bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategi Peningkatan Daya Saing Pemasaran Pabrik Teh Barokah Jaya
Authors: Chandrahadinata Dody , Timur Fajar
Published: November 2022

Situasi bisnis akan selalu mengalami perubahan dimana kondisi tersebut dipengaruhi banyak faktor seperti meningkatnya jumlah pesaing, perkembangan teknologi yang semakin canggih serta selera konsumen yang selalu berubah-ubah.Pabrik teh Barokah Jaya merupakan salahsatu Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah (UMKM) yang bergerak dalam bidang penggilingan teh rakyat, pabrik teh ini didirikan pada tahun 2010. Produksi teh ini mempunyai peluang besar dalam upaya pengembangan usaha untuk bersaing dengan produk maupun makanan modern yang sudah ada dipasaran sehingga produksi teh ini perlu dilestarikan. Akan tetapi pemasaran produk teh yang dilakukan pabrik teh Barokah Jaya mengalami kendala, yakni penerapan segementasi pasar yang dilakukan masih kurang, kurangnya inovasi produk, serta bermunculannya pesaing yang memperoduksi teh dengan segmentasi pasar yang lebih baik. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk menyusun strategi yang tepat untuk kelangsungan hidup perusahaan atau bisnis. Pendekatan penelitian yang digunakan peneliti yakni deskriptif dengan metode campuran ( Kualitatif dan kuantitatif ) Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah Analisis SWOT ( Strength, weaknees, opportunity, treath ) Berdasarkan hasil dari analisi SWOT dapat disimpulkan posisi pabrik teh Barokah Jaya berada pada fase yang baik dari segi kekuatan maupun peluang Strategi pengembangan daya saing yang cocok untuk diterapkan oleh pabrik teh Barokah Jaya adalah melakukan strategi pengembangan pasar, serta penetrasi pasar. Maka hasil dari penelitian ini yakni menentukan strategi peningkatan daya saing yang baik untuk diterapkan oleh pabrik teh Barokah Jaya dalam mempertahnkan bisnisnya.
Analisa Produktivitasi dengan Metode American Productivity Center
Authors: Chandrahadinata Dody , Elyana Mela
Published: November 2022

Penelitian ini dilakukan bertujuan mengidentifakasi produktivitas serta untuk memberikan solusi perencanaan dalam peningkatan produktivitas. Penggunaan metode American Productivity Center untuk menilai produktivitas, profitabilitas serta perbaikan harga yang memperhitungkan tenaga kerja, bahan baku, energi, modal dan input total terhadap output. Untuk mengetahui penyebab dasar terjadinya kesalahan menggunakan metode Failure Mode and Effect Analysis dan metode Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities dan Threats guna mengetahui usulan perbaikan kepada perusahaan. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian penurunan indeks produktivitas sangat signifikan disebabkan oleh input energi periode Oktober yang turun sebesar 35 % sedangkan penurunan profitabilitas tertinggi disebabkan oleh input energi periode Oktober yang mengalami penurunan sangat signifikan sebesar 34 %. Peningkatan produktivitas, profitabilitas dan perbaikan harga dapat dilakukan perusahaan dengan mengontrol penggunaaan energi supaya lebih efisien, mengurangi biaya pembuatan yang tidak berguna, mengendalikan biaya bahan baku, melakukan pelatihan kepada tenaga kerja baru sehingga dapat memiliki keterampilan, memanfaatkan media promosi dan publikasi untuk memperkenalkan perusahaan pada masyarakat luas.
IMPROVING STUDENTS’ SPEAKING SKILLS WITH ACTION LEARNING STRATEGY AT EIGHTH GRADE OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (A Classroom Action Research at Eight Grade Students of SMP N 01 Kota Bengkulu)
Authors: Wulandari Dorea Afrilia , Kasmaini Kasmaini , Damayanti Indah
Published: November 2022

This research aimed to see the improvement of students’ speaking skill in english lesson by using action learning strategy at eighth grade. The participants of this research were 32 students form VIII.6 class consisting on 15 male and 17 female. This research used Classroom Action Research (CAR). The data were obtained through the observation and speaking test. To determine students who are successful in improving speaking skills based on the KKM (Minimum Completeness Criteria), which is 80. To analysis the data, the researcher used two steps, namely scoring students speaking skills use quantitative data and calculating the students’ score. The results of this study showed an increase in students' speaking ability. The results of this research indicate an improve in students' speaking ability. Students who experienced an increase in speaking skills in the preliminary data was 62.5%, or 20 students, the cycle I was 75% or 24 students and the cycle II was 84.375% or 27 students. While students who did not succeed in the preliminary data was 37.5% or 12 students, the cycle I was 25% or 8 students and the  cycle II was 15.675% or 5 students. Based on the results of interviews conducted by researchers to several samples of students, several factors were found that were able to improve students' speaking skills. These factors were the comfort that students get while studying, giving reward points to attract students' interest and teachers applied some learning tricks  to attract students' attention while studying.
Development of based learning media with App Inventor
Authors: Satria Erwinsyah , Musthan Zulkifli , Cakranegara Pandu Adi , Arifin Ardian , Trinova Zulvia
Published: November 2022

The research aims to develop an Android-based learning media. The stages of the research are analysis, implementation, and evaluation. The participants of the research were students at West Kalimantan Vocational High School. The research method used is Research and Development with the ADDIE approach. Data analysis used descriptive qualitative. The subjects in this study were students of class X AK 1 and X AK 2 at Vocational High School West Kalimantan, totaling 56 students, for a small-scale trial taken 5 students from X AK 1 and 5 students from X AK 2. Research instrument was using a questionnaire with a scale. Research results based on research statements and the development of Android-based learning media with App Inventor on word processing software, it can be concluded that to make applications with App Inventor software it is not enough to just use a browser application. the development of learning media using the App Inventor media after validation with two media experts is very feasible to use and by using this application the teaching and learning process run very independently and make it easier for students to understand the learning material
Information System for State-owned inventories Management at the Faculty of Computer Science
Authors: Tjahjanto Tjahjanto , Arista Artika , Ermatita Ermatita
Published: November 2022

Information technology development brings a very broad impact on human life. With this Model View Controller (MVC)  concept, information system development could be developed in accordance needs of the user’s information system development and be able to adapt the development in the organization. Needs of fast and precise and adaptive information system information is needed in this modern era when everything needs to be fast. Faculty of computer science (FIK) Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veterans Jakarta (UPNVJ) as one work unit under the government agency, has State-owned inventories to support all activities to carry out the Tri Dharma or the higher education pillars, especially in the field of education. The state-owned inventories or devices are available in FIK such as monitors, printers, LCD, mouse, etc. For continuity of this educational process, the state-owned inventories must be maintained. Therefore, in this research, the researchers will develop an information system to document the state-owned inventory records for helping the management of the state-owned inventories in the faculty of computer science at UPN Veteran Jakarta. The information system was built using the waterfall method and using the PHP programming language and MySQL database running on a server. This information system provides features to manage users, manage components, access system logs, access system settings, manage devices, manage the location, and access reports. The system that has been developed has also passed the eligibility assessment for all aspects of both visual communication aspects, software engineering aspects, and usability aspects.
Classification of Tuberculosis Based on Lung X-Ray Image With Data Science Approach Using Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Harahap Mawaddah , Pasaribu Alfeus P. S. , Sinaga Dedy Ridoly , Sipangkar Romulus , Samuel Samuel
Published: November 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease in the lungs, becoming 1 of 10 causes of death. In Indonesia, the disease is ranked third after India and China with 824,000 cases and 93,000 deaths per year, equivalent to 11 deaths per hour. The increasing number of infections and deaths from TB disease is recorded as a result of its transmission, lack of early diagnosis, and inadequate professional radiologists in developing areas where TB is more common. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment to be initiated. Diagnosis is usually done by looking at the results of the x-ray image of the thorax and the results of the BTA test on the patient. To classify lung x-ray images detected tuberculosis or not, a study was carried out using the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) method. The test results produce the last epochs value of 200, the accuracy obtained is 0.9892, which means the CNN accuracy is 98%, with validation the accuracy obtained is 0.9835 or 98%. So the results of the classification test using CNN are quite accurate. With the acquisition of CNN results which is quite high, it can be used as a consideration to be used in classifying TB disease.
Mobile-Based Design of Information System for Vocational Internship Activities for Vocational Students
Authors: Alya Rizwana , Ikhwan Ali
Published: November 2022

Information technology that is growing slowly in modernization follows the development of an increasingly aging population, and has an impact on group and individual life. Information technology also provides easy and big things related to collecting the right information directly or indirectly, and citizens get various benefits that are taken through their technological innovations, covering all aspects of life and education. An obstacle that is felt by Brigjend Katamso II Medan Vocational School is still done manually when managing student Internship activities, for example, collecting information on internship student classes, attendance, data on internship places and groups, supervision and student activities and submitting grades are also still manual. Therefore, it is necessary to design an information system for student Internship activities using API pages and the Java programming language so that admins, supervisors, field supervisors and students of SMK Brigjend Katamso II Medan can access this system with their mobile device. In order to implement the application that the researcher wants to create, it will use an R&D approach, so that the data collection methods used are interviewing, observing and studying literature. The development of the system used in this INTERNSHIP activity system is using the RAD method during system development, in order to create a system that provides objective information and can provide assistance to SMK Brigjend Katamso II Medan.
Virtual Job Fair Information System Design Based on Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality
Authors: Khairunisa Yuyun , Nurhasanah Yeni , Verlaili Ratu
Published: November 2022

Organizing a job fair is one of the steps to bridge the needs of companies in finding workers and the needs of job seekers to find work. Creative Media State Polytechnic (Polimedia) as a vocational college provides support to alumni to get decent jobs and according to their fields of expertise. In accordance with one of the Main Performance Indicators (KPI) of higher education, namely graduates get decent jobs [1]. However, currently Polimedia does not have a system that supports the implementation of the job fair or is still done manually. Research with the theme of developing virtual job fair information systems based on augmented reality and virtual reality has two objectives. The first objective is to develop an information system that assists the process of posting job vacancies and allows users to register for available vacancies. Then the second is to facilitate virtual job fairs. Because apart from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, holding a virtual job fair can be a distinct advantage for alumni who are looking for work because they can significantly save transportation and accommodation costs. The system development methodology used is the System Development Lyfe Cycle (SDLC) with the waterfall method. The waterfall method is divided into five stages, namely the analysis, design, implementation, testing and support stages. The design phase uses the Unified Modeling Language (UML), namely use case diagrams and entity relationship diagrams, while the implementation phase of augmented reality uses 3D modeling, markers and interface adjustments. In addition, the design of augmented reality and virtual reality applications uses the A-FRAME framework.
Decision Tree Algorithm to Measure Employee Performance Discipline
Authors: Marlinda Linda , Fitri Evita , Nugraha Siti Nurhasanah , Aziz Faruq , Setiawan Santoso
Published: November 2022

Performance appraisal is done to measure the performance of an employee on the work done. The company conducts performance appraisals on employees at least every six months, involving all employees. This study uses the Absenteeism_at_work dataset. The purpose of this research is to analyze the performance of the Decision Tree algorithm in the classification process. Classification will be grouped into two, namely: disciplined and undisciplined The classification process will be carried out using K-Nime. Algorithm performance measurement using Knime Analytics Platform is open-source software for creating data science models. Knime builds data understanding and designs data science workflows and reusable components using accuracy, recall, and precision parameters. From the research conducted, the results of the Decision Tree algorithm have an accuracy rate of 94.6% while the label No. 5.4%. Based on the nineteen attributes proposed, it can be concluded that the Decision Tree algorithm has better performance.
Applications for Detecting Plant Diseases Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Zen Bita Parga , A Iqsyahiro Kresna , Fransisca Diandra Chika
Published: November 2022

Agriculture is an activity to manage biological natural resources with the help of technology and labor. The presence of diseases in plants that suddenly inhibit plant growth is alarming to farmers. So, farmers cannot determine what conditions these plants suffer. This study will discuss the implementation of Artificial Intelligence-based plant disease detection software. At this stage, deep learning models are created using cameras matched with objects. The application development is to detect diseases in plants. The fourth step is testing. This application includes the implementation of Convolutional Neural Network and Recurrent Neural Network, which provides Artificial Intelligence architecture to diagnose plant diseases, and offer solutions to those plants from the results of research with tomato plant sample tests obtained four categories of disease Early Blight disease with a prediction of 100%, Bacterial Spots 90%, Healthy 100%, Late Blight 100% a system that can recommend health care related to crops based on images so that it can help farmers identify types of plant diseases. This application can help farmers to reduce crop failure for farmers caused by plant diseases to improve the quality of agricultural and plantation products
Approximately Near Rings in Proximal Relator Spaces
Authors: İNAN Ebubekir , KOCAMAZ Ayşegül
Published: November 2022

The motivation of this article is to define approximately near rings, some types of approximately near rings, approximately $N$-groups, approximately ideals, and approximately near rings of all descriptive approximately cosets. Moreover, some properties of these approximately algebraic structures are given. Furthermore, approximately near-ring homomorphisms are introduced and their some properties are investigated.
To the question of the necessary constitutional design for Russia of its public order and power
Authors:   Department of the state and municipal administration of the Institute of Public Administration and Civil Service of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (Moscow, Russia) (IPACS, RANEPA), Ponkin I.V.
Published: November 2022

The article is devoted to the issues of due measure in the constitutional design of the structure of the Russian state. The article deals with the issues of the sovereignty of the definition of the constitutional order and the meaning of the mention of the word “God” in the Constitution.
Practices of digital communication in the educational space of higher education
Authors:   Department of Theory of Advertising and Mass Communications, Moscow University for the Humanities, Gorskiy D. A.
Published: November 2022

The article analyzes modern communicative practices in the educational space of higher education. The possibilities and limitations of using digital communication with direct, indirect and hybrid options for the interaction of participants in the educational process are considered. Specific technical, social, psychological and pedagogical problems of applying digital communication practices in the educational process are highlighted.
Social networks in the communicative space of large business (on the example of Sberbank)
Authors:   Moscow University for the Humanities, Zhuravleva A. D.
Published: November 2022

The article analyzes the modern communicative practices of large business, built on the basis of the introduction of the latest information and communication technologies. The possibilities of social networks as one of the main tools for promoting companies within a single ecosystem are examined.
Correlation between facial measurements and vertical dimension of occlusion among Tunisian populations: An anthropometric study
Authors: Ouni Imed , Jebali Rania , Amar Sinda , Mansour Lamia
Published: November 2022

Background. Establishing an accurate occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) is a crucial clinical step during full-mouth rehabilitation. Various techniques have been suggested to evaluate OVD, but none of them is practically reliable, and each one has its shortcomings. The correlation between facial proportions and the lower third of the face is a reliable method but needs to be verified in many ethnic groups. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the correlation between OVD and various facial measurements in a Tunisian ethnic group. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2020 to January 2021. The participants were randomly selected from dental students, dental surgeons, and the patients referring to the University Dental Clinic for dental treatments. Seven facial measurements were clinically recorded using a digital caliper. The correlation between OVD and facial measurements was analyzed using Spearman’s coefficient and linear regression analysis. Results. A total of 201 dentate participants (134 females and 67 males) were included in the study. The mean OVD in male subjects was higher (67.60±4.49) compared to female subjects (60.72±3.84). The total facial height was positively correlated with OVD in both genders. OVD was statistically correlated with the height of the upper lip. This correlation was highly significant in males while it was weak in the female group. Conclusion. Facial proportions and linear equations are non-invasive, simple, and reliable methods to predict OVD, especially in males.
An in vitro comparative evaluation of surface roughness characteristics of different orthodontic archwires: An atomic force microscopy study
Authors: Mohan Reshma , Jain Ravindra Kumar
Published: November 2022

Background. The present study evaluated and compared the surface roughness (SR) of five different types of orthodontic archwires made by two different manufacturers. Methods. In this in vitro study, 10 samples of five different archwires comprising of three types of shape memory wires, SmartArch (Ormco), Damon (Ormco), Heat-activated NiTi (HANT) (G&H Orthodontics), Stainless Steel wire (SS) (Ormco), and conventional NiTi (G&H Orthodontics) were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The processing of 3D images was carried out using Gwyddion software, from which the root mean square (rms), the roughness average (Ra), and the maximum height (mh) of the scanned surface profile were documented. The data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey tests for intergroup comparisons. Results. The mean SR of SS wires was the least (Ra=8.70±0.17), followed by NiTi wires (10.29±2.00) with a significant difference between them (P<0.05). Among the three shape-memory wires, the HANT wires had the least SR (Ra=22.97±16.56) compared to SmartArch wires (Ra=25.55±3.78) and Damon wires (Ra=25.67±4.54), but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion. The SS wires by Ormco had the least SR followed by G&H orthodontics NiTi wires. The three different shape-memory wires tested had no significant difference in SR values.
Effect of microabrasion on the staining susceptibility of enamel: An in vitro study
Authors: Bahadir Hasibe Sevilay , Haberal Merve , Çelik Çiğdem
Published: November 2022

Background. Enamel microabrasion can eliminate enamel irregularities and discoloration. This study evaluated the staining susceptibility of enamel after microabrasion using different clinical protocols. Methods. A total of 210 extracted bovine incisors were used in this study. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups of 42 teeth each (n=42), including group 1: control (no treatment), group 2: microabrasion, group 3: microabrasion + fluoride polishing, group 4: macroabrasion (fine-grit diamond bur) + microabrasion, and group 5: macroabrasion (finegrit diamond bur) + microabrasion + fluoride polishing. The groups were then randomly divided into two subgroups for discoloration procedures: coffee and distilled water (n=21). A spectrophotometric evaluation was carried out at baseline and on the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 28th days of the staining period. Statistical analyses were performed using repeated-measures ANOVA and the post hoc Bonferroni test at a significance level of 0.05. Results. The greatest color change was observed in group 2 specimens, which were immersed in coffee solutions. The color change values for groups 3, 4, and 5 specimens, which were immersed in distilled water, were higher than those in group 1 specimens (P<0.05). The fluoride polishing + enamel microabrasion treatment groups (groups 3 and 5) exhibited greater resistance to color changes than the matched non-fluoride-polished groups (groups 2 and 4) (P<0.05). Conclusions. The teeth that underwent enamel microabrasion treatment and were polished with fluoride gel became more resistant to color changes. Our findings confirm that enamel microabrasion treatment is a conservative method for localized discoloration.
Comparison of the effectiveness of butterfly arch versus transpalatal arch in anchorage reinforcement: A linear 3D finite element study
Authors: Bano Nouf , M Sunil Kumar , Shivamurthy Prashantha Govinakovi , Sabrish Sharanya , Mathew Silju
Published: November 2022

Background. Although there are various intraoral and extraoral appliances for anchorage management in orthodontics, most fail to preserve the anchorage efficiently. Thus, there is a need for an appliance that can preserve anchorage in the sagittal, vertical, and transverse directions with good patience compliance and cost-effectiveness. This study compared the efficacy of butterfly arch and transpalatal arch (TPA) as an anchorage reinforcing unit during orthodontic space closure using a linear finite element model. Methods. A 3D model of the maxilla and associated structures was developed from CT images of an individual’s skull at a slice thickness of 1 mm. The magnitude of movements of anchor teeth in vertical, horizontal, and transverse directions was calculated in first premolar extraction cases during anterior retraction using a linear finite element model analysis and compared in two situations―butterfly arch and TPA attached to maxillary first molar for anchorage. Results. The anterior teeth had similar movements in the case of TPA and butterfly arch. There was more mesial and lingual movement in the first molars with TPA than in the butterfly arch, which had buccal but no mesial movement. The anterior teeth showed extrusion and the second premolars showed intrusion with TPA. Also, the von Mises stress and maximum principal stress were maximum with TPA at the cervical region of anterior and posterior teeth compared to the butterfly arch, where both stresses were uniformly distributed all over the teeth. Conclusion. A butterfly arch with its unique design, configuration, and biomechanical properties can be used as a device that can maintain the posterior anchorage efficiently
Comparison of the effects of Diplen LX membrane and Coe-Pak on pain, wound healing, and patient preference after the periodontal flap surgery in patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis
Authors: Sadighi Mehrnoosh , Faramarzi Masoumeh , Pourabbas Reza , Torab Zeinab , Mohammadi Hamidreza , Hoseein Nazmi Salar
Published: November 2022

Background. After periodontal surgery, in most cases, the surgical area is covered with a surgical pack. It has been suggested that these packs might minimize complications. This study aimed to compare the effects of Diplen LX membrane and Coe-Pak on pain, wound healing, and patient preference after a periodontal flap surgery in patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis. Methods. In this randomized clinical trial, 26 patients were evaluated. Pain scores were assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) on the 3rd and 7th days postoperatively and compared between the two dressings. On the 7th and 14th days after both flap surgeries, surgical site healing was evaluated using the wound healing index (WHI). Results. The mean age of the patients was 31. It was observed that the severity of pain in the studied patients on the 3rd and 7th days postoperatively was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group. It was also observed that the value of WHI in the studied patients on the 7th and 14th days postoperatively was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group. Conclusion. The pain was less severe in both groups using periodontal dressing and also lower in the Diplen LX membrane group. In addition, based on WHI, wound healing score in patients was also higher and more favorable in the Diplex LX membrane group. Due to the above factors, the majority of patients preferred the use of the Diplen LX membrane.
Gray area; a novel strategy to confront COVID-19 in emergency departments
Authors: Rajaei Ghafouri Rouzbeh , Shams Vahdati Samad , Ahmadi Sajjad , Hosseinnejad Zahra , Khalilzad Mohammad , Naseri Amirreza
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, affects almost every aspect of human life. To confront this crisis, a separate ward called gray area was designed for emergency departments (EDs) and applied at the provincial level in East-Azerbaijan, Iran. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this project, increase the serviceability and segregation of the location of infected patients, and show how feasible and fruitful it can be. Methods: This study is an analytical study. The statistical data collection from 39 hospitals was performed between 20 March to 21 September 2020. Descriptive Statistics as well as correlation coefficients were calculated using the 26th version of IBM SPSS. Results: Among 77489 COVID-19 patients admitted to the EDs, approximately 0.38% of patients died in EDs. 22.63% of EDs area was allocated to COVID-19 patients and 70.46% of ED nurses, worked in the gray area. There was no significant correlation between area, number of patients, number of nurses, number of shifts of nurses, number of nurses for each patient, number of nurse shifts for each patient, and area for each patient with mortality rate and rates of disposition in 6 and 12 hours. Conclusion: Gray area is an appropriate strategy to confront COVID-19 in EDs and if more studies approve these results, this strategy can be used to confront this pandemic and future similar conditions in resource-limited countries.
Accommodative spasm as the main manifestation of topical eye contact with insecticide
Authors: Khavandi Siamak , Tabibzadeh Elsa , Khavandi Soheila , Soltani Zangbar Hamid , Ghadiri Tahereh
Published: November 2022

The patient is a 23-year-old Caucasian male farmer who, after topical eye contact with an insecticide, developed accommodative spasm and blurred vision in one eye. He was treated with frequent doses of 2% homatropine drop and recovered within a week.
Assessment of quality of life in patients with lower limb osteoarthritis
Authors: Esalatmanesh Kamal , Esalatmanesh Roozbeh , Soleimani Zahra , Mahmoodian Darvishani Dariush , Khabbazi Alireza , Malek Mahdavi Aida
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disease, which directly influences individual’s quality of life (QOL). In current study, we decided to assess the QOL in patients with lower limb OA to find an association between patients’ QOL and demographic factors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 203 OA patients aged over 50 years and 200 healthy controls matched with regard to age and gender were included. Short Form 12-item Health Survey (SF-12) was used to evaluate QOL. Results: The mean±standard deviation (SD) age of OA patients and control group was 69.82±11.49 and 68.18±10.54 years, respectively. 63% of patients and 56% of control group were females. Most of SF-12 domains including physical functioning, role physical, general health, social functioning, and role emotional were significantly lower in OA patients compared with the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, bodily pain domain was significantly higher in OA patients compared with the control group (P=0.038). There was a considerable correlation between most SF-12 domains with age and sex (P<0.05); whereas considerable correlation was just noticed between role physical domain with body mass index (BMI) (P<0.001). Additionally, Vitality considerably was associated with marital status (P=0.038). Conclusion: QOL in lower limb OA patients was compared with healthy subjects and this impairment was in association with some demographic factors.
Mesenchymal stem cell secretome induced the acquisition of anti-inflammatory phenotype in rat cortical microglia in vitro
Authors: Davand-Barenji Babak , Eskandani Morteza , Rahbarghazi Reza , Geranmayeh Mohammad Hossein
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Here, we aimed to address the impact of mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned medium (MSCs-CM) on M1/M2 phenotype shifting of rat microglia after 48 hours in vitro. Methods: Rat neonatal cortical microglia were randomly allocated into four different groups as follows: Control; MSC-CM; IL-4; and Anti-IL-4 groups. In the MSC-CM, microglia were treated with MSC condition media. In the interleukin-4 (IL-4), cells received 20 ng/mL IL-4; conceived as a positive M2 control group). In the Anti-IL-4, the combination of IL-4 peptide and anti-IL-4 antibody was used. After 48 hours, protein levels of Iba1, CD86, and CD206 were monitored using immunofluorescence imaging and flow cytometry analysis. Results: According to immunofluorescence imaging, 48-hour incubation of rat cortical microglia with stem cells condition media increased protein levels of CD206 and decreased CD86, showing the polarization of microglia toward M2 type lineage compared to the non-treated control group. We found a similar trend in the group that received IL-4. By contrast, the incubation of microglia with anti-IL-4 antibody blunted the stimulatory effect of IL-4 to promote M2-type microglia. Similar to the immunofluorescence data, flow cytometry analysis revealed a significant increase of CD206 positive microglia after exposure to MSC-CM and IL-4 (P<0.05). Treatment with anti-IL-4 antibody significantly reduced the percent of CD206 positive cells, showing the inhibition of M1-to-M2 phenotype acquisition. Conclusion: The current study highlighted a notable anti-inflammatory effect of MSC secretome on cortical microglia by promoting M1-to-M2 phenotype acquisition.
Comparison of Gastrointestinal Symptoms between Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis and Healthy Population
Authors: Mortazavi Mojgan , Adibi Peyman , Hassanzadeh Keshteli Ammar , Feizi Awat , JameShorani Maryam , Soodavi Mohammad , Jafari Mohammad
Published: November 2022

Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) complain of many gastrointestinal (GI) problems. The goal of the current study was to compare the prevalence of GI disorders in a relatively large group of patients with ESRD with healthy participants. Methods: In a matched case-control study, 597 patients undergoing hemodialysis and 740 healthy participants were investigated. All subjects were asked to complete Rome III questionnaire, including five modules to evaluate GI disorders. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression questionnaire, as well as the 12-general health questionnaire for psychological disorders assessment, were used. Results: Our results showed that in patients undergoing hemodialysis, the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (OR=1.75), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (OR=1.55), and dyspepsia (OR=3.39) was significantly higher than in healthy control participants, while no significant difference was found in terms of constipation (OR=0.88). The association remained significant for dyspepsia and IBS even after controlling for psychological disorders as important potential confounding variables. On the other hand, adjustment for psychological disorders led to an insignificant association between hemodialysis and GERD. Surprisingly a significant relationship was observed between constipation and hemodialysis after adjustment for mentioned psychological factors. Conclusion: Our results showed that there was a significant relationship between hemodialysis and some GI complaints such as IBS, dyspepsia, GERD, and bloating. Psychological disorders only influence GERD prevalence in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Effectiveness of Local Botulinum Toxin Injection for Perianal Pain after Hemorrhoidectomy
Authors: Yaghoobi Notash Aidin , Sadeghian Ehsan , Heshmati Alireza , Sorush Ahmadreza
Published: November 2022

Background: Hemorrhoidectomy is commonly associated with post-operative perianal pain. Local botulinum toxin injection by relaxing the smooth muscles of the perianal sphincter and reducing anal pressure can be effective in decreasing post-operative pain. This study evaluates the effectiveness of local botulinum toxin injection in controlling pain after hemorrhoidectomy. Methods: This study was a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. A total of 40 patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy who were referred to Shariati Hospital in 2019- 2020 were enrolled as participants and divided into two groups. In one group, injection of botulinum toxin was done in intersphincteric area, and in the other group, there was no intervention after hemorrhoidectomy. SPSS software version 24 was used to analyze the data. Results: Local botulinum toxin injection (MASPORT® 500) significantly reduced post-operative perianal pain on the first, third, fifth, and seventh days after the operation compared with the second group (P<0.05). The mean pain scores in the first, third, fifth, and seventh days in the first and second groups were 7.60 (±0.88) versus 8.25 (±1.16), 40.5 (±0.88) versus 6.05 (±0.99), 2.45 (±0.51) versus 3.05 (±0.68), and 2.05 (±0.39) versus 1.70 (±0.57), respectively. Furthermore, pain during defecation was significantly lower for the experimental group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Local botulinum toxin injection effectively improves post-operative pain after hemorrhoidectomy. Further studies are needed to prove the clinical value of local botulinum toxin injection.
Esophagitis Dissecans Superficialis after COVID-19; A Case Report
Authors: Salehi Amir Mohammad , Salehi Hossain , Hasanzarrini Maryam
Published: November 2022

Esophagitis dissecans superficialis (EDS) is an uncommon disease characterized by esophageal mucosal sloughing. EDS is a benign condition that usually resolves without residual pathology. Medication, chemical irritants, hot drinks, and autoimmune diseases have all been associated with EDS. Here a 60-year-old lady with post-COVID-19 EDS is presented. Her chief complaint was dysphagia and odynophagia for 2 weeks duration. EDS diagnosis was based on endoscopic findings and biopsy. Her problem was improved by a high dose of pantoprazole.
Detection of cervical precancerous cells from Pap-smear images using ensemble classification
Authors: Lotfi Marziyeh , Momenzadeh Mohammadreza
Published: November 2022

Background. Cervical cancer begins in superficial cells and over time can invade deeper tissues and surrounding tissues. This paper presents a creative idea of using an ensemble classification algorithm that improves the predictive performance of an artificial intelligence system based on cervical cancer screening. This study aimed to classify Pap-smear images by different machine learning methods to achieve high accuracy detection. Methods. This study was performed on 917 Pap-smear images from the Herlev public database. In the feature extraction stage, 20 geometric features and 76 texture features were extracted. After that, using ensemble classification method, the images were classified into two categories (i.e., normal and abnormal) and then into seven categories (i.e., superficial epithelial, intermediate epithelial, columnar epithelial, mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia, severe dysplasia and carcinoma) and the accuracy of the proposed method was evaluated. Results. The algorithm in the ensemble classification was able to achieve accuracy of 99.9% with a processing time of 0.028 second in the two-class classification and accuracy of 76.5% with a processing time of 0.033 second in the seven-class classification. Conclusion. Based on the results, the designed algorithm can be used as a computer aided diagnostic tool to increase the accuracy and speed of predicting the risk of cervical cancer. Practical Implications. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Early diagnosis of the disease can save various costs and prevent the patients’ frequent visits to medical centers. This research proposed an artificial intelligence method for automatic classification of cervical cells and improving the accuracy of diagnosis.
Synthesis, characterization, and application of gold nanostars for the identification of 2-Arachidonoyl glycerol
Authors: Kohansal Fereshteh , Mobed Ahmad , Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Ahmadalipour Ali , Shadjou Nasrin
Published: November 2022

Background. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS) and plays a key role in regulating cognitive and physiological processes. Also, 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is one of the imperative endocannabinoids with key roles in the CNS. It acts as a signaling lipid and activates the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. In addition, 2-AG is involved in a variety of physiological functions such as energy balance, emotion, pain sensation, cognition, and neuroinflammation. Hence, rapid and specific diagnosis of 2-AG is of great importance in medical neuroscience. Routine methods used in detection of 2-AG are not sensitive and specific. Therefore, the development of new methods in this area has been one of the most important research areas in recent years. Methods. Herein, an innovative immunosensor was developed for quantification of 2-AG. To this end, gold nanostars (GNSs) were synthesized and conjugated with a specific biotinylated antibody activated by EDC/NHS against 2-AG. The resultant bio-conjugate was immobilized on the gold electrode surface and used to detect and analyze 2-arachidonylglycerol antigen by cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. Results. For the first time, 2-AG protein was measured with an excellent linear range of 0.00048-1 ng/L and lower limit of quantification of 0.00048 ng/L by electroanalysis method. The designed immunosensor showed high sensitivity and specificity in the presence of interfering antigens, which proved its appropriate use in the diagnosis of neurological disorders. Conclusion. The remarkable achievement of the present study is the development of a new immunosensor for the sensitive and accurate detection of 2-AG. The fabricated sensor substrate showed good analytical results for the target analyte. Regardless of the appropriate sensitivity and selectivity of the designed biosensor, the stability of the sensor is low and it is recommended to use it immediately after preparation. Also, the immunosensor engineered in this research was very economical and had a very fast and good performance compared to the usual and traditional methods for detecting 2-AG. Practical Implications. For the first time, 2-AG protein was measured with an excellent linear range of 0.00048-1 ng/L and lower limit of quantification of 0.00048 ng/L by electro analysis method. The designed immunosensor showed high sensitivity and specificity in the presence of interfering antigens, which proved its appropriate use in the diagnosis of neurological disorders.
The comparison of anxiety and depression in women with the experience of induced abortion and delivery of unwanted pregnancy
Authors: Ghasemi Aghdam Nikoo , Khosravi Zohreh , Tavoli Azadeh , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh , Nazarpour Sima
Published: November 2022

Background. Unwanted pregnancy can affect the sweet experience of motherhood and put a person at the crossroads of abortion or childbirth unaware of how each choice can affect a person's mental health, especially anxiety and depression. This study aimed to compare the rates of anxiety and depression between two groups of women with the experience of induced abortion and unwanted delivery. Methods. This research was conducted among 420 women with experience of unwanted pregnancy, including 210 women with a history of induced abortion and 210 women with a history of unwanted delivery. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were the main tools for gathering the related information. We collected demographic information, including marital status, age, number of children, occupation, and level of education. The associated data was analyzed based on an independent t-test using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software 19. Results. The results showed that the rate of anxiety among women with a history of unwanted delivery was higher than those with induced abortion. Although there was no significant difference in depression between the two groups, most subscales of depression such as feelings of failure, dissatisfaction, guilt, self-blame, suicidal ideation, crying, apathy, indecision, feelings of worthlessness, impotence, changes in sleep patterns, irritability, changes in appetite, difficulty in concentration, fatigue, and sexual apathy in the group with a history of abortion were higher than the group of women with a history of unwanted delivery. In addition, the rate of anxiety and depression was higher among single women with experience of induced abortion than married ones (P<0.05). Conclusion. According to the results, different levels of depression are more likely to occur among women who experience induced abortion under the influence of cultural, social, and religious factors. On the other hand, the level of anxiety among mothers who choose the path of childbirth in the situation of unwanted pregnancy is higher due to the responsibilities of parenthood. Furthermore, the relationships out of the formal marriage in traditional societies like Iran are taboos and do not meet social acceptance; so single mothers have to abort secretly without having the right to choose. This coercion can explain the higher rate of anxiety and depression among single women with a history of induced abortion than married ones. Practical Implications. The results of the present study can be used in the field of applied research and the development of preventive and therapeutic protocols and cover a large number of mothers and infants affected by anxiety disorders and depression due to unwanted pregnancies.
Evaluating the willingness and ability of nurses in response to disaster events: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sharififar Simintaj , Hosseini Shokouh Seyyed- Javad , moradi Maryam
Published: November 2022

Background. It is essential to identify influential motivational factors to create willingness and improve skills in health staff, especially nurses. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the willingness and ability of nurses to deal with different disasters in some hospitals of Tehran, Iran. Methods. This cross-sectional study used a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of three parts: 1) demographic questions, 2) questions indicating the level of nurses' willingness and the ability to respond to various disasters, and 3) questions about obstacles for working in disasters. Results. A total of 308 questionnaires were completed. While 60.7% of respondents were male, 39.3% were female. The level of willingness and ability of participants to work in disasters indicated that the highest willingness and ability were associated with natural disasters (floods, earthquakes), and the lowest willingness and ability were related to participating in response to epidemics. The prioritization of the participants concerning the most critical barriers of appropriate response to the disasters demonstrated that caring for children in natural disasters and mass casualty incident, family health in chemical disasters, fear of contamination in nuclear disasters, and fear of infection in an epidemic were the main obstacles. The factors of gender, age, marital status, and health level of individuals affected the level of willingness and ability of participants. Besides, the parameters, including income level and caring for the elderly and disabled people influenced the willingness of nurses to participate in times of crisis. Conclusion. The professional preparation of health care personnel to perform their duties in critical conditions is essential. Hence, preventive measures to minimize the risk and strengthen the ethical obligations of employees in this profession in crises will be beneficial. Practical Implications. The findings of this study provide an opportunity to strengthen the ability and willingness of health care workers to address barriers to intervention in times of crisis. Also, health care centers should support the staff caring for children, the elderly, and disabled people.