bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An expert neural system for diagnostics of motor-driven valves
Authors: Trykov Evgeny L. , Trykova Irina V. , Kotsoyev Konstantin I.
Published: December 2021

Trouble-free operation of motor-driven valves (MDV) is one of the key factors behind the operating safety of NPPs. As critical components, MDVs are a part of a safety system and a safety-related system. This imposes the highest possible requirements on the MDV reliability.

MDVs are the most numerous category of the NPP components. Depending on design, one power unit contains 1500 to 3000 motor-driven valves alone. It follows from an analysis of the NPP failures that many of these are caused by failed motor-driven valves of safety and safety-related systems.

The paper presents a description of an automated system for diagnostics of shutoff and control MDVs used in the NPP pipelines. The developed diagnostic algorithms make it possible to take into account the variability of the MDV technical parameters, while taking into account, at the same time, rated restrictions on diagnostic parameters, if any.
Dynamic statistical assessment of the competitiveness of an energy generating company (as exemplified by Rosenergoatom Concern JSC)
Authors: Burtseva Tatiana A. , Khvorostyannikov Sergey S. , Kuznetsova Anastasia A.
Published: December 2021

The depletion of traditional organic energy sources and aggravated environmental problems are the reasons why the level of energy efficiency is an important factor in the competitiveness of the national economy. Russia ranks third in the world in terms of total energy consumption and its economy is distinguished by a high level of energy intensity (amount of energy per unit of GDP). In 2019, this figure was 9.62 tons of oil equivalent (toe) per 1 million rubles, which is 40% higher than the world average.

The low energy efficiency of the Russian economy is a widely recognized problem. A special decree of the Government of Russia in 2018 sets the task of increasing the level of energy efficiency of the Russian economy by 23% by 2030. One of the ways to solve this problem is the development of nuclear energy, and increasing the competitiveness of nuclear energy is one of the key issues for the national economy. In this connection, solving the problem of assessing the competitiveness of the nuclear industry and its leading companies occupies a key place among the practical scientific problems, the solution of which is facilitated by the results presented by the authors in this article.

Rosenergoatom Concern JSC is the leading energy generating company in the Russian nuclear industry. The results of the study of the competitiveness of Rosenergoatom Concern JSC were obtained on the basis of the authors’ methodology for assessing the competitiveness of an energy generating company. The novelty of the presented methodology lies in the developed normative and evaluative model and the coefficients of competitiveness of an energy generating company.

The advantages of the authors’ model are that it allows (1) obtaining integral assessments of the competitiveness of a power generating company at short time intervals for a large number of indicators and (2) quantitatively measuring the effects of different factors on the competitiveness of a power generating company, provided that the grouping of indicators of competitiveness of a power generating company is justified by influencing factors. The two factors considered by the authors were: the general market factor and the industry factor.

According to the results of the study, it was found that Rosenergoatom Concern JSC demonstrates positive increase of the competitiveness indicator mainly due to the industry factor. With this regard, it was concluded that, within the framework of state policy, it is advisable to strengthen support for the Russian nuclear industry by creating additional conditions and opportunities for its energy generating companies on the domestic energy market.
Characteristics and treatment patterns in older patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (KCSG HN13-01)
Authors: Kang Eun Joo , Lee Yun-Gyoo , Keam Bhumsuk , Choi Jin-Hyuk , Kim Jin-Soo , Park Keon Uk , Lee Kyoung Eun , Kim Hyo Jung , Lee Keun-Wook , Kim Min Kyoung , Ahn Hee Kyung , Shin Seong Hoon , Lee Jii Bum , Kwon Jung Hye , Kim Hye Ryun , Kim Sung-Bae , Yun Hwan Jung
Published: December 2021

Background/Aims: Treatment decisions for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) are complicated, and multi-modal treatments are usually indicated. However, it is challenging for older patients to complete treatments. Thus, we investigated disease characteristics, real-world treatment, and outcomes in older LA-HNSCC patients.Methods: Older patients (aged ≥ 70 years) were selected from a large nationwide cohort that included 445 patients with stage III–IVB LA-HNSCC from January 2005 to December 2015. Their data were retrospectively analyzed and compared with those of younger patients.Results: Older patients accounted for 18.7% (83/445) of all patients with median age was 73 years (range, 70 to 89). Proportions of primary tumors in the hypopharynx and larynx were higher in older patients and older patients had a more advanced T stage and worse performance status. Regarding treatment strategies of older patients, 44.5% of patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), 41.0% underwent surgery, and 14.5% did not complete the planned treatment. Induction chemotherapy (IC) was administered to 27.7% (23/83) of older patients; the preferred regimen for IC was fluorouracil and cisplatin (47.9%). For CCRT, weekly cisplatin was prescribed 3.3 times more often than 3-weekly cisplatin (62.2% vs. 18.9%). Older patients had a 60% higher risk of death than younger patients (hazard ratio, 1.6; p = 0.035). Oral cavity cancer patients had the worst survival probability.Conclusions: Older LA-HNSCC patients had aggressive tumor characteristics and received less intensive treatment, resulting in poor survival. Further research focusing on the older population is necessary.
Penser l’entreprise à travers la diversité des conflits du travail. Enquête sur trois établissements industriels
Authors: Carbonell Juan Sebastian
Published: December 2021

Loin d’une décentralisation favorisée par diverses réformes de la négociation, il arrive fréquemment que cette dernière s’éloigne des lieux du travail. Cette situation est accompagnée d’un double processus de concentration des décisions et de filialisation / sous-traitance des activités qui pousse au constat d’une difficulté à se mobiliser et du recul des conflits collectifs dans une entreprise « fragmentée », au cours de la dernière décennie. Mais face à une organisation légale et économique de la négociation d’entreprise peu propice aux mobilisations collectives, le constat de situations conflictuelles mérite qu’on s’y attarde. En quoi ces situations conflictuelles éclairent-elles les dynamiques de négociation et, ainsi, de la structuration de l’entreprise ? Cet article s’appuie sur trois études de cas à partir d’une post-enquête REPONSE afin de montrer comment trois types de conflit – de rupture, rituel et empêché – permettent de penser l’entreprise aujourd’hui dans la diversité des configurations de négociation.
Quelle gestion des ressources humaines socialement responsable pour les salariés en situation de déchéance sociale ? Le cas d’une clinique au Togo dans le contexte de la pandémie
Authors: Sedo Sénana Kodjovi Wuayi
Published: December 2021

Cet article examine les pratiques de gestion des ressources humaines (GRH) socialement responsable susceptibles de soutenir les salariés en situation de déchéance sociale dans une période de crise. Notre objectif est de sortir de l’analyse classique des pratiques de GRH socialement responsable adoptant le point de vue des apporteurs de capitaux pour proposer des pratiques qui tiennent compte du vécu des salariés. Fondés sur l’étude de cas d’une clinique au Togo dans le contexte de la pandémie de Covid-19, nos résultats suggèrent que le développement de pratiques de GRH spécifiques peut réduire le turnover et conduire les salariés en situation de déchéance sociale à maintenir leur implication malgré le rejet du public dont ils font l’objet. Les résultats obtenus, outre l’identification de pratiques innovantes, comme l’établissement d’une carte de non-contamination, suggèrent l’existence de relations entre le type de réaction du salarié et sa satisfaction vis-à-vis des pratiques de GRH. D’autres volets des conséquences des crises peuvent ainsi être appréhendées ainsi que les modalités de prise en compte des interactions entre parties prenantes de l’entreprise, jusque-là, souvent négligées.
Infantile Aphakic Glaucoma: A Proposed Mechanism
Authors: Yeung Helen H. , Kumar-Singh Rajendra , Walton David S.
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To review information pertaining to secondary glaucoma following infant lensectomy and provide evidence to support the mechanism responsible for this condition.

Methods:

Reported risk factors and proposed mechanisms for infantile aphakic glaucoma are reviewed. Laboratory studies and clinical observations in affected patients with glaucoma are described. Evidence of postoperative anterior chamber fibrosis is reviewed and interpreted.

Results:

Clinical evidence demonstrated the development of anterior chamber fibrosis following infant cataract surgery. Laboratory studies showed liberated lens epithelial cell transition to fibroblasts.

Conclusions:

The review and assessment of laboratory and clinical evidence support the proposal that infantile aphakic glaucoma is caused, in part, by postoperative anterior chamber fibroization related to lens cell dispersion, cytokine activation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition with resultant filtration angle fibrosis and secondary loss of filtration function.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2022;59(4):236–242.]
Euler equations and trace properties of minimizers of a functional for motion compensated inpainting
Authors: March Riccardo , Riey Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

We compute the Euler equations of a functional useful for simultaneous video inpainting and motion estimation, which was obtained in [17] as the relaxation of a modified version of the functional proposed in [16]. The functional is defined on vectorial functions of bounded variations, therefore we also get the Euler equations holding on the singular sets of minimizers, highlighting in particular the conditions on the jump sets. Such conditions are expressed by means of traces of geometrically meaningful vector fields and characterized as pointwise limits of averages on cylinders with axes parallel to the unit normals to the jump sets.
Hermite-Hadamard inequalities for generalized convex functions in interval-valued calculus
Authors: Macías-Díaz Jorge E. ,   Departamento de Matemáticas y Física, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Avenida Universidad 940, Ciudad Universitaria, Aguascalientes 20131, Mexico, Khan Muhammad Bilal , Noor Muhammad Aslam , Mousa Abd Allah A. , Alghamdi Safar M ,   Department of Mathematics, School of Digital Technologies, TallinnUniversity, Narva Rd. 25, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia,   Department of Mathematics, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan,   Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
Published: December 2021

The importance of convex and non-convex functions in the study of optimization is widely established. The concept of convexity also plays a key part in the subject of inequalities due to the behavior of its definition. The principles of convexity and symmetry are inextricably linked. Because of the considerable association that has emerged between the two in recent years, we may apply what we learn from one to the other. In this study, first, Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for LR-$ p $-convex interval-valued functions (LR-$ p $-convex-I-V-F) are constructed in this study. Second, for the product of p-convex various Hermite-Hadamard (HH) type integral inequalities are established. Similarly, we also obtain Hermite-Hadamard-Fejér (HH-Fejér) type integral inequality for LR-$ p $-convex-I-V-F. Finally, for LR-$ p $-convex-I-V-F, various discrete Schur's and Jensen's type inequalities are presented. Moreover, the results presented in this study are verified by useful nontrivial examples. Some of the results reported here for be LR-$ p $-convex-I-V-F are generalizations of prior results for convex and harmonically convex functions, as well as $ p $-convex functions.
Evaluating carbonate dissolution and precipitation in a short time-frame using SEM: techniques and preliminary results from Postojna Cave, Slovenia
Authors: Johnston Vanessa , Košir Adrijan , Martín Pérez Andrea
Published: December 2021

Carbonate dissolution and precipitation are important geological processes whose rates often require quantification. In natural settings, these processes may be taking place at a slow rate, and thus, it may not be easily visible which of these processes is occurring. Alternatively, if the effects of precipitation/dissolution are visible, it may not be clear if they are still underway or an artefact of past conditions. Moreover, these two opposing processes may flip states depending on the environmental conditions, such as, on a seasonal basis. Here, we present the technical details and preliminary results of a method using carbonate tablets and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to evaluate which process (carbonate dissolution or precipitation) is occurring, using as an example, a cave environment. Our method involves making tablets by encasing blocks of carbonate rock into resin and polishing these to form a completely flat and smooth “zero surface”. These tablets are observed under SEM in exactly the same points both before and after exposure to the field environment, using a system of marking lines at specific locations on the resin. Our results show significant differences in the before and after images of the tablet surface after just six weeks in the cave. Furthermore, the use of the insoluble resin zero surface permits a comparison of the starting height with the new dissolved/precipitated surface that can be used to quantitatively estimate the rate of dissolution/precipitation happening at a field location in a relatively short time-frame (weeks/months). This method could be used in numerous natural and industrial settings to identify these processes that can be caused purely geochemically, but also through microbialmediation and physical weathering.
Research Support through Programming: Developing an Automation-Assisted Literature Search
Authors: Thomas Kevin A , Barnhart Marcella E.
Published: December 2021

This case study describes the work of librarians at the Lippincott Library of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in developing a novel approach to supporting research through programming. Approached by researchers for assistance with a large-scale literature search that also involved text extraction, we utilized both traditional bibliographic indexes (Web of Science) and citation management tools (EndNote) and less-traditional tools like the programming language Python and a PDF extraction program (LA-PDFText) to approach different sections of the project. This article outlines that process and briefly discusses the potential for developing new services in business libraries around programmatic research support.
Blockchain Primer
Authors: Kuhail Mohammad Amin , Mathew Sujith S. , Hammad Rawad , Bahja Mohamed
Published: December 2021

Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize several industries including finance, supply chain and logistics, healthcare, and more. This primer introduces readers to basic development skills to blockchain foundations including blockchain cryptography, the consensus algorithm, and smart contracts. Further, this primer explains stepwise how to implement and deploy basic data stores using blockchain with Python. The primer serves as a succinct introductory guide to blockchain foundations by relying on a case study illustrated with visuals together with instructions on implementation. This primer is intended for educators, students, and technology enthusiasts with foundational computer science and Python development skills.
Librarianship in the Era of Social Media
Authors: Ugwulebo Jeremiah Emeka , Okuonghae Omorodion , Ezeonye Stanislaus
Published: December 2021

The chapter presents the symbiotic relationship between library services and social media and its possible implications for the 21st century librarian. The 21st century librarian has witnessed huge changes in the field of library and information science. These changes in the library and information science domain have altered the forms of information and the nature of services but the basic role of the libraries – to cater for the information needs and demands of the users remains. As the popularity of social media is growing exponentially, librarians cannot stand aloof but ensure they exploit the benefits attached to using social media in libraries. With social media, libraries can attract their users and provide improved services while keeping them abreast on latest developments in the libraries. The chapter discussed how social media can be exploited for the benefit of the library clients. The chapter concluded by providing suggestions that will benefit the librarians and libraries to ensure improved symbiotic relationship between library services and social media.
Metadata Technology Integration in Libraries
Authors: Adakawa Murtala Ismail
Published: December 2021

This chapter explores metadata technology integration as a panacea for effective learning in the 21st century libraries. The high influx of information resources into libraries necessitated a shift from printed to digitally web-based form of preserving and describing information, which affected users' access to information. This implies direct involvement of librarians in the cycle of influencers of open educational resources. In the review, ontology of metadata and repositories of learning object have demonstrated how UNESCO's proclamation about open educational resources has stimulated visible accessibility to information globally. Various ways of including librarians in the push for inclusive access to education have been highlighted.
Historical Development of Archiving Models to Preserve University Archives
Authors: Netshakhuma Nkholedzeni Sidney
Published: December 2021

The chapter provides historical development of archives and records management models. A records management model has been developed by scholars and institutions. The models were created to assist organizations to navigate, benchmark, and improve records management programs. They were also applied to implement records and archives management programs in most organizations. Nevertheless, achieving consensus on internationally agreed theories for the records and archives management theories was not an easy task and part of the reasons for this layer with different theoretical perspectives.
Relevance of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Healthcare
Authors: Thangam Dhanabalan , Malali Anil B. , Subramaniyan Gopalakrishanan , Mariappan Sudha , Mohan Sumathy , Park Jin Yong
Published: December 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are playing a major role in addressing and understanding better the COVID-19 crisis in recent days. These technologies are simulating human intelligence into the machines and consume large amounts of data for identifying and understanding the patterns and insights quickly than a human and preparing us with new kinds of technologies for preventing and fighting with COVID-19 and other pandemics. It helps a lot to notice the people who got infected by the virus and to forecast the infection rate in the upcoming days with the earlier data. Healthcare and medical sectors are in requirement of advanced technologies for taking accurate decision to manage this virus spread. AI-enabled technologies are working in a talented way to do things intelligently like human intelligence. Thus, the AI-enabled technologies are employed for attaining accurate health results by examining, forecasting, and checking present infected and possibly future cases.
AI-Based IoT Analytics on the Cloud for Diabetic Data Management System
Authors: Rajeswari S. V. K. R. , Ponnusamy Vijayakumar
Published: December 2021

It is very evident by looking at the current technological advancements that the interrelation and association of artificial intelligence (AI) and IoT in the Cloud have transformed the way healthcare has been working. AI and Cloud-empowered IoT boosts operational efficiency enhanced risk management. This combination creates products and services by enhancing the existing products while increasing scalability. To reduce costs, data analytics on the Cloud is much preferred in the current formation of technologies. This chapter focuses on the integration of different AI techniques in Cloud datasets for IoT data analytics. Analyzing, predicting, and making decisions by comparing the current data with historical data. The theory of AI-based IoT analytics will be much investigated with a healthcare application. Different approaches to implementing data analytics on the Cloud for a diabetic management system will be explored (human body). Finally, future trends and possible areas of research are also discussed.
Edge Computing for Secured IoT Analytics on the Cloud
Authors: Sundaram S. Meenakshi , Murgod Tejaswini R.
Published: December 2021

This chapter provides an insight into building healthcare applications that are deployed in the cloud storage using edge computing and IoT data analytics approaches. Data is collected from environments both within or external to the hospital. The devices that are connected enable the healthcare providers to monitor patients at large distances, manage chronic disease, and manage medication dosages. The data from these devices can be added to clinical research to gain an insight into the participant's experiences. Artificial intelligence techniques like machine learning or deep learning can be employed at the edge of the networks for IoT analytics of multiple data streams in online mode. The industrial edge computing is growing rapidly from 7% in 2019 to being expected to reach approximately 16% by 2025. The total market for intelligent industrial edge computing that includes hardware, software, services has reached $11.6B in 2019 and is expected to increase to $30.8B by 2025.
Desafios na proteção às mulheres em situação de violência no contexto de pandemia da covid-19
Authors: Ferreira Cortes Laura , Arboit Jaqueline , Geovana Smaniotto Gehlen Rubia , Tasqueto Tassinari Taís , Becker Vieira Letícia , Maris de Mello Padoin Stela , Celeste Landerdahl Maria
Published: December 2021

Objetivo: Discutir os desafios da garantia de proteção às mulheres em situação de violência no contexto de pandemia da COVID-19. Método: Ensaio teórico-reflexivo. A partir do arcabouço teórico da rota crítica das mulheres em situação de violência e dos marcadores sociais de diferença, entrelaçados com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, foram tecidos nexos com o contexto do distanciamento social desencadeado pela pandemia. Desenvolvimento: o contexto da pandemia implicou no convívio prolongado com parceiros, possibilitando que a violência contra as mulheres se intensificasse. Além disso, a restrição do convívio e do apoio social pelo distanciamento, aliado às barreiras de acesso e acolhimento nos serviços, influenciou negativamente na rota crítica das mulheres. Os marcadores sociais de diferenças devem subsidiar o planejamento das ações em rede intersetorial, com base nos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável. Considerações Finais: a pandemia contribuiu para a permanência da mulher na situação de violência, o que indica a necessidade de proteção. É imprescindível o fortalecimento de políticas públicas de proteção pautadas em rede intersetorial, bem como a ativação de uma rede de cuidado no contexto de pandemia e pós-pandemia.
ENTRE O CORPO E O OUTRO: UMA LEITURA LAPLANCHEANA DA VELHICE
Authors: Belo Fábio Roberto Rodrigues
Published: December 2021

O presente artigo propõe uma leitura psicanalítica da velhice a partir da Teoria da Sedução Generalizada, de Jean Laplanche. Para isso, recupera a noção de reforço pulsional presente em Freud, reinterpretando-a a partir da noção de apoio sistematizada por Laplanche, para pensar as modificações corporais e seus efeitos sobre a economia libidinal dos sujeitos em processo de envelhecimento. Os autores defendem a hipótese de uma possível reabertura da situação originária nesse momento da vida, levando em consideração as alterações corporais próprias ao processo de envelhecimento, bem como os significados sociais e subjetivos que atribuímos às diversas perdas e mudanças vivenciadas por velhas e velhos. São abordados também as relações da velhice com a alteridade, a passividade originária e o processo de luto. Ao final, é ressaltada a necessidade de mais estudos aprofundados sobre o tema, assinalando a significativa contribuição da psicanálise, sobretudo no que tange aos impactos psíquicos da velhice.
REFLEXÕES TEÓRICO-METODOLÓGICAS SOBRE O LEGADO DE VIGOTSKI: ENTREVISTA COM O PROFESSOR NIKOLAI VERESOV (ENTREVISTA COM NIKOLAI VERESOV) – PARTE II
Authors: Toffanelli Ana Caroline , Franco Adriana Fátima
Published: December 2021

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Microwave Absorption Properties of Fe40Co60 Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Boumagouda Ridha , Otmane Fadhéla , Hamlati Zineb , Bellal Samir , Zeghdoud Sabrina , Azzaz Mohammed
Published: December 2021

Microwave absorbing materials are applied in stealth, communications and information processing technologies. This kind of material dissipates an electromagnetic wave by converting it into thermal energy. The nanostructuration of materials became a reliable route over the years to enhance the dielectric and magnetic properties, which induce the required interaction. Nanostructured Fe-Co alloys are soft magnetic materials that make them promising candidates for microwave absorption when combined with other materials. The aim of our study was therefore to investigate the microwave absorption properties of based nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were obtained by the solution dispersion method. Nanocrystalline alloys elaborated by mechanical alloying (MA) in a high-energy planetary ball mill (RETSCH PM400) were dispersed into commercial epoxy resin matrix to form thin polymer nanocomposites. The grain size refinement and structural properties changes during milling process were characterized using powder’s X-ray Diffraction (XPERT PRO MPD diffractometer) at different milling durations. XRD spectra analysis show that a grain size refinement of 4.54 nm was reached after 60h milling accompanied with 1.2 % microdeformations. Obtained powders were shaped in small discs for which resonant cavity measurements were undertaken. The based nanocomposites have been subject to an experiment of two-port S parameters measurement in a rectangular waveguide (R120). The microwave experiments involved a Network Analyzer (VNA). Obtained results in terms of reflection losses show a good absorbing characteristic over the [8-15] GHz microwaves band.
Bullous pemphigoid and radiotherapy: case report and literature review update
Authors: Piras Antonio , Fionda Bruno , Sanfratello Antonella , D'Aviero Andrea , Sortino Giovanni , Pernice Gianfranco , Boldrini Luca , Angileri Tommaso , Daidone Antonino
Published: December 2021

INTROUDCTION Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a common autoimmune bullous disease generally occurring in elderly patients. Itchy and tense blisters on normal skin or erythematous and edematous lesions on the trunk and extremities usually characterize BP. Trigger factors are still unclear while several case reports suggest a potential role of radiotherapy (RT) as BP trigger for disease onset or recrudescence. A review was performed in order to provide an update of literature. A case report of a patient affected by BP undergoing two radiotherapy courses for a primary breast cancer was also reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive review of the published literature was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review included studies describing BP and its relationships with RT treatments. RESULTS A total of 13 articles were reviewed. Studies characteristics analysis resulted in eleven case reports, one case series and one large-scale case–control study. CONCLUSIONS Literature update confirms the existence of a reasonable connection between RT and BP. Case report showed that a multidisciplinary management seems to assure the feasibility of RT in patients affected by BP, not depriving them of standard therapeutic opportunities.
Pharmacy practice in COVID-19 from a Middle Eastern and African perspective: A narrative review
Authors: Al-Saffar Haider , Aljazzar Rasha , Al-Saffar Amina
Published: December 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had a worldwide impact on all aspects of life and primarily on clinical practice involving all health-care professionals. Pharmacists are at the forefront of all clinical facilities in hospitals and the community. We aimed to provide a narrative overview of the global literature on the impact of COVID-19 changing roles and pharmacists' contribution to the overall clinical care during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a narrative, nonsystematic review of the international literature from a single major medical online database, PubMed, between February 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021. The relevant articles were narrated in a concise thematic account. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists had to serve their responsibilities alongside other activities while the entire world was fighting an invisible virus. However, it was much more complicated than before because the novel coronavirus is intractable. There was no vaccine or established therapeutic guidelines when it manifested suddenly. As part of an interdisciplinary team, community pharmacists may carry out their responsibilities and play an essential role in disease control and management. However, they may need to be appropriately prepared, trained, and equipped to deal with pandemic and postpandemic situations.
Challenges in the diagnosis and management of gaucher's disease in a young adult libyan arab female
Authors: Fawaris Nada , Esaadi Mohamed , Tumi Ali , Elhamedi Aisha , Al Montasir Ahmed
Published: December 2021

Gaucher's disease is a rare lysosomal storage disease that can present with a wide range of clinical symptoms according to type and severity, ranging from mild general wellbeing, organomegaly, pancytopenia, neurological symptoms, lung involvement, and even death, making the diagnosis and work up challenging to reach a diagnosis. We report a Libyan Arab female presented with bruises after minor trauma, bone aches, and fatigue. A 35-year-old female from Libyan–Arab ethnicity attended the hematology clinic complaining of bruises after minor trauma, bone aches, and undue fatigability. She mentioned and evident from her medical record that she has been suffering from these complaints for 5 years and does not have any definite diagnosis. Mild splenomegaly was the only finding on clinical examination this time. There was no fever and no lymphadenopathy. Thrombocytopenia with a platelet count 90 × 10 and quot; 3/ml, and splenomegaly of 16 cm was found on investigations. She was diagnosed with cryptogenic thrombocytopenia, and she was advised for a follow-up visit. Our patient attended a follow-up visit twice in the next 18 months with similar complaints of manageable bruising, bone pain, and fatigability. Hematology reports showed thrombocytopenia in each visit. An ultrasonogram of the abdomen revealed a gallbladder stone and spleen have a size of 17 cm. Bone marrow biopsy was done, and a blood test confirmed glucocerebrosidase enzyme deficiency. Considering the diagnosis of Gaucher's disease, treatment with imiglucerase infusion was started. Unfortunately, she failed to continue the treatment due to a shortage of supply of the medication. A few months later, she got pregnant and developed threatened abortion, which ended with a miscarriage. This case illustrates the need to consider this disease in the differential diagnoses when dealing with unexplained thrombocytopenia, anemia, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. There are several challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of Gaucher's disease, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Direct-acting antiviral agents decrease haemoglobin A1c level in patients with diabetes infected with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Lapumnuaypol Kamolyut , Pisarcik David , Putthapiban Prapaipan , Sukhumthammarat Weera , Wijarnpreecha Karn , Thongprayoon Charat , Ungprasert Patompong
Published: December 2021

Background & objectives:

Several epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is more prevalent in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the eradication of HCV has been shown to decrease the risk of T2DM. This meta-analysis was undertaken to see if treatment with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents would improve glycaemic control among HCV-infected patients with T2DM .

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases since inception to February 2018. Eligible studies must be cohort studies that recruited HCV-infected patients with T2DM and received DAA therapy. The studies must report the change of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level (before vs. after DAA therapy). Patients who achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) were included in the meta-analysis. The mean HbA1c level and standard deviation of participants were extracted from each study to calculate the mean difference (MD). Pooled MD was then calculated using the random effects model.

Results:

Four cohort studies with 2648 patients were included. Among HCV-infected T2DM patients who achieved SVR with DAA agents, the mean HbA1c level after treatment was significantly lower than the mean HbA1c level before treatment, with the pooled MD of −0.50 per cent (95% confidence interval, −0.66 to −0.34, I
2 = 77%). The main limitation of this study was the lack of comparison groups. Therefore, it could not be concluded that the observed decreased HbA1c level was a direct result of DAA therapy.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Treatment with DAA agents was found to be associated with a significant reduction of post-treatment HbA1c level compared with pre-treatment HbA1c level among T2DM patients who achieved SVR.
Effectiveness of isoniazid preventive therapy on incidence of tuberculosis among HIV-infected adults in programme setting
Authors: Padmapriyadarsini C. , Sekar L. , Reddy Devarajulu , Chitra Anandha , Poornagangadevi N. , Selvaraj M. , Bhavani P.K. , Mothi S.N. , Nandagopal K. , Vennila S. , Tamizhselvan M. , Maheshmanisha J. , Agarwal Upasna , Rewari B.B. , Swaminathan Soumya
Published: December 2021

Background & objectives:

As India and other developing countries are scaling up isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in their national programmes, we studied the feasibility and performance of IPT in terms of treatment adherence, outcome and post-treatment effect when given under programmatic settings.

Methods:

A multicentre, prospective pilot study was initiated among adults living with HIV on isoniazid 300 mg with pyridoxine 50 mg after ruling out active tuberculosis (TB). Symptom review and counselling were done monthly during IPT and for six-month post-IPT. The TB incidence rate was calculated and risk factors were identified.

Results:

Among 4528 adults living with HIV who initiated IPT, 4015 (89%) successfully completed IPT. IPT was terminated in 121 adults (3%) due to grade 2 or above adverse events. Twenty five PLHIVs developed TB while on IPT. The incidence of TB while on IPT was 1.17/100 person-years (p-y) [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8-1.73] as compared to TB incidence of 2.42/100 p-y (95% CI 1.90-3.10) during the pre-IPT period at these centres (P=0.017). The incidence of TB post-IPT was 0.64/100 p-y (95% CI 0.04-1.12). No single factor was significantly associated with the development of TB.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Under programmatic settings, completion of IPT treatment was high, adverse events minimal with good post-treatment protection. After ruling out TB, IPT should be offered to all PLHIVs, irrespective of their antiretroviral therapy (ART) status. Scaling-up of IPT services including active case finding, periodic counselling on adherence and re-training of ART staff should be prioritized to reduce the TB burden in this community.
Capacity & capability building for applied dementia research in low- & middle-income countries
Authors: Leroi Iracema , Vaitheswaran Sridhar , Sheikh Saima , Chaudhry Nasim , Goswami S.P. , Miah Jahanara , Sakel Mohamed , Tofique Sehrish , Husain Nusrat
Published: December 2021

Background & objectives:

Cognitive and other neurodegenerative conditions related to ageing have become public health priorities in low- and middle-income countries. However, contextually based, applied research to support the development of awareness, diagnosis and care pathways for people with dementia in South Asia is still largely undeveloped. This study was aimed to use applied research studies for dementia in South Asia as exemplars of how individual-level capacity and capability building for dementia research can be achieved.

Methods:

Using Theory of Change as a framework, we embedded capacity and capability building into the studies through six domains: people (human resources), research integrity and governance, study delivery skills, international collaborative working, patient and public involvement (PPI) (awareness raising, stigma and health literacy) and development of ‘pathways’. For each aspect, development goals were defined and how they would be achieved.

Results:

New principal investigators, research assistants (including outcome raters), study coordinators and intervention practitioners were trained across eight study sites in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, for dementia research. Training was delivered at study start, and through booster sessions, using workshops, face-to-face sessions, online training and video-link sessions. International collaborations were fostered, leading to a proposal for international funding. Each study site co-created PPI events to raise awareness and to inform the research. The recruitment pathways and study logistics fostered the development dementia diagnosis and care pathways.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Embedding capacity and capability building in applied dementia research in South Asia fosters the sustainability of dementia research, which is essential in developing diagnostic and care pathways.
Pathological Fracture of Humerus with Implant Failure in Multiple Myeloma Patient
Authors: Dhanjani Bharat , Shekhar Sudhanshu , Pranjal Ankit
Published: December 2021

A 42-year-old male diagnosed with multiple myeloma had a history of traumatic oblique fracture mid-shaft of right humerus managed by open reduction and internal fixation with plating at another center. After uneventful period of 1 year, he presented with pain and restricted movement of right shoulder and arm for 4 months. Radiograph exhibits osteolytic lesion (moth-eaten) underneath the plate and pathological fracture of mid-shaft humerus with implant failure. After excluding surgical contraindications, wide excision of tumor and reconstruction with tumor prosthesis was done using deltopectoral approach. Proximal humerus (15 cm) was excised along with the tumor mass and plate, leaving 5 cm of the distal humerus. Components of tumor prosthesis wrapped with prolene mesh were inserted using antibiotic cement. Capsule, rotator cuff tendons was sutured around the prosthesis head using nonabsorbable sutures. Postoperatively, the patient was managed in shoulder immobilizer for 3 weeks, assisted mobilization for the next 3 weeks and active mobilization at 6 weeks. The patient responded to chemotherapy postoperatively. At 1-year follow-up, the patient was able to perform activities of daily, achieved shoulder flexion (0°–90°), abduction (0°–50°) with no evidence of recurrence. Development of tumor metastasis with extensive humeral involvement in traumatic fracture of mid-shaft humerus treated with rigid fixation with a plate is a rare entity.
Perceived Stress and Its Correlates Among Medical Trainees in Oman
Authors: Al Shamli Siham , Al Omrani Shahad , Al-Mahrouqi Tamadhir , Chan Moon Fai , Al Salmi Ola , Al-Saadoon Muna , Ganesh Aishwarya , Al-Adawi Samir
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

Medical students from several parts of the world have increasingly been reported to have higher rates of stress and distress. In this study, we intended to explore the prevalence of perceived stress, disordered eating, and poor quality and pattern of sleep among medical students in the Arabian Gulf country, Oman. The related objective was to explore the relationship between sociodemographic variables and the expression of perceived stress.

Methods:

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among medical students at the only national university in Oman. The outcome measures included perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10), disordered eating (Eating Attitudes Test-26), and the quality and pattern of sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). The study survey also included sociodemographic variables and risk factors.

Results:

We contacted 600 students, and 253 students responded (response rate = 42.2%) with a filled study survey. We found that 51.4% (n = 130) of the sample scored in the threshold of perceived stress, 16.2% showed disordered eating, and 79.1% displayed poor quality and disrupted pattern of sleep. The total sample comprised more females (73.1%) as compared to males (26.9%) at an average age of 22.0 ± 2.0 (mean ± standard deviation) years. More than 77% (n = 196) of them were senior students (year 4th–7th), and their average body mass index (BMI) was 23.6 ± 5.9) kg/m2. Twenty-five participants had a history of psychiatric illness. Among those with psychiatric illness, 7.5% (n = 19) were on regular psychotropic medications. In multivariate analysis, perceived stress was found to be significantly correlated with age (p < 0.01), years of study (p < 0.05), and poor quality and disrupted patterns of sleep (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

This study was embarked upon to examine the risk factors related to perceived stress among medical students in Oman. The rates of perceived stress, disordered eating, and poor quality and disrupted pattern of sleep were to echo international trends among medical students. The factors that were found to be related to perceived stress included age, having completed less than four years of their medical education, and poor quality and disrupted pattern of sleep. In addition to laying the groundwork for further studies, this data can be used for the prevention and mitigation of poor mental health outcomes.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among Long-term Hospitalized Patients with Schizophrenia in a Public Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Lee Tai-Chi , Wu Bo-Jian , Yu Chuan-Hsun , Wang Tso-Jen
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a notable chronic liver disease due to metabolic syndrome, which has yet to be explored in long-term hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. In this study, we intended to study the prevalence of NAFLD and related risk factors for patients with schizophrenia who were long-term hospitalized.

Methods:

All of 182 patients with schizophrenia were recruited from a public psychiatric hospital in Taiwan. Abdomen ultrasonography was carried out for all patients. In addition to age and sex, covariates including medical diagnoses (e.g., hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes), obesity, one-year cumulative dose of antipsychotics before the entry of this study, and abnormal liver function were included in the logistic regression model.

Results:

The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 50.3 ± 9.2 years. The mean duration ± SD of hospitalization was 8.7 ± 5.0 years. Males accounted for 60.4% (110/182). The percentage of NAFLD was 70.8% (129/182). In multivariate logistic regression, patients' odd ratios (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for a diagnosis of hypertriglyceridemia were 4.3 (1.11–16.7, p < 0.05) and for a finding of obesity 15.8 (3.82–65.6, p < 0.01), were significantly to have NAFLD. But patients with chronic hepatitis B were not significant to have NAFLD (OR [95% CI] = 0.17 [0.05–0.6]).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of NAFLD was high in patients with long-term hospitalized patients with schizophrenia in this study. We suggest that patients with schizophrenia and with long-term hospitalization need to receive timely, comprehensive, and prompt assessments for the presence of NAFLD as well as that intervention for their NAFLD is mandatory for maintaining well-being and quality of life in them.
Positive Psychiatry
Authors: Kua Ee Heok
Published: December 2021

Background:

There is a dearth of data on positive psychiatry. There should be a greater emphasis on this aspect of mental health in all countries. The emphasis is not just on treatment but more importantly prevention. Positive psychiatry should involve the wide spectrum of mental health professionals including psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, counselors, art and music therapists, as well as and the public.

Methods:

In this review, the author summarizes the Age Well Everyday (AWE) program on dementia and depression prevention for seniors conducted by the Mind Science Center, National University of Singapore. The program which started 10 years ago, is supported by volunteers in the community with funding from philanthropists.

Results:

Interventional strategies in the AWE program include health education, diet, exercise, art therapy, music reminiscence, gardening, and mindfulness practice. Randomized controlled trials have been conducted for all the interventional strategies, and the results are presented. This multi-modal program is a community endeavor and is now adopted by many community centers in Singapore.

Conclusion:

The AWE program is a nondrug and inexpensive program that can be adapted for other countries. It reflects positive psychiatry and a relevant strategy for the anti-stigma campaign in Singapore. The challenge ahead is translating research results into public health policies.
Revisiting G-Dedekind domains
Authors: Zafrullah M.
Published: December 2021

Let R be an integral domain with
$qf(R)=K$
, and let
$F(R)$
be the set of nonzero fractional ideals of R. Call R a dually compact domain (DCD) if, for each
$I\in F(R)$
, the ideal
$I_{v}=(I^{-1})^{-1}$
is a finite intersection of principal fractional ideals. We characterize DCDs and show that the class of DCDs properly contains various classes of integral domains, such as Noetherian, Mori, and Krull domains. In addition, we show that a Schreier DCD is a greatest common divisor (GCD) (Greatest Common Divisor) domain with the property that, for each
$A\in F(R)$
, the ideal
$A_{v}$
is principal. We show that a domain R is G-Dedekind (i.e., has the property that
$A_{v}$
is invertible for each
$A\in F(R)$
) if and only if R is a DCD satisfying the property
$\ast :$
For all pairs of subsets
$\{a_{1},\ldots ,a_{m}\},\{b_{1},\ldots ,b_{n}\}\subseteq K\backslash \{0\}, (\cap _{i=1}^{m}(a_{i})(\cap _{j=1}^{n}(b_{j}))=\cap _{i,j=1}^{m,n}(a_{i}b_{j})$
. We discuss what the appropriate names for G-Dedekind domains and related notions should be. We also make some observations about how the DCDs behave under localizations and polynomial ring extensions.