bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LEACHING BEHAVIOR OF GYPSEOUS SOILS
Authors: Karkush Mahdi O. , Al-Shakarchi Yousif J. , Al-Jorany Ala N.
Published: March 2024

A series of laboratory tests were carried out on disturbed soil samples containing different gypsum contents. The soil samples were obtained from al-Jazeera south-west of Iraq. Tests were performed to obtain the physical and mechanical properties of the soil. In addition; permeability-leaching tests were conducted by using oedometer and large-scale Rowe cell apparatus to obtain the variation of the coefficient of permeability, dissolved gypsum and leaching strain with time. All samples were tested under similar conditions, e.g. the hydraulic gradient, vertical stress and leaching period. The soil samples designated N1, N2, and N3 are obtained from depths (0.5-0.75), (1.0-1.25), and (3.25-3.5) m and having gypsum content (31.43), (51.37), and (4.86) percentage respectively. Results of experimental work show that the coefficient of permeability, the percentages of dissolved gypsum and leaching strain measured from the oedometer test are higher than that measured from large-scale Rowe cell test for the same soil sample. The gypseous soil with higher gypsum content exhibited significant amount of leaching strain.
The traditional solutions in the sustainable climatic adaptation and its employment in the contemporary housing
Authors: شاهين بهجت رشاد , خلف سالي فخري
Published: March 2024

Sustainability means, the integration between the ecological, technological, economical and social systems to forming the urban environment to maintain the resources for the future generations. Sustainability focuses on many principles: Using the natural energy, learning from the traditional architecture, minimizing the consumption of the resources.To develop some criteria's for contemporary dwellings in hot dry climate, the research tried to study and analyze the traditional architecture to diagnose its importance and ability to solve contemporary problems, one of which is the lack of comfortable and suitable dwelling units in hot dry climate regions.The research will study the traditional urban fabric components in the hot- arid zone, because the urban experiment in this zone emphasized on the compact forms and considered it the result of the human adaptation to create the comfortable microclimate.The research concludes the effective indicators in the traditional urban fabric and employed it in many of housing clusters in hot arid zone to examine its importance and effect in the formalization of sustainable and suitable housing clusters.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THERMAL STORAGE POROUS WALL WITH VENTS USING PASSIVE SOLAR ENERGY
Authors: Saleh Saad M. , Saleem Hussein K.
Published: March 2024

The performance of thermal storage porous wall with vents (gravel material) is analyzed forpassive solar heating system under Baghdad climatic conditions by comparing it with conventionalwall (Concrete wall) for a variety of control strategies. The variation has been calculated during aperiod of heating season for three months from December (1999) to February (2000) by usingcomputer simulation with MATLAB language (Ver.6.5). A mathematical model containing thegoverning differential equations of heat transfer through the wall and glazing under unsteady heat flowwas performed by using “control volume” technique to obtain the temperature distribution within thewall. The study was carried out for a south facing vertical wall and the effect of different thicknesses,porosities, effect of insulation and glazing layers and effect of vents was also investigated
ANALYSIS OF APPROXIMATED CURVED CRACKS IN HOMOGENEOUS AND GRADED MATERIALS
Authors: NEAMAH HAYDER FANOOS
Published: March 2024

In this paper two stages of analysis are studied. In stage I, the influence of crack shape on thecrack-tip stresses, critical loads and subsequent propagation direction is investigated via a simpleanalytical model for cracks in homogeneous materials. This model is verified through finite elementsimulations using ANSYS. It is demonstrated that accurate predictions of mechanical energy releaserate and crack deflection angle may be obtained from a smaller number of crack shape parameters.In stage II, this concept is extended to curved cracks in functionally graded materials (FGMs).It iscommon that analytical and computational models of fracture in FGMs have focused almostextensively on straight cracks. If it can be demonstrated that straight cracks give an adequateapproximation of curved cracks in graded materials, then the existing solutions for straight cracksprovide a sufficient foundation for fracture analysis of FGMs. On the other hand, if straight cracksdo not adequately approximate curved cracks in FGMs, then the development of solutions for nonstraight cracks in graded materials is priority. Three cracks shapes approximations are performed tocompare with the actual crack in isotropic and graded materials. The crack propagation and the SIFswere simulated using finite element method. It was concluded that piecewise linear crack shapesprovide a significantly better approximation than straight crack shapes. Accordingly, analyticalsolutions for piecewise linear cracks in graded materials would be very useful, and should be afocus of future work in this area.
PARAMETRIC STUDY OF LAMINAR NATURAL CONVECTION IN GLAZING ENCLOSURE
Authors: Amori Karima E. , Toima Ahmed Mohammed
Published: March 2024

This work includes a numerical investigation of steady two dimensional laminar naturalconvection heat transfer in glazed rectangular enclosure at different tilt angles ranged from (0oto 90o) for Rayleigh number (103-106), aspect ratios(4,5, and 8),and Prandtl number (0.7). Thestudy considers the effect of different boundary conditions on the heat transfer within theenclosure. The continuity equation, Navier-Stokes equations and the energy equation aresolved by developing a numerical model based on finite volume method using SIMPLEalgorithm with hybrid scheme to compute the velocity vectors, temperature, pressure, andNusselt No. (local and average). Results show an increase in heat transfer rate with increasingof Rayleigh number, and for low Rayleigh numbers, the conduction is the dominant heattransfer mode. At Ra= 103, the mean Nusselt number remains constant around unity for allcases. The tilt angle has the major effect on the heat transfer for Rayleigh number larger than104. A comparison of the present results with previously published data is conducted, and goodagreement is seen to indicate the effectiveness and flexibility of the developed numericalprocedure.
SITE ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE A CASE STUDY (OUIREEJ SCRAP YARD)
Authors: Ibraheem Jathwa A.
Published: March 2024

Scrap metal export is currently one of the few thriving industries in Iraq. Looters and legitimate operators are together effectively demolishing many of the old industrial facilities in order to retrieve the metal contained in buildings, processes and storage equipments and vehicles. The mixing of civilian and military scrapping operations such as that occurring at Ouireej is exacerbating the problem. The situation is particularly difficult for Iraq, given the rapid growth of the scrap industry and the lack of security. In view of the current difficulties, the focus was on practical short to medium term improvements such as controlling access to sites, land use zoning, licensing and export controls. The wholesale reform of the scrap metal industry to improve environmental practices, whilst desirable, is also probably not feasible in the short to medium term. The remediation of working scrap sites, such as Ouireej is also probably unfeasible at present. Laboratory analysis of shallowsoil detected contamination by PCBs, mineral oil and heavy metals, principally copper, lead, antimony and Zinc. The detected levels of all contaminants were relatively low. But PCB contamination was relatively widespread, being detected in eight soil samples with a maximum concentration of 23 μg/kg. Laboratory analysis of rainwater ponds on the site indicated marginal contamination by heavy metals and mineral oils
RECLAMATION AND REUSE OF TEXTILE DYEHOUSE WASTEWATER BY ELCTROCOAGULATION PROCESS
Authors: Flayeh Hussain M.
Published: March 2024

The present study investigates the removal of the textile dyehouse wastewater [azo dye para red(reactive dye)and M-5R200%(disperse oranges dye)] by Electrocaogulation process. The effect of nature of the anode, current density, initial pH, rate of stirring and concentration of dyes on the removal efficiency were tested.The experimental results showed that the color of dyes in the aqueous solution was effectively removed when aluminum was used as anodes and the current density 25mA/cm2 , initial pH (3-9),stirring rate 200rpm, and the concentration of dyes was less than 100mg/l. When the concentration of reactive dye exceeded 300mg/l iron was a more suitable anode than aluminum.For the electrocaogulation of disperse dye in aqueous solution aluminum as anode was more suitable than iron when the concentration exceeded 300mg/l. The removal efficiency of reactive dye was increased to 90% when using iron as anode and the removal efficiency of disperse dye 96% when aluminum was used as anode at different running time (10-30) minute.
NUMERICAL STUDY OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL TRANSIENT NATURAL CONVECTION IN AN INCLINED SHALLOW POROUS CAVITY EXPOSED TO A CONSTANT HEAT FLUX
Authors: Al-lateef Jasim M. A. , Hassan Ayad K.
Published: March 2024

Numerical models are used to solve the two-dimensional transient natural convection heat transfer problem in an inclined shallow porous cavity. A constant heat flux is applied for heating and cooling all opposing walls. Solutions for laminar case are obtained within Rayleigh number varied from 20 to 500 and aspect ratio for porous cavity varied from 2 to 4. A finite difference method is used to obtain numerical solutions of full governing equations. Both vorticity and energy equation are solved using alternating direct implicit (ADI) method and stream function equation by successive over relaxation (SOR) method. The results are presented for the flow filed, temperature distributions, and average Nusselt number in terms of the Rayleigh number, aspect ratio, and the inclination angle of cavity. the convection becomes more and more vigorous as thr orientation angle of the cavity is increased and for high Rayligh number no steady unicellular flow could be maintained in side the cavity. The effect of inclination angle on Nasselt number is more pronounced as the Rayleigh number is increased. When the inclination angle increased the Nusselt number increased and sudden transition appears and flow becomes unicellular and Nusselt number increased clearly. The value of mean Nusselt number strong function with the value of Rayleigh number, aspect ratio and the orientation of porous cavity.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS FOR LINK CROSS-SECTION OF MANIPULATOR ARMS
Authors: Ali Ahmed Abdul Hussain , Ramadhan Dler Obed
Published: March 2024

The stresses and deflections in robot arm was analyzed using ANSYS software package. Industrial robot analyzed in this work consists of three arms that have 2-DOF. The analysis of eacharm had been made separately. The maximum stress and deflection have been analyzed for a static applied at one end of the arm while has the other end fixed. Links of various cross-sections having same masses, length, and material properties to make a choice of the shape that gives a high stiffness to weight ratio have been examined. After specifying the best section for the arms of the robot an optimization process began to determine the dimensions of the arms sections which give the least deformation this had been done by the aid of a program build up by using the MATHCAD software package. In the beginning the program finds the optimum section in which the stress in the members not exceeds the allowable stress and finds the total weight of the robot after that the program begins to change the dimensions to satisfy the condition of minimum deflection of the whole robot after that the program estimates the best choices of the dimension for each section that gives the minimum weight and deflection. The dynamic behavior of the best chosen structure of industrial robot was studied to find the natural frequencies ( n w ) and mode shapes. The result shows that the hollow circular section is the best section for the first link while a square section is the best section for the other two links.
REMOVAL OF METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER FROMSYNTHETIC WASTEWATER
Authors: Barno Suondos K. A.
Published: March 2024

Methyle tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) is the most fuel additive used through the world.Thus, it has been reported that MTBE is the second high concentration contamination found in ground water.Study of the effect of reaction time and reaction temperature of 25 to 55° C on the kinetic of chemical oxidation has been done with 3000 ppm MTBE in water at pH range 3 to 7 and 1:1 hydrogen peroxide to Fenton’s reagent ratio.Also, Kinetic analysis was carried out to determine reaction order and activation energy for the reaction of MTBE disappearance during the reaction with Fenton’s reagent.
FORGEABILITY OF 25%GRPOM ( CELCONR ) TOPRODUCE SPUR GEAR UNDER HOT CONDITIONSTHROUGH SLOW SPEED PRESS.
Authors: Rashid Talib.H.
Published: March 2024

This research studied forgeability of preheated billet of 25%GRPOM plastic through
 
closed die forging technique using spur gear design. The type of deformation was
 
discussed as well. This process had done after heating the billet and die assembly at
 
100oC to achieve complete gear shape taking into consideration testing the product to
 
insure no inside or outside defects with improvement in the mechanical properties.
 
Cycle time to produce a complete shape was two minutes.
محددات البيئة الآمنة للمجمعات السكنية عالية الكثافة لمراكز المدن
Authors: العلوان هدى عبد الصاحب , الدليمي ميس محمود مخلف
Published: March 2024

تعد الجريمة احدى الظواهر المهمة التي تمت دراستها على المستوى العالمي، واجتهد المهتمون من مخططين ومعماريين للسيطرةعلى هذه الظاهرة لغرض تحقيق الامن. ومما يجعل دراسة ظاهرة الجريمة فيها ذات قدر عال من الاهمية ولاسيما ضمن نطاقالمجمعات السكنية عالية الكثافة لتأثير تلك الظاهرة على سلوك الانسان فيها واحساسه بالامن.شخص البحث مشكلة معرفية خاصةتتعلق بعدم شمولية المعرفة العلمية المتوفرة حول محددات البيئة الآمنة للمجمعات السكنية عالية الكثافة لمراكزالمدن وتأثير ظاهرةالجريمة بانواعها المختلفة.وتحدد هدف البحث في محاولة ارساء معرفة اكثر شمولية حول المحددات التخطيطية والتصميميةالاجتماعية لأقرار بيئة مبنية آمنة للمجمعات السكنية عالية الكثافة لمراكز المدن. أتخذ البحث من مفردات (الحيزية،المراقبةالبصرية، الخصوصية، التفاعل الاجتماعي) مرتكزات لتقصيه عن الحل مستنيرًا بتصو افتراضي كون مستوى احساس السكانبالامان يرتفع في بيئة المجمعات السكنية عالية الكثافة كلما كانت اكثر تنظيمًا على المستويين التخطيطي والتصميمي ضمنمحدداتها الاجتماعية،في ضوء ذلك تم تأسيس القاعدة المعلوماتية حول ظاهرة (الجريمة) ودوافعها من خلال تعريف مفرداتهاالاساسية وانماطها وطرح العوامل الداخلية والخارجية المرتبطة بها وأهم الطروحات التي تناولتها ومن ثم استخلاص المحدداتالتخطيطية والتصميمية والاجتماعية للحد منها. وقد افرزت النتائج التي خلص اليها البحث آليات واضحة لتحقيق مفهوم الامنوالمتضمنة مؤشرات للمعالجات التخطيطية والتصميمية للمجمعات السكنية عالية الكثافة ضمن محدداتها الاجتماعية. ان هذه الآلياتتوفر للمصمم اصول عمل تعينه على ابتكار الحلول الملائمة لكي تصبح البيئات المبنية اكثر أمنًا لمستخدميها.
Development of information systems in road transportation
Authors: Pitka Pavle , Miličić Milica , Kovačević Tatjana , Majstorović Milica
Published: March 2024

Nowadays, we face many problems in the field of transport. The application of intelligent transport systems should improve problems related to congestion management, road safety, access to data in the transport environment, and environmental protection. The paper presents two concepts that are key to the improvement and development of the transport sector. The development and application of automatic vehicle location since the 1960s has led to an improvement in the efficiency of transport companies’ operations and the quality of their services. This technology has led to improved efficiency of the transport service, better utilisation of resources and improved quality of service. However, the most modern concept that initiates the improvement of existing solutions and encourages the development of new solutions in the field of transport is the IoT (Internet of Things) concept. In freight transport, the application of IoT technology enables cost management, reduction of CO2 emissions and avoidance of congestion through the use of alternative routes.
Research on the values in EFL textbooks from the perspective of multimodality: taking High School English textbook as an example
Authors: Nan Wang , Xin Quan
Published: March 2024

Wie article aims to investigate the representation of social values in EFL High School English textbooks in the northern part of China. ftie results suggest different functional meanings of images are highlighted to connect different value appeals, stimulating students' emotional response and sense of identity, so as to strengthen their ideological education. ftie analytical findings are of significance in the explicit instruction and critical analysis of social values in English language teaching in secondary education.
Ethnic minorities and the internationalization of foreign language education under the background of globalization
Authors: Shujing Wang
Published: March 2024

In the context of globalization, the impact of multiculturalism will inevitably lead to the crisis of cultural identity, and foreign language education has an inevitable conflict with existing national cultural genes. The purpose of this paper is to balance the world and nationality of foreign language education for ethnic minorities, and then realize the stable, coordinated and sustained extension of foreign language education for ethnic minorities.
Comparison of legal culture in Ming and Qing dynasties
Authors: Youliang Wang
Published: March 2024

The Ming and Qing dynasties is an important stage in the development of Chinese legal system. The national laws in the Ming and Qing dynasties supported and maintained the clan system as a whole, but proceeded from their own interests. This article attempts to analyze the characteristics of legal culture in Ming and Qing dynasties from the perspective of clan system maintenance.
Enlightenment and influence of Chinese philosophical thoughts on modern advertising design
Authors: Bian Zhuo
Published: March 2024

The article analyzes the relationship between traditional Chinese philosophical thought and modern advertising design. The author believes that if one grasps the essence of traditional Chinese philosophical thought, one can design modern advertisements with elegant tone and evocative effect.
Doris Lessing’s deconstruction of the classless society myth in postwar Britain in “The Fifth Child”
Authors: Yuhuan Liu
Published: March 2024

In the later part of the 20th century, many British people believed that Britain had entered classless society and turned into a nation of middle class, and an important way of realizing such a middle-class society was to restore traditional Victorian family values. However, Doris Lessing's novel “The Fifth Child” proves the bankruptcy of the belief.
The context and development approach of China minority music education in the Internet age
Authors: Mo Zhang
Published: March 2024

With the growth of Internet technology, the problem of lack of homogenization of music talent training is gradually exposed. According to the present situation of minority music teaching in universities in China, this article puts forward some educational reform methods in order to provide some reference for promoting the high-quality growth of minority music education.
The evolution of music style of the Romantic period’s piano works
Authors: Qianrong Zhang
Published: March 2024

Analyzing the playing style and artistic style of the Romantic period's piano music is helpful for future generations to learn from the mature experience of their predecessors, so as to create music better. Based on the cultural background of Romantic music, this article examines the evolution and development of the musical style of the Romantic period's piano works, explores the concrete embodiment of the musical creation style in his works, and further explores its humanistic light relative to classical piano music.
Modern Chinese diplomacy in the context of humanitarian interaction between the Amur region and Heilongjiang province: historical background, issues, perspectives
Authors: Meiwei Yan , Tianhe Zhou
Published: March 2024

The article examines the scale and scope of humanitarian interaction between the Amur region and Heilongjiang Province at the beginning of the 21st century. It is noted that the relations between the states in this area are constantly intensifying, and the influence of cultural diplomacy of both countries follows an established standardized path. In the context of forming a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia, cultural diplomacy is considered as one of the three main components of relations, along with political and economic diplomacy.
Relativity in Time Scale: Contraction of Mass and Planck’s Constant
Authors: Doruköz Ulaş
Published: March 2024

All physical quantities can be expressed in terms of seconds or exponentials of seconds by using a time scale transformation method, a variant of the geometrized unit system. Since it is a fact that time slows down in a gravitational field by Schwarzshild’s gravitational time dilation factor (γg) due to general relativity and all physical quantities can be expressed as time in time scale transformation; in this article it is hypothesized that from the perspective of an observer at a point in a gravitational field, not only time or length but all other quantities are also scaled up/down by the gravitational time dilation factor at that point, with respect to their units in time scale. According to the hypothesis, for two observers at different points of a gravitational field where time flows γg times slower for one of them compared to the other, the observer with the shorter time perception measures the same mass, energy, momentum or charge quantities γg times smaller; Planck’s constant or action γg^2 times lower; the same frequency γg times higher; and the same Ricci curvature γg^2 times higher, compared to the observer with a longer time perception. Therefore, all physical quantities become relative to the observer; even the fundamental attributes of elementary particles (mass, charge, spin) might not be having predefined, invariant values, unless an interaction (measurement) with an observer in a gravitational field (a second entity) takes place. At first glance, such a claim seems contradictory to the fundamental conservation laws of physics. In fact, the conservation laws still hold from the perspective of the observer, as long as the gravitational time dilation factor for the observer’s position is constant. The hypothesis takes Einstein’s field equation for granted. Herein, it is theoretically demonstrated that physics still works consistently under this assumption and it provides testable predictions, alternative explanations for phenomenons like the nature of potential energy, expansion of universe, gravitatioal redshift and excessive gravitational lensing around the galaxies. For instance; expansion of universe can be interpretted as the result of a continuous increase in the time perception of the observer; the gravitational potential energy is not stored somewhere in the gravitational field, but as extra mass within the object itself; the observed excessive gravitational lensing might be a result of the time delay in our measurements and black holes have no interior. In the discussion, Pound-Rebka experiment and Hutchin’s work on the variations of Planck’s constant are assessed in the context of the hypothesis to present its strengths and discordances with the current understanding. The final objective of our work is to show that the hypothesis is self-consistent and worth to be tested experimentally.
Ileal perforation-etiopathology and outcome – An observational study
Authors: Prabal Kanti Mandal  , Joy Roy  , Somnath Biswas  , Arunima Mukhopadhyay
Published: March 2024

Background: Ileal perforations have a diverse etiology and often present with perforative peritonitis in the surgical emergency. This study is based on the scenario of management of ileal perforation encountered in a tertiary teaching hospital in West Bengal.
Aims and Objectives: The aim and objective of this study is to document and evaluate the post-operative outcome based on the diverse etiopathology, clinical presentation, and surgical management performed in patients having ileal perforation.
Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Deben Mahata Government Medical College, Purulia, West Bengal, for a period of 2 years from February 2020 to January 2022 with 60 patients introperatively diagnosed with ileal perforation. Emergency exploratory laparotomy was done in all the cases presenting with perforative peritonitis. Ileal perforation was identified and an edge biopsy was taken. Appropriate surgical treatment in the forms of primary repair/resection-anastomosis/resection-ileostomy was done. The histopathological report was reviewed following surgery. The patients were evaluated in the post-operative period for post-operative morbidity and mortality.
Results: Typhoid fever (68.33%) was the predominant cause in our study. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (93%), fever (85%), and abdominal distension (75%). Widal test was performed preoperatively and was positive in 41 cases (68.33%). In our study, primary repair (58.33%), resection-anastomosis (15%), and resection-ileostomy (26.67%) were the main surgical treatment performed. Sepsis, surgical site infections (SSIs), fecal fistula, and wound dehiscence were the common post-operative complications found. Among them, SSI (51.67%) was the most common post-operative complication (P<0.0001) found and fecal fistula was the most dreaded post-operative complication with 50% mortality. Histopathological reports following surgery showed cases were mainly due to enteric fever (51.67%) and tuberculosis (25%).
Conclusion: Early surgical intervention was the mainstay of treatment of ileal perforation. Delayed presentation of perforation is responsible for the development of surgical site infections (SSIs). Uncontrolled generalized sepsis, wound dehiscence, and fecal fistula were the main causes of post-operative mortality.
A comparative study of psychiatric comorbidities and quality of life in patients with epilepsy and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures
Authors: Mandal Mahadeb , Durga Prasad Chakraborty  , Rajesh Kumar Thakur  , Nirmal Kumar Bera
Published: March 2024

Background: Epilepsy and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are both common disease entities and psychiatric comorbidities are also high among the sufferers. Studies on the comparison of the levels of comorbidities between the two groups are few in number.
Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate different psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, social functioning, and quality of life (QoL) in epilepsy and PNES patients and compare them statistically.
Materials and Methods: 38 epilepsy and 22 PNES patients were evaluated with clinical history and different tools like the mini international neuropsychiatric interview - 5, Beck’s Depression Inventory - 2,state and trait anxiety inventory, Social and Occupational functioning scale for epilepsy and QoL in epilepsy - 31 questionnaire. Comparisons were made between the groups regarding sociodemographic data, scores on different aspects of psychiatric disorders, social functioning, and QoL.
Results: The majority in the epilepsy group were males, and in the PNES group were females, while younger age group predominates in both groups. There was a high prevalence of depression and anxiety in both groups, while PNES subjects had significantly higher depression and trait anxiety scores. Social and occupational functions were comparable in the two groups, but QoL indexes were significantly worse in the PNES group.
Conclusion: Findings in this study indicate that psychiatric comorbidities like depression and anxiety disorders are much more common among patients with epilepsy and PNES. Occurrence of depression is even higher among patients with PNES. Both epilepsy/PNES and these psychiatric comorbidities affect Socio-occupational functions and their QoL. Thus, it is very important to look for these psychiatric comorbidities and QoL in these patients and implement proper management protocols to improve their mental health as well as their QoL.
Capnography-assisted airway management by awake blind nasal intubation in maxillofacial surgeries: An observational study
Authors: Kokate Minal , Vikram Kokate  , Gaurav Dubey  , Vijaya Borkar
Published: March 2024

Background: Maxillofacial surgery patients frequently pose challenges to airway management due to anatomical and functional constraints. While fiber-optic-aided nasotracheal intubation is considered the gold standard, not all medical facilities have access to fiber-optic bronchoscopes, particularly in low-resource settings. In such situations, awake nasal tracheal intubation is often the safest approach for managing patients with known or suspected difficult airways.
Aims and Objectives: (1) To assess the technique of capnography-assisted airway management by awake blind nasal intubation (ABNI) in maxillofacial surgeries. (2) To find out any complications encountered by the technique of capnography-assisted airway management by ABNI in maxillofacial surgeries.
Materials and Methods: 40 patients undergoing various maxillofacial surgeries and in whom blind nasotracheal intubation was attempted were included in this study. The institutional ethical committee approved the study, and informed consent was obtained from all the patients. The number of attempts for ABNI, successful versus failed ABNI, and complications encountered were studied. SSPS 21.0 software was used for statistical analysis.
Results: There were 23 (57.50%) males and 17 (42.50%) females. There was a male preponderance, with the M: F ratio being 1:0.73. The mean age of the patients was 40.97±8.92 years. In 36 (90%) of the patients, the intubation could be successfully done. In 19 (47.50%) patients, blind nasal intubation was successfully done in the first attempt; 2 attempts were required in 15 (37.50%) patients, and 3 attempts were required in 2 (5%) patients. Epistaxis (10%) and sore throats (7.5%) were the most common complications in the studied cases.
Conclusion: Capnography-assisted ABNI is an effective technique for airway control in patients undergoing maxillofacial surgeries with an acceptable complication rate.
A prospective comparative study of the intraoperative difficulties during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients taking homeopathic medications for cholelithiasis versus cholelithiasis patients with no history of homeopathic medication
Authors: Mandal Partha Pratim , Mandal Shivaji , Agrawal Nikhil , Chowdhury Debayan
Published: March 2024

Background: Gallstone disease is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal diseases with a substantial burden to health-care systems. Patients present with right upper quadrant pain, dyspepsia, nausea or vomiting. Owing to the side effects of allopathic drugs, many patients resort to homeopathic treatment for relief of pain. There are several homeopathic drugs that decrease the pain of cholecystitis as well as high cholesterol in these patients but cannot cure them off the disease. Finally, they come to general surgeon for cholecystectomy. We have noticed that performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in these patients is difficult and time consuming.
Aims and Objectives: To determine whether or not homeopathic medicine intake for treatment of cholelithiasis act as an independent factor that leads to intraoperative difficulties during LC.
Materials and Methods: Study design: A prospective randomized comparative study. Study period: July 2022–December 2023 (18 months). Study groups: Group H = Patients with history of (H/O) intake of homeopathic medicines for treatment of cholelithiasis = 60 patients, Group N = Patients with no H/O homeopathic medicine intake = 60 patients.
Results: Twenty-six (43.33%) patients in Group H and 11 (18.33%) patients in Group N had a difficult LC. 7 (11.67%) patients in Group H and 1 (1.67%) patient in Group N had dense adhesions around the gallbladder (GB). 13 (21.67%) patients of Group H and 3 (5%) patients of Group N had a Frozen Calot’s Triangle (fibrosis and difficult Calot’s triangle dissection). This was statistically significant.
Conclusion: Our study proved that intake of homeopathic medications for the treatment of cholelithiasis leads to dense adhesions around GB as well as fibrotic adhesions leading to difficult Calot’s triangle dissection leading to a difficult LC.
Clinicopathological study of pigmented fungal lesions with special reference to subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis: A 3-year study in a tertiary care hospital of Eastern India
Authors: Rajashree Pradhan  , Chatterjee Suman , Bidisha Chakraborty  , Sajeeb Mondal
Published: March 2024

Background: Fungal infections are predominantly opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients and in immunocompetent adults with a history of trauma. Recently, there is an increase in trends of fungal infections in immunocompetent individuals also without any history of trauma. Pigmented fungi are a group of fungi that have pigment in their cell wall and also known as dematiaceous fungi. These pigmented fungi include phaeohyphomycosis with a differential diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis, cryptococcosis, mycetoma, and aspergillus. Phaeohyphomycosis is a subcutaneous or systemic infection characterized histologically by dark-colored fungal hyphae and yeast forms (black yeast).
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study is to analyze the clinicopathological features of pigmented fungal infections in biopsy specimen based on their histomorphology.
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study in which we have analyzed the dematiaceous fungal species by their histomorphological characteristics in biopsy specimens.
Results: A total of 21 cases of biopsy specimens (with the clinical presentation of cutaneous/subcutaneous lesions) were studied histologically which showed 13 cases of phaeohyp homycosis, seven cases of eumycotic mycetoma, and one case of chromoblastomycosis. There was male predominance (17, 80.95%) and the majority of the patients were >60 years (16, 76.19%). Most common site of infection was foot with predominant clinical presentation as subcutaneous mass lesion.
Conclusion: All the cases of dematiaceous fungal infections were diagnosed by histopathological examination. Melanin in the cell wall of dematiaceous fungi is the pathogenic factor. Phaeohyphomycosis is no longer considered as a rare infection rather there is an increasingly incidence of recognized infection. Although culture and histopathological study remain important tools for final diagnosis, various molecular studies might be helpful for accurate diagnosis.
Study of antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolated organisms in otitis media
Authors: Ujwala A Lokhande  , Suresh L Akulwar  , Lokhande Annasaheb
Published: March 2024

Background: Otitis media (OM) encompasses a spectrum of inflammatory conditions affecting the middle ear, contributing significantly to health-care visits and prescriptions. Complications arising from OM frequently result in avoidable hearing loss, particularly in developing nations.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to ascertain the bacterial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of ear infections characterized by ear discharge complaints.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the microbiology department of a tertiary care hospital over a 2-year period. The study involved 581 samples diagnosed with OM. Trained nurses collected pertinent patient information, while both nurses and an ENT doctor collected samples during specimen collection, utilizing an otoscope and headlight. Thorough documentation of relevant history and physical examinations accompanied the meticulous collection of ear discharge.
Results: Culture-positive samples accounted for 96.39% (560 samples), with no growth observed in 3.61% (21 samples). Gram staining revealed 570 positive samples. Of the 581 OM samples, aerobes were isolated from 73.67% and anaerobes from 51.64%. The total isolates numbered 845, with 61.54% being aerobic and 38.46% anaerobic. Among the bacterial isolates, gram-negative bacteria slightly exceeded gram-positive bacteria, constituting 60.57% and 39.42%, respectively.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the isolated aerobes and anaerobes shed light on the prevalent organisms in our region causing OM. The antibiotic sensitivity analysis conducted in this study emphasizes the identification of drugs suitable for the earliest treatment of OM.
A minimally invasive fixation for boxers fracture – fifth metacarpal neck using antegrade K wire fixation – functional outcome study
Authors: Pamarthi Srinivas  , Sai Phanindra M
Published: March 2024

Background: Fifth metacarpal fractures are more common fractures in hand which are treated by conservative or surgical methods. Using retrograde k-wire fixation is associated with more complications due to damage to articular surface causing deformity or decreasing range of motion. Studies are done using single k-wire usage by antegrade technique, results vary due to k-wire complications and surgeon experience.
Aims and Objectives: In this study, we are used a technique to bend a K wire in S-shaped fashion to negotiate through fracture to hold and reduce the fracture by rotating the tip of K-wire.
Materials and Methods: This prospective study was done for fracture neck of fifth metacarpal presenting to outpatient department in 36 patients with dorsal angulation of more than 300 treated by passing a single k wire bent at the tip and shaft to form an S shape retrogradely with a follow-up period of 6 months following surgery.
Results: Majority of injuries were in males in the dominant hand with a mean age group of 27.25 years. The mean pre-operative flexion angle of distal fragment was 44.11° (SD–4.12), and after the end of follow-up healing was achieved in all cases with a mean flexion angle improvement to 5.25° (SD–2.16). Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score measured at the end of study showed a mean of 6.25, and total active motions core showed excellent results in 25 cases (69.4%) cases and poor in 1 case (2.77%).
Conclusion: This study emphasizes that bending a K wire in a lazy S fashion and passing antegradely will replicate results similar to using 2 K wires and have a better prognosis than retrograde wiring through the head of metacarpal. Furthermore, this procedure can be done in a primary care setting with minimal resources.
A Study of the Application of Local Skills in Classroom Instructions in Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai Taranath
Published: March 2024

This study aims at identifying the prevalent status of the application of local skills in classroom instructions in study area in the context of government schools in Nepal and analyzes the reasons behind the available status of the application of local skills in classroom practices in study area. It also attempts to recommend some strategies for the development of local skills oriented classroom instructions for the development of practical education through functional or task-based classroom instructions. Based on qualitative method, the data have been generated through PRA, classroom observation, and semi- structured interview. The collected data have been analyzed by using thematic analysis under interpretative paradigm. The study has revealed a poor status of the application of local skills based classroom instructions in study area along with the issues of teacher development, administrative supervision, local need, examination system and also emphasizes on addressing the development of skill-oriented local curriculum for the development of task-based classroom instructions in study area and in general.
A study of sleep problems and its associated factors among patients presenting in psychiatry OPD at tertiary-level hospital in Nepal
Authors: Paudyal Sreya , Shah Sanjeev , Ranjan Sanjeev , Subedi Sandip
Published: March 2024

Background: Sleep disturbances amongst those with psychiatric disorders are quite common and may occur as a primary disorder or in association with any psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study is to find out the prevalence of sleep disorders and its associated factors in psychiatric outpatients.
Material & Methods: This cross- sectional study was conducted among the patients presenting in the psychiatric opd, from 1st Feb 2022 to 30th July, 2022 in tertiary level hospital in Nepal. Total 217 samples were included and purposive sampling technique was applied for sample collection.
After written informed consent from participants socio-demographic data were collected. Athens Insomnia scale (ASI) and Screening symptoms of sleep disorder(s) were the tools applied to the participants to find out types of sleep disorders.
Results: In our study, sleep disorders were found in 66.8% of the patients presenting to psychiatric opd. Insomnia was the most common finding accounting for 59.4 % of the participants. Narcolepsy was found in 2.3% whereas parasomnia was found in 5.1 %; periodic limb movement disorder/Restless leg syndrome (PLMD/RLS) in 5.1%; disturbed circadian rhythm was found in 3.7% and Sleep Related Breathing Disorder was found in 5.1% of the participants. Patients diagnosed with mood disorder (80.4%) and primary headache disorders (82.9%) had more sleep problems compared to other diagnosis.
Conclusion: This study was the first in Nepal to assess the prevalence of sleep disorders in psychiatric outpatients. Our study emphasis importance of careful evaluation of sleep problems for proper management of the psychiatric patients.
Depressive disorder among the end-stage renal disease patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at Chitwan medical college
Authors: Dahal Sabina , Sedhai C.P.
Published: March 2024

Background: Patients with End stage renal disease (ESRD) suffer from a variety of losses, including renal function, family role, work role, sexual function, as well as time and mobility, all of which have a substantial influence on their lives. Physical manifestation of the End-Stage Renal Disease patients receiving dialysis treatment may be obvious but studies have found that they are also at increased risk of clinical and subclinical Depressive Disorder for a variety of reasons; which might be overlooked in our routine clinical assessment. Depressive Disorder has been associated with impaired recovery and increased mortality in many diseases including End-Stage Renal Disease patients.
Objectives: To assess the magnitude of depressive disorder among the patients undergoing hemodialysis of duration >3 months at Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital (CMCTH) and to determine the association between explanatory variables with depressive disorder.
Methods: Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at CMCTH after meeting inclusion criteria were enrolled by consecutive sampling technique. Diagnoses were assessed on the basis of the ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioral Disorders- Diagnostic Criteria for Research (ICD-10 DCR). To stratify the severity of the Depression into mild, moderate and severe categories, we used Hamilton Depressive Disorder rating scale. Seventy-four (74) patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were assessed. Interviews with patients and informants were taken and filled in a self-designed demographic datasheet. Obtained data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The prevalence of the depressive disorder among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis was 75.70%. Positive correlations were found between depressive disorder and gender, age group and occupation(p<0.05).
Conclusion: The present study showed that the prevalence of depressive disorder was higher in ESRD patients compared to study done in Nepal where prevalence of depressive disorder in ESRD patients was 51.8%.
Morbidity Pattern in Psychiatry Ward in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Rai Neena , Sharma Puspa Prasad , Chettri Elina , Karmacharya Swikriti , Rijal Dinesh
Published: March 2024

Background: Worldwide mental health conditions are in increasing trend. South Asian countries report the highest prevalence of common mental disorders globally, which accounts for 8.8% to 16.6% of the total burden of disease. In Nepal, the prevalence of mental disorders among adults and children is 13.2% and 11.2%, respectively. In Nepal, there is limited data on the pattern of morbidity in inpatient psychiatric wards. Hence, the need is felt to carry out this study to monitor the psychiatric morbidity patterns of patients admitted to the psychiatric ward.
Methods: This is a retrospective, cross- sectional study conducted in Kist Medical College. After ethical approval from Institutional Review committee, the data of all patients admitted to Psychiatry Ward of Kist Medical College Teaching Hospital from 14 th April, 2022 to 13 th April, 2023 were collected from Record section. We used ICD-10 and CDDG criteria for the diagnosis of mental and behavioral disorders. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.
Results: Out of 285 patients 70.40% patients belonged to age group 25-54 years .The mean age with standard deviation was 55.4±72.3 years. Most of the patients were Male (72.60%) and Janajati (44.80%). The most common diagnosis was Alcohol Dependence Syndrome. The duration of hospital stay of most (46.90%) of the patient was 1-2 weeks.
Conclusion: The most common diagnosis for which admission was made in Kist Medical College was Alcohol Dependence Syndrome. This indicate that the alcohol related disorder may have important implications for care and planning in the community. The overall outcome was satisfactory.
Declining attendance at conferences locally and globally: How to combat in limited resource settings?
Authors: Rijal Rika , Sharma Babita , Koirala Raman , Sapkota Prabhat , Bhagat Suchi , Gupta Anoop Krishna
Published: March 2024

Nepal is hosting several national and international conferences. This trend is growing in the past few years. It is heartening to see academicians and researchers from all over Nepal are taking up the responsibility with big enthusiasm for hosting such events. This gives hope to new and potential conference venues for the future. Such events especially in the field of psychiatry help create awareness and decrease stigma among colleagues of other specialty as well.