bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostate radiotherapy may cause fertility issues – a retrospective analysis of testicular dose following modern radiotherapy techniques
Authors: KISSEL Manon , TERLIZZI Mario , GIRAUD Nicolas , ALEXIS Anthony , CHEVE Marjolaine , VAUTIER Julien , BOSSI Alberto , MORICE Philippe , BLANCHARD Pierre
Published: September 2023

Background
Prostate cancer in younger men is not infrequent. Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of prostate cancer treatment and yet, its impact on fertility is scarcely reported in literature. Since testis is one of the most radiosensitive tissue, we tried to determine testicular dose with modern radiotherapy techniques for a definitive prostate irradiation.
Methods
one hundred radiotherapy plans were reviewed. Testicles were contoured a posteriori without any optimization on testicles.
Results
Median testicular dose was 0.58 Gy: 0.18 Gy in stereotactic plans versus 0.62 Gy in Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy plans versus 1.50 Gy in Tomotherapy plans (p < 0.001). Pelvic nodal irradiation increased the median testicular dose: 1.18 Gy versus 0.26 Gy (p < 0.001). Weight and BMI were inversely associated with testicular dose (p < 0.005). 65% of the patients reached the theoretical dose threshold to get transitory azoospermia and 10% received more than 2 Gy, that is likely to give definitive azoospermia.
Conclusion
although probably lower than what used to be delivered with older techniques, testicular dose delivered with modern prostate radiotherapy is not negligible and is often underestimated because the contribution of daily repositioning imaging is not taken into account and most Treatment Planning Systems underestimate the out of field dose. Radiation oncologists should be aware of the possible impact of prostate radiotherapy on fertility and gonadal endocrine secretion. Men should be counselled at first consult and offered a sperm preservation strategy if they have a paternity wish.
Trial registration
retrospectively registered
Insulin-like growth factor-1 as a potential diagnostic biomarker for non-traumatic avascular necrosis of femoral head: a prospective study
Authors: Wang Xiangjiang , Yang Lang , Han Xianjing , Wen Guohong , Guan Hong , Liu Guiwang , Ru Jiangying , Wang Guiqing , Li Hongyi
Published: September 2023

Background
The etiopathogenesis of non-traumatic avascular necrosis of femoral head (N-ANFH) is still elusive. Its accurate early diagnosis remains challenging. Aimed to identify potential biomarkers, we evaluated the relationship between serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and N-ANFH.
Methods
A prospective study was conducted on the patients with control and N-ANFH cohorts admitted from the orthopedic department of The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from July 2020 to February 2023. The control (n = 25) and N-ANFH cohorts (n = 30) were randomly selected using block randomization method. The gender, age, body mass index (BMI), bone metabolism (BM) markers, including IGF-1, type I collagen hydroxyl terminal peptide β special sequence (β-CTX), N-terminal mid-fragment of osteocalcin (N-MID), total aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (T-PINP), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin (D25(OH)D), parathormone and bone density, were compared between the two cohorts. Then Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied. The expression pattern of IGF-1 in bone tissue from control and N-ANFH cohorts was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). Bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning. Furthermore, the line regression and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyze the relationship between IGF-1 and BMD, the value of these markers in the diagnosis N-ANFH was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.
Results
The BM markers of the N-ANFH cohort were significantly decrease than those of the control cohort (p < 0.05), and IF revealed that the expression level of IGF-1 in the control cohort was significantly higher than that of the N-ANFH cohort. The expression level of IGF-1 was positively correlated with hip BMD (r = 0.7569, p = 0.0001). Among these BM markers, IGF-1 shown the most significant area under ROC curve (AUC) in the diagnosis of N-ANFH, which was 0.7373, p = 0.0026, with a cutoff value of 139.6, corresponding sensitivity of 80%, and a specificity of 64%.
Conclusions
The level of BM in N-ANFH is significantly decreased. Among these BM markers, IGF-1 was most closely associated with N-ANFH and may serve as potential adjuvant biomarkers in the early diagnosis of N-ANFH.
Clinical Application of T-MIST Acoustic Therapy in Tinnitus Patients
Authors: Lu Dan , Chen Lu , Huang Shui-xian , Chen Xiao-ping , Xue Xiao-cheng , Zhou En-hui , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2023

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with tinnitus and the efficacy of T-MIST through collection of medical history, refined tinnitus detection and acoustic treatment of 2180 patients, and to explore the application value of T-MIST in the treatment of tinnitus. Methods Clinical data from 2180 patients with tinnitus who visited our department between 2018 and 2021 were collected and divided into chronic tinnitus group (1034 cases) and acute tinnitus group (1146 cases). Medical history was collected, indicators related to tinnitus were refined, and the THI scale was filled in. The sex, hypertension, diabetes, cervical spondylosis, long-term exposure history to noise, history of fatigue with onset of tinnitus, sleep disorders, and the correlation between tinnitus were analyzed. At the same time, frequency of tinnitus The correlation between the degree of hearing loss at the sites of tinnitus and slow tinnitus and the efficacy analysis of T-MIST in patients with tinnitus. Results Hypertension, sleep disorder, and tinnitus were correlated, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05), while gender, diabetes, cervical spondylosis, history of exposure to noise, history of fatigue at the beginning of tinnitus and tinnitus were not statistically significant (P > 0.05); The appearance of tinnitus was correlated with the frequency of dominant tone of tinnitus and the loudness of dominant tone of tinnitus, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05); There was a statistically significant difference in the efficacy of T-MIST acoustic therapy in patients with chronic tinnitus and acute tinnitus (P < 0.05). Conclusions T- MIST has certain clinical advantages in the treatment of chronic tinnitus. It can synchronize the detailed medical history of patients and more precisely detect the tinnitus and hearing of patients with 1/24 octave, which is more accurate than traditional audiological detection methods, and targeted individualized treatment is a new direction in the treatment of chronic tinnitus.
An environmental life cycle assessment of electric race car: a well-to-wheel analysis
Authors: Ros Bartosz , Selech Jaroslaw , Kasprzak Jedrzej
Published: September 2023

Purpose
The study concerns the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a prototype electric racing car, Formula Student, developed by students of the Poznan University of Technology under the name of eVarta. The main objective of this study is to identify environmental critical points and indicate key elements of the vehicle's life cycle, along with the impact of the assumptions made.
Methods
In the first part of the work, a literature review and standards review is conducted to organise the information and methodological steps for LCA components and their application in the subsequent stages of the study. The work focusses on defining the right assumptions, the process of data collection, and its appropriate aggregation, as well as the creation of a functional structure for the object under study. SimaPRO software is used to perform the assessment.
Results
The results of the evaluation show the high importance of the vehicle transportation phase in the entire life cycle and the significant impact of the transport-related processes, mostly considering the fact, that eVarta is a concept racing car, used only in specific conditions of Formula Student races all over the world. Most of the distances between races are covered using external transport means, and eVarta is used only for racing. The second main source of environmental impacts is related with the use of resources associated with the production of the high-voltage traction battery and the use of aluminium and related processes.
Conclusions
eVarta is a customized concept racing car, designed and built by the team of students of different faculties at Poznan University of Technology (Poland). As a prototype, eVarta demonstrates high levels of environmental burdens related with production materials and techniques. The ratio of these impacts may be limited by using a 3D CAD models to improve the information flows regarding the production of all parts. Moreover, the reduction of the environmental impacts may be reached by enhancement of production of traction battery, substitution of construction materials and improvements during use phase, e.g. implementation of energy recovery systems during braking.
Degradation and repair/resynthesis rates of chlorophyll in response to oxidative stress and complete darkness differ between annual and perennial flax
Authors: Nisbett Kenyon J. , Alokozai Abida , Ko Su Hyun (Elizabeth) , Mott G. Adam , Brown Jason C. L.
Published: September 2023

Among plants, there is considerable variation in maximum lifespan, with annuals living less than one year and perennials living up to 43 600 years. This lifespan variation may reflect differential investment of limited energy resources, with perennials investing more energy into biomolecular damage prevention and/or repair than annuals in order to ensure their persistence over multiple seasons. The present study evaluated this prediction using chlorophyll from annual and perennial flax (Linum L.). We investigated the degradation and repair/resynthesis rates of chlorophyll in response to two different stressors: oxidative stress and complete darkness. Chlorophyll levels were measured using two different techniques: image colour analysis and spectrophotometry. While chlorophyll degradation rates in response to oxidative stress did not differ between annuals and perennials, chlorophyll repair rates following such exposure were significantly higher in perennials, for both chlorophyll a and b, consistent with our predictions. When plants were subjected to complete darkness, chlorophyll degradation rates were significantly lower in perennials than annuals, as predicted; however, when plants were subsequently reintroduced to natural photoperiod, chlorophyll resynthesis rates did not consistently differ between annuals and perennials, though they tended to be higher in the latter, as expected. Overall, our study illuminates that evolutionary transitions between life history strategies in plants have been accompanied by some physiological modifications to chlorophyll dynamics that permit perennial species to better maintain chlorophyll levels in the face of exogenous stressors, which may contribute to their increased longevity.
Edge-Computing-Assisted Intelligent Processing of AI-Generated Image Content
Authors: Wang Suzhen , Deng Yongchen , Hu Lisha , Cao Ning
Published: September 2023

Artificial intelligence-generated image content (AIGIC) is produced through the extraction of features and patterns from a vast image dataset, requiring substantial computational resources for training. This study aims to enhance image processing and response time on terminal devices by utilizing edge computing technology to offload specific training tasks to edge nodes. Additionally, task offloading and resource allocation strategies are developed to effectively generate image content on terminal devices. Edge computing aims to execute computing tasks in close proximity to data sources; however, the computing resources of edge devices are limited. Therefore, the development of suitable resource allocation strategies for resource-constrained environments is crucial in edge computing research. Serverless computing, which heavily relies on container technology for program hosting, is recognized as one of the most suitable architectures for edge computing. WebAssembly (WASM) is a binary instruction format that operates on a stack and enables the execution of computing tasks on both client and server sides. Its advantages encompass reducing cold start time, enhancing efficiency, and improving portability, thereby addressing challenges encountered by container technology in Serverless deployments. This paper commences with an introduction and analysis of the research status of Serverless and WASM, subsequently delving into the investigation of task offloading and resource allocation in edge computing within the Serverless architecture supported by WASM. To facilitate collaboration among edge nodes, an enhanced deep reinforcement learning algorithm, called entropy-based Proximal Policy Optimization (E-PPO2), is employed. This algorithm allows edge devices to share a global reward and continuously update parameters, leading to an optimized response strategy and maximizing the utilization of edge device resources.
Fabrication and operation analysis of a surface-plasmon sensor using a non-propagating mode
Authors: Motogaito Atsushi , Harada Akitaka , Hiramatsu Kazumasa
Published: September 2023

Our research focuses on the development of a surface-plasmon sensor that uses a stationary surface plasmon, referred to as a “non-propagating mode.” This mode is observed when light is incident perpendicularly on a surface-plasmon sensor based on a metal diffraction grating. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the behavior of the surface-plasmon resonances within this non-propagating mode, employing the rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) method. Using electron-beam lithography, sputtering, and a lift-off process, we fabricated such a surface-plasmon sensor and evaluated its optical properties rigorously. By combining simulations and experiments, we successfully utilized the non-propagating mode to detect a liquid medium with a refractive index of 1.70. Simulations show that the non-propagating mode arises due to a Fano resonance; i.e., to a resonant interaction between a localized surface plasmon generated at the edge of a metal grating strip during normal incidence and a propagating surface plasmon that occurs at the boundary between the metal diffraction grating and the measurement medium. The present results provide useful information for the advancement of surface-plasmon sensing technologies.
Use of Group Contribution Methods, Hansen’s Theory of Solubility and Microsoft Excel in the Selection of Solvents for the Extraction of Natural Products
Authors: Ríos Manuel Díaz de los , Pérez Evelyn Faife
Published: September 2023

Usually, Hansen's theory and the COSMO continuous solvation models have been used for the selection of solvents related to a solute, using the HSPiP and COSMO-RS computational tools, respectively. Those tools are not always available to many researchers; for this reason, Microsoft Excel has been used for the estimation of good solvents in the extraction of natural products of high value and interesting for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This method is applicable to cases where there is little, or practically no information about the compound of interest, for which functional group contribution methods are used, among them, the Joback method for the estimation of properties necessary for the determination of solubility models, and Van Krevelen method for the initial estimation of the Hansen solubility parameters. For solubility estimates, the Flory-Hugging model is used, from which and its classification, according to the North American Pharmacopeia, the good and bad solvents are defined in the selected database for the final estimation of Hansen's parameters and the solubility region. The methodology was validated with ten study cases reported in the literature.
Computational markers for personalized prediction of outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases
Authors: Benzekry Sébastien , Schlicke Pirmin , Mogenet Alice , Greillier Laurent , Tomasini Pascale , Simon Eléonore
Published: September 2023

Background:
Intracranial progression after curative treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) occurs from 10 to 50% and is difficult to manage, given the heterogeneity of clinical presentations and the variability of treatments available. The objective of this study was to develop a mechanistic model of intracranial progression to predict survival following a first brain metastasis (BM) event.
Methods:
Data included early-stage NSCLC patients treated with a curative intent who had a BM as the first and single relapse site (N=31).
We propose a mechanistic mathematical model to estimate the amount and sizes of (visible and invisible) BMs. The two key parameters of the model are α, the proliferation rate of a single tumor cell; and μ, the per day, per cell, probability to metastasize. The predictive value of these individual computational biomarkers was evaluated.
Findings:
The model was able to correctly describe the number and size of metastases at the time of first BM relapse for 20 patients. Parameters α and μ were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) (HR 1.65 (1.07-2.53) p=0.0029 and HR 1.95 (1.31-2.91) p=0.0109, respectively). Adding the computational markers to the clinical ones significantly improved the predictive value of OS (c-index increased from 0.585 (95% CI 0.569-0.602) to 0.713 (95% CI 0.700-0.726), p<0.0001).
Interpretation:
We demonstrated that our model was applicable to brain oligoprogressive patients in NSCLC and that the resulting computational markers had predictive potential. This may help lung cancer physicians to guide and personalize the management of NSCLC patients with intracranial oligoprogression.
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors Among Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder During COVID-19: Analysis from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Authors: Baser Onur , Zeng Yixuan , Baser Isabel Eda
Published: September 2023

Background
Recent guidelines recommend improved treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD), yet little is known about the factors associated with treatment use, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the use of treatments among US adults with AUD and assesses the factors associated with their use.
Methods
We used 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data for the study. AUD was identified using diagnostic criteria based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, employment status, health insurance type, family income, residential area, receipt of mental health care, and illicit drug use disorder were compared descriptively between treated and untreated adults with AUD. Multinomial logistic regression modeling was applied to examine associations of these factors with different treatments and no treatments.
Results
The 2021 NSDUH files included 47,291 adults (55.8% females). The past-year prevalence of AUD among US adults was 11.4% in 2021. In 2021, 3.7% of adults with AUD received non-medication treatment, and 0.9% received medication treatment. Male adults receiving mental health care and those engaged in illicit drug use were more likely to receive treatment for AUD. Age and education level were also significant factors. Living in a non-metropolitan area was more likely associated with non-medication treatment. We found no evidence of treatment disparities by race/ethnicity, employment status, family income, or health insurance type.
Conclusions
Effective medication and non-medication-based treatments for AUD are consistently underutilized despite several recent guideline recommendations that encourage treatments. There are opportunities for treatment optimization by educating healthcare providers and establishing assistance programs dedicated to adults with AUD.
Asynchronous Quantum Random Walks
Authors: Harringer Manfred
Published: September 2023

I build random walks on finite graphs Γ(V,E) with vertices V and directed edges E by sequences of randomly selected edges. Edge selection may also be organized by a curve on a torus, observing circuits in both directions of the course at a single circle. The edges trigger state changes of the vertices for particles, bosons or fermions due to the state spaces at the vertices. As a statistical result, I obtain a quantum canonical ensemble together with a vacuum. There are two kinds of process steps, acceptions and rejections, corresponding to stimulated and spontaneous emissions. Such processes are asynchronous versions of time evolution in quantum mechanics.
Fire resistance of one-sided surface-charred silver fir and European ash timber
Authors:   David Hans Ebner1,   Marius-Catalin Barbu2, Prokop Ondřej , Čermák Petr
Published: September 2023

The aim of this work was to investigate the fire resistance of silver fir (Abies alba L.) and European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) boards charred by the traditional yakisugi method and to compare the results with the fire resistance of non-charred boards as a reference. After the boards were surface charred on one side, specimens with different char thicknesses were selected from each wood species and subjected to analysis. Specimens with dimensions of 250×90 mm underwent a small flame test, those of 220×170 mm received indirect flame exposure by constant heat flux radiation from an infra-red emitter and those of 600×600 mm were subjected to a fire resistance test according to EN 1363-1:2020. The results of the small flame tests showed significant fire-resistance enhancement of specimens with a 6 and 3 mm char-layer thickness in fir and ash wood, respectively, and a 110% and 75% improvement when compared to reference specimens. The constant heat flux radiation tests did not reveal any significant differences between the reference and charred specimens. The up-scaled fire resistance test, in which an assembled panel was exposed to flame, also indicated significant improvement. The reference burn-through time of fir and ash specimens was improved significantly with increasing char layer thickness, resulting in 10–26% of fire resistance improvement for fir and 5–12% for ash wood specimens. These results suggest that one-sided surface charring of wood can enhance its fire resistance; however, this was mostly achieved in boards with the thickest char layer in both wood species studied. Further in-depth studies are required to better understand the complex behaviour of charred wood in response to fire.
Fostering sustainable Development Through Artificial Intelligence in Education (ESD): A Comprehensive Evaluation Framework and Key Criteria Analysis
Authors: yman chemlal , Mohamed AZZOUAZI
Published: September 2023

The good implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) for Education Sustainability Development (ESD) in Higher Education (HE) will be a relevant factor in the successful ranking of universities. Therefore, Higher Education must evaluate the performance of this implementation and integrate adequate criteria of performance in its Quality Assurance System. This research paper aims to identify relevant evaluation criteria of the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) for Education Sustainability Development (ESD) in Higher Education (HE) and propose how HE can integrate those criteria into their quality assurance systems. The study utilizes a combination of qualitative content analysis and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify criteria for assessment and generate a weight matrix of those criteria. Based on the findings, a framework of evaluation is proposed to assess the performance of integrating AI to promote sustainable learning outcomes by elucidating the relationship between key elements, such as the SKE (Skills, Knowledge, Ethics) Model, Learning Objectives, Learning Outcomes, and Key Performance. Continuous improvement is a vital element in our framework to maintain its relevance in fostering quality in implementing AI in education for sustainable development. It emphasizes the importance of a feedback loop involving stakeholders to identify areas for enhancement and ensure ethical and inclusive AI application.
IRS-Assisted Downlink Throughput Performance Improvement in 6G Wireless Networks
Authors: Mahbub Mobasshir , Shubair Raed M.
Published: September 2023

The notion of redesigning wireless propagation conditions using Intelligent Reflective Surface (IRS) has evolved to answer the demand for green and resilient future cellular networks. It is a realistic alternative to use intelligent surfaces that can be reconfigured (RISs) to increase the coverage as well as data throughput of wireless networks in the future. These surfaces are made up of a large number of passive as well as nearly passive elements that interact with incoming signals in an intelligent manner, such as by illuminating them, to improve the effectiveness of the wireless framework, giving rise to the concept of a smart broadcasting environment. The study sought to increase coverage for services using IRS in micro-cellular transmissions. As a result, the article examined the effectiveness of IRS-enhanced small cellular communication in regards to downstream throughput while taking into account the 6G cellular context.
Teilrevision der Polizeibefugnisse der Armee und Gruppe Verteidigung - Eine Weiterentwicklung?
Authors: Imhof Jan
Published: September 2023

Unabhängig von der konkreten Lage, d.h. in Friedenszeiten bis hin zu einem internationalen bewaffneten Konflikt, verfügt die Armee über Polizeibefugnisse, um ihre gesetzlichen Aufgaben erfüllen zu können. Die Polizeibefugnisse der Armee sind sowohl im Militärgesetz (MG) als auch im Zwangsanwendungsgesetz des Bundes (ZAG) geregelt. Mit der jüngsten Teilrevision wurde der Geltungsbereich des ZAG in sachlicher Hinsicht auf den Assistenzdienst im Inland und in persönlicher Hinsicht auf zivile Mitarbeitende der Gruppe Verteidigung (Gruppe V) ausgedehnt. Weiter wurden die bestehenden Polizeibefugnisse im MG moderat geschärft und sprachlich bereinigt. Eine kurze Übersicht zeigt, dass sie dem heutigen Stand im Polizeirecht hinsichtlich Normstufe und Normdichte jedoch weiterhin hinterherhinken.

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Indépendamment de toute situation concrète, c'est-à-dire aussi bien en temps de paix qu'en cas de conflit armé international, l'armée dispose de pouvoirs de police qui lui permettent d'accomplir ses tâches légales. Les pouvoirs de police de l'armée sont régis à la fois par la loi fédérale sur l'armée et l'administration militaire (LAAM) et par la loi fédérale sur l'usage de la contrainte et de mesures policières dans les domaines relevant de la compétence de la Confédération (LUsC). Lors de la dernière révision partielle, le champ d'application de la LUsC a été étendu, sur le plan matériel, au service d'appui à l'intérieur du pays et, sur le plan personnel, aux collaborateurs civils du Groupement Défense. En outre, les pouvoirs de police existants dans la LAAM ont été modérément renforcés et la terminologie épurée. Un bref aperçu montre que l'état actuel du droit de la police laisse encore à désirer, tant en ce qui concerne le niveau que la densité des normes.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT SKILLS: ROLE OF NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY (NEP) 2020
Authors:   Ramanujan College (University of Delhi), Kalkaji, New Delhi-110019., Jeet Singh Kanwal , Gunasekaran Vembanan ,   Ramanujan College (University of Delhi), Kalkaji, New Delhi-110019.
Published: September 2023

The National Policy on Education 1968, 1986, the Plan of Action 1992 and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 are the policies initiatives by the Government of India which governs the education system in India. These policies have striven to empower the human resources and also played an effective role in bridging social hierarchies. The paper analyses these educational policies to highlight the importance of vocational education and the various initiates promoted by the government to increase the employability and entrepreneur skills of the human resources. The National Education Policy 2020 is discussed in the paper with special focus on the vocational education at the school and higher education level. The Skill Enhancement Course introduced in University of Delhi in the academic year 2022-23 is discussed in the paper to show the endeavour of the NEP 2020 to promote and streamline vocational education with the mainstream education. The paper argues that the policy initiatives of government have continuously promoted vocational education and made various efforts to mainstream it with other academic disciplines.
TO DETERMINE THE PREVALENCE OF DUODENAL ULCER AMONG THE PATIENTS OF ACUTE UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN TRIPURA
Authors:   M.D. GeneralMedicine, AGMC& GBPH., Choudhury Kanak , Chakraborty Abhishek ,   M.D.GeneralMedicine, AGMC& GBPH., Paul Bhargab ,   PGT, Dept.of Medicine, AGMC& GBPH, ThummalaVamshiKrishna, Dept of Medicine, AGMC& GBPH.
Published: September 2023

GI bleeding is a very common but challenging emergency for physician and gastroenterologists often associated with high mortality.This is a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of duodenal ulcer among UGIB in a prospective manner.We the team of physicians performed UGI endoscopy in several patients presenting with UGIB in a setup of tertiary hospital and found several causes.Among which duodenal ulcer was leading cause followed by varicealbleed.This study will help the clinicians working in peripheral hospitals of our small state Tripura to start basic conservative treatment suspecting the common etiologies and provide better treatment and care of UGIB patients.
Does executive compensation matter to bank performance? Experimental evidence from Jordan
Authors: Mansour Marwan , Al Zobi Mo’taz , Saram Mohammed , Daoud Luay , Marei Ahmad
Published: September 2023

The high pays received by executives has gained global attention. This study examines the impact of executive compensation on the performance of Jordanian banks, an area that has not been explored much. The study uses empirical methods for data collection and analysis. Dependent variables include Return on Equity (ROE) and Tobin’s Q performance, while total compensation incentives is the main independent variable. Control variables include bank size, bank age, leverage, and female executives. Through balanced panel data analysis comprising 196 bank-year observations, this quantitative research paper applies Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), fixed-effect, and Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) methods. These methods accurately establish the compensation-performance relationship in the banking sector from 2009 to 2022. The coefficient of determination (R2) for the ROE model: 51.63%, Tobin-Q model: 39.33%. These robust models support the main finding that executive compensation is significantly and positively correlated with operating and market-based performance indicators. Results validate the agency hypothesis, indicating that executives are rewarded for bank performance indicators. Consequently, a one-unit increase in executive compensation leads to a rise of 22.8 cents in ROE and 29.51 cents in Tobin-Q. Additionally, bank size, age, leverage, and female executives positively impact bank performance indicators. A modification of BSIZE, BAGE, LEV, and FEMALE by one-unit results in a proportional adjustment of 26.1 cents, 16.6 cents, 2.07 cents, and 48.6 cents, respectively, in ROE. Additionally, a one-unit alteration in BSIZE, BAGE, LEV, and FEMALE corresponds to variations of 77.6 cents, 56.42 cents, 34.39 cents, and 48.8 cents, in Tobin-Q, all in the same direction.
A formação para o cuidado farmacêutico na atenção primária à saúde na perspectiva dos farmacêuticos
Authors: Destro Délcia Regina , Mendonça Simone de Araújo Medina , Brito Maria José Menezes , Chemello Clarice
Published: September 2023

Estudo de caso qualitativo, descritivo e interpretativo que objetivou abordar aspectos relacionados à formação para a prática do cuidado farmacêutico na Atenção Primária à Saúde em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, na perspectiva dos farmacêuticos. Tomaram-se como referenciais teóricos o cuidado centrado na pessoa e o modelo de prática farmacêutica (cuidado farmacêutico). Nove farmacêuticos atuantes na Atenção Primária à Saúde foram entrevistados individualmente. Aplicou-se a análise de conteúdo de Bardin, resultando nas categorias temáticas: Da formação acadêmica tradicional ao desafio do cuidado ao paciente no Sistema Único de Saúde; Integração ensino-serviço-comunidade, estreitando laços; Necessidade de aperfeiçoamento contínuo dos profissionais. Pelos resultados constatou-se que o profissional identifica a necessidade em suprir as deficiências na formação para o cuidado buscando outras formas de aprendizado complementares à academia e aprendendo com a prática. Percebe-se a falta de integração ensino-serviço-comunidade durante a Graduação, que reflete após a inserção dos profissionais na Atenção Primária à Saúde, exaltando o perfil clínico dos farmacêuticos diante da necessidade de atender os pacientes. Constatou-se que para que o farmacêutico realize o acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico são necessárias formação continuada e oportunidades para exercer a prática de forma reflexiva.
Articulação entre saúde da família e atenção psicossocial álcool e outras drogas
Authors: Ferreira Karoline Saraiva da Silva , Coutinho Sampaio Lima Israel , Cavalcante Ana Suelen Pedroza , do Nascimento Cidianna Emanuelly Melo
Published: September 2023

Este texto busca compreender a articulação do cuidado entre o Centro de Atenção Psicossocial álcool e outras drogas e a Estratégia Saúde da Família, que possibilite a proposição de estratégias que melhorem a articulação/colaboração na perspectiva interdisciplinar entre os profissionais dos serviços. Trata-se de um estudo de natureza qualitativa, de caráter descritivo-exploratório, em duas Unidades de Atenção Primária à Saúde e um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial álcool e outras drogas em um município do interior do Ceará. O estudo ocorreu entre março de 2021 e julho de 2022, tendo a participação de 15 profissionais, cujas informações foram coletadas por meio do envio de roteiro semiestruturado via google docs. Utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo para a construção das categorias empíricas, analisadas conforme a literatura específica deste campo temático. As informações coletadas demonstram haver fragilidades para a construção do trabalho na perspectiva da rede de atenção à saúde. Tal fragilidade se deve às falhas sobre a produção e continuidade dos processos de educação permanente em saúde mental, a ausência de cronograma de ações matriciais e a fragilidade dos processos de referência e contrarreferência, impactando tanto no cuidado prestado quanto na gestão e corresponsabilização do cuidado. É preciso fortalecer tanto a Política Nacional de Saúde Mental como a de Educação Permanente em Saúde, para que a articulação entre equipes possa ser reconstruída de forma fluída.
Desenvolvimento de Cookie Adicionado de Farinha de Beterraba: Proposta Educativa para Aumentar o Consumo da Hortaliça entre Crianças
Authors: De Jesus Geovanna Rayssa Padilha Pereira , De Almeida Tainá da Silva Fleming , Do Amaral Luane Aparecida , Arelhano Gabriela Egídio , Dos Santos Elisvânia Freitas , Novello Daiana
Published: September 2023

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito da adição da Farinha de Beterraba (FB) em cookie e sobre a aceitabilidade sensorial de crianças. Também, determinar a composição físico-química da formulação padrão e daquela contendo maior teor de FB e com aceitação semelhante ao padrão. Para o estudo foram elaboradas cinco formulações de cookie adicionadas de diferentes níveis de FB: F1 (0%), F2 (3,5%), F3 (7%), F4 (10,5%) e F5 (14%). Participaram da pesquisa 79 crianças com idade entre 7 e 10 anos. A adição de níveis superiores a 7% de FB reduziu a aceitabilidade sensorial (p<0,05) do cookie para todos os atributos e para a aceitação global e intenção de compra em relação ao produto padrão. A F3 foi aquela com maior teor de FB e com aceitação similar a padrão; sendo assim foi escolhida para comparação. Maiores conteúdos de umidade, cinzas, proteína e fibra alimentar foram observados para F3, enquanto os teores de carboidrato e calorias foram mais expressivos em F1 (p<0,05). Não houve diferença significativa (p>0,05) entre os teores de lipídeo dos produtos. Conclui-se que um nível de adição de até 7% de FB em cookie é bem aceito pelas crianças, obtendo-se aceitação sensorial similar ao produto padrão. Além disso, melhora o perfil nutricional do alimento, aumentando os teores de minerais, proteína e de fibra alimentar. Dessa forma, a FB pode ser considerada um potencial ingrediente para adição em cookie e produtos similares, podendo ser oferecida ao público infantil.
Sífilis na gestação: Obstáculos e estratégias vivenciados por enfermeiras durante a pandemia de Covid-19
Authors: Silva Talita Oliveira , Pereira Renata Martins da Silva , Martins Elaine Lutz , Silva Sandra Cristina de Souza Borges
Published: September 2023

Esta pesquisa trata do manejo da sífilis na gestação em tempos de pandemia da Covid-19. Teve como objetivo identificar como se deu a vivência e quais estratégias utilizadas por enfermeiros da APS do município do Rio de Janeiro ante o manejo e o acompanhamento da sífilis na gestação durante a pandemia da Covid-19. Trata-se de um estudo de abordagem qualitativa, realizado com 23 enfermeiros que atuam na Atenção Primária à Saúde. A coleta de dados ocorreu por intermédio de questionário on-line e análise por meio da técnica Análise de Conteúdo. Os resultados mostraram que a maioria dos enfermeiros era do sexo feminino, pós-graduados e com média de dez anos de exercício da profissão. Vivenciaram dificuldade no tratamento da gestante e seu parceiro, além de mudanças na rotina das unidades de saúde durante a pandemia. Não demonstraram, no entanto, mudanças significativas na realidade já vivenciada em relação a sífilis. As estratégias apontadas na continuidade ao acompanhamento da sífilis em gestantes foram a parceria com agentes comunitários de saúde para a captação e busca ativa das gestantes na comunidade e a utilização de tecnologias da informação e comunicação para levar informações e educação em saúde para as gestantes de modo remoto e acessível. Pode-se concluir que, apesar de as mudanças terem sido pequenas no cotidiano de atendimento em relação à sífilis, utilizou-se das tecnologias vigentes para o acompanhamento remoto e orientações para a continuidade do tratamento da sífilis em gestantes.
Prevalence of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in Brazil – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Berton Nadia Cristina , Petroli Steffany Weimer Santana , Melo Emelly Nascimento Oliveira , Lima Jaqueline Costa , Silva Pãmela Rodrigues de Souza , Zanetti Andernice dos Santos , Espinosa Omar Ariel
Published: September 2023

American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) is a zoonotic disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes, and that is caused by different species of protozoa of the genus Leishmania. This disease has different clinical forms: cutaneous, disseminated cutaneous, diffuse and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. The objective of this systematic review is to investigate the prevalence and distribution of ATL in Brazil. Studies that analised patients with ATL diagnosed by at least one of the parasitological gold standard methods, PCR, or by serological methods were included.  Thirteen studies from PubMed, Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library (BVS), Brazilian Society of Dermatology, Virtual Health Library (IBECS), Literature in the Health Sciences in Latin America and the Caribbean (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), Elsevier Embase, Cochrane Library, The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were included. We found a combined prevalence in the general population of 40.0% (95% CI: 17.0–63.0%; weight 100%). When the prevalence was analyzed by state, we found a prevalence of 97.0% in Rio de Janeiro. The South and Southeast regions showed the highest percentage, with 48.0% followed by the Central-West region with 24.0%. The Montenegro’s intradermal reaction and cultures were the most used test to diagnose. This study revealed a high prevalence of ATL in several studies conducted in Brazil, a value that was influenced by the most studied regions such South and Southeast, where a prevalence of up to 48% was found.
Modeling bioinfiltration surface dynamics through a hybrid geomorphic-infiltration model
Authors: Ampomah Richard , Holt Danielle , Smith Cole , Smith Virginia , Sample-Lord Kristin , Nyquist Jonathan
Published: September 2023

Bioinfiltration systems are an increasingly prevalent mechanism for urban stormwater mitigation. One major challenge for the sustainability of bioinfiltration systems is erosion and channelization due to high bed shear stresses developed during large storm events. Sedimentation within these systems could also impact their performance as fine sediment may clog pathways necessary for infiltration. Understanding the geomorphology, shear stress, and sediment flux in the system can help predict maintenance needs associated with erosion and deposition. The current study introduces a framework for addressing this problem by combining a sediment transport model, FaSTMECH, with the Green-Ampt infiltration model. A comparison of observed and predicted ponding depths shows very good agreement (median Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient = 0.93) and demonstrates the ability of this novel framework in predicting the hydraulics and morphology within a bioswale bioinfiltration system. The framework introduced in this study opens the door to understanding sediment transport dynamics within a bioswale, which has the potential to advance planning and design to minimize impacts due to excessive erosion or deposition within bioswale bioinfiltration systems.
Carbon-based nanomaterials mediated adsorption and photodegradation of typical organic contaminants in aqueous fulvic acid solution
Authors: Yin Zhiming , Liu Siyu , Tian Zhen , Zhao Xinyue , He Jun , Wang Chengjun
Published: September 2023

In this work, the formation of carbon-based nanomaterials–fulvic acid (CNMs-FA) composites and their capacities for the adsorption and photodegradation of typical organic contaminants in aqueous solutions were investigated. The results suggested that the formation of CNMs-FA composites was dominated by adsorbing FA on CNMs via the physisorption process, which fit the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. The formed CNMs-FA composites were characterized by using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy techniques and further applied for examining their effects on the adsorption and photodegradation of selected organic contaminants in aqueous solutions. The adsorption of organic contaminants on CNMs-FA composites is mainly involved in hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions between organic contaminants and FA species adhering to CNMs. In addition, the CNMs-FA composites are able to promote the photosensitive degradation of organic contaminants due to the photogenerated reactive species including ROS and CNMs-3FA* under sunlight irradiation. This study provided a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the environmental behavior of CNMs in real natural surface water and clarified the underlying mechanisms.
Water quality management by enhancing assimilation capacity with flow augmentation: a case study for the Yamuna River, Delhi
Authors: Verma Nibedita , Singh Geeta , Ahsan Naved
Published: September 2023

This paper aims to assess the requirement of load reductions and flow augmentation to enhance the assimilation yield of the Yamuna River, Delhi. The framework QUAL2kw was used to predict river quality. The model was calibrated and confirmed in critical flow conditions of pre-monsoon periods. Three strategies were established for varying pollutant loads. The DO concentration was predicted with changing BOD and COD loads. The 16 outfalling drains were considered pollutant sources between the 22 km stretch of the river. Four cases with 41 scenarios were studied with varying flow augmentation upstream and varying load. It has been observed that with 80 cumecs of upstream flow, the reach can assimilate 31.33 tonnes per day of BOD and 142.85 tonnes per day of COD load, maintaining the desired level of DO (≥4 mg/L) and BOD (≤3 mg/L) throughout the reach.
Examining the Mediating Role of Engagement in the Association between Flourishing and Job Satisfaction among Nurses
Authors: Shdaifat Emad Adel
Published: September 2023

Aims:

To assess the impact of flourishing on job satisfaction while examining the mediating role of engagement.

Background:

Job satisfaction and engagement are crucial for the quality and retention of patient care. However, the role of psychological well-being, specifically flourishing, in promoting job satisfaction and engagement among nurses is understudied.

Objective:

To explore whether engagement mediates the link between flourishing and job satisfaction among nurses.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study conducted in Jordan among 217 nurses aimed to investigate the relationship between flourishing and job satisfaction and whether engagement mediates this relationship. Data were collected using self-administered online surveys, including three instruments: the Flourishing Index, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, and Index of Job Satisfaction. SmartPLS 3 software was used for the data analysis.

Results:

The structural model was evaluated using R2, Q2, and SRMR values, which indicated a strong predictive capability and acceptable model fit. Hypotheses testing revealed that flourishing does not have a significant impact on satisfaction (not supported) but has a significant impact on engagement (supported), and engagement has a significant impact on satisfaction (supported). The mediation analysis showed that engagement fully mediated the relationship between Flourishing and Satisfaction. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of work engagement in the relationship between flourishing and job satisfaction among nurses.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that organizations should focus on promoting positive psychological states and engagement to improve nurses' well-being and job satisfaction. Future research should explore this relationship by using more objective and longitudinal measures.
Lunar journeys: investigating translation in multilingual picturebooks
Authors: Hartmann Esa
Published: September 2023

Studying the translation process behind multilingual picturebooks represents a fascinating field of research for translation studies. This paper presents two case studies that examine translation in multilingual picturebooks: a trilingual edition(2014) of Tomi Ungerer’s Moon Man (1966)uniting translations in French, German, and Alsatian, as well as the translingual picturebook Lunes... eine mondlose Nacht (Vialaneix, 2017), alternating and mixing French and German along the story. The translatological analysis of the two picturebooks is guided by the following research questions: What translation strategies are developed to interpret and recreate the semiotic and semantic interplay between the visual and the textual elements of the story in multilingual picturebooks? What stylistic elements of the target language are employed to convey meaning acoustically? What translation strategies are used in translingual picturebooks? What are the principles and effects of language alternation and language mixing within a translingual picturebook story?