bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approches territorialisées de l’accompagnement dans l’emploi
Authors: Aoun Clara , Retsin Camille
Published: April 2024

Nous nous intéressons dans cet article à la mobilisation et la coordination de l’ensemble des acteurs dans l’objectif de développer l’employabilité au sein d’un territoire construit à travers cette coordination. Face aux limites des stratégies d’employabilité menées par les individus et les entreprises, se pose la question de l’importance de l’accompagnement mené par les acteurs de l’emploi. L’employabilité est multidimensionnelle, spécifique à chaque personne, à chaque environnement et par extension, à chaque territoire. Face aux freins périphériques et professionnels, l’accompagnement territorial de proximité se présente comme un moyen de mobilisation d’une diversité d’acteurs pour répondre d’une façon personnalisée et holistique aux problématiques rencontrées par les personnes privées d’emploi. Pour mettre en œuvre cette coordination territoriale, le développement de proximités entre les acteurs apparaît comme nécessaire. Dès lors, les structures réticulaires de proximité(s) endossent la responsabilité de créer des relations de proximités entre les acteurs du territoire.
Warwick Thornton’s Emotional Landscapes: Indigenous Cinema and Cultural Autonomy in Australia
Authors: Moss-Wellington Wyatt
Published: April 2024

This article explores director Warwick Thornton’s activistic use of filmic emotions in the features Samson and Delilah (2009) and Sweet Country (2017). Thornton’s films portray coloniser-colonised relations at two moments in Australian history, and that affective history-telling is motivated toward a more deliberative case for a future of self-determined cultural autonomy. I analyse emotive resources that cross between both films, including periods of silence and landscape aesthetics that depict subjective experience of country. I also address the place of empathy in Thornton’s character studies as foundational to later political reasoning. Thornton’s films call attention to the positionality of different audience members, challenging the spectator to interrogate foundational emotional responses, conflicts between their emotional responses, and subsequent prompts to think through the politics of those experiences. These provocations are united into an explicitly argumentative appeal for Indigenous cultural autonomy.
A Discourse of the Underlying Concepts of Digital Transformation for MSMEs
Authors: Jamil Mohammad Izzuddin Mohammed
Published: April 2024

Digital transformation is a field of study that has been extensively studied in academic literature. Major topics that have been explored include its definitions, concepts, strategies, enablers, managerial and organisational capabilities, orientations, and digital literacy. Because digital transformation entails the transformation across all levels of an organisation, new business models and practices must be conjured. This chapter is composed with the aim of assessing and discoursing the relevance of digital transformation for the application of MSMEs. The scope of digital transformation encompasses various aspects and concepts for organisations that are useful to support MSMEs survive in developed and emerging economies. This chapter would also state the conditions necessary for digital transformation to occur, such as a degree of digital literacy is needed for proper understanding of digitised activities by both managers and employees, and efforts must be made to ensure equal access to technology as the phenomenon of digital divide is a hindrance towards digital transformation.
Impact of 5G Security on Smart Cities' Internet of Things Implementation
Authors: Shafik Wasswa , Kalinaki Kassim
Published: April 2024

Smart cities are imperative in terms of smart buildings, transportation, parking, healthcare, agriculture, traffic systems, and public safety aided by the fifth generation (5G) computation standards. They are entirely capable of controlling real-time devices and delivering relevant smart information to the citizens. However, different architectural stages experience privacy and security concerns. Therefore, in this survey, an internet of things (IoT) based architecture is proposed, showing the critical layers that are key to ensure secure smart IoT implementation. The study further covers the recent approaches to security applications for information centric SCs. 5G security solutions have been highlighted in SCs' settings and proposed. Comparably, a comprehensive SC current 5G security and numerous open security concerns are demonstrated. Lastly, offer potential research directions and motivations mainly in academia and industry, outlining these concerns that need to be considered to enhance smart daily operations.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and IoT in 5G Wireless Communications on the Smarter World
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Goyal Samta Jain , Nanda Ipseeta , Goyal Rajeev , Azad Chandra Shekhar
Published: April 2024

With the prompt evolution of the internet, the growth of the data rate is increasing day by day. Most of the current technologies, including 5G, provide high data rate services to handle and process those data. For this reason, machine learning came into its role. Machine learning is quite different from the traditional programming paradigm. Machine learning takes a massive, huge amount of data and results to produce such programs or models used for prediction purposes. The key enabling technologies with 5G are IoT and ML, which are used to change the picture of the real world, change their trends, and explore their applications worldwide. This review chapter starts with relating 5G with the opportunities of machine learning, and its techniques to manage these challenges.
Revenge Porn and Blackmailing on the Internet
Authors: Nandy Nayanika
Published: April 2024

In the era of technological advancements and widespread internet access, numerous issues have emerged, including cyber bullying, cyber extortion, and the disturbing trend of revenge pornography. Revenge pornography, also known as non-consensual pornography, involves the malicious act of sharing explicit photos or videos of individuals without their consent, aimed at compromising their sexual integrity. While the term “revenge porn” may suggest that the content is leaked by vengeful ex-intimate partners, it is important to note that many cases involve the illegal acquisition of explicit material through means such as hacking, with perpetrators seeking personal gain, amusement, or notoriety.
Blockchain Integration With the Digital Twin-Enabled Industrial Internet of Things Based on Mixed Reality
Authors: Kothari Rakshit , Jain Kalpana , Choudhary Naveen
Published: April 2024

The industrial landscape is about to undergo a revolution thanks to the convergence of emerging technologies. Specifically, the integration of blockchain with the digital twin-enabled industrial internet of things (IIoT) within mixed reality environments has the potential to do just that. This chapter presents a thorough analysis of the applications, advantages, and difficulties of various technologies while examining their potential for synergy. The digital twin provides real-time data monitoring, analysis, and predictive maintenance capabilities. The industrial internet of things establishes connections between tangible objects and sensors, enabling smooth communication and interchange of data. This chapter investigates the use of mixed reality (MR) technology to integrate blockchain technology with the IIoT that is enabled by digital twins. The potential for improving data security, trust, and transparency in industrial applications through the integration of blockchain with IIoT and MR could aid in the development of the Industry 4.0 paradigm.
Artificial Intelligence in Different Business Domains
Authors: Sam Paul B. , Anuradha A.
Published: April 2024

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) refers to a form of AI technology that possesses the capability to produce a diverse array of content, encompassing text, images, artificially generated data, sound and chat responses. Generative AI is a complex branch of AI that allows systems to create new content by using current information such as text, audio, video. Due to the distribution of unlawful material, copyright violations, privacy of data violations, and the amplifying of preexisting biases, this powerful technology also raises serious ethical issues. Privacy, security issues and raising ethical concerns addressing the future of generative AI in different business domains and functions namely, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, operations and information technology are discussed in this chapter.
Ethical Considerations in the Educational Use of Generative AI Technologies
Authors: Tomak Burak , Virlan Ayşe Yılmaz
Published: April 2024

This chapter provides an overview of the ethical considerations that should be taken into account while using generative AI technologies, specifically in the field of education, as well as concrete suggestions for programmers and end-users. Therefore, students, researchers, and academics in a variety of fields who are interested in the ethical aspects of generative AI will find this chapter useful, as it will also provide an overview of the existing ethical frameworks in the field of education. In that sense, this chapter can be viewed as a concise introduction to the current state of the ethical issues being studied and a proposal for balancing risks and opportunities.
Navigating the Legal Landscape of AI-Induced Property Damage
Authors: Bag Akash , Chaturvedi Astha , Sneha  , Tiwari Ruchi
Published: April 2024

This chapter dissects the proposal for an AI Liability Directive by the European Parliament and the Council. The Directive aims to adapt civil liability rules for artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Two main types of non-contractual liability are scrutinized: fault-based and strict liability. The core of the chapter revolves around the proposed AI Liability Directive. It dissects key provisions and highlights conflicting perspectives from scholars and associations. It also looks at the advantages and disadvantages of these rules and concludes by summarizing its findings and discussing how they might impact future policies related to AI responsibility.
Research and Applications of Neurotechnologies for Leadership
Authors: Thatta Sowdamini , Manda Vijaya Kittu , Athota Vidya S.
Published: April 2024

Neuroleadership has emerged as a field combining neuroscience and leadership. It has gained increasing attention recently, attracting interest from academics, researchers, and practitioners. It refers to the brain functions that affect leadership abilities and how they make decisions and solve problems. Cognitive enhancement with neurofeedback and neurological assessment tools are discussed. Though evolving, virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) is helping with real-time neural data. All these tools are helping organizations in their leadership with neuroscience optimizing leadership behaviors and decision-making. Organizations must build strategies for using available research to implement neuroleadership, learn from the adoption, refine them, and then future-proofing leadership practices. Several methodological issues will be encountered in the research journey, but by staying focused and constantly optimizing, the organizations can decide what works best for them. The ethical use of tools and methods and the regulatory restrictions are to be watched.
Significant Impact of Neuroscience in Developing a New Talent Acquisition Strategy
Authors: Kulshrestha Parul , Kulshrestha Dhiresh
Published: April 2024

This chapter synthesises the key insights of neuroscience and human resources and its impact on understanding human behavior in developing new talent acquisition strategy. Neuroscience, once confined to medical and biological domains, has transcended academic boundaries and infiltrated practical arenas, particularly the modern workplace and HR departments. This interdisciplinary field explores the intricacies of human performance, bridging the gap between scientific research and social sciences. In the realm of HR, these insights hold tremendous potential. Environmental factors, notably culture, wield a profound influence on human behavior, shaping beliefs and values. Experiences, emotions, and cognitive biases further mold individual reactions. Neural pathways formed through experiences guide responses to similar situations, emphasising the profound impact of patterns created in the brain. Emotions, integral to decision-making, are both inputs and outputs, deeply influencing behavior.
Analysis of the original notifications in the Tuscany region “Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed” in the seven-year period 2015-2021
Authors: Giusti Alice , Galgani Marta , Barontini Filippo , Balocchini Emanuela , D’Ascenzi Carlo , Armani Andrea
Published: April 2024

The original notifications (n=1355) managed by the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed of the Tuscany region in the seven-year period 2015-2021 were analyzed. 68.9% of them were classified as alert notifications, and they mostly originated (56.3%) from official controls on the market, followed by the company's own checks (29.1%). Italy was the most represented notifying country (73.3%) and the most represented country of origin of the notified products (64.5%). Out of the 28 considered food categories, “fish and products thereof” (F), “cereals and bakery products” (C), “bivalve mollusks and products thereof” (B), and “meat and meat products (other than poultry)” (M) were the most notified. F were especially notified for the presence of heavy metals (45.7%), C for undeclared allergens (32.1%), B for microbial contaminants (Escherichia coli, 49.6%), and M for pathogenic microorganisms (55.9%), mostly Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. This study provides an updated framework for the main food safety issues at the regional level. The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed should be periodically analyzed to evaluate historical trends and emerging or poorly known hazards. This is especially important for the planning of official control activities and the prevention of risks through the food supply chain.
Course and Outcome of Depressive Disorders among Patients with Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Rout Deepak Kumar , Awasthi Snigdha , Sahoo Manoj Kumar
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Alcohol dependence is likely to influence treatment processes and outcomes in depressive patients. This co-occurrence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depressive disorder has been previously associated with greater severity and a worse prognosis for both entities. However, there is a dearth of Indian studies on this issue.

Objective:

To examine the course and outcome among alcohol-dependent/nondependent depressive patients.

Materials and Methods:

Semistructured pro forma for demographic details, International Classification of Diseases 10 Diagnostic Criteria for Research criteria for diagnosis, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) for severity of depression were administered to 124 persons at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3 months.

Results:

The differences between the groups’ HAM-D scores were found to be statistically significant at all time points (i.e., at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3 months) (P < 0.001), with overall worst scores among patients with bipolar depression with alcohol dependence (Group IA) (P < 0.05 at all follow-up points), indicative of slower remission of depression and poorer course in these patients. Among patients of unipolar depression, those with alcohol dependence scored worse on the HAM-D scale at 3 months of follow-up indicative of worse outcomes in the long term.

Conclusions:

Patients with mood disorder and AUD were found to have worse outcome on follow-up as compared to those without. Furthermore, bipolar patients with AUD were found to have the worse depression at the end of follow-up thus indicating a poorer outcome in the long term. However, future studies should incorporate study of associated factors and how it contributes to worse outcomes.
A Rare Case Report of Lipoid Proteinosis with Distichiasis and Trichomegaly: An Interesting Entity
Authors: Bangaru H , Shankar Sathish , Lingaiah Nanjundaswamy Bisalavadi , Shivani SR , Praveen BY , Acharya Tejaswini
Published: April 2024

Lipoid proteinosis (LP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by infiltration of periodic acid schiff (PAS)-positive diastase-resistant hyaline material in the skin, oral cavity, and larynx caused by a mutation in the extracellular matrix 1 gene. Clinically characterized by beaded eyelid papules, waxy papules, nodules, plaques, and acneiform pock-like scars over the face and body. We report a case of LP, with involvement of the skin, eyes, brain, oral mucosa, and larynx, histopathologically confirmed by PAS-positive and diastase-resistant deposition in the dermis. The patient showed good response in skin lesions and quality of speech with 6-month of therapy of acitretin 0.5 mg/kg/day and followed up for 1 year without recurrences. As there is no curative and specific therapy for LP, acitretin is a very useful drug in improving quality of life, speech, and cosmetic appearance.
Ramrod Penis with Unilateral Inguinal Bubo
Authors: Singh Yogindher
Published: April 2024

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Classically, LGV is characterized by the development of a transient genital ulcer or papule, followed by the appearance of tender femoral and/or inguinal lymphadenopathy. Esthiomene, a rare late manifestation of, LGV is a primary infection affecting the lymphatics of the penis, scrotum, or vulva. The male genitalia are affected less commonly by esthiomene. Here, we report a male patient who presented with a Ramrod penis along with an enlargement of inguinal lymph nodes.
Clinicomycological Study of Dermatophyte Infections in Patients Attending Dermatology Outpatient Department in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Vernekar Prajna P , Prabhu Sweta R , Jain Pavithra A , Naveen Kikkeri N
Published: April 2024

Context:

Dermatophytosis is a fungal disease characterized by the infection of skin, hair, and nails. There is an upsurge of complicated superficial dermatophytosis and an increase in the incidence of chronic, relapsing, recurrent cases in India that are also often unresponsive to conventional doses of drugs.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to study the prevalence of dermatophyte species in the particular study area and it is susceptibility to itraconazole, terbinafine, and fluconazole.

Settings and Design:

All dermatophytes isolates obtained were subjected to 10% KOH mount, fungal culture, and antifungal sensitivity testing for fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine.

Materials and Methods:

Newly diagnosed cases of dermatophytosis without treatment for the past 3 months were included in the study. KOH preparation was observed and subjected to fungal culture. Then, the susceptibility of the dermatophytes to oral antifungals (itraconazole, terbinafine, and fluconazole) was done.

Results:

Out of 28 patients with tinea, 14 males and 12 females were tested KOH positive. Out of them, 23 patients showed positive for dermatophyte growth. In them, 15 isolates were Trichophyton mentagrophytes and 8 isolates were Trichophyton rubrum. Antifungal drug susceptibility testing data indicated that, for the two species, MIC of itraconazole ranged between 0.03 and 16 μg/ml, terbinafine between 0.03 and 16 μg/ml, and fluconazole between 0.25 and 64 μg/ml.

Conclusions:

The study provided information regarding the prevalent species of dermatophyte in our study area and it is high sensitivity to itraconazole compared to terbinafine and the lowest for fluconazole. This gives us guidance as to which antifungal to use empirically in our clinical practice to treat tinea infection.
Zero Leprosy Strategic Plans: Global and National Level: A Short Communication
Authors: Geetha K
Published: April 2024

Since the launch of multidrug therapy in 1982, the global leprosy situation has undergone significant changes, with the prevalence falling from over 5 million cases in the mid-1980s to <200,000 by the end of 2016. In India, the program reduced the prevalence rate from 57.8/10,000 in 1983 to <1/10,000 by the end of 2005, marking the achievement of the World Health Organizations (WHOs) target of eliminating leprosy as a public health issue. The WHO has recently introduced a new global leprosy plan called “Towards Zero Leprosy” as part of the disease-specific strategies outlined in the WHO's roadmap for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) 2021–2030. This strategy aims to achieve interruption of leprosy transmission by 2030 and provides a framework for direction, objectives, challenges, and strategic pillars at a global level. In India, a committee of over 80 experts in the field of leprosy developed the National Strategic Plan and Roadmap for Leprosy 2023–2027, which was published on January 30, 2023. This policy is aligned with the WHO's NTDs roadmap 2021–2030 and the Global Leprosy Strategy 2021–2030, both of which aim to interrupt leprosy transmission by 2030. In this article, we have discussed the strategic plans of both the National leprosy eradication programme (NLEP) and the WHO.
Small-Fiber Neuropathy
Authors: Sangolli Prabhakar Mallikarjuna , George Neethu Mary
Published: April 2024

Small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) develops due to the impairment of fibers responsible for mediating temperature, pain, and autonomic functions. SFN complicates a number of common diseases such as diabetes mellitus, human immunodeficiency virus, and COVID-19, and is likely to be increasingly encountered. The associated pain contributes significantly to the morbidity of these diseases. Progression is slow, and most people affected by SFN do not develop large-fiber involvement over time. However, mixed polyneuropathies often start as SFN, and SFN often coexists with large fiber–predominant neuropathy. Symptoms of SFN, including painful paresthesia and dizziness, and sedative side effects of pain medications can negatively affect the quality of life. Standardized diagnostic criteria for SFN are not fully established, and skin biopsy remains the diagnostic test considered most reliable. Autonomic testing is useful when autonomic symptoms are present along with screening for associated conditions. Treatment should be individualized to control underlying causes and alleviate pain. Early diagnosis and individualized treatment are important for controlling SFN symptoms and optimizing daily functions. Here, we review the common but increasingly ignored condition, SFN, and discuss its diagnosis and management.
Acute Methotrexate Toxicity Managed with Leucovorin and Pegylated Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor: A Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature
Authors: Marri Shiva Shankar , Sekar Mohnish , Adya Keshavmurthy A , Inamadar Arun C , Janagond Ajit B
Published: April 2024

Acute methotrexate (MTX) toxicity is most commonly due to overdose of the drug, which may be due to the patient's noncompliance to doctor's orders or physician's prescription error. Other causes include acute renal failure, concomitant use of other drugs, and genetic susceptibility. MTX toxicity presents with pancytopenia, mucositis, hepatotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and acute renal failure. Treatment involves a polypragmatic approach which includes vigorous hydration, urinary alkalinization, administration of leucovorin, and glucarpidase. Administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor should be considered in cases of severe neutropenia. Here, we present two cases of acute MTX toxicity in chronic plaque psoriasis presenting with ulceration of psoriatic lesions and mucosal ulceration successfully treated with leucovorin and pegylated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). This case report demonstrates that G-CSF might be lifesaving by contributing to rapid reconstitution of leukopoiesis.
Cutaneous Malignancies: A Prospective Study of Demographic Patterns, Risk Factors, and Clinical Spectrum at a Tertiary Care Center in South India
Authors: Kanathur Shilpa , Rajesh Supriya , Shanmukhappa Asha Gowrappala , Loganathan Eswari , Suryanarayan Shwetha
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives:

The incidence of skin cancer is increasing worldwide and is causing a massive burden to the health-care system. It arises as a result of interplay between various predisposing factors. We intend to study the various clinical presentations of cutaneous malignancies and the demographic pattern and risk factors associated with them.

Methodology:

The study was done over a period of 7 years, 181 patients were diagnosed with cutaneous malignancy in the department of dermatology of our tertiary care hospital. A diagnosis was done based on history, clinical and histopathological examination.

Results:

Of 181 patients, majority of the patients belonged to 7th decade (n = 56, 31%) with the mean age being 55 years. The study group had 105 males (58%) and 76 (42%) females. The most common site was the head-and-neck region (n = 105, 58%). The most important associated condition/predisposing factor was ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure (n = 79, 44%). Keratinocytic tumors formed the largest group (n = 131, 72%) in which basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was the most common (n = 75, 41%). Surgical excision was the main modality of treatment and was done in 111 (61%) patients.

Conclusion:

BCC was the most common skin cancer with head-and-neck region being the most common location in our study. Important risk factors were increasing age, male sex, and prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Early diagnosis helps in planning effective management strategies.
Comparison of Visual Inspection Methods with Pap Smear as Screening Test for Premalignant Lesions of the Cervix
Authors: Yadav Jyoti , Agarwal Shubhra , Jain Aayushi
Published: April 2024

Aim and Objectives:

The present study was done to compare the visual inspection methods with Pap smear as a screening test for premalignant lesions of the cervix.

Materials and Methods:

The present observational prospective study was done at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Center for 18 months. All study subjects were subjected to Papanicolaou smear, VIA, and VILI examination. If any of these tests were found positive, then a colposcopy and cervical biopsy were done.

Results:

The sensitivity of Pap, VIA, VILI, and colposcopy was 52.63%, 84.21%, 73.68%, and 84.21%, respectively. The specificity of Pap, VIA, VILI, and colposcopy was 60.0%, 80.0%, 60.0%, and 80.0%, respectively. The accuracy of Pap, VIA, VILI, and colposcopy was 54.17%, 83.33%, 70.83%, and 83.33%, respectively.

Conclusion:

It is well known that VIA and VILI are very easy to carry out and apply. Even technically they do not cost much, consume less tax and can be applied to all the patients. Even the results are calculated in a faster manner which helps in chalking out the plan in an easy way.
Russell Body Cervicitis in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-positive Female: An Unusual Presentation of Prolonged Cervical Inflammation
Authors: Mangla Mishu , Sivakoti Sumitra , Palo Seetu , Kumar Naina
Published: April 2024

Individuals living with HIV face an elevated susceptibility to various plasma cell disorders, encompassing a spectrum that spans from benign conditions like plasma cell chronic inflammation to more severe conditions such as aggressive multiple myeloma. The present case is one of the few cases of plasma cell rich inflammation of the cervix, and is probably the first being reported in an HIV positive female. A 34-year-old female, P2L2 with last child birth 8 years back visited gynecology OPD with complaints of copious vaginal discharge from last 1 year. The discharge was yellowish in color, non-foul smelling, watery in consistency and present all through the menstrual cycle. On per speculum examination, the cervix looked unhealthy and bleeding on contact was present. The Pap Smear was suggestive of a high grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion (HSIL). Biopsy revealed intense plasma cell-rich inflammation in the subepithelial stroma with Russel bodies. A summary of all reported cases of Russel cell cervicitis, reported till date and key points to differentiate it from other plasma cell rich cervical lesions like malakoplakia and plasmacytoma are also presented.
Sleep habits and its associated factors among medical students of a medical college in Telangana, India
Authors: Ali Fathima Shoukath , Jha Punam Kumari , Bhavani R.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Sleep is vital for cognitive function and physical and mental well-being. Medical students are prone to reduced sleep because of extensive curriculum, competitive exam, tireless night duties, fear of failure, and countless other responsibilities.

Objective:

This study aims to assess the sleep quality and daytime sleepiness and to determine their associated factors related to poor sleep quality among medical students.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was done among 435 students among undergraduates and postgraduates in Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal, Telangana, from January 2023 to April 2023. After obtaining informed consent, the data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, in which sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Daytime Sleepiness Scale, respectively. The collected data were entered into Excel sheet and exported to SPSS V 20. Data analysis was done using Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness were present in 297 (68.3%) and 105 (24.1%) students, respectively. Department of postgraduates, smoking, mobile phone use, academic performance, tea, coffee intake, and excessive daytime sleepiness had a significant association with poor sleep quality. Excessive daytime sleep and sleep quality had strong positive correlation (r = 0.823).

Conclusion:

Poor sleep quality was quite high among medical students. Daytime sleepiness was predominant among students with poor sleep.
Relationship between Noise Exposure and Prognosis of Patients with Heart Failure: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zhang Liu , Han Xiaoyu
Published: April 2024

Background: Environmental noise damages the cardiovascular system and endangers human health. This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between noise exposure and prognosis of patients with heart failure and to provide a good strategy for disease treatment. Methods and Materials: This study was a retrospective analysis. A total of 487 patients with heart failure admitted to Ganzhou People’s Hospital from September 2021 to September 2023 were selected as research subjects, and they were divided into the low noise exposure group (<55 dB; group A) and the high noise exposure group (≥55 dB; group B) according to the noise exposure conditions. The baseline data and physiological indicators of the two groups were analyzed. Results: In this study, 84 patients were included in group B, and the remaining 403 patients were included in group A. Group A had lower systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate compared to group B (P < 0.05). The serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level in group A was lower than that in group B (P < 0.001). Group B had significantly higher scores on the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) compared to group A (P < 0.001). The noise level was correlated with SAS score, SDS score, and serum BNP level (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: The noise exposure is correlated with the prognosis of patients with heart failure, suggesting that active strategies should be adopted to reduce the impact of noise on their disease.
Alum instillation: A management option for intractable hemorrhagic cystitis
Authors: Lim-Navarro Lilibeth , Aguinaldo Joanne Karen S.
Published: April 2024

Intractable hemorrhagic cystitis is an uncommon but significant treatment complication of concurrent chemoradiation therapy for cervical cancer. Alum instillation is regarded as a safe and effective option for its treatment. This case presentation will discuss a patient who presented with postradiation cystitis and was treated with alum irrigation. The aim of this report is to offer alum irrigation as a management option for intractable hematuria.
Using an anatomic model to teach female stress incontinence to gynecologic residents-in-training: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Lim-Navarro Lilibeth , Aguinaldo Joanne Karen S.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a complex condition with a multifactorial etiology that makes its concepts challenging to teach. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of simulation-based training (SBT) with an anatomic teaching model in improving the understanding of SUI among gynecologic residents-in-training.

OBJECTIVE:

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of SUI simulation-based teaching in enhancing the learning experience for gynecologic residents-in-training. The secondary objective was to gather feedback from participants with the intent to further enhance existing teaching methodologies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a descriptive prospective study within a single institution, involving gynecologic residents-in-training. Participants were given an anatomic teaching tool to construct, followed by an SUI lecture. Pre- and posttest Multiple Choice Questions were administered to assess the efficacy of the teaching tool in improving the participants’ understanding of SUI. Frequency and percentages were used to describe the categorical variables, whereas continuous variables were described using mean and standard deviation. Paired t-test was used to compare the pre- and posttest scores. ANOVA was used to compare the pre- and posttest scores of participants by year level. A P < 0.05 is statistically significant. A separate Likert-scale questionnaire, to evaluate changes in participant’s self-assessment on learning, response to teaching content and resources, and overall feedback of the SBT was used.

RESULTS:

There were 50 gynecologic residents-in-training that were included in the study. The mean posttest score is significantly higher (6.4 vs. 3.48) than the pretest score, with a mean difference of 3.48. The mean posttest score is significantly different between the year levels with a P < 0.05, with senior residents-in-training performing best. Although participants with only gynecologic conferences as SUI reference performed best, the mean pre- and posttest scores were not statistically different with respect to SUI education exposure. With the use of an anatomic SUI model, the number of correct answers for questions pertaining to anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology was consistently higher in the posttest scores as compared to the pretest scores but did not reach statistical significance. The majority of participants strongly agree to recommend the course to a colleague.

CONCLUSION:

This study supports the use of simple, low-fidelity physical teaching tools in improving the understanding of SUI in gynecologic residents-in-training. Considering the ease of production, improved test scores, and participants’ enthusiasm, the incorporation of the anatomic teaching tool for its use in SUI education should be encouraged.
On the construction of families of optimal recovery methods for linear operators
Authors: Osipenko Konstantin Yur'evich
Published: April 2024

The paper proposes an approach for construction of families of optimal methods
for the recovery of linear operators from inaccurately given information.
The proposed method of construction is then applied to recover derivatives from inaccurately specified other
derivatives in the multidimensional case and to recover solutions of the heat equation
from inaccurately specified temperature distributions at some time instants.
On rotation invariant integrable systems
Authors: Tsiganov Andrey Vladimirovich
Published: April 2024

The problem of finding the first integrals of the Newton equations in
the $n$-dimensional Euclidean space is reduced to that of finding
two integrals of motion on the Lie algebra $\mathrm{so}(4)$
which are invariant under $m\geq n-2$ rotation symmetry fields.
As an example, we obtain
several families of integrable and superintegrable systems with first,
second, and fourth-degree integrals of motion in the momenta.
The corresponding Hamilton-Jacobi equation
does not admit separation variables in any of the known curvilinear orthogonal coordinate systems
in the Euclidean space.
Genomics and Phylogeny of Rhodotorula glutinis and Rhodotorula kratochvilovae Isolated from the Northern Peruvian Andes
Authors: Vásquez Villalobos Víctor Javier , Hidalgo-Arteaga Angely Meryl Alessandra , Sosa-Becerra Roxana Beatriz , Soriano-Bernilla Bertha Soledad , De Moura Ferreira Maurício Alexander , Batista da Silveira Wendel
Published: April 2024

Genomes of oleaginous yeast strains Rhodotorula glutinis CON-5 and Rhodotorula kratochvilovae POR-3, isolated from areas in the northern Peruvian Andes using SPAdes, were sequenced and assembled applying Illumina and de novo. Genomes of 20,515,696 and 20,738,185 bp, respectively, were determined. From the structural and functional annotations, the Basidiomycota phylum showed a similarity of 76.8% and 86.5% with 6,976 and 8,124 pairs of proteins in both yeasts respectively, with homologues in the UniProt data bank. Using OrthoVenn, a relationship between both yeasts was obtained from 450 orthologous groups. Likewise, the above-mentioned yeasts and R. toruloides (oleaginous Basidiomycota) showed 1,574 orthologous groups, indicating a good relationship. Construction of phylogenetic trees of genes encoding metabolic enzymes was also carried out, based on the ITS sequences which showed that CON-5 and POR-3 have a greater relationship with R. graminis. Their phylogenetic relationship was ascertained and determined that the enzymes involved in the metabolism of CON-5 and POR-3 are related to each other. It was also found that the protein sequences of the Basidiomycota phylum differ from Ascomycota. The study showed functional evidence regarding the lipid accumulation phenotype, an important aspect in the context of obtaining lipids or oleochemicals.
Roman o podnebnih spremembah med znanstveno fantastiko in realnimi izkušnjami
Authors: Čeh Steger Jožica
Published: April 2024

Literary science, like other sciences, has since the 1990s been intensively responding to anthropogenic climate change in an environmental and socio-cultural context. Climate issues have in literature been narrated in an aesthetic manner, appealing to the reader through stories, stirring emotions in the reader, inviting the reader to reflect on certain values and to behave in an environmentally friendly manner. The present study focuses on a novel about climate change, which in the framework of the environmental genre occupies a space of much importance and which in the 1990s initially gained popularity in the Anglo-American linguistic context. Its structure includes elements of other genres, especially those of science fiction and thrillers. Recently, however, it has distanced itself from fantastic scenarios, moving towards realistic encounters with climate change that can be classified as environmental risk narratives, as illustrated by the example of the novel Zgodovina čebel (The History of Bees) by the Norwegian author Maja Lunde. Climate change is also presented in the novels Na Klancu by Tina Vrščaj and Primerljivi hektarji by Nataša Kramberger.
Po spletnih sledeh Matjaža Kmecla
Authors: Hladnik Miran
Published: April 2024

The paper records the various appearances of Matjaž Kmecl on the web, especially on Wikipedia and its sister projects, describes the history and categorization of his Wikipedia entry and his images on Wikimedia Commons, adds details to his Wikidata, explains the importance of placing photographs documenting the discipline in the public domain, compares Kmecl’s and his colleagues’ presence in the public consciousness with the help of dLib and Cobiss, and concludes with a reference on his personal style of expression.
Stanovsko gledališče v Ljubljani v sezoni 1838/39
Authors: Smolej Tone , Žigon Tanja
Published: April 2024

This paper analyses the 1838/39 season of the German Theatre of the Carniolan Provincial Estates (Ständisches Theater) in Ljubljana, focusing on its artistic output. The introductory section describes the archival material on the basis of which the theatre’s repertoire was reconstructed and then discusses the role of the theatre’s impresario, Ferdinand Funk, and the most important plays which were performed there. In addition to the works of the Austrian playwrights Ferdinand Raimund, Johann Nestroy, Carl Meisl, and Friederich Halm, those of Eugène Scribe and Shakespeare in German translation featured prominently; women playwrights were also noticeably represented in the theatre’s repertoire. Before the 1848 revolutions the Slovene intelligentsia also patronised the Theatre of the Carniolan Provincial Estates, which was the only theatre in Ljubljana at the time, and refined their taste for dramatic art there.
Performance of two SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen detection tests in resource limited settings, the case of Mali
Authors: Diallo Fatimata , Diarra Bassirou , Sarro Yeya dit Sadio , Tolofoudie Mohamed , Toure Mahamoudou , Diallo Dramane , Togo Antieme Combo Georges , Bane Sidy , Abdou Mohamed , Konate Mama Sy , Dicko Abdoul Razakou , Guindo Ibrehima , Saliba Katy Shaw , Kone Amadou , Diakite Mahamadou , Doumbia Seydou
Published: April 2024

Introduction: While real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) is the recommended laboratory method to diagnose severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, its use in resource limited settings can be difficult to maintain due to high testing demand and shortage of reagents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performances of Realy Tech™ and Standard Q™ in comparison to RT-PCR in a relatively low COVID-19 prevalence setting, Mali.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between January and April 2021 in Bamako and Kati regions to evaluate both rapid tests during a large SARS-CoV-2 prevalence study in Mali.Results: Of the 390 samples tested, the sensitivity and specificity of Realy Tech™ and Standard Q™ were 57.1% (95%CI: 44.1-69.2), 95.8% (95%CI: 93.1-97.5); 61.9% (95%CI: 46.8-75.0), and 94.1% (95%CI: 89.5-96.8) respectively. Using RT-PCR, the global prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 14.4% (56/390). In both rapid antigen tests, the performance was better when used in suspected patients compared to positive patients under treatment. Moreover, higher viral loads equivalent to Ct < 25 were associated with better detection rates.Conclusion: While waiting for more complete data, these preliminary studies suggest that Realy Tech™ and Standard Q™ should not be used alone for COVID-19 diagnosis in Mali.
Antibacterial susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli to snail slime
Authors: Dorcas E Agada , Terdzungwe T Sar , John Adole Ujoh , Linus O Ameh
Published: April 2024

Background: The emanation of multi-drugs resistant microorganisms and the challenges faced in combating multi-drug resistantinfections is a public health issue and this has increased the search for effective antibiotics from natural sources.Objectives: This work aims to determine the susceptibility of some pathogenic bacterial species to snail slime.Methods: The antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic snail slime extracts were investigated against Staphylococcus aureus,Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli using the agar well diffusion method.Results: The results showed that all the organisms were sensitive to both extracts but were more susceptible to aqueous extracts; the highest zone of inhibition for aqueous extracts was 27.33mm ± 2.51mm for Staphylococcus aureus at concentration of 1000μl/ml, while the lowest was 11.33mm ± 1.53mm against Escherichia coli. The highest zone of inhibition for ethanolic fraction was 15.67 ± 1.15mm for Salmonella typhi. The lowest inhibition was 9.33mm ± 0.58mm for Escherichia coli. The MIC was 3.125% for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli and 6.25% for S. typhi. The extracts were not cidal at the concentrations used. Statistical analysis revealed that the treatments between the aqueous and ethanolic extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi were significant (p ≤ 0.05). The treatment against B. subtilis showed no significant difference between the two extracts (p > 0.05).Conclusion: This study has revealed that snail slime possesses antibacterial properties which can be used as anti-microbial agents against infectious diseases.
Frequency of red blood cell allo-immunization in patients undergoing blood transfusion at the Uganda Cancer Institute
Authors: Clement D Okello , Andrew W Shih , Martin Nabwana , Noah Kiwanuka , Nancy Heddle , Harriet Mayanja-Kizza , Jackson Orem
Published: April 2024

Background: There is limited data on red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization in patients with cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We examined the frequency of RBC alloimmunization in transfused patients with cancers in Uganda.Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted on participants at the Uganda Cancer Institute. Eligible participants were age ≥15 years and required blood transfusion. Participants were randomized to receive either leucoreduced or non-leucoreduced blood transfusion. Participants’ plasma samples were screened for RBC alloantibodies at enrolment and 3-4 weeks after blood transfusion using a 2-cell panel of reagent group O RBCs using the tube method. Antibody identification was performed using a 10-cell panels of reagent RBCs. Participants were considered alloimmunized if antibodies to RBC antigens were identified.Results: A total of 277 participants were randomized (leucoreduced blood, n=137; non-leucoreduced blood, n=140). Overall, the most represented diagnoses were gynaecological cancers (n=88, 31.8%), acute leukaemia (n=35, 12.6%), and gastrointestinal cancers (n=25, 9.0%). Concomitant HIV infection was present in 26 (9.4%) participants. Most participants received <5 units of blood during the study. No study participant developed allo-antibodies.Conclusion: There was no RBC alloimmunization in participants with cancers. Routine RBC allo-antibody screening in all patients with cancer in SSA requires further research.
Acceptability of hair harvest as a method of tuberculosis therapeutic drug monitoring among adult pulmonary TB patients: a qualitative study
Authors: Grace Muzanyi , David.K Mafigiri , Robert Salata , Moses Joloba , Jackson Mukonzo , Mohammed Ntale , Paul Mubiri , Godfrey Bbosa
Published: April 2024

Background: The current six months regimen for drug-susceptible tuberculosis (TB) is long, complex, and requires adherence monitoring. TB hair drug level assay is one innovative approach to monitor TB treatment adherence however, its acceptability in the context of African multi-cultural settings is not known.Objective: To determine the acceptability of hair harvest and testing as a TB therapeutic drug monitoring method.Methods: The study explored perceptions, and lived experiences among TB patients with regard to using hair harvest and testing as a method of tuberculosis therapeutic drug monitoring in the context of their cultural beliefs, and faith. We used a descriptive phenomenological approach.Results: Four main themes emerged namely: participants’ perceptions about the cultural meaning of their body parts; perceptions about hair having any medical value or meaning; perceptions about hospitals starting to use hair harvest and testing for routine hospital TB treatment adherence monitoring; and perceived advantages and disadvantages of using hair for treatment adherence monitoring. Overall, we found that using hair to monitor adherence was acceptable to TB patients provided the hair was harvested and tested by a medical worker.Conclusion: Hair harvest for medical testing is acceptable to TB patients on the condition that it is conducted by a medical worker.