bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Idiopathic Urethritis in Childhood
Authors: Koutsaftiki Chrysie , Papatheodoropoulou Alexia , Kozyrakis Diomidis
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Idiopathic urethritis (IU) in childhood is a rare disease with very few cases reported so far.

Methods:

During the past 3 years, the medical records of young boys diagnosed with and treated for IU in our department were retrieved and analyzed. Herein, their clinical course is presented, and a brief review of the literature is performed.

Results:

Five young male patients (mean age: 8.2 years) presented to the pediatric office with blood spotting of the underwear or urethral discharge, with or without dysuria. All the patients were treated in an outpatient basis and the corresponding clinical courses after a mean follow-up was 15.8 months were favorable.

Conclusions:

IU is a rare disease with a generally benign clinical course. Treatment must be tailored to symptomatic relief with avoidance of antibiotics. An aggressive diagnostic workup should be reserved to those with persistent symptoms or frequent recurrences.
Improvement of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Overactive Bladder Syndrome
Authors: Apostolidis Apostolos , Petoumenou Garyfalia , Tzanetakou Manto
Published: August 2021

Objective:

The BELIEVE study is a prospective, noninterventional study which was conducted in a real-world setting in Europe and assessed quality of life, treatment satisfaction, healthcare resource utilization, and persistence with treatment in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome prescribed mirabegron as part of routine clinical practice. We present the results of a subanalysis of the BELIEVE study in the Greek population.

Materials and Methods:

The primary endpoint was change from baseline in quality of life (QoL) based on the OAB-questionnaire (OAB-q), consisting of the Symptom Bother Scale and health-related QoL (HRQoL). Change from baseline in QoL based on the EQ-5D-5 L health survey, treatment patterns and persistence with treatment, as well as adverse events during the study were also assessed. The duration of the observation period was 12 months.

Results:

A total of 97 OAB patients from 10 sites in Greece participated in the substudy; 89 completed the OAB-q at baseline and at least at one follow-up visit (Full Analysis Set, mean age 62.7 ± 10.9 years, 86.5% female). At baseline, 73% of patients were “new,” 14.6% were “lapsed,” 9% switched treatment, and 3.4% were on combination treatment. The scores in the Symptom Bother Scale and HRQoL Scale improved significantly from baseline at 10–12 months (−32.4 ± 2.54 and 30.2 ± 2.49, respectively). The EQ-5D subscales confirmed that mirabegron led to an improvement in the HRQoL of patients. At 10–12 months, 72% of patients were continuing on mirabegron treatment for OAB, either as single treatment (60%) or as combination treatment (12%). Mirabegron was well-tolerated, as no serious drug-related adverse events (AEs) were observed, whereas only a small percentage (6.2%) of drug-related AEs resulted in treatment discontinuation.

Conclusions:

The Greek population subanalysis confirmed the European results of the BELIEVE study. Patients who received mirabegron in a real-world setting showed clinically meaningful improvements in HRQoL. Mirabegron demonstrated a high persistence rate (72% at 12 months), and good tolerability. The overall improvement in HRQoL, particularly in the population continuing to receive mirabegron at 10–12 months, and the low incidence of AEs may have contributed to the high persistence rate.
Conservative Management of Hemodynamically Stable Patient with Grade V Renal Trauma
Authors: Fragkoulis Charalampos , Glykas Ioannis , Moschotzopoulos Dimitrios , Aristas Odysseas , Papadopoulos Georgios , Stathouros Georgios , Ntoumas Konstantinos
Published: August 2021

Renal trauma is a major health problem involving mostly young patients. It is estimated that renal trauma is diagnosed in almost 5% of all trauma patients. Patients diagnosed with Grade V renal trauma require surgical intervention and usually nephrectomy. The aim of this study is to present a case of Grade V renal trauma in a hemodynamically stable patient treated conservatively in our department. A 24-year-old male was admitted to the urology department due to Grade V left renal trauma after a motor accident. The patient presented with hematuria and was hemodynamically stable. A conservative approach was performed with close monitoring of hemodynamic status. Two red blood cells units was transfused. The patient remained hemodynamically stable and renal hematoma reduced in size in follow-up computed tomography. The patient was discharged in excellent clinical status after 17 days of hospitalization. Although Grade V renal trauma involving vascular injury requires immediate surgical intervention, in selected patients diagnosed with shattered kidney, a conservative approach may be successful provided that the patient remains hemodynamically stable and under close monitoring. Hemodynamic instability is an absolute indication for surgical exploration and possible nephrectomy.
Prostate Cancer Therapies and Fertility
Authors: Mourmouris Panagiotis , Tzelves Lazaros , Deverakis Titos , Lazarou Lazaros , Tsirkas Kimon , Fotsali Anastasia , Roidi Christiana , Varkarakis Ioannis
Published: August 2021

We reviewed the literature for articles in English in the Medline database from 1970 until today. The keywords used were “prostate cancer,” “fertility,” “radical prostatectomy,” “external beam radiotherapy,” “androgen deprivation therapy,” and “chemotherapy.” Only the studies with full paper were included in our review. The knowledge for this important issue is minimal and more minimal tends to be the consent of the patients. Prostate cancer does not seem to directly influence fertility, but all its therapies directly or indirectly seem to do so. In many of them, the impact may be reversible, but the mechanisms of this impact are still under consideration. Prostate cancer treatments, predominantly radiation, can cause long-term azoospermia; however, the data in the literature are sparse, mainly derived from small series, and based on these, no safe conclusions can be drawn.
Knowledge and adherence to coronavirus disease 2019 preventive measures
Authors: Omotoso Olabode E. , Awoyemi Precious-Paul , Wahab Victor James , Ragab Mahmoud , Teibo John Oluwafemi , Akinfe Opeyemi , Matareek Amira
Published: August 2021

Background:

Within few months of its outbreak, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has ravaged over 200 countries, resulting in over a million deaths. As the disease curve flattens in most countries, the instituted guidelines were receded to mitigate the effect on citizens and the national economy.

Aims:

To assess the knowledge and level of adherence of Nigerians and Egyptians to the COVID-19 preventive measures.

Settings and Design:

A validated web-based cross-sectional questionnaire was utilized to obtain 915 respondents via a convenient sampling technique.

Materials and Methods:

Data were obtained from Egyptians and Nigerians who gave consent for participation and are above 18 years of age.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, v. 20. Chi-square test, correlation and one-way analysis of variance were performed to test for relationships between variables. Statistically significant results (P < 0.05) were subjected to further test.

Results:

Most Egyptians (87%) had satisfactory COVID-19 knowledge compared to Nigerians (40%). Age (18–30 years), tertiary education and educational background were factors that influenced respondents' knowledge. Although majority (73%) believe that the prevention measures are required to curtail the menace of COVID-19, the adherence of most respondents (59.1%) to the measures was unsatisfactory. The pandemic and the regulatory policies negatively affected respondents' education, school or job (90.3%), finance (87.9%) and social interaction (87.5%).

Conclusion:

Both countries showed a good knowledge of the disease but poor adherence to the preventive measures. The pandemic negatively affected people's finance, education, job, and social interaction.
Assessment of the knowledge and practices of holy mosque visitors toward coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Assaggaf Hamza , Alsafi Radi , Alsorrori Dina , Almuntashri Asma , Alzahrani Sara , Aladeeqi Shahad , Ahmed Omar B. , Attala Osama A. , Bamaga Majid A.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Since millions of Muslims visit the Holy Mosque in Makkah, it is essential to highlight that such mass gatherings carry a risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission. In this study, we assessed the level of knowledge and practices among visitors to the Holy Mosque related to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey of Holy Mosque visitors was conducted in Makkah from January 19, to February 9, 2020, using a self-administered electronic questionnaire. Knowledge and practices scores were compared and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between variables.

Results:

A total of 451 participants were interviewed, while 413 completed the questionnaire and were eligible for inclusion. The range of correct answer rate was 13.1%–93.5%. The mean knowledge score was 11.3 with a 64.9% correct response rate, while the mean practices score was 2.92 with a 73.2% correct response rate. The knowledge score was significantly different among nationalities and education levels (P < 0.05). A higher level of education was associated with better knowledge regarding SARS-CoV-2 (odds ratio 1.18, P = 0.028).

Conclusions:

Most of the visitors to the Holy Mosque had an appropriate level of knowledge and practices related to SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, there is room for improvement in some areas.
Protective effect of garlic juice on renal function and lipid profile in rats fed with high-fat diet
Authors: Alsufyani Hadeel A. , Zawawi Basma M. H.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Hyperlipidemia is one of the most challenging clinical disorders and is known to be a causative factor in a number of related conditions. Garlic has traditionally been used to lower serum lipids in hyperlipidemia patients. The present study evaluates the renoprotective role of garlic against induced changes in rat kidneys as a result of a high-fat diet (HFD).

Materials and Methods:

Twenty adult male Wistar rats were arranged into 4 groups: Group 1 (control) were fed a normal rat diet; Group 2 were fed an HFD (butter in a dose of 20g/100g food); Group 3 were fed fresh garlic juice (GJ) in their diet (6g/100g food); and Group 4 were fed with butter and GJ in their diet (HFD + GJ). The experimental period was 8 weeks. Serum lipid profiles and renal function tests were carried out and evaluated.

Results:

The HFD significantly increased body weight, total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), uric acid, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and decreased total protein and albumin, as compared to the control. In the HFD + GJ group, normal body weight was restored; serum levels of total cholesterol, creatinine, BUN, and albumin were similar to the control, and serum levels of triglyceride, LDL-C, uric acid, and total protein were partially restored to the levels of the control.

Conclusions:

The incorporation of GJ into an HFD resulted in improved lipid profile and kidney function. Hence, the consumption of GJ may be a useful supplement for renal protection in hyperlipidemic patients.
Impact of social media on patient's decision-making toward orthodontic treatment
Authors: Al-Gunaid Talat Hasan , Ibrahim Ahmed Mohammed , Alhazmi Khaled Mohammed , Aljohani Afnan Abdrabuh , Eshky Rawah Talal , Althagafi Nebras
Published: August 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the usage and social media habits of orthodontic patients.

Materials and Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to carry out this study. The questionnaire that was used contained the following sections: Demographic data, questions relating to social media behaviors and sociodemographic characteristics, and questions relating to orthodontists' utilization of social media. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were examined. The final Arabic version was adopted and the Google Drive template was used. The link was sent to the orthodontic patients via different social media platforms and applications.

Results:

A total of 139 orthodontic patients agreed to take part in this study, of which 78 were females and 61 were males. The most popular applications for obtaining orthodontic-related information were Snapchat (28.7%) followed by Instagram (23.7%), and WhatsApp (22.3%). Approximately 58.9% of the patients reported that social media has no direct impact on their decision-making involving orthodontic treatment. Treatment modalities were found to be the most searched topic by the orthodontic patients (44.6%) followed by treatment costs (30.2%).

Conclusion:

Our study revealed that women not only use social media to check their treatment progress more than men, they are also more curious to compare their progress with other people than their male counterparts. In addition, the findings showed that social media has a greater impact on female patients when it comes to making a decision about orthodontic treatment. Treatment modalities and treatment costs are the topics most searched for by orthodontic patients.
Impact of clinical pharmacist-led medication reconciliation on therapeutic process
Authors: Elamin Maram Mohamed , Ahmed Kannan Omer , Saeed Osman Khalafallah , Yousif Mirghani Abd Elrahman
Published: August 2021

The role of clinical pharmacists in the medication reconciliation (MR) process has been limited in the literature. Medication discrepancies and drug-related problems are safety challenges for hospitalized patients and healthcare professionals. The MR process is a standard practical tool at different hospital settings to optimize the correct use of medicines. The aim of this review was to evaluate the role of clinical pharmacists in the implementation of MR process at different practice settings. A literature search of Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ELSEVIER for “medication reconciliation” and “medication discrepancies” with “clinical pharmacist” from 2011 up to September 2020 was conducted. The search findings revealed that; clinical pharmacist is the most capable health care provider in implementation of MR process due to his vast experience in medication history taking and drug therapy management. Medication discrepancies that can result in serious discomfort or clinical impairment of patients can be prevented by a clinical pharmacist-led MR process. Studies confirmed that clinical pharmacist's interventions contribute substantially to the detection and resolution of medication discrepancies in hospitalized patients. Moreover, another estimated benefit of pharmacist-led MR was cost reduction for patients, families, and healthcare system. These findings highly recommend further inclusion of a clinical pharmacist in a team-based MR in different health settings.
Simultaneous existence of three intraocular lens inside one eye
Authors: Mei Fan , Kao Tzu-Yun , Cheng Cheng-Kuo
Published: August 2021

The purpose of the study was to report an unusual case of recurrent pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) in an eye with three simultaneous intraocular lenses (IOLs) inside. A 57-year-old female with diabetes mellitus (DM) and a history of complicated cataract surgery was diagnosed with cystoid macular edema (CME). Upon examination, an anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL) with vitreous strand in her right eye was noted. The fluorescence angiography revealed CME of the right eye and microaneurysms in both eyes. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed to release the vitreous prolapse and traction around the ACIOL. During the surgery, two sunken posterior chamber IOLs in the vitreous were incidentally found and removed. The vitreous traction strand around the inappropriately placed anterior chamber ACIOL was also released. It was rarely reported that two dislocated IOL and ACIOL simultaneously existed in the same eye. Chronic recurrent PCME in this patient was possibly associated with posteriorly dislocated IOL, DM, and vitreous traction.
A Comprehensive Analysis on Detecting Chronic Kidney Disease by Employing Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Muntasir Nishat Mirza , Faisal Fahim , Rahman Dip Rezuanur , Nasrullah Sarker Md. , Ahsan Ragib , Shikder Fahim , Ar-Raihan Asif Md. Asfi- , Hoque Md. Ashraful
Published: August 2021

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Kidney Disease refers to the slow, progressive deterioration of kidney functions. However, the impairment is irreversible and imperceptible up until the disease reaches one of the later stages, demanding early detection and initiation of treatment in order to ensure a good prognosis and prolonged life. In this aspect, machine learning algorithms have proven to be promising, and points towards the future of disease diagnosis.OBJECTIVES: We aim to apply different machine learning algorithms for the purpose of assessing and comparing their accuracies and other performance parameters for the detection of chronic kidney disease.METHODS: The ‘chronic kidney disease dataset’ from the machine learning repository of University of California, Irvine, has been harnessed, and eight supervised machine learning models have been developed by utilizing the python programming language for the detection of the disease.RESULTS: A comparative analysis is portrayed among eight machine learning models by evaluating different performance parameters like accuracy, precision, sensitivity, F1 score and ROC-AUC. Among the models, Random Forest displayed the highest accuracy of 99.75%.CONCLUSION: We observed that machine learning algorithms can contribute significantly to the domain of predictive analysis of chronic kidney disease, and can assist in developing a robust computer-aided diagnosis system to aid the healthcare professionals in treating the patients properly and efficiently.
Severe COVID-19 in Uganda across Two Epidemic Phases: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bakamutumaho Barnabas , Cummings Matthew J. , Owor Nicholas , Kayiwa John , Namulondo Joyce , Byaruhanga Timothy , Muwanga Moses , Nsereko Christopher , Rwamutwe Emmanuel , Mutonyi Roselyn , Achan Josephine , Wanyenze Lucy , Ndazarwe Alice , Nakanjako Ruth , Natuhwera Richard , Nsangi Annet , Bosa Henry Kyobe , Ocom Felix , O’Donnell Max R. , Kikaire Bernard , Lutwama Julius J. , _ _
Published: August 2021

Among a prospective cohort of children and adults admitted to a national COVID-19 treatment unit in Uganda from March to December 2020, we characterized the epidemiology of and risk factors for severe illness. Across two epidemic phases differentiated by varying levels of community transmission, the proportion of patients admitted with WHO-defined severe COVID-19 ranged from 5% (7/146; 95% CI: 2–10) to 33% (41/124; 95% CI: 25–42); 21% (26/124; 95% CI: 14–29%) of patients admitted during the peak phase received oxygen therapy. Severe COVID-19 was associated with older age, male sex, and longer duration of illness before admission. Coinfection with HIV was not associated with illness severity; malaria or tuberculosis coinfection was rare. No patients died during admission. Despite low mortality, hospital incidence of severe COVID-19 during the first epidemic peak in Uganda was substantial. Improvements in vaccine deployment and acute care capacity, including oxygen delivery, are urgently needed to prevent and manage severe COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa.
International Residency Program Directors on Implementing Educational Transformation: A Qualitative Study of Their Experiences and Strategies for Overcoming Challenges
Authors: Dutta Debalina , Ibrahim Halah , Stadler Dora J. , Cofrancesco Joseph , Nair Satish Chandrasekhar , Archuleta Sophia
Published: August 2021

Background

Residency program directors (PDs) need to navigate diverse roles and responsibilities as clinical teachers, administrators, and drivers of educational improvement. Little is known about the experience of PDs leading transformation of international residency programs.

Objective

We explored the lived experiences of international residency PDs and developed an understanding of how PDs manage educational program transformation.

Methods

Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with current and former PDs involved in the transformation to competency-based medical education in the first international settings to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-International (ACGME-I). Thirty-three interviews with PDs from Qatar, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates were conducted from September 2018 to July 2019, audio-recorded, and transcribed. Data were independently coded by 2 researchers. A thematic analysis was conducted and patterns that reflected coping and managing educational reform were identified.

Results

PDs described distinctive patterns of navigating the educational transformation. Five themes emerged: PDs (1) embraced continuous learning and self-development; (2) managed change in the context of their local settings; (3) anticipated problems and built support networks to effectively problem-solve; (4) maintained relationships with stakeholders for meaningful and constructive interactions; and (5) focused on intrinsic qualities that helped them navigate challenges.

Conclusions

International PDs were presented with significant challenges in implementing educational transformation but coped successfully through distinctive patterns and methods.
Resource Scarcity and Co-creation of Service Innovation from Co-location Perspective: The Case of Lithuanian Resort Birstonas
Authors: Bagdoniene Liudmila
Published: August 2021

This paper searches for a response to whether resource scarcity can propel the collaboration of co-located service organizations in order to obtain deficient resources for the creation and implementation of service innovation. Qualitative in nature, this study is based on an empirical examination of health tourism and wellness services organizations co-located in the smallest resort Birstonas town of Lithuania. The study’s findings indicate that service innovation requires a wide range of resources where intangible resources dominate against tangible resources. Studied organizations, in creating service innovation, focus exceptionally on internal resources and face the issue of the accessibility of resources. Nevertheless, resource scarcity is not conceded as a factor influencing the closer collaboration of co-located organizations in searching for deficient resources for service innovation. Despite that, the co-location of service organizations has a positive effect on collaboration among studied service organizations in other professional and social activities and provides various benefits.
Differentiation of Fiscal Effects of Local Tax Policy in Countries Using Area-Based Property Taxation: the Case of Poland
Authors: Felis Paweł , Szlęzak-Matusewicz Joanna , Rosłaniec Henryk
Published: August 2021

The paper addresses differences in financial effects of local tax policy. Its aim was to examine the effects of decisions taken within the realm of tax authority in a country which applies area-based property taxation. The paper validates the hypothesis, according to which the impact of local tax policy upon tax revenues of local units depends on the social and economic potential of regions (in Poland called “voivodeships”). We believe that municipalities (called “gminas” in Polish) are more active in pursuing local tax policy (i.e., in reducing property tax rates) in regions whose social and economic position is weaker. Statistical and econometric analyses confirmed our theoretical assumptions and provided the evidence that the hypothesis is correct. By using econometric models, in this paper we also succeeded in identifying variables which help in explaining the real scale of reductions of property tax rates.
The Flypaper Effect and Desirable Legislative Changes to Local Government Financing Systems
Authors: Guziejewska Beata , Majdzińska Anna , Żółtaszek Agata
Published: August 2021

A substantial portion of local government funding in Poland comes from intergovernmental transfers. It may lead to the flypaper effect, which means that external revenues contribute to greater local government spending than locally-collected revenues. This study analyses how different revenue categories influenced local government spending in Poland between 2009 and 2018. Panel econometric models are used to test a hypothesis about whether the flypaper effect occurred in that period and to identify the potential causes. The results confirm to some extent that all three levels of local government were affected by the flypaper effect, and they point to intergovernmental transfers (general grants, specific grants, and shares of corporate income tax revenue) as the main causes. The research findings can be of use in reforming local government funding legislation in Poland and other countries, especially when the size of the public sector and public spending need to be reduced.
Adaptive Management in Urban Stream Governance: A Review and an Urban Commoning Scenario-Building Exercise
Authors: Chien Herlin
Published: August 2021

One environmental solution proposed by scholars since the 1980s is to manage our common natural resources adaptively with emphasis on feedback, the inclusion of multiple stakeholders and the flexibility to change accordingly. By focusing the analysis on the understudied topic of urban river systems in adaptive governance, a systematic literature review and a scenario-building exercise were conducted. Whereas the bibliometric analysis aims to improve our collective knowledge on many aspects of the adaptive management in urban stream governance, the urban commoning scenario-building exercise is to simulate alternatives beyond conventional top-down management approaches and to explore different opportunities of engaging multiple stakeholders throughout the adaptive management cycle. Our investigations recommend that although there is a trend of considering the “human” or “soft” perspective as part of the integrated solution approach, future researches need to ground their studies in more empirical cases in order to identify a few contextual variables such as ICT or public-private collaboration arrangement to leverage the complex inputs of soft power as benefits and added value in the management of urban river as a social-ecological system.
Socioeconomic Determinants of Local Fiscal Success – The Case of Montenegrin Municipalities
Authors: Šehović Damir , Konatar Milena , Cerović Smolović Julija , Đurašković Jovan
Published: August 2021

The aim of this paper is to determine the direction and scope of the impact of socio-economic determinants on the fiscal success of Montenegrin municipalities. The research model is conducted in a panel data framework, using traditional methods. The study covers  the period 2009-2018. The model considers the correlation of fiscal success in 23 Montenegrin municipalities (from the Northern, Central and Southern regions) with social (number of citizens or population, number of pensioners) and economic (unemployment, taxes, grants, level of public debt) determinants. According to the results of the analysis, almost all determinants have a significant impact on fiscal success. Tax revenues, as a measure of fiscal decentralization, have a statistically significant positive impact on fiscal success, while the unemployment rate, the number of citizens and the number of retired persons have demonstrated a negative impact.
Influence of Hybrid Legal Institutions on the Management in Local Government on the Example of the Institution of Public-Private Partnership
Authors: Liżewski Bartosz , Czerw Jarosław
Published: August 2021

The basis for the matter discussed herein is the presentation of a new paradigm in modern law, i.e. the creation of hybrid legal institutions. The specificity of this construct consists in the combination of elements of public law and private law in order to achieve mutual benefits. Meeting these two interests is perfectly illustrated by the institution of public-private partnership. The essence of the partnership is the implementation of infrastructural projects in the public sphere by a private entity. A detailed analysis of this institution gives grounds to propose a thesis about the need to change the model of management in local government. The inclusion of private entities in the performance of tasks in the public sphere forces the verification of the traditional way of managing the local government staff.  The participatory execution of tasks as part of hybrid legal institutions forces the officials to become more professional.  This is the only way the public interest can be safeguarded in a public-private venture.
Peak Torque Prediction Using Handgrip and Strength Predictors in Men and Women With Motor Complete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Neto Frederico Ribeiro , Dorneles Jefferson Rodrigues , Carneiro Leão Veloso João Henrique , Gonçalves Carlos Wellington , Gomes Costa Rodrigo Rodrigues
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

To establish predictive equations for peak torque of muscle groups with totally and partially preserved innervation in individuals with motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI), based on hand dynamometry and strength predictor variables.

Methods:

The cross-sectional study conducted at a rehabilitation hospital consecutively recruited 108 men and women with SCI. All participants performed maximum peak torque tests for shoulder abduction/adduction (isokinetic), trunk flexion/extension (isometric), and handgrip strength testing (hand dynamometer) to establish predictive peak torque equations. The primary outcomes were peak torque variables. Handgrip strength, age, injury level, time since injury, age at injury, body mass, height, body mass index, and physical activity level were the secondary outcomes used as strength predictor variables.

Results:

Handgrip strength was a predictor variable for shoulder abduction/adduction peak torque. The best predictive models for shoulder abduction/adduction peak torque exhibited R2 = 0.57 and R2 = 0.60, respectively (p ≤ .05). Injury level showed the highest significant predictive capacity for trunk flexion/extension peak torque models (R2 = 0.38 and R2 = 0.29; p ≤ .05).

Conclusion:

Shoulder abduction/adduction peak torque predictive equations may be an alternative for use in an accessible strength tool (hand dynamometry) to evaluate training and rehabilitation programs. Trunk flexion/extension peak torque equations exhibited moderate correlations and high standard error of the estimates and should be used with caution.
Handgrip Strength Cutoff Points for Functional Independence and Wheelchair Ability in Men With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Neto Frederico Ribeiro , Gomes Costa Rodrigo R. , Dorneles Jefferson R. , Gonçalves Carlos W. , Veloso João H. C. L. , Carregaro Rodrigo L.
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

To determine optimal handgrip strength (HGS) cutoff points for greater functional independence and wheelchair skills in men with spinal cord injury (SCI), and to establish predictive equations for functional independence and wheelchair ability in men with SCI, based on demographic characteristics, HGS, and functionality.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study conducted at a rehabilitation hospital, 54 men with SCI were recruited and stratified into high and low paraplegia groups. All participants performed a maximum HGS test to determine cutoff points for the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM-III) and Adapted Manual Wheelchair Circuit (AMWC). The primary outcomes were the SCIM-III, AMWC, and HGS. Demographic characteristics obtained from participants’ electronic medical records were the secondary outcomes, used as predictor variables of functional independence.

Results:

The SCIM-III scale, performance score, and 3-minute overground wheeling test presented significant regression equations (R = 0.45, R = 0.69, and R = 0.72). The HGS showed a cutoff point of 102.5 kilogram force (kgf) to achieve a score of 70 on the SCIM-III and a 3-minute overground wheeling distance of 270 m. The HGS cutoff point to obtain a performance score of 23.7 seconds was 93.0 kgf.

Conclusion:

The HGS was a significant predictor for the SCIM-III score, AMWC performance score, and 3-minute overground wheeling test. Three significant predictive equations were established based on HGS. The cutoff points could be adopted as parameters for optimal functional independence and wheelchair skills.
Automating the Clinical Assessment of Independent Wheelchair Sitting Pivot Transfer Techniques
Authors: Wei Lin , Chung Cheng-Shiu , Koontz Alicia M.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Using proper transfer technique can help to reduce forces and prevent secondary injuries. However, current assessment tools rely on the ability to subjectively identify harmful movement patterns.

Objectives:

The purpose of the study was to determine the accuracy of using a low-cost markerless motion capture camera and machine learning methods to evaluate the quality of independent wheelchair sitting pivot transfers. We hypothesized that the algorithms would be able to discern proper (low risk) and improper (high risk) wheelchair transfer techniques in accordance with component items on the Transfer Assessment Instrument (TAI).

Methods:

Transfer motions of 91 full-time wheelchair users were recorded and used to develop machine learning classifiers that could be used to discern proper from improper technique. The data were labeled using the TAI item scores. Eleven out of 18 TAI items were evaluated by the classifiers. Motion variables from the Kinect were inputted as the features. Random forests and k-nearest neighbors algorithms were chosen as the classifiers. Eighty percent of the data were used for model training and hyperparameter turning. The validation process was performed using 20% of the data as the test set.

Results:

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the test set for each item was over 0.79. After adjusting the decision threshold, the precisions of the models were over 0.87, and the model accuracies were over 71%.

Conclusion:

The results show promise for the objective assessment of the transfer technique using a low cost camera and machine learning classifiers.
Impact of Environmental Stringency on Energy Efficiency
Authors: Yang Hao-Chang
Published: August 2021

This paper investigates the impact of environment policy stringency on energy efficiency by using the unbalanced data of 23 countries from 1990 to 2015. The regression results show that increased stringency of environmental policy implementation has a negative impact on energy intensity, as well as a lagging effect. This finding illustrates that strict environmental protection policies can effectively reduce unit resource energy consumption, reduce resource waste, and promote energy efficiency.
Historical Memory and Practices of Monumental Commemoration of World War I in Australia (Part 2)
Authors: Zernetska O. , Myronchuk O.
Published: August 2021

The authors’ research attention is focused on the specifics of the Australian memorial practices dedicated to the World War I. The statement is substantiated that in the Australian context memorials and military monuments formed a special post-war and post-traumatic part of the visual memory of the first Australian global military conflict.

The features of the Australian memorial concept are clarified, the social function of the monuments and their important role in the psychological overcoming of the trauma and bitter losses experienced are noted. The multifaceted aspects of visualization of the monumental memory of the World War I in Australia are analyzed. Monuments and memorials are an important part of Australia’s visual heritage.

It is concluded that each Australian State has developed its own concept of memory, embodied in various types and nature of monuments. The main ones are analyzed in detail: Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne (1928–1934); Australian War Memorial in Canberra (1941); Sydney Cenotaph (1927-1929) and Anzac Memorial in Sydney (1934); Desert Mounted Corps Memorial in Western Australia (1932); Victoria Memorials: Avenue of Honour and Victory Arch in Ballarat (1917-1919), Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial (2004), Great Ocean Road – the longest nationwide memorial (1919-1932); Hobart War Memorial in the Australian State of Tasmania (1925), as well as Villers-Bretonneux Australian National Memorial in France dedicated to French-Australian cooperation during the World War I (1938).

The authors demonstrate an inseparable connection between the commemorative practices of Australia and the politics of national identity, explore the trends in the creation and development of memorial practices. It is noted that the overwhelming majority of memorial sites are based on the clearly expressed function of a place of memory, a place of mourning and commemoration. It was found that the representation of the memorial policy of the memory of Australia in the first post-war years was implemented at the beginning at the local level and was partially influenced by British memorial practices, transforming over time into a nationwide cultural resource.
The Kurdish Community from the Abbasids to Safavids; Sharafkhan Bedlisi’s Perspective
Authors: Ali Dr. Nariman Abdalla
Published: August 2021

Sharafkhan Bedlisi began writing Kurdish historiography in the late sixteenth century by writing Sharafnama. Sharafnama includes the history of the Kurdish emirates from the Abbasid caliphates to the end of the years (1596-1597), i.e. until the Safavid era. Sharafnama is basically a continuation of the same method of traditional Islamic historiography, i.e. political, military and family event writing. However, the introduction of Sharafnama regarding the characteristics of Kurdish people and the Kurdish society from the Abbasid to Safavid eras can differentiate this historical work from the contemporary and earlier historical works. In this regard, Sharafnama can be considered as a work different from the tradition of Islamic historiography. Sharafkhan Bedlisi maintains that religionism, irrationality, chaos (lack of concentration), lack of unity thoughts, fratricidal desires, lack of foresight, importance of warrior-ship and unwillingness to establish a local government are the most important characteristics of Kurdish people and Kurdish society from the Abbasid to Safavid eras. The present study attempts to discuss the aforementioned characteristics in a descriptive-analytical manner.
The Sino-Soviet Border Conflict in the Middle of the XX Century
Authors: Chernysheva Elena , Budykina Vera , Shadrina Ekaterina
Published: August 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of the peculiarities of relations between the USSR and the PRC in the middle of the XX century. In a short historical period, two countries with a similar ideology and political system shifted from relations of friendship and mutual assistance to military-political confrontation, which culminated in the armed conflict on Zhenbao (Damansky) Island in March 1969. A special interest of the Chinese side in good-neighbourly relations with the Soviet Union at the initial stage of the existence of the PRC (1949-1955) is described. The authors analyze the circumstances of the deterioration of relations between the two countries since Nikita Khrushchev assumed leadership of the USSR and the condemnation of the cult of personality of Joseph Stalin. Special attention is paid to the border issue in the relationship between the two countries. It presents the different views of the PRC and the Soviet Union on the tsarist treaties with China concluded in the second half of the XIX century. Moreover, the problem of ideological confrontation between the Soviet and Chinese leadership is considered; the publications of Soviet historians which assess the actions of the PRC leadership against the Soviet Union are analyzed. The nature of "cartographic aggression" and "great power chauvinism" is revealed. Besides, typological rhetoric, common and specific features in mutual accusations of the Soviet and Chinese sides are shown. The illegality of the territorial claims of the PRC, the betrayal of socialist ideals by its leadership, attempts to discredit the Soviet Union in the international arena, and the desire to undermine the world communist movement used to be the main theses in the research of the Soviet historians of the 1960s-1980s. It is concluded that the interpretation of Sino-Soviet relations in Soviet historiography was primarily propagandistic and closely related to the state interests of the Soviet Union.
Input Fields Recognition in Documents Using Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Nagarikar Atharv , Dangi Rahul Singh , Maity Samrit Kumar , Kuvelkar Ashish , Wandhekar Sanjay
Published: August 2021

Identification of input fields that appear on a document is a crucial requirement while digitizing any document. This paper presents a Deep Learning based approach to detect input fields from a form or document which consists of text, images and input fields like textbox, checkbox. The forms have been crawled and labelled manually to generate a dataset for training Deep Learning models. The YOLO V3 model is trained on the labelled dataset having four classes (static text, static image, input text, checkbox) with 1500 instances. We used bounding box techniques to label the dataset. The paper presents detection of limited types of input fields generally appearing on printed forms. We also discussed how such detection models can scale and sustain higher loads. If given the labelled dataset for other types of input fields, the existing YOLO V3 can be trained for them as well. The model is trained for 3500 iterations and the accuracy achieved is 71 percent.
Antecedents of Employees Work Engagement: A Study on an Ethiopian Universities in Case of Amhara Regional State
Authors: Kassahun Zeleke Wale , Raman Dr. Manju Shree
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to investigate the antecedents influencing employees’ engagement at universities in Amhar Reginal state Ethiopia. The study used descriptive and explanatory research designs. A total of 320 academics staffs were taken from ten Amhara Reginal State public Universities as a sample and 282 valid questionnaires collected. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to select the employees from each University. Also, cross sectional survey method applied to collect data via Likert scale questionnaire. Correlation and multiple regression modeling were used to appraisal association and predict the relationships. Initially, a pilot test was a sampled of 30 instructors to check data scale reliability. The study found that all the independent variables (work environment, leadership, reward, organizational support, work motivation) variables had statistically significant correlation with employees’ engagement. Morover the study founded that all the studied variables were predictors of workers engagement(R2= 0.662); but the predictors that had foremost influence were working environment, leadership and work motivation. Remarkable emphasis and devotion is required particularly on variables such as working environment, leadership and work motivation as they have reveled significantly greater influence on employees engagement. Universities shall focus on creating better work environment, working on instructors motivating factors and more work is required to improve the leadership to boost work engagement.
Efficient Multi-linear Key Pairing Cryptosystem for Reliable Cloud-based Service Provisioning
Authors: Nagaraju Dr. Sabout , Jayakumar S.K.V. , Priya C. Swetha
Published: August 2021

Cloud computing has gained rapid growth in the development of different fields of science and engineering. However, due to the distributed nature of cloud computing, session key generation and establishment is the pressing issue. Session key management plays the utmost important role in the secure exchange of sensitive login credentials and transaction information. Moreover, conventional session key management mechanisms are inadequate and cannot be directly adopted in cloud-based environments. Hence, session key management is very much solely needed solution for reliable cloud-based service provisioning. In mutual authentication, bi-linear key pairing cryptosystem plays a critical role to generate and establish a session key. The existing mutual authentication schemes fail to support true mutual authentication in cloud-based environments as they are vulnerable to secret key leakage, perfect forward secrecy, and untraceability. To mitigate the effect of these attacks, this research develops an efficient multi-linear key pairing cryptosystem. In this cryptosystem, challenge-response messages are used for generating and establishing a one-time shared session key. Furthermore, the performance analysis of the proposed cryptosystem depicts a significant reduction of computation cost, authentication accuracy rates, and resistance to the aforementioned attacks.
Solar Panels and their Diverse Characteristics: An All-Inclusive Study
Authors: Prasad S.V.G.V.A.
Published: August 2021

In recent years the use of solar energy is found to have grown by a large amount. Solar energy is renewable energy and the demand for it as clean energy shows its growth by nearly 50 percent in the past decade. It is estimated that the sun is able to generate energy within 24 hours that the entire population of the world could consume in 27 years. Solar power is the energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy. The energy harnessed from the sun's rays is used for a variety of applications like electricity generation, to provide light for the interior environment, and many other domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes. Usage of fossil fuels for electricity production results in increased pollution and this mandates many governments to encourage moving to electricity generation using solar power. The large amount of solar energy that is available is found to be the most appealing source of electricity. Solar panels form a major part of the solar energy setup. Hence in this article let us review the various types of solar panels. This paper also deals with comparing the merits and demerits of the different types of solar panels that are available in the market. A section that presents the efficiency of the different kinds of the solar panel is also present in this paper. The role of temperature coefficient, fire rating, and hail rating in the performance of the solar panel is also addressed in this paper.
Optimización del reposicionamiento de la marca FADESA en el sector de envases plásticos y metálicos de Guayaquil
Authors: La Mota Terranova Gustavo , Vallet Segovia Aldo
Published: August 2021

En el presente estudio se analizan los factores que influyen en la necesidad de un cambio de imagen corporativa para la compañía FADESA, la cual se fusionó con LATIENVASES S.A. El objetivo es optimizar el reposicionamiento de la marca FADESA en el sector de envases de plástico y metal en Guayaquil. La investigación es descriptiva, de enfoque mixto cuali-cuantitativo, utilizando la encuesta y la entrevista como técnicas de recolección de información; la primera fue aplicada a una muestra significativa de los clientes de la empresa, mientras que la segunda fue realizada al gerente de la misma. Se encontró que el 61% de los clientes reconocen e identifican la marca a través de referidos, solo el 20% cree que la estrategia de comunicación de la marca fuera asertiva, y un 67% considera apropiada una renovación de la imagen visual de la empresa. Por otro parte, los resultados de la entrevista resaltan la necesidad de un manual de marca y de no perder los atributos de prestigio que la marca ha construido. Estas evidencias permitieron desarrollar una propuesta que incluye las estrategias principales de rebranding que converjan con las expectativas de los clientes y de la empresa.