bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Interactive Virtual Patients for Medical Education in Zambia: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Horst Rebecca , Witsch Lea-Mara , Hazunga Rayford , Namuziya Natasha , Syakantu Gardner , Ahmed Yusuf , Cherkaoui Omar , Andreadis Petros , Neuhann Florian , Barteit Sandra
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Zambia is facing a severe shortage of health care workers, particularly in rural areas. Innovative educational programs and infrastructure have been established to bridge this gap; however, they encounter substantial challenges because of constraints in physical and human resources. In response to these shortcomings, strategies such as web-based and blended learning approaches have been implemented, using virtual patients (VPs) as a means to promote interactive learning at the Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU) in Zambia.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the students’ knowledge acquisition and acceptance of 2 VP medical topics as a learning tool on a Zambian higher education e-learning platform.

METHODS

Using a mixed methods design, we assessed knowledge acquisition using pre- and posttests. In a randomized controlled trial setting, students were assigned (1:1) to 2 medical topics (topic 1: appendicitis and topic 2: severe acute malnutrition) and then to 4 different learning tools within their respective exposure groups: VPs, textbook content, preselected e-learning materials, and self-guided internet materials. Acceptance was evaluated using a 15-item questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

A total of 63 third- and fourth-year Bachelor of Science clinical science students participated in the study. In the severe acute malnutrition–focused group, participants demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge within the textbook group (P=.01) and the VP group (P=.01). No substantial knowledge gain was observed in the e-learning group or the self-guided internet group. For the appendicitis-focused group, no statistically significant difference in knowledge acquisition was detected among the 4 intervention groups (P=.62). The acceptance of learning materials exhibited no substantial difference between the VP medical topics and other learning materials.

CONCLUSIONS

In the context of LMMU, our study found that VPs were well accepted and noninferior to traditional teaching methods. VPs have the potential to serve as an engaging learning resource and can be integrated into blended learning approaches at LMMU. However, further research is required to investigate the long-term knowledge gain and the acceptance and effectiveness of VPs in medical education.

CLINICALTRIAL

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR) PACTR202211594568574; https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=20413
Economic Evaluation of Digital Therapeutic Care Apps for Unsupervised Treatment of Low Back Pain: Monte Carlo Simulation (Preprint)
Authors: Lewkowicz Daniel , Bottinger Erwin , Siegel Martin
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Digital therapeutic care (DTC) programs are unsupervised app-based treatments that provide video exercises and educational material to patients with nonspecific low back pain during episodes of pain and functional disability. German statutory health insurance can reimburse DTC programs since 2019, but evidence on efficacy and reasonable pricing remains scarce. This paper presents a probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) to evaluate the efficacy and cost-utility of a DTC app against treatment as usual (TAU) in Germany.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to perform a PSA in the form of a Monte Carlo simulation based on the deterministic base case analysis to account for model assumptions and parameter uncertainty. We also intend to explore to what extent the results in this probabilistic analysis differ from the results in the base case analysis and to what extent a shortage of outcome data concerning quality-of-life (QoL) metrics impacts the overall results.

METHODS

The PSA builds upon a state-transition Markov chain with a 4-week cycle length over a model time horizon of 3 years from a recently published deterministic cost-utility analysis. A Monte Carlo simulation with 10,000 iterations and a cohort size of 10,000 was employed to evaluate the cost-utility from a societal perspective. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were derived from Veterans RAND 6-Dimension (VR-6D) and Short-Form 6-Dimension (SF-6D) single utility scores. Finally, we also simulated reducing the price for a 3-month app prescription to analyze at which price threshold DTC would result in being the dominant strategy over TAU in Germany.

RESULTS

The Monte Carlo simulation yielded on average a €135.97 (a currency exchange rate of EUR €1=US $1.069 is applicable) incremental cost and 0.004 incremental QALYs per person and year for the unsupervised DTC app strategy compared to in-person physiotherapy in Germany. The corresponding incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) amounts to an additional €34,315.19 per additional QALY. DTC yielded more QALYs in 54.96% of the iterations. DTC dominates TAU in 24.04% of the iterations for QALYs. Reducing the app price in the simulation from currently €239.96 to €164.61 for a 3-month prescription could yield a negative ICUR and thus make DTC the dominant strategy, even though the estimated probability of DTC being more effective than TAU is only 54.96%.

CONCLUSIONS

Decision-makers should be cautious when considering the reimbursement of DTC apps since no significant treatment effect was found, and the probability of cost-effectiveness remains below 60% even for an infinite willingness-to-pay threshold. More app-based studies involving the utilization of QoL outcome parameters are urgently needed to account for the low and limited precision of the available QoL input parameters, which are crucial to making profound recommendations concerning the cost-utility of novel apps.
Evaluating the Supporting Evidence of Medical Cannabis Claims Made on Clinic Websites: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: O'Neill Braden , Ferguson Jacob , Dalueg Lauren , Yusuf Abban , Kirubarajan Abirami , Lloyd Taryn , Mollanji Eisi , Persaud Navindra
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Since the legalization of medical cannabis in Canada in 2013, prescription of cannabis for medical purposes has become commonplace and a multibillion dollar industry has formed. Much of the media coverage surrounding medical cannabis has been positive in nature, leading to Canadians potentially underestimating the adverse effects of medical cannabis use. In recent years, there has been a large increase in clinic websites advertising the use of medical cannabis for health indications. However, little is known about the quality of the evidence used by these clinic websites to describe the effectiveness of cannabis used for medical purposes.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify the indications for medical cannabis reported by cannabis clinics in Ontario, Canada, and the evidence these clinics cited to support cannabis prescription.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional web search to identify all cannabis clinic websites within Ontario, Canada, that had physician involvement and identified their primary purpose as cannabis prescription. Two reviewers independently searched these websites to identify all medical indications for which cannabis was promoted and reviewed and critically appraised all studies cited using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence rubric.

RESULTS

A total of 29 clinics were identified, promoting cannabis for 20 different medical indications including migraines, insomnia, and fibromyalgia. There were 235 unique studies cited on these websites to support the effectiveness of cannabis for these indications. A high proportion (36/235, 15.3%) of the studies were identified to be at the lowest level of evidence (level 5). Only 4 clinic websites included any mention of harms associated with cannabis.

CONCLUSIONS

Cannabis clinic websites generally promote cannabis use as medically effective but cite low-quality evidence to support these claims and rarely discuss harms. The recommendation of cannabis as a general therapeutic for many indications unsupported by high-quality evidence is potentially misleading for medical practitioners and patients. This disparity should be carefully evaluated in context of the specific medical indication and an individualized patient risk assessment. Our work illustrates the need to increase the quality of research performed on the medical effects of cannabis.
Dissemination Strategies for mHealth Apps: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Moungui Henri Claude , Nana-Djeunga Hugues Clotaire , Anyiang Che Frankline , Cano Mireia , Ruiz Postigo Jose Antonio , Carrion Carme
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Among the millions of mobile apps in existence, thousands fall under the category of mobile health (mHealth). Although the utility of mHealth apps has been demonstrated for disease diagnosis, treatment data management, and health promotion strategies, to be effective they must reach and be used by their target audience. An appropriate marketing strategy can ensure that apps reach potential users and potentially convert them to actual users. Such a strategy requires definitions of target end users, communication channels, and advertising content, as well as a timeline for effectively reaching and motivating end users to adopt and maintain engagement with the mHealth app.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify strategies and elements that ensure that end users adopt and remain engaged with mHealth apps.

METHODS

A systematic search of the PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL databases was conducted for suitable studies published between January 1, 2018, and September 30, 2022. Two researchers independently screened studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. The main outcome was dissemination strategies for mHealth apps.

RESULTS

Of the 648 papers retrieved from the selected databases, only 10 (1.5%) met the inclusion criteria. The marketing strategies used in these studies to inform potential users of the existence of mHealth apps and motivate download included both paid and unpaid strategies and used various channels, including social media, emails, printed posters, and face-to-face communication. Most of the studies reported a combination of marketing concepts used to advertise their mHealth apps. Advertising messages included instructions on where and how to download and install the apps. In most of the studies (6/10, 60%), instructions were oriented toward how to use the apps and maintain engagement with a health intervention. The most frequently used paid marketing platform was Facebook Ads Manager (2/10, 20%). Advertising performance was influenced by many factors, including but not limited to advertising content. In 1 (10%) of the 10 studies, animated graphics generated the greatest number of clicks compared with other image types. The metrics used to assess marketing strategy effectiveness were number of downloads; nonuse rate; dropout rate; adherence rate; duration of app use; and app usability over days, weeks, or months. Additional indicators such as cost per click, cost per install, and clickthrough rate were mainly used to assess the cost-effectiveness of paid marketing campaigns.

CONCLUSIONS

mHealth apps can be disseminated via paid and unpaid marketing strategies using various communication channels. The effects of these strategies are reflected in download numbers and user engagement with mHealth apps. Further research could provide guidance on a framework for disseminating mHealth apps and encouraging their routine use.
Influence of Space Weather on the Reliability of the Transport System Functioning at High Latitudes
Authors: Pilipenko Vyacheslav , Chernikov A. , Soloviev Anatoly , Yagova Nadezda , Saharov Yaroslav , Kudin Dmitriy , Kostarev Danila , Kozyreva Olga , Vorobiev A. , Belov Anatoliy
Published: June 2023

The review offered for the first time in the Russian scientific literature is devoted to various aspects of the problem of the impact of space weather on ground transport systems. An analysis of available information indicates that space weather disturbances can affect rail infrastructure through both direct and indirect effects on system components. One of the main hazards is geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) in grounded extended structures excited by the geomagnetic field disturbances. The telluric electric fields and currents associated with them can cause power outages and malfunctions in the railway automation track circuits. Indirect impact is possible through disturbances in the stable supply of electricity, disturbances in communication systems and in the appearance of positioning errors in global navigation satellite systems. The review provides information necessary for engineers of transport and energy systems about the main factors of space weather that could pose a threat to such systems. Examples of the influence of geomagnetic disturbances on the automatic signaling of the northern sections of Russian Railways are given. The prospects for monitoring space weather and the aurora oval for the needs of Russian Railways are discussed.
Climatic Change Leads to Global Warming? A Semiotic Analysis of the Kwality Wall’s Advertisement
Authors: R Sathvika , V Rajasekaran
Published: June 2023

To understand the awareness of global warming and climatic changes in advertising, such as through “semiotic theory”. The pictorial textual analysis evaluates the scope and configures the awareness of Global warming in the selected Kwality Wall’s ice cream print advertisement targeting the product, signs, symbols, pictorial representation, and captions of the advertisement. Based on the pictorial textual framework, different sources and dimensions of global warming as well as the ice sheet melts in the Antarctic region are analyzed. Results suggest that global issues and climatic conditions advertising is a highly targeted strategy appealing to consumers. Global warming and climatic changes typically represented through semiotic analysis while the pictorial textual analysis focuses on the entire advertisement. The study also highlights the emphasis on climatic changes and global warming awareness in advertising narratives.
NUEVOS APORTES ACERCA DE LA REPRODUCCIÓN DE Leptophis diplotropis (GÜNTHER, 1872) (SQUAMATA: COLUBRIDAE) EN LA COSTA DE OAXACA, MEXICO
Authors: Espinosa Poblano Ismael , Salinas Cruz Miguel Ángel , Galindo Flores Cristel Analí
Published: June 2023

Leptophis diplotropis es una especie endémica de México de la cual aún se desconocen muchos aspectos de su ciclo de vida. El objetivo de este trabajo es contribuir al conocimiento acerca de su reproducción a través del monitoreo no sistemático de un nido observado en un ambiente semiurbano en la ciudad de Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. Se reporta el tiempo de eclosión de los huevos y la longitud total de las crías de esta especie.
HERPETOFAUNA OF THE CHASCHOC LAGOON WETLANDS, TABASCO, MEXICO
Authors: Charruau Pierre , Morales-Garduza Marco Antonio , López-Luna Marco Antonio , Reyes-Trinidad José Guadalupe , Ramírez-Pérez Mayra Aurora , López-Hernández Jorge A. , García-Morales Rodrigo
Published: June 2023

This study apports new information on the diversity of amphibians and reptiles in a freshwater wetland of Tabasco. From January to December 2014, monthly samplings were conducted in the Chaschoc lagoon wetlands to establish a checklist of amphibians and reptiles for this site and to detect potential threats to their conservation. Diurnal and nocturnal surveys were conducted in terrestrial habitats, while surveys were conducted in water bodies for turtles and crocodiles. Fifty-five species were detected (12 amphibians, and 43 reptiles), representing 32.4% of the species recorded for Tabasco. Species accumulation models resulted in percentages of inventory completeness above 92 %. Most of the species do not appear in IUCN Red List of threatened species, appendices of CITES, or the list of threatened species of the Official Mexican Norm NOM-59-SEMARNAT-2010. Main threats detected for the herpetofauna were cattle ranching, illegal hunting and collecting, destruction, fragmentation and pollution of the habitat, and intentional fires. We also detected three non-native invasive species of reptiles.
Editorial
Authors: Erazo Kalil
Published: June 2023

La revista científica Ciencia, Ingenierías y Aplicaciones tiene como objetivo difundir resultados de investigaciones de carácter teórico o experimental en las distintas ramas de la ingeniería. Ciencia, Ingenierías y Aplicaciones es una publicación internacional, multidisciplinaria y revisada por pares, dedicada a contribuir con la diseminación y divulgación de los resultados de investigaciones mediante la publicación de artículos originales, notas técnicas, reseñas de libros y estudios de casos. La revista busca servir como un medio de divulgación que permita a investigadores e ingenieros comunicar sus hallazgos a la comunidad científica internacional y profesionales interesados...
Partial Replacement of Cement with Different Wastes - A Review
Authors: Aryal Niroj , Ghimire Pawan
Published: June 2023

Abstract: The production of sustainable concrete, the adoption of sustainable practices, and the exploration and utilization of supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) have gained popularity worldwide. The traditional concrete practices and their environmental impact, such as greenhouse gas emissions resulting from cement production, make researchers and industries look for alternative cementitious materials. This paper reviews the SCM Bamboo leaves ash, coconut shell ash, eggshell powder, fly ash, GGBS (ground granulated blast furnace slag), paper sludge ash, waste glass powder, rice husk ash, silica fume, steel slag, sugarcane bagasse ash, water hyacinth, and wheat straw ash, their performance to improve strength and durability properties, as well as their impact on the concrete mix. The main purpose of this review paper is to study and evaluate the possibilities of cement replacement material in the production of sustainable concrete. This review article gives information about SCM and how these materials can help reduce the environmental impact of conventional concrete and promote the development of sustainable concrete and environmentally friendly construction practices.
Study of Strength and Stability of Concrete with Water-Soluble Polyethylene Glycol as Self-Curing Agent
Authors: Mangaraj Abhijit
Published: June 2023

Abstract: Curing plays a chief function in the growth of concrete properties throughout construction. Curing is often used to provide the method by which hydraulic cement concrete mature and increase hardened property more than time as a product of the constant hydration of the cement in the occurrence of enough water (ACI, 2008). The function of curing is to lessen water disappearance from concrete and keep acceptable moisture content, especially throughout early ages, for continuance of the hydration method that is essential for the growth of cement microstructure. Since we identify water shortage is mounting day by day, so an vital research should be needed to do the constructions without water. In early stages, water was mandatory for the curing purposes in construction. Curing of material do a chief job in rising pore structure and microstructure to increase durability and performance with water-soluble polyethylene glycol as self curing agent and light weight aggregate.
Comparative Analysis of Single Column Square, Rectangular, Circular Shape Structure
Authors: Dhande Pooja A. , Sinha Nandkishor
Published: June 2023

Abstract: Due to increasing urbanization and rapid infrastructural development, scarcity of land is a problem. Multi-story structures have been constructed to eliminate this problem. But for the requirement of large service spaces and good aesthetic appearances, the mono column structural system achieved popularity. They require less area for providing foundation and gives more space for parking. The design and analysis of RCC structure supported on a single column is done in this project. This project presents effects of three different plan configurations i.e., Square, Circular, rectangular, with same plan area. Mono column structure withdifferent plan geometry reacts adversely in contrast to earthquake loads.
Parallel Mediation Model of the Effect of Callous–unemotional Traits On Adolescents' Externalizing Problem Behaviors
Authors: Zhao Siqi , Guo Hong , Hong Wang , Tai Lin , LianChao An
Published: June 2023

Externalizing problem behaviors significantly affect adolescent mental health. This study adopted a cross-sectional design based on the multifactor system model of personality and individual differences to explore the relationships between callous–unemotional traits, externalizing
problem behaviors, moral disengagement, and emotion awareness. Survey data were collected from 1,080 adolescents in China. The results showed that callous–unemotional traits were significantly and positively correlated with externalizing problem behaviors, and that moral disengagement
and emotion awareness mediated this relationship. Our findings provide guidance for the intervention in and prevention of externalizing behavior problems among adolescents.
School Health Practical Competencies and Professional Attitude of School Health Teachers By School Levels
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Lee Gyu Young
Published: June 2023

Objectives This study aims to provide basic data for the development of a health teacher training program that can enhance the school health practice competency of health teachers in the future by identifying the level of school health teachers' practical competency and professional attitude, and identifying the correlation.
Methods A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted on general characteristics, school health practice competency, and professional attitude of 1,267 elementary, middle, and high school health teachers in Gyeonggi-do. The analysis method was t-test using SPSS / WIN 23.0, ANOVA, Scheffé test, and Pearson Coefficient Correlation were conducted, and the statistical significance level was set at 0.05.
Results For school health practice competency, elementary school scored 147.59 points, middle school 148.17 points, and high school 143.55 points, which were statistically significant (F=6.35, p=.002). Among the school health practice competencies, the item that answered the highest was ‘gender problem solving ability’ (F=8.19, p<.001), understanding of physical development 17.64 points (F=4.08, p=.017), and family function. 16.82 points for understanding (F=3.62, p=.027), and 16.79 points for understanding the conceptual framework of school health came out significantly (F=8.50, p<.001). The item with the lowest practical competency was ‘ability to use systems’ (F=4.26, p=.014). Professional attitudes were also higher in elementary and middle schools than in high schools (F=4.50, p=0.11). The item with the highest professional attitude score was ‘professionals require continuing education’, with 3.94 points for elementary school, 3.92 points for middle school, and 3.86 points for high school (F=7.63, p=.001). There was a positive correlation between school health practice competency and professional attitude (r=.42, p<.001). Comparing the results of a study measured in 2002 with the same tool as this study, it was found that school health teachers' practical competency in school health increased, but their professional attitude decreased.
Conclusions Based on the results of this study, There was a significant difference in the school health practical competency scores of elementary, middle and high school health teachers by school level, so a customized health teacher training program for each school level is needed. You may need to run it as a training course.
Comparison of clinical competence, problem-solving, self-efficacy and satisfaction of self and peer-led debriefing in simulation nursing education
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Choi Hee-Soo , Kim Jin Young
Published: June 2023

Objectives This study was attempted to apply the learner-centered learning method to nursing simulation education. The purpose of this study was to confirm and compare the effects of self-debriefing and peer-led debriefing without instructor intervention on the clinical competence, problem-solving, self-efficacy and satisfaction of nursing students.
Methods A non-equivalent pre-post test of quasi-experimental design was used, and 92 participants were assigned to each group. Simulation training was conducted with a high-fidelity simulator (SimMan-3G). After simulation, using simulation video and structured written questionnaires were applied to self-debriefing group and peer-led debriefing group to compare the clinical competence, problem-solving, self-efficacy and satisfaction of each group to confirm the effect.
Results There was a significant difference in clinical competence at self-debriefing group (t=-3.53, p=.001) and peer-led debriefing group (t=-4.81, p<.001) before and after simulation, but when comparing the differences between the two groups, Clinical competence, problem-solving, and self-efficacy all showed no significant difference. In addition, there was no significant difference in debriefing satisfaction.
Conclusions As a result of this study, it was confirmed that the clinical competence was improved through the educational effect of self-debriefing and peer-led debriefing. And it was found that learners themselves become facilitators or mutual facilitators even without professor's facilitating intervention in debriefing. Therefore, the professor will be able to select an appropriate debriefing method according to the situation or learning goal. In addition, there is no difference in satisfaction between debriefing, so it is necessary to consider providing students with autonomy to choose a debriefing method.
The moderated mediating effect of self-compassion on the relationship between internalized shame, rumination, and interpersonal satisfaction
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Sim Hyun Rye , Choi Han Na
Published: June 2023

Objectives The purpose of this study is to test the moderated mediating effect of self-compassion in the relationship between internalized shame, rumination, and interpersonal satisfaction in college students.
Methods The survey data of 401 university students in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do were used for analysis. Internalized shame was the independent variable, interpersonal satisfaction was the dependent variable, rumination was the mediating variable, and the moderating mediating effect through self-compassion was verified.
Results The mediating effect of rumination on the relationship between internalized shame and interpersonal satisfaction was verified. The moderating effect of self-compassion was verified in the relationship between internalized shame and rumination. Afterwards, the moderated mediating effect of self-compassion was verified in the relationship between internalized shame, rumination, and interpersonal satisfaction. Through this, it was confirmed that self-compassion controlled the size of the mediating effect.
Conclusions In the effect of internalized shame on interpersonal satisfaction, the mediating effect of rumination was verified, and then the influence of self-compassion, a moderating variable that could lower the size of the mediating effect, was confirmed. Through this, an integrated model called the coordination mediation model was confirmed. Based on the results of this study, it is possible to understand the internal causes of clients who complain of discomfort and difficulties in interpersonal relationships due to internalized shame in the counseling scene. It is also significant that it provides basic data for finding intervention methods using self-compassion that can help clients.
An analysis on the status of the installation and operation of small and medium-sized employer-supported childcare centers: Perspectives of workers as users and non-users
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Kim Sun Hyoung , Chae Hye Kyoung
Published: June 2023

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the actual perceptions and needs of employer-supported childcare centers for workers of small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs) installating and operating employer-supported childcare centers.
Methods A survey was conducted on 242 workers who used daycare centers and 223 workers who did not use daycare centers at 100 small and medium-sized enterprises nationwide, and a descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on workers' perceptions and needs.
Results First, looking at workers' perception of installing and operating small and medium-sized employer-supported childcare centers, workers using small and medium-sized employer-supported childcare center chose “excellent childcare services” as the reason for not using them and unused workers chose ‘difficulty in bringing their children to work’ as the reason for not using them. Second, looking at the needs of workers due to the installation and operation of small and medium-sized employer-supported childcare centers, workers using employer-supported childcare centers had the highest “others”, “improvement of daycare facilities and childcare landscapes”, and “extension of operating hours” for unused workers. In addition, as a support policy for the workplace and the state for raising children, all workers who used or did not use employer-supported childcare centers centers demanded the introduction of a flexible work or telecommuting system.
Conclusions Through this, based on workers' perception of the installation and operation of employer-supported childcare centers for SMEs, it was proposed to expand the installation and operation of employer-supported childcare centers and to improve the employer-supported childcare centers support system.
Analysis of Accessibility to the Support Center for Childcare: Focusing on the Websites of 25 Support Center for Childcare in Seoul
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Jung Hyunsim
Published: June 2023

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the accessibility of the information and rental service to Support Center for Childcare(SCC).
Methods For this purpose this study analyzed the 25 websites of SCC in Seoul and the 128 websites of branch offices. The analysis categories are composed of information accessibility and accessibility of rental services.
Results First, in the aspect of information diversity, various information was available on 64% of the websites. In the aspect of information organization, 40% of websites were inconvenient to use due to the ambiguous division of areas. In the aspect of information sharing, 76% of the websites were accessible to other channels. Second, in terms of organization of rental services, it was convenient to access rental services on more than 80% of websites. In terms of convenience of rental services, on weekdays, there were times when the service was not available on more than 70% of websites.
Conclusions The results of this study revealed the contents and problem on the websites of SCC, and implied the more efficient information organization and convenience of rental services to increase accessibility on the websites of SCC.
Performance analysis of multi-shot shadow estimation
Authors: Zhou You , Liu Qing
Published: June 2023

Shadow estimation is an efficient method for predicting many observables of a quantum state with a statistical guarantee. In the multi-shot scenario, one performs projective measurement on the sequentially prepared state for K times after the same unitary evolution, and repeats this procedure for M rounds of random sampled unitary. As a result, there are MK times measurements in total. Here we analyze the performance of shadow estimation in this multi-shot scenario, which is characterized by the variance of estimating the expectation value of some observable O. We find that in addition to the shadow-norm ‖O‖shadow introduced in \cite{huang2020predicting}, the variance is also related to another norm, and we denote it as the cross-shadow-norm ‖O‖Xshadow. For both random Pauli and Clifford measurements, we analyze and show the upper bounds of ‖O‖Xshadow. In particular, we figure out the exact variance formula for Pauli observable under random Pauli measurements. Our work gives theoretical guidance for the application of multi-shot shadow estimation.
Divertículo gigante verdadero del colon izquierdo. Reporte de caso
Authors: Gonzalez Gonzalez Jorge Alejandro , Lombana Luis Jorge , Rugeles Saul Javier , Zuñiga Maria Isabel , Velez Angii Margarita , Gomez Maria
Published: June 2023

Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente masculino, con clínica y hallazgos tomográficos de masa abdominal en colon descendente. Se describe proceso diagnostico y tratamiento. Se realiza revisión de la literatura, estableciendo su definición e indicaciones quirúrgicas, teniendo en cuenta que el divertículo gigante verdadero del colon se una entidad rara, con menos de 200 casos reportados en la literatura.
A cystic structure in right atrium as a hint of coronary artery fistula
Authors: Niknazar Amirhossein , pazoki mahboubeh , Sezavar Seyed , Joghataie pegah , Pouraliakbar Hamidreza
Published: June 2023

Coronary artery fistula is a rare cardiac disease which could be
diagnosed by multiple imaging modalities and could be effectively
treated by surgical or percutaneous closure. The patient is a 21 years
old man initially presented with palpitation and paroxysmal atrial
fibrillation. For further evaluation he underwent transthoracic
echocardiography on which a mass like structure was found in right
atrium. On transesophageal echocardiography this cystic structure was in
continuation with dilated left circumflex coronary artery and based on
data from both CT angiography and coronary angiography , coronary artery
fistula with abnormal drainage right atrium was defined and percutaneous
closure was proposed. Learning objective: As coronary artery fistula is
a rare condition, making the acquaintance of its clinical presentation,
the role of imaging modalities in diagnosis and therapeutic options is
our concern. In this patient paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and then a
cystic mass like structure in right atrium led us to the diagnosis in
stepwise approach.
High-risk HPV prevalence in Pakistani females highlights need for robust cervical cancer screening
Authors: Hasan Zahra , Aziz Aliya B. , Akhtar Mishgan Azam , Masood Kiran Iqbal , Ali Sarfraz , Raza Amir , Idrees Romana , Zaidi Syeda Mahnoor , Ghanchi Najia Karim , Islam Nazneen
Published: June 2023

Introduction The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most
prevalent viral sexually transmitted infection globally, with cervical
cancer being primarily caused by persistent HPV infection. Early
diagnosis and monitoring of women with HPV infection can significantly
improve treatment outcomes and lower mortality rates. This study aimed
to determine the prevalence of HPV in cervical specimens sent to Aga
Khan University Hospital Clinical Laboratories for diagnostic testing.
Methods A retrospective review of 1062 test records from
2017-2022 was conducted, with high-risk HPV DNA testing performed by DNA
Hybrid Capture 2 method. Results Out of 1062 patients, 764
underwent a Pap smear test, with 14.9% having abnormal epithelial
lesions. High-risk HPV DNA was detected in 180(16.9%) cases, and biopsy
findings were available in 118 specimens (11.1%). Squamous
intraepithelial lesions were the most common biopsy finding, followed by
non-specific cervicitis (36, 30.5%), squamous cell carcinoma (16,
13.6%), and adenocarcinoma in (6 ,5.1%) women. HPV positivity was
correlated with cervical cytology and biopsy findings.
Conclusions The data shows a strong correlation between hrHPV
positivity and neoplasia in women tested in Pakistan, suggesting a delay
in HPV detection. Routine HPV testing is strongly advised for women to
screen for cervical cancer. Early diagnosis of high-risk HPV strains can
improve triage, treatment, and follow-up of infected patients. Raising
public awareness of the value of routine testing, early detection, and
treatment of cervical cancer and HPV can significantly lower morbidity
and mortality rates.
Simulating the early mpox outbreak: Dynamic-spread assessment via vSEIR model and kink detection in disease transmission
Authors: Cai Junyang , Zhou Jian , Xu Rui , Gu Haoran
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a varying coefficient
Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Removed (vSEIR) model to dynamically
simulate the early mpox epidemic that sparked panic in 2022, considering
the time-varying infection rate and the group protected by the smallpox
vaccination. We apply the recursive least squares algorithm with a
forgetting factor for real-time identification of time-varying infection
rates and the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions. The sparse
Hodrick-Prescott (HP) filter, tuned with leave-one-out cross-validation,
captures mpox epidemic kinks via the effective reproduction number R t
obtained from the discrete vSEIR model. We experiment with this approach
in Brazil, Spain, UK and US, comparing COVID-19 and mpox outbreaks based
on those kinks and transmission cycles, identifying that except for
Spain, mpox epidemic reached its decline period earlier than COVID-19
without strong interventions. Additionally, the result regarding
sensitivity analyses shows that the total number of mpox outbreak
infections would have increased by 12% without smallpox vaccination and
the data uncertainty can bring great variations in R t .
Early stent thrombosis in Kounis syndrome - a case report
Authors: Kostic Tomislav , Perisic Zoran , Kutlesic-Kurtovic Dusanka , Maricic Bojan , Apostolovic Svetlana , Stanojevic Dragana , Koracevic Goran , Dakic Sonja , Bozinovic Nenad , Kostic Katarina , Milosevic Jelena , Lazarevic Mihajlo
Published: June 2023

Introduction. Kounis syndrome is a simultaneous manifestation of acute coronary syndrome and conditions associated with mast cell activation, such as allergies or anaphylactic reactions. We present early stent thrombosis in a female with an atopic constitution without previous atherosclerosis of coronary arteries. Case report. A 50-year-old woman with typical anginal pain was admitted to the Clinic for Cardiology, University Clinical Center Nis. A few hours earlier, she had passed by a linden tree in bloom. She immediately felt chest pain, paresthesia and numbness in her left arm throat tightness, heaviness of the tongue, and swelling of the lips. The symptoms disappeared for 60 min after taking 10mg of loratadine, but then they recurred. On the electrocardiographic (ECG) findings, 30 minutes after admission, ST elevation was seen in leads D2, D3, aVF, and V6. She underwent an emergency percutaneous coronary intervention procedure. Occlusive thrombosis was seen in the ostium of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. A sirolimus-coated stent was placed and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 flow was obtained. A few hours after the intervention, the patient reported a new onset of chest pain followed by ventricular fibrillation (VF), DC shock, and the occurrence of new ST-segment elevation in aVR and V1?V3 on the ECG. Repeated angiography showed acute instent thrombotic occlusion. Balloon angioplasty was performed, which restored TIMI 3 flow in LAD coronary artery. Anticoagulant and corticosteroid therapy was administered. Three days after the intervention, optical coherence tomography imaging was performed, which showed good stent expansion and apposition, without atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Conclusion. Coronary angiography proved type I Kounis syndrome after exposure to an allergen, and type III Kounis syndrome developed shortly after stent placement when acute instent thrombosis occurred. Newly described causes of acute and sub-acute stent thrombosis in type III Kounis syndrome are stent-associated hypersensitivity reactions.
Musical images and their metaphorical modeling in J. Steinbeck's story "The Pearl"
Authors: Камышева О.С.
Published: June 2023

Автор исследует музыкальные образы и их метафорические модели в повести Дж. Стейнбека «Жемчужина», используя в качестве методологии традиционный подход к художественному образу и когнитивный анализ метафор. В статье применяется фреймо- слотовая концепция, рассматриваются варианты сочетания музыкальных образов и специфика структуры подобных метафор. В результате проведенного исследования автор приходит к выводам, что образные музыкальные метафоры в повести Дж. Стейнбека «Жемчужина» передают такие свойства музыки, как динамика, чистота звучания, ритм, аккорд, тон, характер, лад, высота, темп и мелодический рисунок. Соответственно, каждый образ передает полноценное музыкальное звучание со своими характеристиками. При этом динамика звучания представлена детально, что позволяет передать изменения внутреннего состояния главного героя. Кроме того, обнаружено, что музыкальные свойства метафор подвергаются дополнительной метафоризации, реализуясь через антропоморфные, зооморфные, артефактные, синестетические и пространственные характеристики. В процессе изучения музыкальных образов было замечено, что на протяжении всей повести музыкальные образы могут сливаться и доминировать один над другим, что отражает внутреннюю борьбу главного героя

The author explores the musical images and their metaphorical models in J. Steinbeck's story "The Pearl", using the traditional approach to the artistic image and the cognitive analysis of metaphors as a methodology. The article highlights the main musical images of the story, defines and describes the metaphorical models of each figurative metaphor applying the frame-slot concept, considers options for combining the selected musical images and the specifics of the structure of such metaphors. As a result of the study, the author comes to the conclusion that the figurative musical metaphors in J. Steinbeck's story "The Pearl" convey such properties of music as dynamics, purity of sound, rhythm, chord, tone, character, mode, pitch, tempo and melodic pattern. Accordingly, each image “sounds” like a full-fledged musical sound with its own characteristics, and at the same time, in each musical image, the dynamics of the sound is presented in the most detailed way, which allows us to convey changes in the internal state of the main character. In addition, it has been found that the musical properties of the selected figurative metaphors are subject to additional metaphorization, being realized through anthropomorphic, zoomorphic, artifact, synesthesia and spatial characteristics. When studying the functioning of the musical images, it has been noticed that throughout the story they, like the themes of a musical work, can merge and dominate one over the other, which probably reflects the inner struggle of the protagonist.
The concept "happiness" in the German view of the world
Authors: Каримова Р.Х.
Published: June 2023

В статье на материале немецкого языка рассматривается концепт «счастье». Предметом исследования послужили данные из различных лексикографических источников: толковых одноязычных, синонимических и фразеологических словарей современного немецкого языка. В результате исследования было составлено номинативное поле концепта. Изучение фразеологических словарей позволило получить представление об образной и ценностной составляющей концепта «счастье». Выявлены дополнительные смыслы, объективирующие содержание данного концепта. Полученные результаты позволяют описать фрагмент картины мира, а также способствуют формированию социокультурной компетенции обучающихся. Результаты исследования могут использоваться на практических занятиях по лексикологии немецкого языка и для сопоставительного изучения германских языков.

The author considers the concept «happiness» based on the material of the German language. The material for the study was various lexicographic sources, explanatory monolingual, synonymous and phraseological dictionaries of the German language. As a result of research, the nominative field of the concept under study was compiled. The nuclear and peripheral zones of the concept were identified based on the componential analysis. Studying the materials of phraseological dictionaries provided valuable insight into the figurative and value components of the concept «happiness». Additional meanings objectifying the content of the concept «happiness» are revealed. The results obtained allow us to describe a fragment of the worldview, contribute to the formation of the socio-cultural students’ competence. These results can be used in German lexicology practical classes and for comparative studies of the Germanic languages.
Semantic features of phraseology with a colour component in English business terminology
Authors: Контанистова А.И. , Федуленкова Т.Н.
Published: June 2023

Работа посвящена изучению семантических особенностей терминов- фразеологизмов с цветовым компонентом в деловой фразеологии современного английского языка. Актуальность исследования состоит в необходимости проанализировать степень идиоматичности данного участка терминологического фонда делового английского языка. Объектом исследования стали устойчивые терминологические сочетания с цветовым компонентом, извлеченные методом сплошной выборки из толкового словаря М. Мерфи Longman Business English Dictionary. При отборе языкового материала применялся метод фразеологической идентификации А. В. Кунина для установления принадлежности анализируемого ФЕ-термина к фразеологическому фонду современного делового английского языка. Предмет исследования – степень переосмысления компонентного состава и номенклатура парадигматических связей в поле рассматриваемых ФЕ-терминов. Целью работы является анализ семантических особенностей фразеологизмов с цветовым компонентом, функционирующих в деловой терминологии, с последующим выявлением ФЕ- терминов с полным или частичным переосмыслением компонентного состава, а также выявление видов парадигматических отношений между ними. В результате исследования были выявлены две группы ФЕ-терминов: с полным и частичным переосмыслением компонентов, а так же установлены такие разновидности парадигматических связей, как антонимия и полисемия.

The work considers the semantic features of phraseological terms with a color component in the business phraseology of the modern English language. The relevance of this study lies in the need to analyze the idiomaticity degree of this section in the terminological fund of business English. The object of the study was terminological set expressions with a colour component, extracted by continuous sampling from M. Murphy’s Longman Business English Dictionary. When selecting linguistic material, the method of phraseological identification by A. V. Kunin was used to establish the belonging of the analyzed phraseological term to the phraseological fund of modern business English. The subject of the study is the meaning transfer degree within the component structure and the nomenclature of paradigmatic relationships in the field of the studied phraseological units. The purpose of this study is to analyze the semantic features of phraseological units with a colour component that function in business terminology, followed by the identification of phraseological units with a complete or partial transfer of the component meaning, as well as the identification of types of paradigmatic relationships between them. As a result of the study, two groups of phraseological units were identified: those with a complete and those with partial meaning transfer in the components, and such varieties of paradigmatic connections as antonymy and polysemy were established.