bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges of Extended Reality Technology in Higher Education: A Review
Authors: Obeidallah Randa , Al Ahmad Ayat , Qutishat Duha
Published: July 2023

Extended reality is proposed as a means to deliver qualitative material to students in higher education institutions. The usage of this technology has increased due to Covid-19 lock down. This paper aims to categorize the challenges encountered by literature that deployed extended reality (XR) in higher education during and after the lockdown. However, the number of available articles addressing these challenges is limited, with a total number of 40 articles obtained from dimensions’ dataset. In this study, bibliometric analysis is used to highlight the number of publications, citations, and authors in this field. Thematic analysis with inductive reasoning is applied to extract the primary challenge themes mentioned in 23 articles. After reviewing the eligible articles; we categorized the challenges into three main themes: Teacher, Student, and Technology.
Evaluation of Online Learners’ Learning Performance Based on Fuzzy Borda Method
Authors: Lin Hongbing , Lin Dongdong
Published: July 2023

Since the traditional evaluation system of learning focuses only on the summative evaluation of learners’ test scores, ignoring the process evaluation of learners in learning process, the evaluation system should not only consider the content of the online learning process but also that of face-to-face classroom teaching process to evaluate learners’ learning performance in multiple dimensions and levels. This approach evaluates online learning more reasonably, operably and feasibly. To overcome limitation of using more than one method in the evaluation of learning performance, the learning performance of online learners was first evaluated using the principal component analysis method, entropy method, comprehensive indicator method, and TOPSIS method. Based on these four evaluation results, a combination evaluation model of online learners’ learning performance was constructed. The Fuzzy Borda method was used to evaluate nine administrative classes of accounting majors in three colleges and universities in Hainan. The results show that simply using a single evaluation method to evaluate the learning performance of online learners has defects, and the evaluation results are too biased. By using the Fuzzy Borda method, multiple evaluation methods can be combined, allowing a single evaluation method to realize complementary advantages and obtain more comprehensive and credible evaluation results. Using the Fuzzy Borda method to systematically evaluate the learning performance of online learners improves the scientificity of evaluation results and provides a new idea and method for the evaluation of online learning performance. The results of this study have significant reference value for using scientific evaluation methods and objective data to evaluate online learning performance, rank online learners scientifically, and summarize teaching experience to improve online learning performance.
Study on the Impact of Gamified Teaching Using Mobile Technology on College Students’ Learning Engagement
Authors: Pan Ying , Mow Gooi Leong
Published: July 2023

Mobile technology has become an indispensable resource in people’s lives, and educational software applications are closely related to day-to-day life. These applications provide an effective basis for implementing interactive teaching and allow teachers and students to quickly exchange information through mobile devices. Compared with teachers, students are tolerant and open about mobile technology. To meet the learning needs of students, adopting different teaching methods to improve learners’ learning outcomes is the focus of mobile learning. Therefore, gamified teaching supported by various information technologies such as computers, multimedia, and mobile technology has received widespread attention. In this study, 124 undergraduate students majoring in Civil Engineering from Harbin University of Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Province, were randomly assigned to one experimental group (with gamified teaching design, 62 students) and one control group (without gamified teaching design, 62 students). The paired sample T test was used to compare the pre- and post-test scores of the learners, while the independent sample T test was used to analyze the learning engagement (behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement) of college students under gamified teaching using mobile technology. Results show no significant difference in pre-test scores between the experimental and control groups (P = 0.374 > 0.05), meeting the prerequisite for the comparative experiment. Gamified teaching using mobile technology found significantly improved test scores (P = 0.003 < 0.05), where independent sample T test results showed a significant difference in learning engagement (behavioral, cognitive, and emotional). After using gamified teaching using mobile technology, the experimental group of students showed a significant increase in learning engagement, which is consistent with the results of most of the literature. The results of this study have important reference value for school administrators to propose new teaching strategies and for teachers to integrate information technology to assist the teaching process, to propose solutions for building interactive teaching environments, and to alleviate the fatigue phenomenon that often occurs in the application of multimedia technology in current information technology teaching in universities.
Un nouveau document sur la légende d’Horus : le P. IFAO H 88 roوثيقة جديدة عن أسطورة حورس: اﻟ«P. IFAO H 88 ro»
Authors: Herbin François René
Published: July 2023

Reconstitution partielle et analyse, à partir de quelques fragments hiératiques ramessides, d’un nouveau document sur la légende d’Horus agressé alors qu’il était enfant dans la région de Bouto par un serpent agissant comme substitut de Seth. Le cri d’Isis, sa réaction découvrant son enfant empoisonné, et les incantations qui suivent, adressées au serpent ou à son venin personnifié, sont connus par plusieurs sources qui offrent entre elles nombre de variantes. Des éléments de cette légende se lisent sur de rares documents tardifs connus depuis longtemps : la statue de Djed-Ḥer-le-Sauveur (Caire JE 46341), la base d’une statue similaire (le « socle Béhague », Leyde F 1950/8.2), toutes deux datables du début de l’époque ptolémaïque, et la stèle Metternich (MMA 50.85, règne de Nectanébo II). On en connaît aujourd’hui une version développée plus ancienne sur un papyrus hiératique du Nouvel Empire (P. BM EA 10309+9997). Le papyrus IFAO H 88 ro ici étudié est à ajouter à la liste. Contemporain du manuscrit du British Museum, et bien que lui-même très incomplet, il inclut deux fragments substantiels dont le texte n’était attesté jusqu’à présent que sur le seul P. Brooklyn 47.218.138, un rituel tardif mais antérieur à l’époque ptolémaïque traitant de protection contre les animaux venimeux.
Research on the Generation of Patented Technology Points in New Energy Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Yang Haixiang , You Xindong , Lv Xueqiang , Xu Ge
Published: July 2023

Effective extraction of patent technology points in new energy fields is profitable, which motivates technological innovation and facilitates patent transformation and application. However, since patent data exists the ununiform distribution of technology points information, long length of term, and long sentences, technology point extraction faces the dilemmas of poor readability and logic confusion. To mitigate these problems, the article proposes a method to generate patent technology points called IGPTP—a two-stage strategy, which fuses the advantage of extractive and generative ways. IGPTP utilizes the RoBERTa+CNN model to obtain the key sentences of text and takes the output as input of UNILM (unified pre-trained language model). Simultaneously, it takes a multi-strategies integration technique to enhance the quality of patent technology points by combining the copy mechanism and external knowledge guidance model. Substantial experimental results manifest that IGPTP outperforms the current mainstream models, which can generate more coherent and richer text.
Synthesis of TiO2 Nanofiber as Photoanode of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC)
Authors: Fajariah Amalia Rohmah , Nurazizah Euis Siti , Faizal Ferry , Safriani Lusi
Published: July 2023

Recently, dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) are considered to replace the previous generation of solar cells. DSSC uses an organic dye to absorb light and convert it to electricity. One-dimensional morphological structure of photoanode that provides a straight pathway for electron transport can improve the efficiency of DSSC. TiO2 nanofibers is one-dimensional structure of oxide semiconductor material commonly used as photoanode in DSSC. A simple method to synthesis continuous nanofiber is electrospinning method that use the influence of electrostatic forces. The nanofiber’s diameter that produced by electrospinning method depends on several parameters, one of which is the applied voltage. This study reports the synthesis of TiO2 nanofibers with varying the applied voltages from 10 kV to 14 kV and their performance as photoanode in DSSC. TiO2 nanofibers were electrospun directly onto a TiO2-coated fluorine tin oxide (FTO) substrate from a mixture of titanium (IV) propoxide (TTIP), triton X-100, acetic acid, poly (vinyl) acetate (PVAc) that were dissolved in dimethyl formamide (DMF). TiO2 nanofiber photoanodes were then immersed in ruthenium (II) dye, stacked with a counter electrode, and finally the electrolyte was injected between them. Based on the SEM results, we found that the beads disappeared with increasing applied voltage. The XRD pattern of TiO2 nanofibers indicates the presence of the anatase phase. Based on the photocurrent-voltage characteristic, TiO2 nanofibers produced by applied voltage of 14 kV shows the highest efficiency of 1.11% with JSC 4.78 mA/cm2, VOC 0.74 Volt and fill factor (FF) of 31.37%.
Thin Film Fabrication and Characterization of LSM-YSZ/YSZ Half-Cell for Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell via Screen-Printing
Authors: Hablado Jessa , Cervera Rinlee Butch M.
Published: July 2023

Green or renewable energy is important to attain a sustainable low carbon economy and the use of hydrogen has been an alternative solution for the unreliable continuous supply of these energy sources. Solid oxide electrochemical cells is a promising technology for hydrogen generation in which the LSM-YSZ is one of the important component materials for this application. In this study, LSM-YSZ will be deposited on the YSZ substrate via screen-printing. Screen-printing is an easy and simple set-up that offers film quality control. Specifically, the study aimed to deposit a porous LSM-YSZ thin film, as well as to determine the effect of the particle size of the starting powders on the quality of the deposited film. Two synthesis methods for the powders were utilized before screen printing, the solid-state reaction (SSR) ball milling, and the glycine nitrate process (GNP). Results showed that a porous and even thin film with uniform distribution of LSM and YSZ was obtained after the screen printing. Moreover, the GNP powders produced a smaller particle size, a more porous morphology, and a thinner film when screen-printed compared to the SSR ball milled.
Structure and the Thermal Management of a 3-D Silicon Carbide MOSFET Module
Authors: Ma Ding Kun , Xiao Guo Chun , Gao Kai , Nie Yan , Yuan Tian Shu , Ma Liang Jun , Wang Lai Li
Published: July 2023

Silicon carbide (SiC) device has higher switching frequency, higher breakdown voltage, and lower on-state voltage drop, which makes it subversive potential in the high power density applications. However, the traditional packaging structure cannot cope with the high power density of SiC devices, so the existing commercial SiC power module can only be used in derating applications. This paper proposed a 3-D packaging design method for high power density MOSFET power module, in which the cooling system is integrated inside the module to reduce the thermal resistance and the temperature difference of the SiC MOSFET chips. At the same time, the heat dissipation process of the new structure is modeled and analyzed, and the accuracy of the model is proved by experiment and simulation.
Electronic and Optical Properties of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Functionalized by CH3COOH
Authors: Pido Alvanh Alem G. , Rangaig Norodin A. , Munio Art Anthony Z. , Janayon Rayno Vic B. , Ambolode II Leo Cristobal C.
Published: July 2023

Organic functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) plays very important role in the development of electrochemical biosensors. In this study, pristine (5,5) carbon nanotube was functionalized by Ethanoic Acid (CH3COOH) using First Principles Density Functional Theory (DFT). It was found that the encapsulation of CH3COOH into the (5,5) CNT is endothermic due to the small diameter of the tube. However, interacting it outside the sidewall of the tube gives an exothermic process indicating a stable geometry. Accordingly, additional electronic bands and peaks are observed in the electronic structures of the functionalized CNT. Further, it was shown that that the p orbitals of the oxygen atoms and carbon atoms of the acid are the main contributors of the additional peaks in the valence and conduction regions, respectively. Finally, there were observed optical transitions in the functionalized CNT caused by the hybridization of the armchair CNT. Evidently, this study provided insights on more potential applications of carbon nanotubes as biosensors.
Characterization and Performance Evaluation of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) Thickness on ZnO Nanorods-Based Photoelectrochemical Cell
Authors: Mufti Nandang , Ansar Fathurrakhman , Latifah Eny , Dioktyanto Mudzakkir , Dewi Atika Sari Puspita , Abadi M. Tommy Hasan , Sari Eprilia Trikusuma , Arrosyid Bagas Haqi , Noviyanto Alfian , Arramel Arramel
Published: July 2023

Photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) has the same working principle as solar cell which convert solar energy into electricity. PEC consists of photoanode, electrolyte, and counter electrode, where electrolyte plays an important role in determining PEC performance. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is the most suitable electrolyte used due to its high ionic conductivity and chemically stable. In this study, YSZ was deposited to ZnO Nanorods (NRs) by doctor blade method with thickness variation of 100 μm (PEC10) and 120 μm (PEC12). X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to distinguish the phase, morphology, and band gap of the formed materials, respectively. Moreover, I-V test was also conducted to evaluate the performance of the fabricated PEC with different YSZ thickness. SEM image confirmed the deposition thickness of YSZ layer on NRs which formed rough and irregular interface due to grain boundary fusion of YSZ and NRs. In addition, there is little difference XRD pattern from PEC10 and PEC12 which shows ZnO and YSZ peaks with peak shifting observed. Meanwhile, slightly difference noticed on band gap value where PEC10 has 3.25 eV and PEC12 has 3.58 eV. Even though, the characteristic of PEC10 and PEC12 is similar, the I-V test shown a significant difference of solar efficiency where PEC10 has higher efficiency of about 0.328% than PEC12. This difference is contributed by smaller grain size which has higher specific surface area and porosity. Based on this study, the thickness of electrolyte layer YSZ doesn’t affect the basic characteristic of PEC but affect the efficiency of PEC significantly.
Carbonization at Varying Temperatures of PVA-Derived Nanofibers Fabricated by Electrospinning
Authors: Anggoro Diky , Mukarromah Ni’matul , Sudarsono Sudarsono , Purwandari Endhah , Baqiya Malik Anjelh , Yudoyono Gatut , Darminto Darminto
Published: July 2023

This research was conducted to determine the morphology, dimensions, and structure of carbon-nanofibers, using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a source of polymer fibers fabricated by electrospinning technique, and given variations in carbonization temperature. Variations in temperature during the carbonization process are carried out to see changes in the structure and morphology of the carbon nanofibers formed. characterization by conducting XRD and SEM tests to determine the structure and morphology of the carbon nanofibers produced, it is seen that the amorphous carbon structure of the nanofibers produced is in the shape of random fibers and tends to be straight without beads. The results obtained from the XRD test, it appears that the structure is amorphous with two peaks that appear during the test, the two peaks are typical of amorphous carbon peaks, so that the fiber that has been formed, then with the carbonization process changes its structure to carbon nanofiber. Unique results were obtained when PVA nanofibers were characterized by SEM, namely the diameter of the fibers formed before and after the carbonization process had sizes in the range of 40 to 50 nanometers, these results were influenced by the process of initial formation of nanofibers using an electrospinning system.
Microstructural Property Investigation of LSM-4Sc4YSZ Novel Composite Electrode Prepared Using All-Alkoxide Sol-Gel and Solid-State Reaction Methods for Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Diamansil Pearl Jamela B. , Cervera Rinlee Butch M.
Published: July 2023

Property investigation of co-doped 4 mol% scandia and 4 mol% yttria zirconia (Sc0.08Y0.08Zr0.84O1.92 or 4Sc4YSZ) synthesized via solid-state reaction (SSR) and all-alkoxide sol-gel (SG) method as precursor powders with LSM as composite electrode was conducted. The microstructure and morphology of the precursor powders and resulting LSM-4Sc4YSZ bulk composite electrodes were characterized. The results revealed that the 4Sc4YSZ was successfully synthesized via SG with more distinct cubic phases and finer particles than 4Sc4YSZ prepared via SSR. A more homogeneous and uniform distribution for LSM-4Sc4YSZ SG was also observed with a porosity of 30.65%. Moreover, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the LSM-4Sc4YSZ SG revealed a total conductivity of 0.158 S/cm at 700 °C with an activation energy of 0.018 eV.
First-Principles Insights on the Bonding Mechanism and Electronic Structure of SWCNT and Oxygenated-SWCNT Functionalized by Cellulose Biopolymer
Authors: Munio Art Anthony Z. , Pido Alvanh Alem G. , Ambolode II Leo Cristobal C.
Published: July 2023

Here, we report the bonding mechanism and electronic structure of single-walled carbon nanotube and oxygenated single-walled carbon nanotube functionalized by cellulose chain using first-principles density functional theory. Analysis of the optimized molecular configuration and charge redistribution of the nanohybrid indicates that the cellulose chain binds with the prototype single-walled carbon nanotube and oxygenated single-walled carbon nanotube via physisorption. The cellulose chain adsorption on the single-walled carbon nanotube preserved its electronic structure. On the other hand, the electronic structure of the oxygenated single-walled carbon nanotube and cellulose complex reveals that the electronic states of the cellulose tend to populate in the forbidden gap, thus, lowering the bandgap of the overall complex. The electronic structure of the complex can be considered as the superposition of its constituents in which no significant hybridization of the orbital characters is observable. The findings confirm that cellulose is indeed suitable for the non-covalent functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes and provide new insights into the electronic structure of the oxygenated single-walled carbon nanotube/cellulose complex.
Fabrication of Densely-Packed Janus Gold Nanoparticles Layer by Self-Assembly for a Potential Molecular Sensing Probe
Authors: Pambudi Muhammad Tegar , Iskandar Alexander Agustinus , Wulandari Priastuti
Published: July 2023

Localized surface plasmon phenomena of metallic nanoparticles could be utilized for sensing applications. As the particles in the vicinity results in a near-field coupling phenomenon, a higher field enhancement factor increases the sensing sensitivity. In this research, we propose a self-assembled and closely-packed Janus gold nanoparticle (AuNP) structure for application in molecular sensing. We utilize three-phase interfacial trapping and Langmuir-Schaefer method for the fabrication of Janus AuNP layer. In our case, dodecylamine (DDA) was used as the analyte for sensing assay. We found that the color of our AuNP changes from red-wine to blue in conjunction with the phase changes from colloidal to closely-packed layer that results in a red-shift absorbance peak. In the application of sensing assay, the absorbance peak is revealed blue-shifted up to ~40 nm from pristine AuNP layer due to the adsorption of DDA on the particle surfaces. Sensitivity enhancement is also expected due to the hotspot arises from the plasmonic particles in vicinity. This research could be further developed to a sensitive and quantitative molecular sensor up to colorimetric specific biosensor.
The Gate Oxide Breakdown Failures of 4H-SiC MOS Devices
Authors: Wan Cai Ping , Wang Kai Yu , Ye Tian Chun , Xu Heng Yu
Published: July 2023

A study of Weibull distribution of 4H-SiC MOS capacitors has shown the effect of temperature as well as electric-field stress on the analysis of time-dependent breakdown. Time-Dependent Dielectric Breakdown (TDDB) is strongly electric-field dependent and temperature-dependent. In the paper, the test was at the stress level of 9.5, 10, and 10.5 MV/cm under 373K, through the TDDB model, the lifetime of the SiO2 can reach more than 30 years when the field pressure is not more than 6.6 MV /cm. The acceleration factor for TDDB (using E-Model) under different temperature stress, it expected that the capacitors would last for 2.28×107 years under 3MV/cm or 54 years under 6MV/cm at 373K.
A Rapid Synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-14 Cobalt (ZIF-14 Co) for Surface Modification of LiFePO4 as Lithium‑Ion Battery Cathode Material
Authors: Edwin Rudiawan , Eddy Diana Rakhmawaty , Rahayu Iman
Published: July 2023

The main limitation of LiFePO4 (LFP) as a cathode material for lithium-ion battery (LIB) is its poor rate performance due to its low electronic conductivity values. At present, there are three main efforts being intensively carried out to overcome this: cation doping, crystal morphology adjustment, and LFP surface modification. Surface modification of LFPs has become a major concern in efforts to improve battery performance. The use of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks 8 (ZIF-8) and 67 (ZIF 67) as N-doped C sources for surface modification of LIB cathodes carried out in several studies has shown an improvement in the electrochemical performance of LIB. However, the thermal, solvothermal and chemical stability of ZIF-8 and ZIF-67, which adopt the sodalite (SOD) topology, is still not enough for this purpose. Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks 14 (ZIF-14), which is homologous to ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 with its crystals adopting analcime (ANA) topology, has better thermal, solvothermal, and chemical stability than ZIF-8 and ZIF-67. Apart from its topology, ZIF-14 cobalt (ZIF-14 Co) can be synthesized rapidly in a water-based system at room temperature, so that its use becomes more effective and efficient. This paper will describe the synthesis and characterization procedure of ZIF-14 Co for use as a modification material for the cathode surface of LIB.
Urban agglomeration and spatial formation of urban growth in the Colombo District
Authors: Randeniya Nilantha , Weerakoon K. G. P. K. , Jayampath Uditha
Published: July 2023

An urban agglomeration is one of the biggest drivers of national or global economic development since its cities are interconnected. The world's population was 55% urban in 2020, compared to 52% in developing countries (United Nations, 2020).Land usage statistics for small and medium-sized town centers were analyzed using primary and secondary sources. Semi-structured interviews capture 30 experts' thoughts. Reviewing historical planning papers, maps, census records, and other secondary data. Hybrid data analysis. GIS and qualitative research study urban agglomeration and spatial formation. Space Syntax and its integration measure street-to-street transitions to define urban design. Space syntax illustrates population integration and interaction. The Landscape Expansion Matrix controls dynamic systems.Research shows Colombo urbanized nuclear style before 1970. That impacted neighboring municipalities and suburbs for 50 years. After the 1990 Open Economy, outer-circle suburbia expansion began. The Civil War halted suburbanization (2001). Rapid exurban growth created ribbon-shaped urban districts. Development plans for Megacity Colombo City after the 2009 civil conflict advocated corridors and extensive urbanization.
Real-life efficacy interstitial laser therapy treating laxity of the periorbital region
Authors: Zattoni Luca , Forlin Alessia
Published: July 2023

Skin laxity in the periorbital region is a common problem that is usually treated surgically. This is not only invasive, but it also increases the risks for the patient and can result in scarring. Innovative therapies involving the use of the most recent generation of interstitial lasers allow for safe, minimally invasive, and effective intervention in patients suffering from blepharochalasis and periorbital bags. A 100% Made in Italy intra-tissue laser lifting technology, in particular, delivers energy to the subcutaneous tissue via laser fibers as small as 200/300 microns, ensuring a targeted release of energy and allowing the formation of new collagen while decreasing skin laxity. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of an interstitial laser using optical microfibers on 5 patients aged 30 to 60 years. Following anesthesia (Lidocaine and Adrenaline), the treatment was performed using an endotissue laser with a wavelength of 1470 nm. The cumulative energy delivered by the laser by using 300-micron disposable fibers is equal to 200 Joules for each lid, with an infrared thermometer confirming an increase in skin temperature not exceeding 40°C. Over the next six months, patients experienced optimal results with no visible skin signs. In conclusion, we can state that intra-tissue laser lifting can be an effective strategy for the treatment of periorbital laxity, resulting in a decrease in dermal laxity and greater skin homogeneity while ensuring high precision, the absence of superficial incisions, rapid recovery, and optimal results.
The Effect of Lower Limb Position on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Uncommon Complications after Surgery
Authors: Aslani Hamidreza , Bonakdar Sona , Amoozade Farzad , Gorji Mona , Gholami Amir H. , Tajic Katayoun , Gholipour Morteza
Published: July 2023

Background:

To reduce the complications of orthopedic surgery, the desire for less invasive procedures, such as, knee arthroscopy to repair the anterior cruciate ligament, has increased. There are, currently, two common positions for limbs that are used during surgery depending on the surgeon's experience. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the effect of limb position on complications after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery.

Materials and Methods:

From April 2016 to July 2020 at our orthopedic-sports trauma center, 688 patients between the ages of 18 and 50 with anterior cruciate ligament rupture underwent reconstruction surgery with a hamstring graft. Patients were divided into two groups in terms of limb position at the time of surgery. For three months, patients were evaluated for surgical complications, basic demographic information, and information during surgery.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic information, side of injury, preparation time, tourniquet time, operation time, and duration of hospitalization. At quarterly follow-up, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative complications (P= 0.976).

Conclusions:

There is no difference between compartment syndrome and deep vein thrombosis in different situations, therefore, the surgeon should operate in any position he is skilled in. Also, surgeons should always pay special attention to these complications and provide necessary training to patients in order to prevent them.
Detection of Genes Related to Linezolid Resistance (poxtA, cfr, and optrA) in Clinical Isolates of Enterococcus spp. from Humans: A First Report from Iran
Authors: Torabi Majid , Faghri Jamshid , Poursina Farkhondeh
Published: July 2023

Background:

Enterococci may develop resistance to linezolid through chromosomal mutations that involve specific linezolid resistance genes, such as cfr, optrA, and poxtA. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility of enterococcal isolates and identify cfr, optrA, and poxtA genes in MDR isolates.

Materials and Methods:

Enterococcal isolates were collected from various clinical specimens at Al-Zahra, Amin, and Khorshid Hospitals in Isfahan. The Enterococcus isolates were identified as belonging to the E. faecalis and E. faecium species by using specific gene (D alanine D alanine ligase ddl) sets in PCR. To detect cfr, optrA, and poxtA genes among the species, a multiplex-PCR assay was performed.

Results:

Out of 175 isolates, E. faecalis predominated 129/175 (73.7%). Furthermore, the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) and linezolid-resistant Enterococci (LRE) was 29.7% and 4%, respectively. The overall prevalence of MDR was 91.1%, 68.9%, and 66.6% of E. faecium, E. faecalis, and other Enterococcus spp., respectively. Interestingly, the frequency of optrA (71.4%) in E. faecium and poxtA and crf (42.8%) in E. faecalis were detected among LRE species. A statistically significant relationship (P < 0.05) was found between the presence of the three genes and the occurrence of LRE.

Conclusion:

This is the first study to report the detection of linezolid resistance genes (cfr, optrA, and poxtA) in clinical Enterococcus spp. isolates from Iran, conducted at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences hospitals. The emergence of enterococcal strains that resist linezolid is concerning as it can lead to the spread of resistant strains among patients, resulting in treatment failure.
Expression of CD24 as Cancer Stem Cell Marker in the Diagnosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma – A Prospective Study
Authors: Muralidoss Hemavathy , Muthusekhar M.R.
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive and recurrent malignancy. Identification of unique and overexpressed cell surface antigens is important in the diagnosis and development of cancer vaccines and various therapies for OSCC. We have used real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the expression of cell surface protein CD24 in both tissue samples and in blood samples to study the clinicopathological features as well as to determine the gene expression profile of CD24 in OSCC and explore its role as a potential target of clinical therapy.

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective study, the expression of CD24 was evaluated in 20 blood (3 ml) and tissue samples of OSCC specimens by quantitative RT-PCR. Student’st-test was used for statistical analysis. The significance level was considered <0.05.

Results:

CD24 was found to be upregulated amongst the cases for both the tissue and the blood. CD24 was statistically significant withP< 0.05. Fold change was calculated to assess the quantity of the difference in expression amongst cases when compared to controls. Results were supportive of CD24 being a reliable biomarker, hence blood samples can also be used in screening and diagnosis of OSCC.

Discussion:

CD24 expression is significantly upregulated in blood and tissue samples in OSCC. In addition, CD24 overexpression is highly associated with adverse prognostic parameters such as lymph node involvement, advanced clinical stages and worse overall survival. Our findings have important implications in future practice, overexpression of CD24 in OSCC was associated with poor prognosis correlating to the clinical findings, large-scale comprehensive studies are needed further to confirm our findings. In addition to histological features, CD24 can be used as marker for OSCC.
Evaluation of Salivary Interleukin-6 in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders, Chronic Periodontitis and in Healthy Controls - A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Rani N. Alice Josephine , Vardhan B. G. Harsha , Srinivasan Srividhya , Gopal Saraswathi K.
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for 95% among all head and neck cancers. Literature reveals saliva as a predictive, diagnostic and prognostic tool in carcinoma, inflammatory and genetic disorders. Expression of salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been reported in patients with OSCC and in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). This study aims at the following objectives: · To evaluate the changes in the salivary levels of IL-6 in healthy individuals and those with chronic periodontitis (CP), OPMD and OSCC. · To compare the estimated levels of salivary IL-6 individually in healthy individuals and those with CP, OPMD and OSCC. · To assess the estimated levels of salivary IL-6 individually within histopathologically differentiated OSCC. · To analyse salivary IL-6 as a reliable biomarker in the diagnosis of OSCC.

Materials and Methods:

Totally, 60 patients were divided into four groups consisting of 15 patients in each group. Salivary samples were collected by simple drooling method. The concentration of IL-6 is to be determined by using Quantitative sandwich ELISA technique. All analyses were carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results:

The concentration values of IL-6 were found to be more in OSCC group in comparison with the other three groups and the concentration values of OPMD were found to be more than in the CP and control group and was statistically significant.

Discussion:

We attempted a study to evaluate the salivary IL-6 in patients with OSCC, OPMDs and CP in comparison with the healthy controls. We achieved a pragmatic result showed that salivary IL-6 can be a reliable biomarker in the detection of OSCC. Saliva, due its wide array of functional characteristics, is an upcoming diagnostic fluid in the field of medicine and salivary IL-6 can be one such biomarker in the diagnosis of OSCC.
Posterior segment indications of handheld spectral domain optical coherence tomography in pediatric age group in a tertiary eye center in Egypt
Authors: Shokier Gihan M.
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to detect the posterior segment indications for the use of handheld optical coherence tomography in the pediatric age group.

Patients and methods

This was a retrospective observational study that included patients who were candidates for handheld spectral domain optical coherence tomography (HH-OCT) imaging for retinal or optic nerve (ON) diseases in Abo Elreesh hospital during the period from June 2018 to June 2022. The image, demographic, and clinical database of the included patients were reviewed. Data were tabulated using Microsoft Excel. Appropriate statistical methods were used to analyze and correlate the obtained data.

Results

A total of 189 patients were included in this study, comprising 109 (57.7%) male patients. The mean age was 7.2±3.9 (range: 0.2–16 years) years. Overall, 46 (24.3%) patients were less than 5 years of age (i.e. infants and preschool age). Patients who underwent HH-OCT scanning due to retinal causes (i.e. nystagmus, unexplained poor vision, uveitis, Coat's disease, trauma, and high myopia) were 130 (68.8%) patients, whereas 59 (31.2%) patients were indicated due to ON disease (i.e. primary congenital glaucoma and juvenile open angle glaucoma, optic disc hyperemia, swelling or pallor, and cases of large physiological cupping).

Conclusion

HH-OCT is a noninvasive feasible image modality for evaluation of retina and ON in infants and young children. The lack of a normative database for retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and ON head parameters in the pediatric age group in the device available in our service is considered a limitation in its use for proper evaluation of different pathologies involving the ON.
Autologous platelet rich plasma versus punctal plugs for treatment of moderate to severe dry eye disease
Authors: Enany Hesham A. , Salamah Moustafa , Dessouky Reem A.K.
Published: July 2023

Aim

To compare the outcomes of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) eye drops and inferior silicone punctal plugs in the treatment of moderate to severe dry eye disease (DED).

Patients and methods

This retrospective non-randomized comparative study included 46 patients with bilateral moderate to severe DED during the period from May 2021 to June 2022. They were divided into two groups, Group I: patients treated with autologous PRP eyedrops and Group II: patients treated with an inferior silicone punctal plug. The mean values of ocular surface disease index (OSDI), Schirmer's test (ST), fluorescein break up time (FBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) were calculated for each group at baseline and at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months follow-up. Mean posttreatment values were compared with baseline in each group. Mean values at baseline and at each follow up visit were compared between the two groups. Any complications were recorded.

Results

Group I included 50 eyes of 25 patients while group II included 42 eyes of 21 patients. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in all DED parameters posttreatment compared with baseline (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding DED parameters at baseline and each follow-up visit (P>0.05). Reported complications were spontaneous loss of the plug in 19 (45.2%) eyes and persistent epiphora in 2 (4.8%) eyes in group II. No complications were noted in group I. The difference in complication rates between the two groups was highly significant (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Both autologous PRP eyedrops and inferior silicone punctal plugs are effective in the treatment of moderate to severe DED. However, inferior silicone punctal plugs are associated with more complications.
Outcomes of air versus sulfur hexafluoride tamponade in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in phakic eyes
Authors: Tabl Ahmed A. , Shaheen Mahrous H. , El Alim Mohamed Ahmed A. , Tabl Marwa A.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the outcomes of using air versus sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas tamponade in management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

Study design

Retrospective case-series comparative study.

Patients and methods

We collected data from 120 patients in three tertiary university hospitals, that were diagnosed as primary RRD due to upper retinal break in the period from January 2021 to November 2022 and had undergone 23-G lens-sparing pars-plana vitrectomy with either air tamponade (Air group) or SF6 gas tamponade (SF6 group) and were followed up for 6 months. We analyzed the final visual outcomes between both groups.

Results

The mean age of the studied patients was 51±13 years (Air group=60 eyes, SF6 group=60 eyes). The mean axial length in Air group was 26.59±1.84 mm, the mean axial length was 26.46±1.49 mm in SF6 group. Best-corrected visual acuity was improved in both groups at the sixth month. In Air group 18.33% had recurrent RRD, while 10% in SF6 group. No significant difference regarding metamorphopsia was reported. Higher rate for cataract progression was noted among SF6 group.

Conclusions

Both Air and SF6 gas showed favorable results regarding the final visual outcome. Air is a less expensive tamponade with less timing for postoperative-prone positioning. Cataract progression was higher among SF6 group, however, the incidence of recurrent RRD was lower among SF6 group. Missed break was the primary cause for failed retinal reattachment.
The midpoint transverse process to pleura (MTP) block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy: A case series
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Mohammed Sadik , Paliwal Bharat , Kamal Manoj , Chhabra Swati , Bhatia Pradeep , Syal Rashmi
Published: July 2023

Among the various regional anesthesia techniques used for postoperative analgesia in the modified radical mastectomy (MRM), thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) is presently considered the technique of choice. Nevertheless, TPVB may lead to complications like inadvertent vascular puncture, hypotension, epidural or intrathecal spread, pleural puncture, or pneumothorax. Recently, a newer technique “midpoint transverse process to pleura” (MTP) block has been described in which the tip of the needle is placed at the midpoint between the transverse process and pleura. In this case series, we included ten patients of American Society of Anesthesiologist status I/II scheduled for MRM. Ultrasound-guided MTP block was performed and the catheter was inserted on the side of the surgery at the level of T4 level. The block was successful in the all patients as their median visual analogue score at rest and movement was 2 and 3, respectively, in first 24 h postoperatively. Only three patients required rescue analgesia in the first 24 h. No procedural-related complications were noticed in any patient. We concluded that MTP block provided effective perioperative analgesia with minimal rescue analgesia requirement and satisfactory safety profile.
Iatrogenic tracheal injury in an infant due to endotracheal intubation: Beware of the stylets
Authors: Solanki Shailesh , Pandey Amit , Dogra Shivani , Kanojia Ravi Prakash
Published: July 2023

Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is a common intervention performed in a pediatric emergency. The pediatric laryngeal anatomy creates a challenge and requires an expertise for this procedure. Tracheal injury is a rare but serious complication that can occur during ETI. The stylet, if used improperly, can lead to this life-threatening complication. Here, we present a case of tracheal injury in an infant that happened during ETI with stylet use.
Posterior mediastinal neuroblastoma presenting with spinal cord compression as oncoemergency
Authors: Bargujar Payal , Upadhyay Jitendra , Pahadiya Hans Raj
Published: July 2023

Neuroblastoma is a neurogenic tumor, derived from primordial neural crest cells. It has varied presentations, and this depends on the location of tumor. Flaccid paralysis of the both lower extremities in infants can be the presenting feature of neuroblastoma. We are reporting here a case of posterior mediastinum neuroblastoma in a 5-month-old infant who presented with spinal cord compression as oncological emergency.
SOSIALISASI PENTINGNYA SERTIFIKAT HALAL PADA PRODUK MAKANAN DAN MINUMAN DI KOTA AMBON
Authors: Allifah AF Asyik Nur , Mutmainnah Heni , Natsir Nur Alim
Published: July 2023

Produk halal merupakan hasil produksi yang harus diketahui oleh konsumen khususnya pelanggan muslim. Produk yang dihasilkan bisa berupa makanan dan minuman obat-obatan atau barang konsumsi lainnya. Produk yang terjamin kehalalannya menjadi hal utama yang menjadi perhatian pemerintah. Di berbagai industri pengolahan baik makanan maupun minuman olahan telah menggunakan teknologi terbaru pada proses pengerjaan produknya. Namun sebagian besar produk yang dihasilkan tersebut belum memiliki sertifikat halal. Ambon merupakan ibu kota Provinsi Maluku yang menyediakan produk makanan dan minuman secara luas. Pengabdian ini dilakukan di Gahwa Coffe yang bertujuan untuk memberikan informasi terkait pentingnya sertifikat halal bagi produk yaitu minuman kopi. Gahwa Coffe merupakan produsen yang memproduksi minuman kopi yang menerapkan pengolahan dengan menggunakan teknologi. Di tempat ini produk tidak memiliki sertifikat halal sebagai jaminan keamanan produk
PELATIHAN MS.EXCEL UNTUK PENGOLAHAN NILAI BAGI GURU–GURU SD AL FITHRIAH MEDAN JOHOR
Authors: Mulyani Sri , Sepriawan M Reza , Anan Malesa
Published: July 2023

Pengolahan penilaian hasil belajar siswa yang dilakukan oleh guru-guru SD AL-FITHRIAH telah menggunakan media komputerisasi, hanya saja para guru belum mengupdate pengetahuan tentang pengunaaan Ms.Excel terbaru 2021, karena terbatasnya pengetahuan dan informasi, untuk itu guru–guru SD AL-FITHRIAH membutuhkan suatu pelatihan tambahan tentang bagaimana pengolahan nilai siswa dengan menggunakan Ms.Excel yang terbaru. Masih banyak guru–guru yang belum paham dalam melakukan pengolahan data menggunakan Ms.Excel sehingga diperlukan pelatihan dalam pengolahan nilai dengan menggunakan Ms.Excel. Evalusi yang didapat dari kegiatan pelatihan ini dengan melakukan peningkatan daya kompetensi oleh guru–guru agar dapat mengelola MS. Excel. Dalam pelatihan ini manfaat yang di dapat terlihat dari adanya respon yang sangat baik dan antusias dari peserta yang aktif dalam mengikuti kegiatan ini dari awal kegiatan hingga akhir kegiatan berjalan. Para peserta bisa melakukan pelatihan dengan sangat baik dan dengan waktu yang tepat, terlihat para peserta dapat memahami seluruh paparan materi yang diberikan oleh instruktur. Dari pengetahuan yang di dapat dalam pengelolaan MS. Excel sangat bermanfaat bagi guru–guru agar dapat mempermudah guru–guru dalam melakukan pengerjaan penginputan nilai dan dapat mempermudah kebutuhan dalam administrasi guru
PENGUATAN GENERASI ANTI-STUNTING DI KOTA SEMARANG
Authors: Sakti Hastaning , Rusmawati Diana , Alfaruqy Muhammad Zulfa
Published: July 2023

Peterongan merupakan salah satu kelurahan di Kota Semarang yang membutuhkan penanganan dan pencegahan stunting. Tujuan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ialah menguatkan generasi anti-stunting di Kelurahan Peterongan, Kota Semarang. Pengabdian terdiri dari tiga program yang saling berkaitan. Pertama, program peningkatan asupan gizi berupa pemberian telur kepada 234 balita selama tujuh bulan. Kedua, program pelatihan pemberdayaan perempuan kepada 27 kader. Ketiga, program pelatihan kesehatan mental kepada 36 remaja. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa pemberian telur pada balita sebagai penanganan sekaligus pencegahan stunting telah meningkatan berat badan dan tinggi badan balita. Perempuan kader pemberdayaan memperoleh wawasan tentang peran perempuan dalam pengasuhan positif di keluarga. Remaja sebagai generasi muda yang kelak akan membentuk keluarga menjadi lebih sadar urgensi merawat kesehatan fisik dan mental guna pencegahan stunting sejak dini. Efek positif dari pengabdian kepada masyarakat dapat dikembangkan secara lebih luas dalam bentuk kebijakan publik
DIGITAL BRANDING UNTUK PENGEMBANGAN DODOL NANGKA KHAS DESA BESAN, KECAMATAN DAWAN, KABUPATEN KLUNGKUNG, PROVINSI BALI
Authors: Sariani Ni Luh Putu , Rika Dwi Cahyani Ni Made , Wiradyatmika Anak Agung Gde Alit , Kertiriasih Ni Nengah Rupadi
Published: July 2023

Potensi Desa Besan dalam bidang ekonomi ditunjukan oleh hasil olahan makanan ringan yang diproduksi oleh masyarakat di Desa tersebut. Salah satu produk olahan khas yang dihasilkan adalah dodol nagka. Bahan baku utama dari produk tersebut adalah buah nangka yang mudah di dapat di Desa tersebut, karena buah nangka merupakan salah satu sumber daya hayati utama yang dihasilkan dari sektor pertaniannya. Terbatasnya pemasaran dan belum adanya logo sebagai identitas produk khas Desa Besan membuat dodol nangka kurang dikenal masyarakat luas. Tujuan kegiatan ini adalah membantu pengrajin UMKM menerapkan digital branding untuk pengembangan dodol nangka sebagai makanan ringan khas Desa Besan. Metode pelaksanaan yang digunakan, meliputi observasi, pendampingan pembuatan desain logo, pembuatan akun media sosial instagram dan cara penggunaannya serta evaluasi. Hasil kegiatan setelah program kerja dilaksanakan, yaitu produk dodol nangka Desa besan kini memiliki desain logo dan akun media sosial Instagram sebagai sarana digital branding produk yang dapat membuat usaha ini lebih dikenal oleh masyarakat luas