bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nivolumab-Induced Lichen Planopilaris: Case Report and Literature Review of Hair Disorders Associated with Targeted Oncological Therapies
Authors: Asfour Leila , Rutkowski David , Chaudhry Iskander H. , Harries Matthew J. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapies. Their mechanism promotes a cytotoxic T-cell activation against the tumor cells, but as a consequence, immune-mediated toxicities are increasingly being identified. Cutaneous immune-mediated adverse events (AE) occur in 32% of patients, with possible higher grade AEs seen with anti-programmed cell death protein 1, such as nivolumab. A 67-year-old woman with metastatic melanoma, previously treated for 2 years on dual ICI (ipilimumab and nivolumab), had her treatment interrupted due to grade-3 hepatitis. She was subsequently recommenced on single-agent nivolumab with good response, before discontinuation due to remission. She reported worsening scalp pruritus with associated erythema, scaling, and global hair thinning. On examination, she had significant erythema throughout the scalp with perifollicular scaling and evidence of scarring. She reported severe distress from her symptoms. Her scalp biopsy demonstrated features of scarring alopecia with infundibular and isthmic inflammation and interface change in keeping with lichen planopilaris. Follicular toxicities are rarely reported, possibly due to imprecise AE phenotyping or underreporting. However, growing evidence suggests that patients can develop follicular pigmentary changes and nonscarring alopecia. To our knowledge, this is the first case of scarring alopecia reported with nivolumab. Current treatments for ICI-induced toxicities are limited.
Investigation of Body Image and Quality of Life of Patients with Lower Limb Amputation: Problems Experienced of Patients
Authors: Kar Z , Kutlu A 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Problems related to quality of life and body images of amputee patients are important.

Aims:
This study was performed to assess body image and quality of life with problems experienced of patients with lower limb amputation.

Materials and Methods:
This study was performed using mixed quantitative dominant study design. The study was carried out in orthopedics and cardiovascular surgery units of a university hospital. Quantitative data were collected from 30 patients via questionnaires including the Short Form-36 Quality of Life (SF-36 QoL) and Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS) tools. Qualitative data were gathered from 20 patients using an interview form. In this research, quantitative data have been analyzed by using a statistical program and qualitative data have been analyzed by using content analysis.

Results:
Age mean of 30 patients with amputation 47.23±16.08. They were 80 % male, 70% have a chronic illness, 63.3% knee disarticulation or transfemoral amputation, and 53.3% use prosthetic. The average SF-36 QoL sub-dimension scores of the patients were: physical 30.11±20.00, social 36.66±27.45, physical roles 18.33±30.03, emotional roles 37.77±22.71, mental health 48.0±22.89, vitality 36.50±20.64, pain 48.13±28.33, and general health 43.96±28.59. The ABIS average score was 60.1±19.62. The most common problem of patients after amputation involves issues related to motion. Three main categories of patients experience with amputation were designated that the reactions after learning that the amputation will be done, problems experienced in the early period after amputation and post-discharge problems.

Conclusions:
Quality of life of patients with amputation was below the intermediate level. Deterioration in body image perception was above average. The most common problem after amputation was issues related mobilization. Training related the amputation process and social support might significantly reduce problems with amputation.
Comparing the Use of Smartphone and Vernier Calipers for Corneal Diameter Measurement in Nigerian Term Neonates
Authors: Mgbafulu N , Ezisi C , Ginger-Eke H , Umeh R 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Corneal diameter (CD) measurement in newborns is essential for the detection of blinding ocular pathologies. It requires specially trained personnel, contact techniques, and the use of anesthesia. Smartphone use may obviate these challenges.

Aim:
This study compares CD measurement among newborns using a Smartphone and manual calipers.

Subjects and Methods:
This is a cross-sectional comparative study done at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria. Consecutively selected stable term neonates whose mothers consented to the study and met the inclusion criteria had their CDs measured with both calipers and smartphones and the values compared. Mean, range, and standard deviation were calculated using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM (version 22), while paired t-test calculated the difference in mean CD measurements between both methods. Pearson’s correlation and Bland–Altman’s analysis determined the correlation and agreement between both methods, respectively. Inter and intraobserver repeatability were assessed. A P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Results:
The mean CD measurement using calliper method was 10.01 ± 0.29mm and 10.03 ± 0.24 mm right eye (RE) and left eyes (LE), respectively) for investigator 1 and 10.16 ± 0.25 mm and 10.19 ± 0.21 mm (RE, LE) for investigator 2. Using smartphone measurement, mean CD measurements of 9.98 ± 0.21 mm and 10.00 ± 0.29 mm (RE, LE) were observed for investigator 1 and 10.07 ± 0.19 mm and 10.06 ± 0.21 mm (RE, LE) for investigator 2. The difference in mean CD for both instruments and by both investigators was not statistically significant (P value > 0.05).

Conclusion:
Corneal diameter measurement in neonates using smartphone technology does not deviate significantly from caliper measurement; it is safe, easy to use, and advocated.
AN INVESTIGATION INTO READING STRATEGIES USED BY VIETNAMESE NON-ENGLISH MAJORED STUDENTS: THE CASE OF A UNIVERSITY IN VIETNAM
Authors: Nhan Lam Ky 
Published: December 2023

Reading comprehension is a critical feature in English language acquisition for all students since it serves as the foundation for teaching in all aspects of language learning (Mikulecky, 2008). Comprehension improves when the reader actively employs suitable reading methods (Brown, 1980). Furthermore, reading is a skill that receives the most focus in the typical English language school (Susser &amp; Rob, 1990). Reading strategies should be used by students to plan how they will read and to improve their reading comprehension (Poole, 2010). The goal of this study was to look into how university students employ English as a Foreign Language (EFL) reading methods. There were 84 students from a university in the Mekong Delta that took part. Mokhtari and Reichard’s (2002) Survey of Reading Strategies (SORS) was utilized as the instrument to collect data on the participants’ use of reading strategies. The findings revealed that EFL high school students were well aware of the usage of reading strategies. Global reading strategies were preferred by students, followed by support strategies and problem-solving strategies. The implications of employing EFL reading skills were also highlighted.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0018/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
EVALUATION DE L’APPRENTISSAGE DU FRANÇAIS DANS LES ECOLES PRIMAIRES DE MONT-NGAFULA A KINSHASA, D. R. CONGO / LEARNING ASSESSMENT FRENCH IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS FROM MONT-NGAFULA TO KINSHASA, D. R. CONGO
Authors: Bindele Robert-Abel Ngwama 
Published: December 2023

<p>Une action pédagogique ne peut réussir sans la mise en épreuve des acquis des bénéficiaires de cette action. Cette mise à l’épreuve requiert des instruments d’évaluation qui permettraient à l’enseignant, à l’organisateur de l’enseignement ou à tout chercheur, d’une part, de diagnostiquer les difficultés d’apprentissage et à l’apprenant, d’autre part de comprendre ses erreurs et de le corriger. Notre étude aborde une problématique intéressante en orientation scolaire car elle touche un aspect important du processus enseignement-apprentissage ; celui lié à l’évaluation des apprentissages des élèves en langue française. Après administration d’une épreuve pédagogique en français, le constat est amer. La quasi-totalité des élèves qui arrivent à la fin du cycle primaire connaissent d’importantes lacunes en français.</p><p>An educational action cannot succeed without testing the acquired knowledge of the beneficiaries of this action. This test requires evaluation instruments which would allow the teacher, the education organizer or any researcher, on the one hand, to diagnose learning difficulties and the learner, on the other hand to understand its errors and correct it. Our study addresses an interesting issue in educational guidance because it affects an important aspect of the teaching-learning process; that linked to the evaluation of students’ learning in French. After administering an educational test in French, the findings are bitter. Almost all students who reach the end of the primary cycle experience significant gaps in French.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0011/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
THE EFFECT OF GEMS APPROACH ON SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Hastürk Gamze , Nasirliel Seda 
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the GEMS (Great Exploration in Math and Science) approach on the scientific process skills of the students in the "Force and Energy" unit of the seventh grade science course of secondary school. The study was designed according to the semi-experimental pattern with pre-test post-test control group from quantitative data analysis methods. The study group of the study consists of 32 seventh grade students. The application studies lasted a total of 4 weeks. In the experimental group (N=16), the GEMS-based learning program was processed, and in the control group (N=16), the courses were taught according to the 2018 science curriculum. As a data collection tool, the scientific process skill test (SPST) consisting of 26 multiple-choice items was used before and after the application. The SPSS package program was used in the analysis of the findings. In the SPST data analysis obtained from the scales of the groups, independent samples "Mann Whitney U test" and "Wilcoxon signed rows test" were used. As a result of the research, it was seen that SPST scores showed a statistically significant difference in the experimental group where the courses based on the GEMS-based learning program were carried out compared to the control group where the courses were processed according to the 2018 science curriculum. In the experimental group where the courses based on the GEMS approach were conducted, it was concluded that the scientific process skill test scores were high. According to the results obtained from the study, in-service training should be provided to teachers in order to use the GEMS (Great Exploration in Math and Science) based learning program more effectively, and it may be recommended to prepare guidebooks for GEMS approach for science teachers.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0055/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
A CASE STUDY EXPLORATION OF ALBANIAN PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER EXPERIENCE WHEN VISITED BY SPANISH PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
Authors: Xhuxhi Joseph , Romero-García Carmen 
Published: December 2023

<p>The Komisioni Kombëtar i Edukimit Katolik Shqiptar (KKEKSH) aims to reform education in Albania. In 2022 it established a relationship with Stella Maris College (SMC) in Madrid, Spain. As part of this relationship, a teacher exchange program was established between the SMC and the KKEKSH. This exchange aims to share good practices in the field of using active methodologies in the classroom and explore the impact of such an exchange program on the professional identity of Albanian primary teachers. In the first week of June 2023, a group of three SMR teachers visited three Albanian Catholic schools for a week. Based on this experience, three theoretical constructs are analysed to explore the experience of the Albanian teacher: transformative learning, agency, and hybridization. A mixed methodology was used, based on a case study of the experience of Albanian teachers during the visit of the Spanish teachers. Two questionnaires were designed and shared online with the Albanian teachers who participated in the experience to collect information about, 1) a qualitative <em>pre-visit</em> questionnaire sought to explore the views of initial teacher identity and agency, 2) a mixed qualitative with Likert style quantitative <em>post-visit</em> questionnaire sought to explore changes in teacher identify and agency as result of the Spanish teacher visit. A constant comparative analysis, a percentage frequency of mentions and a basic SPSS analysis of the data were performed. The results show that by providing teachers with a space for reflection in their daily practice, the way they conceptualize their pedagogical knowledge changes. Communication between Spanish and Albanian teachers created a space for the hybrid identity of the participants to be scrutinized and evaluated. The participants in this study, after having been exposed to different points of view and practices in education, begun to take steps to incorporate active methodologies, alternative assessment approaches in their educational practice and adaptation of the curriculum to make it more accessible to their students, so that students become the "focus" and "priority" of what they do. It is concluded that it is necessary to work in local dialogue, firstly within the school and through the creation of local communities, in both cases to allow different knowledge and experiences to promote the creation of collaborative pedagogical knowledge. We demonstrate that the tension that arises in the hybrid identities of the participants strengthens their individual agency within the neoliberal micromanaged education system the participants find themselves in.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0012/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
Staging of Laryngeal Cancer: Clinicoradiological versus Histopathological Findings using Modified Laryngeal Sectioning
Authors: Sinha Shriyash , Sen Sarmila , Saha Somnath 
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION: Laryngeal cancer is commonly encountered in India. Post operative whole organ sectioning of the larynx, although informative, can often be tedious and cumbersome. This study aims to define a modified method of laryngeal sectioning and to assess its level of agreement with pre-operative clinicoradiological findings with regard to T-stage of laryngeal cancer.
METHODOLOGY: Prospective study was conducted on 15 patients diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma, who underwent total laryngectomy with neck dissection. The pre-operative clinicoradiological T-stage, was compared to the post-operative pathological T-stage, obtained after histopathological examination of sections taken from relevant areas of the total laryngectomy specimen using modified laryngeal sectioning.
RESULTS: When compared to the pathological staging obtained after modified laryngeal sectioning, clinical T-staging over-staged the tumour in 3 cases and under-staged the tumour in 2 cases, and was similar in the remaining 10 cases. The level of agreement in determining the T-stage was ‘fair’.
CONCLUSION: The T-stages determined by pre-operative clinicoradiological findings and post-operative histopathological findings after modified laryngeal sectioning, were similar in two-third cases. While whole organ laryngeal sectioning remains the gold standard, it is often a costly and cumbersome process. We propose the use of representative tissue samples from the areas of interest for histopathological examination, obtained by sectioning the larynx at relevant points only, as it saves time and is less resource intensive.
Thyroid Dysfunction following Radiotherapy and Combined Therapy in Non-Thyroid Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Bhat Rais Ahmad , Prakash Om , Angurana Shabab Lalit 
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION: In patients with head and neck cancers thyroid gland bears the brunt in terms of either excision or irradiation resulting in loss of functionality of the gland leading to thyroid dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate thyroid function following radiotherapy and combined therapy in non-thyroid head and neck cancers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a prospective study of 51 patients with head and neck cancers for duration of one year. Thyroid function tests were done before and at the end, 3 months and 6 months following treatment.
RESULTS: Out of 51 patients, 47 (92.15 %) were males and 4 (7.8 %) were females. All the patients received radiation to the neck to a dose of > 50 GY. 36 patients received concurrent chemotherapy and 7 patients underwent surgery. 4 patients were found to have clinical hypothyroidism, 16 patients subclinical hypothyroidism, 1 patient clinical hyperthyroidism and 1 patient subclinical hyperthyroidism. Thus a total of 22 patients developed thyroid dysfunction (P value of 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Recognizing thyroid dysfunction early and treating it prevents thyroid dysfunction related complications. Hence, thyroid function tests should be done routinely during follow-up in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.
Remitansi Pekerja Migran pada Masa Pandemi COVID-19 di Lombok Timur
Authors: Hamdi Saipul , Syarifuddin  , Oryza Pneumatica Inderasari  , Lina Febriani  , Nurul Haromain  , Ikmal Maulana  , Ihfan Rahmawadi  
Published: December 2023

Covid-19 telah tersebar di seluruh dunia termasuk di Indonesia pada awal 2020an berdampak besar terhadap remitansi pekerja migran, termasuk pengurangan jam kerja, pemutusan hubungan kerja, hingga dipulangkan secara paksa. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi dampak dan pengelolaan remitansi oleh keluarga migran sebelum dan selama masa pandemi Covid-19 di Kecamatan Suralaga Lombok Timur, serta upaya pemerintah untuk membantu supaya berhasil dalam pengelolaan remitansi tersebut. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif teknik pengambilan data melalui observasi-partisipasi, wawancara mendalam, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) dan dokumentasi. Informan terdiri dari aparatur desa, tokoh masyarakat, keluarga pekerja migran, mantan pekerja migran dan masyarakat lokal. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pekerja dan keluarga pekerja migran di Suralaga umumnya mengalami gangguan remitansi setelah munculnya Covid-19. Mereka tidak hanya kesulitan dalam memperoleh income yang normal, tetapi juga sangat kesulitan dalam mengirim uang tersebut karena akses perbankan saat itu ditutup. Sebelum masa Covid-19, pekerja migran dan keluarga mengelola remitansi mereka untuk pemenuhan kebutuhan sehari-hari, membangun atau merenovasi rumah, biaya pendidikan anak, membeli tanah pekarangan dan sawah serta beternak. Namun, selama masa pandemi Covid-19, pengelolaan remitansi oleh keluarga pekerja migran lebih banyak dialokasikan untuk pemenuhan kebutuhan sehari-hari. Kesimpulan yang didapatkan adalah masalah utama yang dihadapi pekerja migran selama Covid-19 adalah remitansi yang tidak stabil, bahkan sebagian besar di antara mereka gagal memperoleh remitansi. Intervensi dari pemerintah daerah adalah dengan menawarkan program bantuan pengelolaan dan pemanfaatan remitansi selama masa Covid-19.
Predictive Modeling of Insurance Claims in Rwanda
Authors: Mugisha Blessing 
Published: December 2023

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the predictive modeling of insurance claims in Rwanda.
Methodology: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library
Findings: Predictive modeling of insurance claims in Rwanda found key predictors such as age, gender, and policy type. Regional variations in claim frequency and severity were evident, emphasizing the importance of localized risk assessment. Historical claims data was instrumental in building effective predictive models for insurers. Data-driven approaches were identified as valuable tools for improving underwriting and pricing strategies in Rwanda's insurance market. Continuous data collection and model refinement were underscored for enhanced accuracy and adaptability in the evolving Rwandan insurance landscape.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Actuarial Science Theory, Behavioral Economics Theory & Economic Development Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the examining the predictive modeling of insurance claims in Rwanda. Predictive modeling can help insurers better understand their customers' needs and preferences. Policymakers can establish guidelines and regulations to ensure the responsible use of personal data in the insurance industry.
Determinants of Credit Default in Banking in Nigeria
Authors: Chiamaka Achebe 
Published: December 2023

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the determinants of credit default in banking in Nigeria.
Methodology: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library
Findings: The determinants of credit default in Nigerian banking encompass a range of factors, including economic stability, regulatory oversight, risk management practices, loan portfolio quality, and macroeconomic conditions. Addressing these factors is crucial for banks to effectively manage credit risk and reduce the likelihood of credit defaults.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Agency Theory, Pecking Order Theory and Information Asymmetry Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the examining determinants of credit default in banking in Nigeria. banks should initiate financial literacy programs for borrowers to improve their understanding of financial products and responsibilities. Regulators should encourage the adoption of advanced credit risk assessment models and provide guidelines on best practices in risk management.