bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heroin use among clients receiving methadone treatment in Dar es Salaam Tanzania: a qualitative study
Authors: Mosha Idda H.
Published: January 2023

Background: Simultaneous heroin use among methadone-maintained clients is a recognized phenomenon worldwide. Tanzania is the first sub-Saharan African country to offer methadone treatment. This study explored reasons for heroin use among clients on methadone treatment clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Methods: This was exploratory cross-sectional study. Purposive sampling was used to select ten study participants. In in-depth interview guide was used to collect data. The interviews were conducted in Kiswahili and lasted for about sixty minutes. Audio-recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Transcribed data was analysed and subjected to thematic analysis with the help of Nvivo 12 software.
Results: Many reasons were mentioned for concurrent use of heroin and methadone among clients on methadone treatment. Some of the mentioned reasons were inadequate methadone dose, treatment, healthcare providers’ attitudes, and healthcare provision environment, lack of family support, peer influence homeless and easy availability of heroin.
Conclusions: Different measures should be taken by methadone programs and stakeholders to overcome concurrent use of heroin and methadone among clients receiving methadone treatment.
Factors leading to reluctance of blood donors from blood donation in Derna/Libya
Authors: Elzahaf Raga A. , Khalil Khalid A. , Alshareff Hawwa , Bufajra Amnah
Published: January 2023

Background: Blood donation is a major concern to the society as donated blood is lifesaving for individuals who need it. In Libya, the concept of voluntary blood donors is almost non-existent due to the absence of blood donor motivation and retention strategies. The objective of this study was to assess the factors leading to reluctance of blood donors from blood donation blood donation among general population in Derna.
Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data of barriers towards blood donation in Derna/Libya between August 2021 and September 2021. 425 Libyan living in the city of Derna were selected by convenience sampling design. Self-administered structured questionnaire was used which was adopted from previous studies. Data analysis was performed in statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25.
Results: Of the 425 participants, the majority of them were male (70.1%). 195 (45.9%) reported that they had donated blood at least once in their lifetime, 186 (95.4%) were male and 9 (4.6%) were female. People who never donated blood most commonly (54.1%) reported that they never donated because they did not feel comfortable in hospital, followed by blood donation causes weakness and fainting or dizzy and they have never been asked to donate.
Conclusions: Blood donation practice in this study was found to be low. Ministry of health and Red Cross association have to work in strengthen manner to improve the practice of blood donation to plan strategy of awareness about blood donation should be encouraged among general population.
Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus, its antimicrobial resistance and relation to food hygiene practices of food handlers: analysis of food and non-food items from market food shops in Yangon, Myanmar
Authors: Aung May Soe , Zin Poe Ei , Soe Pan Ei , Win Hla Hla , Htoon Thi Thi , Myint Lwin Swe Mar
Published: January 2023

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is the common cause of food poisoning and its rising antibiotic resistance poses a severe threat to public health. In Myanmar, S aureus isolation and AMR pattern in food and non-food objects studied at the markets are still limited. This research filled the information gaps regarding the prevalence of S aureus in food and non-food items from market food shops relation to hygienic practices of the food handlers and assessed its antimicrobial resistance.
Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted at sixteen markets in Yangon during 2022. The study included 75 food handlers to assess their hygiene practices. From each shop, one food and one non-food samples were taken to reach the total 150 samples. Chi-square test was used for analysis.
Results: S aureus was found in 4% of food samples and 5.3% of non-food samples. Bacterial contamination in food was satisfactory, 17.3% to unsatifactory, 60% while non-food samples were 4%, clean to 73.3%, very contaminted. Drug resistance to Benzyl penicillin, azithromycin, erythromycin, clindamycin, lincomycin in food samples and tetracycline in both samples were found. Hygiene practices was good among 57.3% of food handlers and there was no association between practices and S aureus prevalence although positivity was higher among the samples taken from the shops of handlers with poor hygiene practices.
Conclusions: The prevalence of S aureus was not different between food and non-food samples and not associated with the hygiene practices of food handlers.
Prevalence of under nutrition among under-5 children in the urban field practice area of a medical college in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Farooq Umer , Sharma Sangeeta J. , Raghav Santosh
Published: January 2023

Background: In India, undernutrition in children mal the age of five is a serious public health issue. Despite India's expanding economy, both urban and rural areas still have significant rates of undernutrition-related child mortality. There are hardly many studies that concentrate on cities. In order to determine the prevalence of undernutrition in the urban field practice area of a medical college in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, the current study was conducted. Objective of the study was using World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards, to determine the prevalence of undernutrition among children under the age of five.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban field practice region of the medical college Muzaffarnagar, India, from August 2022 to November 2022. From 1875 registered families, 400 under-five-year-old children were randomly chosen, and a house-to-house survey was used to collect the study's data. The study's goals were explained to the parents, and their written agreement was obtained. The children who were accessible during the study period had their anthropometric measurements taken in accordance with WHO criteria. For nutritional deficits and other morbidities, the kids were checked. Data analysis was performed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) 23 programme and the Chi square test.
Results: A total of 400 under 5 were examined by going from house to house, and 257 (64.2%) of them were underweight. Boys had significantly (p=0.001) more undernutrition than girls. In the age range of 49 to 60 months, it peaked.
Conclusions: Children's malnutrition continues to be a problem for public health, especially among underprivileged populations.
Self-efficacy in the urban Indian culture- exploring values, self-construal and personality
Authors: Narayanan Gitanjali , Rao Kiran
Published: January 2023

Background: Personality and cultural influences on self-efficacy have not been examined among urban Indian adults, though they are relevant. Of specific importance is the relationship between self-efficacy and an individual’s perceptions of relatedness and autonomy, and their values.
Methods: The aim of the present study was to examine the association between self-efficacy with self-construal, personality and individual values in an urban community sample from Bangalore city, India. A snowballing technique was used to recruit community participants (N=304, mean age=24.80±4.35 years). The tools used were the self-efficacy scale, the self-construal scale, the temperament character inventory-revised, and the portrait values questionnaire. Data was fitted into a linear regression model.
Results: About seventy percent of self-efficacy was associated with was positively associated with personality dimensions of persistence and self-directedness, and negatively associated with novelty seeking and harm avoidance. Moreover, there was a significant positive association with the family value of benevolence and a negative association with security.
Conclusions: It is important to study self-efficacy which has implications for domains such as quality of life, sense of contribution to society, well-being and positive beliefs held by individuals and the community at large regarding their self-worth and control. The study highlights the role of personality and values; all suggestive of a shift from the collectivist.
The cost of conducting rapid assessment of avoidable blindness survey in Andhra Pradesh State, India
Authors: Pallerla Srinivasa Reddy , Vaggu Srikumar , Gudapati Bala Krishna , Eda Shiva Shankar
Published: January 2023

Background: To determine the cost of conducting a rapid assessment of avoidable blindness survey in Andhra Pradesh State, India. RAAB is a simple rapid survey methodology that can provide data on prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment. As per the manual published by international centre for eye health, ICEH London United Kingdom the cost of doing a RAAB survey was US $ 20000 to 30000. No data were available regarding the cost required for doing the RAAB survey in India or from any other developing country. Hence the present study was conducted to arrive at the average cost of a RAAB survey in Indian scenario.
Methods: The Andhra Pradesh right to sight society conducted RAAB surveys in three different tribal areas by three teams in the year 2009. The average cost of doing RAAB survey was arrived by calculating the mean expenditure of the three surveys.
Results: The average cost of doing a RAAB survey in India was Rs.2, 30,541.66 (US $4,433.50). which was 15 to 22%of the cost mentioned in the RAAB Instruction Manual version 4.02 published by ICEH.
Conclusions: As the cost of doing RAAB survey is very much less in India, this may encourage the epidemiologists and researchers to undertake the rapid assessment surveys with limited budget and can easily be repeated every 5 years to know the trends.
Technical expertise and behavior of the doctor- a major determinant of waiting time of OPD patients
Authors: Bansal Cherry , Bansal Mamta , Narang Mandeep , Goyal Sanjiv , Bansal Parveen
Published: January 2023

Background: The study was conducted to understand various factors affecting waiting time spent by the patients in outpatient department (OPD) and to provide recommendations for reducing the waiting time in OPD of the selected hospital.
Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional pretested questionnaire-based study involving all new 100 consenting patients at OPD recruited into the study using a systematic sampling technique after calculating the sampling interval.
Results: The study indicates that 70% of patients were satisfied and only 30% were dissatisfied with the attention given by the OPD staff, cleanliness, attentiveness of doctor but shows great dissatisfaction regarding the waiting time spent by them in the outpatient department. Most of the subjects gave the reason for their satisfaction despite more time because of expertise of the doctor, behavior of the doctor, association of hospital with non-government organizations and insurance companies for free medicine and surgery. The dissatisfaction was not because of lack of administration but because of low level of awareness amongst patients attending the OPD about internet booking of appointment, COVID protocols, priorities given to recommendations given by other doctors/VIPs and walk in OPDs attended without prior appointment.
Conclusions: A very important observation which evolved from the study was the version of patients that waiting time does not matter because they want to be treated from same doctor due to his/her expertise. Second important observation was that the addressing and greeting of patient by his/her name gave a great satisfaction and level of comfort to patients and affects the waiting time.
Profiling of mucormycosis in district of central rural India during COVID-19 pandemic: a record-based study
Authors: Giri Mohnish Y. , Dambhare Dharmpal G. , Jhalke Vinit , Sundar R. Naveen Shyam , Vanjari Devyani
Published: January 2023

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been associated with a wide range of opportunistic bacterial and fungal infections. Several cases of Mucormycosis in people with COVID-19 have been increasingly reported world-wide, in particular from India. The primary reason that appears to be facilitating Mucorales spores to germinate in people with COVID-19 is an ideal environment of low oxygen (hypoxia), high glucose (diabetes, new onset hyperglycemia, steroid-induced hyperglycemia).
Methods: Secondary data was obtained from District health office Wardha. We took Mucormycosis related data for May 2021 to August 2021. A Secondary data analysis was done as an age wise distribution, Sex wise distribution, classification of Mucormycosis and case load in Wardha district.
Results: Total cases (overall) was about 132. 91% cases are totally recovered. In overall cases, 106 males and 26 females were affected due to Mucormycosis. Out of 132 cases, 128 cases were of Rhino cerebral type of Mucormycosis. 48% cases of Mucormycosis were from 45 to 60 years old patients.127 cases of Mucormycosis were related with COVID history and only 5 cases of Mucormycosis were not related with COVID history. 53% cases were needed oxygen support prior onset of case.
Conclusions: A multidisciplinary strategy should incorporate early diagnosis, antifungal therapy, any necessary surgical consultation and treatment, as well as reversal of the underlying illness. Identification of individuals at risk, strict glycaemic control and avoidance of unnecessary corticosteroid in non-severe COVID-19 cases (normal oxygen saturation on room air) can help in preventing this complication.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on vaccinations in children in a primary health centre in Northern India
Authors: Vemprala Arushi , Vemparala Rajshekhar , Sundar Shyam
Published: January 2023

Background: Pandemics and disease outbreaks necessitate the continuation of routine immunization and vaccination for a specific age group along with safety measures for healthcare professionals. India witnessed the COVID-19 pandemic with a drastic rise in the number of cases across the states and union territories in 2020. Routine childhood immunizations suffered mainly because of an overburdened health system coupled with the fear of COVID-19 infection. The present audit is aimed to study the impact of the interventions made to improve routine immunization in the post-COVID-19 period in children in the age group of 0-16 years suitable for immunization under the National Immunization Scheme.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted by retrieving records in the PHC for the impact of COVID-19 on routine immunizations for vaccine preventable disease in the 0-16 age group. Data were retrieved and collected in a predesigned proforma. Archives of each of the years 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 for the month of April. The effect of the interventions for improving vaccine coverage in the rural population was evaluated.
Results: A comparison of pre-covid and covid periods showed a significant drop in routine immunization (p=0.007). Higher immunization rates were observed in post covid compared to the COVID period indicating the positive effect of interventions (p=0.0000014)
Conclusions: Vaccination rates improved significantly following interventions in the rural population. Health education on safety precautions for COVID-19 and the importance of routine immunization in the pediatric age group has helped to improve vaccination status.
The association between different types of cooking fuels and common health problems: north India region
Authors: Mawari Govind , Kumar Naresh , Pathak Ujala , Shree Swati , Sarkar Sayan , Daga Mradul Kumar , Singh Mongjam Meghachandra , Joshi Tushar Kant , Gulati Achal , Chowdhury Apurba , Singh Ishwar , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: January 2023

Background: The fuel used for cooking is a major source of indoor air pollution because of inefficient combustion and inadequate ventilation. This study was conducted to see if there is any association between the type of cooking fuel and common health problems in light of inadequate ventilation.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study; 688 subjects were selected randomly from various sectors and the outlying areas of Surajkund. The impact of indoor air pollution on health was assessed by questionnaires, general physical examination, and pulmonary function testing.
Results: One of the key findings of the study has been the implication of LPG, touted as a safe, non-polluting fuel with a definite negative impact on health. There was significantly more breathlessness experienced by LPG users as opposed to the users of wood and cow dung. Though the prevalence of fever in both groups was similar, chest pain, burning of eyes, and fatigue were reported by wood and cow dung users much more frequently. The pulmonary function test showed restrictive pathology in cow dung and wood users, whereas obstructive pathology in LPG users.
Conclusions: LPG is considered “clean” fuel because it does not produce visible emissions. However, improper burner design, blocking and clogging of the flue vent, and insufficient combustion air result in improper combustion and the emission of aldehydes, CO, hydrocarbons, and other organics. It would be folly to believe that LPG is harmless. Even a harmless material may become harmful if used inappropriately.
Community-based baseline survey regarding prevalence of anemia among females of different age categories under Anemia Mukt Abhiyan in District Ambala, Haryana
Authors: Singhal Joy , Kharab Minakshi , Karol Sunidhi , Abhishek  , Hari Sunil
Published: January 2023

Background: Anemia is the most common micronutrient deficiency. Despite repeated efforts taken under the national program, high prevalence of anemia still observed across various life stages of females in India over the past two decades.
Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to discern the prevalence of anemia in the non-pregnant and non-lactating females of Ambala, Haryana, between the ages of 6 months to 49 years using the gold standard cyan-met-hemoglobin method.
Results: A total of 1, 21, 202 study subjects, with a mean age of 28.9±19.3 years were tested for hemoglobin across 524 villages, out of which 97,305 (80.1%) females were found to be anemic with mean hemoglobin level of 10.8±1.4 gm% with 53.2% of all females being moderately anemic.
Conclusions: This study reported that anemia is extremely prevalent in all walks of life of females. Multipronged strategy is to be followed to curb anemia from various age groups of females.
Knowledge about NCD in medical students and screening for their nutritional status
Authors: Bhave Swati Y. , Adsul Srushti S. , Bhawalkar Jitendra S. , Mane Shailaja V. , Landge Jyoti
Published: January 2023

Background: Creating awareness about NCD prevention and screening medical students’ nutritional status will help them to follow a healthy lifestyle. Thus, ensuring that as future doctors, they will be effective in community education of NCD prevention through their own health.
Methods: A two-hour awareness session was taken for 150 medical students to explain importance of assessing their risk factors for NCD. The age range was 18-21 years. They were offered a free health check-up and 89.33% (136) signed up. For screening of obesity - anthropometric measurements were taken 1) weight by electronic weighing scale 2) height- using analog measuring tape 3) waist hip measurement 4) body fat composition measured by Omron (Karada scan- body composition monitor HBF-375). BMI was calculated using both WHO and Asian cut-offs and waist circumference using WHO and ICMR cut-offs.
Results: In 132 (M=55, F=79) participants, significant incidence was seen of overweight (21.21%), obesity (43.18%) by Asia Pacific BMI standards and 36.36% overweight, 36.36% obesity by total body fat measurement. Abdominal obesity measured by waist circumference was seen in 3.22% of males and 21.52% of females by WHO; 15.09% of males and 41.77% of females by ICMR standards. Females showed a higher incidence of obesity and overweight than males according to Asia Pacific BMI, total fat percent and ICMR waist circumference.
Conclusions: These students will benefit from interventions to inculcate a healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight. Healthy medical students tracking into healthy doctors will act as ambassadors for NCD prevention.
Multi-center study to analyse outcome of integrated treatment approach in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Purushothaman Suraj , Dhotre Prasant Kumar , Vanarase Kamlesh Prakash , Jadhao Gajanan Kisan , Maurya Abhay Gyanchand , Gupta Sanjay Mohanlal , Gawali Vijaykumar
Published: January 2023

Background: This study presents the outcome of integrated treatment approach based on government mandated standard allopathic treatment along with alternatives in COVID-19 patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the outcome of treatment strategy, co-morbid status, recovery and mortality rate of COVID-19 patients at Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute.
Methods: Post ethics committee approval for multiple centers, data for 1049 COVID-19 patients (RTPCR confirmed cases) of all age groups and genders which were admitted in a dedicated covid hospital from March 2020 to November 2020 was analysed retrospectively.
Results: This study highlights the management of COVID-19 patients with an integrated approach. In our cohort with 36.7%, 44.70 %, 18.58% of mild, moderate and severe cases respectively, mortality rate was only 3.43% of total positive patients admitted at our hospital.
Conclusions: We emphasize that even in healthcare facilities with limited resource and poor infrastructure and lack of ICU facilities, clinical observation-based management can help to reduce mortality considerably. Unique features of our study include use of progesterone as an immune modulator, use of dual antiviral agents and use of age-related lower limit of oxygen saturation.
Knowledge and practices of water and sanitation and prevention of water-borne diseases among the residents of Wabgaon village
Authors: Mittal Gaurav C. , Sundar R. Naveen Shyam , A. Prashanth
Published: January 2023

Background: Globally 1.339 billion U-5s and 79 thousand neonates aged 0-27 days were estimated to be dead due to diarrhoea. India, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Ethiopia accounts for more than half of the deaths caused by diarrhoea. Our objectives are to understand the knowledge and practices of WASH, preventive and treatment measures of diarrheal diseases, the feeding practices and hygiene among the mothers in the rural village of Wardha district.
Methods: This is a mixed method study with study participants including 72 families randomly selected along with the front-line workers. the descriptive analysis was carried out with the help of R software and other online statistical software.
Results: 90.6 % had their source of water away from a contaminated place such as open drains, manure pits, solid waste disposal areas etc. Though 96.9% had toilets in their household only 93.8% actually used it. All of them washed their hands with soap after using the restroom. Mixed responses were obtained when people were asked about the line of action in case, they suffer from any of the acute diarrhoeal diseases. 90% of them prefer ORS during such times and the source of availing had mixed responses.
Conclusions: An interventional study for the same can be carried out. Regular follow ups might assist in keeping the public free from such communicable discomforts.
Body mass index and body fat percentage in determining overweight and obesity among school going adolescents of urban Mysuru, Karnataka: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sathiarajan Dhanya , Narayana Murthy M. R. , Gopi Arun , . Amoghashree , Y. S. Krishnaveni
Published: January 2023

Background: Overweight and obesity among adolescents is an important global health issue. BMI is the commonly used screening tool but there can be under or over estimation. Body fat percentage estimation using bioelectrical impedance analysis is easy and non-invasive technique and along with BMI can provide a better predictive capacity. Considering importance of early detection of overweight and obesity in adolescents, present study was done among school going adolescents of urban Mysore. Objectives were to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity using BMI and body fat percentage among school going adolescents and to determine the relationship between BMI and body fat percentage.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 706 school students in urban Mysuru aged 13-16 years and semi-structured proforma was used to collect data. Anthropometric measurements taken and Omron HBF 701 Karada scan complete digital body composition monitor used to measure body fat percentage. BMI-for-age (5-19 years) WHO 2007 and McCarthy’s body fat reference used to classify participants. Statistical tests like Pearson’s correlation used.
Results: According to BMI, 9.8% and 5% were overweight and obesity prevalence respectively and according to body fat percentage19.4% were over fat and 17.1% were obese. Among adolescents with normal BMI, 18.4% and 11.9% were classified as overfat and obese respectively according to body fat percentage. The correlation between BMI and body fat percentage was statistically significant.
Conclusions: Higher prevalence of obesity seen according to body fat percentage cut-offs than according to BMI.
Impact of reproductive and sexual health education on late adolescent girls in an urban slum
Authors: Verma Mayuri , Kazi Yasmeen K.
Published: January 2023

Background: Menstruation, although, a natural process, may result in adverse health outcomes. Adolescents having a better knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene and safe menstrual practices are less vulnerable to reproductive tract infections and its consequences.  Aim and Objectives were to study the socio-demographic profile of late adolescent girls in an urban slum. To determine the baseline knowledge of girls regarding reproductive and sexual health and menstrual hygiene. To estimate the impact of reproductive and sexual health education on the existing knowledge.
Methods: This study was done among late adolescent girls to assess the impact of health education on their knowledge, attitude and practices regarding menstruation and puberty, conception, contraception, RTI, STI, HIV and AIDS. After collecting sociodemographic details and baseline knowledge, health education session was conducted, which was followed by checking their, post-test knowledge Follow up session was also conducted after a month.
Results: Most of the girls were 16 years old, Hindus and from nuclear families. The baseline knowledge about puberty, menstruation, conception, contraception, RTI, STD, HIV, AIDS was not good. The knowledge increased immediately after the first session, but after the second session, the knowledge was not retained. The menstrual hygiene practices increased after the health education session.
Conclusions: The study stresses the importance of imparting knowledge about menstruation, hygiene during the periods, to the adolescent girls and having a regular revision session so as to have good menstrual hygiene practices.
Relationship between automatic thoughts and mindfulness in patients with dual diagnosis: a correlational study
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Malik Deepak , Gupta Arunima
Published: January 2023

Background: Mental disorders are one of the leading causes of non-fatal disease burden and being experienced by population at large. To overcome the mental health issues like stress, depression, people experience of drug used. Using a substance and co-morbid with any type of illness exaggerate the overall health and using these known as dual diagnosis which pose a significant challenge for the professionals, stakeholders and family. The present study has been taken up to find out the relationship of automatic though and dispositional mindfulness amongst patients with dual diagnosis.
Methods: A descriptive correlational study design was taken up for the present study, in which 150 male patients with dual diagnosis were selected and interviewed individually after ethical procedures, using Personal information schedule and Automatic thought questionnaire Scale, and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire.
Results: A total 150 patients were taken in this study. The majority (55%) were between the ages of 20 and 30, married (62%). Descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation Coefficient were used to see the relationship among variables. The study showed a negative significant correlation of automatic thought and mindfulness at 0.01 level among patients with dual diagnosis. It also suggests a vicious cycle of negative thoughts and mindfulness in such patients.
Conclusions: It was concluded that the automatic thoughts are negatively correlated with mindfulness. The current findings may help health professionals in providing better management to patients with dual diagnosis.
A study of COVID-19 infection, severity and associated factors among the patients admitted at a tertiary care center in southern Rajasthan
Authors: Hirani Jitendra , Dixit Mukul , Verma Anjana , Mathur Medha
Published: January 2023

Background: Since December 2019, there has been various outbreaks of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. Whole world is combating this virus, but its reported clinical characteristics as well as outcomes vary greatly amongst studies. This study was conducted to study the clinical features, laboratory findings, comorbidities and severity of the disease among the patients admitted in tertiary care centre in Rajasthan.
Methods: It was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted from 1st January 2021 to 30th June 2022 in a tertiary care hospital in Udaipur, Rajasthan. All the patients diagnosed with the help of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) for COVID-19, during the study period were included in the study. After taking consent, pre designed questionnaire was used to collect the personal, demographic and clinical information. Radiological, laboratory and mortality data were collected from hospital record.
Results: A total of 400 patients were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 46.83±17.09 years. Fever (88%) and cough (80%) were the most common symptoms followed by breathlessness (65.8%). About 31.8% (127) patients were found to have severe covid. Severity was found to be significantly associated with increasing age, urban area, breathlessness, co morbidities and D dimer, CRP and IL-6 levels (p value <0.05).
Conclusions: India being a diverse country with a range of sociodemographic characteristics existing within the population, needs a robust approach to control the COVID 19 pandemic. This study presents the factors associated with severe disease and can help to formulate preventive and control strategies.
Clinical features of neonates born to mothers with coronavirus disease-2019: a systematic review of 403 neonates
Authors: M. K. Lekshmi , Nair Revathi S.
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic emerged and spread fast affecting countries across the world consequently becoming a public health crisis. The impact of the virus on the health of adults and children has been increasingly understood but its effects on neonates born to infected mothers remain still unclear. This study aimed to throw light on the impact of novel SARS CoV-2 on pregnant patients and to examine maternal and neonatal outcomes along with the analysis of the extent of maternal-foetal transmission. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed and Google scholar till April 3 2022 using keywords COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 and pregnancy, neonate, newborn and infant. 8 articles were reviewed, and clinical characteristics of 400 COVID-19-infected pregnant women and 403 neonates born to them were considered. Almost half of the women (56.5%) were asymptomatic. ICU admission was required by 3.75% of mothers and 1.75% mortality was reported. Out of 257 tested neonates, the positivity rate was 4.7%. Most of the neonates were asymptomatic (87.14%) and the neonatal mortality rate was 2.97%. To conclude, current evidence suggests most neonates born to covid infected mothers are not much affected by morbidity or mortality. As samples of breast milk or amniotic fluid were not tested so chances of vertical transmission cannot be ascertained. Nevertheless, considering the positivity rate in neonates as 4.7% we suggest further study in this regard. So, such infants should receive tests for SARS-CoV-2 and appropriate treatment should be initiated when needed.
Scarcity of Awareness and Level of Misconception about Thalassemia around the Population of Kolkata and Neighbouring Places- A Preliminary Study
Authors: Majumdar Rittika , Mondal Shuvam , Rudra Tapash
Published: January 2023

Thalassemia is a genetic disorder caused by the inheritance of mutated and abnormal genes involved in the production of hemoglobin from the parents. Thalassemia is most seen in Mediterranean region, Middle East, South-East Asia, Africa, and Indian subcontinent. It is also known as The Mediterranean Disease. The study aims to focus on the awareness of thalassemia among the population of Kolkata, emphasizing on college and university going students. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 55 willing participants in a 6-week tenure, from June to July 2022. The study used data visualization method and descriptive statistics for understanding the level of awareness, perception about thalassemia among the participants. The mean knowledge percentage was 25.43% which was analyzed by calculating the points obtained by the participants allotted to each question, the point range was 2­–22 in which only 6 i.e., 10.9% of people had an excellent knowledge of the disease. The points acquired ranged from 8–22 i.e., 4 to 11 questions, more than half of the participants (60%, 33) believe there is a cure for thalassemia and almost 44% (24) participants believe screening of thalassemia can be done only by blood tests. This work focuses on the scarcity of information and degree of misconception about thalassemia. It calls for an urgent, routine need of thalassemia awareness program in the population.
Ética e Religiosidade em Edgar Morin
Authors: Stigar Robson
Published: January 2023

O presente artigo procura analisar a forma pela qual se encontra a religiosidade no pensamento de Edgar Morin. Apresenta a hipótese de que existe no pensamento de Edgar Morin uma perspectiva religiosa, que é acessada por meio da ética. Desta forma, o religioso em Edgar Morin necessita de um estudo crítico, cuja epistemologia está pautada na Teoria da Complexidade, religando os diversos saberes, conforme propõe Edgar Morin, onde a complexidade também possa considerar a necessidade e a presença de um Ethos global e integral, incluindo a dimensão religiosa do ser humano. A partir da concepção de que toda religião possui uma ética, então, todas as religiões podem trabalhar para o crescimento integral do ser humano de forma ética e complexa como defende Morin.
Religiosidade, espiritualidade e doenças cardiovasculares: o que mostram as pesquisas?
Authors: Behling Dias Alice , Ceresér Keila
Published: January 2023

A relação entre religiosidade, espiritualidade e saúde vem aumentando nos últimos anos, especialmente em se tratando da prevenção de doenças crônicas. As doenças cardiovasculares estão entre as principais causas de mortalidade mundialmente e também no Brasil. Este artigo tem como objetivo revisar e discutir sobre o que tem sido abordado nos últimos cinco anos a respeito do papel da religiosidade/espiritualidade em pacientes com doenças cardiovasculares. Foi realizada uma busca no Pubmed, dos artigos publicados nos últimos cinco anos, com os termos [“cardiovascular diseases” and “religiosity or spirituality”] em Janeiro de 2022. Foram encontrados 41 artigos, restando sete após refinamento. Os estudos avaliados foram unânimes em relatar as suas limitações, bem como a necessidade de haver mais pesquisas envolvendo o assunto religiosidade/espiritualidade e doenças cardiovasculares.
Examination on 21st -Century Skills of Preschool Teachers
Authors: ATIŞ AKYOL Nevra
Published: January 2023

In the developing and changing world, new technologies, a virtual reality world, and new forms of communication are produced every day. All these developments create the need to develop new skills, not only to exist in the digital world but also to exist in social life and social systems. Early childhood is a sensitive period for skill development in human life. Therefore preschool teachers are one of the most important contributors in raising generations that can adapt to the changing and developing world. This research aimed to examine the 21st-century skills of preschool teachers. The research was planned with a mixed method and data were collected from 216 preschool teachers in the quantitative dimension and 20 preschool teachers in the qualitative dimension. Data were collected with a teacher demographic information form, a 21st-century learner skills scale, and semi-structured interview questions. As the quantitative results of the research, it was seen that preschool teachers have 21st-century skills such as cognitive skills, cooperation and flexibility skills, autonomous skills, and innovative skills. When the qualitative findings of the study were examined, it was seen that the "creativity" skill was frequently emphasized in 3 themes in the learning-teaching process. These themes are; preschool teachers' views on 21st-century skills they have, their views on 21st-century skills that preschool teachers should have, and their views on 21st-century skills they have. It is seen that the qualitative and quantitative results of the research support each other and it can be said that preschool teachers are good at 21st-century skills..
To have done everything
Authors: Looijaard Rosalie A , Nortjé Nico
Published: January 2023

When a patient loses decisional capacity, the responsibility to make treatment decisions often falls on a family member who becomes the surrogate decision-maker. This case study provides an example of a situation where the medical team and the surrogate decision-maker initially disagreed on the best course of action for the patient. The ethicist was called in to lead a guided conversation to help the team and the surrogate decision-maker reach a consensus. This case illustrates the importance of allowing the surrogate decision-maker to ask clarifying questions and process their emotions before making a decision.
Analysis of Birth Rate and Regional Economic Influencing Factors in Western China
Authors: Xu Jinheng
Published: January 2023

Excluding the effect of the epidemic, the factors influencing the birth rate in western China were studied based on a VAR model through the analysis of time series data from 2011-2019. And on this basis, realistic explanations and policy recommendations are given.
NFTS: WHAT OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN TOURISM?
Authors: Folgieri Raffaella , Gricar Sergej , Baldigara Tea
Published: January 2023

Purpose – In previous works we discussed the contribution of digital tourism not only to the improvement of the reputation of a Country (i.e. Sentiment Analysis) but also of the possibility to create opportunities for a new kind of online tourism. In recent times, with the development of the so-called Metaverse, also influenced by the pandemic emergency, Countries’ digital efforts in creating tourism opportunities gave new perspectives related to the possibility to capitalize on digital content, transforming them – jointly with physical tourism experiences – into possible further incomes and means to increase a Countries’ reputation. Specifically, in this context, we considered the enabling technology represented by Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), an innovative application of blockchains creating a unique opportunity in several sectors, including tourism. This work aims to explore possible applications of NFTs in tourism, analyzing the experiences currently in place. Methodology – Due to the innovative topic and the very few experiences in NFTs applications in tourism, this paper represents a preliminary review of current projects implementing the use of NFTs, so that the applied methodology consists mainly in qualitative analysis and discussion about the possible development of this technology in tourism. To this purpose, we introduced some applications currently in place, such as those of travel agencies like Travala, of some airlines (Air Europa, Emirates), Cruises companies (Norwegian Cruise Line), of the Economic Development Ministry of Slovenia (project “I Feel Nft”, presented at Expo Dubai 2020, representing the first of this kind in the world). The paper explores possible implications and further development of these initiatives, designing possible metrics to measure their success, paving the way for future quantitative analysis once data about the introduced case-studies is available. Findings – Through the discussion of the cases found, it appears that the main benefits of digitisation through NFTs consist in promoting and presenting major tourist destinations, exhibitions, works of art and companies’ products in the form of tokens, digital content and souvenirs for visitors. However, some of the analysed cases also suggest possible applications for actual commerce in the tourism sector, including ticketing services and hotel bookings. Other possible applications can be hypothesised with regard to the certified training of staff working in the hospitality sector. Originality of the research – The paper is highly innovative and currently unique in that the adoption of NFTs in tourism is recent and still open to proposals for implementation. The contribution is therefore very important, both in terms of operational proposals (applications, guidelines and good practices) and in terms of defining metrics for measuring the effectiveness of NFTs in the tourism economy.
The Conceptualization of Technology in Scholarly Research and Public Policy Regarding University Technology Transfer
Authors: Townes Malcolm
Published: January 2023

This paper presents an alternative conceptualization and definition of technology in the context of university technology transfer. The ambiguity regarding the conceptualization of technology is apparent in the technology transfer literature. An expanded conceptualization of technology potentially opens new approaches to researching the topic of technology transfer. It may also cause policymakers to think more comprehensively about what it means to successfully transfer technologies derived from federally funded research to the private sector for use that benefits the public interest. This paper integrates constructs and ideas in the related literature to provide a new perspective of technology that can support future scholarly research and public policy formulation about technology transfer in general, and university technology transfer specifically. Although the paper focuses on university technology transfer to the private sector in the United States, the insights it presents are relevant to technology transfer more broadly and applicable in other geopolitical contexts.
Visible – Light Driven Systems: Effect of the Parameters Affecting Hydrogen Production through Photoreforming of Organics in Presence of Cu2O/TiO2 Nanocomposite Photocatalyst
Authors: Muscetta Marica , Clarizia Laura , Race Marco , Andreozzi Roberto , Marotta Raffaele , Di Somma Ilaria
Published: January 2023

Several studies have shown that combining TiO2 and Cu2O enhances the photocatalytic activity of the material by generating a heterojunction capable of extending the light absorption in the visible and reducing the electron-hole recombination rate. Ball milling has been chosen as an alternative methodology for photocatalyst preparation, among the several techniques documented in the literature review. The results of a previously reported investigation enabled the identification of the most effective photocatalyst that can be prepared for hydrogen generation by combining Cu2O and TiO2 (i.e., 1%wt Cu2O in TiO2 photocatalyst prepared by ball-milling method at 200 rpm and 1 min milling time). To optimize photocatalytic hydrogen generation in the presence of the greatest photocatalyst, the effects of (i) sacrificial species and their concentration, (ii) temperature, and (iii) pH of the system are taken into account, resulting in a light-to-chemical energy efficiency of 8% under the best-tested conditions. Last but not least, the possibility of using the present photocatalytic system under direct solar light irradiation is evaluated: the results indicate that nearly 60% of the hydrogen production recorded under sunlight can be attributed to the visible component of the solar spectrum, while the remaining 40% can be attributed to the UV component.
On the Legitimacy of Government Intervention in Technology Transfer
Authors: Townes Malcolm
Published: January 2023

The underlying assumption of the discourse about technology transfer is that government intervention is legitimate. Little scholarship has examined whether this assumption is valid or not and on what basis. Legitimacy is an important construct in the context of public policy. Government intervention can only be sustained if the public views such action as legitimate. The creation and transfer of technologies to the private sector is an area where there is significant government intervention. This paper reconceptualizes political legitimacy in the context of technology transfer policy. The analysis illuminates several concerns and challenges regarding the traditional approach to understanding whether specific government interventions in technology transfer are legitimate. It subsequently applies social constructionism and the notion of morality tales to describe an alternative conceptualization of political legitimacy that integrates aspects of other frameworks. In doing so, it reimagines political legitimacy as less of an unattainable normative principle of limited practical value to policymakers and more of a descriptively understood social phenomenon that policymakers can apply while formulating not only technology transfer policy, but other kinds of public policy as well. The paper demonstrates that there is a broader basis for claims of political legitimacy for government intervention in technology transfer, there is likely a more expansive range of technology transfer problems with which the government can rightly concern itself as well as possible solutions that policymakers can justifiably consider for addressing those problems, and that the political consequences of potential overreach in technology transfer policy are likely minimal.