bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of dormant corneal ulcer
Authors: Basiony Ahmed I. , Omira Ehdaa A. , Elsobky Hoda M. 
Published: August 2023

Objective
The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) eye drops to conventional therapy (preservative-free artificial tears and vitamin A gel drops) in the management of dormant corneal ulcer.

Patients and methods
This prospective study was conducted on 50 eyes of 50 patients with dormant corneal ulcer. The patients were randomized into two equal groups: group I, treated with PRP eye drops plus conventional therapy, and group II, treated with conventional therapy only. Corrected distance visual acuity, healing of corneal surface, and subjective symptoms were evaluated.

Results
There was a statistically highly significant difference between the pretreatment and the 3-month posttreatment ulcer size in the PRP group (3.76±1.33 and 0.92±1.96 mm, respectively, P<0.001) as well as in the conventional group (4.12±0.97 and 2.72±2.28 mm, respectively, P=0.005). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the degree of healing, favoring the PRP group (P=0.004), as clinical improvement was evident in 22 (88%) eyes in group I of which 18 (72%) eyes showed complete response and four (16%) eyes showed partial response, whereas in group II, clinical improvement was evident in 12 (48%) eyes, of which seven (28%) eyes showed complete response and five (20%) eyes showed partial response. There was a nonsignificant difference between the two groups regarding the pretreatment ulcer size (P=0.26). However, there was a significant difference between the two groups after 3 months regarding the ulcer size, the difference in ulcer size compared with the pretreatment size, and the symptom improvement, favoring the PRP group (P=0.002, 0.02, and 0.002, respectively). However, there was a nonsignificant difference between the two groups regarding the visual improvement (P=0.076). There were no complications related to the treatment in both groups.

Conclusions
Autologous PRP seems to be an effective treatment for dormant corneal ulcers with better healing outcomes when compared with the conventional treatment.
Comparison of topical application of cyclosporine A to prednisolone in treatment of dry eye disease
Authors: Zaky Marwa A. , Gaber Noha K. , Ghoneim Walaa S.E. , El-Ghoubashy Esraa S. 
Published: August 2023

Background
Dry eye disease (DED) is a common ophthalmic disorder which affects 5–50% of the global population.

Aim
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of topical application of cyclosporine A (CsA) to prednisolone in patients with DED.

Patients and methods
The study included 40 patients diagnosed with DED. They were randomly divided into two groups: group A patients received treatment with topical 0.05% CsA twice a day, and group B patients received treatment with topical 1% prednisolone four times a day for 1 month. All patients were examined at three visits: before treatment, after 2 weeks, and 1 month after the intervention to show the effect of the two drugs on the tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer’s score, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and surface stain, in addition to assessment of the patient’s DED-related symptoms.

Results
In the prednisolone group, the pretreatment Schirmer’s test results were 3.05±1.57 and 2.35±1.57 mm for the right (OD) and left eyes (OS), respectively. It improved to 5.65±2.30 and 5.85±2.43 mm, respectively 2 weeks after discontinuation of treatment (posttreatment). Similarly, the pretreatment values for the CsA group were 1.35±1.57 and 2.0±1.52 mm and became 5.65±2.30 and 5.85±2.434 mm, respectively after treatment. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the pretreatment (P=0.001) and posttreatment (P=0.026) Schirmer’s test results. In the prednisolone group, the pretreatment TBUT was 4.20±1.61 and 3.85±1.09 s and improved to 6.60±1.31 and 6.85±1.42 s, respectively after treatment. Similarly, in the CsA group the pretreatment values were 2.65±1.81 and 3.30±1.38 s and became 8.65±1.69 and 9.30±1.42 s, respectively, posttreatment. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the studied groups regarding the pretreatment (P=0.007) and posttreatment TBUT (P<0.001). The pretreatment OSDI, in the prednisolone group, was 47.28±5.31 and became 38.00±4.33 posttreatment. Similarly, in the CsA group, the pretreatment value was 49.18±8.69 and became 35.03±8.04 posttreatment. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the studied groups regarding the pretreatment and posttreatment OSDI (P>0.05). The surface stain improved in both groups after treatment, with the prednisolone group showing the greatest improvement at 2 weeks (P=0.002). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at 1 month (P>0.05).

Conclusion
Both topical CsA and prednisolone demonstrated effectiveness in treating moderate to severe DED cases and were comparable. Prednisolone showed a greater improvement in OSDI (that assesses the DED-related symptoms) and surface stain, while CsA was associated with more improvement in Schirmer’s test and TBUT.
In-situ flanged intrascleral fixation of dislocated foldable intraocular lens
Authors: Elsayed Ayman M.A. , Samir Ahmed , Lotfy Ayman 
Published: August 2023

Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of in-situ transconjunctival scleral fixation of dislocated one-piece foldable intraocular lens (IOL) with flanged prolene 6/0 suture.

Patients and methods
The study included seven eyes of seven patients with dislocated IOL. A 6/0 prolene suture was threaded into a 30-G needle that was then passed transconjunctively. The needle was passed through the optic–haptic junction of the luxated IOL. The prolene was then retrieved through the corneal tunnel. Two central and two scleral bulbs (flanges) were created by heating the ends of the prolene suture.

Results
The best-corrected visual acuity was significantly improved from 0.16±0.05 preoperatively to 0.62±0.08 3 months postoperatively (P=0.006). There were nonsignificant IOP elevation and endothelial cell loss (P>0.05). All cases had well-centered IOL. No postoperative complications such as vitreous hemorrhage, macular edema, retinal detachment, or endophthalmitis were recorded.

Conclusion
In-situ transconjunctival scleral fixation of foldable one-piece IOLs is a safe effective technique for fixing dislocated IOLs.
A critical evaluation of anthropological, biochemical, and geo-climatic factors related to chronic kidney disease with unknown etiology in Sri Lanka
Authors: Hewapathirange Santhushya , Madagedara Ayesha , Chandrajith Rohana , Nannayakkara Nishantha 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is a critical health issue among farming communities of the dry zone in Sri Lanka.

Aims and Objectives:
This study was conducted to identify the possible anthropological, biochemical, and geo-environmental characteristics of CKDu, comparing an affected and nonaffected community.

Materials and Methods:
Serum creatinine (SC) levels were measured and estimated glomerular filtration rate values were calculated in both communities based on a stratified sampling method. Anthropological data, such as population structure, farming behavior, and poverty statistics, were obtained from the respective government officials. Geo-climatic data including elevation, monthly average temperature, rainfall, humidity, ultraviolet intensity, and sunshine hours were obtained for study areas.

Results:
The most striking difference between the two communities is significantly high SC in male individuals between the age categories of 40–60 in the CKDu endemic area in comparison to nonendemic participants in the same age category from the nonendemic area.

Conclusion:
Significant differences were observed in migration, drinking water sources, and hot humid environment between the two studied regions.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Techno-Colonialism, and the Sub-Saharan Africa Response
Authors: Ugar Edmund Terem 
Published: August 2023

Techno-colonialism, which I argue here to specifically mean the transfer of technology and its values and norms from one locale to another, has become a serious concern with the advancement of socially disruptive technologies1 of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), like artificial intelligence and robots. While the transfer of technology from one locale, especially economically advanced countries, to developing countries comes with economic benefits for both regions, it is important to understand that technologies are not value- neutral; they come with the values, cultures, and worldviews of their designers. However, despite the nonvalue-neutrality of the technologies of the 4IR, they are still relevant for subSaharan Africa’s development. Thus, using a phenomenological approach, especially the sub-Saharan African experiences of past histories of colonialism, I prescribe cautionary measures that sub-Saharan Africans ought to take in approaching the current industrial revolution and its technologies.
Biochemical Assessment of Solid-State Fermented Elephant Grass and its Potential Incorporation in Broiler's Diets
Authors: Eghaghaa E.P. , Egbune E.O. , Ezedom T. , Orororo O.C. , Anigboroa N.J. , Tonukari N.J. 
Published: August 2023

The objective of this study was to determine if incorporating pre-treated ensiled elephant grass into broiler feed could help meet the rising demand for animal protein. The elephant grass underwent solid-state fermentation for seven days and ensiling in airtight nylon bags for 21 days. Compared to the control, pre-treated ensiled elephant grass exhibited a significant increase in soluble protein concentration (p<0.05) during fermentation. However, the glucose concentration was significantly lower (p>0.05) in the pre-treated ensiled elephant grass after fermentation than in the control. Elephant grass that was solid-state fermented and ensiled with Rhizopus oligosporus demonstrated the highest percentage inhibition (22.4±0.5%). The pre-treated ensiled elephant grass had significantly higher mannanase activity (p<0.05) than the control. In terms of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, there were no significant differences between the control group and the experimental group fed with diets composed of ensiled elephant grass, ensiled elephant grass fermented with R. oligosporus, or solid-state fermented and ensiled elephant grass with R. oligosporus and urea in a 25% maize replacement. In conclusion, ensiled elephant grass can replace 25% maize in broiler starter feed, and the animal feed industry could benefit from the mannanase identified in this study.
Students’ Perceptions of Low Stakes Positioning Tests at the Start of Higher STEM Education: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Hanssens Jolan , Langie Greet , Van Soom Carolien 
Published: August 2023

In Flanders, open admission into higher education has led to heterogeneity in academic preparedness of incoming STEM students. Higher education institutions offer low stakes positioning tests to these students in order to help them assess their level of starting competences. Due to the unique nature of these tests, little can be inferred about students’ perception of these tests. In this study, we used mixed methods to investigate these perceptions. Semi-structured interviews (n=20) and thematic analysis revealed that students do not always understand the stakes, objective and structure of positioning tests as intended by the organizers. A questionnaire (n=189) revealed that students considered chemistry problems better reflecting certain study programs than mathematics problems and that they wrongly think chemistry questions are more predictive than mathematics questions. Our findings provide insight in STEM students’ multifaceted perceptions of and interaction with low stakes assessment.
THE SPECIFICITY OF THE IMAGE OF THE CITY IN THE LINGUISTIC CONSCIOUSNESS OF ITS RESIDENTS AS A BASIS FOR SOLIDING SUSTAINABLEREGIONAL COMPONENTS
Authors: Selyutin Andrey , Taskaeva Anna 
Published: August 2023

The article presents an analysis of the associative responses of residents of Chelyabinsk and guests of the city, associated with the perception of the urban environment, urban objects, well-known places, famous personalities, the image of the city and its residents in general. It is important to find out the associative core and peripheral meanings of the city image because it can be used to solve the problems of socio-cultural adaptation when introduced into the school educational system. Acquaintance with famous places and people, knowledge of historical facts and unique features of the city and region can have a positive impact on the formation of the image of a Russian citizen in the linguistic consciousness of the younger generation. The material presented in this study shows a complex, contrasting attitude towards the city, primarily due to the fact that current generations do not perceive Chelyabinsk as a city of labour merit, as one of the key elements of the stronghold of the country, but note serious environmental problems and an unfavorable external environment for human life (two sides of the same coin). This study can form the basis for identifying specific unique regional lexical components associated with Chelyabinsk and the Chelyabinsk Region, which can contribute to the formation of a positive image of this location.
CULTURAL COMPONENT IN THE SEMANTICS OF SET EXPRESSIONS
Authors: Voloshina Tatyana , Lazareva Yana , Kopytina Natalya 
Published: August 2023

The article deals with a study at the intersection of cultural studies, linguoculturology and semantics. It is devoted to the analysis of the cultural background of stable expressions on the example of British linguoculture. An overview of values as cultural categories is offered. The concept of “values” is revealed. The types of values are detailed, their brief characteristics are offered. An attempt is made to analyze the values of the British people stored in the semantics of set expressions.
STANDARD STABLE WORDINGS TO EXPRESS THANKING AND EMPATHY IN TRANSLATION OF THE IRANIAN TAAROF CEREMONY INTO RUSSIAN
Authors: Ghodrati Asghar , Polishchuk Alexander 
Published: August 2023

The speech act “gratitude” in the Iranian linguocultural environment can convey not only the direct meaning of lexical units in which it is customary to express gratitude on various occasions; but also a wide range of psychic emotions — the speaker’s empathies in various forms and formulas of a specific Iranian politeness code known as taarof. The variety of forms of politeness in the Persian language and their non-coincidence with the forms of expressing gratitude in Russian sometimes hampers understanding between recipients due to the lack of adequate correlates in translation. Based on the analysis of the forms of expression of the speech act “gratitude” in Persian and Russian and their comparison, we have made an attempt to translate these forms of politeness into Russian and show their great variability in various situations of communication. The performed analysis will make it possible to better and more fully understand the difference in the cultural code of the speakers of both languages and help them avoid possible misunderstandings in communication, as well as focus teachers of Persian and Russian on creating educational materials and methods for more targeted teaching of students of both languages, taking into account the speech pragmatics.
Digital Marketing dan Inovasi Produksi UMKM SSaeka Angelina (Sepatu Sandal Dampingan UMKN Kota Bogor) dalam Meningkatkan Penjualan
Authors: Marpaung Bintang Sahala , Magdalena Annaria , Riwoe Febry Lodwyk Rihe 
Published: August 2023

Dimasa yang tidak stabil ini, seperti Masa Pandemi, Perang Rusia dan Ukraina, Bencana Alam serta Gejolak Ekonomi menjadi masa yang sulit bagi UMKM yang ada di Kota Bogor. Salah satu UMKM yang terdampak adalah SSaeka Angelina (Sepatu Sandal dampingan UMKN Kota Bogor). Berkurangnya pesanan menyebabkan kemerosotan pendapatan dan menjadi masalah serius bagi keberlanjutan usaha. Berbagai Upaya dilakukan Pendamping UMKN Kota Bogor (IBI Kesatuan) terus melaksanakan berbagai Kegiatan Pendampingan pada berbagai mitra termasuk mitra SSaeka Angelina serta melalui pengembangan digital marketing serta inovasi produk. Metode yang digunakan adalah partisipatory rural appraisal (PRA) dimana metode ini dilakukan dalam beberapa tahap seperti sosialisasi, penyuluhan, pelatihan, dan pendampingan terhadap mitra UMKM Hasil yang dicapai adalah bertambahnya kemampuan mitra menggunakan komputer dengan aplikasi canva, memiliki pengetahuan Soft Skill yang bermanfaat dalam mengembangkan UMKN dan memiliki pengetahuan mengenai strategi penjualan yang dilakukan melalui digital marketing. Mitra juga mampu mengoperasikan di komputer, smartphone android serta strategi digital marketing untuk keberlanjutan usaha yang dilakukannya serta mengelola konten yang menarik sebagai media promosi produk di Web Canva serta media social khususnya Instagram, Tik Tok.
Akibat hukum terhadap pembatalan risalah lelang eksekusi hak tanggungan
Authors: Ilham Muhammad , Br. Sembiring Maria Selviana 
Published: August 2023

Proses lelang yang dilakukan oleh para pihak yang terkait dalam jaminan hak tanggungan akan menimbulkan akibat hukum yaitu peralihan hak obyek lelang dari penjual kepada pemenang lelang. Peralihan hak atas tanah melalui lelang merupakan perbuatan hukum yang sah. Namun dalam peralihan hak tersebut dapat menimbulkan permasalahan baru, seperti obyek lelang yang tidak dapat dikuasai oleh pemenang lelang/pembeli, serta pembatalan lelang karena putusan Pengadilan. Berdasarkan dari uraian latar belakang di atas, permasalahan dalam penelitian ini yaitu akibat hukum terhadap pembatalan risalah lelang eksekusi hak tanggungan dalam putusan Mahkamah Agung Nomor: 2868 K/Pdt/2018. Metode penelitian yang digunakan di dalam penelitian ini adalah jenis penelitian yuridis normatif, yang didukung dengan sumber data primer dan sekunder, serta dilakukan analisis secara kualitatif. Hasil penelitian dan pembahasannya yaitu pembatalan terhadap pelaksanaan lelang eksekusi hak tanggungan sebagaimana berdasarkan Pasal 30 Peraturan Menteri Keuangan Nomor 27/PMK.06/2016. Pertimbangan hakim terhadap pembatalan risalah lelang eksekusi hak tanggungan dalam putusan Mahkamah Agung Nomor: 2868 K/Pdt/2018, maka pertimbangan hakim yang dilakukan sudah tepat, dikarenakan lelang tersebut bertentangan dengan Peraturan Menteri Keuangan Nomor 27/PMK.06/2016, sebagaimana hal tersebut di dasarkan hakim dengan mempertimbangkan perihal adanya itikad baik dari Penggugat (ahli waris) untuk membayar hutang atas pinjaman orang tuanya kepada kreditur, akan tetapi pihak kreditor menolaknya, pertimbangan Hakim terhadap perbuatan melawan hukum karena peserta lelang merupakan pihak terkait dengan Tergugat/Kreditur, serta pertimbangan Hakim terhadap nilai limit objek lelang yang terlalu rendah.Akibat hukum terhadap pembatalan risalah lelang eksekusi hak tanggungan dalam Putusan Mahkamah Agung Nomor : 2868 K/Pdt/2018bahwa barang kembali kepada kepemilikan debitor, namun tetap menjadi barang jaminan sebagaimana status barang tersebut sebelum terjadinya lelang. Terkait akibat hukum bagi pemenang lelang, maka pembeli lelang atas objek lelang akan menjadi berakhir. Hal ini juga membawa dampak yang sangat besar terhadap pihak-pihak dirugikan yaitu kreditor yakni terhambat atas pembayaran piutang dari pelaksanaan lelang yang dibatalkan serta kerugian bagi pemenang lelang dimana uang yang telah disetor untuk pembelian objek lelang menjadi tertahan karena objek lelang yang dilelang dibatalkan oleh pengadilan
A Telecentre and Its Impact on a Rural Community in Kenya
Authors: Rosabel Wanjiku Githinji 
Published: August 2023

Telecentres are an important resource in enabling millions of people in rural areas to participate in their development while bridging the global digital divide (Rogers & Shukla, 2001). Since most of these people in the rural areas are unlikely ever to own their computers, community telecentres increase access to ICT and are viewed as community resources that offer access to information and other services that community members need to make informed decisions to improve their livelihoods. Championing of the telecentre model by governments and international development partners has increased in developing countries. However, there is little information on how rural communities benefit from telecentre projects and whether information accessed through telecentres impacts their lives and livelihoods. The study set to find out whether information obtained from the Telecentre improves people’s welfare. Finally, the study looked at the prospects of telecentres in rural development. The study was based on fieldwork carried out in Nguruman Telecentre through evaluative and descriptive research designs and used both ethnographic the participatory research approach. This study shows there is a complex relationship between ownership, management, and sustainability of telecentres that needs further research. Nevertheless, community participation in telecentre activities is an essential element for the sustainability of such initiatives at the community level. Key informants pointed out and affirmed community participation. This is what improves local ownership according to Etta & Parvyn-Wamahiu (2003), which brings about the success and sustainability of the telecentre. Ownership suggests control but it is evident that the Nguruman community was not in control of the CKC. Instead, the CKC staff and volunteers who were employees of Arid Land Information Network- Eastern Africa usually had more say in the decisions affecting the daily activities of the center. Telecentres have a definite role in the development process. They play an important role in information and education, which is key to development and seen as an important human right. Therefore there is a need to provide support in initiating, maintaining, and running telecentres. This study suggests forging partnerships (also referred to by a key informant as public-private partnerships - PPPs) for the financial sustainability of telecentres in rural communities. The design of telecentres should have non-users in mind. This requires taking into consideration the practical needs and realities of non-users who have reservations about using the centers, whether this is because of inappropriate location, access in terms of opening hours, lack of trained staff, and poor publicity.