had a treatment duration of 1 week or less to her were recruited. Sputum examination was scored using the International Union for Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) rating scale. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D level was estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and interpreted as deficiency (<20 ng/mL), insufficiency (20-29 ng/mL), or optimum (30-100 ng/mL). The association between vitamin D levels and positive levels of AFB sputum was analyzed using Spearman's correlation test. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in new pulmonary tuberculosis patients with positive sputum smear was 20.79%. There was a weak relationship between vitamin D levels and AFB sputum positive levels (p=0.017), with a correlation coefficient of (-0.278). Despite Indonesia being an equatorial region and having plenty of sunshine throughout the year, many of the newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients were vitamin D deficient. This study shows that vitamin D does influence bacterial load and that low levels of 25(OH)-vitamin D are associated with higher bacterial load.
Tracking and Management of Deforestation and Related Activates using Blockchain and IoT
Authors: Khandelwal Aditya P. , Nair Karishma
Published: August 2022

Abstract: Objective- To conceptualize a system using a fusion of Blockchain and IoT to keep track of deforestation and related activities and maintain a distributed public ledger of the same. Methods-IoT network detects deforestation or related activities using extrapolation of data generated, and thus updating the Blockchain with the same. It will create a public ledger with all the information related to the region wherein the system is deployed. Concerned authorities would be apprised, and commensurate action would be taken in case some illicit activity is detected by the central node of the IoT module. Novelty-Novelty lies within the program, which would use the data generated by the IoT module, use it to infer the activities, initiate response actions and update the data on the Blockchain.
A Review on Natural Fibers; Its Properties and Application Over Synthetic Fibers
Authors: Parasakthibala Ms. G. , Monisha Mrs. A. S.
Published: September 2022

Abstract: Fibre is a long, thin strand or thread of material made by weaving or knitting threads together. Fibre is a hair like strand of material. A fibre is the smallest visible unit of any textile product. Fibres are flexible and may be spun into yarn and made into fabric. Natural fibres are taken from animals, vegetables or mineral sources. A few examples of widely used natural fibres include animal fibre such as wool and silk vegetables fibres, especially cotton and flax and asbestos, a mineral. Natural fibers are more important part in our human environment. Natural fibers are ecofriendly and inexpensive which are readily available in nature. In this chapter we discuss about the overview of natural fiber and their characteristic. this paper also deals with the impact of natural fibers over the synthetic fibers and also the application of natural fiber in various fields.
Exposición intrauterina a disruptores endocrinos (ftalatos): fuentes de exposición y cuantificación de metabolitos urinarios
Authors: Gómez-Mercado Carlos Alberto , Escobar Natalia , González María C. , Lince Manuela , Vásquez María C. , Arango-Alzate Catalina María , Segura-Cardona Angela M. , Mejía-Sandobal Gregory , Barraza-Villareal Albino
Published: August 2022

Introducción: Los ftalatos son disruptores endocrinos usados en la fabricación de múltiples productos de la industria, principalmente plásticos. El periodo fetal representa la principal ventana de vulnerabilidad, y la exposición a ftalatos en esta etapa de vida genera efectos adversos fetales y postnatales. El biomarcador más fiable para medición de ftalatos es la orina. Objetivo: Caracterizar las diferentes fuentes de exposición a disruptores endocrinos y cuantificar la concentración urinaria de Ftalatos en gestantes. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal, observacional y descriptivo que incluye 400 gestantes que asistieron a control prenatal en las instituciones de salud Génesis y Metrosalud (Medellín-Colombia). Se caracterizaron fuentes de exposición, se recolectó muestras de orina de todas las gestantes, y cuantificó la concentración de ftalatos de 38 mujeres. Resultados: Las medias geométricas de Ftalato Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP), Mono-n-butyl phthalate(MnBP), Mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate(MEHHP) y Mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate(MEOHP) fueron 162,72µg/L, 58,5 µg/L, 33,93µg/L y 31,63µg/L respectivamente. Conclusiones: La mayoría de las gestantes evaluadas han estado expuestas a lo largo de su vida a fuentes potenciales de disruptores endocrinos, presentes en químicos domésticos, tabaco y uso frecuente de cosméticos faciales y corporales. Las concentraciones de MnBP, MEHHP y MEOHP en orina de las participantes, fueron superiores a los hallazgos a nivel mundial.
Terytorialne zróżnicowanie konsumpcji alkoholi w Polsce w latach 1999-2012
Authors: Jałowiecki Piotr , Kowalewski Adam
Published: September 2022

W pracy przedstawiono zmiany względnego poziomu konsumpcji różnych rodzajów alkoholi: wyroby spirytusowe, wina oraz piwa z uwzględnieniem podziału na województwa, w latach 1999-2012. Niezależnie od grupy badanych produktów alkoholowych, najniższy poziom ich konsumpcji stwierdzono w grupie województw zaliczanych do makroregionu południowo-wschodniego. Niski poziom konsumpcji alkoholi w województwie podkarpackim, jak również w lubelskim jest prawdopodobnie spowodowany, przynajmniej częściowo przemytem głównie z Ukrainy. Podobna sytuacja występuje w województwie warmińsko-mazurskim (przemyt z Obwodu Kaliningradzkiego), chociaż już nie w podlaskim (graniczy m.in. z Białorusią). Niestety nie można tego potwierdzić na podstawie danych wykorzystanych w pracy, ponieważ nie ma w nich rozróżnienia na alkohol pochodzący z legalnych i nielegalnych źródeł.
Stan i perspektywy rozwoju polskiego handlu zagranicznego owocami, warzywami i ich przetworami z Turcją
Authors: Bugała Anna
Published: September 2022

Turcja jest głównym partnerem handlowym Polski z rejonu Bliskiego Wschodu i Azji. Saldo handlu zagranicznego owocami, warzywami i ich przetworami pomiędzy Polską i Turcją w latach 2006-2014 było ujemne. Autor podejmuje próbę oceny stanu i perspektyw rozwoju krajowego handlu owocami, warzywami i ich przetworami z Turcją. Szczególną uwagę poświęca sytuacji i możliwościom rozwoju tureckiego sektora ogrodniczego w trakcie dążenia tego kraju do członkostwa w UE.
Europejska Polityka Sąsiedztwa – ewolucja i współczesne wyzwania wobec rozwoju euroregionów na zewnętrznych granicach UE (w Polsce)
Authors: Guzal-Dec Danuta
Published: September 2022

Celem artykułu było przedstawienie genezy i ewolucji Europejskiej Polityki Sąsiedztwa (EPS) oraz oceny jej wpływu na rozwój euroregionów położonych na zewnętrznych granicach UE w Polsce. Realizacji celu służyła analiza literatury przedmiotu, dokumentów strategicznych UE, desk research oraz sondaż diagnostyczny z wykorzystaniem kwestionariusza ankiety skierowanej do dyrektorów sekretariatów euroregionów: Bug, Karpackiego, Puszcza Białowieska i Niemen. Wśród zakładanych przez UE efektów wdrażania EPS w odniesieniu do regionów transgranicznych można wymienić m.in.: wzmocnienie interakcji transgranicznych, poprawę jakości życia mieszkańców czy rozwój infrastruktury granicznej. W praktyce, zwłaszcza w przypadku euroregionów położonych na wschodniej granicy UE, przeważa orientacja społeczna projektów. Niskie nakłady na EPS uniemożliwiają redukcję asymetrii w dostępie do środków finansowania współpracy po zewnętrznej stronie granicy i utrudniają podejmowanie wspólnych projektów i uzyskiwanie znaczących efektów współpracy, co przyczynia się do braku akceptacji pojmowania granicy jako szansy rozwojowej.
Evaluation of Human Capital in Selected EU Countries Using Cluster Analysis
Authors: Parlińska Maria , Pomichowski Piotr
Published: September 2022

The study evaluates the quality of human capital on the basis of the Eurostat data. There was also prepared a short bibliography review of the previous research which indicates various definitions of the term human capital. To evaluate its quality in selected EU countries. There was used cluster analysis – the k-medoid method. The analysis was performed for three periods: 2008, 2011 and 2014. The selected states were divided into 4 clusters, and Norway constitute a single-element group. In the other cases, it may be stated that the quality of capital may be determined through the joint economic past or historical traditions.
Problems of Water Management in Agriculture in the World
Authors: Thier Agnieszka , Popławski Łukasz
Published: September 2022

In connection with the frequent occurrence of water deficit in Central Poland and the growth of the phenomena of droughts and stepping formation (and desertification in southern Europe), the studies undertaken by hydrologists and representatives of agricultural scientists should be extended and stepping formation and desertification economics should be separated in these studies. Therefore, the evaluation of the management strategies in the conditions of water deficit, undertaken in agriculture, power engineering and other sectors of the economy as well as the search of suitable sources of water management financing should be brought to the forefront as they are specific in Poland due to functioning of ecological funds.
How Do Investor and Auditor Materiality Judgments Compare?
Authors: DeZoort F. Todd , Holt Travis P. , Stanley Jonathan D.
Published: August 2022

Materiality remains a challenging concept for auditors to implement in practice. The challenges underlying auditor materiality assessments are compounded by the fact that materiality is typically defined from the investor’s (rather than the auditor’s) perspective. Despite this investor orientation, there is little empirical evidence about investors’ materiality judgments, specific quantitative and qualitative factors underlying their judgments, and how their judgments compare to auditors who implement materiality in practice. This article summarizes a recent study by DeZoort, Holt, and Stanley (2019) that addresses this problem by modeling sophisticated and unsophisticated investors’ materiality judgments in a policy-capturing study, using experienced auditors as a benchmark. Results indicate significant differences in materiality judgments, judgment consensus, and cue utilization among the three participant groups. Findings also reveal between-group differences in self-reported quantitative materiality thresholds, judgment self-insight, as well as judgment confidence. We conclude the article with a discussion of the practical implications surrounding these findings.
Effect of a Multicomponent Intervention on Hepatic Steatosis Is Partially Mediated by the Reduction of Intermuscular Abdominal Adipose Tissue in Children With Overweight or Obesity: The EFIGRO Project
Authors: Cadenas-Sanchez Cristina , Idoate Fernando , Cabeza Rafael , Villanueva Arantxa , Rodríguez-Vigil Beatriz , Medrano María , Osés Maddi , Ortega Francisco B. , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Labayen Idoia
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE

In adults, there is evidence that improvement of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) depends on the reduction of myosteatosis. In children, in whom the prevalence of MAFLD is alarming, this muscle-liver crosstalk has not been tested. Therefore, we aimed to explore whether the effects of a multicomponent intervention on hepatic fat is mediated by changes in intermuscular abdominal adipose tissue (IMAAT) in children with overweight/obesity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 116 children with overweight/obesity were allocated to a 22-week family-based lifestyle and psychoeducational intervention (control group, n = 57) or the same intervention plus supervised exercise (exercise group, n = 59). Hepatic fat percentage and IMAAT were acquired by MRI at baseline and at the end of the intervention.

RESULTS

Changes in IMAAT explained 20.7% of the improvements in hepatic steatosis (P < 0.05). Only children who meaningfully reduced their IMAAT (i.e., responders) had improved hepatic steatosis at the end of the intervention (within-group analysis: responders −20% [P = 0.005] vs. nonresponders −1.5% [P = 0.803]). Between-group analysis showed greater reductions in favor of IMAAT responders compared with nonresponders (18.3% vs. 0.6%, P = 0.018), regardless of overall abdominal fat loss.

CONCLUSIONS

The reduction of IMAAT plays a relevant role in the improvement of hepatic steatosis after a multicomponent intervention in children with overweight/obesity. Indeed, only children who achieved a meaningful reduction in IMAAT at the end of the intervention had a reduced percentage of hepatic fat independent of abdominal fat loss. Our findings suggest that abdominal muscle fat infiltration could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of MAFLD in childhood.
A Study of Primary School Teachers’ Tendencies Regarding the Usefulness of Dramatization in the Educational Process
Authors: Papageorgiou Vasileios
Published: August 2022

In this article, we attempt to examine the general teachers’ attitudes towards dramatization and the differences that arise according to their major demographic elements, using inferential statistics methodology. Our sample consists of 60 (sixty) Greek teachers, of which 15 (fifteen) are male and 45 (forty-five) are female respondents. The teachers completed all questionnaire’s statements correctly (without missing values), allowing us to draw valuable conclusions on both their knowledge and their perspectives regarding the usefulness of dramatization in a school environment and the necessity of its inclusion in the educational process. The analysis focuses both on the general teachers’ tendencies and the existing differences that are caused according to the respondents’ sex, age, years of experience and their willingness of working with immigrant students. Our analysis is carried out via the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square statistical tests. These statistical methods are ideal for the comparison of data resulting from questionnaires based on the Likert scale, providing trustworthy and valuable conclusions about the attitudes towards the inclusion of drama in the educational procedure. This paper reveals important existing differentiations in the viewpoints of Greek primary school teachers in terms of dramatization in education, while it brings out a quite positive attitude towards the benefits of including drama in the teaching process of primary schools.
Prevalence of Diabetes among Adults in Agbani South East, Nigeria: A Population Based Study
Authors: Edeh Anthony J. , Eze Balantine U. , Ohayi Samuel R. , Anekpo Chijioke C. , Okoloagu Nkiruka N. , Aliozo Chukwuebuka C. , Soronnadi Clara N.
Published: August 2022

Despite the rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Nigeria, population based studies are scarce. This situation is worse in rural areas where the people are typically poor, not very educated and lack good hospitals. We aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among rural dwellers in Agbani, a semi-urban municipality in South East Nigeria. This was a preliminary, observational, cross-sectional investigation in which 400 adults were recruited using the 5 autonomous communities that make up Agbani as clusters. We randomly selected the initial 80 consenting adults from each village. Blood glucose levels were measured using a glucometer. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS. There were 382 adults studied. There were 170 males and 212 females. The mean age was 59.37 ±15.90 years. Mean Blood Sugar was 135.69±85.94 mg/dl. The prevalence rate for hyperglycemia in this study was 20.14% or 201 persons per 1,000 rural population. There was no statistical difference between the mean blood sugar of males and females and no significant correlation between age and blood sugar.
Business-to-Business Opportunity for a Creative Writing Agency Seen from the Industry’s Potential and Its Impact on the Society
Authors: Nareswari Nadya Kirana , Mansoor Alvanov Zpalanzani
Published: September 2022

The field of creative writing is very diverse for professional practice. There has been a drastic digital acceleration that has forced the customers' behavior to adjust dynamically. The usage of digital platform services for film and the market demands in creative writing, especially screenplays, indicate a growing trend. For Laskara Creative, a fledgling company in the creative writing industry, this growth gives pertinent business-to-business opportunities. Analyzing the business ecosystem in the creative industry gives Laskara Creative insight on how to construct business-to-business opportunities that has the potential to be profitable and have a positive impact on the society. The process begins with an analysis of the company’s and industry’s ecosystem, both internally and externally, utilizing several tools and theories drawn from the literature study, including Porter’s Diamond, Porter’s Five Forces, and Resource Based View Analysis. Utilizing the Market Opportunity Analysis (MOA), the comprehensive external and internal analyses were combined. According to the Market Opportunity Analysis, the company is now in a good position but may face many difficulties if it is unable to convert its own resources, creativity, and connections into possibilities. The company’s existing business process and ecosystem are still far from ideal, which should create value for the common set of customers by creating a virtuous cycle supported by the intersectional relationship. To create an ideal business-to-business opportunity through cross-sectional collaboration consisting of shared IP, creative supply chains, and technology, that includes academia, government, business, and civil society, a Variable Quadruple Helix approach is advised. The process of formulating the opportunities is supported by Ardichvili's theories of Business Opportunity and Value Creation Capabilities.
The Effect of Financial Performance on Stock Prices of Automotive and Component Sub Sector Companies in the Indonesia Stock Exchange
Authors: Nugraha Komang Cipta , Artini Luh Gede Sri
Published: September 2022

The tock price is a measure of investor interest in investing in a company. Companies that have good financial performance are generally the main focus of investors. Analysis of a company can be done by analyzing financial ratios. The phenomenon that occurs in the automotive and component sub-sector companies is the occurrence of stock price fluctuations caused by the company's internal and external factors. This study aims to analyze the effect of financial performance on stock prices of companies in the automotive and component sub-sectors on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The data used in this study is secondary data, namely by looking at the financial statements of the automotive and component sub-sector companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange which can be accessed through the website www.idx.co.id. This study uses the method of determining the sample using purposive sampling. The sample used is the automotive and component sub-sector companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, with 60 data. The analysis technique used is multiple linear regression. The results show that Return on Assets (ROA) has a positive effect on stock prices of companies in the automotive and component sub-sectors on the Indonesian stock exchange. Current Ratio (CR) has a negative effect on stock prices of companies in the automotive and component sub-sectors on the Indonesian stock exchange. Debt to Equity Ratio (DER) has a negative effect on the stock prices of companies in the automotive and component sub-sectors on the Indonesia Stock Exchange.
The Use of E-Training and Development as Principals Administrative Task on Secondary School Teachers’ Job Performance
Authors: Anho Joseph Efe
Published: September 2022

Electronic training and development is the conscious efforts to influence, training, and development of teachers using electronic media to improve and increase their knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform their scheduled roles effectively in the school system. The design of the study is an expost-facto design using the correlational descriptive survey method. The population comprised 15356 from which 659 principals and teachers were sampled using the stratified random sampling technique. Two selfconstructed/developed questionnaires and a checklist were used. The first is tagged “Questionnaire on Principals’ use of E-Training and Development as Administrative Task for Secondary Schools Teachers’ Job Performance” (QPEPFDPSP). The checklist was on forms of available information resources in schools while the second was a “questionnaire on teachers' work performance scale”. The questionnaire was based on the adapted four (4) points scoring scale of strongly agree; = 4 points, agree = 3 points; disagree = 2 points and strongly disagree = 1 point. The 2 questionnaires were subjected to a validity test while the reliability test was done using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation ‘r’ and the coefficient ‘r’ of 0.85 was obtained. To guide the study, four research questions were raised and one hypothesis was formulated and tested at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings among others include: The findings indicated that principals and teachers have not embraced the utilization of electronic resources in administration, and teaching and that the important ICT resources (hardware and software) were not available. Also, there is a significant relationship between the use of electronic training and development by secondary school principals and teachers' job performance. Therefore this paper recommended that: Principals as school administrators have to be disposed to make sure they continuously sponsor and or involve their teachers in continuous e-training and development. Secondary school administration/principals and teachers should be made to undergo courses on the use of electronic resources in administration and in teaching. Consequently, school proprietors, government, and individuals should assist schools to make available some basic electronic/computer hard and soft wares for school.
Gender, Family, Work and School: Demographic and Other Deterrents to Adult Participation
Authors: Malhotra Naveen
Published: September 2022

Using the results of a larger study utilizing Cross's (1981) three-part formulation of the 24-item barrier scale devised by Carp, Peterson, and Roelfs (1974), this paper presents demographic differences in the perception of barriers to adult higher education. The scale items were tested with a population of prospective students at public institutions of higher learning, and the resulting six factors were compared against demographic categories of gender, marital status, a number of dependent children, income, and hours of work per week.
Vietnamese High School EFL Teachers’ Perceptions toward Online Teaching under the Impact of Covid-19
Authors: Chi Vo Thi Le , Yen Phuong Hoang
Published: September 2022

Since March 2020, the coronavirus disease case, also known as Covid-19, has spread globally. Schools were closed because of a public health emergency in about 100 nations, including Vietnam, according to UNESCO. Teachers have been obliged to switch from face-to-face instruction to online instruction as a result of the condition. This study examined how EFL high school instructors perceived online English language instruction in the context of Covid 19. This study used a mixed-methods approach with a descriptive design. For this study, 216 EFL high school teachers in Mekong Delta were surveyed and interviewed to get their opinions. The results showed that the participants had a very favorable opinion of the value and simplicity of online instruction during the Covid-19 epidemic. The teachers were able to demonstrate the right attitude toward using technology to teach online, despite the fact that they faced various difficulties during the online teaching process. Finally, it is intended that the pedagogical implications of online teaching and learning would support the development of creative teaching methods in the context of high schools in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta.