bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NONLINEAR ELLIPTIC EQUATION WITH NONLOCAL INTEGRAL BOUNDARY CONDITION DEPENDING ON TWO PARAMETERS
Authors: Pupalaigė Kristina , Sapagovas Mifodijus , Čiupaila Regimantas
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the two-dimensional nonlinear elliptic equation with the boundary integral condition depending on two parameters is solved by finite difference method. The main aim of this paper is to investigate the conditions under those all eigenvalues of corresponding difference eigenvalue problem are positive. For this purpose, we investigate the spectrum structure of one-dimensional difference eigenvalue problem with integral condition. In particular, conditions of the existence and some properties of negative eigenvalue are analyzed in details.
Bayesian Accretion Modeling: Axisymmetric Equatorial Emission in the Kerr Spacetime
Authors: Palumbo Daniel C. M. , Gelles Zachary , Tiede Paul , Chang Dominic O. , Pesce Dominic W. , Chael Andrew , Johnson Michael D.
Published: November 2022

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) has produced images of two supermassive black holes, Messier 87* (M 87*) and Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*). The EHT collaboration used these images to indirectly constrain black hole parameters by calibrating measurements of the sky-plane emission morphology to images of general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations. Here, we develop a model for directly constraining the black hole mass, spin, and inclination through signatures of lensing, redshift, and frame dragging, while simultaneously marginalizing over the unknown accretion and emission properties. By assuming optically thin, axisymmetric, equatorial emission near the black hole, our model gains orders of magnitude in speed over similar approaches that require radiative transfer. Using 2017 EHT M 87* baseline coverage, we use fits of the model to itself to show that the data are insufficient to demonstrate existence of the photon ring. We then survey time-averaged GRMHD simulations fitting EHT-like data, and find that our model is best-suited to fitting magnetically arrested disks, which are the favored class of simulations for both M 87* and Sgr A*. For these simulations, the best-fit model parameters are within ∼10% of the true mass and within ∼10° for inclination. With 2017 EHT coverage and 1% fractional uncertainty on amplitudes, spin is unconstrained. Accurate inference of spin axis position angle depends strongly on spin and electron temperature. Our results show the promise of directly constraining black hole spacetimes with interferometric data, but they also show that nearly identical images permit large differences in black hole properties, highlighting degeneracies between the plasma properties, spacetime, and, most crucially, the unknown emission geometry when studying lensed accretion flow images at a single frequency.
Two new cavernicolous species of Anillinus Casey (Carabidae, Trechinae, Anillini) from Texas with a revised key to Texas species
Authors: Sokolov Igor M.
Published: November 2022

Two new species of blind cavernicolous ground beetles in the genus Anillinus Casey are described from Texas. Based on the structure of the male genitalia, Anillinus reddellisp. nov. (type locality: SW Bypass Cave, Williamson County, Texas) is closely related to A. forthoodensis Sokolov and Reddell from the neighboring Bell County. Based on the structure of the male genitalia, Anillinus bexarensissp. nov. (type locality: Up the Creek Cave, Bexar County, Texas) is closely related to A. weismanensis Sokolov and Kavanaugh from Hays and Bell Counties. Both new species are illustrated with images of the habitus, body parts, and male and female genitalia. Based on morphological data a new grouping of the Texas species is proposed and discussed.
Échelle de croyances non admises scientifiquement : validation française du Survey of Scientifically Unaccepted Beliefs
Authors: Blanc Charlotte , Py Jacques
Published: November 2022

The lack of consensus on their definition is an issue to measure paranormal beliefs, particularly in French where few scales are validated. This research focused on the validation of the French version of the Survey of Scientifically Unaccepted Beliefs (SSUB; Irwin & Marks, 2013) using Modern Test Theories. We examined its predictive validity through its relationships with the need for cognition, the need for evaluation and the need for closure. Two complementary studies ( N 1 = 361, N 2 = 248) confirmed the present of the two sub-scales (New-Age Beliefs and Traditional Religious Beliefs) which present satisfactory psychometric characteristics. We showed that a high need for cognition is associated with a low level of paranormal beliefs. Neither of the other two needs predicted paranormal beliefs. In conclusion, the French version of the SSUB is as a relevant tool to explore individual differences in paranormal beliefs.
L’importance de la motivation à lire dans la compréhension en lecture chez les adolescents : le roman graphique, un outil prometteur ?
Authors: Genucchi Margaux , Content Alain , Chetail Fabienne
Published: November 2022

Selon les résultats de l’enquête du Programme International pour le Suivi des Acquis des élèves (PISA) de 2018, un élève de 15 ans sur quatre est considéré comme un lecteur peu performant. La génération d’inférences joue un rôle majeur parmi les processus de compréhension en lecture et représente une source potentielle de difficultés. Il n’est donc pas étonnant d’observer un développement important d’interventions ciblées sur cette compétence. Leurs effets pourraient néanmoins être partiellement médiés par la motivation à lire. En conséquence, quelle que soit la nature des interventions, si les adolescents ne sont pas motivés à s’y engager, celles-ci n’auront probablement que peu d’effet durable. Cependant, la motivation à lire est rarement considérée dans l’élaboration de ces interventions. Nous discutons donc de la pertinence d’un outil prometteur, qui pourrait à la fois soutenir l’entraînement des compétences de compréhension en lecture et favoriser la motivation à lire des adolescents : le roman graphique.
Pédopsychiatrie en devenir : une histoire à jouer sur les mots
Authors: Fauveau Pascale
Published: November 2022

L’opposition neurosciences/psychanalyse divise les professionnels de la pédopsychiatrie, situant les uns sur l’axe du progrès et les autres sur celui d’un passé peu ou prou révolu. Il s’agit ici d’observer les changements qui se sont imposés ces vingt dernières années dans le vocabulaire de la pratique : l’histoire de certains termes aujourd’hui caducs témoigne de questions essentielles, et il apparaît ainsi que la cohérence même de la discipline est en jeu.
Lorsqu’un autiste se fabrique un psychanalyste
Authors: Marcellot Gilles
Published: November 2022

Cette contribution tente de mettre en avant tout le paradoxe de la rencontre dans le travail thérapeutique : savoir parfois s’éloigner des injonctions sociétales et de ses propres craintes pour s’autoriser à entrer dans le monde du patient, quitte à en sortir déstabilisé mais renforcé. C’est à ce prix que mon patient m’a baptisé « psychanalyste » malgré moi.
La réunion de synthèse : l’espace-temps du soin psychique
Authors: Ouaki Séverine
Published: November 2022

À travers la présentation d’un enfant accueilli en hôpital de jour dans le service de psychiatrie de l’enfant et de l’adolescent de l’hôpital la Pitié--Salpêtrière, l’article se propose de montrer comment une équipe pluridisciplinaire utilise la réunion de synthèse pour métaboliser la clinique et mettre en récit l’accompagnement d’un jeune patient. On y trouvera une polyphonie essentielle au maillage d’un soin psychique institutionnel.
Psychologue en libéral, drôle d’exercice !
Authors: Besnard Nolwenn
Published: November 2022

À travers l’expérience professionnelle d’une psychologue exerçant en libéral, la question du secret professionnel dans le suivi et l’accompagnement du public des enfants et adolescents est soulevée et analysée dans un contexte actuel particulier où les sollicitations envers les psychologues sont multiples et variées.
Réflexion et regards croisés sur la relation éducative
Authors: Lateurtre Jérôme
Published: November 2022

Dans l’éducation spécialisée, il est de coutume et ordinaire d’entendre les différents professionnels parler de relation éducative, car c’est le cœur même de notre métier. Ainsi, et parfois, cela se transforme en langage courant, vidant de tout son sens cet aspect de notre travail, cette notion. Pourtant, tout éducateur le sait, cette fameuse relation éducative est indissociable de tout travail éducatif, quel qu’il soit et quel que soit le domaine (école, animation, travail social). Alors, on peut légitimement se poser la question de savoir si nous sommes bien formés à celle-ci, si nous en mesurons toutes les facettes, toute sa profondeur ? Afin d’en aborder certains aspects, je propose ici une réflexion sur cette question, réflexion qui s’est appuyée sur des auteurs faisant référence dans ce domaine.
Des virtualités du lien à la déliaison par la technologie
Authors: Fiori René
Published: November 2022

Du dire au parler, du parler au communiquer, du communiquer au robot conversationnel et/ou humanoïde, le lien social et l’acceptabilité de l’autre s’effacent derrière la sollicitation d’un lien machinique où le malentendu de l’affect n’a pas place, sinon l’émotion.
Pour échapper au contrôle, soyons accompagnés !
Authors: Fiche Baptiste
Published: November 2022

Les tentatives de contrôle du travail social sont aussi anciennes que le travail social lui-même. Les professionnels ont toujours su, bon an, mal an, les subvertir pour conserver des marges de manœuvre. Pour autant, il en est une actuellement qui est plus insidieuse car entraînant une invisibilisation et une dévalorisation du travail social. Les nomenclatures Serafin- ph centrées sur les besoins des personnes accompagnées ne permettent pas de rendre compte des besoins des professionnels pour proposer des accompagnements de qualité. De ce fait, c’est peut-être bien grâce à la prise de parole des personnes accompagnées que les professionnels pourront (enfin) se faire entendre.
Toute honte bue
Authors: Bartoloni Eloy Carla
Published: November 2022

Rester à l’écoute malgré le raz de marée imposé aux équipes soignantes par la baisse des crédits, par les réductions de poste. Maintenir le transfert, l’empathie. En résonance avec l’éprouvé du mépris d’avoir à essuyer la honte d’« une société qui néglige le soin au profit du profit », selon les mots de Bernard Stiegler.
Fatigue detection method for UAV remote pilot based on multi feature fusion
Authors: Pan Lei , Yan Chongyao , Zheng Yuan , Fu Qiang , Zhang Yangjie , Lu Zhiwei , Zhao Zhiqing , Tian Jun
Published: November 2022

In recent years, UAV industry is developing rapidly and vigorously. However, so far, there is no relevant research on the fatigue detection method for UAV remote pilot, which is the core technology to ensure the flight safety of UAV. Aiming at this problem, a fatigue detection method for UAV remote pilot is proposed in this paper. Specifically, we first build a UAV operator fatigue detection database (OFDD). By analyzing the fatigue features in the database, we find that multiple facial features are highly correlated to the fatigue state, especially the head posture, and the temporal information is essential for distinguish between yawn and speaking in the study of UAV remote pilot fatigue detection. Based on these findings, a fatigue detection method for UAV remote pilots was proposed by efficiently locating the related facial regions, a multiple features extraction module to extract the eye, mouth and head posture features, and an efficient temporal fatigue decision module based on SVM. The experimental results show that this method not only performs well on the traditional driver dataset, but also achieves an accuracy rate of 97.05%; and it achieves the highest detection accuracy rate of 97.32% on the UAV remote pilots fatigue detection dataset OFDD.
Influence of the thermomechanical behavior of NiTi wires embedded in a damper on its damping capacity: Application to a bridge cable
Authors: Guillaume Helbert , Lamine Dieng , Shabnam Arbab Chirani , Philippe Pilvin
Published: November 2022

Thanks to high dissipation properties, embedding NiTi Shape Memory Alloys in passive damping devices is effective to mitigate vibrations in building and cable structures. These devices can inconceivably be tested directly on full-scale experimental structures or on structures in service. To predict their effectiveness and optimize the set-up parameters, numerical tools are more and more developed. Most of them consist of Finite Element models representing the structure equipped with the damping device, embedding parts associated with a superelastic behavior. Generally, the implemented behavior laws do not include all the phenomena at the origin of strain energy dissipation, but stress-induced martensitic transformation only. This article presents a thermomechanical behavior law including the following phenomena: (i) intermediate R-phase transformation, (ii) thermal effects and (iii) strain localization. This law was implemented in a commercial Finite Element code to study the dynamic response of a bridge cable equipped with a NiTi wire-based damping device. The numerical results were compared to full-scale experimental ones, by considering the above-mentioned phenomena taken coupled or isolated: it has been shown that it is necessary to take all of these phenomena into account in order to successfully predict the damping capacity of the device.
Brass Working and Mforowa Manufacture among the Akan of Coastal Ghana during the 17th–20th centuries
Authors: DeCorse Christopher R.
Published: November 2022

Cet article traite de la fabrication et de la datation des ornements, outils et boites en laiton produits par les Akan dans les régions côtières du Ghana, en particulier les mforowa (sing. forowa), récipients en feuilles de laiton spécifiques utilisés pour y conserver le beurre de karité et qui sont associés à des rituels mortuaires. Les fouilles archéologiques ont permis de retrouver une variété d’artefacts fabriqués localement à partir de laiton européen importé, souvent en étroite association avec des objets de traite européens. Comme les gammes de production de nombreuses manufactures européennes sont connues et peuvent être bien circonscrites dans le temps – souvent à quelques décennies près –, les marchandises de traite offrent un moyen de dater précisément les artefacts qui leur sont associés et de manière plus assurée que ce qui est souvent possible pour les sites archéologiques africains des 500 dernières années. Cet affinage chronologique apporte un élément nouveau sur les traditions de travail des alliages de cuivre parmi les Akan côtiers, en particulier l’utilisation et la réutilisation du laiton importé. Cet article passe en revue les connaissances actuelles sur les origines de la métallurgie et la transformation du métal dans la région côtière du Ghana, et sur le développement du travail du laiton avec l’avènement du commerce européen. Les données archéologiques provenant de la ville africaine d’Elmina suggèrent que la production de mforowa a débuté au xviie siècle et que ses origines stylistiques trouvent leurs racines dans la tradition antérieure des nkuduo (sing. kuduo) en laiton coulé. Le contexte des découvertes archéologiques fournit également un aperçu des cadres culturels dans lesquels les mforowa ont été utilisés.
“All my loves / are reparations loves”: Decolonizing Borders and Reparative Queerness in Natalie Diaz’s Poetry
Authors: Thomas Héloïse
Published: November 2022

This article will analyze how the Mojave poet Natalie Diaz identifies decolonized queer and lesbian identities as potential modes of transgressive border-crossing and repair that can generate epistemological, ethical, and ontological disruptions in a world ravaged by colonial displacement. In her two poetry collections, When My Brother Was an Aztec and Postcolonial Love Poem, Diaz crafts a poetics specifically tailored to three intertwined goals: revisiting traumatic history on three different levels (individual/personal, family, community) in order to counter hegemonic erasures on which is founded an illegitimate national imaginary; questioning the legitimacy of all borders imposed by ongoing colonial rule –whether geographical, social, or sexual; and articulating lesbian Indigenous desire as a means to create new types of kinship and reopen a sense of futurity.
Requirements for the Successful Implementation of Distance Education Programs in the Digital Era
Authors: Karipidis Nikolaos , Prentzas Jim
Published: November 2022

Distance education has become popular during the last decades. It covers needs of individuals, the public and private sectors, and the society in general. Generally speaking, research studies have shown that distance education provides advantages. However, problems or difficulties have also been pointed out in various research studies. Therefore, it is useful to determine the requirements that would enhance the offered advantages of distance education and/or decrease the reported problems or difficulties. The determination of such requirements would provide guidelines for the successful implementation of distance education programs. This is the subject of the chapter. The discussed requirements cover all aspects of distance education such as the education institution, the program of studies, the content, the e-learning platform, learners, tutors, and the development of relations.
Employability Skills and Pre-Professional Identity in the Era of IR4.0
Authors: Tang Adrian Shiew Ming , Ping Teoh Ai , Salamzadeh Yashar
Published: November 2022

The main idea of this chapter is to prepare a conceptual base for the link between employability skills and pre-professional identity of IT graduates in IR4.0 era. This framework and approach can shed light to the issue of lack of readiness in IT graduates in Malaysia to perform to the highest possible level on their jobs after graduating from university. This study uses the social identity theory as a starting point and tries to link it to the above-mentioned issue. This chapter prepares a deep literature review on the main variables related to its research goals, and while recognizing the research gap, proposes an initial framework for further studies in this field to solve the crucial practical issue mentioned above. The novelty of this research is inherent in both the methodology chosen and the approach used to link the constructs, and it can end in useful implications in the Malaysian context to solve this national issue. Of course, the finding of this research can be tested in other contexts as well.
Opportunities and Challenges of Distance Learning
Authors: Calluso Cinzia , Nicolò Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

Distance learning has proven to be crucial for the safeguarding of high-level educational programs around the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has represented an accelerator of the digital revolution of education, offering new possibilities but also posing new challenges. In this chapter, the case of an Italian psychotherapy training school has been analyzed to gain knowledge on the transition to digital education. The results have shown a general negative evaluation of online learning, especially for practice-oriented clinical training, due to the impoverishment of the social interaction with peers and educators. Further, the negative evaluation appeared partially related to individual wellbeing across the psychological and social-relationship sphere. Finally, despite the challenges posed by online learning, participants revealed an increased willingness to take part to online education. Hence, the current results suggest a reflection on the future of distance learning, calling for a more systematic approach to the education of professionals.
A Critical Reflection and Feedback on Peer Teaching in the Era of Online Teaching
Authors: Gupta Swati
Published: November 2022

The term “peer review” is familiar to academics. This phrase is commonly used when submitting research articles to peer-reviewed journals. There is a lot of information available on peer review of academic articles. However, peer evaluation of teaching, particularly peer observation, has been rare. PGCAP, on the other hand, took a different approach. Instead of reviewing the study paper, “peer review” reviews peers' work. Reviewing and being reviewed by peers forced the authors to pause and reflect twice. Is this the best way to evaluate coworkers regardless of their expertise? This study's analytical method is structured reflection. Reflective thinking has a long and distinguished history when it comes to making informed and rational educational decisions and assessing their consequences. This study found that a reflective diary helped online students learn and progress by providing a forum for self-assessment, self-reflection, goal setting, and collaborative critique. This study looks at collaborative or peer review.
Teachers' Perceptions on Adoption of Education 4.0 in Schools in Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Benjula , Devkota Niranjan , Parajuli Seeprata , Paudel Udaya Raj , Upretee Sahadeb , Mahato Surendra , Bhandari Udbodh , Dhakal Krishna
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to examine factors that influence teachers' attitudes toward using technology in Lalitpur Metropolitan City. Using the technology acceptance model (TAM) as the framework, the study considered the sociodemographic context in Lalitpur District and included a new external variable—policy—along with perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, learning environment, and behavioral intention, into the original TAM framework. Structural equation modeling was implemented on questionnaire data collected from 300 teachers in Lalitpur Metropolitan City. The expanded model revealed a goodness-of-fit. School teachers' perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, were determined to be the factors with positive direct influence on teachers' attitudes toward using technology. Behavioral intention and learning environment were found to have an indirect influence. This study contributes to the understand the status of Education 4.0 on the TAM and also serves as a starting point in understanding teachers' attitudes toward technology use in Lalitpur District.
A Cloud-Based Predictive Model for the Detection of Breast Cancer
Authors: Pathoee Kuldeep , Rawat Deepesh , Mishra Anupama , Arya Varsha , Rafsanjani Marjan Kuchaki , Gupta Avadhesh Kumar
Published: November 2022

Invasive cancer is the biggest cause of death worldwide, especially among women. Early cancer detection is vital to health. Early identification of breast cancer improves prognosis and survival odds by allowing for timely clinical therapy. For accurate cancer prediction, machine learning requires quick analytics and feature extraction. Cloud-based machine learning is vital for illness diagnosis in rural areas with few medical facilities. In this research, random forests, logistic regression, decision trees, and SVM are employed, and the authors assess the performance of various algorithms using confusion measures and AUROC to choose the best machine learning model for breast cancer prediction. Precision, recall, accuracy, and specificity are used to calculate results. Confusion matrix is based on predicted cases. The ML model's performance is evaluated. For simulation, the authors used the Wisconsin Dataset of Breast Cancer (WDBC). Through experiments, it can be seen that the SVM model reached 98.24% accuracy with an AUC of 0.993, while the logistic regression achieved 94.54% accuracy with an AUC of 0.998.
Heart Disease Prediction Using Optimal Mayfly Technique with Ensemble Models
Authors: Prasanna S. L. , Challa Nagendra Panini
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes a methodology consisting of two phases: attributes selection and classification based on the attributes selected. Phase 1 uses the introduced new feature selection algorithm which is the optimal mayfly algorithm (OMA) to solve the feature selection technique problem. Mayfly algorithm has derived features of physiological and anatomical relevance, like ST depression, the highest heart rate, cholesterol, chest pain, and heart vessels. In the second phase, the selected attributes use the ensemble classifiers like random subspace, bagging, and boosting. Optimal mayfly algorithm (OMA) with boosting technique had the highest accuracy. Therefore, true disease, false disease, accuracy, and specificity are measured to evaluate the proposed system's efficiency. It has been discovered that the proposed method, which combines feature selection and ensemble techniques performs well, the performance of the optimal mayfly algorithm along with ensemble classifiers of boosting method with a model accuracy of 97.12% which is the highest accuracy value compared to any single model.
Influence of Perceived Quality and Brand Awareness on Brand Loyalty: Examining the Mediating Role of Brand Trust Within Biscuit Industry in Sri Lanka
Authors: Akarawita G. Sachintha
Published: November 2022

Building and managing consumer brand relationships to foster Brand Loyalty is a challenge for marketers. As Biscuit manufacturing is a major industry in Sri Lanka, it is essential to investigate the behavior of consumer brand relationships. Furthermore, identifying the influencing ability of Perceived Quality on Brand Loyalty is an emergent need in the biscuit industry in Sri Lanka since there is a growing trend of investments in quality improvements without investigating the effectiveness in terms of Brand Loyalty. By referring to relevant literature and accepted theories, the conceptual framework of this research is developed in order to examine the influence of Perceived Quality and Brand Awareness on Brand Loyalty. The research also examined the mediating effect of Brand Trust on the relationship between Perceived Quality and Brand Loyalty, as well as the relationship between Brand Awareness and Brand Loyalty. This research follows the deductive approach and cross-sectional time horizon. The study was carried out under quantitative strategy through survey method by using a structured questionnaire. Subsequent to the assurance of validity and reliability measures of the scale through the pilot study, 389 respondents contributed to the final data collection. The data were analyzed by using the multiple regression method. The results indicate that there is no significant positive influence of Perceived Quality on Brand Loyalty, while there is a significant positive influence of Brand Awareness on Brand Loyalty. Similarly, there is a significant positive influence of Brand Trust on Brand Loyalty. In addition, the results emphasize that there is a full mediation effect of Brand Trust on the impact of Perceived Quality on Brand Loyalty, while it engages in the impact of Brand Awareness on Brand Loyalty as a partial mediation. This research contributes to the literature on consumer-brand relationships with empirical evidence from Sri Lanka. Further, this study provides direction for marketers in the Biscuit Industry to enhance Brand Loyalty to become competitive in the market.
Technical Efficiency of Fish Catch and its Socio-Economic Determinants towards Freshwater Fisher Population in North Central Province, Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayakodi A. G. A. M. T. , Wasantha H. L. Neel , Liyanage N. P. P. , Kulathunga K. M. M. C. B.
Published: November 2022

In this study, freshwater fisherman in the area of Sri Lanka's north central province had their technical efficiency of fish catch measured. The study focuses on freshwater fisherman who only make their living in the districts of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. There are 175 fishing teams in total in the sample. During the survey, comprehensive information is gathered on the monthly catch, its market worth at the time of capture, labor hours, age of catchers, experience, education, boar size, scale type, and other fishing specifics. Data on specific socioeconomic variables and indicators were considered. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, correlation analysis, frequency analysis, t test, and ANOVA with inefficiency effects are estimated on the basis of cross-sectional primary data on fishing independent variable, dependent variable, and moderator variable. Age of catchers, education, experience, boat size, and labor hours were the independent variables. The monthly income from fishing was employed as a dependent variable, while scale type was used as a moderator variable. According to statistical analysis, technical efficiency is positively influenced by education, experience, boat size, labor hours, and scale type, however it is negatively impacted by the age of the catchers. However, technical effectiveness is declining as catchers get older. According to the study, the technical efficiency can be raised by increasing the experience of fishermen, labor hours, education, use of 18.5-ft boats, and scale for medium size. In addition to employing fewer fisherman than 40, fishing might become more proficient technically. Because physical and mental issues can be noticed when a person is older than 40. A case in point is vision issues. Therefore, it may be inferred by looking at the outcomes employing middle-aged fishermen whose technical performance can be improved.
Psychological, social, and sexual challenges affecting men receiving male infertility treatment: a systematic review and implications for clinical care
Authors: Wu Winston , La Justin , Schubach Kathryn M , Lantsberg Daniel , Katz Darren J
Published: November 2022

In recent years, social research surrounding the consequences of infertility has increasingly focused on the male perspective; however, a gap exists in the understanding of men’s experiences of male infertility treatment. This review aims to synthesize the existing evidence concerning the psychological, social, and sexual burden of male infertility treatment on men, as well as patient needs during clinical care. A systematic search identified 12 studies that are diverse in design, setting, and methods. Psychological evaluations have found that urological surgery may have a lasting impact on infertility-specific stress, and treatment failure can lead to feelings of depression, grief, and inadequacy. Men tended to have an avoidant coping mechanism throughout fertility treatment, and their self-esteem, relationship quality, and sexual functions can be tied to outcomes of treatment. Partner bonds can be strengthened by mutual support and enhanced communication; couple separation, however, has been noted as a predominant reason for discontinuing male infertility treatment and may be associated with difficult circumstances surrounding severe male infertility. Surgical treatments can affect the sexual functioning of infertile men; however, the impact of testicular sperm extraction outcomes appears to be psychologically driven whereas the improvements after microsurgical varicocelectomy are only evident in hypogonadal men. Clinically, there is a need for better inclusion, communication, education, and resource provision, to address reported issues of marginalization and uncertainty in men. Routine psychosocial screening in cases of severe male infertility and follow-up in cases of surgical treatment failure are likely beneficial.
Comparison of inhaled salbutamol and intravenous furosemide in the treatment of transient tachypnea of the newborn regarding their safety and efficacy
Authors: Sabry Amira M. , Azeem Mohammed A.A. , Ismail Marwa M. , El Khatib Dina H.E.D.H. , AbdelAziz Iman A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Postnatal respiratory complications among term infants are common. The most commonly reported cause of neonatal respiratory distress is transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), with an estimated incidence of 0.5–2.8% of all newborns.

Aim

To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of inhaled salbutamol and intravenous (i.v.) furosemide in the treatment of TTN and to monitor of their possible adverse effects in neonates.

Patients and methods

This was a randomized controlled clinical trial on 100 neonates who were admitted immediately or shortly after birth owing to persistence of tachypnea to neonatal intensive care unit of pediatric hospitals, Cairo University, over a 1-year period. Our study included 100 neonates (25 in the salbutamol group, 25 in the furosemide group, and 50 in the control group) with TTN born between 35 and 39 weeks of gestational age. They were randomized in a blinded manner to receive one nebulized dose of salbutamol 0.15 mg/kg in 0.9% saline solution or i.v. furosemide 1 mg/kg once in addition to oxygen and i.v. fluids or received oxygen and i.v. fluids alone.

Results

The efficacy of inhaled salbutamol and furosemide was assessed by determining the respiratory rate, heart rate, TTN clinical score, and the level of respiratory support before receiving medication and 30 min, 1, and 4 h after drug therapy. The duration and level of respiratory support and the period of hospitalization were shorter in the salbutamol group. There was a significant decrease in the respiratory rate and TTN score in the salbutamol group 4 h after nebulized salbutamol.

Conclusion

Comparing the three groups after respiratory support, TTN score was significantly improved in the salbutamol group. The total duration of oxygen treatment in hours and total neonatal intensive care unit stay in days were significantly shorter in the salbutamol group than in furosemide and control groups. Regarding the safety of salbutamol, our study did not show a significant difference in adverse effects. Inhaled salbutamol treatment was effective in TTN without adverse events. Further studies at larger or repeated doses of furosemide may be needed.
Coronavirus disease 2019-associated mucormycosis in children
Authors: Shankaralingappa Arundhathi , Arun Babu Thirunavukkarasu , Huchegowda Ravish
Published: November 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) was declared as a pandemic on March 11, 2020 by the WHO. This disease was complicated by its association with an opportunistic fungal infection, termed as COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM). CAM is well described in adults, but only a few case reports and series were published about pediatric CAM.

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to describe the clinical spectrum and outcome of CAM cases in children.

Patients and methods

A systematic review of literature was done in agreement with PRISMA guidelines to understand the clinical profile of pediatric CAM. Pubmed, Scopus, Google Scholar databases, and news websites were searched to identify any relevant article on pediatric CAM.. References within the included articles were reviewed. All articles that met the criteria were analyzed for demographics, clinical, laboratory, radiographic, treatment, and outcome data.

Results

We retrieved a total of 13 cases of pediatric CAM, which were included in this systematic review. The mean age at presentation was 11.6 years (range, 5–16 years). Diabetes mellitus was the underlying cause in four cases, whereas three of them presented with diabetic ketoacidosis. Five children were immunocompromised, which included two cases of acute lymphoreticular malignancy. Rhinocerebral, orbital, and gastrointestinal mucormycosis was seen in three, two, and one case, respectively. Out 13 cases, two succumbed to the illness.

Conclusion

Most children with CAM had definite underlying risk factors like diabetes mellitus, lymphoreticular malignancies, and immunodeficiency status. The clinical presentation and outcome in children were similar to adults.
The Bond Strength of Root Canal Filling after Calcium Hydroxide Removal with a Simple Apical Negative Pressure Kit in Oval-Shaped Root Canal
Authors: Leelapornpisid Warat , Sastraruji Thanapat , Louwakul Phumisak , Dewi Anat
Published: November 2022

Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a simple irrigating device, which produced from the apical negative pressure concept, as a final irrigating method after calcium hydroxide (CH) medication on the bond strength of epoxy resin-based sealer in the oval-shaped root canal.

Methods:

Forty-eight single-rooted premolars with oval-shaped canals were included in the study. The crown was decoronized and canal instrumented with Mtwo (VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany) up to size 40/04. The specimens were assigned to four groups according to the irrigation protocol after 1 week of CH medication: control group (no medication) and three experimental groups conventional needle irrigation (CNI), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and simple apical negative pressure kit (sANP). The teeth were obturated with a warm vertical technique using epoxy resin-based sealers. After 1 week, the roots were transversally sectioned at coronal, middle, and apical thirds. A push-out test was performed by a universal testing machine, and statistical analysis was performed using One-Way ANOVA with Duncan’s post hoc test.

Results:

The bond strength in the control group was significantly higher than the CNI group in all root canal thirds (P < 0.05). At coronal third, sANP showed lower bond strength than PUI group (P < 0.05). However, the bond strength of sANP group was comparable to the control group (P > 0.05) which was significantly higher than the PUI group at apical third (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

A sANP enhanced the bond strength of epoxy resin-based sealer in the apical third of CH-medicated root canal in the oval-shaped canal.
Posterior Cloaca
Authors: Kapoor Rohit , Gupta Amit , Yadav Partap Singh , Mandelia Ankur
Published: November 2022

Aim:

Posterior cloacal malformations (PCMs) are distinguished from classical cloacal malformations by the posterior location of the common opening in the perineum. We aim to describe our experience of management of these rare and complex malformations.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective chart review of all patients with PCM who underwent treatment at Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital (KSCH), New Delhi, and Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, between 2013 and 2021. Individual anatomical variations and their impact on the clinical presentation, management, and final outcome (cosmesis and function) were recorded and analyzed.

Results:

During the study period, four girls with a median age of 2 (range: 0–5) years presented to us with PCM. Three patients were referred to KSCH as ambiguous genitalia whereas one patient was born at SGPGIMS with an antenatal diagnosis of “urorectal septal defect.” On examination, three patients had the urogenital sinus (UGS) opening immediately anterior to the normally located anal opening (2 orifices), whereas one had a single orifice at the normal location of the anus with the UGS opening in the anterior rectal wall. Associated anomalies included: (a) hydrocolpos (n = 3), which was managed by a tube vaginostomy; (b) urethral duplication with dorsal atretic urethra (n = 3); (c) uterine didelphys (n = 1); (d) bilateral grade 5 vesicoureteric reflux (n = 1); and (e) vaginal calculus (n = 1). Total urogenital mobilization (anterior sagittal approach) with feminizing genitoplasty was performed for patients with UGS and normal anus (n = 3). In the patient with a single opening at the normal location of the anus, posterior sagittal ano-recto-urethro-vaginoplasty was performed. At a median follow-up of 24 months, three patients are continent for urine and stool, whereas one patient is yet to be toilet trained.

Conclusions:

PCMs are unusual complex malformations that necessitate meticulous clinical examination, detailed diagnostic workup, and multistaged surgical management. Management should be tailored as per each individual patient's anatomy and clinical presentation for an optimal outcome.
Abdominal Wall Extraskeletal Ewing's Sarcoma in an 8-Year-Old Child
Authors: Shankar Gowri , Konamme Vinay Kumar
Published: November 2022

Nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft-tissue sarcomas (NRSTSs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms of presumed mesenchymal origin. The precise diagnosis of the type of NRSTS tumor is complex. Among them, Ewing's sarcoma is very rare. We report a case of abdominal wall Ewing's sarcoma in an 8-year-old child. There are very few cases on pediatric abdominal wall Ewing's sarcoma reported. An 8-year-old female child presented with a progressively increasing swelling in the left iliac fossa for 3 months. On evaluation it was found to have a 4 cm × 2.87 cm × 4.1 cm circumscribed, heterogeneous exophytic mass arising from oblique muscles in the left lower abdominal wall with no intraperitoneal extension. On trucut biopsy and karyotyping, it was diagnosed to be an extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma (EES) of the abdominal wall. Due to the proximity to the pelvic bone and the possible large size, the child was given six cycles of VAEC-IE as neoadjuvant chemotherapy to downsize the tumor. Following chemotherapy, wide excision of the tumor was done requiring partial resection of the external oblique, internal oblique, transverse abdominis, and leaving the transversalis fascia intact. The defect was closed using a polypropylene mesh. Histopathology showed tumor-free margins, with minimal histological tumor response to chemotherapy. Hence, the child underwent radiotherapy (45 Gy in 25 fractions). Follow-up fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography–computed tomography showed no recurrent lesion. There was no recurrence on 18-month follow-up. Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma is a rare tumor arising from the abdominal wall. The evaluation and management are similar to EES. Treatment is multimodal; however, surgery is the mainstay. Wide excision with tumor negative margin has a good outcome.
Successful Outcome of Metastatic Pancreatoblastoma in an Adolescent
Authors: Jayaraman Dhaarani , John Arockia , Bose Jagadesh Chandra , Venkitaraman Balasubramanian , Shalini Sai , Murali Arunan
Published: November 2022

Pancreatoblastoma, an orphan disease, is the most common malignant epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas in children. With vague clinical features, diagnosis is made by radiological suggestions and histopathology. The presence of metastatic disease and inoperable/incomplete excision remains the poor prognostic markers. We present a rare instance of an adolescent who has survived metastatic pancreatoblastoma after neoadjuvant chemoreduction/complete surgical excision.
Technical Innovations to Reduce Complication Rates in Esophageal Atresia with Particular Reference to Long-term Outcomes
Authors: Morsi Ahmed , Misra Devesh
Published: November 2022

Background:

Following esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) repair, the standard leak rate reported in the literature is 5%–10%, and stricture rate is 40%–72%. There is a global quest for surgical innovations to drive down these complication rates which can cause considerable morbidity.

Methods:

A prospectively maintained database of the senior author's patients who had esophageal atresia repair from 1995 to 2016 was reviewed. Two distinct innovations were implemented: (1) adequate or generous mobilization of the lower esophageal pouch and (2) a 2–5 mm slit in distal esophagus to widen its circumference.

Results:

Forty-three patients with EA/TEF were reviewed. Of those, 40 underwent primary repair. The median follow-up was 12.5 years (range 4–26 years). There were no anastomotic leaks and only 8 (20%) patients developed anastomotic strictures requiring dilations (1–5 dilations/patients). One patient (2.5%) had a recurrent fistula. One early mortality was recorded. At the latest follow-up, 35 (87.5%) patients had normal oral feeding, while 1 (2.5%) patient had occasional food sticking episodes. Four syndromic patients (10%) were on jejunal or gastrostomy feeding.

Conclusion:

An adequate or generous mobilization of the distal esophageal pouch, together with a 2–5 mm slit in the distal esophagus, achieves a tension-free and wide anastomosis. All anastomoses eventually narrow, sometimes just a little, and starting on a higher scale with a small slit, helps. These seemingly minor innovations, when used together, contributed to a substantially lower complication rate sustained over a 22-year period – no leaks and only 20% stricture rate.
CHEMICAL STABILIZATION OF GULLIES OF NANKA AND OKO IN ANAMBRA STATE, SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA
Authors: Okoye O. N. N. , Ugbede F. O. , Oli C. C. , Onwukeme V. I. , Onwuka S. U.
Published: November 2022

This study investigated the use 2 mL solution each of AlCl3, CaCl2, Ca(OH)2, MgCl2 and CaCO3 chemicals in stabilizing 10 g and 15 g each of two the gullies in Nanka and Oko towns; and tested with a pocket penetrometer to find out the unconfined compressive strength (UCS). The soil particle size distribution (PSD) were determined also, before treating with the chemical solution. The result from PSD showed that the soil samples had high level of sand in both of them, and low clay content. Also, the stabilizing effects of the chemicals show that AlCl3, CaCl2 and MgCl2 had the highest stabilizing strength on both samples, while CaCO3, Ca(OH)2 showed a low strength. Keyword: Gullies, Erosion, Soil, Stabilization, Penetrometer, Chemical
Disseminação e implementação de programas de atividade física para pessoas com pré-hipertensão: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Squarcini Camila Fabiana Rossi , Pinto Hildo Leonardo Gonçalves , Macedo Danielle de Amaral , Brito Fabiana Almeida , Souza Joslei Viana de , Rocha Saulo Vasconcelos
Published: November 2022

Estudos sobre prevenção de doenças para pessoas com pré-hipertensão por meio de atividade física têm ganhado destaque. Entretanto, um ponto a ser melhor investigado é justamente o potencial destes estudos no fornecimento de informações que sirvam para a fundamentação para políticas públicas de saúde. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo foi analisar se as produções científicas sobre programas de atividade física para pessoas com pré-hipertensão atendem as dimensões de validade externa e interna utilizando o modelo RE-AIM. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados PubMed, Scopus, Virtual Health Library e PsycINFO (2007-2017), em inglês, português e espanhol, resultando em 15 artigos de 65.870. Os programas majoritariamente foram de atividades aeróbias (3,3%) sendo observado redução pressórica (93,33%). Entretanto, 67,2% dos itens do RE-AIM não foram informados, apresentando resultados baixos sobre a população-alvo/participantes, eficácia, características da equipe/organização e implementação. Nenhum dado sobre a manutenção foi observado. Conclui-se que os artigos não reportam os itens das dimensões do modelo RE-AIM, prejudicando a análise das informações sobre a validade externa e interna dos programas de atividade física para pessoas com pré-hipertensão. Tais informações são necessárias para nortear políticas públicas de saúde e aumentar o impacto na comunidade.