bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late-onset spontaneous Descemet's membrane detachment post penetrating keratoplasty in a patient with congenital glaucoma
Authors: Al-Shabeeb Rawan S. , Almadhi Nada H. , Kirat Omar
Published: March 2021

A 27-year-old female presented with a sudden decrease of vision in the left eye (OS). Ocular history included advanced congenital glaucoma and previous (15 years) bilateral penetrating keratoplasty and cyclophotocoagulation (9 months) in the left eye. The patient had microcystic corneal edema and Descemet's membrane (DM) detachment; imaging confirmed the detachment with no detectable breaks. DM re-attachment was attempted with an intracameral air bubble tamponade. The edema improved 10 days postoperatively and the graft became clear. Late-onset DM detachment following keratoplasty can occur in patients with congenital glaucoma with no history of recent trauma or eye rubbing. The exact mechanism is unknown, but transscleral cyclophotocoagulation may have a causative role. Timely treatment with air injection results in successful anatomic outcomes.
Oxcarbazepine-induced Steven–Johnson syndrome
Authors: Godasi Ganga Raju , Donthu Raj Kiran , Godasi Raja Rama Maohara Sai
Published: March 2021

Carbamazepine has been well documented to be associated with Steven–Johnson Syndrome (SJS). The newer anti-epileptic oxcarbazepine has not been demonstrated to be associated with this rare side effect except in some case reports. We present a case of SJS caused due to use of oxcarbazepine in a patient of schizophrenia.
3-year Follow-up Results of Abant Izzet Baysal University Training and Research Hospital Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: KURTAR MANSIROĞLU Aslı
Published: March 2021

Pulmonary Hypertension is defined as the mean pulmonary artery pressure measured by right heart catheterization greater than 25mmHg at rest. Symptoms and signs include shortness of breath, lightheadedness, syncope, tiredness, chest pain, swelling of the legs, poor appetite, chest pain, right-sided abdominal pain, palpitations, cyanosis and rarely non-productive cough, exercise-induced nausea, and vomiting. A diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension requires clinical suspicion based on symptoms and physical examination. In our daily practice, it is necessary to raise awareness for this patient group, whose diagnosis is delayed, and the specialist referral centers should be determined and the referral chain should be operated. We herein present 3-year Follow-up Results of Abant Izzet Baysal University Training and Research Hospital Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension.
Relationship between Vitamin D level and Insulin Resistance According to Obesity Level
Authors: ERDOĞAN Bülent
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Obesity and metabolic syndrome are universal health problems. There is increasing evidence that vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor in the development of insulin resistance(IR). This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D level and IR in obese patients.

Method: The study included 95 adult, obese patients, without a history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, 25-OH-vitamin D, and serum lipid levels were measured and the HOMA-IR level was calculated. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their obesity level.

Results: Seventy-eight (82.1%) of patients were female and vitamin D deficiency was found in 77.9% of the patients. The median HOMA-IR level of the group with and without vitamin D deficiency was 3.57, and 2.39, respectively (p = 0.029).

There weren't any significant differences in gender, BMI, and vitamin D levels between the groups with /without IR.

No difference was found between obesity level groups in terms of age, gender, and vitamin D level. However, while insulin level and IR level increased significantly in morbid obese patients, this relationship could not be demonstrated in super-obese patients.

Conclusion: This study is the first study investigating the relationship between vitamin D-HOMA-IR in morbid and super obese patients. No statistically significant linear correlation was found between vitamin D and HOMA-IR level, but vitamin D deficiency was more common in the group with IR. Additional studies are needed to explain the relationship between the level of obesity and the effect of vitamin D on IR.
The Effect of Peeling and Boiling Process on Nutrition and Health-Promoting Compounds of Root Vegetables Harvested at Mjindi area Located in Jozini, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Authors: Zondo Sandisiwe Gladness , Qwabe Fikile
Published: March 2021

The effect of peeling and boiling process was investigated on nutrients and health-promoting compounds of amadumbe (Colocasia esculenta), carrots (Daucus carota), sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) and potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). The results indicated that peeling and boiling led to significant reduction of nutrients (total soluble starch, total soluble protein, crude fibre) and health-promoting compounds (flavonols, anthocyanin and phenolic acid). Peeling effects on nutrient content did not yield similar outcome (increase and decrease). Carrots showed insignificant loss of total soluble starch after peeling and major loss was observed after boiling. Amadumbe shows substantial loss of fibre after peeling, peels yielding 42.38% and edible part yielding 8.31% compared to all of the analysed vegetables. Health-promoting compounds were reduced significantly peeling and boiling process. The nutrient and phytochemical compounds in the peels of the various vegetables depends on method of peeling. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) bands evidenced the presence of nutrients and health-promoting compounds in studied vegetables.

Keywords: Boiling; Flavonols; Health promoting compounds; Nutrients; Peeling; Phenolic acid
COMPATIBILITY OF NEW RENAISSANCE PEDAGOGY AND JADID ENLIGHTENERS’ VIEWS ON EDUCATION AND INFORMATION SECURITY
Authors: Baydjanov Bekzod
Published: March 2021

Мақолада матбуот ва ахборот воситалари, унинг кўриниши,ёшлар таълим-тарбиясига таъсири, Ватанимизнинг узоқ ва яқин тарихидаахборот ва ахборот хавфсизлиги масалаларига бўлган муносабат, “янги усул”мактаблари фаолияти таҳлил қилинган.
The Principal’s Leadership in Implementing the Full-Day Kindergarten: A Literature Review
Authors:   Student of Education Administration, Universitas Lampung, Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, Lestari Nanik
Published: March 2021

The importance of the principal’s leadership in implementing the full-day kindergarten education program attracted authors to research and this article discusses the results of the literature review conducted by the authors. There are a number of articles about the principal’s leadership review and full-day kindergarten implementation especially in the context of the world that can be found. The purpose of this review is to find out the principal’s leadership in implementing full-day kindergarten in a world context. Based on the results of literature reviews from various countries in the world, the authors found the scope of the articles reviewed is still very limited and it is very difficult to get literature that combines the two variables, therefore, the authors would be positively explain the findings for each variable. The results of the review literature on school principal’s leadership show that the principal’s leadership in carrying out his role as a leader has an impact on teacher performance and student achievement. The results of the review literature on the implementation of a full day kindergarten show that children who attend kindergarten (FDK) a full day experience academic and development benefits compared to children who attend a half-day program. Thus, the authors are interested in following up related to the principal’s leadership in implementing full-day kindergarten.
TICKETING RENDSZERBEN REJLŐ LEHETŐSÉGEK - HIBAKEZELŐ SZOFTVER LÉTJOGOSULTSÁGA A DIGITALIZÁCIÓ KORÁBAN
Authors: Kis Vencel , Böcskei Elvira
Published: March 2021

A hiba kezelésének és megoldásának ma már számtalan módszere létezik, amely a vállalat életciklusát és digitális érettségét határozza meg. A nagyvállalatok körében leginkább a ticketing rendszer alkalmazása terjedt el, ami a szervezet méretével arányosan komplex a többi eszközhöz viszonyítva. A technológiák fejlődésével új lehetőségek nyílnak a funkcionalitást érintően is, akár más rendszerekkel történő integrálással. Kiemelkedően fontos szempont a skálázhatóság, vagyis a rendszer teherbíró képessége, amire érdemes előre felkészülni, így a jól átgondolt struktúra a szervezet más területeire is átültethető.
Student experience with e-Portfolio: exploring the roles of trust and creativity
Authors: Moule Rachel , Rhemahn Ethan
Published: March 2021

Research and pedagogic design for e-Portfolios has tended to focus on optimising the environmental conditions and supportive structures for learners to benefit from more meaningful Personal Development Planning (PDP). Yet engaging students with e-Portfolio for PDP remains difficult.An action research project was undertaken to investigate our learnersÃ¢â¬â¢ experiences with using their e-Portfolio for PDP and to identify what we could learn to inform future design. As part of the project, a focus group interview was undertaken with 8 members of a first year undergraduate cohort who were new to both e-Portfolio and to PDP.Whilst thematic analysis confirmed other widely reported findings, two strong themes emerged from the focus groups that appear to be less well documented. Although students clearly enjoyed engaging with opportunities for creativity and play, they also expressed uncertainty over the purpose of, and audience, for their e-Portfolio, and thus its academic relevance. The emotional dimension of trust in relation to intended audience, ownership of content, and online space security and accessibility, also emerged as an important student concern and this appeared to act as a barrier to engagement with e-Portfolio.These findings suggest that engagement with e-Portfolio be reframed to consider more explicit inclusion of the affective dimensions of trust and play as important elements that may encourage a deeper approach to personal learning, and to PDP, through this electronic medium. Ways are suggested for tutors to afford opportunities for students to be creative as part of initiation into their e-Portfolio space, and help them to cross an Ã¢â¬Ëaffective trust thresholdÃ¢â¬â¢.
The potential of peer assisted learning as a tool for facilitating social and academic integration
Authors: Byl Emmeline , Struyven Katrien , Abelshausen Bieke , Meurs Pieter , Vanwing Tom , Engels Nadine , Lombaerts Koen
Published: March 2021

Research into the transition of first year students in higher education (HE) confirms that student integration into the academic community is a primary condition for student success (Borglum & Kubala, 2000; Tinto & Pusser, 2006; Tovar, Simon & Lee, 2009; Stebleton, Soria & Huesman, 2014). It is also crucial that it is combined with peer support if students are going to settle into university life (Hamshire, Jack, Prowse, & Wibberley, 2015a). This article seeks to explore the potential value and purposes of peer assisted learning (PAL) as a tool to increase the social and academic integration of first year university students. Focus group interviews (n=16) were conducted between the spring and autumn of 2013 with first-year students (n=93) enrolled in the Faculty of Educational Sciences (Psychology and Educational sciences) at the Free University of Brussels. By using the method of appreciative inquiry (AI), respondents suggested that peer-assisted learning methods are important tools for enhancing social and academic integration.ÃÂ  In this sense, tutoring and mentoring need to address specific criteria on at least two organisational dimensions (Topping & Ehly, 2001):ÃÂ (a) objectives of the subject and (b) contact installation. This article aims to prompt further discussion on the potential, value and purposes of peer-assisted learning programmes for integration.
Dramatising learning development: towards an understanding without definition
Authors: Eyre Jason , Slawson Tracy
Published: March 2021

As learning developers increasingly seek recognition of their practices as a coherent and shared approach to teaching and learning in higher education, the notion of a ‘definitive’ understanding of learning development may appear an appealing prospect, one that promises clarity in recognising, understanding and valuing learning development. However, attempts at definition should be approached with caution, as they can be founded upon assumptions that permit no scope for evolution or change. Drawing on the philosophical work of Gilles Deleuze (1967) and his concept of the virtual, this paper problematises the idea of there being a ‘clear and distinct’ definition of learning development, arguing instead for a ‘distinct and obscure’ concept of learning development open to creative evolution.
Book review: Critical thinking skills for healthcare by Stephanie McKendry.
Authors: Lewitt Moira
Published: March 2021

Critical thinking is an essential goal of all education, particularly higher education. However it is "a complex and controversial notion that is difficult to define and, consequently, to study" (Abrami et al. 2008). The critical thinking movement that emerged in North America in the 1980s was characterised by debate around how this concept should be defined as well as how it should be taught.
Developing socio-emotional intelligence in first year higher education students through one-to-one learning development tutorials
Authors: Devis-Rozental Camila , Eccles Sue , Mayer Marian
Published: March 2021

The relationship between socio-emotional intelligence and one-to-one Learning Development (LD) support offered to HE students is relatively under-explored. Socio-emotional attributes are often difficult to achieve solely within the classroom environment, although we know that engaging students in becoming more confident, resilient and self-aware can reduce their likelihood of withdrawal from their studies and improve personal achievement and success.This study explored whether the support provided during one-to-one LD tutorials enhances areas of students' socio-emotional intelligence and, in turn, positively impacts on their overall academic and personal development. Through a focus group with students and analysing feedback given by students from one UK university in the south of England, the experiences and benefits of receiving faculty-based LD support were explored. The findings suggest that students accessing this type of support further develop aspects of socio-emotional intelligence. This assists students in their transition into and through Higher Education, can reduce withdrawal rates and significantly enhances the individual student's learning experience. We argue that supporting students in developing areas of socio-emotional intelligence such as motivation, self-awareness and confidence as part of the LD provision, empowers them to successfully complete their learning journey and benefit from the wider student experience.
Development of the ALDinHE recognition scheme: Certifying the ‘Learning Developer’ title
Authors: Briggs Steve
Published: March 2021

Over the last fifteen years, the pedagogy of learning development has become increasingly established within UK universities (Hilsdon, 2018). As such, there have never been more individuals who professionally identify with the ‘learning developer’ title. Self-identification with a professional title is always going to be problematic as there will be significant variation in background, experience, qualifications and values amongst practitioners. This will result in confusion and ambiguity around the meaning of a title (such as learning developer), which in turn can undermine practitioners’ professional status and career development opportunities. It is therefore unsurprising that over the last five years there has been a growing call amongst the learning development community to introduce greater consistency around how the learning developer title is used (Webster, 2015; Webster, 2017; Johnson, 2018).The Association for Learning Development in Higher Education (ALDinHE) has responded to this call to action by developing a recognition scheme for learning developers. This has two levels - certified practitioner (CeP) and certified leading practitioner (CeLP). Unlike other educational development recognition schemes - for example, Higher Education Academy (HEA) fellowships or Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) fellowships) - the CeP/CeLP scheme involves evidencing core values associated with practicing learning development. As such, it provides the first bespoke recognition opportunity for the learning development community. This article outlines how the ALDinHE recognition scheme was conceived, piloted and launched at the 2018 Learning Development Conference.
Making use of students' digital habits in higher education: What they already know and what they learn
Authors: Hansson Eva , Sjöberg Jeanette
Published: March 2021

Varieties of digital practices have increasingly become part of people’s everyday lives and people, in general, use these communicative practices on a daily basis, mostly for social and entertaining purposes. As to higher education, researchers have pointed out that digital technology could be a useful tool in how to learn more effectively, if it is based on the abilities that students bring with them into higher education from their everyday life (for example, Buzzard et. al., 2011). In this case study, we explore the issue of students' digital practices in everyday life as well as in higher education, in a teacher training programme at a Swedish University. The aim is two-fold: on the one hand, to provide knowledge regarding students' everyday experiences of digital practices and the ways in which these are utilised in higher education; on the other hand, to contribute to the understanding of the ways in which higher education contributes to challenging and developing students' digital skills. Twenty-nine students from teacher training programmes participated in the study by answering a questionnaire. The results show that the students’ digital habits are not being used or acknowledged in higher education, except for when it comes to their Teacher Training Practice (TTP). Furthermore, the results also show that higher education contributes to students’ digital skills. This, we argue, could be of interest for teachers and researchers in teacher training programmes and for teachers in primary to tertiary education, in developing education activities with digital technology based on pupils’ and students’ digital habits. We can also see that the study can inspire other teachers in higher education, where the idea of using students’ digital habits perhaps is not yet taken into consideration.
The trouble with academic reading: exposing hidden threshold concepts through academic reading retreats
Authors: Rhead Angela
Published: March 2021

Acknowledged as a troublesome threshold concept for students and teachers alike in higher education (HE), academic reading persists as a significant yet under-investigated challenge. This paper introduces an exciting teaching innovation launched in 2017 at Keele University to meet that challenge: academic reading retreats. Adapting a writing retreat format, they deliver a range of strategies for reading journal articles and provide opportunities for private practice and shared reflections, which can facilitate deep learning about complex epistemological concepts. They open a dialogue within the academic community that helps students better understand the relationship between reading and enquiry, and helps academics better understand their students’ reading challenges. This case study provides a brief literature review and personal reflections about facilitating student reading, an introduction to our academic reading retreats and a preliminary evaluation of their potential. It concludes with a recommendation for extended time and space for academics and students to explore academic reading together, alongside an acknowledgement of the challenges that entails.
Applying the ‘Social Turn’ in writing scholarship to perspectives on writing self-efficacy
Authors: Mitchell Kim M. , McMillan Diana E. , Lobchuk Michelle M.
Published: March 2021

The aim of this paper is to explore the fit between the cognitive concept of writing self-efficacy and a socially constructed epistemology of writing. Socially constructed perspectives on writing emphasise context and community and include academic literacies, rhetorical genre theory, and the writing across the curriculum movement. These perspectives have been prominent in theoretical discussions of writing since the 1980s. This paper argues that the measurement of writing self-efficacy has continued to prioritise assessing writing self-efficacy as ability to successfully accomplish superficial writing product and process features, while the social context of writing and its resultant impacts on the identity forming, relational, emotional and creative impacts on writing self-efficacy have been largely ignored. The historical context of paradigmatic shifts in writing theory will be discussed with a lens towards proposing a synthesis of three constructionist situated perspectives - activity theory, rhetorical genre theory, and communities of practice - and how these situated perspectives may inform a more complete view of how writing self-efficacy should be assessed and measured. How practitioners may consider the merger of these theories in writing pedagogy will be introduced to inspire future research.
Positioning an academic literacies framework in an EAP context: case study of a university Pre-sessional course
Authors: Breen Paul
Published: March 2021

Historically, there has been a strong element of crossover between English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and academic literacies approaches, as originally conceptualised by Lea and Street (1998). However, a recurring cause of concern for the latter has been its perceived lack of focus on pedagogy, with greater emphasis on construction of text (Lea, 2004). Lillis (2003) highlights another concern being the lack of ‘a design frame’ (Kress, 2000) which can harness synergy between theory and practice. As such, the strength of academic literacy from a theoretical perspective can simultaneously be an Achilles heel in its practical pedagogic application. Consequently, examples of sustained academic literacies approaches in practice are rare. This paper thus argues for EAP acting as a fulcrum between theory and practice and provides one instance of enacting academic literacies approaches in the practical context of a Pre-sessional course in a post-92 university. Therein academic literacies approaches have shaped the design and delivery of an EAP curriculum. Through presenting a case study of this story, I hope to provide one ‘exemplar’ (Shulman, 1986) of integrating pedagogic practice and theory to serve as a model for the future. In doing so, academic literacies can better meet both the practical and theoretical demands of 21st century teaching, learning and educational development.
A little and often: unanticipated outcomes from an ePortfolio evaluation impacting on early identification of risk and non submission of work
Authors: Lawton Megan , Purnell Emma
Published: March 2021

Since 2005 all staff and students within the University of Wolverhampton have had access to an ePortfolio system - PebblePad. In 2007 the University ran a HEA Pathfinder Project 'embedding ePortfolio at level 1' which involved 1800 level 1 learners and 31 members of staff across all academic schools. The staff development activities used to develop teacher capabilities tried to mirror the student experience to great success. The knowledge gained from this project was then taken into a University-wide impact evaluation. The evaluation identified anticipated and unanticipated outcomes of pedagogic processes for personal development planning (PDP) and e-portfolio development. This paper will deal with two key areas: 1 the early identification of risk and 2 the reduction in non-submission of work. This work now feeds into the University's Blended Learning Strategy (2008). The overarching aims of this strategy are to enhance student learning and to improve each student's learning experience. This is articulated via student entitlements of which the following are directly addressed by this work: All students should be entitled to:formative assessment/s opportunities on line with meaningful electronic assessment feedback;have the opportunity to participate in electronic Personal Development Planning (ePDP);The paper will look at how an ePortfolio system was used to develop learner skills, learner support issues and how staff from a central department worked with discipline-based staff to help support their students, finally addressing institutional strategy and support issues.
'Multisensory Holistic Immersion': The Method of Insider Inquiry Skills as a Threshold Concept
Authors: Coghlan David , Graham Cagney Anne
Published: March 2021

Insider inquiry involves being immersed in local situations and generating contextually embedded knowledge which emerges from direct experience. Insider inquiry requires a method that facilitates attending to observable data, envisaging possible explanations of that data and selecting as probable or certain the explanations which provide the best account for the data. This article explores how such an approach in undergraduate education constitutes a threshold concept and troublesome knowledge. Drawing on the notion of threshold concepts, the aim of the article is to contribute insights from how a course in insider inquiry which focused on a method of attending to cognitional processes was conducted and to contribute to future research in the field of undergraduate management education.
Self-efficacy, feedback and feedforward
Authors: Cowan John
Published: March 2021

Research in the past 25 years has established a relationship between self-efficacy and attendant academic performance. These findings are critically summarised. Their implications for possible enhancement of current tutorial practice, in the form of feedback or feedforward or both, are considered. Particular attention is devoted to learnersÃ¢â¬â¢ affective needs and to learner/tutor relationships.
ESTABLISHMENT OF STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF STRUCTURES OF THE LIFTING AND GRINDING DEVICE OF ROAD REPAIR MACHINES VPO-3-3000
Authors:   Karaganda Technical University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan, Kadyrov A. S. , Grachev V. V. ,   St. Petersburg State Transport University of Emperor Alexander I, Donenbaev B. S. ,   Karaganda Technical University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan, Kаrsakova A. Zh. ,   Karaganda Technical University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
Published: March 2021

The This article deals with the replacement of the magnetic grippers on the VPO-3-3000 machines with roller grippers. The novelty lies in the establishment of dependences characterizing stress and strain in the elements of the lifting and straightening devices and in the rails during the operation. Reliability of the program for calculating the structural parameters of the lifting and straightening device for the VPO-3-3000 track renewal machine is shown. The developed design of the lifting and straightening device makes it possible to select the rational parameters of the technology and the operating mode of the device. It This design is recommended to for use it when developing working bodies for the straightening machines. The article presents the calculation of the lifting and straightening device structural elements' strength during its operation, in the Ansys WB software package.
Using machine learning methods to determine Myers-Briggs Type Index (Mbti) types of people
Authors:   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Myngzhassar A. , Kuldzhabekov A. B. ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Daribayev S. ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Temirbekov А. N. ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Published: March 2021

The article is based on the problems of machine learning in the field of computer linguistics, in particular, the identification of psychological types of people on the basis of text messages on social networks. The purpose of this article is to study the methods of machine learning Naive bayes and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) to create a classifier for the Kazakh language, which determines the type of Myers-Briggs Type Index (MBTI) based on text samples of people’s posts on social networks. The course of research experiments in the use of machine learning methods and the results of the study are presented and the results obtained are compared.
Technology design and development of web applications online learning
Authors:   LN Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Kіntonova A. Zh. , Umbetali E. ,   LN Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Nazyrova A. E. ,   LN Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. Email: ayzhan.nazyrova@mail.ru, Konyrkhanova A. A. ,   LN Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to the issues and design of the web application “Training center”. The article presents the technology of designing the architecture of the web application of online learning. The article presents the interface of the web application “Training center”, modeling of business processes. The article presents the technology of implementation of the architecture of the web application “Training center”.
Food security management in an innovative economy
Authors:   Al-Farabi KazNU, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan. Email: smagulov35@mail.ru, Smagulov A.
Published: March 2021

The article deals with the topic of food security and marketing food sovereignty of Republic of Kazakhstan. The authors analyzed the state of food security in the Republic of Kazakhstan on the criteria of physical and economic access, quality and food safety. Measures of supporting the country’s food security are proposed.
Election Management Bodies in West Africa
Authors: Madior Fall Ismaila , Hounkpe Mathias , Jinadu Adele L. , Kambale Pascal
Published: March 2021

This report is an in-depth study of electoral commissions in six countries of West Africa Benin, Cape Verde, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone assessing their contribution in strengthening political participation in the region. As institutions that apply the rules governing elections, electoral management bodies (EMBs) have occupied, over the last two decades, the heart of discussion and practice on the critical question of effective citizen participation in the public affairs of their countries. The way in which they are established and the effectiveness of their operations have continued to preoccupy those who advocate for competitive elections, while reforms to the EMBs have taken centre stage in more general political reforms. Election Management Bodies in West Africa thus responds to the evident need for more knowledge about an institution that occupies a more and more important place in the political process in West Africa. Based on documentary research and detailed interviews in each country, the study provides a comparative analysis which highlights the similarities and differences in the structure and operations of each body, and attempts to establish the reasons for their comparative successes and failures.
Pleomorphic Adenoma of Hard Palate: A Case Series
Authors: Gupta Seema R , Thorawade Vandana P , Khan Mohammad Hanif MS
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Pleomorphic adenoma of minor salivary glands of the hard palate is a rare benign tumor that has elements of both epithelial and mesenchymal tissues. It usually presents as slow-growing painless submucosal mass on the hard palate. Diagnosis rests on clinical features and tissue examination with radiological investigations helping in surgical planning.

Aim and objective

To add to the literature few more cases of this relatively rare condition and discuss its clinical presentation and management.

Case description

Here, we present a case series of three patients who presented with a mass over the hard palate that was subsequently diagnosed as pleomorphic adenoma and discuss the treatment of the same.

Conclusion

Treatment of choice is wide local excision with removal of periosteum or bone if involved. Recurrence rate is low.

How to cite this article

Gupta SR, Thorawade VP, Khan MHMS. Pleomorphic Adenoma of Hard Palate: A Case Series. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2020;12(1):11–13.
Usefulness of CyberKnife Therapy in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer with Distant Metastases
Authors: Yoshida Atsushi , Higashiyama Shigeaki , Katayama Yutaka , Yamanaga Takashi , Kawabe Joji
Published: March 2021

Aim and objective

We reported seven cases in which external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with CyberKnife therapy was effective against distant metastases from differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC).

Materials and methods

The subjects included seven patients (6 males, 1 female; age 53–77 years, average age 65.85 years) who underwent CyberKnife therapy for metastatic lesions of DTC (pathological diagnosis: differentiated papillary carcinoma). The target lesions included 12 lymph node, 6 bone, and 2 brain metastases. All patients had previously undergone total thyroidectomy, followed by radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT). Since RAIT was not expected to have a therapeutic effect, CyberKnife treatment was selected. CyberKnife irradiation was performed 1–5 times. The radiation doses covering 95% of the planning target volume (D95) ranged from 15 to 26 gray (Gy). To determine the therapeutic effect, lesion size was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and 6–12 months after treatment.

Results

No increase in size was observed in the brain and bone metastases. Among the lymph node metastatic lesions, a therapeutic effect involving internal necrosis without an increase in size was noted in two lymph node metastases in the cervix. Additionally, two lymph node metastases in the neck had reduced in size. No increases in size were observed in the other lymph node lesions, reflecting the therapeutic effect of CyberKnife.

Conclusions

CyberKnife may be useful in treating distant metastatic lesions of papillary thyroid cancer.

Clinical significance

CyberKnife is useful as a multidisciplinary treatment for cases in which radioactive iodine therapy is maladjusted.

How to cite this article

Higashiyama S, Yoshida A, Katayama Y, et al. Usefulness of CyberKnife Therapy in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer with Distant Metastases. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2020;12(2):38–41.
Experiências estéticas e estésicas: a leitura de imagens na educação infantil
Authors: Góes Margarete Sacht
Published: March 2021

Refletir sobre a práxis na Educação Infantil, voltada para as experiências estéticas, a partir da leitura de imagens, é o objetivo deste texto. Utiliza-se o método de Robert William Ott, por compreender-se que ele ajuda as crianças a se apropriarem de códigos estéticos, mas aponta-se para a necessidade de se repensar o trabalho com a leitura de imagens. Discute a necessidade de se explorar as diferentes áreas do conhecimento do Ensino da Arte, sem dicotomizá-las, buscando, em Lev Semenovich Vigotski, fundamentos para compreender como se constitui o processo de apropriação artístico-cultural na infância. Conclui que as práticas pedagógicas devem permitir às crianças experimentarem e vivenciarem atividades que ampliem suas possibilidades de conhecer e enriquecer seus repertórios artístico-culturais.
Simplified but Not the Same: Tracing Numeracy Events through Manually Simplified Newsela Articles
Authors: Agnello Ellen
Published: March 2021

New York-based education startup Newsela has quickly gained popularity with K-12 educators in the six years since its launch. Its website boasts that it serves 90% of schools in the United States including the 1.5 million teachers they employ and their 20 million students. But what makes it so popular? Teachers are drawn to its Common Core-aligned informational texts which facilitate content-area connections while exposing students to important current events. Likely the most appealing aspect of the platform is its compatibility with differentiation, as it makes available five iterations of each article at varying levels of complexity or Lexile which enables teachers to assign the same article to all students regardless of differences in reading ability. Because all Newsela articles are nonfiction, many utilize mathematical representations to communicate quantitative information, placing demands on students’ numeracy competencies. This paper presents the findings of a thematic analysis of the numeracy events found in five Newsela articles at the maximum complexity level and their four simplified equivalents. It explores the various ways in which quantitative information is represented in Newsela articles at differing levels of complexity and what happens to the mathematical representations of quantitative information as text complexity decreases. The analysis reveals that seven different forms of mathematical representation are commonly used in Newsela articles at both ends of the complexity spectrum, at similar rates. As text complexity decreases, authors rely upon qualitative representations of quantitative information, or mathematical words and phrases, more heavily than quantitative representations, which utilize numbers.
Volume 16, Number 6
Authors: Opioid Management Journal of
Published: March 2021

November/December 2020
Opioid epidemics during the pandemic: Further insights to the same story
Authors: Ayad, MD, FIPP Amany E.
Published: March 2021

The limited access to opioids remains a reality in developing countries. Recent evidence suggests that opioid epidemics are getting worse with the COVID-19 crisis. The increase in opioid abuse could be attributed to the extended lockdowns and the social distancing recommendations, hindering chronic pain patients’ access to regular office visits and monitoring in addition to limited access to behavioral services like group therapies and other pain management interventions. Use of telemedicine as an alternative to in-person follow-up visits has faced many limitations due to technological challenges and cost.Chronic pain patients living in developing countries face extra burden during the pandemic. Limited access to outpatient clinics and hesitance to visit hospitals due to COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to reduction in supply of opioids, are some of the limiting factors. Unfortunately, the low-income class with limited financial capabilities faces further barriers to access the chronic pain services and treatments like opioid prescriptions.Medical entities involved in care of chronic pain patients have adopted different strategies to overcome these challenges. In addition to expanding on educational programs to medical staff and patients, modifying the strict opioid prescribing and dispensing regulations has been successful. Another positive trend has been the growing use of opioid sparing interventions, such as multimodal analgesia, regional blocks, and interventional pain procedures.
The association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and serum lipids in the Southern Thai population
Authors: Jeenduang Nutjaree , Sangkaew Boonnisa
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Dyslipidaemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Vitamin D deficiency has been found to be associated with CVD. However, the relationships between vitamin D and lipids are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D status and serum lipids in Southern Thai subjects.

Material and methods

A total of 726 healthy subjects in Southern Thailand were enrolled in the study. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), lipid profiles, fasting plasma glucose, anthropometric data, blood pressure, and body composition were measured. The relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and biochemical data was evaluated by partial correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. The association of serum 25(OH)D levels with dyslipidaemia was analysed using multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Serum 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and body composition parameters after adjusting for age in women. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that TC and BMI were independent predictors for 25(OH)D concentrations in women. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio of hypertriglyceridaemia (OR 0.51; 95% CI: 0.32–0.80, p = 0.004) and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR 0.43; 95% CI: 0.26–0.71, p = 0.001) were significantly lower in vitamin D sufficiency when compared with hypovitaminosis D in women.

Conclusions

Vitamin D sufficiency could reduce risk of hypertriglyceridaemia and reduced HDL-C, particularly in women, suggesting that vitamin D sufficiency may have beneficial effects on lipids and a decreased risk for CVD in Thai women.
The isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification-based quantitative proteomics of fresh tissue-derived secretome in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Hai-Tao , Gao Guo-Sheng , Ren Feng , Chen Yun-Jie
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Proteomics technology platforms offer an extremely useful tool for the discovery of new cancer biomarkers. Secreted proteins play important roles in signal transduction, cellular growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate the molecular signatures of the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by quantitative proteomics using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Material and methods

In this study, we used an iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic approach to analyse the secretome of HCC tissues to identify plasma biomarkers. Serum-free conditioned media (CM) were collected from the primary cultures of cancerous tissues, the surrounding noncancerous tissues, and distal noncancerous tissues.

Results

A proteomic analysis of the CM proteins allowed for a total of 5214 identified proteins, of which 190 and 44 proteins were dysregulated in the HCC tissues/distal noncancerous tissues (HCC/DN group) and the adjacent noncancerous tissues/distal noncancerous tissues (AN/DN group) compared with the distal noncancerous tissues. The dysregulated proteins in the HCC/DN group were concentrated in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling and Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of the transcription (JAK-STAT) signalling, but the dysregulated proteins in the AN/DN group were more concentrated in the basal material metabolism.

Conclusions

The secretome profile alternations and signalling pathways were associated with HCC incidence and development. The dysregulated proteins in the HCC/DN group were concentrated in the MAPK signalling and JAK-STAT signalling, but the dysregulated proteins in the AN/DN group were more concentrated in the basal material metabolism.
Not as black as it is painted? The impact of the first
wave of COVID-19 pandemic on surgical treatment
of urological cancer patients in Poland
– a cross-country experience
Authors: Zapała Piotr , Ślusarczyk Aleksander , Rajwa Paweł , Przydacz Mikołaj , Krajewski Wojciech , Dybowski Bartosz , Kubik Przemysław , Kuffel Błażej , Przudzik Maciej , Osiecki Rafał , Stamirowski Remigiusz , Zapała Łukasz , Kozikowski Mieszko , Chorągwicki Dominik , Szymańska Magdalena , Kiełb Paweł , Małkiewicz Bartosz , Zostawa Jacek , Roslan Marek , Zajączkowska Joanna , Jarzemski Marcin , Brzoszczyk Bartosz , Petrasz Piotr , Jarzemski Piotr , Zdrojowy Romuald , Dobruch Jakub , Paradysz Andrzej , Drewa Tomasz , Chłosta Piotr , Radziszewski Piotr
Published: March 2021

Introduction

In the majority of Western European countries, the coronavirus
disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a dramatic reduction in urooncological surgeries. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on
volume and patterns of urooncological surgery in Poland.

Material and methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 10 urologic centres
in Poland. Data regarding major oncological procedures performed after the
COVID-19 pandemic outbreak (March 15, 2020 – May 31, 2020) were evaluated and compared with data from the respective period in 2019.

Results

Between March 15, 2020 and May 31, 2020, a total of 968 oncological procedures were performed in participating centres. When compared
to the respective period in 2019 (1063 procedures) the overall number of
surgeries declined by 8.9%. The reduction was observed for transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) (20.1%) and partial nephrectomies (PN)
(16.5%). Surgical activity considering radical nephrectomy (RN), nephroureterectomy (NU), and radical prostatectomy (RP) remained relatively unchanged, whereas radical cystectomy (RC) burden showed a significant increase (90.9%). Characteristics of
patients treated with TURBT, RC, NU, PN, and RN did not differ significantly between the compared periods,
whereas RP in the COVID-19 period was performed more frequently in patients with a higher grade group
(p = 0.028) and positive digital rectal examination (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

Surgical activity for urological cancers in Poland has been maintained during the first wave of
the COVID-19 pandemic. The Polish strategy in the initial period of the COVID-19 crisis mirrors the scenario
of hard initial lockdown followed by adaptive lockdown, during which oncological care remained undisrupted
and did not require particular priority triage.
Risk factors and prediction model construction of post-operative atrial fibrillation after thoracic surgery in Chinese patients
Authors: Lin Yunling , Sun Jianmin , Yuan Xun , Liu Hui
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to analyze the risk factors of post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after thoracic surgery, and to build a predictive model for accurate preoperative identification of high-risk patients.

Material and methods

In this study, data of 2072 patients with pulmonary masses and esophageal cancer who attended our hospital in the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. According to whether AF occurred after the operation, the patients were divided into atrial fibrillation (AF) and non-AF (NAF) groups. The general information (age, sex, height, etc.), previous medical history (chronic lung disease, hypertension, etc.), medication history, preoperative ultrasound and cardiogram results, and preoperative and postoperative electrocardiogram (ECG) were collected. The operation mode, resection scope, histopathology and hospitalization were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen out the risk factors of AF and establish a prediction model.

Results

The incidence of POAF was 5.98%. Univariate analysis showed that sex, age, body mass index, left atrial diameter and operation organ were the risk factors of POAF. The above factors were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, and the results showed that male sex, age, anteroposterior diameter of left atrium and surgical organs were related to POAF. On this basis, a POAF prediction model was constructed, which had good discrimination and calibration. The area under the curve (AUC) is 0.784 with 95% CI: 0.746–0.822.

Conclusions

The prediction model of POAF based on the risk factors selected in this study can accurately predict the occurrence of AF after thoracic surgery.