bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Follow-up survey of general practitioners in Zhejiang Province post-completion of position transition training in 2017–2020
Authors: Qin Hongli , Li Shuai , Liu Juanjuan , Ren Jingjing , Yu Meiyue
Published: March 2023

Background

Position transition training for general practitioners in Zhejiang Province started in 2017 and has since been held once a year. By the beginning of 2022, four training sessions were completed. The purpose of this survey was to establish the current situation of trainees after their graduation and provide reference for the evaluation of the training effect.

Methods

Of the 738 trainees who completed the training, 253 were contacted and followed up. A self-designed questionnaire was used to conduct the survey through online filling in. The content included questions to elucidate the following information: whereabouts after the training, registration as a general practitioner, undertaken general practice teaching and scientific research work, current occupational environment, improvement of post competence after receiving position transition training, willingness to complete survey, willingness to participate in future training programs, etc.

Results

A number of 253 valid questionnaires were collected with a recovery rate of 100%. Notably, 93.68% of the participants successfully completed their training and obtained the Training Certificate of General Practitioners. Further, 83.4% were registered as general practitioners, 82.94% of which added on the basis of the original registered scope of practice. Currently, most of them work in primary health care institutions, primarily occupied with medical treatment, chronic disease management, COVID-19 prevention and control, health education, and prevention and health care. Of them, 27.01% were currently undertaking teaching work, and only 3.32% of them were conducting scientific research work related to general practice. The overall satisfaction of the trainees in the three theoretical training bases was above 90%, with no statistically significant difference among them (P > 0.05). Importantly, 84.11% of the followed-up personnel hoped to continue to participate in similar training in the future to improve their general practitioner core competences.

Conclusion

The position transition training in Zhejiang Province has achieved good results, but the details of training and the implementation of policies in individual regions need to be improved. Most of the graduates were willing to continue their education, especially in general practitioners with special interests.
Caring Behaviors Inventory-24: translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric testing for using in nurses and patients
Authors: Khaletabad Neda Azimi , Radfar Moloud , Khademi Mojgan , Khalkhali Hamidreza
Published: March 2023

Background

To measure caring behaviors, it is necessary to have an instrument adapted based on the contextual culture. This study aimed to translate Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 (CBI-24) into Persian and determine its psychometric properties.

Methods

This is a methodological study conducted to translate and then psychometrically test The CBI-24. The forward–backward translation was conducted using the World Health Organization (WHO) model and Wild et al. (2005) approach. The face, content, and construct validity of the inventory were assessed using cognitive interviews (10 nurses and 10 patients), expert panel deliberations (10 experts), and the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (300 nurses and 300 patients), respectively. The reliability was determined using the internal consistency (300 nurses and 300 patients) and test–retest method (30 nurses and 30 patients).

Results

After translating the CBI-24 and combining its items, the forward translation was initially conducted and the final backward translation was then sent to the developer for confirmation. The final version of the inventory was prepared after the completion of cognitive interviews. The content validity index of all items was reported to be more than 0.8 and good. The Cohen's kappa coefficient of all items was also shown to be higher than 0.74 and excellent. The factor loading of all items except item 19 was above 0.3. Item 19 was removed since it caused the alpha value of the respectfulness dimension to be 0.32. The Cronbach's alpha and the correlation coefficient of the whole inventory were calculated to be 0.95 and 0.88, respectively.

Conclusion

The Persian version of CBI-24 can be a suitable tool for measuring caring behaviors among patients and nurses.
Validation of algorithms to identify colorectal cancer patients from administrative claims data of a Japanese hospital
Authors: Hirano Takahiro , Negishi Makiko , Kuwatsuru Yoshiki , Arai Masafumi , Wakabayashi Ryozo , Saito Naoko , Kuwatsuru Ryohei
Published: March 2023

Background

Administrative claims data are a valuable source for clinical studies; however, the use of validated algorithms to identify patients is essential to minimize bias. We evaluated the validity of diagnostic coding algorithms for identifying patients with colorectal cancer from a hospital’s administrative claims data.

Methods

This validation study used administrative claims data from a Japanese university hospital between April 2017 and March 2019. We developed diagnostic coding algorithms, basically based on the International Classification of Disease (ICD) 10th codes of C18–20 and Japanese disease codes, to identify patients with colorectal cancer. For random samples of patients identified using our algorithms, case ascertainment was performed using chart review as the gold standard. The positive predictive value (PPV) was calculated to evaluate the accuracy of the algorithms.

Results

Of 249 random samples of patients identified as having colorectal cancer by our coding algorithms, 215 were confirmed cases, yielding a PPV of 86.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 81.5–90.1%). When the diagnostic codes were restricted to site-specific (right colon, left colon, transverse colon, or rectum) cancer codes, 94 of the 100 random samples were true cases of colorectal cancer. Consequently, the PPV increased to 94.0% (95% CI, 87.2–97.4%).

Conclusion

Our diagnostic coding algorithms based on ICD-10 codes and Japanese disease codes were highly accurate in detecting patients with colorectal cancer from this hospital’s claims data. The exclusive use of site-specific cancer codes further improved the PPV from 86.3 to 94.0%, suggesting their desirability in identifying these patients more precisely.
Technology Assisted Rehabilitation Patient Perception Questionnaire (TARPP-Q): development and implementation of an instrument to evaluate patients’ perception during training
Authors: Fundarò Cira , Casale Roberto , Maestri Roberto , Traversoni Silvia , Colombo Roberto , Salvini Silvana , Ferretti Chiara , Bartolo Michelangelo , Buonocore Michelangelo , Giardini Anna
Published: March 2023

Background

The introduction of technology-assisted rehabilitation (TAR) uncovers promising challenges for the treatment of motor disorders, particularly if combined with exergaming. Patients with neurological diseases have proved to benefit from TAR, improving their performance in several activities. However, the subjective perception of the device has never been fully addressed, being a conditioning factor for its use. The aims of the study were: (a) to develop a questionnaire on patients’ personal experience with TAR and exergames in a real-world clinical setting; (b) to administer the questionnaire to a pilot group of neurologic patients to assess its feasibility and statistical properties.

Methods

A self-administrable and close-ended questionnaire, Technology Assisted Rehabilitation Patient Perception Questionnaire (TARPP-Q), designed by a multidisciplinary team, was developed in Italian through a Delphi procedure. An English translation has been developed with consensus, for understandability purposes. The ultimate version of the questionnaire was constituted of 10 questions (5 with multiple answers), totalling 29 items, exploring the patient’s performance and personal experience with TAR with Augmented Performance Feedback. TARPP-Q was then administered pre-post training in an observational, feasible, multi-centric study. The study involved in-patients aged between 18 and 85 with neurological diseases, admitted for rehabilitation with TAR (upper limb or gait). FIM scale was run to control functional performance.

Results

Forty-four patients were included in the study. All patients answered the TARPP-Q autonomously. There were no unaccounted answers. Exploratory factor analyses identified 4 factors: Positive attitude, Usability, Hindrance perception, and Distress. Internal consistency was measured at T0. The values of Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.72 (Distress) to 0.92 (Positive attitude). Functional Independence Measure (FIM®) scores and all TARPP-Q factors (Positive attitude, Usability, Hindrance perception, except for Distress (p = 0.11), significantly improved at the end of the treatment. A significant positive correlation between Positive attitude and Usability was also recorded.

Conclusions

The TARPP-Q highlights the importance of patients’ personal experience with TAR and exergaming. Large-scale applications of this questionnaire may clarify the role of patients’ perception of training effectiveness, helping to customize devices and interventions.
Morphological analysis of anterior permanent dentition in a Chinese population using cone-beam computed tomography
Authors: Chen Yu , Dai Yu , Yan Zhengbin , You Yuehua , Wu Bin , Lu Bingtai
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Morphological analysis of permanent anterior dentition is essential for achieving an ideal treatment outcome and avoiding unnecessary failure. This study aimed to analyze the morphologies of anterior teeth in the Chinese population in depth.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 4309 anterior teeth from 401 Chinese patients were investigated using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) from 2019–2021. We summarized the morphological characteristics of the anterior teeth in terms of the root length, cementoenamel junction curvature (CEJ-C), root furcation and canal variations.

Results

We found that the root lengths of the maxillary anterior incisors were similar (13.3 mm), while the root lengths of the mandibular central (12.2 mm) and lateral incisors (13.4 mm) varied significantly (p < .0001). Both the maxillary (16.6 mm) and mandibular canines (15.5 mm) were found to have greater root lengths than the corresponding incisors (p < .0001). The CEJ-C was significantly greater around incisors (2.5 mm) than around the canines (2.0 mm) in the maxilla (p < .0001), while the curvature remained similar in mandibular anterior teeth (1.8 mm). Root furcation was observed in mandibular canines and lateral incisors. Moreover, all types of Vertucci’s classification in anterior dentitions were observed, while two other new types were found. Among them, the maxilla was only observed to exhibit types I, II, III, and ST II, while the mandible was found to exhibit almost all types. However, Type I still accounts for the majority of dentitions.

Conclusions

Morphological analysis of permanent anterior dentition revealed diversity in the tooth length, CEJ-C, furcation proportion, and canal variations. In general, mandibular anterior teeth showed a more complex structure than maxillary teeth.
LncRNA HOTTIP impacts the proliferation and differentiation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in ankylosing spondylitis through the microRNA-30b-3p/PGK1 axis
Authors: Wei Li , Zhang Xin , Yao Yu , Zheng Weizhuo , Tian Jun
Published: March 2023

Objective

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to exert regulatory effects on biological processes. This study intended to assess the role of the lncRNA HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP)/miR-30b-3p/phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) axis in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

Levels of HOTTIP, miR-30b-3p and PGK1 in AS synovial tissues and cultured AS fibroblast-like synoviocytes (ASFLSs) were assessed. The ASFLSs were identified and, respectively, treated with altered expression of HOTTIP and miR-30b-3p, and then, the proliferation and differentiation of the ASFLSs were assessed. The AS mouse models were established by injection of proteoglycan and Freund’s complete adjuvant and then were treated with altered expression of HOTTIP and miR-30b-3p, and the pathological changes and apoptosis of synoviocytes in mice’ synovial tissues were measured. The relationship of HOTTIP, miR-30b-3p and PGK1 was verified.

Results

HOTTIP and PGK1 were elevated, while miR-30b-3p was reduced in AS synovial tissues and ASFLSs. Elevated miR-30b-3p or inhibited HOTTIP restrained proliferation and differentiation of ASFLSs and also improved the pathological changes and promoted apoptosis of synoviocytes in mice’s synovial tissues. PGK1 was a target of miR-30b-3p, and miR-30b-3p could directly bind to HOTTIP. Silencing miR-30b-3p or overexpressing PGK1 reversed the improvement of AS by knocking down HOTTIP or up-regulating miR-30b-3p.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that reduced HOTTIP ameliorates AS progression by suppressing the proliferation and differentiation of ASFLSs through the interaction of miR-30b-3p and PGK1.
Evolution and lessons from an integrated service delivery network in North West Syria
Authors: Witter Sophie , Diaconu Karin , Bou-Orm Ibrahim , Jamal Zeina , Shroff Zubin Cyrus , Mahmoud Abdulbaki , Daher Mahmoud , Varma Vinod
Published: March 2023

Background

Northwest Syria (NWS) is a complex and extremely fragile operating environment, with more than 2.8 million people needing humanitarian assistance. To support a common standard of care delivery and enable coordination among the multiple providers in NWS, WHO developed an Essential Health Services package (EHSP) in 2016-17 and subsequently supported a facility network model to deliver the EHSP. This article provides an evaluation of the network to date, aiming to inform further development of the network and draw wider lessons for application of similar approaches in complex emergency settings.

Methods

This mixed method study included document review, participatory, qualitative and quantitative data, gathered in the first half of 2021. Participatory data came from two group model building workshops with 21 funders and implementers. Semi-structured interviews with 81 funders, health professionals and community members were also conducted. Analyses of the workshops and interviews was inductive, however a deductive approach was used for synthesising insights across this and the document review. The final component was a survey of health providers (59 health care professionals) and service users (233 pregnant women and 214 persons living with NCDs) across network and other comparable facilities, analysed using routine descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings across all methods were triangulated.

Results

The study finds that the network and its accompanying essential service package were relevant to the dynamic and challenging context, with high but shifting population needs and multiple uncoordinated providers. Judged in relation to its original goals of comprehensive, coordinated services, equitable access and efficient service delivery, the data indicate that gains have been made in all three areas through the network, although attribution is challenging, given the complex environment. The context remains challenging, with shifting boundaries and populations displaced by conflict, difficulties in retaining staff, the need to import medicines and supplies across borders, and governance gaps.

Conclusion

This study adds to a very limited literature on coordinated network approaches used to raise care quality and improve referrals and efficiency in a complex emergency setting. Although areas of ongoing challenge, including for sustainability, are noted, the network demonstrated some resilience strategies and can provide lessons for other similar contexts.
Comparison of echocardiographic parameters of amputee football players with active football players and sedentary individuals
Authors: Kurtoğlu Ahmet , Kurtoğlu Ertuğrul , Konar Nurettin , Çar Bekir , Eken Özgür , Prieto-González Pablo , Nobari Hadi
Published: March 2023

Background

The purpose of this study is to compare the echocardiographic (ECHO) parameters of amputee football players (AF) with those of athletes without a disability (football players) (FP), and sedentary individuals (SI).

Methods

A total of 37 male participants (nAF = 12, nFP = 12, nSI = 13) were included in the study. All participants underwent a transthoracic echocardiographic examination. Aortic diameter in systole (ADs), aortic diameter in diastole (ADd), isovolumic contraction time (IVCT), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), early (E) and late (A) wave velocities, myocardial systolic (S), early diastolic (E’), and late diastolic (A’) myocardial rates, interventricular septal thickness (IVS), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd) and left ventricular end-systole diameter (LVDs), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), left atrial diameter (LAD), and ascending aortic diameter (AAD) were measured.

Results

LVDd, E’ were lower in AF than in FP. In contrast, LVDs, LVPWd, and A wave were higher in AF than in FP. When AF and SI groups were compared, ADs, LVPWd, A wave, IVRT, and S wave were higher in AF than in SI. ANOVA test showed a statistically significant difference between groups in LVPWd, A-wave, and E’ wave. TTE data indicate that some parameters in AF differ from those observed in healthy individuals. The smaller LVEED diameter and higher PWT were found in AF.

Conclusions

Although within normal limits, some ECHO parameters in the AF group differed from those without disability. Future studies should further investigate these differences using different and detailed measurement methods.
Synaptic biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid associate differentially with classical neuronal biomarkers in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Das Shreyasee , Goossens Julie , Jacobs Dirk , Dewit Nele , Pijnenburg Yolande A. L. , In ‘t Veld Sjors G. J. G. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Vanmechelen Eugeen
Published: March 2023

Background

Loss of synaptic functionality has been recently identified as an early-stage indicator of neurological diseases. Consequently, monitoring changes in synaptic protein levels may be relevant for observing disease evolution or treatment responses in patients. Here, we have studied the relationship between fluid biomarkers of neurodegeneration and synaptic dysfunction in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and subjective cognitive decline (SCD).

Methods

The exploratory cohort consisted of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples (n = 60) from patients diagnosed with AD (n = 20), FTD (n = 20), and SCD (n = 20) from the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort. We developed two novel immunoassays for the synaptic proteins synaptosomal-associated protein-25 (SNAP25) and vesicle-associated membrane protein-2 (VAMP2). We measured the levels of these biomarkers in CSF, in addition to neuronal pentraxin-2 (NPTX2), glutamate ionotropic receptor-4 (GluR4), and neurogranin (Ng) for this cohort. All in-house immunoassays were validated and analytically qualified prior to clinical application. CSF neurogranin (Ng) was measured using a commercially available ELISA.

Results

This pilot study indicated that SNAP25, VAMP2, and Ng may not be specific biomarkers for AD as their levels were significantly elevated in patients with both AD and FTD compared to SCD. Moreover, the strength of the correlations between synaptic proteins was lower in the AD and FTD clinical groups compared to SCD. SNAP25, VAMP2, and Ng correlated strongly with each other as well as with total Tau (Tau) and phosphorylated Tau (PTau) in all three clinical groups. However, this correlation was weakened or absent with NPTX2 and GluR4. None of the synaptic proteins correlated to neurofilament light (NfL) in any clinical group.

Conclusion

The correlation of the synaptic biomarkers with CSF Tau and PTau but the lack thereof with NfL implies that distinct pathological pathways may be involved in synaptic versus axonal degeneration. Our results reflect the diversity of synaptic pathology in neurodegenerative dementias.
The relationship between market information and entrepreneurial orientation: the case of smallholder honey producers in Northern Uganda
Authors: Amuko Walter , Kalule Stephen W. , Odongo Walter
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of market information on entrepreneurial orientations of smallholder honey producers.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study design with sample of 250 honey producers was used. Structural equations modeling was used to analyze the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Results show that product quality, trader preferences and consumer preferences are the main market information needs that influence entrepreneurial orientation of honey producers. Further, the attributes of market information quality, i.e., information credibility, timeliness, accuracy and usability positively influence entrepreneurial orientation.

Practical implications

Results of this study calls for prioritization of better access to regular, reliable and usable market information for honey producers in development programs and policies so as to enhance farmer entrepreneurial orientations and product development.

Social implications

Smallholder honey producers are more likely to efficiently deliver innovative products if development interventions across the public and non-public sector divide become responsive to their marketing information needs as well the quality of market information provided.

Originality/value

The study uses original data from honey producers to demonstrate the role that marketing information needs as well as market information quality play in catalyzing smallholder farmer entrepreneurial orientation.
Super-rotation independent of horizontal diffusion reproduced in a Venus GCM
Authors: Sugimoto Norihiko , Fujisawa Yukiko , Komori Nobumasa , Kashimura Hiroki , Takagi Masahiro , Matsuda Yoshihisa
Published: March 2023

Horizontal diffusion and resolution are important factors to generate and maintain the super-rotation in the general circulation model (GCM) because waves which transport angular momentum are sensitive to them. Here, we investigated how the super-rotation depends on the magnitude of horizontal hyper diffusion using a Venus atmospheric GCM with medium and high resolutions. In both the runs, we found a parameter range where the structure of fully developed super-rotation is almost independent of the magnitude of horizontal diffusion. Spectral analysis shows that unrealistically strong super-rotation is developed when medium-scale disturbances are dissipated by stronger horizontal diffusion. On the other hand, artificially weak super-rotation is also realized because spurious small-scale disturbances are accumulated when the horizontal diffusion is too weak.

Graphical Abstract
How reproducible are clinical measurements in robotic knee surgery?
Authors: Matassi Fabrizio , Bori Edoardo , Giabbani Niccolò , Civinini Roberto , Innocenti Bernardo
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Robotic‐assisted surgery has been recently introduced to improve biomechanical restoration, and thus better clinical and functional outcomes, after knee joint arthroplasty operations. Robotic‐assisted uni‐compartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) aims indeed to improve surgical bone resection and alignment accuracy, optimized component positioning and knee balancing, relying on a series of calibration measurements performed during the surgery. These advantages focus therefore on improving the reproducibility of UKA surgeries, reducing (if not eliminating) eventual differences among high‐ and low‐volume surgeons.

The purpose of this study is to investigate and quantify the reproducibility of in‐vivo measurements performed with a robotic system: the intra‐ and inter‐observer variability of a series of measurements was therefore analyzed and compared among differently experienced operators.

Methods

Five patients were analyzed and underwent robotic‐assisted UKA using a semi‐active robotic system.

Three different observers with different experience levels were involved to independently perform the measurements of two parameters of the preoperative knee (Hip‐Knee‐Ankle angle [HKAa], Internal‐External Rotation) at different degrees of knee flexion. Inter‐observer and intra‐observer comparisons were performed.

Results

The average variability in the measurements obtained from the intra‐observer and inter‐observer comparisons were always < 0.68° for HKAa and < 2.59° for internal‐external rotation, and the ICCs showed excellent agreement (> 0.75) for most cases and good agreement (> 0.60) in the remaining ones.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated high reproducibility of the measurements obtainable in clinical environment with the robotic system. The inter‐observer results furthermore showed that the level of confidence with the robotic system is not significantly influencing the measurement.
Excess pore water pressure generation in fine granular materials under undrained cyclic triaxial loading
Authors: Do Tan Manh , Laue Jan , Mattsson Hans , Jia Qi
Published: March 2023

Understanding the mechanism of excess pore water pressure generation in subgrades is essential for not only designing but also further maintenance purposes. The primary goal of this research was to investigate excess pore water pressure generation in fine granular materials under cyclic loading. A series of undrained cyclic triaxial tests were performed to study the excess pore water pressure generation in two selected fine granular materials: (1) railway sand and (2) tailings. The excess pore water pressure response of these materials was evaluated in terms of density conditions, number of cycles, and applied cyclic stress ratios (CSR). As a result, excess pore water pressure accumulated over time due to cyclic loading. However, its accumulation was significantly dependent on the governing factors, i.e., densities, CSR values, and material types. The excess pore water pressure exhibited a slight increase at low CSR values, but a sharp increase was observed at higher CSR values, which ultimately led to a failure state after a certain number of cycles. In addition, under the same loading conditions, the samples that had higher relative compaction showed better resistance to cyclic loads as compared to those with lower relative compaction. Finally, a relationship between excess pore water pressure and cyclic axial strain of the fine granular materials was discovered.
Interring the Nondelegation Doctrine
Authors: A. Posner Eric , Vermeule Adrian
Published: March 2023

A large academic literature discusses the nondelegation doctrine, which is said to bar Congress from enacting excessively broad or excessively discretionary grants of statutory authority to the executive branch or other agents. The bulk of this literature accepts the existence of the doctrine, and argues only about the terms of its application or the competence of the courts to enforce it. In this essay, we argue that there is no such nondelegation doctrine: A statutory grant of authority to the executive branch or other agents never effects a delegation of legislative power Agents acting within the terms of such a statutory grant are exercising executive power, not legislative power. Our argument is based on an analysis of the text and history of the Constitution, the case law, and a critique of functional defenses of the nondelegation doctrine that have been proposed by academic.
Surety bond and the role of insurance companies as regulators in the context of brazilian infrastructure projects
Authors: Talesh Shauhin , Gonçalves Filho Péricles
Published: March 2023

Unfinished infrastructure projects are a persistent problem in Brazil and deprive the population of essential resources and services for its growth and development. Brazilian Law No. 14,133/2021 changed the legal regime for surety bonds, providing incentives for insurance companies issuing surety bonds to manage even more effectively the risks inherent to infrastructure projects, which could help reduce the number of unfinished projects. This article discusses whether it is likely that insurance companies issuing surety bonds will play a positive regulatory role in the context of public infrastructure projects and help reduce the number of unfinished projects. We conclude that unless the Brazilian government plays a strong oversight role over insurance companies that are acting as regulators, Law No. 14,133/2021 is unlikely to achieve its goals.
A deferência judicial redimida
Authors: Cardoso Henrique Ribeiro , Santos Mateus Levi Fontes
Published: March 2023

O artigo enuncia a deferência judicial redimida como limite ao controle judicial da administração pública no Brasil. Essa abordagem propõe a adoção de um modelo de deferência judicial inspirado na doutrina Chevron, porém constrito por salvaguardas substitutivas, que consubstanciam a chamada moralidade do direito administrativo, proposta por Sunstein e Vermeule. Nesse sentido, fundamenta-se a postura de deferência judicial, teórica e normativamente, no institucionalismo de Vermeule e Sunstein e no art. 22 da nova LINDB, respectivamente. Por fim, discorre-se sobre as salvaguardas previstas na legislação administrativa nacional, sugestivas que são de uma mudança de perfil do controle judicial — de um controle substancial excessivo da solução específica para um controle procedimental e deferente da escolha razoável.
O conceito de norma geral de licitação e contratação pública
Authors: Sarai Leandro , Cabral Flávio Garcia , Iwakura Cristiane Rodrigues
Published: March 2023

O artigo, elaborado pelo método hipotético-dedutivo, estuda o conceito de norma geral de licitação e contratação a partir da legislação vigente, da doutrina e da jurisprudência. A necessidade da pesquisa decorre do fato de a Lei nº 14.133, de 1º de abril de 2021, principalmente por seu caráter mais pormenorizado, fazer ressurgir o debate sobre os limites da competência constitucional da União para legislar sobre o tema. Inicialmente, parte-se da doutrina tradicional, segundo a qual o caráter geral da norma decorreria de seu conteúdo isoladamente considerado, ou seja, seu aspecto objetivo puro e absoluto. Dados os problemas insolúveis desse caminho interpretativo, elabora hipótese alternativa, denominada subjetiva-objetiva, que, em síntese, admite a generalidade como a necessidade de a norma ser uniforme para todos seus destinatários, sem prejuízo da competência local para particularidades não tratadas pela norma geral, desde que respeitados os limites desta. A hipótese subjetiva-objetiva se mostrou melhor no teste hermenêutico para a solução de casos práticos.
Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and overall survival in patients with breast cancer: a cohort study in a Latin-American hospital
Authors: Huamán Córdova Nataly Briyit , Cervera-Ocaña Martha Sofia , Quiñones-Laveriano Dante M. , De La Cruz-Vargas Jhony A.
Published: March 2023

Background: Breast cancer is a disease of high mortality globally. Inflammatory markers have been proposed as prognostic indicators. Therefore, we seek to find an association between the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and overall survival (OS) of patients with breast cancer in a Latin-American hospital.

Methods: An observational, analytical, longitudinal survival study was conducted in 241 female patients with breast cancer, between 2012 and 2014. The dependent variable was OS, the independent variable was the NLR, and the intervening variables were age, clinical stage, and molecular subtype. The Kaplan–Meier method was applied to generate OS functions, and the Cox regression to find crude and adjusted hazard ratio (HR).

Results: The mean age was 56.1 years and59.8% of patients had an NLR≥3.According to the Kaplan–Meier estimator, NLR≥3 (p<0.001), age>55 years (p=0.039), and clinical stage (p<0.001), were associated with a lower OS. In the multivariate analysis, the factors significantly associated to a lower OS were NLR≥3 (HRa: 2.00; CI 95%: 1.36–2.95), age>55 years (HRa: 1.64; CI 95%: 1.10–2.44), and clinical stage IV (HRa: 68; CI 95%: 2.28–20.20).  

Conclusions: The inflammatory marker NLR≥3 was independently associated with a lower OS. Additionally, advanced stage and older age were associated with a lower OS.
Ocimum sanctum Linn. Ethanolic extract promotes an antiproliferative and apoptosis activity in MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cell lines mediated by upregulation of ROS/RNS, Caspase 9, and Caspase 3: an in silico and in vitro study
Authors: Wihadmadyatami Hevi , Karnati Srikanth , Ergún Suleyman , Kustiati Ulayatul , Tirtosari Dewi Ratih , Kusindarta Dwi Liliek , Tjahjono Yudy
Published: March 2023

Breast cancer is the most serious disease affecting women worldwide. Recently, breast cancer cases reached 2.2 million people. The treatment method is still developing. In addition, the use of herbal medicine as a palliative therapeutic to chemical and/or synthetic drugs is increasing. Ocimum sanctum Linn. is a popular plant in Indonesia and Southeast Asia countries and is also known as an herbal medicinal plant. The study aimed to prove the ability of ethanolic extract Ocimum sanctum Linn. (EEOS) as an antiproliferative against breast cancer. Cytotoxic assay, adhesion assay, and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) production determined in MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cell. Furthermore, SEM is applied to visualize cell morphology. In addition, molecular docking is also performed. The result shows EEOS inhibited the proliferation and adhesion of the MCF7 and T47D cells line. Surface morphology showed that MCF7 and T47D tend to be apoptotic (cells turned rougher, gritty, and blebbing). EEOS also increased RNS production. Molecular docking describes the phytochemical compounds on the EEOS (gallic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid and apigenin) interacted with the caspase-3 and caspase-9. In conclusion, EEOS can inhibit the proliferation of MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cell lines that correlate with upregulated RNS production, as well as the expression of Caspase 3 and Caspase 9.
Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) standardized root extract on physical endurance and VO2max in healthy adults preforming resistance training: An eight-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Verma Narsingh , Gupta Sandeep Kumar , Patil Sayali , Tiwari Shashank , Mishra Ashok Kumar
Published: March 2023

Background: Ashwagandha is a well-known Ayurvedic herb used for youthful vigor and wellbeing. This study investigated the effects of 300 mg standardized root extract (>5% withanolides) of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on muscle mass, strength and cardiorespiratory endurance following resistance training.

Methods: In this eight-week, parallel-group, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 80 healthy male and female participants aged 18-45 years, who engaged in regular physical activity were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive Ashwagandha (AG, n=40) 300 mg capsules twice daily for eight weeks, or identical placebo (PB, n=40). Seven (3 AG, 4 PB) participants were excluded due to poor compliance. All participants conducted eight-week resistance training. Study outcomes included muscle strength (1RM bench press and leg extension), muscle size (circumference of arm, chest and upper thigh) and cardio-respiratory endurance (VO2max) assessed at baseline and at eight weeks. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to estimate adjusted differences based on sex, BMI and chest circumference at baseline.

Results: AG caused greater improvement in chest press (males: p = 0.0084; females: p = 0.0005), leg press (males: p = 0.0049; females: p = 0.018) and endurance (males: p <0.0001; females: p <0.0001) as compared to PB. Also, greater improvements in muscle girth for arm, chest and thigh were seen in both male and female participants with AG. No adverse events were reported in the study.

Conclusions: Eight weeks of AG root extract supplementation along with resistance training is effective in improving muscle strength, growth, endurance and recovery in both male and female participants. AG root extract could be a safer, effective and low-cost alternative for athletes to improve muscle endurance.
Integrated management of Corn Marigold (Glebionis segetum) in Tef Field at Western and Southwestern Shewa zones in Ethiopia
Authors: Hundessa Niguse , Dechassa Nagassa , Bedada Shashitu , Bekele Getachew , Duguma Mosisa
Published: March 2023

Background: Corn marigold is a serious weed species of agricultural crops in many parts of Ethiopia. However, there is a lack of information on its management in tef fields in the country. Therefore, the current work was designed with the objectives of evaluating integrated management of the weed and determining the most economical integrated weed management options in tef fields.

Methods: The field experiment was conducted at naturally Corn marigold infested fields of Chaliya and Waliso districts of Western and Southwestern Ethiopia, respectively during 2020 to 2021 cropping seasons.

Results: Different Corn marigold management practices exhibited different responses to different parameters of the target weed and the test crop differently. Application of Pallas 45 OD at a rate of 0.40 l ha-1 supplemented with once-hand weeding and QuelexTM 200 WG sprayed at a rate of 50 g ha-1 supplemented with once-hand weeding increased grain yield by about 70 and 50%, respectively, over weedy check. The marginal revenue and benefit-cost ratio inflicted from the marketing of goods for every one of integrated management of Corn marigold increased by about 42–110 and 32–89%, respectively as compared to a weedy check.

Conclusions: The present study revealed the role of integrated management of Corn marigold in improving tef production and productivity by combating the weed. Future research should be directed towards scaling up and popularizing these technologies among end users.
Epigrafía y marcas en las ánforas de época romana republicana de Valentia (Hispania citerior).
Authors: Pascual Berlanga Guillermo
Published: March 2023

La epigrafía sobre las ánforas constituye un elemento esencial para el análisis de las relaciones comerciales en la Antigüedad. Este artículo ofrece una visión actualizada de la epigrafía de las ánforas romanas republicanas descubiertas en la ciudad de Valentia (Hispania citerior). El 39.58% del catálogo está formado por piezas inéditas y se ha realizado una revisión crítica de las inscripciones que ya se conocían. El estudio permite plantear nuevas hipótesis de trabajo y aporta nuevos datos que permiten avanzar en el conocimiento del papel que jugó la ciudad romana republicana de Valentia dentro de las redes comerciales de su época.
Pengaruh Video terhadap Peningkatan Pengetahuan Cuci Tangan Pakai Sabun dalam Pencegahan COVID-19 pada Siswa Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Yuniastuti Risti Evi , Wibowo Marsiana
Published: March 2023

Background: Hands are parts of the human body that are agents of disease transmission. It is known that the transmission of COVID-19 is through hands. Therefore, the way to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 is by washing hands with soap (CTPS). Moreover, at Watupecah State Elementary School there has never been any research related to CTPS and students' lack of knowledge regarding CTPS. So, the school during the COVID-19 pandemic needs to increase knowledge about CTPS. One way to increase knowledge is by providing health education related to CTPS with video media through its strong visualization. The purpose of the study was to analyze the effect of video media on the level of knowledge of handwashing with soap in preventing COVID-19 among students at the Watupecah State Elementary School Tempel Sleman. Methods: The study used a Quasi-Experimental research design using a one-group pretest-posttest design. The 45 students in this study were from Watupecah State Elementary School's 4th and 5th grades. Total sampling was used to acquire data. The Wilcoxon Sign Ranks Test was performed to analyze the data. Results: Before receiving video media intervention, 17 people (37.8%) had a high level of knowledge, which climbed to 36 persons after receiving video media intervention (80 percent ). The Wilcoxon Sign Ranks test yielded a p-value of 0.000, which is significantly lower than the p-value of 0.05, with Ha accepted and Ho rejected. Conclusion: Students at the State Elementary School of Watupecah Tempel Sleman have an influence of video media on their level of awareness of handwashing with soap in the prevention of COVID-19.
Literature Review: Lingkungan Sosial dan Perilaku merokok pada Remaja
Authors: Wijaya Devy Riyanti Adii , Gayatri Maya Icha , Handayani Lina
Published: March 2023

Smoking behavior is a problem related to public health conditions because it can lead to various health problems. A Global Youth Tobacco study in 2008 showed that the prevalence rate of adolescent smokers in Indonesia was very alarming. This study aims to determine a relationship between the social environment and smoking behavior in adolescents. The research method uses scientific research literature review, by analyzing various articles which valid and relevant to the topic. This study uses the literature of the National Journal published from 2018 to 2021. The database used to collect literature is Google Scholar with the keywords "Social Environment", "Smoking Behavior", "Adolescents". Researchers found 1,030 articles on Google Scholar then finally researchers got 10 articles relevant to the inclusion criteria. The results showed that from the ten articles, it was stated that the social environment and smoking behavior in adolescents were two interrelated things. The social environment is one ofthe driving factors for adolescents to smoke. The most influential adolescent social environment is family or parents and peers. Special assistance to adolescents is needed in order to reduce the prevalence of smoking in adolescents, especially in Indonesia.
Stress Management Mechanisms in Younger Athletes
Authors: Korobeynikov Georgiy , Korobeinikova Lesia , Korobeinikova Ivanna , Kokhanevich Anatoliy
Published: March 2023

Background/Purpose: Physiological responses to stress are associated with tension in the autonomic nervous system. One of the physiological reactions to stress is the tension of the autonomic nervous system. Intense physical activity and emotional stress can provoke mental stress in young athletes. Purpose - to study the features of the mechanisms of stress management in young athletes.

Method: Method: 30 younger athletes were examined (Greco-Roman wrestlers, 13-16 years old). Young athletes represented the Kremenchug sports club. Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed using a Fazagraph computer electrocardiograph (Ukraine). The characteristics of the statistical and frequency analysis of heart rate were evaluated. HRV indicators were recorded before and after the competition. The study of statistically significant difference between the obtained results carry out with help Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results: During the competition the meaning of LF increases with simultaneous a decrease in HF oscillation. This fact is associated with a high level of tension in the regulatory mechanisms of HRV in younger athletes in a competitive state. At the same time, the parasympathetic activity of autonomic regulation is decline. Result shows the development of stress during psycho-emotional strain in competition condition. The stress caused by competitive situation in younger athletes is characterized by an increase in the tension of the autonomic regulation of HRV with deterioration in sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. The stress caused by competitive situation in younger athletes is characterized by an increase in the tension of the autonomic regulation of HRV with deterioration in sympathetic and parasympathetic activity.

Conclusion: It was revealed that the conditions of competition among young athletes provoke a stress reaction with a predominance of sympathetic regulation. The mechanism of prevention of competitive stress in younger athletes is associated with a change in the ratio of autonomic regulation of the heart rate.
Numerical study of feature-distribution effects for anti-reflection structured surfaces on binary gratings
Authors: Gadamsetti Praneeth , Poutous Menelaos K.
Published: March 2023

Suppressing Fresnel reflections from dielectric boundaries using
periodic and random antireflection structured surfaces (ARSSs) has
been vigorously studied as an alternative to thin film coatings for
high-power laser applications. A starting point in the design of ARSS
profiles is effective medium theory (EMT), approximating the ARSS
layer with a thin film of a specific effective permittivity, which has
features with subwavelength transverse-scale dimensions, independent
of their relative mutual positions or distributions. Using rigorous
coupled-wave analysis, we studied the effects of various pseudo-random
deterministic transverse feature distributions of ARSS on diffractive
surfaces, analyzing the combined performance of the quarter-wave
height nanoscale features, superimposed on a binary 50% duty cycle
grating. Various distribution designs were investigated at
633 nm wavelength for TE and TM polarization states at normal
incidence, comparable to EMT fill fractions for a fused silica
substrate in air. The results show differences in performance between
ARSS transverse feature distributions, exhibiting better overall
performance for subwavelength and near-wavelength scaled unit cell
periodicities with short auto-correlation lengths, in comparison to
equivalent effective permittivity designs that have less complicated
profiles. We conclude that structured layers of quarter-wavelength
depth and specific feature distributions can outperform conventional
periodic subwavelength gratings as antireflection treatments on
diffractive optical components.
Microwave Frequency Comb Generation Based on Semiconductor Laser Dynamics
Authors: Nie Bairun , Chen Zhuqiu , Ruan Yuxi , Yu Yanguang , Fang Can , Guo Qinghua , Xi Jiangtao
Published: March 2023

By investigating nonlinear dynamics in a semiconductor laser subjected to optical feedback, a broadband microwave frequency comb is generated with a bandwidth of 7.5 GHz and a maximum of 98 comb lines.
Scattering by cylinders with an arbitrary cross-section using domain decomposition and polynomial expansions
Authors: Rafalimanana T. A. , Granet G. , Raniriharinosy K. D.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the electromagnetic field scattered by a cylinder with an arbitrary cross section is computed using a domain decomposition method in which the structure under consideration is enclosed with two fictitious circular cylinders. TE and TM polarizations are investigated. Our code is successfully validated by comparison with analytical results and with the finite element software COMSOL.