bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Almacenamiento de carbono en suelos bajo pasturas de sistemas productivos lecheros altoandinos
Authors: Abril-Herrera D. A. , Mora-Delgado J. R. , Martínez-Restrepo G. L.
Published: January 2024

The different agricultural practices on the soil affect its capacity to capture and store organic carbon (CO), causing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that influence climate change. The aim of this research was to evaluate carbon storage in soils of 16 livestock systems in the municipality of Guatavita, department of Cundinamarca, Colombia. Four groups were defined: 1. Systems with Modern Technology (ES: SPTM), 2. Medium Productivity Systems (ES: SPMP), 3. Traditional Systems (ES: SPT), and 4. Eco-friendly systems (ES: SPEA), according to the type of environmental supply and technologies used in the above-mentioned systems. We determined the carbon storage by calculating the percentage of organic carbon (% CO) using the Walkley & Black method; by evaluating the bulk density (ES: DA) through a paraffinized clod and the depth of the soil sample taken with a helicoidal auger. The results showed statistical differences (P > 0.05) for the variables % CO and DA between some groups, but not for carbon storage. We found that group 4 presented a storage of 179.18 tons of carbon/hectare (tC/ha), followed by group 2 with 170.48 tC/ha, group 1 with 137 tC/ha, and group 3 with 135.07 tC/ha. The DA values of all the systems ranged from medium to high despite this condition and its relationship with the CO content; it is concluded that Guatavita livestock systems are ample fixers of atmospheric carbon in soils and contribute to mitigating the harmful effects of global climate change.
Unicidad para problemas de cuasi-equilibrio
Authors: Navarro Rojas Frank , Mitac Portugal Raúl
Published: January 2024

Este trabajo presenta un resultado sobre unicidad para problemas de cuasiequilibrio (QEP), que no requiere de la hipótesis de Hölder continuidad, que según nuestro conocimiento es la hipótesis sobre el cual se ha garantizado unicidad para QEP hasta la actualidad. La idea básica de nuestro enfoque consiste en iniciar con un QEP simple, por ejemplo un problema de equilibrio (EP), que denotaremos por QEP(t0) con t0 ∈ [0, 1), del cual asumiremos unicidad de la solución, bajo algunas condiciones suficientes de no-singularidad dadas por nuestras hipótesis garantizamos la existencia de un camino continuo de soluciones únicas de QEPs parametrizados que empiezan en la solución del QEP(t0) y finalizan en la solución del QEP(1) que es el QEP original. Finalmente estudiamos estas condiciones basadas en cierto tipo de matrices, para casos particulares de QEPs que son populares en la literatura.
Power law in Sandwiched Volterra Volatility model
Authors: Di Nunno Giulia , Yurchenko-Tytarenko Anton
Published: January 2024

The paper presents an analytical proof demonstrating that the Sandwiched Volterra Volatility (SVV) model is able to reproduce the power-law behavior of the at-the-money implied volatility skew, provided the correct choice of the Volterra kernel. To obtain this result, the second-order Malliavin differentiability of the volatility process is assessed and the conditions that lead to explosive behavior in the Malliavin derivative are investigated. As a supplementary result, a general Malliavin product rule is proved.
Biomechanical modelling of the intervertebral disc of the human lumbar spine – the problem current state
Authors:   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Khoroshev Denis , Ilyalov Oleg ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Ustyuzhantsev Nikolai ,   Perm State Medical University named after Academician E.A. Wagner, Nyashin Yuriy ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University
Published: January 2024

Pain in the lumbar region or other part of the spine is the important reason for the decline of the life quality and the population efficiency, which directly affects the economy as a whole. Every year, a money huge amount is allocated in health care to prevent this disease. The causes of this pain are very diverse: muscle spasms, kidney diseases, the vertebrae osteoporosis, herniated discs and etc. It is proved that the intervertebral disc L4–L5 is the most vulnerable part of the lumbar spine, so the biomechanical modelling problem of the intervertebral disc is considered important and relevant in the modern world. A comprehensive analysis of the literature for period 2006–2018 is performed. The work aim is to consider various approaches to modelling of the intervertebral symphysis, strong and weak parts of models and methods of obtaining the disc geometric shape. In article, the parameters are analyzed: the constitutive relations choice, the use of a set of images of computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, the geometric shape of any component of the model, the finite element type, software packages (choice of stress-strain state calculation and obtaining a geometric shape from a set of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging), the age and gender impact on the overall model. Detailed analysis of each component of the intervertebral cartilage: nucleus pulposus, fibrous ring (matrix and elastic fibers), cartilage endplate and bone endplate is performed.
Analysis of kinematics of the approach run in long jump event among Jordanian male team
Authors:   Ministry of Education, Fattah Osama Abdel , Bataineh Ahmed Salem
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this investigation was to study kinematic variables at the approach run and take-off phase. Furthermore, to study the relationships between these kinematic variables among Jordanian male team in long jump event. To achieve this, four elite male jumpers from the Jordanian male team (age 18±0.6 years; height 180±2 cm; mass 72±2 kg; the leg length 87±1 cm; training age 4±0.58 years) were studied. Subjects were filmed by digital video cameras (Nikon D3400, 60 fps). The first camera was placed 20 m lateral from the center of the approach run to capture the steps, vertical height of the camera was 1.2 m. The second camera was positioned to capture the last two strides and take-off phase, this camera was placed 8 m lateral from the last two stride to capture other study variables, vertical height of the camera was 1 m. The video data were performed with Kinovea analysis program (version 0.8.2764 × 64), where the best attempt was analyzed. This study involved 15 kinematic variables. According to the results obtained in this study, we can conclude that the subjects of this study show asymmetrical results in most study variables except touch-down time variable. Furthermore, one interesting finding is that a height of center of mass at take-off variable is the only one that has a statistically significant relationship with the achievement distance (r = 0.949). Finally, it is recommended the establishment of a kinetic file for each long jumpers.
Effectiveness of Blalock–Taussig shunt performance in the congenital heart disease children
Authors:   Department of Computational Mathematics, Mechanics and Biomechanics, Perm National Research Polytechnic  University, Kuchumov Alex , Khairulin Aleksander ,   Department of Computational Mathematics, Mechanics and Biomechanics, Perm National Research Polytechnic  University, Biyanov Alexey ,   S.G. Sukhanov Federal Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Porodikov Artem ,   S.G. Sukhanov Federal Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Aratyunyan Vagram ,   S.G. Sukhanov Federal Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sinelnikov Yuriy ,   S.G. Sukhanov Federal Center of Cardiovascular Surgery
Published: January 2024

A problem of congenital heart defects with obstruction of the right ventricle output tract is urgent because of disease severity and need for multistage surgical treatment. The first stage of surgical correction is system–pulmonary shunt installation. Nevertheless, there are controversial views on the choice of the shunt optimal diameter and the implantation place selection. Anastomosis should provide sufficient, but no excessive pulmonary blood flow without reducing cardiac output, pulmonary vessels damage, and provide uniform growth of pulmonary arteries. In this paper, the model of blood flow in "aorta–shunt–pulmonary artery" is considered. A set of geometric images was obtained in four patients for the further import into ANSYS CFX finite element solver to solve the hemodynamic problem. Three variants of the modified Blalock–Taussig shunt installation were analyzed with by using widely adopted hemodynamic indices (wall shear stress, time averaged wall shear stress, oscillatory shear index, relative residence time). It was shown that shunting options differ for the various patients. Moreover, flow asymmetry in the pulmonary arteries at different implantation sites was noticed. Also, a comparison of hemodynamic performance was made to assess the effectiveness of the modified Blalock– Taussig shunt. An objectivized and personalized approach to specific treatment of each patient will significantly reduce child mortality and improve the quality of rehabilitation.
The Mandibular Canal: A Study to Determine If Cortical Bone Exists as a Protective Roof for the Inferior Alveolar Nerve
Authors: Piermatti Jack , Oyole Patricia
Published: January 2024

Placement of dental implants has many inherent risks, of which all clinicians must be aware. One of the most important concepts in dental implantology is avoidance of the vital structures present in the human jaws, which can have both immediate as well as long-standing implications. The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is one of these vital structures located in the posterior body of the mandible. Invasion of this sensory nerve with a dental implant can result in transient or permanent paresthesia, anesthesia, or dysesthesia. Radiographic imaging is done routinely order to assess the bone volume prior to implant surgery and plan for a safety zone above the IAN. The IAN is contained within the mandibular canal, and this structure is usually visualized during cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans. The mandibular canal, as it is viewed on CBCT, appears to have a cortical layer of bone protecting the IAN, and clinicians often discuss a bony layer of protection that can be felt by the clinician during osteotomy preparation. The purpose of this research project was to ascertain whether the mandibular canal has continuous or partial remnants of cortical bone lining the roof of the canal or whether the IAN simply travels through spongy, cancellous bone with no cortical bony protection.
Students' Knowledge and Willingness Towards COVID-19 Vaccination, University of Bohol
Authors: Canuto Kathryn Jane , Galimba Fideliz Mae , Romarate Darl Vinzy , Bastasa Andrea Jane , Ricafort Ahlea Haezel , Jonna Mae C. Canizares Jonna Mae C. Canizares , Jo Earl Lester , Ozoa Sophia , Opaco Layna , Lupot Joy Marcia
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has gripped the world, necessitating a collective response. As vaccination emerges as a critical tool in the battle against the virus, this research explores the knowledge and willingness of allied medical students at the University of Bohol toward COVID-19 vaccination. With 839 students enrolled for the second semester of the academic year 2021-2022, a representative sample of 286 students was selected. Utilizing a standardized questionnaire, the study assessed knowledge levels and willingness to vaccinate among students from the College of Nursing, Pharmacy, Midwifery, and Physical and Occupational Therapy departments. Results indicate a moderate knowledge level (composite mean = 2.84), with awareness of preventive measures and the existence of a vaccine. Positive attitudes towards vaccination, emphasizing communal health responsibility and trust in healthcare providers, were evident. However, concerns about potential side effects were relatively low. Demographic analyses revealed age and sex-based variations in knowledge and willingness, emphasizing the need for tailored educational initiatives. Notably, there was no significant correlation between knowledge and willingness, underscoring the multi-faceted nature of individuals' attitudes toward vaccination. These findings provide crucial insights for public health strategies, urging targeted educational campaigns and emphasizing nuanced approaches for different demographic groups. The study contributes valuable perspectives for refining vaccination programs and addressing the evolving challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Social Media Engagement and Self-Esteem Among Junior High School Students of the University of Bohol
Authors: Ipong Crisha Joy , Lacea Daven Faith , Macapinlac Nikka , Magat Cheryl Amormarie , Nogas Rosalen , Oerba Christine , Putong Jewelyn , Trabajo Frances Mae
Published: January 2024

The scope of social media has advanced in all aspects, including the people who engage in different social media platforms. This research study aimed to explore the effects of social media on self-esteem among Grade 9 and Grade 10 Junior High School students at the University of Bohol. The study adopted a descriptive-quantitative research design, utilizing two standardized questionnaires to collect data from a diverse sample of junior high school students. The target respondents for this research were 14-16 years old, and the sample size was 163, computed with a 95% confidence interval and a ±5 margin of error. A representative sample was drawn at random to ensure inclusivity and diversity. Throughout the study, research ethics were meticulously adhered to, ensuring informed consent and confidentiality of participants' information. Ethical considerations were addressed to protect the well-being and rights of the participants. Moreover, the result showed no significant correlation between social media engagement and self-esteem.
Comparative analysis of reagent kits for DNA extraction from dry blood stains
Authors: Sedykh A. V. , Saitgalina M. A. , Ostankova Yu. V. , Totolian A. A.
Published: January 2024

Neonatal screening is a mandatory newborn screening procedure that detects the presence of genetic diseases. Dry blood stains are used for mass screening of children. This technology is the most affordable and convenient for the transportation and storage of biological material. DNA extraction is one   of the important steps in molecular diagnostics, the accuracy of which is particularly important in genetic analysis. Different DNA extraction kits offer different protocols and reagents, which may vary in efficiency and quality of extraction.

The aim of our work was to perform a comparative analysis of reagent kits for DNA extraction from dried blood spots.

The materials were dried blood drop samples on Guthrie cards obtained from healthy preterm infants on day 3-4 of life as part of a newborn screening program.

The study methods included spectrophotometric analysis to determine the concentration and purity of DNA, the simplicity of protocols, the duration of isolation, and the possibility of automating the process were also evaluated. The efficiency of DNA isolation using different reagent kits was additionally monitored by real-time PCR results using a test system to assess the level of TREC and KREC in peripheral blood, since quantitative analysis requires more attention to the material under study.

In assessing the purity of the nucleic acid extracted using four kits analyzed, successful deproteinization of DNA samples and relative purity could be observed. The average DNA purity for the “Extra-DNA-Bio” set was 2.2±0.23, for “EXTRA-prep PS” – 1.89±0.23, for “MagnoPrime UNI” with manual and automatic isolation – 2.31±0.21 and 2.85±0.09, respectively. The average DNA concentration for the Extra-DNA-Bio kit was 15.28 μg/mL, for the EXTRA-Prep PS kit it was 16.26 μg/mL, and for the MagnoPrime UNI for manual and automated isolation it was 62.5 μg/mL and 102.28 μg/mL, respectively. According to the applied Kraskell-Wallis criterion and Dunn’s test, significant differences in both TREC and KREC parameters are present between the group of DNA samples extracted using the “MagnoPrime UNI” reagent kit for manual extraction and the groups of samples extracted by other methods (“MagnoPrime UNI” for automatic extraction) or “Extra-DNA-Bio” and “EXTRA-Prep PS” kits.

In the course of the present study, four comparable reagent sets demonstrated a high level of convergence of the obtained data, satisfying all the necessary parameters for further molecular genetic analysis, can be used for neonatal screening and in other areas of research requiring DNA extraction from a dried blood spots.
Expression of inhibitory receptors on peripheral blood T cells in pregnant women with preeclampsia
Authors: Smetanenko E. A. , Khonina N. A. , Leplina O. Y. , Tikhonova M. A. , Batorov E. V. , Pasman N. M. , Chernykh E. R.
Published: January 2024

Maternal adaptation of the immune system aimed at limiting the immune response to fetal antigens is a necessary condition for a successful pregnancy. It involves various mechanisms (Th1/Th2 switching, Treg expansion, induction of anergy and apoptosis of T lymphocytes, development of T cell depletion) that are induced through the ligation of inhibitory receptors. Accordingly,  the expression of inhibitory receptors on  T cells, including PD-1, CTLA-4, and Tim-3 molecules, may reflect the effectiveness of immune adaptation and its impairment in pregnancy pathology. Preeclampsia (PE), the pathogenesis of which is associated with the impairments of immunological tolerance is a major complication of pregnancy. Accordingly, changes in the expression of inhibitory receptors on T cells may be biomarkers of abnormal gestation and potential therapeutic targets. The aim of this work was to study the expression of inhibitory molecules on peripheral blood T cells in women with PE. The study recruited 29 pregnant women with PE and 36 women with uncomplicated pregnancies in the second half of pregnancy. Pregnant women of the study groups were comparable in terms of gestational age, number of pregnancies and parity of childbirth. The control group consisted of 28 fertile women with children. Relative content of CD8+PD-1+, CD8+CTLA-4+, CD8+TIM-3+, CD8+PD-1+TIM-3+, CD4+PD-1+, CD4+CTLA-4+, CD4+TIM-3+, CD4+PD-1+TIM-3+T cells in blood were analyzed  by  flow cytometry. It has been shown that uncomplicated pregnancy is associated with increased expression of PD-1 and Tim-3 T cells, which is manifested by an increase in the relative content of CD4+Tim-3+, CD8+PD-1+ and PD-1+Tim-3+T lymphocytes . In PE, on the contrary, there is a reduction in the expression of PD-1 and Tim-3 by T cells, in particular, a decrease in the proportion of CD4+Tim-3+ and CD8+PD-1+ cells; the absence of elevated levels in PD-1+Tim-3+ cells (compared to uncomplicated gestation) and an increase in CTLA-4+ cells within CD4+ lymphocytes. Changes in the expression of inhibitory receptors are associated with the severity of PE. A decrease in CD4+Tim-3+ and CD8+PD-1+T cells is most typical for patients with moderate PE, and an increase in CD4+CTLA-4T cells for pregnant women with severe PE. The relationship between changes in the expression of inhibitory molecules and the onset of PE has also been demonstrated. A distinctive feature of early PE is a decrease in the proportion of CD8+CTLA-4+ cells and a more pronounced increase in CD4+CTLA-4+ cells, while late PE is associated with a decrease in CD4+PD-1+ cells and a more pronounced decrease in CD4+Tim-3+ cells. The results obtained indicate a changes in the expression of CTLA-4, PD-1 and Tim-3 molecules on circulating T cells in pregnant women with PE and the association of these changes with the severity and the onset of PE manifestation.
Features of the pre-analytical stage in quantitative determination of TREC/KREC in peripheral blood
Authors: Saitgalina M. A. , Ostankova Yu. V. , Sedykh A. V. , Totolian A. A.
Published: January 2024

The use of dried blood spots (DBS) obtained from the heels of infants has many advantages over the collection of whole blood samples. DNA extracted from DBS can be used to detect genetic diseases by PCR, which has contributed to the development of population-based newborn screening worldwide. Since January 2023, the list of identified diseases includes a group of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs), associated with the absence or decrease in the levels of T and/or B lymphocytes, determined as part of screening by the levels of TREC and KREC molecules in peripheral blood, respectively. Quantitative analysis requires special attention to biological material. The aim is to evaluate the impact of the preanalytical step on the quantitative analysis of TREC/KREC levels in peripheral blood.

The material included 5219 DBS obtained from infants on days 3-4 of life, as well as DBS prepared from the whole blood of 100 apparently healthy individuals aged 18 to 29 years. A comparative analysis of the TREC/KREC molecules number in correctly and incorrectly collected DBS from newborns and adults, as well as depending on the volume of applied blood, was carried out by RT-PCR using test systems to assess the levels of TREC and KREC in peripheral blood. DBS quality was assessed visually.

In the first months of the project, a significant number of incorrectly taken samples were identified – over a third of all DNA maps received for each corresponding month. As a result of additional training of medical staff, the amount of incorrectly collected material decreased to a level not exceeding 1% of all monthly samples collected. When using DNA extracted from DBS with application errors, the majority of samples (64% for newborns, 78% for adults) failed to obtain a result. In the remaining cases, the results obtained were significantly lower than the normal levels of TREC/KREC determined in the same samples with correct DBS collection (all p < 0.0001, 95% CI). The volume of blood used when correctly applied to Guthrie cards did not affect the results obtained, TREC and KREC levels were comparable; when comparing the medians calculated for each group of samples, no significant differences were identified (p > 0.05).

When quantitatively analyzing TREC/KREC levels in peripheral blood, correctly taken material is fundamental importance to obtain reliable indicators, primarily to exclude false-positive results. To minimize errors in the preanalytical stage, additional training of medical personnel is necessary to control and/or correct errors.
Seroprevalence of anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies in population of Azerbaijan, Iran
Authors: Leylabadlo H. E. , Hamzehzadeh S. , Sarbakhsh P. , Zoghi S. , Ghotaslou R.
Published: January 2024

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common infection which can lead to gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric-originated malignancies. In this study prevalence of seropositivity of each immunoglobulins against H. pylori and also, their association with sex and age were evaluated in a sample of the ordinary population from Tabriz, Iran.

In this study, 3733 individuals referred to the laboratory for Para clinical tests between 2019 and 2022, participated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized to detect the quantity of anti-H. pylori Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Immunoglobulin M (IgM), and Immunoglobulin A (IgA). The statistical analysis was conducted using the 20th version of SPSS software.

Out of 3733 participants, 1235 (33.1%) were male and 2498 (66.9%) were female. 57.9% of the participants have positive IgG serology. Also, this index was 0.3% and 11.6% for IgM and IgA, respectively. The mean (SD) age was 40.72 (16.91). There was no significant relationship between gender and IgG and IgA positiveness (p-values = 0.11 and 0.08 respectively). For IgM, serum positiveness was higher in females (0.4% for females and 0.2% for males; p-value: 0.009). The prevalence of positive IgG was increasing significantly (p-value < 0.001). For IgM and IgA there was a significant increase in the number of seropositive individuals with an increase in age (p-value = 0.005; and < 0.001 respectively).

This study reveals that the prevalence of H. pylori in Tabriz is approximately 57% which is in the range estimated to be in Iran, but in comparison to developed countries, it was higher. The prevalence of anti-H. pylori immunoglobulins increases significantly with age.
Blended Learning: Attitudes, Satisfaction, Academic Performance and Online Communication in Processes of University Training
Authors:   University of Seville, del Carmen Llorente Cejudo María , Almenara Julio Cabero ,   University of Seville
Published: January 2024

The main purpose of this study/paper is to get to know the attitudes, satisfaction, and academic performance of undergraduate students who participate in Blended Learning courses as well as their use of online communication tools. A quantitative and qualitative methodology of the collection and analysis of data (questionnaires, discussion groups and analysis of online communication) was used to understand how this new training method was developed in 334 undergraduate students. Students showed a positive attitude toward the internet and the method was presented as satisfactory for students and it appeared to increase academic performance. Results showed that the uses made by students in discussion forums were fundamentally focused on social and informal aspects.
Occupational Mental Stress Assessment of Elementary School Teachers and Firefighters – Rescuers
Authors:   Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Lékařská fakulta v Hradci Králové, Šušoliaková Olga , Šmejkalová Jindra ,   Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Lékařská fakulta v Hradci Králové, Papršteinová Markéta ,   Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Lékařská fakulta v Hradci Králové, Reboš Milan ,   Obvodný úrad v Čadci
Published: January 2024

The presented study aims to compare occupational stress of 50 teachers and 56 firefighters. Both these groups are laden with high exposure to work–related stress. For assessing the occupational load the Meister questionnaire was used. We found that teachers percieved their occupational stress worse than firefighters and reached the 2nd degree of load. They complained mostly about the factor of overload and factors of the stress reactions – fatigue, mental overload and unacceptability to perform pedagogical work in the same intensity for a long time. Firefighters achieved better results (1st degree of load), even better than the population norm. An explanation may be found in the fact that firefighters represent a selected population of emotionally, psychically and physically resistant individuals.
Correlation of Leadership with Professional Characteristics of Principals in Serbian Schools
Authors:   PreSchool Teacher Training College in Kikinda, Novi Sad, Serbia, Arsenijević asmina , Andevski Milica ,   University of Novi Sad
Published: January 2024

The aim of this research is to connect leadership and pedagogical characteristics of school principals in Serbia. Techniques of interviewing and scaling, instruments in the form of questionnaire and attitude scale have been applied in this paper. Research sample included 75 principals and deputy principals. Data obtained are processed in statistical SPSS package (factor scores on extracted Promax dimensions, Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analysis) and point to a statistically significant relationship between leadership and pedagogical characteristics of respondents
Education and Research on Polish Studies in Korea
Authors:   Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Kwon Cheong Byung , Kim Jong Suck ,   Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Choi Sung Eun ,   Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Kim Yong Deog ,   Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Kim Ji Young ,   Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Lee Ok Jin ,   Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Lee Ji Wone ,   Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Koh Seung Hui ,   Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
Published: January 2024

Polish education and research in Korea has become systematic since the establishment of the Department of Polish Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS). The Department of Polish Studies at HUFS is the only academic department in Korea which teaches and studies the politics, economy, history, and culture of Poland, as well as the Polish language and literature. Since its establishment in 1987, the department has produced more than 800 graduates. The Department of Polish Studies forms and maintains a close relationship with universities in Poland. It also makes continuous effort for more students to study the Polish language at universities in Poland.
Students’ Attitude Toward Cheating in Switzerland, Ukraine and Poland
Authors:   University of Silesia, Chudzicka-Czupała Agata , Lupina-Wegener Anna ,   Haute Ecole d’Ingénierie et de Gestion du Canton de Vaud, Switzerland, Borter Silna ,   Haute Ecole d’Ingénierie et de Gestion du Canton de Vaud, Switzerland, Hapon Nadiya ,   Ivan Franko Lviv National University
Published: January 2024

The article discusses the problem of academic dishonesty, which has been growing in Western Europe, North America, in the transitional economies of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. However, cross-cultural comparisons remain scarce, particularly with regard to the former communist countries. This paper presents an exploratory study on academic misconduct in Switzerland, Ukraine and Poland. The Academic Dishonesty Scale was used. A sample of 870 university students participated. The results reveal no differences between Ukrainian and Polish students in terms of attitudes toward cheating. Swiss students expressed significantly more negative attitudes. The results offer implications for the practice of moral awareness.
Are You a Little Pole? Constructing National Identity in Literature for Young Children
Authors:   Jagiellonian University, Swiątkiewicz-Mośny Maria
Published: January 2024

The paper attempts to answer the question about the relation between the construction of national identity in contemporary world and children’s literature. Qualitative analysis of books for children was made. The main assumption is that stories we tell children create a specific cultural map of narration, thanks to which children create the feeling of identity, which is both individual and social. Contemporary literature for young children, contrary to older books, is devoid of national character.
Socio-Economic Effects of Education in the Context of Economic Return
Authors:   Matej Bel University, Hronec Stefan , Štrangfeldová Jana ,   Matej Bel University
Published: January 2024

The article presents the issue of evaluation of economic and non-economic effects of education. We proceed from the basic educational terminology and methods for the evaluation of efficiency of education that may be used in this connection. We compare individual methods in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. In our methodology, we applied the selected methods used in evaluation of investments in the private sector to the environment of the public sector and the field of education. We applied the procedures elaborated in the analytical part of the methodological part to particular values, indicators and the environment of higher education institutions. The analytical part presents evaluation of individual efficiency of investments in all three degrees of higher education, as well as in education in branches of studies at higher education institutions.
Health Belief Model Variables as Predictors of Light, Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity Among Young Adults
Authors:   Academy of Physical Education im. J. Kukuczki, Sas-Nowosielski Krzysztof , Grabara Małgorzata ,   Academy of Physical Education im. J. Kukuczki, Hadzik Andrzej ,   Academy of Physical Education im. J. Kukuczki
Published: January 2024

The aim of the study was to measure the association among Health Belief Model (HBM) variables and self-reported physical activity of young adults. A survey research protocol was employed. Participants were 391 university students (245 females), 19–22 years old (–x = 21.41±3.49). Analyses revealed that the strongest predictor of physical activity is self-efficacy, followed by perceived benefits and the perceived barriers. Other HBM variables, such as the perceived susceptibility or perceived severity, were not associated with physical activity. On the basis of the obtained results it may be concluded that the HBM as a model of avoiding diseases is not adequate to explain and predict physical activity of young adults.
Potential of Young Entrepreneurs: Is There any Possibility of Their Development Through Education?
Authors:   University of Novi Sad, Mitrovic Slavica , Borocki Jelena ,   University of Novi Sad, Sokolovski Valentina ,   University of Novi Sad, Nesic Ana ,   University of Novi Sad, Melovic Boban ,   University of Montenegro
Published: January 2024

The practical aim of this research is to propose measures in educational processes that contribute to the development of entrepreneurial potentials. Personal entrepreneurial potentials are researched through the following dimensions: attitudes towards change, autonomy, self-confidence. The results showed that students’ attitudes towards changes are positive verbally and desirable socially. Closer analysis showed that almost half of the respondents avoid uncertain situations. Autonomy, as the second measured dimension, seems to be an unimportant feature of the surveyed students. It is the way of generating income for men, and possibility of showing their potentials for women. The results clearly indicate the need for the development of all the measured dimensions.
Comprehensive understanding of stroke risk, prognosis, and preventive strategies for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Demidova T. Yu. , Titova V. V. , Ushanova F. O.
Published: January 2024

Stroke is a serious and disabling disease with a high mortality rate that is becoming increasingly common worldwide, posing a serious threat to the health and quality of life of patients. Type 2 diabetes plays a special role in increasing the risk of stroke, which not only increases the risk of developing a stroke, but also negatively affects the outcome and the possibility of recurrent strokes.

In order to prevent stroke, systematic action is necessary, including the correction of risk factors and the use of effective medications. One such drug is pioglitazone. Many studies support its effectiveness in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke, for both secondary and primary prevention.

Pioglitazone may be particularly beneficial for patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease and those with a history of ischemic brain damage. Despite the known side effects, its benefits in preventing stroke outweigh the possible disadvantages.

This review provides important aspects of the role of type 2 diabetes mellitus in increasing the risk of stroke and discusses the prospects for the use of pioglitazone as a drug therapy affecting stroke risk and prognosis.
The evolution of ideas about the diagnosis and treatment of various phenotypes of chronic heart failure in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Demidova T. Yu. , Izmailova M. Ya. , Lobanova K. G.
Published: January 2024

Despite the successes achieved in diagnosis and treatment, HF, regardless of the phenotype, remains one of the significant problems in the health sector, due to the high incidence, frequency of hospitalization, disability and mortality. In turn, patients with both type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are a vulnerable group in terms of the development of CHF. CH-sFV therapy has been focused for several decades on the treatment of concomitant diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, obesity and, if necessary, initiation of diuretic therapy to improve the quality of life. However, to date, great progress has been made in the treatment of HF-sFV. All guidelines for the management of patients with HF, based on the results of large randomized trials, postulate that iNGLT2 types are the basic drugs for the treatment of patients with HF, regardless of PV. Algorithms of specialized medical care for patients with diabetes recommend the appointment of iNGLT type 2 in the presence or high risk of developing CHF and/or CKD, regardless of the HbA1c level, in patients with type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of hospitalization for HF, cardiovascular events and reduce the risks of CKD progression.
Successful pregnancy in a patient with acromegaly after somatostatin analogues and cabergoline treatment. therapy with somatostatin analogues and cabergoline
Authors: Knyazeva O. V. , Vorotnikova S. Yu. , Volevodz N. N. , Dzeranova L. K.
Published: January 2024

The probability of pregnancy in women with acromegaly is relatively low, however modern therapy approaches make it possible to achieve disease compensation and improve reproductive function.

World expert’s experience in managing pregnancy in patients with acromegaly is currently insufficient. Pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk for both mother and fetus due to the possible growth of the tumor, the development of metabolic complications (diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension).

This article describes a case of a successful pregnancy in a woman with active acromegaly occurring after somatostatin analogues and cabergoline treatment.
Features of the course of somatolactotrophic tumors of the pituitary gland. Description of clinical case
Authors: Morugova T. V. , Avzaletdinova D. S. , Morugova I. V.
Published: January 2024

A patient aged 32 with complaints of primary infertility based on additional examination data (increased blood prolactin level, presence of pituitary gland formation according to magnetic resonance imaging of the brain) was diagnosed with prolactin-secreting pituitary microadenoma. At the same time, galactorrhea and menstrual disorders were not noted. Against the background of cabergoline treatment, a pregnancy occurred, which ended with the birth of a full-term healthy child. After delivery, the patient resumed dosing cabergoline 0.5 mg 1 once every two weeks, against the background of which a pronounced decrease in prolactin levels was observed, but there was a progression in the growth of pituitary adenoma (macroadenoma). No acromegaly traits were observed in the patient.

Against the background of withdrawal of cabergoline, the patient underwent a study of tropical pituitary hormones, which revealed an increase in the level of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1. During the oral glucose tolerance test with 75 grams of glucose, the somatotropin-producing activity of the pituitary macroadenoma was confirmed. At the age of 43, the patient underwent transsphenoidal adenomectomy, after which she experienced persistent remission for past 6 years.

The purpose of this work is to focus the attention of practitioners on the manifestation of possible mixed hormonal activity of pituitary microadenomas.
Developing central diabetes insipidus following neurohypophysitis during the convalescent period after recovering from covid-19: presentation of a clinical case and literature review
Authors: Starostina E. A. , Drachuk E. S. , Przhiyalkovskaya E. G. , Platonova N. M. , Troshina E. A.
Published: January 2024

Currently, there is a substantial body of research dedicated to exploring the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the endocrine system. However, information regarding pathological changes in the hypothalamo-pituitary system in the context of COVID-19 remains limited. Hypophysitis is a general term encompassing various inflammatory conditions affecting the pituitary gland, leading to structural alterations in the hypothalamo-pituitary axis and various levels of hormonal deficiencies in the anterior and/or posterior pituitary.

This paper presents a clinical case of central diabetes insipidus resulting from neurohypophysitis, manifested two months after recovering from the novel coronavirus infection SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Our study contributes to expanding knowledge about a rare but potentially consequential outcome of the novel coronavirus infection, which holds significance given the global prevalence of COVID-19. The unexpected consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection contribute to maintaining caution among medical professionals and stimulate interest in scientific research.
SurvivalEVAL: A Comprehensive Open-Source Python Package for Evaluating Individual Survival Distributions
Authors: Qi Shi-ang , Sun Weijie , Greiner Russell
Published: January 2024

Survival analysis is widely employed across medicine, business, and the social sciences. However, the absence of a unified and standardized software solution for evaluating survival analysis models impedes its broader application by researchers. In this research, we fill this gap by providing a comprehensive Python package, SurvivalEVAL, which implements seven evaluation metrics specific to survival analysis. The SurvivalEVAL package is designed to serve as a convenient and straightforward toolkit for individual survival distribution models. The package is publicly available on GitHub at https://github.com/shi-ang/SurvivalEVAL.
Predicting Individual Survival Distributions Using ECG: A Deep Learning Approach Utilizing Features Extracted by a Learned Diagnostic Model
Authors: Sun Weijie , Kalmady Sunil Vasu , Qi Shi-ang , Sepehrvand Nariman , Hindle Abram , Greiner Russell , Kaul Padma
Published: January 2024

In the field of healthcare, individual survival prediction is important for personalized treatment planning. This study presents machine learning algorithms for predicting Individual Survival Distributions (ISD) using electrocardiography (ECG) data in two different formats. The models, which predict time until death, are developed and evaluated on a large, population-based cohort from Alberta, Canada. Our results demonstrate that models trained on raw ECG waveforms significantly outperform those trained on traditional ECG measurements in several metrics, including concordance index, hinge L1 loss, margin L1 loss, and margin truncated L1 loss. Additionally, the integration of predicted probabilities from wide-range diagnostic tasks not only enhances our ISD models' performance but also makes them significantly superior to other models across all evaluation metrics in individual survival prediction tasks. This innovative approach highlights the potential to leverage insights from diagnostic models for prognostic tasks, such as individual survival prediction. These findings could have far-reaching implications for the development of personalized treatment plans and open new avenues for future research in survival prediction using ECGs.
Experimental and machine learning based study of compressive strength of geopolymer concrete
Authors: Tran Ngoc Thanh , Nguyen Duy Hung , Tran Quang Thanh , Le Huy Viet , Nguyen Duy-Liem
Published: January 2024

In this study, the aim is to investigate and predict the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete (GPC). The effects of curing method, curing time and concrete age on the compressive strength of GPC were evaluated experimentally. Four curing methods, namely room temperature (25°C), mobile dryer (50°C), heating cabinet type 1 (80°C) and heating cabinet type 2 (100°C) were adopted. Additionally, three curing times, of 8 h, 16 h and 24 h, as well as three concrete ages, of 7 days, 14 days and 28 days, were considered. To predict the compressive strength of GPC, 679 test results were collected to develop various machine learning models. The test results indicated that increasing the curing temperature, curing time and concrete age all led to improvements in the compressive strength of GPC. The mobile dryer showed promise as a curing method for cast-in-place GPC. The proposed machine learning models demonstrated good predictive capacity for the compressive strength of GPC with relatively high accuracy. Through sensitivity analysis, concrete age was identified as the most influential variable affecting the final compressive strength of GPC.
Tensile characteristics of ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete with and without longitudinal steel rebars
Authors: Lakavath Chandrashekhar , Prakash Shanmugam Suriya , Allena Srinivas
Published: January 2024

Ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) specimens with and without longitudinal reinforcement were experimentally tested under direct tensile loading. The variables considered were the volume fraction of fibres (1.0% and 2.0%), the type of steel fibres (straight and hooked end) and the longitudinal steel reinforcement ratio (none and 1.2%). All of the specimens were tested using a servo-controlled fatigue testing machine in displacement control mode. The changes in displacement were monitored using linear variable displacement transducers and the digital image correlation technique. The strain profiles at different loading stages were used to identify the crack evolution process. The average localised strain was found to be 0.2–0.36%, with corresponding crack widths of 0.3–0.6 mm. A uniaxial tensile stress–strain model was developed based on the test results and data from the literature. Longitudinally steel-reinforced specimens showed both stiffening and strengthening effects. Tension-stiffened specimens with 1.0% fibres failed at a higher strain due to the formation of multiple macrocracks. In the specimens with 2.0% fibres, the rebar fractured in a brittle manner due to crack localisation. It is concluded that a higher longitudinal reinforcement ratio is needed to utilise UHPFRC effectively under tension-dominant loads.
Tonic status epilepticus in a centenarian woman
Authors: Fernández‐Torre José L. , Riancho Javier , Martín‐García María , Martínez‐de las Cuevas Gonzalo , Bosque‐Varela Pilar
Published: January 2024

Generalized tonic status epilepticus (TSE) is a rare epileptic condition. It occurs usually in the context of symptomatic generalized epilepsy, in particular, in subjects with a diagnosis of Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome, atypical forms of idiopathic (genetic) generalized epilepsy, or as a paradoxical effect during treatment with diverse antiepileptic drugs. Herein, we describe the case of an elderly woman on chronic treatment with psychotropic drugs who developed an episode of generalized TSE. Motor manifestations were subtle and difficult to recognize as seizures, and a detailed video‐EEG importantly contributed to accurate and prompt diagnosis. TSE was initially refractory to conventional anti‐seizure drug therapy including levetiracetam and valproate but was finally controlled with lacosamide. Our case indicates a potential therapeutic effect of lacosamide on TSE in the elderly after treatment failure with first‐line anti‐seizure drugs. [Published with video sequence onwww.epilepticdisorders.com]
A Rasmussen encephalitis, autoimmune encephalitis, and mitochondrial disease mimicker: expanding the DNM1L‐associated intractable epilepsy and encephalopathy phenotype
Authors: Nolan Danielle A. , Chen Baibing , Michon Anne Marie , Salatka Emily , Arndt Daniel
Published: January 2024

Dynamin‐1‐like protein (DNM1L) gene variants have been linked to childhood refractory epilepsy, developmental delay, encephalopathy, microcephaly, and progressive diffuse cerebral atrophy. However, only a few cases have been reported in the literature and there is still a limited amount of information about the symptomatology and pathophysiology associated with pathogenic variants of DNM1L. We report a 10‐year‐old girl with a one‐year history of mild learning disorder and absence seizures who presented with new‐onset focal status epilepticus which progressed to severe encephalopathy and asymmetric hemispheric cerebral atrophy. Differential diagnosis included mitochondrial disease, Rasmussen's encephalitis, and autoimmune encephalitis. Disease progressed from one hemisphere to the other despite anti‐seizure medications, hemispherectomy, vagus nerve stimulator, ketogenic diet, and immunomodulators. Continued cerebral atrophy and refractory seizures evolved until death four years after initial presentation. Post‐mortem whole‐exome sequencing revealed a pathogenic DNM1L variant. This paper presents a novel case of adolescent‐onset DNM1L‐related intractable epilepsy and encephalopathy.