bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-operative Anxiety Compounding Intra-operative Hypotension in Parturient women undergoing Cesarean Deliveries under Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Bajwa Saleem Pervaiz , Sheraz Shahida , Hussain Aftab , Akram Muhammad , Khan Umer , Saleem Muhammad Asif
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relation of intra-operative hypotension with severity of pre-operative anxiety in patients undergoing caesarean section under spinal anesthesia.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY:  This study was carried out from June 2017 to May 2018 at anesthesia department of Combined Military Hospital Lahore.

METHODOLOGY: One hundred and twenty patients belonging to America Society of Anesthesiology class I and II, undergoing caesarean section under spinal anesthesia were selected.  Verbal Analogue Scale for anxiety (VASA) and Straight Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAIs) questionnaire were used to measure pre-operative anxiety. Patients were divided into three groups as mild (VASA<3or STAIs<44), moderate (VASA 4-7 or STAIs 44-55) and severe (VASA 7-10 or STAIs>55) anxiety.

Baseline mean arterial pressure was measured. Patients were placed in supine position immediately after induction of spinal anesthesia at L3-L4 or L4-L5 level with 12mg bupivacaine. Blood pressure was measured every two minutes until the delivery of baby. Hypotension was labeled when mean arterial pressure dropped by 20% below the baseline. The effect of level of anxiety on drop in MAP was assessed.

RESULTS: Seventeen (14.17%) patients had mild pre-operative anxiety; out of which four (23.53%) developed hypotension. Seventy three (60.83%) patients had moderate anxiety; out of which twenty seven (36.99%) developed hypotension. Thirty (25%) patients had severe anxiety; out of which twenty two (73.33 %) developed hypotension. P-value (0.001) was quite significant.

CONCLUSION:  It was concluded in our study that severity of pre-operative anxiety has significant effect on intra-operative spinal hypotension.
Approach of MBBS Students receiving Modular vs Students receiving Conventional Mode of education towards Health Research: A Comparative Study
Authors: Munir Rabiya , Ghafoor Nimra , Niazi Inayat Mumtaz Khan , Saeed Ifra , Yousaf Ayesha
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Health research training is an important component of the medical curriculum. This study was conducted to compare the approach of medical students being taught through an integrated modular curriculum with the students receiving conventional mode of education towards health research.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 3rd-year MBBS students following Lecture Based Learning and Problem Based Learning (groups A and B respectively). A self-designed pretested questionnaire was filled by 153 students of each group (from group A in 2019 and group B in 2020) through a simple randomized sampling technique. Analysis was done using SPSS 21. P-value <0.05 was considered to be significant for all purposes.

Results: Mean knowledge score of PBL students was 50% against a score of 55.5% of LBL students (p-value=0.114). However, the mean attitude score of PBL students was 79.2% against a score of 67.4% of LBL students (p-value< 0.000). Over 49.6% of LBL students and 41.8% of PBL students had satisfactory knowledge. 19.7% of LBL students and 82.3% of PBL students had a satisfactory attitude. 

Conclusion: Significantly higher attitude of PBL students was found. However, the level of knowledge was found to be the same in both groups. PBL curriculum has a positive influence on students on their attitudes towards health research.
Histopathological Typing and Topographic Distribution of Head and Neck Lesions: An Eight Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Iqbal Fatima , Saeed Saleha , Bashir Nasiha , Khattak Sana Mushtaq , Naushin Tehmina , Sulaiman Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Objective: To analyze the histopathological pattern of head and neck lesions with respect to demographic findings referred to the histopathology lab of Peshawar Medical College (PMC).

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Study duration: Histopathology laboratory of PMC, Peshawar, Pakistan. Jan 2010 to Dec 2018.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on a total of 743 specimens submitted to the histopathology lab for diagnosis. Variables like age, gender, site, and histopathological spectrum were evaluated. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19 was used for descriptive and inferential statistics considering p-value ≤0.05 significant.

Results: In our study <30 age group was common for head and neck lesions. Females were frequently affected than males. A maximum number of diagnosed lesions was benign in nature with goiter as the most common lesion. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was a widespread malignant neoplasm. According to the site, the thyroid showed 36%of lesions followed by 9.5% lip and oral cavity and lymph nodes respectively.

Conclusion: This study concluded a variety of head and neck lesions with respect to age, gender, and site in our region that can help in improved understanding, management, and control of the disease.
Study of the Factors that Influence the Completion of the Thesis of Master of Health Professions Education Graduates: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Shahab Salma Ambreen , Tassaduq Iram , Haque Ayesha , Naheed Aqsa , Zafar Maleeha , Zakria Iram
Published: February 2022

Objective: To investigate the experience of timely thesis completion by the graduates of the Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE) program in Pakistan.Study Design: Qualitative interpretative study design.Settings: Riphah University Islamabad and HITEC-IMS Taxila.Duration: May 2018 to June 2019.Materials and Methods: Data was collected by semi-structured interviews. All interviews were carried out in person. Detailed notes were taken, and conversations were audio-recorded. Three authors analyzed data independently using iterative thematic analysis. Inconsistencies were resolved through discussion.Results: Two major themes out of five were identified: Intrinsic attributes of the graduates and the role of the supervisor. including sub-themes of intrinsic motivation, self-regulation, age of the participant, supervisor-trainee relationship, supervisor’s availability, supervisor’s commitment, personality traits of the supervisor. Periods of face-to-face contact sessions were considered to increase internal motivation during which participants believe to have greater self-regulation. Positive relationship with a committed supervisor who was readily available and had a friendly, yet professional attitude aided in the completion of the thesis on time while a supervisor lacking these traits posed challenges for the graduates.Conclusion: Several factors were identified which influenced thesis completion among the graduates of MHPE in Pakistan. The five major ones consisted of the following, 1) Research Project-Related Problems; 2) Support System; 3) Supervisor Guidance; 4) Attributes of the Researcher; 5) Conducive Research Environment. These results can help influence policies to evaluate and improve this program.
Polycythemia Secondary to Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Raza Raheel , Ambreen Saima , Mumtaz Hassan , Ahmad Shahzaib , Khan Hadin Darain
Published: February 2022

Polycythemia, also known as polyglobulia, is a clinical condition characterized by an increased number of red blood cells (RBC) or haematocrit concentrations in the peripheral blood. It can either be primary (polycythemia vera) or secondary, which can be congenital or acquired; the most common causes include obstructive sleep apnoea, obesity, hypoventilation, Pickwickian syndrome, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lastly, pheochromocytoma.

Here we present a case of a 54-year-old male with a four-day history of altered state of consciousness (ASOC), right-sided body weakness, and respiratory difficulty. After a thorough history, examination, and investigation, he was diagnosed as a case of polycythemia secondary to pheochromocytoma. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to save the patient’s life.
Correlation between Nasal Foreign Bodies and Their Presentation in Paediatric Age Group
Authors: Umar Mumtaz Ahmad , Mushwani Mohibullah , Jawad Ayesha , Arshad Naveed
Published: February 2022

Objectives: To observe the relationship of nasal foreign bodies in terms of patient’s age as well as the type of foreign body and removal technique.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in ENT department, Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, Islamabad from April 2017 to May 2018. A total of 120 patients selected by non-probability consecutive sampling technique with inclusion criteria of all children less than 12 years with foreign body in nose were recruited for this study after taking written informed consent. Patients who had concurrent nasal infections and trauma were excluded. Children age, gender, site, type of foreign body and removal technique were recorded. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 21.

Results: A total of 120 patients were presented with nasal foreign bodies, 107 cases were successfully dealt with in OPD while 13 patients were admitted for removal under general anaesthesia. The commonest affected age group was 2-5 years (78.33%) with more females (55.75%) than males (44.25%). Organic type of foreign body was 55.8% and inorganic type of foreign body was 44.2%. Seeds and small nuts (35%) were found to be the commonest types of nasal foreign body. The correlation between age groups, types of foreign body, removal technique and site of foreign body was significant (p value ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion: Nasal foreign bodies are commonly faced problem in children, specially in 2-5 years of age. They are largely harmless but complications can occur if neglected. Prevention remains the best option while for non-cooperative and attempted cases, removal under general anaesthesia is safe and preferred.
Cathetar Related Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Single Centre Study
Authors: Bibi Romana , Ullah Rafi , Izhar Muhammad , Rehman Sijad Ur , Sheikh Kainat , Bhattani Kalsoom Essa
Published: February 2022

Background

Urinary catheter is the most common cause of urinary tract infection (UTI) which has been associated with three fold increase risk in mortality. A high level of resistance was noted among the admitted patients for cephalosporin. The primary aim of the study is to known the strain of pathogens; its drugs sensitivity and resistance in intensive care unit (ICU) patients which help the physician in proper management and reduces the mortality and morbidity in urinary catheter related complication.

Methods

           This study was conducted in Intensive care unit patients of Hayatabad medical complex Peshawar Pakistan over a period of 1 year from 1st January to 31st December 2019. Medical charts were reviewed and 100 patients were selected based on inclusion criteria and  their urine culture and sensitivity reports were noted to know about the most common pathogens, its drugs sensitivity and resistance in these patients. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) used for uropathogen by culture and Disc diffusion method to determined antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. The data were shifted from excel sheet to SPPS 21 IBMS version.

Results

   The mean age (standard deviation) of patients was 51.60+26.59 years (Median age 58.50 years). Of the total, 64 were female and the remaining were male patients. It was found that most common pathogens in urine sample was E. coli. Maximum pathogens were sensitive to intra venous meropenem (65%), and fosfomycin (55%).

Conclusion

It is concluded that resistance patterns of uropathogens changes which results in treatment failure. Further, based on clinical practice, meropenem, fosfomycin, and cefepime had high sensitivity profile against catheter related infection in ICU.
Bilateral Chylothorax Post Blunt Trauma: A Case Report
Authors: Waseem Muhammad , Rafiq Maryam , Malik M Haseeb
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Blunt trauma is a rare cause of chylothorax. In this study an uncommon case of traumatic chylothorax after blunt trauma is described along with treatment options.

 

Report on a Case: A 50-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with sudden onset of shortness of breath for one day. He had a history of road traffic accident 2 days ago, in which he received a strong jerk while trying to avoid impact with the dashboard of the vehicle. He has no past medical history. On examination, He was fully conscious and oriented. Air entry on both sides of the chest was reduced. The x-ray of the chest revealed bilateral blunting of costo-phrenic angels due to pleural effusion. Pleural fluid was sent for biochemical, microbiological and histopathological analysis. Fluid Triglyceride and cholesterol levels were elevated. Culture and sensitivity were negative while cytopathological analysis revealed increased WBCs. CT scan of the chest did not reveal any malignancy or mediastinal lymph nodes.  Bilateral Chest intubation was done to treat severe shortness of breath, that drained milky white fluid. The patient was observed without any particular treatment other than chest intubation. The patient responded well and was discharged uneventfully after five days.

 Conclusion: Despite its rarity, chylothorax can occur after blunt trauma. Diagnosis should be confirmed by laboratory testing. Conservative management with or without chest intubation is a common treatment option. 

Keywords: Blunt chest trauma, Chylothorax, Tri­glyceride.
A SPECTRAL APPROACH FOR TIME-FRACTIONAL DIFFUSION AND SUBDIFFUSION EQUATIONS IN A LARGE INTERVAL
Authors: Dehestani Haniye , Ordokhani Yadollah , Razzaghi Mohsen
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we concentrate on a class of time-fractional diffusion and subdiffusion equations. To solve the mentioned problems, we construct twodimensional Genocchi-fractional Laguerre functions (G-FLFs). Then, the pseudooperational matrices are used to convert the proposed equations to systems of algebraic equations. The properties of pseudo-operational matrices have reflected well in the process of the numerical technique and create an approximate solution with high precision. Finally, several examples are presented to illustrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the technique.
JOINT DISCRETE APPROXIMATION OF ANALYTIC FUNCTIONS BY HURWITZ ZETA-FUNCTIONS
Authors: Balčiūnas Aidas , Garbaliauskienė Virginija , Lukšienė Violeta , Macaitienė Renata , Rimkevičienė Audronė
Published: February 2022

Let H(D) be the space of analytic functions on the strip ... In this paper, it is proved that there exists a closed non-empty set ...such that every collection of the functions ... is approximated by discrete shifts .., of Hurwitz zeta-functions with arbitrary parameters ...
Effects of Winds on the Optical Properties of Type Ib and Ic Supernova Progenitors
Authors: Jung Moo-Keon , Yoon Sung-Chul , Kim Hyun-Jeong
Published: February 2022

We investigate the effects of winds on the observational properties of Type Ib and Ic supernova (SN Ib/Ic) progenitors using spectral models constructed with the non-LTE stellar atmospheric code CMFGEN. We consider SN Ib/Ic progenitor models of the final mass range of 2.16–9.09 M
⊙ having different surface temperatures and chemical compositions, and calculate the resulting spectra for various wind mass-loss rates and wind terminal velocities. We find that the progenitors having an optically thick wind would become brighter in the optical for a higher mass-loss rate (or a lower wind terminal velocity) because of the formation of the photosphere in the extended wind matter and the contribution from free–free and line emissions from the wind. As a result, for the standard Wolf-Rayet wind mass-loss rate, helium-deficient compact SN Ic progenitors would be brighter in the optical by ∼3 mag compared to the case without the wind effects. We also find that the color dependence on the photospheric temperature is non-monotonic because of the wind effects. Our results imply that inferring the progenitor mass, bolometric luminosity, and effective temperature from the optical observation using the standard stellar evolution model prediction can be misleading. By comparing our fiducial model predictions with the detection limits of the previous SN Ib/Ic progenitor searches, we conclude that a deep search with an optical absolute magnitude larger than ∼−4 is needed to directly identify most of the ordinary SN Ib/Ic progenitors. We discuss implications of our results for the observed SN Ib/Ic progenitor candidates for iPTF13bvn, SN 2019vyr, and SN 2017ein.
Viewing Angle Observations and Effects of Evolution with Redshift, Black Hole Mass, and Eddington Ratio in Quasar-based Cosmology
Authors: Prince Raj , Hryniewicz Krzysztof , Panda Swayamtrupta , Czerny Bożena , Pollo Agnieszka
Published: February 2022

This study is focused on the observational measurement of the viewing angle of individual quasars by modeling the broadband quasar spectrum ranging from the IR to soft X-ray band. Sources are selected from various published catalogs, and their broadband quasi-simultaneous spectral data points were collected and used for modeling. We started with a COSMOS sample of Type-1 sources that have broadband photometric points. To include more data points, we cross-matched the COSMOS with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 14 quasar catalog, and eventually we find 90 sources which have broadband data ranging from IR to soft X-ray. The broadband spectral energy distribution modeling is done in Xspec by using the optxagnf and the SKIRTOR models for the X-ray, UV, optical, and IR regimes for each source. The whole sample is divided into four bins with respect to redshift, black hole (BH) mass, and Eddington ratio with an equal number of sources in each bin. The viewing angle is estimated in each bin, and its evolution with respect to redshift, BH mass, and Eddington ratio is examined. In result, we did not find any significant evolution of viewing angle with those parameters within the 95% confidence interval. We conclude that the use of quasars in cosmology to determine the expansion rate of the universe is therefore justified, and biases are not expected.
The Neutron Energy Spectra of Lunar Meteorites Evaluated from Sm and Er Isotopic Compositions
Authors: Hidaka Hiroshi , Yoneda Shigekazu , Nishiizumi Kunihiko , Caffee Marc
Published: February 2022

Cosmic-ray exposure records of 13 lunar meteorites, Dhofar 081, Dhofar 910, Dhofar 911, Northwest Africa (NWA) 482, NWA 2995, NWA 2996, NWA 3136, NWA 3163, NWA 4472, NWA 4734, NWA 4884, NWA 4932, and NWA 4936, were characterized from the abundances of spallogenic (10Be and 26Al) and neutron-captured (36Cl, 41Ca,150Sm, and 168Er) nuclides produced by cosmic-ray irradiation. Assuming a single-stage irradiation model for individual meteorites, 11 of the 13 meteorites had resided at shallow depths in the range of 55 to 330 g cm−2 from the lunar surface and experienced cosmic-ray irradiations for 140–870 Ma on the Moon. In contrast, 2 of the 13 meteorites, Dhofar 911 and NWA 4932, cannot be simply explained by a single-stage irradiation, but need at least two-stage irradiation on the Moon. Furthermore, the neutron fluences of thermal and epithermal energy regions for individual meteorites were quantified from a combination of the isotopic shifts of 149Sm–150Sm and 167Er–168Er, respectively. Our estimates gave 8–11 times higher epithermal neutron fluences (1.7–13.7 × 101
7 neutrons cm−2) than the thermal neutron fluences (0.65–13.8 × 1016 neutrons cm−2) for 9 of the 13 meteorites, which are consistent with those from the lunar regolith materials in our previous study. This result also supports the long cosmic-ray irradiation of most lunar meteorites on the surface of the Moon.
Flight Range Extension of a Guided Aerial Bomb with a Rocket Engine during Climb Bombing
Authors: Kravchuk I.S. , Bashynskyi Dmytro , Taranenko V.V. , Zirka M.V.
Published: February 2022

The possibility of a significant flight range extension of a guided aerial bomb during climb bombing due to the jet thrust created by a solid-propellant rocket engine was considered. By means of simulation, a comparative analysis of the range of a guided aerial bomb equipped (not equipped) with a solid-propellant rocket engine under typical flight conditions of the carrier aircraft during level flight and climb bombing was performed. It was demonstrated that the use of a solid-propellant rocket engine, whose mass is 20 % of the guided aerial bomb’s mass, allows to increase the horizontal range of its flight at least twice.
Combination of Sleeve Gastrectomy and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Insulin Resistance by Modulating Pro-inflammatory Milieu in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Rat Model
Authors: Ekasaputra Vito Mahendra , Mughni Abdul , Putra Agung , Riwanto Ignatius , Nugrahadi Dimas Erlangga , Prasetya Anggoro , Putranto Indra , Alif Iffan , Makarim Fadli Rizal
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT Background: Obesity is a major risk factor for the onset of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) caused by chronic inflammation of the islets of langerhans. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) procedure increases particular hormone which stimulates insulin sensitivity. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can also exhibit potential immunomodulatory properties through their paracrine effects, however the mechanism regarding combination of them could not be adequately explained.  Aim: In this study, we explore the potential of sleeve gastrectomy followed by injection of MSCs in type 2 diabetic rats with obesity in improving insulin resistance. Methods: This study used a pre and post control group design with 18 rats that divided into 3 groups: control (C), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), sleeve gastrectomy + MSCs (SG+M). On day 10, the level of IL-6, IL-10 and HOMA-IR were evaluated using ELISA. Results:  This study showed a significant decrease of IL-6 level in all treatment groups on day 10, in which SG+M group showed optimum inhibition. This result was in line with the optimum increase of IL-10 in SG+M group. Moreover, our study also revealed the optimum decrease of HOMA-IR in SG+M group on day 10. Conclusion: Combination of SG and MSCs can optimally improve insulin resistance by modulating proinflammatory milieu though inhibiting IL-6 level and upregulating IL-10 level in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus rat model.
The Italian Society of Rheumatology clinical practice guidelines for the management of large vessel vasculitis
Authors: Ughi N. , Padoan R. , Crotti C. , Sciascia S. , Carrara G. , Zanetti A. , Rozza D. , Monti S. , Camellino D. , Muratore F. , Emmi G. , Quartuccio L. , Morbelli S. , El Aoufy K. , Tonolo S. , Caporali R. , De Vita S. , Salvarani C. , Cimmino M.A.
Published: February 2022

Objective: Since of the last publication of last recommendations on primary large-vessel vasculitis (LVV) endorsed by the Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR) in 2012, new evidence emerged regarding the diagnosis and the treatment with conventional and biologic immunosuppressive drugs. The associated potential change of clinical care supported the need to update the original recommendations. Methods: Using the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE)-ADOLOPMENT framework, a systematic literature review was performed to update the evidence supporting the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) guidelines on LVV as reference. A multidisciplinary panel of 12 expert clinicians, a trained nurse, and a patients’ representative discussed the recommendation in cooperation with an Evidence Review Team. Sixty-one stakeholders were consulted to externally review and rate the recommendations. Results: Twelve recommendations were formulated. A suspected diagnosis of LVV should be confirmed by imaging or histology. In active GCA or TAK, the prompt commencement of high dose of oral glucocorticoids (40-60 mg prednisone-equivalent per day) is strongly recommended to induce clinical remission. In selected patients with GCA (e.g., refractory or relapsing disease or patients at risk of glucocorticoid related adverse effects) the use of an adjunctive therapy (tocilizumab or methotrexate) is recommended. In all patients diagnosed with TAK, adjunctive therapies, such as conventional synthetic or biological immunosuppressants, should be given in combination with glucocorticoids. Conclusions: The new set of SIR recommendations was formulated in order to provide a guidance on both diagnosis and treatment of patients suspected of or with a definite diagnosis of LVV.
Transcultural Adaptation and Validation of Kannada version of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
Authors: Baby Priya , PR Srijithesh , Reddy Ashok V. , Rajasekaran Aravind K. , Philip Mariamma , Akkunje Preetie S. , Chaturvedi Surbhi
Published: February 2022

Background and Purpose:

The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is widely used in clinical practice to evaluate stroke-related neurological deficits. The aim of this study was to develop Kannada language version of the NIHSS (Ka-NIHSS) and determine its validity and reliability.

Materials and Methods:

In the first phase of the study, Ka-NIHSS was adapted based on cultural and linguistic peculiarities. In the next phase, 51 acute stroke patients were prospectively enrolled in the study. The concurrent validity of the Ka-NIHSS was evaluated by comparison with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The predictive validity was assessed by comparison with Barthel Index (BI) score and mRS at a 90-day telephonic follow-up. The reliability was evaluated using the kappa statistics for inter-rater agreement between two independent raters and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. The inter-rater agreement of videotaped assessment of items 9 and 10 between four independent raters was evaluated using kappa statistics.

Results:

Ka-NIHSS scores highly correlated with GCS (P = –0.74 P < 0.001) and mRS (P = 0.85, P < 0.001) at baseline. It moderately correlated with mRS (P = 0.67, P < 0.001) and BI (P = –0.64, P < 0.001) at 90 days follow up. Inter-rater reliability was high between the two examiners, with kappa values ranging from 0.66 to 0.95. The inter-rater agreements of the video assessment of items 9 and 10 for nine patients among four raters were 0.81 and 1 respectively.

Conclusions:

Ka-NIHSS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing neurological deficits in Kannada-speaking stroke patients.
The Power of Dissonance
Authors: Vehrs Hauke-Peter , Kalvelage Linus , Nghitevelekwa Romie
Published: February 2022

Environmental conservation is presented as a success story in Namibia's Zambezi Region where conservation measures have led to an enormous increase in many wildlife populations. Complementary to historically exclusive fortress-conservation strategies, inclusive projects have gained prominence in the past few decades aiming to integrate local populations into conservation projects. Perhaps the most salient approach is community-based natural resource management (CBNRM), which sets ambitious goals of more participation, empowerment, and stewardship of local residents in the process of conservation. Despite its popularity in southern Africa, the CBNRM concept has met with criticism, especially with regard to the situations of many conservancy members. We aim to show that the idea of conservation, and the concept of CBNRM in particular, are in some respects detached from the lives of the conservancy members who are confronted with the effects and regulations of conservation measures. We therefore employ the notion of ‘dissonance’ to describe the inconsistencies between the intended effects of the CBNRM concept and how it is perceived by conservancy members. Three aspects of dissonance are identified here. First, we draw attention to the limited opportunities conservancy members have to benefit from the thriving safari- and hunting-tourism industry. Second, despite successful conservation leading to increased wildlife populations, impacts of human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) and their repercussions for farming and livestock husbandry aggravate the dissonant relationship between conservancy members and the CBNRM concept. Third, we illustrate the discrepancies between the notion of the ‘community’ in conservancies and the actual social organisation. Altogether, the inconsistencies between the travelling idea of conservation and its impact on local livelihoods will be demonstrated.
Pancreatic cystic neoplasms
Authors: Sioulas Athanasios , Spinou Marianna , Schizas Dimitrios , Megapanou Maria , Frountzas Maximos , Papadaki Konstantina , Scotiniotis Ilias
Published: February 2022

Background:

The purpose of this study is to assess patients’ compliance to recommendations after evaluation of pancreatic cystic neoplasm (PCN) with EUS and investigate how the presence of “worrisome” characteristics including cyst's size, main pancreatic duct dilation and presence of mural nodules might affect the adherence rates of management recommendations.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients at a private tertiary hospital who were referred for evaluation with EUS over a 5-year period (2015-2019), after the diagnosis of pancreatic cystic neoplasm during radiological imaging.

Results:

We included 111 patients (mean age 64.1 years, SD = 13.9) with PCN. After the EUS examination, 16 patients were referred for surgical resection, 4 patients needed no further follow up and 91 patients were recommended to follow imaging surveillance. In total, 70 (63.1%) subjects adhered to surveillance recommendations. In the group of subjects who adhered to surveillance, cyst size ≥3cm was found in 27 (38.6%) patients, main pancreatic duct diameter ≥5mm in 12 (17.1%) subjects and only 3 (4.3%) pancreatic cysts demonstrated mural nodules. However, none of the aforementioned cystic “worrisome features” was significantly correlated with increased adherence to follow up (p = 0.709, P = 0.642 and P = 0.630, respectively).

Conclusions:

Although the majority of patients with PCN adhered to given recommendations after EUS examination, the number of noncompliant subjects was noticeable. The presence of cystic “worrisome” features did not correlate with an increased compliance rate to suggested management plan. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate the factors that may enhance patients’ adherence.
Nanocomposites transformed from polystyrene waste/antimony, barium and nickel oxides nanoparticles with improved thermal and electrical properties
Authors: Sabo Y T , Boryo D E A , Chindo I Y , Auwal A M
Published: February 2022

In this experiment, the oxide nanoparticles were synthesized via chemical precipitation and the nanocomposites were produced using in situ polymerization method with varying nanoparticles contents ranged from 0.1 g to 1.0 g for electrical conductivity and from 0.05 g to 0.25 g for thermal conductivity. The electrical and thermal conductivities of nanocomposites were investigated and compared with the values obtained for untreated polystyrene. It was observed that the electrical and thermal properties were higher for the nanocomposites and increase with increasing nanoparticle concentrations in the samples. It can be observed that nanocomposite containing NiO nanoparticles gave a better electrical and thermal conductivity followed by nanocomposite containing BaO nanoparticles and nanocomposite containing Sb2O3 nanoparticles respectively. It can also be observed that nanocomposite containing NiO nanoparticle showed increase in rate of heat transfer from 1.60 W to 2.60 W, while nanocomposite containing BaO nanoparticles recorded increase in rate of heat transfer from 1.40 W to 2.45 W and nanoomposite containing Sb2O3 nanoparticle showed increase in rate of heat transfer from 1.07 W to 2.21 W, as concentration of nanoparticles increased from 0.05 g to 0.25 g respectively. Conclusively, with these results, the nanocomposite containing NiO nanoparticles gave a better thermal and electrical conductivity by having a better conducting filler network inside the matrix than nanocomposite containing BaO nanoparticles and nanocomposite containing Sb2O3 nanoparticles. It is recommended that during the production of polymer nanocomposite, PS/NiO, PS/BaO and PS/Sb2O3 nanocomposites could be used in electrically conductive devices as well as suitable materials for heat transfer applications.
Competition enforcement and regulatory alternatives
Authors: Akhgar Thomas , du Parc Braham David
Published: February 2022

The concurrency arrangements under the Competition Act 1998, which enable the sector regulators to enforce ex post competition law alongside their ex ante regulatory powers, aim to promote competition across the regulated sectors. As well as this well-established arrangement, following a range of reports indicating the limitations of ex post competition enforcement in digital markets, the Competition and Markets Authority has more recently taken on a new role in relation to pro-competitive regulation in digital markets, expanding its remit to a new regulatory function. This article considers the UK's approach of applying the right balance of competition enforcement and regulatory alternatives to ensure competition is promoted via the most effective means possible.
Predação de gado por onças no Pantanal: características, dinâmica e o conflito com fazendeiros
Authors: Cavalcanti Sandra , Crawshaw Jr. Peter Gransden , Marchini Silvio
Published: February 2022

O Pantanal é uma área importante para a conservação da onça-pintada (Panthera onca) e da onça-parda (Puma concolor). No entanto, o bioma possui peculiaridades que tornam a conservação de grandes felinos complexa e desafiadora. A predação do gado gera conflitos entre onças e fazendeiros, que tradicionalmente resultam na eliminação oportunista, porém sistemática, dos predadores. Por outro lado, é crescente entre os fazendeiros o reconhecimento da necessidade de conservar as onças, desde que seja resolvido, ou pelo menos diminuído em níveis toleráveis, o prejuízo que elas causam. Nesse contexto, é importante entender a dinâmica da predação, a fim de identificar ações que possam diminuir efetivamente o seu impacto econômico. Aspectos culturais também têm grande importância, influenciando diretamente na decisão de abater uma onça ou tolerar sua presença. Neste artigo, apresentamos e discutimos as características e a dinâmica da predação de espécies nativas e do gado doméstico por onças no Pantanal, em particular a onça-pintada. Além disso, descrevemos aspectos pessoais, sociais e culturais do conflito, e discutimos suas implicações para a conservação das onças, destacando a importância de entender e envolver os diferentes atores ligados à conservação dessas espécies.
Turismo de observação de mamíferos no Pantanal
Authors: Tortato Fernando Rodrigo , Ribas Carolina , Concone Henrique Villas Boas , Hoogesteijn Rafael
Published: February 2022

O turismo de observação de fauna é uma atividade que vem aumentando gradativamente em diversas regiões no mundo, principalmente em países com alta diversidade, como o Brasil. Essa atividade busca a observação em vida livre de espécies carismáticas, entre as quais se enquadram muitos mamíferos. No Brasil, a atividade ainda é pouco desenvolvida, contudo o Pantanal é o bioma com o maior potencial para a expansão e a consolidação desse tipo de turismo. O Pantanal é considerado uma savana brasileira, com abundância de fauna, havendo facilidade para observação de grandes vertebrados, como porcos-do-mato, capivaras, ariranhas e até mesmo onças-pintadas. O turismo de observação de fauna tem aumentado nos últimos anos neste bioma, principalmente na região norte, no Pantanal de Cuiabá, e ao sul, no Pantanal de Miranda e Aquidauana. Neste artigo, discutimos as características da atividade de observação de fauna no Pantanal, as principais espécies observadas, as leis e regras já estabelecidas, os problemas existentes, abordando também a importância do turismo como atividade econômica para o desenvolvimento sustentável desta região.
Association Of Socioeconomic Status With Preeclampsia In Pakistani Females
Authors: Ejaz Saima , Yaqoob Reem , Alkahtani Reem , Anila Khalique Anila , Azam Maryam , Mahmood Nousheen , Nada Saleh
Published: February 2022

Introduction: To identify whether there is an association between maternal socioeconomic status as in living style, and preeclampsia in women from Pakistan, and if so, to what extent it increases the risk of developing preeclampsia.
Methods: This is a case-control study, consisting of 74 normal pregnant and 76 already diagnosed preeclamptic Pakistani females, recruited from various hospitals in Karachi. Their socioeconomic status was assessed through the standard of living index (SLI) using the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) criteria, which considers different living facilities as an indicator of socioeconomic status. Odds ratios of preeclampsia were calculated for low, middle and high socioeconomic status and other maternal anthropometric parameters.
Results: Based on their groups, it appeared that the highest percentage of preeclamptic females (n= 65; 43.3%) and the lowest of control patients (n=14; 9.3%) lie in lower socioeconomic groups and the results were highly significantly different. Study observed that having lower socioeconomic status (P<0.001) significantly increase risk of having preeclampsia by 9% and middle socioeconomic status has no role in prevalence of preeclampsia shown by 0.0 odds ratio. In addition, odds ratio of age and PreBMI for the preeclamptic females were found as 1.37 (P<0.001) and 1.55 (P<0.001) respectively, which shows that each year increase in age, increases risk of preeclampsia by 1.37 times and 1.55 times with each increased in BMI.
Conclusion: Living facilities are indications of socioeconomic status and are strong risk factors of preeclampsia
Learning from the Standpoints of Minoritized Students: An Exploration of Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Training
Authors: Cohen Julie , Kassan Anusha , Wada Kaori
Published: February 2022

The results of a feminist research endeavour that explored multicultural (MC) counselling and social justice (SJ) training experiences from the standpoint of eight culturally non-dominant doctoral students are presented. Participants represented students within the five counselling psychology programs accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association. Specifically, the research aimed to address the following research question: How do counselling psychology doctoral students who self-identify with non-dominant cultural identities perceive their experiences of MC and SJ training? This research adopted a feminist standpoint theory epistemology to guide an interpretative phenomenological analysis to reflect the culturally rich, complex, and situated experiences of participants, while concurrently emphasizing the role that systems of privilege and oppression play in influencing these experiences. Results point to seven superordinate themes, including: (a) MC and SJ are personal and rooted in identity; (b) Instructors—their role and impact; (c) Classmates—a mixed bag; (d) Perceptions of MC and SJ courses; (e) Perceptions of clinical supervision; (f) Systemic engagement with MC and SJ principles; and (g) The emotional and psychological burden of MC and SJ training. Findings are discussed considering sociocultural practices in North America, and MC and SJ training implications are explored.
A Father’s Death: The Therapeutic Power of Autoethnography
Authors: Custer Dwayne
Published: February 2022

Autoethnography is a transformative qualitative research method that has the power to heal self and society after traumatic events (personal and collective). It is a bridge between the subjective inner world of spirit and memory with the outer world of objectivity and culture. Autoethnography is a powerful tool for manifesting change in the world. In this paper, I will address autoethnography as a transformative methodology in relationship to my father’s death when I was a young child, demonstrate the therapeutic aspects of personal narrative, and quickly address some of the ethical challenges with the process.
PELATIHAN MINDFULNESS UNTUK MENURUNKAN TINGKAT DEPRESI ANGGOTA POLRI POLDA KEPULAUAN RIAU
Authors: Pora Fransiska_Emilia
Published: February 2022

Penyebab depresi yang dialami oleh polisi yaitu tekanan kerja tinggi, konflik dengan rekan kerja dan atasan serta masalah dalam rumah tangga. Salah satu cara yang dilakukan untuk menurunkan tingkat depresi polisi adalah pelatihan mindfulness. Polisi yang “mindful” mampu mengelola reaksi psikologis yang timbul dari masalah yang dihadapinya dan meningkatkan kesadaran diri. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh pelatihan mindfulness untuk menurunkan tingkat depresi pada anggota polisi. Subjek penelitian berjumlah 16 orang, yang dikelompokkan dalam kelompok eksperimen dan kontrol. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan alat ukur Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) dan Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 42 (DASS). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pada pengujian menggunakan independent sample t-test ditemukan nilai t sebesar -2,746 (p < 0,05), dengan perbedaan rerata kelompok sebesar -5,875, yang artinya ada perbedaan tingkat depresi yang signifikan antara kelompok yang diberi pelatihan mindfulness dengan tidak diberi pelatihan mindfulness. Selain itu, pada hasil pengujian menggunakan paired sample t-test ditemukan bahwa nilai t sebesar 11,399 (p < 0,05), dengan perbedaan rerata kelompok sebesar 5,875, yang artinya ada penurunan tingkat depresi yang signifikan sebelum dan sesudah diberikan pelatihan mindfulness. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian tersebut, dapat disimpulkan bahwa pelatihan mindfulness memberikan dampak positif terhadap subjek yakni mampu menurunkan gejala-gejala depresi yang dirasakan subjek.
MICROSURGICAL AND VARICOCELECTOMY COMPERSION WITH AND WITHOUT TESTICULAR DELIVERY FOR TREATMENT OF VARICOCELE: A RANDOMIZE CONTROL TRIAL
Authors: Jan Mir Abid , Khan Ishan , Tariq Kifayat , Opal Samiullah , Naveed Naveed , Ikram Ikram , Samiullah Samiullah
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Varicocele is a common type of male genital disease and can occur in men of any age, especially young people. Clinically venous enlargement or varicocele are found in about 15% of the general male population, up to 35% of men with primary fertility, and 75% of men with secondary fertility dysfunction. Varicoceles are known to be the most common cause of male infertility and can be corrected surgically, but the exact mechanism of sperm formation caused by varicocele-induced impairment remains controversial. Most men with varicocele are asymptomatic and infertile, with only 15% – 20% suffering from physical discomfort or other fertility-related problems. With therefore systematically evaluated the RCTs published together and summarized evidence evaluating the benefits of testicular delivery and ligation of gubernacular vein in microsurgical varicocelectomy.

Methodology: Comprehensive electronic search using the keywords "microsurgical varicocelectomy", "gubernacular vein", "testicular delivery", "infertility" and "varicocele" was done in databases of Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science databases. English language used to search databases. Some studies were taken from studies references.

Result: Two studies reported grade II and III of varicoceles in patients that participated in the study. Overall sperm count in microsurgical resection with testicular delivery compared to microsurgical resection without testicular delivery, increased significantly (SMD = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.07-0.39, p =<.05), but sperm motility, sperm concentration and gradual increase have no difference in between the two microsurgical methods (p> 0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, as a result of this systematic review and meta-analysis, compared with microsurgical varicocelectomy without testicular delivery, delivery of the testicles during microsurgical varicocelectomy to further to further ligate the gonadal veins leads to epidydemo orchitis and oedema, and longer surgery. In addition, testicular delivery may not improve parameters of sperm, serum testosterone, and incidence of varicose veins, wound inflammation and spontaneous pregnancy compared to non-delivered testicles. However, a higher level of research is needed to determine if testicular delivery is an important surgery in microsurgical venous ligation.
A francia elnökválasztások finanszírozása: célok, szabályok és az 2022-es helyzet
Authors: Fejérdy Gergely
Published: February 2022

A 2022 áprilisában esedékes francia elnökválasztások kapcsán egyre több szó esik a jelöltek kampányfinanszírozásáról. A hatályos szabályok, amelyek az Ötödik Köztársaság idején egyre szigorúbbá váltak, fontos célnak tarják a megmérettetésen induló politikusok egyenlő esélyeinek biztosítását és a felhasznált pénzek átláthatóságát. Így került többek között meghatározásra, hogy kik, mekkora összeggel támogathatják a jelölteket, illetve milyen forrásból lehet előteremteni a szükséges anyagi feltételeket. Szigorú kiadási plafon is érvényben van, így csak meghatározott keretek között költhetnek pénzt az elnökválasztáson indulók. A költségek egy részét bizonyos kritériumok mellett az állam visszafizeti. Az alapos szabályozás ellenére azonban nem lehet teljességgel kizárni az egyenlőtlenségeket a jelöltek között. Részben a támogatók jövedelmi helyzete, részben a banki hitelek megszerzése területén ez szembetűnő. 2022-ben leginkább Marine Le Pen esetében merültek fel az esélyes jelöltek körében anyagi nehézségek. A finanszírozás kérdése azonban csak másodlagos jelentőségű, előbb ugyanis minden indulónak össze kell gyűjtenie a jelöléshez szükséges ötszáz ajánlást, mert csak ennek birtokában veszi őket hivatalosan is nyilvántartásba az Alkotmánytanács. Ezen a területen még merülhetnek fel nehézségek különösen Marine Le Pen számára, miután megjelent Eric Zemmour is a politikai térfelén. Számíthatunk még meglepetésekre a francia elnökválasztásokon, még akkor is, ha közvéleménykutatások a 2017-es forgatókönyv megismétlődését sugallják 70 nappal a voksolás előtt.
Performance Measure Using a Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Approach Based on Complex T-Spherical Fuzzy Power Aggregation Operators
Authors: Khan Muhammad Rizwan , Ullah Kifayat , Pamucar Dragan , Bari Mehwish
Published: February 2022

Performance measurement has a vital role in almost every field of life especially when uncertainty is involved in processinginformation. The purpose of this research is to use the concept of power aggregation operators (PAOs) of complex T-spherical fuzzy sets (CTSFSs) to analyze the performance measures of software packages. In comparison to other studies, the main advantage of the PAOs of CTSFSs is its ability to feature four possible aspects of the information under uncertainty. In CTSFSs, each component has further two aspects denoted by their amplitude and phase terms and hence provides us a better ground to deal with practical problems. Another advantage of using PAOs for performance evaluation is the involvement of the relationship of the input arguments that play an essential role in aggregation. Other traditional aggregation operators (AOs) do not have such capabilities. We aim to develop complex T-spherical fuzzy (TSF) power weighted averaging and complex TSF power weighted geometric (CTSFPWG) operators and evaluated their validity using some tests. Ultimately, using the recommended operators, multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) algorithm is established for the performance evaluation of the software packages. With the help of a numerical example, we demonstrated the proposed MADM algorithm using complex uncertain information. The results show a positive impact by analyzing them after a comparative analysis where the results obtained using complex TSF PAOs seem to be more reliable than the results obtained using previously developed AOs. To see the effectiveness of the algorithm, the results are numerically compared using some existing approaches, and conclusions are drawn.
 
Received: 25 December 2021 | Revised: 4 February 2022 | Accepted: 7 February 2022
 
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work.