bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary Climate Change Education: Determining Effectiveness Through Comparative Analysis
Authors: Bist Marisa , Mayberry Laura
Published: March 2023

Climate Change Education (CCE) is one of the most widely-recognized mitigative solutions to the climate crisis, but research suggests that most global and national CCE policies and curricula are ineffective. A reason for this is that existing CCE curriculum consists of purely science-based pedagogy, despite the fact that multiple studies suggest that a multidisciplinary approach—involving humanities and the arts rather than just science—would be more effective. A case study was conducted at a select California high school, and compared the effectiveness of multidisciplinary CCE to the existing, science-focused CCE, in terms of Climate Literacy (CL) outcomes in students. CL encompasses climate change knowledge, credibility assessment skills, communication skills, and climate-related behavior, four factors that are important determinants when evaluating CCE effectiveness. Using survey research and structured interviews, the CL of students who took 3 or greater Advanced Placement (AP) courses was compared to that of students who took less than 3 such courses. Involvement in Advanced Placement (AP) classes, college-level classes offered to students by the College Board, was used as an indicator of being exposed to multidisciplinary CCE, and was compared to the effects of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) which are currently in use in California. The research found that CL within students was significantly greater in AP students in terms of climate change knowledge, credibility assessment, and communication; but climate-related behavior was low in both groups of students and did not seem to be affected by educational curriculum.
Sleep EEG as a Tool for Exploring Mechanisms of Schizophrenia
Authors: Kim Seowon , Mangardich Haykaz
Published: March 2023

Despite the extensive neuroimaging research investigating the neurodevelopmental mechanisms of schizophrenia, to date we have a limited understanding about how schizophrenia develops. Feinberg’s (1982) popular neurodevelopmental model proposes that excessive synaptic pruning during adolescence as indexed by the loss of delta brain-wave activity (EEG) in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep may underlie the pathophysiology to schizophrenia. Several studies have shown that the amplitude and incidence of delta wave EEG are disrupted in stage 3 sleep in schizophrenia. However, little research has investigated sleep EEG in adolescents who are at high risk for transitioning into psychosis. The current paper reviews recent longitudinal findings documenting the normal rate of delta EEG changes over the childhood and adolescent periods and proposes a sleep EEG study that can help inform how schizophrenia develops in adolescence.
Analyzing Past Genocides to Determine Effectiveness of International Intervention in the Uyghur Genocide
Authors: Morris Quinn , Shambaugh George
Published: March 2023

Located in northwestern China, The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) is Chinese territory populated predominantly of Sufi Muslim, Turkic-speaking ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group, amounting to approximately 12 million inhabitants, is the Uyghurs. Inhabited mainly by Uyghurs, Xinjiang is also inhabited by ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and Uzbeks. Nonetheless, Uyghurs only make up 0.12% of the entire Chinese population. The high concentration of ethnic populations in Xinjiang has been a concern for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) which is largely monocultural to the mainly Han Chinese and Mandarin-speaking demographic. The CCP launched its “Strike Hard Against Violent Terrorism Campaign” in order to combat the growing issues of separatism and terrorism which has yielded the detainment of nearly 1.8 million ethnic inhabitants of Xinjiang. This paper will compare the Uyghur Genocide to 4 of the past notable genocides in the 20th Century and determine what level of international involvement would be most effective. This paper asserts that the Armenian Genocide displays the best guide in terms of international involvement, but highlights the circumstantial nature of addressing genocide, in that, due to the large scope of genocide not all genocide can be addressed the same exact way.
Impact of Environmental Variations on Biodiesel Harvesting from Chlorophyceae in Raceway-Style Ponds
Authors: Chemudupati Krishna Karthikeya , Thokkadam Alina
Published: March 2023

In a world that is increasingly reliant on energy, it is unsustainable to be dependent on fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Finding renewable sources of energy that can efficiently support the needs of the modern world is crucial. The following scientific review closely examines microalgae cultured in wastewater as a source of biodiesel, specifically, the well-studied Chlorophyceae class. Chlorophyceae primarily live in freshwater bodies and contain high levels of lipids, making them an ideal type of microalgae for biodiesel extraction. One of the most commonly used methods of mass-producing biodiesel from microalgae is open paddlewheel raceway-style ponds. In these open pond systems, various environmental factors can fluctuate which could reduce biodiesel production in microalgae. Several such limitations exist when considering biodiesel obtained from microalgae as an alternative to fossil fuels. Any light intensity over 600 µE resulted in an optimal lipid level by maximizing photosynthetic activity. Temperatures need to be maintained between 28 and 43 ℃ to avoid thermal stratification. Furthermore, lower pH values yield greater quantities of lipids which are used for biodiesel production. This investigation serves to highlight the drawbacks which may help determine optimal microalgae growth conditions for biodiesel production.
Analysing New York Times Coverage of Sexual Abuse Over Time Through Natural Language Processing
Authors: Kang Gyulim , Schroeder Hope , Coppell Ian
Published: March 2023

Sexual abuse is a prevalent issue in modern society, having acquired prominence during the #MeToo movement in the early twenty-first century. Previous studies note that the media, as a major source of information, plays a significant role in reflecting and shaping societal perceptions of sexual abuse incidents. As a result, analyzing language use in media is crucial in forming an understanding of how inherent biases are conveyed in text. This work aims to investigate the media framing of sexual abuse using NLP techniques such as Valence Arousal Dominance (VAD) analysis and analysis of power and agency scores of verbs. This research investigates the implications of media framing of sexual abuse by incorporating computational modelling and sociolinguistic research. This approach can demonstrate how conscious and unconscious prejudices materialize in text, impacting how specific groups—in this research, victims and perpetrators—are portrayed in the media. Our results show that although the increase in coverage surrounding sexual abuse contributed to an increasingly positive view of female victims from the early 20th century—signaled by an increase in power and agency over time—they were still portrayed as having considerably less power and agency than their male perpetrators. Additionally, girl victims were portrayed with consistently less agency than women victims.
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue: The West's Response to China in the Indo-Pacific
Authors: O'Brien Alexandra , Gagne Bridget , MacDonald Nick
Published: March 2023

As China’s actions have become increasingly aggressive in the Indo-Pacific, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue’s (Quad) growing interconnectedness reveals the West’s desire to preserve the liberal order. The Quad-- composed of the United States, Australia, India, and Japan-- was revived in 2017 amidst China’s encroachment on the sovereignty of Indo-Pacific nations and international waters. Through increased activity in infrastructure development, military interoperability, and key resource networks, the Quad’s renewal marks an acceleration of Western efforts to counter China’s growing threats to Western hegemony. By distilling the Quad’s activity into these three areas of cooperation, this paper examines the grouping’s actions and their implications for Western-China relations. In the area of infrastructure development, the Quad has emphasized a diversification of funding and high-quality practices to reduce reliance on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and has promoted democratic priorities through the formation of the Blue Dot Network (BDN). Within military interoperability, the expansion of Exercise Malabar to include all Quad nations and the decision to host the exercise in the Bay of Bengal reveals the Quad’s increased challenge to China’s encroachment on Indo-Pacific oceans. The Quad’s desire to reduce Indo-Pacific nations’ reliance on China is evident in its efforts to exert influence over key resource networks such as undersea communication cables, Covid-19 vaccines, and global supply chains. The Quad’s increased activity within these three sectors represents the grouping’s elevation to an increasingly concrete alliance, emerging as one of the West’s primary measures to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Analyzing the Truth about China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Kumar Arya , Rezvani David
Published: March 2023

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), formerly known as One Belt One Road Initiative, is China’s and President Xi Jinping’s ambitious policy that globally fosters infrastructure and economic development in an effort to create a trade network with African and European countries with China as the central hub. Founded in 2013, the BRI has historically sought out third-world and developing nations that are abandoned by the West and offered loans to fund infrastructure and economic stimulus projects. However, out of a number of successful projects, a few failed economic ventures in BRI countries resulted in the third world perspective of the BRI inaccurately shifting from mutually beneficial to predatory debt-trap diplomacy. In reality, there is no evidence of China purposely bankrupting BRI countries in order to achieve a secret military or neo - colonial agenda and in fact, China has been a net economic benefit to the majority of BRI countries. This paper will disprove the “debt-trap narrative”, argue for the benefits of the BRI, and recommend that in order to overcome this perceived predatory perspective of the BRI, China needs to be clearer about their interests in BRI countries and reshape the adversarial debtor-collector relationships that they approach BRI countries with.
Using A Stacked-LSTM Architecture to Analyze API Call Sequences from Dynamic Malware Sandbox
Authors: Balakrishnan Advay , Goldsztein Guillermo
Published: March 2023

This paper explores the temporal hierarchy of API sequence calls using Deep Recurrent Neural Networks. RNN’s have the capability to easily capture the nature of time series processing due to their sequential structure, whereas generic neural networks cannot find an underlying relationship between data that is separated by timesteps. The primary goal of the paper is to describe an approach to analyzing malware attacks on networks while accounting for each timestep of data and gaining more flexibility in the size of the detection request using the features of the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) architecture. We will also touch on the more recent Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) network architecture. We will discuss the tested network configurations and the most optimal model. Lastly, the paper will suggest some applications of this model and how it could be integrated into standard operating systems.
How is the vestibular system affected by microgravity, and what implications could this have on elderly patients with ageing-related vestibular dysfunction?
Authors: Hoogewerf Louisa
Published: March 2023

Microgravity likely affects all body systems to some degree, this review will concentrate primarily on the vestibular system, as it is the organ which detects gravity and controls balance. It will also focus on how the body adapts to attenuate microgravity-induced physiological problems. Understanding the function of the vestibular system will lead to improved adaptation strategies for astronauts entering a microgravity environment and returning to Earth. It will also help aviation pilots, who experience changing gravity levels, and people on Earth, specifically the elderly, prone to dizziness and disorientation.

The impact of ageing on the vestibular system is profound medically and economically. An evaluated $10-$20 billion annual expense is associated with fall-related injuries. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics states that 75.3% of the US population over the age of 70 have issues with balance. The number of balance disordered patients due to vestibular dysfunction may reach epidemic proportions. To improve the management of elderly patients with balance disorders, dizziness and vestibular disease, we must research the vestibular system more; expanding this research to the realms of microgravity will offer new perspectives and explanations of the physiology and mechanisms of the vestibular system.
High school academic and socioeconomic environment on the field of innovation an entrepreneur enters
Authors: Singh Siyona
Published: March 2023

Entrepreneurship is central to economic development, wherein societies with more individuals with entrepreneurial attributes are better positioned to progress economically, as compared to those with a lower population of individuals with entrepreneurial attributes (Rengiah, 2013). Education has been found to be critical in fostering entrepreneurial activity (Peterman & Kennedy, 2003). As such, there has been a recent push in literature towards understanding the factors, both institutional and curricular, in tertiary education that can incubate entrepreneurial tendencies. However, less is known about the impact of secondary education in fostering entrepreneurial inclinations. Specifically, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of academic rigor and the socioeconomic environment in high school on the category of innovation an entrepreneur enters. It is important to understand the patterns in educational environments that are more likely to influence entry into a specific field of entrepreneurship for two reasons: 1) to build better educational environments that promote entering diverse fields of entrepreneurship and 2) to help inform society on its innovation strengths and opportunities for improvement. To test this relationship, the researcher investigated where the nation’s fastest-growing entrepreneurs from the 2021 Forbes Next 1000 list received their secondary education. Data on predefined factors of academic rigor and socioeconomic setting were pulled to uncover school profile trends within each entrepreneurship category. The researcher found that STEM entrepreneurs come from schools with a more academically rigorous culture and social entrepreneurs come from schools with less academic rigor and more socioeconomic diversity.
New Therapeutic Approaches for Sensory Symptoms in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Reddy Chaitanya , Madureira Marta
Published: March 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disorder that results in cellular death within the brain. As there are very few ways to diagnose AD in its earliest stages, research into symptoms of this disease is crucial to better understand its progression. Early detection of these markers in prodromal AD is necessary for early intervention and effective treatment. Changes in sensory symptoms may be indicative of AD. Alterations in sensory feedback are often attributed to aging. However, in prodromal AD, changes in sensory stimulus may have not yet affected a patient’s quality of life. Evidence from clinical trials and multiple studies suggests that a decline in sensory function has been associated with prodromal AD. In this review, we will focus on the neuropathological changes that occur within AD for the olfactory, visual, and auditory systems. Additionally, we will analyze the uses of these systems and some subsystems such as time awareness, music, and general sensory routines in slowing down the disease progression. While the initial evidence supporting these systems’ usefulness for detecting AD is promising, more studies are required to fully understand their relationship with AD. Understanding symptom advancement is critical to developing non-pharmacological methods for the treatment of clinical AD.
A Regression-Based Analysis of IMF Loans on Financial Stability in South Asian Countries
Authors: Amin Ihsan , Mirza Raed , Rangavajjula Siddhartha , Chintalapati Nikhil , Karim Sabrina
Published: March 2023

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been controversial since its inception; proponents hold that it serves an essential purpose in global economic governance and preventing crises, while critics maintain that it worsens economic conditions and the quality of life for those who bear its effects. In this paper, we seek to analyze a subset of these claims by focusing on the effect of IMF Loans on the financial sector in South Asian countries. We choose the financial sector as many consider it to be the driving force of our economy, and South Asia due to its status as one of the fastest-developing economic regions. To perform this investigation, we collected data from the World Bank and performed individual regressions, and constructed line graphs comparing time and disbursements vs. total non-performing loans to total gross loans, the real interest rate, and foreign exchange rate. The results showed a statistically insignificant but weakly positive correlation between IMF involvement and total non-performing loans to total gross loans (implying IMF involvement leads to an increase in non-performing loans) and no significant correlation between IMF involvement and the real interest rate or foreign exchange rate. This study implies that countries should reconsider IMF loans in light of minimal or even negative effectiveness.
Mechanisms Behind Hypoxia-Driven Resistance to Immunotherapy in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Meyer Alexandra , Riggan Luke
Published: March 2023

Tumor formation requires rapid proliferation of malignant cells which consume large amounts of oxygen from the microenvironment to meet metabolic demands. The resulting tumor microenvironment (TME) is usually low in oxygen compared to healthy tissue and left in a hypoxic state. Immune cells in the tissue rely on oxygen for energy production, therefore immune function is often inhibited in the TME. Novel immunotherapy treatments aim to reinvigorate the immune system, thus making hypoxia a concrete barrier against immunotherapeutics targeting solid tumors. Furthermore, oxygen levels are highly variable dependent on the tissue, raising the question of the influence of physoxia on immune cell survival in hypoxic counterparts. This review aims to provide insight into the mechanisms that influence this question, using an in-silico approach, in order to understand how the field can improve immunotherapy treatments for patients.
Comparing Skin Cancer Diagnosis between manual, 4 classical, and 1 deep machine learning algorithms
Authors: Kasbekar Maya , Phillips Catherine
Published: March 2023

Skin cancer incidence has increased significantly with approximately 1.2 million melanoma cases diagnosed each year globally. An experienced dermatologist’s visual inspection has only been able to achieve a maximum accuracy of 78%. Recently, convolution neural networks algorithms have successfully outperformed human detection. The study aim was to compare the accuracy and computational time of one deep and four shallow machine learning classification algorithms and demonstrate their statistical superiority over human detection. One deep and four shallow learning algorithms were used to compare the detection accuracy and computational time. Using verified skin lesion images from the ISIC Database, the deep and shallow machine learning algorithms were trained, validated, classified and tested to detect a cancerous skin mole. The results showed that the accuracy of the deep algorithm (VGG-16- 98.86%) was superior to both the shallow algorithms (SVMs – 88.29%, decision trees-88.62%, logistic regression -88.26%, neural network -88.59%) as well as human detection (78.3%). The shallow algorithms were also superior to human detection. Deep Learning algorithms, specifically convolution neural networks, can reduce the false negatives and false positives during melanoma detection and could also be used for early detection of skin cancer at home, saving lives and significant costs.
Why Judo Should Require Mouthguards
Authors: Downs Dallas , Eagar, PhD Jershon
Published: March 2023

Judo is a very dynamic and aggressive full-contact sport. This study shows the value and need for Judoka (Judo athletes) to wear mouthguards during competition. The goal was to study and establish the actual use of Mouthguards in Judo and to use published articles to predict the benefit of mouthguard use for Judoka. When observing the number of Judoka who wear mouthguards during competition, it is clear that the lack of use is a problem that should be addressed. Many sports require the use of mouthguards during practice and competition, but Judo does not. Even though mouthguards can reduce many kinds of injuries to athletes, Judoka have only recently been allowed to wear mouthguards during competition, however, it still is not encouraged. I hypothesized that the number of Judoka who wear mouthguards may be low and the severity of injuries would be reduced in Judoka who wear mouthguards. My results indicate that mouthguards are not frequently worn as I found that approximately 1.5% of Judoka wear mouthguards from studying tournaments that took place in 2022. Mouthguards are important, as they can protect the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, reduce the seriousness of neck injuries, and minimize the severity of concussions. The purpose of this study is to raise awareness of the lack of use of mouthguards in the sport of Judo and that wearing mouthguards in Judo will reduce the risk and severity of injuries while avoiding costly medical treatment.
Vaping and Mental Health Among Teenagers: When Two Worlds Collide
Authors: Kahe Michelle , Zhang Yijia
Published: March 2023

With the rates of vaping among teenagers arise, the challenge of finding solutions to resolve early addictions and unhealthy habits has become increasingly prevalent. Alongside this new rise of teenagers vaping, mental illnesses have begun to become more prevalent in the most recent generations, and vaping could be potentially used as a coping mechanism. Finding reformed solutions to an ongoing epidemic will help agencies understand and know how to positively contribute and impact the mental health of teenagers. Continuing to utilize an outdated outreach method urging people to quit vaping eventually begins to lose validity and relatability to the target demographic. When pushing for reform in advocacy, it increases the possibility of resonating with teenagers than did prior.
The Ramapough Mountain Indians’ Unsuccessful Bid for Federal Acknowledgement
Authors: Brassel Theodore , Hans Patricia
Published: March 2023

This exploratory study used content analysis to examine socio-cultural factors associated with the unsuccessful bid of the Ramapough Mountain Indians (RMI) for federal acknowledgment. It applied the McCulloch & Wilkins 4-factor framework for explaining success in the Federal Acknowledgement Process (FAP): (1) meeting the social construction of the image of an Indian, (2) cohesiveness of the self-identity of the tribe’s members, (3) perceived legitimacy of benefits or burdens directed toward the group, and (4) tribe’s resources to assist acknowledgement effort. The study hypothesized that if the framework is applicable, then newspaper articles will reflect weakness or negativity with regard to the four factors. With a sample of 50 newspaper articles from 21 newspaper outlets, thematic and quantitative analyses revealed that application of the framework offered socio-cultural insights about RMI’s unsuccessful bid. The analyses coded for the presence and prevalence over time of each factor with inter-rater reliability 80-100%. Results indicated varied depictions of the RMI in the newspaper media during the FAP, with some articles centering indigenous experiences and leadership and other articles focusing on negative stereotypes of indigenous communities. The study illuminated the powerful role over time of economic and political opponents in shaping negative media narratives particularly in relation to Indian gaming. Given critiques of bias in the FAP, this study supports the argument for reforming this process with input from indigenous communities. Limitations of this study include the exploratory nature of the research, manualized data analysis of a complex data source, and the impact of researcher bias.
Influence of Carrier Agents Concentrations and Inlet Temperature on the Physical Quality of Tomato Powder Produced by Spray Drying
Authors: Anisuzzaman S. M. , G. Joseph Collin , Ismail Fatin Nadiah
Published: March 2023

The study aims to obtain spray-dried tomato powders with a high and effective product yield and enhanced powder quality. The experiment for this investigation entailed the use of several carrier agents, which were maltodextrin (MD) of 4-7 dextrose equivalents (DE), MD of 10-12 DE, and gum Arabic (GA), each in varied concentrations of 5% and 10% with spray drying inlet temperatures of 140°C, 150°C, and 160°C. Powder yield, bulk density, hygroscopicity, moisture content, water solubility, water absorption, color properties, particle size, and powder morphology were all evaluated in spray-dried tomato powders. The results revealed that the stability of the tomato powder is considerably better at high temperatures and concentrations (at 10%, 160oC), with MD 4-7 DE being the best carrier agent among the three tested carrier agents. According to the powder analysis, the product has a moisture content of 3.17 ± 0.29%, the highest yield percentage of 32.1%, a low bulk density of 0.2943 ± 0.01 g/cm3, the lowest hygroscopicity at 5.67± 0.58 %, a high water solubility index (WSI) at 89.98 ± 1.25%, a low water absorption index (WAI) at 6.22 ± 0.22%, an intermediate particle size of 24.73 µm, and color L*, a*,b* values at 31.59 ± 0.03, 11.62 ± 0.08 and 13.32 ± 0.12. The result showed that at higher temperatures and higher concentrations, the powder characteristics are more likely to have a higher yield, WSI, and larger particle size, as well as lower bulk density, hygroscopicity, moisture content, WAI, and color index.
Heat Rate Deviation Analysis of a Coal-Fired Power Plant (CFPP) with the Influence of Applicable Coal Prices (ACP)
Authors: Jasbeer Singh Manmit Singh , Abdul Jalil Nawal Aswan , Abdul Rahim Sharafiz , Zulkefli Zamir Aimaduddin , Hasini Hasril
Published: March 2023

The assessment of a Coal-Fired Power Plant (CFPP) performance is an intricate process that involves the determination of Heat Rate (HR) deviations of current operational parameters from baseline or target values. This study focuses on HR deviations of a CFPP based on the Applicable Coal Price (ACP), and the influence of the ACP price on daily losses or gains are thoroughly analyzed for key performance parameters for three fixed ACP of RM12, 18, and 24 per GJ. This paper mainly investigates key parameters and related equipment that significantly affect the HR of the CFPP and ranks the parameters affecting HR from most significant to least significant. The baseline or target values are obtained from the plant commissioning manuals and the Performance Guarantee Test (PGT). Actual real-life operational data from a 700MWn CFPP is utilized to improve the accuracy and confidence levels of the results obtained. It was found that at the nominal operating baseload, the most significant negative HR deviation is for the Rotary Air Heater (RAH) gas exit temperature with a negative HR deviation of -137.9 kJ/kWh leading to an annual loss of RM17.6 million at ACP of RM24/GJ while the superheater and reheater spray flows are contributing least to the HR deviation. This analysis highlighting the impact of key parameters affecting the performance enables plant operations and maintenance teams to focus on such parameters to mitigate losses.
Narraciones en papel:
Authors: Herranz Llácer Cristina V. , Segovia Gordillo Ana
Published: March 2023

En este artículo se realiza un estudio sobre los distintos libros empleados en las aulas de 0 a 6 años en España con el objetivo de conocer el tipo de texto narrativo más empleado según el curso escolar, el tipo de centro (público, privado o concertado) y la percepción de utilidad de la formación académica de los maestros. La investigación se ha llevado a cabo a través un estudio cualitativo asociativo a partir de una encuesta online a 111 maestros en activo. Los principales resultados muestran como los docentes perciben, en general, que la formación académica ha influido a la hora de manejar determinados tipos de cuentos como los relatos clásicos. Además, este trabajo evidencia que la formación académica sobre Literatura Infantil y Juvenil (LIJ) necesita ser reforzada dentro de los distintos planes de estudio.
Breaking Barriers in Space Communication : Advancements in Deep Space Satellite Technology
Authors: Mr. Sharan L Pais  , Srusti PS  , Srideeksha G  , Sooraj  , Srikanth Raju  , Srujan KM
Published: March 2023

Deep space satellite communication is the term used to describe communication between Earth and satellites or spacecraft that are orbiting the planet outside of its sphere of influence. Sending signals from Earth to the spacecraft and receiving data, pictures, and other information sent back by the spacecraft constitute the communication process. For space exploration and study, deep space communication is essential because it enables us to gather important data about our solar system and beyond. Yet, because of the distance involved and the possibility of noise and interference interfering with the signal, deep space communication is fraught with difficulties.
Survey on Blockchain Cryptocurrency Wallet
Authors: Prof. M. S. Kale  , Ayush Gimekar  , Zuveriya Tamboli  , Vaishnavi Patil  , Abhay Pawar
Published: March 2023

Normal cash has developed and appears numerous downsides such as inaccessibility. It is inclined to burglary and is intensely directed by government offices. Cryptocurrencies have risen as a egotistic money related framework. They depend upon secure disseminated ledger data structure. Mining plays a critical portion in this framework. Basically, our cryptocurrency could be a conveyed database that keeps up tamper-proof information structure pieces containing his bunches of person exchanges. Blockchain innovation can be a widely emerging approach to data innovations. Bitcoin as a cryptocurrency has made several considerations since it was one of its earliest implementations. They discuss the key elements driving the development of sophisticated cryptocurrencies alongside Ethereum, a blockchain implementation with a focus on informed contracts. In its most basic form, our cryptocurrency may be thought of as a distributed database that keeps track of tamper-proof data structure blocks comprising batches of individual transactions.
PREVALENCE OF PULMONARY ASPERGILLOSIS AND DRUG SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING AMONGST ADULT HIV PATIENTS AT KISUGU HEALTH CENTRE III, MAKINDYE DIVISION, IN UGANDA
Authors:   , Buyi Jonah , Mwambi Bashir , Mugisha Taremwa Ivan
Published: March 2023

Background: Pulmonary aspergillosis is one of the respiratory conditions that are missed to be diagnosed and neglected in Uganda and it has been reported to be common worldwide, especially among people living with HIV. With azole resistance common to aspergillus fumigatus becoming a global concern; a species that causes invasive disease, epidemiological data are necessary to guide clinical practice. This study determined the prevalence of pulmonary aspergillosis and drug susceptibility testing amongst adult HIV patients at Kisugu Health Centre III Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Kisugu Health Centre III among 254 HIV clients. Early morning sputa were cultured on Sabroud Dextrose Agar at 300C for 7 days using a high-volume culture technique. Microscopy using lactophenol cotton blue stain was carried out to identify the species. Antifungal susceptibility testing was done using the agar-based disc diffusion method, and data were analyzed as proportion.  Results: There were 79.5%(N=202) female participants. Participants' mean age was 34.20±10.27 (range: 18-67) years. The prevalence of pulmonary aspergillosis was 42.5% (N=108) with the commonest species being aspergillus niger (28%, N=71), fumigatus (9%, N=23), terreus(4.7%, N=12), co-species infection at 1.2% (N=3). 98.6% of aspergillus niger isolates were sensitive to voriconazole,87.5% of aspergillus fumigatus isolates were sensitive to voriconazole and 100% of the aspergillus terreus isolates were sensitive to voriconazole. Major resistance in this study was seen in aspergillus fumigatus with 12.5% resistance to itraconazole, resistance was also noticed amongst 8.3% of aspergillus terreus isolates on amphotericin B. Conclusion:  The prevalence of Pulmonary aspergillosis was high, and different species were isolated. Moreover, a varied antifungal susceptibility pattern was established Recommendation: Routine testing for pulmonary aspergillosis should be included in HIV clinics.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH UNDERNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE ATTENDING THE SICKLE CELL CLINIC IN MULAGO NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, UGANDA. A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.
Authors:   , Muhumuza Rornald , Kajura Richard , Yeka Adoke
Published: March 2023

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is among the neglected non-communicable diseases, which significantly contributes to early childhood mortality. In Uganda, over 20,000 children are estimated to be sicklers. Undernutrition is common among children with SCD and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. There is a paucity of data on the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors in Uganda. Objective: To assess the extent of undernutrition and related factors among children aged 5-12 years with SCD attending the sickle cell clinic at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH), Uganda. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 270 children with SCD attending the sickle cell clinic at MNRH were recruited consecutively between May and June 2017. The nutritional status of the children was assessed by BMI-for-age (wasting) and height-for-age (stunting) z-scores calculated using STATA in accordance with WHO reference. Binary logistic regression was conducted using odds ratios with 95% CI to measure the strength of association among the predictors. Results: About 11.4% were wasted and 13.7% were stunted. Wasting was significantly associated with older age (10-12 years) (AOR=4.27, CI=2.20-8.29) and living in a female-headed household (AOR=0.39, CI=0.16-0.92). Stunting was significantly associated with older age (10-12 years) (AOR=2.90, CI=1.39-6.06). Conclusion: Wasting and stunting were prevalent among children with SCD attending MNRH. The factors associated with undernutrition were older age and living in a female-headed household. Recommendations: Interventions like skills-based nutrition education integrating older children and enhancement of women’s control of household resources by improving the social economic status of caretakers through business training and providing vocational skills can improve undernutrition in children with SCD.
Awareness Regarding Breast Cancer, Perceptions and Compliance towards Mammography among Women Visiting Tertiary Care Hospitals in Rawalpindi
Authors: Hisam Aliya , Mashhadi Syed Fawad , Fatima Aliha , Saleem Remsha , Naseer Muhammad Awais , Tariq Hafiz Aleem , Shahid Muhammad Irfan
Published: March 2023

Objective: To find out awareness about breast cancer, perceptions and compliance towards mammography in women reporting to tertiary care hospitals in Rawalpindi.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Tertiary care hospitals in Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Nov 2021 to Apr 2022.

Methodology: A sample size of 120 women was calculated. Sampling technique was non-probability convenient sampling. The data collection tool consisted of demographic information, questions to assess awareness, perceptions and compliance towards mammography. Data were entered and analyzed in SPSS version 26.

Results: The survey was administered to 120 women in tertiary care hospital. The study showed that majority of population was well-aware of breast cancer. Out of 120, 104(86%) women believed that new breast masses should be evaluated at clinics.According to 113(94%) women breast cancer can be cured and 95(79.2%) had belief that breast cancer can be prevented. Fortyfour (36.6%) women were non-complaint towards mammography having higher barrier scores. There was high significance of occupation (p<0.001), education (p<0.001) in terms of individual compliance towards mammography. Significant association was found among the participants who were compliant towards mammography with respect to occupation (p<0.001) and education (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Most of women were well-aware of breast cancer and were more likely to participate in breast health activities.Majority had good perception regarding breast cancer and sufficient knowledge. Lesser women were non-complaint having barriers towards mammography.
Biological, Physical, Ergonomic, Chemical and Psychological Hazard Awareness among Health care and Non-Healthcare Workers
Authors: Hisam Aliya , Mashhadi Syed Fawad , Saqib Arsalan , Naveed Muhammad Saad , Sadiq Muhammad Rehan , Imtiaz Touseef , Ashraf Arslan
Published: March 2023

Objective: To assess the level of awareness regarding various hazards among healthcare and non-healthcare workers.

Study Design: Analytical cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in Rawalpindi over a 6-month duration from Nov 2021 to Apr 2022.

Methodology: The estimated sample size was 228. Sampling technique was non-probability convenient sampling. Healthcare group included individuals from medical field. Non healthcare group included persons from other fields. Non willing persons were excluded. A preformed questionnaire with some changes was used. Data was collected through Google forms and analyzed in SPSS version 26.

Results: The sample included 162 males and 66 females. Mean age was 21.10±2.76. Out of the total, 75.9% fell into healthcare group while 24.1% landed into Non healthcare group. In Healthcare group highest awareness was about contact with contaminated specimens among Biological hazards (78.6%), Radiations among Physical hazards (76.9%), standing for prolonged periods among Ergonomic hazards (69.9%), corrosives among Chemical hazards (74.0%), and stress among Psychosocial hazards (86.7%). In Non healthcare group highest percentages were of injuries among Biological hazards (72.7%), poor ventilation among Physical hazards (67.3%), standing for prolonged periods among Ergonomic hazards (70.9%) and stress among Psychosocial hazards (80%).

Conclusions: The study showed that for most of the hazards assessed the Healthcare workers are relatively more aware as compared to the Non healthcare group.
The Impact and Implications of ISO Certification on Patient Satisfaction-A Single-Centre Study.
Authors: Khan Muhammad Qaiser Alam , Shaheen Nasira , Sultan Mahmood , Khan Romesa Qaiser
Published: March 2023

Objective: To examine the impact of the international organization for standardization (ISO), the challenges faced in its implementation and the implications of the process on patient care in the long-term accreditation in a tertiary care hospital in Kharian.

Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study

Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Kharian Pakistan, from Jan to Dec 2019.

Methodology: Patient satisfaction questionnaires were given to 1600 patients presenting to the Indoor, Outdoor, Accidents & Emergency, Pharmacy, Radiology Department and Laboratory of Combined Military Hospital, Kharian Pakistan, as a part of a routine ISO audit annually for 2019. Responses were analyzed and tabulated.

Results: The upward trend in patient satisfaction was attributed to administrative intervention policies based on patient complaints and suggestions incorporated into the questionnaires’ comment boxes. There was a significant difference between the response rates of patients in departments (p=0.016). It indicates that the satisfaction rate was higher among different departments.

Conclusion: Patient satisfaction is directly proportional to interventional measures based on patient feedback. When utilised positively, these feedback loops can lead to an increase in the hospital's overall efficiency index and the standard of care.
Raised Serum Uric Acid as a Predictor of Perinatal Outcome in Parturient with Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
Authors: Zaineb Sadia , Akbar Amina , Mahboob Saira
Published: March 2023

Objective: To evaluate the association of increased uric acid in pregnancy-induced hypertension with adverse perinatal outcomes.

Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Departments of Anesthesia, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Combined Military Hospital, Okara Pakistan, from Mar to Sep 2018.

Methodology: After approval of the Hospital Ethical Committee, 106 patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension were included in our study (n=53 in each group). Group-A had patient with raised uric acid, whereas Group-B had normal uric acid. Perinatal outcomes were monitored prospectively.

Results: There was no difference in demographic profile of the two study groups. Raised uric acid was shown to be associated with a higher cesarean mode of delivery (p=0.014); preterm delivery (0.001); intrauterine growth retardation (0.038); and low APGAR at 5mintues (0.008). Raised uric had a sensitivity greater than 65% and specificity greater than 50% for perinatal outcomes.

Conclusion: Raised uric acid is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in neonates.
Comparison of Efficacy of Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer and Composite Restoration in Inhibition of Secondary Caries in Primary Molars
Authors: Khalid Maira , Saghir Tehreem , Yousaf Ajmal , Hussain Syed Muzammil , Daud Zobia , Sultan Umair
Published: March 2023

Objective: To evaluate and compare clinical performance and caries inhibition of Resin modified glass ionomer cement and composite restoration in primary molars

Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Operative Dentistry, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Feb 2019 to Jan 2020.

Methodology: Eighty-three patients fulfilling the selection criteria having at least one carious mandibular primary molar on both sides were divided by split-mouth design. Resin-modified Glass ionomer restorations were done on one side and termed Group-A, and Composite Restorations were done on the other side and termed Group-B. Each restoration was clinically evaluated regarding the appearance of secondary caries at 3, 6 and 12 months after placement by the same operator who performed the treatment.

Results: A total of 166 conventional restorations were placed in the 83 children having carious mandibular primary molars, at least one on each side of the arch. The assessment of restorations, performed after six months, showed an 89.2% success rate of Resin modified Glass ionomer restorations and a 66% success rate of Composite Restoration. One year of follow-up showed an 80% success rate for Resin modified Glass ionomer restorations and 60% for Composite Restoration, as regards secondary caries; statistically significant differences were found in both groups.

Conclusion: The study results showed that Resin modified Glass ionomer cement used to restore primary molars affected by caries performed better clinically than composite in assessing secondary caries.
Nitrous Oxide Influence on Induction of Anaesthesia with Sevoflurane
Authors: Ul Haq Ihtisham , Zahoor Muhammad Umar , Afshan Jelani Farhat
Published: March 2023

Objective: To find out if the addition of Nitrous Oxide to Sevoflurane significantly reduces induction time and to study the effect of Nitrous Oxide on the frequency of adverse events during induction.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: Operation Theatre Complex, PAF Hospital Mushaf Sargodha Pakistan from Jul to Sep 2018.

Methodology: One hundred adult indoor patients undergoing elective surgeries were included in the study. Their ages were from 18 to 34yrs, and all fell in ASA I and II category. In Group-A, 43 and Group- B, 57 patients were enrolled. Sevoflurane at a high concentration of 8% was given to all patients for induction. In Group-A, 100% oxygen was used as a vehicle, while in Group-B, 70% Nitrous Oxide and 30% oxygen were used as vehicles. Induction time was measured from switching Sevoflurane to when the patients’ arms fell horizontal. We documented adverse effects, including coughing, laryngospasm,bronchospasm, fall in SpO2 <94%, apnea, excitation (head or limb movements), bradycardia and arrhythmias were documented.

Results: Mean induction time was 59.00±13.00s and 58.00±8.00s in Groups A and B, respectively. The difference was statistically insignificant (p-value=0.874). Similarly, there was no significant difference in adverse events between the two groups.

Conclusion: We concluded that adding Nitrous Oxide has no clinically significant advantage in the induction of anaesthesia with Sevoflurane in adults.
Assessment of Risk to Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Tertiary Care Facility Based Cross-sectional Study in Pakistan
Authors: Awan Bushra Ameer Saeed , Mohsin Shamaila , Mashhadi Syed Fawad , Nisar Shazia
Published: March 2023

Objective: To assess the risk of COVID-19 to healthcare workers (HCWs) in Tertiary care hospitals and its association with demographic factors.

Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study.

Place and Duration of Study: Tertiary Care Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from May to Dec 2020.

Methodology: Healthcare workers working in a designated COVID-19 Tertiary care hospital were included in the study. A modified "Risk assessment and management of exposure of HCWs in the context of COVID-19 tool" was distributed. HCWs were categorized as "high risk" and "low risk" of COVID-19 infection. Frequency and percentages were computed for demographic variables.

Results: A total of 182 healthcare workers were included, and 167(91.7%) returned the study questionnaire. Most of them were nurses (n=65, 40.1%) working in the medical unit (n=99, 61.1%). Low risk HCWs were 73.5%( n=119) and only 26.5%( n=43)were high risk. Gender (p-value: .02) and type of HCWs (p-value: .01) were significantly associated with the risk of COVID-19.

Conclusion: One-fourth of HCWs were at high risk of COVID-19 virus infection. Female gender and nurses were more likely to acquire COVID-19 infection.