bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDY OF LIFE EVENTS AND PREMORBID FUNCTION IN RECENT ONSET SCHIZOPHRENIA
Authors: BABU P SURESH , KV BALAGANESHAN , D SIVALINGAM , S THIRUMALAI
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives: Stressful life events preceded onset of psychosis like schizophrenia. Factors which help to identify disease at an earlier stage enable to seek early medical care. This study aims to compare occurrence of life events in subjects presenting 1st time with schizophrenia in the preceding year and to assess premorbid function of individuals.
Methods: This was a case–control study with subjects attending psychiatry outpatient department for the 1st time with schizophrenia and controls from general population. After obtaining informed consent, sociodemographic data were collected along with premorbid functioning using premorbid adjustment scale (PAS), presumptive stressful life events scale (PSLES), positive and negative syndrome scale, premorbid schizoid and schizotypal assessment scale, and global assessment functioning scale (GAF). Data analysis was done using SPSS 22 software. p<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Sixty cases and 60 controls were compared. Mean age was 30.45±9.21 years, 55% were male, 56.66% were married, 68.33% were from rural background, and 81.66% were from low socioeconomic status. Mean number of stressful life events in the preceding year, PSLES score, PAS scale, Premorbid schizoid and schizotypal traits scale, and GAF scale were all significantly higher in cases. Married men showed higher stress and life events score.
Conclusion: Subjects with schizophrenia experience severe stress before onset of illness and showed more premorbid social dysfunction. Married subjects experience severe stress than others. Duration of untreated illness was less in urban subjects and those with positive family history but had no correlation with severity.
CORRELATING BIOCHEMICAL AND HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS WITH DENGUE
Authors: JANTIKAR ASHWINI MANISH
Published: October 2022

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to ascertain the correlation of the various biochemical and hematological parameters to dengue positive status.
Methods: Based on review of literature, we calculated the correlation of biochemical and hematological parameters of liver profile in dengue positive and dengue negative patients in a convenience sampling of 140 dengue negative and 49 dengue positive cases.
Results: Total bilirubin (TBI), total plasma protein, globulin, and alkaline phosphatase showed inverse correlation to dengue positive status, while albumin/globulin ratio elicited direct correlation. (p˂0.05) Other parameters, namely, random blood sugar, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, albumin, SGPT, and SGOT showed no clear cut correlation with dengue positive or negative status (p>0.05).
Conclusions: TBI, total plasma protein, globulin and alkaline phosphatase, and albumin/globulin ratio should be ascertained in a large equal group-size randomized study to establish their authenticity as prognosticators of the disease.
CLINICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION IN ELDERLY: A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WAYNE’S AND ZULEWSKI CLINICAL SCORES WITH THYROID DISORDERS
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Sharma Garima , Sharma Puneet , Lalitshrimali
Published: October 2022

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to know the burden and spectrum of thyroid dysfunction in elderly population and to find out the relationship between Wayne’s and Zulewski clinical scores with thyroid disorders.
Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at tertiary care teaching hospital of Rajasthan only after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The study participants consist of elderly patients of age 60 years and above. Wayne’s and Zulewski clinical score were used for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, respectively, and goiter was evaluated by the WHO classification. All the participants were subjected to biochemical test TSH and if required total T3, T4, thyroid antibody (Anti-TPO test), and USG/FNAC neck.
Results: Total 165 patients were studied during the study period. The prevalence of thyroid disorders was 16.36%. The sensitivity of Zulewski clinical scores was 100% for both hypothyroid and overt hypothyroid patients, while the specificity was 58.39% and 54.72%, respectively, in cases of hypothyroidism and overt hypothyroid patients. The sensitivity of Wayne clinical scores for hyperthyroid was 33.33%, while specificity was 100%.
Conclusions: The present study concluded that thyroid dysfunction is common among elderly and hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism. Clinically, we can suspect thyroid disorder, but, biochemically, thyroid function test is always being a gold standard to diagnose the disease.
A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON EFFECT OF FLUOXETINE ON PRIMARY HEMOSTASIS OF PATIENTS HAVING MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
Authors: KS SHRUTHI , S NARENDRANATH , CY SUDHARSHAN , M SANTOSH KUMAR , GH SHASHIKALA , G DHANYA KUMAR
Published: October 2022

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to study the effect of fluoxetine on bleeding time, clotting time and platelet count of depressed patients.
Methods: Patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder were included in the study to fulfill a sample size of 60. Before starting the treatment with fluoxetine, laboratory tests were done which included bleeding time, clotting time, and platelet count. Patients were requested to return for follow-up after 4 weeks of treatment and the laboratory tests were repeated. All the study end point analysis was analyzed based on per-protocol population. Continuous variables were expressed as mean and standard deviations, paired t-test was used for within group comparison and unpaired t-test was used for between group comparisons. p<0.05 was considered to be significant. For categorical variable, frequency and percentage were calculated. For continuous variable, that is, bleeding time, clotting time, and platelet count, mean and standard deviation were calculated.
Results: At the end of 4 weeks, it was observed that there was a significant increase in bleeding time from 1.35±0.08 min to 1.46±0.08 min**. Similarly, there was a significant increase in clotting time from 3.30±0.15 min to 3.38±0.15 min**. It was also observed that there was a significant decrease in platelet count from 3.07±0.67 lakh cells/cu mm to 2.86±0.63 lakh cells/cu mm**.
Conclusion: Fluoxetine has shown to increase bleeding time, clotting time, and decrease platelet count. Hence, fluoxetine induced risk of bleeding and its cardio protective action has to be considered while individualizing therapy in management of depression.
IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MATERNAL MORTALITY RATIO IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF RAJASTHAN: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: Mehta Seema , Sharma Neha , Jain Shivangi
Published: October 2022

Objectives: Pregnancy and delivery are an important risk factor for COVID-19. The present study was carried out to see the impact of COVID 19 on maternal mortality ratio (MMR).
Methods: This retrospective study was performed in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mahila Chikitsalya, and SMS Medical College Jaipur from January 2018 to December 2021. Data were collected from the hospital records and MMR was calculated for every year. The causes of death were also recorded and changing trends were noted.
Results: In the present study, the MMR for the years 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 were 159.03, 112.72, 354.58, and 603, respectively, which reflects enormous increase in MMR during COVID pandemic years (2020 and 2021). Before the pandemic (2018 and 2019), maximum deaths were from direct obstetric causes (77.35%) while 22.64% maternal deaths were from indirect causes. During COVID pandemic a large percentage (53.12%) of maternal deaths were due to indirect obstetric causes, COVID pneumonitis (ARDS) being the most common cause of death.
Conclusions: There was 3.59 times increase in MMR during COVID-19 pandemic in our institute. COVID pneumonitis was responsible for significant number of maternal deaths.
RELAÇÃO PROFESSOR ESTUDANTE: perfil sócio identitário de estudantes e suas representações sobre o ensino universitário
Authors: Silva Fabrício Oliveira da , Lucas Vieira André Ricardo , Ramos dos Santos Wesley , Da Silva Militão Júnior Sergivaldo
Published: October 2022

O artigo discute a relação entre professores e estudantes na universidade, focalizando dois aspectos centrais:  o perfil sócio identitário dos estudantes e as representações destes sobre as estratégias de ensino utilizadas por seus professores no ensino universitário. Neste sentido, o texto objetiva compreender o que dizem os estudantes sobre as ações pedagógicas de professores universitários em relação ao desenvolvimento de aprendizagens logradas pelo estudante. A pesquisa é de natureza quantitativa e revela os resultados de um questionário do tipo survey, de 36 questões, aplicado a 997 estudantes da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana – UEFS, de 28 distintos cursos de graduação da referida instituição. Os/as estudantes, em sua maioria são do sexo feminino; se autodeclaram pretos/as; são solteiros/as; não possuem filhos/as; moram com pais e/ou familiares em residências próprias ou de parentes, em Feira de Santana; e não desenvolvem atividade remunerada. Os estudantes ainda revelam que os professores consideram seus conhecimentos prévios; que os professores reservam tempo durante a aula para dirimir dúvidas; que a seleção do material didático é feita baseada nas dificuldades dos estudantes; que os professores desenvolvem estratégias para motivar os estudantes a aprenderem; que a maneira como seus professores se relacionam com eles influencia em suas aprendizagens; que os professores ensinam estratégias que facilitam a aprendizagem de conteúdos; e, por fim, que os professores disponibilizam tempo para atendimento aos estudantes fora do horário de aula.
ARDAHAN DAMAL YÖRESİ ALEVİ CEMLERİ VE SEMAH RİTÜELİ
Authors: YOLDAŞ Erkan , KARABURUN DOĞAN Derya , AKGÜN Şakir Orçun
Published: October 2022

Alevîliğin düşünsel yapısı içerisindeki farklı bakış açılarının tezat geleneksel işleyişleri ve her bulunduğu coğrafyada farklılaşan ibadet şekilleri ile inanç unsurlarını kapsaması Alevîlik üzerine nitelikli derlemeler ve alan çalışmalarının yapılmasını zorunlu kılmaktadır. Araştırma genelinde nitel araştırma yöntemi ve bu yöntemlerden kültür ve duyusal analizler ile çalışılmıştır. Damal bölgesinde, yaşayan Alevi topluluklarının cemlerinde uygulamış oldukları ritüelleri dışında hiyerarşik, finansal, demografik yapısı bağlamında detaylı bir derlemelerin yapılmayışı çalışmanın önemini ve orijinalliğini vurgulamaktadır. Alevîlik üzerine yapılmış araştırmalarda Avrupalı araştırmacıların bizim kültürümüzü tarihsel ve güncel boyutlarıyla Alevî-Bektaşî topluluklar üzerine bizden daha yoğun çalışmasını bir eksiklik olarak kabul ettiğimizde yapılan alan araştırmaları ve derlemelerin bilim dünyasına katkısı yadsınamazdır. Bizim bu araştırmamızda da Ardahan/Damal’da Alevi etnisitesindeki topluluğun cem evinde uyguladıkları semahların müzikal yapıları, konu içerikleri Alevîlikteki hiyerarşi, cem kültürü, ibadet ait sazlı ve sözlü söylemleri ele alınacaktır.
Análise da influência da teoria da escolha pública na criação de aterros sanitários em municípios
Authors: Malheiro de Oliveira Cléia Nunes , Veloso Pedro Henrique Neris , Maximiano Júlia Soier , Ribeiro Elaine Nolasco
Published: October 2022

Com o advento da Lei nº 12.305/10, foi instituída no Brasil a Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos, estabelecendo novas diretrizes para o gerenciamento integrado dos resíduos sólidos nos municípios, inclusive com a necessidade de estruturação e reorganização legal desses. O objetivo deste estudo é verificar, a partir de regressão logística, as principais variáveis que ajudam a explicar a existência de aterro sanitário nos municípios brasileiros pela teoria da escolha pública. A pesquisa contou com modelagem estatística e utilização de dados secundários dos municípios brasileiros. Os resultados obtidos indicam que, dentre as variáveis consideradas no estudo, os municípios que têm o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDH-M) mais elevado possuem maiores chances em criar aterro sanitário, podendo-se inferir que quanto mais consciente e informada é a população, maior a probabilidade de se questionar e fiscalizar o poder público para a gestão e o tratamento dos resíduos. Muito além de construir aterros sanitários, os municípios devem investir em instrumentos como a educação ambiental, para que a geração de resíduos seja menor e a separação dos resíduos para que a reciclagem seja mais eficiente.
Avaliação da satisfação de alunos dos programas de pós-graduação da CNEN, em relação ao Sistema Internacional de Informação Nuclear (INIS)
Authors: Negri Ferreira Sergio , Orlando Filho Ovidio
Published: October 2022

O estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o nível de satisfação dos alunos dos cursos de pós-graduação na área nuclear, oferecidos pela Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear, em relação à base INIS. Adotou-se como norte metodológico a abordagem centrada nos consumidores, com foco em duas categorias - Funcionalidades Gerais do Sistema e Recuperação da Informação – e respectivos indicadores. Os resultados evidenciaram que em relação às Funcionalidades Gerais do Sistema, o nível de satisfação foi médio, com destaque para a deficiência no recurso de ajuda, como ponto negativo. Em relação à Recuperação da Informação, o estudo apontou um nível de satisfação alto, com destaque para a variedade dos tipos de documentos e de assuntos, a rapidez da busca e o grande volume de itens.
Citizens’ appeals as an instrument of dishonest competition and discrediting other citizens and organizations
Authors:   Russian State Social University, STEPKIN STANISLAV
Published: October 2022

This article considers the issues of abuse of rights and inadmissibility of violation of rights and freedoms of others in realizing the right of citizens to appeal. The author notes that citizens’ appeals play a significant role in developing the rule of law. In addition, the author points out the category of state civil and municipal employees. The paper draws attention to the difference in concepts used in the legislation and the fact that there are a variety of regulations for working with anonymous appeals in different state bodies. The study analyzes judicial practice and regulations, identifies legal gaps and initiatives in the form of legal law at the level of federal legislation, and formulates specific proposals for changes in federal law. The author proposes to conduct electronic identification of the citizens’ appeals, which will reduce the number of anonymous complaints and claims from fictitious persons. The analysis considers only cases of abuse of the rights of dishonest applicants, and by citizens’ appeals, the author means the applications of citizens, associations of citizens, including legal entities. At the same time, the author emphasizes that the vast majority of applicants are honest citizens. The paper was prepared based on the general scientific dialectical method. The author used specific methods to prepare the publication: system-structural, formallegal, logical and comparative-legal.
Theoretical aspects of the evolution problem in bureaucratic structures
Authors:   Central Russian Institute of Management – a branch of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, KONDRATIEV VLADISLAV PAVLOVICH
Published: October 2022

To date, the bureaucracy as a structural element of the state and as a large social group has been studied mainly in statics. Traditionally, the subject of consideration is the place of officialdom in the political system, its ability to be an effective instrument of social management, to represent an almost ideal hierarchical organizational system, and, at the same time, its tendency to form and carry out clan interests. The complexity and contradictory nature of this phenomenon, along with the ambiguity of assessments assigned to it by various theoretical and ideological aspects, do not take into account the ability of bureaucracy to transform and significantly change its functional characteristics within relatively short historical period. Indirect signs of such changes can be found in the history of states and public service. These changes cannot always be interpreted as progress or movement toward more advanced forms. On the contrary, the administrative apparatus of the state sometimes regresses, becomes costly, inefficient, and a burden on both the state and the society. At the same time, the state’s legal system and political order do not undergo notable changes. The goal of the study is to identify the principles and mechanisms of bureaucratic organization change, including the «life cycle» model, to assess the possibility of identifying patterns of such change. The methodology of the study is the analysis of sources on the theory of bureaucracy, as well as a comparison with empirical data from the history of state-building in Russia and abroad. As a result of the research, certain shortcomings of the concept of the «life cycle of bureaucracy», proposed by E. Downs, were revealed, and methods for identifying internal and external prerequisites and patterns of change in bureaucratic structures were outlined.
“Brave new world”: on strategies for developing digital economy
Authors:   Pushkin Leningrad State University, BOLSHAKOV SERGEI
Published: October 2022

The article analyzes conditions for implementing the digital economy strategy during the pandemic. The author considers the importance of networking platforms and digital databases for developing corporate businesses. The article provides statistics on lobbying business interests of digital corporations in the USA and the EU, the growth of digital corporations’ profits during the pandemic, and the number and distribution of researchers in the field of artificial intelligence. The article generalizes the importance of digitalization for all sectors of the economy and the social sphere. If we want to study digitalization strategies, it is necessary not only to form priorities and strategic goal-setting but also to provide resources for the selected priorities and directions of implementing digital technologies, as evidenced by the practice of public administration. The author notes that Big Data is of particular importance. The aggregation of these information datasets forms new lines of business and influences managerial decisions both in the corporate and private sectors of the economy and in the public administration system itself. The study demonstrates the process of monopolization of the digital services market. The largest corporations in digitalization and info-communication services are formed in the US and Chinese economies. These tendencies might have significant impact on public policy and the system of public service provision. The author concludes on the strategic importance of information and networking platforms in the modern digital economy and the strategic importance of startups and artificial intelligence.
Evolution of public administration in the post-Soviet countries. Georgia
Authors:   Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University), SILAEV NIKOLAY , KOVALEVA DARIA ,   Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University)
Published: October 2022

The article examines the formation of the statehood in independent Georgia. The authors study the history of the formation of the Georgian state over the past 30 years, noting both objective factors that hinder rapid economic development and recovery, as well as the obvious mistakes of the country’s authorities. One of the most crucial Georgia’s problems is still the demographic problem, the economic recession after the collapse of the Soviet Union was one of the deepest, the geographical conditions of the country force the government to invest much to infrastructure, and in the field of foreign trade, Georgia has a significant negative balance. Despite the listed difficulties, after the 2008–2009 crisis, the country showed positive economic dynamics and recovery rates. The authors emphasize that the quality of public administration in Georgia is much better than in many other post-Soviet countries; they associate this with the ongoing reforms and close cooperation with the European Union. After 2012, a special work was carried out to create a system of professional and politically neutral civil service together with a reform to reorganize local self-government, which allowed the citizens of the country to have greater influence over local government policies. The authors conclude that the progress in the field of state institutions, against the background of unfavorable economic conditions, deserves a particular study.
An unusual case of supernumerary testes.
Authors: Tamr Wissam Al , Omran Kareem , Prashan Rajebhosale , Pooja Agraw
Published: October 2022

Supernumerary testes is a rare genetic anomaly characterized by more
than two testicles. In the literature only around two hundred cases have
been reported. We present an unusual new case which does not conform to
the classifications of polyorchidism or previous cases and discuss our
management.
Computational fluid dynamics modeling of biomass co-firing in a 300 MW pulverized coal furnace
Authors: Sun Jinyu , Zhao Xiaojun , Xue Dongfa
Published: October 2022

Biomass energy is one of the most accessible and readily available
carbon-neutral energy options as a RES. It is regarded as a viable
alternative fuel for coal combustion, particularly for biomass co-firing
with pulverized coal, with numerous applications. The CFD can provide
reasonably accurate solutions to complex thermo-chemical-fluid interactions,
which is useful for understanding the design or retrofit of boilers and can
save time, money, and effort. In this study, a CFD simulation of a 300 MW
pulverized coal boiler with biomass co-firing was performed to investigate
the impact of biomass co-firing with coal, considering the biomass co-firing
ratio, mixing effect, and feeding temperature. The results show that the
flow field in the furnace does not change significantly under different
bio-mass blending ratio. Biomass co-firing can reduce peak temperatures in
the furnace and make the temperature distribution more uniform. The
concentration of unburned carbon in the furnace decreases as the biomass
blending ratio increases. Furthermore, biomass blending has a significant
impact on nitrogen oxide reduction, with NOx emissions reduced by 20% and
28%, respectively, when the biomass blending ratio is 15% and 30%. The
change of parameters inside the furnace caused by the reduction of biomass
powder feeding temperature about 80 K is not significant. On the other hand,
co-firing biomass with coal, reduces the risk of biomass spontaneous
combustion while maintaining the furnace combustion stability and boiler
combustion efficiency. The optimum ratio of biomass co-firing ration is
deduced in this study is up to 20%.
Angular and positional changes of the maxillary third molars after orthodontic treatment with different premolar extraction patterns
Authors: Mang de la Rosa Maria R. , Langer Lisa J. , Kouroupakis-Bakouros Fotis , Jost-Brinkmann Paul-Georg , Bartzela Theodosia N.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the angular and positional changes of the maxillary second (M2) and third molars (M3) after orthodontic premolar extraction treatment according to patient skeletal classification and growth pattern.

Materials and Methods

Panoramic radiographs of patients treated with extraction of the first or second premolars (n = 116) and patients treated without extraction (n = 92), taken before orthodontic treatment (T0) and after completion of multibracket appliance therapy (T1) were analyzed. Angle classification, growth pattern, crowding, and incisor inclination were recorded. The palatal (PP) and interorbital planes (IOP) were used as reference lines. Changes in the M3 angulation relative to PP and IOP (T0–T1) within the same group were evaluated with paired t-tests. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons between the groups. Accordingly, pairwise comparisons were performed with Mann-Whitney U-tests or independent t-tests (P < .05).

Results

The M3 angulation related to the PP and the IOP did not differ significantly between the extraction and nonextraction groups. The M2 angulation improved in the premolar extraction group between T0 and T1 (M2/PP, P < .001). According to Archer's classification, the change in the vertical position of M3 differed significantly between the extraction and nonextraction groups (P < .001).

Conclusions

The angulation of M3 improved over time regardless of the extraction decision. The vertical eruption pattern of M3 was positively influenced only in the extraction group. M2 became significantly more upright in the orthodontic extraction treatment groups.
Factors Associated With Improved A1C Among Adults With Type 1 Diabetes in the United States
Authors: Akturk Halis K. , Rompicherla Saketh , Rioles Nicole , Desimone Marisa , Weinstock Ruth S. , Haw Sonya J. , Ziemer David C. , Dickinson Jane K. , Agarwal Shivani , Ebekozien Osagie , Polsky Sarit ,   T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative
Published: October 2022

Many adults with diabetes do not reach optimal glycemic targets, and, despite advances in diabetes management, diabetes technology use remains significantly lower in racial/ethnic minority groups. This study aimed to identify factors associated with achieving the recommended A1C target of <7% using data on 12,035 adults with type 1 diabetes from 15 centers participating in the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative. Individuals attaining the target A1C were more likely to be older, White, have private health insurance, and use diabetes technology and less likely to report depressive symptoms or episodes of severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis than those with higher A1C levels. These findings highlight the importance of overcoming inequities in diabetes care.
Prediabetes Is Associated With Increased Risk of Heart Failure Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Huang Jia-Yi , Tse Yi-Kei , Li Hang-Long , Chen Cong , Zhao Chun-Ting , Liu Ming-Ya , Wu Mei-Zhen , Ren Qing-Wen , Yu Si-Yeung , Hung Denise , Li Xin-Li , Tse Hung-Fat , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Yiu Kai-Hang
Published: October 2022

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between prediabetes and heart failure (HF) and the association of HF with changes in glycemic status.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) between 2015 and 2018 were divided into three groups (normoglycemia, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes) according to their baseline glycemic status. The primary outcome was incident HF. The Fine and Gray competing risks model was applied, with death defined as the competing event.

RESULTS

Among 17,943 patients with AF (mean age 75.5 years, 47% female), 3,711 (20.7%) had prediabetes, and 10,127 (56.4%) had diabetes at baseline. Over a median follow-up of 4.7 years, HF developed in 518 (14%) patients with normoglycemia, 646 (15.7%) with prediabetes, and 1,795 (17.7%) with diabetes. Prediabetes was associated with an increased risk of HF compared with normoglycemia (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 1.12, 95% CI 1.03–1.22). In patients with prediabetes at baseline, 403 (11.1%) progressed to diabetes, and 311 (8.6%) reversed to normoglycemia at 2 years. Compared with remaining prediabetic, progression to diabetes was associated with an increased risk of HF (SHR 1.50, 95% CI 1.13–1.97), whereas reversion to normoglycemia was associated with a decreased risk (SHR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42–0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

Prediabetes was associated with an increased risk of HF in patients with AF. Compared with patients who remained prediabetic, those who progressed to diabetes at 2 years experienced an increased risk of HF, whereas those who reversed to normoglycemia incurred a lower risk of HF.
Lichen Simplex Chronicus Itch: An Update
Authors: Ju Teresa , Vander Does Ashley , Mohsin Noreen , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: October 2022

Lichen simplex chronicus is a form of chronic localized pruritus with a secondary dermatitis, and one of the most common types of chronic itch conditions, estimated to affect more than 10% of the general population. However, despite its prevalence and burden, there has been limited research into the pathogenesis and aetiology of lichen simplex chronicus, which, historically, made it a challenging condition to treat. In recent years, our understanding of this condition, along with that of pruritus and the itch-scratch cycle, has increased greatly, enabling a substantial increase in treatment options. In addition, there are several new promising treatments currently in development and trials. This article discusses the definition, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, and current therapeutic options for lichen simplex chronicus, in order to highlight recent advancements in this field.
Unfolding principles for student peer feedback: a comparative analysis of examples across higher education contexts
Authors: Ellegaard Marianne , Niss Maritn , Bruun Jesper , Lämsä Joni , Christiansen Frederik Voetman , Linell Gry Green , Larsen Camilla Fogh , Nyman Rimma , Johannsen Bjørn Friis
Published: October 2022

This article analyses and compares six examples of formative peer feedback practices in a set of international STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) contexts with the aim to facilitate bridging the gap between theory and practice in implementing peer feedback in Higher Education. A group of researchers and teaching practitioners from six institutions of Higher Learning discussed, analyzed and synthesized practical examples of peer feedback practices in STEM covering a breadth of setting, aims, and forms of peer feedback practices. The analysis and comparison of these examples illustrate how principles of peer feedback unfold in practice. We discuss how the context for the peer feedback practices influences its practical implementation, particularly with regard to the purpose and aims, development and use of assessment criteria, and  embedding and support of the initiatives into the teaching and learning activities.
Kritisk lesing i høyere utdanning: Hvordan forholder lærerstudenter seg til tekster som krever kritisk lesing?
Authors: Elvebakk Lisbeth , Blikstad-Balas Marte
Published: October 2022

Alle lærere har ansvar for å utvikle elevenes evne til å tenke – og lese – kritisk. For å lykkes med det, må de også kunne det selv. I artikkelen presenteres en studie som undersøker lærerstudenters kritiske lesing av et utvalg tekster distribuert via sosiale medier. Datamaterialet består av 58 lærerstudenters rapporterte bruk av sosiale medier, samt vurderingene deres av formål og pålitelighet i et utvalg autentiske tekster fra sosiale medier. Som framtidige lærere vil informantene i studien spille en vesentlig rolle i skolens arbeid med å utvikle barn og unges tekstkyndighet, og det er derfor interessant å vite mer om denne gruppens lesing og tekstforståelse. Funnene viser at utvalget av studenter har høy tillit til tekstene. De har utfordringer med å vurdere tekstenes pålitelighet og legger vage kriterier til grunn når de begrunner vurderingene sine. De legger stor vekt på subjektiv opplevelse av tekstene, på forkunnskap og synspunkter om temaet og på antakelser om avsenderens troverdighet. Funnene indikerer at lærerutdanningen ikke kan forutsette at studentene er kritiske lesere, og at kritiske perspektiver på tekst i større grad må inngå i utdanningen.
English abstract
Critical reading in higher education: How are teacher students critical readers?
Teachers are responsible for developing students’ ability to think and to read critically. To succeed, they need to be critical readers. The article presents a study examining teacher students’ critical reading of texts distributed via social media. The data consists of 58 teacher students’ reported use of social media, as well as their assessments of purpose and reliability in a selection of texts. As future teachers, the informants in the study will play a significant role in the development of children’s and young people’s reading competence and text skills. Thus, it is interesting to know more about this group’s reading competences and understanding of texts. The findings suggest that the students have high confidence in the selected texts. They have challenges in evaluating the credibility of the texts, and they use vague criteria when justifying their evaluations. They place great emphasis on experience, prior knowledge and views on the topic, and on assumptions about the author’s reliability. The findings suggest that teacher educations cannot assume that all teacher candidates have the necessary critical literacy competence, and such competence should be emphasized in the education.
RSA ALGORITHM IN FRACTIONAL-RATIONAL N-ARY FORMS WHILE ENCRYPTION-DECRYPTION OF MONOCHROME IMAGES
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Kovalchuk A. M. , Kustra Nataliia ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Yatsyshyn Svyatoslav ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: October 2022

The basis for image protection is the assumption that the image is a stochastic signal. But the image is a specific signal that possesses, in addition to typical informativeness (informativeness of data), also visual informativeness, which brings new challenges to the issue of protection. Therefore, the urgent task is to implement such application of the RSA algorithm that when encrypting an image: – the cryptographic stability of the RSA algorithm did not deteriorate; – achieves full image noise to prevent the use of visual image processing methods. An algorithm for encryption-decryption of monochrome images in fractional-rational forms of order n using the elements of the RSA algorithm is proposed, as the most resistant to unauthorized decryption of signals. The proposed algorithm is applied to images with strictly separated contours. Elements of the RSA algorithm are applied to construct the coefficients of fractional-rational affine transformations. The developed algorithm is inherent in the higher cryptographic stability compared to the ordinary RSA algorithm. The possibilities of using the elements of the RSA algorithm in affine transformations while encrypting and decrypting images are described. The results of encryption modeling for cryptographic transformations of monochrome images of a given dimension are given. Modified models and algorithmic procedures of key formation processes, direct and inverse cryptographic transformations, reduced to mathematical element-by-element operations, have been developed.
CALIBRATION OF ANALYZERS OF THE MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM PARAMETERS
Authors:   State Enterprise “Ukrmetrteststandard”, Meshcheriak Oleh , Velychko Oleh ,   State Enterprise “Ukrmetrteststandard”
Published: October 2022

The creation and operation of mobile communication systems is impossible without determining the parameters of base stations and mobile communication systems. For these purposes, appropriate devices are used that optimally combine testing capabilities in a single portable solution, which eliminates the need for several separate control and measuring devices. One of the main types of measurements of such devices is the measurement of the power of ultra-high and extremely high frequency signals. The article presents the method of calibrating meters of directional and absorbed power of ultra-high and extremely high frequency signals using the Bird 5000-EX mobile communication system parameter analyzers complete with the Power Sensor 5010V sensor and measuring sensors, Anritsu CellMaster MT8212EA and Arnitsu SiteMaster S331E spectrum analyzers. Calibration schemes for analyzers of parameters of mobile communication systems and analyzers of mobile communication base stations (hereinafter referred to as analyzers) have been developed. A measurement model of the analyzers based on the parameters of the directional and absorbed power of ultra-high and extremely high frequency signals based on the developed calibration schemes was created. The contribution of each component of the measurement model to the calibration result and the corresponding uncertainties of the model components were determined. The measurement uncertainty budget was made based on the proposed analyzer calibration model. The influence of the most significant influential values on the accuracy of measurement results was analyzed. The content of quantitative and qualitative indicators of corrections, which must be taken into account during calibration to achieve the highest accuracy of measurements, is revealed. The practical results of studies of measurement instability are given. The analyzer calibration method described in the article can be used in calibration laboratories that have the appropriate equipment and standards.
Problematic issues of using satellite navigation in assessing the state of the «road» and «environment» factors in the DCRE system
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Golov E. V. , Sorokina E. V. ,   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Evtyukov S. S. ,   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering
Published: October 2022

The main indicator characterizing the features and specifics of road traffic is the dynamic system «Driver - Car - Road - Environment» (DCRE), in which there is a continuous exchange of information between its components. The level of road traffic safety directly depends on the reliability of the system elements, as well as the specifics of their internal interaction with each other. The article provides an assessment of the factors affecting the reliability of the DCRE system. The authors substantiate the necessity of improving the quality of assessing the key factors of the subsystems «Road» and «Environment» in order to ensure road traffic safety of the motor transport complex. There has been carried out an analysis of the methodology of conducting field surveys in determining the transport and operational qualities of the elements of the «Road» subsystem to ensure the road traffic safety, taking into account the integral components of the DCRE system. The main problems of obtaining high-precision planned coordinates during the operation of road equipment are determined. The possibilities of using RTK (real-time kinematics) and VBS (virtual base station) technologies have been studied in order to improve the methodological apparatus for implementing road safety examinations. The results of the study allow increasing the potential for further work in the field of improving road traffic safety and reducing road traffic accidents` rate, taking into account the road environment features.
Analysis of the calculation results of reinforced concrete slabs with dispersed reinforcement in elastic and inelastic operation of normal sections
Authors:   Pacific National University, Burtsev V. M. , Khegai E. O. ,   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering
Published: October 2022

The article provides an analysis of the calculation results of reinforced concrete slabs with dispersed reinforcement for elastic and inelastic operation of normal sections and various forms of stress diagrams. These materials include classical reinforced cement (the bar diameter is 1.2 mm with a pitch of 10 mm) and its variant, heavy reinforced cement (the bar diameter is 3-5 mm with a pitch of 15-30 mm). Reinforcement is applied evenly over the entire thickness. There has been found out that during elastic operation of sections and triangular stress diagrams, the calculated bearing capacity of the slabs is determined by the concrete strength in the compressed zone, and it is much lower than the actual one. In the plastic operation of sections and with rectangular stress diagrams, the design bearing capacity exceeds the actual one averagely up to15 %.The calculated bearing capacity of plates with dispersed reinforcement is recommended to be determined with parabolic stress diagrams.
Applied aspects of the entropy indicator of the current construction schedule assessment
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Bolotin S. A. , Biche-ool H. V. ,   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Bohan Kh. A. ,   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Huraini N. Q. R. ,   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering
Published: October 2022

Construction is a process, the final result of which is creation of a real estate object ready for operation. However, the planned course of construction is hindered by the untimely execution of certain works. This is due to the influence of a sufficiently large number of negative factors that determine the stochastic nature of construction production. Based on construction monitoring, it is possible to determine the discrepancy between the time characteristics of the actual and the planned work duration at the time of monitoring. As an assessment of this discrepancy, the entropy feature of the current construction schedule is considered, which systematically reflects the state of construction. With the help of this characteristic we can assess the state of construction both from the position of quantitative assessment of its information uncertainty, and from the position of assessing the quality of construction management. Moreover, if we assume that the entropy index maintains its numerical value until the completion of construction, then by this value we can predict the total delay in the completion of construction. The article presents the most important applied functions of the entropy index for evaluating the current construction schedule, which acts as a generalizing criterion reflecting the quality of management, including such general functions as planning, organization and regulation of the course of construction production.
Promotion of Electronic Information Resources: How to Help Users to Find what is Available in the Library
Authors: Sokolov A. V. , Serzhan I. G.
Published: October 2022

Promotion of e-resources in library settings remains to be an obstacle for its efficient use. There are three main reasons of insufficient use of e-resources: majority of users remain to be unaware of availability of e-collections in their institutions, lack of searching skills among end-users, low level of competency among librarians on e-resources and e-platforms. The lack of support and training of end-users results in poor usage of research oriented e-resources, especially foreign ones. Recommendations for librarians on promotion of e-resources include redesign of library website as main entry-point to e-collections, correct URLs to publisher platforms and their correct description, information on access options, availability of end-user emails for notification purposes — these and many other tips are important for efficient usage of acquired e-resources for research and educational purposes.
ETHIOPIA: ASHA INDIGENOUS CONFLICT RESOLUTION APPARATUS OF THE ME’EN COMMUNITY
Authors:   Department of Civics and Ethical Studies, Mizan Tepi University, Ethiopia, TAGEL Wondimu Shanko
Published: October 2022

Every community has its own indigenous institutions meant to deal with its social, political, economic and peacemaking endeavors. Focus of this article is Asha indigenous conflict resolution institution of the Me’en community. For the studied community, Asha, signifies a payment for ‘blood’ and exhibits ritual restitution. Ritual restitution within Asha is administered by ritual chiefs known as Komoruts. Objective of this article is exploring the Asha approach for conflict resolution. To realize this objective, the researcher employed qualitative research design enhanced with twelve key-informant interview and two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Built up on such data, findings of the study revealed four conclusions. First, irrespective of the fact that Asha is an approach owned by Me’en communities, adjoining communities abide by it. Secondly, Asha is the only approach potent to solve conflicts that end up with human demise. Thirdly, notwithstanding the endeavor by local and regional governments to make Asha compatible with notion of human right principles, there is trivial acceptance by the study community members, especially by lowlanders. Fourthly, the research finding unpacked that Asha has weakness when it comes to promoting human right of the teenage girl given for reconciliation. Additionally, Asha also botched to respect due process of law. Generally speaking, the article concluded that Asha is as a doubled edged sword, vivacious and viral. On one side, Asha is the only approach for restoring broken social relationships and reconciling conflict cases that end up with human demise. On the other side, Asha is an approach that contravenes human right of the teenage girl. In glimpse of these, the researcher recommends neither deserting nor romanticizing Ethiopian indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms such as Asha without further research and remedial measures to make them compatible with Universal Human Right principles. Keywords: Asha, conflict, conflict resolution, Me’en, indigenous conflict resolution.
Phenomenology as Philosophy of Revelation
Authors: Mezei Balázs M.
Published: October 2022

In this article I offer an interpretation of the fundamental problem of phenomenology in terms of a philosophy of revelation proposing in this way the renewal of the last important development of Western philosophy both in terms of its metaphysical aspiration and scientific relevance. After the general introduction, I outline the philosophical problem of revelation. I show how this philosophy influenced early phenomenology. I explain the underlying subject matter in the history of phenomenology, i.e. the notion of disclosure. I also outline what I term “apocalyptic phenomenology” in order to focus on the understanding of revelation. In this part I offer details of the notion of newness and the appropriate method applied here. Finally, I summarize the scientific relevance of my approach in the context of logic, methodology, disciplinarity with a special emphasis on the study of religion.
In vitro evaluation of biocompatibility of two intracanal medicaments on stem cells from apical papilla – a comparative study
Authors: Dencheva Maria , Stanev Evgeni , Georgieva Tzvetelina
Published: October 2022

The study explore some of the factors showing the biocompatibility and cellular metabolism of stem cells from apical papilla after their treatment with hapten solutions of two intracanal medicaments - Hydrocal and Acroseal. The MTT test and Annexin V test are used and the levels of HMOX-1 and IDO monitored after 48 hours of incubation in hapten solutions. In addition to proliferation and apoptosis, the possible sensitizing potential of these dental materials is assessed. The results show that after 48 hours, the groups treated with dental haptens found significantly fewer living cells than in the control group, which is especially indicative in the case of Acroseal. The proliferative activity of stem cells is increased, but without significant differences. HMOX-1 was statistically elevated in the Acroseal-treated group, indicative of its sensitizing capacity. IDO is statistically elevated in the group of cells treated with Hydrocal, which unequivocally speaks of the serious oxidative stress up to 48 hours and the need for protective action of this enzyme.