bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External validation of the Lawton brainstem cavernous malformation grading system in a cohort of 277 microsurgical patients
Authors: Catapano Joshua S. , Rutledge Caleb , Rumalla Kavelin , Raygor Kunal P. , Srinivasan Visish M. , Koester Stefan W. , Kimata Anna R. , Ma Kevin L. , Labib Mohamed A. , Spetzler Robert F. , Lawton Michael T.
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVE

The brainstem cavernous malformation (BSCM) grading system predicts neurological outcomes associated with microsurgical resection and assists neurosurgeons in selecting patients for treatment. The predictive accuracy of the BSCM grading system should be validated in a large cohort from high-volume centers to generalize its use.

METHODS

An external validation cohort comprised patients with a BSCM resected by the senior author (M.T.L.) since the publication of the BSCM grading system and those resected by another neurosurgeon (R.F.S.) over a 16-year period. Size, crossing the axial midpoint, the presence of a developmental venous anomaly, patient age, and timing of last hemorrhage were used to assign BSCM grades from 0 to VII. Poor neurological outcomes were recorded as modified Rankin Scale scores > 2 at last follow-up examination.

RESULTS

A total of 277 patients were included in the study. The average BSCM grade was 3.9, and the majority of BSCMs (181 patients, 65%) were intermediate grade (grades III–V). Outcomes were predicted by BSCM grade, with good outcomes observed in 47 of 54 patients (87%) with low-grade BSCMs, in 135 of 181 patients (75%) with intermediate-grade BSCMs, and in 21 of 42 patients (50%) with high-grade BSCMs. Conversely, proportions of patients with neurological deterioration increased with increasing BSCM grade, with worsening observed in 2 of 54 patients (4%) with low-grade BSCMs, in 29 of 181 patients (16%) with intermediate-grade BSCMs, and in 17 of 42 patients (40%) with high-grade BSCMs. In the chi-square analysis, high-grade BSCMs were associated with increased odds of neurological worsening compared to low- and intermediate-grade BSCMs (OR 5.0, 95% CI 2.4–10.4; p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated acceptable discrimination for predicting unfavorable functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score > 2) with an area under the curve of 0.74 (95% CI 0.68–0.80; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study validates the BSCM grading system in a large cohort of patients from two high-volume surgeons. BSCM grade predicted neurological outcomes with accuracy comparable to that of other grading systems in widespread use. The BSCM grading system establishes categories of low-, intermediate-, and high-grade BSCMs and a boundary or cutoff for surgery at BSCM grade V. BSCM grading guides the analysis of a particular patient’s condition, but treatment recommendations must be individualized, and neurosurgeons must calibrate BSCM grading to their own outcome results, unique abilities, and practices.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for prostate cancer cerebral metastases: an international multicenter study
Authors: Pikis Stylianos , Bunevicius Adomas , Lee Cheng-Chia , Yang Huai-Che , Zacharia Brad E. , Liščák Roman , Simonova Gabriela , Tripathi Manjul , Kumar Narendra , Mathieu David , Perron Rémi , Peker Selcuk , Samanci Yavuz , Gurewitz Jason , Bernstein Kenneth , Kondziolka Douglas , Niranjan Ajay , Lunsford L. Dade , Mantziaris Nikolaos , Sheehan Jason P.
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVE

As novel therapies improve survival for men with prostate cancer, intracranial metastatic disease has become more common. The purpose of this multicenter study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the management of intracranial prostate cancer metastases.

METHODS

Demographic data, primary tumor characteristics, SRS treatment parameters, and clinical and imaging follow-up data of patients from nine institutions treated with SRS from July 2005 to June 2020 for cerebral metastases from prostate carcinoma were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients were treated in 51 SRS procedures for 120 prostate cancer intracranial metastases. At SRS, the mean patient age was 68.04 ± 9.05 years, the mean time interval from prostate cancer diagnosis to SRS was 4.82 ± 4.89 years, and extracranial dissemination was noted in 34 (73.9%) patients. The median patient Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score at SRS was 80, and neurological symptoms attributed to intracranial involvement were present prior to 39 (76%) SRS procedures. Single-fraction SRS was used in 49 procedures. Stereotactic radiotherapy using 6 Gy in five sessions was utilized in 2 procedures. The median margin dose was 18 (range 6–28) Gy, and the median tumor volume was 2.45 (range 0.04–45) ml. At a median radiological follow-up of 6 (range 0–156) months, local progression was seen with 14 lesions. The median survival following SRS was 15.18 months, and the 1-year overall intracranial progression-free survival was 44%. The KPS score at SRS was noted to be associated with improved overall (p = 0.02) and progression-free survival (p = 0.03). Age ≥ 65 years at SRS was associated with decreased overall survival (p = 0.04). There were no serious grade 3–5 toxicities noted.

CONCLUSIONS

SRS appears to be a safe, well-tolerated, and effective management option for patients with prostate cancer intracranial metastases.
The degenerative changes of the sacroiliac joint after S2 alar-iliac screw placement
Authors: Ikeda Norimasa , Fujibayashi Shunsuke , Otsuki Bungo , Masamoto Kazutaka , Shimizu Takayoshi , Shimizu Yu , Murata Koichi , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes and risk factors for the progression of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) degeneration and bone formation after S2 alar-iliac screw (S2AIS) insertion.

METHODS

Using preoperative and follow-up CT scan findings (median follow-up 26 months, range 16–43 months), the authors retrospectively studied 100 SIJs in 50 patients who underwent S2AIS placement. The authors measured the progression of SIJ degeneration and bone formation after S2AIS insertion, postoperative new-onset SIJ pain, S2AIS-related reoperation, and instrumentation failures. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression modeling was performed to clarify the risk factors associated with the progression of SIJ degeneration.

RESULTS

Significant progression of SIJ degeneration was observed in 10% of the group with preoperative SIJ degeneration (p = 0.01). Bone formation was observed in 6.9% of joints. None of the patients with these radiographic changes had new-onset SIJ pain or underwent reoperation related to instrumentation failures. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative SIJ degeneration (p < 0.01) and a young age at surgery (p = 0.03) significantly affected the progression of SIJ degeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

The progression of SIJ degeneration and bone formation neither led to major screw-related complications nor affected the postoperative clinical course during the median follow-up period of 26 months. Although S2AIS insertion is a safe procedure for most patients, the results of this study suggested that preoperative degeneration and younger age at surgery affected SIJ degeneration after S2AIS insertion. Further long-term observation may reveal other effects of S2AIS insertion on SIJ degeneration.
Anterior instrumentation surgery for the treatment of Lenke type 1AR curve patterns
Authors: Inami Satoshi , Moridaira Hiroshi , Takeuchi Daisaku , Sorimachi Tsuyoshi , Ueda Haruki , Aoki Hiromichi , Iimura Takuya , Nohara Yutaka , Taneichi Hiroshi
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have demonstrated that Lenke lumbar modifier A contains 2 distinct types (AR and AL), and the AR curve pattern is likely to develop adding-on (i.e., a progressive increase in the number of vertebrae included within the primary curve distally after posterior surgery). However, the results of anterior surgery are unknown. The purpose of this study was to present the surgical results in a cohort of patients undergoing scoliosis treatment for type 1AR curves and to compare anterior and posterior surgeries to consider the ideal indications and advantages of anterior surgery for type 1AR curves.

METHODS

Patients with a Lenke type 1 or 2 and lumbar modifier AR (L4 vertebral tilt to the right) and a minimum 2-year postoperative follow-up were included. The incidence of adding-on and radiographic data were compared between the anterior and posterior surgery groups. The numbers of levels between the end, stable, neutral, and last touching vertebra to the lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients with a mean follow-up of 57 months were included. There were 14 patients in the anterior group and 30 patients in the posterior group. The main thoracic Cobb angle was not significantly different between the groups preoperatively and at final follow-up. At final follow-up, the anterior group had significantly less tilting of the LIV than the posterior group (−0.8° ± 4.5° vs 3° ± 4°). Distal adding-on was observed in no patient in the anterior group and in 6 patients in the posterior group at final follow-up (p = 0.025). In the anterior group, no LIV was set below the end vertebra, and all LIVs were set above last touching vertebra. The LIV was significantly more proximal in the anterior group than in the posterior surgery patients without adding-on for all reference vertebrae (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to investigate the surgical results of anterior surgery for Lenke type 1AR curve patterns, and it showed that anterior surgery for the curves could minimize the distal extent of the instrumented fusion without adding-on. This would leave more mobile disc space below the fusion.
Characteristics of concussion based on patient age and sex: a multicenter prospective observational study
Authors: Babl Franz E. , Rausa Vanessa C. , Borland Meredith L. , Kochar Amit , Lyttle Mark D. , Phillips Natalie , Gilhotra Yuri , Dalton Sarah , Cheek John A. , Furyk Jeremy , Neutze Jocelyn , Bressan Silvia , Davis Gavin A. , Anderson Vicki , Williams Amanda , Oakley Ed , Dalziel Stuart R. , Crowe Louise M. , Hearps Stephen J. C.
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVE

Children with concussion frequently present to emergency departments (EDs). There is limited understanding of the differences in signs, symptoms, and epidemiology of concussion based on patient age. Here, the authors set out to assess the association between age and acute concussion presentations.

METHODS

The authors conducted a multicenter prospective observational study of head injuries at 10 EDs in Australia and New Zealand. They identified children aged 5 to < 18 years, presenting with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13–15, presenting < 24 hours postinjury, with no abnormalities on CT if performed, and one or more signs or symptoms of concussion. They extracted demographic, injury-related, and signs and symptoms information and stratified it by age group (5–8, 9–12, 13 to < 18 years).

RESULTS

Of 8857 children aged 5 to < 18 years, 4709 patients met the defined concussion criteria (5–8 years, n = 1546; 9–12 years, n = 1617; 13 to < 18 years, n = 1546). The mean age of the cohort was 10.9 years, and approximately 70% of the patients were male. Sport-related concussion accounted for 43.7% of concussions overall, increasing from 19.1% to 48.9% to 63.0% in the 5–8, 9–12, and 13 to < 18 years age groups. The most common acute symptoms postinjury were headache (64.6%), disorientation (36.2%), amnesia (30.0%), and vomiting (27.2%). Vomiting decreased with increasing age and was observed in 41.7% of the 5–8 years group, 24.7% of the 9–12 years group, and 15.4% of the 13 to < 18 years group, whereas reported loss of consciousness (LOC) increased with increasing age, occurring in 9.6% in the 5–8 years group, 21.0% in the 9–12 years group, 36.7% in the 13 to < 18 years group, and 22.4% in the entire study cohort. Headache, amnesia, and disorientation followed the latter trajectory. Symptom profiles were broadly similar between males and females.

CONCLUSIONS

Concussions presenting to EDs were more sports-related as age increased. Signs and symptoms differed markedly across age groups, with vomiting decreasing and headache, LOC, amnesia, and disorientation increasing with increasing age.
Uwagi do polskiego systemu pozasądowej kompensacji szkód medycznych na tle nowozelandzkiego Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Act
Authors: Białkowski Michał
Published: October 2021

Dochodzenie przez pacjenta roszczeń związanych ze szkodą doznaną przez niego w toku leczenia napotyka w praktyce liczne trudności, począwszy od tych związanych z udowodnieniem przesłanek odpowiedzialności, na kosztach i długotrwałości procesu skończywszy. W konsekwencji w wielu systemach prawnych na świecie podjęto próby projektowania pozasądowych systemów kompensacyjnych opartych na ubezpieczeniu na rzecz pacjenta albo na funduszu gwarancyjnym mającym zrekompensować doznany przez pacjenta uszczerbek. Celem artykułu jest porównanie najdłużej funkcjonującego systemu typu no-fault, który w Nowej Zelandii w obecnej formie zapewnia naprawienie szkody pacjentom od 1 stycznia 2002 r., oraz działającego od 1 stycznia 2012 r. systemu polskiego. Analiza skupia się na trzech płaszczyznach, tj. konieczności wykazania naruszenia zasad wiedzy medycznej jako przesłanki odpowiedzialności, zakresu definicji zdarzenia medycznego i treatment injury oraz ustalenia kręgu osób posiadających uprawnienie w obu analizowanych systemach do dochodzenia świadczenia odszkodowawczego. Na tym tle sformułowane zostały szczegółowe postulaty de lege ferenda, co do zmiany przepisów ustawy o prawach pacjenta i Rzeczniku Praw Pacjenta dotyczące w szczególności odejścia od konieczności wykazania obiektywnego naruszenia zasad wiedzy medycznej jako przesłanki odpowiedzialności, odejścia od różnicowania szkód powstałych w szpitalach oraz poza nimi, jak i rozszerzenia zakresu definicji zdarzenia medycznego o szkody powstałe w związku z naruszeniem praw pacjenta i szeroko rozumianą profilaktyką leczenia. W artykule proponuje się również rezygnację z ustalenia kręgu podmiotów pośrednio poszkodowanych przez pryzmat posiadania formalnego statusu spadkobiercy na rzecz znanego z przepisów art. 446 § 3 i 4 Kodeksu cywilnego zabiegu polegającego na powiązaniu uprawnienia do dochodzenia świadczenia odszkodowawczego w przypadku śmierci pacjenta z rzeczywistą więzią emocjonalną łączącą zmarłego z wnioskodawcą.
Judas Maccabeus and the Roman Republic: Greek Political Vocabulary in 1 Macc 8:1
Authors: Nawrot Janusz
Published: October 2021

Między wielu swymi znamionami, literacki geniusz autora 1 Mch ujawnia się w umiejętności zastosowania dyplomatycznych realiów polityki w opisie działań Judy Machabeusza dążącego do zwarcia przymierza z republiką rzymską. Terminy z zakresu polityki mają własną, długą historię, wykutą kilka wieków wcześniej, w świecie greckim, zanim jeszcze Rzym osiągnął szczyty swej potęgi. Użycie ich do przedstawienia poczynań Rzymu w 1 Mch 8,1 nie było sztuczną inwencją literacką autora, lecz zapożyczeniem celowym. Wykorzystując owe pojęcia z dziedziny polityki i dyplomacji potrafił je doskonale wpasować w nieprzemijającą wartość orędzia swego dzieła na poziomie tekstu natchnionego, którego przekaz był dla niego zdecydowanie najważniejszy. W ten sposób potrafił zestroić ze sobą elementy światowej polityki z działaniem Boga, posługującego się wszystkim, co tworzą ludzie w celu przeprowadzenia swej woli wobec własnego ludu.
Jesus Christ, Glory and Cognition. Is Eph 1:15–23 a Judaistic and/or Hellenistic Christian Text?
Authors: Linke Waldemar
Published: October 2021

The paper is an interpretation of Eph 1:15-23 which is a consequence of the shorter version of Eph 1:15 (without the words: τὴν ἀγάπην). It is an attempt to answer the question of who the “saints” are in this verse and the entire pericope, what background (Hellenistic or Judaic) this concept has, and what was the character of the church community in this city in the post-Pauline period. The method used in this paper consists of historical and contextual analysis of lexicographical end ideological material used in the pericope. The first step is a study of the rhetorical structure of Eph as the instrument for interpretation of the role of the pericope in the meaning of the text. The second part of the paper is presented the binary way of exposition: in the language of Judaism and in the Hellenistic terms. From this perspective the category of “saints” is described. From this analysis it is concluded: “saints” are the group belonging to the Judeo-Christian component of the Church, the political substructure of the Church but not in terms of the separation, but of the pluralistic unity.
"Homerocentony" jako najbardziej skrajna próba hellenizacji chrześcijaństwa
Authors: Gilski Marek
Published: October 2021

Artykuł prezentuje i ocenia jedną z prób hellenizacji chrześcijaństwa. Chodzi o Homerocentony, powstające w kręgach chrześcijańskich od IV wieku utwory, przekazujące przesłanie Ewangelii niemal wyłącznie za pomocą słownictwa Iliady i Odysei. Tekst zawiera omówienie techniki tworzenia tych dzieł, ich treść, formę i teologię. Analiza Homerocentonów prowadzi do następujących wniosków: a) nie da się zrozumieć i właściwie zinterpretować chrześcijaństwa bez znajomości poematów homeryckich; b) Ewangelia jest tylko nową interpretacją Iliady i Odysei; c) chrześcijaństwo nie wnosi nowych treści, a jedynie porządkuje to, co dostępne w kulturze.
Elementy retoryki greckiej obecne w opisie grobu Jezusa w J 19,41
Authors: Grochowski Zbigniew Tadeusz
Published: October 2021

Artykuł poddaje analizie krótki tekst J 19,41. Owocem badań – po określeniu kontekstu tego wersetu (punkt 1) – jest zidentyfikowanie w nim takich figur retorycznych, jak: conexio, inclusio, amplificatio per incrementum i recapitulatio (punkt 2) oraz allitteratio (punkt 3). Ostatnia z nich, oparta na syntagmie οὐδέπω οὐδείς („nigdy nikt”), stanowi hapax legomenon w całym greckim Starym i Nowym Testamencie oraz podkreśla czystość rytualną miejsca pochówku Jezusa, a tym samym (pośrednio) po­twierdza godność Ciała Chrystusa oraz Jego świętość. Pozostałe figury retoryczne uwypuklają wagę miejsca, w którym odbył się pogrzeb Jezusa, służąc potwierdzeniu Jego królewskiej tożsamości. Wyka­zany retoryczny kunszt czwartego ewangelisty zaprzecza twierdzeniu, jakoby „Jan nie znał wielu technik retorycznych, opisanych przez Arystotelesa, Cycerona czy innych późniejszych retorów” (P.F. Ellis).
Review of the III International historical and legal congress “Legal traditions of the formation of Russian statehood”
Authors: Grudtsyna Lyudmila Yu.
Published: October 2021

The review of the III International historical and legal congress “Legal traditions of the formation of Russian statehood", dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the proclamation of the Russian Empire, is given. One of the main tasks of the event was to bring together representatives of science from different states, different scientific schools and directions to solve topical historical and legal problems of the state and law. Following the results of the congress, a declaration was adopted, in which the importance of continuing legal research of domestic state-legal traditions was noted, the main directions for the further development of historical and legal science were outlined.
Determining the endurance limit of AISI 4340 steels in terms of different statistical approaches
Authors: Çalışkan Salim , Gürbüz Rıza
Published: October 2021

In engineering applications, fatigue phenomenon is a key issue and needs to be analyzed in the beginning of design phase in case of any component exposed to alternating loading on operation otherwise catastrophic fatigue failure may cause. Component can be designed with safe-life, fail-safe, and damage tolerant approach based on whether redundant load path and damage sensitive. Before starting analyzing the structure, material allowable data needs to be presented in a reliable way to predict fatigue life of components. SN curves with presented confidence levels are the robust approach to make a prediction on safe life of a structure in terms of fatigue. In this point, there are so many approaches to determine fatigue limit of materials and issue shall be handled by statistical manner. In literature, different staircase and curve fitting methods were presented to estimate endurance limit of materials and some reliability manuscript published. In this paper, fatigue limit of AISI 4340 steel will be investigated through most convinced staircase and curve fitting approaches and their reliability will be queried.
RC beams damaged by cracking and strengthened with NSM CFRP/GFRP rods
Authors: Capozucca Roberto , Magagnini Erica , Vecchietti Maria Vittoria , Khatir Samir
Published: October 2021

The near surface mounted (NSM) method of inserting fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) elements (rods or lamina) into notches has been shown to be a good way for restoring reinforced concrete (RC) elements. The knowledge about the use of Glass-FRP rod following the NSM to reinforce RC beams is limited. This paper deals with the analysis of static and dynamic behaviour of RC beams with and without strengthening. The response of RC beams was assessed at different concrete’s damage level by non-destructive vibration tests. First, a couple of beams have been analysed: one RC beam subjected to bending and under vibration tests; another one beam, damaged by bending and strengthened with NSM Carbon-FRP rods tested again under vibration. Further, one RC beam damage was analysed under bending and vibration tests without strengthening; successively, the beam model with NSM GFRP rod has been tested following the same loading path. Below experimental results are shown and commented; in particular, changes in frequency values are related to the evolution of damage level affected RC beams with NSM CFRP and GFRP rods.
Sesqui-Harmonic Curves in LP-Sasakian Manifolds
Authors: AKGÜN Müslüm Aykut , ACET Bilal Eftal
Published: October 2021

In this article, we characterize interpolating sesqui-harmonic spacelike curves in a four dimensional conformally and quasi-conformally flat and conformally symmetric Lorentzian Para-Sasakian manifold. We give some theorems for these curves.
Homogenization of a nonlinear elliptic system with a transport term in L2
Authors: Casado-Díaz Juan
Published: October 2021

We consider the homogenization of a non-linear elliptic system of two equations related to some models in chemotaxis and flows in porous media. One of the equations contains a convection term where the transport vector is only in [Formula: see text] and a right-hand side which is only in [Formula: see text]. This makes it necessary to deal with entropy or renormalized solutions. The existence of solutions for this system has been proved in reference ( Comm. Partial Differential Equations 45(7) ( 2020 ) 690–713). Here, we prove its stability by homogenization and that the correctors corresponding to the linear diffusion terms still provide a corrector for the solutions of the non-linear system.
Comparison of two periods of Schroth exercises for improving postural stability indices and Cobb angle in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Radwan Nadia L. , Ibrahim Marwa M. , Mahmoud Waleed S.
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND: Adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis present postural instability when compared with healthy subjects. Although Schroth exercises therapy (SET) is broadly utilized, its effect on postural stability is still not clear. OBJECTIVES: To compare the two treatment periods of the SET for improving the postural stability indices and Cobb angle, and to examine the correlation between the Cobb angle and stability indices in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS: Twenty girls aged 10–16 years with AIS (study group) and 20 age-matched girls without AIS (control group) were examined. The Biodex Balance System was used to evaluate the overall stability index (OSI), anteroposterior index (APSI), and mediolateral stability index (MLSI) in the study group before SET and one and three months after the therapy. A plain X-ray was used to measure the Cobb angle before and three months after SET. Stability indices and Cobb angle were measured only once for the control group. RESULTS: One-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that the three-month duration of SET was the most effective for improving OSI, APSI, and MLSI (p< 0.001). The significant proximities of OSI, APSI, and MLSI to the normal values post three months of SET were 29.65%, 24.07, and 20% respectively. The MLSI was robust and correlated with the Cobb angle (r= 0.85) three months post intervention. CONCLUSION: Stability indices and Cobb angles were highly improved after three months of SET compared to one month among AIS patients. The MLSI is the most substantial index correlated with the Cobb angle.
Infodemiology of Bell’s palsy: Tracing the seasonality of facial paralysis
Authors: Salbaş Ender , Ketenci Sertaç
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND: Although there are a few studies on the seasonality of facial paralysis, no studies have utilized internet data for this purpose. The use of internet data to investigate diseases and user-contributed health-related content is increasingly prevalent, and has earned the name “infodemiology”. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to use Google Trends data to investigate whether there is a seasonal variation in facial paralysis. METHODS: In this observational study, the search volume for the terms “facial paralysis” and “Bell’s palsy” for a total of 19 countries was queried from Google Trends, selecting the time interval between January 2004 and October 2020. RESULTS: In the Cosinor analysis of data from a total of 19 countries, from both northern and southern hemisphere, a statistically significant seasonality was found in the search volume of facial paralysis. It was observed that facial paralysis searches peaked in spring in the northern hemisphere and in winter in the southern hemisphere. CONCLUSION: Internet search query data showed that facial paralysis has a seasonal variation, with peaks in spring for the northern hemisphere and winter for the southern hemisphere. Further studies are needed to understand the deviation between hemispheres and the cause of the peak in winter-spring season.
In conversation with digitalization: Myths, fiction or professional imagining?
Authors: Nyhlén Sara , Gidlund Katarina L.
Published: October 2021

We are surrounded by narratives about digitalization – in media, in white papers, in policies and in academic discourse. This article aims to dissect policy narratives to unveil the dominant stories associated with digitalization and open a dialogue on their consequences. The empirical material includes policy documents on digitalization at the European Union, national and sub-national levels focusing on the Swedish context. The article argues that these documents not only produce narratives of digitalization that reveal a certain orientation towards reality but also become tangible constructs. Further, despite their neutral language, they should be considered part of the problem formulation. The analysis is carried out by identifying the dominant and taken-for-granted stories, and the results show that digitalization, often portrayed as a modern and innovative concept, is frequently narrated in line with rather traditional perceptions of industrialized modernity. The results indicate that digitalization is trapped in an unambiguous and cramped dramaturgy, and if policies are enacted in the same way in practice, we will face a rather un-resilient digital modernity.
Robust official business statistics methodology during COVID-19-related and other economic downturns
Authors: Smith Paul A. , Lorenc Boris
Published: October 2021

Official statistics has not properly researched and understood how its methods and models behave at times of downturns (and potentially in the corresponding situation of similarly paced (unpredictable and fast) growths). There is generally a wish to make methods robust to unusual changes, but these are often tackled situation by situation. Production of official statistics during COVID-19 has necessitated some radical changes in both data collection and statistical methods; these have been introduced with admirable speed and dedication, but this process would have been made easier with a body of research already in place to draw from. We discuss the issues with the robustness of statistical methods during downturns, and highlight the opportunity to gather data which can be analysed to give evidence for the most robust methods to use as protection against poor measurement during future downturns.
Safety profile and clinical outcome of adjuvant radiation therapy and intermediate-dose interferon in comparison with intermediate-dose interferon alone in patients with melanoma metastases in regional lymph nodes and unfavorable prognostic factors
Authors: Kukushkina M. , Korovin S. , Diedkov S. , Ostafiichuk V. , Diedkov A.
Published: October 2021

Summary. Aim: To assess the safety profile and efficacy of adjuvant radiation therapy and intermediate-dose interferon in comparison with intermediate-dose interferon alone in patients with synchronous and metachronous skin melanoma metastases in regional lymph nodes with unfavorable prognostic factors. Materials and Methods: 96 patients with synchronous and metachronous skin melanoma metastases in regional lymph nodes (stage III according to American Joint Committee on Cancer) and unfavorable prognostic factors were randomized in 2 groups: one of them (n = 45) received regional radiation therapy 50–55 Gy and intermediate dose of α2b-interferon (RT + IFN) in adjuvant setting and another one (n = 51) intermediate dose of α2b-interferon alone (IFN). Results: The most common adverse events in both groups were pyrexia and fatigue but grades 3–4 were observed more frequently in the RT + IFN group than in the IFN group (24.4 and 42.2% vs 11.8 and 27.5% respectively). 3-year recurrence-free survival was 78.5% in the RT + IFN group and 73.8% in the IFN group (p = 0.72), 3-year progression-free survival was 63.2% in the RT + IFN group comparing with 57.2% in the IFN group (p = 0.59) and 3-year overall survival was 77.1% and 66.7%, respectively (p = 0.29). Median of recurrence-free, progression-free and overall survival was not reached in any group. Conclusions: Radiation therapy and intermediate-dose interferon in adjuvant setting tends to improve recurrence-free, progression-free and overall survival comparing with intermediate-dose interferon alone in patients with synchronous and metachronous skin melanoma metastases in regional lymph nodes and unfavorable prognostic factors but it needs further investigation in larger groups of patients.
Features of the functioning of the plural form -lar in the Turkic languages from the standpoint of ethnolinguistics
Authors:   St.  Petersburg  State  University, Emilyevna Dubrovina Margarita
Published: October 2021

In this article, the author analyzes the Turkic category of numbers. The author has long been attracted by the special functioning of the plurality affix with the indicator -lar in the texts of various Turkic languages, starting with the most ancient monuments written in runic script, ending with the literary works of modern Turkish writers. This special functioning lies in the specific semantics of plural forms, and in how less frequently, compared to Western languages, these forms are used in written speech, not to mention oral. In addition, the ability of the basis of the word to express information about a variety of subjects without the specified indicator has repeatedly fallen into the center of research attention, i.e. in cases where the content is about a variety of subjects, the multiplicity indicator -lar is not used. Based on linguistic methods, the author of the article hypothesized that in the Turkic proto-language the category of number as a morphological means could be absent at all, and information about a variety of objects could be transmitted in other, non-morphological ways. At a new stage of the study, it means using the methods of ethnolinguistic analysis, the author seeks to find a connection between the infrequent use of plural forms and even its hypothetical absence in the language of an older period with the extralinguistic features of the Turkic mentality. This becomes possible if the scientific view is based on such factors that form the mentality as the geographical location of an ethnic group, the size of tribal collectives and the degree of cohesion of the collective members among themselves.
PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA AUDIO â€œSMART ENGLSIH TODAYâ€ UNTUK SISWA SMP DI DAERAH PINGGIRAN YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Suparti Suparti -
Published: October 2021

Pembelajaran bahasa Inggris di sekolah cenderung mengabaikan pengajaran listening (menyimak) dibandingkan keterampilan berbahasa lainnya. Padahal keterampilan ini sangat diperlukan sebagai kunci penguasaan keterampilan berbahasa lainnya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan alternatif media audio pembelajaran bahasa Inggris untuk keterampilan menyimak yang dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai bahan belajar. Masalah yang dibahas dalam penelitian ini terkait dengan rendahnya kemampuan menyimak yang dikuasai siswa dan keterbatasan bahan belajar bahasa Inggris untuk pembelajaran listening yang sesuai dengan kurikulum 2013. Pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitan ini adalah pendekatan model ADDIE yang meliputi lima tahapan yaitu analisis, desain, produksi, implemensi, dan evaluasi. Setelah melalui tahap analisis kebutuhan dan analisis kurikulum, desain model ditentukan dan diberi nama Smart English Today (SET). Tahap berikutnya yaitu penyusunan rancangan media yang diikuti dengan proses produksi yang meliputi penyusunan GBIM JM, penulisan naskah dan bahan penyerta, serta produksi program. Hasil pengembangan produksi selanjutnya diimplementasikan pada siswa SMPN 5 Ngawen, Gunungkidul. Hasil evaluasi menunjukkan bahwa SET layak dipergunakan sebagai bahan belajar bahasa Inggris untuk meningkatkan keterampilan menyimak. Namun, dalam pengembangannya hendaknya perlu diperhatikan dari sisi pengemasan program, durasi, dan tingkat kesulitan materi.English learning at school tends to ignore listening skill teaching, compared to other language skills. In fact, listening skill is highly necessary as key factors to other language skill mastery. The objective of this research is to develop an audio media alternative of English learning for lsitening skill that can be utilized learning material. The problems of this research are related with studentsâ€™ low listening skill and limited English learning material for listening skill being in line with 2013 curriculum. The approach of this research is ADDIE model approach, consisting of five steps, i.e. analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating. After passing through need and curriculum analysis, model design is determined and named Smart English Today (SET). The next step is development comprising of GBIM JM writing, script and companion book writing, and program production. The SET product is, then, implemented to students of SMPN 5 Ngawen, Gunung Kidul. The evaluation result shows that SET is feasible to be utilized as English learning material to enhance studentsâ€™ listening skill. However, in developing this model, we should consider program packaging, duration, and difficulty levels of the materials.
Australia’s Crisis Responses During COVID-19
Authors: Qi Jing , Ma Cheng
Published: October 2021

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global international education sector has been fraught with multiple, intensifying stressors, which have severely affected international students’ lives and study. Host government policies on international education can make a critical difference for this vulnerable population during the pandemic. Australia’s crisis response policies during the pandemic have been closely tracked and vigorously discussed amongst Chinese international students. This study examines how Australia’s crisis responses addressed the needs of international students during the pandemic, and how these policies impacted Chinese international students’ experiences and perceptions of studying in Australia. We collected qualitative data through interviews with Chinese international students, parents and migration agents, virtual ethnography on WeChat, and analysis of Australia’s policy responses. Our thematic analysis highlights participants’ experiences and views of Australia’s crisis responses in the four areas of financing, third-country transit, visas and immigration, and pandemic management. We discuss these findings in relation to the historical context of Australia’s higher education funding reforms during the 1980s and 1990s.
A FORMALIZED ALGORITHM FOR OPTIMIZING THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN CONDITIONS OF STOCHASTIC UNCERTAINTY
Authors: Debela Iryna
Published: October 2021

One of the main tasks of the decision support theory is the study of methods and tools for solving the problem of minimizing the negative consequences and risks in choosing strategic directions for the development of the studied system - the object of management. The formal algorithm of the optimization in conditions of the decision-making process stochastic uncertainty, and realization of steady states in system is investigated. The purpose of the algorithm model is to provide the predicted dynamics, compensation of structural, parametric uncertainty of the control system. The ambiguity of the choice the alternative solutions and as a consequence - the inadequacy of the mathematical model, due to the significant amount of stochastic and functional relationships, different ways of presenting input data, the impossibility formalizing the studied processes. Solutions in conditions of partial or complete uncertainty can be found by searching for elements of a set the alternatives, each of which with some probability may be the optimal solution. If statistical observations of the studied object or management process are incomplete, insufficiently formalized, or impossible at all, then the uncertainty of the decision to predict the directions of their possible development is clear. The decision-making process in conditions of uncertainty is proposed to be divided into stages: specification and formalization of the decision-making model; choice methods and algorithms for constructing alternatives taking into account the peculiarities of the chosen decision-making model. Parametric uncertainty is described as an interval estimate of possible values of the studied parameter. The interval can be strictly limited by numerical values, or with not clear limits - descriptive qualitative variables. Modeling of the control process in conditions of stochastic uncertainty is based on the definition of the object under study as a complex system. A promising area of research on this topic is a mathematical description of the value distribution function within the interval, which can be formalized on the basis of expert estimates, or as a heuristic probability distribution function of unpredictable events.
A digital Gesell chamber: adjustments for professional practices in social isolation
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, México, Galán Jiménez Jaime Sebastián F. , Rodríguez Hernández Blanca Araceli ,   Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, México, de León Posadas Eva María ,   Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, México
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to show the migration process, due to the covid-19 pandemic, of the psychotherapist training program provided by a psychological care center from a real Gesell chamber to a digital version. The method used was action-research with self-study from the practitioners and supervisor whom reported their experiences with this new mode of working. An informed consent was given to students and participants explaining the implications of the process and its limitations, as well as the intention to publish findings. As results: the digital Gesell chamber presented some technical difficulties; however, it was a useful and ethical response to continue with the training program, with broad benefit for users. What is more, it presented communication advantages that allowed the reflective group to intervene without interruption. In conclusion: the use of the digital chamber was an alternative that eased the supervision of practitioners as well as the optimal performance of psychological care during social isolation.
Teaching skills, an innovation in virtual learning environments in higher education
Authors:   Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, México, Vega Lebrún Carlos Arturo , Sánchez Cuevas Mariano , Rosano Ortega Genoveva , Amador Pérez Silvia Elena
Published: October 2021

The emergency closure of educational institutions, in the face of the health contingency due to Covid-19, has prompted the rethinking of the models of teaching competencies to adapt to virtual learning environments (VLE). The objective of this study is to design and validate a model of teaching competencies in VLE, with the support of virtual laboratories, to ensure the quality of higher education during the covid-19 pandemic. A quantitative and correlational methodology was used in a case study. The research is divided into two methodological moments: the design of the model and its validation. The instruments used were a comparative analysis matrix and a Likert-type scale. 5 650 students and 41 teachers participated in the validation cap. The results highlight the need for teacher development, mainly in digital and research skills. One weakness of the study is the lack of weighting of the quality indicators. The proposed model represents an innovation in the definition of indicators, in the form of competencies, for the assurance of educational quality in VLE. It is concluded that the proposed model is pertinent for the assurance of educational quality in VLE.
Saberes tradicionales y transición agroecológica en la Mixteca Poblana
Authors:   Universidad de Guanajuato, Maldonado García Jorge
Published: October 2021

Este artículo contiene resultados de una amplia investigación realizada en la comuni-dad rural de Ayoxuxtla de Zapata, en la Mixteca Baja Poblana. El objetivo principal de la investigación es ubicar, describir y analizar procesos agroecológicos desde la estre-cha relación entre saberes, prácticas y creencias; considerando que los saberes locales tradicionales (la cultura) están en conexión con las implicaciones prácticas (produc-tivas) y el desarrollo de un cosmos en la reproducción de las creencias. Se parte de la hipótesis de que los saberes tradicionales forman parte de la identidad local y son elementos fundamentales de la transición agroecológica. Se describen y analizan pro-cesos bióticos y culturales relacionados con agroecosistemas tradicionales, como el del tlacolol. Con el enfoque teórico de la etnoecología y mediante una etnografía vasta, se realiza la lectura integral sobre conocimientos, prácticas y creencias, lo cual se siste-matiza y presenta en una matriz biocultural. En el cuadro sobre tramas epistémicas de ambas actividades agrícolas se presenta la comparación con sistemas productivos de la agroindustria, como los invernaderos de monocultivo que se encuentran en la región.
Gasto de bolsillo y gastos catastróficos en salud en hogares mexicanos
Authors:   Universidad  de  las  Américas  Puebla, Rodríguez Abreu Mauricio
Published: October 2021

Con el surgimiento del Sistema de Protección Social en Salud (spss) se buscaba al-canzar la cobertura universal en ella. A pesar de haber incorporado a sectores de la población que antes no contaban con servicios médicos, el spss no ha logrado erradi-car los gastos de bolsillo ni los gastos catastróficos en salud. Usando la enigh 2018 y una serie de modelos de regresión beta y modelos logísticos, el presente artículo ana-liza factores asociados a incrementos en la proporción del gasto de bolsillo en salud, así como la propensión a incurrir en gastos catastróficos. Los hallazgos indican que el género y la escolaridad del jefe del hogar y la composición del mismo, pero particular-mente el contexto rural de residencia, incrementan la presencia de estos gastos en los hogares mexicanos.
La política del Antropoceno: progreso y naturaleza en el Cañón del Sumidero
Authors:   Facultad de Antropología de la Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Larsson Martin
Published: October 2021

Con base en el trabajo de campo del autor como guía de viajes turísticos en lancha en el Cañón del Sumidero del río Grijalva, en el estado de Chiapas, México, este artícu-lo examina los límites conceptuales y las posibilidades del concepto de Antropoceno. Muestra cómo el concepto ayuda a resaltar cuestiones relacionadas con una división conceptual entre naturaleza y cultura, pero también cómo la amplitud del término y la referencia a una época conducen a dificultades para tener en cuenta las historias locales. El artículo concluye que el de Antropoceno debe entenderse ante todo como un concepto político, que corresponde a un amplio cambio discursivo que se ha pro-ducido durante las últimas décadas de la preocupación por el progreso a un énfasis en la naturaleza, y no como un término descriptivo.
Estimación del feminicidio en México con base en homicidios en solitario
Authors:   Centro de Investigaciones Multidisciplinarias sobre Chiapas y la Frontera Sur, Jasso Vargas Rosalba
Published: October 2021

Las mujeres de México enfrentan dos guerras que atentan contra su vida; por un lado, la violencia de machismo y misoginia, y por el otro, la violencia generalizada por la guerra contra las drogas. Mientras que parte de la violencia criminal se manifiesta usualmente en eventos de homicidios múltiples, los feminicidios suelen tener lugar como acciones específicamente dirigidas a ellas de manera individual. Este artículo es-tablece las limitaciones de las herramientas metodológicas empleadas por otras inves-tigaciones en la delimitación del feminicidio y plantea una nueva propuesta. El análisis de asesinatos múltiples revela que la muerte de una importante proporción de mujeres se vincula con la muerte de hombres y, simultáneamente, el análisis de homicidios en solitario manifiesta una reconfiguración de espacios de riesgo para las mujeres no necesariamente asociados a la violencia criminal.
La obra de Jesús T. Acevedo en la construcción y conservación de los bienes culturales inmuebles mexicanos
Authors:   Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, Casado Pérez Francisco José
Published: October 2021

Las lecturas son un medio básico en la formación profesional y para la arquitectura son imperantes durante el proceso de formación y (re)planteamiento de conceptos e impresiones sobre el tema, en especial cuando se acerca la inevitable discusión sobre la dirección que toma la arquitectura. Para el caso de México, los textos sobre arquitectura han ido modificándose con el paso del tiempo, adoptando la constancia proveniente de occidente, sin embargo, existen baluartes que erigieron los cimientos del análisis crítico sobre el camino de la arquitectura y especialmente en el ámbito de la conservación de los bienes culturales inmuebles. La figura del arquitecto Jesús T. Acevedo y su obra literaria debería catalogarse como de valor canónico y su (re)lectura representa un acto clave para la (re)escritura del camino de las nuevas generaciones de arquitectos.