bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efeito do tempo e das condições do meio nas propriedades mecânicas-químicas-morfológicas dos cimentos de ionômero de vidro convencionais
Authors: Kantovitz Kamila Rosamilia , Motta Júnior Joel , Moreira Kelly Maria Silva , Cibim Daniela Dellosso , Correr Gisele Maria , Alonso Roberta Caroline Bruschi , Pascon Fernanda Miori , Rontani Regina Maria Puppin
Published: April 2024

RESUMO: Introdução: o desempenho satisfatório de um material restaurador quando exposto a um desafio químico pode ser relevante para sua indicação clínica. Objetivos: esse estudo investigou, in vitro, os efeitos do desafio químico na resistência à compressão (RC), resistência à tração diametral (RTD), rugosidade superficial (R), dureza superficial (D), liberação de flúor (F) e características morfológicas (MEV) de cimentos de ionômero de vidro (CIVs) populares. Métodos: os CIVs Maxxion R (MX) e Magic Glass (MG) foram preparados de acordo com as instruções dos fabricantes. Moldes em formato cilíndrico (6 x 3 mm) e em forma de disco (4 x 2 mm) foram utilizados para a RC e para os testes de RTD, R, D, F e MEV, respectivamente. Espécimes de cada material foram distribuídos aleatoriamente, de acordo com o desafio químico: solução de desmineralização (DE; pH 4,3); solução de remineralização/saliva artificial (RE; pH 7,0). Os espécimes foram imersos individualmente em 2 mL das soluções, que foram trocadas diariamente. Após 15 dias de armazenamento, foram realizadas análises de RC, RTD, R, D, F e MEV. RC e RTD foram avaliadas usando uma máquina universal de testes; R foi avaliada usando um instrumento de medição de rugosidade superficial; e D, usando o teste de microdureza Knoop. Foram realizados os testes estatísticos ANOVA e Tukey (α = 0,05). Resultados: a condição de armazenamento não afetou a RC, RTD ou R de ambos os CIVs. Antes do armazenamento, o MX mostrou D significativamente maior que o MG. No entanto, após 15 dias de armazenamento, em ambas as soluções (DE e RE), não houve diferença entre os materiais. MG apresentou maior liberação de flúor do que MX, em todos os períodos de avaliação e em ambas as soluções. DE reduziu significativamente D e aumentou F de ambos os materiais. Conclusões: o desafio químico promovido pela DE aumentou a degradação, reduzindo a D e aumentando a F. RE não afetou as propriedades mecânicas e as características superficiais dos CIVs.
Sorriso não é Dente.
Authors: Rossi Felipe Augusto Rodrigues
Published: April 2024

Odontologia não pode ser tudo. Nenhum trabalho poderia. Resolvi sair da minha caixa profissional e ir além nas palavras, para falar da vida. Não nasci dentista; tornei-me um. Odontologia não pode ser o norte para uma vida bem vivida. A não ser que você trabalhe com sorrisos, e não dentes. Vejo muita gente falando de laminados e protocolos cerâmicos, resinas x cerâmicas, Odontologia pura, mas o ato de sorrir ultrapassa e transcende a técnica. Para se fazer sorrir, não basta ser dentista, tem que ser uma boa pessoa.
Why Did Southeast Asia’s Military Expenditure Increase During a Recession?
Authors: Pramono Sugiarto , Syarifah Claudia , Datta Sujit Kumar
Published: April 2024

The world is in recession, Covid-19 and the Ukraine Crisis are two important events that have made the world economy worse. The World Bank predicts an increased risk of a global recession in 2023. A recession will impact many aspects of life, including the military. This is reasonable because efforts to overcome them are prioritized in the main sectors. Something is fascinating about Southeast Asia, namely that its military expenditure has increased. Why did Southeast Asia's military expenditure increase during a recession? This pattern of contradic- tion is not only important but also interesting to study. Using qualitative methods with data analysis techniques, and borrowing a structural realism approach, it is found that the in- creasing competition between the U.S.A. and China has triggered an increase in military ex- penditure in the region. At the same time conflicts and potential conflicts between countries in the Southeast Asian region, although not directly, are permanent causes. The recession does not seem to affect efficiency in military expenditure, this shows that tensions in Southeast Asia are a priority of countries in the region. These findings close a gap in previous studies which were relatively dominated by efforts to link military expenditure to economic growth using quantitative methods
Synchronizing Poverty Alleviation Strategy: Lesson Learned from Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Yudhistira Indra , Prawata Hadi Sudharto , Prabawani Bulan
Published: April 2024

Budget constraints and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are limiting poverty alleviation initiatives in Central Java. Local governments in Central Java are attempting to refocus priority policies by collaborating with local government agencies and CSR participants in order to reduce poverty, which necessitates the convergence of social protection contributions and CSR contributions as a solution that needs to be optimized in Central Java. One of the poverty alleviation program's action steps is to maximize the e-government CSR reporting system known as SILAP CSR and the CSR forum working group at the Central Java Province level to facilitate the convergence of social protection contributions based on potential, problems and needs in communities. However, SILAP CSR and the CSR forum working group have not been adequately exploited and socialized to the 35 regency and city governments across Central Java, hurting the quality and number of CSR participants in the local area. As a result, this study was carried out to determine the extent to which SILAP CSR and the CSR Forum working group synchronized their performance in poverty alleviation efforts among government agencies and CSR players at the Central Java Province level. This study employs qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and Nvivo, to examine the impact and evaluation of SILAP CSR and the CSR forum working group at the Central Java Province level, based on the theoretical foundations of stakeholders, governance, and leadership as essential keys to maximizing poverty alleviation strategies through internal and external collaboration. The findings indicate that SILAP CSR and the CSR forum working group at the Central Java Provincial level are not in sync with the 35 regencies and city administrations in Central Java. As such, different techniques are required to improve their performance: 1) internal collaboration among government agencies and partnerships with CSR participants to reduce technical and ego-sectoral barriers; 2) building sustainable participation through MUSRENBANG and CSR forum working group; 3) updating SILAP CSR data and synchronizing with various e-government and open data sources inclusively; 4) continuous supervision to avoid potential duplication and the risk of greenwashing CSR participants; and 5) the role of autocratic transformational leadership.
The Deployment of K-Pop in Asian Market through the Implementation of Cross-Country Business Contracts by the Korean Entertainment Company
Authors: Saraswati Alifia , Abdillah Yusri , Rut Damayanti Cacik
Published: April 2024

Recently, the emergence of a popular commodification in the form of South Korean music, known as K-Pop, has the potential to attract youthful generations in a number of Asian nations. The massive deployment of K-Pop has become public attention on how music with uncommon language could reach many people outside South Korea. One of the entertainment companies considered responsible for the phenomenon is SM Entertainment. This company is considered one of the largest in South Korea. Thanks to its business strategy capable of deploying commodification called K-Pop could enter many Asian countries, with the local company from the target market. This research aims to analyze the business contracts between SM Entertainment and the affiliation companies to create business collaboration in the form of entry mode toward different Asian countries and to evaluate SM Entertainment's success in deploying their K-Pop's commodification in Asia. This research applied the theory of Cultural Technology, Entry Mode and Cross-Country Business Contracts with a qualitative descriptive method. The results showed that implementing cross-country business contracts is doing a number in K-Pop’s expansion across Asia by modifying the business contracts suitable for the SM Entertainment and the target market to enter the Asian Market. This research also shows  that K-Pop's expansion in the Asian Market is a successful movement since K-Pop’s commodification reached and influenced many people to consume it, especially from SM Entertainment. Nonetheless, SM Entertainment is expected in entertainment if they are eager to make this K-Pop's commodification accepted generally and not just as one- time phenomenon.
Postponement of the 2024 Election: Failure to Create Policy Window from the Perspective of the Multiple Stream Framework
Authors: Fatkhuri Fatkhuri
Published: April 2024

In late 2021, public attention was captivated by a contentious issue surrounding the potential postponement of the 2024 election. Prominent figures including Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, as well as leaders from the Golkar, PKB, and PAN parties, put forward proposals to delay the upcoming election. This study was undertaken to delve into the underlying factors contributing to the downfall of the discourse advocating the postponement of the 2024 election. Through the application of Kingdon's (2014) multi-stream framework (MSF) analysis, this research reveals that the notion of postponing the election lacked the necessary feasibility to transition into a viable policy agenda, as assessed from the perspectives of the problem stream, policy stream, and political stream. Examination of the problem stream reveals a lack of indicators supporting the idea of postponing the 2024 election from an economic standpoint. The prevalent positive economic growth and the optimistic sentiment of the populace toward national economic progress undermine any basis for endorsing the discourse. Moving to the policy stream, it becomes evident that most legislative members and community groups outright rejected the discourse. Additionally, the dearth of policy entrepreneurs emerged as a crucial factor contributing to the discourse's failure. Lastly, from the political stream perspective, the lack of widespread public support proved to be a pivotal factor in the discourse's demise. Political parties, the legislature, and various segments of society, including students, vehemently opposed the proposition. This landscape underscores the incongruence between the nation's sentiment and the notion of postponing the election. Consequently, the inability of the discourse to gain traction as a government policy agenda can be attributed to the prevailing economic conditions, the absence of substantial public support, and the lack of influential groups positioned as policy entrepreneurs advocating for the postponement of the 2024 election.
L’identité discursive féminine dans le récit manifestant lors des mobilisations citoyennes en Pologne en 2020
Authors: Woch Agnieszka
Published: April 2024

The present contribution is a corpus-based analysis of protest messages that could be read during demonstrations in Poland against the decision of the Constitutional Court imposing further restrictions on the abortion law in 2020. The corpus is made up of 1000 texts written on placards and banners of the demonstrators, which were photographed and uploaded on newspaper websites or on Facebook between October 22 and November 22. The author examines the slogans with the aim of grasping the discursive identity/identities of protesting women, and reflect on the changing perception of the role of women in the Polish society.
Identité migrante et ses manifestations discursives dans Trilogia de Marco Micone
Authors: Wołowski Witold , Jakubczuk Renata
Published: April 2024

This article – focused on three plays that make up Marco Micone’s dramatic trilogy (Gens du silence, Addolorata, Déjà l’agonie) – consists of two parts. First, it outlines the historical-political environment of Quebec in the context of immigration and identity issues. Then, the article analyzes some compositional and linguistic aspects – micro- and macrostructural – linked to the migrant identity of the protagonists (monology, adialogism, plurilingualism, metalinguism).
Mödrar som mördar
Authors: Kostenniemi Peter
Published: April 2024

Theme: Motherhood and Mothering. Ill. ©Stina Wirsén

Mothers That Murder: The Myling, Baby Farmers, and Mothering

In contemporary Swedish children’s literature, mylings and baby farmers make frequent appearances. A myling is the ghost of a murdered child, destined to haunt and expose its assassin. Baby farmers were women paid to take care of unwanted children but sometimes killed them, either directly or through neglect. Both motifs indirectly address issues of motherhood and mothering, and the aim of this article is to discuss how they are represented in children’s literature. In research about motherhood, being a mother is often distinguished from the act of mothering. Motherhood is associated with a biological discourse whilst mothering refers to social practices of care that are associated with the mother but may also be carried out by other people. Both mylings and baby farmers address this distinction but in various ways. In folklore about mylings, the biological mother is traditionally singled out as the infant’s killer. This misogynistic discourse is, to some extent, renegotiated in contemporary non-fictional works about Nordic mythology for children. In fictional works, though, the mother is still portrayed as the sole caregiver for the child and the only one to blame for its death, thus disregarding the distinction between motherhood and mothering. Baby farmers are neither mothers nor are they mothering. Children’s novels set in the past describe the baby farmer as part of a societal industry where a discrepancy between motherhood and mothering is displayed: children are born but not cared for. However, the burden of guilt is shared amongst various social actors, including the fathers. In Gothic fiction set in a contemporaneous society, the baby farmer reveals a deficit in mothering altogether and offers neglect – an anti-mothering – in its place.
Bakom den leende masken
Authors: Haglund Tuva , Nauwerck Malin
Published: April 2024

Theme: Motherhood and Mothering. Ill. ©Stina Wirsén

Behind the Pretty Mask: Vulnerable Mothering in Contemporary Picturebooks about Surrogacy and Illness

Children and adults, the dual audience of picturebooks, are joined in the act of reading aloud. For many parents, reading to their child constitutes one of the basic, intimate care practices of mothering (Rich; Holm). In this study, we examine picturebooks about surrogacy and about mothering parents who are mentally or physically ill, published in Sweden in the period between 2010 and 2022. Both types of books depict a vulnerability in relation to parenthood, motherhood and mothering and are often autobiographical and niche- or self-published. With an analytical approach grounded in critical theories of adult agency in children’s literature (Rose; Nodelman; Beauvais), we find that both picturebooks about surrogacy and illness communicate straightforward and often sentimental messages to the child reader, whereas more complex and possibly problematic adult desires and needs can be detected on the level of the adult address. Through the projected child perspective (Rhedin), our material offers the vulnerable adult reader representation and recognition in relation to a motherhood/mothering that is not unequivocally considered sufficient or legitimate. The traditional aesthetics and pedagogical use-value of the picturebook as well as the positive maternal associations to reading aloud, are essential in this legitimization process. Meanwhile, the implied child reader functions as a projection surface for adult wishes of normalcy and happy endings. Although hidden behind adult projections, it is this “mighty” child (Beauvais) who ultimately has the power to acknowledge and justify the parents in an impending future which reaches beyond the control of both adult writer and implied adult reader.
Continuously tuneable single electrode pair liquid crystal optical vortex generators
Authors: Nourshargh Camron , Xu Alec , Salter Patrick S. , Booth Martin J. , Elston Steve J. , Morris Stephen M.
Published: April 2024

In this work, we demonstrate the use of two-photon polymerization direct laser writing in the production of continuously tuneable optical vortex beam (OV) generators in a liquid crystal (LC) layer sandwiched between glass substrates. Results are presented that show how an OV generator can be inscribed into a 20 μm-thick LC layer and how the order of the OV beam can be tuned with the application of a voltage. Importantly, only a single pair of electrodes is needed to tune the order of the vortex as the required phase profile is generated through the 3D structuring of the polymer network using the laser writing process. Following the design and fabrication of the LC-OV generator, a Mach–Zehnder interferometer is subsequently employed, in conjunction with polarizing optical microscopy, to characterize the devices to confirm the generation of OVs of different orders and to determine the corresponding chirality. The paper concludes by considering whether these LC-OV generators can function at a range of different operation wavelengths. Such devices would be of potential importance in applications ranging from optical communications to quantum physics.
Activity-Dependent Ectopic Spiking in Parvalbumin-Expressing Interneurons of the Neocortex
Authors: Theyel Brian B. , Stevenson Rachel J. , Connors Barry W.
Published: April 2024

Canonically, action potentials of most mammalian neurons initiate at the axon initial segment (AIS) and propagate bidirectionally: orthodromically along the distal axon and retrogradely into the soma and dendrites. Under some circumstances, action potentials may initiate ectopically, at sites distal to the AIS, and propagate antidromically along the axon. These “ectopic action potentials” (EAPs) have been observed in experimental models of seizures and chronic pain, and more rarely in nonpathological forebrain neurons. Here we report that a large majority of parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons in the upper layers of mouse neocortex, from both orbitofrontal and primary somatosensory areas, fire EAPs after sufficient activation of their somata. Somatostatin-expressing interneurons also fire EAPs, though less robustly. Ectopic firing in PV+ cells occurs in varying temporal patterns and can persist for several seconds. PV+ cells evoke strong synaptic inhibition in pyramidal neurons and interneurons and play critical roles in cortical function. Our results suggest that ectopic spiking of PV+ interneurons is common and may contribute to both normal and pathological network functions of the neocortex.
Tracing the Historical Evolution of Form and Aesthetic Meaning in Dhadak Merak Reyog Ponorogo, 1920s-1990s
Authors: Wijayanto Heri , Sugianto Alip , Djuwitaningsih Ekapti Wahjuni
Published: April 2024

The Dhadak Merak Reyog Ponorogo is a mask that embodies aesthetic and philosophical values. Therefore, this study aims to capture the form of Dhadak Merak Reyog Ponorogo over time and uncover the values it represents. The methodology in this research uses a visual semiotics approach to explain the symbols in Dhadak Merak Reyog Ponorogo. The findings reveal that the development of Dhadak Merak was initially very simple, lacking peacock feathers, and performed by two people acting as jegol in the 1920s. Subsequently, the peacock appearance was neatly arranged, but it did not have peacock cohong until 1940. During the Sukarno period, the peacock cohong began adorning Dhadak Merak, giving it a realistic impression until the New Order era, when the form of Dhadak Merak was standardized. The evolution of Dhadak Merak’s form is related to the community’s social, political, and economic conditions. Dhadak Merak holds meanings that symbolize the representation of a king and queen, embodying high aesthetic and philosophical values for the people of East Java, Indonesia.Dhadak Merak Reyog Ponorogo merupakan sebuah topeng yang mengandung makna nilai estetis dan filosofis. Oleh karena itu penelitian ini ingin memotret bentuk Dhadak Merak Reyog Ponorogo dari waktu ke waktu serta mengungkap nilai yang terkandung di dalamnya. Metodologi dalam penelitian ini mengunakan pendekatan semiotika visual untuk menjelaskan simbol-simbol secara objektif yang terdapat dalam Dhadak Merak Reyog Ponorogo. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah bahwa perkembangan Dhadak Merak pada awal sangat sederhana, belum memiliki bulu merak dan dimainkan oleh dua orang yang berperan sebagai jegol tahun 1920an. Selanjutnya tampilan burung merak sudah ditata dengan rapi tetapi belum memiliki cohong burung merak sampai dengan tahun 1940. Pada periode Sukarno, cohong burung merak sudah menghiasi Dhadak Merak sehingga terkesan realis sampai pada era Orde Baru ada pembakuan bentuk Dhadak Merak. Perjalan perubahan bentuk Dhadak Merak terkait dengan kondisi sosial, politik dan ekonomi masyarakat. Dhadak Merak menyimpan makna yang melambangkan representasi dari raja dan permaisuri yang memiliki nilai estetik dan filosofi yang tinggi bagi masyarakat Jawa TImur, Indonesia.
Promoting Peacebuilding through Humanistic Learning in History Class
Authors: Ba'in Ba'in , Suyahmo Suyahmo , Pramono Suwito Eko , Atmaja Hamdan Tri , Shokheh Muhammad , Hartatik Endah Sri
Published: April 2024

This study aims to construct a history-learning scheme using a humanistic approach to create peace in the Boyolali region. This study used a descriptive method within the Cresswell framework. This study’s data sources were informants, consisting of fifteen participants. Data analysis applies an interactive model. The results showed that mass trauma related to past events, namely the 1965 Incident, still occurred in Boyolali, which is an indication of the ambivalence of society and has an impact on a less harmonious social situation. Reconciliation through education is necessary for creating a peaceful atmosphere. A history-learning scheme with a humanistic approach, which is constructed based on the phenomena and social conditions of the community, has succeeded in creating a proactive learning atmosphere to break hatred and spread the spirit of peace. In conclusion, history learning with a humanistic approach is relevant for creating a peaceful society, free of conflict and ambivalence, and able to think constructively about social development in the Boyolali region.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menyusun skema pembelajaran sejarah dengan pendekatan humanistik untuk menciptakan perdamaian di wilayah Boyolali. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif dalam kerangka Cresswell. Sumber data penelitian ini adalah informan yang terdiri dari lima belas partisipan. Analisis data menggunakan model interaktif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa trauma massal terkait peristiwa masa lalu yaitu Peristiwa 1965 masih terjadi di Boyolali yang merupakan indikasi ambivalensi masyarakat dan berdampak pada kurang harmonisnya situasi sosial. Rekonsiliasi melalui pendidikan diperlukan untuk menciptakan suasana damai. Skema pembelajaran sejarah dengan pendekatan humanistik yang dibangun berdasarkan fenomena dan kondisi sosial masyarakat berhasil menciptakan suasana pembelajaran yang proaktif untuk mematahkan kebencian dan menyebarkan semangat perdamaian. Kesimpulannya, pembelajaran sejarah dengan pendekatan humanistik relevan untuk mewujudkan masyarakat damai, bebas konflik dan ambivalensi, serta mampu berpikir konstruktif terhadap pembangunan sosial di wilayah Boyolali.
Estrategia educativa para el desarrollo físico de los niños en el hogar
Authors: Téllez Quiala Aliagna , Espinal Ribeaux Beatriz de la Caridad
Published: April 2024

El objetivo de esta investigación es preparar a las familias de niños y niñas entre los 3 y 4 años del Programa Educa a tu hijo, del Consejo Popular El Caney, del municipio Santiago de Cuba para estimular su desarrollo físico en el hogar en la etapa de confinamiento por la pandemia de Covid-19. Entre los antecedentes de este estudio están Lizarazo (2020), Muñoz y Lluch (2020), Siverio et al. (2012), Siverio et al. (2014) y otros. Los métodos científicos empleados fueron: analítico sintético, inductivo deductivo y el sistémico-estructural-funcional, así como la revisión documental, el estadístico-matemático y las técnicas: entrevista y encuesta. Uno de los resultados logrados y el principal aporte de esta investigación consistió en el diseño de la estrategia educativa. Su aplicación preparó a las familias para conducir y guiar el desarrollo físico de los pequeños en el hogar para estimular su desarrollo integral. La estrategia es de gran actualidad, pues es alternativa al proceso educativo de la primera infancia en la comunidad, el cual ha sido reducido a la estimulación del desarrollo en el hogar conducido por la familia.
Impact of Covid-19 Pandemics on Urology Practices and Residency Training in an Indonesian Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Kusumajaya Christopher , Tjahjodjati Tjahjodjati
Published: April 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19 as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. Alterations in health service provisions must be applied to maintain prime services and decrease the number of healthcare workers exposure to Covid-19 by reducing the number of patients and workload, as well as cancelling elective surgeries. This study aimed to describe the urological services and residency training program during a Covid-19 year at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, which is a tertiary health center and teaching hospital in Indonesia. This was a comparative retrospective study conducted from January 2019 to December 2020 that compared the number of patients in inpatient and outpatient settings and emergency department, as well as surgical procedures performed before and during Covid-19 pandemic. Data were obtained from the administration department of the hospital, showing a reduction of 40,94%, 7.39%, 32.3%, and 53.89% of total inpatients, outpatients, emergency cases, and surgical procedures, respectively, in the urology department of the hospital when compared to the previous year. The number of surgeries that could be performed by residents was reduced by 30-60%. This current study showed the decreased number of patients and urological operative procedures during COVID-19 pandemic. This is assumed to give negative impacts to the urological residency training due to the limited exposure to variety of cases and surgical skill procedures.
Correlation between Duration of Placement of Non-tunneled Hemodialysis Catheter and Positive Bacterial Culture Incidence in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Djajakusumah Teguh Marfen , Hapsari Putie , Yarman Indra Prasetya , Utomo Hafidh Seno Radi , Lukman Kiki , Sulastri Dian , Ulurrosyad Muhammad Faiz
Published: April 2024

Non-tunneling hemodialysis catheter is one of the most convenient vascular accesses for hemodialysis in End Stage Kidney Disease (ESRD) patients. However, these catheters have the highest morbidity among all available accesses. Current guidelines recommend that non-tunneled hemodialysis catheters be placed for no more than 2 weeks to prevent bacterial contamination. This study was conducted in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia, throughout January-December 2021. A correlation test with a prospective observational analysis design was applied to find the link between the duration of non-tunneled hemodialysis catheter placement and the incidence of positive bacterial culture on the catheter. Pearson correlation test was used to see the strength of the correlation, with a significance limit of 0.05. This study involved 28 subjects. The most common location for catheter placement was in the jugular vein, and laboratory examinations showed no correlation between leukocyte values and positive bacterial culture results. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were not significant risk factors (p-value 0.887). At ≤14 days of catheter placement, only 1 (6.7%) of the subjects presented a positive culture result. Most of the positive bacterial culture results were found at a duration of 15-30 days of placement, (n=8; 53.3%). The results of the Pearson test showed a p-value of 0.036 and an r-value of 0.399, indicating a significant result with a strong correlation between the two variables. The duration of placement of hemodialysis catheters has a positive correlation with the incidence of positive bacterial cultures, which can increase the risk of systemic infection associated with hemodialysis catheters.
Bilateral Optic Nerve Atrophy Case Report
Authors: Nageeb Mohammed R. , Abdulmannan Dina M
Published: April 2024

Wolfram syndrome, also known as DIDMOAD or juvenile onset diabetes mellitus, optic nerve atrophy, diabetes insipidus, and deafness, is a genetic neurological condition. This case report provides a description on the first instance of Wolfram syndrome in a Saudi family, which manifested as proliferative diabetic retinopathy and a powder-like cataract, among the other unusual ophthalmological findings. This case involved a 27-year-old Saudi woman with bilateral optic nerve atrophy who was first diagnosed with diabetes mellitus at the age of 8 years. At the age of 18, bilateral optic nerve atrophy was identified. At the age of 27, diabetes insipidus and hearing loss were verified. There were no signs of renal, neurological, or psychiatric issues. Atypical ophthalmological traits were examined and addressed in this study. Any individual with bilateral optic nerve atrophy and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus within the first 30 years of life should be evaluated for the possibility of Wolfram syndrome. Microvascular diabetes is an incredibly rare complication of Wolfram syndrome. Early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of severe consequences can result in improved survival rates and quality of life.
Association Between Screen Time, Vitamin A Consumption Behavior, and Computer Vision Syndrome in Preclinical Medical Students
Authors: Prasetya Harka , Rahmawati Atik , Andira Aisyah Putri , Suparmi Suparmi
Published: April 2024

Computer Visual Syndrome (CVS) refers to visual disturbances induced by electronic media such as computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This research aimed to determine the association between screen time, vitamin A consumption behavior, and CVS symptoms among preclinical medical students. Ninety-five students from a single class at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung, Indonesia, participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected using an online survey platform in February 2022. The screen time, vitamin A consumption behavior, and CVS were measured using a validated questionnaire. The average daily screen time of the respondents was more than 10 h, with the majority having a moderate vitamin A consumption patterns (66.3%) and experienced CVS (63.2%). The most prevalent CVS symptom identified among these respondents was eye fatigue (62.1%), while double vision and inflamed or watery eyes were the least reported CVS symptoms (9.5% and 8.4%, respectively). The Chi-Square test revealed that there was no correlation between screen time and CVS (p > 0.05), but there was a significant correlation between vitamin A consumption and CVS (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CVS is observed among preclinical medical students due to increased screen time and decreased vitamin A consumption. Therefore, there is a need to develop strategies to manage screen time and vitamin A consumption among students at risk for developing a CVS during their academic careers.
Prevalence and associated factor of neonatal mortality among neonates admitted to Asella referral and teaching hospital, Asella, Ethiopia, 2024
Authors: Tadesse Aredo Melese , Habtamu Ashenafi , Bekele Mosisa , Legese Habtamu , Yihdego Hana , Hailu Helina , Alemnew Hailesilassie , Marara Galata
Published: April 2024

Background: The neonatal period, encompassing the first 28 days of life, is a critical phase for newborn survival. Neonatal mortality refers to the death of newborns within the initial four weeks of life and constitutes a significant portion of child mortality under five years old, accounting for 38% of these deaths in the developing world. The causes of neonatal mortality vary across different regions. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence, causes, and associated factors of neonatal mortality among neonates admitted to Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital in Asella, Ethiopia, in 2024. Method: A facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among neonates admitted to Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital from July 7, 2020, to July 7, 2023. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method. Data collected were entered into Epi Data Version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS Version 26. Descriptive analysis was performed for all independent variables. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in bivariable logistic regression analysis were further analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. A significant association between independent variables and the outcome variable was considered at a p-value < 0.05 in the multivariable regression analysis. Results: This study included 194 neonates, with a neonatal mortality prevalence of 13.9%. The leading causes of neonatal mortality were birth asphyxia (22.1%), meconium aspiration syndrome (14.8%), and neonatal sepsis (11.1%). Factors such as obstructed labor [AOR=3.5: 95% CI (1.2–10.7)], instrumentally assisted vaginal delivery [AOR=3.5: 95% CI (1.03–11.9)], pregnancy-induced hypertension [AOR=2.0: 95% CI (1.2–14.5)], and lack of antenatal care follow-up [AOR=3.2: 95% CI (1.1–9.9)] were identified as predictors of neonatal mortalities (p <0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of neonatal mortalities. Obstructed labor, instrumentally assisted vaginal delivery, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and inadequate antenatal care follow-up were significant predictors of neonatal mortality. Improvements in obstetric care quality, antenatal follow-up, and emergency obstetric services are crucial to reducing neonatal mortality rates in the study setting.
ПРОБЛЕМИ ПРАВОВОГО РЕГУЛЮВАННЯ БІОТЕХНОЛОГІЙ У ГАЛУЗІ ОХОРОНИ ЗДОРОВ’Я
Authors: Устименко В. , Россильна О.
Published: April 2024

Вступ. Процес подолання пандемії та активізація військових дій загострили питання розробки правового механізму контролю та застосування біотехнологій різного спрямування. Стрімке входження інноваційних технологій у медичну галузь спонукають до змін всю галузь охорони здоров’я — від формування державної політики до механізмів трансферу новітніх біотехнологій у медичну практику.Проблематика. Вектором дослідження є ідентифікація та пошук шляхів вирішення нагальних юридичних прогалин щодо впровадження та трансферу біотехнологій у галузі охорони здоров’я, а також оцінка перспектив напрямку медичних біотехнологій як одного з ключових інвестиційних напрямків.Мета. Правовий аналіз проблемних аспектів розробки, реалізації та передачі біотехнологій у галузі охорониздоров’я задля профілактики, діагностики та лікування найбільш поширених захворювань, дослідження їхнього впливу на розвиток персоналізованої медицини, а також значення для стратегії повоєнного відновлення України.Матеріали й методи. Основою методології дослідження є його антропологічна спрямованість; застосовано методи синтезу та аналізу, емпіричний, історичний та системно-структурний методи, а також методи прогнозування та економіко-правового аналізу.Результати. Започатковано комплексне дослідження правового регулювання міждисциплінарного напрямкубіотехнологій у медичній галузі для підвищення соціального благополуччя населення шляхом впровадження інноваційних технологій. Закцентовано увагу на потенціалі та перспективах медичних біотехнологій щодо привабливості для інвестиційної політики післявоєнного відновлення України.Висновки. Науково-теоретична основа медичних біотехнологій розвивається значно швидшими темпами, ніж правовий механізм їх впровадження у медичну практику, що може обмежувати особисті немайнові права фізичних осіб, які забезпечують їхнє природне існування. Така сфера також є ефективною складовою економіко-правового піднесення, що слугує драйвером економічних можливостей та інновацій.
The impact of climate aridification on rare lichen communities
Authors: Bukabayeva Z. , Abiyev S. , Silybayeva B. , Ivachshenko O.
Published: April 2024

The global diversity of approximately 25,000 lichen species (e.g., from the genera Usnea, Cladonia, and Peltigera), including rare and endangered ones, highlights the importance of preserving their population in the State National Nature Park “Burabay”. The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution of rare lichen species in the territory of the State National Nature Park “Burabay,” located in the Akmola region of Kazakhstan, in the period from 2018 to 2022, with a particular focus on understanding how aridification may have influenced their presence and abundance. In the course of the study, methods such as route expeditions, the comparative morphological method, as well as some other special methods were used. The collection of information to systematize the taxonomic composition of lichens (genera Lobaria, Rhizocarpon, and Xanthoria) was carried out during route expeditions. The study identified 56 lichen species, with a focus on rare and protected species. Established in 2000, the park's rich biodiversity is showcased, including the discovery of three very rare species (Dermatocarpon miniatum, Psora lurida, and Verrucaria nigrescens) and four species requiring protection (Peltigera spuria, Cladonia coccifera, Haematomma ventosum, and Caloplaca aurantiaca). These findings are significant, considering the absence of data on these species since the 1982 Red Book of Kazakhstan (including genera such as Lecanora, Lecidea, and Pertusaria). The sensitivity of lichens to environmental changes (indicated by genera like Alectoria, Bryoria, and Cetraria) makes them ideal for monitoring ecological health through a cost-effective method known as lichen indication. The increase in the species count over the past five years (highlighting genera such as Stereocaulon, Solorina, and Thamnolia) suggests effective conservation efforts and underlines the park's ecological importance. The study's findings reveal that aridification is reshaping lichen communities in the park, emphasizing their sensitivity to climate change and the need for conservation strategies to address these changes and ensure the preservation of lichen biodiversity in the face of global climate change. The research contributes valuable data for future conservation planning and environmental assessments in the region, emphasizing the need to protect diverse lichen genera (e.g., Evernia, Ramalina, and Parmotrema) for ecological monitoring and conservation.
Complex characteristics of landscape components affected by the disaster at the Ka-hovka Hydropower Plant
Authors: Dovhanenko D. О. , Yakovenko V. M. , Brygadyrenko V. V. , Boyko O. O.
Published: April 2024

The paper provides an in-detail analysis of the flooding in Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts as a result of the explosion at the Kahovka Hydropower Plant (HPP). We considered the possibility of using a combined analysis of the data of on-ground and remote monitoring of the course and consequences of the flooding. Based on the materials of the Ukrainian Hydometeorological Center of the State Service of Ukraine, we determined control points of chronology of the events and the dynamics of the main hydrometric indicators. The flooding began on 05/06/2023, the water returning back to the regular levels on average on 26/06/2023. The highest levels of water were observed in the period between June 7 and June 9, 2023. The synchronicity of the satellite surveillance of the territory during this time is representative. Based on the parameters of spatio-temporal resolution and degree of cloud cover, we chose the satellite images from Landsat 9 as the basic materials for our study. Using a modified normalized water index, we identified changes in the water area in the indicated time period. Using a digital model of the territory’s relief, we elaborated the zone of spread of the water surface in areas with dense vegetative cover. We found flooded zones where the water was much higher than the maximal levels recorded at the hydrological-monitoring checkpoints. The elucidation of estimations of the flooding zone revealed the components of natural landscapes that have been affected by the techogenic catastrophe. The flooding pummeled the azonal landscape complexes and complexes of above-floodplain terraces and coastal plains. The results of our study are an important step towards assessing the degradation of the downstream-Dnipro ecosystem. They will lay the groundwork for designing plans to liquidate the aftermath of the emergency and adaptation measures in the conditions of increasing risk of devastating technogenic events.
Compulsive sexual behaviour in Iranian married women: Prevalence, sociodemographic, sexual, and psychological predictors across-country
Authors: Khayer Elnaz , Zarei Rezvan , Damghanian Maryam , Bőthe Beáta , Farnam Farnaz
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

This study addresses the scarcity of research on Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) in non-Western cultures and women, exploring its prevalence, sociodemographic, sexual history characteristics, and sexual and psychological health factors in Iranian married women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study involving 772 heterosexual married women was conducted between 2022 and 2023, covering all 31 provinces of Iran. Participants were categorized as CSBD+ (at-risk individuals) and CSBD− (low-risk individuals) based on a pre-established cut-off point of ≥18 by the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Scale −7. Depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-esteem, sexual distress, sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and sexual dysfunction were assessed as psychological and sexual health variables by standardized scales.

Results

The prevalence of CSBD was 3.8% in women. Linear regression analysis showed that lower education, being jobless, substance use, pornography use, paraphilic behaviors, conflict on sex frequency, relationship, orgasm and sexual dissatisfaction, higher sexual arousal, depression, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms were positively associated with CSBD. The univariate analysis, at a stringent significance level of 0.005, mirrored the regression findings. Additionally, women with CSBD+ exhibited lower religiousness and higher anxiety compared to those without CSBD−.

Discussion and Conclusions

Raising awareness of CSBD is crucial for health systems and individuals for better policy-making and help-seeking behavior. Identifying risk factors like substance use presents opportunities for prevention, and the association of CSBD with sexual and mental health variables suggests addressing co-occurring issues for improved treatment outcomes. Recognizing culture and gender-specific sexual and psychological correlates enables targeted and effective treatment approaches.
Optimizing Hyperparameters for Advanced Deep Neural Networks to Predict Solar Still Efficiency
Authors: Soufiane Halimi , Ahmed Benmoussa , Taha Hamidatou , Benrezkallah Anfal , Mondir Soualah , . Amira , Toufik Mohammed , Ridha Babahammou Hammou
Published: April 2024

As the demand for sustainable water treatment solutions grows, passive solar distillation emerges as a promising technology for the efficient desalination of brackish water. This study explores the optimization of solar distillation systems for use in various sectors such as residential, agricultural, and industrial. The performance of these systems is influenced by several factors, including solar radiation, ambient conditions, wind speed, and the design of the system itself. By adopting cutting-edge machine learning techniques, this research presents a novel method employing Deep Neural Networks, with a focus on the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) model, to enhance the accuracy of yield predictions. Through a detailed comparison of different hyperparameter optimization methods, the integration of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) with the MLP model was identified as the most effective approach. This combined PSO-MLP model, particularly when applied to a specific design of solar collectors, achieved remarkable results, highlighted by a Coefficient of Determination (COD) of 0.98167 and a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.00006. The study illustrates the profound potential of advanced computational techniques in improving the efficiency of solar distillation systems, contributing valuable insights to the field of sustainable water purification.
Predicting Cardiac Arrest Using Machine Learning with Zero Coding
Authors: Vishwakarma Zeba , Singh Abhishek
Published: April 2024

Heart disease cases are rising rapidly day by day, thus it's very difficult to predict any likely illness in advance. But to predict a heart ailment in advance is not an easy task. The consequences of several medical and pathological tests have to be combined in a complicated manner in order to diagnose cardiac disease. Doctors, researchers, and academicians are extremely interested in how Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning can be used to anticipate heart illnesses because of the ominous complexity of the problem and the outstanding improvements in machine learning technology. ML has previously generated forecasts that were fast, precise, and efficient. However, the main obstacle to using machine learning in this field appears to be a shortage of coding skills. And here comes the solution: Alteryx Predictive Modeling. The cardiac disease patient dataset will be carefully and interactively analyzed as part of this research project, It also utilizes Alteryx for automated data processing. The dataset contains the parameters which are diagnosed as major medical conditions contributing to cardiac arrest. Then, the machine model is trained and predictions are made with XGBoost Classifier. We've utilized Predictive Modeling with Alteryx, which works kind of like a semi-automated machine learning process because it allows choosing certain parameters manually and handles many machine learning tasks automatically, it really speeds up creating models. Plus, you don't need to write any code at all.