bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultivo primario de Helicobacter pylori a partir de biopsias gástricas obtenidas por endoscopia
Authors: Molina-Castro Silvia , Campos-Núñez Christian , Durán-Bermúdez Sundry , Chaves-Cerventes Manuel , Ramírez-Mayorga Vanessa
Published: November 2022

Objetivo: Determinar la viabilidad del cultivo de la bacteria Helicobacter pylori en Costa Rica por medio de la documentación de toma de muestras, la comparación del diagnóstico histopatológico y la descripción de los diagnósticos asociados a los aislamientos obtenidos con los resultados de la ureasa rápida.
Métodos: Investigación descriptiva que involucró a pacientes de entre los 35 y 70 años, de ambos sexos, que asistieron al Servicio de Endoscopia Digestiva del Hospital Clínica Bíblica entre febrero y junio del 2019 para estudio gastroscópico. Se obtuvieron biopsias gástricas para diagnóstico histopatológico, prueba de ureasa rápida y cultivo de Helicobacter pylori. Para este último, se transportaron las biopsias en un medio de transporte semisólido, se maceró el tejido y se cultivó en agar Skirrow y agar selectivo para Helicobacter; una placa de cada medio se incubó a 37 °C en microaerofilia entre 48 horas y 10 días. La positividad del cultivo se realizó por observación de la morfología colonial y la bacteria se identificó por análisis microscópico al fresco, tinción de Gram y pruebas bioquímicas (catalasa, ureasa y oxidasa).Resultados: Se incluyó a 44 pacientes (edad: 50.6 ± 10.0, 54.5% masculinos). Se recuperó Helicobacter pylori en biopsias de 27 pacientes (61.4% de éxito). La recuperación de la bacteria fue similar en el medio Skirrow y en el selectivo para Helicobacter. El porcentaje de éxito de recuperación semanal aumentó durante el estudio hasta alcanzar un éxito del 100% en la semana 11. Se comparó el cultivo con la ureasa rápida en 27 pacientes y la concordancia entre ambos métodos fue de un coeficiente kappa de Cohen de 0.48. El cultivo detectó la bacteria en un 56% de los pacientes, la ureasa rápida en un 37% y la combinación de ambas técnicas permitió la detección en un 60%. El diagnóstico endoscópico más frecuente en los pacientes con cultivo positivo fue la gastritis eritematosa y gastritis crónica superficial y el diagnóstico histopatológico predominante fue gastritis crónica con atrofia gástrica. El diagnóstico por cultivo coincidió con la detección por azul de toluidina en un 80.4% de los casos.Conclusiones: Se puede implementar el cultivo de Helicobacter pylori en Costa Rica. Este estudio tuvo un porcentaje de recuperación de la bacteria de 61.4%. La combinación del método de cultivo con la prueba de ureasa rápida y la detección histológica contribuye a un diagnóstico certero y oportuno. Recomendamos que, con base en protocolos descritos en esta investigación, cada laboratorio estandarice las condiciones que le permitan un buen porcentaje de recuperación y una implementación adaptada a sus actividades de rutina.
Lesión dermatológica en zona de tatuaje
Authors: Freer Araya Sebastián , Sandí Salazar Giovanni
Published: November 2022

Los tatuajes representan una situación in vivo única en la que una gran cantidad de sales metálicas y tintes orgánicos permanecen en la piel durante toda la vida. Como resultado de un mayor número de tatuajes realizados, la incidencia de complicaciones cutáneas asociadas a los tatuajes ha aumentado también. En los últimos 30 años se ha evidenciado un aumento de reportes de tumores cutáneos en los tatuajes; sin embargo, muchos autores siguen considerándolo un evento fortuito. Los posibles efectos cancerígenos locales de los tatuajes siguen sin estar claros. Se cree que este efecto podría ser multifactorial y que combina traumatismo de la aguja, inflamación local crónica, factores externos como la exposición a los rayos ultravioleta (UV) y un posible efecto pro-cancerígeno de las tintas. Se necesitan estudios epidemiológicos y clínicos a gran escala para demostrar esta asociación. Se presenta un caso de un hombre de 40 años, conocido sano, quien 2 meses después de tatuarse el hombro derecho, desarrolla una lesión con características clínicas de un queratoacantoma y a quien se le realiza el diagnostico histológico de un carcinoma espinocelular bien diferenciado e invasor.
Prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa among Medical Students in Chennai
Authors: Kamali Dr. , Ramasubramanian Dr. , Dhanalakshmi Dr. , Ravi Shreyas , Kumar K. Karishma Krishna , P Shivaraman
Published: November 2022

Background: Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is characterised by an obsession with healthy eating, which may lead to severe physical, psychological and social disorders. It is particularly important to study this problem in order to improve early detection and treatment. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa in among medical students in Chennai. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study done at a medical college, among undergraduate medical students. After institutional ethical committee approval, the study was conducted on 306 students. Sociodemographic details were collected and ORTHO-15 questionnaire was used to estimate the prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa. Data was entered in excel and analysed using SPSS version 22. Chi-square test and Multiple logistic regression were used for data analysis. p- value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa among undergraduate medical students was 69.93% (95% CI 64.46 to 75.02%). No significant association was found between age group, gender, BMI category, place of stay and Orthorexia Nervosa. Conclusion: Orthorexia Nervosa tendency is common among medical students. Better awareness of healthy eating will help prevention of the problem.
COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis (CAM): A Brief Review
Authors: Bangwal Dr. Rohit , Farswan Arvind S , Shah Santoshi , Omar Shipra , Sharma Sahil , Pant Bhawna
Published: November 2022

Mucormycosis is also known as “Black Fungus”. It has come into light as mucormycosis as a formidable infection in patients with severe and fatal immunosuppression. Heavy intake of steroids with no vitamin supliments and immune supplementation has led to further deterioration of health of covid-19 recovered patients. Patients are reporting back to the hospital with complains of the black fungus, UTI, recurrent diarrhoea and compromised lungs functioning. According to the doctors, cases of mucormycosis are being seen among Covid patients who were administered steroids to treat the symptoms, particularly among who are suffering from diabetes, cancer and other co-morbidities. The most prominent predisposing factors are immunosuppression followed by neutropenia and haematopoietin, stem cell transplantation, uncontrolled DM, burns, morbidity leads to increased demand of antifungal drugs. Black fungus is manifest in the air pockets located behind the forehead, nose, cheekbones and in between the eyes and teeth. Black fungus is spread to the eyes, lungs and spread even to the brain. Treatment of this fungal infection requires a multi-disciplinary approach consisting of eyes surgeons, ENT specialist, general surgeons, neurosurgeons and dental maxillofacial surgeons, among other, and the institution of the Amphotericin-B as an antifungal medicine. From COVID-19 pandemic, many reports came of the very high incidence of COVID-19 induced mucormycosis in patients with diabetes and who are on steroids during their stay in hospitals.
Laparoscopic Management of Common Bile Duct Stones using Semi-rigid Ureteroscope- a Single Centre Prospective Observational Study
Authors: V Katheresan , Somasekar RDR , M Ponchidambaram , B Kesavan , A Sivasankar
Published: November 2022

Background: Minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques are increasingly being used by surgeons nowadays in the management of patients with cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis. However, there is a high failure rate in the extraction of large impacted stones using the conventional flexible choledochoscope by the laparoscopic approach. Improvisation of this technique will reduce the failure rate. The present study explored the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a semirigid ureteroscope (SRUS) in the laparoscopic management of common bile duct (CBD) stones. Methods: A prospective observational clinical study was carried out in an experienced GI surgical unit from January 2020 to December 2021. It included 36 patients diagnosed with radiologically proven gallstone disease with bile duct calculi who underwent Laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE) and stone extraction using SRUS with lap cholecystectomy (LC) as a single-stage procedure. The success rate in terms of complete CBD clearance is the primary outcome measure. Post-procedure complications, 24 hr pain score, in-hospital stay, and patient satisfaction score are the secondary outcome measures. Results: Mean age of the study subjects was 50.45±9.12 years. The most common clinical symptom was biliary colic followed by jaundice. The primary outcome measure of complete CBD clearance was achieved in 94%. A complication following surgery was bile leak in one patient (3%). There were no surgical site infections or T-tube related complications. The average WHO 24-hour pain score was 4.9±1.9. The mean in-hospital stay was 3.3±1.4 and the mean patient satisfaction score was 2.42±0.3. Conclusion: Laparoscopic approach avoids the complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) sphincterotomy/sphinteroplasty and keeps the sphincter of Oddi (SOD) intact. LCBDE with SRUS is a safe and effective single-stage approach without any radiation hazards. The pneumatic lithotripter with its pneumatic ballistic effect is more efficacious, cost-effective, and safe as compared to other lithotripsy techniques. This lithotripter is capable of dealing with different varieties of stones regardless of their composition, size and degree of impaction. However, future comparative studies are needed to prove the superiority of this technique.
Surgical Management of Diaphragmatic Hernia and Eventration – a Single Centre Experience
Authors: B P Sahana , Kumar K Dinesh , Ponchidambaram M , Kesavan B , Sivasankar A
Published: November 2022

Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a muscular defect in diaphragm and adult presentation of the hernia is extremely rare. Diaphragmatic eventration is abnormal elevation of a portion or entire hemi-diaphragm. It is due to lack of muscle or nerve function. If left untreated, it can result in severe respiratory distress and death. Both entities can be congenital or acquired. Here we report our experience of in surgical management of diaphragmatic hernia and eventration. Objectives: Observational study on surgical management of diaphragmatic hernia and eventration. Materials and Methods: Retrospective and Prospective analysis of 15 patients who presented with either diaphragmatic hernia or eventration for a period of 3 years from June 2019 to June 2022, at our institution. Results: Total of 15 patients were included in the study, 7 had diaphragmatic hernia and 8 had diaphragmatic eventration. Average age of patients was 45.47 years, out of which 10 were male and 5 were female. All hernia was on left side except for one which was on right side and all eventration was on left side. All patient with diaphragmatic eventration had laparoscopic repair and all patients with diaphragmatic hernia underwent open repair. Average OT time for diaphragmatic hernia was 241.42 min and diaphragmatic eventration was 124.37 min. Average postoperative stay for diaphragmatic hernia was 10 days and eventration was 5 days. None of the eventration patient had any intraoperative or postoperative complications. 1 out of 7 diaphragmatic hernia patient had mortality and 1 had morbidity. Conclusion: Our study dealt with the surgical management of diaphragmatic disorders. We observed that laparoscopic repair of eventration is a favourable option. Patient with diaphragmatic hernia, usually presented in emergency and was taken up for open laparotomy and thus was found to have more mortality and morbidity. Thus early detection of diaphragmatic disorders should be done. Study is limited.
The measurement of mean wind, variances, and covariances from an instrumented mobile car in a rural environment
Authors: Miller Stefan J. , Gordon Mark
Published: November 2022

Abstract. On 20 and 22 August 2019, a small tripod was outfitted with
a sonic anemometer and placed in a highway shoulder to compare with
measurements made on an instrumented car as it traveled past the tripod.
The rural measurement site in this investigation was selected so that the
instrumented car traveled past many upwind surface obstructions and
experienced the occasional passing vehicle. To obtain an accurate mean wind
speed and mean wind direction on a moving car, it is necessary to correct
for flow distortion and remove the vehicle speed from the measured velocity
component parallel to vehicle motion (for straight-line motion). In this
study, the velocity variances and turbulent fluxes measured by the car are
calculated using two approaches: (1) eddy covariance and (2) wavelet
analysis. The results show that wavelet analysis can better resolve low
frequency contributions, and this leads to a reduction in the horizontal
velocity variances measured on the car, giving a better estimate for some
measurement averages when compared to the tripod. A wavelet-based approach
to remove the effects of sporadic passing traffic is developed and applied
to a measurement period during which a heavy-duty truck passes in the
opposite highway lane; removing the times with traffic in this measurement
period gives a reduction of approximately 10 % in the turbulent kinetic
energy. The vertical velocity variance and vertical turbulent heat flux
measured on the car are biased low compared to the tripod. This low bias may be related to a mismatch in the flux footprint of the car versus the tripod
or perhaps to rapid flow distortion at the measurement location on
the car. When random measurement uncertainty is considered, the vertical
momentum flux is found to be consistent with the tripod in the 95 %
confidence interval and statistically different than 0 for most
measurement periods.
Process Rate Estimator: A novel model to predict total denitrification using natural abundance stable isotopes of N2O
Authors: Decock Charlotte , Lee Juhwan , Barthel Matti , Verhoeven Elizabeth , Conen Franz , Six Johan
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Total denitrification, the natural process capable of removing reactive N from ecosystems through conversion to N2, is one of the most poorly constrained processes in terrestrial N cycling. In situ quantification of total denitrification could help identify mitigation options for N pollution. This study provides proof-of-concept for a novel natural abundance isotope based model for depth differentiated in situ quantification of total denitrification; it does so by examining the use-case of the impact of wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties with different root biomass on total denitrification. We set up a mesocosm experiment in 1.5 m tall lysimeters with four wheat varieties, each replicated three times. Temporal data for soil moisture, nitrous oxide (N2O) concentrations in the soil pore space, site preference (SP) and δ18O values of soil pore space N2O were collected at soil depths of 7.5, 30, 60, 90 and 120 cm over a five month growing period and used as input variables in the new model. Here, we define total denitrification as gross N2O consumption, with N2O produced either through nitrification or denitrification. The model, further referred to as ‘Process Rate Estimator’ or PRE, constrains temporally explicit gross N2O production and consumption rates at each depth increment based on a combination of diffusion and isotope mixing and fractionation models. Estimated production and consumption of N2O, integrated over the five month experiment, ranged from 3.9 to 170.3 kg N ha-1, with a trend for greater N2O production from denitrification compared to nitrification. N2O concentrations where greatest at 60 and 90 cm depth, while N2O production and consumption peaked at 7.5 and 30 cm depth, illustrating the important role of N2O dynamics along the soil profile in understanding ecosystem N budgets. Both N2O production and consumption were greater in varieties that had previously been characterized to have greater root biomass. We demonstrate that PRE is able to constrain nitrification and denitrification leading to gross daily N2O production, and gross reduction to N2 across the depth profile, based on the temporal change in concentrations, δ18O and SP of N2O. We conclude that our results support the potential of PRE to estimate total denitrification in situ, which could form the basis for developing promising strategies to reduce N pollution.
Technical Note: The CREDIBLE Uncertainty Estimation (CURE) toolbox: facilitating the communication of epistemic uncertainty
Authors: Page Trevor , Smith Paul , Beven Keith , Pianosi Francesca , Sarrazin Fanny , Almeida Susana , Holcombe Liz , Freer Jim , Wagener Thorsten
Published: November 2022

Abstract. There is a general trend for increasing inclusion of uncertainty estimation in the environmental modelling domain. We present the CREDIBLE Uncertainty Estimation (CURE) Toolbox, an open source MATLABTM toolbox for uncertainty estimation aimed at scientists and practitioners that are not necessarily experts in uncertainty estimation. The toolbox focusses on environmental simulation models and hence employs a range of different Monte Carlo methods for forward and conditioned uncertainty estimation. The methods included span both formal statistical and informal approaches, which are demonstrated using a range of modelling applications set up as workflow scripts. The workflow scripts provide examples of how to utilise toolbox functions for a variety of modelling applications and hence aid the user in defining their own workflow: additional help is provided by extensively commented code. The toolbox implementation aims to increase the uptake of uncertainty estimation methods within a framework designed to be open and explicit, in a way that tries to represent best practice in applying the methods included. Best practice in the evaluation of modelling assumptions and choices, specifically including epistemic uncertainties, is also included by the incorporation of a condition tree that allows users to record assumptions and choices made as an audit trail log.
Technical note: On uncertainties in plant water isotopic composition following extraction by cryogenic vacuum distillation
Authors: Diao Haoyu , Schuler Philipp , Goldsmith Gregory R. , Siegwolf Rolf T. W. , Saurer Matthias , Lehmann Marco M.
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Recent studies have challenged the interpretation of
plant water isotopes obtained through cryogenic vacuum distillation (CVD)
based on observations of a large 2H fractionation. These studies have hypothesized the existence of an H-atom exchange between water and organic tissue during CVD extraction with the magnitude of H exchange related to relative water content of the sample; however, clear evidence is lacking. Here, we systematically tested the uncertainties in the isotopic composition of CVD-extracted water by conducting a series of incubation and rehydration experiments using isotopically depleted water, water at natural isotope abundance, woody materials with exchangeable H, and organic materials without exchangeable H (cellulose triacetate and caffeine). We show that the offsets between hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios and expected reference values (Δ2H and Δ18O) have inversely proportional relationships with the absolute amount of water being extracted, i.e. the lower the water amount, the higher the Δ2H and Δ18O. However, neither Δ2H nor Δ18O values, were related to sample relative water content. The Δ2H pattern was more pronounced for materials with exchangeable H atoms than with non-exchangeable H atoms. This is caused by the combined effect of H exchange during the incubation of materials in water and isotopic enrichments during evaporation and sublimation that depend on absolute water amount. The H exchange during CVD extraction itself was negligible. Despite these technical issues, we observed that the water amount-dependent patterns were much less pronounced for samples at natural isotope abundance and particularly low when sufficiently high amounts of water were extracted (>600 µL). Our study provides new insights into the mechanisms causing isotope fractionation during CVD extraction of water. The methodological uncertainties can be controlled if large samples of natural isotope abundance are used in ecohydrological studies.
Prevalence and Predictors of Self-medication Practice among Adults Residing in the Rural Field Practice Area of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Chandigarh
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Goel Naveen Krishan
Published: November 2022

Introduction : Self-medication is a harmful practice. There is a need to document its prevalence and educate people about its numerous dangers. This study assessed the prevalence of self-medication practice and its associated factors among adults. Method: This community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1090 adults. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. A pre-tested interview schedule was used to collect data regarding self-medication practice and its associated factors. The data was analysed using Epi-info software for windows (CDC Atlanta). Results:The prevalence of self-medication was 18.6%. The most common symptom for which study participants practised self-medication was fever (58.6%). Previous experience was the most common reason for practising self-medication (59.0%). The bivariate analysis revealed that the self-medication practice was significantly more among those aged 50 years and above and widowed individuals; as compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: Nearly one-fourth of the adults practised self-medication. Interventions should be designed to discourage self-medication practice among adults, with a particular focus on those aged above 50 years and widowed individuals.
Perception about the Role of Biostatistics in Medical Curriculum: A Cross-Sectional Study among Medical Students
Authors: Chellaiyan Vinoth Gnana , Sivakumar Rajeshkannan , Kumar Buvnesh M , Manoharan Aravind , Maruthappapandian Jasmine , SM Suruliraman
Published: November 2022

Introduction: A good understanding of biostatistics can improve clinical thinking, decision-making, evaluations, and medical research. Undoubtedly, medical professionals are becoming aware of the importance of learning and applying biostatistical methods in their research. This study was done to assess the knowledge and attitude among medical graduates regarding the role and application of biostatistics in medical science. Method: The study was a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital among 120 medical students pursuing MBBS third and final year. Systematic random sampling was used to select the study participants. A pretested validated semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: Majority of the study participants, strongly agree that the subject helps in interpretation (75.8%), and is important in medical practice (61.7%). However, 85% of the study participants feel that software is difficult to use. 90% of the study participants find the subject hard to understand. The mean score of subject content, understanding, the current impact was significantly higher among the fourth-year students than the third-year students. There was no significant difference between the genders. Conclusion: Introduction of data collection sessions and appraisal of excerpts in published articles can provide practical knowledge and accentuate the role of bio statistics in health care.
A Study on Screening of Glaucoma among Patients Attending Tertiary Eye Care Hospital at One of the Cities of Western India
Authors: Dohadwala Zainab S , Raval Reema M , Shah Kintu S , Bhatt Jineel B , Patel Kinjal G
Published: November 2022

Introduction : Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible visual loss in world and also in India. Because of the relatively asymptomatic initial phase of the disease, it is often detected by chance and is frequently associated with extensive and irreversible damage at the time of diagnosis. Objectives:To screen for Glaucoma among patients eligible as per inclusion criteria, to classify the glaucoma cases according to clinical presentation and to correlate the occurrence of glaucoma with different variables. Method: The present study was conducted at one of the tertiary care hospitals of Ahmedabad city during celebration of “World Glaucoma Week - 2021”. Total 1421 patients were offered opportunistic screening after oral informed consent during 6-12 March 2021, who attended the institute. After applying exclusion criteria, 945 were found eligible who underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination like visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurement, gonioscopy, optical disc and visual filed examinations were carried out as per standard protocols. Sociodemographic details, any relevant ophthalmic history pertaining to glaucoma and systemic illnesses were also assessed. The data were entered and analyzed in MS excel. Results: The incidence of newly diagnosed cases of glaucoma among opportunistic screened cohort was 36.71% (n=347). Of total newly diagnosed, the presentation as per clinical classification was as follows: Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) - 202 (58.21%), Primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) - 77 (22.19%), Primary angle closure suspect (PACS) – 41 (11.82%), Ocular hypertension (OHT) – 6 (1.73%), Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) – 10 (2.88%), Secondary glaucoma – 9 (7.09%) and Congenital glaucoma – 2 (0.58%). In yield, 25 (19.68%) were ≤40 years and 36 (28.35%) had positive family history of glaucoma. Conclusion: Presence of stand-alone Diabetes and Hypertension or presence of both accompanying – all three conditions were found to be statistically significant determinant for occurrence of particular variety of Glaucoma. There was highly significant statistical association between cup-disc ratio level at the time of presentation and clinical variety of glaucoma.
Client Satisfaction with Services Provided at Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre in a Rural Hospital, Panvel, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Sam Sherlin , Relwani Nisha , Waigankar Prasad
Published: November 2022

Introduction : HIV is a global pandemic and has been a serious concern for public health among individuals and communities. Measuring client satisfaction can help the country to carry out an evaluation of the health service system as well as, clients can develop a long-lasting relationship with the service provider. Objectives: 1) To assess the client satisfaction by the services provided at the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre at the Rural Hospital, Panvel. 2) To provide recommendations to improve the services provided at the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre. Method: A descriptive, crosssectional, facility-based study was conducted in an Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) at a Rural Hospital, Panvel using simple random sampling technique. Exit interviews were conducted for three hundred clients after the required consent was obtained. Clients were stratified into pregnant and nonpregnant females. All clients above 18 years were included in the study however, clients not giving consent or severely ill were excluded. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel, and Epi Info Version 7.2. Results: Among 300 clients, 66% (198) of the clients belonged to the age group of 18-28 years and 54.3% (163) were literate. The study found that nearly74% (222) of the clients were referred and about 71.7% (215) clients were unsatisfied with the ICTC services. Conclusion: Majority of the clients were unsatisfied with the services provided at ICTC. Literate clients were more unsatisfied as compared to illiterate clients.It is further recommended that the counsellors at ICTCs should spend more time with the clients and tere should be a mandatory requirement of female counsellors.
The Microwell-mesh platform: A multifaceted microtissue technology to link cell culture, animal models and patients
Authors:   , Monterosso Melissa Eileen
Published: November 2022

Work towards effective translational medicine has revealed that current in vitro platforms are not sufficient to produce relevant clinical results. Advances in 3D technologies and preclinical models must be made to address the gaps lead to failure of initially promising therapies. The Microwell-mesh platform is a versatile device demonstrated to help bridge this gap. The device within the context of completed work was used to not only generate cancer xenograft models, crucial for successful personalized cancer therapeutics, but was also used to investigate the capacity of adult mesenchymal stem cells to regenerate bone and cartilage tissues within relevant biological environments.
In forma di corpo: la forza testimoniale dei monumenti a figura umana
Authors: Huber Antonella
Published: November 2022

Why do today’s statues have such a weak efficacy in the imagination and in collective receiving? In the history of Western culture and up to the middle of the last century, the vocation of the statue in human shape was to physically attest to a link between two physicalities, the present humanity of the beholder and the absent humanity of those who are represented. Descended from the pedestal or from the blind niches of the walls, the statue becomes commonplace in all senses, immobile only for a photographic shot and otherwise similar to the viewer, its value no longer has much to do with art or with the story, or at least both are subordinated to the performative abilities and the identification effect.
La medicina de precisión en diabetes es posible
Authors: Barrot de la Puente Joan
Published: November 2022

Según el Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, la medicina de precisión corresponde a un enfoque para el tratamiento y la prevención de enfermedades que tiene en cuenta la variabilidad individual en los genes, el entorno y el estilo de vida de cada persona; este tipo de medicina busca ofrecerle a cada paciente un tratamiento absolutamente personalizado, con base en la integración de los datos genómicos (el reconocimiento de su genética particular) y de otras ciencias ómicas con el conjunto de datos clínicos del paciente y su ambiente, lo que permite una práctica clínica adaptada a las características individuales de cada sujeto. Además, un aspecto clave que contempla esta nueva medicina es la de un diagnóstico de precisión, que implica mejorar la caracterización del diagnóstico de la diabetes mellitus para la optimización terapéutica o para mejorar la claridad pronóstica. Este proceso puede implicar la subclasificación del diagnóstico en subtipos o la utilización de algoritmos probabilísticos que ayudan a refinar un diagnóstico sin categorización.
Cáncer y diabetes
Authors: Ezkurra Loiola Patxi
Published: November 2022

Los estudios epidemiológicos sugieren asociaciones entre la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) y algunos tipos de cánceres. Tanto el cáncer como la DM2 comparten numerosos factores de riesgo, como el sobrepeso, estilos de vida inactivos, la edad avanzada y el tabaquismo. Alteraciones metabólicas observadas durante el inicio y la progresión de la DM2 pueden tener un papel fundamental en el inicio y la progresión de la carcinogénesis. La evidencia reciente sugiere que la hiperglucemia y la hiperinsulinemia podrían provocar respuestas de daño celular, así como glucotoxicidad, lipotoxicidad y estrés oxidativo, participando en el proceso de transformación celular que aumenta el riesgo de desarrollar cáncer. Además, los ensayos clínicos han revelado que varias terapias contra la diabetes pueden afectar potencialmente el riesgo de cáncer. Por lo tanto, una mejor comprensión de los vínculos entre la DM2 y el cáncer ayudará a identificar los factores contribuyentes y las vías fisiopatológicas y diseñar estrategias preventivas personalizadas.
The Service Contracts Model Act: a quarter century and counting - what now?
Authors: Pope Nat , Ishida Chiharu , Kaufman Peter
Published: November 2022

The U.S. service contract industry operates largely as a regulatory orphan; i.e., an industry without strong, focused, or consistent oversight coming from any particular authoritative body. That said, 26 years ago, the NAIC—the U.S. insurance coordinating regulatory body—stepped into that void when it promulgated its Service Contracts Model Act (#685) as a measure for the regulation of that industry. Since that introduction, the service contract industry has almost doubled in size, and is still growing at a rapid pace, while the industry inefficiencies that initially precipitated the NAIC’s original action persist. Noting the passage of a quarter century, this paper takes the opportunity to reassess the effectiveness of Model #685 and contemplate viable regulatory options for the service contract marketplace. This paper provides a brief summary of the history of the service contract industry in the U.S., efforts to regulate its behavior, and an assessment as to feasible sources of regulation in the future.
Why do small firms offer health insurance in spite of the employer mandate exception?
Authors: Mendoza Roger
Published: November 2022

The largest source of healthcare coverage in the U.S. for the non-elderly population (age < 65) and their dependents is employer-sponsored health insurance. In light of the exemption of small firms (< 50 full-time employees) from the “pay-or-play” mandate of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the substantial costs of employee health insurance to any employer, we investigate why most small firms still offer coverage and how they manage to do so. We used the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)/Health Research and Education Trust (HRET) public dataset (2015–2019) for this purpose. Findings suggest that coverage objectives, strategic choices, and human resource practices in small firms initially pass through the lens of the employer’s comparative advantages.
Paradigms of man-nature association: An ecological perspective
Authors: Grover Aarti , Saini Poonam
Published: November 2022

13.7 billion years ago, an extremely enigmatic phenomenon happened, which is known as The Big Bang. On a 4.5 billion years old planet, man is one of the recent additions to its vast biodiversity: nature‟s own and the only creation, which has become the biggest threat to her today. The paper traces the journey of human progression, attempting to highlight the underpinning philosophies that governed this man-nature association during its various stages. It talks about how during each phase, these systems of ideas have influenced human actions, which in turn have resulted in visible and categorical impacts on ecological processes and on the other hand, the ever-expanding development, in the form of a built environment comprising cities, industries and other settlements of sorts. These knowledge systems have indeed been the foundation of the type of life that each of these eras witnessed. The paper highlights the key questions that stood tall in front of these societies and how their choice of solution shaped their fate. Just like those times, there are a set of very serious and critical questions that we too are faced today with, the questions of human existence, and the questions of human sustenance to which answers shall have to be provided by the contemporary human community. The choice of these answers shall only determine the possibility and quality of the future of human civilisation. The paper discusses the way in which specific philosophical systems in different eras and places, became drivers of specific types of development, from the epistemological lens of ecology and sustainability.
Academia and the regimes: On being perplexed about ‘political’ structure
Authors: Chowdhury Manosh
Published: November 2022

This essay attempts to question the academics‟ systematic responses to and, denial of, the contemporary nexus of nation-state, corporation and military agencies, with special reference to the sub-continental nations. The initial provocation is formed as I have been experiencing a series of prolonged expressions by academics, mostly in public domains but in „informal‟ discussions. Surrounding a gut sense of discomfort about the governing policies and actions, yet with insufficient energy for dismantling them, some of the expressions may be reformulated as: “Why is this happening in a democratic nation like ours? Aren‟t we an electoral system then?”, or, with evidently more helplessness, “(I/we) can‟t even imagine that this government is doing such things.” The subcontinental nations, however, cannot weigh similarly when it comes to the respective electoral systems or in reference to what is believed to be the „democratic structure.‟ While India has long been considered a democratic nation, Pakistan, with its overt military history, has not. On the other hand, Bangladeshi authority has lost its credibility to the global audience, or to some part of it, by not being able to bring the opposition to poll. It, then, would be safe to consider the academics‟ discussions about and around India, Bangladesh, and West Bengal. But Mr. Donald Trump, while presiding the United States, could not but barge into this, unknowingly though it seems. I need to note again that I am here concerned about the „public discussions‟ by the academics. Writing in „academic‟ journals has always been a different practice and needs to be analysed distinctively.
ԱՐԱՐԱՏՅԱՆ ԴԱՇՏԻ ԳՐՈՒՆՏԱՅԻՆ ՋՐԵՐԻ ՄԱԿԱՐԴԱԿԻ ԴԻՆԱՄԻԿԱՆ ԵՎ ՈՌՈԳԵԼԻ ՀՈՂԵՐԻ ՄԵԼԻՈՐԱՏԻՎ ՎԻՃԱԿԸ
Authors: Yeghiazaryan G.M. , Stepanyan A.V. , Barseghyan M.H. , Jhangiryan T.A.
Published: November 2022

The current article presents the dynamics of groundwater level in the Armavir, Edjmiatsin, Masis, Artashat and Ararat provinces of the Ararat valley. The groundwater levels have been mapped in ArcGIS environment per years and months (2015-2018). Discrepancy between the rising and falling rates of groundwater level has been recorded. Meanwhile,
groundwater level recovery has been observed which is related to the uncontrolled exploitation of groundwater basin in the recent decades
ՊՂՆՁԻ ԵՎ ԿԱՊԱՐԻ ՊԱՐՈՒՆԱԿՈՒԹՅՈՒՆԸ ՄԱՐՏՈՒՆԻ-ՎԱՐԴԵՆԻՍ ՄԱՅՐՈՒՂՈՒ ՀԱՐԱԿԻՑ
ՏԱՐԱԾՔՆԵՐՈՒՄ ԱՃԵՑՎՈՂ ՄՇԱԿԱԲՈՒՅՍԵՐՈՒՄ
Authors: Hunanyan S.A. , Sargsyan A.A. , Hovhannisyan Gh.A.
Published: November 2022

Investigations have been conducted to determine the heavy metal pollution rate of the crops grown in the nearby areas of Martuni-Vardenis highway and to identify their distribution in the plant organs. According to the obtained data, in the grains of winter and spring wheat and in the potato tubers cultivated in the adjacent areas of the mentioned
highway the copper content exceeded the control sample in 1.13-1.30, 1.06-1.18, 1.07-1.28 times, while the lead content – in 2.20-3.05, 2.94-4.71, 1.51-1.82 times. The maximum heavy metal accumulation has been recorded in the roots.
Pendampingan Penyusunan Laporan Keuangan BUMDesa Rejosari Makmur Kecamatan Pringsewu-Kabupaten Pringsewu
Authors: Hasnawati Sri , Yuningsih Yuningsih , Hendrawaty Ernie , Marvinita Risda
Published: November 2022

Badan Usaha Milik Desa (BUMDesa) Rejosari Makmur yang terletak di desa Pringsewu, kecamatan Pringsewu, Kabupaten Pringsewu, memiliki unit usaha pembuangan sampah dan usaha perikanan. Dalam perkembangannya, pengelolaan keuangan di BUMDesaa Rejosari Makmur masih dikelola secara sederhana dan tradisional. Kurangnya kompetensi pengurus BUMDesa mengakibatkan pencatatan dan laporan keuangan yang ada masih sederhana dan belum terintegrasi dengan baik.  Atas dasar masalah tersebut maka dilakukan upaya pendampingan untuk membuat laporan keuangan yang benar dan baik agar mendukung unit usaha yang ada di desa tersebut. Metode pendidikan masyarakat dengan mekanisme ceramah dan pelatihan berupa pendampingan penyusunan laporan keuangan bagi anggota dan pengurus BUMDesa Rejosari Makmur berhasil terlaksana dengan baik. Keberhasilan tersebut diukur berdasarkan tingkat pemahaman peserta sebelum dan sesudah diberikan pemaparan materi serta pelatihan. Berdasarkan hasil kegiatan serta nilai pret-test dan post-test, diketahui bahwa 80% peserta pengabdian telah mampu memahami manajemen keuangan dan dasar-dasar akuntansi dengan baik. Selain itu, para peserta pun telah memahami pentingnya melakukan pencatatan dan pembukuan laporan keuangan. Dari hasil kegiatan tersebut, juga telah dihasilkan laporan keuangan yang diperlukan yaitu Neraca dan laba rugi serta pemahamanpengurus tentang laporan keuangan yang akan dilanjutkan pada tahun-tahun berikutnya.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Media Pembelajaran Berbasis Animasi dengan Sparkol Bagi Guru SMPN 27 Medan
Authors: Lubis Ali Akbar , Isnaini Muhammad , Simamora Yoakim , Dewy Mega Silfia
Published: November 2022

Kegiatan pengabdian ini dilaksanakan di SMP N 27 Medan yang terletak di jalan Pancing Ps. IV No.2, Sidirejo, Kec. Medan Tembung, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara. Dari hasil pengamatan permasalahan pokok yang dialami mitra yaitu kurangnya pengetahuan guru dalam pemanfaatan TIK dalam pembelajaran Saat ini, sebagian besar guru hanya memanfaatkan media pembelajaran konvensional seperti power point, video pembelajaran sederhana dan beberapa media konvensional lainnya. Hal ini menjadikan proses pembelajaran menjadi kurang menarik bagi peserta didik, sehingga mengakibatkan kurangkanya motivasi dan minat belajar peserta didik. Tujuan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah untuk memberikan solusi untuk mengatasi permasalahan yang ada di sekolah mitra. Dimana solusi yang diberikan yaitu berupa pelatihan dan pendampingan pada guru untuk meningkatkan kompetensinya dalam merancang media pembelajaran yang kreatif dan inovatif sehingga dapat meningkatkan minat dan motivasi peserta didik dalam pembelajaran. Secara khusus tujuan kegiatan pengabdian ini adalah memberikan pelatihan kepada guru dalam membuat media pembelajaran berbasis animasi dengan Sparkol. Evaluasi terhadap peserta dilakukan nberdasarkan respon peserta terhadap pertanyaan dalam angket sebelum dan sesudah pelatihan. Metode pelaksanaan kegiatan pengabdian ini dilakukan secara bertahap dan berkelanjutan yang terdiri dari: tahap sosialisasi, tahap pelatihan serta tahap evaluasi. Dari hasil evaluasi didapatkan bahwa 89.4 % guru peserta pelatihan setuju bahwa menggunakan video animasi dapat meningkatkan animo belajar siswa.
Strategi Pengembangan Pemasaran Online Produk Olahan Lidah Buaya Kelompok Tani Pelangi 43 melalui Whatsapp Business di Kelurahan Giwangan, Kemantren Umbulharjo, Kota Yogyakarta
Authors: Radede Agus Iman , Arifin Miftakhul , Puspitojati Endah
Published: November 2022

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui strategi pengembangan pemasaran online produk olahan lidah buaya yang mengalami penurunan penjualan secara offline selama masa pandemi. Kajian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Maret 2022 sampai Juni 2022 yang berlokasi di Kelurahan Giwangan Kemantren Umbulharjo Kota Yogyakarta. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah mixed method dengan teknik pengambilan data melalui wawancara, kuesioner serta analisis data menggunakan analisis deskriptif SWOT (Strenght, Weakness, Opportunity and Treath). Penentuan responden dilakukan dengan purposive sampling. Analisis strategi pengembangan pemasaran online produk olahan lidah buaya diperoleh faktor-faktor internal dan eksternal yang kemudian dibobotkan menggunakan metode paired comparison scale. Hasil analisis matriks IE, berada pada kuadran I, yaitu strategi pertumbuhan dan hasil analisis matrik SWOT didapatkan sepuluh alternatif strategi. Strategi yang diprioritaskan, yaitu dengan meningkatkan kegiatan pemasaran secara online melalui media WhatApps dan dengan memanfaatkan antusias masyarakat dan dukungan dari pemerintah, diharapkan produk olahan lidah buaya milik Kelompok Tani Pelangi 43 dapat dijangkau oleh semua kalangan, sehingga dapat memperluas jangkauan pemasaran. Hal inilah yang menjadi prioritas penting dalam strategi pengembangan pemasaran online produk olahan lidah buaya pada Kelompok Tani Pelangi 43 di Kelurahan Giwangan. Kegiatan penyuluhan tentang Pemasaran Online Produk Olahan Lidah Buaya Melalui Media Whatsapp Business Guna Meningkatkan Jangkauan Pemasaran dilaksanakan dengan metode ceramah, diskusi dan demonstrasi cara meningkatkan pengetahuan, sikap dan keterampilan sebesar 13,98%.
Pembuatan Margarin Berbasis Bahan RBDPO Memakai Tangki Berpengaduk yang Dilengkapi dengan Pendingin
Authors: Oyutri Sindy , Dewi Erwana , Rusnadi Irawan
Published: November 2022

Pengembangan produk pangan yang memakai margarin memberikan dampak positif terhadap meningkatnya hasil panen kelapa sawit, dengan demikian margarin cukup menjanjikan untuk dikembangkan pada skala industri kecil dan menengah (IKM). Menanggapi hal tersebut, perlu adanya alat sederhana yang dapat mempercepat proses produksi untuk skala IKM. Tujuan penelitian ini ialah merancang alat tangki berpengaduk yang dilengkapi dengan pendingin untuk mengetahui kondisi optimum pengadukan terhadap kualitas pembuatan margarin dari bahan turunan minyak sawit berupa RBDPO. Tangki berpengaduk yang dirancang dengan dua lapis tangki, tangki pertama untuk pengadukan dan tangki kedua sebagai jacket cooler untuk menutupi sistem pendinginan yang dialirkan melalui pipa ulir berbahan tembaga. Parameter yang diukur untuk peninjauan kondisi optimum kecepatan pengadukan (dengan variasi 50 rpm, 100 rpm, 150 rpm) dan lama waktu pengadukan (15 menit, 30 menit, 45 menit, 60 menit) pada penelitian ini diantaranya berupa kadar asam lemak bebas, kadar air, titik leleh dan organoleptik. Hasil penelitian yang diperoleh kecepatan pengadukan dan lama waktu pengadukan optimum masing-masing 150 rpm dan 60 menit, hasil analisa margarin optimum dengan rata-rata kadar ALB sebesar 0,09%, kadar air 13,31%, titik leleh 37,75%, dan hasil uji organoleptik yang menyatakan normal pada warna, bau, dan rasa.
Evaluasi Kualitas Uji Pembakaran Biobriket Campuran Char Gasifikasi Batubara Dengan Arang Tempurung Kelapa
Authors: Osfaldo Dendi , Rusnadi Irawan , Fatria Fatria , Syarif Aida
Published: November 2022

Penggunaan Batubara sebagai energi primer di Indonesia masih akan terus dilakukan, walaupun secara perlahan-lahan akan mengalami penurunan signifikan sampai dengan tahun 2050 sesuai dengan amanat Kebijakan Energi Nasional dan Rencana Umum Energi Nasional. Namun demikian, perencanaan green coal tentunya harus menjadi langkah awal, salah satunya adalah dengan metode gasifikasi batubara. Gasifikasi batubara akan menghasilkan produk samping berupa char, dimana char tersebut mengalami kenaikan nilai kalor, kadar FC serta penurunan kadar sulfur maka char memiliki potensi menjadi sumber energi. Sebagai upaya recycle, char ini kemudian dijadikan bahan baku untuk proses pembuatan briket yang dicampur dengan penambahan arang tempurng kelapa. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendapatkan karakteristik char yang digunakan sebagai bahan baku, juga menentukan pengaruh variasi ukuran dan komposisi bahan baku serta bentuk briket terhadap evaluasi pembakarannya. Berdasarkan biobriket campuran yang diuji mengacu pada standar SNI No. 1/6225/2000 dan BEE std India 2010 untuk parameter kadar air, kadar abu, nilai kalor dan kadar karbon telah memenuhi standar. Untuk parameter kadar zat terbang belum memenuhi standar. Pada kualitas pembakaran, briket tablet memiliki waktu penyalaan 10 - 60 detik, hal ini lebih cepat dibandingkan briket silinder pejal dengan range waktu penyalaan 20 – 80 detik. Pada kenaikan temperatur pembakaran, briket tablet mengalami kenaikan temperatur lebih cepat dibandingkan dengan briket silinder pejal pada 4 menit pertamanya, dengan range kenaikan pada setiap sampel . Demikian pula sama halnya dengan laju pembakaran, briket tablet memiliki laju pembakaran lebih besar dibandingkan briket silinder pejal dengan range 0,050 – 0,070. Pada proses pembakaran, emisi gas yang dihasilkan diuji dan didapatkan hasil tidak sesuai dengan standar jika digunakan pada skala industri rumah tangga.