bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modern Thought and Contemporary Meaning of Scepsis
Authors: Proleiev Sergii
Published: December 2023

Offered to discussion theme has to fundamental question of philosophical conscience self-definition, question about reliable beginning of thought. General starting point is acknowledging that modern European metaphysics assumes fundamentalism as a principle of thought. Considering this thinking strategy theses are put forward: 1) fundamentalism is impossible; 2) fundamentalism was not universal modern European strategy of thinking; 3) theoretical clarity and systematicity of thinking are to be opposed to fundamentalism; 4) fundamentalism and systematicity os thinking – are mutually exclusive. Because only religious fate by definition corresponds with being, then modern European philosophy solves purely religious question using fundamentalism. But for philosophers as a topos of correspondence of being and thinking is knowledge. But till knowledge is reliable beginning of thought, and science is positivistic, untill then philosophy ought to be in permanent crisis. Hence philosophy, by opening new possibilities of being, more and more relies on new metaphysical topos – existential experience. The aim of neo-scepticism is to metaphysically defend existential experience.
Problematic Reflection on Awareness of Scepsis` Nature: Sextus Empiricus and Kant
Authors: Kiriienko Sergii
Published: December 2023

The author`s aim is to prove, that scepsis in aspects of scepticism can be compared in wider perspective with other philosophical movements. Because Sextus Empiricus says about sceptical abiloty in general, then he says about its transcendental dimension. Hence we can speak about scepsis as such. Fundamentality of sceptical ability allows it to stay the same in thinking of Sextus Empiricus, Kant, Descartes, Plato. Scepsis differs from scepticism as general from local. Scepsis arguments, in contrast with scepticism arguments, are universal, hence actual for philosophers of any movement or time. Therefore sceptics lack prioritized acces to scepsis. Sceptics can be called victims of scepsis, because scepsis has to be considered regardless of scepticism. Sceptical way of thinking is included in Kant`s thought adequately, in its prior form, nonetheless it does not lead to scepticism. Hence, Sextus Empiricus is not writing everything real about himself: his words do represent essence of scepsis. Kant has won.
Schelling – Classic, Postmodernist and Contemporary
Authors: Filina Irina
Published: December 2023

The author considers Schelling`s personality: German philosophy classic and its first historian. She demonstrates postmodern nature of Schelling`s philosophy. As she think, Schelling has been affirming nature`s autonomy and its perpetual interaction with history of philosophy. By criticizing Hegel`s panlogism Schelling has stimulated development of postclassic philosophy core ideas: accidental, auto-important, original, unique, irrational, genius. The author demonstrates, that Schelling`s concept of open system, which perpetually changes, makes him our contemporary.
The use of social network analysis in educational sciences studies
Authors: YÜKSEL Akça Okan , SOMYÜREK Sibel
Published: December 2023

Since social networks analysis in education offers valuable insights into social structures and social dynamics that shapes individuals behaviors and information storage and transmission, it has become a hot topic in educational science studies. The aim of this study is to examine the educational sciences studies conducted at higher education level in which social network analysis is used. The studies were analyzed based on journals, years, author countries, number of citations, models, theories, and concepts, research methods and target audience. Content analysis method was used in the study. The reliability of inter-coder agreement was calculated as .88. The findings were categorized under certain themes according to the research questions. According to the results, Internet and Higher Education (n=6) and Computers and Education (n=5) were the journals with the most publications, while 2019 was the year that the most studies (n=12) were conducted. The studies were mostly conducted by authors in the USA. "Seeing' the learning community: An exploration of the development of a resource for monitoring online student networking" was the most cited article. When the underlying models, theories and concepts in the studies were analyzed, six themes emerged: social paradigm, learning environments/tools, learning approaches/methods, feedback/assessment, informal approaches to teaching and individual characteristics. The most frequently used method was quantitative research, and the target group was undergraduate students. The target group size was mostly between 30-60, and convenience sampling was primarily employed for the target group selection. According to the findings and results of the study, suggestions for the use of social network analysis in the field of educational sciences were presented.
Online activity practices based on common knowledge constructing model: Example of radioactivity topic
Authors: PALTA BENEK Hilal , ÇİRKİNOĞLU ŞEKERCİOĞLU Ayşe Gül
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the Common Knowledge Construction Model (CKCM) on the conceptual understanding of science teacher students about Radioactivity. CKCM was used. In order for the students to adapt the radioactivity subject, which they see as difficult and abstract, to daily life by knowledge structuring. This study was carried out with 48 students studying in the second year of science education at a public university in the western region. The research employed pretest-posttest control group random design. The Radioactivity Concept Test (RCT) with 2 phases consisting 23 multiple- choice items were used as data collection tools in the research. After the tests were applied as a pilot study to 124 students, it was used with the participants of the study after the necessary validity and reliability studies were carried out. The KR20 reliability coefficient obtained from the sample data was calculated as 0.74. In the study, experimental and control groups were formed by random assignment. While the traditional lecture method was applied to the control group, the CKCM was applied to the experimental group. When the concept test data were analyzed with the SPSS 24 package program, it was determined that the experimental group were more successful than the control group. determined that the increase in correct answers in the post-test of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group.
Multiphase Flow Behavior Prediction and Optimal Correlation Selection for Vertical Lift Performance in Faihaa Oil Field, Iraq
Authors: Hamed Um- Albaneen , Sadeq Dhifaf J. , Mahmud Hisham Ben
Published: December 2023

In the petroleum industry, multiphase flow dynamics within the tubing string have gained significant attention due to associated challenges. Accurately predicting pressure drops and wellbore pressures is crucial for the effective modeling of vertical lift performance (VLP). This study focuses on predicting the multiphase flow behavior in four wells located in the Faihaa oil field in southern Iraq, utilizing PIPESIM software. The process of selecting the most appropriate multiphase correlation was performed by utilizing production test data to construct a comprehensive survey data catalog. Subsequently, the results were compared with the correlations available within the PIPESIM software. The outcomes reveal that the Hagedorn and Brown (HB) correlation provides the most accurate correlation for calculating pressure in FH-1 and FH-3 while the Beggs and Brill original (BBO) correlation proves to be the optimal fit for wells FH-2 and Gomez mechanistic model for FH-4. These correlations show the lowest root mean square (RMS) values of 11.5, 7.56, 8.889, and 6.622 for the four wells, respectively, accompanied by the lowest error ratios of 0.00692%, 0.00033%, 0.00787%, and 0.0011%, respectively. Conversely, Beggs and Brill original (BBO) correlation yields less accurate results in predicting pressure drop for FH-1 compared with other correlations. Similarly, correlations, such as Orkiszewski for FH-2, Duns and Ros for FH-3, and ANSARI for FH-4, also display less accuracy level. Notably, the study also identifies that single-phase flow dominates within the tubing string until a depth of 6000 feet in most wells, beyond which slug flow emerges, introducing significant production challenges. As a result, the study recommends carefully selecting optimal operational conditions encompassing variables such as wellhead pressure, tubing dimensions, and other pertinent parameters. This approach is crucial to prevent the onset of slug flow regime and thus mitigate associated production challenges.
Recent trends in transparency in the apparel supply chain and the demand for blockchain implementation; a review of literature
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Madumali S , Weerasinghe B , Thibbotuwawa A
Published: December 2023

The textile and apparel industry has emerged as one of the rapidly expanding global markets, exerting a significant economic influence worldwide. It plays a vital role in producing essential goods for people across the globe, ranging from fiber production to the manufacturing of clothing. Despite experiencing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which led to a decline in apparel industry sales, there is an anticipation of a resurgence in global demand for clothing. The global apparel market is projected to generate approximately 1.5 trillion U.S. dollars in revenue in 2021, with an expected increase to around 2 trillion dollars by the year 2026 [1].
Teetoy – teeth cleaning device for children revolutionizing children’s dental care with nature-Inspired precision
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Kandanarachchi R
Published: December 2023

Addressing the intricacies of dental hygiene in the critical 3-5 age range has presented a persistent challenge, marked by discomfort, taste aversion, and a general lack of enthusiasm. Acknowledging the formative nature of this age for establishing lifelong oral health habits, an exhaustive research initiative unfolded to comprehend the nuanced dental hygiene struggles faced by this demographic and craft an innovative solution. Through direct interviews and comprehensive Google surveys involving 30 children and their parents, a notable 59.1% of children expressed a distinct disinterest in the teeth-brushing ritual. Reasons varied from the perceived hardness of bristles to the monotonous nature of the process, coupled with elements of fear and a lack of parental supervision. Armed with this nuanced data, the research delved into the realm of nature for inspiration, focusing specifically on how animals’ inherent cleanliness habits could in- form a groundbreaking approach to children’s dental care. This journey of inspiration culminated in the conceptualization of “Teetoy” – a visionary teeth cleaning device designed to infuse playfulness, enjoy- ment, and efficacy into the brushing process for children. The device com- prises three integral parts: the head, neck, and handle.
Innovative storage solution to empower the guardians of Sri Lanka’s black pepper legacy to thrive and prosper
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Vihangi K
Published: December 2023

Black pepper, also known as the “King of Spices,” is the most widely used spice in the world. Sri Lanka, a leading producer, ranks fifth in proximity to pepper farming and seventh in manufacturing [1]. The Sri Lankan pepper is well-known for its exceptional qualities, such as its high Piperine content. Sri Lanka presently contributes for 60% of exports, with India purchasing 62% of these goods [2]. The top 10 nations, which include Germany, Pakistan, Egypt, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Spain, account for 91% of global pepper exports.
Focus on social sustainability in design and build construction projects
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Nadeetharu Malsha , Kulatunga Udayangani ,   University of Moratuwa
Published: December 2023

The imbalance in the implementation of triple bottom lines of sustainability is extremely noticeable in the construction industry, where the economy and environment have received higher attention than the social sector. Social sustainability is “a life-enhancing condition within communities and a process within communities that can achieve that condition” [1]. Accordingly, there is a necessity of initiating and implementing social sustainability in construction projects. The Sri Lankan construction industry is embarrassing sustainability and recent trends disclose the incorporation of Design and Build (D&B) for sustainable projects. Henceforth, this article reveals the initiation steps for identifying the socially sustainable construction practices possible to be implemented within D&B construction projects.
Distribution of osteoprotegerin in unruptured intracranial aneurysms in humans: association with aneurysm wall protective remodeling
Authors: Hashimoto Yukishige , Karasaki Kohei , Hara Takeshi , Kobayashi Shohei , Kaneko Mayumi , Ono Chiaki , Matsushige Toshinori , Yoshizumi Masao
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

Aneurysm wall inflammation is associated with lesion instability in unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). However, most UIAs remain unruptured during lifelong follow-ups because of simultaneous protective remodeling against the inflammatory response. The protective effects of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in intracranial and abdominal aortic aneurysms have been suggested using rodent models; however, the role of this protein in UIAs in humans remains unclear. Herein, the authors examined the relationship between OPG expression and aneurysm wall integrity in intraoperatively resected UIAs by using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining.

METHODS

Sixteen UIA wall tissue specimens resected between 2017 and 2022 were analyzed. Aneurysm growth was defined as an enlargement > 1 mm or an obvious morphological change over the course of more than 6 months. Three high-power fields were randomly selected from areas expressing high and low levels of OPG within the same aneurysm. To clarify the role of OPG in the human aneurysm wall, the authors compared averaged values for the following pathological features between the 2 OPG expression groups: aneurysm wall thickness, collagen, macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). Immunohistochemical staining within the entire tissue area was also analyzed to determine the relationships between OPG expression and different aneurysm growth patterns. Pathological findings were compared between high and low OPG expression levels using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

The heterogeneous expression of OPG was detected in the walls of UIAs. Lesions expressing high OPG levels had thicker aneurysm walls (327 vs 180 μm, p = 0.002) and higher expression levels of TGF-β1 (8.5% vs 5.4%, p = 0.002) than those expressing low OPG levels. The expression of TGF-β1 was colocalized with that of OPG mainly in the tunica media. Furthermore, lesions expressing high OPG levels had larger α-SMA+ areas (25% vs 13%, p = 0.002). Aneurysm growth was observed in 6 of 9 UIAs with available data: whole sac expansion in 4 and secondary aneurysm formation in 2. Among the 6 UIAs with aneurysm growth, OPG expression was relatively higher in the UIAs with an internal elastic lamina than in those without (17% vs 6.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Aneurysm wall integrity was associated with OPG expression in the aneurysm wall. Collectively, the study results indicated that OPG is associated with protective remodeling, which may contribute to the retention of aneurysm wall structures.
Safety and efficacy of endovascular versus microsurgical treatment of unruptured wide-necked middle cerebral artery aneurysms: a propensity score–matched analysis of the NeuroVascular Quality Initiative Quality Outcomes Database Cerebral Aneurysm Registry
Authors: Padmanaban Varun , Zhu Junjia , Zhou Shouhao , Ansari Sameer A. , Howington Jay U. , Sahlein Daniel H. , Tejada Juan G. , Wilkinson D. Andrew , Simon Scott D. , Cockroft Kevin M. , Church Ephraim W.
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

Unruptured, wide-necked middle cerebral artery (WN-MCA) aneurysms have traditionally been considered ideal candidates for microsurgery (MS), although endovascular treatment (EVT) has dramatically increased in popularity with the advent of novel devices such as intrasaccular flow disruptors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MS versus EVT for unruptured WN-MCA aneurysms.

METHODS

The NeuroVascular Quality Initiative Quality Outcomes Database (NVQI-QOD) Cerebral Aneurysm Registry, a multiinstitutional, prospectively collected procedural database, was queried for cases of unruptured WN-MCA aneurysms treated with MS or EVT between 2015 and 2022. A wide neck was defined as an aneurysm neck ≥ 4 mm or a dome/neck ratio ≤ 2. Demographics and aneurysm characteristics were queried. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to match aneurysm size, number of aneurysms treated, patient age, and aneurysm status. Safety outcomes were evaluated including intraoperative and postoperative complication rates. Aneurysm occlusion status and clinical outcomes using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge and the last follow-up were also assessed.

RESULTS

Of 671 unruptured MCA aneurysms, 319 were wide necked. Thirty cases were excluded, as the aneurysm had been previously treated. Two hundred eighty-nine operations (203 EVT, 86 MS) in 282 patients satisfied inclusion criteria. After PSM, there were 86 operations in each group for analysis. The mean aneurysm width was 5.0 (EVT) versus 4.9 mm (MS; p = 0.285). Safety data showed similar intraoperative (7.0% EVT vs 3.5% MS, p = 0.496) and postoperative (4.7% vs 7%, p = 0.746) complication rates. The MS patients were more likely to have complete aneurysm occlusion at discharge (90.4% vs 58.8%, p < 0.001). In a limited subset of patients (52.9%) for whom outcome data were available, the EVT patients were more likely to have an mRS score 0 at discharge (50/59 [84.7%] vs 29/54 [53.7%], p < 0.0003] and at the last follow-up (36/55 [65.5%] vs 13/36 [36.1%], p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes a large, modern cohort of propensity score–matched patients who underwent treatment of unruptured WN-MCA aneurysms. Safety data on intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were similar in both treatment groups. MS was more likely to result in complete aneurysm occlusion at discharge. In a subset of patients with available outcome data, EVT was associated with better functional outcomes at discharge and the last follow-up. Given the lack of complete follow-up data and rates of retreatment, these results should be interpreted cautiously.
Endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke patients with tandem lesions: antegrade versus retrograde approach
Authors: Galecio-Castillo Milagros , Abraham Michael , Farooqui Mudassir , Hassan Ameer E. , Divani Afshin A. , Jumaa Mouhammad A. , Ribo Marc , Petersen Nils , Fifi Johanna , Guerrero Waldo R. , Malik Amer M. , Siegler James E. , Nguyen Thanh N. , Sheth Sunil A. , Yoo Albert J. , Linares Guillermo , Janjua Nazli , Quispe-Orozco Darko , Qureshi Abid , Tekle Wondwossen G. , Ikram Asad , Zaidi Syed F. , Zevallos Cynthia B. , Taborda Belen , Devarajan Alex , Zhang Linda , Abdalkader Mohamad , Salazar-Marioni Sergio , Soomro Jazba , Gordon Weston , Rodriguez-Calienes Aaron , Vivanco-Suarez Juan , Woolfolk Katrina , Mokin Maxim , Yavagal Dileep R. , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

The optimal technique for treating tandem lesions (TLs) with endovascular therapy is debatable. The authors evaluated the functional, safety, and procedural outcomes of different approaches in a multicenter study.

METHODS

Anterior circulation TL patients treated from January 2015 to December 2020 were divided on the basis of antegrade versus retrograde approach and included. The evaluated outcomes were favorable modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (mRS score 0–2) at 3 months, ordinal shift in mRS score, successful recanalization, excellent recanalization, first-pass effect (FPE), time from groin puncture to successful recanalization, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and 90-day mortality.

RESULTS

Among 691 patients treated at 16 centers, 286 patients (174 antegrade and 112 retrograde approach patients) with acute stenting were included in the final analysis. There were no significant differences in mRS score 0–2 at 90 days (52.2% vs 50.0%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.83, 95% CI 0.42–1.56, p = 0.54), favorable shift in 90-day mRS score (aOR 1.03, 95% CI 0.66–1.29, p = 0.11), sICH (4.0% vs 4.5%, aOR 0.64, 95% CI 0.24–1.51, p = 0.45), successful recanalization (89.4% vs 93%, aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.19–1.28, p = 0.19), excellent recanalization (51.4% vs 58.9%, aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.40–1.07, p = 0.09), FPE (58.3% vs 69.7%, aOR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44–1.15, p = 0.21), and mortality at 90 days (16.6% vs 14.0%, aOR 0.94, 95% CI 0.35–2.44, p = 0.81) between the groups. The median (interquartile range) groin puncture to recanalization time was significantly longer in the antegrade group (59 [43–90] minutes vs 49 [35–73] minutes, p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

The retrograde approach was associated with faster recanalization times with a similar functional and safety profile when compared with the antegrade approach in patients with acute ischemic stroke with TL.
Bilateral focused ultrasound medial thalamotomies for trigeminal neuropathic pain: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Ishaque Mariam , Moosa Shayan , Urban Lori , Kundu Bijoy , Qureshi Zoraiz , Spears Tyler , Fletcher P. Thomas , Donahue Joseph , Patel Sohil H. , Goldstein Robert B. , Finan Patrick H. , Liu Chang-Chia , Elias W. Jeffrey
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

Medial thalamotomy has been shown to benefit patients with neuropathic pain, but widespread adoption of this procedure has been limited by reporting of clinical outcomes in studies without a control group. This study aimed to minimize confounders associated with medial thalamotomy for treating chronic pain by using modern MRI-guided stereotactic lesioning and a rigorous clinical design.

METHODS

This prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial in 10 patients with trigeminal neuropathic pain used sham procedures as controls. Participants underwent assessments by a pain psychologist and pain management clinician, including use of the following measures: the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS); patient-reported outcome measures; and patient’s impression of improvement at baseline, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postprocedure. Patients in the treated group underwent bilateral focused ultrasound (FUS) medial thalamotomy targeting the central lateral nucleus. Patients in the control group underwent sham procedures with energy output disabled. The primary efficacy outcome measure was between-group differences in pain intensity (using the NPRS) at baseline and at 3 months postprocedure. Adverse events were measured for safety and included MRI analysis. Exploratory measures of connectivity and metabolism were analyzed using diffusion tensor imaging, functional MRI, and PET, respectively.

RESULTS

There were no serious complications from the FUS procedures. MRI confirmed bilateral medial thalamic ablations. There was no significant improvement in pain intensity from baseline to 3 months, either for patients undergoing FUS medial thalamotomy or for sham controls; and the between-group change in NPRS score as the primary efficacy outcome measure was not significantly different. Patient-reported outcome assessments demonstrated improvement (i.e., a decrease) only in pain interference with enjoyment of life at 3 months. There was a perception of benefit at 1 week, but only for patients treated with FUS and not for the sham cohort. Advanced neuroimaging showed that these medial thalamic lesions altered structural connectivity with the postcentral gyrus and demonstrated a trend toward hypometabolism in the insula and amygdala.

CONCLUSIONS

This randomized controlled trial of bilateral FUS medial thalamotomy did not reduce the intensity of trigeminal neuropathic pain, although it should be noted that the ability to estimate the magnitude of treatment effects is limited by the small cohort.
MRI characteristics of H3 G34–mutant diffuse hemispheric gliomas and possible differentiation from IDH–wild-type glioblastomas in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Shao Hanbing , Gong Jing , Su Xiaorui , Chen Ni , Li Shuang , Yang Xibiao , Zhang Simin , Huang Zhangfeng , Hu Wei , Gong Qiyong , Liu Yaou , Yue Qiang
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

H3 G34–mutant diffuse hemispheric gliomas (G34m-DHGs) are rare and constitute a new infiltrating brain tumor entity whose characteristics require elucidation, and their difference from isocitrate dehydrogenase–wild-type glioblastomas (IDH-WT-GBMs) needs to be clarified. In this study, the authors report the demographic, clinical, and neuroradiological features of G34m-DHG and investigate the capability of quantitative MRI features in differentiating them.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients with G34m-DHG and 30 patients with IDH-WT-GBM were included in this retrospective study. The authors reviewed the clinical, radiological, and molecular data of G34m-DHGs and compared their neuroimaging features with those of IDH-WT-GBMs in adolescents and young adults. Visually Accessible Rembrandt Images (VASARI) features were extracted, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was performed. A logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate the diagnostic performance for differentiating between G34m-DHG and IDH-WT-GBM. Subsequently, FeAture Explorer (FAE) was used to generate the machine learning pipeline and select important radiomics features that had been extracted with PyRadiomics. Estimates of the performance were supplied by metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

The mean age of the 23 patients with G34m-DHG was 23.7 years (range 11–45 years), younger than the mean age of patients with IDH-WT-GBM (30.96 years, range 5–43 years). All tumors were hemispheric. Most cases were immunonegative for ATRX (95%) and Olig2 (100%), were immunopositive for p53 (95%), and exhibited MGMT promoter methylation (81%). The radiological presentations of G34m-DHG were different from those of IDH-WT-GBM. The majority of the G34m-DHGs were in the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes and demonstrated no or only faint contrast enhancement (74%), while IDH-WT-GBMs were mostly seen in the frontal lobe and showed marked contrast enhancement in 83% of cases. The FAE-generated model, based on radiomics features (AUC 0.925) of conventional MR images, had better discriminatory performance between G34m-DHG and IDH-WT-GBM than VASARI feature analysis (AUC 0.843).

CONCLUSIONS

G34m-DHGs most frequently occur in the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes in adolescent and young adults and are associated with radiological characteristics distinct from those of IDH-WT-GBMs. Successful identification can be achieved by using either VASARI features or radiomics signatures, which may contribute to prognostic evaluation and assist in clinical settings.
The prognostic role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammation index on short- and long-term outcome following surgery for spinal metastases
Authors: Ryvlin Jessica , Kim Seung Woo , Hamad Mousa K. , Fourman Mitchell S. , Eleswarapu Ananth , Murthy Saikiran G. , Gelfand Yaroslav , De la Garza Ramos Rafael , Yassari Reza
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory markers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) have shown promise in predicting mortality in various types of cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess NLR, PLR, and SII in predicting 30-day mortality and overall survival (OS) among surgically treated patients with spinal metastasis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study including 153 patients who underwent surgery for spinal metastasis between 2012 and 2022. Electronic medical records were manually reviewed, and NLR, PLR, and SII were calculated from preoperative neutrophil, platelet, and lymphocyte counts. Receiver operating characteristic curves with areas under the curve were generated to determine cutoff values. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratios (ORs) for 30-day mortality. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were used to determine the hazard ratio (HR) for OS limited to 5 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

Preoperative cutoff values were as follows: NLR > 10.2, PLR > 260, and SII > 2900. Overall, 35.9% (55/153) of patients had elevated NLR, 45.7% (70/153) had elevated PLR, and 30.7% (47/153) had elevated SII. The overall 30-day mortality was 8.5% (13/153). After controlling for confounders such as performance status and primary tumor type, high NLR (OR 5.20, 95% CI 1.21–22.28; p = 0.026) and SII (OR 4.92, 95% CI 1.17–20.63; p = 0.029) were associated with increased odds of 30-day postoperative mortality. The median OS time in the study population was 26 months (95% CI 12–40 months). After controlling for confounders such as Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, primary tumor, and hypoalbuminemia, high NLR was associated with shorter OS (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.48–3.97; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

High preoperative NLR and SII were independently associated with 30-day postoperative mortality in this study. Elevated NLR was also found to be associated with shorter OS. The prognostic role of these metrics warrants further investigation.
Intraventricular hemorrhage volume and younger age at surgery may be risk factors for postoperative hydrocephalus after hemispherotomy in children
Authors: Yoshitomi Munetake , Iijima Keiya , Kosugi Kenzo , Takayama Yutaro , Kimura Yuiko , Kaneko Yuu , Kawashima Takahiro , Tachimori Hisateru , Sumitomo Noriko , Baba Shimpei , Saito Takashi , Nakagawa Eiji , Morioka Motohiro , Iwasaki Masaki
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

Hemispherotomy is an effective treatment for intractable hemispheric epilepsy; however, hydrocephalus remains a common complication of the procedure. The causes of hydrocephalus following hemispherotomy have not been fully elucidated; therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with the condition.

METHODS

The authors investigated the records of all patients aged < 18 years who underwent hemispherotomy at their institution between 2003 and 2020 and were monitored for hydrocephalus for at least 1 year after the procedure. To identify the risk factors for hydrocephalus, the following information about each patient was collected: sex, corrected age at surgery, body weight at surgery, previous intracranial surgery, etiology of epilepsy, results of PET for hypermetabolism, side of surgery, type of operation (vertical or horizontal approach), operation time, blood loss during surgery, use of intraventricular drainage, occurrence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) on the 1st postoperative day, duration of postoperative fever of > 38°C, and maximum C-reactive protein level after the operation. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

This study included 51 children who underwent hemispherotomies for drug-resistant epilepsy at our hospital. Seven patients (13.7%) experienced hydrocephalus and were treated with ventricular or subdural peritoneal shunts or fenestration. Multivariate logistic analysis using the Bayesian information criterion revealed that 3 factors were associated with the occurrence of hydrocephalus: age at surgery, postoperative IVH volume, and duration of postoperative fever of > 38°C.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that younger age at surgery, postoperative IVH volume, and duration of postoperative fever of > 38°C might be risk factors for hydrocephalus after hemispherotomy. The risk of hydrocephalus should be considered in cases of early surgical indication in children. Intraoperative hemostasis and postoperative use of anti-inflammatory measures may reduce the risk of hydrocephalus.
Gender disparities in postoperative outcomes following elective spine surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kumar Neerav , Akosman Izzet , Mortenson Richard , Kumar Abhinav , Xu Grace , Lathrop Cooper , Bakhmat Kylie , Amen Troy B. , Hussain Ibrahim
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

Several studies have described disparities between male and female patients following spine surgery, but no pooled analyses have performed a robust review characterizing differences in postoperative outcomes based on gender. The purpose of this study was to broadly assess the effects of gender on postoperative outcomes following elective spine surgery.

METHODS

Between November 2022 and March 2023, PubMed, MEDLINE, ERIC, and Embase were queried using artificial intelligence–assisted software for relevant cohort studies. Cohort studies with a minimum sample of 100 patients conducted in the United States since 2010 were eligible. Studies related to trauma, tumors, infections, and spinal cord pathology were excluded. Independent extraction by multiple reviewers was performed using Nested Knowledge software. A fixed- or random-effects model was used if heterogeneity among included studies in a meta-analysis was < 50% or ≥ 50%, respectively. Risk of bias was assessed independently by multiple reviewers using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled effect sizes were calculated for readmission, nonroutine discharge (NRD), length of stay (LOS), extended LOS, reoperation, mortality, all medical complications (individual analyses for cardiovascular, deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, genitourinary, neurological, respiratory, and systemic infection complications), and wound-related complications. For each outcome, two subanalyses were performed with studies that used either center-based (single- or multi-institution) or high-volume (national or state-wide) databases.

RESULTS

Across 124 included studies, male patients had an increased incidence of mortality (OR 0.54, p < 0.0001) and all medical complications (OR 0.80, p = 0.0114), specifically cardiovascular (OR 0.68, p < 0.0001) and respiratory (OR 0.76, p = 0.0008) complications. Female patients were more likely to experience a wound-related surgical complication (OR 1.16, p = 0.0183). These findings persisted in the high-volume database subanalyses. Only center-based subanalyses showed that female patients were at greater odds of experiencing an NRD (OR 1.18, p = 0.0476), longer LOS (SMD 0.23, p = 0.0036), and extended LOS (OR 1.28, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Males are more likely to experience death and medical complications, whereas females were more likely to face wound-related surgical complications. At the institution level, females more often experience NRD and longer hospital stays. These findings may better inform preoperative expectation management and provide more detailed postoperative risk assessments based on the patient’s gender.
OSMANLI’DAN CUMHURİYET’E RİZE İSKELESİNİN LİMANA DÖNÜŞÜMÜ
Authors: ARIKAN Mustafa
Published: December 2023

Rize, MÖ 7. Yüzyılda, batısı Fener Burnu, doğusu Taşlıdere ile sınırlı bir koyun çevresinde bir koloni olarak Miletler tarafından kurulmuştur. Bu ilk yerleşim merkezine ulaşım, tamamen deniz yoluyla yapılmıştır. Kara ulaşımı ilk olarak Roma döneminde sağlanmıştır. Bununla birlikte Rize’nin büyük merkezlerle ulaşımı, Cumhuriyet dönemine kadar çok büyük oranda deniz yoluna bağlı kalmıştır. 19. Yüzyılda Karadeniz ticaretinde yaşanan yükseliş ile 93 Harbi’nden sonra Rize’nin sancak merkezi olması, şehrin ve iskelenin önemini arttırmıştır. Bu durum, Rize’de gelişmiş bir limana olan ihtiyacın yükselmesine sebep olmuştur. 1890’lı yıllarda şehirde iki adet ahşap iskele mevcuttur. Bunların yerine ilerleyen yıllarda demir ve betondan iskeleler inşa edilmiş, ancak bu iskeleler şehrin ihtiyacını tam karşılayamamıştır. 1960’lı yıllarda gelişmiş bir limana olan ihtiyaç daha da artmıştır. Buna rağmen Rize’nin nispeten durağan ekonomik yapısı ve Türkiye’nin yatırım öncelikleri, Rize limanının inşasını oldukça geciktirmiştir. 1969’da bir balıkçı barınağı yapmak için başlayan çalışmalar 1985’e kadar gelişerek devam etmiş ve bu çalışmalar sonucunda Rize limanı inşa edilmiştir. Başlangıçta Türkiye Denizcilik İşletmeleri Genel Müdürlüğü tarafından işletilen liman, 1997’de özelleştirilmiştir. Bu çalışma, Rize limanının inşasıyla ilgili tarihî süreci ortaya koymayı ve limanın bugünkü durumu hakkında bilgi vermeyi amaçlamaktadır.
KIRALİZADE HASAN TAHSİN BEY’İN TRABZON’UN EĞİTİM VE İMAR HAYATINA KATKILARI
Authors: KARADENİZ Hüseyin
Published: December 2023

Trabzon’da eğitim ve imar alanında yaptığı faaliyetlerle adını duyuran Kıralizade Hasan Tahsin 1875 tarihinde Trabzon’un Sürmene ilçesinde doğdu. Genç yaşlarda Rusya’ya giderek orada mimarlık eğitimi aldı. Bu vesileyle Rusça öğrenerek Sürmene Rus işgalindeyken halka yardımcı olmuş, halkın taleplerini Rus komutana bildirmiş, aynı zamanda Sürmene ilçesinde kısa bir süre belediye başkanlığı da yapmıştır. Trabzon’daki Rus işgali sonrasında özellikle müteahhitlik alanında önemli çalışmalar yapan Hasan Tahsin; Trabzon Hükümet Konağı, Trabzon Lisesi ve Değirmendere Limanı gibi önemli inşaat işlerinde bulunmuş, Kazım Karabekir’in de tavsiyesi üzerine savaş yetimlerinin ihtiyaçlarının giderildiği ve barındırıldığı yatılı yetimler okulu yaptırmış, bu okullarda birçok yetim çocuğu okutmuştur. Eğitim ve imar alanında yapılan faaliyetler Hasan Tahsin Kırali ile sınırlı kalmamış, oğlu Süleyman Kırali Sürmene’de Hasan Tahsin Kırali İlkokulunu ve Marmara Ereğlisi Süleyman Turgut Kırali İlkokulunu, diğer oğlu Özcan Kırali ise Sürmene Özcan Kırali Yurdunu yaptırmıştır. 6 Haziran 1940 günü ise İskele Meydanı’nda yaptırdığı bina inşaatını görmek üzere evden ayrılan Hasan Tahsin geçirdiği kalp krizi sonucu hayatını kaybetmiştir.
MODEL PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA INGGRIS UNTUK PENDIDIKAN ANAK USIA DINI
Authors: KARENINA AYU ANNA
Published: December 2023

Anak-anak pada usianya kegiatannya tidak hanya bermain saja, anak usia dini tentu perlu mendapatkan pendidikan walaupun diusia nya yang masih anak-anak. Hal tersebut agar memunculkan rangsangan untuk mereka siap belajar. Anak-anak dalam masa pertumbuhannya tentu belajar banyak hal, oleh karena itu Pendidikan merupakan bentuk manajemen yang berorientasi pada arah pertumbuhan dan perkembangan si anak. Sejak usia dini, anak-anak hanya dapat diajarkan dasar-dasar bahasa Inggris dan diajarkan melalui permainan yang ditargetkan. Melalui permainan yang ditargetkan, anak-anak dapat belajar banyak hal. Desain instruksional merupakan bagian integral dari beberapa komponen pembelajaran yang saling berinteraksi, berhubungan, dan bergantung satu sama lain untuk mencapai tujuan pembelajaran yang ditentukan. Pembelajaran di ikuti dengan komponen meliputi anak atau siswa, pedidik, silabus, materi ajar, alat pendukung belajar, sumber studi, proses pelajaran, akomodasi, zona, dan arah pembelajaran. Bagian ini harus disiapkan bersama dengan tutorial yang akan disempurnakan.
PENERAPAN MEDIA VISUAL UNTUK MEMUDAHKAN PEMBELAJARAN ANAK USIA DINI
Authors: Indah Herawati
Published: December 2023

Pada era digital seperti sekarang ini, penerapan media visual telah menjadi bagian yang penting dalam pembelajaran anak usia dini. Media visual memiliki peranan yang signifikan dalam meningkatkan daya serap dan pemahaman anak terhadap materi pembelajaran. Dalam artikel ini, akan dijelaskan mengenai pentingnya penerapan media visual dalam pembelajaran anak usia dini serta manfaat dan strategi yang dapat digunakan dalam implementasinya seperti yang sudah di jelaskan di dalam pembahasan, pengaruh teknologi terhadap media pembelajaran pada anak usia dini.Contoh perubahan atau perkembangan dari media tersebut yaitu terdapat di dalam media audio visual, di mana awalnya prndidik mrnggunakan media sosio/drama atau bercerita mengguunakan alat peraga namun saat ini pendidik tersebut menggunakan film sebagai media pembelajaran Pada usia dini, anak-anak memiliki kemampuan daya serap yang tinggi, namun mereka juga memiliki keterbatasan dalam memahami konsep yang abstrak. Oleh karena itu, penerapan media visual menjadi solusi yang tepat untuk memudahkan pembelajaran anak usia dini. Berikut adalah beberapa alasan mengapa penerapan media visual penting dalam pembelajaran anak usia dini:Penerapan media visual dalam pembelajaran anak usia dini adalah pendekatan yang efektif dan bermanfaat. Media visual dapat memudahkan pemahaman anak, meningkatkan daya ingat, mengembangkan kreativitas, dan membantu perkembangan bahasa.

Kata Kunci: Media Pembelajaran ; Media Visual ; Anak Usia Dini
PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN GADGET TERHADAP PERKEMBANGAN KEMAMPUAN BERBAHASA ANAK USIA DINI
Authors: Herawati Cahya
Published: December 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi bagaimana pengaruh penggunaan gadget terhadap perkembangan kemampuan berbahasa pada anak usia dini. Saat anak-anak menggunakan gadget, anak-anak akan menjadi individu yang kurang komunikatif. Sehingga menyebabkan keterlambatan perkembangan bahasa dan bicara. Metode yang digunakan oleh peneliti adalah penelitian kepustakaan atau studi literatur, yaitu serangkaian kegiatan yang berkaitan dengan metode pengumpulan data pustaka, membaca, mencatat, dan mengelola bahan penelitian. Hasil studi literatur yang dilakukan peneliti menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan gadget memberikan dampak atau pengaruh yang cukup besar terhadap keterlambatan bicara anak, karena gadget menghalangi komunikasi secara langsung dengan lingkungan yang ada disekitar. Permasalahan penggunaan gadget yang berlebihan harus segera diatasi oleh orang tua, dengan melakukan pengawasan dalam menggunakan gadget dan beralih ke permainan edukatif yang dapat mengasah kreatifitas anak. Penggunaan gadget selain memiliki dampak negatif juga memberikan dampak positif bagi perkembangan anak. Sangat penting bagi orang tua untuk merawat, mengatur dan memantau segala sesuatu yang dilakukan anak dalam memastikan perkembangannya.
Pembuatan Biodiesel Dari Minyak Jelantah Dengan Katalis Heterogen CaO Dari Tulang Sapi
Authors: Puspita Sari Dewi , Ely Kurniati
Published: December 2023

Minyak jelantah merupakan minyak goreng yang telah digunakan beberapa kali penggorengan yang mengandung asam lemak bebas (FFA) yang tinggi sehingga dapat dikonversi menjadi biodiesel (etil ester). Tulang sapi merupakan bagian tubuh sapi yang tidak terpakai pada pengolahan hasil peternakan dan dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai katalis melalui proses kalsinasi. Pembuatan biodiesel ini dilakukan menggunakan metode transesterifikasi Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan kondisi optimum pada pembuatan biodiesel. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kondisi optimum yang diperoleh pada pembuatan biodiesel yaitu pada suhu 90oC dan 15 % katalis. Hasil Analisa konversi yield biodiesel yang diperoleh pada kondisi tersebut sebesar 76,74%. Selain itu, diperoleh hasil analisa mutu biodiesel berupa angka asam sebesar 0,448 KOH/gr dan hasil analisa GC-MS diperoleh kandungan etil ester tertinggi pada kondisi optimum yaitu trifluoroacetic acid,pentadecyl ester sebesar 2,92% dengan waktu retensi 27,594 menit
FUNGSI BADAN PERMUSYAWARATAN DESA DALAM PEMBENTUKAN PRODUK HUKUM DESA DIHUBUNGKAN DENGAN UNDANG-UNDANG NOMOR 6 TAHUN 2014 TENTANG DESA
Authors: Kholik Saeful , Suhendar Suhendar , Siregar Syamsul Bahri , Alam Kodrat , Noventi Dian
Published: December 2023

Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dan mendeskripsikan implementasi fungsi Badan Permusyawaratan Desa dalam pembentukan produk hukum desa.. Mengingat, dalam realitas peraturan desa seringkali diabaikan dalam hal penyelenggaraan urusan pemerintahan di desa. sehingga dalam penyusunannya peraturan desa tersebut tidak berdasarkan pada prinsip peraturan perundang-undangan yang baik (good legislation), dan bahkan banyak desa yang belum memiliki peraturan desa. ketiadaan dari peraturan desa tersebut merupakan gambaran terhadap pelaksanaan fungsi badan permusyawaratan desa yang belum berjalan sebagaimana mestinya. Identifikasi masalah sebagai berikut: 1. Bagaimana fungsi Badan Permusyawaratan Desa berdasarkan Undang-Undang Nomor 6 Tahun 2014 Tentang Desa, 2. Bagaiamana implementasi badan permusyawaratan desa dalam pembentukan produk hukum desa di desa singaraja kecamatan indramayu kabupaten indramayu. Metode penelitian yang digunakan ini adalah yuridis-normatif penelitian hukum mengkaji data dan bahan hukum primer dan skunder. Seluruh data dan bahan hukum kemudian dianalisa secara kualitatif dengan memberikan telaah terhadap hasil penelitian dengan memberikan telaah terhadap hasil penelitian dengan pikiran sendiri dan dibantu dengan norma-norma hukum, doktrin hukum, dan teori ilmu hukum yang dikuasai. Berdasarkan hasil temuan menjelaskan bahwa pelaksanaan fungsi legislasi BPD di Desa Singaraja Kecamatan Indramayu Kabupaten Indramayu masih belum optimal yang disebabkan oleh kurangnya koordinasi antara BPD Singaraja dengan Pemerintah Desa Singaraja. Dalam pengumpulan aspirasi masyarakat terkait gagasan Raperdes yang akan dibuat, perumusan Peraturan Desa, dan terhadap usulan Raperdes yang kemudian disahkan menjadi Peraturan Desa masih didominasi oleh Pemerintah Desa.
Construction of action in the structure of punggawa-sawi relationship in Burung Loe Island, Indonesia
Authors: Arifin Ansar , Ansar Cindy Israeni , Arsat Muhamad , Garantjang Muhammad Fauzan , Hamzah Amiruddin
Published: December 2023

he construction of performance in the patron-client structure that functions as a socio-cultural agent in the management system and the utilization of fisheries resources is inseparable from the norm system practices carried out repeatedly in fisher groups. The study uses a qualitative approach to identify the construction process of performance through the practice of norms, ideas, and arenas of fisher's struggle (courtier). The study was conducted in Burung Loe Island, Sinjai Regency. Data obtained through observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGD) with large punggawa (ship owner), small punggawa (fisheries operational leader) and the crew. The results show that the social practices of electric fishers (pa'bagang rambo), tuna-mackerel fishers (pa'tongkol) and cages/aqua culture (keramba or fish farming) did not just happen, but were conditioned by nature and market logic would build them to choose the appropriate job. Fishers are bound by schemes of perception and thought that seem to be a collective phenomenon in the form of rituals and safety norms so that they are safe, calm, and get abundant wealth. The arena of fisher actualization is conditioned by the social structure of the punggawa who creates a patron-client dichotomy.
Implementation of village fund management among the Wajo Bugis ethnic, Indonesia
Authors: Mustaking Mustaking , Iqbal Andi Muh Baso , Daris Lukman , Demmallino Eymal B. , Ismail Ahmad , Massiseng Andi Nur Apung
Published: December 2023

The village fund program is a government program to accelerate and equalize development in rural areas, oriented towards poverty alleviation in Indonesia. This research aims to describe the Village Fund Program policy implementation in Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi. The type of research used is qualitative. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with informants and observations in the research object area. The informants in this study were selected purposively and in snowball sampling. The novelty of this research is to examine the successful implementation of village fund program policies in Wajo Regency using a combination of Jones's theory and Edward's theory based on three pillars, namely (1) organizational pillar, (2) interpretation pillar, and (3) application pillar, which is connected to ethnic culture. Wajo bugis. The research results show that implementing the village fund program in Wajo Regency needs to run optimally. This is because the competency of individual program implementers needs to be improved. The regulations governing program policies open up opportunities for abuse. Institutionally, policy implementers need more time to be ready to run the program optimally because the readiness of the organizational infrastructure needs to be balanced.