bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of Forming Literature, 1990-2000
Authors:   KTH /STFI, Norman Bo , Söderberg Daniel ,   STFI
Published: February 2024

Paper structure characterisation has been extended to include 2-D formation and periodic marks as well as wavelet techniques. Local fibre orientation anisotropy and misalignment angle analysis, in combination with tape-splitting layering and image analysis have improved the understanding of the relationship between paper structure and properties as well as increased the possibilities to trace the forming history from final paper structure. The Crowding Factor has been introduced, to describe the tendency of fibre suspensions to form fibre flocs. It gives an improved predictability in comparison with fibre concentration, by also taking fibre slenderness into account. The dynamic characterisation of de-flocculating and re-flocculating mechanisms is getting increased attention, partly due to the potential of CCD-cameras and image analysis techniques. It is the opinion of the authors that floc stretching is a more promising way of de-flocculating than turbulent shear. It is doubtful whether turbulence in simple fluids can aim as a model for the flow irregularities in fibre suspensions, due to the damping effects of fibres and flocs. For headbox CD-profile control, dilution water injection has been introduced. Since this makes slice lip deformations un-needed, it has the potential to uncouple control of grammage and misalignment angle profiles and also to improve CD-control resolution. The importance of headbox nozzle design for fibre orientation anisotropy is now appreciated. A high nozzle contraction ratio will increase anisotropy and also introduce some deflocculation through floc stretching. Vane insertion helps to decrease fibre orientation anisotropy and is also applied for multi-layer forming. Although applied in tissue forming and in linerboard forming, further improvements have to be made for printing paper applications. In twin-wire forming, the roll-blade principle has been accepted by the main machine manufacturers. Since its introduction in the STFI-Former in 1991, the blade section design with stationary blades on one side and loadable blades on the opposite side is the main design for printing paper applications, and also increasingly used for different board qualities.
Hematohidrosis in Pediatric Practice – a Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Matsyura Oksana , Besh Lesya , Jefimova Svitlana , Slivinska-Kurchak Khrystyna , Gerasymov Sergiy
Published: February 2024

Hematohidrosis (bloody sweat) is a symptom of trophic damage to the vascular wall, in which sweat mixes with blood and seeps onto undamaged areas of the skin in the form of red or pink liquid (depending on the ratio of sweat to blood).  In our study we have analyzed 25 case reports of hematohidrosis in children, reported throughout the world using PubMed, ResearchGate with detailed description and opened access. We took into consideration: age of the patient, sex, location of bloody excretion, cause or trigger, treatment and its effectiveness.Our clinical case present a 9-year-old girl complained of a periodic bleeding from the intact skin of the face, neck, thighs (without visible damage to the skin) manifested by red or pink liquid, nosebleeds, and bloody discharge from the mucous membrane of the eyes. The secretions were of varying intensity and lasted up to several hours. Most of all episodes are associated with a strong emotional exertion. One of the theories of hematohidrosis pathogenesis is evident vasoconstriction of the blood vessels surrounding the sweat glands, provoked by hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is followed by their excessive vasodilation up to rupture and blood entering the sweat gland ducts. Capillary endothelial cells are known to contain β2-adrenoceptors, which, through the modulation of nitric oxide release, cause endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Blocking β-adrenoceptors (for example, propranolol) prevents excessive vasodilation of blood vessels and, accordingly, their rupture and blood flow to the sweat gland.We managed to find out that the patient’s bloody sweat was a manifestation of a separate pathological phenomenon, and not one of the symptoms of another disease. A properly formed treatment complex and the great trust of the parents enabled to stabilize the child’s condition, and later to cure her. Currently, hematohidrosis is recognized as an independent disease that requires in-depth study of the triggering mechanisms of development, pathogenetic and clinical features.
Wolffia globosa (Araceae s. l. / Lemnaceae s. str.), a new aquatic alien species in the flora of Ukraine
Authors:   M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 2 Tereshchenkivska Str., Kyiv 01601, Ukraine, Shiyan N.M. , Orlov O.O. ,   State Institution "Institute of Environmental Geochemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine", 34A Academician Palladin Avenue, Kyiv 03142, Ukraine, Iakushenko D.M. ,   Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, 2 Kotsubynskogo Str., Chernivtsi 58012, Ukraine,   University of Zielona Góra, Z. Szafrana 1, Zielona Góra 65-516, Poland
Published: February 2024

In Europe, Wolffia globosa was first recorded in 2002 in the RF, and not in Bulgaria, as it was previously believed. Over the past 20 years, the species has expanded its secondary range. As of 2023, it is known from seven European countries. In Ukraine, W. globosa was first found in 2023 in two localities in Zhytomyr Region (Zhytomyr Polissia). The plant communities with W. globosa in Ukraine belong to the association Lemno-Spirodeletum polyrhizae of the alliance Lemnion minoris of the class Lemnetea. In the reported localities W. globosa occurs in eutrophic stagnant waterbodies with depths of 0.2–0.5 m and weakly flowing waterbodies with depths of 1.2–1.5 m; silty bottom is covered by a silt layer 5–20 cm thick, lighting is full. It is suggested that due to the observed climate warming, further migrations of W. globosa to other regions of Ukraine are possible.
The Effect of Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei (Miq.) Koidz.)) Sap on the Total Cholesterol Levels of Cisplatin-Induced Wistar Rats
Authors: Wahyuni Ika , Aulifa Diah L. , Rosdianto Aziiz M. , Levita Jutti
Published: February 2024

Cisplatin is a platinum-based anticancer drug that, in long-term use, causes nephrotoxicity due to oxidative stress and increases total cholesterol and triglycerides in animal models. Angelica keiskei (Miq.) Koidz., (A. keiskei) or Japanese celery ashitaba, has been reported for its antioxidant and nephroprotective activity. This study aims to determine the activity of A. keiskei sap on total cholesterol levels of cisplatin-induced Wistar rats. The sap of A. keiskeiwas freeze-dried until a yield of 3.62% w/v was obtained. The fat content in A. keiskei sap powder was obtained at 7.36%. A total of 60 g of A. keiskei sap powder was macerated with 96% ethanol solvent (1:10) for 5 x 24 h until the ethanol extract of A. keiskei sap (ASEE) of 82.08% w/w was obtained. The pharmacology activity was conducted on male Wistar rats, which were divided into 5 groups, namely normal (treated with CMC Na 0.3%), negative (nephrotoxicity induced with cisplatin 5 mg/kg BW), positive (nephrotoxicity induced with cisplatin 5 mg/kg BW and treated with quercetin 20 mg/kg BW), and two test groups which were nephrotoxicity induced with cisplatin 5 mg/kg body weight and treated with ASEE 1000 mg/kg BW, and ASEE 1500 mg/ kg BW. It was found that neither dose of ASEE altered the total cholesterol levels in cisplatin-induced male Wistar rats and could maintain the cholesterol levels in the normal range.
The function of creativity as an element of a modern language lesson design process
Authors: Polok Krzysztof
Published: February 2024

The work is a meta-analysis which discusses the sequences of a foreign language teacher’s activity during the process of organizing language classes, with particular emphasis on the issue of creativity. Significant sequences of the language learning system were indicated, along with the use of a number of divergent activities, based on the sequences of the creative organization of students’ contact with a foreign language. In the vast number of lessons the activities dealt with in the paper not only lead to much deeper involvement of students in the language learning process but also result in different forms of activation related to this process. Such steps are mostly referred to the activity of acquisition of both the structure and system of description of reality within the known foreign language. The final part of the work emphasizes the importance and quality of the function performed by the individual creativity of the teacher and student in the course of their glottodidactic activity.
Periprosthetic Joint Infection as a Socio-Economic Problem of Modern Orthopedics
Authors: Bozhkova Svetlana A. , Tikhilov Rashid M. , Artyukh Vasily A.
Published: February 2024

Periprosthetic joint infection is the main social and economic problem of modern orthopedics with a recurrence rate of chronic forms of up to 23.2–31.5%. The aim of this review is to inform various specialties doctors about the features of pathogenesis, etiology and treatment of periprosthetic joint infection, which significantly differ it from of other surgical site infections. The severity of infectious complications is due to the suppression of the patient’s immune system and microbial biofilms. Surgical treatment of periprosthetic joint infection involves debridement with preservation or removal of the implants, resection arthroplasty and arthrodesis. Today, in the treatment of more than 80% of cases of chronic infection, a two-stage approach is used, which allows to restore joint function after an average of 1.0–1.5 years. An integral part of the treatment of patients is high-dose, long-term and combined antibiotic therapy, which allows you to effectively deal with the leading pathogens of periprosthetic infection Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis, the share of which is 46.5–57.5%. In the conditions of growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, the interest of researchers in the possibilities of using bacteriophages in the complex therapy of infections of bones and joints has increased. The cost of treatment exceeds the cost of “aseptic” joint replacement by 2–24 times and is characterized by a high level of disability and mortality of patients. Taking into account the numerous factors affecting the course and effectiveness of complex treatment of patients with periprosthetic infection, a multidisciplinary approach is currently considered the main component of success. The medical and social significance and high financial costs of treating patients with periprosthetic infection indicate the need for further research and the active implementation of effective scientific developments in the practical healthcare system.
Overweight and Obesity in Children as Predictors of Early Puberty: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kovtun Olga P. , Brodovskaya Tatyana O. , Ustyuzhanina Margarita A.
Published: February 2024

Background. Obesity and overweight among children remains to be an actual problem. To date, the relationship between them and puberty has not been determined. Objective — to estimate the overweight and obesity impact on puberty in boys and girls.
Methods. The search for relevant sources was carried out in the Medline/PubMed, Researchgate, Elibrary, www.clinicaltrials.gov, www.clinicaltrialresults.org databases for the period from 2000 to 2023. Nine studies with a total of 24, 542 participants aged 0 to 18 years were selected for inclusion in the meta-analysis.
Results. A significant relationship was established between precocious puberty in overweight/obese girls OR 2.23 (CI 1.63–3.05; p 0.00001) and a tendency to accelerated puberty in boys OR 1.43 (CI 0.92–2.23; p = 0.11).
Conclusion. Overweight and obesity in children are determinants of faster rates of puberty, in particular among girls.
EMPODERAMIENTO DEL LÍDERES COMUNALES DEL MUNICIPIO DE SOACHA, PARA LA GESTIÓN DE PROYECTOS DE INVERSIÓN SOCIAL
Authors: Mendez Suarez Marleny , Morera Galindo Maria del Pilar , Castro Rey Maria Estella , Mican Melo Henry Leonel
Published: February 2024

La OCDE (Rodríguez, 2016) en las recomendaciones sobre Inversión Pública Eficiente entre los niveles de gobierno requiere Involucrar grupos de interés públicos, privados y de la sociedad civil en todo el ciclo de inversión.

En Colombia, los líderes comunales presidentes de las juntas administradoras locales y juntas de acción comunal son los encargados de velar por los intereses de su comunidad, además son quienes conocen por su propia experiencia o por comunicación de sus vecinos, la dimensión de las problemáticas y de las consecuencias que estas generan. Por tanto, son los primeros llamados a conformar los equipos de trabajo que propongan soluciones pertinentes y eficientes.

La inversión en Colombia debiese tener una fuerte dimensión territorial que considere las distintas necesidades y desafíos de las distintas localidades. La infraestructura y una mejor conectividad pueden servir para que las regiones rezagadas converjan y mejoren su desempeño, y simultáneamente mejoren también otros factores clave para el crecimiento, en especial el capital humano (OCDE, 2009).
PROPUESTA MODELO CLÚSTER PARA EMPRESAS GAMERS
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ ESCOBAR GERMÁN
Published: February 2024

El Clúster Gamers tiene el potencial de convertirse en un proceso de integración para el desarrollo de ventajas competitivas al momento de definir un proyecto empresarial, su puesta en marcha y fortalecimiento tiene efectos directos sobre el impulso económico de las empresas de videojuegos y las demás empresas que están detrás de este sector. Cuando se propone el modelo Clúster Gamers los productos o proyectos deben ayudar a potencializar los actores del clúster para cumplir con las preferencias de jugadores o patrocinadores, así mismo, la articulación de recursos permitirá la generación de activos como compromiso primordial para diseñar nuevas ideas de negocio en el Clúster, con lo que se convierte en construcción de capacidades del grupo involucrado, para enfrentar nuevos entornos y contextos.
A CULTURA ORGANIZACIONAL EN COLOMBIA ¿TEORÍA ADMINISTRATIVA O TEMA DE MODA?
Authors: Salcedo Alvarado Juan Felipe , Castiblanco Posada María Paula , Sánchez Torres Juan de Jesús
Published: February 2024

Las llamadas Tendencias Administrativas siempre han estado enmarcadas entre la necesidad de la práctica o la moda administrativas, un ejemplo de ello es la "cultura organizacional", que durante la última década ha tomado gran protagonismo en el ambiente administrativo e incluso en las escuelas de administración. Es por ello que, desde una visión crítica apoyada en los Estudios Organizacionales desarrollados en Colombia, se propone hacer una revisión que cuente sobre la pertinencia y seriedad de lo trabajado en este tema.
NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION ON MULTISTAGE BIFURCATED RECTANGULAR MICROCHANNEL WITH ASYMMETRICAL HOTSPOTS USING NANOFLUID
Authors: Narendran Ganesan , Kumar Amit , Perumal D. Arumuga
Published: February 2024

The numerical investigation of multistage-bifurcated microchannels with asymmetric hotspots using
TiO2 nanofluid has been studied. The latest multi-core processors generate an asymmetrical heat flux
described as hotpots. In literature, compact heat sinks are used to mitigate hotspots to achieve the cooling
demands in industrial applications The temperature in the microchannel heat sink increases along
the fluid direction, resulting in higher temperatures at the outlet. One way is to introduce bifurcations
near the microchannel exit to reduce the heatsink bottom temperature near the outlet. The effective
use of bifurcations for asymmetric hotspot application with nanofluids has not been dealt with much.
Subsequently, the study presents a numerical analysis in a multistage bifurcated microchannel with asymmetric hotspots. The analysis provides profound insight into hotspot influences over bifurcation stages and working fluid flow rate. It was found critically that the effect of bifurcations was more critical on flow rate than to the asymmetric hotspot and nanofluids.
Correction effect of jet-grouting on high-speed railway subgrade lateral deformation
Authors: Bai Yingqi , Xiao Junhua , Xue Lihua , Liu Zhiyong , Wang Binglong
Published: February 2024

Viable remediation of the large lateral deformation of high-speed railway (HSR) subgrades, especially in soft soil areas, is still absent. An integrated rectification scheme of high-pressure jet-grouting (HPJG) combined with stress-release techniques was conducted to rectify the large lateral deformation of an operational HSR subgrade in the soft soil area of China, but without any refined design and mechanical analysis before rectification due to the emergency. The objective of the study is to post-evaluate the rectification effects utilising field monitoring data and numerical calculations. The monitoring data showed that the maximum lateral deviation of the subgrade was 69.1 mm, which almost met the expected correction requirements. However, the influence of the excess pore water pressure (EPWP) dissipation on the correction deviation was not considered in the scheme. Therefore, a numerical model was established to further investigate this effect and corresponding mitigation methods. The calculated results revealed that EPWP in the foundation dissipated mostly within 6 months after rectification, and the deformation loss accounted for 30.7% of the total deviation. Prolonging the interval of two-row pile construction can be a plausible approach to mitigate the deviation loss. The findings provide a feasible method for correcting large lateral deformation of HSR subgrades.
Growth, trends and prevalent topics in geotechnical engineering (1998–2022) using topic modelling
Authors: Patino-Ramirez F. , O'Sullivan C.
Published: February 2024

Data gathered from 65 922 articles published in 30 geotechnical engineering journals between 1998 and 2022 were used to build a topic model and study the evolution of research output in the field. Over this period, the number of journal publications has grown exponentially with the number of articles published per year doubling every 6·3 years. The average citations per article (32·7) are skewed by highly cited articles, which make up 7·8% of the articles but account for 34·5 of the total number of citations. The articles’ country of origin has become increasingly centralised, with nearly half the articles published between 2018 and 2022 coming from China (39%) and the United States (10%). The topic distribution in the field has become highly specialised, with emerging topics being fuelled by: (a) new technologies and methods (i.e. data science and sensing techniques – the fastest-growing topics), and (b) rising applications seemingly related to mitigation (e.g. offshore and energy geotechnics) and adaptation (e.g. geohazards, mass movements) to climate change. As a consequence, traditional topics (e.g. soil and rock mechanics) have reduced their share in the field, but still remain among the most cited topics in geotechnical engineering.
Substantive preparation and the professional nature of the veterinary civil service
Authors: Mełgieś Katarzyna
Published: February 2024

The first of the constitutional guarantors of the quality of the civil service is its professional nature. It is the first, but not the only guarantor of the quality of the civil service. However, it is the professional qualifications of people performing public service that directly influence the authority of the State. The professional attribute of the functioning of the civil service, on the one hand, affects the way it is organized, and on the other hand, it can be related to the method of qualifying and recruiting corps members, based on the criterion of substantive preparation: education, knowledge, skills and experience. In the areas of operation of public administration related to the need to use specialized knowledge and experience, the professional condition is met with is met with higher requirements for special substantive preparation. The Veterinary Inspection is an example of a government institution whose personnel are subject to high specialist requirements directly determining the professional nature of its services.
Impactos e desafios do eSocial no ambiente contábil
Authors: Dallabona Lara Fabiana , Alves de Sousa Vigarani Nayara
Published: February 2024

Em um mundo cada vez mais tecnológico, o profissional contábil não pode ficar para trás, é necessário estar se atualizando constantemente. Um exemplo desse avanço é o eSocial, ferramenta criada pelo Governo Federal no projeto SPED, para envio de informações trabalhistas. Dessa forma, tanto o contador quanto os órgãos fiscalizadores precisaram se adequar a esta realidade e ao ambiente, tanto interno quanto externo. Assim, o estudo objetivou analisar a percepção dos contadores sobre os efeitos de variáveis contingenciais na implementação do eSocial. A amostra envolveu 103 contadores inscritos no CRC/SC, predominando o sexo feminino. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva, entropia da informação e correlação de Pearson. Os resultados demonstram que a maioria dos respondentes concorda que seu ambiente de trabalho passou por reestruturação organizacional e mudanças culturais, mas não possuem certeza no que diz respeito ao impacto na implementação do eSocial por parte do governo ou ainda que ele está 100% preparado para gerir as informações geradas pelo eSocial. Em relação à variável contingencial tecnologia, os contadores acreditam que ela ajuda na comunicação entre a contabilidade e o Fisco, e na comunicação entre contabilidade e empresas, mas que a mesma também burocratiza em parte a implementação do eSocial. Ainda foi possível observar que não há concordância sobre a falta de aprimoramento tecnológico por parte do governo, e a maioria não acredita que o software contábil que utilizam ajude no envio do eSocial. Constatou-se uma relação média entre a variável contingencial que perfaz o ambiente e a implementação do eSocial. Assim como foi possível perceber uma relação média entre a variável contingencial tecnologia com a implementação do eSocial. Diante do exposto pode-se concluir que os fatores contingenciais, mesmo que de maneira moderada, e mesmo que por muitas vezes sem o conhecimento por parte dos profissionais contábeis, estão presentes nas contabilidades, especialmente na implementação do eSocial. Assim o estudo contribui com a escassez de pesquisas que vinculem teoria da contingência com o eSocial. E ainda, de maneira complementar contribui para que o governo veja pelos olhos dos profissionais contábeis quais foram suas principais dificuldades frente ao eSocial e a sua visão crítica sobre a gestão desses dados por parte do governo.
Living experiences of older patients with cancer amid the COVID-19 pandemic: A phenomenological study
Authors: Hyeon Yong Hwan , Moon Kyoung Ja
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Patients with cancer experience psychological and social problems; in particular, older patients with cancer face many difficulties during the cancer treatment process owing to aging and underlying diseases. Furthermore, the lives of individuals may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to describe the experiences of older patients with cancer during the cancer diagnosis and treatment process amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study employed a qualitative, descriptive phenomenological approach to explore and analyze the experiences of the participants. The participants in this study consisted of patients aged over 65 who were diagnosed with cancer, and data were collected from May 4 to June 30, 2022 through in-depth individual interviews. The collected data were analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological analysis. Results: Participants were six older patients with cancer with an average age of 69.66 years. Five theme clusters and 15 themes were generated. The theme clusters were “psychological adaptation to cancer diagnosis,” “receiving social and medical support,” “difficulty in the treatment process,” “fear of the COVID-19 pandemic,” and “living through difficulties.” Conclusion: This study revealed that older patients with cancer demonstrated a unique psychology about how to accept the shock of the diagnosis and the resulting coping patterns and feelings of depression. Additionally, it was verified that older patients with cancer, susceptible to infections due to their advanced age and weakened immunity, also face an increased vulnerability to COVID-19. Therefore, a support system tailored to the characteristics of older patients with cancer should be established.
The effect of nurses’ knowledge and self-confidence on delirium nursing performance of nurses in an integrated nursing and caring services ward: A cross-sectional descriptive study
Authors: Kim Ho Yeong , Kim Su Ol
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the impact of delirium knowledge and delirium nursing confidence on delirium nursing practice among nurses working in an integrated nursing and caring services ward. Methods: This descriptive study included 102 registered nurses with a minimum of 6 months of professional experience from the integrated nursing and caring services ward of a university hospital in Uijeongbu City. Data were collected from May 10, 2023 to July 5, 2023 and were subjected to independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis using the SPSS/WIN 27.0 program. Results: Delirium nursing knowledge was positively correlated with delirium nursing confidence (r=.25, p=.01). Delirium nursing confidence was positively correlated with delirium nursing performance (r=.41, p<.001). Factors influencing delirium nursing performance were delirium nursing confidence (β=.32, p=.001), marital status (β=.21, p=.016), and delirium education experience (β=-.19, p=.032). The model used in this study explained 27% of the variance in delirium nursing performance (adjusted R2=0.27, F=8.46, p<.001). Conclusion: This study identified factors that influence delirium nursing performance of nurses in an integrated nursing and caring services ward in a university hospital. Based on the findings, delirium nursing education programs should include strategies that can improve delirium nursing confidence. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of developing a delirium nursing practice improvement program and guideline that reflects the characteristics of integrated nursing and caring services wards.
Dilemmas of Teachers Related to the Supervision in Schools: A Case Study
Authors: SEZER Şenol , ENGİN Gamzegül
Published: February 2024

School supervision is generally defined as the process of determining the realization level of performance indicators in schools, and evaluating the quality of education. Supervisors are not directly involved in these activities, and are appointed by the Ministry to assess fulfilment level of these educational activities. In current study, teachers’ perspective related to the supervision in Türkiye was examined in a qualitative research design. A single case study model was adopted to explore the case in depth. The aim of this research was to explore views of 28 teachers on supervision. The study group was chosen through maximum variation sampling technique. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, observations, and focus group interviews. Thematic content analysis technique was adopted to analysis of raw data. Four themes emerged based on the analysis. These themes were low stakes inspection, high stakes inspection, decentralization, and decreasing in quality. The results revealed that the participants were in a dilemma about the supervision in schools. Moreover, this dilemma was related to the audit of teacher performance by school principal and the supervision of school by ministry inspectors. In addition, through the focus group interviews, the suggestions of the participants with different perspectives on inspection were explored and thus more generalizable themes were produced.
Beyond The Lecture Hall: Exploring Informal Learning Spaces as Catalysts for Interpersonal Relationships, Student Well-Being and Campus Satisfaction in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Maciuliene Monika , Gulevičiūtė Gintarė , Skaržauskienė Aelita
Published: February 2024

Informal learning spaces have gained recognition as catalysts for student co-creation and engagement in higher education institutions. This study investigates the relationship between the availability and accessibility of informal learning spaces on campus and its influence on university belongingness, interpersonal relationships, student well-being, and university campus satisfaction. Mixed-method approach incorporating interviews and survey has been used in the study. Through qualitative research methods, including interviews with stakeholders, we explored the informal learning spaces at Mykolas Romeris University (MRU). The findings highlight that MRU offers a variety of spaces for both collaborative and focused learning, which are characterized by inclusivity, accessibility, digitalization, and availability for students. Guided by two research hypotheses, the quantitative part of the study examines the extent to which the availability and accessibility of informal learning spaces impact these key variables. The survey revealed a positive perception among respondents regarding the availability, accessibility, and satisfaction with informal learning spaces. Moreover, the study indicates that higher availability and accessibility of informal learning spaces on campus can significantly influence students' university belongingness and well-being. This paper contributes to the field by examining informal learning spaces from a holistic perspective that encompasses both students and stakeholders.
Improvement of Motor Skills and Motivation to Learn Physical Education Through the Use of Traditional Games
Authors: Aliriad Hilmy , Adi S  , Manullang Jujur Gunawan , Endrawan I Bagus , Satria M. Haris
Published: February 2024

Study purpose. This study aims to investigate motor skills and motivation to learn physical education through traditional games.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted using an experimental method and involved 60 students from primary schools in Purwodadi District, Grobogan Regency, Indonesia. Data were collected by measuring motor skills and learning motivation through affective, cognitive and psychomotor tests that were examined for validity and reliability. In addition, students’ character was also measured through observational tests of students’ basic movement skills. The measurement of basic movement skills was carried out before and after the intervention, which lasted for 8 sessions over one month.  Data analysis was carried out using the ANOVA technique, reinforced by regression of research results using SPSS 22 software.
Results. The results showed that the traditional game approach had a significant effect on increasing students’ motivation to learn physical education. The traditional games approach also contributed positively to students’ learning outcomes. Through hands-on experience in these traditional games, students can develop motor skills, coordination, speed, strength, as well as cognitive aspects such as strategy, spatial intelligence and situation analysis.
Conclusions. By participating in traditional games, students can understand and respect cultural heritage and broaden their horizons about cultural diversity. Suggestions for future investigations include extending the research and development activities by including a larger sample, which may provide greater statistical power to support research findings in the area of traditional games.
Freshwater mussel eDNA: water sampling and filtrationthrough Sterivex filter unit v1
Authors: Vautier Marine
Published: February 2024

The objective of this protocol is the sampling and the filtration of water samples through 0.45 µm Sterivex™ filter units. This protocol is used upstream to molecular biology analysis (e.g. qPCR, metabarcoding, ddPCR) to specifically target freshwater mussel eDNA. Once filtered, Sterivex filter units can be stored at room temperature or at 4°C for periods ranging from a few days to several months depending on the preservation buffer used (e.g. Longmire, CTAB, C1) or can be frozen directly without the addition of a preservation buffer for long preservation. This protocol allows to filter approximately between 0.5 L and 5 L through a Sterivex™ filter unit depending on the water sample characteristics and the chosen filtration method (syringe or vacuum pump).
eRNA extraction from water samples filtered through 47 mm diameter filters (NucleoMag DNA/RNA Water Kit - MACHEREY NAGEL). v1
Authors: Vautier Marine , Chardon Cecile , Galiegue Cyrielle , Domaizon Isabelle
Published: February 2024

The objective of this protocol is the environmental RNA (eRNA) extraction from water samples filtered through 47 mm diameter filters. RNA extraction is performed using a MagnetaPure 32 Nucleic Acid Purification System (Dutscher) and with the NucleoMagDNA/RNA Water Kit (Macherey Nagel), with a rDNase digestion step. The procedure is based on reversible adsorption of nucleic acids to paramagnetic beads under appropriate buffer conditions. The benefits of using the MagnetaPure 32 Nucleic Acid Purification System (Dutscher) are increased productivity and repeatability, as well as eliminating human error and the pain of repetitive work. This protocol is used prior to molecular biology analysis (e.g. qPCR, metabarcoding, ddPCR) to specifically target both macro- and micro-organisms eRNA extracted from water samples.
Adverse Outcomes of Combined Cochlear Implant and Hearing Aid Use: A Scoping Review v1
Authors: not provided Priyanka_Jaisinghani , not provided augustina.noel
Published: February 2024

Relevant articles highlighting adverse outcomes with the combination of hearing aid and cochlear implant published between 2000 and 2023 will be searched using manual search on search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Elicit, Semantic Scholar, and ComDis Dome.
Alternative Splicing in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Leads to Dysregulated Immune System
Authors: Jabbar Fatimah A. Abdul , AlChalabi Rawaa , AL-Tarboolee Ahmed Yaseen , Shaban Semaa A. , Suleiman Ahmed AbdulJabbar
Published: February 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy that poses a significant global health threat, marked by a substantial increase in prevalence and mortality rates. Accounting for 90 % of pancreatic cancer cases, PDAC carries a dismal prognosis, and current therapeutic approaches, including immunotherapy, face challenges due to poor immunogenicity. This study aimed to discover differentially expressed immune genes shared between PDAC and normal samples from two datasets obtained from the NCBI GEO Dataset. The RNA-seq pipeline was employed for gene expression analysis, and enrichR facilitated functional enrichment analysis of biologically and statistically significant genes. Predictions of immune infiltration cells and corresponding genes, along with their immune responses, were made using the ScType database and the immunedeconv package, respectively. Verification of gene expression levels was conducted through GEPIA2, Expression Atlas, and literature review. Additionally, isoform-switching analysis of dysregulated genes aimed to uncover alternatively spliced pathogenic isoforms in PDAC. Notably, four immune genes (EPHA2 upregulated, GNG11, CRHBP, and FCER1A downregulated) were found to be common in both datasets and were highly implicated in PDAC. The dysregulated immune genes influenced molecular functions, including protein binding, transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase activity, protein tyrosine kinase activity, and cadherin binding for upregulated genes. Downregulated genes were associated with GTPase activity and ribonucleoside triphosphate phosphatase activity. This study suggests these immune genes as potential prognostic biomarkers for effective PDAC treatment. However, further investigations are essential to unravel the functional perspectives of potential isoforms.
A Post-COVID Inflection Point and Call to Action: Theorizing a Legal Right to Youth Sport, Play, and Physical Activity in the United States
Authors: Levine Jeffrey F.
Published: February 2024

Literature links sport, play, and similar leisure endeavors to numerous physical, psychological, and social benefits critical to a young person’s development. Unlike other nations, the United States lacks a national policy to fund structures supporting youth sport, play, and the like. Instead, a for-profit youth sport industry oversees this sector using a pay-to-play model, creating significant financial and access barriers. The COVID-19 pandemic created an inflection point and call for action to meaningfully reform youth sport. Advocates often claim, without providing legal justification, that access to sport and play is a constitutional right. Therefore, the purpose of this commentary is to move beyond aspiration or hypothetical rhetoric and investigate whether a persuasive legal argument exists that places a constitutional legal responsibility upon the United States federal government to create structures, allocate funding, and provide universal access to free sport, recreation, and play opportunities for youth. While review and analysis of relevant case law found that no constitutional right likely existed under United States law, this process confirmed that that such claims will have little chance of success under current precedent. Therefore, given the improbability of substantive voluntary reforms in the private sector, a deeper exploration of innovative legal theories is required to achieve the necessary structural change.
Buffer Zones Through the Lens of Golf: A Negligence Case Content Analysis
Authors: Bird Natalie , Moiseichik Merry
Published: February 2024

Buffer zones are a risk management strategy used within sport and recreation to protect participants and spectators from injury. Within the recreational golf sector, buffer zone standards do not exist. Recreational golf courses serve a wide range of customers in terms of age, skill level, and experience. A legal case content analysis of 1,561 golf negligence lawsuits answered research questions related to locations of incidents, circumstances, and injuries or damages that resulted from errant golf shots. A Westlaw search provided 133 cases within the scope of this study, 85 of which could have been possibly prevented with proper buffer zones. In lawsuits in which the golf course was sued, the course prevailed 47.5% of the time and most cases specifically alleged a failure to provide reasonably safe conditions or negligent course design. This article concludes by providing practical recommendations for practitioners to protect golf courses from litigation stemming from errant golf balls.
Where Are the Horses?
Authors: Roldán Romero Vanesa
Published: February 2024

Mario Ortiz Robles argues that non-human animals are reduced to tropes in literature, lacking a material referent (2016: 21) and thus facilitating their systematic exploitation (Adams 2010: 69). One type of literature in which the other-than-human has traditionally been present but marginalised is Arthurian romance. During the Arthurian revival (1980s-1990s), we find Anne McCaffrey’s Black Horses for the King (1998), a text that attempts to rewrite this myth and pay homage to the equines of the genre. My aim, therefore, is to discern whether McCaffrey’s focus on horses suffices to resist their exploitation as symbols within the anthropocentric and often dualistic Arthurian tradition. Additionally, I scrutinise whether the human/non-human dualism also reinforces, and is reinforced by, the Christian/Pagan difference.
Negative pressure wound therapy: our experience of a polytrauma with degloving injury
Authors: Surya Pratap Mangipudi , Goel Mahak , Kundaikar Janitta , Meena Kusum
Published: February 2024

Degloving injuries are uncommon serious conditions occurring in high-velocity traumas with high mortality and morbidity. The lack of standard guidelines for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of such injuries provides a challenge to the surgeon. We present a case of a 35-year-old male with an extensive degloving injury who underwent primary closure unsuccessfully. The necrotic area was debrided and negative pressure wound therapy was used for the management of the wound. The patient was managed with split skin grafting and post successful recovery on all fronts has been completely rehabilitated. Though primary suturing is always tried, the viability of the degloved skin remains questionable and might need extensive debridement. Negative Pressure Wound dressing is seen to be accelerating wound healing and improving the treatment outcome.
Ancient schwannoma in posterior triangle of neck: a rare tumor case report and literature review
Authors: Gandhi Devisha R. , R. Naveenraj
Published: February 2024

Ancient Schwannoma is a rare variant of Schwannomas, a type of benign nerve sheath tumor arising from Schwann cells, hence giving it its name Schwannoma. The term ancient represents the tumor undergoing degenerative changes such as calcification, hyalinization, hemorrhage, cystic degeneration and necrosis and characteristically the loss of Antoni type A tissue. This case report describes a patient having an ancient schwannoma and the management done. Detailed management and findings starting from history and extending to USG, FNAC, CT scan, MRI and excisional biopsy have been described with positive findings supporting the diagnosis like presence of degenerative material in FNAC, peripheral enhancement on CT with the classical Target sign also visible on MRI. The following case reports helps to show how to connect the dots of different findings that may start from the patient’s basic history to eventual confirmation by biopsy.
Complex management of larger strangulated incisional hernia in a post-multiple abdominal surgery in a morbidly obese patient-a case report and surgical review
Authors: Verma Sandeep , Vidit  , Kataria Gaurav , Chatterjee Rituparna , Arora Bhavinder K.
Published: February 2024

Strangulated incisional hernia following a post-hernia repair is a serious and potentially rare life challenging condition that can occur after surgical intervention. Incisional hernias accounts for 15-20% of all abdominal hernias which occur at the site of a previous surgical incision where the integrity of the fascia has not been fully restored. We are presenting a case report of a 49 years lady who came with complaints of abdominal swelling and pain abdomen following multiple abdominal surgeries diagnosed with strangulated incisional hernia following post hernia repair. It was managed by emergency surgical intervention that is removal of previously kept mesh and resection of gangrenous segment of bowel with end ileostomy after keeping overall patient’s condition.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in case of crossed fused renal ectopia: a case report
Authors: Anand Ankit , Gupta Prakriti , Gupta Sumit , Tripathi Arpit , Mishra Shailja
Published: February 2024

Crossed renal ectopia is a rare congenital anomaly that is frequently associated with gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, genital, and bone malformations. To best of our knowledge, there aren't many cases of inferior crossed fused renal ectopia of the right kidney documented in the literature at this time. A case of crossed-fused renal ectopia is presented here. A 32-year-old man arrived at our hospital complaining of pain in the right flank. Diagnosis: We suspected a single right kidney based on abdominal ultrasonography. An inferior left to right crossed-fused ectopic kidney with calculus in the right (normal) renal pelvis was the patient's diagnosis when combined with 3D computed tomography. Interventions: percutaneous nephrolithotomy with DJ stenting. Because the management of renal stone in this uncommon malformation is complicated, a preoperative assessment with contrast computed tomography is required before moving forward with surgery in order to explore a single kidney with calculi and avoid missing the diagnosis of crossed fused renal ectopia.
Patient centric factors affecting delay in self-diagnosis and seeking medical care for oral cancer: a cross-sectional study
Authors: K. Nivedha , P. D. Madankumar , Ranganathan K. , Narayanan M. B. Aswath , Kuzhalmozhi M.
Published: February 2024

Background: Oral cancer is often detected in the advanced stage, with a low survival rate of 5 years and with increase in mortality which, affects patient quality of life. The early diagnosis would reduce the mortality rate and morbidity rate, by bringing a change in the quality of life.
Methods: The study utilized convenient sampling method to select the participants. Participants who were diagnosed with oral cancer currently at 3rd and 4th stage. Data collection was done using pre-validated self-administered questionnaire, which was provided to the participants through Google forms.
Results: The study demonstrated 43.1% people diagnosed with stage-3 oral cancer had an average delay of 34.6 months and 26% of stage-4 cancer patient had an average delay of 59.9 months to their first visit to treatment center. In this study 34% of the study participants were unaware and had lack of knowledge about oral cancer related symptoms. Self-medications/herbal medications, fear for the treatment, socio-economic factors, COVID-19/ lockdown restriction were also other reasons reported by patients.
Conclusions: The prompt treatment is necessary in both advanced cases and early cases of oral cancer. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are all part of the treatment when given timely. Thus, early diagnosis plays a vital role in saving many live.
Adverse pregnancy outcome and its association with the various determinants of current pregnancy in a district hospital, urban Bengaluru, India
Authors: Hoysanahalli Shivashankarappa Darshan , Joy Neha Annet , M. D. Sangeetha
Published: February 2024

Background: Maternal health is a crucial aspect of public health, directly influencing pregnancy outcomes. Adverse outcomes, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, cesarean delivery, and abortion, reflect poor maternal health and contribute to maternal mortality and infant mortality rates. Antenatal care (ANC) and institutional delivery are pivotal strategies to mitigate maternal and fetal complications. However, the escalating rates of cesarean sections in India, surpassing the WHO-recommended threshold, present a severe public health challenge.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study, conducted in urban Bengaluru from January to July 2023, aimed to identify adverse pregnancy outcomes and their determinants among women aged 15 to 49 in India. Data from maternal birth and labor records were analyzed, encompassing sociodemographic factors, obstetric characteristics, and adverse outcomes.
Results: The study revealed a 20.8% magnitude of adverse pregnancy outcomes. It was found to be higher among women in the age group above 30 years, multigravida, have low blood pressure (BP) both systolic and diastolic, B blood group, positive Rh type, a male baby. In bivariate analysis, higher odds were observed among women in the 30-49 age group, body mass index overweight category, active management of the third stage of labor, and delayed cord clamping were found to be statistically significant.
Conclusions: The study underscores the urgency for an expanded action plan to enhance maternal healthcare in India. While governmental initiatives exist, there remains a pressing need to address unnecessary caesarean deliveries and associated complications. The findings advocate for heightened awareness, community health worker training, and stringent guidelines on the necessity of caesarean sections.