bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Hepatitis B seroprevalence and AntiHbs Levels in Children Consulted for Dental Procedures Under Anaesthesia
Authors: Sert Sadiye , Kaya Fatma
Published: April 2024

Background/Aims: Hepatitis B virus infection continues to be a major global and national public health concern. The aim of this study was to examine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus in children who were consulted to child health and diseases before dental intervention and to share our findings with the healthcare personnel involved on this subject. Methods: A total of 932 children were enrolled in the study, of which 533 (57.2%) were boys and 399 (42.8%) were girls. In the blood samples taken; hepatitis B virus tests were studied with the Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay method. The results of blood samples and demographic data of the patients were evaluated. Results: HBsAg positivity was not found in any of the patients (0%). AntiHbs seropositivity was found in 73.8% of the whole patient population. No statistically significant difference was detected when comparing the anti-HBs levels based on gender. The average age of children with antiHbs seropositive was found to be statistically significant lower than that of those with antiHBs negative. The median anti-HBS antibody levels were significantly higher in the group of children under 5 years old than in the other two age groups older than five years old in our study. When investigating the association between the level of antiHBs and age, a weak negative correlation was found. Conclusions: Our study showed that the antiHbs seropositivity is higher in Konya compared to previous studies. It suggests that the national vaccination program has a positive impact on antiHbs seroprevalence. Our study revealed that children under the age of five displayed the highest levels of anti-HBs seropositivity, while the anti-HBs levels diminished with advancing age.
Investigation of the Frequency and Characteristic Features of De Novo Mutations in Clinical Exome Sequence Trio Samples
Authors: Koçak Nadir , Torabi Ali , Şanlıtürk Batuhan , Bagci Ozkan , Marzioğlu-özdemir Ebru , Çora Tülin
Published: April 2024

Advanced genome sequencing technologies have provided us with the opportunity to deeply understand the mechanisms underlying conditions associated with the genome. There has been significant interest recently in understanding the characteristics of de novo mutations, which are genetic changes that arise in reproductive cells and are not present in parents, as well as the mechanisms involved in their occurrence. These mutations can be transmitted to subsequent generations and have the potential to influence genetic diversity and susceptibility to diseases, making this topic important. Due to limited studies in this area, the formation mechanisms and characteristic features of such mutations have not yet been fully understood.
Background/Aims: In this study, we aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of de novo mutations in families undergoing trio clinical exome sequencing analysis. The objectives of the study were to investigate the relationship between parental ages and the frequency of de novo mutations, the distribution, prevalence, relationships, and molecular characteristics of de novo mutations.
Methods: A total of 69 families who underwent Trio Clinical Exome Sequencing (CES) analysis at the Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2023, were included in the study. DNA samples extracted from peripheral venous blood of individuals were sequenced using the Roche CES kit and DNBSEQ-G400™ sequencing device, and a total of 3892 genes were analyzed using the Seq Platform.
Results: After analysis, 407 de novo variants were identified, with the majority being variants of unknown significance (55.28%). When examining the base change profile, the most common changes were found to be C -> G, G -> A, A -> G. The most commonly mutated genes were found to be DSPP, HPS4, VCL, and BMP4 genes.
Conclusions: Correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between parental age and the number of de novo mutations, and regression analysis showed that age was not a significant parameter in determining the number of de novo mutations
Sense and Symbolic Sensibility: The Rise of Amphibians and the Roots of Language in Whiteheadian Perspective
Authors: Miller Gordon L.
Published: April 2024

Perspectives on the difficult topic of the evolution of language can be differentiated to a large extent based on how much relevant continuity or discontinuity they see between humans and nonhuman animals. In general, biologists and psychologists tend to have a broad definition of “language” that highlights significant continuities, whereas linguists tend to define “language” more narrowly, in accord with their emphasis on the uniqueness of human capacities. This article examines the value of Whitehead's innovative theory of language, which is grounded in his account of the fundamental symbolic element in basic perceptual processes, mainly for understanding the continuities between animal and human perceptual and symbolic activity but also for accommodating the discontinuity, or at least the pivotal difference, evident in the full flowering of human language. It will focus particularly on applying Whitehead's approach to gain a new understanding of the emergence, with the rise of amphibians, of the first vocalization in the history of life.
Sand Talk: Process Philosophy and Indigenous Knowledges
Authors: Tempone-Wiltshire Julien
Published: April 2024

Through a close study of T. Yunkaporta's 2019’s Sand Talk, this article explores fractal thinking and the pattern of creation in Indigenous cosmology; the role of custodianship in respectful interaction between living systems; alternative Indigenous understandings of nonlinearity, time, and transience; the process-panpsychism and animism present in Indigenous perceptions of cosmos as living Country, illustrated in the Dreaming and Turnaround creation event; the role of embodied cognition and haptic and situated knowledge in Indigenous science; Indigenous holistic reasoning and the mind-body connection; the process-relational metaphysic embedded in ritual and yarning practice; the knowledge encoded in place-based totemic mythology, lore, and ritual; and Indigenous understandings of complex systems as adaptive, self-organizing, and patterned. This article does not offer a process reading of Indigenous thought but rather demonstrates the significant contribution to process metaphysics that may be provided by an Aboriginal Australian perspective. Yunkaporta's text carves out a language of resistance to the McDonaldization of Indigenous research. While historic scholarly engagement with Aboriginal culture has overemphasized content, Yunkaporta demonstrates how this has occurred to the exclusion of the processes of Indigenous knowledge transmission and creation. Yet a process view requires engagement with the how, not only with the what. Such knowledge transmission is discerned in daily lived relationships among land, spirit, and people—binding epistemology to participation in a specific landscape embedded within a living culture. Place-making for Indigenous knowledges requires exploring how Indigenous ways of valuing, knowing, and being, shaped by cultural activities on Country, offer new understandings for Western metaphysics.
The Application of Well Control Technology in Drilling Process
Authors: Du Quanyan , Li Weidan , Shen Yuhang
Published: April 2024

Tarim Oilfield, as an important petroleum base in China, faces complex drilling challenges and risks. Well control technology plays a crucial role in this context, involving various aspects such as well control design, drilling fluid technology, and well control equipment. In the geologically complex environment of Tarim Oilfield, it is necessary to develop specific well control strategies tailored to the specific situation. The application of technologies such as drilling fluid technology, well control equipment, and real-time monitoring contributes to achieving safe and efficient drilling operations. This article evaluates the effectiveness of well control technology applications, combines practical case analyses, summarizes lessons learned, and provides guidance for future technological innovation and development directions. It also provides a theoretical foundation for well control in the exploration and development of Tarim Oilfield.
Research and Application of Deep Learning in Medical Image Reconstruction and Enhancement
Authors: Gong Yulu , Qiu Hongjie , Liu Xiaoyi , Yang Yutian , Zhu Mengran
Published: April 2024

In recent years, deep learning technology has made remarkable progress in medical image reconstruction and enhancement, and has become one of the research hotspots in the field of medical image processing. This paper discusses the latest research progress and application of deep learning in medical image reconstruction and enhancement. Firstly, the importance of medical image reconstruction and enhancement and the limitations of traditional methods are introduced. Then, a detailed discussion was conducted on the application of deep learning models, including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), and Autoencoders, in medical image processing. Specifically, an analysis and comparison were conducted on the image reconstruction ability of CNN models, the image enhancement effect of GAN models, and the image denoising and reconstruction of Autoencoder models. Then, the advantages and challenges of deep learning model in medical image processing are discussed, and the future development direction is discussed. Finally, the research results of this paper are summarized and the prospect of future research is put forward. The research in this paper provides some enlightenment and reference for researchers and practitioners in the field of medical image processing, which is helpful to promote the continuous innovation and progress of medical image processing technology.
Optimization and Performance Evaluation of Deep Learning Algorithm in Medical Image Processing
Authors: Zhang Jingbo , Xiao Lingxi , Zhang Yuwei , Lai Jiatao , Yang Yutian
Published: April 2024

In this paper, the optimization and performance evaluation of deep learning algorithm in medical image processing are studied. Firstly, the paper introduces the importance and challenges of medical image processing, and expounds the application prospect of deep learning in this field. Subsequently, this paper discusses the optimization methods of deep learning algorithm in detail, including model structure design, data preprocessing, super parameter adjustment and so on. In terms of performance evaluation, this study selected classic models such as U-Net, DeepLab and DenseNet, and compared them with ROC curve and AUC value to evaluate their predictive ability in medical image classification. The results show that the DenseNet model shows high performance in prediction accuracy, while the performance of U-Net and DeepLab models is slightly average. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of each model are analyzed, and the future research direction is prospected. This study is of great significance to promote the development and application of medical image processing technology, and provides important theoretical and technical support for medical diagnosis and treatment.
High-quality Development of the County-level Economy in Xianning City, Hubei Province from the Perspective of Chinese-style Modernization
Authors: Han Yue , Ou Pengyan
Published: April 2024

The county-level economy serves as the fundamental unit of China's national economy and holds significant importance in the development of the New Rural Construction and socialist modernization. High-quality development has become the theme of China's economic and social development in the 14th Five-Year Plan period and beyond, as it relates to the overall goal of constructing a socialist modernized country. Therefore, adhering to high-quality development of the county-level economy is of practical significance in promoting rural revitalization and building a comprehensive socialist modernized country. This study combines the five development concepts and focuses on the specific reality of Xianning City to establish indicators for high-quality development. By exploring the path and strategies of high-quality development of the county-level economy through innovative development, coordinated development, green development, open development, and shared development, this study aims to provide decision support and practical guidance for local governments.
Correlative Analysis and Prediction of Physical Education Data Via Machine Learning: A Case Study on Grade Evaluation Method in University
Authors: Hu Jiaxin , Zhang Xinchen , Xiao Shuangyue , Fan Linli , Liu Li , Li Tao , Huang Miaoqi
Published: April 2024

Physical education is an important way to strengthen the physical quality of students in the university. Sport performance is an important criterion for judging the physical fitness of college students. But during the process of calculating and collecting the comprehensive score for each student, teachers will use different equipment or various grading formulas to evaluate the grade for many years. Thus, referenced score will lose their values if the measurement data for each student in different years are not unified and sometimes with the subjective factor because of the manual calculations. This article analyzes the details of physical fitness test results and the relationship with the comprehensive score. It is discussed that the comprehensive score can provide serious help for teachers to know students’ physical quality level and make reasonable teaching program to each student according to their personal radar chat. Therefore, the artificial influence is excluded, and the prediction model is designed by using the principal component analysis method and the back propagation (BP) neural network technology. The predictive model allows students to evaluate their own physical test score in advance, get a preliminary understanding of their physical fitness. Comparisons are made between the applications of this model in different years and errors are discussed to verify the accuracy. The results indicate that the comprehensive score prediction model supplies one effective approach to unify the scoring standards and improve the computation efficiency in physical education.
Dialéctica de la liberación en el pensamiento político de Edith Stein: una Teología del Pueblo para el Siglo XXI
Authors: Silva Brito Alfredo
Published: April 2024

Los acontecimientos mundiales han demostrado que la humanidad, a pesar de los avances tecnológicos, se encuentra en profunda crisis. El pluralismo conceptual que hay de la libertad explica las potencias e impotencias para problematizar y resolver la encrucijada actual en la que yacen los seres de este planeta. El modelo crítico como expresión metodológica acompaña la reflexión sobre la importancia teórica de Edith Stein para el siglo XXI; su aportación intelectual traspasa el tiempo y su carácter teórico se ajusta al pensamiento de la Teología del pueblo; además, esclarece y descifra las fragilidades que caracterizan la época contemporánea.
MODEL-BASED ANALYSIS TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF POLYMER PROPERTIES AND PHYSICAL PHENOMENA ON POLYMER FLOODING OPERATIONS
Authors: Silveira B. M. O. , Santos S. M. G. , Botechia V. E. , Schiozer D. J.
Published: April 2024

Polymer flooding, known for enhancing heavy oil displacement, may encounter efficiency-limiting physical phenomena. This work assesses the impact of key factors like viscosity, shear rate, and adsorption in field applications using a model-based approach on the EPIC001 case, a real offshore Brazilian heavy oil reservoir. In simulation results, increasing the displacing fluid viscosity using apparent or zero-shear functions, oil production and economic returns show improvements over waterflooding. The shear rate effect slightly increases oil production and enhances injectivity loss due to shear-thinning in polymer flow. However, modeling it increases computation costs, as it extends simulation run time from minutes to days, making it impractical for intensive processes like production optimization. An analysis of the method’s effectiveness shows that it varies based on the adsorption level considered. At its highest value, even with a higher oil recovery factor, the economic return was lower than using waterflooding. Combining shear rate and adsorption has a minimal impact on field indicators when compared to adsorption alone. This work enhances the comprehension of physical phenomena and non-Newtonian behavior in tertiary polymer flooding on heavy oil reservoirs and its impact on the production forecast. It also highlights important considerations for modeling-based procedures.
Reliability Function Estimated for Generalized Exponential Rayleigh Distribution Under Type-I Censored Data and Fuzzy Data
Authors:   Mathematics science College of science University of Baghdad Iraq, Zainab Zainab ,   Mathematics science College of science University of Baghdad Iraq, shalan Rehab Noori
Published: April 2024

In this paper, maximum likelihood estimation method (MLEM), one of the most well-liked and frequently applied classic methods, is used to estimate the two scale and one shape parameters of the Generalized Exponential-Rayleigh distribution for type-I censored data, which is one of the most Rights censored data. Based on an iterative process to get approximated values for these two scale parameters and one shape parameter using the Newton-Raphson method to locate estimate value for these parameters by using the simulation procedure utilizing monte-Carlo technique to find Reliability function underneath various sample sizes and the initial values are different for the parameters for all estimated parameters of Generalized Exponential-Rayleigh by implement the initial value in the MATLAP program, Subsequently, conducting a comparative analysis between the estimated reliability function and its non-estimated counterpart employing the mean squares error methodology. In the last finding the pdf function f (t), reliability function R (t) and hazard function h (t) for simulation data. Also, we provide some examples to clarify how can we apply our results on fuzzy data tables
Értékelmélet és dialektika. Az Überhaupt a kritikai gazdaságtan hegeli örökségéről
Authors: Forczek Ákos
Published: April 2024

A marxizmus történetében a Hegelhez fűződő viszony kérdése mindig is jelentőségteljesebb volt annál, minthogy csupán hatástörténeti összefüggéseket tisztázó szakfilozófiai vizsgálódások tárgya legyen: Hegel ismétlődő le- és fölértékelése fontos fordulópontokkal esett egybe. Az Überhaupt esetében sincs ez másként. A mű nemcsak Hegellel szakít, hanem jóval általánosabb fordulatot hoz: a rendszerváltás előtti Magyarország progresszív elméleti antimarxizmusának legfőbb forrása lesz. Írásomban a Neue Marx-Lektüre értelmezési hagyománya alapján amellett érvelek, hogy A tőke „bizonyítási eljárásaival” szembeni közismert ellenvetések – az Überhaupt alapos és szubtilis bírálatai is – részben célt tévesztenek, s ez nem független a dialektikus módszer megítélésének problémájától.
THE IMPACT OF VACCINATION AGAINST SARS-CoV-2 INFECTION ON VESTIBULAR FUNCTION AND CENTRAL COMPENSATION
Authors: lmaz O , Mutlu Berna , Yaman Handan , Yeral Cem , du O , t Dilara , t Y
Published: April 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines on vestibular system. In addition, in this study we aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of vaccination on the vestibular system in people who recovered Covid-19.
Methods: Totally, 77 subjects were divided into four groups, and evaluated using computerized dynamic posturography (CDP), vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) and video head impulse test (v-HIT). The groups were as follows;
Group 1; who had SARS-CoV-2 infection at least one year ago and have not been vaccinated at all. c
Group 2; who had SARS-CoV-2 infection at least one year ago and were vaccinated 5 times (2 doses of Sinovac and 3 doses of Biontech).
Group 3; who had no known SARS-CoV-2 infection, and were vaccinated 5 times (2 doses of Sinovac and 3 doses of Biontech).
Group 4; who had no known SARS-CoV-2 infection, and have not been vaccinated at all.
Results: The SOT values of (Covid-Vaccine-) group were better than the (Covid+Vaccine-) group (p=0.001), and no other significant difference was found between the groups (p>0.05). The v-HIT gains of the groups were not significantly different (p>0.05). On o-VEMPs, there was elongation in the N1 and P1 latencies in (Covid+Vaccine-) group compared to (Covid-Vaccine+) group. The amplitudes decreased in (Covid+Vaccine-) compared to (Covid-Vaccine-) (p<0.05). According to c-VEMP results, vaccination lead to elongation in the P1 latencies and increased the P1-N1 amplitudes (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Both SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and vaccination may impact on vestibular system. The impact of vaccination seems on the saccule level. However, vaccination may limit or diminish the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on equilibrium, possibly by facilitating the central compensation.
The Evaluation of the Efficacy of C-reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio as a Marker for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: duman handan , i damla
Published: April 2024

Aim: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), the leading cause of hypothyroidism in developed nations, is an autoimmune condition characterized by the progressive destruction of the thyroid gland through various cell- and antibody-mediated immune mechanisms. C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) is a known inflammatory marker easily obtained from a routine blood test. In this context, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of CAR instead of conventionally used thyroid antibodies in predicting the diagnosis and prognosis of HT.
Materials and Methods: The participants in this prospective cross-sectional study were adults aged 18 years and above diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), seeking medical care at the Internal Medicine and Family Medicine Departments of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Training and Research Hospital in Rize, Turkey, during the period from April to July 2022. An age- and gender-matched control group was created from healthy individuals who applied to the outpatient clinics for routine check-ups. The patient and control groups were compared based on C-reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin, and albumin serum levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
Results: The patient and control groups comprised 142 HT patients and 62 healthy individuals. CRP level and CAR value were significantly higher. However, albumin and hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group. [1.5 (0.4-5.6) mg/dL vs. 0.98 (0.3-2.6) mg/dL, p<0.001; 58 (11.5-193.1) vs. 29.5 (8.1-72.2) p<0.001; 2.9 (2.1-4.1) g/dL vs. 3.3 (2.3-4.2) g/dL, p<0.001; and 12±1.1 g/L vs. 12.7±1.760 g/L, p=.005; respectively]. The multivariate analysis revealed CRP, CAR, albumin, FT3, and hemoglobin as significant predictors of HT, with CAR being the most promising one among them [Odds Ratio (OR): 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38-1.19, p=0.003].
Conclusions: This study’s findings indicated that CAR is an easily measurable, reliable, and cost-effective marker of HT that can be used as an alternative to conventional thyroid antibodies in primary care centers.
Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics of Patients Diagnosed with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Kaya Kadir , An sa
Published: April 2024

Aim: Leishmaniasis is a disease complex caused by Leishmania protozoan microorganisms, transmitted through the bite of the vector female sandfly. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common clinical type. The formation, clinical features, and healing process of CL are determined by the characteristics of the host and the parasite. Our study aims to examine the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with CL at our clinic of dermatology and venereal diseases.
Material and Methods: In this prospective study, the clinical and demographic characteristics such as age, gender, number of lesions, size of lesions, duration of lesions, localization of lesions, and treatments received for CL diagnosis were examined in 74 patients diagnosed with CL by microscopic examination at Şanliurfa Training and Research Hospital’s dermatology and venereal diseases clinic between October 2022 and March 2023.
Results: In our study, 40 (54%) patients were male, and 34 (46%) were female. The average age of the patients was 16.4±9.31 years. The number of lesions varied between 1 and 9, with a total of 158 lesions. Lesions were most frequently (64%) located on the face.
The average duration of lesions was 3.8±4.9 months, and the average size was 4.6±3.7 cm. 7 patients had a family history of CL. The diagnosis of CL in all patients was made by cutaneous smear. Post-diagnosis, 14 patients (19%) received systemic meglumine antimonate treatment, and 60 (81%) received intralesional meglumine antimonate treatment.
Conclusion: The data from our study demonstrate similar clinical and sociodemographic characteristics to those found in other studies conducted in our country.
Complaints, Diagnosis, Follow-up and Treatment of Patients Applying to 0-6 Years Old Child Psychiatry and Developmental Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic
Authors: IK CANSU , BAYSAL ENAY
Published: April 2024

Aim: By studying children aged 0-6 with outpatient and health board admissions, we aimed to contribute valuable insights to the literature on early childhood support, focusing on admission complaints, diagnosis distribution, treatments, and patient follow-ups.
Materials and Methods: Between 01.08.2022 and 01.02.2022, patients aged 0-6 from Diyarbakir Gazi Yaşargil Hospital's Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Health and Developmental Pediatrics clinic, including those seeking health board evaluations, were studied. This prospective analysis examined patient demographics, complaints, diagnoses, health board interactions, treatments, and additional medical conditions. Patient follow-up data were scanned from the system for analysis before concluding the retrospective study.
Results: Of the 600 patients included in the study, 337 patients came to the health board outpatient clinic, 160 to the child psychiatry outpatient clinic and 103 to the developmental pediatrics outpatient clinic. 220 (36.7%) were female and 380 (63.3%) were male. The most common presenting complaints of the patients were speech delay, mobility, report renewal and irritability. In our study, the presenting diagnoses were global developmental delay, isolated speech delay, ASD, ADHD, articulation disorder, behavioral problems, stuttering and specific learning disorder (SLD) with decreasing frequency. It was observed that 77.5% of the patients had no follow-up and the highest rates of follow-up were ADHD (67.4%) and ASD (56.9%). It was observed that 87.5% of the patients with a health board application had no follow-up.
Conclusion: Determining the diagnosis, follow-up and treatments of the patients may guide the areas in which child psychiatrists and developmental pediatricians should work more intensively in the future. Early diagnosis, screening initiatives, awareness campaigns, and training for parents, teachers, and health professionals, along with telehealth, multidisciplinary strategies, and school collaborations, enhance health board applications and patient follow-up.
Clinical Demonstration of the Relationship Between Cervical Subcutaneous Fat Tissue Thickness and Obesity
Authors: rk ule , Gokturk Yasin , rl Eda
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Objective
Neck pain is an important complaint in neurosurgery practice and is observed with a frequency of 30-50% throughout life. The most common complaint of working women who apply to the doctor is neck pain. Obesity is known as a common disease in recent years and traditional measurements are used in its evaluation in practice. In this research, we aimed to show the relationship between obesity in patients with neck pain that may accompany cervical disc herniation. We examined the usability of neck circumference measurement in indicating obesity.
Materials and Methods
This study was made on 100 patients aged between 20 and 70, after determining the Sample Size with Power Analysis. The presence of cervical disc herniation and the thickness of the cervical subcutaneous adipose tissue were measured and recorded on Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Neck circumference measurements of the patients were compared with waist circumference measurements. The data collected for the study were recorded using the SPSS 22 program and analysed in the same program.
Results
55% of the patients had disc herniation and 38% had an additional chronic disease. Individuals with a cervical herniated disc had higher waist circumference and subcutaneous asymptote tissue values than those without (p<0.01). BMI values of individuals with a cervical herniated disc were found to be higher than those without (respectively, 30.47±4.93, 27.77±4.60, p=0.023). A positive linear correlation was found between the BMI values of the patients, neck circumference, waist circumference and subcutaneous adipose tissue (p<0.05 core coefficient 0.676&0.750&0.463, respectively).
Conclusion
Neck circumference measurement, which is a simple and fast method, we can diagnose obesity. We saw that in our study, as in many cases, obesity was observed more frequently with cervical disc herniation, especially in women.
Evaluation of the Difference Between Sexual Functions and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Before and After Bariatric Surgery in Men Diagnosed With and Without Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yakut Emrah , Ekici Eseng
Published: April 2024

Aim: It was aimed to investigate the difference between erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, sexual satisfaction and general satisfaction, and depression, anxiety and stress before and after bariatric surgery in men with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).
Material and methods: A total of 80 male patients, 40 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery and were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and 40 individuals who did not, were included in the study. Patients were evaluated with the International Erectile Function Form and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale before and 6 months after the operation. The difference between stress, anxiety, depression and sexual function values of diabetic and non-diabetic groups undergoing bariatric surgery was analyzed before and after the operation.
Results: In the non-diabetic group, there was a difference between pre- and post-bariatric surgery in depression and erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, sexual satisfaction and general satisfaction scores (p = 0.000), apart from stress (p = 0.720) and anxiety (p = 0.675). In the diabetic group, a difference was found in all subscale scores except sexual desire (p = 0.160). When the average of the differences is compared, in patients without DM and patients with DM; depression levels decreased, but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p ˃ 0.05); While the stress level of patients without DM decreased after surgery, the anxiety level increased, the stress and anxiety levels of patients with DM decreased after surgery and there was a significant difference between the two groups; It was determined that erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, sexual satisfaction and general satisfaction scores increased after surgery in both groups and there was a significant difference between them.
Conclusion: The presence of DM in men undergoing bariatric surgery may limit the improvement in sexual functions after surgery; It can be suggested that psychological symptoms may make surgery more valuable for individuals without DM.
The Results of Patients with Histopathological Diagnosed Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis, a Single-Center Experience
Authors: Avanaz Ali , Aras Ula
Published: April 2024

Objective: Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare and benign gallbladder disorder. Unnecessary or additional surgical interventions were reported secondary to extended inflammation or suspicion of malignancy. This study aimed to examine patients diagnosed with XGC in our clinic.
Materials and Methods: The data of patients were recruited who underwent cholecystectomy and diagnosed with XGC. We excluded patients with no radiologic examination, accompanying pancreas, biliary tree, and hepatic cancer. We recruited the data of patients' demographics, clinical symptoms, imaging studies, characteristics of surgery, and postoperative outcomes.
Results: The mean age was 57 ±19.1 years, and there were 12 (31%) females. Abdominal pain was found in 38 (97%) patients as a significant complaint. Elective and emergent cholecystectomy were performed in 18 (46%) and 21 (54%) patients, respectively. Open surgery was performed on 17 (44%) patients, and laparoscopic surgery on 22 (56%). The surgery was completed as laparoscopic in 17 (77%) patients. According to radiologic examinations, suspicious gallbladder malignancy was reported in 4 (10%), 8 (20%), and 4 (10%) patients with USG, CT, and MRI, respectively. There was 1 (3%) patient diagnosed with XGC by USG, 4 (10%) by CT, and 1 (3%) by MRI. Common bile duct (CBD) stone was observed in 10 (26%) of 39 patients. Conversion to open surgery was found in 5 (13%) patients. Intraoperative frozen section analysis was performed in 8 (20%) patients. Extended surgery was performed to 7 (17%) patients.
Conclusion: Preoperative diagnosis and surgical management of XGC can be challenging. If a surgeon has suspicion of XGC in preoperative period, expert radiologist opinion should be asked, and they should always keep in mind to perform frozen-section examination.
Dilation of benign esophageal strictures with balloon/bougie; a single center experience
Authors: Erdogan Mehmet , Caliskan Ali
Published: April 2024

Objective: Narrowing in the esophagus caused by benign conditions such as peptic injury, surgical anastomosis, radiation therapy, Schatzki rings, esophageal webs, erosive injury and eosinophilic esophagitis are called benign esophageal strictures. In the treatment of benign esophageal stricture, endoscopic dilation with balloon or bougie is the first priority.
Method: The study included a total of 96 patients who were diagnosed with a benign stricture at the gastroenterology clinic of our university from May 2009 to October 2023. All patients were symptomatic, and their main complaint was dysphagia. The benign stricture was diagnosed through clinical examination, radiological imaging and endoscopy. Patient data were scanned retrospectively. The dilation method (bougie, balloon), the number of times the procedure was permormed and any potential complications were recorded. Stents were applied to patients who did not provide adequate dilatation.
Results: A total of 96 patients were included in the study. 47 (49%) of them were women and 49 (51%) were men. The average age was 48±17 years (the youngest was 18, the oldest was 81). A total of 198 dilation procedures were performed on 96 patients. The average follow-up period was 79±54 (1-179) months. Srictures were divided into 4 groups according to etiology as anastomotic stricture, peptic stricture, caustic stricture and post-radiotherapy stricture. Of the cases with stricture, 76 (79.2%) underwent bougie dilation, 26 (27.1%) underwent balloon dilation, 5 (5.2%) underwent bougie and then balloon dilation, and in 5 (5.2%) cases, metallic stent was placed due to failed dilations.
Conclusion: This study shows the effectiveness of bougie and/or balloon dilation in treating most of the patients with benign esophageal strictures, with a low complication rate. It is less invasive, comfortable and cost-effective than the alternative surgical approach.
Knowledge and Perceptions on COVID-19 among Health and Non-health-related sectors Students of Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Seko Malik , Ossebi Walter , Oyetola Wilfried , Faye Abdou
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim: Since it was declared as pandemic by the World Health Organisation, COVID-19 has fastly spread throughout the world, making it a major public health challenge. Like most countries around the world, Senegal has not been on the fringes to this pandemic, which has undermined even the most robust healthcare systems. The aim of this study was to analyse the knowledge and perceptions on COVID-19 among students enrolled in health-related and non-health-related disciplines.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted online via Google Forms among 600 students of Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar. Numerical scoring was used to assess respondents' knowledge levels, while binary logistic regression allowed to analyse the determinants of the satisfactory knowledge on COVID-19.
Results: The results show that the students' first information sources about COVID-19 was social networks (54%) and the media (32%). Students were aware of the severity (83%) and seriousness of the disease when they heard about it for the first time. However, students in health-related sectors knew more relatives who have been infected with COVID-19 and a high-risk perception of being infected and severity of the disease than their non-health-related colleagues. With a mean knowledge score of 14.93 ± 2.49, 64% of participants had satisfactory overall knowledge of COVID-19 and preventive measures. In addition, students' knowledge was significantly influenced by the type of faculty and the perception of the risk of being infected by COVID-19 (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These results can guide university authorities in the development of interactive health education programmes that involve medical and non-medical students through the growing One Health approach in order to share knowledge and improve the acceptability and implementation of COVID-19 control measures in the university environment.
Tendencias de las quejas ante el Defensor del Pueblo en Angola: análisis a partir de informes de actividad
Authors: Bandeira Vivaz
Published: April 2024

Since the appearance of the Ombudsman in the Angolan legal system, through Article 142 of the Constitutional Law of 1992, and the election of the first Ombudsman in 2005, Angolans have had an independent administrative authority responsible for defending the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens. The complaint to the Ombudsman represents an administrative guarantee for individuals to claim their rights and protect their legitimate interests in the face of an act or omission by the Public Administration that violates or threatens them. The aim of this article is to analyse trends in complaints to the Ombudsman, based on his activity reports for the years 2011, 2014, 2018 and 2022. This is an exploratory and documentary study, which analysed sociodemographic variables, the subject of the complaint, the institution targeted and the solution given. The interpretative or hermeneutic method was also used in the interpretation of legislative texts. The results point to an increasing number of complaints to the Ombudsman, mostly made by citizens of Luanda, with a predominance of males, with the most targeted institutions being central state administration bodies, and filing as the most recurrent solution. The conclusion is that there is an annual increase in the number of complaints, although this does not reflect the diversity of the more than thirty million inhabitants. On the other hand, the slowness of responses and the population's unfamiliarity with the role of this authority can be pointed to as reasons for the low level of adherence.
Geoestadística y SIG Como Técnica De Mapeamientos de las Propriedades Químicas del suelo
Authors: Jalane Orlando Inácio , Mafalacusser Jacinto Mirione , Da Siva Edson Vicente , Mabjaia Ausvaldo Salvador Armando
Published: April 2024

Soil properties play a fundamental role in agriculture, and understanding their spatial distribution is essential for effective land management and increasing agricultural productivity. This study focuses on the application of geostatistics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as techniques for mapping soil properties, in the case of the Mozambique Sugar cane company (ADM) in Mafambisse, in the province of Sofala, Mozambique. The central objective is to demonstrate how geostatistics and GIS can be used to characterize and map soil properties. The research was materialized using field surveys that estimated the pH in the field of several sampling points at different depths in the irrigated perimeter of the ADM. Geostatistics is applied, using methods such as kriging and variogram analysis, allowing the creation of continuous maps that represent soil properties in unsampled locations. GIS is an essential tool for integrating geostatistical data and creating accessible and informative maps. The results of this study indicate that the combination of geostatistics and GIS offers an effective approach for mapping soil properties. This knowledge is crucial for Mozambique sugar cane company, an important company in the sugar industry, to optimize its agricultural practices, increase productivity and minimize environmental impacts. Thus, offering solid bases for making informed and sustainable agricultural decisions, contributing to efficient agricultural development in Mozambique and other regions with similar challenges.
Las Insuficiencias en la Superación Profesional Pedagógica de los Docentes de la Escuela Pedagógica de Cuanza Norte
Authors: Kirinda Alberto Zumba , Quiñones Graciela Nápoles
Published: April 2024

This research article aims to carry out a theoretical and epistemological analysis of the insufficiencies of the professional pedagogical overcoming that teachers at Higher Pedagogical Schools in Angola and specifically in the province of Cuanza Norte go through, aiming to propose a group of actions that allow a coherent contribution in professional pedagogical overcoming to raise the level of professional performance. A descriptive study with a qualitative approach using theoretical and empirical methods and the appropriate data collection techniques such as participant observation, questionnaire survey and interview in which the insufficient number of prepared teachers was diagnosed and the lack of strategies in policies contextualized to reality. Scientific arguments are presented to respond to the needs for overcoming Pedagogical Higher Education Schools in current conditions in Angola.
Peer Facilitation: Accelerating Individual, Community, and Societal Change
Authors:   Emory University, Sherman Athena D. F. , Balthazar Monique , Kim Sangmi , Carroll Lacretia , Casseus Karis , Febres-Cordero Sarah
Published: April 2024

Purposeful peer facilitation is a key ingredient for successful Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL). The peer facilitation model has successfully been applied in several different contexts, and can have a profound effect on individual, community, and societal change. Effective Peer Leaders must learn to create space, understand and address social determinants of learning, and nourish the potential of peers. Herein, we describe key attributes of effective Peer Leaders, discuss the application of peer facilitation in various settings across individual, community, and societal domains, and provide recommendations for the real-world application of the peer facilitation model.
Instructional Engagement in Person and Online: Making the Case for Peer-Led Team Learning
Authors:   New York, New York, Dreyfuss A.E. , Barlow Aaron , Fraiman Ana , Becvar James E.
Published: April 2024

The transfer to the online environment in teaching necessitates artful communication so that students can gain from inquiry-based learning. As instructors use either in-person or online content delivery, Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) is one model that provides a solution to engage students in the learning process. The Peer Leaders, mentored by faculty, are the bridge between instructors and students. PLTL supports direct human interaction in both physical and digital environments for enhancing immersive learning and addresses the important task of preparing students for the 21st century.
Active Chat Monitoring and Suspicious Chat Detection Over Internet
Authors:   Department of Computer Science and Engineering  Chandigarh University  Mohali, Punjab, India, Tiwari Ayush
Published: April 2024

In today's digital landscape, the proliferation of online communication platforms has brought about unprecedented opportunities for interaction and collaboration. However, this vast virtual space also presents challenges in ensuring safety and security, particularly concerning the monitoring of chat activities and the detection of suspicious behaviour. This research paper investigates the methods and technologies employed proactive chat monitoring and random chat across the web. The paper begins by examining the importance of monitoring chat platforms to prevent various forms of malicious activities, including cyberbullying, fraud, terrorism, and other illicit behaviours. It then delves into the techniques utilized for real-time monitoring of chat conversations, such as keyword filtering, sentiment analysis, and natural language processing algorithms. Furthermore, the paper explores the principles behind suspicious chat detection, highlighting the indicators of potentially harmful or illegal activities within chat communications. This includes analysing patterns of conversation, identifying anomalous behaviour, and integrating machine learning models to improve detection accuracy. Moreover, the research discusses the ethical considerations and privacy concerns associated with active chat monitoring, emphasizing the need for transparent policies and safeguards to protect user privacy while ensuring effective security measures. Keywords: Active chat monitoring, Suspicious chat detection, Online communication platforms, Cybersecurity, Malicious activities, Keyword filtering, Sentiment analysis, Natural language processing algorithms.
Network Intrusion Detection System
Authors:   Dept. of Cyber Security, Shah & Anchor Kutchhi Engineering College  Mumbai, India, Bhelkar, Mr. Sahil
Published: April 2024

Network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) play a crucial role in safeguarding network infrastructures against unauthorized access and malicious activities. This abstract explores the fundamental concepts, methodologies, and challenges associated with NIDS. It delves into the various techniques employed by NIDS, ranging from signature-based detection to anomaly detection, and highlights the importance of real-time monitoring and analysis for timely threat detection and response. Additionally, the abstract discusses the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the need for continuous adaptation and enhancement of NIDS to mitigate emerging risks effectively. Furthermore, it addresses the trade-offs between detection accuracy, resource utilization, and scalability, emphasizing the significance of striking a balance to ensure optimal NIDS performance in diverse network environments. Overall, this abstract provides a comprehensive overview of NIDS, underscoring its indispensable role in fortifying network security posture in the face of evolving cyber threats. Keywords- Network, intrusion, detection, NIDS, threat.