bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expl(AI)ned: The Impact of Explainable Artificial Intelligence on Users’ Information Processing
Authors: Bauer Kevin , von Zahn Moritz , Hinz Oliver
Published: March 2023

Although future regulations increasingly advocate that AI applications must be interpretable by users, we know little about how such explainability can affect human information processing. By conducting two experimental studies, we help to fill this gap. We show that explanations pave the way for AI systems to reshape users' understanding of the world around them. Specifically, state-of-the-art explainability methods evoke mental model adjustments that are subject to confirmation bias, allowing misconceptions and mental errors to persist and even accumulate. Moreover, mental model adjustments create spillover effects that alter users' behavior in related but distinct domains where they do not have access to an AI system. These spillover effects of mental model adjustments risk manipulating user behavior, promoting discriminatory biases, and biasing decision making. The reported findings serve as a warning that the indiscriminate use of modern explainability methods as an isolated measure to address AI systems' black-box problems can lead to unintended, unforeseen problems because it creates a new channel through which AI systems can influence human behavior in various domains.
Innovation on Wings: Nonstop Flights and Firm Innovation in the Global Context
Authors: Bahar Dany , Choudhury Prithwiraj , Kim Do Yoon , Koo Wesley W.
Published: March 2023

We study whether, when, and how better connectivity through nonstop flights leads to positive innovation outcomes for firms in the global context. Using unique data of all flights emanating from 5,015 airports around the globe from 2005 to 2015 and exploiting a regression discontinuity framework, we report that a 10% increase in nonstop flights between two locations leads to a 3.4% increase in citations and a 1.4% increase in the production of collaborative patents between those locations. This effect is driven primarily by firms as opposed to academic institutions. We further study the characteristics of firms and firm locations that are salient to the relation between nonstop flights and innovation outcomes across countries. Using a gravity model, we posit and find that the positive effect of nonstop flights on innovation is stronger for firms and subsidiaries with greater innovation mass (e.g., stocks of inventors and R&D spending), located in innovation hubs or countries that are deemed technology leaders, and that are separated by large cultural or temporal distance.

This paper was accepted by Alfonso Gambardella, business strategy.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4682 .
DEDICATED ORTHOPAEDIC ELECTIVE UNIT: OUR EXPERIENCE FROM A DISTRICT GENERAL HOSPITAL
Authors: Joseph V. , Boktor J. , Roy K.D. , Lewis P.
Published: March 2023

The significance of ring-fencing orthopaedic beds and protected elective sites have recently been highlighted by the British Orthopaedic Association & Royal College of Surgeons. During the pandemic many such elective setups were established with various degrees of success. This study aimed to compare the functioning and efficiency of a Orthopaedic Protected Elective Surgical Unit (PESU) instituted during the pandemic with the pre-pandemic elective service at our hospital (Pre-Pandemic ward or PPW).

We retrospectively collected data of all patients who underwent elective Orthopaedic procedures in a protected elective unit during the pandemic (March 2020 – July 2020) and a similar cohort of patients operated via the routine elective service immediately prior to the pandemic (October 2019 – February 2020). Various parameters were compared and analysed. To minimise the effect of confounding factors a secondary analysis was undertaken comparing total hip replacements (THR) by a single surgeon via PESU (PESU-THR) and PPW (PPW-THR) over 5 months each from March-July 2021 and March-July 2019 respectively.

A total of 192 cases were listed on PESU during the studied period whereas this number was 339 for PPW. However more than half (52%) of those listed for a surgery on PPW were cancelled and only 162 cases (48%) were actually performed. PESU had a significantly better conversion rate with only 12.5% being cancelled and 168 (87.5%) cases performed. 49% (87 out of 177) of the cases cancelled on PPW were due to a ‘bed unavailability’. A further 17% (30/177) and 16% (28/177) were cancelled due to ‘emergency case prioritisation’ and ‘patient deemed unfit’ respectively. In contrast only 3 out of the 24 patients cancelled on PESU were due to bed unavailability and the main reason for cancellation here was ‘patient deemed unfit’ (9/24). Single surgeon THR, showed similar demographic features for the 25 patients on PESU and 37 patients on PPW. The average age for these patients was 63 on PESU and 69 on PPW whereas the BMI was 33 and 30 respectively. The patients on PESU also demonstrated a decrease in length of hospital stay with an average of 3 days in comparison to 4.8 days for those admitted to PPW. PROMS scores were comparable at 6 weeks with an average improvement of 16.4/48 in the PESU-THR cohort and of 18.8/48 in the PPW-THR cohort. There were no readmissions or revisions recorded in the PESU-THR cohort while the PPW-THR cohort had 1 readmission and revision.

Our study shows how a small ring fenced Orthopaedic elective unit in a district general hospital, even during a global pandemic, can function more efficiently than a routine elective facility with many shared services.
HA-COATED SCREW VERSUS TITANIUM TRIANGULAR DOWEL FOR SACROILIAC JOINT FUSION: RESULTS FROM A PROSPECTIVE OUTCOME STUDY
Authors: Agarwal R , Mohanty K , Gibby M
Published: March 2023

Background

Prospective study to compare patient reported outcome measures (PROM) for sacroiliac joint (SIJ) fusion using HA-coated screw (HACS) vs triangular titanium dowel (TTD). First study of its kind in English literature.

Methods

40 patients underwent percutaneous SIJ stabilisation using HACS and TTD was used in 70 patients. Patients were followed up closely and outcome scores were collected prospectively. PROMs were collected preoperatively and 12 months after surgery. Short Form (SF)-36, Oswestry Disability Index, EuroQol-5D-5L and Majeed Pelvic Scores were collected. Shapiro-wilk test was used to determine normality of data. Mann-whitney U test was used to compared non-parametric data and Independent sample T test for parametric data.

Results

33 patients in HACS group and 61 in TTD group completed follow-up. There was no significant difference in all preoperative PROMs in both groups hence the data was considered comparable. All postoperative PROMs were significantly higher in the TTD group. In the HACS group, 21 patients (63%) had lysis around the screw and a sub-group analysis showed that improvement in PROMs was significantly less in patients with lysis around the screw. 4 patients with lysis around the screw were offered revision due to ongoing pain. Revision was successful in only 1 patient. In TTD group only 5 patients (8.2 %) patients had radiological evidence of lysis. Relative risk of developing lysis was 6.7 times higher in HACS group.

Conclusion

Percutaneous SIJ fixation procedure has been shown to have good clinical outcomes and TTD leads to significantly better patient reported outcomes compared to HACS. There is a 6.7 time higher risk of lysis with use of HACS and lysis is a risk factor for poor outcomes.
TELEMEDICINE IN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE
Authors: Fahey E. , Elsheikh M.F.H. , Davey M.S. , Rowan F. , Cassidy T.J. , Cleary M.S.
Published: March 2023

Aims

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered transformative change in how clinicians interact with their patients. There has been a shift away from face-to-face toward virtual consultations. However, the evidence to support this change in practice is unclear. The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence base for virtual consultations for orthopaedics.

Materials and Methods

Two independent reviewers performed a literature search based on PRISMA guidelines, utilizing the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus databases. Only studies reporting outcomes following the use of telemedicine for diagnosis, consultation, rehabilitation, and follow-up were included. Outcomes analyzed were: 1) Patient and clinician satisfaction, 2) Clinical outcome measures, and 3) Cost analysis of traditional vs teleconsultation.

Results

A total of 41 studies were included. Fifteen studies compared clinical outcomes of telemedicine against a matched traditional cohort. Of these 15 studies, two demonstrated non-inferiority, nine showed no statistically significant difference and four found telemedicine to be superior. Eleven studies recorded patient reported outcomes, which demonstrated high patient satisfaction. Nine studies reported decreased costs when telemedicine was compared to traditional care. The remaining 6 studies had varied aims and methodologies that didn't fit well with any of these sub-headings.

Conclusion

While the available evidence is limited, the studies assessed in this systematic review show that telemedicine can deliver high quality healthcare with good clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction in a cost effective manner. Further studies are required to validate telemedicine for specific trauma and orthopaedic diagnoses.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM LENGTH OF AN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT AUTOGRAFT REQUIRED WITHIN THE FEMORAL TUNNEL TO ALLOW SATISFACTORY GRAFT FIXATION? OR IS THERE SUCH A THING?
Authors: Khanna V. , Gupta P.K. , Acharya A.
Published: March 2023

Increasing expectations from arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions require precise knowledge of technical details such as minimum intra-femoral tunnel graft lengths. A common belief of having ≥20mm of grafts within the femoral tunnel is backed mostly by hearsay rather than scientific proof.

We examined clinico-radiological outcomes in patients with intra-femoral tunnel graft lengths <20 and ≥20mm. Primary outcomes were knee scores at 1-year. Secondarily, graft revascularization was compared using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We hypothesized that outcomes would be independent of intra-femoral tunnel graft lengths.

This prospective, single-surgeon, cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching centre between 2015–2018 after obtaining ethical clearances and consents. Eligible arthroscopic ACL reconstruction patients were sequentially divided into 2 groups based on the intra-femoral tunnel graft lengths (A: < 20 mm, n = 27; and B: ≥ 20 mm, n = 25). Exclusions were made for those > 45 years of age, with chondral and/or multi-ligamentous injuries and with systemic pathologies. All patients were postoperatively examined and scored (Lysholm and modified Cincinnati scores) at 3, 6 and 12 months. Graft vascularity was assessed by signal-to-noise quotient ratio (SNQR) using MRI. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Age and sex-matched patients of both groups were followed to 1 year (1 dropout in each). Mean femoral and tibial tunnel diameters (P =0.225 and 0.595) were comparable. Groups A (<20mm) and B (≥20mm) had 27 and 25 patients respectively. At 3 months, 2 group A patients and 1 group B patient had grade 1 Lachman (increased at 12 months to 4 and 3 patients respectively). Pivot shift was negative in all patients. Lysholm scores at 3 and 6 months were comparable (P3= 0.195 and P6= 0.133). At 1 year both groups showed comparable Cincinnati scores. Mean ROM was satisfactory (≥130 degrees) in all but 2 patients of each group (125–130 degrees). MRI scans at 3 months and 1 year observed anatomical tunnels in all without any complications. Femoral tunnel signals in both groups showed a fall from 3–12 months indicating onset of maturation of graft at femoral tunnel.

Our hypothesis, clinical and radiological outcomes would be independent of intra-tunnel graft lengths on the femoral aspect, did therefore prove correct. Intra-femoral tunnel graft lengths of <20 mm did not compromise early clinical and functional outcomes of ACL reconstructions. There seems to be no minimum length of graft within the tunnel below which suboptimal results should be expected.
Feature extraction techniques for noisy distributed acoustic sensor data acquired in a wellbore
Authors: Tabjula Jagadeeshwar , Sharma Jyotsna
Published: March 2023

The distributed acoustic sensor (DAS) is a promising technology for real-time monitoring of wellbores and other infrastructures. However, the desired signals are often overwhelmed by background and environmental noise inherent in field applications. We present a suite of computationally inexpensive techniques for the real-time extraction of the gas signatures from noisy DAS data acquired in a 5163 ft. deep wellbore. The techniques are implemented on three well-scale DAS datasets, each representing multiphase flow conditions with different gas injection volumes, fluid circulation rates, and injection methods. The proposed denoising techniques not only helped in optimizing the gas slug signature despite the high background noise, but also reduced the DAS data size without compromising the signal quality.
High resolution, high channel count silicon arrayed waveguide grating router on-chip
Authors: Huang Rui , Zhao Yingxuan , She Xiaojuan , Liao Han , Zhu Junbo , Zhu Zijian , Liu Xiang , Liu Hongbao , Sheng Zhen , Gan Fuwan
Published: March 2023

A 32×32 100 GHz silicon photonic integrated arrayed waveguide grating router (AWGR) is experimentally demonstrated for dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) applications. The dimension of the AWGR is 2.57 mm×1.09 mm with a core size of 1.31 mm×0.64 mm. It exhibits 6.07 dB maximum channel loss non-uniformity with −1.66 dB best-case insertion loss and average channel crosstalk of −15.74 dB. In addition, in the case of 25 Gb/s signals, the device successfully realizes high-speed data routing. The AWG router provides clear optical eye diagrams and low power penalty at bit-error-rates of 10−9.
Dual wavelength laser Doppler anemometer for simultaneous velocity and particulate size distribution measurements in submarine environments
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , He Yan , Li Ziwang , Chen Xiangcheng , Dai Guangyao , Yin Bin , Tang Junwu , Chen Weibiao , Wu Songhua
Published: March 2023

An in-situ laser Doppler current probe (LDCP) for the simultaneous measurements of the micro-scale subsurface current speed and the characterizations of micron particles is dedicated in this paper. The LDCP performs as an extension sensor for the state-of-the-art laser Doppler anemometry (LDA). The all-fiber LDCP utilized a compact dual wavelength (491 nm and 532 nm) diode pumped solid state laser as the light source to achieve the simultaneous measurements of the two components of the current speed. Besides its ability for the measurements of the current speed, the LDCP is also capable of obtaining the equivalent spherical size distribution of the suspended particles within small size range. The micro-scale measurement volume formed by two intersecting coherent laser beams makes it possible to accurately estimate the size distribution of the micron suspended particles with high temporal and spatial resolution. With its deployment during the field campaign at Yellow Sea, the LDCP has been experimentally demonstrated as an effective instrument to capture the micro-scale subsurface ocean current speed. The algorithm for retrieving the size distribution of the small suspended particles (2∼7.5µm) has been developed and validated. The combined LDCP system could be applied to the continuous long-term observations of plankton community structure, ocean water optical parameter over a wide range, and useful to elucidate the processes and interactions of the carbon cycles in the upper ocean.
Experimental demonstration of a flexible and high-performance mode-order converter using subwavelength grating metamaterials
Authors: Guo Zhenzhao , Xiao Jinbiao , Wu Shengbao
Published: March 2023

Mode-order converters, transforming a given mode into the desired mode, have an important implication for the multimode division multiplexing technology. Considerable mode-order conversion schemes have been reported on the silicon-on-insulator platform. However, most of them can only convert the fundamental mode to one or two specific higher-order modes with low scalability and flexibility, and the mode conversion between higher-order modes cannot be achieved unless a total redesign or a cascade is carried out. Here, a universal and scalable mode-order converting scheme is proposed by using subwavelength grating metamaterials (SWGMs) sandwiched by tapered-down input and tapered-up output tapers. In this scheme, the SWGMs region can convert, TE
p
mode guided from a tapered-down taper, into a TE0-like-mode-field (TLMF) and vice versa. Thereupon, a TE
p
-to-TE
q
mode conversion can be realized by a two-step process of TE
p
-to-TLMF and then TLMF-to-TE
q
, where input tapers, output tapers, and SWGMs are carefully engineered. As examples, the TE0-to-TE1, TE0-to-TE2, TE0-to-TE3, TE1-to-TE2, and TE1-to-TE3 converters, with ultracompact lengths of 3.436-7.71 µm, are reported and experimentally demonstrated. Measurements exhibit low insertion losses of < 1.8 dB and reasonable crosstalks of < -15 dB over 100-nm, 38-nm, 25-nm, 45-nm, and 24-nm working bandwidths. The proposed mode-order converting scheme shows great universality/scalability for on-chip flexible mode-order conversions, which holds great promise for optical multimode based technologies.
Soliton molecules and their scattering by a localized P
T-symmetric potential in atomic gases
Authors: Qin Lu , Hang Chao , Shi Zeyun , Qian Jing , Feng Xuejing , Zhang Yingying , Xia Shiqiang , Zhu Zunlue , Liu Wuming , Zhao Xingdong
Published: March 2023

We propose a physical scheme to study the formation of optical soliton molecules (SMs), consisting of two solitons bound together with a π-phase difference, and the scattering of SMs by a localized parity-time (PT)-symmetric potential. In order to stabilize SMs, we apply an additional space-dependent magnetic field to introduce a harmonic trapping potential for the two solitons and balance the repulse interaction induced by the π-phase difference between them. On the other hand, a localized complex optical potential obeying PT symmetry can be created through an incoherent pumping and spatial modulation of the control laser field. We investigate the scattering of optical SMs by the localized PT-symmetric potential, which exhibits evident asymmetric behavior and can be actively controlled by changing the incident velocity of SMs. Moreover, the PT symmetry of the localized potential, together with the interaction between two solitons of the SM, can also have a significant effect on the SM scattering behavior. The results presented here may be useful for understanding the unique properties of SMs and have potential applications in optical information processing and transmission.
Optical perfectly matched layers based on the integration of photonic crystals and material loss
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Yang Zuoheng , Liu Bingbing , Luo Jie , Hang Zhi Hong
Published: March 2023

Perfectly matched layer (PML) is a virtual absorption boundary condition adopted in numerical simulations, capable of absorbing light from all incident angles, which however is still lacking in practice in the optical regime. In this work, by integrating dielectric photonic crystals and material loss, we demonstrate an optical PML design with near-omnidirectional impedance matching and customized bandwidth. The absorption efficiency exceeds 90% for incident angle up to 80°. Good consistence is found between our simulations and proof-of-principle microwave experiments. Our proposal paves the road to realize optical PMLs, and could find applications in future photonic chips.
Second-harmonic and cascaded third-harmonic generation in generalized quasiperiodic poled lithium niobate waveguides
Authors: Zhang Li , Wu Xiao , Hao Zhenzhong , Ma Rui , Gao Feng , Bo Fang , Zhang Guoquan , Xu Jingjun
Published: March 2023

Lithium niobate (LN) thin film has recently emerged as an important platform for nonlinear optical investigations for its large χ(2) nonlinear coefficients and ability of light localization. In this Letter, we report the first, to the best of our knowledge, fabrication of LN-on-insulator ridge waveguides with generalized quasiperiodic poled superlattices using the electric field polarization technique and microfabrication techniques. Benefiting from the abundant reciprocal vectors, we observed efficient second-harmonic and cascaded third-harmonic signals in the same device, with normalized conversion efficiency of 1735% W−1 cm−2 and 0.41% W−2 cm−4, respectively. This work opens a new direction for nonlinear integrated photonics based on LN thin film.
Tuning Smith–Purcell radiation by rotating a metallic nanodisk array
Authors: Chen Fei , Fan Ren-Hao , Chen Jun-Xuan , Liu Yu , Hou Ben-Qi , Peng Ru-Wen , Wang Mu
Published: March 2023

Smith–Purcell radiation (SPR) refers to the far-field, strong, spike radiation generated by the interaction of the evanescent Coulomb field of the moving charged particles and the surrounding medium. In applying SPR for particle detection and nanoscale on-chip light sources, wavelength tunability is desired. Here we report on tunable SPR achieved by moving an electron beam parallel to a two-dimensional (2D) metallic nanodisk array. By in-plane rotating the nanodisk array, the emission spectrum of the SPR splits into two peaks, with the shorter-wavelength peak blueshifted and the longer-wavelength one redshifted by increasing the tuning angle. This effect originates from the fact that the electrons fly effectively over a one-dimensional (1D) quasicrystal projected from the surrounding 2D lattice, and the wavelength of SPR is modulated by quasiperiodic characteristic lengths. The experimental data are in agreement with the simulated ones. We suggest that this tunable radiation provides free-electron-driven tunable multiple photon sources at the nanoscale.
Experimental demonstration of Kerr optical frequency comb generation in a tellurite microsphere
Authors: Andrianov Alexey V. , Anashkina Elena A.
Published: March 2023

We experimentally demonstrate optical frequency comb generation in a tellurite microsphere, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, for tellurite glass microresonators. The TeO2–WO3–La2O3–Bi2O3 (TWLB) glass microsphere has a maximum Q-factor of 3.7 × 107, which is the highest ever reported for tellurite microresonators. We obtain a frequency comb containing seven spectral lines in the normal dispersion range when pumping the microsphere with a diameter of 61 µm at a wavelength of 1.54 µm.
Whispering gallery mode microsphere resonator based on cylindrical air cavity coupling
Authors: Mei Yongli , Wang D. N. , Wang Qiaoben , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2023

In this Letter, an optical fiber whispering gallery mode microsphere resonator based on cylindrical air cavity coupling is proposed and demonstrated. The cylindrical air cavity is vertical to the axis of a single-mode fiber and in touch with the fiber core, fabricated by using femtosecond laser micromachining together with hydrofluoric acid etching. A microsphere is inserted into the cylindrical air cavity and in tangential contact with the inner cavity wall, which is in touch with or inside the fiber core. The light traveling in the fiber core is coupled into the microsphere via an evanescent wave when the light path is tangential to the contacting point of the microsphere and the inner cavity wall, resulting in whispering gallery mode resonance when the phase-matching condition is satisfied. Such a device is highly integrated, robust in structure, low in cost, stable in operation, and has a good quality factor (Q) of 1.44 × 104.
Rapid and flexible calibration of DFPP using a dual-sight fusion target
Authors: Feng Luyuan , Kang Jiehu , Li Hongtong , Sun Zefeng , Zhang Zhen , Yuan Leiwen , Su Zhongyuan , Wu Bin
Published: March 2023

The parameter calibration of a digital fringe projection profilometry (DFPP) system is a fundamental step and directly related to 3D measurement accuracy. However, existing solutions based on geometric calibration (GC) suffer from the weakness of limited operability and practicality. In this Letter, a novel, to the best of our knowledge, dual-sight fusion target is designed for flexible calibration. The novelty of this target is the ability to directly characterize control rays for ideal pixels of the projector, and to transform the rays into the camera coordinate system, which replaces the traditional phase-shifting algorithm and avoids the error from the nonlinear response of the system. Attributed to the excellent position resolution of a position-sensitive detector within the target, the geometric relationship between the projector and camera can be easily established by projecting only one diamond pattern. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method using only 20 captured images is capable of achieving comparable calibration accuracy to the traditional GC method (20 images versus 1080 images, 0.052 pixels versus 0.047 pixels), which is suitable for rapidly and accurately calibrating the DFPP system in the 3D shape measurement field.
Rapamycin suppresses inflammation and increases the interaction between p65 and IκBα in rapamycin-induced fatty livers
Authors: Ge Chenliang , Ma Changguo , Cui Jiesheng , Dong Xingbo , Sun Luyang , Li Yanjiao , Yu An
Published: March 2023

Rapamycin treatment significantly increases lifespan and ameliorates several aging-related diseases in mice, making it a potential anti-aging drug. However, there are several obvious side effects of rapamycin, which may limit the broad applications of this drug. Lipid metabolism disorders such as fatty liver and hyperlipidemia are some of those unwanted side effects. Fatty liver is characterized as ectopic lipid accumulation in livers, which is usually accompanied by increased inflammation levels. Rapamycin is also a well-known anti-inflammation chemical. How rapamycin affects the inflammation level in rapamycin-induced fatty liver remains poorly understood. Here, we show that eight-day rapamycin treatment induced fatty liver and increased liver free fatty acid levels in mice, while the expression levels of inflammatory markers are even lower than those in the control mice. Mechanistically, the upstream of the pro-inflammatory pathway was activated in rapamycin-induced fatty livers, however, there is no increased NFκB nuclear translocation probably because the interaction between p65 and IκBα was enhanced by rapamycin treatment. The lipolysis pathway in the liver is also suppressed by rapamycin. Liver cirrhosis is an adverse consequence of fatty liver, while prolonged rapamycin treatment did not increase liver cirrhosis markers. Our results indicate that although fatty livers are induced by rapamycin, the fatty livers are not accompanied by increased inflammation levels, implying that rapamycin-induced fatty livers might not be as harmful as other types of fatty livers, such as high-fat diet and alcohol-induced fatty livers.
Strategy for Accepting New Students Post-COVID-19: A Case Study
Authors: Munawarah Munawarah , Ikhsan Ikhsan , Fajzrina Lati Nurliana Wati , Aulia Reza , Fadillah Chairun Nisa
Published: March 2023

Purpose – The impact of COVID-19 has created new problems in the world of education. In addition to the decreasing number of students, the community prefers to provide education to children at home. It makes the education reflection worse because of the minimum number of students. For this reason, in the new normal or post-COVID-19 era, a strategy is needed to increase the number of students. In addition, the purpose of this study was to find out the strategies used in accepting new students after COVID-19. Then, find out the management of new student admissions at PAUD IT ADAR.Design/methods/approach – The method used was a qualitative methods, the research describes a descriptive narrative and is strengthened by data in the field obtained through interviews, filling out questionnaires, and direct observation.Findings – The results of this study showed that the new student acceptance strategy was carried out by distributing brochures, repairing facilities and infrastructure or modernizing facilities and infrastructure, enriching relationships, teaching creativity, and providing good service. The management function is carried out by planning related to the new student admissions program, then organizing to form several work groups and teams, for implementing initiatives referring to the initial planning following the strategy carried out, then for evaluating the activities of institutional personnel who conduct evaluation meetings.Research implications/limitations – The limitation of this study is the lack of quantitative data (numbers), which improves the theoretical findings. The strategy for accepting new students indeed post-COVID 19 in PAUD IT ADAR. Practical implications – The research suggests that adequately utilizing of the management function can effectively run the post-COVID-19 student acceptance strategy in early childhood institutions. It requires cooperation from various parties and a mature process, including planning, implementation, and evaluation. Good planning and cooperation are necessary to achieve the goal, and the implemented strategy can serve as a best practice for other early childhood education institutions.Originality/value – The management of implementing the new student admissions program post-COVID-19 can help teachers increase the number of students.

Paper type Case study
Problems of Learning the Qur’an in Early Childhood Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aghnaita Aghnaita , Norhikmah Norhikmah
Published: March 2023

Purpose – The early learning of the Qur’an, infused with Islamic values, has been widely regarded as an effective tool in preserving the natural inclinations of children and nurturing their humanity. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant obstacles to Qur’an learning in Early Childhood Education (ECE) institutions. As such, this study seeks to offer a comprehensive description of the challenges faced by these institutions in delivering their teachings during this global health crisis.Design/methods/approach – The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative research. The location of this research was carried out at 4 ECE institutions. Namely: RA Al-Muslimun Nurul Islam, TKIT Asy-Syaamil Qur’anic Fullday School, Integrated Star Islamic Early Childhood Education, and RA Ulumul Qur’an Al Madani.Findings – The current COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges for learning the Qur’an in ECE. These issues can be categorized as internal and external factors. Internal factors relate to teachers’ difficulties when conducting practical learning activities outside the classroom. Meeting constraints, large class sizes, and limited time duration often result in an inability to deliver a complete learning experience. Externally, learning losses in early childhood have become apparent, with children experiencing behavioral changes. Not all parents are equipped to accompany their children in instilling Islamic values based on the Qur’an at home. This issue is compounded by parental objections to tuition fees, which creates financial challenges for institutions. Finally, offline learning has been the subject of criticism from the community, which indirectly affects the learning process.Research implications/limitations – This study used a qualitative method related to the problems of learning the Qur’an in ECE during the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical implications – The research presents significant implications for developing Al-Qur’an learning post-pandemic. It also provides valuable insights into formulating policies about Al-Qur’an learning during pandemics. Additionally, the study sheds light on the effectiveness of character building during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.Originality/value – Potential avenues for further investigation could include examining the effects of COVID-19 on the acquisition of Qur’anic knowledge during early childhood and its potential impacts on personality development. Such research could contribute to a deeper understanding of how the pandemic has influenced educational and psychological outcomes in this context.

Paper type Research paper
Estudo de viabilidade técnico-econômica de processo produtivo de alta cadência aplicável para o setor automotivo (moldagem por prensagem a quente) empregando material do tipo prepreg (Solvalite™730)
Authors: Rodrigues Junior Liece , Guimarães Kleber Lanigra
Published: March 2023

Diferente da indústria aeronáutica, a aplicação de compósitos poliméricos na indústria automotiva exige elevados níveis de produtividade. Neste trabalho foram estudados os fatores temperatura de cura, tempo de ciclo e grau de cura do material prepreg Solvalite 730. Posteriormente estes parâmetros foram utilizados como variáveis de entrada para simular a viabilidade técnico-econômica no processo de manufatura de alta cadência e, como resposta, mediu-se os potenciais benefícios da utilização deles na definição de um processo de manufatura aplicável na indústria automotiva. Fez-se uso da técnica de Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (DSC) para avaliar os parâmetros de cura do material. O menor tempo encontrado foi de 45,1 s a uma temperatura de 175°C com potencial de redução de custo de energia produtiva de até 50% e uma produtividade de até 332.020 peças por ano. O melhor resultado foi obtido com temperaturas de 150°C e 160°C, tempos de ciclos que variaram entre 202,8 s e 101,8 s com uma capacidade produtiva de 74.100 a 147.000 peças por ano. O custo da matéria-prima foi dominante na composição dos custos do componente. A despesa com manutenção foi diretamente proporcional ao aumento da produtividade bem como a depreciação dos equipamentos em função da taxa de produção.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome, probably associated with SARS-CoV-2, complicated by thrombus in the right atrium, in a child
Authors: Usachova O. V. , Konakova O. V. , Silina Ye. A. , Vorobiova N. V.
Published: March 2023

Aim. Clinical case report of multisystem inflammatory syndrome, probably associated with COVID-19 and complicated by large thrombus in the right atrium in a child highlights the problems of monitoring, treatment, and the possibility of their solution.
Presentation of a clinical case. We demonstrate one of the cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), which meets WHO criteria. In a child with a severe course of the disease and symptoms of hyperinflammation, on the 16th day from the onset of the disease, a positive effect was registered on the introduction of human normal immunoglobulin for intravenous administration and glucocorticosteroids. But on the day 27 of the disease, despite administration of anticoagulant therapy, a large blood clot was found in the right atrium cavity. Operation was performed with removal of the thrombus from the right atrium under artificial blood circulation and the child was discharged in satisfactory condition to continue treatment in an outpatient setting on the day 56 of the disease.
Conclusions. Timely diagnosis of MIS-C in children with fever, signs of inflammation and organ dysfunction during the pandemic spread of COVID-19 and reasonable administration of intravenous immunoglobulin and steroids may reduce the inflammatory response and improve the prognosis. It is also important to conduct population-based prospective studies to optimize thromboprophylaxis in children with COVID-19 and MIS-C.
Clinical cases of extrapulmonary manifestations in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Authors: Riabokon O. V. , Pak К. А. , Furyk О. О. , Cherkaskyi V. V.
Published: March 2023

The aim of the work – to provide variants of extrapulmonary manifestations of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) based on the analysis of the relevant course of the disease in adults.
Results. The paper presents two clinical cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with the manifestation of extrapulmonary symptoms, which required some individualization of therapy.
The first clinical observation showed that in a 56-year-old patient with moderate COVID-19, the development of oxygen dependence on the 8th day of the disease was combined with the manifestation of extrapulmonary symptoms in the form of cutaneous manifestations. Individualization of glucocorticosteroid therapy and endothelioprotective therapy has been shown to be effective in regressing both oxygen dependence and cutaneous vasculitis.
The second clinical observation showed that in a 35-year-old patient, moderate COVID-19 without oxygen dependence was accompanied by the development of extrapulmonary manifestations, namely short-lasting diarrheal syndrome, which manifested in the onset of the disease and of the development of orchiepididymitis on the 9th day of illness, which required the appointment of anti-inflammatory therapy.
Conclusions. The abovementioned clinical observations of COVID-19 cases show relatively rare cases of SARS-CoV-2- associated extrapulmonary manifestations in patients with moderate disease, but their development necessitated individualization of treatment.
Circulating sST2 and prognosis of cardiovascular events in remission of multiple myeloma
Authors: Panasenko M. O. , Samura B. B. , Dotsenko S. Ya.
Published: March 2023

Aim. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of circulating sST2 for cumulative cardiovascular events in patients with multiple myeloma.
Materials and methods. Ninety seven patients with complete or partial remission of multiple myeloma were enrolled in the study. Observation period was up to 1 year. Blood samples for biomarkers measurements were collected. ELISA method for measurements of circulating level of sST2 was used.
Results. During observation period progression of multiple myeloma was proved in 25 patients, 5 persons were excluded for poor follow-up. 67 patients were included into statistical analysis. Thirty six cumulative clinical events occurred in 18 patients (26.9 %) within the follow-up, with their distribution being as follows: 2 deaths due to cardiovascular causes, 16 heart arrhythmias, 3 cardiac ischemic events, 1 stroke, 4 episodes of chronic heart failures and 10 hospital admissions due to cardiovascular events. 2 deaths were not related to cardiovascular pathology. Medians of levels of sST2 in free-events patients and patients with cardiovascular events were 24.17 ng/ml (95 % confidence interval (CI) = 12.87–27.48 ng/ml) and 47.57 ng/ml (95 % CI = 21.36–68.79 ng/ml) (Р < 0.01) respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis sST2 independently predicted cardiovascular events (odds ratio (OR) = 1.112; 95 % CI = 1.081–1.154; Р = 0.010) within 1 year of observation period.
Conclusions. Among patients with confirmed multiple myeloma at remission increased level of circulating sST2 associates with increased cumulative cardiovascular events during 1 year.
Results of dynamic monitoring of the spectrum of bacterial causes of acute urinary tract infections in children
Authors: Lezhenko H. O. , Pashkova O. Ye. , Samoylyk K. V.
Published: March 2023

The aim of the study: to explore in dynamics the structure of pathogens in children of Zaporizhzhia region with acute urinary tract infections and the possible changes in their antibiotic susceptibility.
Materials and methods. We analysed results of urine culture in 439 children aged 4 to 18 years with acute urinary tract infection (293 patients in 2014–2016 and 146 patients in 2018–2020). Determination of bacterial species and susceptibility to antibiotics was performed on a bacteriological analyzer VITEK 2 COMPACT (bioMerieux, France) using AES software: Global CLSI-based + Phenotypic (2014, 2018) in accordance with CLSI and EUCAST tables. The coefficient of antibiotic resistance was additionally calculated for each isolate.
Results. According to the analysis of bacteriological monitoring, it was found that in 2018–2020 compared to 2014–2016 among the causative agents of acute urinary tract infections in children, the role of gram-negative bacteria had raised due to increasing the proportion of Escherichia сoli and Proteus mirabilis. Gram-positive microflora has been represented by bacteria of the genus Enterococcus, in 2018–2020 in most samples was isolated Enterococcus faecium (28.1 %), in 2014–2016 among the representatives Enterococcus faecalis prevailed (38.9 %).
The analysis of antibiotic resistance showed that in 2018–2020 the number of resistant strains of E. coli to amikacin increased 6.8 times to 2014–2016 (Р < 0.01) and there was a decrease in the sensitivity of Enterococcus to aminopenicillins from 91.4 % to 41.3 % (P < 0.01). Among bacteria of the genus Enterococcus the average values of the coefficient of resistance to antibiotics in 2018–2020 increased 3.75 times compared to 2014–2016 due to a 2.3-fold increase in the frequency of multidrug-resistant strains (P < 0.05).
Conclusions. The obtained data are convincing evidence of the need for mandatory bacteriological examination of urine before antibacterial therapy to increase the effectiveness of therapeutic measures, prevention of the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. An increase in resistance of E. coli to amikacin and Enterococcus spp. to ampicillin does not allow the use of these drugs as empirical therapy of acute urinary tract infections in children.
Laboratory changes and prognostic indicators of the adverse course of chronic heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, excess weight and concomitant atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bidzilya P. P. , Kadzharian V. H.
Published: March 2023

Aim. To investigate the peculiarities of clinical and laboratory changes and to identify prognostic indicators of the adverse course of chronic heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (CHFprEF), excess weight and concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF).
Materials and methods. The open, prospective, cohort study in parallel groups included 248 patients with CHFprEF, overweight and abdominal obesity, average age 65.0 ± 11.0 years; 146 (58.9 %) women and 102 (41.1 %) men. The first group included 181 patients with CHFprEF and excess weight without concomitant AF, and the second group – 67 CHFprEF patients with excess weight and AF. The complex clinical examination was performed according to the standards, including complaints, medical and family history, clinical, laboratory and instrumental examinations.
Results. It has been established that patients with CHFprEF and overweight or abdominal obesity concomitant AF have a predisposition to anemia, which was manifested by significant lower indicators of hemoglobin and erythrocytes in parallel with lower values of lymphocytes, more pronounced signs of systemic inflammation, dysfunction of the kidneys and liver with manifestations of cholestasis, which indicated deeper functional and structural disorders of organs and systems. ROC-analysis of the patients with CHFprEF, excess weight and concomitant AF demonstrated increase in the clinical endpoints rate for patients with BMI ˃32 kg/m2, the waist circumference / hips circumference ratio ˃1.1 U, leucocytes level ˃6 × 109 l, serum creatinine ˃96 mcmol/l, urea ˃7.3 mmol/l, glomerular filtration rate ≤65 ml/min/1.73 m2, LDL / HDL cholesterol ratio ˃2.05 U. The 5-years death predictors were found in patients with CHFprEF, excess weight and concomitant AF: functional class of CHF ˃ІІ, HDL cholesterol ≤0.9 mmol/l, LDL cholesterol ≤0.66 mmol/l and triglycerides ≤1.45 mmol/l; additionally, there were defined the predictors of recurrent admission to hospital with the CHFprEF decompensation: leucocytes level ˃6 × 109 l, LDL cholesterol ˃2.49 mmol/l, the LDL / HDL cholesterol ratio ˃2.05 U and the atherogenic ratio ˃2.91 U.
Conclusions. In patients with CHFprEF and excess weight, concomitant AF was associated with more severe laboratory changes, which reflected deeper functional and structural disorders of organs and systems. Laboratory predictors of the adverse course of CHFprEF in this category of patients have been established.
Development and validation method for the determination of related substances in nimesulide granules for oral suspension
Authors: Tarapon K. V. , Tryhubchak O. V.
Published: March 2023

One of the key stages of pharmaceutical development is the development of analytical methods for quality control of medicines. The critical quality indicator is the content of related impurities, which may increase during shelf life of the product due to the degradation of the active substance, which in turn affects the quality of the product.
The aim of the work is to develop and validate the method for the determination of related impurities in nimesulide granules for oral suspension by HPLC method; to set the specification of finished product for related impurities.
Materials and methods. Sample of finish product Nimesulide, granules for oral suspension, 100 mg/2 g, it was manufactured by JSC “Farmak”. The study was performed using Agilent 1260 liquid chromatograph with UV detector. 2-phenoxyaniline from Sigma-Aldrich, reference standards of nimesulide impurity D EP CRS and LGC, Nimesulide for peak identification EP CRS were used for preparation of standard impurity solutions. Acetonitrile and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate from Sigma-Aldrich were used for chromatographic analysis.
Results. When developing method, the concentrations of solutions, the method of dissolving granules, filters were selected. The chromatographic column was selected, the requirements for the chromatographic system suitability were set. The effect of placebo components has been studied and considered. During the validation the characteristics were studied: specificity, linearity, LOD, LOQ, precision, accuracy, robustness. The limits of the impurity content were established in accordance with the requirements of ICH Q3B guideline, taking into account the data of stress studies, stability and impurities of the substance.
Conclusions. The analytical method for the determination of related substances in finish product nimesulide granules for oral suspension was developed. The validation results showed that the method is suitable for analysis. The specification limits of finished product for related impurities were set.
Features of the course urate nephrolithiasis, comorbid with the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Hubar A. O. , Dovbysh M. A. , Mischenko O. M. , Dovbysh I. M.
Published: March 2023

The aim of the work is to study the peculiarities of the course of urate nephrolithiasis and urate nephrolithiasis comorbid with metabolic syndrome.
Materials and methods. Clinical and laboratory data of 183 patients. The control group of patients with urate nephrolithiasis received traditional therapy. The patients of the main group with urate nephrolithiasis comorbid with metabolic syndrome took quertin and traditional therapy, as well as popular medical drugs that correct metabolic processes. Clinical laboratory, biochemical, ultrasound, radiological, radioisotope, immunoenzymatic, and physical-chemical methods were used.
Results. The pain was more intense in patients with urate nephrolithiasis than in patients with urate nephrolithiasis comorbid with metabolic syndrome. Manifestations of the inflammatory process increased in patients with urate nephrolithiasis comorbid with metabolic syndrome, and concomitant diseases intensified the excretion of stone-forming compounds. Metaphylaxis with quertin against the background of commonly accepted drugs that correct metabolic processes had a positive effect on the course of urate nephrolithiasis comorbid with metabolic syndrome and contributed to the reduction of stone formation relapse.
Conclusions. In-depth diagnosis of metabolic processes can help the doctor to correctly determine the differentiated tactics of examination and treatment, as well as to prevent possible complications in a timely manner.