bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in Children on Kawasaki syndrome spectrum: What’s new, Local regional experience from Pakistan.
Authors: Usman Rashid  , Rashid Nawaz  , Tahir Mahmood  , Ahmad Omair Virk  , Zile Fatima
Published: September 2022

Objective: To describe the prevalence, clinical spectrum (Particularly cardiac) and treatment strategies of MIS-C. Study Design: Case Control study (prospective and retrospective surveillance). Setting: Children Hospital and Pediatric Medicine Department DHQ/Allied Hospital Faisalabad, Pakistan. Period: 15th March, 2017, to March 14th, 2020. Material & Methods: All patients with confirmed MIS-C/KD were enrolled and made two groups before and after the pandemic of SARS CoV-2. Results: A total of 6 patients before pandemic (group 1) and 18 patients after the pandemic (group 2) were studied over a period of 3 years. There is female dominance in group 1 and male dominance in group 2. Patients in group 2 presented at higher age (median 8y). Gastrointestinal symptoms (72.2%), Shock (11.2%) and LV dysfunction (11.1%) were more different features of MIS-C as compared to KD. There was more intense hyperinflation response was in MISC as compared to KD (CRP median 15.5 vs 78 and S/Ferritin median 725 vs 1889). Conclusion: MIS-C is on the Kawasaki disease spectrum in many ways both clinically and biochemical markers but the level of inflammation and immune response and severity of cardiac involvement were much bigger than KD. This should be in high consideration in perspective of new waves of SARS CoV-2.
Effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy on the swallowing of patients with head and neck cancer.
Authors: Ayesha Awan  , Hafsa Noreen  , Muhammad Sikander Ghayas Khan  , Rashid Hussain Memon  , Malik Muhammad Qasim  , Lubna Noureen
Published: September 2022

Objective: To determine the effect of Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy on the swallowing of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Jinnah Hospital Lahore. Period: August 2020 to April 2021. Material & Methods: It was performed on forty-nine adults of age range 19-58 years in having head and neck cancer and Glasgow coma scale score above 10. and purposive sampling technique was used. Patients who have received 50-70 Gy dosage and have completed at least 10 fractions of radiation therapy treatment or received 500-1000 Mg dosage and have completed at least 2 cycles of oral chemotherapy treatment were included. Sydney Swallow Questionnaire consisting of 17 questions, each with a 100mm long visual analogue scale for marking response except question 12, was filled by all participants and their responses were recorded. After 2 months of initial recordings same patients were asked to fill the same questionnaire. During therapy and post therapy results were recorded and paired sample T test was done on the data by using SPSS. Results: The results of SSQ shows 10.20% had scores depicting no swallowing difficulty. 40.82% scored 235-500 on SSQ scale showing mild symptoms of dysphagia, 30.61% show moderate swallowing impairment, 16.33% had moderately severe and 2.04% claimed severe dysphagia before the chemo and radio therapy. It represented that after chemo-radiation treatment, 4.06% had normal swallowing, 12.24% had mild issues, 24.49% had moderate, 32.65% patients claimed moderately severe dysphagia and 26.53% have severe dysphagia. Conclusion: Severity of swallowing difficulty was increased after the Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy.
Gender effect on anti TPO antibodies and hypothyroidism in patients presenting to a teaching hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
Authors: Sara Khan  , Ayesha Siddiqa  , Maryam Rafiq  , Nudrat Fayyaz  , Muhammad Ammad Asghar  , Rizwan Hafeez
Published: September 2022

Objective: To know the gender difference in the autoimmune profile that is anti TPO antibodies and thyroid profile in patients with hypothyroidism and in euthyroid controls. Study Design: Case Control study. Settings: Medical Out Door Department of Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. Period: 01/09/2018 to 31/08/2019. Material & Methods: Case control study that was conducted after taking ethical approval from hospital ethical committee. After taking informed consent data was entered on a predesigned questionnaire and 5 ml of venous blood was taken for thyroid profile and anti TPO antibodies. Study population was selected by nonprobability sampling. A total 128 patients in which 69 in the hypothyroid group A and 69 in euthyroid control group were added. Results: Most of the anti TPO positive hypothyroid participants were females but TSH value was more in males. All euthyroid anti TPO participants were females. Female hypothyroid patients were young compared to males. Conclusion: Autoimmune thyroid disorders are more common in females, autoimmunity appears before biochemical failure of thyroid.
Hyperbilirubinemia as a new predictor of appendicular perforation in acute appendicitis.
Authors: Sana Anum  , Sajid Malik  , Muhammad Irfan Zia  , Fatima Tu Zahara  , Muhammad Tauqeer Aslam
Published: September 2022

Objective: To find the diagnostic accuracy of hyperbilirubinemia as a prediction of appendicular perforation in acute appendicitis. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Department of Surgery, Allama Iqbal Medical College/ Jinnah Hospital Lahore. Period: March 2019 to March 2020. Material & Methods: A total 345 patients meeting selection criteria were included. Serum bilirubin was measured pre-operatively and histopathology of specimen was collected. The data was analyzed using SPSS v 26 and mean ± SD, frequency and percentages were calculated. Results: There were 214(62%) males and 131(38%) females. On histopathology perforated appendicitis was seen in 70(20.3%) and 275(79.7%) cases had non-perforated appendicitis. A total of 77(22.3%) cases had hyperbilirubinemia and 268(77.7%) of the cases had normal bilirubin level. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy of hyperbilirubinemia was 90%, 94.91%, 81.82%, 97.39%, 93.91% respectively. Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of hyperbilirubinemia is high enough to identify early detection of perforated appendicitis. Hence, by early identification and appropriate management techniques, potentially life-threatening complications can be minimized.
Larvicidal activities of ethanolic extracts of Hyptis suaveolens Linn (Lamiaceae) and Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) leaves and their phytochemical properties in malaria vector control in Dogbo district in South-western Benin, West Africa
Authors: Nazaire Aïzoun  , Arlette Adjatin  , Omédine Koukoui  , Daniel Chougourou
Published: September 2022

The use of chemical insecticides causes important damages to environment and human health and there is a need to search for alternative solutions. This study aims to investigate on phytochemical properties of Hyptis suaveolens Linn (Lamiaceae) and Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) leaves and to evaluate their larvicidal activities in the malaria vector control in couffo department in south-western Republic of Benin. Larvae of Anopheles gambiae s.l mosquitoes were collected from breeding sites using the dipping method from April to July 2022 during the great rainy season in Dogbo district. A batch of twenty (20) larvae of fourth instar were exposed to ethanolic extracts of Hyptis suaveolens Linn and Azadirachta indica leaves with different concentrations of 1 mg/liter, 2mg/liter, 3 mg/liter, 4 mg/liter and 5 mg/liter in some glass jars or plastic test cups of same dimensions covered with small cutting untreated net and in some control jars containing no trace of these ethanolic extracts. Larval mortality was recorded after 24 hours, 48 hours and 72hours exposure. The results showed that the optimal concentration of ethanolic extract of Hyptis suaveolens Linn which kills 100% of Anopheles gambiae s.l. larvae was 4 mg/liter whereas the optimal concentration of ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica which kills 100% of Anopheles gambiae s.l. larvae was 2 mg/liter. Hyptis suaveolens Linn and Azadirachta indica leaves possess some phytochemical properties with larvicidal activities on larvae of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato.
Development of a smart attendance system using near field communication (SMAT-NFC)
Authors: Oluwagbemiga Omotayo SHOEWU  , Lateef Adesola AKINYEMI  , Quadri Ademola MUMUNI  , Abiodun Afis AJASA  , Comfort Oluwaseyi FOLORUNSO  , Richard EDOZIE
Published: September 2022

Taking attendance for classes has become more challenging, especially at institutions, due to the growing students population. Typically, the teacher calls names and writes them down. This approach has a number of drawbacks because when recording their attendance, students are diverted from the presentation and may register for absent classmates. The smart attendance solution suggested in this study allows students to tap their student identity (ID) card on a near field communication (NFC) reader, streamlining the attendance procedure by using near field communication (NFC) technology. The technique is affordable, effective, and simple to keep up. Automating student attendance saves time and alleviates anxiety. The average time for the NFC system to take a student's attendance is 3.5 seconds, compared to 16 seconds for the conventional method. The inaccuracy associated with recording attendance is reduced by 31% thanks to NFC technology. The numerical results of the NFC-based scheme are compared with the traditional scheme and observed that the proposed scheme outperforms the conventional scheme.
DEMPLOT BUDIDAYA SPIRULINA SKALA SEMI MASSAL SEBAGAI PAKAN TAMBAHAN PADA IKAN KOI (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) DI PONDOK PESANTREN AL-MUNIROH, KECAMATAN UJUNGPANGKAH GRESIK
Authors: Aminin Aminin , Safitri Nur Maulida , Hariyanto Hendra Setiawan , Nur Sa'diyah Nur Sa'diyah
Published: September 2022

Pondok pesantren Al-Muniroh terletak di Kecamatan Ujungpangkah dan memiliki suatu kegiatan yang tergolong unik, yaitu pembudidayaan ikan koi. Namun Selama pemeliharaan 2-3 tahun, Koi yang dipelihara pertumbuhan cenderung lambat dengan warna yang kurang menarik, sehingga tidak memiliki nilai ekonomis. Salah satu upaya yang dapat dilakukan untuk meningkatkan pertumbuhan dan perbaikan warna ikan dapat dilakukan dengan pemberian pakan tambahan yang berasal dari Spirulina spp. Jenis alga cyanophyta ini dikenal memiliki karotenoid yang cukup tinggi sehingga diharapkan dapat memperbaiki warna ikan koi menjadi lebih cerah merata dalam waktu yang singkat. Melalui Program pengabdian kepada masyarakat internal yang dilaksanakan oleh program studi Budidaya Perikanan Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik para santri pondok akan mendapatkan pengetahuan cara budidaya spirulina secara lengkap. Kegiatan pertama adalah pemberian materi cara budidaya spirulina secara laboratorium, semmi massal dan massal. Kegiatan Kedua berupa Demplot Budidaya Spirulina Skala Semi Massal Sebagai Pakan Tambahan pada ikan  Koi (Cyprinus rubrofuscus. Kegiatan bertujuan dapat meningkatkan daya jual ikan koi milik pondok pesantren Al-Muniroh pada masyarakat lokal, terutama area Gresik Utara.
PKM SOSIALISASI BERWIRAUSAHA BERBASIS EFEKTUASI PADA PEKERJA MIGRAN INDONESIA PERSIAPAN PASCA PMI DI TAIWAN
Authors: Sukaris Sukaris , Alkusani Alkusani , Dwi Komara Beni , Kirono Indro , Baskoro Heru , Ernawati Ernawati
Published: September 2022

Permasalahan yang terjadi pada Pekerja Migran Indonesia adalah pekerja migran Indonesia selalu dihadapkan pada kondisi minimnya kegiatan yang dapat meningkatkan kapasitas diri mereka, pendidikan yang saat ini dijalankan PMI adalah pendidikan penyetaraan  baik paket B maupun Paket C, namun kegiatan yang mengarah pada kegiatan peningkatan kapasitas kewirausahaan belum banyak dilakukan. Oleh karena pelatihan kewirausahaan berbasis efektuasi menjadi penting dilakukan dalam membekali PMI agar memiliki pengetahuan dan persiapan dengan aset terbaik yang dimiliki saat ini. Kegiatan ini bertujuan supaya para pekerja migran yang telah menyelesaikan kontrak kerja di Taiwan dan kembali ke Indonesia akan dapat memiliki ketrampilan pemasaran yang bermanfaat pada saat memulai suatu usaha sendiri. Pelaksanaan kegiatan dilakukan ini selama dua kali dalam seminggu secara daring (online) dengan menggunakan aplikasi zoom meeting. Hasil kegiatan telah menunjukkan bahwa PMI di Taiwan telah dan dapat memahami dengan baik dalam mengimplementasikan prinsip-prinsip efektuasi untuk mendukung pengambilan keputusan bisnis yang penting.
SOSIALISASI STANDARISASI DAN SERTIFIKASI PRODUK HALAL PELAKU USAHA DESA KRAMAT KECAMATAN DUDUKSAMPEYAN, KABUPATEN GRESIK
Authors: Kurniawan Aries , Dwi Komara Beni , Setiawan Heri Cahyo Bagus , Nabel Saed
Published: September 2022

Desa Kramat Kecamatan Duduksampeyan, Kabupaten Gresik terletak dikisaran 2 Km dari pusat kota Gresik ini memiliki keunggulan berupa destilasi air payau menjadi air minum dalam kemasan. Penduduk setempat sangat kreatif dengan melanjutkan inovasi mereka berupa industri rumah tangga kerupuk ikan. Minat masyarakat yang sangat besar akan kuliner khas Desa Kramat ini dilanjutkan dengan pembangunan Desa Wisata Alam dan Kuliner Kramat. Disana dibangun kolam pemancingan, pusat kuliner tradisional khas Gresik dan tempat wisata untuk berswa-foto.

Secara fisik pembangunan desa wisata sudah mendekati rampung, namun masih banyak pihak terkait di Desa Kramat terutama penggiat utama Desa Wisata dan masyarakat masih memerlukan bimbingan bangaimana mereka mampu mengoptimalkan potensi produk mereka  melalui peningkatan kapasitas tentang standarisasi produk dan label halal. Hal ini merupakan langkah agar kearifan lokal desa Kramat ini mampu secara nyata mampu menguatkan keunggulan produk sehingga dapat  mengangkat kemandirian ekonomi didesa Kramat. Permasalahan ini selanjutnya menjadi dasar dilakukannya Program Kemitraan Masyarakat (PKM) di desa Kramat ini. Melalui program ini penggiat utama Desa Kramat yang terdiri dari BUMDesa, Kader PKK, kader Karang Taruna dan masyarakat akan diberikan Sosialisasi Standarisasi Dan Sertifikasi Produk Halal Pelaku Usaha Di Desa Kramat Kecamatan Duduksampeyan Kabupaten Gresik.

Tujuan pelaksanaan kegiatan PKM adalah; 1. Menumbuhkan jiwa kewirausahaan masyakat desa Kramat 2. Meningkatkan daya saing produk UMKM masyarakat Desa Kramat Kecamatan Duduksampeyan, Kabupaten Gresik..  Metode  yang digunakan adalah metode ceramah dan diskusi, transfer teknologi dan demonstrasi cara. Melalui pembinaan dalam program PKM, diharapkan Penggiat utama Desa dan masyarakat mampu menumbuhkan jiwa kewirausahaan dan mampu meningkatkan daya saing produk UMKM masyarakat Desa Kramat Kecamatan Duduksampeyan, Kabupaten Gresik.
Attacks by Nile Crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) on Humans and Livestock in the Sudd Wetlands, South Sudan
Authors: Benansio John Sebit , Demaya Gift Simon , Dendi Daniele , Luiselli Luca
Published: September 2022

Nile Crocodiles, Crocodylus niloticus, are widespread along the riverine systems and wetlands of East Africa, and may locally be involved into serious conflicts with local human communities. A research study was conducted to investigate Human-Crocodiles Conflicts (HCC) and its impacts on lives and livelihoods of local communities in the Sudd Wetlands in South Sudan (East Africa). The methodology involved face-to-face interviews and structured questionnaire to fishers and other persons from riverine communities. The questionnaire focused on (i) numbers of attacks by Nile Crocodiles on humans and livestock, (ii) months of attacks, (iii) locations of attacks, and (iv) activity of victims at the time of attacks, from 2018 to 2020. The majority of the interviewees responded that Nile Crocodiles do represent a serious threat to their lives: a total of 23 persons were attacked and killed by crocodiles between 2018 and 2020, with 100% of the attacks to humans being fatal. In addition, 166 heads of livestock were killed during the same period, and a total of 355 livestock were attacked (most of them escaped the attack). The present study revealed that the peak season of attacks by crocodiles was the dry season (October – March), and that there is urgent need of environmental education and awareness for local riverine communities in order to minimize the intensity of the HCC in South Sudan.
New Distribution Site and Supplementary Description on Variations of Gloydius huangi Wang, Ren, Dong, Jiang, Siler et Che, 2019 (Reptilia: Serpentes)
Authors: Shi Sheng-Chao , Feng Jian-Yi , Jiang Jian-Ping
Published: September 2022

The newly described species Gloydius huangi Wang, Ren, Dong, Jiang, Siler et Che, 2019 were described based on only three specimens from two sites. We report a new distribution site from Markam County, Tibet Autonomous Region, China with supplementary description on variation of morphology and mitochondrial genetics of the species. The new specimen varies from types of G. huangi on head scalation, coloration patterns, and hemipenis morphology. A distinct genetical distance 1.9 – 2.2% based on Cytb gene fragment exist between the new specimen and types of the species.
Sets, Properties and Truth Values: A Category-Theoretic Approach to Zermelo’s Axiom of Separation
Authors: Pallares Vega Ivonne
Published: September 2022

In 1908 the German mathematician Ernst Zermelo gave an axiomatization of the concept of set. His axioms remain at the core of what became to be known as Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory. There were two axioms that received diverse criticisms at the time: the axiom of choice and the axiom of separation. This paper centers around one question this latter axiom raised. The main purpose is to show how this question might be solved with the aid of another, more recent mathematical theory of sets which, like Zermelo’s, has numerous philosophical underpinnings. Keywords: properties of sets, foundations of mathematics, axiom of separation, subobject classifier, truth values
William Blake: Mental Slavery and his Visions of Mental Freedom
Authors: Reininger Alice
Published: September 2022

William Blake belongs to one of those visionary artists who, during his lifetime, did not receive much recognition from society, was not understood and therefore even marked as “crazy”, his art “odd”. Nevertheless, a small circle of sensitive connoisseurs favored and supported him. But fortunately, his work was not completely forgotten. It seems that today William Blake is being highly valued. An extensive exhibition of his fine, masterful artwork was shown at Tate Britain in London till February 2020. His pictorial, sensitive works are of inestimable value to us today as they address areas that are so important for the further development of mankind nowadays. For William Blake, imprisonment of a human being does not mean only the physical, as a slave, but above all the spiritual, the mental. Unfortunately, mental slavery is not recognized as such by mankind, as Blake let us know, this is influence of sly forces. From early childhood he had visions of God and angels. For him it was clear and undoubted that man should be innocent as a small child and therefore is under God’s protection. However, according circumstances emanating from negative forces, man is enthralled and drowned in it. Keywords: religion, mental slavery, mental freedom, love for mankind, salvation
Crime as Language II – Hyperviolence and Georges Bataille's Concept of the Sovereign
Authors: Dorchain Claudia Simone
Published: September 2022

In political philosophy, trust, legality and violence are interdependent, with different weights, connecting and excluding. Trust structures suffer most from an anticipation of violence or violence itself. Violence systematically takes place in three stages, according to the german sociologist Jan-Philipp Reemtsma: expulsive, abusive, and homicidal violence, all of which have their distinctive and recurring verbal and nonverbal equivalents. The hyperviolence phenomenon goes beyond this, however, and even mutilates the dead body, whether actually physically, or through massive propaganda that declares the enemy a killable non-human. The goal of hyperviolence is a demonstration of absolute power over victim and bystander by means of a traumatizing violation of trust, reason, and individuality. At the same time, hyperviolence is an atavism in modernity (a historical regression); therefore the practitioner of hyperviolence is the anti-modern type par excellence. The french philosopher Georges Bataille introduces here the concept of "sovereignty" and the "sovereign" as the perpetrator also of hyperviolence. The sovereign's sovereignty is the immediate experience of the moment, free of any responsibility, with a rhetoric of mock justification of each of the three types of violence including hyperviolence. With the ahistorical view of escalating violence and the denial of any rational legitimation by the sovereign as the actor of hyperviolence, the structure of trust and the contract system of democracy itself is also endangered. So the question is, how does one unmask the "sovereign" on his way to undermine legal relations already in his linguistic patterns, in his non-linguistic codes, and how can escalation be prevented by early detection? Keywords: violence, hyperviolence, criminal linguistics, Georges Bataille, sovereign
Pembagian Harta Warisan secara Adat pada Masyarakat Bolaang Mongondow
Authors: Naskur Naskur , Tubagus Effendy , Kamaru Fahri Fijrin
Published: September 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggambarkan fenomena pembagian harta warisan secara adat masyarakat Bolaang Mongondow dan meninjau proses tersebut dalam kacamata Islam. masyarakat Bolaang Mongondow tidak menggunakan hukum waris seperti yang dijelaskan dalam Al-Qur'an melainkan adat pembagian harta warisan yang ditinggalkan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif deskriptif dengan mengumpulkan data secara wawancara kepada para tokoh agama yang mengerti proses pembagian warisan secara adat tersebut. Hasil yang ditemukan adalah masyarakat Bolaang Mongondow dalam perihal pembagian harta warisan mengutamakan pembagian secara adat. Proses pembagian secara adat ini dimana pembagian antara satu dara baik laki-laki maupun perempuan adalah sama. Orang-orang di Bolaang Mongondow tidak mengutamakan hukum Islam dalam hal pewarisan karena sudah menjadi kebiasaan menggunakan pembagian adat dalam pembagiannya, dan juga dikhawatirkan akan terjadi perpecahan jika seseorang menggunakan hukum Islam karena bagian-bagiannya yang ditentukan dalam Al-Qur'an. Meskipun begitu ada juga masyarakat yang mengikuti aturan Islam dalam pembagian warisan hal ini dibebaskan kepada masyarakat dalam masalah pembagian hak harta warisan.
Analisis Hukum Pertanggungjawaban Pidana oleh Pelaku Pencabulan terhadap Anak di Kota Gorontalo
Authors: Haritsa Haritsa , Moha Zohra
Published: September 2022

Pertanggungjawaban dalam hukum pidana merupakan konsekuensi hukum terhadap pelaku atas segala perbuatannya dengan berdasarkan pada sanksi pidana dalam pasal yang dilanggar oleh pelaku tindak pidana pencabulan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bentuk pertanggungjawaban pidana oleh pelaku tindak pidana pencabulan terhadap Anak di Kota Gorontalo, serta untuk mengetahui faktor yang mempengaruhi pertanggungjawaban pidana oleh pelaku tindak pidana pencabulan terhadap Anak di Kota Gorontalo. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Pengadilan Negeri Gorontalo, Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui metode interview, dan dokumentasi. Data yang terkumpul kemudian dianalisis secara kualitatif deskriptif. Hasil penelitian ini penulis menemukan bahwa bentuk pertanggungjawaban pelaku dewasa berupa sanksi pidana dan sanksi denda, sedangkan pertanggungjawaban oleh pelaku yang masih tergolong anak usia 12 Tahun dan belum mencapai 14 Tahun hanya berupa sanksi tindakan, sedangkan terhadap pelaku anak usia 14 Tahun sampai usia 18 Tahun sanksinya berupa pidana penjara dan denda paling lama ½ dari maksimal ancaman pidana penjara bagi pelaku dewasa. Faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi pertanggungjawaban pidana oleh pelaku tindak pidana pencabulan terhadap anak di Kota Gorontalo melalui putusan Pengadilan Negeri Gorontalo yaitu; 1) Usia Pelaku, 2) Adanya upaya penyelesaian diluar pengadilan, 3) Adanya pemenuhan hak korban oleh pelaku tindak pidana pencabulan. Dari kesimpulan tersebut, penulis menyarankan agar pemangku kepentingan, segera mengupayakan terbentuknya alternatif sanksi pidana sebagai bentuk alternatif pertanggungjawaban pidana khususnya pelaku anak, tanpa terikat pada syarat diversi.
Scoring: The Next Frontier of Fairness and Accessibility for Digital Assessments
Authors: Cahalan Laitusis Cara
Published: September 2022

This chapter includes a brief review of the advances in fairness of digital assessments for people with disabilities, followed by a deeper discussion of three new frontiers. These frontiers include (a) automated scoring technologies, (b) process data to enhance score reporting and feedback, and (c) simulated performance assessments. Each of the innovations is evaluated in relation to the current fairness standards and existing research. The chapter concludes with recommendations that can be applied immediately, along with a new standard specifically focused on the complexity of process data and the interaction with testing accommodations and assistive technologies.
Theoretical, Empirical, and Practical Issues in Testing English Learners
Authors: Ortiz Samuel O. , Wong Jane Y. T.
Published: September 2022

In the United States, fairness in testing with individuals whose developmental experiences are not rooted in English, often referred to as bilinguals or English learners (ELs), has languished in the face of obstacles related to the absence of coherent theoretical frameworks, a body of incoherent research, and a lack of sound practice recommendations. Moreover, the fact that ELs of the same age may possess vastly different levels of development in language continues to stymie progress and innovation. This chapter discusses how these obstacles may be overcome by outlining a developmental perspective regarding language. Bringing clarity regarding the manner in which language development becomes disentangled from age allows exploration of a new organizational framework that addresses prior limitations while illuminating alternative directions for test development that hold significant promise for reaching higher standards of fairness in testing with ELs.
Fairness and Test Adaptations for Students With Functional Impairments
Authors: Kettler Ryan J. , Dembitzer Leah
Published: September 2022

Fairness is maximized under the condition that the evidence is most compelling for those individuals taking the test. With that assumption in mind, the authors address three considerations for research and practice in test adaptations and fairness, with an added consideration about future implications of these points. First, the authors question the paradigm whereby the definition of adaptations as accommodations versus modifications depends on whether a change was made to the testing occasion (accommodation) versus to the test itself (modification). They suggest using reliability and validity evidence to identify an adaptation as a successful accommodation versus a modification. Second, they question differential boost as a pervasive framework for gathering supporting evidence. They recommend prioritizing more direct studies of reliability and validity evidence across subgroups and conditions to determine differences or improvements in measurement. Third, they assert that fairness studies that broadly define groups by disability status are problematic, given the heterogeneity of those groups. They recommend that research on test adaptations identify groups based on empirically measured functional impairments, which are more likely than disability status to indicate which test takers need which adaptations. The authors conclude by addressing several misconceptions that highlight gaps between theory, research, and practice caused by misunderstandings about evidence for selecting adaptations.
Depression and Latinx Adults: A Call for Cultural and Language Fairness in Mental Health Assessment
Authors: Santiago Rivera Azara , Cahill Megan
Published: September 2022

This chapter begins with a description of the trends in the rates of depression in U.S. Latinx communities and identifies factors that contribute to depression. It addresses ethical codes and multicultural guidelines in psychology and counseling that call for the use of appropriate culturally and linguistically valid assessments in rendering accurate diagnoses. The authors present the challenges associated with, and recommendations for, establishing measurement equivalence of self-report instruments that are translated and adapted from English to Spanish. They describe several psychological instruments that have been widely used in clinical and nonclinical settings despite the challenges. Ways to enhance fairness in assessment and suggestions for future investigations are discussed.
Integrating Cultural Considerations and Fairness in Psychological Assessment
Authors: Suzuki Lisa A.
Published: September 2022

Assessment and testing are a major part of the professional practice of psychologists. This chapter addresses how testing practices align with fairness expectations in the 2014 Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association, & National Council on Measurement in Education), practice guidelines of the American Psychological Association, and ethical principles and standards. Understanding the complexities of cultural competence and ongoing attention to cultural humility are identified as important foundations for assessment practices. Culture-related constructs that impact the assessment process in terms of accessibility, ecological validity, cultural loading, cultural test bias, and culture equivalence are reviewed. Variables such as language and communication, acculturation, home environment, socioeconomic status, and geographic residence are discussed in relation to their potential impact on test performance. Features of competent multicultural assessment, including obtaining contextual information, observing behavior, and test administration, are highlighted. Fairness is discussed in relation to popular intelligence and personality measures.
Fairness Concerns Resulting From Innovations and Applications of Technology to Assessment
Authors: Camara Wayne J. , Davis Laurie L.
Published: September 2022

The role of standardized tests in higher education has undergone profound changes in the past few years due to COVID-19, the social justice movement, renewed legal challenges to affirmative action, and the continued trend toward test-optional policies. Together, these externalities have formed a near-perfect storm which results in about 80% of institutions adopting a test-optional policy today, in comparison to 12% of institutions in 2019. This chapter addresses three applications of standardized tests in higher education—in admissions, placement, and outcomes assessment. The history, intended use, content, design, and volumes of U.S. assessments employed in admissions, placement, and outcome assessment are described, along with discussion of research on validity, reliability, and fairness. By 2023, five of the six national admissions tests described will transition exclusively to digital delivery. Finally, alternatives to tests are discussed, as well as more recent external challenges to testing (e.g., University of California, Varsity Blues).
Fairness in Technology-Enhanced Selection Assessments in Employment Settings: Promises and Challenges
Authors: Ryan Ann Marie , Nye Christopher D.
Published: September 2022

Rapid technological advances have greatly changed the nature and role of assessments in employee selection. These changes have occurred without a full consideration of how they may increase construct-irrelevant variance, a central point of concern with regard to fairness as outlined in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association, & National Council on Measurement in Education, 2014). Technological advances raise new concerns in relation to assessment content, assessment context, response modalities, opportunity to learn, accommodation, and modification. Technology-enhanced assessments in hiring contexts hold much promise, but research is needed to ensure that their development and implementation provide fairness to all those assessed.
Long-Term Outcomes of Reduced-Port Robotic Surgery (RPRS) for Uterine Myomectomy with the da Vinci Surgical System
Authors: Song Ji Won , Lee Gi Ppeum , Kim Woo Young , Paik E Sun
Published: September 2022

Background: Reduced-Port Robotic Surgery (RPRS) for myomectomy is feasible alternate method to overcome disadvantages of multiport and single-site platforms of robotic surgery with better cosmetic results. We demonstrated operative outcomes and long-term outcomes after RPRS. Methods: This is analysis of a prospective, non-randomized study of 115 patients who underwent RPRS from April 2016 through July 2021. Results: Overall 115 patients were included for analysis. Patients’ median age was 42 years (range, 28–52). The largest myoma was mostly located on the anterior uterine wall in 59 patients. The median myoma size and weight were 7.5 cm (range, 3–12) and 163 g (range, 42–753), respectively. The median myoma enucleation time and suture time were 10 minutes (range, 4–82) and 14 minutes (range, 5–63). Trend of shorter docking time and console time was shown with experience. The procedure was successfully performed via RPRS in 104 patients (91.5%); 10 patients required placement additional ports, conversion to open surgery was conducted in one case. There were 6 patients (5.2%) with postoperative complication with surgical wound infection (1.7%), bleeding (0.9%), peritonitis (1.7%), and pneumonia (0.9%). For long-term outcomes, 12 recurrences (10.4%) were observed in median follow-up of 25 months (range, 6–62 months). Total of 4 patients became pregnant after RPRS, and three patients had delivered with Caesarean section without complications. Conclusions: Our long-term results demonstrate the safety and feasibility of RPRS for uterine myomectomy as a valid treatment modality.
Comparative Study on Clinicopathological Characteristics of Breast Cancer in Vietnam and Italy
Authors: Nguyen-Phuong Thao-Tien , Nguyen-Thanh Tung , Tanda Francesco , Marras Vincenzo , Tran-Anh Hung , Le-Van Tam , Vo-Thi Hanh-Thao , Dang-Cong Thuan
Published: September 2022

Background: In Vietnam and Italy, breast cancer (BC) occurs in women more frequently than any other cancer. Vietnam has a substantially lower incidence of breast cancer than Italy, but a higher mortality rate. Most Vietnamese patients present to the hospital with severe tumors at the late stages of diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to compare clinicopathologic features, biomarkers, and subtypes of BC between Vietnamese women and Italian ones. Methods: The sample was collected from all Vietnamese patients undergoing surgery with the diagnosis of primary invasive breast carcinoma in Hue Central Hospital as well as Hue University Hospital in Vietnam during 1 year from April 2016 to April 2017, and from the same category of women in Sassari University Hospital, Italy during the year 2016. The study parameters in both groups consisted of age at diagnosis, tumor size, histologic grade, histologic type, axillary node status, stages of diagnosis, biomarkers (Estrogen Receptor - ER, Progesterone Receptor - PR, Ki-67 cell proliferation marker - Ki-67, Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 - HER2), and molecular subtypes of BC. Results: 323 patients were collected in total (235 from Sassari, Italy, and 88 from Thua Thien - Hue province, Vietnam). Vietnamese patients were diagnosed at a younger age than Italian patients, at just 52.5 on average, while the figure for Italian was 62. The Vietnamese BC patients also had a bigger tumor in size, higher grade, more axillary node positivity as well as a later stage of disease in comparison with Italian ones. The proportion of ER-positive was higher in the Italian group than that in Vietnam (88.1 vs 55.7%). The high Ki-67 expression prevalence was significantly higher in Vietnamese patients compared with Italian (81.8 vs 45.1%). The HER2-positive rate in Vietnam was 33%, higher than that in Italy (8.1%). Histologic grade and cell proliferation index Ki-67 were significantly correlated with HER2 positivity in both groups. Conclusions: Vietnamese patients demonstrated more aggressive tumor features and worse prognostic biomarkers than Italian patients. The prevalence of HER2 positive and high Ki-67 expression in Vietnamese patients was considerably higher than in Italian patients. The remarkable differences in clinicopathological characteristics between the two populations suggest the diversity of biological tumor, ethnicity, and environment as well as the effectiveness of the screening program.
Speech illusions in people at clinical high risk for psychosis linked to clinical outcome
Authors: Hird Emily , Ohmuro Noriyuki , Allen Paul , Moseley Peter , Kempton Matthew , Modinos Gemma , Sachs Gabriele , van der Gaag Mark , de Haan Lieuwe , Gadelha Ary , Bressan Rodrigo Affonseca , Barrantes-Vidal Neus , Ruhrmann Stephan , Catalan Ana , McGuire Philip
Published: September 2022

Background and hypothesis: Around 20% of people at clinical high-risk (CHR) for psychosis later develop a psychotic disorder, but it is difficult to predict who this will be. We assessed the incidence of hearing speech (termed speech illusions) in noise in CHR participants and examined whether this was associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Study design: At baseline, 344 CHR participants and 67 healthy controls (HC) were presented with a computerised white noise task and asked whether they heard speech, and whether speech was neutral, affective or whether they were uncertain about its valence. After two years, we assessed whether participants transitioned to psychosis, or remitted from the CHR state, and their functioning. Study results: CHR participants had a lower sensitivity on the task. Logistic regression revealed that a bias towards hearing targets in stimuli was associated with remission status (OR=.21, p=.042). Conversely, hearing speech illusions with uncertain valence at baseline was associated with reduced likelihood of remission (OR=7.72. p=.007). When we assessed only participants who did not take antipsychotic medication at baseline, the association between hearing speech illusions with uncertain valence at baseline and remission likelihood remained (OR=7.61, p=.043) and this variable was additionally associated with a greater likelihood of transition to psychosis (OR=5.34, p=.029). Conclusions: In CHR individuals, a tendency to hear speech in noise, and uncertainty about the affective valence of this speech, is associated with adverse outcomes. This task could be used in a battery of cognitive markers to stratify CHR participants according to subsequent outcomes.
Negotiating visualization minimalism - a preliminary analysis of Twitter conversations
Authors: Shukla Prakash Chandra , Parsons Paul C
Published: September 2022

Concepts related to visualization minimalism, such as ‘chartjunk’ and ‘data-ink’, have received significant attention in the visualization literature and have been subject to intense debate and disagreement. Much of the focus has been on determining whether and how non-essential visual elements influence comprehension, and performance of users. Less attention has been placed on the perspectives of visualization practitioners, including the ways in which such concepts are used and understood within the context of a community of practice. In this paper, we investigate conversations on Twitter regarding visualization minimalism, focusing on the ways in which design knowledge is negotiated and applied. Our findings suggest that there is a vibrant community of practice engaged in deliberations on topics relating to visualization minimalism. We suggest more research should focus on visualization practice and the social dimensions of how design knowledge is negotiated and used.
Differential expression of ZFYVE16 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: September 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases that affect the motor neurons, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), have little treatment options and are generally rapidly fatal (1, 2). We harnessed the power of unbiased, whole transcriptome differential gene expression analysis, utilizing primary patient cells and tissues to discover genes whose expression defines sporadic ALS using published data (3, 4). We found significant differential expression of ZFYVE16, encoding zinc finger FYVE-type-containing 16, in primary fibroblasts of patients with sporadic ALS (SALS). ZFYVE16 transcript was present at significantly lower levels in SALS patient fibroblasts as compared to control, non-diseased fibroblasts. These analyses will begin to define the transcriptional landscape of sporadic ALS.
Differential expression of NRP2 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: September 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases that affect the motor neurons, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), have little treatment options and are generally rapidly fatal (1, 2). We harnessed the power of unbiased, whole transcriptome differential gene expression analysis, utilizing primary patient cells and tissues to discover genes whose expression defines sporadic ALS using published data (3, 4). We found significant differential expression of NRP2, encoding neuropilin 2, in primary fibroblasts of patients with sporadic ALS (SALS). NRP2 transcript was present at significantly lower levels in SALS patient fibroblasts as compared to control, non-diseased fibroblasts. These analyses will begin to define the transcriptional landscape of sporadic ALS.
Study on emotional AI and gen Z in the news
Authors: Nguyen Minh-Hoang , Mindsponge AISDL
Published: September 2022

This feature article draws upon the science communication piece on EurekAlert, a platform managed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). AAAS is the publisher of the world-renowned scientific journal Science. The article introduces research results learning about the socio-cultural factors that influence the acceptance of new AI technology among Generation Z, published in the high-impact journal Technology in Society, published by Elsevier.
The alarms should no longer be ignored: A Survey of the Demand, Capacity and Provision of Adult Community Eating Disorder Services in England and Scotland before COVID-19
Authors: Viljoen David , King Emily , Harris Sophie , Hollyman Jonathan , Costello Kate , Galvin Eimear , Stock Melissa , Schmidt Ulrike , Downs James , Sekar Murali , Newell Ciaran , Clark-Stone Sam , Wicksteed Amy , Foster Caroline , Battisti Francesca , Williams Laura , Jones Roshan , Beglin Sarah , Anderson Stephen , Jebarsan Thuthirna , Ghuys Viviane , Ayton Agnes
Published: September 2022

Aims/Methods: This national pre-pandemic survey compared demand and capacity of adult community eating disorder services (ACEDS) to NHSE commissioning guidance. Results: Thirteen services in England and Scotland responded (covering 10.7 million population). Between 2016/17 and 2019/20 mean referral rates increased by 18.8%, from 378 to 449/million population. Only 3.7% of referrals were from child and adolescent eating disorder services (CEDS-CYP), but 46% were aged 18–25, 54%>25. Most ACEDS had waiting lists and rationed access. Many could not provide full medical monitoring, adapt treatment for co-morbidities, offer assertive outreach, or provide seamless transitions. For patient volume, ACEDS workforce budget was 15% compared to the NHSE workforce calculator recommendations for CEDS-CYP. Parity required £7 million investment/million population for ACEDS. Clinical Implications: This study highlights the severe pressure in ACEDS, which has increased since the pandemic. Substantial investment is required to ensure NHS ACEDS meet national guidance for adults, offer evidence-based treatment, reduce risk and preventable deaths, and achieve parity with CEDS-CYP.
Psychological Aspects of Vestibular Disorders: A National Survey of Clinical Practice
Authors: Smith Laura Jennie , Pyke Wesley , Wilkinson David , Travers-Hill Emma , Surenthiran Suren S
Published: September 2022

ObjectivePeople with vestibular disorders frequently experience psychological distress which can impede daily activities and clinical recovery. Although the need for psychological input is widely acknowledged, there are no clinical guidelines, leading to variation in care received. This study examines how psychological aspects of vestibular disorders are currently addressed highlighting any national variation.MethodAn online survey was completed by 101 UK healthcare professionals who treat vestibular disorders. The survey included open and close-ended questions covering service configurations, respondent characteristics, attitudes towards psychological aspects, and clinical practice for cognitive and mental health problems. Results96% of respondents thought there was a psychological component to vestibular disorders. There was a discrepancy between perceived importance of addressing psychological aspects and confidence to undertake this. Those with more years of experience felt more confident addressing psychological aspects. Mental health problems were addressed more frequently than cognitive problems. History taking and questionnaires containing one or two items about psychological distress were the most common assessment approaches. Discussing symptoms and signposting were the most frequent management approaches. Referrals for psychological support were typically to professionals within another service, via the patient’s GP. Qualitative responses highlighted the interdependence of psychological and vestibular disorders which require identification and timely intervention. Barriers to implementation included limited referral pathways and interdisciplinary expertise.ConclusionClinical practice varies and relates to the confidence, experience and expertise of individual health professionals, resources, and appropriate referral pathways. Although psychological distress is frequently identified, suitable psychological treatment is not routinely offered in the UK.
Guidelines for Reporting Action Simulation Studies (GRASS): proposals to improve reporting of research in Motor Imagery and Action Observation
Authors: Moreno-Verdú Marcos , Hamoline Gautier , Van Caenegem Elise E , Waltzing Baptiste M , Forest Sebastien , Chembila-Valappil Ashika , Khan Adam H , Chye Samantha , Esselaar Maaike , Campbell Mark , McAllister Craig , Kraeutner Sarah N , Poliakoff Ellen , Frank Cornelia , Eaves Daniel , Wakefield Caroline , Boe Shaun , Holmes Paul S , Bruton Adam Mark , Vogt Stefan , Wright David , Hardwick Robert
Published: September 2022

Researchers from multiple disciplines have studied the simulation of actions through motor imagery, action observation, or their combination. Procedures used in these studies vary considerably between research groups, and no standardized approach to reporting experimental protocols has been proposed. This has led to under-reporting of critical details, impairing the assessment, replication, synthesis, and potential clinical translation of effects. We provide an overview of issues related to the reporting of information in action simulation studies, and discuss the benefits of standardized reporting. We propose a series of checklists that identify key details of research protocols to include when reporting action simulation studies. Each checklist comprises A) essential methodological details, B) essential details that are relevant to a specific mode of action simulation, and C) further points that may be useful on a case-by-case basis. We anticipate that the use of these guidelines will improve the understanding, reproduction, and synthesis of studies using action simulation, and enhance the translation of research using motor imagery and action observation to applied and clinical settings.