bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le terrain des Nomades, des Roms et des Voyageurs
Authors: About Ilsen
Published: June 2023

Cet article porte sur la notion de terrain appliqué au champ des études consacrées aux Roms et Voyageurs en histoire et en anthropologie. Partant d’une observation sur l’un des nombreux lieux de vie des Voyageurs en France, appelé dans ce cas un « terrain privé », l’auteur élabore une série de rapprochements entre des travaux sur diverses populations relevant de la sphère romané et interroge les divers usages de la notion de terrain.
Insularité et mobilités : un observatoire méditerranéen, xvie‑xviiie siècle
Authors: Grenet Mathieu , Mailloux Pauline
Published: June 2023

L’article se propose de décentrer le regard, souvent monographique, porté sur les îles lorsqu’elles sont examinées dans une perspective historique, afin de les étudier selon une approche plus globale centrée sur les circulations. L’analyse des mobilités ayant cours dans les espaces insulaires méditerranéens à l’époque moderne permet alors de réinscrire les îles dans des logiques circulatoires de plus grande ampleur, ainsi que de voir comment ces mobilités peuvent réciproquement structurer les territoires insulaires.
1538 : un tournant pour l’émigration balkanique vers les Principautés de Valachie et de Moldavie
Authors: Cotovanu Lidia
Published: June 2023

La prise ottomane de Brăila, en 1538, associée au corollaire événementiel contemporain lié à l’avancée ottomane vers la Hongrie, a apporté un grand changement dans la densité et le contenu des flux migratoires balkaniques orientés vers la Valachie et la Moldavie au cours des xive-xviie siècles. L’instauration du contrôle ottoman sur la ligne du Danube et la soumission formelle des Principautés à la Porte ont donné libre accès aux ressortissants gréco-orthodoxes de l’Empire aux structures de pouvoir, aux marchés et à la terre des deux pays. L’ancienne présence sud-slave (bulgare et serbe) sur le sol valaque et moldave est désormais concurrencée par l’arrivée massive des « Grecs » (Rhomioi), avec haut clergé et élite marchande en tête. Ces nouvelles vagues migratoires, bénéficiaires de la protection de la Porte, ont contribué à l’intégration effective et durable des Principautés dans l’espace politique et économique ottoman.
1669 : une diaspora méditerranéenne du xviie siècle
Authors: Zéi Eleftheria
Published: June 2023

La prise de Candie vénitienne en 1669 et l’installation des Ottomans dans l’« État Maritime » de Venise provoquent trois types de mobilité dans la Méditerranée du xviie siècle : un déplacement massif des sujets vénitiens de Crète vers les Îles Ioniennes et la région d’Istria, organisé par l’État vénitien afin de préserver son emprise politique et idéologique en Méditerranée ; une vague d’émigration crétoise à destination de Venise qui finit par créer des identités nationales nouvelles au sein de la cité vénitienne ; une mobilité extrême des familles d’ origine « latine » à l’intérieur de l’Archipel grec influant sur les transformations sociales et économiques des sociétés insulaires aux temps modernes.
1798 : un tournant pour les Français en Méditerranée
Authors: Guesdon Olivier
Published: June 2023

L’année 1798 marque un tournant dans la présence des Français en Méditerranée. D’une part, les conquêtes en Europe obligent les autorités à définir ce qu’est être Français et quels droits octroyer aux populations dans les échelles. D’autre part, la prise manquée de Malte montre les difficultés de la France pour s’affirmer au Levant. Enfin, la campagne d’Égypte menée par Napoléon crée une rupture dans les relations avec l’Empire ottoman, et modifie sur le long terme la présence des Français au Maghreb.
Count Alerino Palma in the Age of Revolutions or Greek 1821 in Context
Authors: Chatziioannou Maria Christina
Published: June 2023

The story of an Italian political migrant, Count Alerino Palma, elucidates key elements of the revolutionary 1820s when former Napoleonic officers served various democratic uprisings around the Mediterrannean. Palma finally offered his expertise in the case of the first Greek loan and the juridical system of the new‑born Greek state, where he finally established himself. Through his geographic wanderings and new experiences, Palma transformed his democratic political ideas sustaining constitutional monarchy. His case study of the Greek‑Italian “political friendship”, marks a transitional period which fuelled the 1820s transnationalism at the dawn of the nation-state era of many Mediterranean countries.
Escrever e assinar
Authors: Morais Christianni Cardoso
Published: June 2023

Investiga-se a relação de moradores de São João del-Rei (Minas Gerais) com a palavra escrita, tomando como fontes testamentos e inventários, produzidos entre 1750-1850. Foi realizado um perfil dos assinantes e das assinaturas qualificadas a partir de uma escala, sendo a segurança dos traços tomada como indicador de letramento. Os dados foram analisados à luz da História da Educação em diálogo com a História da Cultura Escrita. Conclui-se que a capacidade de assinar era mais disseminada entre os homens brancos e proprietários. Os maiores graus de letramento eram reservados aos professores, clérigos e negociantes. Mesmo assinando em menor número que os homens, as mulheres sanjoanenses apresentaram índices de letramento superiores às portuguesas e africanas.
Immune Regulatory Function of Cancer- Associated Fibroblasts in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lee Hyewon , Hwang Mina , Jang Seonae , Um Sang-Won
Published: June 2023

Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment and significantly contribute to immune evasion. We investigated the effects of CAFs on the immune function of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: We isolated CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) from tumors and normal lung tissues of NSCLC patients, respectively. CAFs were co-cultured with activated T cells to evaluate their immune regulatory function. We investigated the effect of CAF conditioned medium (CAF-CM) on the cytotoxicity of T cells. CAFs were also co-cultured with activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and further incubated with cyclooxygenase- 2 (COX2) inhibitors to investigate the potential role of COX2 in immune evasion.Results: CAFs and NFs were isolated from the lung tissues (n=8) and lymph nodes (n=3) of NSCLC patients. Immune suppressive markers, such as COX2 and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), were increased in CAFs after co-culture with activated T cells. Interestingly, CAFs promoted the expression of programmed death-1 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and strongly inhibited T cell proliferation in allogenic and autologous pairs of CAFs and T cells. CAF-CM decreased the cytotoxicity of T cells. COX2 inhibitors partially restored the proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and downregulated the expression of COX2, prostaglandin E synthase, prostaglandin E2, and PD-L1 in CAFs.Conclusion: CAFs promote immune evasion by suppressing the function of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells via their effects on COX2 and PD-L1 in NSCLC. The immunosuppressive function of CAFs could be alleviated by COX2 inhibitors.
State-of-the-Art in Chiplets Horizontal Communications
Authors: Lau John H.
Published: June 2023

In this study, the recent advances and trends in chiplet

lateral communications (bridges) will be investigated. Emphasis is

placed on the definition, kinds, advantages and disadvantages, challenges

(opportunities), and examples of chiplet horizontal communications.

Some recommendations will also be provided.
Investigation into Impact of Redistribution Layer Design on Thermomechanical Stress in Embedded-Die Package
Authors: Matsuura Masamitsu , Asano Tanemasa , Kanaya Haruichi
Published: June 2023

Thermomechanical stress generation on a silicon

chip in an embedded-die package (EDP) was investigated. Change

in thermomechanical stress on the chip with temperature was

evaluated using piezo-resistance gauges fabricated on the chip. To

investigate the impact of a redistribution layer (RDL) on stress

generation, an EDP where filling materials facing the top and bottom

sides and the periphery of the embedded die were entirely

removed was fabricated. The removal of filling materials was carried

out by using the CO2 laser ablation technology. RDL having

diagonal paths from the substrate to the chip was designed and

fabricated in addition to the conventional orthogonal RDL. RDLs

were made of copper. Temperature tests were carried out in the

range from 260 degrees C to 100 degrees C. The experimental results indicate

that, while the origin of thermomechanical stress is a mismatch

in coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) between the chip and

the organic substrate, RDL plays a significant role in generating

the thermomechanical stress on the chip. The results also show

that the diagonal RDL design effectively reduces thermomechanical

stress from the orthogonal RDL design owing to its spring

characteristic.
Table of Contents Vol 1, No 1 (2022)
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: June 2023

No abstract avaialble.
Post-COVID symptoms and recovery times in hospitalized mild and moderate COVID-19 patients
Authors: Khot Rajashree , Patil Aastha , Rathod Bharatsing , Kumbhalkar Sunita D , Joshi Prashant P
Published: June 2023

Settings and Design:

Retrospective online cross-sectional analytical study.

Introduction:

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus led to COVID-19 pandemic with varied clinical manifestations and multisystem involvement, which persisted beyond acute stage. To evaluate the post discharge symptoms in hospitalized mild and moderate COVID-19 patients during the initial phase of pandemic. Factors associated with post-COVID symptoms and delayed recovery times were determined.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and thirty-two hospitalized patients of mild or moderate COVID-19 infection diagnosed by a positive real-time polymerase chain reaction, responded to an online questionnaire. They were followed up monthly, telephonically for post-COVID symptoms and recovery times. Microsoft Excel-Student's t-test, Fischer's exact test, Chi-square test.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 51.14 ± 13.78 years with male: female ratio, 1: 0.29. 80.35% had post-acute COVID symptoms. Most frequent symptoms were cough in 37.9%, breathlessness in 36.4% and fatigue in 34.8%. New onset symptoms were insomnia in 16.67%, anxiety in10.6%, depression in 9.8%, loss of libido in 5.3%. Long COVID syndrome occurred in four patients. The factors significantly associated with post-COVID symptoms were older age, comorbidities, longer hospitalization, and moderate COVID infection, whereas delayed recovery times were associated with older age, female gender, and moderate COVID illness.

Conclusions:

Post-COVID symptoms occur in majority of the patients. Persistent symptoms are dry cough, dyspnea, fatigue, anosmia, and ageusia. They are significantly associated with older age, underlying comorbidities, prolonged hospitalization, and moderate COVID infection. Complete recovery occurs in most patients but delayed recovery is seen in females, elderly, and moderate COVID infection. Few may develop long COVID syndrome.

The following core competencies are addressed in this article:

Patient care and procedural skills, Medical knowledge.
Patterns and Causes of Hospital Maternal Mortality in a Tertiary Center in Nigeria
Authors: Anikwe Chidebe C. , Umeononihu Osita S. , Osuagwu Philip C. , Ikeoha Cyril C. , Ugwoke Ikechukwu S. , Eze Justus N
Published: June 2023

Background:

Maternal mortality is a preventable public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. Reporting of its trend and causes is important in auditing of care.

Objectives:

The study is aimed at evaluating the trends, causes, and maternal mortality rate in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

This is a 9-year retrospective review of case note of maternal deaths (MDs) in AEFUTHA. All pregnancy-related deaths of patients managed at the hospital were included in the study. Data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20.

Results:

The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was 1,114 per 100,000 live births. The MMR remained high at above 1,100 per 100,000 live births between 2012 and 2016; and a sharp decline was seen between 2017 and 2020. The lowest MMR was in 2018 (512 per 100,000 live births). Most of the MDs occurred in unbooked (85.4%) and grand multiparous (43.4%) women. Obstetric hemorrhage was the leading cause of death (28.0%), followed by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Less than 3% of MD was caused by Lassa fever. Women with low socioeconomic status, lower level of education, and rural place of abode were major contributors to MD.

Conclusion:

Our study shows that MD is unacceptably high in the hospital. The burden of MD is borne by unbooked and grand multiparous women. Obstetric population should be educated on the importance of antenatal care and the need for family size reduction via the use of modern method of contraception.
Vehicle Exhaust Gases
Authors: Nwafia Walter C. , Nwafia Ifeyinwa N. , Okafor Chinelo E. , Obasi Kalu O. , Nkwa Amadi A.
Published: June 2023

Background:

Vehicle emission gases have continued to play a significant role in causing air pollution and pose a significant global health challenge.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to assess the impact of vehicle emissions on the cardiorespiratory parameters of workers in motor parks.

Materials and Methods:

A combination of stratified sampling and simple random samplings were used in selecting the 11 motor parks and 330 participants that were surveyed. A pretested questionnaire was used to assess the demographic factors and symptoms of cardiorespiratory diseases. Blood pressure, respiratory rates, and pulse rates were measured using electronic sphygmomanometer. The levels of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter were measured using gas sensor. Data were analyzed by both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results:

The cluster mean levels of CO, PM2.5, NO2 levels, and SO2 concentrations in the parks were 5.3 mg/m3, 4.9 μg/m3, 40 μg/m3, and 44 μg/m3, respectively. Of the 330 participants, 257 (77.9%) were males. The highest age group of participants came from 36 to 46 years bracket. Most of the participants had secondary education 171 (51.8%). Majority 127 (37.3%) had worked in the park for at least 5 years. The systolic blood pressure of the subjects clustered around 139.39 ± 20.10, diastolic blood pressure 97.20 ± 10.99, whereas the average pulse rate was 73.17 ± 11.57. The highest symptom recorded was coughing 174 (52.7%). There is a significant positive correlation between gas emissions and cardiorespiratory symptoms.

Conclusion:

Adequate monitoring and control of vehicle emissions as well as educating workers in motor parks on the health effects of vehicle emissions were recommended.
Trends in Emergency Room Visits of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in South-East Nigeria
Authors: Okechi Uchenna C. , Obi Donald I. , Aniagor Chukwudi J.
Published: June 2023

Background:

The accident and emergency unit is usually the first port of call for patients involved in road traffic and domestic accidents, emergency dental conditions, and advanced-stage malignancies during call hours and weekends.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the pattern of emergency maxillofacial injuries in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu.

Materials and Methods:

This is a 3-year retrospective study of patients that presented to the accident and emergency unit of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu on account of pathologies involving the oral and maxillofacial region.

Results:

One hundred and eighty-three cases were recruited into the study. There were 131 males and 52 females. The mean age of the patients was 38.0 ± 18.6 years. The majority 121 (66.1%) occurred due to road traffic accidents followed by 18 (9.8%) due to complications of untreated carious teeth, then 12 (6.6%) from complications of advanced-stage tumors. Facial bone fractures 76 (41.5%) followed by lacerations 42 (23.0%) were the commonest conditions seen. Eighty-four (45.9%) had reduction and immobilization of their fractures, whereas 51 (27.8%) had suturing of various lacerations.

Conclusions:

Pathologies resulting from road traffic accidents, orofacial space infections, and late-stage malignancies were the commonest indications for accident and emergency unit visits by oral and maxillofacial surgery patients in the study center. The need for regular training of first-line staff in the emergency units of hospitals in this part of the world is necessary.
Predictors of severe coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia
Authors: Yan Qinqin , Zhang Yijun , Lu Yang , Ding Chenhan , Shi Nannan , Song Fengxiang , Huang Chao , Liu Fengjun , Shan Fei , Zhang Zhiyong , Buckey Jay C. , Shi Yuxin
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND:

Early warning of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia on admission is critical for reducing mortality.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for predicting severe COVID-19 pneumonia on admission.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Computed tomography (CT) scans on admission and initial clinical data were collected from 213 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Semi-quantitative CT scoring was performed, multiplying the CT patterns by their extent. CT patterns were graded on a four-point scale: 0, normal attenuation; 1, ground-glass opacities (GGOs); 2, mixed patterns of GGO and consolidation; and 3, consolidation. The extent of patterns was visually estimated as the percentage (to the nearest 10%) of the affected pulmonary lobe. Inter-observer agreement was evaluated using the inter-class correlation coefficient. CT scores and clinical data were compared between severe and nonsevere patients using parametric and nonparametric statistics, as appropriate. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) with 10-fold cross-validation and logistic regression was used to select the risk factors and construct a predictive model.

RESULTS:

Age, respiratory rate, hypertension, procalcitonin, D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), cystatin C, brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP), and CT score were higher in severe COVID-19 infection. LASSO analysis revealed that the CT score coupled with hs-CRP was optimal for predicting progression to severe pneumonia. The areas under the curves for validation and testing data were 0.85 and 0.82, respectively, with sensitivity of 89.5% and 75.0%, specificity of 75.4% and 98.1%, and accuracy of 77.2% and 95.3%.

CONCLUSION:

The CT score combined with hs-CRP on admission predicted severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
Neurosyphilis with manifesting as cerebral ring enhanced in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Authors: Zhang Zhiping , Zhang Lieguang , Xia Shuang , Liu Jinxin
Published: June 2023

We report a case of a 45-year-old male patient who was admitted to our hospital due to the left upper extremity weakness and paroxysmal headaches. He was diagnosed with neurosyphilis by pathology. He was found to be human immunodeficiency virus-positive, with a CD4 count of 179 cells/μl. Ring-enhancing lesions were found in the right frontal cortex with adjacent dural thickening. The lesion almost disappeared after anti-syphilis treatment.
Differential diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and talsromycosis marneffei by computed tomography-derived radiomics in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Authors: Zhou Jingru , Li Kai , Lu Yibo
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the value of computed tomography (CT)-derived radiomics features in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and talaromycosis marneffei (TSM) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The venous phase images for 166 patients with AIDS (PTB, n = 66; TSM, n = 99) were retrospectively analyzed, and the radiomics features of lung lesions and mediastinal lymph nodes were extracted. The samples were divided into a training set and a test set in a ratio of 8:2. The optimal eigenvalues were used to establish four prediction models: radiomics model 1 (PTB group and TSM lung lesions), radiomics model 2 (PTB group and TSM lung lesions), radiomics model 3 (pulmonary lesions without lymph node enhancement), and radiomics model 4 (pulmonary lesions with lymph node enhancement). The working characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive performance of the model.

RESULTS:

The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve values were 0.67, 0.78, 0.78, and 0.735, respectively, for the radiomics model 1 test set; 0.67, 0.62, 0.67, and 0.654, respectively, for radiomics model 2; 0.89, 0.76, 0.80, and 0.833, respectively, for radiomics model 3; and 0.76, 0.80, 0.88, and 0.886, respectively, for radiomics model 4.

CONCLUSION:

The prediction model based on CT-derived radiomics features has value for the identification of PTB and TSM. The radiomics model based on the optimal eigenvalues of lung lesions combined with lymph node plain scan images is compared with the establishment of a single lung. The focal omics feature model has better predictive power.
Capnography as a tool for triaging and diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis in the emergency department
Authors: Bhattaram Suhrith , Shinde Varsha Sambhaji , Khumujam Princy Panthoi , Anilkumar Anjeeth Puthoor , Reddy Dhruva Kumar
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVES:

The cornerstone of management of acidosis in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has traditionally been carried out by blood gas analysis, which is expensive and associated with significant risk. It is against this background that the correlation between end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), blood pH, and EtCO2 bicarbonate levels was analyzed. The predictive value of EtCO2 was also analyzed in the diagnosis of DKA. Finally, we aimed to determine the value of EtCO2 as a screening test for the exclusion of DKA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a prospective cohort study carried out in the emergency department of a tertiary care teaching hospital from September 2020 to September 2021. Patients with suspected DKA underwent simultaneous blood gas collection and EtCO2 analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of 123 patients with blood sugar levels >250 mg/dl and moderate-to-large (≥2+) urine ketones were studied. A cut-off value of EtCO2 ≤24 was determined to rule in DKA with a sensitivity of 93.02% and specificity of 91.9%. EtCO2 >26 could effectively rule out the diagnosis of DKA with sensitivity of 98.8% and specificity of 75.7%. A significant linear correlation between pH and EtCO2 (P < 0.0001, r = 0.82) and HCO3 and EtCO2 (r = 0.896, P < 0.0001) was found.

CONCLUSIONS:

EtCO2 values ≤24 can accurately identify patients with DKA in the presence of elevated blood sugar and urinary ketones and must be considered a valuable addition to the diagnostic criteria. EtCO2 values >26 can be an effective triaging tool for ruling our DKA. A significant linear correlation between pH and EtCO2 and pH and HCO3 was observed. EtCO2 can be considered a surrogate marker for the degree of response to the treatment in DKA.
Predictors of 7-day symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute ischemic stroke and proposal of a novel screening tool
Authors: Islam Mehmet Muzaffer , Uygun Cemrenur , Delipoyraz Melike , Satici Merve Osoydan , Kurt Servan , Ademoglu Enis , Eroglu Serkan Emre
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is significantly related to poor neurological outcomes and mortality. Although variables and models that predict HT have been reported in the literature, the need for a model with high diagnostic performance continues. We aimed to propose a model that can accurately predict symptomatic HT within 7 days of acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS:

Patients with AIS admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary training and research hospital between November 07, 2021, and August 26, 2022, were included in this single-center retrospective study. For the model, binary logistics with the forced-entry method was used and the model was validated with 3-fold cross-validation. After the final model was created, the optimal cutoff point was determined with Youden’s index. Another cut-off point was determined at which the sensitivity was the highest.

RESULTS:

The mean age of the 423 patients included in the study was 70 (60–81) and 53.7% (n = 227) of the patients were male. Symptomatic HT was present in 31 (7.3%) patients. Mechanical thrombectomy, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes mellitus were the independent predictors (P < 0.001, P = 0.003, P = 0.006, respectively). The mean area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics of the model was 0.916 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.876–0.957). The sensitivity for the optimal cut-off point was 90.3% (95% CI = 74.3%–97.9%) and specificity was 80.6% (95% CI = 76.4%–84.4%). For the second cutoff point where the sensitivity was 100%, the specificity was 60.5% (95% CI = 55.4%–65.3%).

CONCLUSION:

The diagnostic performance of our model was satisfactory and it seems to be promising for symptomatic HT. External validation studies are required to implement our results into clinical use.
The effects of playing digital games on children’s pain, fear, and anxiety levels during suturing
Authors: Kavlakci Muhammet , Ogce Filiz , Yavan Tulay
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVE:

The aim was to determine the effects of digital game play on children’s pain, fear, and anxiety levels during suturing.

METHODS:

Data were obtained from 84 children between the ages of 8 and 17 years at the pediatric emergency department between January 16 and March 19, 2020, using the Socio-Demographic and Clinical Characteristics Form, the Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPS), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Fear of Medical Procedures Scale (FMPS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-CH). A four-block randomization system was used. The study group (n = 42) played digital games during the suturing procedure, unlike the control group (n = 42). Ethical permissions were obtained from the ethical committee, hospital, and families.

RESULTS:

Before the suturing procedure, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups’ mean scores. The intervention group was found to have statistically significantly lower WBFPS and VAS pain scores than the control group during the suturing procedure, and after the procedure, statistically significantly lower WBFPS, VAS, FMPS, and STAI-CH mean scores than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS:

The digital game-playing approach applied before and during the suture procedure was found to be effective in reducing children’s pain, fear, and anxiety levels.
Intelligent Edge Caching and Computing for Scalable Information Systems
Authors: Zhang Yu-Dong
Published: June 2023

INTRODUCTION: In scalable information systems, edge computing can help to overcome the challenges of latency, bandwidth, and connectivity in large-scale networks by reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted over the network.OBJECTIVES: The edge devices, such as sensors, cameras, gateways, routers, switches, multiplexers, integrated access devices, etc., can perform initial data processing and filtering, reducing the data volume sent to the central system. METHODS: This special issue aims to provide the recent progress of intelligent edge caching and computing for scalable information systems.RESULTS: The guest editors received more than 30 submissions, and finally, ten papers were accepted.CONCLUSION: This special issue has contributed to advancing academic research and practice in intelligent edge caching and computing for scalable information systems.
Stand-alone Micro Grid based on Artificially Intelligent Neural Network (AI-NN)
Authors: R. Jenitha , Rajesh K.
Published: June 2023

INTRODUCTION: Hybrid stand-alone Small Wind Solar Energy System offers a feasible solution in remote areas where grid connectivity is either financially or physically unavailable. A small wind turbine (SWT) and a solar photovoltaic system are part of the hybrid energy system, which is effectively employed to meet the energy needs of rural household loads. OBJECTIVE: This research suggests an effective analysis of wind solar hybrid system controllers taking energy demands into account. The controller should be designed in such a way as to intelligently monitor the availability of wind energy and solar energy and store the energy without spilling it out. METHODS: In order to cope with the challenging factors involved in designing the controller, intelligent power tracking with an artificially intelligent neural network (AI-NN) is designed. Added to that, the whole process has been designed and analysed with the MATLAB SIMULINK tool. RESUSTS: The results of the simulation, infer that AI-NN achieved the regression value of   0.99 when compared with the Perturb & Observe algorithm (P&O), and the Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC) algorithm, and has a higher tracking speed. Also, the AI-NN attained 2.62kW whereas the P&O has attained 2.52kW and Fuzzy logic has attained 2.43W of power which is 3.89% higher than P&O algorithm and 7.52% higher than fuzzy MPPT algorithm. CONCLUSION: The designed controller module enhances the system by artificially intelligent algorithm. The AI-NN attains the better power performance with lesser tracking time and higher efficiency. Thus, it is evident that AI-NN MPPT suits well for the hybrid system.
Comparison and Validation of Five Modulation Strategies for a Dual Active Bridge Converter
Authors: Coelho Sergio , C. Sousa Tiago J. , Monteiro Vitor , Machado Luis , Afonso Joao L. , Couto Carlos
Published: June 2023

This paper addresses the comparison and validation of different modulations for an isolated dc-dc dual active bridge converter (DAB), namely, Duty-Cycle Modulation, Single Phase Shift (SPS), Dual Phase Shift (DPS), Extended Phase Shift (EPS) and Triple Phase Shift (TPS). Given the DAB’s applicability in a wide variety of power electronics branches, several control strategies are being studied to improve its efficiency, by mitigating circulating currents and reactive power. Regardless of the chosen architecture, appropriate modulations must be adopted, assessing which one presents the better cost-benefit ratio. This simulation-based analysis aims to investigate the DAB performance when controlled by the above-mentioned modulations and operating with a nominal power of 3.6 kW. Thus, simulation results show that only SPS, DPS, and TPS are considered suitable, while Duty-Cycle Modulation has time limitations during power transfer and EPS is more appropriate for dynamic power applications.
$G$-equivariance of formal models of flag varieties
Authors: Sarrazola Alzate Andrés
Published: June 2023

Let

\mathbb{G}

be a split connected reductive group scheme over the ring of integers

\mathfrak{o}

of a finite extension

L|\mathbb{Q}_p

and

\lambda\in X(\mathbb{T})

an algebraic character of a split maximal torus

\mathbb{T}\subseteq\mathbb{G}

. Let us also consider the rigid analytic flag variety

X^{\operatorname{rig}}

of

\mathbb{G}

and

G=\mathbb{G}(L)

. In the first part of this paper, we introduce a family of

\lambda

-twisted differential operators on a formal model

\mathfrak{Y}

of

X^{\operatorname{rig}}

. We compute their global sections and we prove coherence together with several cohomological properties. In the second part, we define the category of coadmissible

G

-equivariant arithmetic

\mathscr{D}(\lambda)

-modules over the family of formal models of the rigid flag variety

X^{\operatorname{rig}}

. We show that if

\lambda

is such that

\lambda + \rho

is dominant and regular (

\rho

being the Weyl character), then the preceding category is anti-equivalent to the category of admissible locally analytic

G

-representations, with central character

\lambda

. In particular, we generalize the main results from a paper by Huyghe, Patel, Schmidt and Strauch (2019) for algebraic characters.
Cyclic forms on DG-Lie algebroids and semiregularity
Authors: Lepri Emma
Published: June 2023

Given a transitive DG-Lie algebroid

(\mathcal{A},\rho)

over a smooth separated scheme

X

of finite type over a field

\mathbb{K}

of characteristic zero, we define a notion of connection

\nabla\colon\mathbf{R}\Gamma(X,\operatorname{Ker}\rho)\to\mathbf{R}\Gamma(X,\Omega_X^1[-1]\otimes\operatorname{Ker}\rho)

and construct an

L_\infty

-morphism between DG-Lie algebras

f\colon \mathbf{R}\Gamma(X,\operatorname{Ker}\rho) \rightsquigarrow\mathbf{R}\Gamma(X,\Omega_X^{\leq1}[2])

associated to a connection and to a cyclic form on the DG-Lie algebroid. In this way, we obtain a lifting of the first component of the modified Buchweitz–Flenner semiregularity map in the algebraic context, which has an application to the deformation theory of coherent sheaves on

X

admitting a finite locally free resolution. Another application is to the deformations of (Zariski) principal bundles on

X

.
Evaluation of Leukemia and Solid Tumors in Refugee Children in Turkey: A Tertiary Center Experience
Authors: Koca Yozgat Ayça , Özyörük Derya , Emir Suna , Demir Ahmet , Yazal Erdem Arzu , Aker Can Barış , Güzelküçük Zeliha , Yaman Bajin İnci , Kaçar Dilek , Yaralı Neşe , Özbek Namık Yaşar
Published: June 2023

Cancer care is progressively became as a significant worldwide challenge. Wars can cause destructions and delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment of displaced people. Cancer cure rates need to be improved in indefensible populations such as refugees. In this study, we purposed to highlight the clinical peculiarities and outcomes of refugee children with cancer in our hospital. Our purpose was to present our findings and contribute to improve the health care for these children. Seventy one refugee pediatric patients admitted to the oncology and hematology units of our hospital between April 2011 and January 2019 were included in this study. The demographic characteristics of the patients at the initial diagnosis, their countries of origin, living conditions, histopathological diagnoses, treatments, relapse, and mortality data were analyzed retrospectively from the patient files. The median age of patients was 6.5±4.5 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 39/32. While 44 patients (61.9%) presented with complaints and had primary diagnoses in our hospital, the remaining 27 patients (38.1%) were diagnosed in their country and applied to our hospital for treatment. Our mean follow-up period was 18.2±18.8 months (1-90 months). As a result, 44 patients (62%) were alive and 22 (31%) were dead. The survival rate without relapse in the second year was 83.6%. Two and fiveyear survival rates were 77.5% vs. 58.1% respectively. Compared to Turkish children, lower survival rates were found in refugee children. In addition to cancer-specific factors such as tumor type and stage, some problems such as shelter, communication, adherence to treatment, and difficulties supplying medicine may be responsible for lower survival rates in refugee children. Further studies are needed to improve the survival rates of patients.
Extraction and Characterization of Vegetable Oil from 20 Accessions of Allanblackia parviflora Seeds in Ghana
Authors: Ofori D.A. , Korang J.K. , Asomaning J.M. , Ibrahim S.
Published: June 2023

The benefits derived from the forest estate in Ghana include Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). NTFPs such as vegetable oil produced from seed of  forest trees have been used for centuries. The oil from the seed kernel of Allanblackia parviflora (Allanblackia) is investigated for differences in the yield  and quality between accessions. Vegetable oil from twenty (20) accessions of Allanblackia were extracted and characterized. The oil yields from the  different accessions were all above 60% and no significant differences were detected amongst the accessions. The iodine value was very low indicating a  very saturated oil whilst the refractive index, specific gravity and acid values were all within the range of most edible oils. The vegetable oil contains over  60% saturated fatty acids in the form of stearic acid (C18:0) and over 30% unsaturated fatty acid in the form of oleic acid (C18:1), and this may be the  reason for the oil been solid at ambient room temperature.
Assessment of Quality Characteristics of Organic and Conventional Sugarloaf Pineapples (Ananas comosus, ananas) Under Cold Storage
Authors: Arthur W. , Akonor P.T. , Oduro-Yeboah C. , Gyasi L.C. Baffour , Essel E. Mireku , Dowuona J.
Published: June 2023

Fresh pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C and there is a big demand for organically produced sugar-loaf pineapples in Europe. However, due to  its high moisture content and high perishability, transportation over long distances is difficult and require cold storage conditions. The main objective of  this research was to assess the quality properties of organic and conventional sugar loaf pineapples under cold storage conditions over a 21 – day period.  Conventional pineapples were harvested from Albe Farms in the Eastern region and organic pineapples from Ali farms in the Central regions of  Ghana. The fruits were allowed to cool to room temperature before storing at 1°C. Physical and chemical properties of the fruits were determined at days  0, 7, 14 and 21, using standard methods. Conventional sugar-loaf pineapples were larger, but had lower dry matter, soluble solids and vitamin C,  than organic pineapples. The weight, translucency and pH of the two categories of pineapples were similar. No significant loss in weight, lengths and  crown characteristics were observed after the storage period. Translucency increased from <25% to a range of 50 – 75% by the end of the storage period  in both organic and conventional fruits. While no clear trend was observed in the soluble solids content and pH during storage of both organic and  conventional sugarloaf pineapple, total titratable acidity increased marginally and vitamin C levels dipped over the 21-day storage period. The trends in  acidity, vitamin C and translucency suggest that it is possible to store both conventional and organic sugarloaf pineapple for 21-day storage period at 1  °C. This implies the possibility of shipping both organic and conventional sugarloaf pineapples to destinations requiring sea freighting.
Communication and civic education in Ghana: an analysis of the national commission for civic education and its external communication practices
Authors: Fosu Modestus , Koah Roberta E.
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the communication practices of Ghana‟s National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE). It specifically analysed the policy framework guiding NCCE‟s external communication, the communication approaches and the implications of the approaches used in the Commission‟s external communication activities. The study was guided by three theories: Barnlund‟s transactional model of communication (1970), Media Richness Theory (1984) and Paulo Freire‟s dialogic model (1993/70) and a qualitative-led case study design with data from semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The study discovered that although communication is indispensable to the effective performance of NCCE‟s civic education functions, the Commission operates without a codified communication policy. Instead, the Commission‟s community and media engagement activities thrive on established conventions and ad hoc measures. The crucial implication is that the Commission could be failing in its communication-driven civic education function, requiring the need to develop a proactive communication policy to guide the Commission‟s civic education activities.
Unrelenting community encroachment and deforestation: the case of Maasai Mau Forest in Narok County, Kenya
Authors: Mwiwawi Ronald Fumba , Chepkong’a Mike Kiplagat
Published: June 2023

Globally and more specifically in developing countries, forest covers are dwindling as a result of human encroachments and deforestation. This is regardless of the numerous forest conservation zlaws and policies in force. The overall study objective was to ascertain the forest conservation status of Maasai Mau Forest in Narok County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to establish the extent to which the relevant state agencies have succeeded in warding off encroachment and deforestation; in effecting reforestation and enlisting Community Forest Associations (CFASs) participation in their forest conservation activities. However, the study findings showed minimal success in the twin objectives since forest encroachments and deforestation continue unabated as evidenced by the rising number of forest-related crimes, illegal forest settlements and reported cases of deforestation. Evidently, existing legal enforcement mechanisms are ineffective. Available forest protection programmes and policies were found to be weak, inadequate and/or poorly coordinated. The practical conservation role of CFAs was equally found to be rather minimal. It is therefore, concluded that the objective of safeguarding the Maasai Mau Forest from human encroachment and deforestation remains a long shot. Hence, there is the need to strengthen the relevant legal framework, institutions, stakeholders, policies and programmes.
Labour emigration, remittances and economic development: an empirical analysis
Authors: Oyegoke Ebunoluwa O. , Amali Ebele
Published: June 2023

There have been a lot of controversies on the effects of labour emigration and remittances on economic growth and development in the sending countries. Some concluded a significant positive impact, while others failed to identify a direct link between labour and remittance inflow and economic development. This study therefore, empirically estimated the effects of international labour emigration and remittances on economic development in Nigeria, using annual time series data for the period 1977-2021. The Ordinary Least Square (OLS) was employed to analyze the model. Findings suggested a significant positive effect on economic development in Nigeria. Therefore, we concluded that labour migration is an alternative source of income in Nigeria that positively enhanced economic development, hence, should not be discouraged (ceteris paribus).
African American small consulting business sustaining strategies
Authors: Johnson Charles C, III , Upadhyay Aditya
Published: June 2023

More than 80% of small consulting businesses fail within the first 5 years of operation. Small consulting company owners are concerned about failing within the first five years because they lack innovative strategies. Grounded in the resource-based view theory, this qualitative multiple case study aimed to explore strategies African American consulting company owners use for longevity beyond 5 years. The participants comprised African American owners of three consulting businesses located in the northeast region of the United States who successfully sustained their business beyond 5 years. Data collection included semi-structured interviews with consulting company owners and reviewing company documents. A key recommendation includes conducting feasibility screening and designing and using a strategy canvas to identify opportunities.
Interpersonal skills as correlate of career development among librarians in academic libraries in South-South Nigeria
Authors: Ekeruche Augustina Chinwe , Echedom Anthonia U.
Published: June 2023

This study examined interpersonal skills as correlate of career development of librarians in academic libraries in South - South, Nigeria. Correlational survey design was adopted to conduct the study. The population of the study is 301 comprising of librarians in south-south, Nigeria. There was no sampling. Questionnaire was used as the method of data collection Data collected were analyzed using inferential statistics. For the research questions, analysis was done using Pearson Product Moment correlational coefficient (PPMC) and point biserial correlation coefficient (r) while multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The study revealed among others that; There is a high positive relationship between interpersonal skills of librarians and their career development in academic libraries, and there exist a significant relationship between interpersonal skills of librarians and their career development in academic libraries and it revealed low negative relationship between work experience of librarians and their career development in academic libraries and there is a significant relationship between work experience of librarians and their career development in academic libraries. High possessions of interpersonal skills increase librarian’s career development significantly in academic libraries in South-South Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others; that library management should engage librarians in a lot of interpersonal skills and communication in the course of their job, the university management should train librarians while on the job, and their skills need to be updated through training and development program, orientation, induction, inventory, conferences, workshop and seminars in order to enhance their interpersonal skills and research.
Information sources and climate change mitigation support
Authors: Adetayo Adebowale Jeremy , Oke Afolabi Matthew , Babarinde Omobola Abigail , Adeleke Olateju Abayomi
Published: June 2023

This study examined the relationship between information sources and support for climate change mitigation among undergraduates at Adeleke University. A simple random sampling technique was used to survey the students anonymously. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that a majority of the 688 participants expressed support for climate change mitigation actions, such as reducing fossil fuel usage, planting trees, and reducing meat intake. The main sources of climate change information for students were Google, Television, friends, family, Facebook, Radio, YouTube, and Instagram. However, Twitter, newspapers, church/mosque, and religious leaders were not commonly used as primary sources. Notably, sourcing climate change information from newspapers had a significant positive relationship (p = 0.036) with support for mitigation measures. The study concluded that information sources play a crucial role in generating support for climate change mitigation efforts. It recommended promoting newspaper readership to enhance awareness and support for sustainable practices, collaborating with newspapers to feature informative climate change content, engaging with Twitter users for accurate information dissemination, and partnering with religious institutions to incorporate climate change messages into teachings and support grassroots initiatives.