bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Deep Learning Approach for Detection of Brain Tumor Disease
Authors: Mangj Syefy Mohammed , Hussan Payman Hussein , Shakir Wafaa Mohammed Ridha
Published: May 2023

This article presents, we describe fully autonomous brain tumor classifying as well as the classification method depending on a multiscale DCNN Deep-Convolutional-Neural-Network (multiscale Deep Convolutional Neural Network). As compared to similar efforts, ours differs in part because it processes input images at two different spatial scales using independent neural networks. The suggested neural model can interpret MRI scans comprising two kinds of tumors: the first one meningioma, and the second one glioma, without requiring input images to be preprocessed to eliminate skull and spine components. The effectiveness we've noted model available to the public MRI image dataset containing 3060 slices of 250 cases is compared to previously reported models for conventional ML (machine learning) as well as DL (deep learning). In the comparison, our approach produced an impressive 97% accuracy in classifying tumors, which was better than some other algorithms utilizing similar datasets.
Essential Factors for Entrepreneurship Development Among Engineering Undergraduates
Authors: Dubey Pushkar , Dubey Parul , Sahu Kailash Kumar
Published: May 2023

Employment creation is the first priority of any nation in the world, which facilitates healthy nations' growth and development. Nations like India have been fighting unemployment issues for more than a decade, but recently it has worsened. Entrepreneurship is the only solution to this great issue. The present study attempts to investigate the social and environmental factors affecting engineering undergraduates' entrepreneurial behavior. 1000 responses were recorded for analysis and found that social and environmental factors play prominent roles in creating entrepreneurial temperament among engineering undergraduates.
The Impacts of Lavender Gardens on Rural Tourism
Authors: Bertan Serkan
Published: May 2023

In this study, the impacts of lavender gardens in terms of rural tourism were examined. For this purpose, data was collected by interview form in Gözler Neighborhood of Pamukkale district of Denizli province. When the data were analyzed, the economic, environmental, and socio-cultural effects of lavender gardens were determined. It has been determined that lavender gardens support rural development by increasing the number of products, entrepreneurship, job opportunities, investment, and quality of life. Social relations have increased in the region, leisure and tourism awareness has been created, and loyalty, participation, and solidarity have increased. The importance of natural resources has been understood, ecological awareness has been created, environmental protection and environmental awareness have increased, the importance of lavender in agricultural areas has increased, and the importance of a sustainable environment has emerged.
Agriculture and Farmer's Plight in the Backward Region of Uttar Pradesh After 75 Years of Independence
Authors: Baliyan Kavita
Published: May 2023

This chapter portrays the constraints faced by the farmers in Uttar Pradesh in terms of infrastructure, production, marketing, irrigation, and finance. Apart from this, a few natural constraints are also responsible for low productivity in agriculture. Hence, the present study was undertaken in the selected eastern districts of Uttar Pradesh to identify the institutional, social, and economic constraints hampering the growth of agriculture in the selected districts. It analyses the farmers' perception regarding constraints which is responsible for low agricultural productivity.
Internalized and Externalized Behaviors in Children and Adolescents With SLD and ADHD
Authors: Kamari Afroditi , Bonti Eleni
Published: May 2023

This chapter will attempt to shed light on the emotional and behavioral difficulties faced by children with neurodevelopmental disorders, mainly specific learning disorders (SLD) and ADHD during the developmental trajectory. Approximately, 30% of the diagnosed children suffer from behavioral and emotional problems, such as anxiety or depression, and are at high risk of ADHD, causing an additional burden on their social development and academic performance. The nature per se of SLD creates feelings of worry and concern for both parents and teachers of these children, mainly due to their diverse competencies, and weaknesses, as well.
Response to Intervention for Gifted and Talented Students
Authors: Tomprou Dimitra Maria , Georgiadi Maria , Plexousakis Stefanos
Published: May 2023

Within the context of inclusive education, response to intervention (RtI) can be a promising educational model for gifted and talented children. The RtI model is a multi-tiered framework, where children's exceptional needs are addressed by multidisciplinary teams. At Tier I, supports are provided within the mainstream educational setting for all children through differentiated curricula. When Tier I supports seem insufficient, Tier II follows with a more supportive framework. Curriculum compacting and problem-based learning, students' acceleration, resource rooms and cluster grouping of gifted and talented students are some strategies of Tier II, ensuring a more responsive setting for their intellect. For those children who need even more intensive support, there is Tier III, where educational planning is specialized and individualized to both the abilities and needs of the gifted child. In this chapter, both organizational and instructional changes in each tier are discussed to ensure that gifted and talented students are in the best educational environment.
“Eu não tenho preconceito, mas...”: obstáculos na inserção e permanência de pessoas LGBTQIA+ no mercado de trabalho
Authors: Laurini Matheus Machado , Santos Andressa Schaurich dos , Campos Simone Alves Pacheco de
Published: May 2023

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar quais obstáculos as pessoas LGBTQIA+ enfrentam na inserção e permanência no mercado de trabalho. Para tanto, caracteriza-se como um estudo descritivo e qualitativo no qual a coleta de dados se deu por meio de entrevistas com pessoas gays, lésbicas e bissexuais, de acordo com roteiro semiestruturado. Os dados foram analisados a partir da Análise de conteúdo. Como resultados, foi possível verificar que as pessoas LGBTQIA+ enfrentam diversos tipos de obstáculos e violação de seus direitos fundamentais na inserção e permanência no mercado de trabalho. Destacam-se a grande influência da heteronormatividade nas relações de trabalho, a latente estigmatização dessas minorias pelos discursos conservadores e religiosos e a discriminação por parte de colegas, superiores e membros do próprio movimento LGBTQIA+. As contribuições práticas se referem a fornecer aos gestores insights sobre as práticas de diversidade, de modo a elucidar questões atreladas a heteronormatividade enraizadas nos contextos de trabalho. E, ao versar sobre diversidade e heteronormatividade, o estudo contribui para fomentar as discussões da temática de gênero dentro da literatura dos estudos organizacionais.
Optimization of Methylene Blue Ultrasound-Assisted Adsorption onto Magnetic Sugarcane Bagasse Activated Carbon Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Rizkiana Meta Fitri , Fachri Boy Arief , Gunawan Syahrul , Nor Mohammad , Iswahyono Iswahyono , Palupi Bekti , Rahmawati Istiqomah , Amini Helda Wika
Published: May 2023

This study focused on the optimization of methylene blue removal on a magnetic activated carbon from the carbon-rich agro-industrial residue, sugarcane bagasse, synthesized by microwave method. The adsorption process was assisted by ultrasound. The magnetic sugarcane bagasse activated carbon (MSB) was characterized by FTIR and SEM-EDX. Based on FTIR results, the functional groups found in magnetic sugarcane bagasse activated carbon are O-H, C=C, C-O, and Fe-O. The SEM results show that MSB is porous with a rough surface. In addition, EDX data found the presence of three main elements, namely C, O, and Fe. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) Box-Behnken Design was applied to analyze the effects of three parameters, including adsorbent dosage (50-100 mg/L), ultrasonic power (100-200 W), and contact time (30-60 min). The obtained optimum conditions of the adsorption process were the sonication power of 155.65 W, the adsorbent dosage of 89.77 mg/L, and the sonication time of 57,81 minutes. The results indicated that the parameters of adsorbent dosage, ultrasonic power, and contact time influenced the response (qe and methylene blue removal).
Removal of Manganese and Iron from Groundwater by using Chlorination and Rapid Sand Filtration: A Case Study
Authors: Sutharsan M. E. , Meegahakumbura S. P. S. , Miguntanna N. S.
Published: May 2023

The average groundwater extraction from Murunkan well field, Mannar, is around 3.4 MCM/year, and it was triggered by extensive development projects and resettlements that took place in the last decade. Manganese and Iron variations in Murunkan groundwater reported during some periods created various operational and aesthetic issues in the potable water supply. This study is focused on treating iron and manganese in groundwater using chlorination and Rapid Sand Filtration (RSF) techniques. Pebble layers, height of 205 mm with the particle sizes ranging from 2-25 mm, were filled at the bottom of RSF model filter. Filter media, height of 700 mm with 0.45 mm effective size (D10) and a uniformity coefficient (Cu) of 1.33, was placed above the pebble layers. The filter was operated continuously for 15 days, and influent and effluent water samples were collected from 15 trials. Filter backwashing was performed after every two trials to maintain a consistent filtration rate. Raw water pH values ranged from 6.74 – 7.48. Chlorine solution (1.08-1.26 ppm) was added at the inlet point, and a 2.88 m water column was maintained, allowing adequate mixing and oxidation time. The results revealed that average removals of iron and manganese as 60% and 73%, respectively, while maximum removals of 93% and 91% were observed for iron and manganese, respectively.
Tradeable Electrical Energy Certificates to Facilitate the Development of Renewable Energy Based Power Plants, Bypassing the Ongoing Financial Crisis
Authors: Weerasinghe M. Lakshitha , Wickramasinghe Harsha , Alwis Ajith
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes the use of Electrical Energy Certificates (EECs) generated from renewable energy (RE) based power plants to be used as an alternative to payments from the utility to power plants to settle for electricity generated and to give returns to investors to overcome the impasse created due to high cost of capital. Such EECs can be used by the original receivers, or holders (who purchase them from a secondary market), to set off the energy payment part of electricity bills. As the Single Buyer of electricity in Sri Lanka, the certificates are to be issued by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), and hence are honoured by CEB (as the Transmission Licensee) to set off energy consumption portion (kWh part) of any electricity bill. EECs are to be valid for 10 years and can be traded at a secondary exchange if the holder desires. As EECs have an intrinsic value which embody the true utility associated with energy, in the long-term it could be regarded as a trading instrument. CEB (as the Single Buyer) is to pay the power plants with EECs as against LKR for the electricity generated (based on a formula) except the portion for Operations & Maintenance (O&M) cost and cost of finances. Being a non-material commodity, electrical energy can be easily tagged to digital transactions, overcoming the issues faced by the barter trading league in the yesteryear. EECs can provide a medium to raise equity capital for RE projects which has become expensive largely due to the present economic crisis.
A Consequence of Failure of Mid Span Compression Joint on the Kelanitissa-Kolonnawa Line
Authors: Lucas J. Rohan , Munasinghe Nanda
Published: May 2023

Mid-span compression joints in overhead transmission line conductors need to give not only reliability, but also electrical and mechanical properties equivalent to the original conductor. The use of an inappropriate joint can lead to disastrous consequences. An example of this is the complete blackout of the Sri Lankan power system in October 2009 through the use of an inadequate size joint. This paper is based on investigations which revealed that the initiating cause of the blackout, was the failure of a previously replaced inadequate mid-span straight-through joint between ZEBRA and ZTACIR conductors. Inadequate line protection allowed it to progress to a complete blackout. A detailed analysis of the failure is presented and provides information to avoid such occurrences in the future.
A New Constructive Professional Training Guide on Health and Safety Practices for Construction Workers
Authors: Kesavan M. , Alagiyawanna A. M. N.
Published: May 2023

Healthy work environments and processes lower the possibility of workplace accidents, financial costs and unnecessary project delays, all of which have a significant beneficial effect on worker morale. The construction sector of many developing countries understands the necessity for effective tools to guide construction workers in improving their work practices linked to health and safety aspects. Accordingly, this study intends to design a modern training guide/manual that could enable construction workers in a variety of job categories to enhance their work procedures, learning demands and responsibilities in relation to health and safety practices. The crucial factors/areas and Competency Elements (CEs) were qualitatively identified using comprehensive approaches. A series of industry consultation meetings/discussions were carried out with actionoriented communication approaches to develop training aims and learning outcomes based on the identified critical CEs. Expert reviews were conducted on the entire development process to validate the outputs. The study has produced a new training guide/manual that describes all the needed components of training to improve the cognitive and manual skills of construction workers, connecting with the key areas of the job roles and the legal framework, identification/assessment/control of hazards, conditions and risks in construction operations. The study has also produced a sample lesson plan which describes how the learning areas/contents are methodically linked to training objectives. The outcomes of experts’ reviews assured the validity, reliability and generalisability of the developed training guide. The developed training manual/guide will be a functional tool that offers proactive and sustainable strategies to successfully integrate contemporary techniques/systems in construction projects, leading to standardising and reforming healthy practices associated with safety, quality and productivity. Despite the study findings can be directly applicable to the construction industry sector of Sri Lanka, other developing/developed countries and other developing industries/sectors can also achieve comparable outcomes towards upgrading their industrial processes.
From the Editor…
Authors: Karunananda P. A. K.
Published: May 2023

No abstract available
Conservative versus conventional oxygen therapy in type I acute respiratory failure patients in respiratory intensive care unit, Zagazig University
Authors: Nafae Ramadan M. , Shouman Waheed , Abdelmoneam Salwa H. , Shehata Samah M.
Published: May 2023

The present study aimed to assess the effect of conservative (permissive hypoxaemia) versus conventional (normoxaemia) protocol for oxygen supplementation on outcome of type I respiratory failure patients admitted to the respiratory intensive care unit (ICU). This randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out at Respiratory ICU, Chest Department, Zagazig University Hospital for 18 months, starting from July 2018. On admission, fifty-six enrolled patients with acute respiratory failure were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into the conventional group (oxygen therapy was supplied to maintain SpO2 between 94-97%) and the conservative group (oxygen therapy was administered to maintain SpO2 values between 88-92%). Different outcomes were assessed including ICU mortality, Need for mechanical ventilation (MV): invasive or non-invasive and ICU length of stay. In the current study, Pao2 was significantly higher among the conventional group, at all times after the baseline reading and HCO3 was significantly higher among the conventional group at the first two readings. There was no significant difference in Serum lactate level in follow-up readings. The mean duration of MV and ICU length of stay was (6.17±2.05 and 9.25±2.22) days in the conventional group versus (6.46±2.0 and 9.53±2.16) days in the conservative group respectively without significant difference between both groups. About 21.4% of conventional group patients died, while 35.7% of conservative group patients died without a significant difference between both groups. We concluded that conservative oxygen therapy may be applied safely in patients with type 1 acute respiratory failure.
Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Colorectal Diseases
Authors: Khare Vaibhav , Rastogi Rajul , Mishra Amit , Verma Nitya , Bhandari Vivek , Singh Abhishek Kumar , Kumar Sunil , Pratap Vijai , Yeshlawat Nitishkumar , Khare Aditi
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Modern society is experiencing a noticeable increase in the prevalence of colorectal disease due to a variety of causes, including changes in lifestyle and dietary habits as well as increased use of a variety of chemicals in the form of preservatives flavouring agents and stabilisers. Colorectal diseases are a cause of significant morbidity, hence, often gaining attention early in the disease. Although colonoscopy is a standard, the preferred tool for diagnosis and at times for management is often uncomfortable for the patient besides being incomplete in a significant percentage of patients. Hence, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained importance in recent years for the evaluation of colorectal diseases not only due to its non-invasive nature but also due to lack of radiation, a boon over computed tomography, which is considered a standard imaging tool. Hence, we planned this pilot study to evaluate the role of MRI in our tertiary care, medical college and hospital.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty patients with signs and symptoms of colorectal disease were evaluated by 1.5T MRI followed by conventional, flexible, fibreoptic colonoscopy on the same day after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee and after obtaining written informed consent using strict criteria. Appropriate statistical methods and tools were used to evaluate the results from the data of MRI and colonoscopy that was recorded in predesigned pro forma and compared with the final tissue diagnosis.

Results:

Both the median and mean age of patients in our study were 40–45 years with male predominance (M:F = 4:1). Altered bowel habits followed by bleeding per rectum were the most common presentations seen in more than 90% of patients. Both MRI and colonoscopy misdiagnosed the lesions as malignant with higher errors by MRI. MRI had high sensitivity and negative predictive value in diagnosing a malignant lesion with moderate accuracy approaching 70%. In contrast, colonoscopy was superior in specificity and positive predictive value with higher accuracy of 80%.

Conclusion:

Although conventional colonoscopy is the standard tool for the diagnosis of colorectal diseases, several shortcomings of colonoscopy, including its invasive nature, several contraindications and risk of complications coupled with low yield limits, are used as a screening tool. However, non-invasive and radiation-free MRI with its high sensitivity and negative predictive value for malignant lesions make it preferable as a screening tool in the evaluation of colorectal diseases.
Histomorphometric and Histological Assessments of Transplantation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Busulfan-Induced Azoospermic Testis of Mice
Authors: Payehdar Arash , Hosseini Seyed Ebrahim , Mehrabani Davood
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Mesenchymal stem cells, such as adipose tissue-derived stem cells (Ad-SCs), are an appropriate source for cell therapy because of their differentiating properties and secretion of growth factors. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of transplantation of Ad-SCs in busulfan-induced azoospermic testes of mice, histomorphometric and histologically.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-four adult male mice were randomly divided into four equal groups, including the control, azoospermia-induced, and two Ad-SCs transplanted groups sacrificed after 60 and 150 days, respectively. To induce azoospermia, animals received two doses of busulfan (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally at 21 days’ intervals. Ad-SCs were injected 35 days after the last busulfan injection into the efferent duct of the testis. The cells were isolated from the inguinal adipose tissue of two donor mice. The sacrificed mice were evaluated histomorphometric and histologically.

Results:

In histomorphometric evaluation, the spermatogenesis index of the Ad-SCs transplanted group after 60 and 150 days did not show any significant difference. At the same time, the index was significantly more than the control group. Most of the seminiferous tubules in the Ad-SCs group after 60 and 150 days were normal in morphology and spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis was absent in the busulfan-induced group.

Conclusion:

Our findings based on a histological and histomorphometric study on transplantation of Ad-SCs in mice that recovered spermatogenesis in busulfan-induced azoospermic testes can be added to the literature on the effect of stem cells in the treatment of infertility.
Comparative Evaluation of Quality of Obturation and Instrumentation Time Using Different File Systems in Deciduous Molars: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Patel Foram C , Patel Megha C , Bhatt Rohan K , Joshi Kaushal R
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Multiple systems are available for chemo-mechanical preparation during pulpectomy, but an evolution of the exclusive paediatric rotary single file system has opened new doors in paediatric endodontics. The aim was primarily to compare the quality of obturation and instrumentation time and secondarily to report pain perception between manual files and rotary file systems in deciduous molars.

Materials and Methods:

Pulpectomy was performed in 60 carious mandibular primary molars indicated for pulpectomy in children aged 4–8 years after considering the selection criteria. These teeth were divided randomly into three groups of 20 each, wherein canals were prepared using Hand K files in Group 1, HeroShaper Rotary File System in Group 2 and Kedo S Square single paediatric rotary file in Group 3. The quality of obturation was assessed using intraoral radiographs, and instrumentation time was recorded in seconds using a stopwatch. Pain during instrumentation was assessed using Wong Baker’s FACES Pain Scale. Collected data were subjected to analysis using the Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA and Honestly Significant Difference post
hoc test.

Results:

Mean instrumentation time was least for the Kedo-S Square file system (57.47 ± 9.26), followed by the HeroShaper group (99.6 ± 23.62), and maximum time was recorded for Hand files (255.99 ± 46.20), and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.00), whereas there was no significant difference regarding the quality of obturation and pain perception between the three groups.

Conclusion:

As the Kedo S Square system showed the fastest canal preparation, it can be recommended for pulpectomy procedures in primary teeth because the length of appointment is directly proportional to the behaviour of the child.
Determination of Total Antioxidant Capacity in Patients with Bladder Cancer and its Correlation with the Results of Pathology
Authors: Tolou-Ghamari Zahra , Mazdak Hamid
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

The accumulative consequence of all antioxidants that exist in the blood and body fluids is called total antioxidant capacity (TAOC). The major objective of this investigation is to determine the correlation between TAOC and pathology results in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Materials and Methods:

Based on the cross-sectional method, 35 patients with NMIBC and 35 controls (healthy characters) were studied. Biochemical and haematological variables were achieved and noted for each individual. Two blood samples (n = 5 ml) from each patient were obtained and analysed using Trolox standard immunoassay kit. Three groups were made according to the pathology results. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results:

There were not any significant differences (P = 0.12) between the mean age of patients and controls (60.7 vs. 59.5 years old) correspondingly. The mean value of TAOC (μmol/L) was significantly (P = 0.005) lower in patients when compared to controls (24.5 μmol/L vs. 94 μmol/L), respectively. In patients with NMIBC, sodium, magnesium, calcium, albumin, MCH, MCHC, VHCO3, haemoglobin, haematocrit and lymph were lower than the normal range. Blood sugar, creatinine, prothrombin time and white blood cells were higher than the normal range. The mean TAOC was as follows: papillary cell carcinoma (26.3 μmol/L), radical cystectomy (19 μmol/L) and high-grade bladder cancer (15.9 μmol/L).

Conclusion:

As deregulation of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defence is two important components, in this study, there was high variation in TAOC according to pathology results. Combing individual TAOC and pathology results might be able to contribute to the advanced management of NMIBC. Further studies in this direction seem to be advantageous.
Distribution and Functional Analyses of Mutations in Spike Protein and Phylogenic Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 Variants Emerged during the Year 2021 in India
Authors: Gopalan Vidya , Chandran Aswathi , Arumugam Kishore , Sundaram Monisha , Velladurai Selvakumar , Govindan Karthikeyan , Azhagesan Nivetha , Jeyavel Padmapriya , Dhandapani Prabu , Sivasubramanian Srinivasan , Kitambi Satish Srinivas
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Prolonged COVID-19 pandemic accelerates the emergence and transmissibility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants through the accumulation of adaptive mutations. Particularly, adaptive mutations in spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 leads to increased viral infectivity, severe morbidity and mortality, and immune evasion. This study focuses on the phylodynamic distribution of SARS-CoV-2 variants during the year 2021 in India besides analyzing the functional significance of mutations in S-protein of SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Methods:

Whole genome of SARS-CoV-2 sequences (n = 87957) from the various parts of India over the period of January to December 2021 was retrieved from Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data. All the S-protein sequences were subjected to clade analysis, variant calling, protein stability, immune escape potential, structural divergence, Furin cleavage efficiency, and phylogenetic analysis using various in
silico tools.

Results:

Delta variant belonging to 21A, 21I, and 21J clades was found to be predominant throughout the year 2021 though many variants were also present. A total of 4639 amino acid mutations were found in S-protein. D614G was the most predominant mutation in the S-protein followed by P681R, L452R, T19R, T478K, and D950N. The highest number of mutations was found in the N-terminal domain of S-protein. Mutations in the crucial sites of S-protein impacting pathogenicity, immunogenicity, and fusogenicity were identified. Intralineage diversity analysis showed that certain variants of SARS-CoV-2 possess high diversification.

Conclusions:

The study has disclosed the distribution of various variants including the Delta, the predominant variant, in India throughout the year 2021. The study has identified mutations in S-protein of each SARS-CoV-2 variant that can significantly impact the virulence, immune evasion, increased transmissibility, high morbidity, and mortality. In addition, it is found that mutations acquired during each viral replication cycle introduce new sub-lineages as studied by intralineage diversity analysis.
Retrograde ureteral catheterization under local anesthesia for emergency drainage in patients with infection and hydronephrosis secondary to ureteral calculi: Experience from a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Hsu Chun-Kai , Young Wan-Ling , Wu Shu-Yu
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

The aim is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of retrograde ureteral catheterization under local anesthesia in patients with urinary tract infections complicated by hydronephrosis caused by ureteral stone obstruction.

Materials and Methods:

From October 2020 to September 2021, a retrospective analysis of patients’ medical records was performed. Records of past history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging investigations were reviewed. Retrograde ureteric stent (RUS) was performed under local anesthesia using cystoscopes and guided by portable fluoroscopy. Real-time fluoroscopy was used to verify the double-J stent position and confirm a smooth process. The postoperative recovery and length of admission were also recorded.

Results:

A total of 14 patients with ureteral stone obstruction with infective hydronephrosis received 15 total emergency RUS procedures (one bilateral). Intraoperative findings, operation times, and infection signs were recorded and analyzed. All patients met systemic infection criteria, with a mean body temperature of 38.7°C ± 1.7°C. Leukocytosis was noted in 8 (57.1%) patients. Elevated C-reactive protein (8.5 ± 6.3 mg/L) and procalcitonin (24.1 ± 22.0 ng/mL) were found in 13 (92.9%) and 9 (64.3%) patients, respectively. Mean stone size was 8.5 ± 6.3 mm, mostly localized to the upper ureter (upper: 12; middle: 0; lower: 3). Mean operation time was 14.1 ± 4.3 min. After emergency drainage, all patients improved and were discharged after infection was controlled. The average length of admission was 6.2 ± 2.2 days.

Conclusion:

RUS under local anesthesia is safe and effective for treating infective hydronephrosis due to ureteral stone obstruction. A randomized controlled trial with a large sample remains necessary to validate these findings.
Evaluation of the In-vehicle Experience
Authors: Roth Christian
Published: May 2023

Modern in-vehicle experiences are brimming with functionalities and convenience
driven by automation, digitalization, and electrification. While automotive
manufacturers are competing to provide the best systems to their customers,
there is no common ground to evaluate these in-vehicle experiences as they
become increasingly complex. Existing automotive guidelines do not offer
thresholds for cognitive distraction, or—more appropriately—“disengagement.”
What can researchers can do to change this?

Evaluation of the In-vehicle Experience discusses acceptable levels
of disengagement by evaluating the driving context and exploring how system
reliability can translate to distraction and frustration. It also covers the
need to test systems for their complexity and ease of use, and to prevent users
from resorting to alternative systems while driving (e.g., smartphones). It
highlights the value in naturalistic data generation using vehicles already sold
to customers and the issues around privacy and trust concerning such methods.
Lastly, it talks about the opportunities and challenges behind developing
automated testing methods for in-vehicle experiences that simulate human
behavior and how to shorten evaluation timelines to enabling a much larger scale
of systems testing.

Click
here to access the full SAE EDGETM
Research Report portfolio.
Responder-to-Vehicle Technologies for Connected and Autonomous
Vehicles
Authors: Abdul Hamid Umar Zakir
Published: May 2023

Recently, there has been a slight increase in interest in the use of
responder-to-vehicle (R2V) technology for emergency vehicles, such as
ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars. R2V technology allows for the exchange
of information between different types of responder vehicles, including
connected and automated vehicles (CAVs). It can be used in collision avoidance
or emergency situations involving CAV responder vehicles. The benefits of R2V
are not limited to fully autonomous vehicles (e.g., SAE Level 4), but can also
be used in Level 2 CAV scenarios. However, despite the potential benefits of
R2V, discussions on this topic are still limited.

Responder-to-Vehicle Technologies for Connected and Autonomous
Vehicles aims to provide an overview of R2V technology and its
applications for CAV systems, particularly in the context of collision avoidance
features. The responder vehicles in question can be autonomous or
non-autonomous. It is hoped that it will provide valuable information and
knowledge on vehicle connectivity and automation in the current automotive and
mobility ecosystem, enabling the development of safer and more reliable
autonomous driving technology. The report is intended for both industrial and
academic experts and is expected to stimulate further discussions on the
development and standardization of R2V technology.

Click
here to access the full SAE EDGETM
Research Report portfolio.
Ecological Implications of the Logic of Non-Duality
Authors: Pang-White Ann A.
Published: May 2023

This paper explores the relationship between language and reality and the ecological implications of dualism, categorical logic, and the Aristotelian three laws of logic, on humans’ attitude toward the natural world. The paper engages in a comparative analysis of two traditions: one from the West (Neo-Platonism) and one from the East (Daoism). It argues that while both Neo-Platonism (as represented by Plotinus’ Enneads) and Classic Daoism (as represented by the Daodejing and the Zhuangzi) are successful in debunking rigid dualistic logic, Plotinus’s Oneness emanation theory in the end falls short of supporting an inclusive ecological ethics in a comprehensive manner. Still mired in dualism, Plotinian Neo-Platonism treats nature and the physical world as recalcitrant matter—an evil best to be avoided rather than embraced. By contrast, Classic Daoism’s non-dual multi-universe perspective of the world has much to offer with regard to creating a new eco-philosophy and ethics that supports a healthy, sustainable, ecology.
Quan hệ nhân quả giữa lạm phát và sự bất định lạm phát: Nghiên cứu tại một số nước Đông Nam Á
Authors: Tiến Lê Thông , Kiều Võ Thị Thúy
Published: May 2023

Bài nghiên cứu có mục tiêu khám phá mối quan hệ nhân quả giữa lạm phát và sự bất định của lạm phát tại một số quốc gia Đông Nam Á. Số liệu sử dụng trong quá trình nghiên cứu được thu thập từ tháng 01 năm 2008 đến tháng 12 năm 2019. Bài viết đo lường sự bất định lạm phát bởi phương sai có điều kiện ước lượng từ mô hình GARCH. Ngoài ra, bên cạnh kiểm định Granger, kiểm định Toda-Yamamoto cũng được thêm vào để bổ sung thêm ý nghĩa thống kê về mối quan hệ nhân quả. Kết quả nghiên cứu đã tìm thấy mối quan hệ nhân quả hai chiều giữa lạm phát và sự bất định của lạm phát tại Singapore, Thái Lan và Đông Timor trong khi Việt Nam, Lào và Philippines chỉ ghi nhận ảnh hưởng một chiều từ lạm phát đến sự bất định lạm phát.
Truyền dẫn tỷ giá hối đoái tới lạm phát tại Việt Nam
Authors: Đức Võ Hồng , Thiện Nguyễn Trần Ngọc , Chí Hồ Minh , Anh Võ Thế
Published: May 2023

Nhiều nghiên cứu tại Việt Nam ước tính truyền dẫn tỷ giá hối đoái (ERPT) đến lạm phát, nhưng giai đoạn khảo sát bao gồm khung thời gian trước khi Việt Nam gia nhập Tổ chức Thương Mại Thế giới và sự xảy ra của khủng hoảng tài chính năm 2008. Ngược lại, nghiên cứu này tiếp cận chủ đề bằng cách sử dụng khung thời gian gần đây từ 2008 đến 2019. Thứ nhất, dựa trên mô hình cấu trúc tự hồi quy, kết quả thực nghiệm chỉ ra rằng ERPT đến lạm phát là không hoàn toàn, và có mức độ thấp hơn so với các nghiên cứu hiện hữu. Nếu tỷ giá hối đoái đa phương danh nghĩa thay đổi 1% thì lạm phát thay đổi lên đến 0.34% sau 12 tháng, và sự thay đổi 0.22% được ghi nhận khi áp dụng tỷ giá hối đoái đa phương thực. Thứ hai, lạm phát được phát hiện phản ứng tích cực với cú sốc giá dầu, khoảng trống sản lượng và tỷ giá hối đoái, mặc dù phản ứng của nó đối với cung tiền và lãi suất không đáng kể về mặt thống kê. Hàm ý chính sách cho Việt Nam được thảo luận từ kết quả thực nghiệm.
Pneumococcal Cerebrospinal Meningitis: A Rare Complication of Pediatric Temporal Bone Fracture
Authors: Byun Jun Chul , Kim El
Published: May 2023

Meningitis is a rare and potentially serious complication in children with temporal bone fractures. We present an unusual case of a 7-year-old girl with pneumococcal meningitis complicated by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage following transverse fracture in the left temporal bone. She had an otorrhea resolved spontaneously in the early stage of hospitalization. At 4 days post-discharge, the patient returned with headache, fever, neck stiffness, voiding difficulty, and bilateral abducens nerve palsy. Magnetic resonance images demonstrated an intense uniform contrast enhancement in the cerebral cisterns and the sacral nerve roots. Laboratory analysis and culture diagnosed meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumonia. She was discharged home after getting intravenous ceftriaxone for 5 weeks. Follow-up for the patient required constant vigilance and included a multidisciplinary approach. At 7 months after head trauma, the child was well with no neurological and auditory deficits. This case illustrates a previously unreported complication in pediatric patient of temporal bone fracture associated with CSF otorrhea.
Modifying NHL-BFM-90 and HLH-2004 Protocols for a Child with SPLTCL and HLH; Prompt Initiation of Dexamethasone and Etoposide
Authors: Ko Kwi Han , Kim MinSu , Hah Jeong Ok
Published: May 2023

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPLTCL) which is similar to lobular panniculitis is a subtype of skin lymphoma that is characterized by pleomorphic T cells and benign macrophages. The simultaneous presence of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is the most important and adverse prognostic factor in SPLTCL. SPLTCL is a rare disease with no well-established standard treatment. We report a child with SPLTCL and HLH, who were successfully treated with the modified NHL (non-Hodgkin lymphoma)-BFM(Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster)-90 and HLH-2004 protocols. Patient had persistent fever and subcutaneous masses. SPLTCL with HLH was diagnosed by immunohistochemistry, radiology and laboratory results. SPLTCL with HLH has shown high mortality when treated with a combination of intensive anticancer drugs. Thus, we first administered dexamethasone and etoposide. After this, when we used the modified protocol of NHL-BFM-90 and HLH-2004, patient showed complete resolution of the subcutaneous masses and features of HLH, except for persistent hyperferritinemia. We tried etanercept to reduce high serum ferritin with some effects. In children with diagnosis of SPLTCL with HLH, initiation of immediate and appropriate treatment affects prognosis. Thus, prompt initiation of the agents that can simultaneously control underlying disease as well as secondary HLH could have lead to successful results.
Correlation between clozapine use and metabolic syndrome in schizophrenic patients
Authors: Harjaningsih Woro , Ikawati Zullies , Mustofa  , Fitrianis  , Khoirunnisa Rina Silfiana , Istivada Nida
Published: May 2023

Background: Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic agent, is effective for relapse or refractory schizophrenia that has failed to respond to other antipsychotic medications. Despite its effectiveness, clozapine has a higher risk of metabolic syndrome than other antipsychotics.   
Objective: This research aimed to identify the correlation between clozapine and metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels, in schizophrenic patients at Ghrasia Mental Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.    
Method: This is a cross-sectional research. Subjects who met the inclusion criteria were randomly sampled from outpatients between November 2021 and February 2022. The research collected medical record data (characteristic patients, medication patterns, and body mass index) and analysed blood profiles (cholesterol and glucose levels). The data were analysed descriptively and statistically.   
Result: Among the 71 patients in this research, 37 (52.11%) were male and 34 (47.89%) were female, with an average age of 36-45 years. The treatment patterns of patients were as follows: 44 were taking only clozapine and 27 patients did not use clozapine. Clozapine was frequently combined with risperidone and haloperidol in this research. Bivariate analysis using Fisher's Exact test revealed no significant correlation between clozapine use, clozapine regimen (single or combined), duration of clozapine therapy (>= 5 years), and clozapine dose (high or low) with obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperglycemia. Meanwhile, multivariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between gender and obesity (p < 0.05), with women having a 0.299 higher risk than men. The effects of age and duration of schizophrenia on hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia were insignificant.   
Conclusion: There was no correlation found between clozapine use and metabolic syndrome. Gender was found to have a significant correlation with obesity in the research.
Analysis of polypharmacy events and drug-drug interaction in COVID-19 therapy
Authors: Pradiningsih Anna , Qiyaam Nurul , Nopitasari Baiq Leny
Published: May 2023

Background: Polypharmacy is the use of five or more types of drugs in a therapy simultaneously. The use of polypharmacy therapy increases the potential for drug-drug interactions. In COVID-19 therapy, the use of varied antiviral and non-antiviral medications allow for increased polypharmacy and potential drug interactions.
Objective: To determine the relationship between polypharmacy and drug-drug interactions in COVID-19 therapy.
Method: This is an analytical observational study with retrospective data retrieval using secondary data sources. The sampling technique used purposive sampling with a total of 91 samples. Tracing potential drug interactions was reviewed through the Micromedex 2.0 application and the results obtained were analysed with the Spearman correlation analysis test.
Result: The results of data obtained from non-polypharmacy events was 3.20% and polypharmacy events was 96.80%. The potential for drug interactions was at the Contraindicated category (3.78%), the Major Category (66.19%), the Moderate category (27.87%) and the Minor category (2.16%). The results from the test showed a very strong positive correlation between polypharmacy and potential drug interactions characterised by a p-value of 0.0001 and a correlation coefficient of 0.874.
Conclusion: The higher the increase in polypharmacy, the higher the potential for drug interactions. Handling of drug interactions that occur can be given by giving a pause in the time of drug use, dose adjustment, and drug turnover.
The association between knowledge level and common cold self-medication behaviour among students of non-health faculty
Authors: Octavia Devi Ristian , Utami Pinasti , Yuliastuti Fitriana
Published: May 2023

Background: Self-medication is common among students all over the world. The most common reasons for self-medication were prior illness experience, non-seriousness of the illness, and drug availability. About 72.44% Indonesians of practice self-medication. Adequate knowledge sharing on drug usage would ensure appropriate and rational treatment.
Objective: To determine the relationship between the level of knowledge of non-health faculty students about the common cold and the habit of self-medication during its treatment.
Method: This is an observational study using a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The participants in this study were non-health faculty students from the Muhammadiyah University of Magelang and Lamongan, Indonesia who met the inclusion criteria. Knowledge level and behaviour level questionnaires were used. The Spearman Rank correlation test was used to analyse the data.
Result: About 69.2% and 64.9% of the respondents had good knowledge, and behaviour respectively in the case of common cold self-medication. The Spearman Rank test analysis indicated a correlation between respondents’ knowledge and behaviour towards common cold self-medication. Meanwhile, the strength correlation indicated a weak relationship.
Conclusion: Other factors could influence the self-medication habit besides knowledge status.
In vitro antiplasmodial and toxicological activities of Vittaria anguste-elongata Hayata extracts
Authors: Hendra Rudi , Khodijah Rohimatul , Teruna Hilwan Yuda
Published: May 2023

Background: The Vittaria anguste-elongata Hayata fern is a common species that grows on the trunks of palm trees. On the other hand, the phytochemical and pharmacological activities of this specie have not been investigated to a great extent.
Objective: In this study, we reported the invitro antiplasmodial and toxicological activities from a variety of this specie's extract.
Method: Methanol was used to extract the aerial part of the specie, and then a liquid-liquid extraction was done using n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate). Assays for antiplasmodial activity and toxicity were carried out with two different strains of Plasmodium falciparum (3D7 and W2), as well as the brine shrimp lethality test. 
Result: The antiplasmodial activities demonstrated that the dichloromethane extract had the most potential antiplasmodial activities among the extracts with an IC50 value of 13.65±0.06 μg/mL. On the other hand, the toxicological activities performed on Artemia salina demonstrated that n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate were all classified as toxic.
Conclusion: These findings provide a foundation for future research into isolating and analysing the biological activity of secondary metabolites found in the extract.
Improved Preprocessing Strategy under Different Obscure Weather Conditions for Augmenting Automatic License Plate Recognition
Authors: Suvodip Som  , Pritam Kumar Gayen  , Sudip Das
Published: May 2023

Automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) systems are widely used for various applications, including traffic control, law enforcement, and toll collection. However, the performance of ALPR systems is often compromised in challenging weather and lighting conditions. This research aims to improve the effectiveness of ALPR systems in foggy, low-light, and rainy weather conditions using a hybrid preprocessing methodology. The research proposes the combination of dark channel prior (DCP), non-local means denoising (NMD) technique, and adaptive histogram equalization (AHE) algorithms in CIELAB color space. And used the Python programming language comparisons for SSIM and PSNR performance. The results showed that this hybrid approach is not merely robust to a variety of challenging conditions, including challenging weather and lighting conditions but significantly more accurate for existing ALPR systems.
ЕРОТОЛОШКО ЧИТАЊЕ БОЖЈИХ ЉУДИ БОРЕ СТАНКОВИЋА
Authors: М. Копања Јована
Published: May 2023

In this work, the stories from the collection of God’s people by Bora Stanković are analyzed through an erotological perspective. The individual destinies of individual deities were interpreted in a broader cultural context, where special attention was paid to the conflict between the individual and the patriarchal culture, with special emphasis on the mediating role of deities that transcends the marginalized social position. The different causes of the “falling into madness” of female and male heroes open the issue of gender inequality, because when it comes to heroines, they are mostly self-excluded from the community due to sexual abuse, while heroes are born with psychological problems. Based on the physical description of individual gods and goddesses, it is shown that the culture/subculture distinction does not necessarily imply the erotic/non-erotic distinction, that is, the beautiful/ugly distinction in the domain of aesthetics. In view of the above, the issue of necrophilia as a sexually deviant behavior is open, given that some gods manifest an obsessive passion for crawling into graves.