bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the Hospital Standardized Mortality Ratio Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Disaggregated Analysis by Region and Hospital Type in Korea
Authors: Kang EunKyo , Jang Won Mo , Shin Min Sun , Lee Hyejin , Lee Jin Yong
Published: March 2023

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a global shortage of medical resources; therefore, we investigated whether COVID-19 impacted the quality of non-COVID-19 hospital care in Korea by comparing hospital standardized mortality rates (HSMRs) before and during the pandemic.Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed Korean National Health Insurance discharge claim data obtained from January to June in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Patients’ in-hospital deaths were classified according to the most responsible diagnosis categories. The HSMR is calculated as the ratio of expected deaths to actual deaths. The time trend in the overall HSMR was analyzed by region and hospital type.Results: The final analysis included 2 252 824 patients. In 2020, the HSMR increased nationwide (HSMR, 99.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 97.7 to 101.0) in comparison to 2019 (HSMR, 97.3; 95% CI, 95.8 to 98.8). In the COVID-19 pandemic zone, the HSMR increased significantly in 2020 (HSMR, 112.7; 95% CI, 107.0 to 118.7) compared to 2019 (HSMR, 101.7; 95% CI, 96.9 to 106.6). The HSMR in all general hospitals increased significantly in 2020 (HSMR, 106.4; 95% CI, 104.3 to 108.5) compared to 2019 (HSMR, 100.3; 95% CI, 98.4 to 102.2). Hospitals participating in the COVID-19 response had a lower HSMR (HSMR, 95.6; 95% CI, 93.9 to 97.4) than hospitals not participating in the COVID-19 response (HSMR, 124.3; 95% CI, 119.3 to 129.4).Conclusions: This study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively impacted the quality of care in hospitals, especially general hospitals with relatively few beds. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to prevent excessive workloads in hospitals and to properly employ and coordinate the workforce.
Contratos enunciativos jornalísticos
Authors: Carvalho Sampaio Claudiane Oliveira
Published: March 2023

Este artigo propõe abordar, numa perspectiva diacrônica, as mudanças ocorridas nos contratos enunciativos jornalísticos a cada fenômeno mediático, o qual é impulsionado pelo surgimento e institucionalização social de uma nova tecnologia. De caráter crítico-analítico, o texto realiza uma revisão de literatura, a fim de demonstrar como o viés semioantropológico da mediatização, defendido por Eliseo Verón, consiste numa alternativa para traçar a história social dos media tendo em vista as alterações nas enunciações do jornalismo. O presente estudo é composto de três partes: discussão teórica sobre mediatização; uma visão semioantropológica das transformações no jornalismo e, por fim, as implicações dos fenômenos mediáticos (advento da prensa de tipos móveis, fotografia, rádio, televisão e internet) na enunciação jornalística.
Pragmatic Competence Development in Virtual Environments in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Higher Education in Palestine
Authors: Shalhoub Mona M.
Published: March 2023

This chapter presents a study that investigated the perceptions of English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' pragmatic competence development in virtual environments in higher education in Palestine for the academic year 2020- 2021 in light of COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, a mixed-methods approach was employed using a questionnaire, role-play, and semi-structured interview. Seventy-five undergraduate EFL learners from four universities participated in this study. Results of the quantitative phase revealed positive perceptions of EFL learners towards pragmatic competence development in virtual environments, with the majority of responses falling under the categories of agree or strongly agree. Responses to the role-play activity demonstrated that there were differences in the pragmatic aspects EFL learners employed in favor of females, particularly in the richness of linguistic resources and level of politeness. EFL learners acknowledged the importance of pragmatic competence as a means to successful communication and emphasized its teachability in formal instruction.
The Contribution of Diversity Towards Player Traits of Learners in a Classroom
Authors: Yie Darren Lim , Sanmugam Mageswaran
Published: March 2023

Player traits are closely related to the personality of a person, which could be also known as the categorization of players based on their interest in certain game elements or game mechanics. Since the debut of gamification and game-based learning, educational institutions had implemented them within the learning context. Such an act had increased the value of the player traits study, as it serves as a guideline for the game designers to suit the players' needs, increasing players' experience, motivation, and engagement. Nowadays, diversity in the classroom is frequent, especially in a school in the era of globalization. However, in the Malaysian context, diversity has existed since the building of this nation. Cross-reference between several studies done by previous researchers will be used in this paper. In this chapter, the authors wish to propose a theoretical conceptual framework by linking diversity to player traits which hopefully can provide a new insight for instructional designers, educators, and lesson planners in the future.
Leadership Change for the Development Policy of Inclusive Education
Authors: Albadawi Bushra Izzat
Published: March 2023

A project plan was prepared for Palestine public schools for the national platform of administration and support inclusive service education with the consent of school students' education. A review of school models is taken, which support the concepts of school leadership and proposes an inclusive model for educational reform leadership. Both qualitative and quantitative methods based on two focus groups and a questionnaire survey based on different analysis that conclude about the leaderships on different levels in the education system of Palestine. The results show that schools have to access the provisions to the implementation and design towards inclusive leadership. Scoring the policies towards inclusive leadership needs to be reserved. It is demonstrated that leaders give the best to the school values by considering its structure, process, climate, function, and environment.
Formal and Informal Agricultural Markets in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Chipfupa Unity
Published: March 2023

Agricultural marketing determines the extent of smallholder farmer commercialization. However, this needs effective agricultural markets. Evaluating these markets and their interaction with small farmers is critical in harnessing the potential from the rural farming sector. The chapter aims to evaluate formal and informal agricultural markets, highlighting opportunities for smallholder agriculture. The findings reveal that smallholder producers' interaction with formal markets is limited by a lack of knowledge and resources, poor safety and quality standards, and inconsistency in supply. However, they can benefit from opportunities in the formal markets through effective collective action arrangements. Informal markets are critical to smallholders' access to markets, and with legislation that seeks to address infrastructure, safety, and quality standards, they can be a conduit for small producers' access to formal markets. Some informality still exists in the supply chain of formal markets. Thus, informal markets remain important in agriculture marketing in Africa.
The Recruitment Crisis in the British Hospitality Industry
Authors: Sealy Wendy C. , Jenkins Paula , Jalley Alice
Published: March 2023

The scarce supply of labour and of a competent workforce in the hospitality sector has been researched and debated for decades. Although the sector is important to the UK economy contributing £130 billion pounds to the gross domestic product, the inability of the sector to attract and retain the best talent remains an age-old problem. This chapter is a commentary of the current debate on the recruitment crisis based on an examination of the most recent academic literature. The research finds that although many recommendations have been proffered by researchers to solve these problems, the issues and mistakes made by hospitality employers appear to remain the same. Possible best practice solutions are explored. Reviews of scholarly journals, books, and materials from the domains of marketing, human resources, hospitality management, and organisational behaviour were used to find evidence about the current trends of thought, research findings, and best practices in this field. The chapter concludes with three conceptual models that summarise the critical issues and possible solutions.
Fostering Creativity and Innovation
Authors: Singh Amrik , Bathla Gaurav
Published: March 2023

The tourism and hospitality sector fosters growth, prospers the hosts, and also offers immense potential for employment in various sections. Innovation is a decisive process for the well-being of an organization. With economic crises after COVID-19 and the slow recovery that continues, the authors believe that a solution can be improving the capacity to research and innovate to achieve sustainable development. The purpose of this chapter is to develop a meaningful debate on the creativity and innovations in the forms of new ideas, methods, and technology to better meet the evolving requirement of the organization and workforce sustainability. Further, exploring the future needs and circumstances rather than simply finding some responses to the situation, this chapter highlights challenges and prospects related to achieving creativity and innovation for business sustainability in tourism and hospitality.
Management of Innovation
Authors: Munna Afzal Sayed , Shaikh Md Sadeque Imam , Mazumdar Anupam
Published: March 2023

Innovation management is a prime concept of making changes and innovations in the business to make the business globally famous. The conceptual understanding of the innovative strategies has been covered in this book. Besides this, the discussion of key elements and the challenges a company might face to implement innovation has been discussed here. Identification and discussion, including the application of the innovation, have been covered here. The impact of the implementation of innovation-based managerial theories as well as practices have also been evaluated within the study to develop a critical understanding of business proceedings.
Transformational Leadership and Innovative Work Behavior of Employees
Authors: Deprez Jana , Robijn Wouter , Euwema Martin
Published: March 2023

Organizations need to innovate to stay relevant, for example, through the innovative work behavior of employees. Previous studies highlighted how different innovative phases may require other leadership behavior. In the present study, the authors aim to discover which type of transformational leadership behaviour best encourages employees in which innovative phase, both from the perspective of the manager and the employee. They conducted interviews with 42 leaders and 43 followers within four innovative companies in the e-tailing sector. They use thematic analysis and quantisization of the data. The results show that not every subcomponent of transformational leadership has the same influence on each phase of innovative work behavior, nor with the same magnitude. The most prevalent relationship is between intellectual stimulation and idea generation. They report specific actions by leaders that promote innovative work behavior in followers.
Airbnb in the Local Neighbourhood
Authors: Nadda Vipin , Pospíšilová Markéta
Published: March 2023

Airbnb is a platform allowing a peer-to-peer accommodation option for people sharing their own extra space. As simple it sounds, there are many challenges behind its implementation. It is crucial to look at both sides of the coin to understand not only what it brings but what it causes as well. Airbnb is a comparatively new phenomenon of the modern times and changes the traditional tourist behaviour as well as accommodation situation in the market. Initially, the general perception was that Airbnb is not a threat to the traditional accommodation as it attracts completely new customers. It is a big part of sharing economy and brings both advantages and disadvantages. The sharing economy is a new dimension of economy, and the classic structure is rapidly changing. It is a sustainable form of service provision and contributes to inclusive destination development. On the other hand, as Airbnb lies in providing accommodation by non-commercial residents, there is an overall lack of control of whether the host is reliable and if it is secure.
Overview on Incorporating Computer-Aided Diagnosis Systems for Dementia
Authors: Karami Vania , Nittari Giulio , Karami Sara , Nabavi Seyed Massood
Published: March 2023

Dementia is one of the major issues in public health all over the world. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is its most common and famous form. Late detection of AD has irreparable effects for the people suffering from it. Cognitive assessment tests are the conventional approach to detect AD. They are quick to do, and not costly. However, they have low predictive values. Therefore, other ways such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used. Recently, advances in computer-aided diagnosis system (CADS) using MRI have provided useful information in the quantitative evaluation of AD at an early stage. Although it cannot be substituted with the doctors, but it helps. Many algorithms for CADS were presented, which means CADS is one of the growing techniques in this field. Because there is no standardized approach to determine the best one, it is essential to be familiar with general approaches to design a CADS. This chapter deals with a general approach for design and develop a reliable CADS using biomarkers extracted from MRI. The advancement of using CAS and MRI for AD are discussed.
Low-axillary sampling
Authors: Parmar Vani , Dewle Ankush , Mishra Rupa
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Low-axillary sampling (LAS) is a novel technique validated and in use at Tata Memorial Centre, India. This article gives an overview of the technique and its application.
Effect of Gaseous Ozone on Transverse and Impact Strengths of Heat Cure Acrylic Resin
Authors: Kadhim Baraa Hasan , Mahmood Wasmaa S.
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

This study aimed to find out how exposure to gaseous ozone affected heat-cured acrylic resin’s transverse and impact strengths.

Methods:

Sixty samples of heat-cured acrylic resin were prepared and divided into three subgroups, control, microwave radiation (positive control), and gaseous ozone. Transverse strength and impact strength were evaluated using testing machines. At a level of significance of 5%, data were assessed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test.

Results:

Transverse strength analysis showed a significant difference among groups (P < 0.001). Post hoc test revealed significant differences between all multiple groups (P < 0.001). Impact strength analysis results showed a non-significant difference among groups (P = 0.13).

Conclusion:

Within the limits of this research, it is possible to conclude that gaseous ozone exposure improves the transverse strength of heat-cure acrylic resin.
Effect of Incorporation of Boron Nitride Nanoparticles on Impact Strength and Surface Roughness of Heat Cure Poly Methyl Methacrylate Resin
Authors: Hussein Hussein Ali M. , Al-Judy Hikmat J.
Published: March 2023

Background:

The objective of this research was to explore how the addition of boron nitride (BN) nanoparticles in the concentrations of 1% and 1.5% w/w affect the impact strength and surface roughness of heat-cured poly methyl methacrylate resin (PMMA).

Methods:

Sixty specimens were made from heat-cured acrylic resin and then divided into control, 1%, and 1.5% w/w BN groups. The impact strength and surface roughness were investigated. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test were used for data analysis.

Results:

Statistically significant difference is found among the three study groups regarding impact strength (P = 0.011) and surface roughness test (P <  0.001). The post hoc test showed significant differences for all multiple comparisons for the surface roughness test (P < 0.001). Yet, multiple comparisons for the impact strength test revealed only a significant difference between the 1.5% BN and control groups (P = 0.005).

Conclusion:

The addition of boron BN into PMMA improves impact strength with 1.5% concentration; while adversely increase the surface roughness.
Assessment of Elongation Percentage, Tensile, and Tear Strength of Filler Particles
Authors: Hasan Mays H. , Fatalla Abdalbseet A.
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

We aimed to assess how the addition of nano tellurium oxide (TeO2) filler particles affected the elongation percentage, tensile strength, and tear strength of the maxillofacial silicone elastomer.

Methods:

Thirty samples were created by adding nano TeO2 powder (518.9 nm) at percentages of 0%, 3%, and 5% w/w into the RTV VST-50 silicon elastomer. Elongation percentage, tensile, and tear strength were assessed according to the specifications of ISO 37:2017 using a computerized universal testing device. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s honest significant difference test using MedCalc 20.104.

Results:

There were statistically significant differences regarding elongation percentage, tensile, and tear strength among study groups (P < 0.001). All of the post hoc comparisons showed statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.002).

Conclusion:

The addition of 5% and 3% nano TeO2 filler particle significantly increases the elongation percentage, tensile strength, and tear strength of maxillofacial silicone in comparison with the control group, concentration-dependently.
The Occupational Prestige of the Physiotherapy Profession
Authors: Uchenwoke Chigozie I. , Mba Oliver C. , Anieto Ijeoma B. , Ede Stephen S. , Ezeukwu Antoninus O. , Okoh Chisom F.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Occupational prestige defines the social standing of a profession. It is a useful indicator of the profession’s marketability and desirability.

Objectives:

This study aimed at determining the perception of Nigerian students on the prestige of the physiotherapy profession relative to some other selected occupations, and how their perception was influenced by some selected sociodemographics.

Materials and Methods:

Four hundred and twenty-two copies of a self-administered questionnaire were distributed, completed, and returned from students on the two campuses in Southeastern Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kendall’s W, and chi-square analysis.

Results:

Respondents included 212 males (50.2%) and 210 females (49.8%). Most of them were between the ages of 20 and 30 years (88.6%). The result of the study showed that Physiotherapy was ranked second on the levels of education, social standing, and responsibility; and third on the levels of income and usefulness to society. The only sociodemographics that influenced the overall perceived occupational prestige of the Physiotherapy profession significantly were age and gender (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

There is a need to further improve and maintain the social standing of the physiotherapy profession, to bring about a more improved perception of their profession by the students and the public.
Sex Hormones, Antioxidants and Lipid Profile of Aqueous Cucumis sativus L. (cucumber) Treated Male Rats
Authors: Obembe Olawale O. , Abayomi Taiwo A. , Tokunbo Olorunfemi S. , Dare Joseph B. , Usman Taofeek O.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Cucumis sativus (cucumber) is regarded as a healthy fruit because of the beneficial effects of its phytochemical constituents. However, there is a deficit of information about its effect on male reproductive physiology.

Objective:

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of C. sativus (AECS) on male reproductive hormones, oxidative stress biomarkers, and lipid profile.

Materials and Methods:

Ten male rats were randomly assigned into two (control and treated) groups (n = 5). In the treated group, a single dose of AECS (500 mg/kg) was administered daily for 6 weeks and thereafter sacrificed under sodium pentobarbital anesthesia. Blood was collected and analyzed for sex hormones, antioxidants, and lipid profile markers. The testicular homogenate was also analyzed for antioxidants.

Results:

The AECS increased (P < 0.05) serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels (4.43 ± 0.34 and 7.50 ± 1.31, respectively) when compared with the control. Also, testicular catalase and serum level of high-density lipoprotein were increased (27.45 ± 0.19 and 30.08 ± 5.22, respectively) (P < 0.05), whereas serum low-density lipoprotein decreased (72.79 ± 9.56) (P < 0.05) in the extract treated rats. However, serum antioxidant levels were not affected.

Conclusions:

AECS is beneficial to male reproductive physiology evidenced by improved lipid profile and hormonal indices. Also, the integrity of the testicular redox profile was well maintained.
Substance Abuse Among Medical Students of a Nigerian University
Authors: Idoko Chinedu A. , Chidolue Ikechukwu C. , Idoko Chinelo I. , Eze Chibueze K. , Ucheya Emmanuel
Published: March 2023

Background:

Substance abuse is simply the use of illegal drugs, prescription/over-the-counter drugs as well as alcohol for purposes other than they are designated for, or in excessive amounts. Indulgence in these is high among students, with attendant negative consequences.

Objectives:

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of substance use among the students, factors influencing use and the effect on academic performance.

Materials and Methods:

It was a cross-sectional descriptive study with respondents selected by simple random sampling. Structured questionnaires were self-administered and data analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results:

Caffeine (170/300, 56.7%) happened to be the substance mostly abused and cannabis least abused (6/300, 2%). The major reason for the excessive usage of caffeine was for alertness (215/300, 71.7%) during exams period. There was no significant association between drug use prevalence and improvement in respondents reading pattern/ability to effectively concentrate at lectures. However, there existed a significant association between respondents’ sociodemographics (age, sex) and prevalence of substance use (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Substance abuse is common among medical students and it is influenced by some sociodemographic factors. Substance use had no significant effect on the academics of the study participants. Stress management strategies/courses should be included in the medical education curriculum.
Analysis of Burden and Outcomes of Anticoagulant Induced Adverse Drug Effects at a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Tongaonkar Arnav H. , Joshi Kavita S. , Mulkalwar Alhad A. , Gajare Shweta D.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Anticoagulants are among the most commonly used drugs in hospitalized patients known to cause adverse drug reactions (ADRs). They have commonly been used as standard therapy in venous thromboembolism, stroke prevention, etc.

Objectives:

The authors aimed to assess the incidence of ADRs, clinical profile, severity and causality among the admitted patients taking anticoagulants in a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods:

This was a hospital-based, prospective, observational, non-interventional cohort study undertaken in the General Medicine Wards of King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai from June 2017 to December 2018. Every patient’s data was recorded using a structured ADR reporting form. The baseline parameters, medical history and underlying diseases, clinical data, characteristics of ADRs, and details of medication responsible for ADRs, as well as details of the drugs used for treatment of ADRs were recorded. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 software.

Results:

Out of the 164 patients admitted due to ADRs within the study period, 32 (19.5%) had developed ADRs due to anticoagulant treatment. Most anticoagulant-related ADRs involved the vascular system (n = 32). The severity of ADR was found to be mild in one patient (3.1%), moderate in 22 patients (68.8%), and severe in nine patients (28.1%). Twenty (62.5%) patients completely recovered, nine (28.1%) patients were still recovering (at the time of the analysis of the data), and three (9.4%) patients had a fatal outcome. Presence of systemic comorbidities and polypharmacy were found to be significant risk factors associated with anticoagulant-associated ADRs.

Conclusion:

Anticoagulants commonly cause ADRs in the study population. Patient education at the time of prescription can prevent many ADRs due to medication error or poor compliance. In addition, installing a better surveillance system in hospitals could alleviate the prevalence of ADRs.
Long-term outcomes of augmentation cystoplasty with or without artificial urinary sphincter implantation
Authors: Frost Anastasia , Ivaz Stella , Bugeja Simon , Dragova Mariya , Lock Angelica , Andrich Daniela , Mundy Anthony R.
Published: March 2023

Objective:

The objective is to review long-term outcomes up to 30 years following the original operation, of patients having augmentation cystoplasty (AC), with or without implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) for sphincter weakness incontinence (SWI).

Patients and Methods:

A total of 183 patients (104 males, 79 females) underwent AC ± AUS by a single surgeon, with patients divided into three groups: spina bifida (n = 105), congenital anatomical anomalies (n = 22), and acquired bladder disorders (n = 56). The median follow-up was 17 years.

Results:

At 1 year 45 patients (24.6%) with an AC were continent and did not require an AUS. 27 (60%) performed clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) and 18 (40%) voided spontaneously. At long-term follow-up (LTFU), 36 (80%) of 45 patients were still dry. One hundred and thirty-eight patients (75.4%) had an AUS implanted for SWI. Twenty-seven AUS (20%) were explanted in the first year. At LTFU, 94 patients (68%) had the original AUS removed, with or without subsequent replacement-making this the most common complication. At LTFU, 71 (51.4%) of 138 patients were still dry with an AUS ± CISC. Overall, at LTFU, 157 (85.8%) of 183 patients were continent, 11 (6%) had an ileal conduit, and 15 (8.2%) were incontinent. Recurrent urinary tract infections occurred in 32% of patients, bladder stones in 12%, revision of the cystoplasty in 7%, and diversion in 10%. Renal function decreased at the expected physiological rate in patients with spina bifida, but more dramatically in other groups. Malignant transformation was detected in 4 patients (2.2%) at a median of 28.5 years post-AC. All tumors originated from the bladder segment.

Conclusion:

Overall, the long-term outcomes of AC alone are satisfactory. Outcomes in patients who had an AC and AUS were satisfactory on early to intermediate follow-up but were significantly less satisfactory in the longer term due to AUS-related complications.
Clinical Characteristics of Strongyloidiasis during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Tanariyakul Manasawee , Chang Bolin , Keitoku Koichi , Su Marissa , Hagiya Hideharu , Nishimura Yoshito
Published: March 2023

The clinical impact of Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection secondary to immunosuppressive therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been an emerging topic of interest, although characteristics of Strongyloides infection in COVID-19 patients are not yet well characterized. This study summarizes the existing evidence of Strongyloides infection in COVID-19 patients and recommends future areas of research. According to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews, we performed a search on MEDLINE and EMBASE for articles with keywords including “Strongyloides,” “Strongyloidiasis,” and “COVID-19” from the inception of these databases to June 5, 2022. A total of 104 articles were found. After excluding duplication and thorough reviews, 11 articles, including two observational studies, one conference abstract, and nine case reports or series, were included. Two observational studies focused on revealing the prevalence of Strongyloides screening in COVID-19 patients and clinical follow-up. Among the included cases, patients were mostly from low- or middle-income countries and suffered from severe or critical COVID-19. Strongyloides hyperinfection and disseminated infection were reported in 60% and 20%, respectively. Interestingly, 40% did not have eosinophilia, a hallmark of parasitic infection, potentially leading to delay in diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. This systematic review summarizes the clinical characteristics of strongyloidiasis in COVID-19 infection. Although further studies to identify risks and precipitants associated with the onset of strongyloidiasis are crucial, increased awareness of the critical condition is warranted.
Recovery of TiO2 from spent SCR catalyst by acidolysis and additional crystal seeds-hydrolysis method
Authors: Wang Bo , Li Zhongnan , Liu Hangkai , Tian Libin , Yang Qiaowen , Bai Ruoyan , Chen Yue , Liu Xu
Published: March 2023

In this study, a rapid and efficient method of recovering TiO2 from spent SCR (selective catalytic reduction) catalyst supplied by a coal-fired power plant in Shanghai was developed. The acid leaching and sodium roasting-water leaching residues (titanium slag) from spent SCR catalyst were employed as the raw material. First, titanium slag was dissolved into H2SO4 solution under different conditions. The optimal acidolysis conditions were 85 wt% H2SO4, 5.0 g/g acid-residues ratio, 90℃ acidolysis temperature and 2.0 h acidolysis time. Simultaneously, the highest acidolysis efficiency can reach 92.02%. The acidolysis solution was collected and concentrated to 200 g/L (measured by TiO2 concentration). Then, acidolysis solution was adjusted to pH 0.52-9.15, followed by adding 0-40 mL additional crystal seeds and reacting under certain conditions to obtain the hydrolysis product. The optimal hydrolysis conditions were 25 mL additional crystal seeds, pH 7.46, 120℃ hydrolysis temperature and 3.0 h hydrolysis time. Finally, the recovered product was obtained by roasting hydrolysis product at 700℃ for 2.0 h. The results of hydrolysis stability test indicated that this method can make the hydrolysis efficiency of acidolysis solution stabilize at approximately 90% under optimal conditions. The main component of recovered product was anatase TiO2 with the purity of 86.88%.
Strengthening the Self-feedback on College Writing Classes
Authors: Kim Nammee
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this paper is to seek ways to strengthen self-feedback to develop the writing skills of university students. The goal of self-feedback is to have the ability to recognize and adjust a student’s thinking process to improve the quality of his or her writing. It is necessary to recognize previous thinking patterns through self-feedback, learn coordination strategies for qualitative improvement, and to impart to our students higher cognitive strategies that are transferable. To this end, self-feedback should be focused on elements belonging to the higher hierarchy among writing-related errors. It is necessary to construct a thinking system that leads to further improvements from what has already been completed, focusing on the relationship between higher hierarchical elements such as subject and structure. This process should be repeatedly and developmentally performed not only in the revision of the draft, but also for extended writings such as memos, diaries, mind maps, and PPTs.The actual classroom will be able to improve a learner's ability as an author in a true sense only when it provides an opportunity for them to examine their previous thoughts around the macroscopic structure and train them in the self-checking, self-assessment, and the self-design process with self-feedback.
Relationship Between Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies Positivity and HLA-DRB1 Shared Epitope Alleles in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Turkey
Authors: Dayan İdris , Tıkız Canan , Taneli Fatma , Ulman Cevval , Ulutaş Gürol , Tüzün Çiğdem
Published: March 2023

Objective: The most characteristic genetic risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the HLA-DRB1 shared epitope (SE) alleles, encode for a common amino acid sequence in the peptide-presenting part of the HLA class II molecule. These SE alleles have been described recently to be a risk factor for the development of antibodies against citrullinated proteins in RA. The current study was performed to investigate the association between the cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) and HLA-DR1 HLA-DRB1 shared epitope alleles in patients with RA in Turkey.

Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with RA who were newly diagnosed or under conventional treatment in our clinic and 60 healthy volunteers as controls were enrolled in the study. In patients with RA anti-CCP levels were investigated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and HLA-DRB1 subtyping and SE was assessed by polymerase chain reaction. Only anti-CCP was measured in healthy volunteers.

Results: SE was positive in 50% of the patients with RA. Amongst the SE carriers, 30% of them were carrying double copy of SE. While anti-CCP was positive in 73,3% of patients with RA, this ratio was 0% in healthy volunteers. We determined that the existence of SE increases the positivity of anti-CCP (OR=4,3, 95% [CI], P=0.04 ), and a significant relationship was found between the anti-CCP positivity and the RF positivity. (OR=5,3, 95% [CI] P<0.05).

Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that Turkish patients with RA carrying SE with HLA-DRB1 genes is significantly related with the production of anti-CCP. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of anti-CCP for RA is determined as 73,3% and 100% respectively. (Turk J Rheumatol 2010; 25: 12-8)
La metáfora geológica en la pregunta heideggeriana por el fundamento
Authors: Bellocq Santiago
Published: March 2023

Todo el esfuerzo filosófico heideggeriano puede reducirse a su intento de pensar el ser en términos no metafísicos, efectuando mediante un «pensar poetizante» una Destruktion de la metafísica occidental. El ser, pensado en su sentido y verdad como “fundamento” del ente, es nombrado metafóricamente de diversas maneras, lo cual problematiza esta búsqueda de pureza conceptual y terminológica. Si, como señala Derrida, «el ser […] no puede ser dicho, no puede decirse más que en la metáfora óntica. Y la elección de tal o cual metáfora es necesariamente significativa» (Derrida, 1994 [1972]: 169), el empleo de términos geológicos/geográficos para pensar la (des)fundamentación del Seyn no podrán jamás ser neutros, sino que ilustrarán de manera particularizada la forma de concebir la verdad del ser como acontecimiento abisal. Hay un correlato entre el “fundamento” expresado y construido en un discurso y entre una ontología, así como una sub-correlación esencial entre el sentido del fundamento y la metáfora que lo expresa. De este modo, abordando las figuras de la tierra [Erde], la fisuración [Zerklüftung] y el abismo [Abgrund], entre otras, veremos que estas funcionan como un a priori conceptual que condicionará totalmente el pensamiento heideggeriano, con límites y potencialidades específicos que permitirán una mejor comprensión de la fundamentación como estructura ontológica.
Virajes Conceptuales
Authors: Gómez Algarra César
Published: March 2023

En varios textos de los años 1929-30, Heidegger presenta los conceptos fundamentales de la metafísica como conceptos inclusivos: Inbegriffe. Sin embargo, al poco tiempo y en el trascurso del camino que le conduce al viraje (die Kehre), el filósofo se opone de manera radical a la tradición metafísica. No obstante, la pertinencia y la legitimidad de los conceptos inclusivos se mantiene, sirviéndole para elaborar un pensar distinto de la filosofía subjetiva, moderna y representativa. En este artículo, exploramos el sentido y la legitimidad de esta conceptualidad propia de la historia del ser, apuntando a sus modificaciones con la obra anterior, así como a sus límites respecto a todo proyecto fenomenológico.
El camino hacia Schelling desde la metafísica de la finitud hacia la metafísica del mal
Authors: Gómez Pedrido Mario Martín
Published: March 2023

La recepción que Heidegger tiene del idealismo alemán data de sus primeros años de formación y ejerce una influencia duradera hasta su pensar maduro. Al interior de ella un caso paradigmático es su interpretación del Freiheitschrift de Schelling en el Sommersemester de 1936. En el presente escrito nos ocuparemos de mostrar como su lectura tiene dos consecuencias centrales. La primera, a partir de su análisis del devenir divino eterno de Dios tal como lo plantea Schelling modifica su propia teoría de la temporalidad originaria en un aspecto central: pasa a considerar a la eternidad ya no como una mera sucesión intemporal de ahoras, sino como núcleo central del tiempo. La segunda cónsecuencia radica en que el examen de las implicancias de este devenir divino articulado con una metafísica del mal permiten a Heidegger revisar el lugar del concepto de hombre que venia utilizando en su lectura de Kant hacia 1929.
Stochastic Modeling Effect on HIV Infection with Special Distribution
Authors: Karuppaiah Kannadasan , Gandhi Subash Chandrabose , Raman Vinoth
Published: March 2023

One of the key elements in the analysis of HIV infection is the estimation of the period until seroconversion. The seroconversion time is a crucial element of the seroconversion distribution in the analysis of the HIV epidemic. Elements that speed up the process of seroconversion include homo or hetero sexual interactions, the use of non-sterile needles, etc. Given that the timing of HIV conversion is unpredictable, one would anticipate that the distribution of seroconversion would have a significant influence on how the HIV pandemic develops. The intervals between sexual encounters were pointed out as a probable factor. To investigate the non-linear damage process affecting the immune system, we suggest a stochastic model. Alpha Poisson distribution has been derived keeping the Mittag-Leffler distribution as the inter-arrival time of the infection. A three-parameter Weibull distribution for the seroconversion time distribution is also introduced. HIV's seroconversion time's mean and variation are calculated. To demonstrate the seroconversion rates of HIV transmission, a numerical example is provided. The means and variance of seroconversion time decreases as the HIV intensity of the infected partner rises. The practical implication of the finding is that HIV spreads more quickly as immune system intensity decreases.
Design and Implementation of a Smart Prosthetic Hand
Authors: Kavyanjali R.  , Mo Imran  , Nalliboyina Yuva Raja Phani Kumar  , Maria Dayana L.N  , Pavithra G  , Sindhu Shree M  , T.C.Manjunath  , Aditya T.G  , Sandeep K.V.  , Rajashekar M. Koyyeda  , Suhasini V.K  , Vijayakumar K.N
Published: March 2023

An overview of the design and use of a Smart Prosthetic Hand is provided in this study. This study presents an overview of computational methods for brain, gesture, and voice signals to operate a robotic arm. There are several hundred million neurons in the human brain. A prosthetic arm powered by a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) based on electroencephalograms (EEG) is a non-invasive approach that can be a powerful aid for persons with severe disabilities in their daily lives, particularly to let them use their arm voluntarily. The brain’s EEG data is recorded by the Brainsense headset and processed by a microprocessor to move the prosthetic hand via controlling servo motors. Additionally, a glove controller that replicates the gestures is used. The method entails using flex sensors to control the arm's movements. The voice control system was created so that voice commands could be sent through Bluetooth to control prosthetic arms. With the aid of a microcontroller, all actions can be monitored by a user interface. This prosthetic arm can help patients who have amputees below the elbow. This essay's main objective is to enable people with physical disabilities to become less dependent on others for their everyday needs. This model would be very helpful in both the real world, especially for those with disabilities who are unable to use their hands, and in the classroom when employed by college students pursuing robotics as a subject. The work given here is a mini-project that is taken up as a part of the curriculum completed by electronics and communication engineering students in the second year of the electronics & communication engineering department at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in Bangalore.
A review/survey paper on Nanobots in Medical Applications for brain tumor detections
Authors: Deekshitha P  , Pavithra G  , Sindhu Shree M  , T.C.Manjunath  , Aditya T.G  , Sandeep K.V  , Rajashekar M. Koyyeda  , Suhasini V.K  , Vijayakumar K.N
Published: March 2023

This study is a review or survey on the use of nanobots in medicine. Designing and creating tiny machines, particularly robotic machines, is the field of nanorobotics. Any "smart" structure that is able to act, sense, signal, process information, think, manipulate, and exhibit swarm behaviour at the nanoscale is a nanorobot (10-9m). More specifically, the term "nanorobotics" (as opposed to "micro robotics") refers to the engineering field of nanotechnology that focuses on designing and creating nanorobots with devices that range in size from 0.1 to 10 micrometres and are made of components that are either nanoscale or molecular. Nanomedicine is one of the first practical applications of nanotechnology. Cancer cells are recognised and eliminated using biological devices. The project shown here was undertaken by an electronics and communication engineering post-graduate student in the department's second year at Bangalore's Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering. It was completed as part of the course requirements.
A STUDY ON MULTILATERAL TRADE AND INVESTMENTS AMONG BRICS COUNTRIES
Authors: Biju  , R.Ramki
Published: March 2023

The paper analyzes the importance of the BRICS group as representatives of emerging countries in the global economy. It is worth noting that the financial crisis had no strong effect on the BRICS group and it had a much better economic performance than developed countries. The main factors that led to the economic expansion of the group were an increased input of factors, and enormous scales of population and resources. The study says that positive for the important relationship between economic growths for exports of BRICS countries. Export is an increase in the foreign exchange value of our country. In 2016-17, India’s overall exports USD 348.49 billion from April-December 2020-21. Thus, this research paper's purpose has based on India's export to BRICS countries. i.e Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The study concluded that though these economies have many challenges to sustain and maintain the trend. FDI will facilitate these economies to enhance large scale production, employment and sustainability.
Weight based gender segregation of silk moths in cocoon stages with sex detection using AI & ML concepts
Authors: Pavan Raju  , Amrutha Bhat  , Sindhu S  , Sushmitha A.C  , Sindhu Sree M  , Pavithra G  , T.C.Manjunath  , Aditya T.G  , Sandeep K.V  , Rajashekar M. Koyyeda  , Suhasini V.K  , Vijayakumar K.N
Published: March 2023

The work presented in this paper gives a brief idea about the weight based gender segregation of silk moths in cocoon stage. Mathematical modelling of the sensor is also carried out with the concept of silk moth sex identification.
Factores modificables y no modificables asociados a la enfermedad periodontal.
Estudio en la etnia Kichwa Saraguro, Ecuador
Authors: Centeno Dávila María del Cisne , Lazo Aguirre Karen Nathaly , Pérez Mora Andrea Paola , Jiménez Romero Magaly Noemí
Published: March 2023

La enfermedad periodontal es uno de los padecimientos de mayor frecuencia en la
cavidad bucal a nivel mundial, su etiología es multifactorial, adicionalmente existe
co-factores que pueden influenciar en la presencia de esta patología. El presente
capítulo tiene como objetivo determinar la asociación de los factores modificables y no
modificables de la enfermedad periodontal e identificar la necesidad de tratamiento en
la etnia Kichwa Saraguro de Loja-Ecuador. Fue un estudio cuantitativo, observacional,
con diseño descriptivo, correlacional. Se examinaron 303 fichas de participantes con
enfermedad periodontal entre seis a doce años de edad. Para el análisis de los datos se
utilizó la prueba de Chi-cuadrado para determinar la asociación de las variables
cuantitativas con un nivel de significancia del 5% (p<0,05). Los factores
modificables asociados con la enfermedad periodontal en la etnia Kichwa Saraguro fueron
la respiración bucal (p=0,023), placa dental (p= 0,00031) y cálculo dental (p=0,007). El
código 1 de necesidad de tratamiento periodontal comunitario fue el más frecuente en los
factores modificables asociados con enfermedad periodontal. La respiración bucal, la
placa dental y el cálculo son factores asociados de la enfermedad periodontal. El índice
de necesidad de tratamiento periodontal comunitario fue la instrucción de higiene
bucal.
Problema del anonimato de donantes dentro de las Técnicas de Reproducción Humana
Asistida
Authors: Duran Ramírez Andrea Lisseth , Zamora Vázquez Ana Fabiola , Pozo Cabrera Enrique Eugenio , Trelles Vicuña Diego Fernando , Polo Pazmiño Esteban Javier
Published: March 2023

Hace tiempo atrás la única forma de ser padres para las parejas infértiles era la
adopción. Hoy en día, la ciencia y la biotecnología ha evolucionado a pasos agigantados
permitiendo a través de procedimientos de reproducción asistida solucionar este
problema. El objetivo de esta investigación hace alusión al anonimato de donantes
surgiendo un debate si conocer la verdad biológica o mantener en secreto la identidad de
quienes por un acto altruista donaron su material genético para que terceros puedan
paliar su infertilidad. Este trabajo se realizó a través de un enfoque cualitativo, con
un alcance descriptivo, utilizando métodos con el inductivo – deductivo, analítico –
sintético y dogmático – jurídico. Este esfuerzo académico se centra en comprender el
anonimato dentro de las técnicas de reproducción humana asistida, pues en la actualidad
existen legislaciones a favor y en contra, lo preocupante resulta el silencio normativo
que existe respecto a estos temas de actualidad en el ordenamiento jurídico ecuatoriano,
que al no contar con regulación vulnera el derecho de las personas intervinientes en
estos procesos como los usuarios, el niño fruto del tratamiento y el personal sanitario
como tal. Además, este tema se relaciona con otros derechos como la filiación, el
derecho a la verdad biológica, el derecho a la intimidad, entre otros.