bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Al-Aqsa University Students' Use of Metacognitive Reading Strategies in Relation to their English Reading Comprehension Competence
Authors: Hammad Enas
Published: April 2023

Little research has been conducted on English reading comprehension of Gaza university students. Thus, the study aimed to examine Al-Aqsa University students' use of metacognitive reading strategies in relation to their English reading comprehension. The researcher collected the study data through administering the reading section of the international English language testing system test (2019) and a closed-ended questionnaire to 95 students. The researcher also conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 students selected from the 95 participants. Findings indicated that the participants' use of metacognitive reading strategies was high (75.9%), and there was no statistically significant correlation between the participants' reading comprehension and their use of metacognitive reading strategies. Additionally, the study concluded that the use of metacognitive reading strategies might not be the only factor influencing the participants' reading comprehension level. Based on the study results, the researcher introduced relevant recommendations, such as the necessity of considering other factors that may contribute to the participants' reading comprehension (improving lexical competence, using monolingual dictionaries, and utilizing some strategies like reading between lines and drawing inferences).

نتيجة لندرة الأبحاث على الفهم المقروء باللغة الإنجليزية لدى طلبة جامعات غزة، هدفت الدراسة إلى استكشاف استراتيجيات ما وراء المعرفة الخاصة بالقراءة، وعلاقتها بالفهم المقروء باللغة الإنجليزية لدى طلبة جامعة الاقصى بغزة. وقد قامت الباحثة بجمع بيانات الدراسة من خلال تطبيق قسم الفهم المقروء باختبار(IELTS, 2019) واستبيان مغلق على 95 طالب وطالبة، كما اجرت الباحثة مقابلات شبه مفتوحة مع 16 طالب وطالبة تم اختيارهم من 95 مشارك. وقد اشارت نتائج الدراسة إلى ان نسبة توظيف افراد العينة لاستراتيجيات ما وراء المعرفة الخاصة بالقراءة كانت مرتفعة (75.9%)، وانه لا يوجد ارتباط ذات دلالة إحصائية بين كفاءة أفراد العينة في الفهم المقروء باللغة الإنجليزية وتوظيفهم لاستراتيجيات ما وراء المعرفة الخاصة بالقراءة، وقد أفادت الدراسة ايضا ان توظيف استراتيجيات ما وراء المعرفة قد لا تكون العامل الوحيد المؤثر على مستوى الطلبة في الفهم المقروء. وبناء على نتائج الدراسة قدمت الباحثة توصيات ذات أهمية مثل ضرورة الاخذ بعين الاعتبار لعوامل اخرى من شانها ان تؤثر على الفهم المقروء مثل تنمية الكفاءة اللغوية، واستخدام القواميس احادية اللغة، وممارسة بعض المهارات مثل قراءة ما بين السطور، والخروج بالاستنتاجات.
Potential-induced degradation of encapsulant-less p-type crystalline Si photovoltaic modules
Authors: Shimpo Shuntaro , Thi Cam Tu Huynh , Ohdaira Keisuke
Published: April 2023

We investigated the long-term durability of our newly developed encapsulant-less p-type crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) modules, with a base made of polycarbonate (PC), against potential-induced degradation (PID) in dry and damp-heat (DH) environments. Encapsulant-less modules were found to have high PID resistance compared to conventionally encapsulated c-Si PV modules in both PID conditions. We observed a slight PID for the encapsulant-less modules in which the cover glass was in contact with the solar cell. The slight PID can be suppressed by using a base with a deeper groove so that a sufficient gap between the cover glass and the cell is prepared. Yellow precipitates were formed in the encapsulant-less modules in the DH environment. This is probably due to the hydrolysis of the PC, and proper measures to prevent the precipitate formation should be applied for the industrialization of the encapsulant-less modules.
TO THE SUBSTANTIATION OF THE METHOD OF PRELIMINARY SEPARATION OF FREE GRAIN IN THE ROOT OF PLANTS
Authors:   Bryansk State Agrarian University, Ozherelev Viktor , Nikitin Viktor ,   Bryansk State Agrarian University, Komogortsev Vladimir ,   Bryansk State Agrarian University, Sinyaya Natalia ,   Bryansk State Agrarian University
Published: April 2023

The results of theoretical studies confirming the possibility of carrying out preliminary separation of free grain from the stripped grain pile before it enters the threshing chamber of a combine harvester are presented. The prospect of a separating device mounted directly in front of the threshing drum, consisting of longitudinal rods, over which an additional scraper conveyor is mounted, has been established. The cross section of each strip of the grating is narrowed downwards to increase the intensity of separation of the device and eliminate the possibility of clogging the holes with passing particles of the heap. The optimal length of the openings of the pre-drum type separating device, its spatial orientation were determined, and the quality indicators of the work were evaluated. Theoretical studies of the separation process on winter wheat of the “Moskovskaya 56” variety with a grain size of 3.9x6.5 mm were performed. The speed of the scraper conveyor was 3 m/s, and the angle of inclination of the separating device varied within 0-45 degrees. It has been established from the results of research that with an increase in the angle of inclination of the separating surface, the length of the sieve openings increases, and the separation speed decreases. Since the horizontal grate provides a higher separation rate of free grain, compared to an inclined surface, the use of a pre-drum type separating device is most preferable in relation to the grate bottom of the feeder house of a combine harvester in terms of its performance. It has been established that the length of the separating holes should be at least 0.08 m. Such a technical solution allows minimizing not only the crushing of free grain by the working bodies of the threshing machine, but also to reduce the metal consumption of the separating device.
Current Trends of Immune System Engineering in Healthcare Applications
Authors: Vivekanandan K.
Published: April 2023

Immune system engineering presents significant challenges as well as great opportunities for biomedical engineers. Human immunity is critical to both health and disease, and immune system activation plays a critical role in disease prevention. The malfunctioning of the human immune system will result in autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other serious diseases. Immune engineering responds to the immune system's complex challenges by targeting a variety of cellular and molecular processes, such as improving antigen presentation, reviving worn-out tumour cells, engineering immune effectors and cells, and improving drug delivery to targeted immune tissues or cells. By reprogramming specific biological responses and developing technologies for early disease detection, numerous opportunities will emerge to boost the human immune system while keeping costs under control. This article discusses about the current trend of using immune engineering in healthcare.
Cloud Computing Challenges in Security Applications – A Review
Authors: Joby P. P.
Published: April 2023

Cloud computing platforms provide an advanced computer system that allows organizations and individuals to operate a wide range of tasks such as using online storage capacity, implementing business applications, developing customised computer software, and creating a "realistic" communication network. Because of numerous security and privacy concerns, cloud technology has struggled to gain popularity among many large and established organizations. This research discusses the security challenges of cloud computing networks, beginning with a description of cloud computing and its various types. Furthermore, it provides a brief explanation of the most common cloud computing service challenges.
Nanostructural cutting tool
Authors: Kabaldin Yu.G. , Bashkov A.A. , Zakuraev I.D.
Published: April 2023

The basic principles for the development of compositions and structures of nanostructured coatings for cutting tools are described. It is shown that atomic and electronic characteristics can be a criterion for searching for potentially promising materials with high transition temperatures to the superconducting state, and consequently, for wear-resistant high-strength nanostructured coatings.
Convergence theorem for an intermixed iteration in $p$-uniformly convex metric space
Authors:   DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS, SCHOOL OF SCIENCE,  KING MONGKUT'S INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY LADKRABANG, BANGKOK 10520, THAILAND, SAECHOU KANYANEE , KANGTUNYAKARN ATID ,   DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS, SCHOOL OF SCIENCE,  KING MONGKUT'S INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY LADKRABANG, BANGKOK 10520, THAILAND
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we first introduce the intermixed algorithm in $p$-uniformly convex metric spaces, and then we prove $\Delta$-convergence of the proposed iterative method for finding a common element of the sets of fixed points of finite families of nonexpansive mappings in the framework of complete $p$-uniformly convex metric spaces. Furthermore, we apply our main theorem to prove $\Delta$-convergence to solve the minimization problems in the framework of complete $p$-uniformly convex metric spaces. Finally, we give two examples in $L^p$ spaces and numerical examples to support our main results.
دراسة تحليلية لبعض المتغيرات البايوميكانيكية لعدائي ركض (100) م وعلاقتها بالإنجاز للمنتخب العراقي
Authors: امين ممتاز
Published: April 2023

هدف البحث الى التعرف على قيم بعض المتغيرات البايوميكانيكية لعدائي ركض 100م,التعرف على علاقة قيم بعض المتغيرات البايوميكانيكية لعدائي ركض 100م مع الإنجاز. استخدم الباحث المنهج الوصفي لملاءمته لأهداف وطبيعة البحث. اما عينة البحث فقد اختار الباحث العينة (5) من أبرز عدائي ركض 100م بالأسلوب العمدي من الذين مثلوا المنتخب الوطني العراقي لعام 2021-2022.  استخدم الباحث آلات تصوير فيدوية عدد (2) ذات سرع (224) صورة / ثانية نوع (sonny)، فضلاً عن آلة تصوير ثالثة هي كاميرا خط النهاية (Photo Finish) الثابتة في نهاية السباق. واستخدم الباحث اسلوب سباقات ركض 100م حرة وحسب القانون الدولي لألعاب القوى. واستنتج الباحث اتضح ان قيم اغلب المتغيرات البايوميكانيكية للمسافات الفاصلة لأجزاء عدو (100م) لعينة البحث قد ابتعدت عن القيم الحقيقية مما إثر ذلك على مستوى انجاز عينة البحث، وان معدل تردد الخطوة لعينة البحث قد وقع ضمن حدود القيمة المثالية.
A Study on the Vitalization of Village Management Social Cooperatives for Urban Regeneration
Authors:   Korea Real Estate Society, Kim Sang Geun , Kim Sang Geun
Published: April 2023

In order to continuously generate revenue for cooperatives, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has presented business models by sector and type, but unlike the direction of self-sustaining businesses and the will of residents, most of them are public facility management and public service projects, making sustainable business difficult. situation. In order to solve this, it is necessary to prepare and utilize the space that can be owned by the concept of citizen property through institutional and legal improvements so that the village management social cooperative can purchase assets within the urban regeneration project site. It is necessary to recognize that it is a citizen asset and inspire a sense of ownership so that a successful urban regeneration project can continue even after the regeneration project is completed, so the village management social cooperative must take the lead in investing in local regeneration that guarantees asset investment and citizen participation. In addition, by nurturing experts (citizen asset managers) for citizen asset development and granting a certification system, it is required to act as a participation leader for the vitalization of village management social cooperatives. It was suggested that it should be reflected and proceeded.
Search for a Black Hole Binary in Gaia DR3 Astrometric Binary Stars with Spectroscopic Data
Authors: Tanikawa Ataru , Hattori Kohei , Kawanaka Norita , Kinugawa Tomoya , Shikauchi Minori , Tsuna Daichi
Published: April 2023

We report the discovery of a candidate binary system consisting of a black hole (BH) and a red giant branch star in Gaia DR3. This binary system was discovered from 64,108 binary solutions for which both astrometric and spectroscopic data are available. For this system, the astrometric and spectroscopic solutions are consistent with each other, making this system a confident candidate of a BH binary. The primary (visible) star in this system, Gaia DR3 5870569352746779008, is a red giant branch star whose mass is quite uncertain. Fortunately, despite the uncertainty of the primary’s mass, we can estimate the mass of the secondary (dark) object in this system to be >5.68 M
⊙ with a probability of 99%, based on the orbital parameters. The mass of the secondary object is much larger than the maximum neutron star mass (∼2.0 M
⊙), which indicates that the secondary object is likely a BH. We argue that, if this dark object is not a BH, this system must be a more exotic system, in which the primary red giant branch star orbits around a quadruple star system (or a higher-order multiple-star system) whose total mass is more than 5.68 M
⊙. If this is a genuine BH binary, this has the longest period (1352.22 ± 45.81 days) among those discovered so far. As our conclusion entirely relies on Gaia DR3 data, independent confirmation with follow-up observations (e.g., long-term time-series spectra) is desired.
Distillation of 56Fe in Ultramassive O–Ne White Dwarfs
Authors: Caplan Matthew E. , Blouin Simon , Freeman Ian F.
Published: April 2023

When white dwarfs freeze, the plasma mixtures inside them undergo separation processes that can produce radical changes in the composition profile of the star. The abundance of neutron-rich elements, such as 22Ne or 56Fe, determines whether or not the first crystals are more or less dense than the surrounding fluid and thus whether they sink or float. These processes have now been studied for C–O–Ne and C–O–Fe mixtures, finding that distillation and precipitation processes are possible in white dwarfs. In this work, we calculate the phase diagram of more complicated O–Ne–Fe mixtures and make predictions for the internal structure of the separated white dwarf. There are two possible outcomes determined by a complicated interplay between the Ne abundance, the 22Ne fraction, and the 56Fe abundance. Either Fe distills to form an inner core because the first O–Ne solids are buoyant, or an O–Ne inner core forms and Fe accumulates in the liquid until Fe distillation begins and forms an Fe shell. In the case of an Fe shell, a Rayleigh–Taylor instability may arise and overturn the core. In either case, Fe distillation may only produce a cooling delay of order 0.1 Gyr, as these processes occur early at high white dwarf luminosities. Fe inner cores and shells may be detectable through asteroseismology and could enhance the yield of neutron-rich elements such as 55Mn and 58Ni in supernovae.
Energy Partition of Thermal and Nonthermal Particles in Magnetic Reconnection
Authors: Hoshino Masahiro
Published: April 2023

Magnetic reconnection has long been known to be the most important mechanism for quick conversion of magnetic field energy into plasma kinetic energy. In addition, energy dissipation by reconnection has gained attention not only as a plasma heating mechanism, but also as a plasma mechanism for accelerating nonthermal particles. However, the energy partitioning of thermal and nonthermal plasmas during magnetic reconnection is not understood. Here, we studied energy partition as a function of plasma sheet temperature and guide magnetic field. In relativistic reconnection with an antiparallel magnetic field or a weak guide magnetic field, it was found that the nonthermal energy density can occupy more than 90% of the total kinetic plasma energy density, but strengthening the guide magnetic field suppresses the efficiency of the nonthermal particle acceleration. In nonrelativistic reconnection for an antiparallel magnetic field, most dissipated magnetic field energy is converted into thermal plasma heating. For a weak guide magnetic field with a moderate value, however, the nonthermal particle acceleration efficiency was enhanced, but strengthening the guide field beyond the moderate value suppresses the efficiency.
Pulsar Timing Response to Gravitational Waves with Spherical Wave Fronts from a Massive Compact Source in the Quadrupole Approximation
Authors: Kubo Ryousuke , Yamahira Kakeru , Asada Hideki
Published: April 2023

Pulsar timing arrays (PTAs) are searching for nanohertz-frequency gravitational waves (GWs) through cross-correlation of pulse arrival times from a set of radio pulsars. PTAs have relied on a frequency-shift formula of the pulse, where planar GWs are usually assumed. Phase corrections due to the wave front curvature have been recently discussed. In this paper, frequency-shift and timing-residual formulae are derived for GWs with fully spherical wave fronts from a compact source such as a binary of supermassive black holes, where the differences in the GW amplitude and direction between Earth and the pulsar are examined in the quadrupole approximation. By using the new formulae, effects beyond the plane-wave approximation are discussed, and a galactic center PTA and nearby GW source candidates are also mentioned.
The year in cardiovascular medicine 2022: the top 10 papers in acute cardiac care and ischaemic heart disease
Authors: Price Susanna , Kaski Juan Carlos , Al-Lamee Rasha , Boden William , Huber Kurt , Katz Jason , Krychtiuk Konstantin
Published: April 2023

The year in cardiovascular medicine 2022: the top 10 papers in acute cardiac care and ischaemic heart disease
A priori bounds and existence of smooth solutions to Minkowski problems for log-concave measures in warped product space forms
Authors: Chen Zhengmao
Published: April 2023

In the present paper, we prove the a priori bounds and existence of smooth solutions to a Minkowski type problem for the log-concave measure $ e^{-f(|x|^2)}dx $ in warped product space forms with zero sectional curvature. Our proof is based on the method of continuity. The crucial factor of the analysis is the a priori bounds of an auxiliary Monge-Ampère equation on $ \mathbb{S}^n $. The main result of the present paper extends the Minkowski type problem of log-concave measures to the space forms and it may be an attempt to get some new analysis for the log-concave measures.
Mothers' intentions to vaccinate their children for COVID-19
Authors: Venkatesh Shruthi , Gill Alexandra , Kim Lauren , Doan Stacey N
Published: April 2023

Parents' intentions to vaccinate their children is an important area of investigation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a growing body of research examining factors that influence parents' vaccine intentions. The current study investigated factors that would influence maternal intent to vaccinate their children for COVID-19, shortly before the CDC approved vaccines for children 11 and younger. We had a sample of n = 176 mothers (Mchildage = 71.63 months, 52% White) from California fill out an online survey during February–April 2021. Our results suggest that perceived COVID-19 threat predicts mothers' intention to vaccinate their children (b = 0.370, p < 0.001), controlling for mothers' age, socioeconomic status, race, and child age. Child age (b = 0.027, p = 0.008), SES (b = 0.396, p = 0.018), and child previous flu shot (b = 0.725, p < 0.001) also positively predicted mothers' intention to vaccinate their children. Results are discussed in light of prior research on maternal vaccine intentions and hesitancy.
Optimizing Multi-Layer Perceptron using Variable Step Size Firefly Optimization Algorithm for Diabetes Data Classification
Authors: Behera Mandakini Priyadarshani , Sarangi Archana , Mishra Debahuti , Sarangi Shubhendu Kumar
Published: April 2023

According to a survey conducted by the International Diabetes Federation, the proportion of people living with diabetes is gradually rising. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder caused by elevated blood sugar levels. For the early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes patients, efficient machine-learning methods are needed. Data Classification is a significant subject in many areas of life, and it is also a very challenging job in data mining. Clinical data mining has recently gained attention in complicated healthcare challenges relying on healthcare datasets.  The principal objective of classification is to classify all data in a given dataset to a certain class label. In the healthcare field, classification is commonly employed in much research articles. A hybrid method for diabetes data classification is suggested by integrating multilayer perceptron with a modified firefly optimization algorithm for diabetes data classification. The performance of the proposed hybrid multilayer perceptron variable step size firefly algorithm is compared with other hybrid models such as the hybrid multilayer perceptron particle swarm optimization algorithm, hybrid multilayer perceptron differential evolution algorithm, and hybrid multilayer perceptron firefly optimization algorithm. The performance of these models is calculated based on accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and mean square error. In comparison to other models, the proposed hybrid model produces superior outcomes for diabetes data classification.
Deep Learning and Transfer Learning Methods to Effectively Diagnose Cervical Cancer from Liquid-Based Cytology Pap Smear Images
Authors: Wong Lenis , Ccopa Andrés , Diaz Elmer , Valcarcel Sergio , Mauricio David , Villoslada Vladimir
Published: April 2023

As cervical cancer is considered one of the leading causes of death for women globally, different screening techniques have emerged. As the Papanicolaou technique generates high numbers of false negatives due to only testing 20% of a sample, the liquid-based cytology technique was developed to test 100% of the sample and improve accuracy. However, as the larger sample size has made it difficult to detect the lesion images through a microscope, studies have looked for ways to intelligently analyze sample. The aim of this study is to develop an artificial intelligence image recognition system that detects the lesion level of cervical cancer of liquid-based Pap smears under the Bethesda classification of cancer (NI/LSIEL/HSIEL/SCC). For this purpose, six activities were carried out: dataset selection, data augmentation, optimization, model development, evaluation and system construction. A dataset built from publicly available Pap smear images and passed through data augmentation algorithms generated a total of 2,676 images. Two models, ResNet50V2 and ResNet101V2, were developed under Deep Learning and Transfer Learning protocols. The evaluation showed that the ResNet50V2 model obtained better performance, where the classification of HSIL and SCC type images obtained a precision of 0.98 and achieved an accuracy of 0.97. Finally, the system based on the ResNet50V2 model was built and its performance was validated.
Ethical Issues in Archiving and Reusing Interviewees’ Documents
Authors: Söhner Felicitas
Published: April 2023

The advance of digitization has meant a quantum leap in oral history (extensive dissemination of sound and image recordings, efficiency of data processing, extended research subjects, new relationship to public space, new possibilities for analysis). This situation raises methodological and ethical questions for analysis and archiving. If oral historians have developed guidelines to promote the dignity and protection of project participants, the new opportunities afforded by technological changes imply to agree on new ethical standards related to new technologies (internet, storage media) and future usage. This article is an exploration of the ethical issues around reusing interview documents. To this end, the author outlines various professional standards and discusses specific questions based on her own project experiences. Finally, with reference to existing guidelines, the author proposes a way of addressing research ethical issues related to the historiographical reuse of interview documents.
Collaborative best practices
Authors: Calamai Silvia , Casellato Alessandro , Stamuli Maria Francesca
Published: April 2023

This paper describes the process of a two-year collaborative enterprise, aiming at offering both the Italian scientific communities and non-academic stakeholders a Vademecum dealing with the conservation, the description, the use and the re-use of oral sources. For the very first time, very different subjects worked together in order to solve long-standing structural problems related to oral sources through the dissemination of good practices, shared knowledge and cross-disciplinary approach to production, management, access and preservation of audio material produced within research projects.
‘[A]nd when I came to her I found she was not a virgin’: A contextual re-reading of Deuteronomy 22:13–21 among Nigerian Christians
Authors: Ademiluka Solomon O.
Published: April 2023

The traditional African society attached special value to female virginity, associating it with personal purity and honour. But today in Nigeria, virginity has lost its importance to premarital sex. The neglect of this virtue should be a concern to the Church in Nigeria because this is now a rising trend being witnessed among the Christian youth. This article, therefore, attempted a re-reading of Deuteronomy 22:13–21 as a response to the problem of premarital sex among Nigerian Christian youth. It employed the historical-critical exegesis and the descriptive approach. The work revealed that several factors are responsible for the prevalence of premarital sex in Nigeria, including a lack of sex education from parents, and the influence of western culture, among others. It also discovered that premarital sexual behaviour has social implications, particularly for female youth. These include unwanted pregnancy and abortion. The article concluded that the prevalence of premarital sex among Nigerian Christian youth is a challenge to the Church and postulated a sexual theology of the Church in which Deuteronomy 22:13–21 takes a central place. Taking a cue from the text, this theology would assign significant roles to the church community, the youth themselves and parents in a bid to provide sex education for the youth so that they avoid premarital sex.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This research involves the disciplines of the Old Testament and Christian ethics. It relates the narrative on virginity proof in Deuteronomy 22:13–21 to the Nigerian context with its high rate of premarital sex. The article postulates that the text can be employed in a sexual theology of the Church that would help in combating prevalent premarital sex.
Peritoneal Adhesion Findings during Laparoscopy
Authors: Imaralu John Osaigbovoh , Ani Franklin Inyang , Ayegbusi Ekundayo Oluwole , Oguntade Florence Adebisi , Nwankpa Chimaobi Chukwuemeka , Olaleye Bukunmi Deborah
Published: April 2023

Context:

Peritoneal adhesions unlike other immediately recognizable complications of the surgery may produce long-term consequences, which include infertility and intestinal obstruction.

Aims:

The study aimed to determine the prevalence, the determinants, and the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery associated with intraperitoneal adhesion findings.

Settings and Design:

This was a retrospective observational study.

Materials and Methods:

The study included all laparoscopic gynecological surgeries done between January 2017 and December 2021. Adhesion severity was graded, using the peritoneal adhesion index (PAI), by Coccolini et al.

Statistical Analysis:

The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 21.0. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with adhesion finding during laparoscopy.

Results:

There were 158 laparoscopic surgeries with 26.6% prevalence of peritoneal adhesions. The prevalence of adhesions among women with previous surgery was 72.7%. Previous peritoneal surgery was a significant determinant of occurrence of adhesions (odds ratio = 8.291, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.464–15.397, P < 0.001), and such patients had significantly (P = 0.025, 95% CI = 0.408–5.704) more severe adhesions (PAI = 11.16 ± 3.94) than those without prior surgery (PAI = 8.10 ± 3.14). Abdominal myomectomy (PAI = 13.09 ± 2.95) was the most important primary surgical determinant of adhesion formation. There was no significant relationship between adhesion occurrence and conversion to laparotomy (P = 0.121) or mean duration of surgery (P = 0.962). Greater adhesion severity was, however, observed in individuals with operative blood loss <100 ml (PAI = 11.73 ± 3.56, P = 0.003) and those hospitalized for ≤2 days (PAI = 11.12 ± 3.81, P = 0.022).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of postoperative adhesions during laparoscopy in our center is comparable to what has been earlier reported. Abdominal myomectomy is associated with the greatest risk and severity of adhesions. Laparoscopy in patients with more severe adhesions resulted in less blood loss and shorter duration of hospitalization, suggesting an association of better outcomes with a cautious approach to adhesions.
Periodontitis Treatment (Surgical and Nonsurgical) Effects on Glycemic Control
Authors: Elnour Mohammed Adam Ahmed , Mirghani Hyder Osman
Published: April 2023

Background:

Periodontitis is the sixth most prevalent chronic disease. Literature suggests a relationship between diabetes and periodontitis and when coexist may aggravate each other deleterious consequences. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effects of periodontitis treatment on glycemic control.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and the first 100 articles in Google Scholar from January 2011 to October 2021. The terms periodontitis, periodontal treatment, diabetes mellitus, nonsurgical treatment, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were used, with the Protean “AND” and “OR.” The titles, abstracts, and references of the included studies were screened. Any discrepancy was solved by an agreement between researchers. Out of 1059 studies retrieved, 320 stands after the removal of duplication, from them, 31 full texts were screened and only 11 studies were included in the final meta-analysis.

Results:

In the present meta-analysis, 11 studies (1469 patients included) were pooled, and the overall effect showed that periodontitis treatment improved the HbA1c, odd ratio, −0.024, 95% confidence interval, −0.42−.06, P value, 0.009, Chi-square, 52.99. However, substantial heterogeneity was observed, P value, < 0.001, I
2 for heterogeneity 81%.

Conclusion:

Periodontitis treatment improved the HbA1c among patients with diabetes and poor glycemic control. Screening of this common disease is important in diabetes holistic care.
Original Research Gender Differences in Recovering from Cardiac and Vascular Surgery Associated Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Uduagbamen Peter Kehinde , Sanusi Michael , Udom Olumide Baz
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Gender differences exist in the demographic, clinical characteristic and outcome of patients with cardiac and vascular surgery (CVS) associated acute kidney injury (AKI).

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study had a total of 88 participants for which socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory (serum electrolyte, full blood count, urine analysis and urine volume, creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate) data of participants were taken preoperative and postoperative days 1, 7, and 30.

Results:

A total of 88 (66 males and 22 females) participants were studied. Diseases of the heart valves were more common in females than males. The mean age of the participants was 65.9 ± 6.9 years, with males 65.1 ± 7.6 years and females 68.3 ± 8.4 years, P = 0.02. Before surgery, a significantly greater proportion of females had kidney dysfunction compared to males, P = 0.003. Valvular surgery and coronary bypass were the most common surgeries. The proportion of emergency surgeries and admissions <7 days were significantly higher in females than males, P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively. Full recovering from AKI was significantly higher in males as partial recovery and death were significantly lower in them, P = 0.02. Of the 35 (39.8%) who had dialysis, 85.7% recovered fully, 5.7% became dialysis, and dependent while 8.6% died. The predictors of nonrecovery from CVS-AKI were female gender, elderly, preoperative kidney dysfunction and AKI stage 3.

Conclusion:

Males with AKI were younger than the females. Valvular surgeries were most common. Background kidney dysfunction and advance age were risk factors for AKI. Postoperative, AKI was commoner in males who were more likely to recover full kidney function. Optimizing patient preparation could reduce the incidence of CVS-AKI.
Evaluation of Increased Antibody Titer COVID-19 after Astrazeneca Vaccination Based on the Age at UTA'45 Jakarta Vaccine Center
Authors: Lukas Stefanus , Ramatillah Diana Laila , Aldi Yufri , Wahyuni Fatma Sri , Khan Kashifullah
Published: April 2023

Background:

Vaccine is an essential tool to limit the health of the COVID-19 pandemic. AstraZeneca vaccine already provided promising effectiveness data. Still, the study must check the correlation between vaccination and antibody titer.

Aim:

This study aims to evaluate antibody titer after AstraZeneca vaccination based on the age group.

Materials and Methods:

This study used a prospective cross-sectional method with convenience sampling. Inclusion criteria were all Indonesian citizens above 18 years old who were vaccinated at UTA'45 Jakarta Vaccine Center with no history of COVID-19 before the vaccination and had filled up the informed consent.

Results:

This study's total sample was 102 females; 51.90%, residents of Java Island; 91.17% had comorbidities; 50,98%, smokers; 9,80%, alcohol drinker; 9,80%, exercise; 80,39%, blood pressure; 128/73, SpO2: 97,82. Most participants aged around 30 years had a body mass index of 23.33. Age, comorbidity, smoking, alcohol, and exercise habit significantly correlate with the increase of the participants' antibodies (P < 0.001). The age shows that the younger the participant, the higher the titer antibody 2 will be (P = 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.935, −0.694). The exercise shows that the participant with the routine practice will have a higher titer antibody 2 (P = 0.002, 95% CI, 12.016, 51.791). Antibody titer for participants younger than 35 years old increased 5.7 times while for participants between 35 and 45 years old was 3.9 times. Another group (>45–55 years old) has shown an improvement in antibody titer at 1.7 times, but the last group (>55 years old) described an increase in antibody titer at 232.3 times.

Conclusions:

Age, comorbidity, smoking, alcohol, and exercise contributed to the increase in titer antibody 2 value of the AstraZeneca vaccine participants. Participants in the age group <35 years have an excellent immune system.
Echocardiographic nomograms and Z-scores for term Indian neonates
Authors: Singh Vatsal , Satheesh Santhosh , Ganapathy Sachit , Nair Narayana-Pillai Sreekumaran , Mondal Nivedita , Selvaraj Raja , Mishra Neeraj , Anantharaj Avinash
Published: April 2023

Background:

The availability of nomograms is crucial for the correct interpretation of pediatric and neonatal echocardiograms. Echocardiographic Z-score applications/websites use Western nomograms as reference, which may not be an appropriate standard for gauging Indian neonates. Currently available Indian pediatric nomograms either have not included neonates or have not been specifically designed for neonates. This gross underrepresentation of neonates renders available nomograms unreliable for use as standards for comparison.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to collect normative data for the measurement of various cardiac structures using M-Mode and two-dimensional (2D) echo in healthy Indian neonates and to derive Z-scores for each measured parameter.

Methods:

Echocardiograms were performed on healthy term neonates (within first 5 days of life). Birth weight and length were recorded, and body surface area was calculated using Haycock’s formula. Twenty M-mode and 2D-echo parameters were measured (including left ventricular dimensions, atrioventricular valves, and semilunar valves’ annuli sizes, pulmonary artery and branches, aortic root, and arch).

Results:

We studied 142 neonates (73 males) with a mean age of 1.83 ± 1.12 days and mean birth weight of 2.89 ± 0.39 Kg. Regression equations with linear, logarithmic, exponential and square root models were tested to select the best model of fit for the relationship between birth weight and each echocardiographic parameter. Scatter plots and nomogram charts with Z-scores were prepared for each echocardiographic parameter.

Conclusions:

Our study provides nomograms with Z-scores for term Indian neonates weighing between 2 kg and 4 kg at birth, within first 5 days of life, for a set of echocardiographic parameters that are frequently used in clinical practice. This nomogram has poor predictability for babies at extremes of birth weight. There is a need for further indigenous studies to include neonates at extremes of weight, both term, and preterm.
Synergistic effect of honey in combination with silver nanoparticles on isolated pathogens from urinary tract infection
Authors: Guruvu Neeraja R. , Gayathri Kondala V. , Lakshmi Lalitha D. , Simhachalam Kutikuppala L.V. , Vegi Pradeep K.
Published: April 2023

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most prevalent bacterial infections, affecting 150 million people worldwide each year. UTIs can be caused by a variety of pathogens, but Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis are the most frequent culprits. The growth and development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria are currently a major worry for the international health community. Looking for a treatment substitute could be effective in tackling this issue. The honey has a low pH (mean 4.4) value, which makes it unfavorable for bacterial growth; undiluted honey combination with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) shows synergistic antimicrobial effect and helps lessen infection.

Aim

This study was undertaken to find out the effectiveness of honey containing AgNPs in the antibacterial activity of isolated urine pathogens.

Patients and methods

A total of 30 patients with UTI were included through purposive sampling technique, and urine samples were collected from them. A semiquantitative approach was used to cultivate specimens of urine on MacConkey agar and blood agar. After 24 h of incubation, bacterial growth was seen on the plates. Then, colonies were counted and the number of microorganisms per milliliter in the original material was calculated by multiplying the number of CFUs by 1000.

Results

A total of 10 bacterial isolates were found in the 30 urine samples, and biochemical studies showed that these isolates were from three different species. The most common strain of E. coli represented 82%, followed by P. aeruginosa (12%) and P. mirabilis (6%). In all three organisms examined with undiluted honey mixed with AgNPs, the zone of inhibition was more pronounced when compared with only honey, AgNPs, and diluted honey mixed with AgNPs.

Conclusion

The results of the current investigation showed that multifloral honey combined with AgNPs was effective against urinary infections.
The effect of ascorbic acid on histopathological, biochemical, pharmacological, and immunological toxicity of chronic lead acetate exposure on the spleen in a rat model
Authors: Ahmed Radwa M. , Mwaheb Marwa A. , Elmahdi Mohamed H. , Khamiss Abd Elguaad Mohamed M. , Eldosoki Doaa E. , Mohamed Esam A. , Helal Ayman , Gaber Sylvana N.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effect of vitamin C on histopathological, biochemical, and immunotoxicity of chronic lead exposure in the spleen of a rat model.

Methods

The rats were divided into five groups of 10 rats each: group I received normal saline orally as a control group; groups II and III received lead acetate for 4 and 8 weeks, respectively; and groups IV and V received lead acetate and vitamin C for 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. The spleen was excised and processed for light, electron microscopic, histopathological, and biochemical analyses. Quantitative assessments of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene expressions were performed by real-time PCR.

Results

The examination of control and vitamin C with lead acetate supplemented groups revealed normal splenic architecture. In contrast, the spleen of lead-intoxicated groups exhibited degenerative changes in the spleen, with a significantly decreased expression of IL-2, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and hemoglobin (P<0.05), with significantly increased proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) expressions, concomitantly with increased oxidative products (malondialdehyde) and protease enzymes (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in the spleen tissues. The coadministration of vitamin C with lead for 4 weeks markedly resolved these changes.

Conclusion

This study may specify the efficiency of vitamin C in lead toxicity prevention in the spleen, represented by the reduced splenic harmful changes produced by lead administration.
Pacemaker Implantation in the Pediatric Population: Bosnian and Herzegovinian Experience
Authors: Begic Zijo , Begic Nedim , Granov Nermir , Vila Haris , Berberovic-Hukeljic Behija , Begic Edin , Rebic Damir
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

The development of pediatric arrhythmology, as a segment of pediatric cardiology, is conditioned by surgical correction of congenital heart diseases (CHD). The beginning of pediatric cardiosurgery is also the time of pacemaker implantation. The aim of this article is to present indications and results of pacemaker implantation in children in our conditions from April 1997 to April 2020 in the Clinical Center University of Sarajevo (CCUS).

Patients and Methods:

The article is descriptive and includes the period from April 1997 to April 2020. The data were extracted from the official medical documentation of patients hospitalized at the Paediatric Clinic, CCUS (protocol of operated CHD in children, register of continuous electrocardiogram [ECG] Holter monitoring, register of implanted pacemakers in children).

Results:

During this period, 46 pacemakers were implanted, 29 (63%) in male patients, of which 13 (28%) were due to congenital atrioventricular (AV) block, and 33 (71.7%) were mostly in children with a postoperative block. Postoperative block occurred in 28 children (84.8%). Given that 771 children with CHD were operated on in the same period, a complication of postoperative complete heart block arose in 3.6% of children, which had to be tackled immediately after surgery in seven patients (21.2%), and later in 26 patients (78.8%). In regard to the age of pacemaker implantation, the interval was between 7 days and 18 years. The local team implanted 37 (80.4%) pacemakers. Reimplantation was done in four patients (8.7%). In April 2020, we followed 42 patients, four of whom died (three after surgery and one child due to congenital heart block). With the help of continuous ECG Holter monitoring (5,839 registrations and analysis), we recognized second- or third-degree or high-degree AV block, which was the indication for pacemaker implantation in 8.2% of all performed ECG Holter monitorings, with a respective indication for control of implanted pacemaker in 3.2% of ECG Holters.

Conclusion:

Children with implanted pacemakers require close monitoring, frequent medical examinations, recognition of the right time for generator exchange, as well as reimplantation of the pacemaker. This can be achieved principally with the help of continuous ECG Holter monitoring, with an adequately developed pediatric cardiology/cardiosurgery.
Retroalimentación escrita con Comentarios de Ajuste al Género (CEAG) según modo en tres áreas disciplinares universitarias
Authors: Tapia Ladino Mónica Irma , Correa Pérez Roxanna Carolina , Arancibia Gutiérrez Beatriz Magaly
Published: April 2023

En las diferentes áreas disciplinares de la formación universitaria, la elaboración de escritos juega un rol central en la formación de los futuros profesionales. En tales procesos los profesores ofrecen retroalimentación a los escritos, a pesar de que cuentan con poca noción acerca de cómo hacerlo. El objetivo de esta investigación es caracterizar los comentarios escritos de ajuste al género (CEAG) ofrecidos por nueve profesores de tres áreas disciplinares a escritos producidos por sus estudiantes en contextos de aprendizaje. Los profesores participaron de una capacitación que los orientó sobre cómo ofrecer comentarios. Se recabaron 1976 comentarios escritos ofrecidos a borradores de tareas de escritura, los que fueron analizados según el modo como se ofrecen y las áreas disciplinares. Los resultados indican que los profesores se focalizan en los aspectos discursivos genéricos del escrito y que el modo (orden, pregunta, sugerencia) de los comentarios varía según las áreas disciplinares.
Reconceptualizing Response to Writing from a Longitudinal Perspective: Writing Development and Dialogic Interaction
Authors: Rogers Paul M.
Published: April 2023

Given the amount of time writing instructors spend in providing feedback on writing, researchers have sought to understand many dimensions of feedback, especially the practices that best support student writing development. A number of researchers have sought to understand student perspectives on response to writing, and this study builds on that work by examining student perceptions of responses to writing from a longitudinal perspective. This interview-based study draws on data from college students who were interviewed once each year for five years (four years of undergraduate education and a fifth year in graduate school or the workplace). Conducted at a major private university in the United States, this article draws its data from a five-year longitudinal study of 189 college students (a random sample of 12% of the incoming freshman class) that collected student’s writing in and out of class, and included semi-structured interviews with a subgroup of 39 students once each year during the five-year period. The interviews focused on the students’ writing lives and investigated many aspects of their writing experience both in and out of school. This article presents an analysis of their perceptions of factors that contributed to their development as writers, especially feedback, as the initial coding of the interview data showed that feedback was by far the most influential contributor to student’s writing development. Further analysis of the interviews focused on understanding the who, what, when, where, why, and how of feedback, that is, the analysis sought at a fine-grained level to understand the ways and degree to which feedback contributed to student’s growth as writers. Elements of theories of dialogism and dialectic were particularly useful in highlighting the features of effective responses to writing; specifically, the idea that the most impactful forms of feedback took place when there were frequent and ongoing dialogues between a writer and a responder with a particular set of characteristics. These types of conversations were particularly impactful when conducted with peers outside of classroom settings. Results suggest that future researchers on feedback should look beyond individual instances of feedback to ongoing chains of communication, and to seek to understand the ways in which writers integrate feedback into their writing practices. Results also showed that feedback from peers outside of classroom settings were highly influential on students’ sense of their own writing development. Implications for research and teaching are discussed. Specifically, it is suggested that teachers and those responsible for writing pedagogy are encouraged to consider ways in which they can facilitate multiple, ongoing streams of high-quality feedback for their students, and to prioritize these conversations in their instructional practice and writing pedagogies.