bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric emergency department; resource exhaustion and burden of work in a resource-constrained region.
Authors: Ghali Hasanein Habeeb , Al-Shafiei Mustafa A. , Al-Musawi Hayder M.
Published: March 2021

Background: emergency care is well known as the care delivered in a hospital setting to any patient with unexpected, sudden, threatening reversible condition. In countries where health care is not optimum, this type of care represents the weakest element of the health system.
Aims of the study: to figure out the main causes behind the admission in Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) of Children Welfare Teaching Hospital (CWTH) and the urgency of visits.
Patients and methods: a cross sectional study retrospective analysis that was carried out in the PED of CWTH in Medical City, Baghdad. Five hundred visits for patients below the age of 14 years between August and November 2017 were enrolled in this study and their data were analyzed. Perceived urgency of the current visit was assessed and analyzed.
Results: the mean age for the patients was 3 years. Males represent 239 patients (47.8%). Of the whole group, 110 patients with a range of hours (22.0%). The most common complaint recorded was fever in 175 patients (21.0%). The most common comorbidities recorded were chronic respiratory diseases in 10 patients. Complete blood count was ordered for 460 patients (92.0%). Strikingly, blood culture was recorded in 5 patients only (1.0%). Reviewing the patients’ files has shown that 381 patients (76.2%) were prescribed antibiotics during stay in PED. The diagnosis of the patients visiting the PED was documented in 252 (50.4%) patients’ files only. Lower respiratory tract infections were the most frequently recorded diagnosis in 41 patients (8.2%). 266 patients (53.2%) were shown to be urgent visits, while 234 of them (46.8%) were non-urgent visits. Most of the patients who have comorbidities were labeled as urgent patients (89.4%), with a significant statistical difference (P value 0.001). Most of the patients who presented with a duration of complaint of within hours (89.1%) were stratified as urgent cases. Noteworthy, the majority of the patients who did not receive antibiotic therapy were stratified to be urgent (74.7%), the p value was 0.0001. Considering the disposition of the patients, majority of the patient who were discharged home (61.2%) were stratified as non-urgent, while (38.8%) were urgent.
Conclusions: The study identifies the critical pitfalls of improper documentation of the data in the PED. It also delineates the resource exhaustion from the non-urgent visits. This may call for the need of structured training of physicians in the PED to improve efficiency, and reduce the cost and expenses of each patients through reducing the investigations and this will improve the standards of service. Triage system should be implemented in CWTH PED.
Predictive Value of Alvarado Score and Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis (A prospective study
Authors: Ahmed Waleed Saadi , Tajer Salah M. , Sayaly Hend M.
Published: March 2021

Background:  Acute appendicitis is the commonest non traumatic cause of acute abdominal pain that needs surgical management .Alvarado score and ultrasonographies are the most cost effective, easy and available aids for diagnosis. The aim of the study was determining   the reliability of Alvarado score and ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
Results: The study was applied with 100 cases with different types of abdominal pain at presentation with 51 males and 49 females .The sensitivity was97.3% ,specificity 90%, and accuracy  89 of combined usage of Alvarado score and U/S findings preoperatively.
Patients and method:  A prospective non-interventional study including patients admitted with suggestive history with signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis to the surgical emergency ward of Baghdad teaching hospital from July 1st 2017 to Feb 10th 2018, Alvarado score calculated and ultrasonography done for each patient enrolled in this study, then to be followed for intraoperative findings.
Conclusions: Combined application of Alvarado score and U/S has sensitivity 94.1% ,specificity 90% and accuracy 89% . In our medical facility and emergency ward, acute appendicitis remains as one of the top acute abdominal emergencies needing surgery in patients presenting with atypical clinical ﬁnding. So diagnosis becomes difﬁcult. So Alvarado score along with ultrasound findings are useful for increasing the reliability in emergency department for  accurate diagnosis of acute appendicitis therefore there should be training for the use of U/S by emergency physician and general surgeon in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in order to decrease the rate of negative appendectomies .
Mitral valve surgery: comparison between superior septal and left atrial approaches
Authors: Taha Abdulsalam Yaseen , Haji Saed Shkar Raouf , Mohammed Amanj Kamal , Nadr Jivara Hama
Published: March 2021

Background Mitral valve (MV) is one of the most complex structures in human heart with a challenging exposure. Traditionally, MV is approached via left atriotomy (LAA) while superior septal approach (SSA) is an alternative.Objective:  is to highlight the merits and demerits of these two approaches in providing access to the MV in term of the aortic cross clamp time (ACCT), quality of exposure, and potential complications in view of the published literature.
Patients and Method: Over an 18-month period ending at June 30th, 2019, 56 patients with MV disease ± other cardiac diseases were enrolled in this study. Twenty patients had surgery via LAA (one surgeon) whereas 36 were operated upon via SSA (another surgeon). Standard surgery was done via median sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermia of 32 0C. Perioperative events were recorded.
Results In SSA group (males=25; age ranged 23-74 years; mean=57.4), patients had chest pain and breathlessness for a mean of 3 months (>LAA) besides low ejection fraction (EF) in 44%, atrial fibrillation (AF) in 38.9% and dilated LA in 19.4%. They underwent 25 MV replacements (MVR), 11 MV repairs (0 in LAA), 11 coronary artery bypass grafts (CABGs) (2.6 graft per patient vs. 1.3 in LAA; significant) and 2 aortic valve replacement. Mean ACCT was 81.6 minutes (˂LAA). Postoperatively, 32 patients (88.9%) had a normal or improved EF, 11 of 14 AF patients (78.6%) reverted to sinus rhythm and no hospital death was recorded. Conclusion Besides excellent exposure, the SSA enabled us to perform MVR or repair ± additional interventions within a short time and without a heart block. Hence, our results matched the international literature.
Comparing the Effects of Melatonin and Zolpidem on Sleep Quality, Depression, and Anxiety in Patients With Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors:   Department of clinical pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran., Shahrokhi Maryam , Ghaeli Padideh ,   Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Arya Pantea ,   Department of Psychiatry, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Shakiba Alia ,   Psychiatry and Psychoogy Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Noormandi Afsaneh ,   Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Soleimani Mehdi ,   Department of Psychiatry, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Esfandbod Mohsen ,   Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Patients with cancer may have many complications involving their psychosomatic systems, such as sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety. Thus, many research studies were conducted to reduce these complications. Zolpidem, as a short-term non-benzodiazepine treatment of insomnia, and melatonin as a chronobiological function-regulatory hormone, are commonly used for improving sleep quality. This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of zolpidem and melatonin on sleep quality, depression, and anxiety in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: In this single-blinded trial, 90 patients with colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy who had obtained a score of 5 or higher on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were randomly divided into two groups (n=45). One group was treated with 10 mg zolpidem at bedtime, and the other group received 6 mg melatonin at bedtime for 30 days. PSQI on weeks 0, 4, 8, Groningen sleep quality scale, Hamilton rating scale for depression, and Hamilton anxiety rating scale questionnaires were performed to assess patients on weeks 0, 4, and 8. The outcome was then analyzed, and P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Both zolpidem and melatonin had significant impacts on sleep quality in week 4 (P<0.05). After stopping the treatments, the conditions were noticeably reversed on week 8 (P<0.05). Zolpidem and melatonin were relatively similar in affecting sleep duration, latency, efficiency, and disturbance. None of the two study medications had any considerable influence on anxiety and depression. Conclusion: Melatonin and zolpidem are promising agents for treating sleep complications and, to some extent, depression, and anxiety in cancer patients, according to the present study. However, further clinical trials are recommended to confirm the results of this study.
Iranian Brain Imaging Database: A Neuropsychiatric Database of Healthy Brain
Authors:   Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Batouli Seyed Amir Hossein , Sisakhti Minoo ,   Departmen of Neuroimaging and Analysis, Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Haghshenas Shirin ,   Departmen of Neuroimaging and Analysis, Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Dehghani Hamed ,   Departmen of Neuroimaging and Analysis, Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Sachdev Perminder ,   Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia., Ekhtiari Hamed ,   Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA., Kochan Nicole ,   Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia., Wen Wei ,   Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia., Leemans Alexander ,   Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands., Kohanpour Mohsen ,   Departmen of Neuroimaging and Analysis, Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Oghabian Mohammad Ali ,   Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The Iranian Brain Imaging Database (IBID) was initiated in 2017, with 5 major goals: provide researchers easy access to a neuroimaging database, provide normative quantitative measures of the brain for clinical research purposes, study the aging profile of the brain, examine the association of brain structure and function, and join the ENIGMA consortium. Many prestigious databases with similar goals are available. However, they were not done on an Iranian population, and the battery of their tests (e.g. cognitive tests) is selected based on their specific questions and needs. Methods: The IBID will include 300 participants (50% female) in the age range of 20 to 70 years old, with an equal number of participants (#60) in each age decade. It comprises a battery of cognitive, lifestyle, medical, and mental health tests, in addition to several Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) protocols. Each participant completes the assessments on two referral days. Results: The study currently has a cross-sectional design, but longitudinal assessments are considered for the future phases of the study. Here, details of the methodology and the initial results of assessing the first 152 participants of the study are provided. Conclusion: IBID is established to enable research into human brain function, to aid clinicians in disease diagnosis research, and also to unite the Iranian researchers with interests in the brain.
Automated Detection of Multiple Sclerosis Lesions Using Texture-based Features and a Hybrid Classifier
Authors:   Faculty of Electrical, Biomedical, and Mechatronics Engineering, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran, Raiesdana Somayeh
Published: March 2021

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent non-traumatic neurological disease capable of causing disability in young adults. Detection of MS lesions with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most common technique. However, manual interpretation of vast amounts of data is often tedious and error-prone. Furthermore, changes in lesions are often subtle and extremely unrepresentative. Objectives: To develop an automated non-subjective method for the detection and quantification of MS lesions. Materials & Methods: This paper focuses on the automatic detection and classification of MS lesions in brain MRI images. Two datasets, one simulated and the other one recorded in hospital, are utilized in this work. A novel hybrid algorithm combining image processing and machine learning techniques is implemented. To this end, first, intricate morphological patterns are extracted from MRI images via texture analysis. Then, statistical textures-based features are extracted. Afterward, two supervised machine learning algorithms, i.e., the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) are employed within a hybrid platform. The hybrid system makes decisions based on ensemble learning. The stacking technique is used to apply predictions from both models o train a perceptron as a decisive model. Results: Experimental results on both datasets indicate that the proposed hybrid method outperforms HMM and ANFIS classifiers with reducing false positives. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed method compared with the state-of-the-art methods, was approved. Conclusion: Remarkable results of the proposed method motivate advanced detection systems employing other MRI sequences and their combination.
Preferences, Descriptions, and Response Latency to Fractal Images Among Individuals With and Without Schizophrenia
Authors:   Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran, Rezaei Sajjad , Yousefi Fatemeh ,   Department of Clinical Psychology, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran, Qorbanpoor Lafmejani Amir ,   Department of Educational Sciences and Counseling, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
Published: March 2021

Background: Early simple, low-cost diagnosis of schizophrenia may accelerate the beginning of the treatment process. Here, utilizing the projective tools, including fractal images, are some of the diagnostic aids. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the preferences, descriptions, and response latency to fractal images between schizophrenic and healthy individuals. Materials & Methods: In this case-control study, the statistical population included all schizophrenic patients hospitalized in Shafa Hospital in Rasht City, Guilan, Iran, in summer 2018 and matched healthy individuals considering the gender and age. Twelve fractal images were shown to schizophrenic patients and healthy people, and their psychological projections to these pictures were recorded. Results: For the image called extraviganze, the latency time to elicit the descriptions in patients was noticeably more than that in the healthy group (t=2.465, df=58, P=0.017). Meanwhile, the patients’ interest in dark and dreadful fractals such as fractal beings, North, and Apophys eyes was significantly higher than that in the healthy group (P<0.05). However, people with schizophrenia refrained from bright, light fractals with a regular geometric/graphical structure such as Gridspace and redf-shift images (P<0.05). The people with schizophrenia provide less appropriate associations and more irrelevant descriptions, especially about the abstractive and complex fractals, compared to the healthy group. Conclusion: The latency to elicit descriptions for fractal images in people with schizophrenia is longer than that in the healthy group, and they have more pauses, irrelevant, and incoherent speech when describing more abstractive images. People with schizophrenia prefer darker, more dreadful images and avoid clear, luminous, and fractal images with a regular geometric/graphical pattern.
Relationship of Academic Vitality, Academic Self-efficacy, and Metacognitive Skills with Lifelong Learning Concerning Mediating role of Study Approaches
Authors:   Department of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran., Khamisabadi Marzieh , Mirmehdi Seyed Reza ,   Department of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran., Merati Ali Reza ,   Department of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
Published: March 2021

Background: Nowadays, learning is one of the most important factors in the lives of human beings. Lifelong learning and its effective variables are the topics of discussion in the contemporary era. In this regard, the present study was done to investigate the relationship between academic vitality, academic self-efficacy, and metacognitive skills, and lifelong learning concerning the mediating role of study approaches among students of Payame Noor University, Kangavar branch in the academic year 2016-2017. Methods: A random sampling method was used to select the participants. The sample size was determined to be 168 students. The required data were collected using the Academic Vitality Inventory, the Self-efficacy Scale, the Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST), and the Lifelong Learning Inventory. In total, 128 questionnaires were completely filled out and collected. Results: The results were analyzed using the Pearson Correlation and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using PLS and SPSS v. 20 software. The results showed that the model suitably fitted the data. The main research hypothesis was accepted at the 0.002 significance level. Academic self-efficacy, study approaches and skills, and metacognitive skills were directly correlated with lifelong learning (r=0.436, p=0.001). Conclusion: Education and emphasis on study give incentives for lifelong learning. In a normal situation, no relationship was found between lifelong learning and other factors.
Role of Positive Thinking and Personality Traits in Predicting Satisfaction with Nasal Surgeries
Authors:   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran., Mahmoudi Sattar , Gheisari Rasoul ,   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran., Rabbanizadeh Mehrnosh ,   Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanity, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran.
Published: March 2021

Background: Rhinoplasty is recognized as a complicated, but common procedure. Although patient satisfaction with these surgeries is less commonly discussed, it is one of the most important determinants of surgical success. This study was done to predict the patients’ satisfaction with nasal surgeries, based on their personality traits and positive thinking. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study was conducted in Shiraz, Iran, during the fall and winter of 2017. A total of 200 individuals undergoing rhinoplasty were selected, using the convenience sampling method. The Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation-Revised (ROE-R) questionnaire, Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Positive (ATQ-P), and Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness (NEO) personality inventory were used for data collection. The obtained results were analyzed by SPSS v. 23, using inferential statistics and stepwise regression analysis. Results: The results showed that satisfaction with nose fitness had a significant positive relationship with agreeableness and openness (P<0.01). Also, the overall satisfaction with surgery had a significant positive relationship with these personality traits, while a significant negative relationship was found with neuroticism (P<0.01). Moreover, the results showed that positive thinking and personality traits could predict 6% of changes in the overall satisfaction with surgery (P<0.001). Neuroticism showed an inverse correlation with satisfaction (P=0.001, β=-0.24). Conclusion: Regarding the relationship between satisfaction with rhinoplasty and personality traits, it was found that different personality traits are associated with different attitudes, influencing surgical outcomes, and satisfaction.
The Mediating Role of Alexithymia in the Relationship Between Defense Mechanisms and Tendency to High-risk Behaviors Among Adolescents
Authors:   Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran., Nikmanesh Zahra , Darvish Molla Mehdi ,   Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran., Mehranfard Mehrnosh ,   Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran.
Published: March 2021

Background: Although high-risk behaviors lead to adverse physical, psychological, and sociological consequences, less attention has been paid to identifying their related factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of alexithymia in the relationship between defense mechanisms and high-risk behaviors among adolescents in Zahedan. Methods: In this descriptive-correlative study, junior and senior high school students of Zahedan, Iran were studied in the academic year 2015-2016. A sample of 250 (125 males and 125 females) students were chosen by multi-stage cluster sampling and asked to complete the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), and the Risk-Taking Scale (IARS) for Iranian Adolescents. Data analysis was conducted by measuring coefficients of correlation and performing a path analysis. Results: Path analysis showed a significant correlation between defense mechanisms and alexithymia (P<0.01) and a significant correlation was found between immature defense mechanisms and high-risk behaviors (P<0.01). Conclusion: In the relationship between dysfunctional defense mechanisms and high-risk activities, alexithymia played a mediating role. It can be inferred that dysfunctional defense mechanisms play a key role in high-risk activities by influencing alexithymia.
Psychometric Properties of Persian Version of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) Among Iranian Elderly
Authors:   Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Reconstructive Surgery, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Shemshadi Hashem , Shams Amir ,   Department of Motor Behavior, Sport Science Research Institute (SSRI), Iran., Sahaf Robab ,   Department of Aging, Iranian Research Center on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Shamsipour Dehkordi Parvaneh ,   Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran., Zareian Hossain ,   Department of Sport Management, Sport Science Research Institute (SSRI), Iran., Moslem Ali Reza ,   Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
Published: March 2021

Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) among older Iranian people. Methods & Materials: The research method was non-experimental research that its necessary information was collected with the cross-sectional method. The statistical population comprised all older people over 60 years of age in Tehran City, Iran. The statistical sample included 1035 people who have completed the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ). This questionnaire consists of 69 questions and 9 components. The obtained data were analyzed with confirmatory factorial analysis based on structural equations, Cronbach alpha coefficient, and intra-class correlation coefficient tests. Results: The content, face, and concurrent validity were acceptable (P<0.05). Also, result showed that the MBSRQ has acceptable fit indexes (such as RMSEA=0.042, CFI=0.903, TLI=0.978, PNFI=0.075, and PGFI=0.886). Further, the internal consistency and temporal reliability were acceptable (P<0.05). Conclusion: The Persian version of MBSRQ has acceptable reliability and validity in the Iranian elderly, and researchers, older adults, and elderly specialists can use this questionnaire for its evaluations and research.
Avaliação da Condição de Saúde Bucal e da Qualidade de Vida de Pacientes com Câncer de Cabeça e Pescoço Atendidos em um Hospital Público de Porto Alegre
Authors: Araújo Silvânia Suely Caribé de , Padilha Dalva Maria Pereira , Baldisserotto Julio
Published: March 2021

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a Qualidade de Vida (QV) em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço, relacionado-a às condições de saúde bucal. Foram pesquisados: variáveis socioeconômicas, hábitos e aspectos associados ao tumor, além de variáveis relacionadas à saúde bucal - índice de cárie composto por número de dentes cariados, perdidos e restaurados (CPOD), uso e necessidades protéticas, xerostomia e consulta ao dentista nos últimos seis meses, mucosite e mutilação. Foi utilizado o questionário de QV para câncer, QLQ-C30_Portuguese Brazilian, versão 3.0 e o questionário para pacientes com Câncer de cabeça e pescoço, EORTC QLQ - H&N35_Portuguese Brazilian. A QV, no primeiro momento do estudo, foi considerada mediana, o nível funcional moderado e de baixa sintomatologia. Não houve correlação estatisticamente significativa entre o número de dentes perdidos e cariados com a QV. O grupo de pacientes que necessitava de próteses relatou desempenho funcional e função social menores. O grupo de pacientes com xerostomia demonstrou menor QV, menor nível funcional e maior sintomatologia. A QV dos pacientes no acompanhamento foi semelhante à primeira parte do estudo, porém houve aumento dos sintomas e diminuição do nível funcional. O CPOD aumentou e o uso de próteses decresceu, enquanto a necessidade das mesmas aumentou. Não foi possível verificar a associação entre a QV e a Mucosite, pois poucos pacientes foram afetados por essa condição. A mutilação foi correlacionada negativamente com o desempenho funcional, náusea e vômito, e perda de apetite. Apenas a avaliação clínica das variáveis de saúde bucal foi insuficiente para predizer a correlação entre a condição de saúde bucal e a QV, porém é essencial a atuação de uma equipe multidisciplinar de cuidado oncológico, na qual o cirurgião-dentista deve estar inserido de modo a minimizar os danos à saúde bucal desses pacientes, auxiliando na construção de uma melhor QV.
Digital educational environment as a factor of foreign language competences development
Authors:   MIREA – Russian Technological University, Rybakova Marina V.
Published: March 2021

The modern era of digital economy lays new claims to the system of education and professional learning. Digitation of higher education reveals new prospects for using digital resources to ensure accessibility, continuity and quality of education. The purpose of our investigation is to assess the effectiveness of the use of digital educational resources by students studying foreign languages. Principal methods of our research are as follows: bibliographic method of studying regulatory documents and scientific and methodological literature; the analysis of foreign language competences, mastering of which is the aim of foreign language teaching in a University; the study and generalization of working experience using digital technologies in foreign language teaching; experiment involving 24 students from MIREA – Russian Technological University. As a result of the study frequency of thematic terms and notions use in scientific-teaching literature and Internet search requests was defined; the analysis of modern digital educational technologies forming students’ foreign language competences was made; foreign language competences analyzed in the experiment were described; an experiment involving the comparison of application efficiency in using traditional and digital techniques for forming foreign language competences was carried out. The experiment showed the following: absence of statistically important differences in the level of formed foreign language competences in control and experimental groups at the beginning of the experiment as t = -0.99, p = 0.43. At the end of the experiment p < 0,05: t = -5.19, p = 0,000014. It testifies that the compared groups significantly differ that proves the effect of web-quest technique in teaching foreign languages. Digital educational resources contribute to mastering a foreign language as a means of professional communication and increase the motivation of students to study this subject. Prospects for further research can be related to the development of new forms and methods of applying innovative digital technologies with the aim to put them into foreign language teaching practice at the higher education level.
Students anxiety and recruitment during Covid-19 pandemic: role of university, specialization and employment expectation
Authors:   University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Al-Ansi Abdullah M.
Published: March 2021

The problem and the aim of the study. Most undergraduate students at last year of university have anxiety to seek for the future job. Looking for job and moving to new chapter of their life is often accompanied by anxiousness and generates psychological stress. The purpose of this paper is to indicate the role of university, specialization and employment expectation in decreasing the students’ anxiousness. Research methods. The main method of this research is quantitative approach by using surveys. Data were collected by surveying of 400 students at the last year of university distributed under three categories: medical science, natural science and social studies in Yogyakarta city, Indonesia. Purposive sampling was used to select students based on their specialization of study. Regression path analysis was employed to examine the role of university, specialization and possibility of employment on decreasing the students’ anxiety in finding suitable job. Results. The Results indicate that university has no direct role in helping students get job but has indirect impact on shaping students’ knowledge, skills and self-confidence to prepare them for future job and this leads to negative and significant impact on students’ anxiousness with (β = -.138 and -.260; p < 0,01) respectively. Specialization has negative and significant impact (β = -.207, -.198; p < 0,01) for medical and natural science students and low negative and significant (β = -.018; p < 0,01) for social science students on their anxiety. Finally, employment expectation for most of the students was fair and has positive impact on their anxiety (β = .012, .090 and .124; p < 0,05) respectively. Conclusion. This research revealed the increasing impact of Covid-19 pandemic to the students’ anxiety due to continuous influence of the virus during the 2020. Theoretical, social and practical implications have been discussed as part of this research as well.
Responsabilidad ambiental de la mina de arcilla Betel en San Juan del Cesar, La Guajira
Authors: López Juvinao Danny Daniel , Carrillo Tayris , Cedeño Kristie , Quiroz Meilys
Published: March 2021

La investigación tiene como objeto realizar un estudio de responsabilidad ambiental en la mina de arcilla Betel en el municipio de San Juan Del Cesar, La Guajira, siendo esta una empresa minera artesanal de tipo informal. El desarrollo metodológico se realizó a través de una construcción teórica, donde se analizan e interpretan los datos obtenidos y se describen buscando el porqué de los hechos mediante una relación causa efecto, es decir una investigación descriptiva-explicativa. Específicamente se buscó y logró identificar los aspectos e impactos ambientales generados por la actividad de extracción y producción minera los cuales traen consigo consecuencias sobre el medio biótico, abiótico y socio-cultural, mediante encuestas realizadas al personal empleado de la mina se pudo obtener una estimación porcentual de los cambios que se han observado durante los procesos y etapas de dicha actividad. Los resultados indican falencias en la recuperación y conservación del área intervenida, así mismo los trabajadores perciben debilidades en el proceso de explotación y elaboración del ladrillo.
Ejercicio físico y células Natural Killer en mujeres sanas y con cáncer de mama: Revisión Sistemática
Authors: Quintana-Mendias Estefania , Espino-Solis Gerardo Pavel , Rodríguez-Villalobos Judith Margarita
Published: March 2021

El objetivo de esta revisión fue analizar el efecto de diferentes intervenciones con ejercicio físico sobre la respuesta de las células Natural Killer en mujeres sanas y con cáncer de mama. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scopus, Ebsco y PubMed de las cuales veintiséis citas cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión: catorce estudios con intervenciones de ejercicio en mujeres sanas y doce en mujeres con cáncer de mama. El resultado de la revisión mostró que las células Natural Killer se incrementan inmediatamente después del esfuerzo físico en ambas poblaciones, sin embargo, aún no es clara la respuesta ante el efecto crónico del ejercicio. Por otra parte, se observó que el ejercicio de tipo aerobio pudiera ser el que más favorece este aumento.
Traumatismos deportivos en oftalmología. Un estudio descriptivo en un hospital terciario
Authors: Ly Yang Fernando , Gómez-Calleja Verónica , Pérez-García Pilar , Pascual-Prieto Javier , Santos-Bueso Enrique
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los traumatismos deportivos oculares de la población asistencial de un hospital terciario de Madrid.

Método: Recopilación retrospectiva de los datos clínicos de los pacientes que acudieron al servicio de urgencias del Hospital Clínico San Carlos en el periodo enero 2015-diciembre 2017 y que habían sufrido un traumatismo ocular durante la práctica de algún deporte.

Resultados: Se incluyeron en el estudio un total de 54 pacientes. 47 (87.04%) fueron hombres. La edad media fue de 27.26 años ± 13.01 años de desviación estándar. El deporte que causó más traumatismos entre los pacientes incluidos en el estudio fue el fútbol, seguido de deportes de raqueta, fuerza y combate y baloncesto. La iritis traumática fue el diagnóstico más frecuente, seguido de lesión periocular, lesiones de polo anterior, conmoción retiniana, lesiones regmatógenas, fractura orbitaria y desprendimiento de retina. El 87.04% de los cuadros se resolvieron con tratamiento médico.

Conclusiones: La mayoría de los traumatismos oculares deportivos son leves y se resuelven apenas con tratamiento médico. Se deben excluir diagnósticos más graves que requieran de un tratamiento más específico. Las campañas de prevención de daños deben ir encaminadas a los grupos con mayor riesgo de presentarlos.
Effect of eight-week core muscles strength training on physical fitness and body composition variables in male players of team games
Authors: Anant Shabir Kumar , Venugopal Reeta
Published: March 2021

Objective: To find out the effect of core muscles strength training for eight weeks (five days/week) on fitness and body composition variables in male players of team games.

Methods: Fifty five male players were selected for the study. Subjects were randomly divided into experimental (n: 30) and control group (n:25). Lateral trunk endurance, endurance and explosive power of leg, abdominal muscles endurance, body weight, body fat percentage, essential fat mass, non-essential fat mass, absolute total body fat and body surface area were measured before and after intervention.

Results: The significant effect of core training program was observed (p<0.05) in lateral trunk endurance, explosive power of leg, abdominal muscles endurance(respectively; 38.29%, p<0.001; 10.57%, p<0.001; 71.23%, p<0.002). Also, significant changes were found in bodyweight, fat %, essential fat, non-essential fat, absolute total body fat, body surface area, lean body and fat free body mass(respectively; F: 28.88, p<0.001; F: 4.25, p: 0.41; F: 28.88, p< 0.001; F: 5.37, p<0.001; F: 5.80, p: 0.20; F: 27.93, p<0.001; F: 2.40, p: 0.141; F: 2.03, p: 0.16).

Conclusion: The eight-week core muscles strength training program used in this study was very effective for producing significant benefits to fitness level performance and body composition, as well as lowering the weight of male players.
Hemocromatosis y rendimiento deportivo: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Ortega Paloma Martínez , Benítez-Porres Javier
Published: March 2021

Introducción: la hemocromatosis hereditaria, al provocar hiperferritinemia, puede tener el potencial de aumentar la capacidad aeróbica y el rendimiento deportivo en atletas. Sin embargo, diversos estudios afirman que la sobrecarga de hierro podría afectar negativamente al rendimiento físico y la función muscular.

Objetivo: recopilar y analizar evidencias sobre la relación entre la hemocromatosis hereditaria y el rendimiento deportivo.

Método: Se realizó una revisión sistemática, de acuerdo a los estándares PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), en las siguientes bases de datos: Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed y Dialnet.

Resultados: tras aplicar los criterios de inclusión/exclusión, 13 artículos fueron incluidos y analizados.

Conclusiones: Existen variaciones en los genes que están relacionados con el estado de resistencia del atleta. Actualmente, el gen HFE no se sitúa entre los polimorfismos del ácido desoxirribonucleico que aumenten el rendimiento deportivo. Son mayoría las investigaciones en las que recalcan la necesidad de evaluar el estado de ingesta de hierro en el deportista.
El método Pilates es eficaz en el tratamiento para el abordaje terapéutico del dolor lumbar crónico. Una revisión sistemática
Authors: Munuera Jiménez Francisco Javier , Corral Moreno Vanesa , Juárez Díaz Esther , Cascos Vicente Laura , Rodríguez Almagro Daniel , Obrero Gaitán Esteban , Ibáñez Vera Alfonso Javier
Published: March 2021

Objetivos: Revisar la literatura más actual para comprobar la efectividad del método Pilates en el dolor lumbar crónico respecto a su efectividad, duración y dosimetría.

Métodos: Se realiza una búsqueda bibliográfica de ensayos clínicos publicados en los últimos cinco años en las bases de datos de Medline, Scopus y PEDro. De 257 estudios hallados, diez son seleccionados atendiendo a los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, siendo posteriormente evaluados en base a la calidad metodológica mediante la escala PEDro.

Resultados: El método Pilates reduce la sintomatología asociada al dolor lumbar crónico a corto plazo, no siendo superior a otros programas activos. Su aplicación en máquinas parece ser más efectiva. Actualmente, no existe consenso respecto a su dosimetría y su efectividad a largo plazo.

Conclusiones: El método Pilates puede ser efectivo a corto plazo para el abordaje terapéutico del dolor lumbar crónico, sin embargo, no ha demostrado ser superior a otros programas de ejercicios activos.
Revista Andaluza de Medicina del Deporte: Balance 2020
Authors: López López Covadonga , Rodriguez Sorroche Clemente , Jiménez López Leocricia
Published: March 2021

Un año más, el Comité Editorial de la Revista Andaluza de Medicina del Deporte (RAMD) hace balance de la evolución de la revista a lo largo del pasado año y presenta a sus lectores sus expectativas para el año que comienza.
Comparison of the Outcomes between Ultrasound-Guided PCNL in Lateral Position and Open Nephrolithotomy for Patients with Staghorn Renal Stones
Authors: Pimratana Chaowat , Wijitsettakul Udomsak , Cheunganuwat Phairot
Published: March 2021

Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes of ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (US-PCNL) in lateral position and anatrophic nephrolithotomy (ANL) in the treatment of staghorn renal stones.Methods: This study includes individuals with staghorn renal stones who had an operation at Buri Ram Hospital in Thailand between October 2016 and July 2020. They were divided into two groups; group I includes patients undergoing US-PCNL (n= 114) and group II includes patients undergoing ANL (n=112). The outcomes regarding stone-free rates, the stone clearance rate, operative times, length of hospitalization, and complications were collected and analyzed.Results: The patient’s demographics and stone characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups, except that the ANL group had more preoperative hydronephrosis (78.6% vs. 53.5%, p < 0.001). Regarding the primary outcome, the stone-free rate was significantly lower in the US-PCNL group (47.4% vs. 75.9%, p < 0.001), whereas the stone clearance rate was not significantly different (96.4±6.0% in the US-PCNL group and 97.7±5.8% in the ANL group, p = 0.098). The major and minor complications between the two groups were not significantly different; however, the US-PCNL group had a significantly lower transfusion rate than the ANL group (3.5% vs. 17.9%, p < 0.001). The total operative time in both groups was not different; however, the length of stay at hospital for the US-PCNL was significantly shorter than for the ANL group (10.0 vs. 12.9 days, p = 0.002).Conclusion: The ANL had a higher stone-free rate; however, the stone clearance rate was not significantly different between the US-PCNL and ANL groups. There were many advantages of the US-PCNL over the ANL, such as less blood transfusion, shorter length of hospitalization, and no radiation exposure for the patients or the medical personnel, while the complications were not different between the two groups.
RHETORICAL MOVES AND LINGUISTIC REALIZATIONS OF RESEARCH ARTICLE ABSTRACTS BY INDONESIAN AUTHORS IN APPLIED LINGUISTICS PUBLISHED IN INTERNATIONAL JOURNALS
Authors: Hakim Husnul , Arsyad Safnil , Syahrial Syahrial
Published: March 2021

The existence of abstract is compulsory within a research article (RA). Abstract is a summary or brief overview that describes entire content of RA. At a glimpse, abstract tells readers what the RA is all about and at the same time, it acknowledges readers and allows them indirectly to give pre-assessment about quality of the RA. This study aims to find rhetorical moves and linguistic features; tenses and voice forms of RA abstracts by Indonesian authors in Applied Linguistics published in international journals. Using content analysis method, sixty RA abstracts were extracted from two international journals; Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics (IJAL) and TEFLIN journal, and examined based on their rhetorical move following five-move model by Hyland (2005) and Arsyad (2014) for fact-finding. The results reveal; 1) Move 2 (Aim/ Purpose), Move 3 (Method) and Move 4 (Finding/ Result) exist in total sixty RA abstracts, unlike Move 1 (Introduction) and Move 5 (Conclusion and Suggestion), 2) The Simple Present Tense is major tense to apply in all rhetorical moves except in Move 3 (Method) in which Past Tense is mostly used. 3) Active voice dominates rhetorical moves except in Move 3 (Method) in which Passive voice is precisely more applied. This study concludes that the use of rhetorical move models and linguistic features in RA abstracts implies the quality of RA abstracts. Indonesian authors are suggested to follow international standards and trends to achieve outstanding RA abstract.
ONLINE INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A CASE FROM A CREATIVE TEACHER
Authors: Halim Abdul , Sunarti Sunarti
Published: March 2021

This paper aimed at discussing online instructional strategies and learning quadrant for English language learning during COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the current paper reviews possible instructional strategies and learning quadrant used by a teacher in the teaching process from online platforms to ensure the educational goals are plausible to be achieved, although without having to attend classrooms regularly, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak that happens during 2019-2020. Employing qualitative design, the study involved one teacher and 34 students. The data were collected through observation and interviews with the participants. The data analysis involved data coding, data description and data assertion. The results showed that although the participants did not attend a physical classroom, the learning process with various approaches for learning and assessments were still possible to engage the students.
NEWSPAPERS EFFECT ON STUDENTS’ WRITING ACHIEVEMENT ACROSS ENGLISH PROFICIENCY LEVELS
Authors: Amelia Rizky , Muthim Abdul
Published: March 2021

Exposure is one of the obvious obstacles in the process of teaching and learning English. In figuring out one prospective exposure in students’ daily life, this study investigates the effect of newspapers as a medium in enhancing students’ English achievement, especially writing skill. The objective of this study is to find out whether students assigned to read English newspapers write better than those who are not. The subjects of the study were 85 English department students who were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group. A quasi-experimental was employed in this study. For six executive weeks, before the students were asked to write, the students in the experimental group were assigned to read English newspapers, whereas then students in the control group were not.  By using Mann-Whitney and one-way ANOVA tests, the results of this study show insignificant results (0, 273; 0,194; and 0,179). As the high proficient students also could not take the newspapers for their learning benefits, affective and intrinsic factors such as awareness and willingness had to be considered.
Nilai Karakter dalam Karya Seni Batik Ngawi Sebagai Muatan Pendidikan Seni Rupa di Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Susilowati Sri , Lilik Lilik , Chumdari Chumdari , Karsono Karsono
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to describe the character values in the batik art work with Ngawi's distinctive historical and natural motifs as a content of art education in elementary schools. This study uses a descriptive qualitative research method with a hermeneutic approach. The subjects in the study were Ngawi batik craftsmen. The data collection techniques used were interviews, observation, and documentation of the batik craftsmen and the resulting batik motifs. The data analysis technique used the interactive model analysis technique of Miles and Huberman. The results showed that the character values contained in the phytecanthropus erectus motif were religious, hard work, creative, love for the country, and communicative. The character values contained in the teak tree motif were religious, tolerance, discipline, hard work, creative, independent, communicative, peace-loving, and responsibility. The character values contained in the rice plant motif were religious, disciplined, hard work, national spirit, love for the country, respect for achievement, and communicative.