bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of bile sterility in patients undergoing liver resection
Authors: Piątek Barbara , Majos Alicja , Grząsiak Oliwia , Strzelczyk Janusz
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for liver tumors. Significant differences in complication rates between liver surgery centers have been reported ranging from 4.1% up to 47.7%. There have been little papers or studies on the impact of bile infection on postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for liver cancer.

 Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the etiology of bile infections in patients following liver resection and to evaluate its impact on complications and perioperative mortality.

 Materials and methods: The studied material consisted of 69 patients undergoing surgery for liver tumors at the Department of General and Transplant Surgery of the Medical University of Lodz between 2011 and 2013, when the intraoperative bile cultures were available.

  Results: The intraoperative bile cultures were positive for bacteria in 12 cases (18.75%), while in other cases the bile was sterile (n = 52). In 41.61% of cases, a methicillin-resistant strain was identified. Two patients presented with jaundice, associated with abdominal pain in one patient; other patients complained of abdominal pain only (jaundice: 16.67%; abdominal pain: 91.67%). In both cases, jaundice was not accompanied by any other typical symptoms of cholangitis; also, palliative surgery was performed in both cases. In patients with confirmed bile infection, jaundice was significantly more common (16.67% vs 0.00%; p = 0.033). Patients with sterile bile cultures reported weight loss significantly more often compared to patients with bile infection (26.90% vs 0.00%; p = 0.042). The hospital stay was longer in patients with bile infection (p = 0.138), whereas the hospitalization was significantly longer in patients infected with methicillin-resistant strains compared to both patients with sterile bile and those with bile infection with non-resistant strains.

  Conclusions: The causes and real incidence of asymptomatic bile infection remain unknown. Routine bile cultures in patients undergoing liver surgery may prevent complications by early modification of antibiotic regime considering the antibiogram, and identification of the most common causes of asymptomatic bile infection may translate to better preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis.
A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating Changes in Electrical Muscle Activity, Pain, and Function after Shockwave Therapy in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: Pilot Study
Authors: Elgendy Mohamed Hussein , Mohamed Mai , Hussein Hisham Mohamed
Published: April 2022

Background. To investigate the effect of adding r-ESWT to a standard exercise program of chronic non-specific LBP on electrical muscle activity (EMG), pain and function.
Materials and methods. Our single-blind randomized controlled trial enrolled 30 patients with chronic non-specific LBP randomly allocated to an r-ESWT (n=15) group and a control group (n=15). All patients received
a standard exercise program, while r-ESWT was additionally administered in the r-ESWT group. EMG activity, pain and function were assessed before and after 6 weeks of treatment.
Results. After treatment, all outcome measures were significantly different (p < 0.05). The addition of
r-ESWT produced a significant increase in EMG activity (of all muscles tested) and a reduction in pain intensity and functional disability scores (p < 0.05) compared to the control group.
Conclusions. 1. A standard intervention offered either alone or with r-ESWT increased EMG activities, reduced pain, and enhanced function in patients with chronic non-specific LBP. 2. Adding r-ESWT to the standard intervention program might produce better results.
Migration of Subtalar Implants in Paediatric Flatfoot Correction: A Pilot Study in Synthetic Bone Models
Authors: Kwiatkowski Michał , Guszczyn Tomasz , Sobolewski Andrzej , Sar Marcin , Hermanowicz Adam
Published: April 2022

Background. Subtalar implant migration as a complication following subtalar arthroeresis has been described in the scientific literature. However, clinical studies do not allow for unequivocally determining the underlying causes. The aim of the study is to determine the risk of migration of two geometric types of subtalar implants. Biomechanical tests were carried out on a synthetic bone model with a soft tissue substitute, which allowed for reduction of variability of results caused by biological differences.
Material and methods. A foot model mirroring natural anatomy was made from synthetic bone and a silicone soft tissue substitute with the same hardness as that of the soft tissues of the foot. Two types of 11 mm Ti6Al4V titanium alloy implants were studied, namely, a rectangular subtalar screw and a cylindrical subtalar screw, a type commonly used in flatfoot reconstruction surgery in children. The screws were placed in the sinus tarsi and subjected to cyclic loading (up to 1,000,000 cycles at a frequency of 5 Hz, with a maximum load of 500 N). Comparative pull-out force tests were performed immediately following implantation and after the dynamic loading test.
Wyniki. Following the dynamic loading test, all 12 samples were qualified for the pull-out force test. Cylindrical screws demonstrated higher pull-out force values both for the samples tested immediately following implantation and for those that underwent dynamic loading. Implants of the same shape did not show statistically significant differences in the Mann-Whitney U test (p >0.05).
Wniosek. The synthetic research model produces reproducible results in the assessment of risk of implant migration. Long-term loading does not significantly affect the risk of implant migration.
Strategi Pengelolaan Sistem Penyediaan Air Minum yang Berkelanjutan di Perdesaan
Authors:   Prodi Teknik Sipil, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, Jember, Indonesia, Setyaningtyas Rusdiana Setyaningtyas
Published: April 2022

Abstract. The sustainability of rural drinking water supply systems (SPAM) is an important development issue in Indonesia related to the low access to clean and healthy water in rural areas. The low level of drinking water service in rural areas is inseparable from the failure of drinking water development which is caused by the absence of an optimal rural drinking water supply system. As happened in post-Pamsimas villages in Jember Regency. This condition is the background for researchers in conducting studies to find out what factors affect the sustainability of the use of SPAM facilities and infrastructure that are built, especially from the Pamsimas program based on the fulfillment of the KPI (Key Performance Indicator) target, namely KPI 3 related to the management of "sustainable service provision. drinking water for the community ”. This study aims to find out how the sustainability of community-based village SPAM after it has been built and what strategies must be applied to ensure the sustainability of the SPAM management is adjusted to the existing conditions in Jember Regency based on case studies in 19 villages after Pamsimas 2017 fiscal year. The research analysis used qualitative and quantitative descriptive and SWOT analysis. The results showed the management of rural SPAM in Jember Regency has not been optimal with the fulfillment of the KPI target in 3 villages after Pamsimas FY 2017 is still 78.95% (<90%), the weighted score of the EFAS and IFAS Matrix (or IE Matrix) results analysis of internal and external factors are (0.30; 0.76). The right strategy to ensure the sustainability of rural SPAM management in Jember Regency is the SO (Strengths – Opportunities) strategy, which is a strategy to achieve policy objectives by utilizing the strengths and potentials/opportunities possessed through collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders (Development, Local Government, Universities, private sector, banking) as well as the beneficiary community. Keywords: village SPAM, sustainability, access to safe and safe drinking water, SWOT analysis
Effects of fermented soybean meal with Bacillus velezensis, Lactobacillus spp. or their combination on broiler performance, gut antioxidant activity and microflora
Authors: Tsai C. F. , Lin L. J. , Wang C. H. , Tsai C. S. , Chang S. C. , Lee T. T.
Published: April 2022

Objective: A series of experiment were conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing a part of soybean meal (SBM) at 6% of broiler diets with fermented soybean meal (FSBM) obtained by single or two-stage fermentation by measuring growth performance, antioxidant activity in the jejunum and distal intestinal microflora.Methods: Soybean meal samples were prepared by single-stage fermentation using Bacillus velezensis (Bv) (FSBMB), or Lactobacillus spp. (as commercial control) (FSBML). Additional SBM sample was prepared by two-stage fermentation using Bv and subsequently using Lactobacillus brevis ATCC 367 (Lb) (FSBMB+L). Enzyme activity, chemical composition, trichloroethanoic acid-nitrogen solubility index (TCA-NSI) and antioxidant activity were measured. Then, in an in vivo study, 320 Ross308 broilers were divided into four groups with ad libitum supply of feed and water. Four groups were fed either a corn-soybean meal diet (SBM), or one of fermented SBM diets (FSBMB+L, FSBMB, and FSBML). Growth, serum characteristics, microflora, and the mRNA expression of selected genes were measured.Results: Compared to SBM, FSBMB+L contained lower galacto-oligosaccharide, allergic protein, and trypsin inhibitor, and higher TCA-NSI by about three times (p<0.05). Reducing power and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging ability correlated positively with the TCA-NSI content in FSBM. Growth performances were not significantly different among four groups. In jejunum of 35-day-old broilers, partial replacement of SBM by FSBMB+L increased the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase (CAT), and the FSBMB group had the highest catalase activity (p<0.05). Partial replacement of SBM by FSBM increased relative mRNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) (p<0.05); however, FSBMB+L increased CAT mRNA level to 5 times of the control (p<0.05).Conclusion: Using Bv- and Lb-processed SBM through two-stage fermentation to partially replace 6% of diets will improve the gut's antioxidant activity under commercial breeding in broilers.
ASPECTO FINANCEIRO DIANTE DA VIOLÊNCIA DOMÉSTICA: COMO FATOR DE RISCO E CARACTERÍSTICA EMANCIPADORA DA MULHER
Authors: Piciula Laura Neves , Pavarina Antenor Ferreira , Morong Fábio Ferreira
Published: April 2022

This research project aims to analyze the financial characteristic from two perspectives towards domestic violence. At first, to identify economic dependence as an obstruction vector to get rid of a violent relationship, while in a second presentation to highlight financial autonomy as one of the mechanisms to break with domestic violence. To achieve this goal, the development of this project was carried out through a bibliographic collection based on current national legislation, international treaties to which Brazil is a signatory on the subject, books, electronic articles, news in electronic format, monographs, and research government institutions such as DataSenado. The methodology applied in this study was deductive-legal, as domestic violence will be widespread, while the particularity of individualization will fall to the financial characteristic, in which, in the end, from the proposed study, seek to verify whether the economic characteristic in the regarding financial autonomy, it is, in fact, an aspect that is confirmed as a means of breaking domestic violence. As well as, correlate the undertaking of this with the educational field.
Die Umsetzung der Bologna Studienarchitektur in Österreich und die neuen außerordentlichen Bachelor- und Masterstudien
Authors: Winkler Roland
Published: April 2022

Wie in fast allen beteiligten Staaten hat der Bolognaprozess auch in Österreich zu einer fast völligen Neugestaltung der Studienarchitektur und der Studienabschlüsse geführt. Außerhalb des Hochschulbereichs weitgehend unbemerkt hat der Gesetzgeber im September 2021 mit der Hochschulnovelle 2021 eine weitere tiefgreifende Änderung der Studienarchitektur geschaffen: Für die bisherigen an den Hochschulen eingerichteten Lehrgänge wurden neue außerordentliche Studien und spezifische Bachelor- und Masterabschlüsse geschaffen und diese auch in das bisherige Bachelor-Master-PhD System eingefügt. Schon in der Begutachtung wurde auf damit verbundene Probleme hingewiesen. Der Beitrag analysiert diese Änderung in ihrem weiteren Kontext und ihren potentiellen Auswirkungen im Gesamtsystem der Studienarchitektur und des Hochschulsystems. Da diese Entwicklung unter dem Vorzeichen gängiger hochschulpolitischer Schlagworte wie „Weiterbildung“ und „lebenslanges Lernen“ u. dgl. steht, ist sie über die nationale Bedeutung hinaus von Interesse.
Kinderrechte – die bleibende Bedeutung der UN-Kinderrechtskonvention nach dem Scheitern der Grundgesetzänderung
Authors: Lüders Christian , Richter Ingo
Published: April 2022

Auch nach dem Scheitern der Aufnahme der Kinderrechte ins Grundgesetz bleibt die UN-Kinderrechtskonvention geltendes einfaches Bundesrecht. Bund und Länder haben zwar die Konvention weitgehend in ihren Gesetzen umgesetzt; doch in der Praxis weist die Anwendung der Konvention zahlreiche Defizite auf. Das zeigt sich z.B. bei den Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung der Corona-Pandemie, im Schulwesen und in der Kinder- und Jugendhilfe.
Die „Safe Schools Declaration“
Authors: Fuchs Michael
Published: April 2022

Es wird wohl nicht sehr viele Menschen, selbst Juristen in Deutschland, geben, die mit der „Safe Schools Declaration“ (SSD) etwas anfangen können. Dabei hat Deutschland diese Erklärung, wie 112 andere Staaten auch, bereits im Jahre 2018 unterzeichnet und dabei könnte diese Erklärung möglicherweise sogar Handlungsbedarf im humanitären Völkerrecht signalisieren. Grund genug also, einen genaueren Blick auf dieses Dokument zu werfen und auch der Frage nachzugehen, warum es denn hierzulande so unbekannt ist.
Unionsrechtswidrigkeit des Erfordernisses eines inländischen Wohnsitzes im Rahmen der Übernahme von Schülerbeförderungskosten
Authors: Schollmeier Jana
Published: April 2022

Die zum rheinland-pfälzischen Schulgesetz ergangenen Entscheidungen eignen sich hervorragend, um allgemeine unions- und verwaltungsrechtliche Fragestellungen abzuprüfen. Der Beitrag richtet sich daher an Studierende und Referendar:innen in der Prüfungsvorbereitung.
Modern State of the Conventional DFT Method Studies and the Limits Following from the Quantum State of the System and Its Total Spin
Authors: G. Kaplan Ilya
Published: April 2022

At present, the density functional theory (DFT) approach became the most widely used method for study molecules and solids. In the atmosphere of such great popularity, it is particularly important to know the limits of the applicability of DFT methods. In this chapter, I will discuss the modern state of DFT studies basing on the last publications and will consider in detail two cases when the conventional DFT approaches, in which used only electron density and its modifications by gradients, cannot be applied. First, the case related to the total spin S of the state. As I rigorously proved for an arbitrary N-electron state by group theoretical methods, the electron density does not depend on the total spin S of the state. From this follows that the Kohn-Sham equations have the same form for states with different S. The critical survey of elaborated DFT procedures, in which the spin is taken into account, shows that they modified only exchange functionals, and the correlation functionals do not correspond to the spin of the state. The point is that the conception of spin in principle cannot be defined in the framework of the electron density formalism, and this is the main reason of the problems arising in the study by DFT approaches the magnetic properties of the transition metals. The possible way of resolving spin problems can be found in the two-particle reduced density matrix formulation of DFT. In the end, it will be considered the case of the degenerated states, in which, as follows from the adiabatic approximation, the electron density may not be defined, since electronic and nuclear motions cannot be separated, since, the vibronic interaction mixed them.
National Adoptions of IFRS: Accounting Perspectives
Authors: Bengtsson Maria
Published: April 2022

In the past few decades, there has been a global trend of international harmonization of accounting standards. The intended goal is to remove the barriers that hinder investors when comparing the accounting information of companies from different nations, while simultaneously reducing the transaction costs for firms. However, research has shown that countries adopt IFRS unequally, ranging from resistance, partial adoption to full adoption. If the IFRS are not adopted to the same extent around the world, the central purpose of international standards can be compromised. This chapter aims to explain some key terms essential in understanding current development in international accounting and lay out the development and progress of IFRS diffusion.
Application of Geographic Information System in Solid Waste Management
Authors: Mati Asefa Elsai , Bayu Barasa Kefelegn , Adare Mengistu Dechasa
Published: April 2022

The application of geographic information systems (GIS) to solid waste management (SWM) has been widely adopted in many cities around the world. Planning a sustainable waste management approach is complex, tedious, and time-consuming, and decision-makers are frequently subjected to conflicting factors. GIS has a crucial role in simplifying and facilitating the implementation of sustainable SWM. It is a powerful tool that can assist in minimizing value conflicts among preference and interest parties by providing better information. In this chapter, the basic principles of how GIS is utilized in SWM planning are discussed. The first few sections deal with sustainable SWM planning, its challenges, and problems with the poor performance of its planning. Furthermore, the principles of GIS, how it evolved in SWM, and its integration with multi-criteria evaluation were discussed. The final sections deal with the application of GIS in waste collection optimization and waste disposal planning. The primary aim of this chapter is, therefore, to aid decision-makers in the field so that they can apply it to the daily challenges of SWM.
Perspective Chapter: Molecular Crosstalk and Signal Transduction between Platyhelminths and Their Hosts
Authors: Hilário Lopes-Junior Ednilson , Pontes Marques Rafaella , Romero Bertevello Claudio , Cristina Oliveira Katia
Published: April 2022

Parasitic infection is an intimate relationship between host and parasite with exchange of signal and complex signaling systems involved in these organisms’ molecular crosstalk. With the advances of knowledge due to the genomic and transcriptomic projects in the last two decades, several genes and the molecular mechanism involved in the biological function of platyhelminths have been described. Cytokines, hormones, and other molecules from the host have influenced the growth, development, and reproduction of platyhelminths. We are going to review the effects of host cytokines (IL-1, IL-4, IL-12, IL-7, TGF-β, TNF-α) and hormones (T4, estrogen, progesterone, and androgens) that directly or indirectly affect parasites’ development and reproduction, and the possible associated signaling pathway. These are excellent models for system biology studies, and the generated knowledge may be helpful in the development of new strategies to combat these helminthiases.
Sustainability-Based Review of Irrigation Schemes Performance for Sustainable Crop Production in Nigeria
Authors: Jafar Shanono Nura , Yahaya Usman Nura , Dantala Zakari Mu’azu , Ismail Habibu , Idris Umar Shehu , Abubakar Amin Sunusi , Mukhtar Nasidi Nuraddeen
Published: April 2022

Irrigated agriculture has been identified as an important practice to achieving food security and socio-economic development in the face of rapid population growth and climatic uncertainties. In northern Nigeria, irrigation has long been identified as the key to achieving the much-desired increase in food production to meet the ever-increasing population. However, the existing irrigation schemes encountered several challenges coming from different dimensions including economic, social, environmental, institutional and technological. To attain sustainable crop production, this paper attempts to uncover the underline challenges confronting irrigation schemes in northern Nigeria that cut across sustainability pillars. The findings revealed that irrigation schemes contributed immensely toward achieving food security and improving the wellbeing of rural dwellers. However, the huge investment in large- and medium-scale irrigation schemes have resulted in massive economic losses. This could be attributed to their under-utilization, poor management and abandonment although few ones are performing remarkably well. The study recommends the need to adopt new water allocation and application methods that can improve water use efficiency, users-managers join approach (participatory), effective and competent institutions which include improved monitoring, evaluation and surveillance systems, frequent policy review to suit the situation, law enforcement, and timely sensitization and awareness campaigns.
Introduction to Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Tamilselvi S.
Published: April 2022

Real-world has many optimization scenarios with multiple constraints and objective functions that are discontinuous, nonlinear, non-convex, and multi-modal in nature. Also, the optimization problems are multi-dimensional with mixed types of variables like integer, real, discrete, binary, and having a different range of values which demands normalization. Hence, the search space of the problem cannot be smooth. Evolutionary algorithms have started gaining attention and have been employed for computational processes to solve complex engineering problems. Because it has become an instrument for research scientists and engineers who need to apply the supremacy of the theory of evolution to shape any optimization-based research problems and articles. In this chapter, there is a comprehensive introduction to the optimization field with the state-of-the-art in evolutionary computation. Though many books have described such areas of optimization in any form as evolution strategies, genetic programming, genetic algorithms, and evolutionary programming, evolutionary algorithms, that is, evolutionary computation is remarkable for considering it to discuss in detail as a general class.
Elastography Methods in the Prediction of Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Borlea Andreea , Cotoi Laura , Paul Corina , Bende Felix , Stoian Dana
Published: April 2022

Ultrasonography provides a primary stratification of the malignancy risk of thyroid nodules for selecting those that need further evaluation by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Ultrasound elastography (USE) methods have been more recently proposed as a promising tool, aiming to increase the accuracy of baseline ultrasound. By means of USE, stiffness is assessed as an indicator of malignancy. Strain elastography was the first method used in thyroid imaging, with very good accuracy in discerning thyroid cancer. More recently, 2D shear-wave elastography also confirmed to be a valuable tool with similar outcomes. The advantages, limitations, and technical details of the elastography methods currently used in assessing thyroid morphology, particularly thyroid nodules, will be presented and compared in this chapter.
Energy Efficiency Improvement in Surface Mining
Authors: Soofastaei Ali , Fouladgar Milad
Published: April 2022

This chapter aims to provide an overview of energy efficiency in the mining industry with a particular focus on the role of fuel consumption in hauling operations in mining. Moreover, as the most costly aspect of surface mining with a significant environmental impact, diesel consumption will be investigated in this chapter. This research seeks to develop an advanced data analytics model to estimate the energy efficiency of haul trucks used in surface mines, with the ultimate goal of lowering operating costs. Predicting truck fuel consumption can be accomplished by first identifying the significant factors affecting fuel consumption: total resistance, truck payload, and truck speed. Second, developing a comprehensive analysis framework. This framework involves generating a fitness function from a model of the relationship between fuel consumption and its affecting factors. Third, the model is trained and tested using actual data from large surface mines in Australia, obtained through field research. Finally, an artificial neural network is selected to predict haul truck fuel consumption. The visualized results also clarify the general minimum areas in the plotted fuel consumption graphs. These areas potentially open a new window for researchers to develop optimization models to minimize haul truck fuel consumption in surface mines.
Microstructurally Based Modeling of Creep Deformation and Damage in Martensitic Steels
Authors: Sommitsch Christof , Sonderegger Bernhard , Ahmadi Mohammad , Riedlsperger Florian , Meixner Felix , Mergl Josef , Krenmayr Bernhard
Published: April 2022

This chapter deals with modeling the microstructural evolution, creep deformation, and pore formation in creep-resistant martensitic 9–12% Cr steels. Apart from the stress and temperature exposure of the material, the input parameters for the models are as-received microstructure and one single-creep experiment of moderate duration. The models provide predictive results on deformation rates and microstructure degradation over a wide stress range. Due to their link to the underlying fundamental physical processes such as classical nucleation theory, Gibbs energy dissipation, climb, and glide of dislocations, etc., the models are applicable to any martensitic steel with similar microstructure to the presented case study. Note that we section the chapter into part 1: creep deformation and part 2: pore formation.
Computer Vision-Based Techniques for Quality Inspection of Concrete Building Structures
Authors: Chang Siwei , Francis Siu Ming-Fung
Published: April 2022

Quality performance of building construction is frequently assessed throughout the construction life cycle. In Hong Kong, quality management system must be established before commencing new building works. Regular building inspections are conducted in accordance with the code of practice of new building works. Quality managers are deployed in construction sites to inspect and record any building defects. The concrete cracks must be identified, which is usually followed by proposed rectifications, in order to protect the public and occupants from dangers. This chapter is structured as follows: Background information of concrete cracks is firstly given. Traditional technique of conducting regular manual inspection is introduced, in accordance with Hong Kong’s code of practice “Building Performance Assessment Scoring System (PASS)”. Then, an advanced technique of conducting crack inspection intelligently based on computer vision is introduced. The procedures of defining, training, and benchmarking the architecture of convolutional neural network models are presented. The calculation steps are detailed and illustrated using a simple textbook example. An experiment case study is used to compare the time, cost of inspecting concrete cracks using both manual and advanced technique. The study concludes with a presentation of the future vision of robot-human collaboration for inspecting concrete cracks in building construction.
Quality and Fatigue Assessment of Welded Railway Bridge Components by Testing
Authors: Hołowaty Janusz , Wichtowski Bernard
Published: April 2022

During a decades-long program from 1953 to 1990, the quality of welded joints in railway bridges in Poland was assessed and quantified. It was discovered that many welded joints have technological cracks, and their quality is poor, especially in old constructions. Nearly, 200 bridges were tested using X-ray examination. The number of joints tested was over 15,000; cracks were discovered in 400 welded joints in the 34 bridges tested. To solve the problem, repeated examinations on welded joints with imperfections were undertaken and laboratory fatigue tests were performed. The tests and numerical analysis allowed fatigue behavior and tensile stresses in welded butt splices with cover plates to be recognized and excluded such a structural solution in bridges. The existing discontinuities and imperfections in welded joints following many years in service show no growths or forming of new cracks, as the applied stresses are below the threshold fatigue strength. As a result of decades of service, steel bridges undergo functional aging, and their structural steels undergo structural aging. There is a need to both harmonize differentiated procedures and create national recommendations to assess their safe endurance. Therefore, of use may be the findings presented in the chapter.
Perspective Chapter: Sugar and Its Impact on Health
Authors: Ordoñez-Araque Roberto , Revelo-Vizuete Byron
Published: April 2022

Consumption of foods containing free or added sugars continue to increase, causing the global prevalence of noncommunicable illnesses to rise year after year. The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the issues associated with excessive sugar consumption. The biochemical description of the major monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides in the diet, as well as their metabolism and absorption in the organism, will be used to objectively understand how most of the carbohydrates we eat, regardless of their name, end up being used in the glycolysis pathway to produce energy. Excess sugar consumption will be converted to triglycerides and cholesterol in the body through de novo lipogenesis, increasing the prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as other diseases. The necessity of eating fruits and vegetables with their matrix will also be emphasized, as these are linked to weight loss and obesity prevention. This does not include 100 percent natural juices, because when their matrix is broken, sugars are released and they act as sugary drinks, as well as food made with refined flours or white rice because the starch is quickly decomposed into glucose in our bodies because they are not accompanied by fiber.
Donor Assessment and Management for Heart Transplantation
Authors: Fukushima Norihide
Published: April 2022

For many years, heart transplantation has been an established procedure for patients with end-stage heart failure using the so-called “Standard Criteria” for an optimal heart donor. However, annually listed patients for heart transplantation greatly increased worldwide, and the use of extended criteria donor hearts has been utilized as many as possible in many countries. In this chapter, firstly, pathophysiology of brain death is explained. Secondly, donor assessment and issues of extended criteria donors are introduced. Then, donor management to maximize the heart graft availability, and the Japanese donor assessment and evaluation system and its outcome are reviewed.
Molecular Pathogenesis and Clinical Impact of Biofilms in Surgery
Authors: Bayston Roger
Published: April 2022

Biofilms are responsible for chronic persistent infections and are a major problem in implant surgery. The microbial pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of biofilm infections is reviewed.
A Scoping Analysis of the Psychosocial and Health Implications of COVID-19 Comorbidity-Related Complications in the African States: Recent Developments in Counseling and Therapeutic Options
Authors: Olatundun Ilesanmi Oluwatoyin , Ibitoyosi Ilesanmi Faith , Hajji Raouf , Moussa Garba
Published: April 2022

Since the upsurge of Coronavirus in 2019, the WHO and the US CDC have been detecting and characterizing new variants and providing updates to healthcare workers, the public, and global partners on its spread and effects on patients with noncommunicable diseases and co-morbid ailments. Epidemiology and virologic evidence suggest that COVID-19 and its subsequent deadly variants have been associated with mental and neurological manifestations, including delirium or encephalopathy, agitation, acute cerebrovascular disease, meningoencephalitis, impaired sense of smell or taste, anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. While data on these complications may be available in the global north and south, there is a paucity of literature in most African States. Recent developments in COVID-19-related theories and concepts include ethical principles for clinical, counseling, psycho-therapeutic, and rehabilitation options for special and vulnerable populations, such as pediatric patients, pregnant women, mothers, older people, PLWDs, and other marginalized groups. However, there is no known coordinated and multidisciplinary continuum of clinical, counseling, and psychotherapy COVID-19 care pathways for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients and their families in the African States. Hence, the need for this scoping analysis of existing literature on the psycho-social and health implications of COVID-19 Comorbidity-Related Complications for vulnerable persons in developing societies.
Reducing Carbon Emissions by Combined Pile-Raft Foundations for High-Rise Structures
Authors: Katzenbach Rolf , Leppla Steffen
Published: April 2022

Regarding the impact of construction processes on the environment, the reduction of CO2 has an important role. The production of materials e.g. reinforced concrete, and the construction of structures consume large amounts of energy, which leads to a large emission of CO2. The target is the reduction of the amount of construction material used and of the energy consumed for construction. For this, the structures have to be optimized regarding the geometry considering the requirements of the stability, serviceability, and durability. Also, foundation systems of high-rise buildings can be optimized regarding CO2 emission. For the optimization, three parts have to be considered. The first part is the detection of the real load-deformation behavior of a foundation element. This can be reached by large-scale load tests in situ. The second part is to use the hybrid foundation system Combined Pile-Raft Foundation (CPRF), which combines the bearing capacities of the raft and of the piles. The third part is the realistic prediction of the load-deformation behavior of the foundation. For this three-dimensional, nonlinear calculations using the Finite-Element-Method (FEM) are necessary. The contribution explains the three parts and shows the application in engineering praxis, including case studies.
Deleterious Effects of Banned Chemical Pesticides on Human Health in Developing Countries
Authors: Eldin Bayoumi Alaa
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, large quantities of banned chemical pesticides are still in use illegally in various developing countries. The effect of these pesticides on humans, that is, children, adults, including pregnant women, either through chronic residential or occupational exposure, leads to various negative effects. This chapter focuses on the evidence of using the banned pesticides in developing countries and the occurrence of different diseases that affect the quality of life of the affected individuals either at the health, social, and/or labor level. The recorded diseases included obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, asthma, chronic bronchitis, autism, erectile dysfunction, and psychological disorders as a result of chronic exposure to the banned pesticides. It was highlighted the identification of each disease, some epidemiological studies carried out in developing countries, and the mechanisms of action by which the pesticides are linked to each mentioned disease. In conclusion, it was discussed the major causes behind the incidence of such diseases and suggested suitable solutions that must be presented by the US Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Agriculture Organization among other bodies to the developing countries to avoid and overcome the occurrence of such diseases in the future.
Type 2 Diabetes Health Literacy Assessment Tool: Translation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Iranian Version
Authors: Ahmadi Ali , Niknami Shamsaddin , Ghaffari Mohtasham
Published: April 2022

Background: Adequate health literacy can lead to self-care behaviors among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although there is an instrument for measuring the health literacy of patients with diabetes, there is no Persian version of the instrument in Iran. Objectives: The aim of this study was to translate the Chinese Health Literacy Scale for Diabetes (CHLSD) and evaluate the psychometric parameters of the Iranian version. Methods: In this methodological study, using a standard forward-backward translation procedure, the original English language version of the questionnaire was translated into Persian. Face and content validity steps were performed for psychometric measurements. To perform construct (convergent) validity, a cross-sectional study was carried out with the participation of T2D patients admitted to the diabetes clinic (aged over 25 years old). To test the reliability, internal consistency was assessed by Kuder-Richardson (K-R) coefficient, and a test-retest was performed by Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: A total of 283 patients with T2D (mean age: 52.4 years and standard deviation: 11.5) were included in the study. The factor loadings of the variables were checked by calculating the correlation value of the characteristics of a construct with that construct, whose value was greater than 0.4. The K-R coefficients for the whole instrument and its four subscales (remembering, application, analysis, and comprehension) were 0.8, 0.71, 0.73, 0.87, and 0.89, respectively. Re-testing of the instrument with an interval of two weeks indicated the acceptable stability of the instrument (ICC ≥ 0.8). Conclusions: Our findings showed that the Iranian version of CHLSD is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the health literacy in patients with diabetes.
TIMES OF MINIMA OF THE ECLIPSING BINARY V0674 LYR
Authors: Karimov R.G. , Hafizov B.M. , Burhonov O.A.
Published: April 2022

We present 43 times of minima for the W Ursae Majoris type eclipsing binary V0674 Lyr. The observations were obtained using the Zeiss-600 telescope at the Maidanak astronomical observatory in Uzbekistan from 2018 to 2020.
Fratelli tutti: Toward a Community of Fraternity with the Wounded Women
Authors: Lushombo Léocadie ,   Villanova University
Published: April 2022

This article expands on Pope Francis’s vision of a community of fraternity. This community is one in which people support each other, identify with each other’s vulnerability, bear one another’s burdens, and embrace collective salvation. Although Francis takes steps forward in considering violence against women, a proper order to which a community of fraternity must turn requires that one draw much more from local narratives of injustice against women. This task can guide the Church’s orthopraxis on women’s suffering, which should consider how psychological or sociopolitical factors doubly wound women, especially in contexts of war and conflict. The effects of these wounds should inform the idea of imputability and responsibility for action regarding absolute moral laws. The article includes narratives affirming Francis’s call for mercy to be put first in accompanying wounded women, who become the locus theologicus on the suffering Christ.
Fratelli tutti: Reading the Social Magisterium of Pope Francis
Authors: Clark Meghan J. , Rowlands Anna ,   Villanova University
Published: April 2022

This article explores the teaching of Fratelli tutti as an integrating document of the papacy of Francis. Exploring the title as greeting and imperative, the authors make a case for exploring FT as both a development of the themes of earlier social encyclicals and as an attempt to explore an integral humanism for a new age facing economic, environmental, migratory, and social-conflictual challenges. The article lays out a summary of these main themes of Francis’s social teaching. Nonetheless, the authors conclude, the integral planetary humanism that Francis calls for, and is so needed, is itself a radically incomplete project. A common home is not possible without a recognition of a common kinship, yet without deep reflection on women’s experience, the inclusion of women as full subjects and agents of CST, and greater attention to race, the document cannot fully embody the spirit and logic of its own message of gift, inclusion, and co-belonging.
Fraternity in Fratelli tutti
Authors: Alford Helen ,   Villanova University
Published: April 2022

The connection between the use of fraternity, love, and justice in Fratelli tutti and Gaudium et spes is explored.
A Place at the Table for Better Politics
Authors: Cuda Emilce ,   Villanova University
Published: April 2022

In chapter 5 (“A Better Kind of Politics”) of Pope Francis’s encyclical Fratelli tutti, the “better” politics is based on community social discernment as an embodied expression of the sensus fidelium. From the point of view of Latin American theology, it is reflected in people and populism; creative work and structural unemployment; party and movements; conflict and social friendship; value and discard. Without a categorization of these words in light of the Gospel, it will not be possible to address the threat posed by the ecological, socio-environmental crisis.
Front Matter
Authors: Lowry Joseph E. , Toorawa Shawkat M.
Published: April 2022

Table of Contents Editors' Preface
Cardiomyopathies: Classification, diagnosis and treatment modalities
Authors: Lasica Ratko , Radovanović-Radosavljević Mina , Ristić Arsen , Đukanović Lazar , Krljanac Gordana , Ašanin Milika
Published: April 2022

Cardiomyopathies (CM) are a heterogeneous group of diseases of various etiologies that lead to morphological and functional damage to the heart. Throughout history, there have been numerous attempts to classify them, and the latest division of the European Society of Cardiology (2008) has classified all CM into four basic phenotypes: dilated CM, hypertrophic CM, restrictive CM and arrhythmogenic CM of right ventricle. Other CM are classified as unclassified. According to the form of inheritance, they are divided into familial (genetic) and non-familial forms of the disease. The importance of CM is reflected not only in their high incidence in the general population but also in the very difficult clinical presentation at the time of their diagnosis. Complaints in most patients occur gradually and quietly, and the first manifestation of the disease can be some of the fatal complications (malignant arrhythmia or systemic embolization). Distinguishing CM from hypertensive, ischemic and valvular heart disease is a difficult differential diagnostic problem that needs to be solved due to different modalities of treatment of these conditions. CM is one of the most common causes of heart failure and terminal heart failure is the leading indication for heart transplantation. Therefore, the treatment of CM aims to reduce the symptoms of heart failure (following the latest guidelines for the treatment of heart failure) and improve heart function. The frequency of malignant heart rhythm disorders and sudden cardiac death is much more common in the population of patients with CM. In addition to standard drug therapy, immunosuppressive therapy, surgical procedures, (installation of pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, septal myectomy, installation of temporary mechanical circulatory support devices (EKMO, Impella, LVAD) are increasingly used in the treatment of these patients. Given that a large number of CM are hereditary diseases and that their treatment is often complicated, preventive examinations of the population are very important in order to timely diagnose these diseases as well as genetic screening of close relatives suffering from CM.
The need for guidelines in everyday clinical practice: Today: Good, bad, ugly
Authors: Ostojić Miodrag , Ilić Ivan , Nikolić Aleksandra , Otašević Petar , Đokić Dragoljub , Bojić Milovan
Published: April 2022

Evidence-based Clinical Guidelines (CGs) for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) have emerged to synthesize and systematize a wealth of knowledge from scientific journals that health professionals have been unable to follow. Today, the COVID 19 pandemic requires them more than ever. CGs are defined as a set of systematized claims, based on a systematic analysis of scientific evidence, that point to the performance of GCP; contain an assessment of the usefulness and harmfulness of various diagnostic and therapeutic options. "The Good": CG is necessary for health professionals, patients and society, because the knowledge gained in studies is insufficient to perform GCP in further practice. "The Bad": The shortcomings of the CG stem from; (a) there are still many unknowns in medicine, as funding for scientific research is inadequate; (b) the disunity of different institutions that make recommendations at the global, even local level results in different guidelines, although they are based on identical scientific papers as evidence; (c) most clinical scientific studies exclude groups of patients that make up a significant population in everyday practice and the guidelines more or less (do not) apply to them; (d) the impossibility of implementing the CG, because they are not backed by state regulatory bodies and / or the economy cannot follow them. "The Ugly": (a) the ambition of a large number of practitioners and researchers to be among the authors of the guidelines, although many do not have competence for the subject matter; (b) industry (equipment, drugs, supplements) most often funds scientific research and the interdependence of industry and the "dependence" of the authors of guidelines is often intertwined; and (c) publishing (un) intentionally falsified study results which then serve to "support" some guidelines. often in (un) intentional alliance with the editors of the world's elite medical journals.