bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Quality in Hematology Laboratory Testing: A Comprehensive Review of Preanalytical Phase Errors and Prevention Strategies
Authors: Mankar Pooja Dattatray , Hatgaonkar Kajal , Kohale Mangesh Ganesh , Wankhade Rashmi S. , Bandre Gulshan R.
Published: June 2024

This comprehensive review explores the critical importance of the preanalytical phase in hematology laboratory testing and its significant impact on the overall quality of results. The preanalytical phase encompasses all the processes from sample collection to sample preparation, and any errors during this stage can lead to inaccurate and unreliable hematological data. By systematically examining the various sources of preanalytical errors, including specimen collection, transportation, and handling, this review provides insights into the potential challenges faced in the hematology laboratory. Furthermore, the article discusses a range of effective prevention strategies to mitigate preanalytical phase errors and enhance the reliability of hematological test results. These strategies encompass improvements in staff training, standardization of collection procedures, implementation of quality control measures, and advancements in technology and automation. The review emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of awareness and adherence to best practices in the laboratory setting. Preanalytical errors remain a major concern in every laboratory because the majority of the stages leading up to these errors are not within the direct control of the laboratory. Even though they cannot be eliminated, they can definitely be minimized. The preanalytical errors of a hematology laboratory can be reduced with the help of quality management systems, personnel training, regular audits, and automation in the preanalytical stage, thus increasing the accuracy of the results and providing better patient care.
Mucocele: A Case Report
Authors: Ghunawat Dhananjay B , Marathe Seema , Thete Sanjay G , Chakraborty Sheen , Lath Harshita , Shehare Namrata Vilas , Laddha Rashmi
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Mucoceles are the most common minor salivary gland disorder and represent the second most frequent benign soft tissue tumors of the oral cavity, following irritative fibroma. Various treatment modalities have been suggested for mucocele among which different types of lasers being the most recent and advanced. In the present case reports, diode laser was used for the excision of mucocele on the lower lip, and the advantages of it over the conventional scalpel method were minimal discomfort, bleeding, recurrence, and better compliance among patients.
Assessment of Accuracy of Implant Placement Using Surgical Stent Versus Conventional Technique
Authors: Basannavar Amit Ashok , Konwar Annesha K. , Pal Sunil , Ishaq Aasima , Kondreddy Kameswari , Shinde Samidha M. , Tiwari Rahul
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of the implant placement using surgical stents versus conventional implant placement.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty patients who reported to Rajarajeswari Dental College and Hospital were selected and they were randomly divided into two groups. In both the groups, the selection of the implant size was based on the ridge mapping. In Group I, tooth and tissue-supported surgical stent was fabricated and was used to place the implant. In Group II conventional technique was used for implant placement.

Results:

In Group I the implant placement was parallel to the adjacent tooth with less variation in the angulation and the mesiodistal orientation of the implant was statistically significant compared to Group II.

Conclusion:

This technique of stent fabrication is easy, reliable, and cost-effective which also aids in the ideal placement of the implant in terms of orientation and angulation.
Zoonotic Disease Risk Perception and Infection Control Practices amongst Veterinarians in Kerala, India
Authors: Mithun T. K. , Lal S. S. , Nayar K. Rajasekharan
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Veterinarians could act as the sentinel for the study of zoonotic diseases. This study evaluates the prevalence of zoonoses amongst Kerala veterinarians and explores infection control measures they use to protect themselves and the factors influencing their infection control practices.

Materials and Methods:

It is a quantitative cross-sectional study using proportionate sampling with a self-administered questionnaire.

Results:

About 31.1% of veterinarians experienced symptoms of zoonotic diseases, with dermatophytosis being the most common. Handling tissues, bodily fluids and excretions of animals were the highest risk-carrying procedures. However, the majority of respondents did hand wash, whereas some never properly disposed of used needles. Factors such as heat stress, comfort, cost and time of consultation discouraged one-fourth of participants from using personal protective equipment.

Conclusion:

Failure to follow infection control practices contributes to the prevalence of zoonoses amongst veterinarians in Kerala. Reasons for this failure include the absence of better policies to address veterinarian’s issues. There is a need for more effective enforcement of infection control policy for the veterinarians.
Effective management of acute anal fissure through Ayurveda and yoga
Authors: Pradhan Ajit Kumar , Sahoo Prasanta Kumar , Sahu Santosh Kumar
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

An anal fissure is a superficial anal skin tear below the dentate line correlated with Parikartikā in Ayurveda. Approximately 40% of patients with acute anal fissures progress to chronic anal fissures. A 37-year-old male presented with complaints of pain in the perianal region, a burning sensation that persisted up to 60­90 min of defecation, irregular bowel habits, hard stool, and intermittent bleeding from rectum for 4 weeks. Visual examination revealed an acute anal fissure at the posterior midline. The patient was treated with Ayurvedic medicines and the practice of Ashwini Mudrā. After 6 weeks of treatment, anal fissures healed completely. Nonsurgical conservative medical management is the initial treatment for acute anal fissures. Sadya Vrana Chikitsā and the practice of Ashwini Mudrā are effective and safe treatments for acute anal fissures. No recurrence has been reported till now. Ayurvedic medicines, Ashwini Mudrā, and dietary restrictions reduce pain, regularize bowel movement, soften stool, enhance blood circulation, and accelerate wound healing in anal fissures. No adverse events were reported during treatment.
Development of generic yoga therapy protocol for nonspecific chronic low back pain
Authors: Nilachal Padmashanti , Bhavanani Ananda Balayogi , Ramanathan Meena , Mohanakrishnan Jagadevan , Bhatt Arpan , Srivastava Vandana , Dhanasekaran Rajarajan
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To develop a generic yoga therapy protocol for nonspecific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) on the basis of previous research studies.

Methods:

A comprehensive PubMed search was done using keywords of “yoga” and “back pain” for English-language articles published till November 2022. PubMed showed 332 results for the keywords from 1977 to 2022. Twenty-nine studies were found eligible and the consolidation of yogic techniques were used in the studies. The study compiled 72 yogic techniques, including Asana and Pranayama, from 332 articles on yoga and back pain. Out of these, 151 were not relevant to yoga or back pain. After analyzing 181 articles, 33 were selected for review for a yoga therapy protocol, with four excluded due to inability to access full-text articles. The protocol was later validated by 14 eminent yoga therapy experts across the globe from countries including Australia, France, USA, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, and India, who had a minimum of 10 years’ experience in the field. The validation of the techniques was done based on a questionnaire that required classification under three categories: (1) not necessary, (2) useful but not essential, and (3) essential. All the three categories were then segregated in decreasing order of “Essential percentage” and “Weightage percentage” and the final list developed. The cutoff was that the yogic techniques must have ≥50% of acceptance by all experts. The practices were then sequenced in order of performance and cross referenced with traditional teachings.

Results:

The Generic Yoga Therapy Protocol for NCLBP that has been developed through this rational and logical mechanism has 18 yogic techniques selected on the basis of weightage and essential percentage. It includes 13 standing, sitting, prone, and supine postures (Asanas), four energy modulating breathing practices (Pranayamas), and one relaxation. The Shavasan relaxation received 100% approval by all experts.

Conclusion:

This generic yoga therapy protocol for NCLBP was developed through a comprehensive methodology that took into account the techniques used in previous research studies and was consolidated after a method of scientific validation by 14 eminent yoga therapy experts.
Dual primary gastric and colorectal cancer: The known hereditary causes and underlying mechanisms
Authors: Azer Samy A
Published: June 2024

In this editorial, I commented on the paper by Lin et al , published in this issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology . The work aimed at analysing the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of synchronous and metachronous cancers in patients with dual primary gastric and colorectal cancer (CRC). The authors concluded the necessity for regular surveillance for metachronous cancer during postoperative follow-up and reported the prognosis is influenced by the gastric cancer (GC) stage rather than the CRC stage. Although surveillance was recommended in the conclusion, the authors did not explore this area in their study and did not include tests used for such surveillance. This editorial focuses on the most characterized gastrointestinal cancer susceptibility syndromes concerning dual gastric and CRCs. These include hereditary diffuse GC, familial adenomatous polyposis, hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, Lynch syndrome, and three major hamartomatous polyposis syndromes associated with CRC and GC, namely Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, juvenile polyposis syndrome, and PTEN hamartoma syndrome. Careful assessment of these syndromes/conditions, including inheritance, risk of gastric and colorectal or other cancer development, genetic mutations and recommended genetic investigations, is crucial for optimum management of these patients.
Complement factor I knockdown inhibits colon cancer development by affecting Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc signaling pathway and glycolysis
Authors: Du Yong-Jun , Jiang Yue , Hou Yan-Mei , Shi Yong-Bo
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Colon cancer (CC) occurrence and progression are considerably influenced by the tumor microenvironment. However, the exact underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM

To investigate immune infiltration-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CC and specifically explored the role and potential molecular mechanisms of complement factor I (CFI).

METHODS

Immune infiltration-associated DEGs were screened for CC using bioinformatics. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to examine hub DEGs expression in the CC cell lines. Stable CFI-knockdown HT29 and HCT116 cell lines were constructed, and the diverse roles of CFI in vitro were assessed using CCK-8, 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine, wound healing, and transwell assays. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry staining were employed to evaluate the influence of CFI on the tumorigenesis of CC xenograft models constructed using BALB/c male nude mice. Key proteins associated with glycolysis and the Wnt pathway were measured using western blotting.

RESULTS

Six key immune infiltration-related DEGs were screened, among which the expression of CFI, complement factor B, lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1, and SRY-related high-mobility-group box 4 was upregulated, whereas that of fatty acid-binding protein 1, and bone morphogenic protein-2 was downregulated. Furthermore, CFI could be used as a diagnostic biomarker for CC. Functionally, CFI silencing inhibited CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. Mechanistically, CFI knockdown downregulated the expression of key glycolysis-related proteins (glucose transporter type 1, hexokinase 2, lactate dehydrogenase A, and pyruvate kinase M2) and the Wnt pathway-related proteins (β-catenin and c-Myc). Further investigation indicated that CFI knockdown inhibited glycolysis in CC by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc pathway.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study demonstrate that CFI plays a crucial role in CC development by influencing glycolysis and the Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc pathway, indicating that it could serve as a promising target for therapeutic intervention in CC.
Dynamic contrast enhanced ultrasound in differential diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Esposto Giorgio , Santini Paolo , Termite Fabrizio , Galasso Linda , Mignini Irene , Ainora Maria Elena , Gasbarrini Antonio , Zocco Maria Assunta
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Non-invasive differential diagnosis between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other liver cancer (i.e. cholangiocarcinoma or metastasis) is highly challenging and definitive diagnosis still relies on histological exam. The patterns of enhancement and wash-out of liver nodules can be used to stratify the risk of malignancy only in cirrhotic patients and HCC frequently shows atypical features. Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCEUS) with standardized software could help to overcome these obstacles, providing functional and quantitative parameters and potentially improving accuracy in the evaluation of tumor perfusion.

AIM

To explore clinical evidence regarding the application of DCEUS in the differential diagnosis of liver nodules.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of clinical studies was performed to identify the parameters of DCEUS that could relate to histological diagnosis. In accordance with the study protocol, a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the evidence was planned.

RESULTS

Rise time was significantly higher in HCC patients with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.83 (95%CI: 0.48-1.18). Similarly, other statistically significant parameters were mean transit time local with a SMD of 0.73 (95%CI: 0.20-1.27), peak enhancement with a SMD of 0.37 (95%CI: 0.03-0.70), area wash-in area under the curve with a SMD of 0.47 (95%CI: 0.13-0.81), wash-out area under the curve with a SMD of 0.55 (95%CI: 0.21-0.89) and wash-in and wash-out area under the curve with SMD of 0.51 (95%CI: 0.17-0.85). SMD resulted not significant in fall time and wash-in rate, but the latter presented a trend towards greater values in HCC compared to intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION

DCEUS could improve non-invasive diagnosis of HCC, leading to less liver biopsy and early treatment. This quantitative analysis needs to be applied on larger cohorts to confirm these preliminary results.
Trends and hotspots in gastrointestinal neoplasms risk assessment: A bibliometric analysis from 1984 to 2022
Authors: Fu Qiang-Qiang , Ma Le , Niu Xiao-Min , Zhao Hua-Xin , Ge Xu-Hua , Jin Hua , Yu De-Hua , Yang Sen
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal neoplasm (GN) significantly impact the global cancer burden and mortality, necessitating early detection and treatment. Understanding the evolution and current state of research in this field is vital.

AIM

To conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of publications from 1984 to 2022 to elucidate the trends and hotspots in the GN risk assessment research, focusing on key contributors, institutions, and thematic evolution.

METHODS

This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of data from the Web of Science Core Collection database using the "bibliometrix" R package, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. The analysis focused on the distribution of publications, contributions by institutions and countries, and trends in keywords. The methods included data synthesis, network analysis, and visualization of international collaboration networks.

RESULTS

This analysis of 1371 articles on GN risk assessment revealed a notable evolution in terms of research focus and collaboration. It highlights the United States' critical role in advancing this field, with significant contributions from institutions such as Brigham and Women's Hospital and the National Cancer Institute. The last five years, substantial advancements have been made, representing nearly 45% of the examined literature. Publication rates have dramatically increased, from 20 articles in 2002 to 112 in 2022, reflecting intensified research efforts. This study underscores a growing trend toward interdisciplinary and international collaboration, with the Journal of Clinical Oncology standing out as a key publication outlet. This shift toward more comprehensive and collaborative research methods marks a significant step in addressing GN risks.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores advancements in GN risk assessment through genetic analyses and machine learning and reveals significant geographical disparities in research emphasis. This calls for enhanced global collaboration and integration of artificial intelligence to improve cancer prevention and treatment accuracy, ultimately enhancing worldwide patient care.
Analysis of quality of life in patients after transgastric natural orifice transluminal endoscopic gallbladder-preserving surgery
Authors: Zhang Min-Yu , Zheng Sen-Yuan , Ru Zheng-Yu , Zhang Zhi-Qiang
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

At present, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the main surgical treatment for gallstones. But, after gallbladder removal, there are many complications. Therefore, it is hoped to remove stones while preserving the function of the gallbladder, and with the development of endoscopic technology, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery came into being.

AIM

To compare the quality of life, perioperative indicators, adverse events after LC and transgastric natural orifice transluminal endoscopic gallbladder-preserving surgery (EGPS) in patients with gallstones.

METHODS

Patients who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from 2020 to 2022 were retrospectively collected. We adopted propensity score matching (1:1) to compare EGPS and LC patients.

RESULTS

A total of 662 cases were collected, of which 589 cases underwent LC, and 73 cases underwent EGPS. Propensity score matching was performed, and 40 patients were included in each of the groups. In the EGPS group, except the gastrointestinal defecation (P = 0.603), the total score, physical well-being, mental well-being, and gastrointestinal digestion were statistically significant compared with the preoperative score after surgery (P < 0.05). In the LC group, except the mental well-being, the total score, physical well-being, gastrointestinal digestion, the gastrointestinal defecation was statistically significant compared with the preoperative score after surgery (P < 0.05). When comparing between groups, gastrointestinal defecation had significantly difference (P = 0.002) between the two groups, there was no statistically significant difference in the total postoperative score and the other three subscales. In the surgery duration, hospital stay and cost, LC group were lower than EGPS group. The recurrence factors of gallstones after EGPS were analyzed: and recurrence was not correlated with gender, age, body mass index, number of stones, and preoperative score.

CONCLUSION

Whether EGPS or LC, it can improve the patient’s symptoms, and the EGPS has less impact on the patient’s defecation. It needed to, prospective, multicenter, long-term follow-up, large-sample related studies to prove.
Long-term impact of artificial intelligence on colorectal adenoma detection in high-risk colonoscopy
Authors: Chow Kenneth W , Bell Matthew T , Cumpian Nicholas , Amour Maryanne , Hsu Ryan H , Eysselein Viktor E , Srivastava Neetika , Fleischman Michael W , Reicher Sofiya
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Improved adenoma detection rate (ADR) has been demonstrated with artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted colonoscopy. However, data on the real-world application of AI and its effect on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening outcomes is limited.

AIM

To analyze the long-term impact of AI on a diverse at-risk patient population undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy for positive CRC screening tests or symptoms.

METHODS

AI software (GI Genius, Medtronic) was implemented into the standard procedure protocol in November 2022. Data was collected on patient demographics, procedure indication, polyp size, location, and pathology. CRC screening outcomes were evaluated before and at different intervals after AI introduction with one year of follow-up.

RESULTS

We evaluated 1008 colonoscopies (278 pre-AI, 255 early post-AI, 285 established post-AI, and 190 late post-AI). The ADR was 38.1% pre-AI, 42.0% early post-AI (P = 0.77), 40.0% established post-AI (P = 0.44), and 39.5% late post-AI (P = 0.77). There were no significant differences in polyp detection rate (PDR, baseline 59.7%), advanced ADR (baseline 16.2%), and non-neoplastic PDR (baseline 30.0%) before and after AI introduction.

CONCLUSION

In patients with an increased pre-test probability of having an abnormal colonoscopy, the current generation of AI did not yield enhanced CRC screening metrics over high-quality colonoscopy. Although the potential of AI in colonoscopy is undisputed, current AI technology may not universally elevate screening metrics across all situations and patient populations. Future studies that analyze different AI systems across various patient populations are needed to determine the most effective role of AI in optimizing CRC screening in clinical practice.
Adaptive Integral Sliding Mode Controller (SMC) Design for Vehicle Steer-by-Wire System
Authors: Abbas Saad Jabbar , Husain Suha S. , Al-Wais Saba , Humaidi Amjad Jaleel
Published: June 2024

This article considers the application of a robust control technique for vehicle steer-by-wire (VSbW) system subjected to variations in parameters based on adaptive integral sliding mode control (AISMC). The AISMC has been designed to control the VSbW system to cope with the uncertainties in system parameters. The proposed adaptive control scheme provides the solution for perturbation boundedness, as there is no need to have a prior knowledge of perturbation bound in the uncertainty. In addition, the proposed adaptive control design can avoid overestimation of sliding gain under unknown prior knowledge of perturbations. Moreover, the inclusion of integral sliding mode control (ISMC) leads to elimination of the reaching phase in trajectory solution of controlled system. Computer simulations have been used to verify the effectiveness of proposed AISMC to show the superiority of the proposed control technique; in this regard, a comparison between AISMC and other control methods from the literature were conducted. The numerical simulation based on MATLAB programming software showed that the designed AISMC has better tracking performance and accuracy as compared to ISMC and other control schemes in terms of robustness characteristics.
Banks are different: why bank-based versus market-based lending is a false dichotomy
Authors: Sissoko Carolyn
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces modern readers to ‘banking theory’, that is, to the understanding of the banking system that was held by academics and practitioners in the early years of the twentieth century. This theory contrasts with the theoretic framework that views banks as intermediaries that receive deposits and invest deposits in assets. The basic elements of banking theory are related to the modern network effects literature, and a bank-centered view of the financial system is derived: all demand and short-term bank liabilities, including contingent liabilities, are potential money and near-money assets; and any non-bank liabilities that have monetary properties derive them from the banking system. This framework is then used to evaluate modern money markets, and the paper proposes that bank-liability–based measures of the money supply be developed, and that regulators recognize that contingent bank liabilities often function as a substitute for deposits and should be regulated similarly.
Przegląd orzecznictwa Sądu Najwyższego (za okres styczeń–marzec 2024)
Authors: Milkowski Kacper
Published: June 2024

The Judgment of the Polish Supreme Court of January 25, 2024 (case file no. I CSK 151/23) is of particular importance for legal practice. The Court indicated that in the case of division of marital property (including real estate encumbered with a mortgage), the court generally establishes its value, disregarding the value of the mortgage encumbrance. In the Judgment of March 27, 2024 (case file no. IV KK 478/23), the Polish Supreme Court stated that intoxication requires an amount of substance that allows for at least one-time use of the substance in a dose characteristic for it, capable of producing an effect in humans other than medical. In addition, the Polish Supreme Court, in the Judgment of January 11, 2024 (case file no. III PSK 24/23), stated that a one-day break in obtained sick leaves does not interrupt the temporary incapacity for work and does not require counting the period of this incapacity from the beginning.
Zagrożenia środowiskowe w bezpieczeństwie transportu lotniczego
Authors: Piskor Zbigniew
Published: June 2024

The article discusses the issue of environmental hazards as an important factor leading to threats in the safety of air transport. Its aim is to analyse the impact of such threats on the level of safety in air transport. In accordance with the adopted objective, the main research problem was formulated: How do environmental hazards affect the level of safety of air transport? In order to answer the above question, it was necessary to use research methods, including a critical analysis of legal acts and selected literature on the subject. The analysis of the indicated areas indicates that in order to improve the impact of air transport on the environment, it is necessary to consider the introduction of appropriate measures and adopt the set directions of change.
Ogólna problematyka badań broni palnej
Authors: Przyjemski Władysław
Published: June 2024

Firearms have accompanied humans for many centuries, and over their development, loading systems for bullets and cartridges, the chemical composition of propellant charges, and the types, models, and designs of weapons and ammunition have evolved. A groundbreaking moment was the unification of the bullet with the casing, which allowed part of the gunpowder gases to be vented through a side port in the barrel. This invention led to the development of machine guns.

Firearms have been and continue to be used for various purposes, such as personal protection, protection of people and property, hunting, sports, historical reenactments, collecting, commemorative purposes, and training (alarm signaling) by authorized individuals, as well as by institutions to which these regulations do not apply (Article 10, Section 1 of the Firearms and Ammunition Act of May 21, 1999).

With the advent of firearms, crimes involving their use were also recorded. In such cases, firearms, ballistics, and ammunition examinations became essential to identify the perpetrators. These examinations later became part of forensic science. In cases of unlawful use of firearms and ammunition, various tragic incidents occur, necessitating site inspections and the establishment of further investigation plans.

Crimes involving firearms require the expert opinion of a forensic specialist who identifies the weapon, ammunition, and their components, as well as traces of their use. The specialist checks whether the firearm poses a threat to the safety of individuals involved in the incident scene and investigation. Fingerprint traces are collected from the weapon and ammunition to prevent their loss. The firearm’s operation, technical condition, and key parts are preliminarily assessed to determine if they were factory-made or show signs of homemade modifications.

A firearm expert’s examination is conducted in response to questions directed to the firearms, ballistics, and ammunition expert by the judicial authority. Both individual and group identification of firearms are carried out. Microscopic examinations of traces left by the weapon on the casing, bullet, or hands of potential perpetrators are performed. The resulting expert report is sent to the commissioning authority and admitted as evidence in the ongoing case. In Poland, forensic examinations of firearms and ammunition were conducted following the assassination of President Gabriel Narutowicz in December 1922. The more famous attacks using firearms included the fatal wounding of President J.F. Kenedi or the recent shooting of the Prime Minister of Slovakia.
School Supervisor Competence in Assessing Performance Principal of Junior High School Level
Authors: Liza Liza , Roesminingsih Erny , Hariyati Nunuk
Published: June 2024

Objective: This study aims to describe and analyze data on the competence of school supervisors in carrying out school principals' performance assessments to create effective education units (Phenomenological Study in Sidoarjo). Method: This research uses a qualitative approach with the research subject, namely the Sidoarjo Regency Education Service supervisor at the Junior High School Level. The data collection technique in this research uses three data collection techniques, namely participant observation, in-depth interviews, and study of documents. Results:  The assessment results show that the performance of school principals is critical in realizing an effective school. The school supervisor oversees the school principal's performance appraisal process. They start from collecting, processing, analyzing, and interpreting data about the quality of the school principal's work according to his duties as a school principal. School supervisors conduct managerial supervision to correct weaknesses in target schools through intensive training. School supervisors are one of the parts that are very influential in improving the quality of education in target schools. School supervisors always try to improve the ability of school management personnel in all aspects in order to obtain optimal quality education. Novelty: This study shows five competencies of school supervisors in carrying out performance assessments of school principals, namely personality, managerial supervision, academic supervision, educational evaluation, research and development, and social competence.
The Impact of Differentiated Learning, Adversity Intelligence, and Peer Tutoring on Student Learning Outcomes
Authors: Hidayat Nur , Ruhiat Yayat , Anriani Nurul , Suryadi Suryadi
Published: June 2024

Objective: Differentiation is a well-recognized strategy that assists teachers in addressing the needs of students with varying abilities in a classroom of students with different characteristics. The research investigates the impact of differentiation learning, adversity intelligence, and peer tutoring on student learning outcomes. Method: This research employs a statistical survey approach to guarantee outcome accuracy. The researchers employed a partial least squares-structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to determine the values of latent variables to make predictions. The questionnaire was used as the data-gathering tool in this study. The investigation occurred at a vocational high school in Serang Regency in Banten Province, Indonesia. Were 250 students in the vocational high school in Serang Regency, Indonesia. The sampling procedure was conducted using a random approach. Results:  The statistical study of the structural model indicates a considerable positive link between differentiated learning and adversity intelligence. Adversity intelligence and peer tutoring were positively correlated. Differentiated learning is positively correlated with learning outcomes. Learning outcomes are positively correlated with peer tutoring. Novelty: This research presents novelty research that combines differentiated learning, adversity intelligence, and peer tutoring to examine their impact on student learning outcomes. This research is novel in its attempt to incorporate multiple variables into a single unit for investigation and exploration. This research is intriguing due to variations in emphasis, research participants, and incorporation of research factors compared to earlier studies.
Exploring the Influence of Game-Based Learning and School Environment on Learning Achievement: Does the Mediation of Self-Intention Matter?
Authors: Atoulloh Atoulloh , Fitriani Aries , Daryono Rihab Wit
Published: June 2024

Objective: This research aims to explore the influence of game-based learning and the school environment on student learning achievement and the mediating role of self-intention in influencing game-based learning and the school environment. Method: The quantitative survey method involved 100 students of MA Ma'arif Al-Mukarrom, Kauman, and Ponorogo, using probability sampling techniques with proportionate stratified sampling techniques. Data was collected through a questionnaire with a Likert scale, and data analysis was carried out using relevant statistical techniques. Results:  The research results show a positive but less significant influence on game-based learning and the school environment on student learning achievement; however, with self-intention mediating it, it has a positive and significant influence. The implications of this research include the importance of developing learning strategies to improve more effective and efficient education and a school environment that can support learning. Recommendations for research are the need to integrate elements of motivation and self-development in game-based learning design and develop meta-cognitive skills. The final one is creating a school environment to create an atmosphere of motivation and social support and facilitate learning experiences. Novelty: This research highlights the role of student enthusiasm in connecting learning through games, school atmosphere, and learning achievement. This adds insight into the interaction of these factors and underlines the importance of paying attention to students' enthusiasm for learning.
Development of Animation Learning Media Based on PBL to Improve Thematic Learning Outcomes Students
Authors: Chandra Lala Dyah , Pargito Pargito , Yulianti Dwi , Maulina Dina
Published: June 2024

Objective: 21st-century learning must prepare generations of Indonesian people to support information and communication technology advances in social life. The rapid development of technology in the current era of globalization provides multiple benefits for the world of education, so education requires students who play an active role and educators who create innovative learning. Learning innovation can be done in various ways, including developing interactive learning media. This aims to create exciting learning to improve students' thematic learning outcomes. Method: The research used Borg & Gall's research and development, creating an ecosystem into three stages in the VA and VB classes at 5 Way Serdang Public Elementary School. The sample consisted of 42 students in the experimental and control classes. The data analysis technique uses the Effect Size test. Results: The data obtained had an effect size of 1.02, with an extensive interpretation of the effect. Novelty: This research presents novelty by designing PBL-based animated learning media containing menus and moving images on the media to attract students' attention and enthusiasm. This aims to improve students' thematic learning outcomes.
Description of Students' Critical Thinking Skills After Implementing the Problem Posing Model Assisted by PheT in Distance Learning
Authors: Rochim Roudhoutul Aulia , Af’idah Noer , Wulandari Desi
Published: June 2024

Objective: The primary objective of this research is to assess the development of critical thinking skills after implementing the PhET-assisted problem-posing learning model in distance education. Method: This study adopts a pre-experimental approach with a one-shot case study design. The study sample comprises 18 students enrolled in the 2023 cohort of the UNHASY Natural Science Education study program. Results: The findings indicate that the average critical thinking score is 79.86, falling within the high category. The distribution of students' critical thinking skills across various categories revealed that 44% belong to the highest category. Notably, the proportions of critical thinking skill indicators are exclusively concentrated in the medium, high, and very high categories, with no instances falling into the low categories. These results underscore the efficacy of employing the PhET-assisted problem-posing learning model as a viable strategy for enhancing students' critical thinking abilities. Novelty: The researcher chose the PhET-assisted problem-posing model, one of the media based on information and communication technology in the form of a virtual laboratory regarding critical thinking skills.
Implementation of the School Curriculum to Empower Education in the Digital Era 4.0 for Quality Human Resources
Authors: Sari Febriani Dwi , Rugaiyah Rugaiyah
Published: June 2024

Objective: The development of the digitalization era cannot be avoided. The development of science in various fields, mainly Information and Communication Technology (ICT), is rapidly increasing. An educator needs to update and introduce students to be more technology literate. One is implementing a curriculum that empowers education in the digital era 4.0. This research aims to provide an understanding that the right curriculum for students will produce quality human resources in the era of globalization. Method: This research uses a qualitative approach with a literature study or literature review method. Data was collected by reviewing official sites such as Google Scholar, Research Gate, Public and Perish, and Sinta. Result: The results showed that implementing a curriculum relevant to the demands of the times is a must. The curriculum must reflect learners' needs and create creative, innovative, and competitive individuals. Novelty: This research offers new insight into implementing a school curriculum that supports enhancing students' digitalization capabilities in the Industry 4.0 era. In addition, this research also explores how curriculum can play a role in creating quality human resources. This research recommends that education should continue to be sensitive to the times and implement the curriculum according to the needs of current and future learners.
Students’ Perception of Cultural Literacy Development in Higher Education
Authors: Rizal Awaludin , Dollah Syarifuddin , Abduh Amirullah , Jabu Baso , Basri Muhammad , Mustikawati Yunitari , Usman Abdurrahman Hi.
Published: June 2024

Objective: This study investigated the EFL students' perceptions of cultural literacy development in higher education. Method: The research design was an ethnographic study. The study was conducted in two private and state universities in Indonesia. The subjects were students from the English education department at two universities. The researcher chose four students from each university as research subjects who know and understand more about cultural literacy development. The technique for analyzing data in the ethnographic study was descriptive labels, selecting, identifying, generalizing, and noting. Result: This study's findings showed that in higher education, two students have a high perception, one has a moderate, and the last one has a low perception of cultural literacy development in the academic context. Each student’s category generally has a different impact on the development of their cultural literacy in the academic context. Novelty: This study produces the Makugawene (harmonic) Cultural Literacy model to develop EFL students' cultural literacy in higher education.
Separatism in Belgium: Key Factors Governing Walloon-Flemish Discrepancies
Authors: Sergeev A.
Published: June 2024

The study is devoted to a retrospective analysis of separatism in Belgium and its development given the existing ethnic conflict between Flemish and Walloons. The research depicts the historical and contemporary dynamics of the problem. The aim of the study is to identify major factors that contributed to aggravation of the ethnic conflict and institutionalization of separatism, as well as influenced the further transformation of the separatist discourse in the country. To achieve this goal, the author uses an interdisciplinary approach with the use of historic, political science and economic categories and methods. The methodological basis of the work is formed by modern theoretical views on the types and causes of separatist sentiments, as well as options and strategies for dealing with the problem. The study relies on qualitative historical methods, it also uses statistical analysis, data from sociological surveys, and analyzes a wide range of documents, including the programs of political parties. One might argue that the evolution of ethnic separatism in Belgium was influenced by the following factors: linguistic division (as a fundamental precondition of the conflict), the factor of elites (which determined the main vector of the separatist discourse), the external factor (which contributed to the formation of Flemish separatism), the economic factor (which gave an impetus to the institutionalization of the country's division) and the ‘institutional’ factor itself. The latter is understood as the formation of ethnic groups in the country that are actually isolated from one another at the expense of the development of a full-fledged system of regional and community institutions. This factor seems to be extremely important, as it contributed to the ‘freezing’ of the ethnic conflict and at the same time incorporated a large number of imbalances associated with ethnic division into the system of consociational democracy. As a result, the stabilization of the conflict was achieved at the expense of destabilizing the central government in the country. In the modern political system of Belgium, the separatist discourse is widely instrumentalized. The ideas of dividing the country and reforming the state structure are gradually losing their impetus due to the emergence of new problems (migration, economic crisis, anti-establishment sentiments) and changing priorities of the right- wing political forces.
Download Automático com Wget
Authors: Milligan Ian
Published: June 2024

O Wget é um programa muito útil, que corre no computador através da linha de comandos, para facilitar o acesso a material online.
THE LEARNING AND TEACHING TOOLS IN AYURVEDA – A LITERARY REVIEW
Authors: Sukkur M Abdul
Published: June 2024

Background: The science of life is recognised universally due to the wider approach towards its attempts to regain and maintain health. Health is considered nothing less than a troubleless and comfortable energy to both the
body and mind. Understanding the gravity of the knowledge hidden in Ayurveda in forthcoming years and identifying the benefits of the health science is the aim of the study. Methods: A study based on the conventional
methods of study prevalent in Ayurveda with the help of available literature. Results: The change in teaching
methodology and scope of knowledge of Ayurveda is the need of the hour. Discussion: The knowledge-gaining
method is a never-ending process and will continue till the end of life. The propagation and understanding of
knowledge of Ayurveda will never end, and for generations, the process will be altered according to the advancement of technology. But the knowledge inherited from generations will remain the same. Conclusion: Health science knowledge will remain the same even with the emergence of advanced technology, but the pattern of understanding and application may sometimes alter.
Heitor Villa-Lobos’s Magdalena: classical music, the Broadway stage and the challenges of reimagining
Authors: Hess Carol A.
Published: June 2024

This essay explores Magdalena, the sole foray into the Broadway musical by the celebrated Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, which premiered in 1948. Until recently, “serious” musicology treated the musical only rarely. Nowadays, however, many scholars have analyzed the musical—considered by many the “quintessentially American” genre—from aesthetic, social, cultural, and political perspectives. Musicological study of Villa-Lobos reflects this bias: previously, scholars concentrated on his symphonies, his piano music, his chamber works, and his operas, largely overlooking Magdalena. In this project, Magdalena is the main focus. I evaluate Villa-Lobos’s status in the United States, relating the reception of his works to prevailing images of Latin American music. I propose that Magdalena, known in theater circles as the “Latin American musical,” constitutes a chapter, albeit a brief one, in the discourse of “tropicalization,” a term coined by Frances R. Aparicio and Susana Chávez-Silverman to refer to the tendency on the part of the mass audience in the U.S. to reduce Latin America to a unitary fantasy, a phenomenon that aptly meshes with some of the values of the classic Broadway musical. Finally, since many classic musicals are now being reshaped in accordance with current sensibilities on race, gender, class, and identity, I offer possible reimaginings of Magdalena.
Evaluasi Efektivitas Pemanfaatan Aplikasi E-Musrenbang Berbasis Geospasial dalam Pembangunan di Kota Bontang
Authors: Mashudi Eko , Paselle Enos
Published: June 2024

The aim of this research is to evaluate how well the e-Musrenbang application performs in the North Bontang Regency area in terms of development planning. The importance of implementing e-Government and Electronic-Based Government Systems in development planning is the driving force for this research. e-Musrenbang, an application with a geographical focus, is a method used to help communities get involved in development. With a research focus on North and South Bontang Regencies, this research uses qualitative methodology. The research objects are represented by Guntung Village and Tanjung Laut Indah Village. Using Budiani's theory, this research focuses on the characteristics of goal setting, socialization, target accuracy, and monitoring. Utilizing secondary data, interviewing relevant informants, and observation are the methods used for data collection. The research findings show how well the e-Musrenbang application is able to increase community involvement in planning and development in North Bontang District and South Bontang District. In this case, the public can convey their ambitions more easily online thanks to this program, which also helps the government in regulating and monitoring these aspirations. In addition, the application of geospatial technology makes development planning easier and more precise and focused. However, there are several shortcomings in this research, such as research topics that are limited to two different sub-districts and data collection techniques that only use qualitative techniques. Therefore, to have a more thorough understanding of the usability of this application, it is recommended that future research integrate qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
Chondroid Syringomas of Scalp in a Middle-Aged Female: A Case Report
Authors: MP Ramprashanth
Published: June 2024

Background: Chondroid syringomas are rare benign mixed epithelial tumors of the skin which share similarities with pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland. Clinical Description: Middle-aged female with swelling over the right parietal region of scalp for 5 years with a history of recurrence for 2 years. Management: Ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration of the swelling was done. Excision under local anesthesia was carried out and the specimen was sent for histopathological analysis. Conclusion: Histopathological diagnosis of excised tumors is crucial in planning further management for the patient and has to be made compulsorily in all cases.