bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of the Burial No. 8 Research from the Cemetery of Kariv I in the Western Buh River Region
Authors:   the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Onyshchuk Ya. I. , Slobodian T. I. ,   the Institute of Archaeology, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: January 2025

In 2018, during the excavations of the site Kariv-I in Western Buh River region, an area of 244 square metres was investigated. Four cremation burials were discovered (nos. 6–9). One of them (no. 8) was a double one.
The grave contained the cremated remains of a man and a woman (?). The remains of the man’s bones had been placed in an urn whilst those of the female were placed directly in the grave. The grave goods consisted of three pottery vessels, a spearhead and a knife. The urn was a large, moulded kumpf-shaped pot with a dark brown colour. It was curved towards the middle of the rim, had sharp shoulders, and a slightly widened bottom. It contained the bones of a man aged 20–30, positioned in anatomical order. Foot bone fragments were placed at the bottom of the pot, while skull fragments were placed above the contents. Within the collected human remains, which were cleared of incineration by-products, a fragment of a flint that had cracked due to high temperatures was discovered within the urn. The non-coincidence of this find is supported by the presence of a similar burnt flint nodule in the urn marked with no. 9. Burial no. 1 contained a jar-shaped pot with vertical rims and a ribbed bowl with a widened base, which had been deformed due to intense heat. These ceramics were found in the grave goods. All shew signs of having been placed on a cremated pyre.
Burial no. 2 was located in the immediate vicinity and had a pit-like shape. It was the grave of an adult female (?) of the adultus-senilis age group. Ploughing disturbed much of the site, causing the cremation remains to be scattered throughout the northern part of the tomb rather than preserved in a coherent cluster. A prismatic carnelian bead was found among the bones. It appeared to have been burnt.
Based on the rituals and equipment found, the site can be attributed to the Przeworsk culture and dated to the B2/C1 period, which corresponds to the later half of the 2nd century AD. The adjacent graves nos. 7 and 9 indicate the distinctive interment practices of this society, implying the presence of an exceptional cultural characteristic in the burial rites of Kariv-I cemetery.
Early Medieval Catacomb Burials of Verkhnii Saltiv with Pendants of the Slavic Circle
Authors:   the M. F. Sumtsov Kharkiv Historical Museum, Aksionov V. S.
Published: January 2025

As a result of work (1984–1992) at the catacomb burial ground near Verkhnii Saltiv village, bronze plate pendants of a trapezoidal shape were discovered in three burials (catacombs no. 11, VSB-III; no. 42 and no. 49, VSB-I). The pendants are decorated with lines and dots along the perimeter of the item and a circle with a dot in the middle in the central part of the item (fig. 1: 1, 3, 4). Such pendants are a typical attribute of the women’s costume of the population who left monuments of the Smolensk-Polotsk long barrows circle in the 8th—9th centuries — chronicle Kryvichs (fig. 1: 8–19). In the studied Alanian burials, these pendants formed a single set with typical female jewelry of the Saltiv culture. The burial complexes of Verkhnii Saltiv, in which pendants of the Slavic circle were discovered, date back to the second — third quarters of the 9th century. These pendants are added to the range of similar items discovered in the catacomb burials of Verkhnii Saltiv in previous years (catacombs no. 1, 1911; no. 5, 1904; no. 14, 1947; no. 93, VSB-IV) (fig. 1: 5–7). Personal jewelry, which in traditional societies serve as visible signs and symbols of the ethnic, gender, age, social and economic status of a particular person, in our opinion, testifies to the burial of Slavic women in the Saltiv culture catacombs. Slavic women were included in the Saltiv community as full members, considered as wives or concubines. It is possible to assume that these Slavic women were captured during a military raid or purchased from the local elite by representatives of the Khazar Khaganate while gathering tribute. The practice of capturing representatives of the aboriginal population of the forest and forest-steppe zones of Eastern Europe (Slavs, Balts, Finno-Ugrians) for subsequent sale on the Crimean slave markets was a typical feature of the military-political processes of the Khazarian historical and cultural period.
COMPARISON OF ACCURACY BETWEEN NEURAL NETWORK AND REGRESSION MODELS IN FORECASTING
Authors: Hermansah Hermansah , Muhajir Muhammad
Published: January 2025

This research discusses the forecasting of the median value of owner occupied homes (MEDV) using all the other continuous variables available in the Boston dataset. The Boston dataset is a collection of data about housing values in the suburbs of Boston. The used method is Feed Forward Neural Network (FFNN) and the multiple linear regression method as a comparison. The result of the research indicates that the FFNN method is better than multiple linear regression in forecasting the median value of owner occupied homes (MEDV) using all the other continuous variables available in the Boston dataset. It is proven that the MSE and MAPE value of using the FFNN method is 15.7518 and 0.14563, whereas the value of multiple linear regression is 31.2630 and 0.21040. Based on this result, the research can be concluded that the FFNN method has the smaller MSE value, the result of the forecasting is more accurate.
TINGKAT KECANDUAN APLIKASI TIKTOK PADA MAHASISWA MATEMATIKA UIN SUSKA RIAU
Authors: Sarbaini Sarbaini , Rianjaya Ilham Dangu
Published: January 2025

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui prediksi tingkat kecanduan penggunaan aplikasi Tiktok pada Mahasiswa Matematika Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau menggunakan metode C4.5. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah survey research dengan pendekatan kuantitatif, adapun subyek penelitiannya yaitu mahasiswa aktif Matematika angkatan 2018-2022 Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau sebanyak 129 orang. Hasil penelitian diperoleh berupa prediksi kecanduan aplikasi Tiktok menggunakan metode C4. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian ini diperoleh persentase kecanduan aplikasi Tiktok pada mahasiswa matematika Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau kategori kecanduan dengan aspek yang berpengaruh paling tinggi yaitu manajemen waktu yang mendasari kecanduan penggunaan aplikasi Tiktok pada mahasiswa matematika Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau.
Magnetron Sputtering of Antibacterial and Antifungal Tantalum-Copper and Niobium-Copper Coatings on Three Dimensional-Printed Porous Titanium Alloy Scaffolds: Part II
Authors: Azamatov Bagdat , Dogadkin Dmitry , Maratuly Bauyrzhan , Borisov Alexandr , (Yantsen) Yuliya Safarova , Yamanoglu Ridvan , Alontseva Darya
Published: January 2025

This is Part II of a study on the antimicrobial efficacy of tantalum-copper and niobium-copper coatings, applied via magnetron sputtering (MS) on three dimensional (3D) printed porous Ti6Al4V alloy scaffolds and gas-abrasive treated Ti6Al4V alloy, against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Thicker coatings were found to show superior antimicrobial activity; however, thin niobium-copper coatings and uncoated alloy did not exhibit inhibitory effects. The release dynamics of copper ions from tantalum-copper coatings into physiological solution, analysed over ten days via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, matched the inhibition zone growth. These findings support the potential of these coatings in developing endoprosthesis implants with enhanced antimicrobial properties.
Notch2 Inhibition and Kidney Cyst Growth in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ren Huiwen , Mu Chengsen , Wang Yuhan , Cheng Yuanyuan , Hou Yayan , Li Yizhe , Liu Na , Yin Zhuming , Xiong Hui , Chen Yupeng , Yang Tianxin , Yu Ying , Shen Yujun
Published: January 2025

Key Points

Notch2 activation promotes kidney cyst growth.

Silencing Notch2 ameliorated cyst growth in mice with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Background

Notch signaling, a conserved mechanism of cell-to-cell communication, plays a crucial role in regulating cellular processes, such as proliferation and differentiation, in a context-dependent manner. However, the specific contribution of Notch signaling to the progression of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) remains unclear.

Methods

We investigated the changes in Notch signaling activity (Notch1–4) in the kidneys of patients with autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) and two ADPKD mouse models (early and late onset). Multiple genetic and pharmacologic approaches were used to explore Notch2 signaling during kidney cyst formation in PKD.

Results

Notch2 expression was significantly increased in the kidney tissues of patients with ADPKD and ADPKD mice. Targeted expression of Notch2 intracellular domain in renal epithelial cells resulted in cyst formation and kidney failure in neonatal and adult mice. Mechanistically, Notch2/Hey2 signaling promoted renal epithelial cell proliferation by driving the expression of the E26 transformation–specific homologous factor (Ehf). Depletion of Ehf delayed Notch2 intracellular domain overexpression–induced cyst formation and kidney failure in mice. A gain-of-function mutation in exon 34 of NOTCH2 (c.6426dupT), which caused PKD in patients with Hajdu–Cheney syndrome, accelerated cell growth in cultured human renal epithelial cells by activating HEY2/EHF signaling. Finally, ablation of Notch2 or treatment of a kidney-targeting nanoparticle carrying the liposome/Notch2–small interfering RNA complex, significantly suppressed kidney cyst growth in early-onset ADPKD mice.

Conclusions

Notch2 signaling promoted kidney cyst growth, partially by upregulating Ehf expression.
“The Only Way I Could Afford It”: Who Uses BNPL and Why
Authors: Larrimore Jeff , Lloro Alicia , Merchant Zofsha , Tranfaglia Anna
Published: January 2025

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is a fast-growing credit product that allows consumers to split payments over time. BNPL gained popularity as a new alternative credit product for online retail purchases over the past decade and has become available for in-person purchases as well as post-purchase credit card installment payment plans.
An investigation into the economic slowdown in the euro area
Authors: Soyres François de , Fisgin Ece , Herrero Joaquin Garcia-Cabo , Lott Mitch , Machol Chris , Richards Keith
Published: January 2025

Euro-area economic performance has been subdued since around 2018, and especially so in more recent years. As discussed in both Enrico Letta's and Mario Draghi's reports, the euro area economy faces notable structural challenges that were exacerbated by the pandemic and the disruption to energy markets that ensued from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Hidden Risk
Authors: Barth Daniel , Monin Phillip J. , Siriwardane Emil , Sunderam Adi
Published: January 2025

Since 2013, large U.S. hedge fund advisers have been required to report risk exposures in their regulatory filings. Using these data, we first establish that managers’ perceptions of risk contain useful information that is not embedded in fund returns. Investor flows do not respond to this information when managers perceive higher risk than what their past returns would indicate, suggesting managers strategically communicate their risk assessments with investors. During market downturns, investors withdraw capital from funds whose managers perceive higher risk, suggesting they find the performance of these funds in adverse market conditions surprising. These funds are identifiable ex-ante with information that is available to investors.
Kuzgun Barajı’nda (Erzurum) Yaşayan Squalius semae Turan, Kottelat & Bayçelebi, 2017 Türünün Kas Dokularındaki Yağ Asidi Kompozisyonunun Belirlenmesi
Authors: Özçiçek Esin , Kocabaş Mehmet , Kutluyer Kocabaş Filiz , Kırmızıkaya Özmen Görkem , Yılmaz Ökkeş
Published: January 2025

Bu çalışmada, Kuzgun Barajından yakalanan Squalius semae kas dokusundaki yağ asidi profili, gaz kromatografisi kullanılarak belirlenmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda, 9 doymuş yağ asidi (SFA), 10 tekli doymamış yağ asidi (MUFA) ve 7 çoklu doymamış yağ asidini (PUFA) içeren toplam 26 yağ asidi tespit edilmiştir. Sonuçlarımız kas dokusundaki çoklu doymamış yağ asitlerinin (PUFA) (%46,49) doymuş yağ asitlerine (SFA) göre daha yüksek oranda bulunduğunu göstermiştir ve bunu MUFA'lar (%28,01) ve SFA'lar (%25,5) izlemiştir. Palmitik asit (C16:0) (%16,19) ana doymuş yağ asidiyken, dokosaheksaenoik asit (DHA, C22:6 n−3) (%13,75) ile eikosapentaenoik asit (EPA, C20:5 n−3) (%12,18) ana çoklu doymamış yağ asidi olarak belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, S. semae besin açısından insan tüketimi için değerlidir ve tüketici tarafından alternatif besin kaynağı olarak tüketilebilir.
Projeto E Habitação Social Para Idosos Em Centros Históricos Consolidados: Diálogos Sobre Barcelona (Espanha)
Authors: Lucredi Victor Rüegger
Published: January 2025

El objetivo de esta investigación es evaluar si las viviendas para personas mayores del Programa Protección Oficial: Vivienda para Mayores aplicado al caso de estudio Vivienda Santa Caterina, en Ciutat Vella de Barcelona, ​​España, tiene la calidad mínima de diseño para satisfacer esta demanda habitacional. , proporcionando una vivienda digna a las personas mayores que viven allí a través de análisis utilizando el método dialógico. Para ello, la investigación se abordó en tres ejes principales: 1 – Vivienda social a través del programa de Protección Oficial; 2 – Vivienda para personas mayores a través de aspectos físicos, culturales y percepciones de los usuarios y 3 – El proyecto de rehabilitación del edificio del Mercado de Santa Caterina para servir como vivienda social para personas mayores. El método utilizado fue la arquitectura dialógica basada en la teoría de Muntañola, Bajtín y Ricoeur. Como resultados generales, la mayoría de las viviendas son satisfactorias y los equipamientos y servicios públicos comunitarios están cerca de la residencia, beneficiando a las personas mayores con espacios de convivencia satisfactorios.
Análise dos Padrões Domésticos no Edifício Dandara – SP
Authors: Fantazia Ariele de Fátima , Buchignani Marcelo Gonçalves Silva
Published: January 2025

La adecuación cultural es uno de los siete parámetros para una vivienda adecuada definidos por la ONU en 1992, que enfatiza la importancia de que la vivienda cumpla con los estándares culturales y las necesidades específicas de sus usuarios. Este concepto es particularmente relevante en contextos de vivienda social, donde las políticas de vivienda deben centrarse no sólo en reducir el déficit habitacional cuantitativo sino también cualitativo. En este contexto, esta investigación se centró en analizar la idoneidad cultural de los residentes del Edificio Dandara, ubicado en el centro histórico de São Paulo. El objetivo fue evaluar los estándares domésticos y, para ello, se aplicaron cuestionarios basados ​​en la teoría de Alexander (1977), que examina cómo los estándares domésticos influyen en el desempeño de las actividades diarias, incluidas las tareas domésticas, el ocio y el descanso. El análisis de las respuestas reveló, en general, la satisfacción de los residentes con las condiciones de su vivienda. Sin embargo, se identificó que los afectos personales y las percepciones subjetivas de los residentes juegan un papel importante en la evaluación de la adecuación cultural y la calidad de vida dentro de sus hogares. Estos factores subjetivos se destacaron como influencias importantes en cómo los residentes experimentan e interpretan su entorno hogareño.
Habitar grandes conjuntos
Authors: Lendimuth Juliana Cavalini
Published: January 2025

Este artículo forma parte de los resultados obtenidos en la tesis doctoral titulada “Habitar grandes complejos: en busca de la urbanidad en la producción del COHAB-SP de 1965 hasta 1992”, que propone verificar los modos y tipos de urbanidad propuestos en la arquitectura y proyectos urbanísticos de los complejos habitacionales José Bonifácio y Brás IX, producidos por COHAB-SP, comparándolos con la urbanidad producida y existente en la práctica del uso social de estos complejos, como una forma de comprender la producción del espacio en la dicotomía centro-periferia. El trabajo se basa en historiografía, historia urbana, análisis de fuentes documentales del COHAB-SP, a partir de procesos administrativos del proyecto y observación del uso social de los complejos. La lectura y análisis de los complejos se realizó mediante el método fenomenológico-hermenéutico propuesto por Paul Ricoeur, y la comprensión de la producción del espacio, basada en Henri Lefebvre. De esta manera, fue posible comprender la urbanidad propuesta en el momento del proyecto, la urbanidad construida en los complejos y la urbanidad percibida y apropiada por los residentes. Como resultado, la urbanidad se manifiesta de manera desigual en el modo capitalista de producción del espacio y existe una imposibilidad de integración entre diferentes clases sociales en la apropiación del espacio urbano, acentuada por la alianza entre capital y gobernanza al promover desigualdades entre áreas distintas de espacio urbano y obstáculos para la plena realización del derecho a la ciudad.
Age Differences in the Manifestation of Endurance Ability of Boys Karate Athletes
Authors: Marchenko Svitlana , Fedotov Bohdan
Published: January 2025

Objectives.  This research aims to determine the favourable age periods for endurance development among 7-11-year-old pupils who are engaged in initial karate training groups.

Materials and Methods. The research involved 75 boys 7-11 years old, divided into five age groups: 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 years old, with 15 participants per age group. The children's technical levels corresponded to the 10-9-8 Kyu (orange belt, orange with blue stripe, and blue). The children and their parents were informed about the features of the study and agreed to participate in the experiment. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University (Kharkiv, Ukraine). The following research methods were used: study and analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observation, testing, pedagogical experiment, and methods of mathematical statistics.

Results. Statistically significant differences in the manifestation of local static power endurance of the hand muscles were observed in the groups of 7-8 and 8-9 years old (p = 0.001; p = 0.007). Differences in local dynamic power endurance of the hand muscles were found in the 8-9 years old group (p = 0.001), and in abdominal press endurance in the 8-9 and 9-10 years old groups (p=,001; p=,01). General cardiorespiratory endurance differences were observed in the 9-10-year-old group (p = 0.001). Differences in all tests between values of specified parameters in the 10-11-year-old samples were statistically insignificant (р > 0.05).

Conclusions. The favourable period for the development of general endurance in boys is between the ages of 8-9 and 9-10 years. At this age, it is important to start systematically and purposefully developing the aerobic abilities of pupils. Classes in the sports section of Kyokushinkai karate during extracurricular time will provide an opportunity to promote the development of general and special endurance and expand the range of motor skills.
Considering the Impact of Using Free-Body Diagram in Mechanics Problem-Solving on Improving Engineering Students’ Performance in Physics at a Selected Public University in Rwanda
Authors: Niyomufasha Theogene , Ntivuguruzwa Celestin , Mugabo Leon Rugema
Published: January 2025

Background. Engineering students often struggle with physics problem-solving, especially mechanics problems, while teaching mechanics helps students predict motion and force impacts, enabling creative engineering design tasks. Problem-solving in mechanics involves using free-body diagrams, visual aids that identify objects and forces, determine appropriate approaches, and reduce information. The free-body diagram technique is crucial for understanding the principles of mechanics, as it helps distinguish between cause and effect, as well as focusing on the practical implementation of mechanics concepts. 
Objectives. The current study aimed to examine the impact of free-body diagrams on engineering students’ physics performance at a selected public university in Rwanda, highlighting cognitive load theory and constructivist learning theory’s role in improving problem-solving abilities and understanding mechanics concepts. 
Materials and methods. A sample of 68 students was purposively selected to participate in this study. Prior to the intervention, engineering students were given a pre-test to evaluate their ability to use free-body diagrams in solving mechanics problems. The experimental group underwent a four-week intervention, during which they were taught to draw free-body diagrams, identify external forces, and find force components. The data was collected through achievement tests and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics 25. 
Results. The study findings revealed that incorporating free-body diagrams into mechanics problem-solving improved significantly (p < 0.001) engineering students’ performance in physics. 
Conclusions. The study recommends incorporating free-body diagrams into the physics instructional curriculum to enhance student’ understanding of basic subjects, practice problem-solving skills, and offer extra support for struggling students. Further research is needed to ascertain the impact of this approach on other physics fields.
RELATEC VOL. 24 Nª 1
Authors: Valverde-Berrocoso, Jesús (editor)
Published: January 2025

Complete journal
The defense of socrates: argument analysis
Authors: Çalıkoğlu Burcu
Published: January 2025

Socrates lived in Athens between 469 BC and 399 BC. He was a philosopher who led people to question and attracted attention with his courage. Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth by three people: the poet Meletus, the politician Anitus, and the orator Lycheon. The court used democratic means and decided to execute him with 280 votes against 221 in a jury of 501 people. Socrates was 70 years old when he was forced to drink hemlock poison. The book “The Defense of Socrates” by Plato focuses on how Socrates conducted his defense. It aims to analyze how he defends himself against the majority's argument with content and argument analysis techniques and to obtain a visual schema. Content analysis is planned to be interpreted in terms of (a) the sub-issues on the table, (b) discourse style, and (c) intra-textual coherence. As an argument analysis, the maneuvers he uses against the discourse of the majority in the face of authority will be examined. Witnessing how honest Socrates was when he used these maneuvers in his trial is admirable. Considered as a method, the premise of an argument analysis is that there must be disagreement in the argument. Based on this assumption, Toulmin Model, Pragma-Dialectics, Political Discourse Analysis, and Argument Sources Model have been established as the contemporary ones. This study plans to use Frans Van Emerman's pragma-dialectical approach. In this model, argument is defined as defending or rejecting an opinion. It divides the review into four parts: encounter, opening, discussion, and conclusion. Based on this, this study will first (1) reveal the disagreement. In the following, (2) irrelevant topics in the text will be eliminated, (3) implied content will be emphasized, (4) ambiguity will be clarified, and (5) the mess of the text will be rearranged according to logical relationship. The text processed in this way is simplified verbally. The most important feature of this model is that it pays attention to the natural structure of the language. This model was preferred because the discussions can be transferred to the model more easily. It is thought that this study will help our teachers teach thinking education as an elective in primary education and philosophy in high school.
Action research in science education: a systematic review
Authors: Ilgaz Gökhan , Vural Levent , Bağışlayan Buse
Published: January 2025

This study aims to systematically examine the importance and use of action research in science education. 30 articles in the Web of Science (WoS) database were analyzed according to the research, problem status, distribution by years, study groups and findings. It was determined that the most studied problem status was students' skills and emotions; there was a noticeable change between 2013 and 2023; most of the study groups of the articles were high school students, student candidates and teachers, and the findings were in the areas of "scientific thinking and skill development", "design of educational environments and use of technology", "understanding of concepts", "intercultural and inclusive education", "new student-centered educational approaches", "teacher education and professional development". According to this article, it was observed that action research has positive effects on science education, and it is expected that providing support to teachers and researchers will increase the conduct of action research and increase the quality of science education.
Analysis of Grain Size Effect of Titanium Ti-6Al-4V Depending on Surface Roughness at Different Cutting Parameters Using Artificial Intelligence Methods
Authors:   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Russia, Makarov V.F. , Pesin M.V. ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Russia, Danelian V.S. ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Russia, Stolbov V.Yu. ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Russia, Khabarova A.V. ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Russia, Polyakov A.V. ,   Ufa University of Science and Technology, Russia, Semenova I.P. ,   Ufa University of Science and Technology, Russia
Published: January 2025

The article presents the results of a study of the effect of cutting modes of Ti-6Al-4V alloy with different grain size, including in the ultrafine-grained state obtained by severe plastic deformation, on the roughness of the machined surface using a neural network model. A neural network model has been developed that predicts the surface roughness of titanium alloy during cutting depending on the grain size and processing modes (speed, feed per revolution, and cutting depth). To form a data set of sufficient power for training neural networks, a data augmentation method was used, for which an auxiliary regression model was built. To select the most rational network architecture, a random search in the hyperparameter space was used. Testing the developed neural network model on actual data showed an error not exceeding 8.7% according to mean absolute percentage error.
An Impossible Balance: Navigating Archival Work and Caregiving Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Marks Alexis Braun , Dreyer Rachael , Johnson Jennifer , Sweetser Michelle
Published: January 2025

This article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on archival caregivers. The authors explore the effects that remote work arrangements had on archivists; how time-shifting and flexible schedules helped to mitigate the negative impacts the pandemic had on work priorities, caregiving obligations, and interruptions that affected work-life balance; and how pressure to return to on-site work locations altered the tenuous systems archivists erected during the pandemic to manage these competing priorities. A mixed-methods study revealed that managers, leaders, and supervisors at every level of an organization have the power and influence to directly impede or improve both the work and caregiving load borne by the archival workers in their reporting lines. The manager-to-archivist relationship and its impact on care providers extends beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and necessitates a more holistic approach to resources and tools needed to build on and create sustainable relationships of care for archival workers.
Study on the Experience of Using Community Care Services for the Elderly with Disabilities
Authors:   Research Institute For Life And Culture Sogang University, Han Ju-won , Kim Jin-sook
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of the elderly with disabilities who are living with the dual burden of disability and aging in community care and to explore service policies to improve their lives. They were interviewed in-depth and analyzed using the case study method proposed by Creswell(2007). The findings are as follows. The cross-case analysis between cases in the case studies includes “the double burden of care gaps and health crises”, “care under the shadow of exclusion”, “recovery and expansion of life through care and relationships.” The within-case analysis includes “decline in quality of life and health deterioration due to reduced care services”, “physical and mental traces left by aging”, “collapsed daily life under the shadow of secondary disabilities”, “life at the crossroads of survival amidst the absence of care”, “institutional limitations and inequalities in care services”, “inefficiencies in care services and lack of understanding of disability characteristics”, “embracing disability and living as a friend with it”, “longing for simple joys in everyday life”, “transitioning from receiving care to leading a giving life”, “the caring hands that became a refuge in life.” Based on the above findings, recommendations were made to introduce an assessment system that reflects the types and characteristics of disabilities of the elderly with disabilities, improve the care service system to reflect the needs of the elderly with disabilities, introduce an integrated care service system for elderly with disabilities, and provide supervision and professional training to strengthen the practice capabilities of care service providers.
Enfermedad por arañazo de gato de presentación atípica en pediatría: serie de 57 casos.
Authors: Juárez Ximena , García-Causarano María Florencia , Matteucci Erika Daiana , Gigliotti Emiliano , Flores-Yavi Rebeca , Svartz Alejandra , Morales Ivanna , Cancellara Aldo Daniel
Published: January 2025

Introducción: La enfermedad por arañazo de gato (EAG) es generalmente una enfermedad benigna. Un 5-25 % presenta formas atípicas.
Objetivos: Estimar frecuencia de las formas atípicas de enfermedad por arañazo de gato y las características clínicas, de laboratorio y tratamiento.
Métodos:Estudio retrospectivo, observacional y analítico realizado durante 2018-2021 en un hospital de tercer nivel. Se registró el número de serologías reactivas para Bartonella henselae(BH) mediante Inmunofluorescencia y se analizaron datos clínicos, de laboratorio e imágenes mediante EpiInfo versión 7.2.
Resultados: Se realizaron 747 serologías, 199 fueron positivas. Se detectó un aumento del 25 % de las formas atípicas en 2021. Se diagnosticaron 57 formas atípicas. Mediana de edad: 7,3 años (RIQ 4,7-10,2). El 87,7 % presentó afectación hepatoesplénica en forma de microabscesos y/o adenopatías del hilio hepático y un Two patients presented with bone compromise and one with ocular lesions.
Conclusiones: Se reportaron más casos de formas atípicas en el 2021 con respecto a años previos. La mayoría presentó compromiso hepatoesplénico. Todos evolucionaron favorablemente.
Características clínico-epidemiológicas de toxoplasmosis en sistema nervioso central de pacientes con VIH que acuden al Instituto de Medicina Tropical. Enero a diciembre 2023
Authors: Gaona Lerea María Belén , Benítez Estigarribia Gustavo , Cardozo Miguel Angel , Almirón Desirée
Published: January 2025

Introducción: Entre el 10% y el 50% de las personas con VIH que también presentan serología positiva para Toxoplasma desarrollan encefalitis toxoplásmica (ET). Aproximadamente el 50% de estos casos presentan secuelas neurológicas y la mortalidad se aproxima al 20%. Debido a estos datos, la ET se posiciona como la segunda infección oportunista más frecuente que afecta el sistema nervioso central (SNC) en pacientes VIH positivos. Objetivo: Describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas y evolución de la toxoplasmosis en pacientes portadores de VIH atendidos en el Instituto de Medicina Tropical durante enero a diciembre del 2023. Metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes con confirmación serológica laboratorial de infección por VIH; mayores de 18 años; con sospecha clínica de infección en el sistema nervioso central por Toxoplasmas gondii, atendidos en el Instituto de Medicina Tropical de enero a diciembre del 2023. Variables de interés: sociodemográficas: edad, sexo, procedencia; laboratoriales: carga viral de VIH, recuento de linfocitos tCD4; variables clínicas: signos y síntomas asociados, desenlace. Los datos fueron procesados en Excel 2010; las variables cualitativas se expresaron en frecuencias absolutas y relativas, y las cuantitativas en medias. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 44 pacientes adultos, edad media 38 años; 66% correspondieron al sexo masculino. 48% de los casos procedentes del Departamento Central. La cefalea fue el síntoma más frecuente: 19 pacientes (43%), seguido de las convulsiones y las focalizaciones neurológicas. La media del recuento de linfocitos tCD4 fue de 79 cel./UL (min: 3, máx:334; RIC:27-104). 41 pacientes (93%) con conteo linfocitario menor a 200 cel/mm3. La media de CV fue de 421865 copias/mL. En el 95,6% de los casos los pacientes recibieron tratamiento médico con trimetoprima sulfametoxazol. En 40,9% se observó hipo densidad en dedo de guante por tomografía axial computarizada, 2,2% presentó proceso expansivo por el mismo método y 6,8% presentaron hipo densidad en resonancia magnética. El 90,9% de los pacientes fueron dados de alta médica. Conclusión: Predominaron adultos jóvenes de sexo masculino, con cefalea como síntoma más frecuente, en su mayoría con una disminución significativa del recuento de linfocitos TCD4. La implementación del tratamiento médico mejoró la respuesta clínica, disminuyendo las complicaciones neurológicas.
Criptococosis meningea. Características clínico epidemiológicas en pacientes con VIH. Instituto de Medicina Tropical. Asunción, Paraguay. 2023
Authors: Fleitas Rocío , Benítez Estigarribia Gustavo , Cardozo Miguel Angel
Published: January 2025

Introducción: La Criptococosis es una micosis oportunista sistémica de distribución mundial, que afecta a pacientes inmunosuprimidos, sobre todo portadores de VIH, siendo la afección meníngea una de las presentaciones más frecuentes. Objetivo: Describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas y evolución de criptococosis meníngea en pacientes portadores de VIH atendidos en el Instituto de Medicina Tropical durante enero a diciembre del 2023. Metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal. Se incluyó a todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de criptococosis meníngea portadores de VIH. Los resultados fueron expresados en valores absolutos y porcentuales. Resultados: La mayoría de los pacientes fueron pacientes de sexo masculino, mayores de 40 años, procedientes del Departamento Central y la capital. Presentaban una carga viral promedio superior a 500,000 copias y un conteo de CD4 de 52 células/ml, todos en estadio C3 con un diagnóstico promedio de 5 años y 5 meses. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron cefalea, síndrome confusional, fiebre y vómitos. El diagnóstico se basó mayoritariamente en cultivos de LCR. Muchos pacientes no estaban recibiendo tratamiento antirretroviral al momento del diagnóstico. Para los hospitalizados, se usó una combinación de anfotericina B y fluconazol, resultando en altas hospitalarias en la mayoría de los casos.
Systematic Review of the Methodological Quality and Outcome Measures Utilized in Exercise Interventions for Individuals with Cystic Fibrosis Methodological Quality and Outcome Measures Utilized in CF Exercise Studies
Authors: Alotaibi Najlaa , Yuen Hon , Almalki Norah , C. Criss Samantha , Krick Stefanie , Lowman John
Published: January 2025

Background: The aims of this study were to evaluate the methodological quality of interventional exercise studies in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and link the reported outcome measures of these studies to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model.

Methods: Electronic searches of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane review were performed in the spring of, 2022. The methodological quality of studies was evaluated using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool (EPHPP). Outcome measures were linked to the categories and sub-categories of the ICF model using ICF linking rules.

Results: We screened 4,769 studies and extracted data from 89 eligible manuscripts. Of these. 41% were one group, pre-post design; 36% were RCTs; 11% were two-group pre-post design; 6% were controlled clinical trials; and 6% were either case reports or case series. Using the (EPHPP), 49% were ranked as high quality, 34% moderate, and 17% low. In addition, body function was the most addressed ICF category followed by activities/participation and, subsequently, body structure.

Significance: This review supports the recommendation of exercise as an intervention to improve a variety of outcomes, ranging from Body structure (e.g., body composition) to Participation (e.g., engaging in community, social, and civic life). We recommend that investigators review the spectrum of potential ICF outcomes when designing rehabilitation trials, to both reflect the potential effects of exercise on a variety of outcomes, but also to facilitate mechanistic studies that are able to link which body structures and body functions are most important to improving patient outcomes at the activity and participation domains. Addressing environmental factors within the ICF is also important for people with CF, such as resource allocation towards exercise and rehabilitation resources. Finally, this review highlights the need for more vigorous methodological designs to minimize risk of bias and improve quality of exercise studies in CF.
The Biological Substrates of Poststroke Fatigue: a Qualitative Meta-Analysis for the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Poststroke Fatigue
Authors: Aladdin Dr. Yasser
Published: January 2025

Stroke is the leading cause of physical disability worldwide and represents a black hole that drains the global health economy. Pathological post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is one of the most common sequelae, affecting up to 85% of stroke patients. Intractable PSF is the worst or one of the worst stroke symptoms in 40% of stroke survivors due to the overwhelming perceptual shortage of energy for physical and mental activities. The pathogenesis of PSF is blurred by a vast array of comorbidities inherent to this group of patients, which can precipitate fatigue regardless of the cerebrovascular injury. Fatigue is a subjective experience that may elude the quantification of uniform metrics. Quantitative meta-analysis on PSF studies is enigmatic due to the inconsistent study designs, methodology of fatigue assessment, and heterogeneity of patient characteristics.

This thematic meta-analysis scrutinizes the evidence for factors involved in PSF pathogenesis and constructs a clinical framework to approach PSF. Moreover, a treatment paradigm is proposed based on the compound evidence-weighted extractions of data from prospective studies on PSF. Moreover, proactive testing for autonomic reflexes and postural hypotension is of paramount importance, and judicious selection and titration of antihypertensives may correct subclinical orthostatism that manifests seamlessly as morbidly chronic fatigue. PSF may hinder rehabilitation and impact morbidity and mortality. Embracing the proposed treatment paradigm and tracing the pathogenic factors will minimize morbidity and redeem the global economy layers and years of additional costs in stroke care.

Methods: Qualitative Meta-analysis.
Medical Mistrust Among African American Living with HIV/AIDS in the Alabama Black Belt: The Impact of the U.S. Public Health Service Untreated Syphilis Study at Tuskegee
Authors: Zekeri Andrew
Published: January 2025

Background: Despite prior studies showing that a significant proportion of the general African-American population held conspiracy beliefs about HIV/AIDS, limited research has investigated medical mistrust and conspiracy beliefs among African Americans that are HIV-positive and the subgroups most likely to endorse such beliefs. I examined the endorsement of HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs and medical mistrust among 356 African Americans living in the Alabama Black Belt region who are living with HIV infection.

Methods: Longitudinal quantitative and qualitative research (a mixed methods approach) were used in five rural counties of the Alabama Black Belt where two AIDS Outreach Organization clinics provide medical and social support services to HIV-positive persons. In a questionnaire, patients reported agreement with statements capturing beliefs in HIV/AIDS conspiracies and mistrust in American medical professionals and health institutions. Face to face focus group discussions and personal interviews were conducted with patients to determine reasons for medical mistrust. Focus groups and personal interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed.

Results: Results indicated that the majority of the patients (68.4%) somewhat or strongly agreed that “A lot of information about AIDS is being held back from the public.” More than one-half (65.6%) somewhat or strongly agreed that “people who take the new medicines for HIV are human guinea pigs for the government.” 61.2% strongly endorsed that “HIV is a manmade virus.” 62.2% strongly agreed that “AIDS was produced in the governments laboratories” while 59.7% strongly endorsed that “AIDS is a form of genocide against black.” Majority of the participants (91%) somewhat or strongly agreed that “they do not trust white medical practitioners and (70%) do not trust American Medical Intuitions.” Participants of the focus groups raised the issue of the Tuskegee Syphilis experiment as a potential barrier, as well as the reason for the lack of trust.

Conclusions: The finding suggests that mistrust is a barrier to medication adherence among patients living with HIV/AIDS. The infamous Tuskegee Experiment was given as the main reason for the mistrust. In the years following the disclosure of the Tuskegee trials, the U.S. Public Health Service experiment is one reason African-Americans remain wary of mainstream medicine and health care providers. Negative past experiences contribute to medical mistrust among African Americans. Addressing medical mistrust and conspiracy beliefs should be the significant issues in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs in the 21st Century.
A histological analysis of bone regeneration assessing the effects of Open Wound Healing: A case series
Authors: Shukla Sagrika , Mahesh Lanka , Castro Ana , Bali Praful , Gulati Nikita , Rajagoapl Athreya
Published: January 2025

Aim: To histologically study bone regeneration in cases of open wound healing

Material and method: In a case series of 20 patients, teeth which were fractured/ failed root canal which needed extraction and implant placement were included in the study. In all the cases, minimally invasive tooth extraction was done and care was taken not to damage either of the bony walls. Maxresorb bone graft (Botiss, Germany) was placed in the socket. A single layer of collagen membrane, Ossix plus membrane (Dentsply Sirona, Germany) was placed on the bone graft and 3-0 silk sutures were placed. After 5 months bone core was taken for histological analysis and Mis implant 3.75/11.5 implant was placed at the same site.

For histopathology, neutralized buffered formalin solution was used to fix the 2 mm trephine core biopsies and the soft tissue they overlaid right away, lasting between 24 and 48 hours. After which, the normal laboratory approach for tissue processing involving dehydration, cleaning, and paraffin wax infiltration was conducted for both the tissues. Hematoxylin and Eosin stains were used on sections that were 3 microns thick. Van Gieson, Massons trichrome and Picrosirus red were performed.

Results: soft tissue showed long thin rete ridges of parakeratinizd startified suamous epithelium and underlying dense collagenous stroma with few inflammatory cells chiefly lymphocytes. Bony tissue displayed well-formed regions of bony trabeculae with various mineralization phases.

Conclusion: open wound healing leads to bony regeneration as one can predict in closed healing.
Haemophilia Gene Therapy: Patient Selection and Experience in the Era of Precision Medicine
Authors: Boyce Dr Sara , Kazmi Dr Rashid
Published: January 2025

The emergence of gene therapy as a therapeutic modality for haemophilia has generated a spectrum of responses within the patient population, ranging from enthusiastic endorsement to measured scepticism. Following the European Medicines Agency's approval of two novel gene therapies for haemophilia B, the imperative for sophisticated patient selection protocols has become increasingly apparent to ensure both the safe administration of therapy and optimisation of clinical outcomes. Haemophilia gene therapy trials to date have demonstrated that psychosocial factors are critical components of the gene therapy pathway alongside clinical eligibility to facilitate rigorous follow-up protocols and maximize the probability of sustained transgene expression. Experiences of participants in haemophilia gene therapy clinical trials are valuable for informing prospective recipients during pre-consent counselling to appropriately calibrate treatment expectations and thoroughly comprehend the multifaceted risk-benefit profile, including the inherent uncertainties associated with long-term outcomes.
Clinical Pharmacology Testing in Medical Education and Beyond
Authors: Goldstein Frederick
Published: January 2025

Aim:

To obtain opinions of high-level medical education administrators on allowing test-takers from undergraduate medical education to specialty certifications to have an electronic clinical pharmacology data base not connected to the internet as a reference during their respective exams.

Scope:

Deans in undergraduate and graduate medical education along with the top level administrators of the national osteopathic medical board were invited to give their opinions on the aim of this proposal.