bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrast Enhancement of Scintigraphic Image Using Fuzzy Intensification
Authors: Pandey Anil Kumar , Dogra Sakshi , Sharma Param Dev , Jaleel Jasim , Patel Chetan , Kumar Rakesh
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

The objective of this study was to see the effect of fuzzy intensification (INT) operator on enhancement of scintigraphic image.

Materials and Methods:

Nuclear medicine physician (NMP) provided 25 scintigraphic images that required enhancement. The image pixels value was converted into fuzzy plane and was subjected to contrast INT operator with parameters of INT operator i.e., cross-over = 0.5 and number of iterations = 1 and 2. The enhanced image was again brought back into spatial domain (de-fuzzification) whose intensity value was in the range 0–255. NMP compared the enhanced image with its input image and labeled it as acceptable or unacceptable. The quality of enhanced image was also accessed objectively using four different image metrics namely: Entropy, edge content, absolute mean brightness error and saturation metrics.

Results:

Most of the enhanced images (18 out of 25 images) obtained at cross-over = 0.5 and number of iterations = 1 are acceptable and found to have overall better contrast compared to the corresponding input image. Four images (two brain positron emission tomography scan and two I-131 scan) obtained at cross-over = 0.5 and with iteration = 2 are acceptable. Three input images (one dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), one I-131 and one I-131- metaiodo-benzyl-guanidine (MIBG) scan) were better than their enhanced images.

Conclusions:

The enhancement produced by fuzzy INT operator was encouraging. Majority of enhanced images were acceptable at cross-over = 0.5 and number iterations = 1.
A Rare Case of Massive Bilateral Renomegaly due to Primary Involvement by Mantle Cell Lymphoma on 18 F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography
Authors: Solanki Ritanshu , Kavanal Anwin Joseph , Singh Harmandeep , Kumar Rajender , Prakash Gaurav
Published: November 2022

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with an annual incidence of 5%, common in men with a median age of 60–70 years. Renal involvement is seen in about 0.7% of the extranodal lymphomas. The bilateral presentation is seen in 10%–20% of cases. There have been many case reports of MCL with renal involvement; however, primary renal involvement by MCL is extremely rare. We hereby describe the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomographic findings in primary MCL involving the bilateral kidneys.
Job demands and job resources for job satisfaction and quality health outcomes among nurses during COVID-19
Authors: Manchana Varalakshmi
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for the Indian health-care system. Nurses, being vital partners of health care, experience tremendous challenges and job stress to deliver quality health care with limited resources. Drastic surge in health-care demands during COVID-19 pandemic amplified the challenges for nurses, yet it remains a neglected area of concern. Job resources like working conditions, team support, and job demands like workload, stress, and ethical dilemmas greatly affect the job satisfaction and health outcomes in nurses. The study aims to identify the job demands and resources among nurses in connection to COVID 19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted to assess the impact of job demands and resources among registered nurses (N = 102). Those in the age group of 21–58 years and working in regular and COVID-19 patient care were included. Semi-structured interview schedule was used, and psychological impact was assessed through DASS-21 scale. Data analysis was done by descriptive and analytical statistical applications using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20. The level of significance was P ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS:

The study findings revealed that 66.67% of the nurses frequently experienced work pressure, 72.55%experienced frequent moral distress, and 80.4%were dissatisfied due to being non-participatory inpatient care decision making. Of all, 67.3% agreed that they hadjob dissatisfaction and 79.4% felt conflicting work climate.

CONCLUSION:

Nurses, being key players in the health care, experience constant challenges in the delivery of safe and quality patient care. Addressing the challenges of job stress and promoting job resources can positively impact their job satisfaction, perceived autonomy, job morale, and commitment, which directly influence positive health outcomes.
Do social phobia and depression go hand in hand? A cross-sectional study among school-going adolescents of Northern region of India
Authors: Gupta Kezia , Semwal Jayanti , Sharma Neha , Srivastava Abhay , Vyas Shaili
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND:

The preeminent mental health conditions, namely social phobia and depression among adolescents, usually remain incognito. The transition period from childhood to adulthood makes adolescents more liable for low amour-propre, loneliness, and even increases the suicidal tendencies among them. To burgeon the knowledge regarding social phobia and depression among adolescents, the present study was put forward with the objective to assess the prevalence of social anxiety disorders (social phobia) and depression among adolescents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was conducted for 2 months on 600 students aged 10–19 years belonging to classes VIII–XII of government and private schools in the Dehradun district recruited through multistage random sampling technique. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire having sociodemographic details, validated self-administered tools, Social Phobia Inventory tool, and Kutchers Adolescent Depression Scale (Cronbach's alpha: 0.77 and 0.79) were used. Statistical package for social sciences, version 23 was used for data analysis. Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Pearson correlation analysis were used for analysis

RESULTS:

Prevalence of social phobia was found to be 37% among school-going adolescents. Further, 23.7% of the study participants had mild social phobia, while moderate and severe phobia was seen among 11.5% and 2.3%, respectively. Females had more moderate and severe social phobia than males. Adolescents of government schools had more moderate affective distress and somatic distress as compared to adolescents of private schools.

CONCLUSION:

Social phobia and depression among school-going adolescents are on the upsurge. The present study shows that social phobia and depression have a strong correlation among themselves, which needs to be addressed as expeditiously as possible. Coping strategies and social skill therapy and programs are pressing priorities for the fulgent future of adolescents.
Explaining the challenges of hospitals admitting COVID-19 patients from the perspective of managers (a qualitative study)
Authors: Tabatabaee Seyed Saeed , Vatandoost Vahid , Saghi Fatemeh Kokabi , Daghighbin Elahe
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND:

Crises are often unavoidable events that occur around the world. Hospitals play an important role in treating patients and preventing extensive injuries in times of crisis, requiring adequate preparedness. In order to design a proper planning system, it is essential to be aware of the challenges of hospitals during a crisis. The purpose of this study was to explain the challenges of hospitals admitting COVID-19 patients in the city of Mashhad, Iran, from the perspective of their managers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study employed a qualitative approach, using the method of conventional content analysis and was conducted from May to July 2020. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit the senior managers of hospitals admitting COVID-19 patients in Mashhad. The interviews were conducted face to face, with open-ended questions following an interview guide based on semi-structured questions, and continued until data saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using Atlas Ti software.

RESULTS:

After the implementation of the interviews, first 665 initial codes were extracted from the data, and after removing the overlapping sequences, a total of 115 codes were obtained. Three categories (organizational challenges, extra organizational challenges, and challenges related to information domain), 13 sub-categories, and 33 codes were extracted from the content analysis of the interviews. The main themes propounded in the field of challenges of COVID-19 referral hospitals in Mashhad were organizational challenges, extra organizational challenges, and information domain challenges.

DISCUSSION:

The results of this study showed that the hospitals admitting COVID-19 patients in Mashhad faced many challenges. To improve the quality of services in postcrisis phase, replacing hospitals' equipment, revising curriculums at medical universities, staff retraining, recruiting skilled human resources, and creating a supportive community context are necessary.

CONCLUSION:

For sure, the COVID-19 crisis will not be the last one, we have to be prepared for the bigger health crisis.
Beliefs and expectations on digital learning and examinations among adult learners of a tertiary level health-care institution
Authors: Bhaskarapillai Binukumar , Mishra Rajeeb K. , Rao Girish N. , Govindan Radhakrishnan
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) constrained the regular teaching in educational institutions and hampered the teaching–learning process across the globe. E-learning method is widely used in higher education in the current situation. the objective is to assess the beliefs and expectations of the students on e-learning among adult learners of a tertiary level health-care institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A single group pre-post design was adopted. Microsoft Go two-in-one devices were used to find the effectiveness of e-learning, including digital exam solution. Depending on the availability of device, 25 participants were selected for the study from three different steams. A 5-point Likert scale was used for assessing the quality, adoptability, and acceptance of digital education developed by the researchers. Chi-square/Fisher's exact or McNemar's test was used to test the association between independent or related categorical variables. Comparison of the average score between different courses was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test.

RESULTS:

Twenty-two participants who completed the final assessment were retained for the analysis. Majority of the participants believed that e-learning helps to achieve personal learning goals or objectives and bridge skill or knowledge gaps and caters to learning preferences. However, the overall quality score across the study groups was found to be statistically insignificant (Kruskal–Wallis statistic: 1.26; P value: 0.533).

CONCLUSION:

The findings show that the adult learners in higher education, irrespective of their age differences, believe that intense e-learning support with Microsoft Go two-in-one device has a complementary effect on their learning outcome.
Erysipelothrix Bacteremia; is Endocarditis a Rule?
Authors: Challa Haripriya Reddy , Tayade Ashwini Choudary , Venkatesh Srimathy , Nambi P Senthur
Published: November 2022

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a Gram-positive bacillus, a zoonotic pathogen rarely causing human infections ranging from localized skin infections to invasive infections such as endocarditis. In this report, we present two cases of Erysipelothrix bacteremia. The first case is a native valve tricuspid endocarditis, which is a highly unusual valve to be involved. The second case is bacteremia, probably secondary to a minor skin breach, which did not involve heart valves. Erysipelothrix bacteremia is considered highly associated with infective endocarditis and a high mortality rate, which could be a bias due to underreporting of Erysipelothrix bacteremia without endocarditis. Erysipelothrix is intrinsically resistant to vancomycin, the first-line agent for Gram-positive bacteremia. Both the patients in this report were treated successfully with ceftriaxone.
Monitoring the Host Immune Response in Sepsis
Authors: Rello Jordi , Watkins Richard R.
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by immune system dysregulation whose pathophysiology still remains incompletely understood. Better outcomes in patients with sepsis have not been reached despite guidelines updates, development of rapid diagnostic tests, and proper hemodynamic and antimicrobial management. Blood cultures are time-consuming and may delay important therapeutic decisions. Nonculture-based techniques overcome some limitations seen with culture-based techniques with early phenotypic identification of resistance remaining as the cornerstone of optimal diagnosis. A new paradigm has started adjusting preemptive therapy for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection among kidney transplant patients based on monitoring the host immune response. In this review from a PubMed literature search in adults with sepsis or septic shock, we identified newer tests and highlight some advances in monitoring the host immune response for personalized adjunctive therapy. Monitoring the individual host immune response at the bedside is an unmet clinical need to guide immunomodulatory therapy. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to a further understanding of the complex immunopathology of sepsis and opened new avenues for mitigating immune dysregulation. In this review, we discuss current evidence regarding the immune response to sepsis along with challenges and directions for future research.
Bronchiectasis associated with severe COPD
Authors: Doria da Silva Silvia Maria , Moreira Marcos Mello , Paschoal Ilma Aparecida , Pereira Monica Corso
Published: November 2022

Background:

Bronchiectasis is frequently identified in patients with COPD, especially in severe patients, but the relevance of this finding remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the factors that would increase the chance of having bronchiectasis in patients with severe COPD.

Methods:

This is an analytical, observational, cross-sectional study. Patients with severe COPD with (BC group) and without bronchiectasis (NBC group) were clinically evaluated and performed spirometry, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), volumetric capnography (VCap) and high resolution computed tomography (CT). CT was scored for the findings, and multiple linear regression was performed to identify variables related to the score's severity and logistic regression in order to identify factors that could be associated with the presence of bronchiectasis.

Results:

There was no significant difference between BC and NBC groups regarding clinical variables, except in the smoking load, which was lower in the BC group. In functional evaluation, NBC patients walked shorter distances in 6MWT (P < 0.005). In the BC group the distribution of CT findings was mostly bilateral and in lower lobes. Using the multiple linear regression analysis within the BC group, we found that the higher the bronchiectasis score, the higher ?SpO2 during the 6MWT and the lower the FVC. The chance of having bronchiectasis was 4.78 times higher in the presence of positive isolates (sputum) (CI 1.35-16.865; P = 0.023). The higher the distance covered (6MWT) and Slp3 (VCap), (OR 1.01, CI 1.004; 1.0202, P = 0.0036; OR 1.04, CI 1.003; 1.077; P = 0.036), the greater are likelihood of bronchiectasis.

Conclusions:

In patients with COPD and bronchiectasis, higher CT scores were associated with worse lung function and a greater drop in oxygenation during exercise.
Clinical profile of small-cell lung cancer in North India
Authors: Iyer Hariharan , Ghosh Tamoghna , Agarwal Harsh , Garg Avneet , Pandey Rambha , Jain Deepali , Tiwari Pawan , Mittal Saurabh , Hadda Vijay , Madan Karan , Guleria Randeep , Mohan Anant
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

The small cell variant is a relatively uncommon but aggressive form of lung cancer. The present study aims to analyse the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of an ambispectively enrolled large cohort of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in the Indian population over a decade-long period.

Materials and Methods:

All patients diagnosed with SCLC between 2008 and 2020 at a tertiary care lung cancer clinic were included. The clinical details, demographics, details of investigations, treatment and survival outcomes were recorded and analysed.

Results:

A total of 361 patients were included. The majority were males (86.4%) with a mean (SD) age of 57.3 (12.3) years. Further, 34.9% were current smokers, with the median smoking index being 520 (interquartile range [IQR]: 260–1000). The majority had good performance status, that is, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale (ECOG) 0 or 1 (65%), and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) ≥70 (85.9%). Also, 73.3% had extensive stage disease. The median time from symptom onset to definitive diagnosis was 91 days. Treatment details were available for 179 patients: chemotherapy only (n = 128), combined chemo-radiotherapy (n = 41) and radiotherapy only (n = 10). The median (IQR) progression-free survival (PFS) was 182 (94 to 306) days and the median (IQR) overall survival (OS) was 205 (94 to 429) days. On univariate analysis, factors that significantly affected survival included smoking index and performance status. However, on multivariate analysis, only the performance status significantly affected PFS, whereas none of these factors were significant for OS.

Conclusions:

SCLC predominantly affects males with a heavy smoking index. The diagnosis is usually made late; survival remains poor and is predominantly affected by the performance status.
Clinical spectrum, management, and outcome of rectovaginal fistulae
Authors: Sibiya Silindokuhle Revivial , Ramphal Surandhra , Madiba Thandinkosi , Anderson Frank
Published: November 2022

Background: There are limited reports on rectovaginal fistulae in South Africa. Methods: This was a prospective analysis of all patients undergoing treatment for RVF at a tertiary referral hospital. Data was extracted from the database between2006 and 2018 and analysis included demographics, aetiology, management, and outcome. The main outcome measure was healing of the fistula. Results: Fifty patients were identified [Median age 36 (IQR 28-42) years]. HIV status was positive (31), negative (5) and unknown (14). Commonest causes were obstetric (17), perineal sepsis (14) and spontaneous (8) (Table 2). Median duration of symptoms was 34.5 months (IQR 5-72) (Diagram 1). Forty-two patients underwent 55 surgical procedures (including 14 redos). In 32 patients RVF repair was undertaken under colostomy cover and 28/42 fistulae healed after the initial repair (66.7%), final success rate was (41/42) 97.6%. Two of eight fistulae healed after non-operative management (25%). Conclusion: Obstetric injury was the leading cause of RVF. HIV positive patients predominated. Spontaneous fistulae were seen in immunocompromised patients. Success rate was 97.6% over a healing time of 3 months. Non-operative management led to healing in 25% of cases.
Lived experience of healthcare professionals providing safe abortion in Rwanda
Authors: Musabwasoni M. G. S. , Ngoga E. , Sitini B. , Muganda J. , Kanyamanza E. , Nyiringango E. , Tengera O. , Uwimana M. C. , Muganwa K. , Bazirere O. , Mukeshimana M. , Uhawenimana T. C.
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND: Various countries have ratified the law declaring that safe abortion is a fundamental women’s right. Rwanda has expanded legal grounds for abortion in Law n° 68/2018 of 30/08/2018, determining offenses and penalties in general. This study aimed to gain an in- depth understanding of how physicians, midwives and nurses perceive safe abortion service provision and their experience of providing the service in Rwanda.

METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological method with transcendental theory devised by Husserl Edmund was used to guide this study. A non-random purposive sampling recruited twenty-three informants, and a semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data. The data analysis used NVivo pro 12 software to categorize and code ideas, while the eight steps of transcendental descriptive phenomenology were used to generate the final themes. RESULTS: Four themes with ten sub-themes were generated: (1) personal feelings and beliefs (humiliation and stigma, guilty and wonder); (2) resilient mechanisms (Clients’ protection, institutional support, appreciation of the law); (3) training and (4) informants’ recommendations (integrated service, community awareness, psychological support, follow-up).

CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers’ willingness to provide safe abortion services depend on the individual’s beliefs about abortion. Professionalism and resilient mechanisms are key to sustaining the safe abortion service provision in addition to the law determining offenses and penalties in general in Rwanda.
Space-Vector Transient Analysis of Delta-Connected ThreePhase Loads
Authors:   Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy, Bellan Diego
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the time-domain equivalent circuit for three-phase delta-connected loads, within the frame of the Clarke transformation and the space vector approach,is derived. The proposed theoretical derivation is a further contribution to extend the general theory of the space-vector approach for transient analysis of three-phase networks. In fact, since space vectors are defined in the time domain, the proposed methodology can be used for three-phase transient analysis, whereas the conventional steady-state analysis results as a special case. The theoretically derived equivalent circuit is validated through Matlab/Simulink simulation of a case study consisting in a specific three-phase active load. Keywords—Clarke transformation, power system analysis, space vec
The Effect of Powder Granulometric Composition on the Structure and Size of the Porous Ceramics Channels
Authors:   Mobile Solutions Engineering Center, Russian Technological University MIREA, Moscow, Russia, Ponomarev Sergey , Yushin Denis , Tarasovskii Vadim
Published: November 2022

The paper studies the structure of the end-toend channel network of porous ceramic specimens. Electro corundum powders with different granulometric compositions were used to manufacture ceramics, which was achieved by grinding electro corundum in a ball mill for various time periods. The characteristic dimensions of end-to-end channels of porous ceramics were determined. A relationship was established between the granulometric composition of powders and the properties of theend-to-end channel network in porous ceramics. It is shown that the largest pores, whose size monotonically depends on the powder average particle size, comprise most of the pore space of a permeable ceramic manufactured, using narrow-fraction powders. On the other hand, if a powder with polydisperse particle size is used for ceramics manufacturing, a wide range of pore channel sizes is observed. The smaller the pores, the greater their contribution to the ceramic pore space. It should be noted that such information makes it possible to purposefully design materials with the required structure, which is most optimal for a particular product (filter elements, heat-insulating materials, etc.). Keywords — electrocorundum, permeable ceramics, end-toend channels, liquid extrusion porosimeter, granulometric powder composition, filter elements.
Dual-Path Coupled-Line Dual-Band Bandpass Filter with Synthesis
Authors:   Microwave Research Institute (MRI), UniversitiTeknologi MARA (UiTM), 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Khan Zuhani Ismail , Rashid Nur Emileen Abd , Shariff Khairul KhaiziMohd , Zakaria Nor Ayu Zalina , Rahim S. A. Enche Ab
Published: November 2022

A dual-band bandpass filter topology based on the use of dual-path coupled lines is presented. It exhibits a 2nd order dual-band response with three transmission zeros that gives a wide separation of the passbands, and from the rejection bands. A simplified circuit diagram of the topology is proposed along with a global synthesis that can be used to control the transmission zeros, the center frequency, and the bandwidth of the passbands, by varying the length and impedance of the filter elements. The filter topology was implemented in the design of two dual-band microstrip filters on TRF45 substrate to validate the idea. Measurement results show that the center transmission zero is at 2.55 GHz, and the two passbands are centered at 1.81 GHz and 3.02 GHz. It provides isolation of up to 31 dB between the passbands. Keywords—Dual-mode, dual-band, microstrip, bandpass filters.
The clinical, functional, and radiological features of hand osteoarthritis: TLAR-osteoarthritis multi-center cohort study
Authors: Tuncay Duruöz Mehmet , Erdem Gürsoy Didem , Tuncer Tiraje , Altan Lale , Ayhan Figen , Bal Ajda , Bilgilisoy Meral , Cerrahoğlu Lale , Çapkın Erhan , Fatih Çay Hasan , Çevik Remzi , Durmaz Berrin , Dülgeroğlu Deniz , Gürer Gülcan , Gürsoy Savaş , Hepgüler Simin , Hizmetli Sami , Kaçar Cahit , Kaptanoğlu Ece , Kaya Taciser , Ecesoy Hilal , Alkan Melikoğlu Meltem , Nas Kemal , Nur Hakan , Özçakır Şüheda , Sarıdoğan Merih , Sarıkaya Selda , Sezer İlhan , Sindel Dilşad , Şahin Nilay , Şahin Özlem , Faruk Şendur Ömer , Taşçı Bozbaş Gülnur , Tıkız Canan , Uğurlu Hatice
Published: November 2022

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiological features of hand osteoarthritis (OA) and to examine their relationships in different geographic samples of the Turkish population.

Patients and methods: Between April 2017 and January 2019, a total of 520 patients (49 males, 471 females; mean age: 63.6±9.8 years) with hand OA were included in the study from 26 centers across Turkey by the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR). The demographic characteristics, grip strengths with Jamar dynamometer, duration of hand pain (month), the severity of hand pain (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]), and morning stiffness were evaluated. The functional disability was evaluated with Duruöz Hand Index (DHI). The Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) OA scoring system was used to assess the radiological stage of hand OA.

Results: The DHI had significant correlations with VAS-pain (r=0.367, p<0.001), duration of pain (r=0.143, p=0.001) and bilateral handgrip strengths (r=-0.228, p=0.001; r=-0.303, p<0.001). Although DHI scores were similar between the groups in terms of the presence of hand deformity (p=0.125) or Heberden's nodes (p=0.640), the mean DHI scores were significantly higher in patients with Bouchard's nodes (p=0.015). The total number of nodes had no significant correlations with the VAS-pain and DHI score (p>0.05). The differences between the groups of radiological hand OA grades in terms of age (p=0.007), VAS-pain (p<0.001), duration of pain (p<0.001), and DHI (p<0.001) were significant. There were no significant differences between radiological hand OA grades according to the duration of the stiffness, grip strength, and BMI (p>0.05 for all).

Conclusion: In our population, the patients with hand OA had pain, functional disability, and weak grip strength. The functional impairment was significantly correlated with the severity of the pain, and the functional status was worse in high radiological hand OA grades.
Serum BMP-2 and BMP-4 levels and their relationship with disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Erhan Özdemirel Ali , Can Güven Serdar , Sarı Sürmeli Zühre , Özyuvalı Ayla , Kurt Memet , Rüstemova Diana , Peyman Yalçın Sayan Ayşe , Tutkan Hüseyin , Ataman Şebnem
Published: November 2022

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the levels of bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs), one of the pathways affecting bone turnover in these diseases, and to investigate their relationship with disease activity.

Patients and methods: Between September 2013 and July 2015, a total of 100 ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients (53 males, 48 females; median age: 40 years; range, 18 to 62 years), 58 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (25 males, 33 females; median age: 40.5 years; range, 26 to 59 years), and 102 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (55 males, 47 females; median age: 38 years; range, 18 to 55 years) were included in the study. In all groups, serum BMP-2 and BMP-4 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Demographic data (age, sex, duration of disease) and acute phase reactants of the patients at the final visit were recorded. Disease activity was assessed through the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score C-Reactive Protein (ASDAS-CRP) for AS patients and through the Disease Activity Score-28-CRP (DAS-28-CRP) for RA patients.

Results: The median BMP-2 values were found to be significantly higher in the RA group compared to the other groups and in the control group compared to the AS group (p<0.001 for both). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of median BMP-4 values (p>0.05). No significant relationship was found between serum BMP-2 and BMP-4 levels and disease activity in both AS and RA patients, while there was a weak positive correlation between erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP levels with BMP-2 level in RA patients (p=0.014, r=0.320 and p=0.029, r=0.287, respectively).

Conclusion: Our study results suggest that the BMP pathway may have different dual effects in AS and RA patients depending on the underlying pathogenesis, and that local effects are more prominent than serum levels.
İSTANBUL’DA GÖÇMENLERİN MEKÂNA YERLEŞME VE TUTUNMA DİNAMİKLERİ: BEYOĞLU ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: KAYA ERDOĞAN Esra , KURTULUŞ Hatice , YÜKSEKER Deniz
Published: November 2022

Beyoğlu, İstanbul’un en hareketli nüfusa sahip merkez ilçelerinden biridir. İlçe giderek çeşitlenen ve artan oranlarda göçmen gruplarının mekâna tutunma, yerleşme, hareketlilik dinamikleri barınma ve çalışma olanaklarının yarattığı olumsallıklar paralelinde şekillenir. Kentsel haklara ve hizmetlere erişim düzeyleri ise göçmenlerin statülerine, göçmenlik ağlarına ve sınıfsal konumlarına göre değişkenlik göstermektedir. Amaç: Bu çalışma Beyoğlu ilçesi örneğinden yola çıkarak farklı göçmen gruplarının mekânda yerleşme/tutunma dinamikleri ve kentsel mekandaki ihtiyaç, sorun ve beklentilerine dair özgün nitel veriye dayalı bir analizle, göçmenlere yönelik üretilebilecek yerel sosyal politika ve uygulamalara katkı sağlamayı amaçlamaktadır. Yöntem: Nitel veri toplama teknikleriyle yapılan saha araştırması ilçedeki beş göçmen grup ile gerçekleştirilen altı odak grup toplantısı ile uzmanlar ve kamu kurumları temsilcilerinden oluşan 19 kişi ile yapılan mülakatlara dayanmaktadır. Bulguların analizi NVİVO nitel analiz programında araştırma ekibi tarafından yapılmıştır. Bulgular: Beyoğlu’ndaki en büyük göçmen grubunu geçici koruma statüsündeki Suriyeliler oluşturmakla birlikte, ilçede çok sayıda düzensiz ve kayıtsız göçmen mevcuttur. İlçedeki göçmen varlığının en önemli belirleyenleri ilçenin sosyo-mekânsal özellikleridir. On yıllardır metruklaşmakta olan konut stoku, düzensiz veya yoksul göçmenler için barınabilecekleri bir alan yaratmıştır. Ancak konutlar insani barınma koşullarını çoğu kez karşılamamaktadır. Kamu kurumlarının bazı mahallelerdeki sosyo-mekânsal koşullara yönelik kayıtsızlığı da ilçede kayıtsız ve düzensiz göçmenlerin yerleşimini kolaylaştırmaktadır. Beyoğlu’nda yoğunlaşan yeme-içme ve konaklama sektörleri ile küçük imalat sektörünün varlığını sürdürmesi, göçmenlere kayıt dışı çalışma olanakları sunmaktadır. Beyoğlu’ndaki göçmenlerin birçoğunun kayıtsız veya düzensiz olması, sağlık hizmetleri ve eğitim gibi temel haklara ve işgücü piyasalarına erişimlerini olumsuz etkilemektedir. Kayıtsız ve düzensiz göçmenlerin çocuklarının örgün eğitime erişimi yoktur. Kayıtsız Suriyelilerin çocukları arasında çocuk işçiliği de yaygındır. Göçmenlerin temel sağlık hizmetleri ve bulaşıcı hastalıklardan korunma ve tedavi hizmetlerine erişiminin çok yetersiz olması, halk sağlığı açısından da bir risk oluşturmaktadır. Kötü ve kalabalık konutlarda yaşayan kadın ve çocuk göçmenlerin mahalle içerisindeki birkaç park haricinde sosyalleşme mekanları neredeyse yoktur.Özgünlük: Çalışmada göçmenlerin mekâna yerleşimlerinde belirleyici olan sosyo-mekânsal örüntülerin tespiti ile farklı niteliklerdeki göçmen gruplarının mekâna yerleşme ve tutunma dinamikleri arasındaki ayrımlar ve benzerliklerin analizi göç alandaki çalışmalara özgün bir katkı sağlamaktadır.
Evaluating Consumer Behavior to Identify Significant Factors Influencing Trust in Web-based Health Information
Authors: Bagla Piyush , Kumar Kuldeep
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: The Internet has been welcomed for its role in enhancing inclusivity and global development; its use by the general population in health has also raised severe challenges. Evaluating the legitimacy of the medical information that may be found on the Internet is generally considered to be one of the most difficult aspects of using the internet.
Objective: The purpose of this research is to identify the key criteria that internet users consider when judging the trustworthiness of health information found on the internet.
Methods: We carried out an online survey in the form of a questionnaire with the purpose of monitoring the responses of three hundred participants belonging to a variety of age groups, on how they evaluate web-based health information. Their responses are recorded on a Likert scale, then statistically analyzed using exploratory factor analysis. The proposed methodology integrates several techniques - Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin(KMO)&Bartlett's test, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Kaiser's criteria, and oblique rotation to identify significant factors influencing Web-based Health Information (WHI).
Results:  For the reliability statistics we are getting a Cronbach alpha value of 0.961 for the survey instrument, which shows that the internal consistency among the variable is high. We found that the most essential factors for determining the quality of online health information are credibility (3.80), recommendations (3.33), verification (3.76), and user-friendliness (3.61).
Conclusion: According to our results, the factors that were revealed in this research seem to have a significant impact on the level of trust shown by individuals who look for health information online. These factors have the potential to be employed in the development of an automated tool that can determine the level of trust associated with web-based health information in a future study.
Enhancing the Performance of Association Rule Generation over Dynamic Data using Incremental Tree Structures
Authors: P NARESH , R Suguna
Published: November 2022

To discover a novel and dynamic approach for frequent itemsets generation and also for generating association rules is an imperative aspect in data mining. With the fast increase in databases, new transactions added, the incremental mining is acquainted to resolve the issues of maintaining association rules in updated databases. Earlier algorithms focused on this problem which consumed more time and costly to mine. This paper intends to analyze the tree construction like Frequent Pattern-tree(FP),PreOrderCoded(POC) tree and PrePostCoded(PPC) tree for sinking overheads and time constraints. To overcome theissueof updating association rules when new transactions addition this paper proposes a dynamic frequent itemsets mining approach using Incremental PreOrderCoded (IPOC)tree. This will reduce computational and scanning overheads of original dataset against addition of new transaction items and also works in an optimized way. An analysis was done on existing algorithms and compares time complexities for various standard datasets. The proposed approach shown better performance against existed ones over time and efficiency.
Implementation of the Principle of Good Faith in the Sharia Financial Technology Contract of PT. Qazwa Mitra Hasanah
Authors:   Master of Law, Universitas Diponegoro Semarang – Indonesia, Kamal Wafda Ahmad Thoriq , Setyowati Ro’fah ,   Master of Law, Universitas Diponegoro Semarang – Indonesia
Published: November 2022

: PT. Qazwa Mitra Hasanah is a Sharia Financial Technology industry that has been licensed to provide offers in the form of financing using the supply chain financing method and this is supported by using contracts with mudarabah and murabahah contracts. The principle of good faith is an essential principle that must be present in the contract on the basis of Article 1339 of the Civil Code. That in this writing the method of approach used applies the method of normative juridical approach. This approach revolves around applicable laws and regulations such as laws and regulations in the normative legal research corpor of PT. Qazwa Mitra Hasanah. The contract must be executed in good faith meaning that the parties to the agreement must execute the substance of the contract based on the trust and confidence and good will of the parties. Implementation of the principle of good faith in PT. Qazwa Mitra Hasanah can be interpreted, that an agreement should be carried out honestly and cleanly, so that in its implementation it will be reflected legal certainty and a sense of fairness for the parties to the agreement.
Effects of Instructional and Non-Instructional Tasks on the Workloads of Classroom Teachers in a Vocational College in China
Authors:   Graduate School, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Manila, Philippines, Dongrui Xia
Published: November 2022

This study discusses the current situation of professional identity of early childhood education students in colleges from three aspects: professional cognition, professional attitude and emotion, and professional behaviour, and tries to understand the influencing factors of professional identity, including personal information, scholastic performance, etc. The study determined the relationship between the professional identity with the scholastic performance of the prospective early childhood education teachers. Results show that scholastic performance is significantly and positively correlated with the total professional identity score and its three dimensions.
Rest Area Arrangement to Support Religious Tourism of Mount Kawi, Kebobang Village, Wonosari District, Malang Regency
Authors:   Universitas Negeri Malang, Winarno Agung , Agustina Yuli ,   Universitas Negeri Malang, Ichwanto M. Aris ,   Universitas Negeri Malang, Maruto Maruto ,   Universitas Pembangunan Nasional
Published: November 2022

Wonosari Village, Wonosari District, is located in Gunung Kawi, Malang Regency, which has an area of 4500 ha, with a population of 700,000. It is part of the Malang Regency with a distance of ± 30 km from Malang City. the purpose of this community service is to provide knowledge, understanding, skills and assistance on the management of village pilot tourism management so as to improve the performance of managers which will have an impact on the utilization of local potential related to local tourism management, improve welfare, the community's economy and the performance of partner village governments in activities This community service is religious Gunung Kawi in Kebobang Village, Wonosari District, Malang Regency.
تأثير إضافة مسحوق الألمنيوم على خصائص مقاومة الانحناء والاحتراق لبوليمر البولي استر غير المشبع
Authors: محمد أحمد جاسم , حسين عبدالله عباس , إبراهيم إبراهيم كاظم
Published: November 2022

تم إضافة مسحوق الألمنيوم حشوات مالئة وبنسب وزنية (%0.5، %0.8، %1، %1.5، %2، %2.5) وعند حجم دقائق للحشوات مساو أو أقل من (150 µm) لبوليمر البولي استر غير المشبع ذو المنشأ التركي للحصول على مادة متراكبة، ولمعرفة إمكانية المضاف (مسحوق الألمنيوم) حشوات مالئة ودورها في تغيير مقاومة الانحناء وزيادة أو تقليل من الفترة الزمنية لمقاومة الاحتراق وانتشارها في المصفوفة البوليمرية. تم في هذه الدراسة العملية قياس عدة متغيرات منها مقاومة الانحناء للمادة المتراكبة و الفترة الزمنية للاحتراقية إضافة إلى إيجاد النسبة المئوية لزمن الاحتراق، وتم قياس العينات المادة الأساس (البولي استر غير المشبع) بصورة نقية و عند إضافة الحشوات (مسحوق الألمنيوم) بواسطة المجهر الضوئي (Optical Microscope) لمعرفة مدى تجانس وترابط البوليمر مع الحشوات عند إضافة النسب الوزنية. أي القيام بدراسة الترتيب الدقيق للعينات، وتم اخذ قياسات مطياف الامتصاص في منطقة الأشعة تحت الحمراء (FTIR) للبوليمر النقي وللبوليمر مع النسب الوزنية من الحشوات، أظهرت النتائج أن أقصى مقاومة انحناء للمادة البوليمرية المقواة (بمسحوق الألمنيوم) هي (140 Mpa) عند النسبة الوزنية (%0.8)، حيث إنً مسحوق الألمنيوم المضاف إلى البوليمر يعمل على تقليل الفراغات بين السلاسل البوليمرية مما يعكس إمكانية البوليمر العالية بتحمل الإجهاد المسلط عليه وتكون درجة التجانس عالية بين كل من البوليمر والحشوات المضافة و بعدها تنخفض قيم مقاومة الانحناء عند زيادة نسب المضاف إلى أنً تصل إلى اقل قيمة لها عند النسبة الوزنية (%2.5) وهي (Mpa 84.3). ولأنً سلوك المادة البوليمرية المتراكبة لمعدل زمن الاحتراق يبدأ بتأثير قوي عند النسبة (%0.5) إذ تصل قيمته إلى (168 Sec) وبعدها يبدأ بالانخفاض عند زيادة النسب الوزنية للمضاف ومن ثَم يزداد إلى إنً يصل إلى أقصى قيمة عند النسبة (%2.5) إذ تصل قيمته إلى (Sec 195) ويشذ هذا السلوك عند النسبة الوزنية (%1)، وأوضحت النتائج أيضاً بأنً النسبة المئوية لزمن الاحتراق تتراوح بين القيم السالبة عند النسب الوزنية المنخفضة من المضاف وهي (%1.5 - %0.5) وتكون موجبة عند النسب الوزنية وهي (%2 - %2.5).
Chemical composition, total phenol contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of propolis produced by honeybee Apismelliferajemenitica from FicuspalmataForssk in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bayaqoob Noofal I. M. , Rushdi Ahmed I. , Al-Ghamdi Ahmad A.
Published: November 2022

Honeybee hives were setup in Feeg village of Al-Baha province- Saudi Arabia, where Ficus palmata plants are dominant in the Juniperus procera forest. Propolis samples were collected from these hives for over a year. The propolis samples were extracted using three different solvents including dichloromethane (DCM), mixture of dichloromethane and methanol (DCM:MeOH, v:v, 2:1) and methanol (MeOH). The chemical compositions of the different propolis extracts were determine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The total phenol content (TPC) in each extract was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The free radical-scavenge activities (FRSA) of the various propolis extracts were measured by the method of 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The chemical analysis showed that the propolis extracts of the different solvents varied in composition and contained mainly diterepenoids, triterpenoids, fatty acids, n-alkane, and n-alkene. The TPC ranged from 30.5±7.8 for DCM to 168.5±23.3 mg GA/g for DCM:MeOH propolis extracts. The FRSA ranged from 6.56 % for the DCM to 19.22 % for the DCM:MeOH extracts of July 2014. The MeOH extracts of the propolis showed higher toxicity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus than the DCM:MeOH propolis extracts. The latter extracts showed the highest toxicities against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger.
Surface architecture of the mouth cavity in a carnivorous fish Scomber japonicus (Houttuyn, 1782) (Scombridae)
Authors: Baaoom Kamal Ahmed , Basmidi Abdulla Ahmed , Obbed Manal Haj
Published: November 2022

Chub mackerel Scomber japonicus (Scombridae) is a pelagic species that inhibits warm and temperate coastal waters of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. The topological characteristics of the mouth cavity of the carnivorous fish S. japonicas was studied by using light microscope. The results revealed that all the teeth of S. japonicas are pointed and canine-like, papilliform teeth present on the premaxillae and the anterior regions of the dentaries are associated with seizing, grasping and holding of prey. The morphology and distribution of different taste buds of S. Japonicas were predominantly localized at tongue and the anterior regions of the mouth cavity. Two types of taste buds are elevated from the epithelium at different levels, which may be useful for ensuring full utilization of the gustatory ability of the fish, detection and analyzing of taste substances, as well as for assessing the quality and palatability of food, during its retention in the mouth cavity. Observations of the surface architecture of the mouth cavity of S. japonicas have been discussed within the context of feeding and habitat preferences, as well as ecomorphological adaptation of the species.
Kesantunan Bahasa Sebagai Mediator antara Tingkah Laku Penutup dengan Perwatakan Bahasa dalam kalangan Pelajar di Universiti
Authors: Jamian Abdul Rasid , Md Idris Mohd Rashid , Wahid Azhar , Abdul Jobar Norfaizah , Mohammad Ariff , Omar Rosmaria
Published: November 2022

Kajian ini dilaksanakan adalah bagi mengkaji tahap tingkah laku penutup, pendidikan kesantunan bahasa dan perwatakan bahasa, menganalisis hubungan langsung antara pemboleh ubah tingkah laku penutup dan pendidikan kesantunan bahasa dengan perwatakan bahasa, dan menganalisis pendidikan kesantunan bahasa adalah mediator bagi hubungan antara tingkah laku penutup dengan perwatakan bahasa. Sampel kajian melibatkan seramai 380 orang pelajar yang mengikuti program bahasa di tiga universiti awam (UPSI, UPM dan UIA) dan tiga universiti swasta (OUM, USAS dan UTAR) yang dipilih secara rawak berstrata. Pengumpulan data secara kuantitatif dilakukan dengan menggunakan borang soal selidik melalui Google Form. Manakala, data sekunder untuk proses triangulasi menggunakan kaedah tuning interview yang melibatkan seramai 24 orang peserta kajian. Setiap universiti diwakili oleh empat orang pelajar sebagai responden kajian bagi data kualitatif. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa bentuk positif kesopanan yang paling banyak digunakan oleh pelajar adalah tutur kata dengan nilai β=0.67, p=.000. Pendidikan kesantunan bahasa telah menyumbang sebanyak 80% nilai R2 bagi perwatakan bahasa dalam kalangan pelajar. Kesimpulannya, kesantunan sewaktu berbahasa dapat diterjemahkan melalui pemilihan perkataan yang baik dan cara menuturkan perkataan berkenaan dalam situasi tertentu berdasarkan tujuan ujaran misalnya untuk menyapa, meminta, mencurahkan perasaan, mengarah, atau mempengaruhi orang lain. Bahasa dan gaya penyampaian berkait rapat dengan pendidikan kesantunan apabila digunakan dalam berkomunikasi dan berhubungan antara individu sehingga difahami maksudnya. Implikasi kajian menjelaskan bahawa bahasa adalah elemen terpenting semasa berkomunikasi bagi mewujudkan perwatakan bahasa yang menarik dalam kalangan pelajar. Pemilihan perkataan, gaya pertuturan, nada, dan bahasa tubuh yang santun menunjukkan seseorang individu itu mempunyai budi bahasa dan akhlak yang baik.
Implementasi Pembelajaran Berasaskan Projek (PBP): Manfaat dan Cabaran kepada Pelajar dan Guru
Authors: Sulong Nursyawalina , Sulong Siti Nurhanifah
Published: November 2022

Perubahan daripada penggunaan kaedah pembelajaran secara tradisional yang melibatkan peranan guru secara menyeluruh kepada pembelajaran yang berpusatkan pelajar adalah seiring dengan kemajuan teknologi masa kini yang mementingkan seseorang individu agar bersikap proaktif, berkeupayaan menyelesaikan masalah, berfikiran kritis dan kreatif serta mampu menghasilkan produk atau inovasi. Selaras dengan keperluan tersebut, strategi Pembelajaran Berasaskan Projek (PBP) telah digunakan dalam pengajaran dan pembelajaran (PdP) berdasarkan Teori Konstruktivisme iaitu “belajar dengan melakukan” atau “learning by doing”. Kertas konsep ini mengupas ciri-ciri PBP, manfaat, serta cabaran pelaksanaannya dikalangan pelajar dan guru. Kupasan yang dibuat di dalam kertas konsep ini adalah menggunakan data sekunder daripada sumber-sumber berwasit seperti jurnal dan buku kajian lepas.