bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Evaluation of Frozen and Cryo-Sectioned Papillary Muscle Samples by Using Sinusoidal Analysis: Cross-bridge Kinetics and the Effect of Partial Ca 2+ activation
Authors: Xi Jing , Feng Han-Zhong , Jin Jian-Ping , Yuan Jinxiang , Kawai Masataka
Published: November 2023

The use of frozen and cryo-sectioned cardiac muscle preparations, introduced recently by (Feng & Jin, 2020), offers promising advantages of easy transport and exchange of muscle samples among collaborating laboratories. In this report, we examined integrity of such preparation by studying tension transients in response to sinusoidal length changes and following concomitant amplitude and phase shift in tension time courses at varying frequencies. We used sections with 70 µm thickness, isolated fiber preparations, and studied cross-bridge (CB) kinetics: we activated the preparations with saturating Ca2+, and varying concentrations of ATP and phosphate (Pi). Our experiments have demonstrated that this preparation has the normal active tension and elementary steps of the CB cycle. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of Ca2+ on the rate constants and found that the rate constant r4 of the force generation step is proportionate to [Ca2+] when it is < 5 µM. This observation suggests that the activation mechanism can be described by a simple second order reaction. As expected, we found that magnitude parameters including tension and stiffness are related to [Ca2+] by the Hill equation with cooperativity of 4–5, consistent to the fact that Ca2+ activation mechanisms involve cooperative multimolecular interactions. Our results are consistent with a long-held hypothesis that process C (phase 2 of step analysis) represents the CB detachment step, and process B (phase 3) represents the force generation step. In this report, we further found that constant H may also represent work performance step. Our experiments have demonstrated excellent CB kinetics with reduced noise and well-defined two exponentials, which are better than skinned fibers, and easier to handle and study than single myofibrils.
Ambidextrie und Agilität für Handlungsfähigkeit im (digitalen) Wandel – Agile Educational Leadership als Rahmen für die Entwicklung und Gestaltung einer Hochschulbildung der Zukunft
Authors: Mayrberger Kerstin
Published: November 2023

Ausgehend von aktuellen Herausforderungen in der Hochschulbildung im digitalen Wandel bzw. in der digitalen Transformation, schlägt der Beitrag das Konzept von Ambidextrie als mögliche lösungsorientierte Perspektive für die Hochschulbildung vor und betont dabei die Notwendigkeit einer Ermöglichung einer Gleichzeitigkeit von Innovation und Anpassungsfähigkeit wie auch Stabilität und Optimierung. Darüber hinaus wird eine werte- und prinzipienorientierte Perspektive vorgestellt, die die Bedeutung von Agilität als Leitprinzip für die Bewältigung komplexer Probleme hervorhebt. Die beiden Perspektiven Ambidextrie und Agilität werden unter dem Dach des transdisziplinären Rahmenwerks Agile Educational Leadership zusammengeführt und eingeordnet. Ein kritisches Fazit mit Ausblick beschließt den Beitrag.
26 Studierende suchen eine Hochschule – Wege und Irrwege einer Campus Community Partnerschaft
Authors: Vogt Linda , Bleicher André
Published: November 2023

Campus Community Partnerschaften (CCP) fordern von Hochschulen die Entgrenzung und Öffnung gegenüber anderen gesellschaftlichen Akteuren und Akteurinnen. CCP stellen damit ein umkämpftes Terrain dar, in welchem hochschulische und außerhochschulische Ansprüche und Interessen aufeinandertreffen. Im Artikel wird die Entgrenzung von Hochschulen anhand einer von Burawoy entwickelten Typologie möglicher hochschulischer Entwicklungspfade erläutert; Typen sind die kommodifizierte Hochschule, das hochschulische Regulationsmodell und die öffentliche Hochschule. Diese Typen werden in der Entwicklung und Aushandlung einer komplexen CCP portraitiert. Die im Fallbeispiel skizzierte CCP der Gruppe „Selbstbestimmt Studieren e.V.“ stellt Hochschulen vor Herausforderungen, lässt Grenzen von CCP aufscheinen und schildert Wege und Irrwege einer CCP.
Systematische Verankerung von Future Skills in curricularen Strukturebenen
Authors: Demele Uwe , Schmitz Mario
Published: November 2023

Hochschulen stehen bei zukünftigen Studienprogrammgestaltungen vor der He­rausforderung, Future Skills zu vermitteln und in ihre Curricula zu integrieren, um Absolvent:innen auf eine komplexe und dynamische Arbeitswelt vorzubereiten. Dieser Artikel diskutiert Realisierungschancen, Hemmnisse und Strategien bei der Entwicklung von zukunftsgerichteten Kompetenzprofilen bis zum Aufbau entsprechender Modulkataloge. Anhand des Bachelorstudiengangs „Nachhaltige Ökonomie und Management“ an der Hochschule für Nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde (HNEE) wird aufzeigt, wie die systematische Verankerung dieser Future Skills gelingt, um auf sich ändernde gesellschaftliche Bedürfnisse und Erwartungen reagieren zu können.
Agile Methoden in Entwicklungsprojekten zur Innovation digitaler Hochschullehre
Authors: Fey Carl-Christian , Wekerle Christina , Beckmann Inke , Schröder Arne , Kollar Ingo
Published: November 2023

Hochschulen stehen vor der Herausforderung, ihre Lehre im Rahmen der digitalen Transformation laufend zu innovieren. Dabei zielen sie vielfach auf eine Anreicherung der Lehre mit neuen digitalen Technologien ab. Um derartige Technologien nachhaltig und bedarfsorientiert zu entwickeln, bietet sich der Einsatz agiler Entwicklungsmethoden an, deren Umsetzung jedoch häufig mit universitären Strukturen und Prozessen kollidiert. Entsprechende Projekte sehen sich mit der Schwierigkeit konfrontiert, die Werte agiler Projektmethoden dennoch umzusetzen und zu leben. Dieser Beitrag berichtet von einem Good-Practice-Beispiel, in dem mithilfe von angepassten agilen Methoden interdisziplinär nutzbare Plugins zur digitalen Unterstützung von Feedback- und Gruppenkooperationsszenarien für das an der Universität Augsburg genutzte LMS entwickelt wurden.
Lerneffekte und Akzeptanz von Planspielen: Ein systematischer Literatur-Review
Authors: Zeiner-Fink Susann , Geithner Silke , Bullinger-Hoffmann Angelika C.
Published: November 2023

Obwohl Planspiele vielfach in Schule, Studium sowie Aus- und Fortbildung eingesetzt werden, ist die Datenlage hinsichtlich ihrer Wirkungen unübersichtlich. In einem Literaturreview wurden daher 137 Publikationen aus den Jahren 2010 bis 2020 zu Einflussfaktoren und Wirkung von Planspielen untersucht. Zentrales Ergebnis ist, dass das Lernen der Teilnehmenden stark mit deren Motivation, ihrer Zufriedenheit mit dem Planspiel und insbesondere mit der Realitätsnähe des Spiels zusammenhängen. Ob Planspiele als Lernmethode akzeptiert werden, hängt ebenso von der Realitätsnähe, der Gruppe während des Spiels und dem Erwerb von Kompetenzen ab. Gestaltungsimplikationen und eine zukünftige Forschungsagenda runden diesen Beitrag ab.
Planspiele an der Hochschule in der Theologie – ein problemgeschichtlich-systematischer Überblick
Authors: Riegger Manfred Josef
Published: November 2023

Aufgrund der Komplexität vieler moderner Fragestellungen werden Planspiele an der Hochschule auch in der Theologie als bedeutsam eingeschätzt. Diese Einschätzung wurde durch eine Literaturrecherche und -auswertung überprüft, anhand folgender Fragen: Wo wird gelernt? Welche Themen und theologischen Fächer werden angesprochen? Wie werden Theorie, Empirie und Praxis verschränkt? Welche Lehr- und Lernziele werden verfolgt, mit welchem Zeitbedarf und welcher finanziellen bzw. technischen Zugänglichkeit? Wie wird die normative Ausrichtung von Theologie thematisiert? Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass weiterhin Ressourcen in die Planspielentwicklung innerhalb der Theologie investiert werden müssen, soll die von der Theologie oft selbst proklamierte Hoffnungs- und Sinnperspektive für die Teilnehmenden erfahrbar werden.
Planspieleinsatz in der ersten Phase der Lehrerausbildung für berufsbildende Schulen
Authors: Panschar Meike , Jahncke Heike
Published: November 2023

Der Beitrag berichtet über ein Konzept zum Einsatz der Planspielmethode in der ersten Phase der Ausbildung angehender Lehrkräfte an berufsbildenden Schulen. Die Studierenden erarbeiten theoretische Grundlagen zu komplexen Lehr-Lern-Arrangements und entwerfen verschiedene didaktische Einsatzszenarien für den Wirtschaftslehreunterricht. Konkret werden die Merkmale sowie die didaktische Umsetzung von (Unternehmens-)Planspielen erarbeitet. Das Planspiel stellt eine handlungsorientierte Methode dar, welche komplexe Handlungsformen auch am Lernort Schule realitätsnah erfahrbar macht. Für die berufliche Bildung ist das handlungsorientierte Lernen zentral, um zu einer planenden, durchführenden und kontrollierenden Bewältigung und zum Lösen von Problemen in der Praxis zu befähigen. Das Ergebnis ist ein Portfolio an erprobten und in der künftigen Lehrtätigkeit direkt einsetzbaren Konzepten und Materialien.
Krankenversicherung – wie und warum eigentlich? Simulation eines gesundheitsökonomischen Experiments
Authors: Buchner Florian , Flaschberger Simone Sigrid , Wasem Jan David , Wasem Jürgen
Published: November 2023

Im „Krankenversicherungsplanspiel“ lernen Studierende verschiedene Szenarien der Regulierung von Krankenversicherungsmärkten „spielerisch“ kennen und kalkulieren selbst Krankenversicherungsprämien. Die im Spiel gewonnenen Daten werden gemeinsam mit Blick auf gesundheitsökonomische Theorie ausgewertet – eine Art gesundheitsökonomischer Selbstversuch. Das Planspiel wurde als Präsenzveranstaltung entwickelt, unter Covid-19 für den Online-Unterricht adaptiert und wird nun in Präsenz unter Einsatz von Internet-Tools gespielt. Durch die Digitalisierung und dadurch möglichen internationalen Austausch wurde das Konzept abgerundet und zu einer internationalen offenen Bildungsressource weiterentwickelt.
Planspielbasierte Lehrveranstaltungen: Ein Vergleich zwischen Präsenz- und Onlinelehre
Authors: Alf Tobias , Trautwein Friedrich
Published: November 2023

Während der pandemiebedingten Distanzlehre mussten auch Planspiele auf ein Onlineformat umgestellt werden. Aufgrund der Komplexität der Methode war die Herausforderung hier besonders hoch. Der Beitrag analysiert anhand von Evaluationsdaten aus 124 planspielbasierten Lehrveranstaltungen, welche Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede beim Einsatz von synchronen Präsenz- und Onlineplanspielen in der Hochschullehre bestehen. Der Vergleich zeigt in mehreren Dimensionen (z. B. Lehrendenverhalten, Mitarbeit der Studierenden, Teamarbeit) zwar signifikante, allerdings eher kleine Unterschiede. Deutlichere Unterschiede zeigt der Vergleich Online/Präsenz lediglich bei haptischen Planspielen. Die Autoren folgern, dass die Übertragung von Planspielen in die Onlinelehre insgesamt als gelungen angesehen werden kann.
The Acehnese and “Ratéb Dôda Idi”: Instilling Compassion Based on Religious Values in Lullabies
Authors:   Department of Indonesian Language and Literature Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia, Yusuf Yusri , Yusuf Yunisrina Qismullah ,   Department of English Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia, Usman Jarjani ,   Department of English Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Published: November 2023

“Ratéb Dôda Idi” is a traditional lullaby passed on from generation to generation in Aceh society of Indonesia, as one of the mediums for cultivating religious and other important values in children. There is a scarcity of studies that specifically examine the lullaby concerning its kinds of compassion based on the religious teachings of Islam. Hence, this study intends to fill in the gap by probing the kinds of compassion embedded in “Ratéb Dôda Idi” and how religion plays a role in immersing these teachings. It employed an ethnographic case study to analyse the verses by interviewing 17 Acehnese elders to obtain data. The results showed that the lullabies contain five kinds of compassion essential to Acehnese society – compassions for parents, teachers, society, nature and the homeland. It is necessary to preserve this tradition of local wisdom because language, religion and cultural heritage reflect and shape the values, beliefs and aspirations that define and keep their integrity as an Acehnese society. This kind of study thus helps our understanding of the values expressed in lullabies from many cultures and these beliefs are mirrored in the society of the singers (i.e., speakers).
Interpretation of Taqnîn al-Ahkâm by Ibn Al-Muqaffa’ and Its Relevance to the Application of Islamic Law in Indonesia
Authors:   Department of Postgraduate Islamic Law, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia, Ridwan Ahmad Hasan , Bisri Hasan ,   Department of Postgraduate Islamic Law, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia, Septiadi Muhammad Andi ,   Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia
Published: November 2023

This study aims to elaborate on Ibn al-Muqaffa’s idea about taqnîn al-ahkâm using the literature review method. Many relevant pieces of primary and secondary literature were analysed using critical analysis techniques. Ibn al-Muqaffa’, who lived during the Abbasid Dynasty, precisely in the time of Abû Ja’far al-Manshûr, had sparked the idea of the legislation of Islamic law (taqnîn al-ahkâm) to be applied throughout the Islamic territory to avoid diverse legal rulings among judges on the same legal case. Re-expressing the idea of Ibn al-Muqaffa’ is important because it has relevance to the ideological ideals of most Indonesian Muslims so that national law absorbs as much as possible from Islamic law. These ideological ideals have grown louder and louder since the freedom of speech in Indonesia has become wide open. As a result, anyone now can express his/her ideological opinions and ideals without any fear of the threat of subversion. In a climate of democracy and freedom, the idea has been resounded again by many groups, including the general public, socio-political activists, academics and parliamentary members.
Risalah Darurat: Strategi Kerajaan dalam Memenangi Jiwa dan Pemikiran Orang Cina di Tanah Melayu, 1948–1960
Authors: Ho Hui Ling , Nordin Mardiana , Mohamed Hassan Noraini
Published: November 2023

Di Tanah Melayu, orang Cina merupakan golongan yang paling ramai terpengaruh dengan gerakan komunis sehingga membentuk kumpulan penyokong yang paling besar. Dalam keadaan ini, kerajaan Persekutuan Tanah Melayu (seterusnya disebut sebagai kerajaan) membuat perancangan dan menjalankan pelbagai strategi untuk memenangi jiwa dan pemikiran mereka supaya tidak menyertai perjuangan komunis. Perbincangan dalam makalah ini adalah berdasarkan penelitian terhadap Risalah Darurat (Emergency Leaflets) dalam tulisan Cina yang disebarkan oleh kerajaan melalui Jabatan Penerangan kepada penduduk Cina pada zaman darurat (1948–1960). Kajian ini bertujuan membincangkan kepentingan propaganda fizikal dalam bentuk Risalah Darurat untuk membantu kerajaan meraih sokongan daripada orang Cina selain melihat pendirian kerajaan terhadap gerakan komunis. Kajian ini dengan jelas menunjukkan Risalah Darurat digunakan oleh kerajaan sebagai propaganda dan instrumen komunikasi untuk menerangkan kepada penduduk Cina tentang situasi di Tanah Melayu termasuk bahaya ancaman komunis serta langkah yang diambil dalam memerangi komunis. Kerajaan turut menyeru penduduk Cina agar memberi kerjasama dalam menumpaskan gerakan komunis. Justeru, risalah memainkan peranan penting sebagai medium propaganda kerajaan untuk memerangi pengaruh komunis semasa darurat.
n-3 PUFAs Show Promise as Adjuvants in Chemotherapy, Enhancing
their Efficacy while Safeguarding Hematopoiesis and Promoting Bone
Generation
Authors: Gurav Pradnya , Garad Suraj , Nirmala Kedar R.
Published: November 2023

Cancer ranks as the second leading cause of mortality in high-income countries, underscoring
the critical need for effective therapeutic strategies. One prominent approach, chemotherapy,
is widely employed for treating solid tumors. However, the significant adverse effects associated
with chemotherapy, notably myeloablation and osteonecrosis, impart considerable challenges
by compromising immune function and diminishing patients' quality of life. Furthermore, the
emergence of chemotherapy resistance poses a formidable hurdle in achieving successful cancer
treatment outcomes. In this context, the focus is on exploring alternative approaches to enhance
the efficacy of cancer treatment and mitigate its adverse consequences. Among these approaches,
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two n-3 polyunsaturated fatty
acids (PUFAs), have garnered substantial interest. These PUFAs exhibit the potential to influence
membrane lipid composition and modulate critical gene expressions associated with cancer, such
as Bcl-2, PI3K, NF-κB, and phosphorylated Akt, thereby potentially reducing cancer risk. Moreover,
emerging evidence highlights their ability to augment chemotherapy efficacy, particularly in
drug-resistant cancer cells. Importantly, both preclinical and clinical investigations have provided
compelling evidence supporting the protective effects of n-3 PUFAs on healthy cells. Leveraging
these findings, there has been growing attention on the exploration of n-3 PUFAs as adjuvants to
chemotherapy. This strategic approach holds promise in mitigating the adverse effects linked to
chemotherapy, notably myeloablation and osteonecrosis, while simultaneously enhancing its effectiveness
in combating cancer. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted attributes
of n-3 PUFAs, encompassing their cytotoxic properties, potential as chemopreventive agents, and
their prospective role in ameliorating the adverse effects commonly associated with chemotherapy,
with a particular emphasis on myeloablation and osteonecrosis. By elucidating the intricate interplay
between n-3 PUFAs and cancer treatment paradigms, this review contributes to the expanding
body of knowledge aimed at refining cancer therapeutic strategies and enhancing patient outcomes.
Cardioprotective Role of Tinospora cordifolia against Trimethylamine-N-Oxide and Glucose Induced Stress in Rat Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Singhal Shivani , Rani Vibha
Published: November 2023

Background:

Type 2 diabetes has become a concern issue that affects the quality of
life and can increase the risk of cardiac insufficiency elevating the threat to the life safety of patients. A recognized cause of cardiac insufficiency is diabetic cardiomyopathy, chronic hyperglycemia, and myocardial lipotoxicity which can reduce the myocardial contractile performance,
and enhance the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis. The cause of diabetic cardiomyopathy is multi-factorial which includes oxidative stress, insulin resistance, inflammation,
apoptosis, and autophagy. Recent clinical studies have suggested the dysbiosis of gut microbiota,
secretion of metabolites, and their diffusion in to the host as to have direct detrimental effects on
the cardiac contractility.

Materials and Methods:

In the present paper, we have done in silico studies including molecular
interaction of phytoconstituents of Tinospora cordifolia against reactive oxygen species producing proteins. Whereas, in vitro studies were conducted on H9C2 cardiac cells including cell morphological examination, level of reactive oxygen species, cell count-viability, apoptotic status, in
the presence of high glucose, trimethylamine-n-oxide, and plant extracts which were determined
through cell analyzer and microscopic assays.

Results:

The treatment of high glucose and trimethylamine-n-oxide was found to be increase the
cardiac stress approximately two fold by attenuating hypertrophic conditions, oxidative stress,
and apoptosis in rat cardiomyocytes, and Tinospora cordifolia was found to be a cardioprotective agent.

Conclusion:

Conclusively, our study has reported that the Indian medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia has the ability to treat diabetic cardiomyopathy. Our study can open up a new herbal therapeutic strategy against diabetic cardiomyopathy
The Use of Higher Secretory Immune Response of IgG And IgA in Breast Milk and Blood as a Donor Therapy in COVID-19 Survivor Mothers
Authors: Wahyutri Endah W. , Noorma Nilam , Nugraha Jusak , Andika I. Gede
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

The breast milk of mothers recovering from COVID-19 has elevated levels of secretory-type antibodies, such as IgG and IgA. Furthermore, these antibodies serve as immunity, which can be passed on to the baby through breastfeeding.

Objective:

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between IgG and IgA levels in breast milk and blood of breastfeeding mothers who recovered from COVID-19 and assess other determinants.

Methods:

This was an analytical study, which was carried out using 54 participants who were equally divided into two groups, namely case and control. The case group consisted of individuals who were exposed to COVID-19, while the controls were not exposed. Blood and breast milk (each 5 CC) were then collected to determine the levels of IgG and IgA using the Eliza method. Furthermore, the test used 27 blood and 18 breast milk samples.

Results:

The statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences in the levels of IgG and IgA in the breast milk and blood of the case and control groups. The average IgA in the blood and breast milk of the control was greater compared to the case group. Furthermore, the average IgG in the breast milk of the case group was greater compared to the controls. Based on the results, there was no difference in mean IgG in breast milk in both groups.

Conclusion:

The results showed that there were differences in mean IgA in the breast milk of both groups. The average IgA in the blood of the controls was greater than the case group, but the IgG in breast milk was lower.
Factors Associated with Readmission of Cardiovascular Patients: A Cross-sectional Study in Iran
Authors: Salimi Marzie , Bastani Peivand , Nasiri Mahdi , Karajizadeh Mehrdad , Ravangard Ramin
Published: November 2023

Objective:

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in both men and women around the world. Considering the heavy economic and social burden of readmission of cardiovascular patients on the patients and their families as well as the health care system, this study aimed at determining the factors associated with hospital readmission of cardiovascular patients in four public hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on cardiovascular patients hospitalized in public hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. A total of 264 patients were studied, 132 of whom had been readmitted and were selected through the census method. The other 132 patients had not been readmitted and were randomly selected through stratified sampling proportional to the size and simple random sampling method. The patients were examined using a questionnaire developed according to previous studies and experts' opinions. To analyze the data collected, we used the t-test, chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, Mann-Whitney test, and logistic regression through the SPSS 23.0 software.

Results:

The results showed that the following factors were associated with the readmission of the cardiovascular patients: being hospitalized 6 to 9 months before the current admission (OR=19.03, P-value<0.001), having arrhythmia (OR=6.34, P-value<0.001), having right ventricular dysfunction (OR=4.99, P-value=0.019), having fluid and electrolyte disorder (OR=3.89, P-value=0<0.001), undergoing angiography (OR=2.96, P-value=0.003), having chest pain (OR=2.42, P-value=0.014), having cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular co-morbidities (OR=1.45, P-value=0<0.001), and having non-elective admission (OR=2.10, P-value=0.034).

Conclusion:

Given the influencing factors, management and follow-up of the patients, especially the high-risk ones, after discharge and providing them with the necessary training to prevent various complications could reduce their readmission rates.
Traditional Therapies Involving Nutrition for the Management of COVID-19
Authors: Muthusamy Ramesh , Muthuraman Arunachalam , Anand Krishnan
Published: November 2023

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causes ARDS, respiratory failure, organ failure, and
even death. The immunopathology associated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus involves an overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, commonly referred to as a "cytokine storm." SARS-CoV-2 is a
positive-sense RNA virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic kept the world
silent since its emergence by engulfing most public activities. The symptoms of COVID-19 like
coughing, fatigue, dysphagia, and poor appetite reduce the nutritional intake among the patients.
Therefore, the nutritional status of the infected patients needs monitoring. The deficiency of nutrition
puts the patients at high risk during clinical therapy. Moreover, insufficient micronutrients lead to
weakened immune responses, causing improper cytokine secretion, changes in secretory antibody
response, and reduced antibody affinity; all of which enhance the vulnerability of viral infections. As
the pandemic is affecting a large number of people all over the world, there is an urgent requirement
for newer therapies/therapeutics with nutritional information for hospitalized and recovered patients
of COVID-19. Hospitalized patients are highly at risk of malnutrition, weight loss, muscle loss, etc.
Therefore, nutritional support is essential for COVID-19 patients. Based on the recent reports obtained from the COVID-19 resources; the present review describes the various clinical therapies, the
involvement of nutritional support, the role of diet, the modified lifestyle, and micronutrients (zinc,
selenium, and vitamin D) in the management of COVID-19 patients.
Respecting Autonomy, Privacy, and Information in Maternity Care: A Study of Midwifery Personnel in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (2022)
Authors: Hushmandi Kiavash , Saghari Sam , Nashtifanii Abdorrahman Harif , Zandieh Mohammad Arad , Raesi Rasoul
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Health services for mothers and babies should be comprehensive and combined with respect for individual autonomy, privacy, secrets and information of mother and baby. The present study aimed to determine the status of respect for individual autonomy, privacy, secrets and information of mother and baby from the point of view of midwifery personnel working in public hospitals of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 2022.

Materials & Methods:

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by census method and available on 243 midwifery personnel working in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences public hospitals. The data were collected with an electronic researcher's questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS-22 statistical software, one-sample t, independent t, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's post hoc, and Pearson correlation coefficient at a significance level of p<0.05.

Results:

The average age of the participants was 35.00±5.02 years (minimum age 24 years and maximum 42 years). The findings showed that the average score of respect for individual autonomy (3.39±0.21), privacy protection (3.64±0.27), and secrets and information of mother and baby (3.71±0.26) is average (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Inadequate and weak attitudes of mothers regarding their own rights regarding respect for individual autonomy, privacy, secrets and information can be caused by low self-confidence and lack of mother's knowledge about her and her baby's rights in the hospital. Therefore, managers and health policymakers must strengthen these concepts in health service providers by providing scientific and practical programs.
An Analysis on How Neo-Confucian Literary Views Influenced Lee Cheom in Korea: Focusing on His Rhetorical Expressions
Authors:   The Association of DaeDong-Hanmun, Ryu Hwa-Jeong
Published: November 2023

As a method to empirically examine how neo-Confucian literary views were accepted and understood by scholars of late Koryeo and early Joseon dynasties, this study dealt with Lee Cheom(李詹, 1345~1405). Lee was a leading scholar in those days. The fact that Lee had explored neo- Confucianism and created unique colorful writing styles has been discovered by previous researches. This study specifically analyzed the path through which he had come to understand neo-Confucianism and the cases where his neo-Confucian literary views were revealed.
Through various bibliographical documents, this study could identify that Lee read books like Gyeokyangjip(『擊壤集』), SeongrigunseoGuhe(『性理群書句解』), Geunsarok(『近思錄』), writings of Juhi(朱熹), Yirak- yeonwonrok(『伊洛淵源錄』), etc. We can recognize that, even if it was not easy to publish books and, thus, acquire them, Lee could access various good books.
Based on such exploration, this study analyzed what Lee wrote: ‘Parkpansa Ilbonhaengrokbal’[<朴判事日本行錄跋>, ‘Excerpts of Records of Judge Park's Travel to Japan’] written in around 1370 and ‘Eochochang- hwasiseo’[<漁樵唱和詩序>, ‘Preface to Eochochanghwa Poem’] in 1396. In these two writings, Lee effectively revealed his neo-Confucian literary views by citing ‘Mosiseo’(<毛詩序>) and ‘Sijipjeonseo’(<詩集傳序>), and using rhetorical expressions of ‘Hyeongdamchanghwasiseo’(<荆潭唱和詩序>) of Han Yu(韓愈; 768~824), a famous poet of Tang dynasty.
Through such searches, this study could identify the concrete path through which Lee formed his neo-Confucianism and neo-Confucian literary views, and that his expressions were greatly influenced by writings of Han Yu.
Auditory Perceptual Judgement and Acoustical Study of Liquid Sounds in Children Aged 4~6 Years According to Clinical Experience
Authors: Kim Ji Youn , Seong Cheol Jae
Published: November 2023

Purpose: This study examines whether there are differences in the auditory perceptual evaluation of speech produced by children according to the listener’s clinical experience and seeks to find acoustic correlates. Methods: Fifteen speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and 15 students listened to Korean liquids produced by children aged 4 to 6 years and assessed them using a 5-point Likert scale. The relationship between auditory perceptual evaluation and acoustic variables was analyzed. Results: First, there is a difference in auditory perception scores between laterals and flaps at different ages within 4 to 6 years, and there is a difference in auditory perception scores depending on the vowel environment. Second, the SLP group’s auditory-perceptual evaluation was consistent with the child’s general laterals and flaps development pattern, while the student group’s auditory-perceptual evaluation differed from the laterals and flaps development. Third, in the regression analysis, a higher spectral slope was associated with higher auditory perceptual evaluation in the SLP’s data. Conclusion: It was confirmed that clinical experience plays a quite important role in auditory perceptual evaluation. However, various follow-up studies are needed to enhance the accuracy of these evaluations.
Combined Ultrasound and Computed Tomography Guidance in Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Reduces Local Recurrence Rate
Authors: NAGASAWA SHIGEHIRO , KUWANO AKIFUMI , TANAKA KOSUKE , YADA MASAYOSHI , MASUMOTO AKIHIDE , MOTOMURA KENTA
Published: November 2023

Background/Aim: In radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the therapeutic effect depends on the appropriate position of the electrode. To improve the accuracy of the electrode needle position, we currently perform RFA with combined ultrasound sonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) guidance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this US/CT-guided RFA method. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study recruited 97 patients with single tumors treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and monopolar RFA between January 2013 and December 2017. Among these, 50 patients were treated with RFA under US/CT guidance (US/CT-guided group) and 47 were treated with RFA under US guidance alone (US-guided group). We analyzed the efficacy of US/CT guidance compared with US guidance alone. Results: The 1-, 2-, and 3-year local recurrence rates for the US/CT-guided and US-guided groups were 4.1%, 6.3%, and 8.6%, and 19.6%, 31.6%, and 41.9%, respectively. The local recurrence rate was lower in the US/CT-guided group (p=0.0030). Cox proportional hazards model for multivariate analysis demonstrated that the independent risk factors associated with local recurrence were tumor size (p=0.0028) and US/CT guidance (p=0.0037). Conclusion: US/CT-guided RFA for HCC reduced the local recurrence rate compared with US-guided RFA alone.
Staging for Breast Cancer: A Comparison Between Old and New Approaches
Authors: KIRN VERENA , BORS SARAH , FRIDRICH CLAUDIUS , SCHUMACHER CLAUDIA , THANGARAJAH FABINSHY
Published: November 2023

Background/Aim: Staging for breast cancer in advanced stages or prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is recommended to be performed with CT scan of the chest and abdomen and a bone scan. This recommendation is valid since 2012, when conventional staging with chest x-ray and ultrasound of the abdomen was replaced by the more sensitive CT scan. However, it remains unclear if this approach improves patient outcome and prognosis. Patients and Methods: We identified patients who were treated for breast cancer at the breast center of the St. Elisabeth Hospital, Cologne, in 2012 and 2014. Clinical information such as age at diagnosis, stage, tumor biology, grading, and the applied method for staging was abstracted from the patient chart. We also looked for local or distant recurrence and data of survival. Results: A total of 1,122 patients were identified. Of those, 104 patients developed local or distant recurrence and 54 died. Conventional staging with chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound and a bone scan was more often in 2012 (482 cases) than in 2014 (135), but CT-staging was more often in 2014 (180 vs. 29 cases). In general, less patients were staged in 2014 than in 2012. There were no significant survival differences between the two groups. Conclusion: Staging habits changed in 2012 compared to 2014 according to the changes in guidelines. This change did not affect disease-free survival.
The Impact of Being Underweight on the Prognosis of Older Patients With Early Breast Cancer
Authors: ISHIZUKA YUMIKO , HORIMOTO YOSHIYA , MORITA MIDORI , KAWAMURA YUKINO , SEKINE KATSUTOSHI , OBAYASHI SAYAKA , KOJIMA YUKI , TOKUDA EMI , HIGUCHI TORU , SHIMOMURA AKIHIKO
Published: November 2023

Background/Aim: The number of older patients with breast cancer has been increasing and a major challenge is to develop optimal treatment strategies for these patients, who often have comorbidities. Obesity is reportedly a poor prognostic factor in breast cancer, however there is limited research on underweight patients. Clarifying the relationship between physique and prognosis may contribute to the establishment of optimal treatment strategies for older patients with breast cancer. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study examined clinicopathological data from a multicenter collaborative database on 1,076 patients aged 70 years or older who had undergone curative surgery. According to the body mass index (BMI), patient physique was defined as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m2) or obese (≥25 kg/m2). In this study, we explored the relationship between the physique of patients with breast cancer and outcomes. Results: Underweight patients had a significantly lower rate of chemotherapy administration (p=0.017) and a higher rate of presence of other cancer (p=0.022). During the observation period (median of 75.2 months), 133 patients (12%) developed recurrent disease and 131 patients (12%) died. Age, BMI, tumor size, progesterone receptor and the presence of other cancer were independent factors relating to overall survival (p<0.001, p=0.027, p=0.002, p=0.008 and p=0.005, respectively). Patients with a low BMI had a significantly shorter overall survival, but there was no association with disease-free survival in this subset of patients. Conclusion: Overall survival was shorter in underweight older patients with breast cancer. Our data indicate that being underweight should be considered both in treatment decisions and in future studies of outcomes for older patients with breast cancer.
Thirty-day Mortality in Palliative Radiotherapy: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis in a Single Center
Authors: KATANO ATSUTO , TONGYU GAO , MINAMITANI MASANARI , OHIRA SHINGO , YAMASHITA HIDEOMI
Published: November 2023

Background/Aim: Palliative radiotherapy is a critical component of cancer care aimed at symptom management and enhancing the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer. Balancing symptom relief and potential risks is pivotal in clinical decision-making. This study explored the 30-day mortality (30-DM) rate after palliative radiotherapy in a single-center setting to shed light on potential prognostic factors and safety considerations. Patients and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent palliative radiotherapy for various indications between March 2020 and February 2023. Data were retrieved from electronic medical records and analyzed according to ethical guidelines. The primary outcome measure was 30-DM rate, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the independent predictors of 30-DM. Results: A total of 931 palliative radiotherapy sessions were administered to 601 patients, with a median of one session per patient. The cohort had a median age of 70 years, predominantly men (58%), and featured diverse primary cancer types, with lung cancer being the most prevalent (15.8%). The 30-DM rate was 12.9%. Multivariate analysis identified Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) as the sole independent prognostic factor significantly associated with 30-DM. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into 30-DM rates following palliative radiotherapy. Future research should focus on prospective multicenter investigations with larger cohorts and comprehensive data collection, ultimately leading to improved risk prediction models for personalized treatment decisions in palliative radiotherapy.
Caste System Turns into A Social Curse and Social Discrimination: A Study of Mulk Raj Anand’s Untouchable in the Perspective of Post-independence Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir Md. Shamsul
Published: November 2023

The caste system roots in the heart of Hinduism and falls apart Hindus into touchable and untouchable. The sweepers are regarded as untouchables and are given no choice and access to their social life. The caste system in Hinduism and, therefore, in the Hindu-majored nation in India is a strong social discriminatory hierarchy that has been exercised for more than two millenniums. Mulk Raj Anand, with a firm belief in the dignity and equality of all human beings, attempts to project a panoramic scene of the caste system by beckoning a single day from the diary of Bakha, an untouchable boy who is a sweeper in profession. The present paper attempts to address the curse and discrimination triggered by the caste system, which is prevalent in Mulk Raj Anand’s Untouchable. Though the scenes of the novel belong to a small, interior town in Punjab, the happenings are pan-Indian in nature. This paper also argues how the caste system paves the way for inter-caste conflict and exploitation and, apart from several caste discrimination, why changing the upper caste’ outlook is the sole way out to wipe out the stigma of the caste system.
Isolation and Identification of Green Microalgae from Northern Jordan
Authors: Odeh Wafaa , Sweiss Mais , Ahmad Fatima Haj , Arabeyyat Zeinab , Alnsour Waed , Aldabbas Marah , Hasan Maen
Published: November 2023

In light of the rapid and extreme changes in climate and the steady depletion of natural resources, there is an urgent need to find innovative and sustainable solutions to these problems. Microorganisms such as microalgae can offer viable solutions to these challenges. Proper investment in such organisms requires the identification of the algal species that inhabit the region. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate and molecularly characterize green microalgae that inhabit freshwater at different locations in the governorates of Irbid and Ajloun in the northern region of Jordan. Water samples collected from these regions were used to isolate single colonies, some of which exhibited different morphological characteristics. Genomic DNA was extracted from the isolates and used as a template for PCR amplification of the 18S ribosomal DNA gene (18S rDNA) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Phylogenetic trees were constructed based on 18S rDNA and ITS PCR product sequences, which were used to identify the isolates at the genus level. The obtained isolates belonged to three genera; Coelastrella, Desmodesmus, and Monoraphidium. The latter species has not been previously reported in Jordan.
Social determinants may limit the success of PCSK9 inhibitors, an effective treatment for hyperlipidemia in statin-intolerant patients
Authors: Kuplicki Abigail C.
Published: November 2023

A clinical decision report using:

Moriarty PM, Thompson PD, Cannon CP, et al. Efficacy and safety of alirocumab vs ezetimibe in statin-intolerant patients, with a statin rechallenge arm: The ODYSSEY ALTERNATIVE randomized trial. J. Clin. Lipidol. 2015;9(6):758-769. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacl.2015.08.006

for a statin-intolerant patient with hyperlipidemia.
Curriculum organization and implementation analysis and improvement in small-scale integrated schools in rural areas
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Min Yong-seong
Published: November 2023

Objectives This study analyzes three cases of small middle schools located in rural areas operated as integrated schools and examines how the curriculum of these schools are organized and implemented. The purpose of this study is to explore what issues or difficulties exist in organizing and implementing the curriculum of these schools, and to find ways to improve them.
Methods Interviews were conducted with 13 teachers working at integrated middle schools, and based on the interview results, difficulties in organizing and implementing the school curriculum were presented, and ways to improve them were suggested.
Results As a result of this study, the issues or problems in organizing and implementing the curriculum were there is a limit to linking and implementing between school levels when conducting after-school activities. And there are difficulties in overcoming the difference in human and material resources between school levels. In other words, it was confirmed that integrated schools were operated in a very formal way. In an effort to improve this problem, four things were suggested. That is, ‘formation and implementation of a school curriculum linkage coun-cil for linkage between school levels’, ‘enhancing the operation of adjunct teachers’, ‘developing and distributing management manuals for integrated schools’, and ‘flexibility of budgeting and execution’.
Conclusions According to the results of this study, the policies to be implemented at the national level are as follows. First, the regulations related to integrated schools need to be improved so that teachers can hold con-current positions. Second, the accounting of integrated schools has to be unified and operated.
Development and Effectiveness Verification of Service Learning Program for Social Welfare Use of IoT Technology
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Kim Minwoong , Hwang Jaedong
Published: November 2023

Objectives This study aims to explore the meaning of service learning teaching method to specialized high school students by applying a service learning program with the subject of a related major to specialized high school stu-dents and analyzing the effect.
Methods In this study, the PPCD (Pre Post Control Design) model was used to determine the effect of each of the experimental group and control group by performing a pre-test and comparing the results with the post-test results of the research program treatment. Therefore, an experimental group of 12 students belonging to an IoT-related autonomous club and a control group of 11 general students taking IoT-related classes were selected. The program developed and applied a service learning program using the Design Thinking methodology, which is being actively discussed in engineering education, and the program lasted about a month from September 15, 2021 to October 14, 2021.
Results Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to minimize the effect of students' existing creative person-ality level and class satisfaction on the program outcome. After adjusting the creative personality level to 3.178 and the pre-class satisfaction to 4.0, the posterior values were derived. As a result, the creative personality level was 3.874 in the experimental group and 3.192 in the control group, and the class satisfaction was 4.33 in the ex-perimental group and 3.913 in the control group. 이Based on the results of this study, the level of creativity and class satisfaction of the experimental group to which the smart home service learning program was applied in-creased significantly. and it can be evaluated that the smart home service learning program had a positive effect on the creative personality and class satisfaction of vocational high school students.
Conclusions The conclusions of this study are as follows. First, the smart home service learning program in this study was effective because it provided an opportunity to directly apply smart home technology rather than theory and simple practice, and continued to provide the reward of being able to help someone. Second, for effective service learning, it is necessary to first secure a pool of active institutions, and at this time, it is necessary to pro-vide detailed manuals for effective learning and service based on the principle of reciprocity. Third, the effect may vary depending on the student's interest, so it is necessary to plan and operate the program from a long-term per-spective rather than a one-off.
Enhancing Pre-Service Teachers' Safety Competence: Exploring the Impact of Utilizing Digital Media in Early Childhood Safety Education
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Kim Jeong-Hee
Published: November 2023

Objectives This study aims to deeply explore and analyze the experiences and effectiveness of utilizing digital media in early childhood safety education to enhance Pre-Early Childhood Teachers' safety competence.
Methods The participants in the study are 45 first-year pre-service teachers taking courses in early childhood ed-ucation and safety education classes. The study data were qualitatively analyzed by collecting journals, lesson plans, presentations, and reflections on the digital media experiences of pre-early childhood teachers for 15 weeks.
Results The utilization of digital media in safety education resulted in the following experiences among Pre-Early Childhood Teachers: direction towards more proactive learning, increased engagement in learning, enhanced sense of realism through diverse data collection, reciprocal feedback, improved awareness of safety competence through critical analysis of media usage in safety education, and reflective insights gained during the media crea-tion process.
Conclusions Based on the impact of safety education experiences through the use of digital media, it is antici-pated that this approach can provide new teaching methods and classroom practices to enhance Pre-Early Childhood Teachers' safety competence during their training.