bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new image compression method based on comparative thresholding
Authors: Aoun Mohammed Salah Mesai , Dehda Bachir , Douib Bachir 
Published: November 2024

In recent years, image compression methods are the important research topics, these methods are classified into reversible and irreversiblet techniques. The irreversible techniques or called transformation techniques are the most widely used today. In fact, the transformation methods decompose the image into an orthonormal basis, such as a great number of the coefficients be equal to zero, without significantly impairing the visual aspect of the original image. Decades ago, the wavelet theory has given high contributions in the transformation methods by its nice mathematical properties and using the traditional thresholding as Hard and soft thresholding. However, if the image has a large singularity, we will be obliged to increase the number of non-zero wavelet coefficients in the reconstructed image. So, this situation costs us a lot, especially with color images. Therefore, we can pose the following problem to answer: are there thresholding operators can reduce the wavelet coefficients number independently on the singularity contained in the image?. In this paper, we propose a new method for image compression, called Comparative Thresholding (CT), which is based on constructing new thresholding operators that solve the imposed compression problem. These solution operators can enhance the traditional thresholding in terms of the visual quality of the compressed image. Experiments on a grayscale image using Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) with our proposed method (CT), show that CT method provides better performance compared to traditional thresholding in terms of the Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Compression Ratio (CR).
RMB Internationalization on The Performance of Chinese Listed Companies Vis-A-Vis Forex: A Proposed Financial Model
Authors: Liu Nian 
Published: November 2024

This dissertation delves into the relationship between bank RMB internationalization and foreign exchange (forex) performance of China-listed companies, and consequently a financial model is constructed. This research is therefore concerned with the increasing global adoption of the Chinese currency, and the analysis of the link between the RMB Internationalization Index (RII) and some of the key forex performance metrics, such as the Foreign Exchange Exposure Ratio (FEER), Net Exposure (NE), and Realized Foreign Exchange Loss/Gain (RFELG). The gathered evidence yields to a firm proposition of a positive correlation between the internationalization of China's RMB and the forex performance of Chinese listed companies. More explicitly, RII (RMB Internationalization Indices) is negatively related to Net Exposure and Realized Foreign Exchange Loss/Gain, which means that if companies adopt more RMB, they are less and less exposed to foreign currency risks. The findings reveal that the transition towards RMB-denominated transactions not only facilitates the stabilization of cash flows but also acts as a means of reducing the dependence on other currencies, especially the USD. On the other hand, one of the important findings is a U-shaped relationship between RMB internationalization and Foreign Exchange Exposure Ratio. Initially, companies might suffer increased exposure due to market uncertainty, but as the RMB develops into a more globally accepted currency, forex exposure will be less, consequently, firms will be more stable in the long-term. The financial model thus developed integrates those empirical findings and gives some practical recommendations for mitigating foreign exchange risks. Through the recommendations, it is made clear that dynamic hedging strategies must be adopted at each stage of RMB internationalization. In the early stages of RMB, companies with high exposure to exchange rate fluctuations could utilize aggressive hedging to be on the safe side. As the RMB becomes more widely accepted, firms would be able to transfer to low-risk hedging strategies and thus, decrease foreign currency liabilities further by increasing the use of RMB in international transactions. The model also indicates that businesses lath the stages of RMB internationalization to make informed investment decisions and adjust currency management strategies accordingly.
Transformações sociais, experiências e vivências
Authors: Tostes da Silva Úrsula , Bovo Marcos Clair 
Published: December 2024

O papel da mulher na sociedade brasileira alterou-se significativamente a partir da segunda metade do século XX e nas primeiras décadas do século XXI, sendo que o mesmo foi influenciado pelos movimentos feministas, pelas transformações econômicas, sociais e culturais. Tais transformações possibilitaram as mulheres o acesso à educação, o direito de optar por ter filhos ou não, à carreira profissional, etc. Os resultados indicam que os movimentos feministas deram à mulher novas possibilidades, como possuir direitos civis, políticos e ter direito de escolhas, porém ainda há muito o que se possa fazer para assumir de maneira plena os lugares no trabalho, em casa e na sociedade efetivamente, de modo que não sejam mais submissas aos homens e sejam donas de seus corpos. Diante disso, o artigo objetiva analisar as transformações sociais, experiências e vivências dos diferentes lugares ocupados pela(s) mulher(es) nas últimas décadas do século XX e nas primeiras décadas do século XXI. O aporte metodológico consiste em entrevistas com doze mulheres por meio de um roteiro de questões semiestruturadas, levando em consideração os aspectos relacionados à profissão, à etnia, à família, os papéis desempenhados dentro e fora de casa e o nível educacional.
The Use of 3-Dimensional Modeling and Printing in Corrective Osteotomies of the Malunited Pediatric Forearm: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fossett Emma , Sarraf Khaled , Afsharpad Arash 
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Forearm fractures contribute up to 40% of all pediatric fractures, with ≤39% of conservatively managed fractures resulting in malunion. Surgical management of malunion is challenging as precise calculation of multiplanar correction is required to obtain optimal outcomes. Advances in 3D computer modeling and printing have shown promising results in orthopaedics, reducing surgical time, blood loss, and fluoroscopy. This systematic review and meta-analysis are the first to explore the accuracy and functional outcome of 3D techniques in pediatric diaphyseal forearm malunion correction.

Methods:
A systematic review was carried out according to PRISMA guidelines.

Results:
Sixteen studies (44 patients) were included. Average 2D residual deformity was 1.84° (SD=1.68°). The average gain in range of movement (ROM) was 76.08° (SD=41.75°), with a statistically significant difference between osteotomies ≤12 months from injury and >12 months (96.36° vs. 64.91°, P = 0.027). Below a 2D residual deformity of 5.28°, no statistically significant difference on gain of ROM was found, indicating this as a nonconsequential residual deformity (P = 0.778). Multivariate regression analysis showed that 2D residual deformity and time to osteotomy only account for 6.3% gain in ROM, indicating that there are more factors to be researched.

Conclusion:
This study found superior accuracy of 3D techniques, reporting lower residual deformities than published standard osteotomy data; however, the volume of literature was limited. Larger studies are required to explore additional factors that influence accuracy and ROM, such as 3D residual deformity and the effect of particular 3D printed adjuncts. This will aid clarity in determining superiority and improve cost-effectiveness.
A APRENDIZAGEM INTEGRAL DE CRIANÇAS COM TDAH NA PERCEPÇÃO DE PROFESSORES DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL
Authors: Correia Sabrina Bobbio , Ricardo Lorena Santos 
Published: November 2024

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a percepção dos professores de Ensino Fundamental Anos Iniciais de uma escola particular do município de Linhares acerca das necessidades dos discentes com TDAH, das estratégias educacionais voltadas para esses discentes e do papel da colaboração entre escola e, família para o desenvolvimento integral dessas crianças. Para coleta de dados foi realizado um questionário no Google Forms, respondido por 14 professores de uma escola privada do município de Linhares. Os resultados evidenciam que na percepção da maioria dos participantes as maiores necessidades dos discentes com TDAH relacionam-se ao desenvolvimento de habilidades relativas ao autogerenciamento e por estrutura, rotinas e instruções claras, além de um ambiente organizado. Quanto às estratégias educacionais para esses alunos, compreende que os melhores recursos para contribuir com a aprendizagem e com o desenvolvimento de competências socioemocionais são as adaptações curriculares para as necessidades particulares do discente. A respeito da colaboração entre escola e família para o desenvolvimento integral do aluno com TDAH, é crucial para os participantes e os seus impactos podem trazer benefícios, inclusive, para a participação ativa das crianças nas aulas. Espera-se que esse trabalho contribua com o desenvolvimento de novas pesquisas sobre essa temática.
DESAFIOS E PERSPECTIVAS DA INTELIGÊNCIA ARTIFICIAL (IA) NA ATENÇÃO À SAÚDE: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA DA LITERATURA
Authors: Campelo Saynara Regina Bernardo , Barros Tafnes Andrade de , Cruz Ann Caroline Nascimento 
Published: December 2024

Introdução: A Inteligência Artificial (IA) transforma a saúde, ao permitir aprimorar diagnósticos, tratamentos e gestão dos serviços, impactando, inclusive, a própria experiência do paciente. Objetivos: Avaliar os desafios e as oportunidades da adoção da IA em saúde, visando melhorar a prestação dos serviços e a experiência do paciente.Metodologia: A presente pesquisa foi uma revisão integrativa da literatura, utilizando-se de bases como PubMed, Scielo e LILACS, abrangendo artigos de 2019 até 2024, sobre o tema dos desafios e benefícios da IA em saúde. Resultados: A IA traz benefícios tais como diagnósticos aprimorados e tratamento mais personalizado, mas consta com desafios em segurança de dados, viés de algoritmo e desigualdade no acesso aos cuidados. Conclusão: A IA pode melhorar a assistência à saúde, mas alguns desafios técnicos e éticos precisam ser vencidos para que seja aplicada com segurança e efetividade.
Deciphering why petrol stations have become hot spots for crime in South Africa
Authors: Nyahunda Louis , Rakubu Kholofelo Anna 
Published: December 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of criminal activity, petrol stations in South Africa have emerged as a prime target for malicious actors, capturing the attention of law enforcement agencies, researchers and various authorities. The rise in criminal activities at petrol stations in South Africa has become a mounting concern, with researchers and law enforcement agencies striving to understand the root causes and devise sustainable ways to curtail the scourge. This study explores the underlying factors that have contributed to the surge in criminal incidents at these perceived safe havens, delving into the empirical drivers of this alarming trend. The study employed a qualitative research approach which operated within the exploratory research design. A purposive sampling technique was utilised to select 10 petrol stations around Gauteng province. In this view, petrol attendants, petrol station owners and members of the security patrols participated in the study. A total of 30 participants gave their insights to the study. The findings revealed that petrol stations have become hunting grounds because of the availability of an assortment of items. Furthermore, the study established that the flourishing of crime syndicates, the environmental design of most petrol stations, limited to no periodic police patrols and outdated security systems are contributing factors to this conundrum. This paper posits that the transformation of petrol stations into preferred hunting grounds for criminals in South Africa is a multifaceted phenomenon, shaped by the interplay of a lack of technological advancements to combat crime, pitfalls in the broader security landscape in the country and lack of pragmatism in implementing the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design strategy.
ADMISSION WITH ACUTE ABDOMEN: PRESENTATION, CONDITIONS IDENTIFIED AND MANAGEMENT OUTCOMES
Authors: Farzana Sabir  , Shafaq Hanif  , Fakhra Gardezi  , Mohsina Saeed  , Rashida Bibi  , Sajjad Haider  
Published: November 2024

Background: Acute abdomen is one of the few conditions that require immediate surgical intervention most of the time. However, not all cases of acute abdomen need surgery. The objective was to determine the various presentations of acute abdomen and their management outcome in patients presenting with acute abdomen to AIMS, Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Methods: This prospective cohort study included individuals aged 18 and above who presented with abdominal pain lasting at least eight hours. Patients with trauma-induced abdominal pain were excluded. Consecutive non-probability sampling facilitated participant recruitment. Results: The majority (54%) were young, and males outnumbered females (62.61% and 37.39% respectively. Most patients presented within 8 hours of pain onset, diabetes and hypertension were the commonest comorbid. Mild pain was most common at presentation. In descending order, acute Appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, Peritonitis, UTIs, and gynaecological & obstetric conditions were the frequent reasons for abdominal pain. Conclusion: Recognizing the patterns of conditions that present as acute abdomen is essential for healthcare planners to develop effective treatment protocols, as incorrect management can lead to significant consequences.
EFFECTIVENESS OF MANUAL THERAPY, PHYSICAL THERAPY IN CONJUNCTION WITH PATIENT EDUCATION FOR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY.
Authors: Saeed Ullah Shah  , Sana Shakil Khan  , Sadia Moin  , Shumaila Younus  , Hina Jabeen  , Kanwal safeer  
Published: November 2024

Background: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders represent a significant health concern affecting a substantial portion of the population worldwide. The management of TMJ disorders often involves a multifaceted approach including physiotherapy techniques, manual exercise interventions, patient education, and medication therapy. Objective: The purpose of this research is to examine the Effectiveness of manual therapy, and physical therapy in conjunction with patient education for temporomandibular disorders. Methods: 40 patients with TMDS were randomized into two groups: one for home physical therapy and the other for manual therapy plus physical therapy. Patient education and counseling were done in both groups. the patient had assessments both before and after. Results: The study made a comparison of two groups: one received physical therapy only (n=20) and the other group received a combination of physical and manual therapy (n=20). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender distribution, or the affected side of the face (p>0.05). Conclusion: For TMJ issues, physical therapy patient education is a useful therapeutic method. Moreover, combining these modalities with manual therapy improves results beyond what would be achieved with just these modalities alone.
OPTIMIZING POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOMES: ASSESSING THE EFFECT OF ENHANCED RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY PROTOCOLS IN GENERAL SURGICAL PATIENTS
Authors: Atif Iqbal  , Hamid ur Rehman  , Ibrar Ahmad  , Sauda Bibi  , Haseena Safdar  , Liaqat Ali  , Qazi Mohammad Hameed  
Published: November 2024

Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols were progressively implemented to advance postoperative results in various surgical specialties. However, their effectiveness in general surgical patients remains underexplored. This study intended to assess impact of ERAS protocols on postoperative results in general surgical patients at Jinnah International Hospital Abbottabad (JIHA). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Jinnah International Hospital Abbottabad from May 2023 to April 2024. A total of 120 general surgical patients who underwent procedures under ERAS protocols were related with a historical control group who received conventional perioperative care. Data on perioperative variables, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and readmission rates were collected and analyzed. Results: Implementation of ERAS protocols resulted in significantly decreased postoperative complications (p < 0.05), shorter length of hospital stay (p < 0.001), and lower readmission rates (p < 0.01) compared to conventional perioperative care. Patients in the ERAS group experienced improved recovery trajectories and enhanced overall postoperative outcomes. Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrate beneficial impact of implementing ERAS protocols in general surgical patients at Jinnah International Hospital Abbottabad. Adoption of ERAS protocols can lead to enhanced postoperative recovery, reduced complications, and shorter hospital stays, ultimately optimizing patient outcomes.
OUTCOME OF PATIENTS WITH ST ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION (STEMI) BASED ON ADMISSION SERUM POTASSIUM LEVEL
Authors: Qayyum Malik Sidra , Fatima Qayyum  , Masud Akhtar Malik  , Hamza Javed  , Ayub Khan  
Published: November 2024

Background: Potassium levels play a significant role in cardiovascular patients, with hypokalemia and hyperkalemia having profound effects on the mortality rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of admission serum potassium levels and in-hospital mortality in patients suffering from acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Cardiology, Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad, and involved 225 patients with STEMI who underwent thrombolysis with streptokinase. The serum potassium levels of patients were recorded at the time of admission, and its correlation was observed with the short-term outcomes, i.e., discharge to home versus those who did not survive during the hospital stay of 72 hrs. Results: The mean level of serum potassium at admission was 4.2 mmol/dL and 74.2% patients were discharged alive. T test indicated that a higher risk of death was associated with old age. No significant association between gender, serum potassium levels, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and outcomes was seen. Logistic regression analysis further showed that age had a significant association with the outcome of death. Conclusion: In our study, age had a significant impact on predicting the mortality of patients with STEMI and whereas the serum potassium levels at the time of admission did not exhibit any significant predictive value. Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay of various factors in predicting mortality, to improve the management practices of AMI.
ASSESSMENT OF POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIC EFFECT OF RECTUS SHEATH BLOCK IN GYNECOLOGICAL LAPROSCOPIC SURGERY
Authors: Sobia Irum  , Samina Saleem  , Alia Bano  , Sadia Irum  , Kaneez Fatima  
Published: November 2024

Background: Gynecological laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that can cause pain and discomfort in the postoperative period. To manage this pain, various analgesic techniques have been employed, including rectus sheath block (RSB). Bupivacaine is a long-acting local anesthetic that has been used in bilateral rectus sheath block (BRSB) for postoperative pain relief after laparoscopic surgery. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of bupivacaine's bilateral rectus sheath block (BRSB) on post-laparoscopic pain relief with its intraperitoneal (IP) administration. Methods: This prospective randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was done at the department of obstetrics and gynaecology Patel hospital Karachi, from September 2022 to February 2023. All the adult female patients aged 18 years or older undergoing elective gynecological laparoscopic surgery and willing to receive RSB as a postoperative analgesic technique were included. After taking informed consent, the patients were randomly allocated into two groups. In group I, BRSB was performed with 25 mg of bupivacaine and in group II was given 25 mg of bupivacaine intraperitoneal. Postoperative pain was assessed by visual analog pain score (VAS) at 1st, 6th, 10the and 24the hours postoperatively. All the information was collected via study proformas. Results: The study comprises 60 patients who underwent gynecological laparoscopic surgeries, with group I having a mean age of 38.10+11.19 years and an average BMI of 27.07+5.15 kg/m2, and group II having a mean age of 41.36+11.18 years and an average BMI of 27.51+4.22 kg/m2. Average (VAS) was significantly lower in group I compared to group II at 1st, 6th, 10th, and 24th hour, with a statistically significant p-value of 0.001. The average duration of surgery was not statistically significant in both groups, as an average duration in group I was 32.14+12.20 minutes and in group II was 31.0+19.21 minutes. Conclusion: The use of bupivacaine in a bilateral rectus sheath block (BRSB) with was observed to be more effective for post-laparoscopic pain relief compared to 25 mg of bupivacaine intraperitoneal administration.
Evaluation of Potential Microbial Strains and Lentil Genotypes for Enhancing BNF and Production of Lentil Crop in Pothwar
Authors: Haq Ehsan ul , Parveen Hajra , Bahadar Khan , Uddin Ameer , Yousuf Muhammad , Hamza Ameer , Iqbal Naeem , Ahmed Jahangir , Hamzah Abdul Mannan , Mujtaba Ghulam 
Published: November 2024

Lentil (Lens culinaris L) is Pakistan's second main winter season legume crop after chickpea and is known to be vital for health. Rhizobia have a natural capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen in legume crops through a symbiotic relationship with legumes- rhizobium, producing nodules on their roots. It is important to maintain an optimal rhizobial population in the rhizosphere in order to enhance nodulation, N2 fixation, and yield of lentil crop. The experiment was conducted to Evaluation of potential Microbial strains and lentil genotypes for enhancing BNF and production of lentil crop in Pothwar. Lentil varieties used were: V1 = NIA-Masoor-2005, V2 = Markaz-2009, V3 = Punjab-Masoor-2009, V4 = Chakwal-Masoor-2011, V5 = NIA-Masoor-2016 and the five rhizobial strains, RS0, RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 and RS5 (Their accession numbers lie with the Institute of Soil science, PMAS AAUR) were used. Inoculation of seed with Rhizobium strains significantly increased the plant height (17.58%), number of branches plant-1 (25.67%), number of pods plant-1 (15.42%), number of nodules plant-1 (34%) and the N-content of shoots (12.70) of lentil crop as compared to control. Consequently, rhizobium strains contributed to improved soil productivity and could minimize the cost of production of next crop by reducing inputs in the form of nitrogen fertilizers. It has been found that rhizobic inoculation is more productive and better yields, as compared to control. Maximum growth and yield components was recorded in variety, V5 (NIA-Masoor-2016) followed by variety, V3 (Punjab-Masoor-2009) and minimum production was recorded in V4 (Chakwal-Masoor-2011). NIA-Masoor-2016 had larger yielded better than Chakwal-Masoor-2011. It was also clear from the present results that interactive effect of rhizobial strains and lentil varieties produced the plants with more yield than control which might have resulted in higher nitrogen fixation and consequently higher dry matter production.