bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic function of intravoxel incoherent motion for distinguishing between pilocytic astrocytoma and ependymoma
Authors: Minh Duc Nguyen 
Published: March 2021

Introduction
Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging concurrently measures diffusion and perfusion parameters and has potential applications for brain tumor classification. However, the effectiveness of IVIM for the differentiation between pilocytic astrocytoma and ependymoma has not been verified. The aim of this study was to determine the potential diagnostic role of IVIM for the distinction between ependymoma and pilocytic astrocytoma.

Methods
Between February 2019 and October 2020, 22 children (15 males and 7 females; median age 4 years) with either ependymoma or pilocytic astrocytoma were recruited for this prospective study. IVIM parameters were fitted using 7 b-values (0–1,500 s/mm2), to develop a bi-exponential model. The diffusivity (D), perfusion fraction (f), and pseudo diffusivity (D*) were measured in both tumors and the adjacent normal-appearing parenchyma. These IVIM parameters were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to assess diagnostic performance.

Results
The median D values for ependymoma and pilocytic astrocytoma were 0.87 and 1.25 × 10−3 mm2/s (p < 0.05), respectively, whereas the f values were 0.11% and 0.15% (p < 0.05). The ratios of the median D values for ependymoma and pilocytic astrocytoma relative to the median D values for the adjacent, normal-appearing parenchyma were 1.45 and 2.10 (p < 0.05), respectively. ROC curve analysis found that the D value had the best diagnostic performance for the differentiation between pilocytic astrocytoma and ependymoma, with an area under the ROC curve of 1.

Conclusion
IVIM is a beneficial, effective, non-invasive, and endogenous-contrast imaging technique. The D value derived from IVIM was the most essential factor for differentiating ependymoma from pilocytic astrocytoma.
Análise Custo-Volume-Lucro: Um Estudo de Caso Aplicado a Uma Empresa do Setor Hoteleiro de Maceió / Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis: A Case Study Applied to a Company in the Hotel Sector in Maceió
Authors: Silva Cleiton Rodrigo Buarque , Santos Jéssica Da Silva , Silva Valdemir Da , Santos Raidan Iago dos , Lima Elayne Victória Vieira Chagas de 
Published: March 2021

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a relação Custo-Volume-Lucro em uma empresa do segmento hoteleiro na capital de Alagoas, Maceió, utilizando-se das técnicas da margem de contribuição, ponto de equilíbrio, margem de segurança e grau de alavancagem operacional. A pesquisa é considerada empírica, qualitativa e, quanto aos procedimentos, foi realizado um estudo de caso. Considerando os dados contábeis da empresa de janeiro a dezembro de 2018 e a aplicação da relação custo-volume-lucro, constatou-se que, devido à sazonalidade caraterística do segmento, os bons resultados obtidos em meses de maior ocupação seriam necessários à manutenção da operação nos demais meses, que chega a demonstrar resultados abaixo do ponto de equilíbrio em cerca de 40% do ano. Assim, as informações proporcionadas por este estudo subsidiam a gestão no processo de tomada de decisão e contribuem para a diminuição do risco da entidade.
Rational cuspidal curves in a moving family of ℙ2
Authors: Mukherjee Ritwik , Singh Rahul Kumar 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this paper we obtain a formula for the number of rational degree d curves in ℙ3 having a cusp, whose image lies in a ℙ2 and that passes through r lines and s points (where r + 2s = 3
d + 1). This problem can be viewed as a family version of the classical question of counting rational cuspidal curves in ℙ2, which has been studied earlier by Z. Ran ([13]), R. Pandharipande ([12]) and A. Zinger ([16]). We obtain this number by computing the Euler class of a relevant bundle and then finding out the corresponding degenerate contribution to the Euler class. The method we use is closely based on the method followed by A. Zinger ([16]) and I. Biswas, S. D’Mello, R. Mukherjee and V. Pingali ([1]). We also verify that our answer for the characteristic numbers of rational cuspidal planar cubics and quartics is consistent with the answer obtained by N. Das and the first author ([2]), where they compute the characteristic number of δ-nodal planar curves in ℙ3 with one cusp (for δ ≤ 2).
Gap of knowledge in diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum in clinical specialties education
Authors: Erickson Katherine M. , Reese Ashley M. , Ortega-Loayza Alex G. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a chronic ulcerative neutrophilic dermatosis. It presents a diagnostic challenge due to the absence of disease-specific markers or histopathology, lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria, and many mimicking diseases including necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI). PG cases often present first to specialties other than dermatology. We reviewed major educational resources in internal medicine, family medicine, and infectious disease for their coverage of PG.

Content
For each specialty, we reviewed five major textbooks, five prominent journals, and any commonly used online resources. Twelve of 15 textbooks mentioned PG, only three of which included a differential, with none including NSTI in the differential. Only two of 13 journals included review articles about PG, and none of these including NSTI in their differential. Interestingly, online resources tended to be the most complete; six of nine contained PG articles, nearly all including a differential and three listing NSTI within it.

Summary
We found an underrepresentation of PG among major textbooks and journals in clinical specialties, especially in differentiating PG from its mimickers. While online resources may help fill this gap in knowledge, texts and journals remain essential. Misdiagnosis and resultant mismanagement of PG can lead to disastrous outcomes.

Outlook
We recommend that PG be added to the differential diagnoses of chronic ulcers in educational resources. We also suggest the addition of identification and differentiation of PG to learning materials and lectures for providers in specialties who may encounter PG, NSTI, or similarly presenting diseases to address this gap.
Characteristics and treatment of geriatric patients in an osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine clinic
Authors: King Alicia A. , Cox Jayme , Bhatia Shalini , Snider Karen T. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) is an adjunctive treatment approach available to geriatric patients, but few studies provide details about presenting conditions, treatments, and response to osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in that patient population.

Objectives
To provide descriptive data on the presentation and management of geriatric patients receiving OMT at an outpatient osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine (ONMM) clinic.

Methods
Data were retrospectively collected from electronic health records (EHR) at a single outpatient clinic for clinical encounters with patients over 60 years of age who were treated with OMT between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2019. Records were reviewed for demographic information, insurance type, presenting concerns, assessments, regions treated, OMT techniques used, and treatment response.

Results
There were 9,155 total clinical encounters with 1,238 unique patients found during the study period. More women than men were represented for overall encounters (6,910 [75.4%] vs. 2,254 [24.6%]) and unique patients (850 [68.7%] vs. 388 [31.3%]; both p<0.001). The mean (standard deviation, SD) number of encounters per patient per year was 4.5 (4.0) and increased with increasing age by decade (p<0.001). Medicare was the most common primary insurance (7,246 [79.2%]), with private insurance the most common secondary insurance (8,440 [92.2%]). The total number of presenting concerns was 12,020, and back concerns were most common (6,406 [53.3%]). The total number of assessments was 18,290; most were neuromusculoskeletal (17,271 [94.5%]) and in the thoracolumbar region (7,109 [38.9%]). The mean (SD) number of somatic dysfunction assessments per encounter was 5 (1.7); the thoracic region was the most documented and treated (7,263 [15.8%]). With up to 19 technique types per encounter, the total number of OMT techniques documented across all encounters was 43,862, and muscle energy (7,203 [16.4%]) was the most documented. The use of high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) declined as age increased (p<0.001). The overall treatment response was documented in 7,316 (79.9%) encounters, and most indicated improvement (7,290 [99.6%]).

Conclusions
Our results showed that geriatric patients receiving OMT at our clinic were predominately presenting for neuromusculoskeletal concerns associated with back, neck, and extremity conditions, consistent with national epidemiological data for this population. The most common OMT techniques were also consistent with those used nationally by osteopathic medical students and practicing physicians. Future longitudinal studies are needed to determine the length of time improvement persists and the overall health impact experienced by geriatric patients receiving OMT.
Cushing’s disease: Does low-dose pasireotide offer a comparable efficacy and safety to high-dose?
Authors: Wong Mimi , Malabu Usman H , Korah Ipeson , Tan YongMong 
Published: March 2021

Summary
Whilst literature is expanding on pasireotide use in the management of Cushing’s disease (CD), there is still currently much unknown about long-term and low-dose pasireotide use in CD. We present a 60-year-old female with residual CD after transphenoidal surgery (TSS), being successfully managed with S.C. pasireotide for over 10 years. For 6 years, her S.C. pasireotide was inadvertently administered at 360 µg twice daily (BID), almost half the recommended dose of 600 µg BID. Despite the low-dose, her urinary free cortisol (UFC) normalised within 6 months and Cushingoid features resolved. She remained in biochemical and clinical remission on the same low-dose for 6 years, before a medication audit discovered her mistaken dose and directed her to take 600 µg BID. With the higher dose 600 µg BID for the next 5 years, her glycaemia worsened without any changes in her UFC and residual tumour volume. Our case showed the continuing effectiveness and safety of treatment with S.C. pasireotide for more than 10 years, and that a low-dose regimen may be considered an option for responders by its safety profile.

Learning points:

A lower dose of pasireotide may be effective in the initial treatment of CD than the recommended 600 µg BID dosage, though more studies are required to explore this.

Low-dose pasireotide use has the benefit of minimising adverse effects.

In the long-term, pasireotide has a sustained clinical and biochemical effect and is well tolerated.
Comparing Patterns of Care for Febrile Infants at Community and University-Affiliated Hospitals
Authors: Cane Rachel , Kerns Ellen , Maskin Lauren , Natt Beth , Sieczkowski Lisa , Biondi Eric , McCulloh Russell J. 
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVES:Most children in the United States receive treatment in community hospitals, but descriptions of clinical practice patterns in pediatric care in this setting are lacking. Our objectives were to compare clinical practice patterns primarily between community and university-affiliated hospitals and secondarily by number of pediatric beds before and during participation in a national practice standardization project.METHODS:We performed a retrospective secondary analysis on data from 126 hospitals that participated in the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Value in Inpatient Pediatrics Reducing Excessive Variability in the Infant Sepsis Evaluation project, a national quality improvement project conducted to improve care for well-appearing febrile infants aged 7 to 60 days. Four use measures were compared by hospital type and by number of non-ICU pediatric beds.RESULTS:There were no differences between community and university-affiliated hospitals in the odds of hospital admission, average length of stay, or odds of cerebrospinal fluid culture. The odds of chest radiograph at community hospitals were higher only during the baseline period. There were no differences by number of pediatric beds in odds of admission or average length of stay. For hospitals with ≤30 pediatric beds, the odds of chest radiograph were higher and the odds of cerebrospinal fluid culture were lower compared with hospitals &gt;50 beds during both study periods.CONCLUSIONS:In many key aspects, care for febrile infants does not differ between community and university-affiliated hospitals. Clinical practice may differ more by number of pediatric beds.
Detection of non-polio and polio enteroviruses in Acute Flaccid Paralysis surveillance in Turkey
Authors: Korukluoglu Gulay , Ozdemirer Umit , Bayrakdar Fatma , Unal Zehra , Cosgun Yasemin , Atak Tunca , Karademirtok Hulya , Ata Isil , Kara Fatih 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPoliomyelitis was a disease feared worldwide, striking suddenly and paralysing mainly children for life. Monitoring of suspected cases of poliomyelitis is carried out with Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance in Turkey. This study examines national data of AFP surveillance and the epidemiology of enteroviruses (EV) in Turkey from 2000 to 2019 and gives an overview of the detected serotypes of EVs. A total of 13,640 samples collected from patients with 5216 AFP pre-diagnosed cases (2 samples from each patient) and 3,208 contacts, during a 20-year period (2000–2019) were investigated. All isolated polioviruses were tested for their wild or vaccine origin according to the WHO recommended protocol by PCR and sequencing analysis were performed. Enterovirus positivity was detected in a total of 915 cases, which were identified as 204 Sabin-like polio virus (SLPV) and 711 non-polio enterovirus (NPEV). Of the 204 SLPV, 141 (69.1%) AFP were detected in patients and 63 (30.9%) were detected in samples taken from their contacts. Of the 711 NPEVs, 516 (72.5%) were from AFP cases and 195 (27.5%) were detected in samples taken from their contacts. It is concluded that the reason for the higher detection rate of NPEV in samples from AFP pre-diagnosed cases is attributed to the polio vaccination rates reaching 97% between 2008 and 2019 in Turkey. The most frequently detected NPEV serotypes were Coxackie A24, B3, and Echo 30. This retrospective study is the first comprehensive study in Turkey to evaluate the results of the AFP surveillance in the last 20 years.
Enlightenment from street art activities in urban public space
Authors: He Honghao , Gyergyak Janos 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWith the continuous development of society and cities, people’s demand for urban public space is constantly changing, and the methods for public space renewal are becoming more and more diverse. As a flexible space renewal strategy, street art activities can not only partially update the space, increase the vitality of the space, but also improve the quality of the space and meet people’s needs. This paper first discusses the concepts and types of street art and clarifies the scope of research, Then, through the analysis of the role and impact of “street art activities intervening in urban space”, and finally summing up the relevant enlightenment, to create a favorable material environment for the future art intervention space.
Moment carrying capacity of RSCC beams incorporating alccofine and fly ash
Authors: Kavyateja Bode Venkata , Jawahar J. Guru , Sashidhar Chundupalle , Panga Narasimha Reddy 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper analyses the structural behavior of reinforced self-compacting concrete beams under two-point loading. A total number of five beams were cast with varying quantities of alccofine (i.e., 0, 5, 10, and 15%) and constant dosage of fly ash (i.e., 25%) and tested for examining the load-deflection curves and ultimate moment carrying capacity of reinforced self-compacting concrete beams. From obtained experimental results, it was found that the load-carrying capacity was increased when the beam with the addition of alccofine and fly ash is compared with the normal concrete beam. The experimental obtained ultimate strength values were compared with theoretically predicted values using IS 456-2000, ACI 318-11, and CSA A23.3-04 codes.
Investigation of metal built-up columns, Part I: Formulae
Authors: Baláž Ivan , Koleková Yvonna , Moroczová Lydia , Agüero Antonio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEurocodes give guidance how to design built-up columns having effective bending stiffness, smeared shear stiffness and local bow imperfection amplitude e0 = L/500 under compression. The guidance is valid only for columns supported by hinges at their ends. The second order theory is presented, which allows analysis of the battened and laced built-up columns with initial imperfection under combined compression and bending with the bottom end fixed and the upper one free in the case of in-plane buckling. The application of the theory in several numerical examples is given in Part II.
PENGEMBANGAN SKALA SOCIAL DESIRABILITY
Authors: Oktapialdi Ricky , Tarigan Medianta , Musthofa M. Ariez 
Published: March 2021

This research aims to develop a social desirability scale in Indonesian. The method used is mixed method. Participant in the exploration stage amounted to 400 subjects. Whereas, in the second stage, which purposed to identify a psychometric properties (reliability and validity), participant amounted to 501 subjects. Data analysis in the first stage was open coding. For the second stage data analysis consisted of reliability estimation using Cronbach’s Alpha and test of construct validity using factorial validity with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and convergent validity. The Result shows that the scale has a high reliability coefficient (α = 0.76). Whereas, the test of model fit with CFA shows that the scale fits with the data with index of fit value of Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.92, Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) = 0.93, Root Mean Square of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.059, and Standardized Root Mean Residual (SRMR) = 0.052. A convergent validity also tested by correlating social desirability Indonesian scale with social desirability scale by Reynolds (1982).
Minimizing the Use of Polyethene inside Paper Coffee Cups
Authors: Mahinpei Romina 
Published: March 2021

Although made of paper, most coffee cups are not recycled because of the polyethene covering their internal surface area (1, 2). Instead, they are sent to landfills where they break down into microplastics and negatively impact organisms after entering the food chain (2, 3). This is an especially alarming issue due to the extensive usage of paper coffee cups around the world. As a result, many global companies have been searching for an eco-friendly cup that eliminates the use of polyethene, a challenge that remains unresolved to this day (9). While the search continues, many businesses have relied on temporary strategies to reduce polyethene production until a design that eliminates its use is developed (9, 10, 11, 12). Two major methods include public awareness and promotion of reusable cups (2). However, these approaches have only resulted in minor changes due to their reliance on customer cooperation (2). To guarantee polyethene reduction, this report proposes a strategy that is independent of customer cooperation. This method determines the dimensions (i.e., height and bottom radius) that minimize the amount of polyethene needed to coat the internal surface area of a cup, while keeping the cup’s volume and lid size (i.e., top radius) the same. The resulting equation gives the surface area of the cup while the root to the first derivate of this equation corresponds to the optimal bottom radius. Using a derived equation for height, the optimal cup height is determined as well. To highlight its proper implementation, this strategy is applied to a Starbucks Grande coffee cup as a model for other companies to follow.
The Effect of Literature As Authentic Materials for Writing Essays in A Blended Learning Setting
Authors: Setyowati Lestari , Sukmawan Sony , El-Sulukiyyah Ana Ahsana 
Published: March 2021

The current situation of teaching and learning process has undergone a drastic change during the COVID-19 outbreak. The conventional classroom meeting is no longer available because of the pandemic. As a result, the classroom interaction is blended with the online learning model until the end of the semester. In a blended learning setting, teachers are forced to be innovative to reach the instructional objectives. As most learning is done online, the use of authentic materials is considered relevant to the current situation. Many authentic materials are available online. Yet, there is no sufficient information on whether the authentic materials can improve college students’ ability in writing essays in a blended learning setting. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of literary genre as authentic materials on students’ writing performance. As such, this research uses an experimental design. The target population of the study was all fourth-year students of the English Education Study Program, Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, University of PGRI Wiranegara, Pasuruan, East Java, Indonesia. Samples were employed using a systematic random design. The treatment was conducted in 14 meetings between March and June 2020. The main instruments used to collect data were pre-test and post-test. The students’ writing was rated by two ratings using the Jacobs ESL-Composition Profile. The result of the one-sample t-test computation using the IBM SPSS 25 showed that there is a significant difference in the students’ writing performance before and after the treatment (α = 0.00 < 0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of authentic materials in literary genre can improve the student’s ability in writing essays.
Keywords: authentic materials, literature, essay, effect
APAKAH STANDAR KOMPETENSI ITU ?
Authors: Neolaka Amos 
Published: March 2021

Tujuan penulisan adalah untuk menjelaskan pengertian standar kompetensi yang saat ini ramai dibicarakan. Hal ini terjadi akibat undang-undang mengharuskan setiap orang yang bekerja di setiap bidang profesi memiliki sertifikat kompetensi, termasuk guru dan dosen sebagai suatu profesi.
Standar kompetensi bidang keterampilan dan bidang keahlian menjadi sesuatu keharusan. Standar kompetensi adalah perumusan tentang kemampuan yang harus dimiliki seseorang untuk melakukan suatu pekerjaan yang didasari atas pengetahuan, keterampilan, dan sikap kerja sesuai bidang kerja yang dipersyaratkan. Selanjutnya dijelaskan tentang kegunaannya, strukturnya, kompetensi kunci, format unit kompetensi, dan level kinerja kompetensi kunci pada setiap unit kompetensi.
Spatial and temporal expansion of global fire activity in response to climate change
Authors: Senande-Rivera Martín , Insua-Costa Damián , Miguez-Macho Gonzalo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Global warming is expected to alter wildfire potential and fire season severity, but the magnitude and location of change is still unclear. Here, we show that climate largely determines present fire-prone regions and their fire season. We categorize these regions according to the climatic characteristics of their fire season into four classes, within general Boreal, Temperate, Tropical and Arid climate zones. Based on climate model projections, we assess the modification of the fire-prone regions in extent and fire season length at the end of the 21st century. We find that due to global warming, the global fire-prone area will increase by 27%, mostly in Boreal (+95%) and Temperate (+17%) zones, where there will also be significant lengthenings of the potential fire season. Our estimates of the global expansion of fire-prone areas highlight the large but uneven impact of a warming climate on Earth’s environment.