bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intravenous iron supplement improves anemia in patients with colorectal cancer and iron deficiency anemia before and after surgery: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Maruyama Tetsuro , Ohira Gaku , Tochigi Toru , Okada Koichiro , Hirata Atsushi , Matsubara Hisahiro
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) affects approximately 50% of patients with colorectal cancer during diagnosis. Correcting IDA reduces postoperative complications, blood transfusions, and hospital stay duration. Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is reported to be more effective than oral iron supplements, but the evidence is limited. This study assesses the effectiveness of a single dose of FCM in improving anemia in patients with colorectal cancer before surgery.
Methods
Patients with IDA for colorectal cancer surgery received FCM approximately 14 days before surgery. Patients in the period when FCM was not used were used as the comparison group. The two groups were analyzed using propensity score matching. Clinical background and blood collection data 14 days before, 14 days after, 35 days after, and 104 days after surgery were compared using propensity score matching.
Results
Hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in the FCM group on days 14 (immediately before surgery) and 35 post-administration. Mean corpuscular volume levels were significantly higher in the FCM group on days 14, 35, and 104 post-administration. No differences were observed in postoperative complications, perioperative transfusion rates, or hospital stay duration.
Conclusions
A single administration of FCM effectively improved anemia within 14 days, with sustained effects over the long term, although no impact on postoperative outcomes was observed.
Trial registration:
This study was conducted based on the "Retrospective observational study on diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases (Approval number: 3043, March 25, 2021)" at Chiba University School of Medicine.
Huaier Polysaccharides Targets Cancer Stem Cells in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer via ASM-mediated Autophagy-dependent Ferroptosis
Authors: Zhou Lin-xi , Wu Zi-wei , Luo Ke-fei , Zheng Hong , Tian Yuan , Pan Qin-wen , Jiang Jun , Hou Ling-mi , Wang Ming-hao
Published: December 2024

Background
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) is critical in multiple progression of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The iron concentration has been found to be higher in BCSCs. The inhibition of ferroptosis is conducive to maintaining the stemness of tumor stem cells. Despite preliminary reports indicating the effectiveness of (polysaccharides of Huaier) PS-T in the treatment of TNBC, its role and specific mechanisms in BCSCs have not been systematically studied,
Methods
LASSO regression was used to screen for stem cell-related genes that are predictive of TNBC prognosis. The effects of PS-T on TNBC stem cells were examined using ssGSEA, flow cytometry, qPCR, colony formation assays, mammosphere assays, and xenograft models. CCK-8 and GSEA analyses were performed to investigate the mechanism by which PS-T inhibited BCSCs in TNBC. PS-T-induced ferroptosis was assessed using DCF and lipid oxidation assays. Ferroptosis inhibitors were used to verify that PS-T inhibits BCSCs by activating ferroptosis. We investigated the ASM-mediated autophagic degradation of GPX4 induced by PS-T through both in vitro and in vivo assays and samples from patients with TNBC. Additionally, we confirmed these findings by inhibiting autophagy and ASM expression,
Results
A high stem-related signature risk score predicts a worse prognosis for TNBC. The proportions of ALDH+, CD44highCD24low cells, and cells with stem cell markers decreased proportionally to the dose post-PS-T therapy for TNBC. ALDH+ cells were flow-sorted and exhibited impaired stemness characteristics induced by PS-T. Moreover, the ferroptotic pathway was more active in PS-T-treated TNBC cells than in control cells. PS-T increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid oxidation levels of BCSCs. However, in the presence of ferroptosis inhibitors, PS-T did not significantly affect the growth of BSCSs. During in vitro and in vivo experiments, PS-T induces autophagic degradation of GPX4. Inhibition of autophagy reverses downregulation of GPX4, activation of ferroptosis, and suppression of BCSCs in TNBC. In addition, ASM was upregulated by PS-T and its expression was related to PS-T-induced autophagic GPX4 degradation,
Conclusions
Taken together, PS-T induced autophagy-dependent GPX4 protein degradation by upregulating ASM, thereby promoting ferroptosis and inhibiting the stemness of BCSCs, ultimately benefiting patients with TNBC.
Healthcare for LGBTQIA+ People: What Do Patients Say?
Authors: Sobral Letícia Nacle Estefan , Lima João Pedro Venancio , Silva Amanda Madureira , Monteiro Liandra Fernandes , Britto Débora Fernandes , Peixoto Raquel Autran Coelho
Published: December 2024

Background: Recognising sexual and gender diversity as a social marker of difference and an indicator of vulnerability in accessing comprehensive healthcare, this research aims to explore the perceptions of self-declared LGBTQIA+ people in relation to health care received in Brazil.
Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional observational study carried out using an anonymous online form disseminated through social media using a snowball strategy, aimed at LGBTQIA+ people living in Brazil. The instrument contained a sociodemographic questionnaire and semi-structured questions about the medical care provided and the identification of prejudiced attitudes.
Results: 134 people took part, with an average age of 30, the majority black, cisgender and homosexual. The quality of care received was positive for 35.8 per cent of the participants and 47.8 per cent reported easy access to healthcare. There was a greater perception of difficulty in access among people on low incomes when compared to people on high incomes (p < 0.05). In the healthcare environment, 31.3% said they had already suffered discrimination for being LGBTQIA+, with gynaecology being the area most frequently mentioned. 63.4% believe that there should be specific environments to meet their needs and 85% perceive that health professionals are not prepared to deal with LGBTQIA+ people.
Conclusions:There was a high prevalence of discrimination related to their sexuality in the healthcare environment, especially in gynaecological consultations. The majority of LGBTQIA+ participants believe that health professionals are not prepared to provide care to this public.
Progressive feature learning and multiplicative feature fusion network for corn disease recognition
Authors: Wang Junling , Fang Hua , Wei Wei , Zong Ping , Xu Can
Published: December 2024

Accurate and fast corn leaf disease recognition has attracted increasing interest in recent years, which is of great significance for promoting corn production efficiency and quality. In this paper, we propose a progressive feature learning and multiplicative feature fusion Network (PFMNet) for corn leaf disease recognition. Our approach leverages cloud services for efficient data storage, processing, and scalability. Specifically, we first develop a multi-scale feature learning module (MFLM) consisting of three parallel branches, which collaboratively learns the features from the input images, whole objects, and discriminative parts of objects in a coarse-to-fine manner. This helps discover the subtle areas of lesions and suppress the complex background noise to enhance the feature discriminability, especially for the in-field scenes with overlapped, bent and distorted corn leaves. By mapping the features at different branches to a shared latent space and producing the channel attention for each branch, we further design a multiplicative feature fusion module (MFFM), which helps aggregate different scale features in a synergistic way. Extensive experimental results quantitatively and qualitatively demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, which can achieve an accuracy of 97.14% and recall of 97.36% on the corn leaf disease recognition benchmark. The integration of cloud services enhances the scalability and practicality of our solution for widespread deployment in agricultural applications.
Risk Factors for Subaxial Kyphosis After Posterior C1-C2 Fusion for Atlantoaxial Dislocation
Authors: Park Jong-Hyeok , Kang Jae-Seong , Kim Hyun Gon , Hwang Gyojun , Oh Sung Han , Hong Jae Taek
Published: December 2024

Purpose The objective of this study is to evaluate the change of correlation of cervical radiologic parameters after posterior C1-C2 fusion and find the risk factors for postoperative subaxial kyphosis (PSK).
Methods Medical records and radiologic data were retrospectively reviewed on patients that had undergone posterior atlantoaxial fusion for atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) at a single center from January 2014 to December 2022. Previous cervical surgery history, concomitant with basilar invagination, additional fusion extending to occipital or subaxial spine were excluded. Patients’ demographics and radiologic parameters were evaluated for PSK. O-C1, O-C1 range of motion (ROM), C1-C2, O-C2, C2-C7, T1 slope, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis were measured at preoperative and postoperative one year.
Results Mean age was 54.4 years, and 24 of 38 patients were women. RA was the most common pathology, account for 52.6%. Women were a significant risk factor for PSK. Patients presenting decreased O-C1 ROM was 31.6%. The incidence of PSK was 23.7%. Preoperative cervical radiologic parameters showed the sequential linkage of significant correlation from T1 slope to O-C1 angle. However, O-C1 angle was a valuable angle correlated with C2-C7 angle postoperatively. Decreased O-C1 ROM was significantly associated with PSK. The optimal postoperative C1-C2 angle ranged from 15° to 25°
Conclusions The correlation between upper cervical spine (O-C2 angle) and subaxial spine (C2-C7 angle) was not changed before and after surgery. After surgery, O-C1 angle was sequentially linked with C2-C7 angle. Women, decreased O-C1 ROM, postoperative C1-C2 angle was significantly associated with PSK.
Original Uni-portal Bi-channel and Dual-media Spinal Endoscopy system assists for transpedicular antero-dura decompression（UBD-TADD）: clinical practice and technical notes
Authors: Tian Muhang , Wu Xinbo , CHEN Fangjing , Chen Jia , Fan Yunshan , Ni Haijian , Zhao yingchuan , He Shisheng
Published: December 2024

Purpose：This study aimed to evaluate the clinical practice and technical efficacy of the novel Uni-portal Bi-channel and Dual-media Spinal Endoscopy system assists for transpedicular antero-dura decompression.
Methods: A retrospective, single-center review was conducted on patients who underwent UBD-TADD from August 2023 to April 2024. Comprehensive preoperative evaluations and postoperative follow-ups were performed to assess surgical outcomes.
Results: A total of 7 female patients with a mean age of 64.28±9.74 years were included. The average operation time was 245.50±21.68 minutes, with no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Patients were ambulatory the day after surgery. Blood loss was minimal, and postoperative recovery was swift. Clinical outcomes, including creatine phosphokinase 139.71 ± 22.21 vs. 115.71 ± 10.86, P= 0.351), C-reactive protein (5.14 ± 0.67 vs. 6.00 ± 0.82, P= 0.421), and white blood cell count (6.71 ± 1.11 vs. 7.29 ± 0.95, P= 0.513) levels, returned to preoperative baselines, indicating minimal surgical invasiveness. Significant improvements were observed in thoracic kyphosis, Visual Analog Scale for back (14±0.62 to 2.14±0.79, P<0.001) and leg (6.86±0.86 to 1.86±0.43, P<0.001) pain, and Oswestry Disability Index scores (42.86±4.95 to 12.57±4.21, P<0.001) postoperatively.
Conclusion: The UBD-TADD technique offers a minimally invasive, secure, and effective endoscopic approach for spinal decompression in patients with spinal cord compression from bony elements. It results in reduced surgical trauma, faster recovery, and improved functional outcomes, particularly beneficial for the elderly with osteoporosis and multiple comorbidities.
Management of internal carotid artery bifurcation aneurysm- A clinicoradiological outcome assessment over the last seven years from a tertiary care centre
Authors: Ranjan Ravi , Ranjan Nitish , Maurya Ved Prakash , Bhaisora Kamlesh Singh , Srivast Arun K , Das Kuntal K , Rai Shreyash , Gupta Shubham , Kanjilal Soumen , KVerma Pawan , Kumar Ashutosh , Mehrotra Anant , Jaiswal Awadhesh , Gupta Devendra , Behari Sanjay
Published: December 2024

Background
Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) bifurcation aneurysms are relatively an uncommon entity. These aneurysm contributes less than 5% of the total intracranial aneurysms in the available literature. They are noticed in relatively younger population and their surgical management poses challenges due to close relation to the terminal branches and perforators in the adjoining area. The present retrospective observational study aims to describe the clinical and radiological nuances in the management of ICA bifurcation aneurysms.
Methodology:
All the operated cases of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) managed between January 2017 to December 2023 were included. The clinico-radiological scan, including their three-dimensional computerized tomography (3-D CT) of cerebral angiogram was recorded. The intraoperative details of these patients were collected from the neurosurgery operative records. The patients' follow up details were obtained either by the outpatient department or by telephone.
Results
A total of 33 patients were analysed with a mean age of 44.9 ± 16.5 yrs years. Sudden severe headache and vomiting were the most common presentation. The superomedial orientation 14 (42.4%) was the most common projection of the aneurysm fundus. 27 patients (81.8%) have good outcome (mRS:0–2), six patient (18.2%) had bad outcome (mRS:3–6) and there was no procedure related mortality in this study. The mean follow-up duration was 24.5 ± 4.5 months (range: 8 months to 82 months).
Conclusions
ICA bifurcation aneurysm are challenging subset of intracranial aneurysms and it requires a detailed neuroanatomical knowledge and 3-dimensional orientation of the ICA anatomy before successful clipping of these aneurysms.
Characterization of Flours From by-products of Tropical Fruit and Their Incorporation Into Functional Cheeses
Authors: Neto Veríssimo Vieira , de Almeida Thiago Silva de Almeida Silva , Neto José Joaquim Lopes , Cavalcante Francisco Lucas Pacheco , Cruz Rafael Souza , Rocha Joanna Freitas , Carvalho Ana Fontenele Urano , Santos Luana Maria de Lima
Published: December 2024

An alternative to waste from fruit processing industry is to use them as base for flours, which can posteriorly be used as a food additive. The present study aimed to develop and analyse flours from by-products of pineapple and acerola (FPA and FAC, respectively), and incorporate these flours into “rennet” cheese formulation. FAC and FPA presented optimum levels for all parameters analysed (yield; humidity; fiber; protein; ascorbic acid; acidity and pH), comparable with other flours already produced on an industrial scale. These flours showed potential as alternative to reduce organic waste and as food product being a good source of fiber (41.0 and 53.63% for FPA and FAC, respectively) and ascorbic acid (632.17 and 32.30 mg/100 g for FAC and FPA, respectively). Their incorporation in cheese formulation resulted in a product with antioxidant potential, high fiber content and low lipid concentration, generating a final product with functional claim.
Effect of Nitrogen Concentration on Compact Tomato and Pepper Plants during Production and Fruiting Phases
Authors: Fidler Michael , Perez-Lugones Daniela , Gómez Celina
Published: December 2024

The objective of this study was to compare the growth, quality, and yield of compact tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants using different nitrogen (N) concentrations from a complete fertilizer solution (15N–2.2P–12.5K with micronutrients). Two experiments were conducted in separate locations (Florida and Indiana). During each experiment, tomato and pepper plants were hand-irrigated during production phases that lasted 7 and 9 weeks, respectively, with fertilizer solutions containing 0, 50, 100, 150, or 200 mg·L−1 N applied with each irrigation event (Expt. 1) or every other irrigation event (Expt. 2). In both experiments, the N concentration either increased or remained constant during a fruiting phase during which tomato and pepper plants were grown for an additional 8 and 10 weeks, respectively. Growth and yield results were generally similar between the two experiments. Overall, plants that received a lower N concentration during both production and fruiting phases tended to be shorter, had a smaller growth index, and produced a lower fruit yield compared to those treated with a higher N concentration. Plant greenness, measured as either SPAD index or chlorophyll concentration, was generally lower in plants that received a lower N concentration during the production phases and maintained a similar pattern during the fruiting phases. However, at the end of both experiments, the greenness of plants that received 0/150 mg·L−1 N (concentrations used during production and fruiting phases, respectively) tended to be higher than that of those treated with 50/50 mg·L−1 N. Fruit yield was generally lowest for plants from both species treated with either 0/150 or 50/50 mg·L−1 N. In general, tomato plants treated with ≥100/100 mg·L−1 N had a similar fruit yield. However, the yield of pepper plants tended to increase with higher N concentrations during both the production and fruiting phases. Intumescence of pepper plants also increased with a higher N concentration, but there were different responses between the two experiments, suggesting that the growing environment plays a role during the development of the disorder. Overall, our findings showed that reducing the initial N concentration is a potential strategy for producing short tomato and pepper plants with a small growth index, but that the postproduction yield will likely decrease as the N concentrations are reduced during production.
By the time you read this it is already too late
Authors: Schmidt Theron
Published: December 2024

Performance is that which attempts to hold that within which it itself is held. This may take the form of an explicit theatricality, foregrounding and reflecting upon the conditions of being seen and being heard, of the speech and appearance of an actor – which can have both dramatic as well as political dimensions (Arendt [1958] 1998; Schmidt 2017). Or it may take the form of an intentional or habitual performativity, generating the conditions which it purports to describe (Butler 2015; Paavolainen 2018).
Performance-writing and performance-lectures are well-developed strategies for attempting this reflexive double-hold, in which the content reshapes the container of delivery such that it becomes an instance of that which it is also describing. Performance writing foregrounds ‘the transformative play of text as performance’ (Allsopp 1999, 79), emphasizing ‘writing as doing’ as much as ‘writing as meaning’ (Pollock [1995] 1998, 75), and treating the encounter with and through writing as ‘event’ in its own right (Heathfield 2006). Putting these approaches into practice, an artist like John Hall might use the dimensions and affordances of the printed page as a space to enact, not just describe, the encounters it produces (Hall 2004), or the lecture performances of Rabih Mroué simultaneously describe the effects of representation and participate generatively within their own representational dispositifs (Mroué and Martin 2012; Mroué and Saneh [2005] 2013).
How might these strategies be engaged in relation to the ‘problems’ of online teaching? That is to say, the problems of asynchronous engagement, distraction, remoteness and spatiotemporal lag? Rather than obstacles to the apprehension of the subject of performance, could these aspects of the online experience themselves by the subject of the performative act of ‘lecturing’, taking itself as an example to be explored for its pedagogical as well as eventual potential? This online performance-lecture is about these conditions of online gathering, even as it is itself held within them.
Exhausting the (Human) Problem
Authors: Alifuoco Annalaura
Published: December 2024

What happens when exhaustion becomes not defeat but necessity? This article explores exhaustion as both existential condition and methodological proposition—a way to sidestep the human(ist) problem of solutionism. Through the sculptural works of Berlinde De Bruyckere, where organic and synthetic matters merge in states of suspension, we witness exhaustion’s capacity to reshape relations between bodies, forms, and forces.
What emerges when we stay with overwhelming complexity as less defined, less Self? Following theoretical threads from Deleuze to Barad, from crip theory to affect studies, this piece traces how exhaustion operates as both performative principle and performable potential. Its double movement—simultaneously giving in and giving out—creates possibilities for thinking and feeling otherwise.
De Bruyckere’s headless forms, rendered through wax, animal hide, cloth, and metal, materialize exhaustion through specific formal choices: suspension, fragmentation, drooping, wounding. Their plastic techniques translate into corporeal masses of alternative enfleshments that resist both completion and categorization. Here exhaustion becomes a disabling condition of human morphologies and mythologies.
What deformations of the human become possible in this suspense? How might “crip sustainability” transform praxis so the impossible can be reabsorbed in the real? Through close attention to matter’s micropolitical attunements—barely perceptible shifts in how things move and hold still—we learn to notice what trembles at attention’s edge. This article proposes exhaustion as radical accessibility: a way of relating otherwise that holds space for all forms of access, all modes of being and unbecoming, all ways matter finds to persist beyond prescribed understanding.
Poetics of Friction
Authors: Ben Khelifa Nadja , Allaix Étienne , Sternagel Jörg
Published: December 2024

What are the problems in our current lifeworld? And how can they be addressed, worked on (or even be solved)? What are the possibilities and difficulties of Performance Philosophy to contribute to reflections on the crisis-ridden, everyday situations we are in, with our very embodied existences, and with our thoughts, fears, hopes (and even prayers), inside and outside art and academia? Called by these questions, our panel attempts to collaboratively work on corresponding responses within a poetics of friction that is rehearsed, acted out, and tried out in a setting where forces come into play that resist relative motions of solid approaches and beliefs sliding against each other: Whereas the three panelists – a multimedia artist, a cultural theorist, and a philosopher – call with their spoken words, screened images and handout materials, the members of the audience respond to these calls: Like the wheel that needs the concrete surface against its rubber to spin in movement, or the piece of wood that needs the wooden stick rotating against its bark to spark a flame, members of Performance Philosophy need frictions with which both Performance artists and Philosophy scholars slide against each other to spin, to move, to carry on, to reflect, to struggle, to doubt, to aim, to spark flames of inspiration. While the sources of such an inspiration are manifold, three of them come into movement and display during the rehearsal: (1) excavation, (2) meaning, and (3) sense.
Early detection of amniotic fluid embolism leading to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation prior to cardiac arrest
Authors: Haddad Enad , Muhammadzai Hamza , Khan Shayan , Bedi Angad , Patel Rajeshkumar
Published: December 2024

Amniotic fluid embolism is a life-threatening peripartum condition with high morbidity and mortality rates. It is defined as the passage of fetal material into the maternal circulation which elicits a multisystem reaction that can lead to disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and severe hemodynamic instability. Despite established diagnostic criteria for amniotic fluid embolism, its identification relies heavily on clinical judgment, and early diagnosis is key to patient survival. In several cases, early utilization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support has provided a salvage approach to correct cardiopulmonary collapse. Herein, we present a case of successful application of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a 29-year-old woman who experienced refractory respiratory distress and hemodynamic instability secondary to amniotic fluid embolism following vaginal delivery. Improving diagnostic protocols and optimizing the utilization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is essential to improve outcomes in this high-risk obstetric emergency.
Defining intent as a form of fault: Implications for taxpayers
Authors: Spaskin Oleh
Published: December 2024

The relevance of the research topic determines the systematic analysis of individual aspects of responsibility in the field of tax relations regulation. The study of the nature of individual elements of a tax offense is a prerequisite for a detailed analysis of the subjective side of a tax offense. The purpose of the article is to evaluate modern views on the nature and significance of finding out guilt when forming a holistic structure of a tax offense. At the same time, detailing the types of guilt and focusing principled attention on intent becomes important. This is due to the fact that the tax legislation and the specifics of the application of norms intentionally connect different amounts of fines for taxpayers. Achieving the set goal is based on the selection of the basic principles of clarifying the legal nature of the financial sanction depending on the specifics of the intentional behavior of the obliged person. The research uses a broad approach to the analysis of methods of scientific knowledge. The system method is implemented in the assessment of the grounds for the existence of a single system of financial responsibility based on the definition of all elements of the composition of a tax offense. This method makes it possible to build the basis of systematicity on two levels: on the one hand, through the formation of the system of elements of the composition of a tax offense, on the other hand, through the detailing of the system of types of intent. A certain continuation of the system method is the method of comparative analysis. Applying it in the work, attention is focused on the common features of various types of intent, the characteristics of the objective and subjective grounds of the composition of the tax offense. In addition, comparability characterizes the analysis of individual aspects of intent in the sense of criminal law and tax law regulation. The agreement of the prerequisites for the determination of intentionality in the assessment of the behavior of the payer and its application to the assessment of the relevant signs of intentionality were studied. Options for harmonizing the legislation, analysis of the Supreme Court's practice regarding the occurrence of adverse consequences in the form of the application of a fine when detailing the intentionality in the actions of the obliged persons are considered. The level and availability of scientific studies related to the characteristics of the problems included in the analysis of the composition of tax offenses and certain aspects of the assessment of intentionality in the actions of the subjects of the offense were analyzed. On the basis of the conducted research, conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made regarding the assessment of the behavior of tax offenders, the determination of their intent and the application of financial sanctions accordingly.
Enhancing technical proposal evaluation in consultant selection in Department of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nepal: a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy TOPSIS
Authors: Silwal Nischal , Bhattarai Subash Kumar , Sukamani Dinesh
Published: December 2024

In today's dynamic construction landscape, where challenges like complexity, costs, and uncertainties loom large, the selection of consultants emerges as a pivotal factor for project triumph. Among the array of methods available, Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) stands out for its holistic approach, considering both technical prowess and financial considerations. Yet, amidst its structured framework, the evaluation of technical proposals within QCBS often grapples with subjectivity, despite the presence of well-defined criteria. This study boldly tackles this challenge head-on by delineating common criteria and sub-criteria for consultant selection within the esteemed Department of Water Resources and Irrigation (DWRI). Leveraging the innovative Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), our endeavor is to ascertain the relative significance of these criteria and sub-criteria. Through the fusion of Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy Techniques for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), our study aspires to revolutionize consultant ranking methodologies. The ingenious application of Fuzzy AHP empowers us to derive independent weights for criteria and sub-criteria, thereby embracing the inherent ambiguity and nuances of qualitative factors. Subsequently, employing Fuzzy TOPSIS, we aim to systematically rank consultant alternatives based on their Closeness Coefficients, heralding a paradigm shift in evaluation paradigms. Through this groundbreaking hybrid approach, our study endeavors to elevate the consultant selection process, ensuring an impeccable alignment of chosen consultants with project requisites and benchmarks. By dispelling the shadows of subjective decision-making uncertainties, our research holds the promise of ushering in a new era of excellence in the realm of construction projects under the aegis of the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation.
Kültürel Mirasın Aktarılması Açısından Arkeolojik Alanlarda Bilgilendirme Grafiği Kullanımı
Authors: Uzuntaş Hüseyin
Published: December 2024

Tüm insanlığın ortak kültürel mirası olarak kabul edilen arkeolojik alanların korunması, sürdürülebilir kullanımı ve gelecek nesillere aktarılması için uluslararası ortak akılla birçok anlaşma ve tüzük imzalanmıştır. Bu belgeler ışığında arkeolojik kültür varlıklarının korunmasını, yaşatılmasını ve kullanılabilir bilgiye dönüştürülerek gelecek nesillere aktarılması kültürel miras alan yönetimi ile sağlamaktadır. Alan yönetimi arkeolojik alanların fiziksel olarak korunmasının yanında ziyaretçilere sunulması konusunda da çalışmalara odaklanmaktadır. Bu kapsamda ziyaretçilerin arkeolojik alan ile ilgili bilgiye ulaşabilmeleri için bilgilendirme grafiği uygulamalarına başvurulmaktadır. Bilgilendirme grafikleri ziyaretçilerin arkeolojik alanları algılayabilmesi, kalıntılar ve yapılar ile çevresini ilişkilendirebilmesi noktasında çok önemlidir. Bilgilendirme grafiği uygulamaları ziyaretçileri bilgilendirme görevinin yanında arkeolojik alanlara olan ilgiyi de artırmaktadır. Bu sayede toplumun arkeolojik miras konusunda bilinçlenmesine, farkındalığının artmasına, arkeolojik kültürel mirasın korunmasına ve gelecek nesillere aktarılmasına katkı sağlamaktadır. Bu çalışma özelinde bilgilendirme grafiklerinin arkeolojik kültürel mirasın aktarılmasındaki önemi vurgulanmış, bilgilendirme grafiği uygulamalarında yenilikçi yaklaşımlar örneklerle ortaya konulmaya çalışılmış ve ülkemizdeki mevcut çalışmalarla karşılaştırılarak önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Görsel Tasarımın Dijitalleşmesi: Artırılmış Ve Sanal Gerçekliğin İzinde Reklam Tasarımlarına Bir Bakış
Authors: Atabey Zehra
Published: December 2024

Günümüzde gelişen teknoloji ile birlikte görsel tasarım geleneksel sunum ve uygulamalardan dijital platformlara doğru taşınmaktadır. Arttırılmış gerçeklik, gerçek dünyanın içine dijital araçlar aracılığıyla ses, görüntü ya da hareket gibi aktif bileşenlerin entegre edilmesiyle oluşturulmaktadır. Sanal gerçeklik ise, gerçek dünya görülmeden tamamen sanal bir ortamda bulunan görüntülerin deneyimlenmesidir. Bu doğrultuda gerçeklik tümüyle sanal bir ortamdan oluşmaktadır. Arttırılmış ve sanal gerçeklik ortamlarında oluşturulan reklam tasarımları izleyici ve tasarımcıya yeni bir deneyim sunmakla birlikte, gelenekselin getirdiği sınırların dışına çıkılmasını ve gelişen teknoloji ile birlikte hayal edilenden daha fazlasının elde edilmesini de sağlamaktadır. Araştırmada “Arttırılmış ve Sanal Gerçeklik” bağlamında oluşturulan reklam tasarımı örnekleri değerlendirilmektedir. Çalışma kapsamında, 2014-2024 yılları arasında Türkiye ve dünyada arttırılmış ve sanal gerçeklik kullanılarak hazırlanmış 6 reklam kampanyası betimsel analiz yöntemi ile ele alınmaktadır.
filme etnográfico
Authors: Muniz José
Published: December 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é explorar as potencialidades epistêmicas do filme etnográfico para a escrita etnográfica e à Antropologia, especialmente quando esse estreita as relações entre os participantes da pesquisa e o pesquisador. Utilizando minha pesquisa de mestrado e o filme Cinemas do interior (2019) produzido na dissertação, bem como debates com alguns(as) autores(as) abordados(as) em uma disciplina de doutoramento na UFPB, e as discussões teóricas e metodológicas vivenciadas em sala de aula, além da expressividade e potencialidade das imagens (Samain, 2012), refletirei sobre como o filme etnográfico e as concepções da Antropologia Visual promovem diálogos potentes e expressivos dentro do campo teórico e metodológico da Antropologia. A inclusão da câmera filmadora na pesquisa de campo expõe discussões, negociações e a narrativa fílmica/etnográfica na construção da imagem do “outro”, contribuindo para o pensamento crítico sobre a teoria antropológica e a relação ética na pesquisa e na escrita etnográfica.
Ir e vir do Museu AfroDigital
Authors: Soares da Silva Cristhyan Kaline , De Freitas Motta Júlia
Published: December 2024

Fundada há quase 15 anos por antropólogos, antropólogas, historiadores e museólogos, a rede de Museus AfroDigitais tem como objetivo reunir acervos digitais da população afro-brasileira e democratizar o acesso à informação de dados e pesquisas relacionadas ao tema. Nesta entrevista, reunimos representantes do Museus AfroDigitais do Rio de Janeiro, da Bahia, de Pernambuco e do Maranhão. A conversa contou com Ana Paula Alves Ribeiro (Uerj), Antonio Motta (UFPE), Charles Douglas Martins (UFPE), Livio Sansone (UFBA), Maria Alice Rezende Gonçalves (Uerj) e Marilande Martins Abreu (UFMA). Os pesquisadores dialogaram sobre os desafios enfrentados na preservação e divulgação de acervos digitais e a necessidade de repensar as estratégias de curadoria e acesso. Também debateram sobre a digitalização e do armazenamento de dados, a memória do povo negro e a repatriação digital.
A influência da estabilidade política e da accountability na governança econômica: um estudo durante a pandemia do Covid-19
Authors:   , Paula Monaliza Ferreira Rodrigues de
Published: December 2024

A COVID-19 trouxe consequências econômicas significativas, e, por vezes, irreversíveis para
o mundo inteiro. A governança de um país, portanto, possui papel fundamental no
enfrentamento de períodos de crise. Nesse cenário, este estudo dedica-se à análise
macroeconômica dos efeitos da governança sobre as vendas das empresas durante a pandemia
do novo Coronavírus, tendo como objetivo principal demonstrar que seu impacto é positivo e
significativo. Como objetivos específicos nos propusemos a: a) demonstrar que estabilidade
política e ausência de violência/terrorismo e voz/accountability são indicadores eficazes de
governança em um país b) ratificar o impacto positivo da estabilidade política e ausência de
violência/terrorismo sobre as vendas das empresas durante o ano de 2020; c) comprovar o
impacto significativo da voz/accountability sobre as vendas das empresas durante o ano de
2020; e d) mapear o impacto desses dois indicadores de governança sobre outras subáreas da
economia como mão-de-obra, método de trabalho e gênero. Para tanto, foram adotados dois
indicadores principais: estabilidade política e ausência de violência/terrorismo, e
voz/accountability. A metodologia aplicada foi por meio da construção de um modelo
econométrico e os dados, de natureza secundária, foram obtidos do Enterprise Surveys (ES) e
do The Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) project, incluindo mais de 160 mil empresas
de pequeno, médio e grande porte. As quais são distribuídas em mais de 140 países, sendo sua
análise por meio de métodos estatísticos econométricos. Foram obtidos resultados que
demonstraram que a estabilidade política e a accountability são eficazes indicadores de
governança. Além disso, também foi demonstrado o impacto significativo em outras áreas
econômicas. A relevância do estudo se justifica pelo fato de suscitar o debate acerca de ação
da governança sobre a economia diante de uma crise devastadora e atual, analisando
influência da estabilidade política e accountability sobre o crescimento de vendas das
empresas durante o ano pandêmico de 2020.
A efetividade da garantia contratual em obras de infraestrutura: o caso do DNIT no Ceará
Authors:   , Fernandes Lucas Grandi
Published: December 2024

A garantia de execução dos contratos firmados pela Administração Pública é prevista pela
legislação brasileira conforme a lei de licitações e contratos, que faculta à Administração a exigir
essa garantia da empresa a ser contratada, após finalizado todo o procedimento licitatório. Um dos
problemas mais graves enfrentados pelas organizações públicas é a não conclusão de obras
públicas, causando danos ao erário e por consequência à população. Essa dissertação objetiva
identificar a efetividade da garantia contratual em obras de infraestrutura no âmbito do DNIT entre
2012 e 2021 no Estado do Ceará. Para tanto, desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa exploratória e descritiva
tendo como método um estudo de caso avaliativo no âmbito da administração pública federal
indireta, mais especificamente na Superintendência Regional do DNIT localizada em Fortaleza/CE.
Durante a análise dos dados obtidos, verificou-se que todas as sanções administrativas pecuniárias
impostas pela Administração às empresas contratadas foram maiores do que o valor garantido pela
apólice do seguro garantia entregue no início do contrato. Dessa forma, verificou-se a baixa
efetividade da garantia de execução contratual uma vez que o valor garantido na apólice não foi
suficiente para garantir à Administração a cobertura total dos danos ocasionados.
Fiscalização de contratos terceirizados com dedicação exclusiva de mão de obra: análise do processo no IFRN Campus Ipanguaçu
Authors:   , Farias Carla Patrícia Silva de
Published: December 2024

A terceirização de serviços das atividades-meio pela administração pública, a
libera para se concentrar na execução de suas atividades finalísticas. No entanto, ao
terceirizar é preciso acompanhar a execução contratual, com vista a garantir níveis
satisfatórios de execução dos serviços pactuados. A fiscalização é composta por
procedimentos diversos que exigem dos fiscais e gestores contratuais designados para
essa função conhecimentos específicos relacionados ao objeto contratado, legislações
aplicáveis, esquematização e execução de procedimentos, além de posturas
comportamentais. Diante da complexidade e vultuosidade das tarefas de fiscalização é
comum que sem a devida capacitação e normatização ocorram falhas durante o processo
de fiscalização. Neste contexto, esta pesquisa buscou avaliar, sob a ótica dos agentes
fiscalizadores dos contratos de serviços terceirizados, quais os pontos críticos observados
na execução dos contratos com dedicação exclusiva de mão de obra do IFRN, campus
Ipanguaçu, como é realizado o processo e quais os pontos considerados críticos no
acompanhamento da execução dos contratos. Para tanto, foi elaborado roteiro de
entrevista semiestruturado aplicado junto aos fiscais e gestores dos contratos, sendo
captadas as suas impressões sobre os procedimentos adotados desde sua designação a
finalização do contrato, abordando aspectos de preparação, capacitação, apoio
administrativo ofertado, descrição das atividades desempenhadas, perfil ideal a ser
considerado para a escolha dos agentes fiscalizadores, percepção sobre responsabilidades
e riscos, além de levantar pontos críticos e fortes do processo. Como resultado ficou
evidenciado que no momento de designação não há uma notificação e preparação prévia,
as capacitações são ofertadas apenas após o início das atividades de fiscalização, que o
perfil do fiscal e a disponibilidade para a realização da tarefa ficam em segundo plano.
Não há segregação de funções entre fiscais e gestores, haja vista haver uma concentração
de indicações em um mesmo grupo de pessoas, além de identificada a necessidade de
padronização institucional e criação do setor sistêmico que auxilie principalmente os
agentes que atuam como gestores. A partir do resultado foi elaborado um plano de ação
para aperfeiçoar o processo de gestão e fiscalização contratual.
Radio-Anatomical Assessment of Cerebellum Volume in Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Acar Musa , Seker Busra , Ugur Sultan
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic brain disease that includes memory and
language disorders. This disease, which is considered the most common cause of dementia worldwide,
accounts for 60-80% of all dementia cases. Recent studies suggest that the cerebellum may
play a role in cognitive functions as well as motor functions.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted on 40 Alzheimer's patients and 40 healthy individuals.
In our study, volumetric evaluation of the cerebellum was performed.

Results:

As expected, significant differences were found in cerebellar volume reduction in AD patients
compared to healthy controls. Significant volume increase was observed in some regions of
the cerebellum in Alzheimer's patients compared to healthy individuals.

Conclusion:

The findings supported the role of the cerebellum in cognitive functions. Volume reductions
may assist clinicians in making an early diagnosis of AD.
To Risk or Not to Risk? Evaluating Self-medication Practices among Ecuadorian Adults During COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Orellana-Manzano Andrea , Orellana-Manzano Silvia , Vizcaíno María José , Dorado-Sánchez Luis , Segura Yaritza , Alcivar Kerly , Gómez-Franco Fausto , Chuquimarca-Tandazo Lenin , Di Grumo Davide , Andrade-Molina Derly , Ochoa Daniel
Published: December 2024

Background

Self-medication involves using drugs to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms. According to WHO, it is associated with a high risk among the general population, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

This study aimed to assess self-medication practices, risks, and severity index among Ecuadorian adults during the first COVID-19 lockdown period in April 2020, using a descriptive non-experimental research design and a hazard risk assessment score analysis.

Material and Methods

A descriptive non-experimental research design was used to assess self-medication practices, risk, and severity index among 364 Ecuadorian adults during the first COVID-19 lockdown period in April 2020. The study utilized an online survey and Hazard-Risk-Assessment-Score (HRAS) analysis of clinically relevant questions. Descriptive statistics were mainly used, integrating Chi-square and ANOVA analysis using R.

Results

Despite a high level of education among the surveyed population, there was a significant risk of medication-related problems, with 63.1% and 26.72% of respondents at the third and fourth risk levels, respectively. Furthermore, 55% were at severe risk of self-medication, while 35% opted for medication therapies recommended on television, social media, or by influencers instead of consulting health professionals. Another 39% took medication before receiving recommendations from a doctor or pharmacist.

Conclusion

The study highlights the need to improve the image of pharmaceutical chemists as part of multidisciplinary health teams, monitor prescriptions of the doctors, and reduce drug side effects to mitigate the risks associated with self-medication.
An Optimized Transmission Mechanism for Mitigating Jamming Attacks
in Multi-Hop Wireless Networks
Authors: Parasuraman Manikandan , Sekaran Ramesh , Kannan Suthendran , Ravi Vinayakumar , Alahmadi Tahani Jaser
Published: December 2024

Aim:

To address the vulnerability of Multi-Hop Wireless Network Systems (MHWNs)
to jamming attacks and propose an effective solution to maintain communication integrity and
Quality of Service (QoS).

Background:

In MHWNs, the open-access nature makes them susceptible to jamming attacks,
which disrupt communication by interfering with authenticated nodes in the wireless medium. Existing
methods primarily focus on tracking and countering jammers but lack effectiveness in preventing
communication disruptions.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to introduce a novel algorithm, Optimized Transmission
Mechanism (OTM), to mitigate the impact of jamming attacks on MHWNs. OTM aims to optimize
node handover and packet routing to bypass jammed areas, ensuring uninterrupted packet transmission
and preserving QoS.

Methods:

The proposed OTM algorithm determines the optimal transmission route based on radio
transmitter location and connection quality. It prioritizes routes with the highest connection quality
to maintain QoS even in jammed conditions. Additionally, it incorporates mechanisms for packet
redirection away from jammed areas to ensure successful transmission.

Results:

Evaluation of the Extended Optimized Transmission Mechanism (EOTM) demonstrates
significant improvements in packet delivery performance compared to existing algorithms. The enhanced
algorithm effectively mitigates the impact of jamming attacks, ensuring reliable communication
and preserving QoS in MHWNs.

Conclusion:

The proposed OTM algorithm presents a promising approach to counter-jamming attacks
in MHWNs by dynamically routing packets to avoid jammed areas and maintain communication
integrity. The results highlight the effectiveness of EOTM in improving packet delivery performance
and ensuring uninterrupted communication in the face of jamming threats.
The Rubber Export Performance to the United States: A Comparison Between Indonesia and Thailand
Authors: Baroh Istis , Relawati Rahayu , Shodiq Wahid Muhammad , Ramli Mona Fairuz
Published: December 2024

This research is used to compare the rubber export performance between Indonesia and Thailand to the United States market. The performance’s aspects will be compared with the volume and export value in the period of 2012-2022, the strict competitiveness of the United States market, and the factors that impact the volume and export value of rubber in the United States market. Secondary data from 2013-2022 was collected from any sources. This method of analysis used descriptive quantitative, Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), and multiple linear regression. The result shows that the export performance in Indonesia suffered a drop in volume aspects; however, the export volume from Thailand to the United States experienced an increase. The RCA rubber in Indonesia has an average value of 77.75 (strong competitiveness to the United States market), while the rubber quality in Thailand is about 19.28. The factors of world prices and productivity influence the export value of rubber from Indonesia to the United States; however, inflation, the rate of exchange of the dollar, and the income per capita of the United States do not influence the export value of rubber from Indonesia. The world price factor, the rate of exchange of the United States dollar against the Thai Baht, and the income per capita of Thailand have a positive effect on rubber exports from Thailand to the United States. The policy implication is Indonesian government should pay attention to maintain rubber production sustainability to defense the competitiveness of the export.