bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution to the evaluation of the biomass of medicinal and aromatic plants in Mo-rocco: Case of Globularia alypum
Authors: Ben Salem A. , Boujraf A. , Dallahi Y. , El Aboudi A.
Published: January 2024

Morocco is distinguished by the richness of its flora, including medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) which play an important role, particularly in rural populations. Due to pressures often associated with overexploitation, monitoring of MAPs is essential to ensure their sustainability. This study looked to explore the status of Globularia alypum in the Amsittene site of biological and ecological interest (SBEI) in Morocco. A destructive technique was adopted to quantify biomass and productivity of G. alypum at six sites with different ecological characteristics in the Amsisttene SBEI. Linear regression was used to model G. alypum biomass as a function of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Tree cover had the greatest influence on G. alypum dynamics, showing a significant effect on shrub height, leaf productivity, and total productivity, as did the cutting method, with the highest biomass estimated based on pair matching of similar individuals. NDVI was found to be an adequate indicator of G. alypum biomass, given their high correlation (0.84) with the selected model having an R2 of 0.7. The yield of extracted essential oils ranged from 3.19 to 113.43 L, from which 10 chemical compounds were identified, with ethylvanillin being the most prominent.
Wie geht es den Studierenden an der HAW Hamburg?
Authors: Bart Sabine , Schützle Esther
Published: January 2024

Im Dezember 2022 führte das Forschungsprojekt CamPuls eine Gesundheitsberichterstattung für die Studierenden an der HAW Hamburg durch, um den Gesundheitszustand der Studierenden und ihre Gesundheitsressourcen zu erheben. Auf Grundlage der Ergebnisse sollen bedarfsorientiert gesundheitsförderliche Maßnahmen an der HAW Hamburg abgeleitet werden. Insgesamt nahmen 2.575 Studierende (18,24 % der zu dem Zeitpunkt eingeschriebenen Studierenden) an der Befragung teil, wovon 1.698 Studierende (11,96 %) die Befragung vollständig beantworteten. Vor allem im Bereich der psychischen Gesundheit sind die Ergebnisse auffällig und zeigen dringenden Handlungsbedarf zur Förderung der Gesundheit der Studierenden an der HAW Hamburg. Ableitungen müssen sowohl auf Fakultäts- als auch Departmentsebene getroffen werden.
Zwischen alten Büchern und Schweitzer Bergen
Authors: Müller Florentine
Published: January 2024

Der Bericht beleuchtet die Erfahrungen während einer Praxisphase in der Stiftsbibliothek St. Gallen im Rahmen des Bibliotheks- und Informationsmanagement-Studiums. Neben Einblicken in die Bibliotheksarbeit der Schweiz und den Herausforderungen sowie kulturellen Highlights des Aufenthalts werden auch der Bewerbungsprozess und die organisatorischen Vorbereitungen für das dreimonatige Auslandspraktikum dargestellt.
Desarrollo de nuevas técnicas pictóricas sostenibles
Authors: Galbis Juan Amparo
Published: January 2024

Introducción: Desde la Universitat Politècnica de València, gracias al progreso y perseverancia en la investigación de fórmulas alternativas, las pinturas favorecen la ecosostenibilidad. Objetivo: Este artículo analiza los principales avances y aportes realizados por esta línea, observando su desempeño en la práctica pictórica. Métodos: Paralelamente al estudio y formulación, se viene ensayando la utilidad e idoneidad de los aglutinantes en la creación de obra plástica mediante diversos tanteos experimentales. Resultados: Con base en la ramificación generacional de la técnica pictórica al temple, focalizada de forma pionera en emulsiones aglutinantes de composición semisintética y el manejo del balance hidrófilo-lipófilo (BHL), se muestran sus beneficios y características procesuales. Conclusiones: Las posibilidades operativas y creativas de estos temples en emulsión ofrecen una renovación de los lenguajes plásticos, diversidad expresiva y ventajas procedimentales. Con el máximo compromiso, una actuación ética y estética de los materiales, se fomenta la calidad de los procesos y reivindica la especificidad de este conocimiento.
El fundador del Opus Dei y la liturgia: Apuntes biográficos
Authors: Silvestre Juan-José
Published: January 2024

A lo largo de las páginas de este artículo se tratará de descubrir y conocer la relación del Fundador del Opus Dei con la liturgia, a través de los aspectos biográficos más significativos, especialmente su relación con el movimiento litúrgico, completados con referencias a su pensamiento litúrgico. El amor a la liturgia del Autor le llevará a “emparentar” con muchas de las intuiciones del movimiento litúrgico ya en los años 30 del siglo pasado y le conducirá a una predicación y enseñanzas litúrgicas que precederán, en ocasiones, al magisterio litúrgico del Concilio Vaticano II. Ese mismo amor a la liturgia, como realidad también eclesial, es el que le moverá a promover una introducción ordenada y progresiva de la reforma litúrgica en las celebraciones de los centros del Opus Dei tal y como pedía la Santa Sede.
¿Historia eclesiástica o historia de la Iglesia?, cronología, teología y apología. Reflexiones sobre los orígenes de un género nuevo en la literatura griega cristiana
Authors: Nieto-Ibáñez Jesús
Published: January 2024

Eusebio de Cesarea es el creador de un género nuevo en la literatura cristiana, la historia eclesiástica, que será muy imitado en la Antigüedad, en Bizancio y en la Edad Media occidental. Este tipo de historiografía, que sigue y adapta los modelos literarios griegos, será el más adecuada para dar testimonio de la concepción teológica cristiana y de las nuevas circunstancias históricas posteriores a Constantino. La universalidad del Imperio romano es identificada con la Iglesia, el verdadero Reino de Dios, y por ello la Historia eclesiástica será una historia universal, en el tiempo y en el espacio.
El fundamento Bonaventuriano de una Poética basada en la metafísica ejemplar de la expresión del Verbum
Authors: Rubio-Hípola Francisco-Javier
Published: January 2024

Buenaventura de Bagnoregio expuso en su obra una de las doctrinas filosóficas y teológicas más estimulantes para una reflexión sobre los fundamentos de la estética. En este trabajo pretendemos hacer una síntesis sobre las posibilidades de la metafísica ejemplar de la expresión del Verbo, desarrollada por el Seráfico, para fundar una teoría poética a partir del estudio de la naturaleza humana como imagen y semejanza del Creador, con todas las relaciones –cristológicas y trinitarias– implícitas en ello. Por este motivo entablaremos un diálogo entre los aspectos principales del análisis del pensamiento teológico-especulativo y el aterrizaje en puntos más concretos de reflexión poética.
Educación y Habilidades desde el Contexto de la Educación Infantil
Authors: Portilla Benavides Milton Mauricio
Published: January 2024

El avance vertiginoso de la sociedad, lleva a repensar la importancia del desarrollo de habilidades en el contexto educativo; de esta manera, el presente artículo se centra en proponer las habilidades iniciales que los niños deben desarrollar desde la perspectiva de la formación y se presentan de forma cotidiana en la educación infantil, proponiéndolas como habilidades-competencias que son necesarias en la labor docente. De igual manera, es importante manifestar que no se desconoce la propuesta del Ministerio de Educación Nacional de Colombia [MEN], ya que aquí se exponen y se explicitan sus aportes.

Es importante manifestar que se hace un recorrido por las diferentes habilidades que se deben desarrollar en especial en la escuela, sin desconocer los contextos familiar y social; de allí que el pre-texto de este escrito, no tenga otra intención que mostrar si la escuela está respondiendo a esta dinámica, que permite desarrollos cognitivos y socioculturales, que son necesarios para comprender el mundo y sus relaciones, desde la educación infantil.
Autobiografía lectora, oportunidad de ser lo que se es: Una reflexión sobre la formación de mediadores de lectura
Authors: Tobón-Cossio Juan Camilo
Published: January 2024

La investigación narrativa es una herramienta metodológica que invita al sujeto a pensar su devenir histórico en cuanto narración autobiográfica. En este orden, para los mediadores de lectura, la autobiografía lectora es una oportunidad de reflexionar —volver sobre sí mismos— para hallar en el pasado individual los elementos experienciales que replicarán en sus prácticas; pero, ante todo, esta metodología permite reconocer su identidad como lectores, que les impulsa a continuar sus procesos de aprendizaje, empoderamiento de sus prácticas de lectura y construcción de la imagen de «yo lector», lo que se asemeja a los términos del filósofo Friedrich Nietzsche cuando invita al ser humano a «ser lo que se es».
Datification of the wisdom of the crowd: a comparative analysis of innovation strategies in four European crowdfunding platforms
Authors: Foá Caterina
Published: January 2024

Crowdfunding is a business model where diverse stakeholders operate in a context considered an example of innovation in value co-creation. Based on literature about service ecosystems and value co-creation this study adopts the platformization of society as critical theoretical approach and analytical framework to study the relations between human and technological agents within four crowdfunding ecosystems in Europe. Conceiving Crowdfunding Service Providers (CSPs) as specialized organizations, regulated to operate multi-sided markets and to serve roles as ecosystems’ coordinators, we aim to identify the innovation strategies adopted by CSPs platforms from Italy, France, Spain and Portugal to support their core functions related to governance mechanisms, business models and infrastructural components. To understand the motives for innovation implementation and to compare the competitive adaptation from an ecosystemic perspective, we triangulate qualitative data from multiple sources to explain how and why these strategic choices affect the dynamics of value co-creation. The multiple cases-study systematizes and discusses similarities and differences, particularly as concerns the capacity of CFPs to orchestrate their governance and ICT components to innovate and take advantage of algorithms and AI implementation, collecting more data and money from user interactions. Conclusions highlight the non-neutrality of CSPs, which act as data analysts and translators, adopting more preventive, proactive or reactive strategies of usage and redistribution of the value, created, acquired and aggregated through data. Each CSP can be characterized by its infrastructure and data management approach, metaphorically being more eco-centred or ego-centred.
Aplicación de dos modelos basados en teledetección para estimar la producción primaria neta aérea en un sistema pastoril en la Altillanura colombiana
Authors: Díaz Giraldo Raúl Alejandro , Álvarez  de León Mauricio , Pérez López Otoniel , Gutiérrez Parrado Sonia Lucía , Arango Argoti Miguel Andrés
Published: January 2024

La evaluación de la Producción Primaria Neta Aérea (PPNA), medida como la cantidad de materia seca (MS) acumulada por las plantas en la biomasa aérea, es fundamental para las decisiones de manejo en sistemas de producción bovina basados en pasturas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar dos modelos para estimar la PPNA usando datos colectados usando sensores remotos: uno empírico usando la regresión lineal (MERL) entre índices de vegetación y biomasa vegetal y otro semi-empírico, basado en la eficiencia del uso de la radiación por parte de las plantas (VPM). Se monitorearon 14 potreros de Urochloa humidicola CIAT 6133 cultivar 'Llanero' (de 3.1 ha cada uno) manejados bajo pastoreo, con 30 días de descanso. La información espectral se obtuvo de un sensor Sentinel 2 integrado para calcular los índices Índice de Vegetación de Diferencia Normalizada (NDVI), Índice de Vegetación Mejorado (EVI) y el Índice de Agua de la Superficie Terrestre (LSWI). Los datos de radiación global se obtuvieron de una estación meteorológica de campo. El mejor índice fue el NDVI con un R2, error cuadrático medio (RMSE) y error relativo de predicción (RE, %) de 0.68, 99.5 y 16.42 para MERL, y de 0.79, 103.62 y 17.16 para VPM, respectivamente. Los modelos MERL y VPM demostraron ser herramientas potencialmente útiles para la estimación de PPNA a partir de imágenes Sentinel 2A.
Tests with two heuristic search strategies in the simulated annealing algorithm for an inventory problem
Authors: Hernández González Salvador
Published: January 2024

The problem in the results when implemented metaheuristics techniques to solve instances of the problem of multi-product replenishment is the deterioration of the quality of the solution. It was noted that the implementations have focused on the parameters of the algorithm paying little attention to the strategy to access the neighboring solution. In this paper, we study experimentally an implementation of Simulated Annealing algorithm exploring several combinations of parameters and also, two schemes for obtaining the neighbor solution by comparison with the RAND algorithm. A 2-factorial experimental design was constructed and the study was conducted over 2.000 randomly generated instances, the results show that under the same combinations of parameters, perturbing a variable at a time provides poor results, however, to access the neighbor solution taking into account families of products provides better results and Simulated Annealing algorithm behaves robust against the increase in the size of the problem.
Sensitive analysis of the inlet boundary conditions on the turbine 99 draft tube
Authors: Galván Sergio , Pacheco J. de Jesús , Rubio Carlos , Mendoza Crisanto , Toledo Miguel
Published: January 2024

This work focuses on establishing the response of the global coeffcient performance when the inlet boundary conditions are drastically changed. For this, a systematic objective and qualitative method called Fractional Factorial Design has been used, which evaluates the main and joint effects on the draft tube performance parameters. This method is applied to numerical models in the limits of the grid convergence curve. The results obtained showed that after the change of the inlet boundary conditions, even though a numerical difference exists among the global performance parameters of the numerical models, they have the same tendency and behavior. In addition, the energy loss coeffcient showed an important sensitivity to the inlet boundary conditions change, compared to the average pressure coefficient which is usually used as objective function in a draft tube optimization process. Thus, a numerical model with a coarse grid density could be used when the process requires a large number of analyses, changing drastically the inlet velocity condition and knowing that the results obtained will be acceptable and computationally economical.
The matric suction effect on the change of volumen of soil from an alluvial deposit matric suction effect on the change of volumen of soil from an alluvial deposit of the Aburrá Valleyosit
Authors: Meza Ochoa Victoria Elena , Hoyos Patiño Fabián
Published: January 2024

This paper presents the results of experimental study on fine-grained soils in the municipality of Itaguí, associated with Doña Maria alluvial deposit (Antioquia-Colombia). The matric suction was determined by filter paper method and the axis-translation technique, using soil samples, compacted to different moisture contents. Further, volume measurements were taken during wetting process of the samples. The soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) and the relationship between suction and moisture content, degree of saturation, and volume change of the soil, shows that, the biggest changes in void ratio of the soils, starts a degree of saturation close to 50%. For saturations below 50%, in wetting process, the void ratio remains stable and moisture-suction behavior, is similar for all three samples.
Structural analysis of the natural clinker-based analcime (NC-ANA) by X-ray powder diffraction and solid-state 29Si and 27al nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Macías López Mario Alberto , Henao Martínez José Antonio , Ríos Reyes Carlos Alberto
Published: January 2024

The natural clinker-based analcime (NC-ANA) framework was synthesized by the conventional hydrothermal alkaline activation method. The synthesized zeotype was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analysis and solid-state 29Si and 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. XRPD data indicate that the NC-ANA zeotype framework crystallized in the rhombohedral space group R-3, with unit cell parameters a = 11,8995(6) Å, α = 109,472(2)°, V = 1.300,69(1) Å3, Z = 8. 29Si NMR data reveal a number of resonance lines, with a full width at half height typically less than 2 ppm. The attribution of NMR lines to Qn groups was done by considering the stoichiometry and crystallographic data of the NC-ANA.
A novel aerobic-anoxic biological filter for nitrogen removal from UASB effluent using biogas compounds as electron donors for denitrification
Authors: Rodríguez Victoria Jenny , Foresti Eugenio
Published: January 2024

The performance of a new trickling filter (TF) configuration composed of an upper compartment for nitrification and a lower compartment for denitrification of effluent from a UASB reactor treating domestic sewage was evaluated. The TF was packed with new plastic material characterized by its durability and high percentage of void spaces. The feasibility of using the reduced compounds present in the biogas produced by a UASB reactor as electron donor for denitrification was also evaluated. Efficient nitrification and denitrification was achieved for the mean hydraulic (5.6 m3 m-2 d-1), organic (0.26 kg COD m-3 d-1) and ammonia-N (0.08 kg m-3 d-1) loading rates applied, resulting in ammonia-N removal ranging from 60 to 74%. The final effluent presented ammonia-N lower than 13 mg L-1. Despite the presence of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the denitrification compartment, its performance was considered quite satisfactory and final nitrate concentrations were lower than 10 mg L-1. The results indicate that methane was the main electron donor used for denitrification. Additionally, denitrification can probably be improved by avoiding high DO concentration in the denitrification compartment and by enhancing biogas transfer in the anoxic zone.
Classification and environmental impact of solid waste generated in the beaches of Riohacha, La Guajira, Colombia
Authors: Márquez Gulloso Elin , Rosado Vega Jairo Rafael
Published: January 2024

This study was conducted to classify and evaluate the impact of solid waste generated in the beaches of Riohacha. The beaches sampled covered the length from Valle de los Cangrejos beach to Marbella’s Neigborhood beach. Samples were taken in five places, were marked transcets perpendicular to the coastline; then on these places there were selected parallel quadrants for solid waste collection. In addition, a survey was also applied to users and sellers of the beaches to determine the perception of odours and quantify its burden on tourism. The data about solid waste was analyzed using Kruskal-wallis test in SPSS 12.0 software. The level of significance used was 97.5% and the impact was estimated using Leopold method (1971). The inventory of the solid waste showed that most of the materials were organic matter, plastics, glass and miscellaneous. However, organic solid waste had higher percentages than the other materials. Incidentally, most of the material collected in each sampling station was found on the Active Zone (AZ) and the Passive Zone (PZ); areas where there are the highest concentrations of beach users. The odours with higher incidence came from garbage, urine and faeces, both from human and animals. The quantity and type of waste were found to be conditioned by the characteristics of the area as well as the economical activities of people around. There were not found significant differences in the amount of solid waste collected during the first and second sampling. The study showed that most of the material collected came from the waste disposal by residents and visitors, fishing and stool.
Analysis of nonlinear dependences using artificial neural networks
Authors: Martínez Carlos A. , Velásquez Juan D.
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we develop a new technique for detecting nonlinear dependences in time series, based on the use of an autoregressive neural network and the concept of coefficient of correlation. Taking into account that the employed neural network model is able to approximate any function in a compact domain, the proposed measures are able to detect nonlinearities in the data. Our technique is tested for various simulated and real datasets, and compared with classical functions of simple and partial autocorrelations; the results show that the in the linear cases the proposed measures have a similar behaviour to the simple and partial autocorrelations, but in the nonlinear cases they are able to detect other nonlinear relationships.
Semantic assessment of similarity between raster elevation datasets
Authors: Moreno-Ibarra Marco , Torres Miguel , Quintero Rolando , Guzman Giovanni , Menchaca-Mendez Rolando
Published: January 2024

This paper describes a method to assess the similarity between digital elevation models (DEM), based on the comparison of the landforms. The method attempts to mimic the one commonly used by human beings, which consists of comparisons among the shapes that a human subject identifies in the landscape. To do so, semantic similarity measurements are applied over a hierarchy of concepts. Our method is composed of two stages: the Geomorphometric Analysis and the Semantic Analysis. The first stage aims to represent the topographic properties using one of the concepts of the hierarchy, depending on an analysis of the DEM. The second stage consists of comparisons among the concepts that characterize the landscape using a measure of semantic similarity. In this stage, two levels of semantic analysis are defined: local and global. The advantage of our method is that the interpretation of the results is simplified by means of a semantic processing.
Study of welding productivity for MIL A 46100steel weldments produced using GMAW and SMAW
Authors: Mazuera Robledo David , Suárez Gómez John Alberto , Giraldo Barrada Jorge Enrique
Published: January 2024

A study was conducted to measure welding productivity for MIL A46100 specification steel joints welded following five different welding procedures (WPS) which used gas metal arc welding (GMAW), in mechanized mode, and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). E110118M (2,4 mm in diameter) and E312-16 (2,4 and 3,2 mm in diameter) electrodes were used for SMAW. Spray and short circuit metal transfer modes were used for GMAW procedures. Single pass weldments were made using GMAW and SMAW (with E312-16 φ 3,2 mm) procedures using copper baking plates; the remaining joints were done using two passes procedures needing root grinding prior to the second pass. It was found a cost reduction of up to 75% when GMAW procedures are used and the time for joint completion is reduced by nearly 80% when compared to the SMAW procedures leading to a potential increase in production rate.
Análisis de bifurcaciones: Estudio comparativo sobre un sistema generador aislado - barraje infinito
Authors: Pérez Londoño Sandra Milena , Olivar Tost Gerard , Angulo García Fabiola
Published: January 2024

En este artículo se presenta la dinámica de un sistema simple conformado por un equivalente generador aislado conectado a un barraje infinito (denominado SMIB, por sus siglas en inglés Single Machine Infinite Bus), el cual presenta un limitador suave en el sistema de excitación. El sistema se somete a diversas condiciones de operación, con el fin de observar el comportamiento del mismo ante la aparición de bifurcaciones de codimensión-dos, específicamente la Zero-Hopf, que consigue ampliar la dinámica del sistema.
Proposal of indexes for fast voltage stability evaluation of ac/dc transmission systems
Authors: González Jorge Wilson , Rashwan Mohammed , Cardona Hugo Alberto , Amín Isaac Idi , López Gabriel Jaime
Published: January 2024

This paper develops voltage stability analysis of ac/dc systems using static and modal indexes. New indexes treatment is proposed to provide more information on requirements for specific network strengths in terms of voltage stability constituting a means to prevent potential issues of high voltage dc transmission system (HVdc), connected to weak ac nodes. The indexes are per unitized and compared for different short circuit ratios (SCR), in a modified IEEE 14 buses network, with a HVdc system connected to its weakest bus. The approach can assist as much for planning as for on-line monitoring of voltage stability in power systems including ac/dc nodes.
Sub-actuated anthropometric robotic prototype hand
Authors: Pérez Romero Mauricio Aarón , Velázquez Sánchez Alejandro Tonatiu , Torres San Miguel Christopher René , Martínez Sáez Luis , Huerta González Pedro Francisco , Urriolagoitia Calderón Guillermo Manuel
Published: January 2024

This work describes the methodology used to obtain the functional prototype of a robotic hand considering anthropometric characteristics, from the analysis and processing of Computerized Tomographic (CT) images that provide information for the development of the analytical study of the synthesis of an under-acted mechanism. with four bars, suitable for the generation of optimal trajectories to carry out the object clamping operation in a punctual, palmar, lateral, cylindrical and spherical shape. In this sense, the scientific and technological relevance obtained from this work is based on the diversity of movements that the device executes in addition to its ability to adapt to various auxiliary components, which perform the function of union with the limb stump. amputee, so it is possible that the designed system is applicable as a prosthesis. In this sense, with this proposal a functional prototype is obtained with optimal versatile characteristics for the manipulation of objects with different geometries that, taking into account the functionality of the system, also provide appearance and symmetry with the human body.
Pregnant Women's Knowledge Regarding Healthy Nutrition During Pregnancy at Shahid Hama Rash Primary Health Center, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
Authors: Qadir Shwan , Saeed Mahabat , Kakabra Cheeman , Ahmad Livyar
Published: January 2024

Background: In the antenatal period, the nutritional demand of women upsurges to compensate for physiological and psychological changes and nutritional computations by the growing fetus for energy, macro, and micronutrients. Nutrition knowledge is essential in conscious of ample nutrition intake among pregnant women.

 

Objective: This study aimed to assess pregnant women’s knowledge of healthy nutrition.

 

Materials and Methods: The non-probability convenient method was used as the sampling technique in this descriptive study. The process of data collection was continued from 26th July 2022 to 26th September 2022. A hundred women were selected from Shahid Hama Rash Primary Health Center, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq. A well-designed questionnaire was constructed, in which its first part includes sociodemographic characteristics and the second part includes questions regarding participants' knowledge.

 

Results: We showed that 82% of participants had good knowledge, as well as 18% of them, had fair knowledge regarding healthy nutrition. At the same time, none of the pregnant women had poor knowledge.

 

Conclusions: We concluded that most study participants had good knowledge, and no significant association was found between knowledge of pregnant mothers and their sociodemographic variables.
Assessment of Postoperative Nurse’s Intervention in Patients with Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy at Teaching Hospitals in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
Authors: Hassan Heshu , Saeed Kamal
Published: January 2024

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard gold treatment for gallstones. However, its postoperative complications can be overcome through high-quality knowledge and practice of health care providers, especially nurses working at surgical wards that play major roles in post-operated patient management.

 

Objective: This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the postoperative nurses' intervention for patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to determine the relationship between nurses' interventions and their sociodemographic characteristics.

 

Patients and Methods: A total of 65 experienced nurses at surgical wards in Sulaimaniyah Teaching Hospitals were included from March to August 2022 to determine nurses' intervention domains in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. For this purpose, a well-designed questionnaire was used to collect the participant's data, including sociodemographic data and clinical data.

 

Results: Most participating nurses (38.5%) were aged 30-39 years, females (66.2%), from the urban region (87.7%), married (66.2%), completed nursing institute (76.9%), and full-time hospital staff (66.2%). Also, most (36.9%) had 1-5 years of work experience and did not take part in training courses (50.8%). In comparison, 41.5% of them participated in the training courses for <6 months. Furthermore, most of the studied variables for the postoperative nurses’ intervention items were significantly/highly significantly associated between the first and second assessments. Moreover, a significant difference between gender, education, and residency in the overall assessment of postoperative nurses’ intervention in the first assessment and a significant association only for residency was reported for the second assessment.

 

Conclusions: Nurses who worked at surgical wards were professional in relieving pain, improving respiratory status, maintaining skin integrity/drainage, improving nutritional status, and monitoring/managing potential complications for patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, regardless of their sociodemographic variables.
Self-care and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis at Sulaimaniyah Province, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Authors: Ibrahim Khalil , Ismael Niyan
Published: January 2024

Background: Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a significant and growing public health issue globally with a negative impact on self-care and quality of life (QoL). Self-care and QoL are essential aspects of controlling the adverse effects of the illness.

 

Objectives: To assess self-care and QoL of patients with CRF who undergo hemodialysis (HD).

 

Patients and Methods: A descriptive-analytical design was carried out in Sulaimani Province Hemodialysis Centers/Unit from March to September 2022. About 150 patients with CRF undergoing hemodialysis consented to participate in the study. Non-probability convince sample technique was used to select the participants. The data were collected through a questionnaire by direct interview.

 

Results: Most patients were ≥60 years, males, married, illiterate, lived in an urban area and had barely sufficient economic status with 4-6 family members. The study's findings revealed inadequate self-care in >50% of patients. A significant correlation between self-care and QoL in limitation of activities was found for CRF patients who underwent Hemodialysis with no correlation for general health, physical and emotional, and energy and emotion. Also, there was a significant difference between QoL and age (for the general health domain), gender, and level of education (for the limitations of the activities domain). Mean self-care measurement was significantly associated between previous occupation and duration of Hemodialysis.

 

Conclusions: Most patients had inadequate self-care and poor QoL, which means that higher self-care performance was associated with better QoL in the limitation of activities only and no other QoL domains.
Assessment of dimensions of mandibular condyles and their correlation with jaw movements in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Jalal Ranj , Ahmed Khadija , Saeed Shahla
Published: January 2024

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the condylar dimensions in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients and compare them to condylar dimensions of healthy persons and try to find out correlations between dimensional condylar changes and jaw movements in RA patients.

 

Methods: This case-control study was performed on 40 RA patients with ten healthy adults (control cases). Clinical examination with Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) was done for participants. Independent and paired t-tests with correlation coefficient tests were used for data analysis by the SPSS program.

 

Results: There was a significant difference between RA and controls regarding the means of their unassisted and assisted maximum mouth opening and the mean of right lateral jaw excursion also. The mean condylar length in RA patients was 6.88 mm while in control cases was 7.61, and the mean condylar width in RA was 16.77 and in controls was 16.53 mm, and the mean condylar height was 18.02 mm in RA and 21.14 mm in controls without significant difference between both groups. There was a positive correlation between the condylar dimensions and the jaw movements.

 

Conclusions: Condylar height and width were decreased in RA patients in comparison to the control group, indicating bony changes in the upper condylar surface. In addition, RA patients have decreased range of jaw movements like mouth opening, which might result from bony changes and reduction in condylar dimensions.
Nannobiostratigraphy of The Mushorah Formation in (AZ.29) well, Ain Zalah oil field, Northwestern Iraq
Authors: Al-Hadeedy Mahfoudh , Al-Badrani Omar , Hassan Faris
Published: January 2024

A Detailed calcareous nannofossils study for the Mushorah Formation from subsurface section at Az. (29) well, Ain Zalah oil field, Northwestern Iraq. This is the first documentation of calcareous nannofossils in the Mushorah Formation, the Paleontological classification of this flora led to determine forty species. The nannobiostratigraphic analysis suggested three calcareous nannofossils biozones these are: (1) Calculites obscurus Interval Biozone; (2) Broinsonia parca Interval Biozone;(3) Misceomarginatus pleniporus Interval Biozone. These biozones concluded that the age of studied section of the Mushorah Formation is Early to Middle Campanian.
Equality before the Law Principle in Administrative Offences Legislation of the Russian Federation
Authors: Malakhov S. A.
Published: January 2024

The formalization of the idea of equality in legislative acts as a norm principle is one of the attributes of the legal regulation system in Russia. The study of the implementation of the principle of equality in the legislation on administrative offenses is of interest for several reasons that are theoretical, legal and applied in nature. Various branches of legislation have their own specific features, and legislation on administrative offenses is no exception. With this in mind, the formal legal formalization of the principle of equality is changing and acquiring new elements, these include, for example, exceptions to the rules contained in the norm principle. The study attempts to substantiate the position on the imperfection of the norm principle of «equality before the law», formulated in the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation. The objectives of the study include an analysis of the principle, taking into account the specifics of legislation; identification of defects in the formal legal formalization of the principle and the proposal of measures to eliminate them; justification for the lack of objective and reasonable grounds for differentiating administrative liability measures according to the criterion of the place of commission of an administrative offense (committing an offense in some constituent entities of the Russian Federation entails increased liability measures in accordance with the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation). Specific measures are proposed to eliminate the identified shortcomings of legal regulation. The tasks and logic of the study predetermined its structure, which includes three parts. The first part defines the specifics of the content of the principle of equality before the law in the legislation on administrative offenses. In the second part of the study, the author puts forward a proposal to amend Article 1.4 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation. It is proposed to establish in Part 1 of Article 1.4 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation that all individuals and legal entities are equal before the law, except in cases defined therein. The necessity of defining in the law an exhaustive list of entities that are immune from the application of administrative coercion measures to them is justified; some other legislative changes are also proposed. In the third part of the study, it is concluded that it is necessary to exclude certain norms due to their inconsistency with the principle of equality.
Listening-Related Fatigue in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students: Understanding and Managing the “Fatigue Factor”
Authors: Davis Hilary , Hornsby Benjamin
Published: January 2024

Fatigue is often defined as a mood state, a subjective feeling of tiredness or exhaustion that reduces our desire to continue working on a task (Bess et al., 2020; Hockey, 2013). Fatigue is ubiquitous, something most adults and children experience when struggling to complete a long or challenging task. Most of the time, all that is needed to recover from the fatigue is a quick break or cessation of the fatiguing task. In these cases, the negative effects of fatigue are minimal. For some individuals, however, their fatigue experiences may be more severe and sustained. When recurrent, this kind of severe fatigue can have significant, negative consequences, especially for children. Severe fatigue is more common in children suffering from chronic health issues, such as cancer, diabetes, and obesity (Hornsby et al., 2017; Hockenberry-Eaton et al., 1999). Children with such health conditions who also suffer from significant fatigue tend to face additional academic and social struggles compared to their non-fatigued peers (Stoff et al., 1989; Berrin, et al., 2007; Ravid et al., 2009). But what does this have to do with children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH)? Evidence continues to mount suggesting that children who are DHH are also more likely to experience severe fatigue as a result of their listening and understanding challenges—a term coined listening-related fatigue.
Hearing Loss in the 21st Century and Beyond: A New Era of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Using Genomics
Authors: Shearer A. Eliot
Published: January 2024

The past fifteen years has seen a dramatic improvement in our understanding of hearing and hearing loss. Scientists have worked to identify dozens of genes involved in hearing loss and elucidate the complex molecular machinery responsible for hearing. At the same time, there have been rapid advances in clinical diagnostic tools including imaging and genetic tests. What this means is that for the first time, for the majority of children with hearing loss, we are able to obtain a diagnosis.
Assessment of serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and albumin in human immuno-deficiency virus-infected individuals with or without malaria parasite infection in Nauth, Nnewi, Nigeria
Authors: Kalu Ofia A. , Ukibe Nkiruka R. , Onah Christian E. , Obiorah Oluchi C. , Obeagu Emmanuel I. , Awalu Chimezie J. , Ukibe Ezinne G. , Ukibe Blessing C.
Published: January 2024

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection with malaria is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, including Nigeria. Both infections have impact on the disease severity and progression.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study aimed to determine the serum soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and albumin in HIV/malaria-infected individuals attending the antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, (NAUTH) Nnewi, Nigeria. 168 randomly selected individuals aged 18-65 years grouped into 42 HIV-infected individuals on ART, 42 HIV-malaria c-o-infected individuals on ART, 42 malaria-infected individuals, and 42 apparently healthy individuals (control) were included in the study. Serum sICAM-1 and albumin were determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and bromocresol green technique respectively while CD4 T-cell count was obtained from the patients’ records.
Results: The mean serum sICAM-1, albumin and systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels were significantly higher in HIV individuals with and without malaria infection when compared with control participants (p<0.05) respectively. The mean CD4 T-cell count was significantly lower in HIV/malaria co-infected individuals when compared with HIV infected individuals (p <0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between CD4 count and sICAM-1 both in HIV infected individuals and HIV-malaria co-infection (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The increased sICAM-1, SBP with decreased albumin levels suggests inflammatory and vascular changes with reduced hepatic synthesis which may result in endothelial dysfunction, adverse cardiovascular conditions, and disease progression.
Clinical profiles of patients undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation in a tertiary care hospital in India
Authors: Patra Tusharkanti , Das Asit
Published: January 2024

Background: Despite an increase in the number of permanent pacemaker implantations in India over the last few decades, there are no systematic nationwide database recording the rate of implantation of permanent pacemaker, clinical conditions or types of pacemakers used for PPM implantation in India.
Methods: A total of 5341 patients, admitted in the department of cardiology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, West Bengal, India from April, 2019 to August 2023 and received a permanent pacemaker were included in the study. Objective of the study was to provide information about the clinical profile and indications of patients receiving permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI).
Results: Most (67%) of the recipients among the study population were males. The mean (± SD) age of patients in the present cohort was 63.59±11.82 years. The most frequent type of pacemaker used in this institution was VVIR (86.2%). The mean impedance for DDDR type pacemakers was 599.7±109.19 (range =416-1074) for ventricle and 915.9±116.2 (range =525-1240) for the atrium, while the threshold of DDDR type was 0.5±0.3 (range =0.1 -3) for ventricles and 0.3±0.2 (range =0.1-1.3) for the atrium. For VVIR type of pacemakers, the impedance for ventricles was 918.5±131.1 (range =120-1620), while the threshold for ventricle was 0.3±0.2 (range =0.1-2.2). The commonest indication of pacemakers were AV blocks (69%), of which the commonest was complete heart block (59.7%).
Conclusions: In conclusion, male population were implanted with a higher number of pacemakers than females. No difference in age was noted among males and females in terms of the age of implantation. Use of single chamber VVIR types were higher than the dual chamber due to the pattern of government supply of pacemakers. Most common indication for pacemaker implantation was degenerative complete heart block.
Perception of first year MBBS students on objective structured practical examination as an assessment tool in biochemistry
Authors: Deori Rumi , Bora Keshab , Das Monigopa
Published: January 2024

Background: It is an undeniable fact that assessment drives learning. It is documented that traditional practical examination has several drawbacks. Further, the subjectivity also affects the correlation negatively between marks awarded by different examiners and therefore on the performance of an equivalent candidate. The objective of objective structured practical examination (OSPE) is to reduce the chances of examiner bias and assess the students’ skills. Aim was to introduce objective structured practical examination (OSPE) as a method of assessment of practical skills in Biochemistry and to determine the perception of students’ regarding OSPE.
Methods: It is a qualitative, observational study conducted at Department of Biochemistry, Assam Medical College, Assam, India. The first Professional MBBS students were evaluated by using OSPE to assess their practical perspective in Biochemistry. A pre-validated questionnaire-based on a 5-point Likert scale and descriptive type on various components of the OSPE was administered to get the feedback. Statistical analysis used: Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism 8 software were applied.
Results: Most of the students favoured OSPE as an assessment tool. About 82% of students agreed that OSPE helps to score better; 62.3% stated that OSPE eliminates bias in exams; 91.6% supported OSPE to be incorporated as a formative assessment.
Conclusions: The study favours OSPE as a reliable assessment tool for practical examination in biochemistry. OSPE is more objective and eliminates examiner bias and helps to evaluate all three learning domains - cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains.
Analysis of risk factors of hypertension: a cross-sectional study in a rural area
Authors: Srinivas H. D.
Published: January 2024

Background: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). It is common but can be serious if not treated.
Methods: The present study was conducted at medicine department of Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya from February to July 2023. Total 100 study subjects in the age group of 30–60 years were included by simple random sampling technique in the present study. Pre-designed, pre-tested proforma was used to collect data regarding demographic characteristics and different risk factors i.e. smoking and alcoholism through house-to-house visits.
Results: In the present study the overall prevalence of hypertension was found to be 18%. Similar findings have also been reported in other studies. Comparable prevalence (15%) was found in the study conducted at squatter settlement of Karachi (Pakistan). Similar prevalence of hypertension (16.9%) has also been reported in the study conducted among labour population of Gujarat.
Conclusions: Cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle behaviors are amenable to modification and may therefore be relevant targets in the prevention of hypertension. For some modifiable risk factors, it is unclear whether they are causally related to hypertension. This study found that, BMI, alcohol dependence, insomnia, and educational level are causal risk factors of hypertension. This improved understanding of the pathophysiology of hypertension can be used to identify additional targets for the prevention of hypertension and its association diseases.
HyperArc multiple brain metastases report
Authors: Gloi Aime M.
Published: January 2024

This report presents the initial clinical experience with HyperArc, a novel modality that incorporates a non-coplanar, arc-based multileaf collimator (MLC) and automated treatment optimization and dose delivery. The study focuses on a patient who had previously received whole-brain radiotherapy. The effectiveness and challenges of HyperArc were assessed by evaluating various quality indices for stereotactic radiosurgery within the RTOG protocol, as well as an additional measure of toxicity in the form of the V12Gy volume. The HyperArc plan achieved quality indices of 1.13, 4.58, and 0.88 for CI, GI, and CIPaddick, respectively. The mean ICRU83 value was 0.17±0.01, and it remained consistent across all six lesions. The V12Gy value was equal to 8.76 cc. The HyperArc plan successfully met the constraints for organs-at-risk (OAR). These results suggest that HyperArc is a suitable modality for treating multiple brain metastases, as indicated by the quality indices and metrics. Additionally, V12Gy is a valuable indicator for assessing low-dose spillage.