bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Specificity and Stability of Micro-RNAs as a Forensic Gene Marker
Authors: Al-Mawlah Yasir Haider , Mohamed Asma’a H. , Abd-Alameer Ali Mohammad , Hadi Ameer Mezher , Abdulabbas Hadi Sajid , Shaheed Salah Hashim , Jebor Mohammed Abdullah , Alsaadi Ali Hmood 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
Forensic investigations depend on bodily fluid analysis to identify the perpetrators. Identifying perpetrators requires knowledge about suspects’ body fluids. Due to their durability and tissue-specific expression patterns, miRNAs may be forensic indicators. However, miRNA expression patterns in various bodily fluids are seldom compared. This study examined miR-372, miR-135p, miR-124-3p, miR-16, and miR-10b expression in seminal fluids, blood stains, and vaginal secretions using quantitative PCR using SNORD-47 as a reference gene. This research compared miRNA expression levels in diverse body fluids to assess their potential as forensic biomarkers. MicroRNAs were isolated from forensic blood, seminal fluids, and vaginal mixed stains.

Methods:
Quantitative PCR measured miR-372, miR-135p, miR-124-3p, miR-16, and miR-10b gene expression. Normalization utilized SNORD-47. These miRNAs were compared in various bodily fluids.

Results:
The analysis of the results revealed that three bodily fluids have unique miRNA expression patterns. Seminal fluids expressed considerably more miR-135b and miR-10b than vaginal secretions. Vaginal fluids expressed more miR-372 and miR-124-3p than seminal fluids. Blood fluids expressed more miR-126 and miR-16 than seminal and vaginal fluids.

Conclusion:
MiR-126, miR-16, miR-372, and miR-124-3p were considerably more significant than SNORD-47 in blood, vaginal secretions, and seminal fluids.
Effect of tobacco smoking on the periodontal health in Parsa, Nepal: A comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Shah Rajesh , Singh Abanish , Singh Harendra Mohan , Gupta Rahul , Ghosh Snehashish 
Published: January 2024

Introduction:
For ages, smoking tobacco has been a part of cultural practice in different parts of Nepal. For periodontal diseases, one of the important risk factors is tobacco smoking, mainly cigarette smoking.

Objectives:
This study was conducted to find out the relationship among tobacco smoking and periodontal disease by means of clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque score, and gingival score in cigarette smoker patients in comparison with nonsmokers.

Methodology:
A comparative cross-sectional study was done among 300 patients who visited the Outpatient Department of Periodontics, M. B. Kedia Dental College, Parsa, Nepal. The patients were divided into two groups, cigarette smokers and nonsmokers. Oral cavity examination was done using plaque index, gingival index, and CAL. Mann–Whitney test was done to determine the relation between tobacco smoker and overall periodontal health.

Results:
The result shows that the overall median plaque score of the patients was 1.08, the gingival score of the patients was 1.22, and CAL was 2.04. Furthermore, there was statistical significance between periodontitis and cigarette smoking.

Conclusion:
The present study concluded that smoking has a negative effect on periodontium health. More duration of cigarette smoking habit had higher severity of symptoms when compared to nonsmokers.
Estimation of fluoride release and recharge potential among Zirconomer, GC Gold Label Hybrid, Ketac Molar, and Tetric Prime: An in vitro study
Authors: Virk Rupam Kaur , Grover Jasneel Singh , Bhullar Kanwalpreet Kaur , Goyal Smiley , Sahiwal Harkiran , Singh Mandeep 
Published: January 2024

Background:
The preventive role of fluoride in caries control is mainly due to the formation of fluorapatite crystals which are more resistant to acid attack. Glass ionomer cement (GIC), its newer modifications, and certain composites in which fluoride has been incorporated show fluoride release.

Aim:
This research aims to compare the initial fluoride liberated, the fluoride liberated after recharge, and the mean percentage reduction of modified varieties of GICs along with fluoride-releasing composites.

Materials and Methods:
Forty specimen blocks of the materials to be tested were divided into 5 groups (n = 8), namely Group 1: Zirconomer (SHOFU), Group 2: GC GOLD Label Hybrid (GC), Group 3: Tetric Prime (Ivoclar), Group 4: Ketac Molar (3M), and Group 5: TE-Econom Plus (Ivoclar). The initial fluoride liberated was measured on the 1st day, after 1 week, and after a fortnight, using a benchtop analyzer and total ionic strength adjustment buffer III analyzer. Then, fluoride application was done with fluoridated dentifrice using the hand brush method, and the samples were rechecked for fluoride release at similar time intervals, i.e. 1, 7, and 15 days.

Results:
Zirconomer showed significantly higher initial fluoride release. The minimum mass of fluoride was released by TE-Econom. A similar pattern was observed for fluoride liberation after recharge, with Zirconomer showing maximum re-release of fluoride and TE Econom showing maximum reduction in fluoride release after 15 days.

Conclusion:
Zirconomer exhibited high initial fluoride liberation and fluoride liberation after recharge following topical fluoride application. GC Gold Label Hybrid and Ketac Molar showed the least percentage reduction in the biweekly fluoride liberation which was remarkably lower than Zirconomer. Fluoride-releasing composites showed the least amount of initial fluoride liberation and fluoride liberation after recharge.
The effect of pectointercostal fascial block on stress response in open heart surgery
Authors: Fadhlurrahman Ahmad Feza , Setiawan Philia , Sumartono Christijogo , Perdhana Fajar , Husain Teuku Aswin 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Activation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and inflammatory processes are common forms of stress response. The increased stress response is associated with a higher chance of complications. Open hearth surgery is one of the procedures with a high-stress response. Pectointercostal fascial block (PIFB), as a new pain management option in sternotomy, has the potential to modulate the stress response.

Objective:
To determine the effect of PIFB on stress response in open heart surgery.

Methods:
This study was a Randomized Controlled Trial on 40 open heart surgery. Patients were divided into two groups, control (20 patients) and PIFB (20 patients). Primary parameters included basal and postoperative TNF-α, basal and post sternotomy ACTH, and basal, 0, and 24 hours postoperative NLR. Secondary parameters include the amount of opioid use, length of the post-operative ventilator, length of ICU stay, and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperative.

Results:
The PIFB group had a decrease in ACTH levels with an average change that was not significantly different from the control group (−57.71 ± 68.03 vs. −129.78 ± 140.98). The PIFB group had an average change in TNFα levels and an average increase in NLR 0 hours postoperative that was not significantly lower than the control group (TNFα: −0.52 ± 1.31 vs. 0.54 ± 1.76; NLR: 12.80 ± 3.51 vs. 14.82 ± 4.23). PIFB significantly reduced the amount of opioid use during surgery, NRS at 6, 12, and 24 hours, and the length of post-operative ventilator use (P < 0.05, CI: 95%).

Conclusion:
PIFB has a good role in reducing the stress response of open heart surgery and producing good clinical outcomes.
The analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block versus ultrasound-guided caudal epidural block for abdominal surgery in pediatric patients – A patient and assessor-blind, randomized controlled study
Authors: Pandey Ashutosh , Ahmad Zainab , Jain Shikha , Pakhare Abhijit , Sharma Pramod K. , Waindeskar Vaishali , Mandal Pranita , Karna Sunaina T. 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Literature on the efficacy and safety of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in pediatric patients is limited. Hence, we aimed to compare ESPB versus caudal epidural block (CEB) in children undergoing abdominal surgery.

Methods:
In this patient and assessor-blind study, fifty-two ASA I-II patients, between 1 to 9 years of age, were randomized into groups of 26 each. ESPB group received unilateral or bilateral ultrasound (USG)-guided ESPB with 0.5 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine per side. CEB group received USG-guided CEB with 1 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine. The primary objective was to estimate the proportion of patients requiring postoperative rescue analgesia. The secondary objectives were to assess postoperative Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability (FLACC) scale scores, duration of analgesia, and consumption of rescue analgesic drugs.

Results:
More patients in the ESPB group (88.4%), compared to the CEB group (42.3%), required rescue analgesics (P value <0.001). FLACC scores in the ESPB group, though satisfactory, were inferior, to the CEB group. The duration of postoperative analgesia was shorter in the ESPB group by 9.54 h (95% CI: 4.51 to 14.57 h, P value <0.001). The median (IQR) consumption of rescue paracetamol was significantly higher in the ESPB group (20 mg/kg (10,20) compared to the CEB group (0.0 mg/kg (0.0,10) P value <0.001)). No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion:
In children undergoing abdominal surgery, both ESPB and CEB were safe and efficacious. CEB provided a longer duration and better quality of analgesia. ESPB may be considered when CEB is contraindicated or difficult.
Impact of unstable environment on the brain drain of highly skilled professionals, healthcare workers, researchers, and research productivity in Pakistan
Authors: Meo Sultan A. , Eldawlatly Abdelazeem A. , Sultan Tehreem 
Published: January 2024

Background:
The geo-strategic position of Pakistan on the world map is incredibly important and idyllic as the country is considered the gateway to central Asia. Pakistan has faced political instability for the last three decades, causing a brain drain and adversely affecting socioeconomic growth. This study aims to investigate the impact of an unstable environment on the brain drain of highly skilled professionals, healthcare workers, researchers, and research productivity in Pakistan from January 2000 to December 2022.

Material and Methods:
The data were recorded from the World Bank, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOS), Pakistan, Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), and Web of Science Clarivate Analytics. Initially, 32 documents were selected in this study, and finally, eight fact sheets, official government websites, and international organizations were included.

Results:
The result revealed that due to political instability, in 2022 about 832,339 highly qualified and accomplished experts headed abroad, among them 17976 (2.15%) were highly qualified and 20865 (2.50%) were highly competent professionals. These include accountants 7197 (0.86%), engineers 6,093 (0.73%), agricultural experts 3,110 (0.37%), doctors 2,464 (0.29%), computer experts 2,147 (0.25%), nurses and paramedics 1768 (0.21%), technicians 23347 (2.80%), electricians 20322 (2.44%), and schools and university faculty 1004 (0.12%). Pakistan has a total of 380 Higher Education Commission-indexed academic journals, among them 11 (2.89%) academic journals were indexed in the Web of Science and 23 journals were placed in the Web of Science emerging indexing. Among these journals, only one journal surpassed the impact factor of more than 2.0. The quartile ranking of Pakistani journals is 01 journal in Q2; 02 in Q3; and the remaining 08 journals in Q4. From August 1947 to December 2022, Pakistan produced a total of 259249 research articles, and from January 2000 to December 2022, the number of articles published was 248457 (95.83%). Since the last 22 years, the trend of research publications was continuously increased; however, the rising trend decreased in 2022 with a declined rate of 1263 (3.42%).

Conclusion:
The unstable sociopolitical environment in Pakistan caused a brain drain of highly qualified and skilled professionals and impaired the global standing of universities, academic journals, and research productivity in Pakistan. Pakistan must resolve the instability and establish sustainable policies to minimize the brain drain of highly qualified and skilled experts and convalesce their academic institutes and their research productivity for the development of the nation.
Development and validation of conceptual test instrument in Physics: A synthesis
Authors: Bug-os Mary Allein Antoenette C. 
Published: January 2024

A well-developed physics conceptual test that can be a
diagnostic, a misconception, or a summative test best suited to the
science major will help educators to determine the level of physics
understanding of the prospective science teachers at public and
private high schools. Hence, the purpose of this synthesis paper is to
look into the key aspects of the process of the development and
validation of conceptual test instruments in physics subjects for the
undergraduate level. A literature review was used to determine the
process of the development of conceptual tests. The process starts
with preparation or content analysis, development, validation, and
pilot testing. Statistical analysis, such as difficulty and
discrimination indices and biserial coefficients used by the authors
of various researchers, was also included. A stable, usable, and
promising form test instrument can help instructors evaluate the
effectiveness of the pedagogies and new curriculum.
The Use of Code-switching in the Discourse of Maghrebi Influencers
Authors: BOUBRIS Meryem Hinde , BOUBRIS Abdelbassed Anes 
Published: January 2024

The Maghreb multilingualism reflects the linguistic identity of each country and every person belonging to this geographical sphere. This linguistic specificity is evident in the oral and/or written production of Maghrebis, taking the form of code-switching, borrowing, etc. Several researchers have attempted to work on this issue, based on different research questions and corpora. This work focuses on the use of code-switching in the discourse of Maghrebian influencers, in an attempt to determine how code-switching is manifested in the discourse of Algerian, Moroccan, and Tunisian influencers. To collect the corpus, a selective method was adopted followed by the transcription of three vlogs produced by Maghrebian influencers. The analysis of this corpus is based on Weber's method, which combines understanding, analysis, and explanation of any linguistic usage. The comprehensive-explanatory framework facilitated the development of a code-switching typology that might accurately represent the communication patterns found in the discourse of multilingual Maghrebian vloggers (influencers). The deliberate and alternate use of Standard Arabic, French, and English carries communication strategies with a well-defined purpose. Based on the corpus analysis, five types of code-switching including contextual and designative code-switching were identified.
Résumé :
Le multilinguisme maghrébin reflète l'identité linguistique de chaque pays et de toute personne appartenant à cette sphère géographique. Cette spécificité linguistique se manifeste dans la production orale et/ou écrite des Maghrébins, prenant la forme d'alternance codique, d'emprunts, etc. Plusieurs chercheurs ont tenté de travailler sur cette question, en se basant sur différentes problématiques de recherche et corpus. Ce travail se concentre sur l'utilisation de l'alternance codique dans le discours des influenceurs maghrébins, dans le but de déterminer comment elle se manifeste dans le discours des influenceurs algériens, marocains et tunisiens. Pour constituer le corpus, une méthode sélective a été adoptée, suivie de la transcription de trois vlogs produits par des influenceurs maghrébins. L'analyse de ce corpus est basée sur la méthode de Weber, qui combine compréhension, analyse et explication de tout usage linguistique. Le cadre compréhensif-explicatif a facilité l'élaboration d'une typologie d'alternance codique qui pourrait représenter de manière précise les schémas de communication présents dans le discours des vlogueurs (influenceurs) maghrébins multilingues. L'utilisation délibérée et alternée de l'arabe standard, du français et de l'anglais porte des stratégies de communication à des fins biens définis. Suite à l'analyse du corpus, cinq types d'alternance codique, dont l'alternance codique contextuelle et désignative, ont été identifiés.
Pour une analyse des pratiques (techno)langagières à l’ère des médias numériques
Authors: AMMI ABBACI Amal 
Published: January 2024

I dedicate this contribution to the analytical description of (techno)language practices. This study sets itself the main objective to account for the peculiarities that emerge from the digital writings of the commentators of Hakim LAALAM’s publications. The native digital comments, i.e the online and non-online product comments (Paveau, 2017) that constitute our corpus of study are reactive interventions to the publications of Hakim LAALAM posted on the wall of his personal page on Facebook.
Résumé:
Je me consacre dans cette contribution à la description analytique des pratiques (techno)langagières. Cette étude s’assigne l’objectif princeps de rendre compte des particularités que laissent jaillir les écrits numériques des commentateurs des publications de Hakim LAALAM. Les commentaires numériques natifs, i.e les commentaires produits en ligne et non portés en ligne (Paveau, 2017) qui constituent notre corpus d'étude sont des interventions réactives aux publications de Hakim LAALAM postées sur le mur de sa page personnelle sur Facebook.
Konstruksi Pemahaman Keagamaan Tentang Vaksin Covid-19 pada Imam dan Khotib di Kota Ambon
Authors: Baharuddin Didin , Kurnia Rosna 
Published: January 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memahami konstruksi pemahaman keagamaan Imam dan Khotib di kota Ambon tentang vaksin Covid-19. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian lapangan dengan pendekatan sosiologis dan metode deskriptif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa konstruksi pemahaman keagamaan Imam dan Khotib di kota Ambon tentang vaksin Covid-19 terbagi menjadi dua, Pertama, para Imam dan Khotib yang menolak vaksin Covid-19 dan beranggapan bahwa vaksin Covid-19 bertentangan dengan Islam; Kedua, para Imam dan Khotib yang menerima vaksin Covid-19. Penerimaan dan penolakan terhadap vaksin Covid-19 didasari oleh pemahaman atas ayat Al-Quran yang sama (Surah Al-Baqarah: 195 dan QS. Asyuara’: 80) tetapi menghasilkan pemahaman yang berbeda. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa pemahaman keagamaan sangat dipengaruhi oleh latar belakang dan konteks sosial.
Peran Penyuluh Agama dalam Menangani Kasus Kekerasan dalam Rumah Tangga (KDRT) dan Pernikahan Dini di Kota Batam
Authors: Beddu Muhammad Juni 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Domestic violence and early marriage are two complex issues that threaten the well-being of individuals and society at large. The purpose of the study was to analyze the contribution of religious extension workers in reducing the prevalence of domestic violence and early marriage cases, and the role in helping victims of the negative impact of these two phenomena. This research method involves a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews with several religious counselors in Batam city, also involving victims of domestic violence and early marriage to get a first-hand view of their experiences. The results showed that religious counselors have a significant role in educating the public about individual rights, mental health, and the importance of healthy relationships in the household. In addition, they also help in providing emotional and spiritual support to victims to cope with trauma and stress resulting from domestic violence and early marriage. While some challenges faced by religious extension workers, such as limited resources and diverse understanding in the community related to these issues. The importance of increased training and coordination between authorities, religious institutions, and community organizations needs to be improved to maximize the role of religious extension workers in addressing domestic violence and early marriage.
Keywords: Role; Religious Smugglers; KDRT; Early Marriage.

Abstrak
KDRT dan pernikahan dini adalah dua isu kompleks yang mengancam kesejahteraan individu dan masyarakat secara luas. Tujuan upenelitian adalah untuk menganalisis kontribusi penyuluh agama dalam mereduksi prevalensi kasus KDRT dan pernikahan dini, dan peran dalam membantu korban dampak negatif dari dua fenomena ini. Metode penelitian ini melibatkan pendekatan kualitatif dengan wawancara mendalam kepada beberapa penyuluh agama di kota Batam, juga melibatkan korban KDRT dan pernikahan dini untuk mendapatkan pandangan langsung tentang pengalaman mereka. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penyuluh agama memiliki peran yang signifikan dalam mengedukasi masyarakat tentang hak-hak individu, kesehatan mental, dan pentingnya hubungan yang sehat dalam rumah tangga. Selain itu, mereka juga membantu dalam memberikan dukungan emosional dan spiritual kepada korban untuk mengatasi trauma dan stres yang diakibatkan oleh KDRT dan pernikahan dini. Sementara beberapa tantangan yang dihadapi oleh penyuluh agama, seperti keterbatasan sumber daya dan pemahaman yang beragam dalam komunitas terkait isu-isu ini. Pentingnya peningkatan pelatihan dan koordinasi antara pihak berwenang, lembaga agama, dan organisasi masyarakat perlu ditingkatkan untuk memaksimalkan peran penyuluh agama dalam menangani KDRT dan pernikahan dini.
Kata Kunci: Peran; Penyuluh Agama; KDRT; Pernikahan Dini.
NON-SPECIALIZED STUDENTS’ BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES IN USING ELSA SPEAK APPLICATION FOR PRONUNCIATION LEARNING
Authors: Ngoc Nguyen Khanh , Thanh Nguyen Thi My 
Published: January 2024

The noteworthy proliferation of English language applications, exemplified by advancements such as the Elsa Speak Application, specifically designed for the pedagogical aspects of English instruction, underscores this trend. This study seeks to scrutinize the benefits and difficulties that non-specialized students in the High-quality program at Can Tho University (CTU) have when they learn English pronunciation through the Elsa Speak Application. To conduct this examination, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 10 participants. The findings reveal that these participants encountered specific advantages and challenges in effectively navigating and utilizing the application. In response to these identified challenges, a set of recommendations has been proffered to enhance the effectiveness of the Elsa Speak Application, with the overarching goal of optimizing English language learning outcomes for students enrolled in the High-quality program at CTU. This research contributes valuable insights into the nuanced experiences and challenges associated with the integration of AI-driven language learning tools within the educational landscape of Industry 4.0.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0018/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>