bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Future of Public Education: Exploring the Role of Charter Schools and its Impact on Students
Authors: Wang George , Entin Jonathan 
Published: March 2023

As charter schools continue to increase their presence throughout the U.S., there remains a considerable debate over charter schools’ impact on student achievement. Appearing at the end of the 20th century, the push for this new form of education has largely arisen from families who are unsatisfied with their traditional school districts and demand for more school options to accommodate their student’s own unique needs. Charter schools, granted greater autonomy over their curriculums, have been promoted as a better alternative to the traditional district school, particularly in promoting access to higher quality education for students in economically depressed communities. But whether they truly do so is quite nuanced – as well as their impacts on remaining traditional public schools. After juxtaposing the funding structures of charters and district schools to establish background for the debate, this research dives into numerous empirical studies detailing charter school effectiveness on student achievement by comparing the English and Math test scores of students from charter schools against their traditional district school peers. While the results are quite mixed, there does seem to be consistent improvement among “effective” urban charter school and specific charter school networks. If circumstances were to remain, there also arises questions over what policies should be implemented to help expand student access to these effective charter schools. In response, this article considers three recommendations, some already being tested in select cities, for policymakers to consider as the search to promote education equity and access for every student in American cities continues.
The Future for NATO and Russia
Authors: Sud Sahil , James Shannon 
Published: March 2023

In today’s world of high militarism and tension in Eastern Europe, the potential for nuclear escalation is high. Therefore, it is necessary that NATO find a way to de-escalate the conflicts in both Ukraine and the Baltics. This paper provides an exposition on the current conflict in Ukraine between NATO and Russia, and provides insight into the Russian government’s historical and current view of the West. It then discusses context in the relationship between the two antagonists and how it has culminated in Russian aggression in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and it provides a review of previous works that have analyzed Russian motivations in the region. The paper then outlines how NATO can use the previously established Minsk agreements as a way to negotiate with Russia and slow the progress of the conflict. It then transitions to the Batlics and examines how the current situation in the region is untenable and how Putin’s desires for expansion there are apparent. Specifically, the Russian ethnic population in the Baltics and the Russian recession are fueling Putin’s aggressiveness, which has resulted in aggressive military actions by the Russian military in recent months. NATO has also contributed to conflict in the region through posture enhancements, according to the review of articles. The paper concludes by suggesting that NATO strengthen its position around the Suwalki corridor while making conciliatory moves elsewhere in the Baltics. The paper provides a nuanced analysis and policy recommendations for NATO in Ukraine and the Baltics.
Are We Prepared for The Next Pandemic?
Authors: Fu Zhaoning (Rita) , Asmis Reto , Crowder Mark 
Published: March 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world faced an unprecedented level of challenge in attempting to stop the spread of the disease. Now, as progress is continuously made, this current time offers an opportunity to reflect on our management of this pandemic and consider lessons learned for future implications. To investigate which measures were the most effective, I reviewed public health policies, guidance, and their effect on reducing the spread and severity of COVID-19. From this research, I found that the most effective public health measures in curbing widespread transmissions include masking, social distancing, testing, contact tracing, and vaccination. My work proposed specific ways of implementing these existing strategies to improve the management of future pandemic-level disease outbreaks.
KOORDINASI ANTARA FRAKSI DI DEWAN PERWAKILAN RAKYAT DAERAH DENGAN SEKRETARIAT DEWAN DALAM MENYUSUN RAPERDA TENTANG PENGEMBANGAN DAN PERLINDUNGAN EKONOMI KREATIF TAHUN 2021 DI KABUPATEN OGAN KOMERING ILIR
Authors: Nirmala Isma , Susanto Tri , Zahrudin Zahrudin , Afrizal Afrizal , Homizi Fitrizal 
Published: March 2023

Penelitian ini untuk membahas koordinasi antara Fraksi di Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah dengan Sekretariat Dewan dalam Menyusun Raperda tentang pengembangan dan perlindungan ekonomi kreatif tahun 2021 di Kabupaten Ogan Komering Ilir. Pengolahan data menggunakan metode analisis deskriptif dengan pendekatan analisis triangulasi. Hasil penelitian yang diperoleh adalah bahwa koordinasi antara Fraksi di Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah dengan Sekretariat Dewan dalam menyusun Raperda tentang pengembangan dan perlindungan ekonomi kreatif tahun 2021 di Kabupaten Ogan Komering Ilir meliputi koordinasi langsung perseorangan, koordinasi perencanaan dan pembuatan kebijakan dan koordinasi berkelanjutan. Koordinasi langsung perseorangan yang dilakukan oleh antara Fraksi di Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah dengan Sekretariat Dewan merupakan rangkaian aktvitas koordinasi informal namun mendukung terjalinnya koordinasi formal yang diperlukan untuk menyelaraskan pelaksanaan tugas dan fungsi kelembagaan.
Pelatihan Tentang Budidaya Microgreen Dan Pemanfaatannya Dalam Pengadaan Sayuran Di Era New Normal Covid-19 Di Desa Bojong Gede, Kecamatan Bojong Gede, Bogor
Authors: Yani Asmah , Yenisbar Yenisbar 
Published: March 2023

Pengabdian pada masyarakat dengan judul “Pelatihan Tentang Budidaya Microgreen dan Pemanfaatannya Dalam Pengadaan Sayur Dalam Keluarga Di Era New Normal Covid-19” telah dilaksanakan secara daring via zoom pada hari Kamis, 4 Februari 2021 dengan peserta tidak hanya berasal dari Desa Bojong Gede, Kecamatan Bojong Gede, Bogor saja tapi menjadi luas dalam skala Nasional ini bertujuan untuk memunculkan sikap kreatif dan inovatif bagi kelompok masyarakat dalam memanfaatkan sumberdaya yang ada sehingga mampu menyediakan sendiri sayuran untuk kebutuhan keluarga. Pelatihan ini diharapkan dapat menambah pendapatan juga bila sasaran pelatihan tertarik untuk terus menerus berproduksi sehingga bisa dijual untuk menambah pendapatan keluarga. Metode yang diterapkan dalam mencapai tujuan seperti tersebut di atas adalah melalui pelatihan yang berupa “soft skills” dalam bentuk ceramah dan diskusi dalam bentuk pelatihan melalui simulasi/praktek bagaimana cara budidaya sayuran dengan microgreen. Sasaran pelatihan adalah ibu-ibu PKK dan masyarakat umum yang berminat dengan jumlah 97 orang. Dari proses pelatihan yang dilakukan animo peserta sangat baik terlihat dari banyaknya peserta yang bertanya dalam sesi diskusi tentang microgreen ini. Lebih dari 50 % peserta mengatakan belum pernah dengar istilah microgreen, sehingga menurut peserta kegiatan ini sangat inovatif dan kreatif, dan berharap akan diadakan kegiatan lanjutan baik secara daring ataupun tatap muka bila situasi pandemic covid-19 sudah kondusif.
Development and Validation of Domestic Violence Scale for Intimate Partners
Authors: Parveen Tahira , Bano Zaqia 
Published: March 2023

Objective: Development and validation of domestic violence scale for intimate partners in Urdu language.
Study Design: Cross sectional survey research design and purposive sampling technique were used.
Place and Duration of Study: District Head Quarter Teaching Hospitals, Sargodha and Gujrat Pakistan, from Feb 2020 to Dec2021.
Methodology: The domestic violence scale was based on 7 factors included neglect, psychological violence, spiritual violence, verbal violence, economic violence, physical violence, and sexual violence. Initially, 305 statements were developed on the bases of inductive and deductive approaches. 202 out of 305 items were selected after expert evaluation. Further, the pilot study retained 131 items. Moreover, for final administration data was collected by using a self-reported questionnaire on 654 married males and females from District Sargodha and District Gujrat Pakistan (including 320 injured women victimized by domestic violence reported in DHQ hospital Sargodha and Gujrat).
Results: Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO) Bartlett's Test of Sphericity Pallant showed an acceptable value above 0.6 showing the sampling adequacy of the Domestic Violence Scale. The KMO value of the domestic violence scale was 0.955, and the CFI was 0.948 with a significant p<0.01 value. The results indicated appropriate model fit indices for a significant model fit. There was high reliability of the domestic violence scale (0.951) at a 0.01 level of significance. At the end of all analyses 25 reliable and valid items retain in the scale.
Conclusion: Domestic violence scale is valid and reliable instrument to measure neglect, psychological violence, spiritual violence, verbal violence, economic violence, physical violence, and sexual violence.
Efficacy of Steroid Therapy in Management of Sydenham’s Chorea in Children: A Comparative Prospective Study
Authors: Ali Mohsin , Alvi Javeria Raza , Rehman Zia -ur- , Sultan Tipu 
Published: March 2023

Objective: To determine the efficacy of steroid therapy in Sydenham’s chorea in children.
Study Design: Comparative prospective study.
Place and Duration of Study: Inpatient and Outpatient Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore Pakistan, from Dec 2019 to May 2020.
Methodology: Sixty-eight children of Sydenham’s chorea were divided in Group A and B. Each Group was treated with Diazepam (0.3mg-1mg/kg/day) and an injection of Benzathine Penicillin. Group-B was given additional oral prednisolone (2mg/kg/day) for four weeks, with tapering in the next two weeks. Epidemiological data, clinical features and laboratory parameters were collected. The Universiade Federal de Minas Gerais Sydenham’s chorea Rating Scale (USCRS) was applied to both groups at the presentation after two weeks and four weeks.
Results: Out of 68 patients, the mean Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) Sydenham's Chorea Rating Scale (USCRS) got progressively better in Group-B (mean score improvement was 25.73±5.56 at two weeks and 41.06±6.89 at four weeks) than in Group-A (mean score improvement was 9.12±3.75 at two weeks and 17.97±3.89 at four weeks) with p-value of <0.05.
Conclusion: Steroid therapy significantly improved patients with Sydenham’s chorea compared to those who did not receive any steroid therapy.Keywords: Efficacy, Steroid therapy, Sydenham chorea.
Marginal Integrity of Class-I Restorations, Restored with Amalgam and Bonded Amalgam; A Comparative Study
Authors: Rana Muzammil Jamil Ahmed , Rana Mehmood Ahmed , Bano Sara , Bangash Ajmal Yousaf , Islam Sadaf , Hamdani Sara 
Published: March 2023

Objective: To compare the marginal integrity of Class-I amalgam and bonded amalgam restorations in maxillary and mandibular molars at seven days, three, six and twelve-months intervals.
Study Design: Comparative prospective study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Operative Dentistry, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi Pakistan,from Jul 2017 to Jul 2018.
Methodology: A total number of 114 patients of either gender with an age range of 14-45 years having Class-I cavities in first and second maxillary and mandibular molars on both sides were equally distributed in two groups. Group-A received conventional Amalgam, and Group-B received bonded amalgam restorations. All the fillings were placed and carved using routine instruments used for amalgam restorations, and the restorations were polished after 24 hours. The patients were initially evaluated for marginal ditching around restorations with the help of a dental mirror and explorer at seven days,followed by inspection at 3, 6 and 12 months.
Results: Of the 114 participants, all showed excellent marginal integrity at seven-days intervals regardless of the restorative material used. However, marginal integrity deteriorated swiftly with time among those 57(50%) participants who acquired conventional Amalgam. Marginal integrity at 3, 6 and 12-months period was 51(89.5%), 35(61.4%) and 17(29.8%), respectively.Bonded amalgam restorations performed superiorly with 100%, 56(98.2%) and 43(75.4%) successful marginal integrity at 3, 6 and 12-months, respectively.
Conclusion: Bonded amalgams can be a better substitute than non-bonded amalgam restorations with superior longevity in marginal integrity.Keywords: Amalgam, Bonded amalgam, Marginal integrity, Micro-leakage, Marginal deterioration, Restoration longevity.
Importance of Interrelation between ABO Blood Group and Platelet Indices in Young Healthy Adults
Authors: Sarwar Nozaif , Iqbal Muhammad , Sajjad Zunera , Hussain Mohsin , Iqbal Ijaz , Chaudhary Umer 
Published: March 2023

Objective: To highlight the importance of the interrelation between the ABO blood group system and platelet indices in healthy young adults.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: Pathology Department, PNS Shifa Hospital, Karachi Pakistan, from Jan to Jun 2020.
Methodology: Comprised 399 blood donors who visited the transfusion department of the hospital without any comorbidities.All the donors were requested for their informed consent before their enrolment in the study. Blood groups were determined by a simple conventional tile method. Platelet indices (Platelet count, mean platelet volume and Platelet distribution width)were studied by auto-analyzer. Blood pressures were estimated by manual auscultator technique with a mercury sphygmomanometer.
Results: Males and females were equal in number, with a mean BMI of 19.89(1.24%). The majority of the donors, 143(35.8%),had B-Blood Group, while 140(35.1%) donors had O-Blood group, 93(23.3%) had A-Blood group, and only 23(5.8%) had AB group. Rh positivity was noted in 378(94.7%) of the donors. Different blood groups were responsible for the changes in the platelet parameters, especially MPV and PDW, as there was a significant difference in MPV and PDW values (p-value<0.05).
Conclusion: While determining the presence of a relationship between the ABO blood group system and platelet indices, it is observed that there is a high frequency of cardiovascular diseases among B and AB blood groups in young, healthy adults.Keywords: Blood groups, Body mass index, Mean platelet volume, Platelet count, Platelet distribution width.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Barium Enema for the Diagnosis of Hirsch-sprung Disease in Children
Authors: Anwar Zahid , Ahmed Naveed , Rehman Shafqat , Afzal Tamoor , Rehman Javed-Ur- , Ahmed Iftikhar 
Published: March 2023

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of Barium contrast enema for diagnosis of Hirsch-sprung disease, taking histopathology as the gold standard.
Study Design: Cross-sectional validation study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Paediatric Surgery, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Nov 2019 to May 2021.
Methodology: A total of 251 patients with symptoms of Hirsch-sprung disease were included. All patients were assessed with a Barium enema and full-thickness rectal biopsy. Barium enema was reported for the presence of contrast in the rectum after 24 hours, the presence or absence of transitional zone and a Recto Sigmoid Index less than 1. Full-thickness rectal biopsy was taken 2 cm above the dentate line, and histopathology was performed to see the ganglion cells in Meissner`s and Myenteric plexus.
Results: Histo-pathologically confirmed cases were 120(true positive), where 12(false positive) had no Hirsch-sprung disease on histopathology. In Barium enema negative patients, 113 were true negatives while 06 were false negatives. Overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of Barium contrast enema for diagnosis of Hirsch-sprung disease were 95.24%, 90.40%, 90.91%, 94.96% and 92.83%, respectively.
Conclusion: We concluded that the diagnostic accuracy of Barium contrast enema for diagnosis of Hirsch-sprung disease is quite high, taking histopathology as the gold standard.
Efficacy of Topical 0.05% Isotretinoin Gel Versus 0.1% Adapalene Gel in The Treatment of Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Saleem Summaya , Raza Naeem , Saleem Nida , Ullah Saleem , Yasmin Ghazala , Yousaf Farrah 
Published: March 2023

Objective: To compare the efficacy of topical 0.05% Isotretinoin gel versus 0.1% Adapalene gel in treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
Study Design: Quasi-Experimental study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital (PEMH), Rawalpindi Pakistan, From Feb to Jul 2018.
Methodology: A total of ninety-two patients aged 12 to 25 years with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris were enrolled and divided into two treatment Groups, Group-A (0.05% Isotretinoin Gel) and Group-B (0.1% Adapalene Gel). Efficacy was measured at 12 weeks post-treatment.
Results: Treatment was found efficacious in 84.8% (n=39/46) of patients in Group-A and 50.0% (n=23/46) of patients in Group-B (p= 0.001). There were similar results when treatment efficacy in both Groups was disease severity. In all cases,efficacy was better in Group-A (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The efficacy of topical 0.05% Isotretinoin gel was better than topical 0.1% Adapalene gel for treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
Comparing the effect of Hypoalbuminemia on Sodium measured by Indirect versus Direct Ion Selective Electrode Method
Authors: Paracha Athar Iqbal , Haroon Zujaja Hina , Aamir Muhammad , Bashir Saima , Bibi Afshan , Javaid Haroon 
Published: March 2023

Objective: To evaluate the effect of low serum Albumin levels on serum sodium measurement when analyzed by the indirect Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) method and to compare the results with the direct Ion selective electrode (ISE) method.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jan to Mar 2021.
Methodology: Patients of either gender, aged 18 to 70 years, who were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, were selected. A total of 200 blood samples were collected in a gel tube. Serum samples were analyzed for albumin and sodium within two hours of sample collection. Sodium levels were measured concurrently by both direct and indirect ISE methods. The difference in results between these two techniques was studied.
Results: Hypoalbuminemia was detected in 176(88%) patients, while 24(12%) had normal albumin levels. In Hypoalbuminemic patients, serum sodium measurements were higher using the indirect ISE method(134.07±5.55) compared to the direct ISE method (130.95±6.04); the difference between the two techniques was statistically significant (p-value <0.001).Pearson correlation coefficient (r-value = -0.86, p-value <0.001) revealed a symmetrical increase in differences between the two methods as the albumin level decreased.
Conclusion: In Hypoalbuminemic patients, the indirect ISE method gave falsely raised results of serum sodium. In such patients, serum sodium measurement by the Direct ISE method offers more accurate and consistent electrolyte results.
The Effectiveness of the ‘Extended Sick Neonatal Score in Predicting Mortality in a ResourceConstrained Neonatal Care Uni
Authors: Rehman Romisa , Razzaq Asma , Ahmad Asad Maqbool , Rehman Zarlish , Rehman Roshaan , Ateeq Saad 
Published: March 2023

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the extended sick neonatal score (ESNS) in neonates admitted in a resource-limited neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Peshawar.
Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study
Place and Duration of Study: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, CMH Peshawar Pakistan, from Mar to May 2020.
Methodology: Primary data was collected from 60 neonates admitted to NICU after taking consent from the parents. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted to determine the clinical score (ESNS) cut-off value in predicting mortality.
Result: The sensitivity and specificity of the Extended sick neonatal score to predict mortality among neonates was 93.3% and 97%, respectively, for a cut-off of 12.5. The area under the ROC curve was 0.990 (95% CI: 0.971–1.000). This was statistically significant with a p-value of <0.001
Conclusion: Extended Sick Neonatal score is an important tool that helps predict the risk of mortality of a neonate without the help of any invasive diagnostic procedure, thus enhancing the prioritization of health care to the most deserving neonates.
Parenting Practices and Aggression in Childhood Behaviour Disorders
Authors: Rahman Fatima , Maqbool Shazia , Ali Anam , Mahmud Talha , Azhar Hina , Farid Aisha 
Published: March 2023

Objective: To determine the association between parenting practices and aggression in children with behaviour disorders.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore Pakistan, from Nov 2020 to Jan 2021.
Methodology: Parents of children and eighty-five children between the ages of 3 to 12 years with the diagnosis of behaviour disorders (autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, social communication disorder) and showing aggressive behaviour were enrolled. The multidimensional assessment of parenting scale was used to assess positive(proactive parenting, positive reinforcement, warmth and supportiveness) and negative (hostility, lax control, physical control) parenting practices. The modified overt aggression scale was used to assess aggression, including verbal aggression,aggression against property, auto-aggression (towards self), and physical aggression (towards others). Correlation and multiple regression analysis were done.
Results: Among negative practices, it was found that leniency and inconsistent parenting (lax control) was significant positive predictor of aggression (p<0.01) in children with behaviour disorders. Supportiveness was a significant negative predictor of verbal aggression (p<0.01), while physical control positively predicted total aggression (p<0.05). Among positive parenting practices, positive reinforcement decreased auto aggression (p<0.05) in children with behaviour disorders. Lower maternal education correlated with more aggressive behaviours (p<0.05) in these children.
Conclusion: Negative parenting practices may lead to aggression in children with behaviour disorders. While positive reinforcement by parents may encourage less self-harm in these children and help improve their behaviour problems.