bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geriatric assessment as indispensable tool for physicians, what does the future hold?
Authors: Gomez-Pina Juan Jose , Chavarria Bernardo Grados
Published: July 2023

Background: Despite the notable rise in the elderly population in Mexico, it is imperative to acknowledge and address geriatric syndromes. The employment of geriatric assessment is essential, as it offers a comprehensive evaluation of elderly patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was carried out on hospitalized patients over the age of 65, who underwent geriatric assessment performed by a multidisciplinary team comprising of a geriatrician, nurse, nutritionist, and internist. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency distribution, percentage, mean, median, and standard deviation of geriatric syndromes were obtained.
Results: Polypharmacy was identified as the primary geriatric syndrome, with a higher prevalence among males (54.3%), followed by functional impairment, with a slightly higher occurrence in males (52.5%). Among the identified geriatric syndromes, frailty, anxiety, pressure ulcers, incontinence, abuse, and caregiver collapse showed no gender preference. The majority of patients were at risk of malnutrition, as determined by the mini nutritional assessment.
Conclusions: The geriatric assessment is a valuable tool in detecting diseases in elderly patients and facilitating alterations to their treatment plans, particularly during hospitalization. However, accurate assessment of this population requires a multidisciplinary team, as it helps prevent geriatric syndromes such as polypharmacy, functional impairment, and malnutrition, which can adversely affect the elderly's quality of life.
The effects of antibiotics on liver enzymes in pregnancy
Authors: Handu Kanika , Prabhu Sujatha
Published: July 2023

Background: Antibiotics are increasingly being prescribed during pregnancy. Even though safe non-teratogenic drugs are prescribed, due to altered pharmacokinetics during pregnancy can have adverse effects on hepatic metabolism.
Methods: This was a prospective analytical study conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at ESIC Medical College and PGIMSR, Bengaluru, Bengaluru from August 2022 to January 2023, 62 pregnant women diagnosed with infection were admitted and evaluated for the effects of antibiotics on liver enzymes. All cases had undergone a baseline Liver function test before antibiotic therapy were compared and statistically analyzed with the liver enzymes, alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) values after 7 days of the antibiotic course.
Results: In this study, the mean age of pregnant women enrolled was 26±3.62 years. Both primi (45.2%) and multigravida (54.8%) were equally represented. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was cefotaxime (67.7%). The mean pre AST was 17.92±11.28 and post-AST was 18.34±15.55 U/l (paired t-test =0.861) and the mean pre-ALT was 13.09±19.82 and post-AST was 11.7±8.01 U/l (paired t-test =0.533). Hence there were no significant changes in post-AST and post-ALT compared to Pre AST and ALT values.
Conclusions: In this study the common antibiotics administered were cephalosporins and they didn’t show any effects on AST or ALT values after completing the antibiotic course.
Modified liverpool quick sequential organ failure assessment for prediction mortality amongst hospitalised patients
Authors: Mondal Jeherul Islam , Begum Rukeya
Published: July 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the Low-Quantitative Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (LqSOFA) score and outcomes in pediatric patients with suspected infection.
Methods: The study included 100 pediatric patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) with suspected infection. The LqSOFA score was calculated for each patient based on the first set of vital signs and laboratory values obtained in the ED. The primary outcomes of interest were pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission, confirmed sepsis, and mortality.
Results: The study found that an LqSOFA score of >2 predicted PICU admission with approximately 88% sensitivity and 56% specificity, and confirmed sepsis with 88% sensitivity and 47% specificity. Furthermore, an LqSOFA score of >2 predicted mortality with 94% sensitivity and 48% specificity. The duration of hospital stay also increased with increasing LqSOFA score.
Conclusions: The LqSOFA score may be a useful tool for identifying high-risk pediatric patients with suspected infection who may benefit from early intervention. Future studies are needed to validate these findings and determine the optimal threshold for the LqSOFA score in this patient population.
Trends of various techniques of tubectomy among eligible couples: a five year study in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Kaur Amrit P. , Manku Harpoonam
Published: July 2023

Background: Female sterilization is one of the most popular methods of permanent contraception for women who have completed their families. Tubectomy during caesarean section and tubal sterilization either laparoscopically or by minilaparotomy are the favoured methods in the developing countries. The aim of the current study was to assess the incidence, details of the procedure and complications of various techniques of tubectomy among women at our tertiary institute.
Methods: A retrospective analytical study was conducted in the postpartum unit of the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Medical College, Amritsar from January 2018 to December 2022. 3680 married women between 20-45 years were included in the study. The cases were grouped as caesarean tubectomy, postabortal tubal sterilization, laparoscopic sterilization and minilaparotomy.
Results: A total of 3680 cases of female sterilization were performed during the study period. Caesarean tubectomy was performed in 2921 women. 159 cases underwent postabortal sterilization while interval tubectomy by laparoscopic technique was performed in 583 cases. Only 17 cases had undergone tubectomy by minilaparotomy. Caesarean tubectomy and postabortal tubal sterilization were highly popular for puerperal sterilization.
Conclusions: Female sterilization technique in the puerperal or interval period need to be individualized based upon the timing, place and the surgical skills of the operating surgeon. An increasing trend of puerperal sterilization either by Caesarean tubectomies or postabortal laparoscopic sterilization was seen in our institute. Laparoscopic tubal ligation was preferred over minilaparotomy in the interval period.
Patterns and causes of maternal mortality in tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra, India: a 10-year retrospective study
Authors: Wakode Shamrao Ramji , Sharma Sakshi Pramod , Patil Apurva Shankarrao , Kiran P. Manisha
Published: July 2023

Background: Maternal death is a catastrophe, as death of a mother can the entire family. The aim of present study is to find out major patterns, reasons and complications leading to maternal deaths.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted for last 10 years from January 2013 to December 2022 by studying the records of a tertiary care hospital to study the maternal mortalities and complications leading to death. Maternal deaths were analyzed by considering different facets, such as age at death, gravida, locality of residence, admission death interval and direct and indirect cause/s of death, etc.
Results: During the study period, total of 107753 live births and 202 maternal deaths have been recorded. The average maternal mortality rate of last ten years was 187.46/100000 live births. Age wise maternal mortality during the study period was high in the age 19 to 25. Major direct cause of maternal mortality was postpartum hemorrhage, (23%) and major indirect cause observed was anemia (43%). Admission to death interval time indicates that delay in provision of treatment and referral to tertiary care hospital might be the reason responsible for high maternal deaths.
Conclusions: Maternal deaths can be prevented by improving the health care facilities, ensuring skilled attendants and required basic medication. This is high time to mobilize universal, national, regional, and community-based commitment to decrease maternal mortalities.
Prevalence and causes of blindness in patients coming to a tertiary eye care centre in western Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Priya Manu , Mehrotra Neelima , Tripathi Shipra , Singh Kunwar G. , Mishra Ram M. , Agarwal Aastha
Published: July 2023

Background: Objective of the research was to study the prevalence of blindness in adult patients coming to a tertiary eye care centre in Western Uttar Pradesh and assess their causes.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on adult patients coming to the outpatient department of a tertiary eye care centre over a period of 3 months and 375 patients were identified as having blindness. Complete ophthalmological examination was conducted to find out the cause for the same.
Results: The prevalence of blindness was found out to be 4.096%. The major causes for blindness in adults were identified as cataract (33.06%), glaucoma (13.6%), ARMD (5.6%), diabetic retinopathy (5.06%), corneal scar/opacity/dystrophy (26.93%), amblyopia (3.2%) and trauma (2.13%).
Conclusions: Knowledge of prevalence of blindness in a region is important in developing and implementing eye care services. Avoidable blindness needs to be identified and treated as soon as possible.
Antibacterial efficacy of Acacia nilotica, Aegle marmelos herbal extracts against Enterococcus faecalis: an invitro study
Authors: A. Subhashini , Leburu Ashok , Krishnamurthy Madhuram , V. Naveen Kumar , Nehrudas Praveen
Published: July 2023

Background: Our objective was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of Acacia nilotica, Aegle marmelos herbal extracts against Enterococcus faecalis- an invitro study.
Methods: The extraction of Acacia nilotica bark powder and Aegle marmelos leaf powder was done with following three solvents (Ethanol, methanol and acetone) keeping vancomycin as a positive control. Then the study groups were assigned as follows: group I: Acacia nilotica, group II: Aegle marmelos, group III: Combination of Acacia nilotica and Aegle marmelos, group IV: vancomycin. Preparation of the E. feacalis inoculum with the help of Mueller Hinton Broth. Antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated by agar well diffusion assay to determine the zone of inhibition and Minimum inhibitory concentration was evaluated.
Results: Statistical analysis was performed by using one-way analysis of variance and compared by the Mann-Whitney test using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20.0. No zone of inhibition was identified for Aegle marmelos. Highest inhibitory zone against E. faecalis was seen for vancomycin (mean of 28.6 mm) followed by Acacia nilotica.
Conclusions: Among the test groups, vancomycin exhibited highest antimicrobial efficiency. Compared with the herbal extracts which was statistically significant. The use of herbal alternatives might prove to be advantageous considering the several undesirable characteristics of vancomycin.
Histological diagnosis of Bechterew's disease on exhumed female remains in Bosnia and Herzegovina: a case report
Authors: Dervisevic Emina , Dorić Mirsad , Salihbegović Adis , Čamdžić Nina
Published: July 2023

Ankylosing spondylitis is a serious ailment that affects people, and the first signs or symptoms usually occurr between the ages of 15 and 45. While the condition is mostly prevalent in men, women are not immune to this disease. This problem is diagnosed with a combination of clinical history and X-rays, pathology and HLAB27 test. The aim of this case study is to demonstrate how macroscopic and microscopic analysis can be used for identification of the disease from a forensic point of view. In April 2018, we exhumed 11 remains near the city Višegrad, twenty-five years after the last war. All the remains were completely skeletonized. The skeleton of a female was specific and shaped like a bamboo branch, with a partial knitting of vertebral bodies in the lumbar region of spine and with total knitting in the thoracic part. The spinous processes were completely knitted. Her son gave informations for verbal autopsy that she had trouble walking and doing normal activities during life. Samples for analysis and pathological diagnostics were used to determine the real bone condition for forensic purposes. To our best knowledge our case is first one in the literature which combines macroscopic and microscopic analysis of AK in exhumed skeletal remains after 25 years of death in modern era of Europe.
Biliar reflux by incompetence of the sphincter of oddi post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, as cause of cholangiolar abscesses and cardiac vegetations
Authors: Sánchez-Reyes Karina , Alcántara-Huerta Beatriz , Aguilera-Hernández Estrella , Cerrillo-Ávila Javier , Baez-Perez Estela , Rodríguez-Negrete Elda V.
Published: July 2023

The term sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) encompasses a heterogeneous group of patients with a clinical syndrome characterized by abdominal pain (biliary colic or pancreatic pain), attributed to motor alterations of the SO that cause obstruction of the flow of bile and pancreatic juice (intermittent or fixed acalculous obstruction) or reflux of the same through the sphincter. Its diagnosis and treatment are controversial. We presented the case of a patient with sphincter of Oddi incompetence as a rare cause of jaundice, abdominal pain and cholangiolar abscesses due to sphincter incompetence from multiple endoscopic procedures and a history of cholecystectomy. We review the epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic criteria and management, both conservative and surgical.
A rare and challenging case of anaesthetic management of paediatric laryngo-tracheo-broncho-malacia for supraglottoplasty
Authors: Lalwani Parin , Gupta Babita
Published: July 2023

Paediatric laryngotracheobronchomalacia is a rare and extremely challenging scenario with risk of complete airway collapse under general anaesthesia. Laryngomalacia causes collapse of the supralaryngeal structures during inspiration as it is associated with short aryepiglottic folds, redundant arytenoid mucosa prolapsing into the glottis and a long curled epiglottis. Tracheomalacia and tracheo-bronchomalacia are characterized by abnormally compliant trachea and major bronchi. Most of the general anaesthetic agents decreases the airway tone and may predispose these patients to unremmitable airway obstruction under anaesthesia. We report successful anaesthetic management of one-year-old child with laryngotracheobronhcomalacia posted for supraglotoplasty. This needs a profound understanding of the pathophysiology of the complex airway condition and the effects of various anaesthetic agents on airway.
Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants: a review
Authors: Bueno-Gardea Víctor M. , Baeza-Ramos José H. , Avalos-Trejo Omar A. , Durán-Rodríguez Ana G. , Martínez-Acosta José R. , Baeza-Salcido Mariana , Rosa Irving A. Aponte de la , Muñoz-Torres Marcos , Abbud-Fitzmaurice María F. , Brito-Brito Nicolás R. , Barrera-Mera Baltazar , Valderrama-Treviño Alan Isaac , Velasco-Cabrera José A.
Published: July 2023

The autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) includes several autoimmune conditions and phenomena that occur after exposure to substances with adjuvant activity. The spectrum of the disease is heterogeneous with respect to the clinical presentation as well as the severity of the clinical manifestations. Different substances and medical devices with adjuvant activity are currently known, such as vaccines, oils, silicones, mineral salts, lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycans, among others. These adjuvants are immunological molecules that function through potentiation of antigen-specific immune responses. Thus, the etiopathogenesis of ASIA syndrome involves a multifactorial interaction between environmental factors and genetic predisposition, and secondary activation of the adaptive and innate arms of the immune system through various mechanisms. Although in some reported cases the ASIA syndrome improves considerably when removing the implants, there are no conclusive results for the clinical benefit of removing the implants, so it is necessary to carry out further basic, clinical and surgical investigations in order to determine the best therapeutic decision.
Profile of haematological indices among pulmonary tuberculosis patients attending Kisii teaching and referral hospital, Kenya
Authors: Ongwae Jared M. , Musyoki Stanslaus K. , Mongare Samuel
Published: July 2023

Background: Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, affects approximately 10 million people worldwide, with an annual global mortality rate of 1.4 million (WHO, 2021). This study aimed to profile hematological indices among pulmonary tuberculosis patients at Kisii teaching and referral hospital, Kenya from February 2022 to July 2022 where Kisii County reports around 1800 TB cases annually. 
Methods: A cross-sectional study design with 210 participants was used, 105 patients and 105 controls. Venous blood was collected in ethylene diamine tetra acetic and analyzed using flow cytometry technique. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was set by use of Westergren technique while a thin blood film was prepared for microscopic examination of cells. Data obtained was analyzed using Stata version 23.
Results: Female patients accounted for 55 (52.5%) of positive cases while males accounted for 50 (47.5%). PTB patients showed significantly lower RBC count, HGB, HCT, MCH, and MCHC compared to controls (p=0.001). ESR was significantly higher in PTB patients (p=0.001). PTB patients had higher platelet count and total WBC count (p=0.009 and p=0.018, respectively) with increased neutrophil and monocyte counts (p=0.044 and p=0.041, respectively). No significant differences were observed in lymphocyte counts (p=0.086).
Conclusions: The study identified significant hematological abnormalities in pulmonary tuberculosis patients, including normocytic normochromic anemia, toxic granulation in white blood cells, and thrombocytosis, highlighting these as potential diagnostics and clinically significant   hematological parameters in the management of pulmonary tuberculosis.
The knowledge and attitude of adults towards home safety measures of elders in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Daod Abrar R. , Alhenaki Reema A. , Alfaya Raghad S. , Bakry Huny M. , Aldawsari Nada F.
Published: July 2023

Background: The population of elderly individuals is increasing rapidly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Home safety measures are important for the well-being and independence of the elderly. However, little is known about the knowledge and attitudes of adults towards home safety measures of the elderly in KSA.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in KSA among a sample of 399 adults aged 20 years and above. Data was collected using a designated questionnaire which was distributed through social media platforms.
Results: The results showed that the overall knowledge of adults regarding home safety measures of the elderly in KSA was fair in 42% of participants and poor in 38% of participants. Moreover, the attitude of adults towards home safety measures of the elderly was positive in only 34 % of population.
Conclusions: Knowledge and attitude regarding elderly home safety measures are significantly correlated and most of the participants demonstrated poor to fair knowledge. However, approximately half of the participants showed a neutral attitude regarding home safety measures towards elders.
Knowledge on sexually transmitted infections among HIV-pre-exposure prophylaxis users in Nairobi city county, Kenya
Authors: Kibala Emmanuel K. , Kimani Harun M. , Orinda George O. , Marwa Tom M.
Published: July 2023

Background: Sexually transmitted infections remain a significant public health problem mainly in low-income countries. Despite the high efficacy of HIV-PrEP, an upsurge of STIs is recorded globally after HIV-PrEP introduction due to sexual behaviour change among the users. Nairobi has the highest rate of HIV-PrEP uptake and large number of HIV-PrEP users visit health facilities to get treatment for STIs. This study aimed to assess knowledge on STIs among HIV-PrEP users in Nairobi, Kenya.
Methods: Analytical cross-sectional research design was employed. Simple random sampling technique was adopted to obtain a sample size of 357 respondents seeking HIV-PrEP service in five health facilities in Nairobi, from July to November 2022. The study used primary data which was collected using structured questionnaire and secondary data (laboratory results).
Results: Most of the respondent were knowledgeable about STIs occurrence. 56.7% of the respondents knew that STIs could be transmitted through sex without using condom, 43.3% knew that sex with sex workers could make one get STIs, 58.7% of the respondents were aware that STIs could be transmitted through sexual contact with multiple partners. A statistically significant association was found between STI related level of knowledge and STIs prevalence among HIV-PrEP users in Nairobi.
Conclusions: The knowledge about STIs among HIV-PrEP users in Nairobi does not translate into safe sexual behaviour against STIs. The study recommends that the facility management and service providers should encourage HIV-PrEP users to undertake routine STIs screening tests and treatment as well as frequent safe sexual behaviour awareness creation education.
Awareness in general population about the home modifications which are necessary to prevent falls in community dwelling elderly
Authors: Goenka Anshu D. , Bedekar Nilima S. , Dabadghav Rachana P. , Sancheti Parag K.
Published: July 2023

Background: Falls are considered to be one of the “geriatric giants”. The living room, bathroom, bedroom and staircase are common areas where falls occur within home. Many elderlies who fall even if they remain uninjured, become apprehensive causing them to cut down on their activities of daily living and becoming less active, weaker, further increasing their chances of falling. Therefore, it’s of paramount importance to scrutinize the awareness about the home modifications. The study was conducted to examine if the general population is aware of the home modifications necessary to prevent falls in community dwelling elderly.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 300people between 30 to 50 years old who were not medical professionals. Convenience sampling was used. A self-structured questionnaire was prepared and clearance of ethical committee was obtained. After taking people’s consent they were asked to fill the questionnaire.
Results: Results show that out of 300 participants people are aware of non-slippery floors (70%), railings at the staircase (62%). People are least aware of the following modifications: glare free paints (20%), door knobs can be replaced with lever handle (40%), install adhesive strips on the staircase (30%).
Conclusions: Results show that out of 300 participants people are aware of non-slippery floors (70%), railings at the staircase (62%). People are least aware of the following modifications: glare free paints (20%), door knobs can be replaced with lever handle (40%), install adhesive strips on the staircase (30%).
The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life of family caregivers of chronically ill patients, health expenditure and home-based medical devices in India: a cross sectional study
Authors: Gupta Uma , Khurana Sanyam , Sampagar Abhilasha
Published: July 2023

Background: The novel coronavirus had a severe impact on India, with cases ranging from mild disease to severe multiple-organ failure syndrome. Caregivers of high-risk individuals face additional responsibilities that have detrimental effects on their mental and physical health. This study aimed to assess the quality of life of family caregivers, the impact on health expenditure, and the role of home-based medical devices during the pandemic in India.
Methods: This retrospective study collected data from 358 participants using a validated caregiver self-assessment questionnaire and demographic details. The data were processed using the statistical tool chi-square, with p-value <0.05 considered significant, and analyzed using SPSS 11. The data is depicted using pie charts and bar diagrams.
Results: 93.02% of our participants assumed a caregiver role. Among these, 58.26% reported mental distress. 7.21% of caregivers reported using telemedicine facilities, and 32% reported an increase in health-related expenditure in an attempt to provide better medical care to their loved one. More than 80% of the participants reported having a family member suffering from diabetes, while 70% reported old age or hypertension. Less than 10% had a loved one who was a pregnant woman or a frontline worker.
Conclusions: The study highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of family caregivers of chronically ill patients in India. The use of telemedicine facilities and the increase in health-related expenditure reflect the need for advancement in healthcare infrastructure in India.
A qualitative review on the impact of enrolment in self-help groups for persons with disabilities in rural Karnataka, India: a comparative study
Authors: Regy Minitta Maria , Shanbhag Deepthi N.
Published: July 2023

Background: Self-help groups for persons with disabilities exist with a rather common objective to address problems, enhance their strengths, and improve their quality of life. Objectives were to explore the impact of self-help groups on persons with disabilities as a comparative approach among those enrolled in SHG versus those who were not enrolled in the same.
Methods: A community-based, qualitative study was done among persons with disabilities in rural Karnataka with a total of 7 focus group discussions, 5 key informant interviews and 2 in depth interviews. Topic guides, recorder and sociogram were used as aids. Themes and sub-themes were formed from the transcript and a deductive analysis was done.
Results: A total of 12 villages were covered and the age group of our study participants varied between 18 to 60 years with a mean age of 40.6±12.9 years. Out of the total 97 FGD participants, 36 (37%) males and 14 (14%) females were gainfully employed, out of whom, 12 (33%) males and 8 (57%) females were enrolled in SHGS. Also, 7 (58.3%) out of the 12 males and 5 (62.5%) out of the 8 females had begun their daily means of income post their enrolment in SHGs, thereby accounting for the awareness and efforts to be self-empowered. The KII and IDI were also in alignment with the different perspectives gained from the FGDs, respectively.
Conclusions: Self-help groups help improve socialization, and self-esteem of individuals with disability and helps them feel empowered to lead independent lives.
Fearful versus loving parents: a cross-sectional study in Mysuru city to assess influence of parenting style on ADHD
Authors: Vadaga Vijaylakshmi Rao , Murthy M. R. Narayana , D. Sunil Kumar , M. Rakesh
Published: July 2023

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder. There are various genetic and social factors implicated in the development of ADHD. One of the factors is parenting style. Thus, the present study was undertaken to assess the various parenting styles present in the population and the statistical association between parenting style and ADHD prevalence.
Methods: A cross- sectional study among 470 primary school students was undertaken in Mysuru district. Oral assent from students and written consent from parents was obtained for collection of data. Data was entered in MS Excel and analysed using Chi- square/Fisher's Exact test. p<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
Results: The present study found that majority of mothers and fathers were supportive towards their children, 260 (56.4%) and 246 (53.02%) respectively. It was found that majority of the parents 324 (68.93%) preferred to sit down and reason with their children. ADHD scores for inattention showed a statistical significance with father’s parenting style (p= 0.044). However, mother’s parenting style did not show any association with ADHD scores.
Conclusions: The development of regular, structured parent management programmes would be helpful in improving parents' knowledge about ADHD children and changing their attitudes towards them.
Impact of orthodontic treatment on speech and phonetics: a review
Authors: Najjar Hussam E. , Alzaid Sarah Abdullah , Alasmari Amjad Mohammad , Alrashdi Sultan Ali , Alqahtani Asim Mohammed , Alrhile Samia Mussaed , Alqahtani Saud Salman , Aldrees Shorouq Shaker , Alanazi Ahmed Farhan , Alamri Afnan Ali , Alotaibi Sama Abdullah
Published: July 2023

Orthodontic devices, including both fixed and removable devices, have the potential to impact dental anatomy, the space within the oral cavity, the displacement of the tongue, and the production of speech. The usage of fixed labial appliances may cause transient or persistent speech and phonetics changes, particularly affecting sibilant and stopped sounds. Lingual fixed appliances, while providing aesthetic advantages, can lead to difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene, pain in the tongue, and speech disturbances. Orthodontic retainers, used post-treatment, can also affect speech and phonetics by altering the oral cavity space and tongue position. Other appliances like removable appliances, palatal expanders, and prosthetic dental appliances may also disrupt speech production. Objective, semi-objective, and subjective assessments are utilized to evaluate speech disruptions induced by orthodontic devices. Patients considering orthodontic aligners should be informed about potential temporary limitations in speech production, which can be managed by removing the device when necessary. The adaptation to orthodontic treatment may vary based on individual characteristics. Orthodontists should consider these effects and communicate them to patients. This review article explores the effect of orthodontic treatment on speech and phonetics.
Toolkit: tutorías remotas para acelerar aprendizajes
Authors: Zoido Pablo , Prieto Andrea , Almeyda Gonzalo , Oubiña Victoria , Hernández Carolina
Published: August 2023

Caja de herramientas dirigida a Ministerios de Educación, organizaciones de la sociedad civil y otras entidades que busquen acelerar aprendizajes mediante programas de tutorías remotas, especialmente después de la crisis sanitaria del Covid-19 que trajo consigo el cierre de escuelas, la suspensión de estudios, la pérdida de aprendizajes y, en ocasiones, el aumento del riesgo de abandono o de exclusión educativa, particularmente entre las poblaciones más vulnerables. Presenta los cuatro pilares que componen el desarrollo de un programa de tutorías remotas para la aceleración de aprendizajes, con sus correspondientes actividades y las herramientas que se sugieren utilizar para la ejecución de algunas de las actividades.
Gasto tributario y evasión en el impuesto al valor agregado en América Latina y el Caribe
Authors: Rasteletti Alejandro , Saravia Estefanía
Published: August 2023

Este trabajo estima el gasto tributario y la evasión en el impuesto al valor agregado (IVA) en 16 países de América Latina y el Caribe utilizando una metodología común de brechas de recaudación. Los resultados obtenidos indican que las pérdidas de recaudación en el IVA por gastos tributarios y evasión en la región son en promedio elevadas, aunque muy heterogéneas entre países. Los gastos tributarios fueron del 2,1% del PIB en 2019 en promedio, mientras que las pérdidas de recaudación por evasión alcanzaron un 2,3% del PIB en promedio. Estas cifras han sido relativamente constantes en la última década. Al analizar los factores que se correlacionan con los niveles de gastos tributarios totales, se encuentra que ese gasto tiende a ser mayor cuanto mayor es la tasa general del IVA del país, en contextos con mayores niveles de pobreza y desigualdad, y en países donde la educación, las industrias extractivas y el comercio representan un mayor porcentaje de las economías. Los análisis de correlación con la evasión indican que esta tiende a ser mayor cuanto mayor es la carga de pago de impuestos para el sector privado.
Borges, Gödel y etnolinguística o una prueba lógico-literaria de la incompletitud de los lenguajes recursivos
Authors: Santos Jorge Alejandro , Durante Santiago Gariel , Bernardi Luci Dos Santos
Published: August 2023

El presente artículo aborda algunas cuestiones de interés filosófico a partir de la propuesta de Martínez y Piñeiro de un programa de computación que, por medio de un algoritmo basado en el método de las diagonales de Cantor, podría generar una biblioteca de Babel magnificada, emulando la biblioteca imaginada por Borges en su texto homónimo. Este mecanismo podría producir todos los textos de una lengua, lo que incluiría el subconjunto de sus enunciados verdaderos y de todas las traducciones posibles de enunciados verdaderos en otras lenguas. Entonces ¿podría este mecanismo generar todos los enunciados verdaderos posibles?. El trabajo responde negativamente la pregunta con un argumento de inspiración godeliana. El argumento intercala consideraciones lógicas, recursos literarios inspirados en Borges y ejemplos de traducción etnolinguística. Apunta, más que a la rigurosidad técnica, a la producción de un perspectiva original sobre la problemática planteada.
Electric Field Influence on the Recombination Luminescence of the Colloidal Silver Sulfide Quantum Dots
Authors: Daibagya D.S. , Ambrozevich S.A. , Perepelitsa A.S. , Zakharchuk I.A. , Smirnov M.S. , Ovchinnikov O.V. , Aslanov S.V. , Osadchenko A.V. , Selyukov A.S.
Published: July 2023

The paper studies the effect of external electric field on the optical properties of the spherical Ag2S quantum dots. Colloidal Ag2S nanoparticles passivated with 2-mercaptopropionic acid were obtained by photoinduced synthesis in the ethylene glycol. The nanoparticles shape and characteristic size were determined using the transmission electron microscopy. To analyze the external electric field influence, a series of samples was prepared based on the optically passive polymer film, where the nanoparticles were embedded. The films were placed between two glasses coated with the transparent electrodes based on the indium tin oxide (ITO). Intensity value of the external electric field created in such structures reached 500 kV/cm. The photoluminescence signal was registered using the CCD fiber spectrometer with spectral resolution of 1.16 nm. Spectrally resolved nanoparticles photoluminescence kinetics was measured by time-corre-lated counting of the separate photons. It was found that the presence of a field led to an increase in intensity and rate of the photoluminescence relaxation due to the surface states. This fact is related to acceleration of the free holes transportation to the recombination centers in the external electric field. It is shown that under long-term exposure to laser radiation with a wavelength of 405 nm and the average power of 5 mW, the nanocrystal photoluminescent properties could degrade, as it occurs due to formation of new centers of non-radiative recombination and photoionization of the quantum dots
Determination of Partial Reaction Orders of the Reduction of Potassium Permanganate by Ethanol in Various Environments
Authors: Nikolaychuk P.A.
Published: July 2023

A spectrophotometric kinetic study of the reaction of the potassium permanganate reduction by excess ethanol in acidic, neutral and alkaline environments was performed. The reaction mixtures were prepared from the solutions of potassium permanganate of different concentrations (0.0004, 0.001 and 0.002 М) and either the solutions of sulphuric acid (1, 3 and 10 %), water, or the solutions of sodium hydroxide (0.01, 0.04 and 0.1 М). The kinetic curves were recorded with the spectrophotometer at the wavelengths of 525 nm (in acidic environment), 400 nm (in neutral environment) and 605 nm (in alkaline environment). The initial reaction rates were determined from the slopes of the initial linear parts of the kinetic curves. Using the differential van’t Hoff method, the partial reaction orders were determined. It was shown that in the acidic environment the partial reaction order with respect to permanganate is close to 1.5, and that with respect to hydrogen ions is close to 0.6. In the neutral and alkaline environments the reaction obeys the first partial order with respect to permanganate, and the partial order of the reaction in alkaline environments with respect to hydroxyl-ions is close to 0.8. It was also shown that the effective rate constants of the reaction in acidic and alkaline environments are significantly higher than that in neutral environment
Fabrication and the Effects of the Experimental Structure Factor on Barium Titanate Ferroelectric Properties using Polydomain and Landau --- Khalatnikov Models
Authors: Adnan S.R. , Kurniawan B. , Soegijono B.
Published: July 2023

In this report, powder of barium titanate (BaTiO3) was fabricated using the sol-gel method followed by a sintering process at 900 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was carried out to determine the phase and the crystal structure of the barium titanate. XRD patterns were then refined using the Rietveld analysis method on Fullproof software. The results show the barium titanate (BaTiO3) phase has a tetragonal perovskite structure. EDAX and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were examined to analyze the chemical composition and morphology of the material powder respectively. The results showed that the powder barium titanate (BaTiO3) contains Ba, Ti, and O atoms. The crystallite size is 3 μm and the morphology look homogeneous. The structure factor obtained from the experiment is used to calculate the polarization hysteresis using Polydomain and Landau --- Khalatnikov models. The results of modeling using the structure factor approach using Landau --- Khalatnikov modified model and the Polydomain modified model showed the R-factor (Rwp) is 8.7 and 11.3 %
Od "ta onta" do "to on" – mitologiczne źródła greckiego pojęcia bytu
Authors: Krajewski Patryk
Published: August 2023

The paper deals with the mythological background for the philosophical concept of being. Against
this background the early development of this concept and its conditions are shown. Also, some
attention will be paid to certain linguistic aspect behind this process.
Filozofia tożsamości Schellinga. Pierwsze wersje
Authors: Piórczyński Józef
Published: August 2023

The article analyses two first Schelling's works devoted to philosophy of identity: "Darstellung meines Systems der Philosophie" from 1801 and dialogue "Bruno oder über das göttliche und natürliche Prinzip der Dinge" from 1820. In the first one the absolute mind is presented as absolute qualitative identity of object and subject, as absolutely simple and not diverse substance. The form of being of absolute identity is cognition, which realises as infinite constitution of object. Particular things as potencies are quantitative difference between that which is subjective and that which is objective. According to dialogue Bruno, idea as true and eternal reality is unity of what is real and ideal, finite and unfinite. On the other hand, finite things contain their opposite (lack of unity) of their components.
Zasady intelektualizmu
Authors: Drozdowicz Zbigniew
Published: August 2023

In the view, which is proposed here, intellectualism is what brings together and not what divides, and its rules are placed in some manner over every distinction. This means, that intellectualism is being treated by me as a collective work. Its most early versions occurred along the occurrence of first philosophers. Later on, they were often corrected, perfected or also so immensely changed, that under more than one condition they varied from the originals. Many philosophers took part in the making of this work, but some had a lesser and some greater influence. To those, who significantly contributed to its emergence and functioning in European philosophy and science, there belonged such authors like Socrates, Descartes, and Popper.
Bajki funkcjonalistów
Authors: Skalski Tadeusz
Published: August 2023

One of the most controversial principles of contemporary functionalism is the so-called principle of organizational invariance. Roughly speaking it states that all systems with the same fine grained functional organization have the same conscious experience. The author of this article tries to show that the principle leads to absurdity.
Quantification of Doppler Indices, Contrast Ultrasound Enhancement Phases and Perfusion Parameters of Hepatic Parenchyma in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Singh Tarundeep , Verma Pallavi , Mohindroo Jitender , Singh Tarunbir
Published: August 2023

Background: The Liver is a well vascularized organ. Any pathology can impede its blood flow and this makes liver the most suitable organ for studying the Doppler indices and contrast enhanced perfusion parameters. Methods: This clinical study enrolled 9 healthy dogs including 2 breeds each of beagle, German shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and one breed each of Crossbred, Pug and Pit bull. Spectral Doppler sonography and contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) of liver vasculature using a second generation contrast agent (Sonovue) was performed to standardize their normal pulsed-wave Doppler indices and contrast enhanced perfusion parameters. Result: The mean ± SE values of Doppler indices of portal vein were PSV (27.68 ± 2.08 cm/s), EDV (15.32 ± 1.74 cm/s), MV (14.05 ± 1.94 cm/s), RI (0.44 ± 0.05) and PI (0.93 ± 0.11). Mean ± SE value of Doppler indices of hepatic artery were 53.78 ± 3.45 cm/s (PSV), 13.90 ± 1.82 cm/s (EDV), 21.63 ± 1.21 cm/s (MV), 0.73 ± 0.04 (RI), 1.93 ± 0.28 (PI) and for hepatic vein were 38.62 ± 4.62 cm/s (PSV), 11.92 ± 2.79 cm/s (EDV), 17.72 ± 2.95 cm/s (MV), 0.69 ± 0.06 (RI), 1.69 ± 0.23 (PI). CEUS of hepatic parenchyma showed three phases viz arterial, portal and late portal phase. Mean ± SE values of contrast enhanced hepatic perfusion parameters (in seconds) were 7.22 ±0.40 (Arrival time), 16.33 ±1.38 (Time to initial peak), 30.22 ±1.29 (Time to final peak), 54.55 ±2.93 (Decline time) and 160.78±8.60 (Washout time).
CYBERFORMAÇÃO: uma revisão bibliográfica
Authors: Aranha Carolina Pereira , Dalcin Andréia
Published: July 2023

Há mais de 12 anos, temos estudos sendo desenvolvidos com base na concepção de Cyberformação, uma concepção de formação docente que compreende as tecnologias digitais como partícipes do processo de constituição do conhecimento. No intuito de contribuir com as pesquisas na área de formação docente com tecnologias digitais, realizamos uma revisão bibliográfica, para caracterizar/apresentar a concepção de Cyberformação. Por meio dessa revisão, foi possível identificar sua fundamentação teórica e perceber que essa concepção sofreu modificações ao longo dos anos, tendo incorporado novos teóricos e ampliado horizontes de pesquisa. Dentre os teóricos que compõem a fundamentação dessa concepção podemos destacar Martin Heidegger, Janet H. Murray e Seymour Papert. Além disso, a revisão empreendida nos leva a defender que essa concepção, apesar de ter sido originada na região de inquérito da educação matemática, pode abranger todas as áreas específicas de formação docente e constitui-se como um dos caminhos esperançosos/promissores que podemos trilhar.
78 WOMEN LEADERS’ RIGHTS, BETWEEN ASSUMED COMMITMENT AND MODERN REALITY
Authors:   ”Carol I” National Defence University, Bucharest, Romania, LISEANU Rodica
Published: August 2023

Gender issues are an important dimension that is constantly on the international agenda thanks to the benefits of feminism and femininity. The presence of modern women in leadership positions, in key areas that are predominantly male-dominated, is more than a social desideratum, it is a necessity. As a form of humanism, feminism promotes the affirmation of women with their panoply of skills, without discriminating against or discrediting the skills of men, with the aim of harmonising psycho-socio-cultural flows within an organisation or community. The article emphasises a complementary, balanced perspective of engaging female- transformational and male-transactional personalities in potentially performance-enhancing roles. This perspective renders the rights, freedoms, responsibilities, opportunities and challenges of the modern woman who does not aim at a superiority ratio over the strong gender, but a validation, a large-scale recognition of female capabilities in quality management.
THE GAULLIST POLITICAL IDEOLOGY AND THE EXCEPTIONALISM OF A COMPLETE LEADER
Authors:   ”Carol I” National Defence University, Bucharest, Romania, LISEANU Rodica
Published: August 2023

Charles de Gaulle, « Le Général», is one of the emblematic figures of our century, an undisputed hero whose impact on the French nation and people was revolutionary, transformational and inspirational. The article proposes a qualitative, correlational meta- analysis, which stimulates reflection on his noble personality, on his visionary spirit, on his qualities as an affable negotiator. His virtues shape his destiny as a leader who worked in the spirit of dialogue, negotiation for modernization and freedom. Because of his exceptionalism, Charles de Gaulle can be considered a multidimensional leader. Characterised by a total leadership, his figure encompasses transactional, transformational, charismatic, informal, spontaneous leadership. Arguing through a deepening of scientific theories and exemplification of all these frameworks provides an elaborate and carefully researched perspective of a unique figure in French history.
WEAPON SYSTEMS AND MISSIONS SPECIFIC TO THE F16 AIRCRAFT IN THE ROMANIAN AIR FORCE
Authors:   “Henri Coandă” Air Force Academy, Braşov, Romania, CÎRCIU Ionică , MIHAI Eduard ,   “Henri Coandă” Air Force Academy, Braşov, Romania
Published: August 2023

The vision of gradual realization of the air defense capacity within the program “Multirole aircraft of the Romanian Air Force”, with the gradual realization by continuing the endowment with the squadrons of F-16 aircraft up to three squadrons. Modernization of the armament line with the latest generation of air-to-air weapons
ALGORITHM FOR APPLICATION OF INFORMATION FOR MANAGEMENT OF USERS SPATIAL DISPOSITION IN THE PROCESS OF AUTOMATED SOFTWARE-DEFINED RADIO COMMUNICATION NETWORK IMPLEMENTED BY ORTHOGONAL FREQUENCY DIVISION AND MULTIPLEXING
Authors:   “Vasil Levski” National Military University - Artillery, Air Defense and CIS Faculty, Shumen, Bulgaria, NEDELCHEV Miroslav , DIMOV Radostin ,   “Vasil Levski” National Military University - Artillery, Air Defense and CIS Faculty, Shumen, Bulgaria, PARVANOV Stanimir ,   “Vasil Levski” National Military University - Artillery, Air Defense and CIS Faculty, Shumen, Bulgaria
Published: August 2023

A software-defined radio (SDR) system is a radio communication system which uses software for the modulation and demodulation of radio signals. An SDR performs significant amounts of signal processing in a general purpose computer, or a reconfigurable piece of digital electronics. SDR can talk and listen to multiple channels at the same time, also it can be quickly and easily upgraded with enhanced features. In fact, the upgrade could be delivered over-the-air In the long run, SDR is expected to become the dominant technology in radio communications