bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CT and MRI features of Primary Orbital Lymphoma: review of 14 cases
Authors: Chen Wang Jin  , Netra Rana  , Yuan Wang  , ShaoHui Ma  , Min Li  , Ming Zhang
Published: January 2025

Objective:
To assess the computed tomography (CT) imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of primary orbital lymphoma and to establish a differential diagnosis.
 
Material & Methods:
Fourteen patients (9 male and 5 female) suffering from primary orbital lymphoma underwent CT scanning with and without contrast. Pre- and post-contrast MRI scans were performed in 10 patients. Their ages ranged from 1.5 to 65 years (average age: 36 years). The course of diseases varied from 2 months to 16 years.
 
Results:
The diagnosis was confirmed pathologically in all cases. Lesions were bilateral in 4 cases and unilateral in 10 cases. Periorbital preseptal tissues were involved mainly in the upper lateral quadrant of the orbit. Focal masses were observed in 5 patients. Lesions that infiltrated the lacrimal gland, adjacent extraocular muscles and intraorbital tissues, along with the extraocular muscles, were found in other patients. The tumors that had advanced into intraorbital tissues and had involved extraocular muscles, displayed either a 'casting sign' or a 'ring sign'. Isodense soft-tissue masses with clear demarcation were found on plain CT film and lesions displayed low to intermediate signal intensity on T1- weighted MRI and relatively low or high signal intensity on T2-weighted MRI. The lesions demonstrated homogeneously marked enhancement on CT and MRI with contrast medium.
 
Conclusion:
CT imaging and MRI - particularly MRI - can demonstrate the location, configuration, inner structure and characteristic manifestations of the orbital lymphomas. This may assist the pre-operative diagnosis of these lesions.
 
 
Key Words:
Orbital tumor; Lymphoma; Pseudotumor; Computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging
 
 
DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.3401
 
 
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences
1 (2010) 87-90
An interesting case of Cruveilhier-Baumgarten disease: Persistent left umbilical vein in a 50 year old man
Authors: Anubhav Thukral  , Vaibhav Srivastava  , Amit Nandan Dhar Dwivedi  , Manish Mishra  , Tripathi Kamlakar
Published: January 2025

A middle aged man of 50 years presented with features of portal hypertension without any features of liver decompensation or cirrhosis, found to have abnormal flow pattern in peri-umbilical vein, confirmed by Doppler to have a patent left umbilical vein. This represents a very treatable cause of portal hypertension as ligation of vein may result in complete reversal of disease process. The case also outlines importance of routine general examination like of seeing the direction of flow in periumbilical veins even in obvious cases of portal hypertension that helped us in detection of this case.
Key Words: Portal hypertension; Periumbilical vein
DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v2i1.3780
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 63-64
Adherence to Anti-Retroviral Therapy among People Living with HIV and AIDS in Far West, Nepal
Authors: Bam Kiran , Deepak Kumar Karki  , Shyam Prasad Lohani  , Rajshree Thapa  , Umesh Raj Aryal  , Laxmi Raj Pathak
Published: January 2025

Objective: Adherence to Anti-Retroviral Therapy is a principal predictor for the success of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) treatment. It remains as a challenge to AIDS treatment and care with the wide spread of the associated risks. The study aims to assess adherence level and factors associated with adherence to Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) among people living with HIV and AIDS in Far West, Nepal.
Material & Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in Far West between May 2009 to September 2009. A total of 176 samples allowed with 95% CI and 5% error proportionately from four ART sites were drawn. Random sampling technique was used to recruit patients. Semi-structured questionnaire schedule adapted from the Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group (AACTG) was used and pre-tested to collect data on drug adherence. We compared non-adherent patients with adherent patients and associations with key risk factors were determined.
Results: An overall self reported adherence for a month was 84%. Those who were more than 95% adherent responded that use of watch, electronic devices such as mobiles, watch and calendar facilitated them to take the drugs regularly. Improved adherence was significantly determined by time to reach the health faility at terai (OR: 2.86, 1.10-7.47), disclosing of the HIV status (OR: 3.25; 1.02-10.19), the perceived positive benefits of ART (OR: 21.07; 6.79-68.04) and excellent satisfaction with the provider (OR: 13.11; 4.75-36.19). Travel cost more than 2$ (OR: 9.84; 3.44-28.73) was significant barrier to adherence.
Conclusion: Timely detection of non-adherence behaviours and understanding of patients' difficulties with ART could potentially help patients for adherence and therefore improve the treatment outcomes in rural hilly Nepal. Government’s initiatives towards moral support for encouraging to join support group including discussions of side-effects, and everyday problems in sticking to a regimen and financial support to PHLA should be promoted to optimize the adherence rate.
Key Words: Adherence; ART; PLHA; Far West Nepal
DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v2i1.4290Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 7-13
Student’s Accreditation of integrated Medical Education in Nepal
Authors: Indrajit Banerjee  , Akhilesh Chandra Jauhari  , Ajay Chandra Johorey  , Sudesh Gyawali  , Archana Saha
Published: January 2025

Objective: Course curriculum of medical sciences is made by learned professors of Universities, politicians and the government officers in education ministry without consulting the students for whom it is made. Student’s Accreditation of curriculum may be useful in further modification of teaching & learning methods. In Nepal, Medical education is an experimental integrated teaching of four and half years for MBBS degree is going on for more than two decades, until now no Accreditation has been done as to what type of Doctors we are producing. The aim of the study was to find out whether integrated teaching or classical medical studies produce better doctors.
Material & Methods: The study was conducted from November 2009 to February 2010 at Manipal college of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal. The present study was done to asses the teaching/learning and evaluation procedures adopted by getting Accreditation from students of 2nd, 3rd and 4th semester A structured questionnaire was prepared and a pilot study consisting of 10 students from each batch (randomly selected) was done. Results were analyzed and discussed by the authors before undertaking the main study. Later in the main study accreditation of 186 medical students was collected by same multigraded questionnaire and analyzed for the benefit of further modification of medical education by universities and medical colleges in Nepal in particular and general elsewhere.
Results: All the results of the study were discussed in detailed one by one in discussion .Out of them for example one of the result of the study was that subjects like Pathology, Microbiology & Pharmacology should be reduced or not at all taught in first 2 semesters and should be continued till 7th semester like community medicine when the students attend clinical subjects for better understanding of medicine and producing better doctors.
Conclusion: Overall the results were alarming & may be taken up seriously by the policy makers. They can bring about amendments in course curriculum of universities in future.
Key Words: Medical Education; Multigraded Questionnaire; Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery
DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v2i1.3592
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 49-52
Strong relationships between inflammation, atherosclerosis and end stage renal disease
Authors: Tripathi Gaurav , Minal Borkar  , Fahim Ahmad  , Sachit Swaroop  , Janmejay Singh  , SN Sankhwar
Published: January 2025

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is characterized by an exceptional mortality rate, much of which is the result of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although traditional risk factors are common in ESRD patients, they may not be sufficient alone to account for the high prevalence of CVD in this condition. Recent evidence demonstrates that chronic inflammation is a common feature in ESRD patients and it may cause malnutrition and progressive atherosclerotic CVD by several pathogenetic mechanisms. The causes of inflammation in ESRD are multifactorial and, while it may reflect underlying CVD, an acute-phase reaction may also be a direct cause of vascular injury by several pathogenetic mechanisms. There is strong evidence that inflammatory markers are closely linked to ESRD. There seems to be a strong evidence of inflammatory markers, inflammation and atherosclerosis in ESRD patients and it is likely that proinflammatory cytokines and the genetic polymorphism in these cytokines may be important players in this scenario.
Key Words: Cytokines; ESRD; Inflammation; Polymorphisms; CVD
DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v2i1.3731
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 46-48
Temperature changes in the course of treatment of severe malaria patients with artemether and quinine
Authors: OA Osonuga  , AA Osonuga  , IO Osonuga  , A Osonuga
Published: January 2025

Objective: Severe malaria is a medical emergency with devastating multi-systemic effects, if not promptly treated with sensitive and safe drugs, death is imminent. Quinine and artemether are antimalarial drugs that are used in treating severe malaria. Efforts in this study were directed at comparing temperature changes in the cause of treatment of severe malaria patients with artemether and quinine in Ikenne local Government area of Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.
Material & Methods: 32 patients in the study were randomly assigned to receive either artemether or quinine under medical supervision. 16 patients were allocated into two treatment groups. Patients in the quinine treatment were given 10mg/kg body weight quinine into 5% dextrose/saline intravenously 8hourly whilst artemether group were given 1.6mg/kg body weight intramuscularly for 5days. The patients temperature were then followed up for 14days.
Results: A total of 28 out of 32 patients enrolled into the study had temperature ≥ 37.5 °C at day 0. The mean fever clearance time for quinine treatment group was 46.50 ± 20.49 hours while that of artemether group was 72.0 ± 27.7 hours (p=0.006). Fever was completely resolved in both treatment group at day 14.
Conclusion: Results from this study indicated that quinine relative to artemether has a faster and sustained recovery from increased in temperature.
Key Words: Severe malaria; artemether; quinine; temperature
DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v2i1.3351
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 41-45
Need to suspect fungal etiology in presumed bacterial keratitis - A case report of keratitis due to Scedosporium prolificans
Authors: Lata R Chandel  , Anuradha Sood  , Smriti Chauhan  , Kamlesh Thakur
Published: January 2025

We describe a case of keratitis with acute presentation and without any history of trauma caused by Scedosporium prolificans; a rare cause of fungal keratitis, from a tertiary care hospital. To the best of our knowledge this is the first such case reported from the region. Because of early diagnosis and prompt treatment the patient could be managed well.
Keywords: Keratitis; Scedosporium prolificans; Prompt treatment
DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v2i1.4058
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 28-30
Morphometric Malformations in Fetal Rats Following Treatment with Aqueous Leaf Extract of Carica Papaya
Authors: Moses B Ekong  , Mandu U Akpan  , Theresa B Ekanem  , Mfon I Akpaso
Published: January 2025

Objective: Carica papaya popularly known as papaya or pawpaw is a fruit with diverse nutritional and medicinal properties. The continuous use of the leaf extract as enema by pregnant women necessitated this study on the effect of aqueous extract of the young leaves on the morphometry of the fetuses of pregnant Wistar rats.
Material & Methods: Twenty seven sexually matured Wistar rats consisting of eighteen females and nine males, and weighing 180-200g were used for the study. The female rats were assigned equally into three groups of A, B and C. Pregnancies were obtained after the introduction of the males into the female cages overnight. On day 12 of preg-nancy, group A (control) was given sham treatment of tap water, while groups B and C were treated with 60mg/kg and 120mg/kg respectively, of the aqueous leaf extract of C. papaya for seven days (days 12-18 of pregnancy). On day 20 of gestation, the animals were anaesthetized using chloroform and euthanized, and the uteri dissected out to study the fetuses.
Results: Results revealed reduced number of viable fetuses, reduced fetal weight, and reduced crown-rump, head, and tail lengths in the group treated with 60mg/kg aqueous leaf extract of C. papaya, while there was resorption of all the fetuses in the group treated with 120mg/kg of the aqueous leaf extract of C. papaya.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the aqueous leaf extract of C. papaya at the given dosage in this study is detrimental to developing fetuses, and these effects were dose dependent. Hence, the use of the extract especially during the period of gestation should be discouraged.
Key Words: C. papaya; fetus; morphometry; malformation; rats
DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v2i1.4028
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 18-22
Evaluation of Serum Hepatocellular Enzymes in Nigerian with Goitre
Authors: Johnkennedy Nnodim  , Emejulu Adamma  , Elendu Humphrey Ndubueze
Published: January 2025

Objective: The determination of serum gammaglutamyl transferase (GGT),alkaline phosphatase(ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in patient with goitre in Owerri, Imo state Nigeria were investigated.Material & Methods: Thirty confirmed patients with goitre age 50 to 70years with the following thyroid index (Total T4 > 140.65±7.28nmol/l , Total T3 > 2.43±0.96nmol/l, Free T4 < 50.24±9.11nmol/l and TSH > 4.12±1.00nmol/l) were selected for the study. Thirty normal subjects free from goiter age 50 to 70 years were used as control. Patients with complications such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes were excluded.Results: The level of serum gamaglutamyl transferase in goitre subjects was significantly higher (50.32 ±4.27 iu/l) when compared with control (17.50±3.94 iu/l) at P< 0.05. In the same vein the level of alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher (110.9m/l±12.92 iu/l) when compared with the control (56.3±12.06 iu/l) P<0.05. The levels of AST and ALT in goitre and control were not significant when compared with the control.Conclusion: This observation shows that gammaglutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase are frequently in-creased in goitre. Hence, they are possibly thyroid dependent enzymes.Key Words: Gammaglutamyl transferase; alkaline phosphatase; aspartateaminotransferase; alanine aminotransferase; thyroid hormonesDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v2i2.3870Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 79-81
Association of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis with Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome
Authors: Anil T Kumar  , Sudhir U  , Bakul Gupta  , Punith Kempegowda
Published: January 2025

Primary biliary cirrhosis is an autoimmune disorder affecting exclusively liver. There has been association of this autoimmune disease with various other neurological counterparts, but Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome in conjunction with primary biliary cirrhosis is unreported yet. Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome is a disorder of eye movement with an ill-defined etiology. It may be idiopathic or present as a paraneoplastic manifestation with a low response to therapeutic modalities. We present a case of primary biliary cirrhosis that developed Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome during an exaggeration of disease process which responded well to intravenous corticosteroids. Knowledge of association of Primary biliary cirrhosis with Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome and its good response to treatment in this setting will help in reducing morbidity in similar situations.
Key Words: Primary biliary cirrhosis; Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v2i2.3536
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 110-112
Tinea pedis: An Update
Authors: Vikas kumar  , Ragini Tilak  , Pradyot Prakash  , Chaitanya Nigam  , Richa Gupta
Published: January 2025

Cutaneous fungal infections are a widespread public health concern affecting millions of people all across the world. Nearly half of those affected will experience multiple episodes of infection requiring numerous rounds of treatment. Tinea pedis is a common superficial fungal skin infection of the feet. It is emerging as an important and a significantly prevalent infection in an increasingly aging population and immunocompromised patients. This mycotic infection is contagious, frequently misdiagnosed and often inadequately treated. Considering the uprising prevalence of tinea pedis, in this review article predisposing factors, etiologic agents involved in pathogenesis, clinical presentation of the disease, proper diagnostic tests and the treatment options commercially available are reviewed.
Key Words: Tinea pedis; Dermatophytes; KOH Mount; PAS Reaction
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v2i2.4430
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 134-138
A Rare Case of Pyoderma Gangrenosum in a HIV Positive Patient
Authors: Eswari Loganathan  , Asima Banu
Published: January 2025

HIV infection can lead to varied spectrum of associated disease conditions. Pyoderma gangrenosum is a neutrophilic dermatosis that may be associated with myeloid malignancies. Less information is available about the association of pyoderma gangrenosum with lymphoid malignancies. We report a rare case of pyoderma gangrenosum in association with Non hodgkins lymphoma(NHL) of diffuse large B cell type. In this case the lesion which showed NHL features occurred in the perianal region, coexisting with pyoderma gangrenosum lesions in the perianal, lower limb and abdominal region. Another interesting feature is the occurrence of both these conditions in a HIV-positive patient with severe immunologic failure to first line antiretroviral therapy contributing to the refractoriness to treatment.
Key Words: HIV; pyoderma gangrenosum; Non Hodgkins Lymphoma
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v2i2.4029
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 128-130
Membangun Aplikasi Web E-Arsip Jurnal Dosen: Integrasi Metode RAD pada Program Studi Informatika
Authors: Aryanto Sodiq , Rahman Abdul , Destiarini Destiarini
Published: January 2025

Permasalahan utama pada Program Studi Informatika Universitas Baturaja adalah sistem pengarsipan dokumen jurnal dosen yang masih bergantung pada pihak ketiga, yaitu menggunakan platform Jurnal Intech sebagai media pengarsipan dan publikasi. Platform ini digunakan oleh dosen-dosen yang memiliki penelitian ilmiah di bidang Teknik Informatika, Sistem Informasi, dan Jaringan Komputer. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengatasi kendala dalam pengarsipan dokumen jurnal dosen yang belum secara optimal memanfaatkan teknologi terkini, serta untuk mempermudah mekanisme pengarsipan secara digital. Metode Rapid Application Development (RAD) diterapkan dalam pengembangan Aplikasi E-Arsip Jurnal Dosen yang dirancang. Proses pengembangan melibatkan pembuatan prototype menggunakan Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE), yang berfungsi untuk mengelola persyaratan, mengonversinya menjadi model data, mengubah model data menjadi basis data, dan menghasilkan kode secara otomatis dalam satu perangkat. Hasil penelitian ini berupa Aplikasi E-Arsip Jurnal Dosen, sebuah perangkat lunak multi-user yang dirancang untuk mendukung sistem pengarsipan digital di program studi dan siap untuk diimplementasikan.
Fenomena Perkembangan Komoditas Beras Non Organik Di Dusun Abdi Sari Desa Way Halom Kecamatan Buay Madang
Authors: Fatria Mega , Oktania Wulan , Rohmah Miftakhur
Published: January 2025

Padi pertama kali ditanam di Thailand pada tahun 400 SM, dan merupakan sumber makanan pokok bagi masyarakat Indonesia. Padi merupakan sektor produksi terbesar bagi masyarakat Ogan Komering Ulu Timur. Padi anorganik adalah padi yang tahap pengolahannya dari awal hingga akhir menggunakan pupuk kimia seperti Pupuk Urea, Pupuk Ponska dan Pupuk Ferthipos. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk memberikan gambaran secara rinci mengenai proses atau tahapan pengolahan mulai dari padi, gabah hingga menjadi beras dan distribusi pemasaran beras anorganik di Dusun Abdi Sari, Desa Way Halom, Kecamatan Buay Madang, Kabupaten Ogan Komering Ulu Timur, Provinsi Sumatera Selatan. Metode penelitian menggunakan metode pendekatan kualitatif dengan berbasis Study Case. Dimana sampel yang dijadikan penelitian adalah informasi dari salah satu masyarakat Dusun Abdi Sari, artikel, dan informasi dari BPS OKU Timur. Hasil penelitian menjelaskan bahwa petani di Dusun Abdi Sari sebelum melakukan penanaman benih memperhatikan beberapa tahapan, yaitu: (1) persiapan lahan, (2) pengolahan lahan, (3) tahapan penanaman padi, (4) pemasaran padi.  Dan disini juga menjelaskan hasil produksi padi di Dusun Abdi Sari dari tahun 2019 produksi padi mengalami penurunan karena adanya padi Covid 19, dan mengalami peningkatan pada tahun 2020,2021,2022 hingga 2023, dimana produksi mengalami peningkatan dari tahun ketahun yang mana pada tahun tersebut pemerintah atau Dinas Pertanian sudah mulai aktif ikut serta dalam panen raya sehingga pemerintah mengadakan Panen Raya Padi OKU Timur dan Panen Raya Nusantara di Wilayah OKU Timur.
Implementasi Metode Certainty Factor Terhadap Hama Dan Penyakit Tanaman Kelapa Sawit (Studi Kasus PPSKS Rokan Hulu)
Authors: Khusairi Fajri , Maradona Hendri , Rifqi Mi`rajul
Published: January 2025

Kelapa sawit adalah salah satu komoditas pertanian yang mempunyai peran penting pada subsektor perkebunan di Indonesia. Hama dan penyakit pada tanaman kelapa sawit memang harus dilakukan diagnosa secepat dan seakurat mungkin, dikarenakan hama dan penyakit pada tanaman tersebut dapat dengan cepat menyebar serta menyerang keseluruh lahan kelapa sawit. Metode Certainty Factor memiliki kelebihan yaitu pada perhitungan dengan metode ini hanya dapat mengelola dua data saja dalam sekali hitung sehingga keakuratan data dapat terjaga. Metode Certainty Factor cocok dipakai dalam sistem pakar untuk mengukur sesuatu apakah pasti atau tidak pasti dalam mendiagnosa penyakit. Dengan demikian diperlukan sebuah sistem yang dapat mentransformasi dari sistem manual menjadi sistem digital dengan membangun aplikasi sistem pakar menggunakan metode Certainty Factor sehingga mendiagnosa hama dan penyakit pada tanaman sawit dapat lebih efektif dan efisien. Maka dapat ditarik kesimpulan aplikasi sistem informasi mendiagnosa hama dan penyakit tanaman kelapa sawit telah berhasil dirancang dan diimplementasikan dalam bentuk aplikasi berbasis web yang diharapkan untuk memberikan informasi seputar hama dan penyakit tanaman kelapa sawit yang terjadi di PPSKS Kabupaten Rokan Hulu, serta dapat menjadi wadah untuk menyalurkan informasi kepadi petani tersebut.
Perancangan Sistem Informasi Berbasis Web Wiskul Banyumas Sebagai Sarana Informasi dan Promosi Pariwisata, Kuliner, serta Penginapan Di Banyumas
Authors: Wibowo Satrio , Agustyn Zulfa Basmallah , Hidayat Wahrul , Adhinata Faisal Dharma
Published: January 2025

Berdasarkan penelitian yang telah dilakukan, diperoleh hasil bahwa suatu sistem informasi berbasis web sebagai sarana promosi dan informasi wisata, kuliner, serta penginapan di Banyumas belum tersedia. Berdasarkan penelitian tersebut penulis berinisiatif untuk membuat sebuah rancangan sistem informasi berbasis web menggunakan Laravel. Penulis menggunakan Metode Waterfall sebagai metode pengembangan. Dengan adanya sistem informasi berbasis web yang telah penulis rancang diharapkan dapat memudahkan wisatawan dalam bepergian dan membantu kabupaten Banyumas di sektor pariwisata. Rancangan sistem informasi berbasis web yang penulis buat menggunakan Bahasa Pemrograman PHP versi 7.4 framework Laravel, dengan menggunakan database mysql. Penulis berharap dengan adanya perancangan sistem informasi berbasis web ini membuat tempat wisata, kuliner, serta penginapan di Banyumas dapat lebih dikenal oleh masyarakat.
Euro-Denominated Credit Liquidity: Tracing Cyclical Phases in Global Finance
Authors:   Cracow University of Economics, Poland, Mierzejewski Mateusz Mariusz
Published: January 2025

In the past few years, set against the backdrop of pandemic mitigation efforts and the resultant inflationary spike,
the macrofinancial landscape has undergone significant transformation. The tightening of monetary policy by
global central banks in response to these phenomena has notably affected global financial liquidity, particularly
within the realm of foreign currency lending. This article delves into the shifts in credit liquidity, centering on the
Global Liquidity Index for euro-denominated loans across European Union nations over the last two decades.
Through the application of the Fourier Transform, we analyse the cyclical patterns within the index and delineate
the primary phases of its evolution: pre- and post- the 2008/2009 financial crisis, and the inception of a potential
new liquidity phase. The analysis reveals a qualitative transformation in the index’s harmonic cycles from the initial
two phases, an augmented presence of short cycles in the series dynamics, and it posits that the Third Liquidity
Phase, emerging in the wake of the post-pandemic crisis, may maintain the dynamic patterns established in the
preceding phase.
Indirect Measure of Financial Constraints: Evidence From Unquoted Innovative SMEs
Authors:   Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, Poland, Prędkiewicz Katarzyna
Published: January 2025

This paper examines whether companies’ innovativeness affects the availability of capital and, therefore, whether
this group is financially constrained. It uses an objective, indirect way of measuring financial constraints based
on the assumption that financially restricted firms only invest when internal cash flow allows them to do so.
Therefore, the research was based on the investment-cash flow equation, more precisely the adjusted ECM
model adapted to the SME sector. The companies’ innovativeness was measured based on a proprietary synthetic
indicator covering a broad range of information on innovation activity. The research was conducted on a sample
of 403 firms, including large companies. The modified methodology for studying financial constraints confirmed
that innovative small and medium-sized enterprises are financially constrained, contrary to non-innovative SMEs
and large enterprises, both the innovators and those with low innovation potential. Based on the model analysis,
it has been noticed that in innovative enterprises, there may be substitution between investing in tangible assets
and human capital – personnel costs decrease a year before investment projects are implemented. Furthermore,
innovative SMEs implement projects in response to a deteriorating situation, shrinking sales market, falling
revenues and accompanying employment reduction.
Las características de la formación de formadores en los programas socioeducativos familiares. Consulta de expertos
Authors: Amer Fernández Joan , Pascual Belén , Valero María , Oliver Josep Lluís
Published: January 2025

La formación de formadores es crucial en los programas socioeducativos y preventivos familiares que trabajan con adolescentes. Desde la literatura académica se ha constatado que las competencias de los profesionales son clave para las intervenciones efectivas. El objetivo del artículo es conocer, de acuerdo con los expertos, qué competencias son prioritarias trabajar en la formación de formadores. Como método, se utilizó la técnica Delphi de cara a alcanzar consensos entre expertos, en este caso académicos y profesionales (n=22). El procedimiento de recogida de datos fue de doble ronda, para garantizar la obtención de consenso, mientras que para el análisis de las informaciones se utilizaron técnicas cuantitativas y cualitativas. En cuanto a los resultados sobre los contenidos que se deben priorizar en las formaciones, se destaca el entrenamiento de las habilidades de comunicación, la detección de necesidades específicas, la capacidad para establecer vínculos y la implicación del formador. Como formato didáctico, se priorizan las actividades prácticas. A modo de conclusión, el artículo contribuye científicamente aportando los componentes clave para el diseño de un currículo de formación de formadores. A partir de las aportaciones de los expertos, este currículo pone en el centro el entrenamiento de competencias para mejorar la eficacia de las intervenciones socioeducativas preventivas familiares basadas en la evidencia.
Buenas prácticas y necesidades de formación de los profesionales en los servicios de intervención y apoyo familiar
Authors: Hidalgo Victoria , Arranz Enrique , Espinosa Mª Ángeles , Martín Juan Carlos , Balsells M. Àngels , Martínez Raquel-Amaya , Álamo Adriana , Rodrigo Mª José
Published: January 2025

Las intervenciones familiares desde el enfoque de la parentalidad positiva cuentan actualmente con un importante respaldo en España tanto a nivel legislativo como profesional. Gracias a una fructífera colaboración entre responsables políticos, personal investigador y profesionales, se ha llevado a cabo en los últimos años un importante esfuerzo porque estas intervenciones incorporen buenas prácticas basadas en la evidencia. Con ese objetivo, se diseñó la Guía de Buenas Prácticas en Parentalidad Positiva, un recurso de apoyo profesional que trata de fomentar procesos de innovación y mejora de la calidad de los servicios de atención familiar en España. En este estudio se analizaron las necesidades de formación profesional identificadas en los 54 planes de mejora de entidades públicas y no gubernamentales que llevan a cabo actuaciones de intervención familiar y que han obtenido el reconocimiento oficial a la promoción de la parentalidad positiva (otorgado el Ministerio de Derechos Sociales, Consumo y Agenda 2030 y la Federación Española de Municipios y Provincias), tras haber evaluado sus servicios y/o programas con del Protocolo on-line de la Guía de Buenas Prácticas. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron necesidades de formación profesional que tienen que ver tanto con la organización de los servicios como con la actuación del personal técnico en su trabajo con las familias. En este último ámbito, son especialmente relevantes las necesidades de formación relacionadas con la evaluación y con la metodología de trabajo grupal con familias desde un planteamiento positivo y fortalecedor, propio del enfoque de la parentalidad positiva. Estos resultados son discutidos destacando la importancia de identificar y atender las necesidades de formación profesional para mejorar la calidad de los servicios de intervención y apoyo familiar.
El rol de las personas facilitadoras en la efectividad de los programas parentales basados en evidencias
Authors: Cruz-Sosa Miriam del Mar , Martín Quintana Juan Carlos , Álamo-Muñoz Adriana , Pellegrino Graziano
Published: January 2025

Uno de los aspectos fundamentales a analizar cuando se evalúa la efectividad de los programas de educación parental, basados en evidencias, es el papel de la persona facilitadora en el proceso de implementación y la consecución de objetivos. Este artículo analiza la importancia del rol de las personas facilitadoras en la efectividad del programa "Vivir la Adolescencia en Familia" adaptado al contexto educativo, aplicado en centros de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria de la Comunidad Autónoma de Canarias. La investigación incluye a 372 madres de alumnado adolescente participantes en el programa, con una media de edad de 42,52 años. Se midió el impacto de las características de la persona facilitadora en los cambios que el programa produjo en las competencias parentales, en las estrategias positivas de resolución de conflictos familiares, en el clima social y familiar y en la supervisión parental. Teniendo en cuenta que las personas facilitadoras partían con la misma formación para la implementación del programa, los resultados indican que la satisfacción de la persona facilitadora con el programa es la variable que más repercute en la mejora de las competencias parentales. Por su parte, la menor experiencia docente repercutió positivamente en la mejora de la convivencia familiar. Finalmente, en lo que respecta al proceso de implementación, el que una única persona facilitadora imparta el programa influye tanto en las competencias parentales como en el uso de estrategias positivas de resolución de conflicto. Como se ha podido evidenciar, la efectividad del programa no depende únicamente de su contenido, sino también de la calidad de la implementación. La satisfacción de la persona facilitadora, junto con la capacitación y apoyo adecuados, favorece la generación de cambios objetivos de mejora en el ejercicio del rol parental de las participantes. Asimismo, es esencial considerar el perfil de las personas facilitadoras, incluyendo su experiencia docente, y los aspectos organizativos del programa para asegurar la mayor efectividad de este.
Social networks and linkages: a systematic literature review (PRISMA) on the impact of social capital in youth communities
Authors: Alguacil Mir Laia , Valdivia-Vizarreta Paloma
Published: January 2025

In today’s digital society, social networks have acquired great importance in the lives of young people, who use them as virtual spaces to establish and maintain social relationships. The aim of this systematic literature review is to analyze the potential of use of social networks to contribute to the development of social capital in virtual communities of young people. Following the indications of the PRISMA 2020 statement, 18 relevant studies that met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified and selected. The results indicate that social networks play a significant role in the development of social capital in virtual youth communities. These platforms provide opportunities for social interaction, identity building and community participation, thus strengthening social connections, strengthening young people’s sense of belonging and empowering them.
Impacto del aprendizaje-servicio en la percepción hacia personas con discapacidad intelectual en el contexto universitario
Authors: Peña-Martínez Juan , Mampaso Desbrow Joanne , Moraleda Ruano Álvaro , Ruiz-Vicente Diana
Published: January 2025

El Aprendizaje-Servicio, al igual que el voluntariado, desempeña un papel clave en el ámbito universitario y constituye una vía para fomentar el compromiso social. Además, el Aprendizaje-Servicio es una herramienta que promueve la sensibilización y la inclusión de personas vulnerables, logrando simultáneamente objetivos académicos y personales a través de un aprendizaje intencionado. En este contexto, el presente estudio se centra en analizar la percepción que tienen los estudiantes universitarios sobre las personas con discapacidad intelectual tras desarrollar un proyecto de Aprendizaje por Servicio vinculado. Para ello, se ha llevado a cabo un estudio cuantitativo descriptivo pretest-postest con grupo control. Han participado 253 discentes mediante un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, todos pertenecientes a dos universidades españolas durante dos periodos académicos (2022-23 y 2023-24). Se conformaron dos grupos: por un lado, estudiantes que siguieron la metodología de Aprendizaje-Servicio (ApS), quienes formaron el grupo experimental, y, por otro lado, estudiantes que siguieron otras metodologías, quienes constituyeron el grupo control. Entre el pretest y el postest, el grupo de control no participó en ninguna intervención socioeducativa específica, mientras que el grupo experimental se involucró activamente en actividades basadas en la metodología ApS. Este grupo recibió formación en ApS, fomentando un aprendizaje activo que les permitió conectar lo aprendido en el aula con experiencias reales y de forma vivencial. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian que la inclusión de la metodología ApS en los estudios universitarios es efectiva para mejorar la percepción sobre las personas con discapacidad intelectual. A partir de estos hallazgos, se propone como línea de desarrollo futuro la promoción de acciones formativas inclusivas a través del ApS, con el fin de enriquecer el espacio universitario y fortalecer la formación en valores sociales y éticos.
Reseña: Tránsitos y retos de la inserción-reinserción social con mujeres en semilibertad. Propuestas socioeducativas. (Premio Nacional Victoria Kent 2021).
Authors: Corpodean Alina Daiana
Published: January 2025

Se trata de una reseña del libro de Tránsitos y retos de la inserción-reinserción social con mujeres en semilibertad. Propuestas socioeducativas, Ganador del Premio Victoria Kent en 2021 y resultado del proyecto I+D+i del Plan Nacional llamado “Procesos de Reinserción socioeducativa y acompañamiento a reclusas en semilibertad” (REINAC. Ref.EDU2016-79322-R), en el cual Fanny Añaños y su equipo nos ofrece los resultados de una investigación que tiene como objetivo principal impactar en las personas afectadas por la reclusión, centrándose especialmente en las mujeres, así como en la transferencia social y en las instituciones penitenciarias.
Administrative and legal regulation of public morality and public order
Authors: Akhtanina Natal'ya Anatol'evna
Published: January 2025

The rule of law in Russian society is its legal basis, the basis for the functioning of state power. A solid rule of law based on the principles of law is a guarantee of the functioning of civil society. In this regard, the maintenance and strengthening of law and order, as well as the fight against crime, represent a special type of social management. Its purpose is to ensure that the entire society as a whole, as well as its constituent social groups and individuals, function and develop within the framework of existing social relations on the basis of certain norms of morality and law accepted in this society. The solution of this problem assumes the presence of specific management methods. In this article, the author examines the specifics of the application of legal measures to protect public morality and public order in the administrative activities of the police. The reasons and conditions for the commission of administrative offenses infringing on public morality and public order, problematic aspects of the prevention of these offenses are revealed, and ways to increase its effectiveness are proposed. Thus, we come to the following conclusions: 1) the fight against administrative offenses in the field of public morality and public order is conducted mainly through the use of repressive methods, which, as the analysis of law enforcement practice shows, is not always justified; 2) the main content of administrative and legal measures to protect public morality and public order is to identify the causes and eliminate the conditions conducive to their commission, and to exert influence on persons in order to prevent their commission. To eliminate the causes and conditions that contribute to the commission of offenses in this area, a whole range of measures, both general and individual, should be taken.
Playing rogues
Authors: Matencio David
Published: January 2025

This article explores how video games, with no apparent connection to the literary rogue, still articulate Picaresque episodes and simulate Picaresque experiences through their intended gameplay and worldbuilding. These experiences are a specific expression of the combination of mechanics, narrative, and the agency of the player around a defined type of character, the rogue. They show how pervasive the influence of Picaresque Literature is, influencing design choices and informing key forms of being and acting in virtual worlds. This paper aims to define what a Picaresque experience in video games is and how it is possible to produce them. To achieve this, three video games will be analysed to show the different specific tools video games use to enable these experiences. The analyses will be supported by a theoretical framework based on existing bibliography about agency, videoludic narrative, mechanics, and Picaresque Literature with the objective of offering a comprehensive description of Picaresque experiences while also explaining them as a transmedia phenomenon that demonstrates the influence of Picaresque Literature in video games.
Editorial
Authors: Pötzsch Holger , Jørgensen Kristine
Published: January 2025

The editorial argues for the necessity of thinking and acting critically in times of multiple crises. Then it introduces the contributions brought together in the present issue and, finally, takes up some internal issues as Eludamos.
Tartu City Events: Expressing the Ethnic and Historic Connections
Authors:   Department of Folkloristics, Estonian Literary Museum, Kõiva Mare , Kuperjanov Andres
Published: January 2025

This article explores the ways that contemporary cultural events and festivals reflect and handle ethnic and historic connections, and how they have changed over time. The article investigates four types of events. The student customs analysed include the celebration of Walpurgis Night (April 30) within the framework of corporation culture and the celebration of the anniversary of the University of Tartu. St John’s Eve celebrations organized by the Estonian National Museum and the Estonian Agricultural Museum represent ethnic events. From agrarian festivals, the article presents the Viss or the Cow Day (selection of the prettiest cow) and the Animal Breeding Day. Celebration of the Hanseatic Days in July is a compound event focusing on handicraft, food, and culture of the Middle Ages. These are unifying events for the larger community, for people of all ages, and they also provide a distinctive identifier of a place – the city of Tartu.
Ritual and Conflict in a Maytime Festival: Turning Pilgrims into Tourists
Authors:   Department of History, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy University of the Philippines, Abrera Maria Bernadette
Published: January 2025

Antipolo City is considered the pilgrimage capital of the Philippines, with devotees coming to the shrine of the Virgin called Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. This religious phenomenon takes place during the entire month of May, although it officially ends in July, after seven cycles of novena masses. The devotion to the Virgin of Antipolo began with its arrival in the 17th century and the city took its identity from the presence of the statue, with its rituals adapted from the historical events that involved the people and the Virgin. The opening of the festival is characterized by the annual pilgrimage done on foot by her numerous devotees. On account of the millions of pilgrims that visit her shrine, the local government initiated a city festival to create other economic and commercial opportunities beyond the religious event. This civic celebration however struggles to sustain its own existence and would do well to recognize that it is the religious devotion to the Virgin of Antipolo that sustains the influx of people to the city and gives it identity.
Design of an enhanced feature point matching algorithm utilizing 3D laser scanning technology for sculpture design
Authors: Zheng Xiaoxiong , Weng Zhenwei
Published: January 2025

As the aesthetic appreciation for art continues to grow, there is an increased demand for precision and detailed control in sculptural works. The advent of 3D laser scanning technology introduces transformative new tools and methodologies for refining correction systems in sculpture design. This article proposes a feature point matching algorithm based on fragment measurement and the iterative closest point (ICP) methodology, leveraging 3D laser scanning technology, namely Fragment Measurement Iterative Closest Point Feature Point Matching (FM-ICP-FPM). The FM-ICP-FPM approach uses the overlapping area of the two sculpture perspectives as a reference for attaching feature points. It employs the 3D measurement system to capture physical point cloud data from the two surfaces to enable the initial alignment of feature points. Feature vectors are generated by segmenting the region around the feature points and computing the intra-block gradient histogram. Subsequently, distance threshold conditions are set based on the constructed feature vectors and the preliminary feature point matches established during the coarse alignment to achieve precise feature point matching. Experimental results demonstrate the exceptional performance of the FM-ICP-FPM algorithm, achieving a sampling interval of 200. The correct matching rate reaches an impressive 100%, while the mean translation error (MTE) is a mere 154 mm, and the mean rotation angle error (MRAE) is 0.065 degrees. The indicator represents the degree of deviation in translation and rotation of the registered model, respectively. These low error values demonstrate that the FM-ICP-FPM algorithm excels in registration accuracy and can generate highly consistent three-dimensional models.
The status quo and influencing factors of breastfeeding social support in China based on LASSO regression model
Authors: Sun Tian , Duan Chanzhi , Wang Yan , Li Qing
Published: January 2025

Background

In China, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months is only 29.2%, well below the global breastfeeding collective target of at least 50% by 2025. This study explores the status quo of breastfeeding social support among puerpera and analyses its influencing factors, in order to provide a basis for improving breastfeeding rate in China.

Methods

A total of 251 puerpera were selected to fill in the general information questionnaire and the Breastfeeding Social Support Scale from three community health service centers in the city of Chengde, Hebei province, China, from September to November 2023 by completed random cluster sampling method. And the LASSO regression was used to screen and order the influencing factors of breastfeeding social support.

Results

The total score of the Breastfeeding Social Support Scale was (48.95 ± 7.93). The results of LASSO regression showed that when the lambda (λ) value was 0.7428, the error was the smallest, and the corresponding number of influencing factors was four, and the top four independent variables in importance ranking were whether or not breastfeeding at night, employment status, the feeding mode of the youngest baby, partner attended school/lecture for pregnant women.

Conclusion

The level of breastfeeding social support remains to be improved; health care providers were suggested to develop targeted intervention according to the influencing factors.