bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Students’ Attitude toward English Instruction on the EFL Students’ Speaking Class
Authors: Paris Nirma , Rafiqa
Published: October 2021

Abstract: In general, an English teacher uses bilingual method in teaching process. However, a native English teacher uses English only in the class. Due to the new atmosphere faced by the students, the present study aimed to investigate the students’ attitude toward English instruction on the EFL students’ speaking class. This current study employed a quantitative method and it was designed as a descriptive research. The participants of this study were 156 students of English Study Program enrolled at Speaking class, Faculty of Tarbiyah, State Islamic Institute of Parepare. A 20-item survey questionnaire related to the students’ attitude toward English instruction with a five point likert scale was assigned to obtain the data from the participants. The results of the study revealed that the students have a positive attitude toward English instruction. They agreed with teaching English by using English instruction. The students’ cognitive and affective responses showed that the students believed that English instruction could improve the students’ abilities at intermediate level. Furthermore, the students’ cognitive responses indicated that the students’ vocabularies and grammatical knowledge improved. The use of English instruction also gave the students an opportunity to learn pronunciation from the native English teacher. While, the results of affective responses indicated that the students liked to study using English instruction and they were motivated to speak in English.
Students' Perception of Utilizing Podcasts to Learn English Listening Skill
Authors: Anissa Hersagita , Suryaman Maman
Published: October 2021

In this day of advanced technology, learning English can be done anywhere, not just through books, but also through the internet. Podcasts can assist in learning listening English during this pandemic since they can be listened to anywhere and at any time, and podcasts are also an enjoyable media. The purpose of this study is to find out what students think about using podcasts to learn English. The research sample was made up of ten people between the ages of 18 until 21, who filled out an online questionnaire. Podcasts are a flexible medium for learning English, according to one study. As a result of this research, it can be concluded that podcasts have become an interesting way to practice English listening skills.
PENGARUH KEMAMPUAN PENALARAN MATEMATIS DENGAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN DOUBLE LOOP PROBLEM SOLVING TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR SISWA
Authors: Samad Irfawandi , Ali P Muhammad , Assaibin Muhammad
Published: October 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh model pembelajaran double loop problem solving terhadap penalaran  matematis siswa pada materi bangun ruang. Pada penelitian ini ditarik sampel sebanyak dua kelas, dengan jumlah peserta didik sebanya 67 peserta didik. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimen dengan rancangan yang digunakan adalah eksperimen semu (Quasi Exsperimental Research) .Penelitian ini melibatkan dua kelas yaitu kelas eksperimen dan kelas kontrol, dimana kedua kelas ini diberikan perlakuan yang berbeda. Untuk mengetahui pengaruh model pemelajaran double loop problem solving terhadap penalaran matematis siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 3 Campalagian. Dilihat pada pengujian hipotesis dilakukan dengan melihat hasil uji-t. Berdasarkan uji-t diperoleh nilai  sebesar 2,204. Sedangkan untuk nilai  sebesar  yang berarti bahwa  yaitu . Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa  ditolak dan  diterima, bila ditinjau dari nilai taraf signifikan,  diterima apabila Sig <   yaitu 0,032 < 0,05. dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa pembelajaran dengan Penerapan model pemelajaran double loop problem solving terhadap penalaran matematis dalam Pembelajaran Matematika Pada Peserta didik kelas VII SMP Negeri 3 Campalagian, berpengaruh terhadap hasil belajar siswa, dalam pelaksanaan pembelajaran dan pengamatan aktivitas siswa. Sehingga bisa diterapkan di sekolah.
Пищевая ценность порошка из томатов, выращенных в разных географических районах Челябинской области
Authors: Наумова Н. Л. , Журавель В. В. , Бурмистров Е. А. , Бурмистрова О. М.
Published: October 2021

Решение проблемы комплексной переработки томатного сырья с получением конкурентоспособных продуктов отягощено рядом экологических проблем, в первую очередь антропогенной нагрузкой на почвы агроценозов. На территории Челябинской области имеются как естественные, так и искусственные геохимические провинции, в условиях которых осуществляется интенсивное сельскохозяйственное производство. Целью исследований стало изучение пищевой ценности порошка из томатов, выращенных в разных географических районах Челябинской области. Объектами изучения послужили пробы томатного порошка, полученного при сушке помидоров сорта Огни Москвы, выращенных в открытом грунте в разных садовых некоммерческих товариществах: проба № 1 - в СНТ «Локомотив-1» (г. Челябинск, Троицкий тракт), проба № 2 - в СНТ «Дизелист-1» (Челябинская обл., г. Троицк, ул. Дизельная). Установлено, что в пробе № 1 содержится больше олова (в 4,1 раза), лития (в 3,3 раза), свинца (в 2 раза, но не выше нормы), кобальта (в 1,6 раза), хрома (на 18,5 %), калия (на 8,7 %), а также серебра, теллура, титана, ванадия и незаменимого нутриента - белка (на 5,6 %). Обнаруженные количества олова и серебра превышают кларковые значения, характерные для сухой фитомассы растительности суши, в 2,5 и 2 раза соответственно. В пробе № 2 содержится больше липидов (в 1,7 раза) и сахаров (на 14,1 %), пищевых волокон (на 14,6 %) и органических кислот (на 1,3-4,7 %), минеральных элементов: кремния и алюминия (в 14-14,6 раза), селена (в 4 раза), бора (в 3,6 раза), кальция (в 2,7 раза), марганца (в 2,6 раза), цинка (в 2,1 раза), меди (в 2 раза), магния и стронция (в 1,8 раза). Уровень селена превышает кларковые значения в 21 раз. Таким образом, сельскохозяйственная продукция, получаемая в агроценозах, неблагополучных по содержанию поллютантов, нуждается в особо строгом контроле последних как в почвенном, так и в сырьевом материале.
Анализ продовольственной безопасности Челябинской области
Authors: Зыбалов В. С. , Наумова Н. Л.
Published: October 2021

Решение задач, направленных на достижение гарантированного уровня обеспеченности населения продовольствием, неразрывно связано с созданием условий для конкурентоспособного развития сельского хозяйства, которое во многом определяет уровень экономической безопасности и социальной стабильности страны. В последние годы Челябинская область входит в десятку лучших регионов Российской Федерации по производству продовольствия. Однако агропромышленный комплекс области имеет ряд слабых сторон, в частности низкую самообеспеченность молоком и продуктами его переработки. Целью исследования явилось изучение продовольственной безопасности Челябинской области по отдельным показателям, таким как динамика промышленного производства основных групп пищевой продукции; уровни самообеспечения Челябинской области хлебо-, мясо- и молокопродуктами; сырьевые ресурсы перерабатывающих предприятий. Определено, что Челябинская область имеет мощный промышленный потенциал. Региональное сельское хозяйство играет ведущую роль в формировании продовольственной безопасности. Своевременные инвестиции в развитие сырьевой и производственной базы предприятий мясной и мукомольно-крупяной отраслей позволили достичь высоких показателей в промышленном производстве мяса птицы, свинины, хлебобулочных, крупяных и макаронных изделий. Рацион питания южноуральцев сбалансирован по хлебу и мясным продуктам, но по молочным товарам несколько отстает от рекомендованной нормы. Причиной последнего являются слабая сырьевая база (сокращение численности дойного стада), высокие затраты на производство сырья и низкая инвестиционная привлекательность молочного животноводства.
Experimental Study on Load Bearing Capacity of Cement Stabilized Unburnt Clay Bricks
Authors:   IESL College of Engineering Colombo, Sri Lanka, Mohamed J.Z. , Kuruppu K.A.B.P. ,   Sinohydro Co. Ltd
Published: October 2021

Clay brick is one of the most widely used conventional materials in the masonry construction throughout the world. Despite living in cement age, bricks still have a defined space in our societies. Clay bricks are good for construction activities in dry zones because of its better thermal insulation and moisture control properties. With around 39 percent of the home’s energy use going towards maintaining a pleasant temperature, it has become increasingly important to build a home that will minimize the energy required for heating and cooling, from both a cost savings and sustainability perspective [1]. Bricks made with clay material can be the better option to neutralize the above condition since bricks offer superior thermal mass.
Automating Incident Categorization in a Support Request System
Authors:   University of Sri Jayewardenepura Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, Cooray T. M. T. M. , Ariyaratne M. K. A. ,   University of Sri Jayewardenepura Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, Perera M. D. R. ,   University of Sri Jayewardenepura Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
Published: October 2021

With the expansion of the role of IT, organizations tend to maintain a support request system/ Issue Tracking System (ITS) to handle issues. ITSs are designed to streamline the process of customer support and keep a track of all the reported issues. Incident Management (IM) makes efforts to re-establish standard business operations reducing the impact and maintaining the quality and availability [1]. An incident also refers to a ticket. The manual categorization of raised issues infers an improper assignment of incident tickets, cause delays in the entire procedure of dispatch. The focus of this research is to automate the incident categorization (IC) and transfer to the appropriate support group forecasting the resolution for frequent issues based on the past.
Fluoride releasing kinetics in a weathered bearing biotite gneiss
Authors:   University of Sri Jayewardhanapura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, Madusanka M.H.Ashan , Sadanayake Sandun ,   University of Sri Jayewardhanapura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, Vithanage lkMeththika ,   University of Sri Jayewardhanapura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
Published: October 2021

In several regions of the dry zone of Sri Lanka, excessive quantities of fluoride (F-) in groundwater have affected the water quality significantly. Apart from the well-known prevalence of dental fluorosis, Chronic Kidney Disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) is widespread in different pockets in the dry zone of Sri Lanka [1]. Fluoride is one of the substances suspected of being causative of CKDu in the area. Since the kidneys retain more F- than in any other soft tissue and excess F- exposure can cause kidney disease. Within the same zone, the prevalence of CKDu varies by geographic area in a ground water and spatial distribution of selected trace elements in groundwater. The optimum F- level in drinking water, according to WHO guidelines, is 1.5 (mg/L); however, due to the unfavorable climatic conditions that exist in tropical countries, people ingest more water than normal intake, resulting in a high F- intake. The source of F- is geogenic. It has been found that the F- content of basement rocks ranges from 9.5×10-5 to 1.44×10-3 kg/L in the region [3]. Farmers consume about 2-3 liters of water a day to quench their thirst, resulting in a daily F- intake of 3×10-3-1×10-2 kg/L [4].
Second-Hand Fashion Consumption: A Literature Review
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Geegamage Thamoda , Ranaweera H.R Achini ,   University of Moratuwa,  Sri Lanka, Halwatura Rangika. U ,   University of Moratuwa,  Sri Lanka
Published: October 2021

The 2019 Pulse of the fashion industry report discovers that the series of sustainability progress in the industry of fashion has slowed by third in the previous year and not moving fast to counter balance the misdeed impact of rapid growth in the fashion industry. Fashion industry will be the net contributor for the climate change, increasing the obstacles which that promising of keeping global warming below one and half degrees Celsius during the reminding years will be not achieved if this circumstance of the fashion industry continue in the future, as long as fashion industry ranks the first place out of environment polluting industries. The state of the environmental pollution caused by the fashion industry has no recover but rising day by day. [1] This systematic literature review identified four main themes related to circular economy, sustainable consumption, and second-hand fashion. consumption. They will be elaborated bellow.
Development of a Scaled Vehicle Model for Dynamics Testing
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Hewavithana R.R. , Ravihara J.P.L. ,   University of Moratuwa,  Sri Lanka, Wishwajith K.K.S. ,   University of Moratuwa,  Sri Lanka, Perera U.L.S. ,   University of Moratuwa,  Sri Lanka, Dasanayake N.P. ,   University of Moratuwa,  Sri Lanka, Gamage J.R.
Published: October 2021

The interest in using scaled models for dynamics testing of prototype vehicles is growing due to the high demand for autonomous driving. In the early design phases, vehicle testing is done using computer simulations. Even though computer simulations are proven to be extremely helpful in designing prototypes, simulation models need to be validated using realworld testing. There are high costs involved in vehicle testing and it’s dangerous to conduct aggressive driving manoeuvres with real drivers. As a solution, researchers have used scaled models. To validate the computer simulations, researchers matched the scaled model test data with full-size vehicle prototypes considering the dynamic similitude. However, previous work was limited to the analysis of the steady-state behaviour of vehicles. To accurately predict the behaviour, the transientstate response must be tested as well. Therefore, this paper outlines the precursory work of a scaled model with the ability to test both states during vehicle manoeuvres. This paper is structured as follows. Section II presents related work. Section III elaborates on the mathematical modelling and present the results of the computer simulations. Section IV presents the scaled model which will be developed. Section V concludes the findings, and present the future work of research.
Percutaneous instrumentation with cement augmentation for traumatic hyperextension thoracic and lumbar fractures in ankylosing spondylitis: a single-institution experience
Authors: Trungu Sokol , Ricciardi Luca , Forcato Stefano , Miscusi Massimo , Raco Antonino
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVE

The typical traumatic thoracolumbar (TL) fracture in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a hyperextension injury involving all three spinal columns, which is associated with unfavorable outcomes. Although a consensus on the management of these highly unstable injuries is missing, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been progressively accepted as a treatment option, since it is related to lower morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes after percutaneous instrumentation with cement augmentation for hyperextension TL fractures in patients with AS at a single institution.

METHODS

This cohort study was completed retrospectively. Back pain was assessed at preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up visits using the visual analog scale (VAS). Patient-reported outcomes via the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the new mobility score (NMS) were obtained to assess disability and mobility during follow-up. Radiological outcomes included the Cobb angle, sagittal index (SI), union rate, and implant failure. Intra- and postoperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 22 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 74.2 ± 7.3 years with a mean follow-up of 39.2 ± 17.4 months. The VAS score for back pain significantly improved over the follow-up period (from 8.4 ± 1.1 to 2.8 ± 0.8, p < 0.001). At the last follow-up, all patients had minor disability (mean ODI score 24.4 ± 6.1, p = 0.003) and self-sufficiency of mobility (mean NMS 7.5 ± 1.6, p = 0.02). The Cobb angle (5.2° ± 2.9° preoperatively to 4.4° ± 3.3° at follow-up) and SI (7.9° ± 4.2° to 8.8° ± 5.1°) were maintained at follow-up, showing no loss of segmental kyphosis. Bone union was observed in all patients. The overall complication rate was 9.1%, while the reoperation rate for implant failure was 4.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous instrumentation with cement augmentation for traumatic hyperextension TL fractures in AS demonstrated good clinical and radiological outcomes, along with a high bone union level and low reoperation rate. Accordingly, MIS reduced the complication rate in the management of these injuries of the ankylosed spine.
Single versus dual operative spine fractures in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Lu Alex Y. , Blitstein Jacob S. , Talbott Jason F. , Chan Andrew K. , Dhall Sanjay S. , El Naga Ashraf N. , Tan Lee A. , Clark Aaron J. , Chou Dean , Mummaneni Praveen V. , DiGiorgio Anthony M.
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVE

Ankylosing spondylitis, the most common spondyloarthritis, fuses individual spinal vertebrae into long segments. The unique biomechanics of the ankylosed spine places patients at unusually high risk for unstable fractures secondary to low-impact mechanisms. These injuries are unique within the spine trauma population and necessitate thoughtful management. Therefore, the authors aimed to present a richly annotated data set of operative AS spine fractures with a significant portion of patients with simultaneous dual noncontiguous fractures.

METHODS

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis with acute fractures who received operative management between 2012 and 2020 were reviewed. Demographic, admission, surgical, and outcome parameters were retrospectively collected and reviewed.

RESULTS

In total, 29 patients were identified across 30 different admissions. At admission, the mean age was 71.7 ± 11.8 years. The mechanism of injury in 77% of the admissions was a ground-level fall; 30% also presented with polytrauma. Of admissions, 50% were patient transfers from outside hospitals, whereas the other half presented primarily to our emergency departments. Fifty percent of patients sustained a spinal cord injury, and 35 operative fractures were identified and treated in 32 surgeries. The majority of fractures clustered around the cervicothoracic (C4–T1, 48.6%) and thoracolumbar (T8–L3, 37.11%) junctions. Five patients (17.2%) had simultaneous dual noncontiguous operative fractures; these patients were more likely to have presented with a higher-energy mechanism of injury such as a bicycle or motor vehicle accident compared with patients with a single operative fracture (60% vs 8%, p = 0.024). On preoperative MRI, 56.3% of the fractures had epidural hematomas (EDHs); 25% were compressive of the underlying neural elements, which dictated the number of laminectomy levels performed (no EDH, 2.1 ± 2.36; noncompressive EDH, 2.1 ± 1.85; and compressive EDH, 7.4 ± 4 [p = 0.003]). The mean difference in instrumented levels was 8.7 ± 2.6 with a mean estimated blood loss (EBL) of 1183 ± 1779.5 mL. Patients on a regimen of antiplatelet therapy had a significantly higher EBL (2635.7 mL vs 759.4 mL, p = 0.015). Overall, patients had a mean hospital length of stay of 15.2 ± 18.5 days; 5 patients died during the same admission or after transfer to an outside hospital. Nine of 29 patients (31%) had died by the last follow-up (the mean follow-up was 596.3 ± 878.9 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with AS who have been found to have unstable spine fractures warrant a thorough diagnostic evaluation to identify secondary fractures as well as compressive EDHs. These patients experienced prolonged inpatient hospitalizations with significant morbidity and mortality.
Vestibular schwannoma manifesting with hemifacial spasm in a young woman: clinical considerations and tumor removal with hearing preservation. 2-Dimensional operative video
Authors: Candanedo Carlos , de Jong Marrigje A. , Michaeli Avner , Moscovici Samuel , Cohen José E. , Spektor Sergey
Published: October 2021

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a rare presentation of vestibular schwannoma. The authors present their experience with a 27-year-old woman who presented with normal hearing and HFS, which was the single neurological manifestation of an 18-mm vestibular schwannoma. In this challenging situation, the treatment goals were maximal tumor removal with preservation of hearing and facial nerve function and cure of the HFS. The authors achieved these goals, performing complete tumor removal via a retrosigmoid approach, assisted with neurophysiological monitoring and a 45°-angle QEVO endoscope. In the video, they explain the clinical, radiological, and surgical considerations and demonstrate the surgical technique.

The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID2099
Diamond knife dissection technique for nerve preservation during resection of large vestibular schwannomas
Authors: Shawarba Julia , Med Cand , Tomschik Matthias , Roessler Karl
Published: October 2021

Facial and cochlear nerve preservation in large vestibular schwannomas is a major challenge. Bimanual pincers or plate-knife dissection techniques have been described as crucial for nerve preservation. The authors demonstrate a recently applied diamond knife dissection technique to peel the nerves from the tumor capsule. This technique minimizes the nerve trauma significantly, and complete resection of a large vestibular schwannoma without any facial nerve palsy and hearing preservation is possible. The authors illustrate this technique during surgery of a 2.6-cm vestibular schwannoma in a 27-year-old male patient resulting in normal facial function and preserved hearing postoperatively.

The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID21104
Right medium-sized vestibular schwannoma with trigeminal neuralgia post-fractionated radiotherapy
Authors: Vakharia Kunal , Mikula Anthony L. , Nassiri Ashley M. , Driscoll Colin L. W. , Link Michael J.
Published: October 2021

A patient with trigeminal neuralgia secondary to a vestibular schwannoma underwent fractionated radiotherapy without relief of her pain. She was then effectively treated with microsurgical resection of her tumor. Early identification of the lower cranial nerves and the origin of the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves is key to determining the operative corridors for vestibular schwannoma resection. To effectively treat trigeminal neuralgia, the trigeminal nerve root entry zone and motor branch are clearly identified and decompressed. Fractioned radiotherapy does not effectively treat trigeminal neuralgia secondary to vestibular schwannoma compression.

The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID21112
Hearing preservation middle fossa approach for intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma in a NF2 patient
Authors: Vidal Claudio H. F. , Hahn Yoav , Leal Mariana C. , Medeiros Kiara , Hazin Gabriela F. , Coimbra Caetano J.
Published: October 2021

Hearing preservation is a cornerstone in the management of intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas. This video demonstrates a middle fossa approach to an intracanalicular schwannoma and highlights some technical and anatomical nuances relevant to the procedure. The patient had sustained hearing preservation in the postoperative period. There are potential benefits in favor of the middle fossa when the tumor reaches the fundus of the internal auditory canal, but the surgeon’s individual experience plays a decisive role in the choice of approach.

The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID21121
Combined translabyrinthine, anterior petrosal approach for resection of collision vestibular schwannoma and petrous apex meningioma in neurofibromatosis type 2, with auditory brainstem implant placement
Authors: Khan Usman A. , Plonsker Jillian H. , Friedman Rick A. , Schwartz Marc S.
Published: October 2021

The natural history of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is profound bilateral hearing loss. The decision to pursue microsurgery may be more complicated in NF2 than with sporadic tumors. Schwannomas in NF2 often occur with other skull base tumors. Treatment should be tailored to preserve auditory perception for as long as possible. The authors present the case of a man with NF2 and a vestibular schwannoma who has poor hearing on the same side as a large petrous apex meningioma, both opposite to a well-hearing ear. This case highlights surgical decision-making and technical nuances during resection of collision tumors in NF2.

The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID21130
Removal of Koos IV acoustic neuroma and auditory brainstem implant in NF2 patient
Authors: Scala Maria Rosaria , Spennato Pietro , Volpe Antonio Della , Santoro Claudia , Picariello Stefania , Varricchio Alfonso Maria , Ruggiero Claudio , dé Santi Serena , Cinalli Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

The authors present the case of removal of a Koos grade IV right acoustic neuroma in a neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patient, already operated on for left cerebellopontine angle meningioma at 7 years of age and a left acoustic neuroma at 16 years of age. A transpetrosal approach allowed cochlear sensor implantation to detect residual hearing. An enlarged retrosigmoid approach then allowed subtotal microsurgical removal of the lesion; consequently, the authors illustrate the technical nuances of an auditory brainstem implant (ABI). One month after surgery, the ABI was successfully switched on, giving back hearing perception to the patient.

The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID2188
Endoscopic-assisted resection of vestibular schwannomas in high-riding jugular bulb
Authors: Roser Florian , Maiti Tanmoy , Elhammady Mohamed Samy
Published: October 2021

The present surgical video demonstrates safe opening of the internal auditory canal (IAC) during vestibular schwannoma surgery via a retrosigmoid approach in the sitting position. Resection of the intrameatal portion of a tumor is important for progression-free survival. Preoperative thin-sliced CT revealed a high-riding jugular bulb obscuring the trajectory. After dural opening, the IAC was approached anteriorly and superiorly. The posterior margin of IAC drilling was above the Tubingen line. Drilling was performed under continuous jugular compression. The vein was pushed down to augment visibility. An angled endoscope was helpful. IAC can be drilled safely in a high-riding jugular bulb with the technique mentioned in the video.

The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID2198
Measuring the effects of institutional pediatric traumatic brain injury volume on outcomes for rural-dwelling children
Authors: Patel Pious D. , Kelly Katherine A. , Chen Heidi , Greeno Amber , Shannon Chevis N. , Naftel Robert P.
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVE

Rural-dwelling children may suffer worse pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes due to distance from and accessibility to high-volume trauma centers. This study aimed to compare the impacts of institutional TBI volume and sociodemographics on outcomes between rural- and urban-dwelling children.

METHODS

This retrospective study identified patients 0–19 years of age with ICD-9 codes for TBI in the 2012–2015 National Inpatient Sample database. Patients were characterized as rural- or urban-dwelling using United States Census classification. Logistic and linear (in log scale) regressions were performed to measure the effects of institutional characteristics, patient sociodemographics, and mechanism/severity of injury on occurrence of medical complications, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and costs. Separate models were built for rural- and urban-dwelling patients.

RESULTS

A total of 19,736 patients were identified (median age 11 years, interquartile range [IQR] 2–16 years, 66% male, 55% Caucasian). Overall, rural-dwelling patients had higher All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups injury severity (median 2 [IQR 1–3] vs 1 [IQR 1–2], p < 0.001) and more intracranial monitoring (6% vs 4%, p < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that overall, rural-dwelling patients suffered increased medical complications (6% vs 4%, p < 0.001), mortality (6% vs 4%, p < 0.001), and LOS (median 2 days [IQR 1–4 days ] vs 2 days [IQR 1–3 days], p < 0.001), but multivariate analysis showed rural-dwelling status was not associated with these outcomes after adjusting for injury severity, mechanism, and hospital characteristics. Institutional TBI volume was not associated with medical complications, disposition, or mortality for either population but was associated with LOS for urban-dwelling patients (nonlinear beta, p = 0.008) and cost for both rural-dwelling (nonlinear beta, p < 0.001) and urban-dwelling (nonlinear beta, p < 0.001) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, rural-dwelling pediatric patients with TBI have worsened injury severity, mortality, and in-hospital complications, but these disparities disappear after adjusting for injury severity and mechanism. Institutional TBI volume does not impact clinical outcomes for rural- or urban-dwelling children after adjusting for these covariates. Addressing the root causes of the increased injury severity at hospital arrival may be a useful path to improve TBI outcomes for rural-dwelling children.
Traktat z Lizbony a polityka migracyjna Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Podraza Marek Dawid
Published: October 2021

Budowa efektywnej polityki migracyjnej jest jednym z największych wyzwań Unii Europejskiej. Jej celem jest skuteczne zarządzanie ruchami migracyjnymi przy jednoczesnym niwelowaniu nielegalnej migracji i poszanowaniu praw człowieka. Pierwsze próby prawnego uregulowania tej kwestii na szczeblu wspólnotowym podjęto już w 1985 r. O ile Traktat amsterdamski z 1997 r. dokonał uwspólnotowienia polityki azylowej, wizowej i migracyjnej, o tyle dopiero Traktat z Lizbony nadał im dzisiejszą formę i rozszerzył kompetencje Unii Europejskiej w tym zakresie. Dodatkowo poprawił on koordynację podejmowanych zadań i wzmocnił ochronę obywateli państw trzecich. Prawdziwym sprawdzianem dla unijnej polityki migracyjnej był kryzys migracyjny na naszym kontynencie, będący efektem Arabskiej Wiosny. Jak pokazały ostatnie lata, wypracowane mechanizmy nie zdały egzaminu, a zasady solidarności i sprawiedliwego podziału odpowiedzialności między państwami członkowskimi w dużym stopniu pozostały martwymi przepisami traktatowymi.
Transport zwierząt egzotycznych w UE a multicentryczność systemów prawnych (na przykładzie regulacji odnoszących się do transportu tygrysów z Włoch przez terytorium Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej w 2019 r.)
Authors: Lubelska-Sazanów Małgorzata Maria
Published: October 2021

Głównym założeniem publikacji jest ocena norm prawnych dotyczących przewozu zwierząt egzotycznych obowiązujących na terenie Unii Europejskiej, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem ich obowiązywania i przestrzegania w krajach, w których doszło do ich naruszenia lub nieskutecznego zastosowania w opisywanym przypadku. Na podstawie analizy zależności pomiędzy nieprawidłowościami w stosowaniu regulacji prawnych dotyczących przewozu zwierząt egzotycznych w Europie, a wystąpieniem sytuacji faktycznej, w której doszło do śmierci jednego z tygrysów i zagrożenia życia pozostałych osobników, możliwe jest także znalezienie odpowiedzi na pytanie, czy w przedstawianym stanie prawnym występuje tzw. luka prawna, jak również zaproponowanie subiektywnych rozwiązań prawnych mających na celu uniknięcie podobnych sytuacji w przyszłości. Zawarte w tekście rozważania dokonywane są na podstawie rozporządzeń i dyrektyw UE oraz przepisów krajowych (przy czym w odniesieniu do stosowania przepisów prawnych UE – zachodzą także odniesienia do ich stosowania przez włoskie organy prawa, jako kraju w którym rozpoczął się transport tygrysów). W zakończeniu przedstawione zostały wnioski, mające na celu zapewnić większą ochronę zwierzętom egzotycznym w czasie ich transportu (przede wszystkim transgranicznego).

Autorka wykazuje, że w opisywanym przypadku nie występuje luka prawna, a doszło jedynie do błędnej interpretacji, a następnie stosowania prawa UE przez organy państwowe Włoch i Polski, wskazując podstawowe zagrożenia dobrostanu dzikich zwierząt podczas transportu przez kraje UE. Po pierwsze: brak jest odgórnego systemu kontroli na poziomie UE; po drugie: uwidocznione zostały wady funkcjonowania systemu TRACES, po trzecie: dużą trudność sprawia wskazanie norm prawnych na poziomie ponadnarodowym dotyczących zwierząt egzotycznych.
Ocena prawna wypowiedzi dehumanizujących ludzi w prenatalnej fazie rozwoju w kontekście postulatów legalizacji aborcji w Polce
Authors: Ciepły Filip Mateusz
Published: October 2021

Przedmiotem artykułu jest prawna ocena wypowiedzi dehumanizujących ludzi w prenatalnej fazie rozwoju formułowanych w kontekście postulatów legalizacji aborcji w Polce. Kolejność przedstawionych zagadnień jest następująca: 1) charakterystyka fenomenu dehumanizacji na podstawie dorobku nauk społecznych; 2) przywołanie przykładów wypowiedzi środowisk proaborcyjnych, które mogą być brane pod uwagę jako wypowiedzi dehumanizujące człowieka w prenatalnej fazie rozwoju; 3) dokonanie oceny prawnej przytoczonych wypowiedzi, w szczególności z perspektywy Konstytucji Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej.
Czy zakresem zastosowania art. 15 § 1 Kodeksu spółek handlowych objęte są umowy ustanawiające zabezpieczenia hipoteczne na nieruchomościach spółek – uwagi na tle wyroku Sądu Najwyższego z dnia 7 marca 2017 r.
Authors: Kubasik Krzysztof Andrzej
Published: October 2021

Przepis art. 15 Kodeksu spółek handlowych ustanawia wymóg uzyskania zgody zgromadzenia wspólników albo walnego zgromadzenia na dokonanie wskazanych w nim czynności prawnych. Zawarty w przepisie katalog ma jednak charakter otwarty, a ustalenie jego zakresu budzi istotne wątpliwości interpretacyjne. W orzecznictwie sądowym wyłącza się z tego zakresu ustanawianie hipoteki, co budzi zastrzeżenia z punktu widzenia reguł wykładni funkcjonalnej, ochrony majątku spółki oraz uprawnień kontrolnych wspólników bądź akcjonariuszy.
Λογικὴ λατρεία (Rom 12,1). The Pauline Idea of Worship between the Hebrew and Hellenistic Worlds
Authors: Crimella Matteo
Published: October 2021

This essay focuses on a passage from the Letter to the Romans, better on a famous expression: λογικὴ λατρεία (Rom 12,1). After having studied its context in some depth, it shows how Paul operates in a dual direction: the apostle removes from the expression any kind of semantic link bound up with the cult; he also attributes to it a profane semantic. Paul does not intend to oppose the two cults, Jewish and Christian. His words imply that, like the ancient Israel before them, the Christian believers should also be distinguished for their cult. Christian worship is conceived in a different way. It is far from being a spiritualisation of the cult. Such a reduction is excluded by the object of the sacrifice, «your bodies». Paul operates in two directions: on the one hand, he avoids the trap of supersessionism with regard to the Jewish cult; on the other hand, he excludes a spiritualisation (or interiorisation) of Greek religious practices. Paul’s language is distinct both from the great tradition of Israel and from the Hellenistic world.
Lista czystych przeżuwaczy w Pwt 14,5 w przekładzie Septuaginty
Authors: Morta Krzysztof
Published: October 2021

W artykule zostaje poruszona kwestia przekładu w Septuagincie listy zwierząt czystych, dziko żyjących kopytnych przeżuwaczy, zamieszczonej w Pwt 14,5. Zauważalny jest fakt, że tłumacze, podając ekwiwalenty dla hebrajskich nazw roślinożerców występujących w Palestynie, posłużyli się tak egzotycznymi przedstawicielami fauny jak żyrafa. W związku z tym nasuwa się pytanie, czym kierowali się aleksandryjscy tłumacze, wprowadzając do swego przekładu słabo bądź w ogóle nieidentyfikowalne w egipskim środowisku zwierzęta. W artykule podjęto próbę wyjaśnienia tego zamierzenia. Na podstawie przekładu listy czystych przeżuwaczy poruszono także kwestie związane ze starożytną tradycją datacji powstania Septuaginty.
Being Alive, Living a Life. The Unity of the Concept of Life in Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite
Authors: Stępień Tomasz
Published: October 2021

The writings of Corpus Dionysiacum present a concept of life which is different from the one that we profess nowadays. Its view is backed up mainly by the Platonic tradition, which since the times of Plato has tended to see life as an intellectual principle. Therefore, in the Neoplatonic system we can find the conviction that life, in its fullest sense, is intellectual and at its peak is a vision of the One. In the system of Proclus, life, apart from being a principle, is also a god and the main principle of the whole world of intellectual and intellective gods. Pseudo-Dionysius in his writings exploits the concept of the unparticipable and participable principle, and since God is for him Trinity completely beyond participation and knowledge, the divine names play the role of participable henads. However, for Dionysius, names are neither hypostases nor living gods, which is clearly visible in case of the name of Life. All things participate in the name of life and in this name God is the only principle of life in the universe. However, life is not a property to own, but rather a constant struggle to approach the Trinity. Therefore, by committing a sin, an angel or a man loses life, which in the case of a man can be regained through sacramental activity. An analysis of the thoughts of Pseudo-Dionysius reveals a conception of life which is unified contrary to its shattered modern understanding. While biological, mental, moral lives fundamentally differ for us, for Dionysius those are merely aspects of the same thing, and therefore in his view life can be lost and regained not only in the metaphorical, but also the ontological sense.
Lumped damage mechanics as a diagnosis tool of reinforced concrete structures in service: case studies of a former bridge arch and a balcony slab
Authors: Cunha Rafael , Vieira Camila , Amorim David
Published: October 2021

Reinforced concrete structures may need repair in order to ensure the designed durability. Such necessity vary in cause and effect, but the structural diagnosis serves as the basis for adopting intervention measures. The assessment of the structural condition usually is made in loco, but sometimes numerical analyses are required as a low cost and effective preliminary diagnosis. In general, numerical analyses use hundreds or thousands of finite elements and nonlinear theories that are not often used in engineering practice. As an alternative, lumped damage mechanics (LDM) uses key concepts of classic fracture and damage mechanics in plastic hinges throughout well-known quantities such as ultimate moment and cracking moment. Such theory describes the concrete cracking by a damage variable, which can be used as a diagnosis criterion. Therefore, this paper presents LDM as a diagnosis tool to analyse actual structures. The case studies presented in this paper are a former bridge arch tested in China and a balcony that collapsed in Brazil. The results show that LDM numerical response of those structures are quite close to laboratory observations (former bridge arch) and in loco measurements (balcony).
Numerical Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened with CFRP Sheets under Impact Loading
Authors: Emara Mohamed , Elkomy Nada , Abdel Kader Hilal
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates numerically the behavior of Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams, strengthened using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) sheets, subjected to impact loading. Three-dimensional finite element analysis was performed and its results were verified against experimental ones available in the literature showing good agreement. Then, a comprehensive parametric study was performed to investigate the effect of studied parameters on the strengthened RC beams. The main studied parameters were type and size of reinforcing bars, geometric characteristics of externally bonded CFRP sheets (width, length, and thickness), impact velocity, and the position of the impactor with respect to the beam. Results showed that the use of externally bonded CFRP sheets enhanced the beam capacity and failure mode, and reduced the mid-span deflection. Moreover, a reduction in the mid-span deflection was observed due to the use of CFRP bars as internal reinforcement. On the other hand, the deflection was increased due to the increase of the impact velocity, and the change of the impact load position.
Evaluation of rheological performance of a local modified bitumen by Styrene Butadiene Styrene polymer used in wearing course
Authors: Kebaili Kebaili , Boucherba Mohammed , Djouhri Mohamed , Kebaili Mustapha
Published: October 2021

In road construction, bitumen is the binder that gathered the different aggregates of road pavements. Bitumen, as a viscoelastic material, influences considerably the rheological behavior of bitumen concrete. The bitumen used in Algeria, showed its limits face to the traffic, which is increasing continuously. This research aims to valorize SBS polymer in wearing course by modifying a pure 35/50 bitumen. The present paper aims to study the polymer derived from styrene and butadiene (SBS) from the company Kraton Polymers International Ltd in the modification of a bitumen to improve its mechanical characteristics.To this end, the incorporation of SBS polymer was carried out according to two contents: 5.0 and 7.5% (by weight of asphalt), the objective being to evaluate the influence of this type of polymer on the rheological properties of the bitumen ordinary road including viscosity and modulus.The results reveal that the bitumen modified with 7.5% of SBS has better mechanical performance on the rigidity and the elasticity compared to the conventional bitumen. Recommendations have been made to implement a bitumen modification system to improve its quality and therefore the durability of bituminous pavements in the south of Algeria.
Structural model updating based on metamodel using modal frequencies
Authors: Wang Jutao , Liu Zhenzhong , Xue Liju
Published: October 2021

Modal frequencies are often used in structural model updating based on the finite element model, and metamodel technique is often applied to the corresponding optimization process. In this work, the Kriging model is used as the metamodel. Firstly, the influence of different correlation functions of Kriging model is inspected, and then the approximate capability of Kriging model is investigated via inspecting the approximate accuracy of nonlinear functions. Secondly, a model updating procedure is proposed based on the Kriging model, and the samples for constructing Kriging model are generated via the method of Optimal Latin Hypercube. Finally, a typical frame structure is taken as a case study and demonstrates the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed approach. The results show the Kriging model can match the target functions very well, and the finite element model can achieve accurate frequencies and can reliably predict the frequencies after model updating.
Modelling of Low-velocity Impacts on Composite Beams in Large Displacement
Authors: Utzeri Mattia , Sasso Marco , Chiappini Gianluca , Lenci Stefano
Published: October 2021

The paper provides an evaluation of the nonlinear dynamic response of a cantilever beam made of composite material subjected to low-velocity impacts. The structure is assumed to respond in a quasi-static manner and modelled by a continuous beam in large displacement with a lumped mass attached. First, an analytical model was developed to study the free vibrations of a beam, taking into account the nonlinearities due to large displacements and inertia. Then, the analytical findings were compared with experimental test data. The vibration of a real composite beam has been acquired through high-speed imaging technique. The displacements of the beam were extracted by digital image analysis; then, the nonlinear parameters of the analytical model were determined by the Fitting Time History technique. The results obtained by the analytical model and the experimental test are compared with numerical analysis. The validated analytical model was adapted to study a low-velocity impact; the lumped mass was associated with a rigid projectile, whose initial speed represents the impact velocity.
Sensitivity analysis of the GTN damage parameters at different temperature for dynamic fracture propagation in X70 pipeline steel using neural network
Authors: Ouladbrahim Abdelmoumin , Belaidi Idir , Khatir Samir , Magagnini Erica , Capozucca Roberto , Abdel Wahab Magd
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the initial and maximum load was studied using the Finite Element Modeling (FEM) analysis during impact testing (CVN) of pipeline X70 steel. The Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) constitutive model has been used to simulate the growth of voids during deformation of pipeline steel at different temperatures. FEM simulations results used to study the sensitivity of the initial and maximum load with GTN parameters values proposed and the variation of temperatures. Finally, the applied artificial neural network (ANN) is used to predict the initial and maximum load for a given set of damage parameters X70 steel at different temperatures, based on the results obtained, the neural network is able to provide a satisfactory approximation of the load initiation and load maximum in impact testing of X70 Steel.
Assessment of High Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease Using Plasma Biomarkers in Subjects with Normal Cognition in Taiwan: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Hu Chaur-Jong , Chiu Ming-Jang , Pai Ming-Chyi , Yan Sui-Hing , Wang Pei-Ning , Chiu Pai-Yi , Lin Chin-Hsien , Chen Ta-Fu , Yang Fu-Chi , Huang Kuo-Lun , Hsu Yi-Ting , Hou Yi-Chou , Lin Wei-Che , Lu Cheng-Hsien , Huang Li-Kai , Yang Shieh-Yueh
Published: October 2021

Background:

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), cognitive impairment begins 10–15 years later than neurodegeneration in the brain. Plasma biomarkers are promising candidates for assessing neurodegeneration in people with normal cognition. It has been reported that subjects with the concentration of plasma amyloid-β 1-42×total tau protein higher than 455 pg2/ml2 are assessed as having a high risk of amnesic mild impairment or AD, denoted as high risk of AD (HRAD).

Objective:

The prevalence of high-risk for dementia in cognitively normal controls is explored by assaying plasma biomarkers.

Methods:

422 subjects with normal cognition were enrolled around Taiwan. Plasma Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and T-Tau levels were assayed using immunomagnetic reduction to assess the risk of dementia.

Results:

The results showed that 4.6% of young adults (age: 20–44 years), 8.5% of middle-aged adults (age: 45–64 years), and 7.3% of elderly adults (age: 65–90 years) had HRAD. The percentage of individuals with HRAD dramatically increased in middle-aged and elderly adults compared to young adults.

Conclusion:

The percentage of HRAD in cognitively normal subjects are approximately 10%, which reveals that the potentially public-health problem of AD in normal population. Although the subject having abnormal levels of Aβ or tau is not definitely going on to develop cognitive declines or AD, the risk of suffering cognitive impairment in future is relatively high. Suitable managements are suggested for these high-risk cognitively normal population. Worth noting, attention should be paid to preventing cognitive impairment due to AD, not only in elderly adults but also middle-aged adults.