bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Random Allocation in Randomized Controlled Trials: Distinguishing Selection Bias from Baseline Imbalance
Authors: Fives Allyn
Published: April 2023

Background: This paper addresses one threat to the internal validity of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), selection bias. Many authors argue that random allocation is used to ensure baseline equality between study conditions in a given study and that statistically significant differences at pretest mean that randomisation has failed.   Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of random allocation in an RCT study. Is the role of random allocation to protect against selection bias? And does it have a further role, namely to ensure baseline equality and the absence of statistically significant differences between study conditions at pretest?   Setting: The participants for this study were 229 children in 1st and 2nd grade and data were collected as part of an RCT evaluation of a volunteer reading programme piloted in Ireland, Wizards of Words (WoW).   Intervention: Not applicable.   Research design: The allocation procedure adopted in this study was stratified and blocked random allocation.   Data collection and analysis: Data were collected using standardised and criterion-referenced tests of reading ability. Data were collected by qualified Speech and Language Therapists. Independent-samples t-tests were used to analyse pretest data.   Findings: The role of random allocation is to protect against selection bias, and statistically significant baseline differences can result even when random allocation has been successful. Whether or not random allocation has been successful is determined by the generation of the random allocation sequence and the steps taken to ensure its concealment. The size of differences between study conditions at pretest can be important for the analysis of posttest data but does not by itself determine whether random allocation was successful. In addition, there are serious concerns about the appropriateness of tests of significance when comparing two study conditions at pretest. Keywords: baseline equality; baseline imbalance; random allocation; selection bias; test of statistical significance
Pengaruh motivasi dan komitmen terhadap kinerja karyawan
Authors: Alhamidi Edi Muhammad Abduh
Published: April 2023

The advantages possessed by the company will be able to make the company survive amidst the intense competition in the business world. Companies need human resources who are educated, skilled, and competent in their fields. Company management must pay attention to managing human resources—problems for employee performance at PT. San Fang Indonesia still has a high rate of absenteeism, which creates issues for leaders to motivate employees to carry out work optimally. The method in this study is associative causality which is directed to determine the relationship between two or more variables. The population and sample in this study are employees at PT. San Fang Indonesia, Serang Regency, has as many as 93 people, called a saturated sample. The results showed that simultaneously there is a significant influence of motivation and work commitment on the performance of employees at PT. San Fang Indonesia with a relationship level in the strong category.
VALIDATING INTERACTIONS: HOW A SYSTEM OF LEARNERS, PEERS, AND POLICIES EXPLAINS FACULTY TEACHING NEEDS
Authors: Price David William , Carliner Saul , Lopez Monica
Published: April 2023

Some institutions assess the professional development needs of teaching faculty by surveying their interests in teaching topics. In contrast, we sought an explanation of teaching needs that could inform a more comprehensive needs assessment addressing motivations for teaching, challenges from learners, preferred strategies to address challenges, and barriers to using them. We conducted three focus groups of faculty from a university and a feeder college. We found that faculty were motivated by validating interactions with learners and challenged by incoming cohorts with diverse attitudes and abilities. Faculty preferred to consult peers, experiment in class, and offload tasks, but they were undermined by poor communication, bureaucracy, risk management, and limited resources. Faculty persisted with existing approaches until they faced burnout. Female faculty disproportionately reported being motivated by learner impact and challenged by mixed ability classrooms and lack of time. Our model prompts institutions to define and explore faculty teaching needs in terms of validating interactions with learners that are enhanced or diminished by incoming cohorts, preferred strategies, and institutional barriers. As such, faculty development must address each of those multiple, interacting influences.
Beyond the Single Story: Utilizing Cluster Texts to Celebrate Diversity
Authors: Parker Lisa , Malec Jennifer
Published: April 2023

This article investigates the advantages of incorporating cluster texts in educational settings to present a variety of viewpoints. The discussion begins by examining the reasons behind choosing picturebooks, followed by introducing the concepts of intertextuality and cluster texts. The significance of students' ability to connect with the texts is highlighted. The article then introduces three carefully curated cluster text sets, developed with consideration for classroom observations and students' requirements: 1) laying the groundwork and the school experience; 2) highlighting unsung heroes and overcoming obstacles; 3) showcasing diverse family structures and experiences. Each set features an in-depth analysis of a primary text, accompanied by a table outlining supplementary books within the cluster. The article wraps up with a summary of key insights on the subject matter.
Universal genetic testing for women with newly diagnosed breast cancer in the context of multidisciplinary team care
Authors: De Silva Dilanka L , Stafford Lesley , Skandarajah Anita R , Sinclair Michelle , Devereux Lisa , Hogg Kirsten , Kentwell Maira , Park Allan , Lal Luxi , Zethoven Magnus , Jayawardana Madawa W , Chan Fiona , Butow Phyllis N , James Paul A , Mann G Bruce , Campbell Ian G , Lindeman Geoffrey J
Published: April 2023

Objective

To determine the feasibility of universal genetic testing of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, to estimate the incidence of pathogenic gene variants and their impact on patient management, and to evaluate patient and clinician acceptance of universal testing.

Design, setting, participants

Prospective study of women with invasive or high grade in situ breast cancer and unknown germline status discussed at the Parkville Breast Service (Melbourne) multidisciplinary team meeting. Women were recruited to the pilot (12 June 2020 – 22 March 2021) and expansion phases (17 October 2021 – 8 November 2022) of the Mutational Assessment of newly diagnosed breast cancer using Germline and tumour genomICs (MAGIC) study.

Main outcome measures

Germline testing by DNA sequencing, filtered for nineteen hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genes that could be classified as actionable; only pathogenic variants were reported. Surveys before and after genetic testing assessed pilot phase participants’ perceptions of genetic testing, and psychological distress and cancer‐specific worry. A separate survey assessed clinicians’ views on universal testing.

Results

Pathogenic germline variants were identified in 31 of 474 expanded study phase participants (6.5%), including 28 of 429 women with invasive breast cancer (6.5%). Eighteen of the 31 did not meet current genetic testing eligibility guidelines (probability of a germline pathogenic variant ≥ 10%, based on CanRisk, or Manchester score ≥ 15). Clinical management was changed for 24 of 31 women after identification of a pathogenic variant. Including 68 further women who underwent genetic testing outside the study, 44 of 542 women carried pathogenic variants (8.1%). Acceptance of universal testing was high among both patients (90 of 103, 87%) and clinicians; no decision regret or adverse impact on psychological distress or cancer‐specific worry were reported.

Conclusion

Universal genetic testing following the diagnosis of breast cancer detects clinically significant germline pathogenic variants that might otherwise be missed because of testing guidelines. Routine testing and reporting of pathogenic variants is feasible and acceptable for both patients and clinicians.
THE GENIUS BEHIND GUIDELINES
Authors:   Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines, Delos Reyes Carmina
Published: April 2023

Medical guidelines are documents containing recommendations which can be used in clinical practice. They are intended to help physicians make informed decisions on diagnostic or treatment dilemmas and help achieve the best outcomes for patients. Medical guidelines are not made overnight. Members of the guidelines development committee, composed of a multidisciplinary panel of experts from key groups, are carefully chosen to produce a high qualityscientificdocument. Thisisachievedthrough atransparent,evidence-baseddecision-makingprocess that is labor intensive and rigorous. This ensures that guidelines are sound, credible and at par with international standards. The process starts by defining the topic and scope for guideline development. Key issues and questions regarding the topic are drafted. Review of questions, literature search, evidence reviews, and committee discussions are done. Available medical evidence are summarized, and grading of evidence is made, until a draft recommendation is developed. Draft guidelines are then reviewed by stakeholders until a final guideline is produced and published. In this special issue, we bring you outputs from this guideline development process - four relevant documents on COVID-19, Pediatric Community Acquired Pneumonia (in collaboration with the Philippine Academy of Pediatric Pulmonologists), Leptospirosis, and Pediatric Immunization (prepared by the National Institutes of Health-Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and funded by the Department of Health ). The guideline development process is imperfect. Some shortcomings include paucity of evidence on certain questions, presence of potential conflicts of interest among members of the committee, limitations in funding, and even time. The major advantage is access to a summarized wealth of evidence on a specific topic to enhance physician expertise, improve healthcare quality, and reduce healthcare cost. Guidelines can also influence health policies so that underrecognized health concerns and services can be made available to the majority. Guidelines should be used with the best interest of the individual patient in mind. They help to improve patient care quality. The complex medical decision making process done by the physician however, should not be limited by simplistic algorithms suggested by guidelines.
Strategies for organizing sports events safely and healthily during COVID-19 at the university level: perceptions of Indonesian and Hungarian coach
Authors: Marsudi Imam , Ridwan Mochamad , Ashadi Kunjung , Fajar Muhammad Kharis , Németh Zsolt , Hofmeister Martin , Setiawan Edi
Published: April 2023

Purpose. The COVID-19 outbreak had led difficulties in carrying out sports events and limited research investigated the strategies in organizing sports events during COVID-19 generated a gap and novelty in this research. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the perceptions from coaches about strategies in organizing sport events at the university level.
Material and Methods. This research used a qualitative with phenomenological method. Participants involved in this study were coaches who had experience in organizing sports events, which came from the State University of Surabaya (Indonesia) (n = 5) and the University of Pecs (Hungary) (n = 5). This study used in-depth interviews with participants during 30 minutes. Data was analyzed using qualitative thematics statistical, namely copying, understanding the text and coding into three themes
Results. The results indicate that most of the coaches applied various strategies in organizing sports events, for example limiting the number of participants, implementation time, physical distancing, using masks and hand sanitizers. In addition, they argued that technology and funding were supporting factors to assist the success in organizing sports events. Apart from that, it was necessary to minimize the inhibiting factors in order to optimize the implementation.
Conclusions. Thus, this study confirms that to achieve the success in organizing sports events at the university level, it is necessary to consider the strategies and supporting factors. This research contributes to existing knowledge by providing information and scientific insight to coaches, athletes and stakeholders, to implement the appropriate strategy in organizing sports event during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
Patient characteristics and interventions associated with complaints and medico-legal claims
Authors: Schultz Timothy , Zhou Michael , Gray Jodi , Roseleur Jackie , Clark Richard , Mordaunt Dylan , Hibbert Peter
Published: April 2023

There is anecdotal evidence that the rate of complaints and claims against doctors is rising, yet little is known about (Q1) which types of patients are more likely to make a complaint or claim, nor about (Q2) what interventions are effective in reducing rates of complaints and claims and increasing patient satisfaction. This Evidence Check aimed to answer those two questions. The evidence base for both of the questions was of low quality, with only five studies having a comparison group. Twenty-five studies addressed Question 1. The only patient characteristic to have a consistent effect on rates of complaints and claims was having a mental, behavioural or developmental disorder. Other patient characteristics, including those related to their therapeutic context, had inconsistent or weak relationships with rates of complaints and claims. Twenty studies addressed Question 2 (including one which addressed both questions). There were consistently reduced rates of complaints and claims following implementation of risk management programs and also implementation of communication and resolution programs. Peer feedback programs consistently improved doctors’ response to complaints and subsequent performance. However, the results found here should be interpreted with caution, as the risk of bias inherent in the study designs makes them more likely to erroneously demonstrate an effect.
Forecasting Commercial Vehicle Production Using Quantitative Techniques
Authors: Toppur Badri , Thomas T. C.
Published: April 2023

Firms selling commercial vehicles often face difficulties due to recessions in the globalized economy. Manufacturers are keen to anticipate demand in future quarters to optimize their production schedules. In this study, commercial vehicle production data from a leading Indian automotive manufacturer were analyzed us- ing moving averages, exponential smoothing, seasonal decomposition and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models with the goal of forecasting. The results reveal that the ARIMA (0,1,1) model effectively predicts the sectoral downturn coinciding with the global financial crisis of 2008. As life returns to normal after the financial crisis caused by COVID-19, such models may be used to strategically move past the disruption.
Negative Word of Mouth (NWOM) using Compartmental Epidemiological Models in Banking Digital Transformation
Authors: Méndez-Suárez Mariano , Danvila-del-Valle Ignacio
Published: April 2023

Our article is among the first to model the reactions of customers to the digital transformation of European banks in a scenario of declining interest margins. Motivated by the hypothesis that customers’ feelings, perceptions and negative reactions towards digital transformation are channeled through the spread of negative word-of-mouth (NWOM) in a way analogous to the spread of a disease epidemic, we propose and analyze a compartmentalized mathematical model using data from a medium-sized Spanish commercial bank. To understand the NWOM phenomenon with an epidemiological approach we consider some realistic interactions in a social network and we formulate a novel application of the susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered-mortality (SEIRM) model. The results indicate that a better understanding of consumers’ negative reactions and their correct monitoring can help banks improve profitability when facing a digital transformation process. In summary, the research warns commercial bank managers about the need to carefully assess the effects of changes brought about by digital transformation and the development fee management strategies based on the behavior of customer groups, as well as the deployment of new churn risk management methods to deal with the most disengaged customers.
A Study on the Mathematics Curriculum for Elementary School in Korea to Improve Teaching of Pictograph
Authors:   The Korea Society Of Educational Studies In Mathematics, Tak Byungjoo
Published: April 2023

This study tried to analyze the problems by critically examining how the pictographs are taught for statistical literacy education in the Korean elementary school mathematics curriculum. First, I analyzed pictographs presented from the 4th mathematics curriculum to 2015 revised curriculum of Korea, in order to find the pedagogical goals of the pictographs in the elementary school mathematics textbooks. In addition, I derived some implications for teaching of pictographs by analyzing the shape of the pictographs in Australia, Singapore, and MiC mathematics textbooks. As a result, pictographs were taught for enhancing algebraic thinking in Korea by combining different sizes of pictures based on the power of 10 units. However, in other countries, the shape of pictographs were chosen based on the comprehension of the unit idea with the aim of developing the statistical literacy required to interpret the various pictographs found in daily life. For the teaching of pictographs for statistical literacy education, it is suggested to use the pictographs with only one size of pictures representing units and various units represented by pictures that are not powers of 10 in the elementary school mathematics curriculum.
A Study on the Mathematical Beliefs of Elementary School Teachers with a Focus on Mathematical Mindset
Authors:   The Korea Society Of Educational Studies In Mathematics, Kim Soomi , Heo Haeja
Published: April 2023

Based on the fact that teachers' mathematical mindsets have a great cognitive and emotional impact on students, this study attempted to examine the tendency of mathematical beliefs including mathematical mindsets for elementary school teachers and derive implications for teacher education. To this end, a survey was conducted, and the data of 62 elementary school teachers who responded to this were processed using the SPSS statistics program. As a result of the survey, it was found that elementary school teachers' mathematical beliefs were moderate, and more than half had a neutral mind set. In addition, there are no differences by gender and high school class in mathematical beliefs and mathematical mindsets, but there are differences by teaching period and university grade self-evaluation. Implications for teacher education were proposed through the above contents.
A Study on the Student's Expression and Meaning of the Formal Definition of Graph and the Identity Function
Authors:   The Korea Society Of Educational Studies In Mathematics, Lee Jeong Hwan , Lee Soo Jin
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study is to analyze students' expressions explaining the formal definition of graphs and the identity function, and to explore the meaning underlying the expressions. To this end, we conducted clinical interviews with three first-year high school students. The data analyzed in this study are a portion of the data of 20 clinical interviews conducted for 6-7 sessions per student. As a result of the study, it was revealed that in order to understand the formal definition of a graph, meaning must be constructed through the process of mentally coordinating images of ordered pairs, set-builder notation, and function definition. The three students were unable to construct a formal definition of a graph, simply by understanding ordered pairs, set-builder notation, and function definitions. In addition, in the process of constructing the initial meaning of the identity function, an attempt to connect the meaning of the identity expression was confirmed. Based on the results of this study, we discussed the process of students understanding the formal definition of a graph and the understanding process of identifying the image of the identity function and the image of the identity expression. We finalized by suggesting implications. First, the teacher should design the class considering the coordination of three images related to ordered pair, set-builder notation, and function definition. Second, teachers should consider that there may be cases where students understand the concept of the identity function in connection with the identity expression. Finally, teachers need to plan various activities in class so that students can construct sufficient conceptual images to understand the concepts of functions.
Analysis of students' responses according to the types of problem posing tasks in mathematics textbooks of grade 3-4
Authors:   The Korea Society Of Educational Studies In Mathematics, Park Haemin , Lim Miin
Published: April 2023

In order to enhance students' mathematical problem solving competency, the 2015 revised mathematics curriculum emphasized problem posing as a sub-factor of problem solving competency. In this study, we analyzed task types of problem posing in the 3rd and 4th grade mathematics authorized textbooks and students' responses to the representative types of problem posing task. As the results of analysis, even though they are the same lesson units, the number and types of problem posing tasks in the units varied by publishers, and there are differences in students' responses to each type. From the results of this study, some implications for constructing problem posing tasks in elementary mathematics textbook and teaching problem posing were suggested.
Swiss recommendations of the Society for Endocrinology and Diabetes (SGED/SSED) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (2023)
Authors: Gastaldi Giacomo , Lucchini Barbara , Thalmann Sebastien , Alder Stephanie , Laimer Markus , Brändle Michael , Wiesli Peter , Lehmann Roger , Working group of the SGED/SSED
Published: April 2023

As a first step, the authors emphasise lifestyle changes (increased physical activity, stopping smoking), blood pressure control, and lowering cholesterol). The initial medical treatment should always be a combination treatment with metformin and a sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor or a glucagon-like 1 peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Metformin is given first and up-titrated, followed by SGLT-2 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists. In persons with type 2 diabetes, if the initial double combination is not sufficient, a triple combination (SGLT-2 inhibitor, GLP-1 receptor agonist, and metformin) is recommended. This triple combination has not been officially tested in cardiovascular outcome trials, but there is more and more real-world experience in Europe and in the USA that proves that the triple combination with metformin, SGLT-2 inhibitor, and GLP-1 receptor agonist is the best treatment to reduce 3-point MACE, total mortality, and heart failure as compared to other combinations. The treatment with sulfonylurea is no longer recommended because of its side effects and higher mortality compared to the modern treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists. If the triple combination is not sufficient to reduce the HbA1c to the desired target, insulin treatment is necessary. A quarter of all patients with type 2 diabetes (sometimes misdiagnosed) require insulin treatment. If insulin deficiency is the predominant factor at the outset of type 2 diabetes, the order of medications has to be reversed: insulin first and then cardio-renal protective medications (SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists).
Analysis and Prediction of the SARIMA Model for a Time Interval of Earthquakes in the Longmenshan Fault Zone
Authors: Yuan Xue , Dan Hu , Qiuyin Ye , Wenjun Zeng , Jing Yang , Min Rao
Published: April 2023

Based on the catalog data of earthquakes with Ms ≥ 2.5 in the Longmenshan fault zone from January 2012 to September 2021, we establish an earthquake time interval series grouped by earthquake magnitude and then use the SARIMA model to predict the series in different periods. By analyzing the fitting effect of the models, the optimal model parameters of different magnitude sequences and the corresponding period values are obtained. Among them, the adjusted R2 values of each model with Ms ≥ 2.5 and Ms ≥ 3.0 sequences are more than 0.86, up to 0.911; the short-time prediction effects are good, and the values of predicted RMSE are 10.686 and 8.800. The prediction results of the models show that the overall trend of the subsequent earthquake time interval in the Longmenshan fault zone is stable, and the prediction results of the Ms ≥ 3.0 sequence have a weak fluctuating growth trend; that is, the number of earthquakes with the Ms ≥ 3.0 in this area will decrease slightly, and the seismicity will decrease in a period of time. The analysis results and method can provide a scientific basis for earthquake risk management and a feasible way to predict earthquake occurrence times.
Centrifugal Acceleration in Relativistic Astrophysics
Authors: Rogava Andria
Published: April 2023

Particles moving along prescribed, relativistically rotating trajectories may exhibit quite unexpected, interesting kinematic behavior. Their dynamics may lead to a number of physical processes that could have various important consequences in a wide variety of relativistic astrophysical objects. In this chapter the author gives brief review of the theoretical ideas and results related to Machabeli and Rogava gedankenexperiment (1994) and their astrophysical implications. In particular three astrophysical cases—acceleration of particles by rotating magnetospheres in AGNs, centrifugal acceleration and gamma flares in Crab nebula, and self-trapping as a beaming mechanism for Fast Radio Bursts—are discussed. Conclusions and future research prospects are briefly outlined.
Millets: Traditional “Poor Man’s” Crop or Future Smart Nutri-Cereals?
Authors: Bombom Alexander , Kaweesi Tadeo , Walugembe Faitwa , Bhebhe Sandiso , Maphosa Mcebisi
Published: April 2023

Millets represent a diverse group of cereal crops of significance to sub-Saharan Africa and globally. However, they remain a set of crops with limited attention and priority paid to them with paucity of information on their genetic diversity and sustainable use. Existing knowledge on millets with respect to cultivation, health, and nutritional benefits, and contribution to sustainable environmental management, and use is mainly attributed to traditional indigenous knowledge held by rural folks in different regions of the continent. The emergence of other cereal staples, however, led to millets losing their place as an important crop limiting their use to a “famine” crop with production occurring on smallholdings among the marginalized poor. This threatens interest, patronage, conservation and use to sustainably and fully exploit the potential of millets for the benefit of society. Intertwined with tradition and culture, millets in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere nonetheless hold great promise to contribute to food security, revitalize and diversify diets, improve farmer livelihoods, resilience, and adaptation to climate change. This chapter discusses the importance of millets, challenges to production, contribution to nutrition and health, traditional knowledge and products, novel and non-traditional products, contribution to resilience and climate change, and diversity of available genetic resources.
Role of Drug Repurposing in Sustainable Drug Discovery
Authors: Bhar Shanta
Published: April 2023

The contemporary global drug discovery scenario, in spite of several technological advances, is heavily ridden with multiple challenges of a dynamic regulatory system, escalating costs from bench to bedside investigational drugs, the increased probability of withdrawal after launch, and over-stretched timelines from discovery to approval, among others. Drug repurposing/repositioning/re-profiling/re-tasking is an effective and practical complimentary method for the selection of alternate therapies for approved, shelved, discontinued/abandoned, and investigational drugs or new chemical entities, with the parallel study of new metabolic pathways and/or protein targets. Such an approach encompasses multipronged benefits of redundant preclinical testing, toxicity evaluation, and formulation studies, based largely on serendipity. In recent years, approaches have been driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, and bioinformatics have opened up new vistas in drug re-profiling acceleration. Increasing protocols to club the shared mechanisms among structurally diverse/dissimilar drugs include pathway analysis, phenotypic screening, signature matching, related disease genes, binding assay studies, molecular docking, and clinical data monitoring. All in all, repositioning of abandoned/investigational/existing drugs or new chemical entities for other therapeutic indications could enhance the overall productivity of the pharmaceutical industry while paradigmatically shifting the focus from new drug discovery to the optimization of available resources.
Challenges and Opportunities to Internationalize the Indonesian Higher Education Sector
Authors: Lambey Linda , Jeini Usoh Elni , Lambey Robert , Burgess John
Published: April 2023

The higher education (HE) system in Indonesia is complex and fragmented, with 4.5 thousand universities offering over 25 thousand majors. The system includes public and private universities, institutes, schools of higher learning, academies, community colleges, and polytechnics. Despite growth in institutions and enrolments, the country’s higher education institutions rank low across global rating indicators. The major weaknesses within the higher education sector include the absence of consistent academic quality standards, inconsistent certification, accreditation, supervision, and monitoring processes, an absence of postgraduate-trained staff, and limited research output in recognized international journals. Programs are not linked to workforce skill requirements and graduate unemployment and underemployment rates are high. The word “Internationalization” for Indonesian higher education practically means to “go international” in every aspect of higher education including its education quality and standards, staffing, research, and graduates. The Indonesian government has given priority to the internationalization of universities that includes the goal that universities improve their competitiveness and quality so that they effectively compete globally for staff, students, and research funding. To internationalize, Indonesian universities will have to improve quality across staffing, programs, teaching, and research.
Artificial Intelligence in Musculoskeletal Conditions
Authors: Manuel Román-Belmonte Juan , De la Corte-Rodríguez Hortensia , Adriana Rodríguez-Damiani Beatriz , Carlos Rodríguez-Merchán Emérito
Published: April 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer capabilities that resemble human intelligence. AI implies the ability to learn and perform tasks that have not been specifically programmed. Moreover, it is an iterative process involving the ability of computerized systems to capture information, transform it into knowledge, and process it to produce adaptive changes in the environment. A large labeled database is needed to train the AI system and generate a robust algorithm. Otherwise, the algorithm cannot be applied in a generalized way. AI can facilitate the interpretation and acquisition of radiological images. In addition, it can facilitate the detection of trauma injuries and assist in orthopedic and rehabilitative processes. The applications of AI in musculoskeletal conditions are promising and are likely to have a significant impact on the future management of these patients.
Potentiation of Apoptotic Effect of Combination of Etoposide and Quercetin on HepG2 Liver Cancer Cells
Authors: Aslani Fereshteh , Afarin Reza , Dehghani Madiseh Nafiseh , Beheshti Nasab Hasti , Monjezi Sajad , Igder Somayeh , Rashidi Mojtaba
Published: April 2023

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer worldwide. The current remedies for cancer, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, might damage patients’ organs, sometimes causing death. Etoposide (ETO), as a widely used chemo-drug, possesses the same problems. For years, combinational therapy has been considered a potential adjustor for common treatments, alleviating their side effects. Quercetin (Que), a phytochemical drug, has been used due to its potential against cancer. Objectives: This study explored whether synergy occurs between Que and ETO on the apoptosis of HepG2 HCC cells or not. Methods: The impacts of the drugs on cell growth were assessed through the MTT assay. The apoptotic death rates of treated cells were examined through Annexin/PI double staining and caspase-9 and caspase-3 activities. The relative expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) associated X-protein (Bax), and Bcl-2 genes and proteins were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Additionally, the levels of p53 protein were determined. Results: Both Que and ETO reduced the cell viability and increased apoptotic rates, caspases activities, Bax gene and protein expression, and the p53 protein levels of HepG2 cells. The combination of Que and ETO showed apparent synergy in terms of cell growth and cell apoptosis. Que significantly enhanced the effects of ETO on caspase activities, Bax and Bcl-2 genes’ expression, and p53 protein levels. Conclusions: The obtained results demonstrated that Que showed synergy when co-treated with ETO on HepG2 cells. Therefore, it is concluded that further studies on the aforementioned combination could lead to a potential anticancer compound against HCC.
Gastric Cancer: Correlation of Histologic Type with Commonly Used Prognostic Variables
Authors: Taghavi Afsoon , Khorsand Atieh , Saberafsharian Malihe , Sahabi Reza , Beiraghdar Mozhdeh , Hosseinpour Mitra , Zahedifard Sara , Hajizadeh Fallah Hadi , Maghsoodi Reza , Salarinejad Sareh , Nasri Parto , Eftekhari Hamid Reza , Sadeghzadeh Zahra , Hosseini Masoumeh , Moradi Arsham , Bahari Khasraghi Leila
Published: April 2023

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers among Iranian men and women. Objectives: The aim here was to investigate different histopathologic types and features of this cancer in association with selected prognostic variables. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed to reevaluate the pathologic samples of 100 cases of gastric cancer referred to Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital, Tehran, Iran from 2017 to 2022. Results: We evaluated 100 cases of gastric cancer in this study. They had a mean age of 62.4 ± 13.44 years old (range 28 - 84 years) and were mostly men (n = 66, 66 %). On histopathologic evaluation, tubular carcinoma was the most common type (n = 45, 45%). We found a statistically significant correlation between the histologic type and perineural invasion (P-value = 0.024), lymphovascular invasion (P-value < 0.001), tumoral involvement of surgical margin (P-value = 0.012 ), infiltration depth of the primary tumor (pT) (P-value = 0.049) , number of metastatic lymph nodes (pN) (P-value = < 0.001) , tumor location in the antrum (P-value=0.033) and body (P-value = 0.013) , and tumor size (P-value = 0.002 and P-value = 0.031 in small and large size groups respectively). Conclusions: According to the findings, histologic type of gastric cancer correlates with perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, tumoral involvement of the surgical margin, pT, pN, and tumor location and size.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ordooei Mahtab , Karimi Mehran , Akbarian Elahe , Rasoulizadeh Zahra
Published: April 2023

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread quickly. Comorbidities, such as diabetes, have been determined as critical risk factors for COVID-19. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the frequency and severity of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This retrospective study examined children aged less than 18 years diagnosed with DKA hospitalized in Yazd Shahid Sadoughi Hospital from February 20, 2020, to November 21, 2021. The collected information was compared to those obtained during the same period in 2019 (pre-pandemic). According to the inclusion criteria, only children with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 or an infected family member underwent PCR. Results: The study included 70 children with confirmed DKA during the COVID-19 pandemic and 33 children hospitalized during the pre-pandemic period. The findings showed that the rate of DKA was higher during the pandemic than in the pre-pandemic period. In the DKA subgroups (during the COVID-19 pandemic vs. pre-pandemic), 35.7% vs. 21.2% were severe, 37.1% vs. 36.4% were moderate, and 27.1% vs. 42.4% were mild. Of 70 children, 30 underwent PCR tests for COVID-19, showing six positive cases. Among positive cases, five had mild symptoms, while one was hospitalized with signs of respiratory distress, polyuria, and polydipsia. All physical examinations of this patient were normal, except for the chest exam. Conclusions: A remarkable increase was observed in the frequency and severity of DKA in children during the pandemic.
VAI TRÒ CỦA CHUYỂN ĐẠO LEWIS TRONG PHÁT HIỆN DẤU HIỆU PHÂN LY NHĨ THẤT KHI TẠO NHỊP THẤT TẦN SỐ NHANH
Authors: Trần Tuấn Việt , Nguyễn Lân Hiếu , Trịnh Thị Hà My
Published: April 2023

Cơn nhịp nhanh QRS giãn rộng (WCT) là một rối loạn nhịp thường gặp trên lâm sàng, đòi hỏi chẩn đoán nhanh, chính xác. Dấu hiệu phân ly nhĩ thất là một dấu hiệu của nhịp nhanh thất (VT), được sử dụng để chẩn đoán phân biệt cơn nhịp nhanh QRS giãn rộng. Phương pháp sử dụng chuyển đạo Lewis đơn giản và nhanh nhằm phát phát hiện được hoạt động sóng nhĩ và mối quan hệ với hoạt động sóng thất, từ đó giúp chẩn đoán rối loạn nhịp chính xác hơn. Nghiên cứu được thực hiện trên 43 bệnh nhân được tiến hành thăm dò điện sinh lý (EPS), sử dụng catheter kích thích tại vị trí mỏm thất phải và đường ra thất phải, xác định thời điểm phân ly nhĩ thất tạo ra một VT mô phỏng khi kích thích tại mỏm thất phải và đường ra thất phải tại CL 400 ms, 380 ms, 350 ms, 330 ms, 320 ms, 300 ms. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy tỷ lệ phát hiện phân ly nhĩ thất khi tạo nhịp thất tại mỏm thất phải và đường ra thất phải trên chuyển đạo Lewis đều lớn hơn 12 chuyển đạo tiêu chuẩn trên mọi tần số với p<0.05. Tỷ lệ phát hiện phân ly nhĩ thất khi tạo nhịp thất tại mỏm thất phải và đường ra thất phải trên chuyển đạo Lewis không có sự khác biệt, p>0,05. Kết luận chuyển đạo Lewis có thể phát hiện được phân ly nhĩ thất tốt hơn 12 chuyển đạo tiêu chuẩn. Từ kết quả trên, chúng tôi đề xuất đánh giá thêm điện tâm đồ của chuyển đạo Lewis bên cạnh điện tâm đồ 12 chuyển đạo tiêu chuẩn để chẩn đoán phân biệt WCT.
MỘT SỐ YẾU TỐ NGUY CƠ SUY TĨNH MẠCH MẠN TÍNH CHI DƯỚI Ở CÔNG NHÂN MAY MẶC TỈNH THÁI BÌNH
Authors: Vũ Thị Diện
Published: April 2023

Nghiên cứu được tiến hành trên 400 công nhân may thuộc 4 công ty may mặc tại Thái Bình thông qua một cuộc điều tra cắt ngang nhằm khảo sát một số yếu tố nguy cơ suy tĩnh mạch mạn tính chi dưới (STMMTCD) ở công nhân tại một số công ty may mặc Thái Bình.

Kết quả nghiên cứu: Giới tính nữ, trình độ học vấn từ THPT trở lên, tuổi nghề càng cao, tư thế đứng khi làm việc, không tập thể dục giữa giờ, triệu chứng lâm sàng càng nhiều là những yếu tố nguy cơ đơn biến làm tăng khả năng mắc suy tĩnh mạch mạn tính chi dưới ở công nhân may. Số lần đứng lên đi lại càng nhiều là yếu tố làm giảm khả năng mắc STMMTCD ở công nhân may. Kết quả phân tích đa biến cho thấy có mối liên quan giữa tình trạng STMMTCD của công nhân có tư thế làm việc đứng hay ngồi. Bên cạnh đó cũng có mối liên quan giữa công nhân có số lượng triệu chứng lâm sàng là 1, 2, 3 và trên 3 với tình trạng STMMTCD ở nhóm không có triệu chứng lâm sàng. Số lượng TCLS có mối tương quan thuận với mức độ nặng trên lâm sàng tương ứng với phân độ CEAP.
SLEEP QUALITY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG THIRD-YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS AT CAN THO UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY
Authors: Vo Le Quang Tri , Tran Van Phuc , Nguyen Thi Minh Ngoc , Nguyen Huynh Kieu My , Tran Van De , Pham Kieu Anh Tho
Published: April 2023

Background: Sleep is a condition of reduced stimulation that allows the body to recoup and re-energize. Hence, poor sleep will affect the body's capacity to think and focus, raise the risk of health issues, and have a negative impact on learning, causing occupational mistakes and accidents. A busy theoretical study schedule, a clinical practice schedule at the hospital and a tight exam schedule will have certain impacts on the sleep quality of medical students. Objectives: Evaluation of quality and some factors related to sleep in third-year full-time medical students at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 200 students studying full-time medicine, course 45, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy (CTUMP). Results: Of the 56.5% of students who reported insomnia, mild insomnia accounted for 49%, moderate insomnia for 7.5%, and severe insomnia for none. The rate of reduced sleep quality was 72.7% in the group of students who consumed caffeine and 52.0% in the group who did not; the connection was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.01. The group with high physical activity had the lowest prevalence of insomnia (45.8%), and this association was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusions: More than half of third-year fulltime medical students (56.5%) experience mild to moderate insomnia with a mean PSQI scale score of 5.95±3.00 and mean sleep duration of 6.26±1.07 hours. Sleep quality in third-year medical students at CTUMP was affected by physical activity and caffeine usage.
The Socket-Plug Technique and Materials Comparison in Atraumatic Extractions - A Multiple-Case Study
Authors:   Chen-Che Hung, Mediterranean Prosthodontic Institute, Castellon, Spain, Hung Chen-Che
Published: April 2023

It is confirmed that tooth extraction with spontaneous healing may lead to degrees of alveolar bone resorption due to the bone remodelling phase. Reconstructive materials are proposed to insert into the socket during the extraction procedure preventing the loss of alveolar bone dimension. The “Socket Plug” technique is an alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) method saving both operational time and is easy to apply in clinical routines. The technique includes steps of atraumatic extraction, flapless design, biomaterial placement, and suturing. Four clinical cases are reported using the socket-plug technique placing hemostatic gelatin sponges as spontaneous healing and collagen plug in sockets as ARP with or without interradicular septum.
Digital Teaching Competence and lecturers Self-Efficacy in OnlineClasses: Insights from Public Universities in Uganda
Authors:   Department of Educational Planning and Management, School of Education, Kyambogo University, WILSON KASULE GEORGE , MUGIZI WILSON ,   Department of Educational Planning and Management, School of Education, Kyambogo University, RWOTHUMIO OSEPH ,   Department of Educational Planning and Management, School of Education, Kyambogo University
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in the lockdown of educational institutions hastened the adoption of online classes. However, especially in public universities in Uganda, online teaching and learning was received with mixed feelings by students and some lecturers. Nevertheless, it is incontestable that the COVID-19 pandemic ushered in many different ways of doing things, such as compulsory online teaching and learning. This study seeks to obtain insights into the digital teaching competences of lecturers and their self-efficacy in online classes. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between lecturers’ course design, technical, course communication and time management competences with their self-efficacy in online classes in terms of instructional methods, student management and student engagement. This correlational study involved a sample of 327 academic staff from four public universities. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analysed quantitatively. Data analysis involved structural equation modelling using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that course design, course communication and time management competences had a positive and significant influence on lecturers’ self-efficacy in online classes. However, digital technical competence had a positive but insignificant influence on lecturers’ self-efficacy in online classes. The conclusions of the study are to the effect that the capacity to design online courses is imperative for lecturers’ self-efficacy in online classes, course communication competence is essential for lecturers’ self-efficacy in online classes, and time management competence is vital for lecturers’ self-efficacy in online classes. However, digital technical competence is not very imperative for lecturers’ selfefficacy in online classes. The study recommends that university managers should develop lecturers’ capacity to design online courses, develop their online course communication competence, and sensitise lecturers about the importance of time management in teaching online classes. Nonetheless, university managers should not over emphasise digital technical competence of lecturers.
Erfolgsfaktoren in ERP-Projekten
Authors:   Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin, Eggert Sandy
Published: April 2023

ERP-Einführungen sind in der Regel zeitintensive, aufwändige und kostenintensive Projektvorhaben. Trotz hoher Investitionskosten werden im Nachhinein mehr als 50 % der Projekte als wenig erfolgreich oder gar gescheitert beurteilt [1], [2]. Dieser Beitrag zeigt aktuelle Erfolgsfaktoren in ERP-Projekten, die anhand einer im Frühjahr durchgeführten Umfrage ermittelt wurden. Anschließend werden die erhobenen Erfolgsfaktoren einzelnen Projektphasen zugeordnet und vorgestellt.
Móvil a pie de cama para unos cuidados de calidad
Authors: López Alonso Sergio Romeo
Published: April 2023

Como se adelantó en las Conclusiones del VII Encuentro con Editores de Revistas Científicas de Enfermería, en la actualidad, persisten las dificultades que presentan las enfermeras clínicas para acceder al conocimiento disciplinar generado a través de la investigación y publicado en las revistas destinadas a tal fin.
Estas dificultades de acceso al conocimiento pueden suponer una importante merma en la calidad de los cuidados que proporcionan las enfermeras a la población; ya que dicha calidad va ligada necesariamente a la última investigación disponible. Fue precisamente esta traslación del conocimiento a la práctica, la base que fundamentó, en su momento, el movimiento hacia la práctica clínica basada en evidencias.
En este sentido, las preguntas clínicas suelen surgir de un encuentro enfermera-paciente en un contexto sanitario, siendo muchas veces necesaria su respuesta en un tiempo relativamente inmediato, bien sea por la sobrecarga asistencial o por la urgencia del problema.