bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design for Embedding the Value of Privacy in Personal Information Management Systems
Authors: Asgarinia Haleh
Published: February 2024

Personal Information Management Systems (PIMS) aim to facilitate the sharing of personal information and protect privacy. Efforts to enhance privacy management, aligned with established privacy policies, have led to guidelines for integrating transparent notices and meaningful choices within these systems. Although discussions have revolved around the design of privacy-friendly systems that comply with legal requirements, there has been relatively limited philosophical discourse on incorporating the value of privacy into these systems. Exploring the connection between privacy and personal autonomy illuminates the instrumental value of privacy in enabling individuals to live their lives autonomously, highlighting the importance of intentionally embedding the value of privacy into these systems. To translate the value of privacy into concrete design requirements, this study constructs a values hierarchy consisting of values, norms, and design requirements. After analyzing the relationships between privacy and autonomy and identifying norms, the design requirements translated from the norms associated with the components of personal autonomy are specified at the lowest layer. These requirements include a design to prevent unauthorized access and dark patterns and to provide effective and efficient notices and choices. The findings contribute to expanding the requirements for designing the aspect of privacy as a legal requirement to incorporate the value of privacy into systems.
Biotechnology’s Potential Impact on the Cycles of Civilization through Enhancement of the Human Mind
Authors: Taylor Kenneth
Published: February 2024

Humanity has had such a profound impact on Earth that questions arise as to both their viability and future. Modern civilization is based on dynamics that, while at first relatively innocuous, have become destructive to itself and to our living planet. What can be done to preserve life on Earth and the evolutionary promise embodied in humanity? Human nature is at the root of these dynamics and what needs to be transformed to preserve and advance our potential and life on Earth. Tactics such as reducing population and mitigating industrial harm are necessary yet not sufficient in themselves to create a sustainable future. Biotechnology is a potential key to both ending the destructive cycles of civilization, human-caused pressures now stressing planetary systems, and preserving life on Earth. Bioengineering is over 12,000 years old, accelerating today, and in need of long-range, ethical guidance via an approach with potential to address our myriad challenges and transcend our failings.
A Study on Time Series Momentum and Technical Analysis
Authors:   Dongguk Business Research Institute, Lee Minkyu
Published: February 2024

This study comprehensively analyzes time series momentum and moving average strategies for the Korean stock market. The results of the empirical analysis are as follows. The correlation coefficients between the returns of time series momentum and moving average strategies are on average above 0.8, indicating that the two strategies are closely related. When calculating risk-adjusted returns and abnormal returns, Sharpe ratios and Jensen alphas were generally higher for the moving average strategy compared to the time series momentum strategy. Decomposing the difference in returns between time-series momentum and moving average strategies, we found that moving average strategies tend to run earlier and time-series momentum later, with earlier strategies generating positive returns and later strategies generating negative returns. When analyzing stock price crash risk, we found that unlike cross-sectional momentum, neither time series momentum nor moving average strategies were sensitive to stock price crash risk.
Valuation of a Battery Recycling Startup: The Case of Redwood Materials Inc.
Authors:   Dongguk Business Research Institute, f f
Published: February 2024

Whilst the recent downward movement in venture capital market, venture investment in disruptive innovation technology has steadily increased. Amongst the rechargeable battery industry, in which Korean companies have secured global comparative advantages, is expected to show abnormal growth for the next several years. To pursue sustainable growth under the government’s strategic support and environmental regulations, it is necessary to establish a battery circular economy. Collecting and recycling used batteries is a key element of the battery circular economy that could stabilize supply chain and resolve the environmental issues. This case study analyzes Redwood Materials Inc., an U.S. firm specialized in battery recycling, and discuss how to estimate the firm value. Through the case analysis, we can understand the recent trends in the rechargeable battery and recycle industries in the U.S. and discuss the strategic directions of Korean battery firms. In addition, the analysis on the growth of an U.S. startup will help readers to discuss the role of venture capital in nurturing Korean startups to become global companies.
La sinusitis que me salvó
Authors: VICARIO PARADA ANA BELÉN , ESPINOSA DÍAZ JOSÉ FERNANDO , BENÍTEZ ARANDA Mª DEL PILAR
Published: February 2024

Puntos clave
Los tumores del timo son neoplasias malignas poco frecuentes que aparecen en el mediastino anterior.
La incidencia máxima se alcanza en la quinta década de la vida.
Hasta un 40 % de los casos son asintomáticos y se diagnostican de forma incidental.
Tos, estridor, hemoptisis, dolor torácico, disfagia, disfonía, polipnea y síndrome de la vena cava superior son los síntomas asociados al timoma.
Síndromes paraneoplásicos frecuentemente asociados al timoma: miastenia grave, aplasia eritrocítica o hipogammaglobulinemia.
Requiere un abordaje interdisciplinar para su seguimiento y tratamiento.
El rechazo a un procedimiento en un paciente intoxicado y privado de libertad
Authors: SALDAÑA RUIZ CRISTINA , BLANCO HERRERA RUBÉN , GÓMEZ IGLESIAS EVA
Published: February 2024

Llega a Urgencias un paciente agitado procedente de un centro penitenciario tras haber consumido benzodiazepinas y cannabis. Asegura haberse tragado unas cuchillas y un mechero, pero no quiere que le extraigan los objetos por gastroscopia.
Daejeong-Gwonbeon and Gwonbeon's Sijo in the Imperial Japan's Forced Occupation Period
Authors:   The Academy of Real Korean History, Kang Jihye
Published: February 2024

The purpose this study is to examine the establishment process of Daejeong- Gwonbeon in the Imperial Japan's forced occupation period and Gwonbeon's Sijo based on Daejeong-Gwonbeon, and analyze its content and meaning. First, by exploring the change process of the Gisaeng (female entertainers) system, this study attempted to examine the characteristics of the Gisaeng system and changes in perception of Gisaeng in the Imperial Japan's forced occupation period. Next, this study tried to understand the process of Daejeong- Gwonbeon's establishment and its meaning through Sijo works based on Daejeong-Gwonbeon.
In the Imperial Japan's forced occupation period, Gisaeng's role and perception changed after the abolition of the government-gisaeng system. Gisaeng, who was recognized as an artist with expertise, participating in Joseon dynasty national events and various banquets, was perceived as a professional woman who made her living from the craft since the Imperial Japan's forced occupation period. In this way, the change in the Gisaeng system and perception of Gisaeng was due to social changes at the time and had a great impact on Gisaeng themselves.
In this situation of the times, Daejeong-Gwonbeon's Gisaeng tried to prove their own value as artists. Daejeong-Gwonbeon's Gisaengs tried to emphasize their aspect as artists through dance and song within the changed system. Especially as well as traditional dancing and singing, they tried to differentiate themselves from other Gwonbeons by showing their own unique performances by utilizing their various fortes.
These characteristics of Daejeong-Gwonbeon are also clearly visible in the Sijo works included in the 『Joseon Beauty Bogam』. Sijo, created in the form of a question-and-answer dialogue, expresses the characteristics and prosperity of Daejeong-Gwonbeon through chrysanthemums and nature. The metaphors and symbols that appear in the works, as well as the question-and-answer form in parallel form, are a typical feature of Sijo, which was often used in the Joseon dynasty, which confirms that the Sijo works created based on Daejeong- Gwonbeon follow the traditional Sijo style.
A Study on Shape and Meaning of Figure in Female Mythology - Focused on Al-Young
Authors:   The Academy of Real Korean History, o o
Published: February 2024

Al-yeong (閼英,BC53~4) was a the queen(妃) between the founder of Silla, the 閼英 Dynasty. A dragon (or a 鶴 dragon) appeared in Alyeongjeong (閼英井) and gave birth to a girl (女兒) on her side. At this time, the girl's lips were like a chicken's beak, but when I took her to Wolseong Bukcheon Stream for a bath, the beak fell out. The girl was named Alyoung after the well she was born in. It is also said that the Al-yeong myth expresses the Kim clan tribe, an indigenous force with chicken totems, in connection with the Al-ji (閼智). Al-young became a queen who supplemented the revolutionary era with her excellent appearance and personality, and the people of the country called the two king(二聖). The mythology Al-Young has a multi-layered symbol. There is a story of its own, and there is a divine symbolic system in it. The most basic narrative is that Al-young was born from a dragon and grew up to become a sijo monument due to her excellent virtue and appearance, and her actions were broken and she was good at supplementing inside. Al-young was with Hyukgeo when he traveled through Silla and taught the people how to farm and how to silkworm.
Based on Al-young's subjectivity and independence, it became the basis for governing the country and maintaining a peaceful life. In ancient society, it was difficult for women to express freely in institutions. This acted as a factor that frustrated women physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Nevertheless, Alyoung, a woman from ancient Silla, is a woman, but she shows the role and ability of a leader equal to that of a man, and shows a new aspect of challenge. Alyoung contributed to the construction of a new country through the realization of equality, the active will to live, and the search for a life of coexistence.
Humans from the the world of God (神界) with special abilities were needed in the world, and a wise human being with sufficient experience in life was essential for a king from the Shingye to grow into a human being, and Alyoung has these conditions. This is not much different from today's women who dominate in their roles and dream of success. Al-young, a female character, realizes equality in Silla society, expresses convergence along with an active will for life, and clearly embodies the appearance of a woman with her will and a cross-section of the cultural phenomenon centered on women.
Exploring the Possibility of Deciphering Tolkāppiyam through Korean Grammar
Authors:   The Academy of Real Korean History, Cho Seonghun , Park Hyeongchun
Published: February 2024

Tolkāpiyam, the oldest known book written in Old Tamil, is believed to have been authored around 100 B.C. Although Tolkāpiyam deals with the grammar of Tamil, a language still spoken by Tamils today, this ancient text, along with other Old Tamil books, has remained largely undeciphered. The reason for this lies in the fact that the grammar of Old Tamil has not been fully comprehended. Previous attempts to decipher Tolkāpiyam have mostly involved making educated guesses about the meaning of a paragraph based on the meanings of individual words.
In this paper, I reveal the grammatical system of Old Tamil, drawing from the grammar theory presented in Part 2 of Tolkāpiyam. Old Tamil, much like pre-medieval Korean, employs predicates as nouns. It features elements such as chosa (조사), verb endings, honorifics, and causative verb suffixes. Remarkably, Tolkāpiyam is structured following the Korean word order. The grammar of Old Tamil closely resembles that of modern Korean. As a demonstration that Koreans can decipher Tolkāpiyam without prior knowledge of ancient Tamil, relying on word meanings alone, I also provide a correct interpretation for several paragraphs in Part I (Phonology). These interpretations challenge previous misconceptions and affirm the validity of my paper's argument, highlighting the limitations of prior research.
A Preliminary Research on the Counter-measures against History Distortion: A Special Focus on the Japanese distortions on the Korean History
Authors:   The Academy of Real Korean History, Na Kahnchae
Published: February 2024

This paper aims to develop a strategy of countermeasures against pro-Japanese history distortions on the Korean history. Korean history has long been distorted by Japanese historians and their Korean students under the influence of the Japanese imperial power in 20th century. And the intensity of this distortions, become deeper and wider in recent years, has threaten the stability of the national identity and people’s mental health.
This article is composed of 3 chapters and introductory remarks. In the first chapter, the past salient instances of distortions made by pro-Japanese groups were over-viewed focusing on the era of the second half of the 20th century. Those instances included are War-indemnity, History-textbooks for the middle and high school students, Dok-do Island, Sex slaves in Japan imperialism, Etc.
Second chapter introduces the countermeasures against those pro-Japanese distortions, practiced by Korean people and government. It includes government’s official letter of protest, people’s social movement organization formation and it’s protest gathering and marches. Reviewing this responses, this paper is inspected on the perspective of social movement theory.
Third part shows the strategy of the newly constructed counter-measures against history distortions. This new counter-measure is constructed as a conceptual system, composed of 4 elements including subjects, aims, resources, and object of social movement. These elements construct a social movement action system on the base of the concerted inter-relationship of those 4 elements, named the counter-measure system against history distortions. This new countermeasure system can improve the ratio of success and achievement in the counter-measure social movements against history distortions.
A Study on the Zhaomu System and Cases of Nizang
Authors:   The Academy of Real Korean History, Park Jeonghae
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study is to analyze the history and cases of Nizang(逆葬, locating the graves of descendants behind those of ancestors) during the Joseon Dynasty through the application of the Zhaomu system and exceptional situations in the imperial graves of the Ming and Qing dynasties. When building graves, ritual features and Feng Shui play an important role. Ritual features include the Zhaomu system and the hierarchy based on Confucian thought. On the other hand, in terms of Feng Shui, they wanted to find an auspicious place and prayed for the success of descendants through propitious places. These characteristics meet the circumstances of the times and create various characteristic phenomena. It was reflected not only in the construction of the imperial tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties but also in the graves of the royal family and nobles of Joseon. Before the mid-Joseon Dynasty, the issue of Nizang or Daozang was not a problem, so it seemed to be accepted naturally. They used any place excellent for Feng Shui, even behind their ancestors’ graves. However, in the middle and late Joseon Dynasty, antipathy toward Nizang, Daozang, and Yazang grew, and a culture that took issue with it began to appear. Therefore, with the establishment of the Neo-Confucian hierarchy and the complex effect of various situational factors, Yeokjang became a taboo in Feng Shui.
Application of the NPK Method in the Crystallization Kinetics of High-Density Polyethylene
Authors: Monzón Frida , Rovira María Dolores , Sempere Julià , Nomen Rosa
Published: February 2024

The Non-Parametric Kinetics (NPK) method, developed in 1998, by Serra, R., Sempere, J. and Nomen, R. has been used by them and other research groups to analyze the thermal behavior of a physical or chemical transformation and thermal stability. However, it was until 2021 that the method was applied for the first time in a cooling process for the determination of the crystallization kinetics of polypropylene, obtaining satisfactory results.

The advantage of the NPK method is that it does not assume any model for the temperature function, nor for the conversion function to describe the crystallization kinetics. Through a mathematical process, the method provides two vectors: the vector u, which contains the information about the kinetic model, and the vector v, which contains the information about the temperature function.

The aim of this work is to verify that the NPK method is applicable to the crystallization of high-density polyethylene by comparing the results with the most commonly used models to describe the crystallization kinetics of polymers. The fits obtained were very good and the vector u and v allow us to reproduce the original curves from DSC.
Corrosion Risk for Process Safety in the Chemical Industry
Authors: Groysman Alec
Published: February 2024

The aim of this work is to analyze how corrosion risk management influences process safety. Both issues occupy an important niche in the chemical industry. Corrosion risk management includes identifying, analyzing, assessing, and managing corrosion hazards. Process safety is a discipline that focuses on preventing fires, explosions, and accidental releases at chemical process facilities. Corrosion can cause all these detrimental events. 

There is much literature about both topics, corrosion risk, and process safety, separately, but there are nearly no research works concerning intersection and influence.

The level of corrosion failure and its consequences, defining corrosion risk, may be different: the leak of crude oil, natural gas, water, liquid and gaseous hazardous chemicals, fire, explosion, damages, deterioration of the environment, injuries, and death of people and animals. Due to the biological and psychological properties of human nature, we are unlikely to exclude human mistakes.

We should pay significant attention to education, dissemination of information, knowledge transfer, collaboration, and communication. Correct corrosion risk management gives rise to the improvement of process safety at stages of design, fabrication, implementation, erection, service, and maintenance of equipment and constructions in the chemical industry.

For this realization, specific corrosion mitigation strategies and technologies are described. They are successfully implemented in the chemical industry. It shows how corrosion management and process safety management can be better integrated into practice.

The future consideration of the prognosis of corrosion risk with process safety is connected with corrosion modeling. Limitations and challenges of such a forecast are discussed too.

Special educational and training programs are developed to help engineers, scientists, professionals, students, and managers learn about corrosion science and engineering
Coordination of Care to Meet the Quadruple Aim
Authors: Lakshman Nivan , Gallion Claire , Wang Zhidong , Motla Vishaal , Vikram Pravin , Coffin Janis
Published: February 2024

Coordination of medical services is not a novel framework for reducing healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes and experiences. Nevertheless, this goal has been found to be difficult to enact in practice. The implementation of effective care coordination faces a myriad of challenges: monitoring, sharing, and responding promptly to changes in a patient’s health status; ensuring clear and transparent communication with patients and caregivers; and addressing social determinants of health. As the adult population of the United States continues to get older, the number of patients with multiple chronic conditions is expected to increase drastically, providing a greater imperative for effective care coordination within the medical infrastructure.
Discovering Your Leadership Superpowers and Origin Story
Authors: Hills Laura
Published: February 2024

Like all superheroes, healthcare administrators, leaders, and managers have superpowers and origin stories, even though many do not recognize them. This article explains why discovering and using origin stories is useful for both leaders and their followers. It teaches healthcare leaders how to identify their superpowers and how to draft and tell compelling origin stories. This article describes the characteristics of the best origin stories and provides 10 questions to help leaders identify the pivotal experiences in their lives that shaped them into the leaders they are. It suggests four possible themes for origin stories and warns that leaders inadvertently choose their themes through a gendered lens, even though this can limit them in their leadership. This article also offers 11 strategies for crafting a compelling leadership origin story and suggests when and how leaders can tell their stories most effectively. Finally, this article provides a list of more than 75 possible leadership superpowers and explains how readers can identify their top three to five, to drive their leadership origin stories.
Is the Affordable Care Act Dead, Alive, or Somewhere in Between?
Authors: Reiboldt Max
Published: February 2024

As we address various healthcare industry-related issues in 2024, and it being an election year, a whole array of political ramifications exist. So is the ACA on life support, or are we headed toward a reimbursement system that emphasizes quality instead of volume?
Gestão estratégica e governança organizacional: O caso da secretaria das finanças de fortaleza
Authors: De Siqueira Liane Carneiro , Lima Marcos Antonio Martins
Published: February 2024

Este estudo tem por objetivo investigar as inter-relações da gestão estratégica com a governança organizacional no âmbito da Secretaria Municipal das Finanças (Sefin), integrante da Administração Direta da Prefeitura de Fortaleza-CE. O campo de estudo centrou-se nas abordagens e recomendações dispostas no Referencial Básico de Governança para organizações públicas e outros entes jurisdicionados ao Tribunal de Contas da União, de 2020. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como descritiva e de campo, com as informações obtidas por meio de questionário com uso da escala tipo Likert, aplicado pelo método survey. Os achados da pesquisa evidenciam a correlação da governança organizacional com o desempenho da gestão e suas estratégias, compatíveis com as práticas evidenciadas na literatura. Os resultados demonstram que as práticas de governança organizacional requerem aprimoramento, bem como o atual modelo de gestão e governança da instituição, visando a boa inter-relação dos dois construtos estudados.
Eco-Genomic Alchemy: The Crucial Intersections of Brachypodium, Agriculture, and Climate Dynamics
Authors: Neji Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Brachypodium species, particularly B. distachyon, B. hybridum, and B. stacei, have rapidly become valuable models in plant research, providing important insights into the genetics, physiology, and ecology of grasses. This review examines the multifaceted importance of these species, highlighting their central role in understanding cereal crop relatives and delving into their adaptability to a range of abiotic stresses, particularly in the context of climate change mitigation. Given the increasing threat of unpredictable weather patterns and global food security, the genetic reservoir and adaptability of Brachypodium species offer promising opportunities for sustainable agricultural innovation. Moreover, it is emphasized that maintaining their genetic diversity is critical, not only for continuity of research, but also for the potential ecological and economic benefits they offer. As we move through the complexities of the Anthropocene, Brachypodium is a testament to the complex interplay of genetics, environment, and human endeavor, and calls for a collaborative approach to harness its full potential for future agricultural resilience and sustainability.
TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS DESIGNED FORCONTACT WIRE / CURRENT COLLECTOR SLIDER CONTACTS
Authors: Posmyk Andrzej , Myalski Jerzy
Published: February 2024

The article describes basics of production as well as a structure and tribological properties of a compositewith a B101 bronze matrix and glassy carbon acting as a solid lubricant. The composite is intended foruse as a sliding cover of a current collector in a rail transport. It is intended to replace the previously usedcarbon-copper composites, which have insufficient mechanical properties for high-speed rail. The results ofcomparative tribological tests of the matrix and composite material in contact with a traction copper (Cu-ETP)confirmed lower wear of the composite than that of the matrix under friction in air, without current load. Theaddition of 10% of a large-cell glassy carbon foam (90% porosity) reduced the wear of the contact (by 28%and 10%) but did not significantly reduce (by 8.4–5.8%) the friction forces. In the tested contacts abrasive andadhesive wear, caused by the presence of copper, dominated. Self-mated materials tend to develop adhesivebonds. Therefore, the next stage of the research optimising a composite production process, e.g. by using aglassy carbon foam with smaller elementary structure or glassy carbon microparticles will be used.
TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF A SILICONE-BASED COMPOSITEWITH INORGANIC ADDITIVES
Authors: Wierzbicka Natalia , Talar Rafał
Published: February 2024

The paper presents the results of experimental studies, including tribological tests of silicone-based compositeswith additions of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and titanium (Ti). The tests were conducted on a BrukerUMT2 tribotester and using a pin-on-disk setup developed by the authors, without a lubricating medium,and they employed a steel ball made of 100Cr6 steel and a sample made of the composite. During the tests,the products were not removed from the contact area. The paper analyzes the influence of additives on thetribological properties of the composite, i.e., the coefficient of friction (COF) as a function of distance and thewear of the tested samples. In the case of samples containing hBN, the COF decreases with an increase in itscontent. After reaching a volumetric percentage concentration of 20%, it begins to stabilize with the increasein mass loss. The profiles of COF changes as a function of distance for samples with different additivecontents are comparable. The self-lubricating properties of hBN have been confirmed. The addition of Tireduces the COF value, which decreases with the increase in the Ti content. Samples with a mass percentageconcentration exceeding 100% of the Ti content have a COF value equal to the initial value for silicone. Thecomposite containing hBN has a lower COF value than samples with the Ti addition, and the wear tracks ontheir surface are narrower and shallower.
La didáctica de la matemática en interacción con la Tecnología de la Información y Comunicación
Authors: López-Maldonado Carmen Elena , López-Cabrera Melida Lucía , Morocho-Calle Teófilo Mesías , Warusha-Sanchim Ronny Orlando
Published: February 2024

Este artículo explora el impacto de las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (TIC) en la enseñanza de matemáticas durante el confinamiento por COVID-19. Mediante un estudio cuantitativo con 61 niños y un análisis de la implementación de herramientas tecnológicas en la educación, se evalúa cómo las plataformas virtuales y las metodologías interactivas, como el juego, pueden potenciar el aprendizaje matemático. La investigación abarca desde la efectividad de las TIC en mejorar el rendimiento académico hasta las percepciones de los docentes sobre su integración en el aula. Los hallazgos revelan un incremento notable en el rendimiento de los estudiantes que utilizan TIC, destacando su valor para enriquecer la educación matemática. Este estudio destaca la importancia de incorporar las TIC en la enseñanza, no solo para adaptarse a contextos de aprendizaje remoto sino también para fomentar habilidades esenciales como el pensamiento crítico y la resolución de problemas en un entorno digital.
Experimental studies on fillet weldment joints by artisans in Ghana’s Western Region
Authors: Acquah Emmanuel , Sekyi-Ansah Joseph
Published: February 2024

Constant progress, demand in the manufacturing of mechanisms parts, and the ability to join parts together is another critical aspect of manufacturing for assemblers. Joining methods plays a significant role and welding must be constantly improved, experimented with, and upgraded due to its increasing use in all aspects of manufacturing. The quality of a weld joint is highly dependent on the process parameter. Welds are examined to ensure that they meet specifications through various experimental processes ranging from computational networks, evolutionary algorithms, non-destructive testing (NDT) and destructive testing (DE) to ascertain the quality of joints. The main objective of the study was to ascertain the quality of welded joints through non-destructive evaluation (NDE). To achieve this goal, an experimental method of four (4) NDE methods were employed to evaluate the quality of weldment joints on a mild steel material joined using manual metal arc welding (MMAW) process in selected fabrication shops in Takoradi-Kokompe, Ghana. Steel specimens were prepared and taken to the artisans to be created into corner joints using the fillet method. The specimens were tested using non-destructive testing techniques. The results on the welded joints were evaluated using the AWS D1.1 code of acceptance for structural steels. The results revealed that all welded joints from fabricators failed to meet the AWS D1.1:2000 acceptance criteria and, thus, had to be rejected. The results implies that through the artisans have worked for many years in the welding trade, their lack of competence and skills in the selection of right input welding parameters contributed to the results. The results implies that, the finished artefacts may look fine but internal structures may contribute to future failure of the fabricated artefacts.
The collapsible nature of reworked residual granites in the Stellenbosch Municipality, South Africa
Authors: Asante Samuel Yaw , Fouché Nanine , Lawer Augustine
Published: February 2024

In South Africa, residual granite is associated with the collapse phenomenon, a geotechnical hazard that was first identified in the 1950s. Residual granite is a product of chemical weathering (in-situ decomposition) or physical weathering of the parent rock (granite) whilst reworked residual granites is defined as residual granite reworked in-situ by termites. Residual granite usually consists of bulky-sized quartz particles, with silts, and bridged by colloidal matter. Extreme leaching of the colloidal matter creates a structure like a honeycomb. It, however, leaves voids within the structure, which affects the mechanical behaviour of the soil. The soil collapses upon wetting under additional loading.  Construction on soils with a collapsible fabric has led to many documented problems. This paper, therefore, reports on the examination of mineral composition and particle shape examination and its effect on behavioural changes of potentially collapsible soil. The soil used for this study includes reworked residual granite obtained from the Stellenbosch area in the Western Cape of South Africa. A multi-element analysis and morphological studies were performed on mounts using the ZEISS EVO MA15 scanning electron microscope at the Centre for Analytical Facility at Stellenbosch University. Shape analysis confirmed that the severity of collapse increased with increasing angularity. In addition, the type and amount of clay present at particle contacts influenced the swell and collapse behaviour of reworked residual granite.
The relationship between DRD2 TaqIA polymorphism and tobacco addiction
Authors: Ulusoy Esma , Çevik Mehtap , Süsleyici Belgin
Published: February 2024

Objectives: In this study, the relationship between tobacco addiction levels, early smoking, and DRD2 TaqIA polymorphism was investigated.

Materials and methods: The present study included 36 smokers and 12 non-smoking voluntary controls. Study groups were established as the non-smoking control group and addicted (less than 1 pack, between 1-2 packs, more than 2 packs per day) groups. Genotypes of the dopamine type-2 receptor (DRD2) gene TaqIA polymorphic region from genomic DNA isolated from oral swab samples were determined by PCR followed by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis.

Results: Presence of the DRD2 TaqIA homozygous polymorphic genotype in addicted individuals who smoked two or more packs per day and the absence of non-smoker control individuals may indicate that the polymorphic TaqIA allele of the DRD2 gene is associated with smoking. It was found that individuals carrying the polymorphic TaqIA allele in homozygous (~13 years) and heterozygous forms (~16.3 years) had a lower age of starting smoking compared to homozygous wild types (~18.6 years). Mean BMI (body mass index) of the study participants was 24.66 kg/m2 (normal weight), waist/hip ratio 0.82 (no abdominal obesity).

Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that the TaqIA variant allele is related to early smoking condition. In addition, it was determined that there was a higher tendency of smoking addiction among children of addicted parents.
Ghost in opera: Are Legionella bacteria really rare pathogens for hospital plumbing?
Authors: Şener Alper , Alkan Çeviker Sevil , Önder Taylan , Karaduman Nihal
Published: February 2024

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of Legionella species (spp.) in our hospital and to identify patients who were possibly affected by the current plumping system.

Materials and methods: Legionella spp. swap antigen test showed positivity from plumbing in two patients’ room between June 2016 and December 2016. All patients were retrospectively checked whether they were infected or not. The symptoms of Legionnaires' disease (LD) were asked and urine antigen test was performed. Possible transmission pathways were investigated and discussed. The main source of bacteria and possible routes of transmission were identified.

Results: A total of 40 patients were suspected of being infected with LD. A total of 34 (34/40, 85%) patients were reached. During the evaluation, five (5/34, 14%) patients (3 males, 2 females; mean age: 68±2.6 years; range, 58 to 64 years) showed a clinical picture resembling LD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic renal failure were the most common comorbid diseases. Urinary antigen positivity was demonstrated in only two (2/5, 40%) patients. Antibiotic treatment was started after clinical presentation of fever in all patients. Two patients with a positive antigen test had a history of severe respiratory failure requiring hospitalization. Mortality was seen in none of the patients. Legionella spp. was detected in the hospital water storage tank.

Conclusion: On-site analysis is important for every facility, as bacterial contamination of hospital plumbing by Legionella spp. is a rare condition.
Propofol-related infusion syndrome in a patient with COVID-19 infection
Authors: Akagün Tülin , Cumhur Dülger Ahmet , Turan Raziye
Published: February 2024

Propofol-infusion syndrome (PRIS) is a life-threating complication of propofol, characterized by cardiac dysrhythmia, congestive heart failure, hyperpotassemia, hyperlipemia, metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, and myoglobinuria-related renal failure. Risk factors include hypoxia, sepsis, serious cerebral injury, and the administration of high doses of propofol (usually doses >80 μg/kg/min or >5 mg/kg/h for >48 h), but it has been also reported after low-dose, short-term infusions during surgical procedures. Propofol infusion syndrome can occur during anesthesia, even in the absence of higher propofol doses. Despite limited data on PRIS, it has been well described that PRIS is characterized by high anion gap metabolic acidosis. In this article, we present a 42-year-old female patient with novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia who underwent mechanical ventilation with propofol infusion and subsequently developed PRIS.
Oral cavity and a second primary cancer in the larynx
Authors: Rumeysa Rüzgar Ummahan , Mazhar Çelikoyar Mehmet
Published: February 2024

Head and neck cancer represents the sixth most common cancer in the world. Men are affected two to three times more than women, possibly as a result of higher tobacco and alcohol consumption. Oral cavity tumors have the highest rate of developing second primary malignancies. In patients with malignancies associated with alcohol and tobacco consumption, 80% of second primary tumors appear in the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx. Second primary tumors are usually invasive in nature with early metastasis and should be treated with aggressive therapy. Herein, we report a rare case of a second primary cancer in the larynx after a gingival squamous cell carcinoma.
Atypical femoral fracture after discontinuing long-term bisphosphonate use
Authors: Comlek Savas , Mutlu Ayhan , Özgönenel Ebru , Kahraman Sinan , Özgönenel Levent
Published: February 2024

Agents that slow bone resorption (antiresorptive) and increase bone formation (anabolic) are used as medical treatment modalities in osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates (BP) are antiresorptive drugs that suppress osteoclastic activity and slow bone resorption and are recommended to be used as first-line therapy in osteoporosis treatment guidelines. For two decades, these drugs have been prescribed in our country and worldwide to treat osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures. However, according to the literature, atypical femoral fractures (AFF) are encountered in patients who have been using these drugs for more than five years. In this case report, we present the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery process of a patient who developed AFF after discontinuing long-term use of BP.
The efficacy of empirical antibiotic treatment and resistance on mortality in an internal medicine intensive care unit
Authors: Sadeçolak Mustafa , Oral Alihan , Kocanoğlu Abdülkadir , Uzunlulu Mehemet
Published: February 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the efficacy and resistance of empirical antibiotics (EA) in patients admitted to the Internal Medicine Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to community-acquired infections according to the infectious agents in the follow-up of patients and to determine its relationship on mortality.

Patients and methods: A total of 162 patients (78 males, 84 females; mean age 74.7±13.5 years; range 22 to 98 years) with community-acquired infections, followed in Medeniyet University, Göztepe Training and Research Hospital Internal Medicine Intensive Care Unit between March 2015 and March 2017, were included in this study. The patients’ age, sex, comorbidities, diagnoses, EA, culture antibiogram, and mortality outcomes were all recorded retrospectively.

Results: The most common (50%) comorbidity was hypertension. The common diagnosis on admission was pneumonia (46.2%). Acinetobacter Baumannii was the most isolated bacterium. The most frequently used group of EA was carbapenems (46.9%). Culture antibiogram results showed resistance to the EA in 42.6% of the patients. Empirical antibiotics were replaced with other antibiotics in 46.9% of the patients. When compared to the susceptible group, mortality was higher in the resistant group to the EA.

Conclusion: In this study; antibiotic resistance was found to affect mortality in patients admitted to the Internal Medicine ICU for community-acquired infections.
Analysis of publications on pulmonary embolism in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Durğun Mehmet , Uyar Cemile , Kübra Dindar Demiray Emine , Tahmaz Alper , Emre Tokur Murat
Published: February 2024

Objectives: Recent publications on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) suggest that pulmonary embolism (PE) plays an important role in mortality and morbidity. In this context, it is natural that studies on COVID-19-associated PE are increasing rapidly. This study aimed to evaluate the studies on PE associated with COVID-19, see the overall picture in accordance with scientific literature and guide future research.

Materials and methods: In this scientometric study, the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) was searched for all documents regarding COVID-19-associated PE. An Excel spreadsheet was applied to analyze the data, and the VOSviewer was used for visualization.

Results: A total of 159 records were retrieved in WoSCC. 41.5% (66) of the publications on the subject were original research articles. There were 151 articles in English, five in Spanish, two in German and one in Norwegian. A total of 66 articles were extracted by filtering the results. The mean citation number of these 66 articles was 2.17. Most of the articles were published in the United States of America (USA) (36, 22.64%), Italy (26, 16.35%), and France (20, 12.58%). Although most of the publications were from the USA, it was determined that the majority of citations were to articles published in France and Italy. It was determined that publications made in the journals Radiology, Circulation and European Heart Journal received the most citations when considering the distribution of articles with 10 or more citations. Content analysis showed that the majority of the publications were about the clinical features of the disease (71.2%), while the publications on other issues were limited.

Conclusion: Publications from countries other than the USA on COVID-19-associated PE are needed, especially on subjects other than clinical features.
Brain metastases: Radiobiological, molecular and biochemical approach
Authors: Cansu Şahin Meryem , Kar Fatih , Koldemir Gündüz Meliha
Published: February 2024

Radiotherapy has made remarkable technological progress in recent years. The accuracy of radiotherapy has improved significantly, and accordingly, the treatment of tumors with high-dose radiation has become possible. Stereotactic radiosurgery has become a rapidly accepted method for the treatment of solid small-sized tumors. Compared to conventional fractionation radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery with a very high dose per fraction and hypofractionated radiotherapy provides satisfactory therapeutic efficiency with low toxicity as tumor cells can be ablated directly with this method. Stereotactic radiosurgery is known to induce radiobiological changes by playing an important role in tumor control, vascular endothelial damage and immune activation. Yet, the literature lacks a comprehensive review on the effects of stereotactic radiosurgery on molecular, genomic and biochemical structures. In this review, we discuss the role of radiobiology in stereotactic radiosurgery of brain metastases, radiobiological factors, genomic profile of brain metastases and biochemical factors.
Non-COVID-19 viral pneumonia in adults in Turkey
Authors: Yüksel Cihan , Deniz Alıravcı Işıl , Akça Anıl , Önder Taylan , Sefer Sinem , İdil Durmuş Zeynep , Faruk Akçay Ömer , Duman Enes
Published: February 2024

The role of respiratory viruses in pneumonia has not been fully understood yet. Viral infections are more easily diagnosed in recent years by nucleic acid tests, which can detect all respiratory viruses simultaneously and are available in many centers. This study aimed to review viral pneumonias in the light of the literature and to evaluate publications in Turkey.
Premenstrual syndrome mechanism in the brain
Authors: Ayhan İpek , Altuntaş İlknur , Üzümcü İlayda , Erbaş Oytun
Published: February 2024

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disorder in which a set of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, mostly seen in the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, disappear with the onset of menstruation. It has a high incidence in society, and it causes problems in a person's daily life. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is diagnosed when symptoms are clinically or socially more severe. Although the exact cause of these disorders is unknown, numerous theories have been proposed, including gonadal hormones, neurotransmitters, central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities, diet, genetic factors, and environmental factors. In this study, current studies on premenstrual disorders and the brain were compiled to shed light on the etiology of PMS. In the light of the literature, a summary of recent studies on the role of neurotransmitters related to PMS, functioning in the CNS, hormonal changes, gray matter, brain resting state, abnormalities in the limbic system, emotion processing and regulation, genetic explanations, nutrition, and alternative medicine has been presented.
Curcumin extraction from turmeric plant using magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Özyılmaz Elif , Çağlar Özge , Aşcıoğlu Sebahat , Bezgin Merve , Saklan Mukaddes , Sağlam Handan , Erbaş Oytun
Published: February 2024

Objectives: In this study, it was aimed to obtain curcumin from the extracts of the turmeric plant by using a simple and fast magnetic separation method, unlike other standard methods.

Materials and methods: Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were prepared by chemical co-precipitation of Fe3+ and Fe2+ ions. Magnetic nanoparticles were used to extract curcumin from turmeric. In addition, curcumin was characterized and compared with commercial curcumin. Curcumin was recovered by purifying it from extracts of the turmeric plant.

Results: Fe3O4 nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectra. Transmission electron microscopy analysis was used to describe the particle size and surface morphology of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and the XRD device was used to explain X-ray diffraction. Curcumin was extracted from turmeric plant extracts purified with Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to determine the functional groups in the structure of turmeric, Fe3O4 nanoparticles, Fe3O4 turmeric complex, commercial curcumin, and curcumin. The UV spectrum of commercial curcumin and curcumin was also examined using the Shimadzu UV-1700 Pharma spectrophotometer. It has been established that it is recovered with a purification yield of 1.5 percent following purification.

Conclusion: These results suggest that curcumin, which has research potential in the field of health, may also be beneficial in terms of creating different scientific and economic expansions and producing new studies.
Current trends in Glioblastoma
Authors: Koçak Mihrican , Atasoy Özüm , Çini Nilsu , Erbaş Oytun
Published: February 2024

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary malignant brain tumor, also known as isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild-type gliomas. Symptoms vary depending on where the tumor is located. It is often manifested by headaches, epileptic seizures, and personality changes. Glioblastoma constitutes 15% of primary brain tumors and the reasons for its formation are still unclear. Primary treatment is surgery, followed by chemoradiotherapy. Although maximal surgical resection is standard, it often recurs. The vast majority of patients die within two years of diagnosis. In this study, we aimed to examine glioblastoma in detail with the treatment possibilities available today.