bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hverdagsaktivismens plads i det nye akademikerarbejdsliv
Authors: Hunt Julia Bjerre
Published: November 2021

Fagbevægelsen har bredt set i over et århundrede arbejdet for bedre løn- og arbejdsvilkår igennem kollektive aftaler. Det skal vi fortsat. Men som formand i DM Privat er det de seneste år blevet stadig mere tydeligt for mig, at vi på nutidens og fremtidens arbejdsmarked også er nødt til at tage andre redskaber i brug, når vi vil opnå forandringer. Det er dette, jeg her vil beskrive som ’hverdagsaktivisme’. Den formaliserede indflydelse er forbeholdt dem, der har fast tilknytning til en arbejdsplads, som har overenskomst eller andet formaliseret samarbejdssystem, og som har overskud og overblik til at søge den formelle indfl ydelse. Vi skal som fagbevægelse ikke give køb på de formelle strukturer, men der skal også findes veje, hvor en mere hverdagsorienteret tilgang til indflydelse og forandring gives plads, så flere oplever faktisk at kunne påvirke deres arbejdsliv og -betingelser. Jeg har undervist andre fagforeninger – særlig dem der har et ønske om øget ungdomsengagement – i disse metoder, og har selv gjort brug af grebene i mit eget arbejde for øget engagement. Hverdagsaktivismen ’kan noget’ og står ikke i modsætning til kollektive aftaler og den danske model – den styrker den!
What Is an Animal? Contagion and Being Human in a Multispecies World
Authors: Cole Lucinda
Published: November 2021

From the early modern period to well into the eighteenth century, cattle plagues, murrains, or what were called “great cattle mortalities” were often analogized to bubonic plague; felling animals in devastating numbers, these catastrophes likewise afflicted living creatures on a grand scale. Three Enlightenment cattle pandemics (1709–1720, 1742–1760, and 1768–1786) propelled governments across Europe to enact harsh regulatory measures, including widespread slaughters, quarantines, and major disruptions of trade. This article examines works by Theophilus Lobb, Richard Bradley, Nathaniel Hodges, and Daniel Defoe, among other writers and physicians, who responded differently to the ways in which human and animal health were biophysically and imaginatively linked.
Désir de distinction et dynamique sociale chez l’abbé de Saint-Pierre
Authors: Dornier Carole
Published: November 2021

The Abbé de Saint-Pierre sought to develop a science regarding morals that aimed at “the greatest happiness of the greatest number.” In his system, heroic morality and Christian asceticism give way to merit, the service of the nation, and values devoid of any charismatic dimension. Against an intention-based approach inspired by Augustinianism and against Mandeville’s abandonment of self-interest, Saint-Pierre devised political institutions and collective educational programs that guided the desire of distinction toward public utility. Properly channelled, the pleasure of being distinguished becomes a dynamic principle that has the potential to produce a prosperous, harmonious, and benevolent society.
Éthique de deux libertins incarcérés : Mirabeau et Sade épistoliers
Authors: Rothé Sophie
Published: November 2021

Mirabeau and Sade, who were incarcerated in the Castle of Vincennes in the same period for breaching moral standards, pursued a correspondence filled with ethical reflections from their time in prison. Their epistolary exchanges in jail show their interest in the penal reform initiated by Beccaria and carried out at the end of the eighteenth century. Their letters likewise underscore the incommensurable aspect of institutional power, the failures of the French judicial system, and the strategies used to crush prisoners. They denounce a world of inverted values in which duping the “deleter” becomes legitimate: the inmate becomes a victim of “brigands” and administrative “executioners.”
The Ethical Development of Boys in Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Emile and Jean-Baptiste Greuze’s Artworks
Authors: Lerner Loren
Published: November 2021

This article considers the ways in which a series of artworks by French artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze focus on the father’s ethical education of his male children, reading these as a close visualization of the pedagogical theories of Rousseau. Through paintings that contemplate family life, religious sentiment, filial piety, obedience versus disobedience, illness, and death, Greuze’s images of male youth coalesce with the ethics promoted in Rousseau’s novel Emile—stressing in particular the compassion and good conscience that a boy should develop under the guidance of his father to become a man of virtue. In so doing, the artist responds to some of the key historic issues and social beliefs affecting male youth during his era: the necessity of apprenticed boys to leave home; an idealization of country living and farming as the best occupation for the adult male; and an overwhelming concern, widespread during this heightened period of warfare and unrest preceding the French Revolution, that young men go astray when they become soldiers.
Defoe’s Unchristian Colonel: Captivity Narratives and Resistance to Conversion
Authors: Fleming Catherine
Published: November 2021

Daniel Defoe’s fictional autobiographies often contain a puritanical conversion narrative, but Colonel Jack’s narrator is unique in his problematized relationship to Christian conversion. Alert to the negative implications of mercenary conversion, Defoe presents in Colonel Jack a hero who not only revels in his complex ploys to evade the law, but explicitly rejects conversion to Christianity at several points in the narrative. By reading Colonel Jack alongside narratives of European enslavement and incarceration, I suggest that in this text Defoe deliberately reproduces the form of the popular Barbary captivity narrative. This subgenre of narrative portrays conversion as a force to be resisted, informs Jack’s reluctance to embrace Christianity, and ultimately suggests that living in a Christian nation may actually be a hindrance to conversion, making Catholic South America a milieu more conducive to the protagonist’s religious transformation than Protestant Virginia.
“What’s the Big Idea?” A Case Study of Whole-School Project-Based Instruction in Secondary Education
Authors: Howard Patrick , Ryan Chris , Fogarty Ian
Published: November 2021

This paper presents the results of an inquiry into a creative, whole-school integrative learning project that started with posing a ‘big question’. Data were generated to deepen understanding regarding the effects of implementing creative project-based learning Hi on student lived experience and student attitudes toward learning. Research on project-based approaches is required to reflect the current contextual realities specific to high schools. The focus on integrative and arts-based approaches as they relate to high school classrooms indicate that secondary education lags in comparison to elementary and middle grades. The findings presented here provide the possibility of a more informed, attentive, action-sensitive professional practice in the development of educational experiences designed to influence the learning experiences of secondary students.
Gene polymorphisms in ULK1 and PIK3CA are associated with the risk of microscopic polyangiitis in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China
Authors: Zhu Yan , Rao Jinlan , Wei Jingsi , Liu Liu , Huang Shanshan , Lan Jingjing , Xue Chao , Li Wei
Published: November 2021

Background

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of small- and medium-sized blood vessels. Autophagy-related protein polymorphisms are involved in autoimmune disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ULK1 and PIK3CA genes on the risk of MPA.

Method

A total of 208 patients with MPA and 211 controls in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were recruited and analyzed. The SNPs selected were detected by polymerase chain reaction and high-throughput sequencing. The differences in allele and genotype frequency, various genetic models, and stratification analyses were evaluated, haplotype evaluation was performed after linkage disequilibrium analysis, and the interaction between gene alleles was analyzed.

Results

A statistically significant difference was detected in the genotypic distribution of two SNPs between the two groups: ULK1 rs4964879 (p = 0.019) and PIK3CA rs1607237 (p = 0.002). The results of the genetic models revealed that ULK1 rs4964879 and rs9481 were statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of MPA, whereas PIK3CA rs1607237 was associated with a reduced risk. The association between SNPs and MPA risk was affected by age, sex, and ethnicity. The ULK1 haplotype (G-T-A-C-G-A) and PIK3CA haplotype (T-G) were associated with a reduced risk of MPA, while the PIK3CA haplotype (C-G) was associated with an increased risk.

Conclusion

In this study, polymorphisms in the autophagy-related genes ULK1 and PIK3CA and their association with MPA were examined. The results showed that the polymorphisms in ULK1 (rs4964879 and rs9481) and PIK3CA (rs1607237) were significantly associated with MPA risk in the Guangxi population. However, the molecular mechanisms are still unclear; basic science research and studies with larger samples are needed to confirm our conclusions and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Visit to the Emergency Room: A Time Analysis of 119 Ambulances, Private Cars, and Taxis
Authors: Kang Kyunghee
Published: November 2021

This study analyzed the transportation time of 119 ambulances, private cars, and taxis to arrive at the emergency room, and estimated the factors influencing the time using individual and household characteristics and emergency statistics from the 2018 annual data of the Korea Health Panel Study (Version 1.7). Out of 2,032 cases that were analyzed, 427 cases (21.0%) were brought by 119 ambulances; 1,276 (62.8%) by private cars; and 329 cases (16.2%) by taxis. On average, the 119 ambulances took 23.14 minutes, private cars took 25.06 minutes, and taxis took 19.01 minutes to reach the emergency room. The overall average was 23.68 minutes. Moreover, the difference between urban and rural areas was a statistically significant factor influencing the time for all three methods of transport. It took approximately 7-10 minutes longer in rural areas than in urban areas. In addition, the lower the income, the longer it took in the case of private cars. If the transportation time for ambulance services is efficiently managed in terms of economic and social characteristics or regional factors, the quality of the ambulance service is expected to improve significantly.
Verification of the Effectiveness of Education and Training by Triage of Multiple Casualties Using Mobile Virtual Practice
Authors: Park Jung-Seung , Shin Hyun-Ho
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of mobile virtual practice and present a new training method to improve the ability of 119 paramedics to triage in the event of multiple casualties. A total of 24 of the 119 paramedics were selected as subjects, and the experiment was conducted by classifying 12 and 12 into mobile virtual practice and lecture explanation groups, respectively. Both groups performed triage evaluations before and after education and practice, and additional questionnaires were completed for mobile virtual practice. Both groups of virtual practice and course description showed significant differences between pre-assessment and post-assessment. In the control group (lecture), the accuracy (29.16) increased from 49.17 ± 18.32 in the pre-test to 78.33 ± 16.42 in the post-test (p = .001). In the experimental group (virtual practice), the accuracy (24.2) increased from 60.0 ± 23.7 in the pre-test to 84.2±13.8 in the post-test (p = .004). If face-to-face education and training are not possible, mobile virtual practice should be considered. Moreover, various educational programs that are engaging and effective are needed.
Influence of Renal Impairment on Serum Parathyroid Hormone and Vitamin D Status and their Association with Serum Creatinine in Patients Undergoing Haemodialysis: A Case-control Study
Authors: Suhail Nida , Abualsel Baraah Tomah , Batool Shiza
Published: November 2021

Introduction: A transition in the lifestyle of Saudi population over the past few decades has increased the burden of various metabolic disorders including, diabetes mellitus type 2, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), cardiovascular diseases, and vitamin D deficiency. Deficiency of vitamin D has been linked to the progression of kidney disease and many cardiovascular complications. Aim: The study focuses on the vitamin D status and associated changes in serum Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients undergoing haemodialysis in the Northern Border Region (Arar city) of Saudi Arabia. The present study also investigated the relationship between serum creatinine, PTH and vitamin D levels in these patients. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was carried out for a period of five months (September 2019 to January 2020). It included 60 patients, suffering from ESRD on haemodialysis (cases) attending the Nephrology Centre of Prince Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer renal dialysis unit in Arar Central Hospital, Arar, Saudi Arabia. A control population (n=60) with normal kidney function, who visited the hospital for other reasons, was also identified. Their blood samples were collected for estimation of renal function parameters {Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine}, serum calcium, phosphate, vitamin D and PTH. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0. Results: The study included 60 patients (50% males and 50% females) undergoing haemodialysis and 60 healthy controls (50% males and 50% females) with a mean age of 46.83±14.19 (range 18-73 years) and 39.25±5.11 (range 30-54 years) years, respectively. The mean BMI of the patients was 27.3±3.4 kg/m2 and that of controls was 23.7±2.2 kg/m2. A significant elevation (p-value <0.001) of serum PTH showing hyperparathyroidism accompanied by significant (p-value <0.001) hypovitaminosis D and hypocalcaemia was observed in the patients as compared to controls. The results also demonstrated significantly elevated (p-value <0.001) levels of BUN and serum creatinine in ESRD patients. Results of correlation analysis exhibited a significant (p-value <0.05) positive correlation between serum creatinine and PTH whereas, there was a significant (p-value <0.05) negative correlation between serum creatinine and vitamin D; and serum PTH and vitamin D among the patients. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of monitoring changes in PTH levels in patients with impaired renal function for the early detection and treatment of CKD. The study also showed a significant (p<0.05) positive association between serum creatinine and PTH followed by a significant (p<0.05) negative correlation between serum creatinine and vitamin D; and serum PTH and vitamin D.
Electromyography Scanning in the Diagnosis of Tension Headache
Authors: Sachan Lata , Sarthi Parth , Pal Namita
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Several attempts have been made to validate the purported aetiological mechanism after the prescribed proposal by the Ad Hoc Committee (1962), on the Classification of Headache which was recognised as muscle contraction or tension as a distinct headache diagnosis. The Electromyography (EMG) of the temporalis muscle in tension headache patients is measured to identify whether the correlation of EMG amplitude and intensity of pain reported by patients can be attributed to the diagnosis of Tension Type Headache (TTH). Aim: To correlate between Surface Electromyography (sEMG) activity and pain scale in TTH patients. Materials and Methods: The present study cross-sectional study was conducted in the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Psychiatry MLB Medical College, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India during the period of 2009 to 2012 in which surface EMG responses of the temporalis muscle were recorded on 100 TTH patients before they go for any sort of treatment. Subjects aged 20 to 45 years were included, out of which 58 were females and 42 males. In this study, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to investigate the correlation between muscular activity and subjective pain scores. Results: The correlation value was (r=0.857) between EMG amplitude and pain scale in all 100 TTH patients. Male to female ratio was 1:1.38. Among the age groups 20-25 (years) and 26- 30 (years) had the maximum number of patients 32% and 25% respectively. Conclusion: All age groups showed a positive correlation between EMG amplitude and headache intensity. It was found that females in every age group was more frequently affected as compared to males and the young population had more chances of being diagnosed as TTH patients because it emerged as the largest number 32% among all age groups.
Nodular Subcutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis due to Medicopsis romeroi in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Deshkar Smita , Patil Niranjan , Lad Ashish , Amberkar Shraddha , Sharan Swati
Published: November 2021

Fungal infections like subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis are uncommon but are increasing lately, especially in tropical regions like India. Identification of correct aetiologic agent is essential as different species can have different organ tropism. Here, a rare case of nodular subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis in an immunocompetent 62-year-old male patient who developed nodule over right dorsum of foot is reported. After various diagnostic tests a rare dematiaceous fungus Medicopsis romeroi was identified as a causative agent in the nodular material by Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequencing. Surgical excision and antifungal therapy of itraconazole proved beneficial with no recurrence during a six months of follow-up. Medicopsis romeroi has been debated for its role in human infections however, it should be considered as one of the aetiologic agents of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis.
Unusual Presentations of a Benign Cartilaginous Tumour- An Interesting and Extremely Rare Case Report
Authors: Hota Subhransu Kumar , Mishra Subhasis , Samantaray Sagarika , Mallik Rabi Narayan , Sahoo Bibhudutta
Published: November 2021

Chondroblastoma is one of the benign cartilaginous bone tumours. Location wise, it is mostly located in immature epiphysis of long bones. Along with epiphysis, many times it also involves metaphysis. Pure metaphyseal tumours are uncommon. Pure diaphyseal tumours are rarest with only very few cases reported in the literature. The most common age group for this tumour is 10-17 years. It is uncommon in patients less than 10 years and those more than 25 years of age. Diaphyseal chondroblastoma in less than 10 years of age group is extremely rare. Hereby, authors report a case of 14-month-old male child who presented to the paediatric orthopaedic outdoor with complaints of the swollen left leg and associated pain by the parents for the last 1 month. There was no history of trauma/weight loss/fever. No difficulty in walking was present. Local examinations of the left leg showed a well-defined globular swelling of size 3×3 cm in the middle part medial aspect. The underlying tibia was continuous with that of swelling having restricted painful movement. X-ray showed an osteolytic, expansile, cortical, eccentric lesion in the middle third (diaphysis) of the left tibia. Correlating the clinical and radiological findings, clinical diagnosis of osteofibrous dysplasia was considered. The intralesional curettage and bone grafting were done and tissue was sent for histopathology. Histopathology showed the characteristic findings of chondroblastoma. The final diagnosis of diaphyseal chondroblastoma of the left tibia was made. The postoperative events were unremarkable and the patient followed-up to eight months with a happy outcome without any residual disease or recurrence.
Trend of Dengue Virus Infection with Seasonal Variation at HIMS, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Trivedi Hari Om , Singh Asim Kumar , Singh Mukesh Kumar
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Dengue is the most common mosquito borne arboviral infection in India, and it has become endemic in India with consistent episodes. Dengue is an acute febrile illness caused by Dengue Virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4), an arthropod of family Flaviviridae, transmitted through the bite of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Although, dengue is more prevalent in humans but also it may sometimes be seen in monkeys. The only animals to be affected when bitten by a mosquito, infected with dengue fever are monkeys other animals do not carry or spread dengue. Patient presents with hyperthermia, headache, severe joint and muscle pain, fatigue and skin rashes. Neurological manifestation in sever dengue results from multiorgan dysfunction due to cerebral edema, haemorrhage due to vascular leak, cerebral hypoperfusion, and electrolyte disturbances. Aim: To study serological markers with association of platelet count and trend of DENV infection with seasonal variation. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective study was conducted for a period of two years in Heritage Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, from January 2017 to December 2018. Blood samples were collected for 2140 suspected dengue patients. Out of the serologically positive cases, serological confirmation and platelet count was done for dengue infection. Data was presented as percentages. Results: Total 2140 suspected cases were admitted and out of them 199 (9.3%) were found to be seropositive for dengue infection. Non structural protein 1 (NS1) positive cases out of which total seropositive cases were reported to be 127 (63.81%) and 147 (73.86%) cases were positive for NS1 antigen either alone or along with antibody. Out of the total 199 positive cases thrombocytopenia was observed in 126 (63.31%) cases. Positive cases which were under 15 years of age were reported to be 92 (46.23%). Conclusion: The study concludes that NS1 antigen and IgM- IgG antibody consideration in the diagnosis of dengue infection builds the opportunity of early diagnosis so as to keep away the complications significantly.
Impact of Lifelong-Learning Mindset on Career Success of Professionals in the Field of Accounting
Authors: Wijenayake R. W. A. V. A. , Fernando P. M. R. N. , Nilesh S. , Diddeniya M. D. G. M. S. , Weligodapola M. , Shamila P.
Published: November 2021

The notion that the lifelong-learning concept bolsters career success is one of the popular and debated research areas in the world. Within the Sri Lankan context, there is a lack of evidence to determine this concept and only have the impression that a lifelong-learning mindset positively impacts career success. Therefore, this conceptual query is carried out to warrant scholarly investigation that encapsulates the impact of a lifelong-learning mindset on the career success of accounting professionals in Sri Lanka. By bridging the lacuna in existing research studies and determining the relationship between lifelong mindset and career success in the Sri Lankan context, this study tries to fulfill the empirical gap and contribute new knowledge. The study was conducted in SLIIT Business School, SLIIT, Sri Lanka during the time period between February to October 2021.

Adopting an online questionnaire survey strategy and convenience sampling method, primary data was collected from a sample of 384 respondents who are accounting professionals in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data and interpret the findings.

According to the findings, there is a significant impact on career success from a lifelong-learning mindset, and a positive relationship between lifelong-learning mindset and career success with a Pearson Correlation Coefficient of +.729. The study discovered that increasing the Lifelong-learning mindset attitude by one unit increases the career success of accounting professionals by 77.9 percent (P = 0.000). The research found that out of three factors, namely, learning curiosity, strategic thinking, and resilience; only curiosity and resilience have a statically significant impact on career success in Sri Lanka. A finding this research was able to identify is that strategic thinking does not significantly impact career success within the Sri Lankan context.
Histostereological Restorative and Inhibitory Effects of Crude Methanolic Bark Extract of Prunus Africanus on Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Wistar Rats
Authors: J. Mwangi Kanyoni , Kariuki Kweri J. , A. Warimu Mwangi , S. Kipyegon Bett , C. Chepngeno Sigei , W. Kiplagat Rono , Cyprian Mabonga , C. Wangui Ndung’u , J. Wanjiru Karanja , C. Kamau Kweri
Published: November 2021

Aim: To evaluate the histostereological effects of P. africanus on testosterone induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in Wistar rats.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out for six weeks in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

Methodology: A sample size of sixty Wistar were used as the experimental model and they were divided into two study groups of 30 rats in the restorative group and 30 rats in the inhibitory group. Each group was further categorized into 5 control and 25 experimental rats. The experimental rats were further subdivided into 5 sub-groups based on varying doses of the crude methanolic bark extract of P. africanus (0 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 125 mg, and 200 mg). BPH in experimental animal was induced by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate (7.5 mg/kg) for 10 days.

Results: The findings of the study showed that the restorative group had a statistical significant (P<0.05) ((dose dependent reduction of the prostate volume, the stromal and epithelium volume was observed. While in the inhibitory group a statistical significant (P<0.05) dose-related inhibition, in the increase of the prostate volume, the stromal and epithelium volume was observed. In conclusion, the maximal restorative effect was observed to be up to 85.6% and at a dose of 200 mg, while the optimal inhibitory effects were observed to be between 66.7- 68.4% in the dose range of 100-200 mg/kg/body weight.

Conclusion: Crude methanolic bark extract of P. africanus has both restorative.
Production and Characterization of Paper Board Mill ETP Sludge Derived Hydrochar
Authors: Sabarish K. , Sebastian S. Paul , Maheswari M. , Balasubramaniam P. , Ejilane J.
Published: November 2021

Hydrothermal Carbonization an emerging technology for the conversion of biomass into carbon rich materials called as hydrochar. In this study, the paper board mill ETP sludge has been used for the production of hydrochar. The characterization of point of zero charge, Heavy metals, proximate and ultimate constituents, structural morphology (SEM), and molecular surface functionalities (FTIR) were also analysed. The results of Hydrochar showed slightly acidic pH (6.40), EC (1.33), and the pHPZC (point of zero charge) of 7.8 and the heavy metals content were found to be below detectable limit. FTIR analysis revealed that, the produced hydrochar have oxygen containing functional groups (-OH, C-O-C, -C=O). SEM analysis has the morphological features such as spongy, fuzzy and fluffy porous network on surfaces. These results of hydrochar can be act as an active adsorbent with further activation.
Recent Advances on the Synthesis, Reactions and Evaluation of the Pharmacological Properties of Quinoxaline, Quinoxaline-2-One and Quinoxaline-2,3-Dione
Authors: O. Taiwo Festus , A. Akinpelu David , Obafemi Craig A.
Published: November 2021

The review article attempts to give recent advances on quinoxaline and its derivatives. Some pathways to the synthesis of quinoxaline, quinoxaline-2-one and quinoxaline-2,3-dione were reported using simple reactive quinoxaline synthon. In addition, the reactions, biological and technological applications of derivatives of quinoxaline and related compounds were reported.
The Effect of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Uzzi Consolata , Yoade Bolaji , Olateju Victoria Iyanu , Olowere Mary , Anugwom Gibson , Owolabi Mathew , Urhi Alexsandra , Olatunde Hafiz , Feyikemi Fasina , Akinbode Oluwafemi , Ogwu Dolly , Oladunjoye Funso
Published: November 2021

Background: As COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect every nation, Healthcare Workers (HCW) who care for the patients are psychologically impacted. This study aims to assess the psychological impact experienced by HCW and the psychosocial support they received.

Methods: Using PubMed, google scholar and Embase from December 2019 through June 2021, we found 376 studies on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of HCW. Using our inclusion criteria, 325 studies were excluded. 51 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. 9 articles which met our criteria and eligibility criteria reported on 19,232 HCW, and 75.2% of the study participants were women.

Results: The study participants reported high levels of stress, hypervigilance, fatigue, sleep problems, PTSD symptoms, poor concentration, depression, anxiety, burnout, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, suicide and self-harm ideations and somatic symptoms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The psychosocial support provided to HCW includes counseling and psychotherapy-based sessions on stress adaptation, onsite mindfulness-based crisis intervention, online form of emotional freedom technique, and Effort-reward system. 

Conclusion: Multiple interventions found in our review were effective in mitigating psychological stress among HCWs. These interventions should be considered as part of support provided to HCW with psychosocial challenges.
Analysis of Rainfall Variability and Trends Over Nzoia River Basin, Kenya
Authors: Odwori Ernest Othieno , Wakhungu Jacob Wanambacha
Published: November 2021

Nzoia river is mainly rain fed and the basin is one of the regions that is highly vulnerable to climate change in Kenya. Understanding rainfall variability and trends is important for better water resources management and economic development in the basin. The aim of this study is to assess variability and trends in rainfall at 13 sites within Nzoia River Basin over the period, 1970 to 2001, using the parametric test of Linear regression analysis and the non-parametric Mann–Kendall statistical test. Data for this study was obtained from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD). The basin experiences four rainfall seasons in a year as a result of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). There are two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. Annual rainfall through Linear regression analysis shows 6 stations, Kaimosi Tea Estate Ltd, Kakamega Meteorological Station, Bungoma Water Supply, Nzoia Forest Station, Malava Forest Station and Webuye Agricultural Office with declining rainfalls. The remaining 7 stations, Leissa Farm Kitale, Turbo Forest Nursery, Chorlim ADC Farm, Kaptagat Forest Station, Kimilili Agricultural Department, Bunyala Irrigation Scheme and Kadenge Yala Swamp showed increasing rainfalls. The majority of stations with increasing annual rainfall are in the upper catchment whereas those with decreasing rainfall are in the middle and lower catchment. Only 3 out of the 13 stations showed statistically significant trends in rainfall with two in the upper catchment and one in the middle; the remaining 10 stations had statistically insignificant trends. These observed changes in rainfall, although most time series are not convincing as they show predominantly no significance, along with the reported climatic warming in most parts of the basin may have future implications on human health, water resources management, various plant and animal species bio-diversity and the overall economic development of the basin.
Effect of Azadirachta indica Bio-Compounds against KpsM Protein of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Kumaran V. Thiru , Girija A. S. Smiline , Ganesh P. P. Sankar , Priyadharshini J. Vijayashree
Published: November 2021

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii was considered as a low priority pathogen earlier, and is been now reported as a priority pathogen causing nosocomial infections. Selection of natural compounds to target the organism is the need of the hour.

Aim: This study is aimed to target the KpsM protein of A. baumannii with the bio-compounds from Azadirachta indica using in-silico docking analysis.

Materials and Methods: KpsM protein was retrieved and optimisation of protein was done. After that optimization and ligand preparation was carried out. It was continued by molinspiration assessment of the molecular properties of selected compounds. It was followed by docking simulation and docking visualisation.

Results: Out of the 7 compounds of Azadirachta indica, dihydro diisoeugenol is the best compound to act on the KpsM protein of Acinetobacter baumannii and a binding energy of -6.83Kcal/Mol.

Conclusion: The findings of the study reports isoeugenol with more binding energy than other compounds towards the selected protein KpsM of Acinetobacter baumannii. However it requires further experimental studies to understand the mechanism of its actions and safety.
Short Term Outcomes of Early Term Neonates in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Ragasudhin P. , Sudarsanan Harish , Kumutha J.
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The number of babies delivered between 37 weeks to 38 weeks and 6 days has been on the rise with increase in lower segment caesarian section (LSCS). These early term neonates have increased risk of developing respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, transient tachypnoea, prolonged hospital stays, hypothermia, and feeding difficulty, when compared to a term neonate. An audit of early term neonatal short-term outcomes was undertaken at our institute.

Methodology: A retrospective descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out between July 2020 and December 2020 at a private medical college Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Neonates with a gestation age of 37 weeks and 0 days to 38 weeks and 6 days born were included.

Results: A total of 137 early term delivery data were obtained. Hypothyroidism (23%) and gestational diabetes (23%) were found to be the most common associated antenatal problems. The most common morbidity out of 137 early term neonates was neonatal jaundice 91(66.4%) followed by respiratory distress which affected 38 (28%) neonates.

Conclusion: This study establishes the high incidence of neonatal jaundice and respiratory morbidities in early term neonates. Hence it is better to avoid elective LSCS before 39 weeks of gestation provided there are no medical indications for the same.
Epidemiology Clinical Profile and Outcome of Patients with COVED-19 Admitted in a Tertiary Health Care Hospital
Authors: Rahman Fahima Thasleem Fazlur , Kumar Shami
Published: November 2021

The knowledge of epidemiology and clinical profile is essential to understand the severity of the disease and to come up with timely intervention and proper treatment to reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by it. Severe Acute Respiratory SyndromeCoronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2) the cause of Novel Coronavirus caused an outbreak in December 2019 in China, Wuhan. COVID-19 was declared to be a global pandemic on 11 March 2020 and it was found to cause pneumonia. This is a retrospective study done by reviewing the medical records of patients admitted to the COVID ward of a tertiary health care hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This study is focused on the epidemiology, clinical features and outcome of the patients. Patients were admitted based on RT-PCR results, patients aged between 0-17 whose RT-PCR for COVID-19 was positive were included in this study. Furthermore the disease severity, co-morbidities and treatment have also been analysed in this study. Out of 68 children tested 50 of them were positive for COVID-19, whose extensive histories regarding various details were recorded. Among various age groups, the most affected age group was found to be between 5-10 years and between 1-5 years. There was found to be male predominance in our study. Most of the patients were from the urban area and were from lower socioeconomic status. The mode of transmission in the paediatric age group was straightforward, the disease was contracted from a family member or from travelling to an endemic area. Mild symptoms were predominantly noticed in these children. Fever and sore throat were the chief complaints of most patients. Children with co-morbidities such as asthma, obesity etc… was given special attention as these conditions might increase the risk of severity of the disease. All the children admitted were given symptomatic treatment and a repeat RT-PCR test was taken before being discharged. The conducted study demonstrates that disease severity was mild in children than in adults. Further studies are required to understand the clinical course and early and late complications in children.
Association of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Diabetes Patient
Authors: Jaganath K. , Kumar Arun , Kumar Sathish , Raj K. Nithish , Sundaram P. Sanmuga
Published: November 2021

Objective: The objective of our study was to determine Prevalence of carpel tunnel syndrome among diabetic patients and the significant association between carpel tunnel syndrome and diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods: Study was conducted on 250 patients at Saveetha medical college and hospital. Study was conducted after getting proper ISE approval. Subjects were selected according to inclusion and exclusive criteria's. For every study subject after getting consent demographic information, past medical history of Diabetes such as type, duration, any associated complication (diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, etc.), medication, and lifestyle modification were obtained via a self-reporting structured questionnaire and confirmed by the subject's medical record. For every subject, clinical tests such as Tinel's test and Phalen test were performed and nerve conduction study was used for diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome among the subjects who were showing positive clinical test. All data collected were entered into the standardized database and statistic analysis was calculated.

Results: After analysing the data collected on association between carpel tunnel syndrome and a diabetes patient.

Conclusion: It implies that there is a significant relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome and diabetes patients.
Knowledge and Practice of Mothers Regarding Child Safety at Home among Under Five Children and Its Correlation with Sociodemographic Details
Authors: Sai L. M. Gauthamme , Kumar Radha , Harsha Vemulapalli
Published: November 2021

Background: Young children are prone for accidental injuries in the home environment and these injuries can be easily prevented by better supervision and improving safety in the home.

Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge and practice of mothers regarding child safety in under five children at home and its correlation with sociodemographic details.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital at Kancheepuram. The duration of the study was 2 months. Mothers with at least one child under 5 years of age who visited the pediatrics outpatient department during the study period were included in the study. The sample size was 160. After obtaining approval from the institutional review board (approval no SMC/IEC/2021/03/046) a self designed and validated questionnaire was administered to the participants after obtaining consent. The data was entered into an excel sheet and analysed using SPSS 24.

Results: A total of 160 mothers of under five children who visited the outpatient department of pediatrics during the study period were included in the study.  The mean age of mothers was 25 years. 73.12% of mothers who participated in the study had adequate knowledge about child safety at home and 53.12% mothers had adequate practice. The association of knowledge towards child safety at home and mothers’ education was statistically significant (P = 0.006). Graduate mothers were found to have more knowledge regarding child safety at home among under five children than mothers educated upto middle school and high school. The association of practice towards child safety and type of family was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.016). Mothers belonging to joint families were found to have better practices towards child safety than mothers belonging to nuclear and three generation families. 65% of the mothers stated that their child has suffered from home injuries earlier including minor and major injuries. 41.8% of mothers said that they have a first aid kit at home.

Conclusion: Although most of the mothers had adequate knowledge towards child safety at home among under five children, half of the mothers lacked adequate practice towards child safety. Hence it is essential to counsel and educate mothers to improve practices at home that would be beneficial in improving child safety.
Dielectric Elastomer Actuators with Biphasic Ag–EGaIn Electrodes
Authors: Reis Carneiro Manuel , Majidi Carmel , Tavakoli Mahmoud
Published: November 2021

A new electrode architecture for dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) is introduced in which a soft polyacrylate film is coated with a biphasic mixture of silver, indium, and gallium. This Ag–In–Ga coating functions as a soft electrode that is ultrathin, highly compliant, highly conductive, stretchable, and non‐smearing. Compared to carbon grease, sputter‐deposited metal coating, and particle‐filled conductive elastomers, this biphasic coating exhibits a unique combination of solid‐state integrity, extreme mechanical compliance, and low electrical resistivity. Herein, how DEAs with an Ag–In–Ga coating exhibit a 5× larger actuation speed compared to carbon‐coated dielectric films is shown. The influence of coating thickness on the mechanical stiffness and blocking force is also examined.
Adaptive Hydrogels Based on Nanozyme with Dual‐Enhanced Triple Enzyme‐Like Activities for Wound Disinfection and Mimicking Antioxidant Defense System
Authors: Li Yang , Fu Rongzhan , Duan Zhiguang , Zhu Chenhui , Fan Daidi
Published: November 2021

Bacterial infection and oxidative stress are two critical problems for chronic infected wound healing. Here, molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (MoS2 NSs) with triple enzyme‐like activities are loaded onto carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and incorporated into multifunctional hydrogels aiming to eradicate bacteria and eliminate free radicals. The nanozyme activities of MoS2 are significantly enhanced through CNTs and near‐infrared irradiation. The hydrogel exhibits significant antibacterial performance attributed to the peroxidase‐like activity (catalyzing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into hydroxyl free radicals (•OH)) under acidic conditions, glutathione loss, and photothermal therapy. Additionally, the nanozyme can mimic the superoxide‐like activity to transform the superoxide radicals (O2•−) into H2O2 and oxygen (O2), then H2O2 is further depleted into O2 via the catalase‐like activity, benefitting from which and •OH scavenging ability, the hydrogel shows excellent scavenging free radical ability in neutral environment and provides abundant O2 for wound healing. The multifunctional hydrogel, crosslinked by dynamic boron ester bonds, exhibits adhesiveness, self‐healing, and shape‐adaptivity, which can fill the cavity of irregular wounds and promote the nanozyme to play the role with maximum efficiency. The hydrogels notably accelerate the skin reconstruction through killing bacteria, clearing ROS, promoting collagen deposition and angiogenesis.
Direct‐Bandgap Bilayer WSe2/Microsphere Monolithic Cavity for Low‐Threshold Lasing
Authors: Yu Jia‐Xin , Xing Shuai , Dai Guang‐Yu , Ling‐Hu Shuang‐Yi , Gu Fu‐Xing
Published: November 2021

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have emerged as widely accepted 2D gain materials in the field of light sources owing to their direct bandgap and high photoluminescence quantum yield. However, the monolayer medium suffers from weak emission because only a single layer of molecules can absorb the pump energy. Moreover, the material degradation when transferring these fragile materials hinders their cooperation with the optical cavity further. In this study, for the first time, a high‐quality monolithic structure is developed by directly growing single‐domain tungsten diselenide (WSe2) bilayers on single silica microsphere (MS) cavities. Such a completely wrapped structure guides the indirect‐to‐direct bandgap transition of WSe2 bilayers, leading to a significantly improved photoluminescence intensity by about 60‐fold. Moreover, the high‐quality monolithic structure enhances the confinement factor of the cavity by more than 20‐fold. Based on the above advantages, a bilayer WSe2/MS microlaser is realized with an ultralow threshold of 0.72 W cm−2, nearly an order of magnitude lower than the existing records. The results demonstrate the possibility of using multilayer TMD materials as 2D gain media and provide insights into a new ultracompact monolithic platform of TMD material/cavity for lasing devices.
Controlled Deposition of Zinc‐Metal Anodes via Selectively Polarized Ferroelectric Polymers
Authors: Wang Yizhou , Guo Tianchao , Yin Jian , Tian Zhengnan , Ma Yinchang , Liu Zhixiong , Zhu Yunpei , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: November 2021

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries are regarded as ideal candidates for stationary energy‐storage systems due to their low cost and high safety. However, zinc can readily grow into dendrites, leading to limited cycling performance and quick failure of the batteries. Herein, a novel strategy is proposed to mitigate this dendrite problem, in which a selectively polarized ferroelectric polymer material (poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE))) is employed as a surface protective layer on zinc anodes. Such a polarized ferroelectric polymer layer can enable a locally concentrated zinc‐ion distribution along the coated surface and thus enable the horizontal growth of zinc plates. As a result, symmetrical zinc batteries using such anodes exhibit long cycling lifespan at 0.2 mA cm−2, 0.2 mAh cm−2 for 2000 h, and a high rate performance up to 15 mA cm−2. Also, the full cell (including a Zn–MnO2 battery and a zinc‐ion capacitor) based on this anode is demonstrated. This work provides a novel strategy to protect the zinc anode and even other metal anodes exploiting polymer ferroelectricity.
Suppressing the Dark Current in Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetectors by Controlling Carrier Statistics
Authors: Jung Byung Ku , Woo Ho Kun , Shin Chanho , Park Taesung , Li Ning , Lee Kyu Joon , Kim Woosik , Bae Jung Ho , Ahn Jae‐Pyoung , Ng Tse Nga , Oh Soong Ju
Published: November 2021

Lead sulfide colloidal quantum dot photodiodes (PbS QDPDs) exhibit a high energy conversion efficiency for infrared detection. Despite the high photoinduced current, the performance of PbS QDPDs is limited by the high dark current which is rarely investigated. Understanding the dark current in PbS QDPDs is critical to improving the detectivity of PbS QDPDs. Herein, it is demonstrated that minority carriers of I‐passivated PbS films and trap sites of EDT‐passivated PbS films are related to the dark current of PbS QDPD. Utilizing annealing and low‐temperature ligand exchange processes, the dark current density can be decreased almost tenfold by suppressing the minority carrier diffusion in the PN junction and trap‐assisted charge injection from the electrode. PN junction simulation, space charge limited current measurements, as well as structural, optical, and chemical characterizations are conducted to elucidate the origins of the dark current suppression. The authors achieve the lowest dark current density of 2.9 × 10−5 mA cm−2 at −1 V among PbS‐based QDPDs and a high detectivity of 6.7 × 1012 Jones at 980 nm. It is believed that this work provides fundamental understanding of carrier statistics in nanomaterials and device performance as well as a technological basis for realizing low‐cost high‐performance optoelectronic devices.