bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the Fine Ambient Particle on Infertile Male's Sperm Quality
Authors: Chen Yuan , Chang Hong-Chiang , Liao Chun-Hou , Chiang Bing-Juin , Chang Yi-Kai 
Published: December 2021

Introduction:
Infertility has been a major problem for several years. Previously, infertility was often attributed to female factors. Recently, however, male factors have been found to contribute to 50% of the infertility cases overall. Male infertility is a multifactorial issue. A genetic disorder, abnormal endocrine system, structural anomaly, and environmental causes could lead to male infertility. Studies have revealed a link between fine air particles and decreased fertility. The aim of this study was to discover the effect of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), representing environmental fine particles, on male infertility.

Materials and Methods:
We retrospectively collected data from patients diagnosed as having infertility and visited National Taiwan University Hospital from January 2015 to October 2017. We recorded each patient's body weight, height, basic blood test, sperm analysis, and sex hormone profile. Air quality data, especially PM2.5 concentration, were acquired from the Environmental Protection Administration of Taiwan. A total of 78 monitoring stations throughout Taiwan record PM2.5 concentrations (μg/m3) each hour automatically. Multivariate linear regression was used to detect independent factors affecting sperm count, concentration, motility, and morphology and sex hormone profile. Results:We observed regional and seasonal differences in the distributions of PM2.5 concentrations. In nearly all cities in Taiwan, the PM2.5 concentrations increased during early winter and continued to increase until next spring, with a peak around January and February. In particular, regional differences were observed in winter. The peak PM2.5 concentrations in southern and northern cities in Taiwan ranged between 35 and 40 μg/m3 and between 18 and 23 μg/m3, respectively. PM2.5 in central Taiwan reached as high as 30 μL/m3. By contrast, the eastern part of Taiwan had the lowest peak PM2.5, which was mostly <15 μg/m3. The average 24-month PM2.5 concentration had a negative effect on sperm count, but the result was nonsignificant. Additionally, the effect of PM2.5 on sperm motility and morphology was minimal.

Conclusion:
In infertile Taiwanese men, there is a trend of a negative association between exposure to PM2.5 and sperm concentration and total sperm count. Exposure to ambient fine particles, especially PM2.5, might have a negative correlation with sperm quality, sex hormone balance, and the testicular microenvironment through different mechanisms.
Surgical and Functional Outcomes of Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy in Patients with Previous Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
Authors: Chen Sih-Han , Wu Chun-Hsien , Wu Richard Chen-Yu , Kuo Wade Wei-Ting , Lee Yen-Hsi , Li Ryh-Chyr , Lin Yung-Yao , Lin Victor Chia-Hsiang 
Published: December 2021

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to assess the surgical and functional outcomes of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients with previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

Materials and Methods:
The present article studies 99 patients who underwent RARP, including 13 patients with previous TURP at a single institution, in the period from April 2016 to February 2019. Propensity score matching 1:1 was performed to identify 13 patients with no previous TURP. The matched variables were age and preoperative prostate-specific antigen level. Surgical and functional outcomes were compared between the two groups. Descriptive statistics were evaluated using the Chi-square test. t-test was performed for continuous variables.

Results:
Regarding preoperative characteristics, no previous TURP group had a higher clinical stage (P = 0.026). The nerve-sparing procedure was similar between the two groups. Concerning intraoperative outcomes for the group with previous TURP history, the operating room time was increased by 25 min (P = 0.140), and the estimated blood loss was increased by 50 ml (P = 0.192). As for the postoperative pathological characteristics, there was no significant difference in the positive surgical margin rate between the two groups. The continence rate in the 3rd month for the group with previous TURP history was 69.2% versus 92.3% for the group with no previous TURP history, and after the 1st year, the rates were 100% versus. 92.3%. There was no significant difference in the potence recovery rate between the two groups after 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion:
RARP is safe and feasible in patients with localized prostate cancer with previous TURP history. Functional outcomes after 1-year follow-up were comparable for patients with previous TURP.
Using R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry and Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Employed for Anatomical Classification to Evaluate Perioperative Outcomes of Renal Tumors Greater than 4 cm in Patients Who Underwent Minimally Invasive Partial Nephrectomy in a Single Center
Authors: Mai Hsing-Chia , Wu Chun-Hsien , Lin Yung-Yao , Kuo Wade Wei-Ting , Lee Yen-Hsi , Li Ryh-Chyr , Wu Richard C. , Lin Victor C. 
Published: December 2021

Purpose:
The R.E.N.A.L. (radius, exophytic/endophytic tumor properties, nearness of tumor to deepest portion of collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior descriptor, and location relative to the polar line) and preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical (PADUA) (tumor size and position, relationship with the renal sinus or the urinary collecting system, and the grade of deepness into the kidney) nephrometry scoring systems are frequently used in predicting the perioperative outcomes of nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). Minimally invasive NSS on renal masses beyond 4 cm in diameter remains challenging and may result in the significant complications. We aimed to evaluate the associations of both scoring systems with perioperative outcomes for minimally invasive NSS on renal masses larger than 4 cm in diameter.

Materials and Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed patients who received robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (PN) or laparoscopic PN for renal tumors larger than 4 cm in diameter in our institution between January 2008 and March 2019. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging were the standard cross-section imaging modalities done before surgery and both R.E.N.A.L. and PADUA scores were calculated in every case accordingly. The correlation between each scoring system and the perioperative and renal functional outcomes was analyzed by logistic regression models.

Results:
A total of 93 cases were enrolled in this study. The mean tumor size was 6.1 ± 2.03 cm in the largest dimension. A higher R.E.N.A.L. score was significantly correlated with longer warm ischemia time (WIT) (r = 0.267, P = 0.021), prolonged hospital stays (r = 0.258, P = 0.013), and poorer renal functional outcome at 1 year (r = 0.421, P = 0.003). Meanwhile, a higher PADUA score was significantly correlated with longer operation time (r = 0.255, P = 0.014), longer WIT (r = 0.278, P = 0.016), and poorer renal function after 1 year (r = 0.615, P < 0.001). Neither scoring system correlated with estimated blood loss (P = 0.510 and 0.5466, respectively). The R.E.N.A.L. score, PADUA score, patient age, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, tumor size, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were not associated with surgical complications as well.

Conclusion:
Both the R.E.N.A.L. and PADUA scoring systems were associated with WIT and renal functional outcomes, but the latter was more relevant. When performing minimal invasive NSS on renal masses beyond 4 cm, both systems can provide valuable risk stratification, but PADUA was found to be superior in the current study.
The Value of Prostate-Specific Antigen-Age Volume Score in Predicting Prostate Cancer in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chun-Hsuan , Chang Che-Wei , Li Wei-Ming , Wen Shen-Chen , Huang Shu-Pin , Li Ching-Chia , Wu Wen-Jeng , Ke Hung-Lung , Lee Yung-Chin , Jhan Jhen-Hao 
Published: December 2021

Purpose:
Whether the predictive utility of prostate-specific antigen-age volume (PSA-AV) score can surpass serum total PSA, age-adjusted PSA, or PSA density (PSAD) has remained unclear based on previous reports. The aims of this study were to assess the predictive value of PSA-AV score in a Taiwanese population.

Materials and Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the medical data of patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy between 2007 and 2013 at our institution. The ability of serum PSA, age-adjusted PSA, PSAD, and PSA-AV to predict prostate cancer was tested using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results:
A total of 415 biopsy specimens were included in the study, of which 75 (18.1%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer. The discriminative performance of serum PSA, age-adjusted PSA, PSAD, and PSA-AV for predicting prostate cancer was evaluated in the study cohort. The areas under ROC curve were determined for the four tests as follows: for serum PSA (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.723–0.852), for age-adjusted PSA (95% CI: 0.719–0.888), for PSAD (95% CI: 0.673–0.877), and for the formula PSA-AV (95% CI: 0.783–0.884), they were 0.787, 0.804, 0.775, and 0.834, respectively. Comparing other tests, the novel formula PSA-AV was significantly better than the other three PSA-derived tests and reached statistical significance (P < 0.05). At this cutoff value (PSA-AV <200), the sensitivity was 74.7% and the specificity was 77.4%.

Conclusion:
The use of the formula PSA-AV in Taiwan was superior in the prediction of prostate biopsy findings compared to serum PSA, age-adjusted PSA, and PSAD according to our data, particularly in older patients or patients with a larger prostate volume.
A Tertiary Center Experience of Fracture Penis
Authors: Kumar Lalit , Tiwari Rahul , Arya M. C. , Sandhu Amit , Vasudeo Vivek , Baid Mayank 
Published: December 2021

Introduction:
Fracture penis is uncommon and often a result of sexual trauma. Diagnosis remains clinical and early surgical management is advocated. Herein, we share our experience of 20 such cases.

Materials and Methods:
Twenty fracture penis patients presented between August 2014 and April 2017 were included. Patients' data were retrieved retrospectively using case sheets and followed by outpatient department visits and telephonically. Eighteen patients had penile exploration while two patients were managed conservatively. Erectile and voiding functions were assessed by asking single question to the patient, which was limited to only two options in the form of normal and abnormal. All patients were followed up for a minimum of up to 6 months.

Results:
The patients were aged between 20 and 60 years (mean 37.7 years). Mean timing of presentation was 28.8 h (range 2 h to 7 days). Mean follow-up was 22.5 months (6–42 months). There were no long-term postoperative complications. Eighteen patients had coital trauma, one unmarried patient had a history of manipulation of erect penis, while one patient had a fall-on erect penis. Three patients had associated urethral injury. All patients had almost the same potency as preoperatively, but for one who had erectile dysfunction for a short period recovered spontaneously on tablet sildenafil. No patient had long-term voiding dysfunction, penile curvature, or sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion:
History and clinical examination clinch the diagnosis. Considering it as a urological emergency, radiological imaging is not required routinely. Early surgical repair preserves the potency and voiding functions.
A Single-Institution Experience with Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Retroperitoneal Adrenalectomy
Authors: Chen Yu-Chen , Lee Hsiang-Ying , Chen Hao-Wei , Yeh Hsin-Chih , Tsai Chia-Chun , Chueh Kuang-Shun , Chou Yii-Her , Huang Chun-Nung , Wu Wen-Jeng , Hou Nien-Ting , Lin Yech-Huei , Li Ching-Chia 
Published: December 2021

Aims:
Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) adrenalectomy has become a feasible choice for adrenal lesions and can substitute for conventional open adrenalectomy. This report shares our surgical experience and describes the characteristics of adrenal tumors after LESS retroperitoneal adrenalectomy.

Subjects and Methods:
Between January 2010 and August 2016, 123 patients underwent an LESS adrenalectomy by retroperitoneal approach in our hospital. We retrospectively reviewed the records of these patients and analyzed the characteristics of adrenal tumors. The incision is below the 12th rib in the posterior axillary line and is about 2.3–3.2 cm in length. A 5 mm 30° rigid laparoscope and other conventional laparoscopic instruments are manipulated through a commercial port. No postoperative drain is placed.

Results:
Among 123 patients, the mean operative time was 114.1 ± 31.1 min, and mean blood loss was 65.1 ± 68.7 ml. Mean hospital stay was 5.4 ± 1.2 days. The postoperative course was uneventful without complications. Among all adrenal tumors undergoing surgery, Conn's disease is the most common (68.3% Conn's disease, 19.5% nonfunctioning, 4.9% Cushing's disease, 3.3% pheochromocytoma, and 0.8% malignancy). We found that left-side adrenal tumors (64.2%) were more common than right-side tumors (35.8%).

Conclusions:
Our experience shows that retroperitoneal LESS adrenalectomy is promising. Conn's disease accounts for more than half of adrenal tumors undergoing surgery. In the future, further comparative study is warranted to define the role of LESS in adrenal surgery.
ANALISIS RASIO AKTIVITAS PADA PT KINO INDONESIA, Tbk
Authors: Suardi Suardi 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRAK
Penelitian ini dilakukan di PT KINO Indonesia Tbk untuk mengetahui Rasio Aktivitas dari laporan keuangan tahun 2016 s.d 2018. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui tingkat Receivable Turn Over, Inventory Turn Over dan Working Capital Turn Over pada PT KINO Indonesia Tbk. Alat yang digunakan adalah Rasio Keuangan. Dalam penelitian ini peneliti menggunakan data kuantitatif. Metode penelitian yang peneliti gunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu metode penelitian deskriptif. Dalam penelitian ini penulis menggunakan variabel tunggal, yang menjadi variabel adalah Rasio Aktivitas. Jenis-jenis rasio yang digunakan adalah rasio Receivable Turn Over (Perputaran Piutang), Rasio Inventory Turn Over (Perputaran Sediaan) Dan Working Capital Turn Over (Perputaran Modal Kerja). Untuk mengetahui hasil analisis rasio Aktivitas pada PT KINO Indonesia Tbk sesuai rata-rata standar industri. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa tingkat Receivable Turn Over (perputaran piutang) pada PT KINO Indonesia Tbk belum bisa dikatakan baik karena masih berada di bawah rata-rata standar industri. Tingkat Inventory Turn Over (perputaran sediaan) juga masih belum bisa dikatakan baik karena masih di bawah rata-rata standar industri. Sedangkan Working Capital Turn Over (perputaran modal kerja) juga masih belum bisa dikatakan baik karena masih di bawah rata-rata standar industri.
Kata Kunci : Perputaran Piutang, Perputaran Persediaan dan Perputaran Modal Kerja
PENETAPAN HARGA JUAL DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEPUTUSAN KONSUMEN TERHADAP KEPUTUAN PEMBELIAN
Authors: Blantianus Novi  , Usman Usman 
Published: December 2021

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh adanya proses transaksi antara penjual dan pembeli pada toko sembako Age Adup. Adapun penelitian ini di lakukan tepat di dusun Baremada, Desa Lamolda, Kecamatan Lumar, Kabupaten Bengkayang. Adapun dalam penelitian ini diambil sampel 9 orang konsumen ataupun pembeli yang diwawancarai. Dalam penelitian ini teknik pengumpulan dengan melakukan observasi secara langsung pada toko sembako Age Adup, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Selanjutnya penulis menganalisis data dengan metode deskriftif kualitatif. Dari hasil peneltian yang telah dilakukan pada toko sembako Age Adup terhadap konsumen terkait Penetapan Harga Jual Dalam Meningkatkan Kepuasan Konsumen Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian. Harga yang diterapkan oleh toko sembako Age Adup sudah tepat dimana sebanding dengan kualiatas dan mutu produk. Selain itu harga jual barang juga cukup kompetetif dengan pesaing dimana harga jual yang diterapkan tidak memiliki selisih yang begitu jauh dengan harga pasaran. Namun ada beberapa barang yang memang lebih rendah harganya dibandingkan dengan pesaing. Dengan adanya penetapan harga yang tepat tentunya hal tersebut dapat berdampak bagi konsumen ataupun pembeli yang dimana hal tersebut menciptakan suatu kepuasan bagi konsumen hal tersebut dapat di lihat dari hasil wawancara terhadap 9 narasumberdimana mereka mengatakan bahwa mereka sangat puas terhadap penetapan harga yang ada, dimana hal tersebut menunjukan bahwa penetapan harga yang telah dilakukan oleh pemilik toko sembako Age Adup sudah tepat. Dengan demikian hal tersebut juga memberikan suatu dampak terhadap keputusan pembelian bagi konsumen agar tetap kembali berbelanja pada toko sembako Age Adup
El papel de la universidad en la conservación y promoción de de la cultura en el adulto mayor
Authors: Nodarse Ricardo Pereira , Gàlvez Jorge Jesùs Dìaz , Rivero Maidelìn Martìnez , Leal Ana Margarita Castro , Sotolongo Angela Olina Brito , Benavidez Arlety Martìnez , Espinosa Mariluz Martínez , Ruiz Yuleidys Pérez 
Published: December 2021

El trabajo aborda un sistema de actividades en coordinación con los instructores de arte de cultura, joven club de computación y profesores del INDER, que responde a la necesidad de elevar la calidad de vida del adulto mayor, según las exigencias del modelo cubano. Su objetivo principal es proponer un sistema de acciones socioculturales, para elevar la calidad de vida del adulto mayor, a través actividades recreativo-culturales en el “Consejo Popular Cascajal”.En su elaboración se recorren varias etapas del proceso de investigación: diagnóstico, luego se continúa con la identificación de las vocaciones por parte de los adultos, teniendo presente sus motivaciones y habilidades para el desarrollo de las actividades. Se establecen las bases para la adopción de actitudes que eleven la calidad de vida. Influyó de forma positiva en los resultados finales de de la investigación, los adultos de la tercera edad se incorporaron a las actividades culturales, artesanales, físicas y recreativas con entusiasmo y dedicación, logrando contribuir a un estado de bienestar y satisfacción plena, compensando los problemas de salud que son inherentes de esta edad y de esta forma contribuir a su calidad de vida.
FINANCIAL FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY OF SMALL SCALE COFFEE FARMS IN BURUNDI
Authors: Bukuru Epiphany , Tabitha Nasieku 
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The study sought to evaluate financial factors affecting the production efficiency of small-scale coffee farms in Burundi.
Methodology: The research design used during the study was descriptive. The research targeted a population of 300 small-scale coffee farmers. The study had a sample population of 121 smallholder coffee farmers. The study conducted the research for a 6-year period between 2015-2020. The data was collected using a secondary data collection sheet. Secondary data was obtained from Coffee federations' annual reports, cooperatives reports, and coffee farmers’ records. Analysis of the data was done using the Eviews student 11 version. The analyzed data was presented in form of tabulations, mean and standard deviation.
Findings: The study findings showed that the correlation analysis showed that the selling prices per kilogram of coffee beans had a negative and significant correlation to the production efficiency by R = 0.98. Production efficiency had a negative and significant correlation to capital availability by R = 0.260. Lastly, production efficiency had a positive and significant correlation to production costs at R = 0.500. The findings of the research obtained that selling prices per kilogram of coffee beans had a not significant negative effect on production efficiency, while capital availability and production costs had a positive effect on the production efficiency.
A unique contribution to theory, practice, and policy: The study recommended that government should review the policies relating to the selling prices per kilogram of coffee beans to improve small-scale coffee farmers’ incomes. Government should also facilitate access to credit to small-scale coffee farmers. The study incorporated the Cobweb theory of price fluctuation, the theory of credit rationing also called adverse selection theory, and the high payoff inputs model.
Analisis Kemampuan Metakognisi Siswa dalam Pemecahan Masalah Menggunakan Soal TIMSS ditinjau dari Perbedaan Gender
Authors: Fatima Siti Nur , Munawwir Zainul , Kartika Sari Lisma Dian 
Published: December 2021

Seeing the differences in the results of several previous studies on metacognitive abilities in problem solving, researchers are interested in examining students' metacognitive abilities in problem solving in terms of gender differences. This problem is important to study because it aims to determine the implementation of the metacognitive abilities of male and female students in problem solvingThe purpose of this study was to determine the metacognitive ability of male and female students in problem solving using TIMSS questions at SMP Al-Falah Pesanggrahan Jangkar for the 2020/2021 academic year. This type of research is descriptive qualitative. The subjects of this study were one male student and one female student from class VII SMP AL-Falah Pesanggrahan who had the same mathematical ability. Data collection techniques in this study were interviews, mathematical ability tests and TIMSS questions. Data analysis in this study was analyzed on each data collection technique. The results of data analysis showed that there was no difference in metacognitive ability in problem solving between male and female students. The metacognitive abilities of male and female students have been used well in problem solving. Both of them can explain their thinking process in every stage of problem solving.

Keywords: Metacognition Ability, Problem solving, TIMSS questions, Mathematical Ability, Gender Difference.
Kendala Perkuliahan Praktik Pembelajaran Matematika Secara Daring Bagi Mahasiswa Selama Pandemi Covid-19 (Studi Fenomenologi)
Authors: Iskandar Bagus Aulia , Zulparis Zulparis , Mubarok Mubarok 
Published: December 2021

Latar belakang: Di masa pandemi Covid-19 dilakukan Pembatasan Sosial Berskala Besar (PSBB) hal ini berdampak kepada pelaksanaan perkuliahan yang dilakukan secara tatap muka (daring). Mahasiswa sebagian masih belum terbiasa dengan metode ini sehingga dalam pelaksanaannya ada kendala yang mengakibatkan pelaksanaan perkuliahan tidak bisa secara optimal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kendala yang dialami mahasiswa selama pelaksanaan kuliah daring untuk mata kuliah praktik pembelajaran Matematika pada semester ganjil 2020/2021,
Metode penelitian: Dalam penelitian ini desain penelitian yang menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologi untuk mendapatkan informasi dari partisipan mengenai pelaksanaan perkuliah daring untuk mata kuliah praktik pembelajaran Matematika selama pandemi Covid-19. Jumlah partisipan ada dua orang yang merupakan mahasiswa yang aktif dalam pelaksanaan perkuliahan daring. Analisis data fenomenologi meliputi kategorisasi, reduksi, dan penarikan tema sejenis.
Hasil penelitian: Berdasarkan penelitian diperoleh hasil sebagai berikut: pertama, faktor kendala pelaksanaan perkuliahan daring adalah koneksi jaringan. Kedua faktor lain yang mempengaruhi adalah jadwal kuliah yang tentative, dan keterlambatan dalam menerima informasi perkuliahan.
Kesimpulan: Tidak optimalnya perkuliahan daring selama masa pandemi dikarenakan beberapa faktor yang mempengaruhi kelancaran pelaksanaan pembelajaran.