bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development, Validity, and Reliability of a Theme-based CBI Vocabulary Module for ESL Post-secondary Tourism Management Students at an English-medium University
Authors: Ishak Nurhamizah , Noordin Nooreen Binti , Ismail Lilliati , Mustakim Siti Salina
Published: October 2023

Inadequate English vocabulary knowledge hampers English-medium university students’ comprehension of lecture and reference materials. Thus, the researchers aimed to specifically develop an intervention for vocabulary knowledge enhancement, which is a theme-based content-based instruction vocabulary module for first-semester Diploma in Tourism Management students using the ASSURE model. The rationale behind the vocabulary module development is that students tend to acquire vocabulary faster when they learn it through a familiar and meaningful context. Upon completion of the module’s development, it was examined for validity and reliability. Content validation of the module was evaluated by four experts using the Content Validity Index and Percentage Calculation Method. Meanwhile, the module’s reliability was tested in a pilot study using Cronbach’s alpha test on reliability questionnaire results and paired sample t-test comparison of pre and post-test scores of students’ vocabulary knowledge. The pilot study involved 20 students with varied English language proficiency levels at an English-medium university in Malaysia. Findings of content validation by four experts and module validation by the pilot study indicate that not only does the module have high validity and good reliability, but also succeeds in increasing the students’ post-test vocabulary knowledge scores compared to their pre-test scores. Overall, this study contributes empirical evidence for English as a Second Language (ESL) vocabulary module development. It also proves that a valid and reliable module must be developed by referring to an instructional design model, reviewed by subject matter experts, and tested with the target audience through a pilot study.
A Comprehensive Review of Bloom’s Taxonomy Integration to Enhancing Novice EFL Educators’ Pedagogical Impact
Authors: Nurmatova Shohidahon
Published: October 2023

Bloom’s Taxonomy is a logically sequenced structure depicting the cognitive skills required for students to grasp knowledge comprehensively and meaningfully. The integration of Bloom’s Taxonomy into education promotes mastering the cognitive skills and analytical ability of learners. In this review article, the significance of integrating the taxonomy into instructional frameworks for novice teachers in the EFL context was explored. This article also aims to signify the importance of using Bloom’s Taxonomy as an instructional tool and aid for new teachers to help connect their theoretical knowledge with practical implementation in the classroom setting. Additionally, it focuses to revolve around the following research questions: What are the benefits of integrating Bloom’s Taxonomy into the teaching methods used by English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers, and how does it contribute to improving language learning outcomes and teaching effectiveness? Through a thorough examination of existing literature on integrating Bloom’s Taxonomy in the EFL context, this article presents evidence that showcases how Bloom’s Taxonomy empowers novice teachers to create more organized, diverse, and student-oriented lessons. The results of this review analysis demonstrate that using Bloom’s Taxonomy provides EFL teachers with a guide and diverse set of tools to support the development of language skills and cognitive abilities suitable for all types of learners. The review article goes beyond addressing the challenges that novice teachers face, offering a framework that helps new educators master their teaching skills which could result in better language acquisition for EFL students.
Fuzzy inference system model for the spectrum site coefficients of the Türkiye Building Earthquake Code (2018)
Authors: Okumuş Vefa , Mangır Atakan
Published: October 2023

The response spectra in the seismic design codes guide the seismic design force calculations that are crucial for structural safety and construction costs. In general, they are determined by crisp logic-based numerical classifications of seismic parameters, which primarily affect the shape and values of the spectrum. Crisp logic response spectra generation may have limitations in the accurate determination of relevant parameters. In this paper, a fuzzy inference system (FIS) rule-based model is proposed to address this issue. The proposed model uses spectral acceleration coefficients and shear wave velocity as inputs to generate the site coefficients of the response spectra according to the Türkiye Building Earthquake Code (TBEC 2018). The FIS model spectra generation is compared with the crisp logic model for thirty-five examples, and the model performance is evaluated. The study demonstrates significant differences between the two models in terms of the response spectra' shape and acceleration spectrum intensity values, but the FIS model provides comparatively better accuracy in response spectra generation. The proposed model can be modified and applied to various parameters for generating response spectra in different seismic design codes with the exposition of fuzzy logic rules that show the concerned problem's internal working mechanism.
Fuzzy inference system model for the spectrum characteristic periods of the Türkiye Building Earthquake Code (2007)
Authors: Mangır Atakan , Okumuş Vefa
Published: October 2023

Seismic design codes define response spectra with crisp numerical classifications of seismic parameters, which mainly affect the spectrum's shape and determination of seismic design loads. The efficiency of structural safety and construction costs depends on the optimum design and accurately determined seismic forces. As presented in the seismic design codes, several parameters are utilized to calculate the seismic design forces with response spectra. This study proposes a rule-based fuzzy inference system (FIS) model with fuzzy set numbers to determine the relevant parameters. By defining the soil profile thickness and shear wave velocity as inputs, the model generates the spectrum characteristic periods specified in the Türkiye Building Earthquake Code (TBEC 2007). The response spectra of twenty different samples with the FIS and crisp models were generated and compared to assess the model's superiority. Unlike crisp seismic code classifications, the proposed FIS model accounts for imperfections in soil group selection and topmost soil layer thickness, offering a more realistic representation of uncertainties and proving to be an effective tool for addressing linguistic vagueness in seismic response spectra analysis. The comparison between fuzzy and crisp output seismic parameters revealed significant differences in response spectra shape and spectrum intensity values. The FIS model-generated spectra were more conservative in certain building locations, while in others, they provided similar or lower values, suggesting potential cost savings in design. The FIS model demonstrates its efficacy in producing more accurate and robust designs by considering the uncertainties inherent in the problem. Furthermore, this approach has the potential to be extended to study seismic parameters of other design codes, although further research is required to comprehensively explore its capabilities and limitations.
Investigating the behavior of hollow steel section beam under repetitive transverse impact loading
Authors: Nasery Mohammad Manzoor
Published: October 2023

When a load is exerted on a structural element several times, it is called repetitive loading. This type of loading causes more damage to structural elements than monotonic loading. This paper presents the effects of repetitive transverse impact loading on the weak axis of rectangular hollow steel section beam. For this purpose, three simply supported beams were tested with a constant drop weight of 75 kg and three different heights (400 mm, 800 mm and 1200 mm). Transverse impact load was exerted on each specimen 3 times repeatedly. In the numerical studies, finite element models of all specimens were developed using ABAQUS finite element analysis software. In order to obtain reliable numerical models, finite element models were verified using the experimental data. To investigate the effects of repetitive transverse impact loading on hollow section steel beam, parameters such as displacement, reaction forces, stress distributions and out of plane plastic denting were evaluated comparatively. The obtained results showed that, when the height value is increased twice as the initial height in test series RIA and RIB, the displacement value increased by 57% in the first hit, 68% in the second hit and 79 % in the third hit. Thus, it seems that the increase in the displacement value due to the increase in the damage of subsequent hits is not linear, but rather logarithmic. Finally, it was understood that with increase in the plastic deformation and displacement occurring in an element subjected to repeated impact loading, a decrement occurs in the reaction force transferred to the supports.
The Effect of Teaching Speaking Strategies on Speaking Performance and Speaking Anxiety
Authors: UYAR Seçil Simge , HAMZADAYI Ergün
Published: October 2023

The aim of this research is to determine the effect of teaching speaking strategies on speaking performance and speaking anxiety. In the research pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design with control group was used. The study group of the research consisted of 38 students, 19 of whom were in the control group and 19 of them in the experimental group, studying in the 8th grade. The data of the research were collected with the speech evaluation form and the speech anxiety scale for secondary school students, data were analyzed with dependent sample t test, independent sample t test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). One of the results obtained from the study is that teaching speaking strategies does not differentiate significantly on speaking performance and speaking anxiety compared to traditional instruction. On the other hand, teaching speaking strategies had a positive and significant effect on the speaking performance of the experimental group but did not show any effect on speaking anxiety.
Keywords: speaking, speaking strategies, speaking performance, speaking anxiety
COMPARISON OF HONEY, POLLEN AND PROPOLIS AMOUNTS AND HONEY QUALITY OBTAINED FROM BEE PASTURE AND HIGHLAND
Authors: Çaçan Erdal , Kutlu Mehmet Ali , Uçar Rıdvan , Özdemir Selim , Kökten Kağan , Mokhtarzadeh Sam , Ekmekçi Muammer
Published: October 2023

This study was carried out to determine the honey, pollen and propolis amounts and honey qualities obtained from the bee pasture established in Bingöl University between the years 2021-2022 and highland and to compare the bee pasture and the highland in terms of these characteristics. 10 beehives were used in the study. Five beehives were left in the bee pasture, and 5 of them were taken to the highland for comparison. The quantities of honey, pollen, and propolis per hive and the moisture, diastase, HMF, commercial glucose, C13 sugar, C4 sugar, and the difference between raw protein in honey and delta C13 sugar of honeys were determined for both locations. These quality parameters obtained were evaluated according to the Turkish Food Codex Honey Communiqué. As a result of the research, it was determined that there was no statistical difference between the amounts of pollen and propolis obtained from the bee pasture and the highland, and the amount of honey obtained from the highland was higher than the bee pasture. In addition, it has been determined that the honey obtained from both bee pasture and highland is at the "appropriate" level in terms of the limit values determined by the Turkish Food Codex Honey Communiqué in terms of quality criteria. In the light of these data, it has been understood that although the honey yield from bee pasture is low, it is sustainable and can be an alternative to migratory or highland beekeeping.
Évoquer et traiter en temps et en heure le paludisme
Authors: Bouzid D. , Houzé S. , Thellier M. , Noel H. , Jauréguiberry S. , Casalino E.
Published: October 2023

Le paludisme est une urgence médicale qui tue une vingtaine de personnes chaque année en France. Les services d’urgences adultes et pédiatriques sont en première ligne pour son diagnostic ainsi que pour l’évaluation de la gravité des cas dont dépendent le choix du traitement initial et la décision finale d’orientation (traitement ambulatoire, admission en médecine, admission en réanimation). Intégrer le patient à sa sortie des urgences dans une filière de soins adaptée à son état clinique et à son contexte personnel et social est essentiel à la qualité des soins et à la sécurité du patient. Mais l’organisation adéquate du parcours clinique du patient au sein du service d’urgences est également essentielle. Nous présentons ici un rappel des principales difficultés diagnostiques et thérapeutiques du paludisme, et des outils d’aide au diagnostic et à la décision thérapeutique à mettre en place dans les services d’urgences afin d’améliorer la qualité et la sécurité des soins des patients.
Quantitative noninvasive measurement of cerebrospinal fluid flow in shunted hydrocephalus
Authors: Ha Joseph H. , Borzage Matthew T. , Vanstrum Erik B. , Doyle Eamon K. , Upreti Meenakshi , Tamrazi Benita , Nelson Marvin , Blüml Stefan , Johal Malkiat S. , McComb J. Gordon , Chu Jason , Durham Susan , Krieger Mark D. , Moats Rex A. , Chiarelli Peter A.
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

Standard MRI protocols lack a quantitative sequence that can be used to evaluate shunt-treated patients with a history of hydrocephalus. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI), a quantitative MR sequence, to measure CSF flow through the shunt and demonstrate PC-MRI as a useful adjunct in the clinical monitoring of shunt-treated patients.

METHODS

The rapid (96 seconds) PC-MRI sequence was calibrated using a flow phantom with known flow rates ranging from 0 to 24 mL/hr. Following phantom calibration, 21 patients were scanned with the PC-MRI sequence. Multiple, successive proximal and distal measurements were gathered in 5 patients to test for measurement error in different portions of the shunt system and to determine intrapatient CSF flow variability. The study also includes the first in vivo validations of PC-MRI for CSF shunt flow by comparing phase-contrast–measured flow rate with CSF accumulation in a collection burette obtained in patients with externalized distal shunts.

RESULTS

The PC-MRI sequence successfully measured CSF flow rates ranging from 6 to 54 mL/hr in 21 consecutive pediatric patients. Comparison of PC-MRI flow measurement and CSF volume collected in a bedside burette showed good agreement in a patient with an externalized distal shunt. Notably, the distal portion of the shunt demonstrated lower measurement error when compared with PC-MRI measurements acquired in the proximal catheter.

CONCLUSIONS

The PC-MRI sequence provided accurate and reliable clinical measurements of CSF flow in shunt-treated patients. This work provides the necessary framework to include PC-MRI as an immediate addition to the clinical setting in the noninvasive evaluation of shunt function and in future clinical investigations of CSF physiology.
Minimally invasive keyhole approach for supramaximal frontal glioma resections: technical note
Authors: Merenzon Martín A. , Mendez Valdez Mynor J. , Chandar Jay , Lu Victor M. , Marco del Pont Francisco , Morell Alexis A. , Eichberg Daniel G. , Daggubati Lekhaj , Benjamin Carolina G. , Shah Ashish H. , Ivan Michael E. , Komotar Ricardo J.
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

The authors aimed to review the frontal lobe’s surgical anatomy, describe their keyhole frontal lobectomy technique, and analyze the surgical results.

METHODS

Patients with newly diagnosed frontal gliomas treated using a keyhole approach with supramaximal resection (SMR) from 2016 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Surgeries were performed on patients asleep and awake. A human donor head was dissected to demonstrate the surgical anatomy. Kaplan-Meier curves were used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 790 craniotomies performed during the study period, those in 47 patients met our inclusion criteria. The minimally invasive approach involved four steps: 1) debulking the frontal pole; 2) subpial dissection identifying the sphenoid ridge, olfactory nerve, and optic nerve; 3) medial dissection to expose the falx cerebri and interhemispheric structures; and 4) posterior dissection guided by motor mapping, avoiding crossing the inferior plane defined by the corpus callosum. A fifth step could be added for nondominant lesions by resecting the inferior frontal gyrus. Perioperative complications were recorded in 5 cases (10.6%). The average hospital length of stay was 3.3 days. High-grade gliomas had a median progression-free survival of 14.8 months and overall survival of 23.9 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Keyhole approaches enabled successful SMR of frontal gliomas without added risks. Robust anatomical knowledge and meticulous surgical technique are paramount for obtaining successful resections.
Healthcare disparities in deep brain stimulation access and utilization: a systematic review
Authors: Deshpande Nachiket , Hadi Moustafa , Ali Rushna
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

Since FDA approval of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for essential tremor over 2 decades ago, indications and utilization of this modality have rapidly expanded worldwide. However, certain patient populations are known to be underrepresented among those undergoing DBS for various indications.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed and Embase for disparities related to DBS care. Any retrospective or prospective study addressing inequalities related to DBS were included for qualitative analysis. Additionally, all clinical trials and DBS studies with at least 100 patients were also included to evaluate for demographic disparities in the DBS literature.

RESULTS

Of the 5192 screened articles, 43 were included. The authors found that female gender, minority race, geographic barriers, low socioeconomic status, and the presence of multiple comorbidities are all linked to the underutilization of DBS. Analysis of demographic data from large-scale DBS studies and clinical trials revealed that females and Black patients continue to be underrepresented in the DBS literature and among those receiving DBS therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

As the indications and utilization continue to grow, addressing healthcare disparities related to DBS has become increasingly important. The authors suggest that increasing patient and provider education, expanding the role of telemedicine within DBS care, and improving support services for DBS patients may improve access and utilization.
Risk Analysis Index as a preoperative frailty tool for elective ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Courville Evan , Rumalla Kavelin , Kazim Syed Faraz , Dicpinigaitis Alis J. , Schmidt Meic , Robinson Timothy M. , Bowers Christian A.
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) predominantly occurs in older patients, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement is the definitive surgical treatment. VPS surgery carries significant postoperative complication rates, which may tip the risk/benefit balance of this treatment option for frail, or higher-risk, patients. In this study, the authors investigated the use of frailty scoring for preoperative risk stratification for adverse event prediction in iNPH patients who underwent elective VPS placement.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) was queried from 2018 to 2019 for iNPH patients aged ≥ 60 years who underwent VPS surgery. Risk Analysis Index (RAI) and modified 5-item Frailty Index (mFI-5) scores were calculated and RAI cross-tabulation was used to analyze trends in frailty scores by the following binary outcome measures: overall complications, nonhome discharge (NHD), extended length of stay (eLOS) (> 75th percentile), and mortality. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the discriminatory accuracy of RAI and mFI-5 for primary outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 9319 iNPH patients underwent VPS surgery, and there were 685 readmissions (7.4%), 593 perioperative complications (6.4%), and 94 deaths (1.0%). Increasing RAI score was significantly associated with increasing rates of postoperative complications: RAI scores 11–15, 5.4% (n = 80); 16–20, 5.6% (n = 291); 21–25, 7.6% (n = 166); and ≥ 26, 11.6% (n = 56). The discriminatory accuracy of RAI was statistically superior (DeLong test, p < 0.05) to mFI-5 for the primary endpoints of mortality, NHD, and eLOS. All RAI C-statistics were > 0.60 for mortality within 30 days (C-statistic = 0.69, 95% CI 0.68–0.70).

CONCLUSIONS

In a nationwide database analysis, increasing frailty, as measured by RAI, was associated with NHD, 30-day mortality, unplanned readmission, eLOS, and postoperative complications. Although the RAI outperformed the mFI-5, it is essential to account for the potentially reversible clinical issues related to the underlying disease process, as these factors may inflate frailty scores, assign undue risk, and diminish their utility. This knowledge may enhance provider understanding of the impact of frailty on postoperative outcomes for patients with iNPH, while highlighting the potential constraints associated with frailty assessment tools.
Correlation between tumor invasion and somatostatin receptor subtypes in acromegaly
Authors: Zhang Shaolin , Yao Shun , Chen Jinping , Akter Farhana , Yang Jia , Zhu Dimin , Zeng Ailiang , Chen Wenli , Mao Zhigang , Zhu Yonghong , Wang Haijun
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

The low expression of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) subtypes in somatotropinoma is associated with a poor response to somatostatin analogs (SSAs). However, the correlation between SSTRs and tumor invasion has not yet been clarified. Therefore, the authors aimed to investigate the relationship between SSTRs and tumor invasion, as well as the correlation between tumor invasiveness and pharmacological response to SSAs.

METHODS

A total of 102 patients with acromegaly who underwent surgery between December 2016 and December 2021 at the largest pituitary tumor surgery center in southern China were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into the noninvasive tumor group (Knosp grades 0–2 and Hardy-Wilson grade I or II) and invasive group (either Knosp grade 3 or 4 or Hardy-Wilson grade III or IV). The positive response to SSAs was defined by the following criteria after at least 3 months of SSA treatment: 1) ≥ 50% reduction or age- and sex-adjusted normal range of insulin-like growth factor–1 (IGF-1) level; 2) ≥ 80% reduction in or normal range of growth hormone (GH) level; or 3) > 20% reduction in tumor volume. The reference for the normal range of age- and sex-adjusted serum IGF-1 levels was derived from a survey of 2791 healthy adults (1339 males and 1452 females) in China. Demographics and clinical characteristics including tumor size, biochemical assessment, expression levels of SSTRs, and response to preoperative SSAs were compared between the invasive group and noninvasive group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the association between SSTR2 and tumor invasion.

RESULTS

Compared with the noninvasive group, the invasive group presented with a larger tumor size (9.99 ± 10.41 cm3 vs 3.50 ± 4.02 cm3, p < 0.001), relatively lower SSTR2 expression (p < 0.001), and poorer response to SSAs (36.4% vs 91.7%, p < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between SSTR2 mRNA level and tumor size (r = −0.214, p = 0.031). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the expression of SSTR1, SSTR3, and SSTR5 between the groups. ROC analysis revealed that the low SSTR2 mRNA level was closely associated with tumor invasion (area under the curve 0.805, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor invasion is negatively correlated with SSTR2 level but is not associated with other SSTR subtypes. Patients with invasive tumors have a poorer response to SSA therapy, which may be due to the low level of SSTR2 expression. Therefore, SSTR2 could be considered as a routine investigative marker for aiding management of postoperative residual tumors.
Machine learning models for predicting seizure outcome after MR-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy in children
Authors: Yossofzai Omar , Stone Scellig S. D. , Madsen Joseph R. , Wang Shelly , Ragheb John , Mohamed Ismail , Bollo Robert J. , Clarke Dave , Perry M. Scott , Weil Alexander G. , Raskin Jeffrey S. , Pindrik Jonathan , Ahmed Raheel , Lam Sandi K. , Fallah Aria , Maniquis Cassia , Andrade Andrea , Ibrahim George M. , Drake James , Rutka James T. , Tailor Jignesh , Mitsakakis Nicholas , Widjaja Elysa
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

MR-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) is associated with lower seizure-free outcome but better safety profile compared to open surgery. However, the predictors of seizure freedom following MRgLITT remain uncertain. This study aimed to use machine learning to predict seizure-free outcome following MRgLITT and to identify important predictors of seizure freedom in children with drug-resistant epilepsy.

METHODS

This multicenter study included children treated with MRgLITT for drug-resistant epilepsy at 13 epilepsy centers. The authors used clinical data, diagnostic investigations, and ablation features to predict seizure-free outcome at 1 year post-MRgLITT. Patients from 12 centers formed the training cohort, and patients in the remaining center formed the testing cohort. Five machine learning algorithms were developed on the training data by using 10-fold cross-validation, and model performance was measured on the testing cohort. The models were developed and tested on the complete feature set. Subsequently, 3 feature selection methods were used to identify important predictors. The authors then assessed performance of the parsimonious models based on these important variables.

RESULTS

This study included 268 patients who underwent MRgLITT, of whom 44.4% had achieved seizure freedom at 1 year post-MRgLITT. A gradient-boosting machine algorithm using the complete feature set yielded the highest area under the curve (AUC) on the testing set (AUC 0.67 [95% CI 0.50–0.82], sensitivity 0.71 [95% CI 0.47–0.88], and specificity 0.66 [95% CI 0.50–0.81]). Logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, and neural network yielded lower AUCs (0.58–0.63) compared to the gradient-boosting machine but the findings were not statistically significant (all p > 0.05). The 3 feature selection methods identified video-EEG concordance, lesion size, preoperative seizure frequency, and number of antiseizure medications as good prognostic features for predicting seizure freedom. The parsimonious models based on important features identified by univariate feature selection slightly improved model performance compared to the complete feature set.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the predictors of seizure freedom after MRgLITT will assist with prognostication.
Headache relief 10 years after cervical disc arthroplasty: multicenter randomized clinical trial post hoc analysis
Authors: Zhou James , Ho Alison , Ghaffari-Rafi Arash , Castillo Jose , Kim Kee
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

Headache relief after anterior cervical spine surgery has been reported. No study, however, has followed patients out to 10 years to assess the durability of headache improvement. The authors analyzed a group of patients with a 10-year follow-up after one- or two-level cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) from an FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) study.

METHODS

The authors performed a post hoc analysis of 189 patients treated with CDA from the 9 highest enrolling sites in a prospective multicenter randomized US FDA IDE clinical trial. Patients had one- or two-level CDA at contiguous levels from C3 to C7 using the Mobi-C device. The authors evaluated headache scores from the headache section of the Neck Disability Index (NDI), along with associated demographic variables (age, sex, race, ethnicity, and BMI). Preoperative and 10-year postoperative headache scores were analyzed. Primary analysis was conducted via the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, followed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

After accounting for age, BMI, race, ethnicity, and sex, there was sustained headache improvement 10 years after CDA (p = 0.04). Preoperatively, the median NDI score was 3.00 (IQR 1.00–4.00) and after 10 years it was 1.00 (IQR 0.00–2.00), with a decrease in the NDI score by 1.00 point (95% CI 0.00–2.00, p = 0.04). For one-level CDA, the median NDI score was 3.00 (IQR 1.00–4.00) preoperatively but 1.00 (IQR 0.00–2.00) at 10 years, with an estimated reduction in the NDI score of 1 point (95% CI 1.00–2.00, p < 0.0001). For two-level CDA, the median NDI score was 3.00 (IQR 1.75–4.00) preoperatively and 1.00 (IQR 0.00–2.00) at 10 years, with an estimated reduction in the NDI score of 1 point (95% CI 1.00–2.00, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Headache relief provided by cervical CDA, for symptomatic C3–7 cervical spondylosis, was sustained even 10 years after surgery. There was no difference in headache improvement between the one- and two-level CDA groups, or among BMI, sex, race, and ethnicity strata.
Association between the upper instrumented vertebra screw angles and proximal junctional complications in patients with de novo degenerative lumbar scoliosis
Authors: Qiu Weipeng , Sun Zhuoran , Zhou Siyu , Han Gengyu , Chen Zimu , Zeng Yan , Yu Miao , Li Weishi
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) screw angles on proximal junctional complications in patients with de novo degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DNDLS).

METHODS

A total of 120 patients with DNDLS who underwent posterior long-segment instrumentation and fusion were included. Patients were divided into a proximal junctional kyphosis/failure (PJK/PJF) group and a non-PJK/PJF group. Radiographic parameters were measured, including UIV screw angle, UIV slope, UIV screw slope, fixed segmental angle (FSA), and spinopelvic parameters. Clinical and radiographic data were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of PJK/PJF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the threshold value to predict PJK/PJF.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients (30.0%) developed PJK or PJF during follow-up. Patients in the PJK/PJF group had a larger postoperative UIV screw angle, a larger postoperative UIV screw slope, and a larger postoperative PJA. A significant increase was observed in UIV screw angle from immediately postoperative assessment to the final follow-up in two groups (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that a larger positive postoperative UIV screw angle was an independent risk factor for PJK/PJF (OR 1.546, 95% CI 1.274–1.877). ROC curve analysis indicated that a UIV screw angle ≥ 1° is more likely to develop PJK/PJF. Compared with group A patients (UIV screw angle < 1°), group B patients (UIV screw angle ≥ 1°) had a higher incidence of PJK, PJF, UIV screw loosening, and worse functional scores at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Avoiding insertion of cranially directed UIV pedicle screws may help prevent the development of PJK and PJF in patients with DNDLS.
Dynamic Fluoroscopic Myelography in the Evaluation of Spinal Dorsal Arachnoid Web
Authors: Majid S. , Park H. , Thamburaj K.
Published: October 2023

Dorsal arachnoid web is a challenging condition to diagnose on MR imaging. MR imaging flow studies have shown altered CSF flow dynamics near the web. We describe the findings of an arachnoid web with dynamic fluoroscopic myelography in a 77-year-old man. Dynamic myelography revealed
functional CSF flow obstruction and focal dorsal thecal sac enlargement with a dynamic change in size at the T6 level.
Perfusion MRI Techniques: Beyond DSC
Authors: Peret Anthony , Capel Kelly W. , Jen Mu-Lan , Chang Warren , Kuner Anthony D. , Manunga Jesse M. , Samsonov Alexey A. , Holmes James H. , Johnson Kevin M. , Eisenmenger Laura B.
Published: October 2023

The use of brain hemodynamics is important in the assessment of numerous pathophysiologic conditions. The measurement of perfusion or delivery of blood to tissues by MR imaging is essential for neuroradiologists to understand and appropriately apply to clinical practice. Several different
approaches are used. DSC and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging study the signal change (according to T2* and T1, respectively) induced by an exogenous contrast agent, allowing the measurement of CBF, CBV, and time-related parameters. Blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) MR imaging
measures the T2* signal changes induced by the paramagnetic molecule deoxyhemoglobin. BOLD MR imaging provides complex measurements because the signal varies not only with changes in CBF but also with several other parameters such as tissular oxygen uptake and brain activation. Arterial spin-labeling
MR imaging is a technique relying on labeled endogenous water as a tracer. By measuring the signal difference between 2 sets of acquisitions (labeling and control), arterial spin-labeling MR imaging calculates cerebral perfusion in a quantitative manner. This article aims to review the fundamentals
of perfusion MR imaging techniques essential to any neuroradiology practice along with their advantages, disadvantages, and applications to research and clinical care.Learning Objective: To review DSC MR imaging and alternative MR imaging perfusion techniques, focusing on methodology,
advancements, and applications essential for the neuroradiologist to understand and clinically use these techniques
Acute Cervical Spine Trauma: Imaging Assessment and Management
Authors: Gilliver Ruth L. , Meacock James , Derham Christopher , Currie Stuart
Published: October 2023

The intent of this article is to provide a comprehensive, educational overview of cervical spinal trauma, bringing together the mechanism of injury, imaging assessment, common injury patterns and classification systems, and acute management. Accompanying illustrations will act as powerful
tools for comprehension. These concepts will be underpinned by frequent reference to neuroradiology and a grounding of cervical spinal anatomy. Although primarily aimed at the reporting radiologist, this article will serve as an important scholastic adjunct to other clinical specialties, including
emergency physicians, trauma and orthopedic surgeons, and neurosurgeons.Learning Objective: To understand cervical spinal anatomy, describe the common mechanisms and patterns of cervical spinal injury, and identify injuries for which further imaging assessment is recommended
ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN RASIO KEUANGAN MEMPREDIKSI PERINGKAT OBLIGASI PADA PERUSAHAAN PERBANKAN PERIODE 2017-2021
Authors: Yuliani Reva , Utami Eristy Minda , Fatihat Gita Genia
Published: October 2023

Penelitian ini menganalisis bagaimana peringkat obligasi dipengaruhi oleh variabel Current Ratio (CR), Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Return On Asset (ROA), Non-Performing Loans Ratio (NPL) dan  Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR). Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif melalui metode kuantitatif. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 8 Bank. Hasil uji t menunjukkan bahwa Debt to Equity Ratio (DER) dan Non-Performing Loans Ratio (NPL) berpengaruh terhadap rating secara signifikan. Hasil uji  f menunjukkan bahwa semua variabel berpengaruh signifikan secara simultan terhadap peringkat obligasi. Hasil koefisien determinasi pada penelitian ini sebesar sebesar 64,5%, Sementara sisanya 35,5% dijelaskan oleh faktor lainya yang tidak diteliti dalam penelitian ini.
UKURAN PERUSAHAAN, LEVERAGE, KINERJA PERUSAHAAN DAN CARBON EMISSION DISCLOSURE
Authors: Aprilyani Dewi Putu Pande R. , Agustina Putu Ayu Anggya
Published: October 2023

Carbon emission disclosure merupakan bagian dari bentuk pengungkapan lingkungan yang tergolong dalam corporate social responsibility dalam upaya menurunkan emisi karbon. Populasi yang diteliti dalam penelitian ini yaitu perusahaan pertambangan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia selama tahun 2018 – 2021. Sampel penelitian ditentukan dengan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling dan didapatkan sampel sebanyak 56 perusahaan. Teknik analisis dalam penelitian ini yaitu analisis regresi linear berganda. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa ukuran perusahaan berpengaruh pada carbon comission disclosure, leverage berpengaruh pada carbon comission disclosure dan kinerja perusahaan berpengaruh pada carbon comission disclosure.
PENGARUH IMPLEMENTASI AUDIT LINGKUNGAN DAN TINGKAT PENGUNGKAPAN AKTIVITAS LINGKUNGAN SERTA IMPLIKASINYA TERHADAP PERUBAHAN HARGA SAHAM PADA INDUSTRI PERTAMBANGAN, ENERGI DAN MIGAS (PEM) PADA PERUSAHAAN PUBLIK INDONESIA PERIODE TAHUN 2018 - 2022
Authors: Apsariwigati Anindita , Julianto Muhamad , Ranjamandi Aprinanto , Hamzah M. Imron , Suripto Suripto
Published: October 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan bukti empiris pengaruh dari implementasi audit lingkungan dan tingkat pengungkapan aktivitas lingkungan terhadap perubahan harga saham.. Populasi pada penelitian ini yaitu perusahaan pertambangan, energi, dan migas (PEM) yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia tahun 2018 - 2022. Penentuan sampel dengan teknik purposive sampling, diperoleh sampel sebanyak 57 perusahaan dengan 171 data observasi. Teknik analisis dan pengujian hipotesis dilakukan dengan analisis regresi data panel melalui Eviews-10. Diperoleh hasil penelitian bahwa implemnetasi audit lingkungan dan tingkat pengungkapan aktivitas lingkungan tidak berpengaruh terhadap perubahan harga saham. Implementasi audit lingkungan secara parsial tidak berpengaruh terhadap perubahan harga saham, sementara tingkat pengungkapan aktivitas lingkungan secara parsial tidak berpengaruh terhadap perubahan harga saham.
PENGARUH STRES KERJA TERHADAP NIAT KELUAR PERUSAHAAN PADA GENERASI MILENIAL INDONESIA
Authors: Alifah Qattrunnada , Indiyati Dian
Published: October 2023

Niat keluar perusahaan merupakan sikap individu akibat stres yang berujung pada keinginan untuk keluar dari perusahaan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh stres kerja terhadap niat keluar karyawan pada generasi milenial sektor ritel di Indonesia. Diharapkan penelitian ini dapat berkontribusi untuk memperluas pemahaman, wawasan dan menjadi panduan bagi perusahaan untuk merumuskan strategi yang efektif untuk mengurangi tingkat keinginan berhenti, khususnya di kalangan generasi milenial di Indonesia. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif-kausalitas. Populasi penelitian ini adalah generasi milenial yang bekerja di sektor retail di Indonesia dengan jumlah sampel 360 responden. Data diperoleh melalui kuesioner dan hasil nya diolah dan dianalisis dengan menggunakan SEM-Amos. Temuan pada penelitian ini yaitu stres kerja memiliki pengaruh yang positif dan signifikan terhadap niat berhenti, dimana role ambiguity mempunyai pengaruh lebih dominan
Gas-dynamic processes and causes of accidents at mines
Authors: Bahrii I. D. , Dubosarskyi V. R. , Mamyshev I. Ye.
Published: October 2023

Geodynamic phenomena that occur during the exploitation of a coal-bearing massif lead to human casualties, reduce the speed of penetration, and significantly complicate the operation of the mine.The article analyzes existing views on geodynamic processes occurring within mining fields located in coal-bearing formations. A safe technology for identifying potential outburst locations during coal mining is characterized. The technology has been tested during prospecting and environmental studies within the mining workings at active mines and abandoned mining fields. The results of profile and planar investigations in he areas exhibiting geodynamic outbursts in coal deposits and mines are presented.When sampling subsoil air using the technology of structural-thermo-atmospheric-hydrogeochemical research (STAHGS), which is carried out on the surface of the earth in profile and planar versions, the authors came to the conclusion about the possibility of predicting fault zones of increased permeability and zones of low fluid permeability. The first affect the rate of destruction of rocks under pressure, and in the second case, the possibility of gas emissions into the mine, which can be accompanied by an explosion and fire. Such zones are dangerous, because the most destructive events occur in places of collision. Early identification of places of geodynamic stress of rocks, fault zones of increased permeability, accumulation of gases – all this will allow to make a decision in advance about changing the conditions of conducting mining operations and degassing of the coal massif.In addition, the authors draw attention to hydrogen gas as one of the causes of initiation of explosions and fires during underground mining operations in mines, which is not taken into account at the current stage of safety control of mining operations. The possible cause of a hydrogen explosion is not taken into account in coal mine accidents. The appearance of hydrogen and helium in coal samples taken from the mine may indicate the deformation of the massif, which leads to the opening of cracks and the outflow of gas from deeper horizons. And then an increase in the concentration of hydrogen, not methane, creates the conditions for explosions and fires.
Деякі аспекти впровадження сучасних технологій буріння глибоких нафтових і газових свердловин (оглядова стаття)
Authors: Stefurak R. I. , Yaremiychuk R. S.
Published: October 2023

Висвітлено історію буріння надглибоких свердловин (глибиною понад 6000 м) у світі та в Україні.В Україні найглибша і найдовша до сьогодні свердловина Шевченково-1 була пробурена ще в період СРСР до глибини 7522 м.Особливої уваги надано як бурінню таких свердловин державною компанією НАК “Нафтогаз України”, так і деякими приватними нафтогазовидобувними підприємствами, зокрема ТОВ “ДТЕК Нафтогаз”.В окремих випадках приватні структури забезпечують буріння надглибоких свердловин з кращими показниками, ніж державні бурові підприємства, які входять в структуру НАК “Нафтогаз України”. Вони досягають більших глибин і швидкостей буріння.ТОВ “ДТЕК Нафтогаз” досягнув цього за рахунок використання доліт PDC, обертання яких здійснювалося комбінованим способом від верхнього приводу та гвинтового двигуна.У 2017 р. пробурена і введена в експлуатацію найбільша продуктивна свердловина в Європі – св. 17 Семиренківського родовища глибиною 6750 м.В останні роки буровики НАК “Нафтогаз України” ефективно пробурили три надглибокі свердловини в Дніпровсько-Донецькій западині відповідно з глибинами 6040, 6100 та 6000 м.Викладено вимоги до проєктування глибоких свердловин. На думку авторів, проєкти буріння експлуатаційних свердловин мають складатися з двох частин, перша з яких передбачає забезпечення максимальної швидкості буріння, а друга – якісного розкриття продуктивних горизонтів.Описано вітчизняний досвід підготовки спеціалістів з нафтогазової інженерії у вишах України. Сформульовано вимоги до рівня знань викладачів цих вишів та акцентовано увагу на необхідності оволодіння новітніми технологіями працюючих фахівців.Отримані авторами висновки можуть сприяти покращенню стану справ з підготовки спеціалістів з нафтогазової інженерії та буріння в Україні та підвищенню ефективності робіт з буріння нафтових та газових свердловин на суші та на морі.
Дослідження процесів ретроградної конденсації важких вуглеводнів у привибійній зоні газоконденсатних свердловин
Authors: Matkivskyi S. V.
Published: October 2023

Використовуючи основні інструменти цифрового моделювання на основі секторної 3D моделі, проведено дослідження з оптимізації процесів конденсації рідких вуглеводнів у привибійній зоні пласта. За результатами виконаних досліджень встановлено, що фільтраційно-ємнісні властивості порід-колекторів та технологічні параметри експлуатації видобувних свердловин значно впливають на радіус зони активної конденсації рідких вуглеводнів та насиченість порового простору. На основі результатів моделювання встановлено, що для проникності порід-колекторів на рівні 3 мД радіус привибійної зони, насиченої рідкими вуглеводнями, становить 16,5 м, для проникності 10 мД – 11 м, а для проникності 50 мД – 6,5 м. Насиченість порового простору сконденсованими вуглеводнями навколо стовбура свердловини при цьому дорівнює 34,1; 30,6 та 24,8 %, відповідно. Результати проведених досліджень свідчать про те, що чим менша проникність порід-колекторів, тим більші втрати рідких вуглеводнів. Для збільшення конденсатовіддачі родовищ необхідно вживати заходи щодо попередження випадіння конденсату в пластових умовах шляхом оптимізації розробки родовищ із забезпеченням рівномірного дренування покладів, активної дії на процес розробки, а саме – на пластовий тиск, температуру, склад пластової суміші та пористе середовище. Підвищення вуглеводневіддачі газоконденсатних родовищ в умовах, ускладнених ретроградними втратами вуглеводнів у процесі виснаження, можливе за рахунок впровадження вторинних технологій розробки, до яких відносять сайклінг-процес та інші технології підтримання пластового тиску. Інвестування у впровадження сучасних технологій розробки газоконденсатних родовищ України із високим вмістом конденсату в пластовому газі дозволить підвищити їх видобувні можливості та, відповідно, збільшити кінцеві коефіцієнти вуглеводневилучення.
Scientific and applied significance of late devonian paleontological thin sections collection (algoflora) stored in the Institute of Geological Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Authors: Sukhov O. A. , Gusarova A. D.
Published: October 2023

Information on the thin sections collection from Late Devonian deposits of Donets Basin, the Dnipro-Donets Depression, the Pre-Dobrudzhian and Lviv Paleozoic Toughs is provided. This collection is kept at the Institute of Geological Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and represented by thin sections of rocks from 13 boreholes and one outcrop. The collection data is a valuable material for studying the development of the organic world of past eras and includes important information for the study of oil-bearing sulfate-carbonate deposits of the Middle and Upper Devonian of Ukraine.The monograph “The Atlas of Late Devonian сalcareous algae of Ukraine” has been based on this collection. The atlas is the result of many years of research by O. I. Berchenko on the study of calcareous algae and stratigraphy of the Late Devonian in Ukraine. “The Atlas of Late Devonian сalcareous algae of Ukraine” is the first, and so far the only, work including all known monographically described fossil calcareous algae of the Late Devonian in Ukraine at that time and containing images of 123 species (7 of them are new) wich belong to 30 genera of Late Devonian calcareous algae genera of the Donets Basin, the Dnipro-Donets Depression, the Pre-Dobrudzhian and Lviv Paleozoic Toughs. The images of holotypes of new species, as well as the lists of paleoalgoflora have been represented in our paper.