bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Women’s Career Development (A Case Study of Female Workers in Bali Province)
Authors: AMANDA S E. S. Ghea , KOMALASARI Yeyen , SANTOSO R Tri Priyono Budi , I Wayan Ruspendi JUNAEDI
Published: May 2024

Purpose:The research objectives are to identify the factors influencing women's career development, especially in Bali, and determine which factors dominate their career development on the island.Methodology:This research employs a quantitative approach with a survey method to collect data from women holding high positions in companies or institutions in Bali Province. The instrument used for data collection is a questionnaire containing questions related to factors influencing women's career development. Data analysis in this study utilizes factor analysis. The research sample consists of 130 married women with at least one child holding high positions in Bali Province companies or institutions.Findings:The research on the factors influencing women's career development in Bali reveals three key factors. First, the Career Development factor highlights the importance of career position changes in women's careers in Bali. Second, the Career Values & Influences factor emphasizes the importance of personal compromise in women's careers. Third, the Success Perspective factor underscores the sacrifices and benefits of success in women's careers.Implication:The research findings indicate the need to focus on career development and understanding personal values to achieve career success for women, especially in Bali.
TINJAUAN NORMATIF TENTANG OPTIMASLISASI HAKIM PERDAMAIAN DESA BERDASARKAN UNDANG-UNDANG NOMOR 6 TAHUN 2014 TENTANG DESA DAN RELEVANSINYA DENGAN PEMBANGUNAN HUKUM NASIONAL
Authors: Rahman Fathor
Published: May 2024

Amanat dari Undang-Undang Nomor 6 Tahun 2014 Tentang Desa, salah satunya adalah  menfungsikan Kepala Desa sebagai Hakim Perdamaian Desa, untuk menciptakan masyarakat yang aman dan tentram diantara warga desa sesuai dengan apa yang dikehendaki oleh Pemerintah, sehingga tidak setiap masalah yang terjadi diantara warga desa  selalu di limpahkan ke Pengadilan, karena bisa  saja suatu perkara cukup hanya diselesaikan oleh Hakim Perdamaian Desa, terutama terhadap perkara-perkara yang sederhana yang terjadi dalam masyarakat yang memiliki pola kehidupan tradisional dengan norma-norma adat yang menjadi tatanannya. Penelitian ini menggunakan Metode Penelitian Hukum Normatif. Kesimpulan penelitian ini adalah optimalisasi Hakim Perdamaian  Desa (informal)  sebagai bagian dari sistem Peradilan Negara (formal) adalah dengan cara mengoptimalkan tugas dan kewajiban Kepala Desa sebagaimana diatur dalam  pasal 26 ayat (4)  huruf k,  Undang-Undang No. 6 Tahun 2016 Tentang Desa. Saran peneltian ini adalah Untuk menjamin difungsikannya Hakim Perdamaian Desa dalam sistem Peradilan Desa, dan berjalan sesuai dengan fungsinya, maka eksistensi Peradilan Desa dalam praktek agar tidak  kerap berbenturan dengan sistem peradilan formal negara, maka  harus dilakukan pembenahan hukum nasional secara menyeluruh,  termasuk peraturan teknis yang menjadi acuan pelaksanaannya.
A Critical Discourse Analysis of Minimum Wage Politics in South Korea: Framing Strategies of the Minimum Wage Movement and Changes in Institutional Discourse
Authors:   Korean Association of Cultural Studies, Jeong Boyeong
Published: May 2024

This study examines the social movement's framing strategy and the changing discourse of the institution through the case of the minimum wage movement. The discourse politics of the minimum wage began in earnest in the 2000s and has continuously changed. Social movement organizations, especially the newly emerging labor movements have been actively producing new framings related to the minimum wage. Through the framing of ‘the minimum wage is the youth wage,’ the Youth Union has made the minimum wage a important social agenda connecting the issue with the precariousness of youth generation. The Part-time Workers’ Union’s ‘minimum wage into 10,000 won’ restructured the existing minimum wage discourse through a progressive framing, stimulating the formation of public opinion necessary for a sharp increase. However, the minimum wage movement failed to respond to the rapidly growing number of people opposing the increases. As a result, the impetus for raising the minimum wage was lost. Through the analysis, it was confirmed that the frames dispute with each other and are ultimately adopted among social movement sector. Institutional discourse acts as an environment that constrains social movements when they construct framing strategies, but social movements can change existing discourse even within these constraints.
Shanghai and the Smoke Fiend: Obstacles to the Control of Urban Smoke, 1869–1943
Authors: LI XIAOJIE , JONES DAVID S.
Published: May 2024

As Shanghai industrialised, its Chinese and European residents suffered the scourge of coal-powered cities: smoke. Air pollution became a multi-sensory reality. Residents could see, smell, feel and taste the smoke that shrouded the city. Inspired by anthropologists and historians of the senses, we mined Chinese- and English-language sources to document the emergence of experiences of air pollution in Shanghai. Concerns began earlier than other historians have appreciated. The vigorous complaints from all parts of Shanghai society illuminate how the city’s governments attempted to respond to the crisis and mitigate the toxic consequences of industrialisation. We found many obstacles to the success of the governments’ approaches. While other scholars have emphasised Shanghai’s fractured governance, we also found evidence of financial conflicts of interest, industry obfuscation and anti-Chinese racism. Our work expands the understanding of the history of air pollution in China and offers a model that can be used to extend global histories of air pollution beyond their traditional focus on Europe and North America.
Physicochemical, rheological, sensory, and proximal properties of yogurt flavored with Aloe vera gel
Authors: Acurio Arcos Liliana Patricia , Cadena Masabanda Wilmer Arnulfo , García Pazmiño María Eugenia , Castillo Garzón John Bagner , Santiana Espín Cristian Germán
Published: May 2024

Aloe vera leaves have a transparent mucilaginous, showing an important polysaccharides content and potential bioactive phytochemicals. This study evaluated the physicochemical, rheological, sensorial, and proximal properties of yogurt elaborated using Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus and flavored with Aloe vera gel. Previous studies have shown that the variation of some ingredients, such as the percentage of fat or inoculum, can modify the sensory and rheological characteristics of fermented dairy beverages. Different treatments were prepared using a 2n factorial design varying the percentage of fat (2 and 3%), inoculum (2 and 3%), and Aloe vera gel (5 and 10%).All the samples presented pseudoplastic behavior, and the power law equation showed a better fit in all the samples. The higher percentage of inoculum decreased the fermentation time and increased the apparent viscosity. An increase in fat concentration amplified yogurt’s pH, °Brix, and pseudoplastic behavior. Meanwhile, the gel increased the percentage of syneresis and decreased the apparent viscosity.The formulation with 3% fat, 3% inoculum, and 5% Aloe vera gel obtained higher values in these sensory parameters of smell, flavor, appearance, and acceptability. The production of supplemented probiotic yogurt- up to 5% Aloe vera gel is feasible from an industrial and consumer point of view since it shows acceptable sensory, nutritional, and microbiological characteristics.
An attempt of interspecies mating between Phengaris nausithous and P. teleius (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)
Authors: Pilařová Anna , Zachardová Stanislava , Fric Zdeněk Faltýnek , Vrabec Vladimír
Published: May 2024

Interspecies mating is rarely observed even in the wild. Such a case in Lycaenidae is reported and photographically documented for the species pairing Phengaris teleius (Bergsträsser, 1779) and P. nausithous (Bergsträsser, 1779), which was observed on 19 July 2016 in northern Bohemia near the village of Hynčice, Czech Republic. Possible causes of this phenomenon are discussed.
Santé au travail : prévention débordée, management interpellé
Authors: Mias Arnaud
Published: May 2024

L’action en santé au travail peut de plus en plus difficilement être conçue comme un champ d’action spécialisé, indépendant de l’action managériale ordinaire. Les limites et les débordements des politiques de prévention actuelles invitent à réinventer les pratiques de dialogue au plus près du travail réel pour développer les ressources nécessaires à la réalisation d’un travail facteur de santé.
Priver les sociétés de sens conduit au chaos
Authors: Rozès Stéphane , Euvé François
Published: May 2024

L’absence d’« horizon de sens » que vivent les sociétés néolibérales est dangereux. Le marché et la technique ne suffisent pas à formuler un projet. En outre, la globalisation économique, financière et numérique, en ignorant les imaginaires des peuples, remet en cause les fondamentaux des civilisations. En France, les classes dirigeantes, ayant adopté le néolibéralisme, se sont détachées de l’imaginaire culturel du peuple. La réflexion sur l’Europe doit intégrer ses particularités culturelles nationales.
Arendt peut-elle vraiment nous aider à penser l’autorité éducative ?
Authors: Gégout Pierre
Published: May 2024

Hannah Arendt est régulièrement convoquée en philosophie de l’éducation lorsqu’il est question de l’autorité éducative. Qu’est-ce que l’autorité ? et La crise de l’éducation sont deux essais de la philosophe considérés comme pertinents pour nous aider à penser ce sujet, encore aujourd’hui. Plus précisément, certains passages de ces textes sont fréquemment cités dans différents travaux relatifs à l’autorité et apparaissent dès lors comme des références incontournables. Cette contribution entend montrer que ces mêmes passages sont en réalité incapables de fournir un éclairage clair et consistant de l’autorité éducative. Ils révèlent en outre une inconsistance de la pensée d’Arendt sur ce sujet, venant ainsi questionner son statut de référence sur la question. Loin de constituer une source judicieuse pour penser l’autorité en éducation, nous soutenons que ces textes sont très insatisfaisants d’un point de vue philosophique et conceptuel. Nous concluons par un appel pour une philosophie de l’éducation davantage soucieuse de l’argumentation et de la consistance des thèses que du respect des grandes figures philosophiques.
Sapere aude . Penser la guerre en Ukraine avec Hannah Arendt
Authors: Micor-Bugaj Marjorie
Published: May 2024

L’événement d’une guerre demeure, après la surprise et l’indignation passées, toujours à comprendre. À la lumière des concepts développés par Hannah Arendt, cet article ambitionne de dépasser le tragique de l’actualité de la guerre en Ukraine pour tenter de l’éclairer d’un point de vue analytique. Outre un retour sur le corpus arendtien décliné autour du concept de totalitarisme, il s’agira de croiser le niveau macro avec le niveau micro, en vue de saisir les linéaments d’une guerre, entre passé et présent. De ce regard croisé émaneront d’autres concepts pertinents d’Hannah Arendt, tels la vérité et le mensonge. In fine , c’est de la profondeur historique du legs d’Hannah Arendt dont il est ici question.
Les efforts de recrutement des employeurs améliorent-ils les appariements sur le marché du travail ?
Authors: Rémy Véronique , Simonnet Véronique
Published: May 2024

Les efforts de recrutement des employeurs peuvent modifier l’efficacité du processus d’appariement par plusieurs biais dont certains n’ont pas été identifiés. Cet article analyse le lien entre efforts engagés à chaque étape de l’embauche (canaux de recherche, méthodes de sélection, temps imparti, personnel investi, etc.) et qualité des appariements à l’aide d’une typologie des efforts mesurés dans l’enquête Ofer 2016 de la Dares. Les employeurs exigeants et patients sont les plus satisfaits de leurs embauches ainsi que ceux très pressés, très flexibles et limitant leur recherche. Les employeurs les moins satisfaits sont ceux trop pressés pour identifier la meilleure candidature parmi celles recueillies au cours de leur large recherche. Classification JEL  : J23, J63, M51.
Compliance with COVID-19 Physical Distancing Mandates in Oman: The Role of Health Literacy and Internal Health Locus of Control
Authors: Alabri Amna
Published: May 2024

Background:

Research indicates that the effectiveness of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) physical distancing mandates is influenced by several individual factors, including health literacy; internal health locus of control (IHLOC), the belief that physical distancing can reduce COVID-19 risk; social norms; self-efficacy; and perceptions of the benefits and barriers associated with distancing. However, further investigation is needed to understand the links between these factors and compliance intentions.

Objective:

This study investigates the mechanism linking these factors with the intentions to comply with physical distancing mandates.

Methods:

A total of 759 participants (Mean age = 29.13, standard deviation [
SD
] = 8.33; 68.5% women) were surveyed online from September 2020 to October 2020. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (analysis of variance) and structural equation modeling.

Key Results:

Health literacy was associated with more perceived benefits (
β
= .175,
p
= .001), greater self-efficacy (
β
= .193,
p
< .001), and less perceived barriers (β = −.391,
p
< .001). IHLOC was significantly associated with greater perceived benefits (
β
= .156,
p
= .007) and self-efficacy (
β
= .294,
p
< .001). Family descriptive norms were significantly associated with fewer perceived barriers (β = −.276,
p
< .001), while injunctive norms were associated with more perceived benefits (
β
= .202,
p
= .001) and higher self-efficacy (
β
= .299,
p
< .001). Intentions to adhere to physical distancing mandates were significantly associated with past compliance (
β
= .427,
p
< .001) and perceived barriers (β = −.205,
p
< .001) and benefits (
β
= .295,
p
< .001). Post-hoc mediation analyses revealed several small yet significant indirect effects, highlighting the complex pathways shaping adherence intentions.

Conclusions:

This study identifies how health literacy, IHLOC, social norms, perceived benefits and barriers, and self-efficacy intricately shape intentions to comply with physical distancing mandates. These findings offer valuable implications for public health policy and interventions. [

HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2024;8(2):e69–e78.

]
Credit scoring using machine learning and deep Learning-Based models
Authors: Mestiri Sami
Published: May 2024

Credit scoring is a useful tool for assessing the capability of customers repayments. The purpose of this paper is to compare the predictive abilities of six credit scoring models: Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Random Forests (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Trees (DT), Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Deep Neural Network (DNN). To compare these models, an empirical study was conducted using a sample of 688 observations and twelve variables. The performance of this model was analyzed using three measures: Accuracy rate, F1 score, and Area Under Curve (AUC). In summary, machine learning techniques exhibited greater accuracy in predicting loan defaults compared to other traditional statistical models.
Analytical methods in fractional biological population modeling: Unveiling solitary wave solutions
Authors: Alshehry Azzh Saad , Mukhtar Safyan , Mahnashi Ali M.
Published: May 2024

We examine a biological population model of fractional order (FBPM) in this paper using the Riccati-Bernoulli sub-ODE approach. Many scenarios in computational biology make use of this fundamental fractional model. Of particular note is that our study's FBPM uses fractional derivatives to track changes in the density populations. The study is concerned with the construction of new solitary wave solutions for the FBPM, a system of two nonlinear fractional ordinary differential equations. In this investigation, we use the conformable derivative as the fractional derivative. The Backlund transformation is the foundation of the solution process. We create a variety of families of soliton wave solutions and explain different physical behaviours that are inherent in the problems we explore. In particular, we apply the suggested methods to investigate rational, periodic, and hyperbolic solutions. The solutions found in various classes provide insightful information about the underlying physical mechanisms. To sum up, our current methods are superior instruments for analyzing different families of solutions in fractional-order issues.
AI-based outdoor moving object detection for smart city surveillance
Authors: Said Yahia , Alsuwaylimi Amjad A.
Published: May 2024

One essential component of the futuristic way of living in "smart cities" is the installation of surveillance cameras. There are a wide variety of applications for surveillance cameras, including but not limited to: investigating and preventing crimes, identifying sick individuals (coronavirus), locating missing persons, and many more. In this research, we provided a system for smart city outdoor item recognition using visual data collected by security cameras. The object identification model used by the proposed outdoor system was an enhanced version of RetinaNet. A state of the art object identification model, RetinaNet boasts lightning-fast processing and pinpoint accuracy. Its primary purpose was to rectify the focal loss-based training dataset's inherent class imbalance. To make the RetinaNet better at identifying tiny objects, we increased its receptive field with custom-made convolution blocks. In addition, we adjusted the number of anchors by decreasing their scale and increasing their ratio. Using a mix of open-source datasets including BDD100K, MS COCO, and Pascal Vocab, the suggested outdoor object identification system was trained and tested. While maintaining real-time operation, the suggested system's performance has been markedly enhanced in terms of accuracy.
Contests with sequential entry and incomplete information
Authors: Deng Shanglyu , Fu Qiang , Wu Zenan , Zhu Yuxuan
Published: May 2024

This paper provides a general study of a contest modeled as a multiplayer incomplete‐information, all‐pay auction with sequential entry. The contest consists of multiple periods. Players arrive and exert efforts sequentially to compete for a prize. They observe the efforts made by their earlier opponents, but not those of their contemporaneous or future rivals. We establish the existence and uniqueness of a symmetric perfect Bayesian equilibrium (PBE) and fully characterize the equilibrium. Based on the equilibrium result, we show that a later mover always secures a larger ex ante expected payoff. Further, we endogenize the timing of moves and show that all players choose to move in the last period in the unique equilibrium that survives iterated elimination of strictly dominated strategies (IESDS).
L’honneur d’un fils de disparu
Authors: Bucaille Lætitia
Published: May 2024

L’expérience du fils d’un militant nationaliste algérien torturé et liquidé par l’armée française durant la guerre d’indépendance, privé d’accès, comme tant d’autres, à la vérité et à la justice, est mise ici en perspective avec la gestion par le pouvoir de la mémoire de la guerre de libération. Les registres individuel et officiel de l’hommage aux héros morts pour la nation convergent largement ; pourtant ils sont aussi en tension dans la mesure où le FLN promeut un récit unanimiste et simplificateur sur le passé qui oblitère la complexité et les contradictions de la société algérienne. Le fils du martyr entend non seulement honorer son père, obtenir des informations précises sur les circonstances de sa mort, mais aussi rétablir l’honneur de sa famille.
La bataille contre l’impunité de la torture pendant la Guerre d’indépendance algérienne : que dit l’histoire ?
Authors: Thénault Sylvie
Published: May 2024

L’évolution du droit international a fait de la lutte contre l’impunité un des piliers de la non-reproduction des crimes. La torture pratiquée pendant la guerre d’indépendance algérienne fournit une étude de cas particulièrement exemplaire à ce titre. En effet, alors que la torture est restée illégale, elle est restée impunie et ce, pas seulement en raison de l’amnistie postérieure à 1962. Cette impunité a été dénoncée et combattue pendant la guerre elle-même, en France. L’histoire démontre par conséquent que l’enjeu de la punition de la torture et des réparations pour les victimes n’est pas anachronique ; il a été posé dans la temporalité même de la guerre. Revenir sur l’histoire de cette impunité met en outre particulièrement en valeur l’enjeu crucial qu’a constitué l’amnistie. Enfin, connaître ce qui a été fait et tenté permet de dresser un état des lieux utile. Si des impasses apparaissent, il en ressort également des voies potentielles pour l’avenir.
Droit pénal et crimes en Algérie : les alibis du pénal
Authors: Scalia Damien
Published: May 2024

Le droit pénal est de plus en plus présenté comme une piste possible pour répondre aux crimes coloniaux. Ses défenseurs et architectes mettent en effet en avant plusieurs finalités pour le défendre : les objectifs pénologiques, les défis historiques, la fonction symbolique, les attentes morales et l’effet cathartique. Mais ces éléments de légitimation sont principalement les alibis, c’est-à-dire des moyens de défense signifiant qu’il est simplement au bon endroit et au bon moment. Or, il importe de rappeler que ces alibis ne tiennent bien souvent pas… non pas pour exclure le droit pénal de la problématique liés aux crimes coloniaux mais pour le remettre à sa place.
Perspectives juridiques sur le passé colonial belge, entre déni et justice
Authors: Clippele Marie-Sophie de
Published: May 2024

Le passé colonial belge (re)surgit dans le débat public, des cénacles parlementaires aux prétoires, sans oublier les lieux d’action et de militance au sein de la société civile. La demande est forte d’effectuer un travail de justice, et plus largement de réparation face à ce passé. Cependant, le droit semble mal outillé pour répondre à ces enjeux. Il peut donner l’impression d’un déni de justice face à des actes du passé particulièrement odieux, notamment car il serait trop tard pour pouvoir en juger. La prescription en matière civile et pénale apparaît à cet égard impitoyable, notamment dans le cas particulier d’objets culturels. Bien que nécessaire pour garantir une forme de sécurité juridique et de stabilité sociale, la prescription pénale connaît toutefois quelques exceptions, principalement pour des crimes gravissimes. Mais une affaire récente invoquant des crimes imprescriptibles contre l’humanité lors de la colonisation belge semble pour l’instant infirmer cette voie. Aussi, d’autres modalités de justice que les voies classiques du droit civil ou pénal sont explorées par le législateur belge, s’insérant dans le paradigme de la justice transitionnelle. Ainsi, la Commission spéciale pour le passé colonial, établie au sein du Parlement fédéral, ferait œuvre de vérité et de réconciliation, mais s’est récemment soldée par un échec. Par ailleurs, la loi du 3 juillet 2022 sur la restitution des collections coloniales ouvre des nouvelles perspectives de réparation. Force est toutefois de constater que ces différents outils, en phase de concrétisation, ne peuvent réellement satisfaire les demandes de réparation des victimes des actes perpétrés pendant la colonisation belge.
Creating Boundary Spaces Through Virtual Global Engagement
Authors: Witt Allison , Xu Lu , Rakisheva Aigul , Mazid Sadia
Published: May 2024

This chapter explores the theoretical foundation as well as the practice of one model of virtual global engagement for preservice teachers, IGlobal. A virtual, global, teacher-training laboratory centered on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), IGlobal provides online global fieldwork for preservice teachers and professional development for inservice teachers, both domestic and international. Designed specifically for preservice and inservice teachers, IGlobal reimagines virtual learning to create an online international teaching and learning laboratory where all participants gain global awareness, cross-cultural collaboration experience, as well as practice in globally collaborative online teaching and learning.
The Global Read Aloud for Global Collaboration in an Instructional Technology Course
Authors: Angelone Lauren
Published: May 2024

In this chapter, a project to globalize an online asynchronous instructional technology course will be detailed. While participating in the Longview Foundation's Global Teacher Education (GTE) Fellows Program, the author internationalized her course through the use of the Global Read Aloud. The Global Read Aloud is a project created by a teacher in 2010 to bring together classrooms across the globe through the shared experience of a read aloud on a global topic. To participate in the Global Read Aloud, teachers self-organize using a variety of instructional technologies. The author arranged for her class to participate in a Canadian 5th grade teacher's slow chat on Twitter. Planning, development, and assessment of the globalized elements of the course will be shared.
Critical Consideration
Authors: Edwards Jessica L.
Published: May 2024

Using a combination of critical race theory, essentialism, and critical pedagogy, this chapter presents a theoretical framework that strengthens the connection between theory and pedagogy in the careful selection of children's literature for all classrooms. If teachers took these three theories and applied them to their choices in literature to which their students are exposed, it would encourage these future global citizens to create their own identity instead of one that is created for them by others. In order to move forward with this theoretically influenced new way of thinking, teachers must also be willing to adopt the practice of culturally responsive teaching. This chapter will discuss not only the theoretical underpinnings that support a social justice and equity-driven literature selection, but it will also propose an action plan for teachers.
Connecting Theory and Practice
Authors: Glaws Andrea LeMahieu , Baros Kate , Woodrich Meg
Published: May 2024

The reading of literature can disrupt dominant stories and ideologies by challenging deficit narratives, providing readers with new perspectives of the world and reality, countering stereotypes, allowing readers to gain a new understanding of their positionality, and leading readers to think about oppression and social justice in novel ways. With the possibilities reading literature holds for critical engagement, this chapter frames narratives as a tool for disrupting hegemony and highlights the practices of two secondary English language arts teachers committed to enacting critical literature practices in their classrooms.
Possibilities Abound
Authors: Mulcahy Cara M.
Published: May 2024

The chapter considers opportunities for students to engage with critical literacy practices while reading A Single Shard (2001). Themes that emerge from a critical analysis of the novel are discussed and suggestions are provided for how students can employ problem-posing questions and critical conversations to uncover the book's intentional and unintentional messages. Engagement with these critical literacy practices introduces students to the dimensions of critical literacy, to the understanding that language is never innocent, and to what it means to read against text.
Eosinophilia Is a Favorable Marker for Pneumonia in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Gu Kang-Mo , Jung Jae-Woo , Kang Min-Jong , Kim Deog Kyeom , Choi Hayoung , Cho Young-Jae , Jang Seung Hun , Lee Chang-Hoon , Oh Yeon Mok , Park Ji Sook , Kim Jae Yeol
Published: May 2024

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) expressing eosinophilia experience slightly fewer episodes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), than those without eosinophilia. However, the severity and burden of hospitalized pneumonia patients with COPD involving eosinophilia have not been assessed.Methods: We evaluated the differences in clinical characteristics between patients with CAP and COPD with or without eosinophilia by a post hoc analysis of a prospective, multi-center, cohort study data.Results: Of 349 CAP patients with COPD, 45 (12.9%) had eosinophilia (blood eosinophil ≥300 cells/μL). Patients with eosinophilia had a lower sputum culture percentile (8.1% vs. 23.4%, p<0.05), a lower percentile of neutrophils (70.3% vs. 80.2%, p<0.05), reduced C-reactive protein levels (30.6 mg/L vs. 86.6 mg/L, p<0.05), and a lower pneumonia severity index score (82.5 vs. 90.0, p<0.05), than those without eosinophilia. The duration of antibiotic treatment (8.0 days vs. 10.0 days, p<0.05) and hospitalization (7.0 days vs. 9.0 days, p<0.05) were shorter in eosinophilic patients. The cost of medical care per day (256.4 US$ vs. 291.0 US$, p<0.05), cost for the medication (276.4 US$ vs. 349.9 US$, p<0.05), and cost for examination (685.5 US$ vs. 958.1 US$, p<0.05) were lower in patients with eosinophilia than those without eosinophilia.Conclusion: Eosinophilia serves as a favorable marker for the severity of pneumonia, health-care consumption, and cost of medical care in patients with CAP and COPD.
ID-Migraine test for pediatric population: preliminary results from the Italian validation
Authors: Frattale Ilaria , Papetti Laura , Ursitti Fabiana , Sforza Giorgia , Monte Gabriele , Mazzone Luigi , Valeriani Massimiliano
Published: May 2024

Background: Migraine is a frequent neurological condition with a high impact on quality life. The diagnosis is clinical in accordance with the International Classification of Headache Disorders version 3 criteria. Early diagnosis is important to initiate timely treatment. A screening tool for adulthood is already available (ID-Migraine), while there is currently no questionnaire that allows for diagnosis in children and adolescents. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the validity of ID-Migraine to diagnose migraine in pediatric population.Methods: A total of 94 pediatric patients were enrolled and administered ID-Migraine. The mean age was 11.6 years. The study group included patients with a diagnosis of migraine (63%) and primary stabbing headache (37%).Results and conclusions: Specificity and positive predictive values were >80% (92% and 93% respectively); sensitivity and negative predictive values tended towards reliability (71% and 66% respectively), making the ID-Migraine a reliable tool in diagnosing migraine in the pediatric population.
The multidisciplinary approach in primary cutaneous lymphomas
Authors: Massone Cesare , Ferrara Gerardo
Published: May 2024

Primary cutaneous lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of neoplastic diseases in which dermatological examination plays the pivotal role toward a management which must be multidisciplinary by definition [...].
Epstein-Barr virus-related lymphoproliferative disorders of the skin
Authors: Ferrara Gerardo , Gualandi Alberto
Published: May 2024

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is associated both solid (nasopharyngeal carcinoma, non-nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma- like carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, leiomyosarcoma) and hematolymphoid malignancies, some of the latter, however, spanning over a spectrum ranging from reactive and self-limiting to severe and life-threatening conditions. This review will focus on the disorder most commonly involving the skin, namely: EBVpositive mucocutaneous ulcer; lymphomatoid granulomatosis; EBV-positive diffuse large B cell lymphoma; plasmablastic lymphoma; post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder; extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type; angoimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma; severe mosquito bite allergy; hydroa vacciniformelike lymphoproliferative disorder. Given the uncommon occurrence of all these infiltrates in the skin, multidisciplinary approach, as well as referral to tertiary care centers are always advisable.
Systemic treatments with monoclonal antibodies in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome
Authors: Ibatici Adalberto , Angelucci Emanuela , Massone Cesare
Published: May 2024

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are the most prevalent non-Hodgkin lymphomas that comprise cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL), accounting for more than 70% of cases. Following the Tumor Lymph nodes Metastasis Blood system, disease staging is carried out, and within ten years, about thirty percent of patients in the early stages will have advanced disease. Plaques, folliculotropism, and age over 60 are risk factors for progression. A 5-year survival rate of less than 20% is associated with LCT in MF. Treatment requires an interdisciplinary approach; skindirected therapies are available for early stages of the disease, but there are no curative options for advanced stages of the disease other than allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Because of their severe symptoms and poor treatment efficacy, patients in advanced stages have a lower quality of life and a lower chance of survival. In patients with CD30-expressing CTCL, Brentuximab Vedotin has demonstrated better response rates and progression-free survival (PFS); in advanced SS, mogamulizumab has significantly increased PFS. These findings emphasize the need to standardize prognostic factors and improve CTCL treatment.
Ultrasound-guided caudal epidural injection to treat symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Gagliardi Veronica , Lovato Antonello , Ceccherelli Francesco , Gagliardi Giuseppe
Published: May 2024

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) occurs when bony, ligamentous, and synovial elements of the lower axial spine degenerate and overgrow, compressing neural and vascular elements in the spinal canal. Compression can cause static back pain, radicular lower extremity pain, or neurogenic claudication. Radiological and clinical findings are needed to diagnose lumbar stenosis. In this framework, caudal epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a standard treatment. The volume injected and needle positioning are the main issues that could compromise the effectiveness of the epidural injection. However, ultrasound-guided caudal epidural injections have become more common in recent years. Since Klocke and colleagues described the ultra-sound-guided caudal block in 2003, it has grown in popularity. Multiple ethnic studies have reported ultrasound-guided caudal injection success rates of 96.9–100%. Color Doppler ultrasonography can also determine if a drug solution reaches the lumbosacral region. We enrolled 42 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, persistent lumbosciatalgia, and neurogenic claudicatio unresponsive to painkillers who were not surgical candidates. Each patient receives four weekly injections for four weeks. If the patient responds to treatment but still has pain, monthly injections are needed to reach and maintain the benefit. Treatment will be changed if the patient does not respond after 4 caudal injections. Sterile caudal epidural injections are performed with ultrasound guidance and a spinal needle 21G. Triamcinolone 40 mg, levobupivacaine 10 mg, and physiological solution 10 ml are delivered. Each patient received an average of 4 injective treatments (4±2, Means 4, SD 2). Data analysis shows that the treatment reduced pain significantly before and after therapy, which persisted after 3 months. Caudal epidural injection is one of the most common conservative treatments for chronic low back pain with radiculopathy, and lidocaine alone or with steroids is effective. In this framework, the two main literature issues about caudal epidural injection effectiveness on lumbar pain are correct. Therefore, 10 ml is suitable and effective for treating symptoms without side effects. Pain reduction of over 50% from start to finish and three-month follow-up have shown significant results in pain control and disability improvement. Finally, caudal epidural injection for lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms is effective, safe, and provides long-term pain relief.
Effect of prophylactic corticosteroids on postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction in the adult population: An updated systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Singh Narinder P. , Makkar Jeetinder K. , Goel Nitika , Karamchandani Kunal , Singh Mandeep , Singh Preet M.
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims:

Postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction (PNCD) commonly occurs after surgery and prolongs hospital stays. Both direct noxious stimuli to the central nervous system and systemic inflammation have been implicated. Due to their potent anti-inflammatory effects, corticosteroids have been utilised to attenuate the incidence and severity of PNCD. This systematic review and meta-analysis strived to evaluate the prophylactic role of perioperative corticosteroids for PNCD.

Methods:

A search was run in pre-defined databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the role of corticosteroids in preventing PNCD. The incidence of PNCD within 1 month was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the use of antipsychotic medications for the treatment, postoperative infection, and hospital length of stay. The results are exhibited as odds ratio (OR) and the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:

Fifteen RCTs comprising 15,398 patients were included. The incidence of PNCD was significantly lower in the corticosteroid group than in the control group, with a pooled OR of 0.75 (95% CI 0.58, 0.96; P = 0.02; I2 = 66%). Trial sequential analysis showed the clinical benefit of corticosteroids in preventing PNCD; however, the requisite information size is still inadequate. The sub-group analysis supported the prophylactic effect of corticosteroids on delirium prevention but not on delayed neurocognitive recovery.

Conclusions:

Our meta-analysis revealed statistically significant protective effects of corticosteroids on the incidence of PNCD. However, further studies are still needed to confirm the protective role of this commonly used and relatively safe strategy for preventing PNCD.
Investigating public understanding and actions regarding Aedes mosquitoes and dengue prevention across altitudinal range in central Nepal
Authors: Sukupayo Punya Ram , Poudel Ram Chandra , Ghimire Tirth Raj
Published: May 2024

Backgrounds & objectives:

Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is a significant public health concern in Nepal. An extensive Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) survey related to Aedes mosquitoes and prevention of dengue was conducted along the route from Matihani (62 m above sea level) to Kalinchok (3840 m asl) in central Nepal. This research examined residents’ awareness of Aedes mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit, aiming to support the World Health Organization’s national and global fight against mosquito-borne diseases.

Methods:

The survey included 550 participants aged 18-75 years (249 males and 201 females). Door-to-door campaigns were conducted to gather data on knowledge scores, practices, and attitudes about Aedes mosquitoes using a standard structured questionnaire.

Results:

Findings of this study revealed a moderate level of knowledge across the study area, with a mean knowledge score of 5.525±2.58 (correct answer rate of 46.05%). While 99.6% of respondents were aware of dengue transmission by mosquitoes, only 64.5% were able to report Aedes mosquitoes as the key transmitter. Less than one-third of the participants (27.8%) were familiar with black-and-white stripes in Aedes. Additionally, only 36.7% were knowledgeable about the day-biting behavior of Aedes mosquitoes.

Interpretation & conclusion:

This KAP survey provides valuable insights into community understanding of Aedes mosquitoes and dengue prevention practices associated with various Nepalese communities residing in low to high altitudes of central Nepal. These findings can be adopted to address the increasing health burden faced by countries with low-to-high altitude regions within the Hindu Kush Himalayas.
Physical-chemical and microbiological characterization of water destined to hemodialysis
Authors: Gomes Yohanna Mayelle , Campos Rodrigo Barcellos , Sant’ana Aquiles Melchior , Keller Regina De Pinho , Cassini Servio Tulio Alves
Published: May 2024

This research evaluated the physical-chemical and microbiological parameters of water and dialysate in four distinct hemodialysis units located in the southeast region of Brazil. The physical-chemical parameters evaluated were pH, electric conductivity, turbidity, alkalinity, free chlorine, nitrate, fluoride, chloride, sulfate, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium ion concentrations. Microcystin was also quantified. The microbiological parameters evaluated were the detection of total coliform, total heterotrophic bacteria count (THB), and the isolation and identification of microorganisms in pre-reverse osmosis treatment and post-reverse osmosis treatment water samples and dialysate. The nitrate, fluoride and THB levels found in the water samples may present risk to the patient under hemodialysis treatment. Microcystin was detected in one of the potable water samples. Microorganisms were identified throughout the hemodialysis of the entire water treatment system, with Ralstonia sp. being the most frequent. The presence of emergent pathogenic bacteria highlighted in this study highlights the necessity of microbiological monitoring of water destined for hemodialysis.
Keywords: dialysate, hemodialysis, water treatment.
Precision Oncology Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review of Phase II Clinical Trials with Biomarker-Driven, Adaptive Design
Authors: Ha Hyerim , Lee Hee Yeon , Kim Jee Hyun , Kim Do Yeun , An Ho Jung , Bae SeungJin , Park Hye-sung , Kang Jin Hyoung
Published: May 2024

Novel clinical trial designs are conducted in the precision medicine era. This study aimed to evaluate biomarker-driven, adaptive phase II trials in precision oncology, focusing on infrastructure, efficacy, and safety. We systematically reviewed and analyzed the target studies. EMBASE and PubMed searches from 2015 to 2023 generated 29 eligible trials. Data extraction included infrastructure, biomarker screening methodologies, efficacy, and safety profiles. Government agencies, cancer hospitals, and academic societies with accumulated experiences led investigator-initiated precision oncology clinical trials (IIPOCTs), which later guided sponsor-initiated precision oncology clinical trials (SIPOCTs). Most SIPOCTs were international studies with basket design. IIPOCTs primarily used the central laboratory for biomarker screening, but SIPOCTs used both central and local laboratories. Most of the studies adapted next-generation sequencing and/or immunohistochemistry for biomarker screening. Fifteen studies included an independent central review committee for outcome investigation. Efficacy assessments predominantly featured objective response rate as the primary endpoint, with varying results. Nine eligible studies contributed to the United States Food and Drug Administration’s marketing authorization. Safety monitoring was rigorous, but reporting formats lacked uniformity. Health-related quality of life and patient-reported outcomes were described in some protocols but rarely reported. Our results reveal that precision oncology trials with adaptive design rapidly and efficiently evaluate anticancer drugs’ efficacy and safety, particularly in specified biomarker-driven cohorts. The evolution from IIPOCT to SIPOCT has facilitated fast regulatory approval, providing valuable insights into the precision oncology landscape.
Clinical and Radiologic Predictors of Response to Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Choi Se Jin , Chung Sung Won , Choi Jonggi , Kim Kang Mo , Kim Hyung-Don , Yoo Changhoon , Ryoo Baek-Yeol , Lee Seung Soo , Choi Won-Mook , Choi Sang Hyun
Published: May 2024

Purpose This study aimed to identify clinical and radiologic characteristics that could predict response to atezolizumab-bevacizumab combination therapy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Materials and Methods This single-center retrospective study included 108 advanced HCC patients with intrahepatic lesions who were treated with atezolizumab-bevacizumab. Two radiologists independently analyzed imaging characteristics of the index tumor on pretreatment computed tomography. Predictive factors associated with progressive disease (PD) at the best response based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, ver. 1.1 were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Progression-free survival (PFS) was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test.Results Of 108 patients with a median PFS of 15 weeks, 40 (37.0%) had PD during treatment. Factors associated with PD included the presence of extrahepatic metastases (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19 to 14.35; p=0.03), the infiltrative appearance of the tumor (aOR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.05 to 8.93; p=0.04), and the absence of arterial-phase hyperenhancement (APHE) (aOR, 6.34; 95% CI, 2.18 to 18.47; p < 0.001). Patients with two or more of these factors had a PD of 66.7% and a median PFS of 8 weeks, indicating a significantly worse outcome compared to the patients with one or no of these factors.Conclusion In patients with advanced HCC treated with atezolizumab-bevacizumab treatment, the absence of APHE, infiltrative appearance of the intrahepatic tumor, and presence of extrahepatic metastases were associated with poor response and survival. Evaluation of early response may be necessary in patients with these factors.
Thurston’s asymmetric metric on the space of singular flat metrics with a fixed quadrangulation
Authors: Sağlam İsmail , Papadopoulos Athanase
Published: May 2024

Consider a compact surface equipped with a fixed quadrangulation. One may identify each quadrangle on the surface with a Euclidean rectangle to obtain a singular flat metric on the surface with conical singularities. We call such a singular flat metric a rectangular structure. We study a metric on the space of unit area rectangular structures which is analogous to Thurston’s asymmetric metric on the Teichmüller space of a surface of finite type. We prove that the distance between two rectangular structures is equal to the logarithm of the maximum of ratios of edges of these rectangular structures. We give a sufficient condition for a path between two points of the this Teichmüller space to be geodesic and we prove that any two points of this space can be joined by a geodesic. We also prove that this metric is Finsler and give a formula for the infinitesimal weak norm on the tangent space of each point. We identify the space of unit area rectangular structures with a submanifold of a Euclidean space and we show that the subspace topology and the topology induced by the metric we introduced coincide. We show that the space of unit area rectangular structures on a surface with a fixed quadrangulation is in general not complete.
Стационарная система Навье-Стокса-Буссинеска
с регуляризованной диссипативной функцией
Authors: Baranovskii Evgenii Sergeevich
Published: May 2024

Изучается краевая задача для математической модели,
описывающей неизотермическое установившееся
течение вязкой жидкости внутри ограниченной трехмерной
(или двумерной) области c локально-липшицевой границей.
Особенность рассматриваемой модели тепломассопереноса
заключается в том, что в уравнении баланса энергии используется
регуляризованная диссипативная функция Рэлея. Это позволяет учесть
диссипацию энергии, возникающую из-за эффекта вязкого трения.
Доказана теорема о существовании слабого решения
при естественных допущениях относительно данных модели.
Кроме того, найдены дополнительные условия,
при которых слабое решение будет единственным и/или сильным.
Библиография: 32 названия.