bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative Modular Emergency Shelters: A Sustainable Response to Crisis Situations in Cameroon
Authors: Joanito Armel TEUKEU FONGANG , Alain ABA NKASSE
Published: September 2024

The objective of this article is to propose a modular emergency shelter design tailored for crisis situations in Cameroon. It emphasizes the use of sustainable and adaptable construction techniques to address the urgent need for emergency housing while considering local climatic and geographic conditions. The research examines the integration of local materials, such as wood, for his cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits. Techniques like natural ventilation, rainwater management, and modular design strategies are explored as viable alternatives to more costly, less eco-friendly modern materials. Additionally, the financial feasibility of the project is evaluated at different scales, ensuring that it meets both immediate and long-term needs. This work offers a holistic approach to emergency shelter design, promoting sustainability, cultural adaptability, and durability, while addressing the specific socio-economic challenges in Cameroon. It provides a sustainable response to crises, contributing to the reflection on the future of emergency housing in African contexts.
Éditorial
Authors: Giblin Béatrice
Published: September 2024

Ce numéro aborde la question du dérèglement climatique par ses conséquences géopolitiques en France et dans d’autres États européens. Alors que ses effets négatifs sont clairement perceptibles et devraient entraîner l’adhésion des citoyens aux mesures indispensables pour les limiter, il apparaît au contraire que celle-ci est de plus en plus difficile à obtenir. Le succès des partis hostile au Pacte vert européen en est la confirmation. Des études de cas précises tant des risques que des conflits liés au dérèglement climatique permettent de comprendre la diversité des situations et des difficultés rencontrées pour mobiliser les citoyens.
Les systèmes géopolitiques locaux du nouveau programme nucléaire français
Authors: Meyer Teva
Published: September 2024

Annoncé en février 2022 par Emmanuel Macron, le nouveau programme nucléaire français envisage la construction de six réacteurs supplémentaires dans le pays dès 2027. Cet article propose d’analyser dans une approche multiscalaire la reconfiguration des systèmes géopolitiques qui permettent aujourd’hui ce projet. S’appuyant sur des espaces déjà nucléarisés et organisant la concurrence entre territoires pour l’accueil des nouveaux réacteurs, EDF a réussi à s’assurer le soutien des acteurs locaux, même si l’accès au foncier pour ces chantiers reste un enjeu délicat. À l’échelle nationale, le mouvement antinucléaire entame une difficile reconstitution après son éclatement au début des années 2010, se heurtant à l’émergence de nouveaux acteurs pronucléaires. Ici, l’irruption de la question climatique comme enjeu central des politiques de protection de l’environnement constitue l’élément principal de ces reconfigurations.
Du refus du nucléaire aux mobilisations contre le charbon : les mouvements environnementalistes allemands entre bifurcation et imbrication
Authors: Schmid Lucile , Hébert Jules
Published: September 2024

Au long de la décennie 1970, alors que l’Allemagne est séparée par le rideau de fer, des mouvements environnementalistes puissants se développent. En Allemagne de l’Ouest le refus de l’implantation des centrales nucléaires réunit agriculteurs, militants pacifistes et écologistes ; à l’Est ce sont les enjeux de qualité de vie face à aux pollutions industrielles qui sont déterminants. Le parti des Verts allemands (Grünen) créé en 1980, est issu de ces mouvements. Il a installé sa légitimité institutionnelle en confortant les mouvements environnementalistes par son action au pouvoir dans les Länder, à l’échelle fédérale ensuite. Autour d’épisodes emblématiques comme le renoncement à construire la centrale de Wyhl, ou l’action des rebelles de l’électricité de Schönau qui préfigurait la transition énergétique citoyenne ( Bürgerenergiewende ), les enjeux énergétiques sont devenus un sujet de débat démocratique. En 2023, la sortie du charbon, et particulièrement du lignite, se pose désormais avec acuité alors qu’un tiers de l’électricité allemande en est issue. De nouveaux mouvements, comme Ende Gelände, nourris par les mobilisations climatiques de la jeunesse dans le monde et en Europe, occupent mines et villages, dénonçant la mollesse des gouvernements et exigeant des engagements immédiats. Alors que les Grünen sont partie prenante du gouvernement depuis 2021, et que la guerre en Ukraine retarde la transition vers une économie décarbonée, ces mouvements déterminés, organisés et médiatiques annoncent une nouvelle étape de l’écologie politique allemande.
French energy imperialism in Vietnam and the conquest of Tonkin (1873-1885)
Authors: Campagne Armel
Published: September 2024

Cet article montre que la conquête française du Vietnam a été entreprise notamment dans l'optique de l’appropriation de ses ressources en charbon, et que l’impérialisme française était dans ce cas un « impérialisme énergétique ». Il défend ainsi l’idée qu’on peut analyser la conquête française du Tonkin et de l’Annam (1873-1885) comme étant notamment le résultat d’une combinaison des impérialismes énergétiques de la Marine, de l’administration coloniale cochinchinoise, des politiciens favorables à la colonisation et des hommes d’affaires. Au travers des archives militaires, diplomatiques et administratives et d’une réinterprétation de l’historiographie existante, il explore la dynamique de l’impérialisme énergétique français au Vietnam durant la phase de conquête.
L'impossible transition ? La fatalité du charbon au Royaume-Uni
Authors: Mathis Charles-François
Published: September 2024

Cet article cherche à comprendre les raisons du fatalisme victorien face à une dépendance énergétique au charbon dont on ne parvient à s'extraire, pour mieux penser ce qu'une transition énergétique pourrait être. Il décrit l'existence d'une pensée providentielle de l'énergie, manne divine dont il faut faire bon usage et qui autorise la domination mondiale. La société britannique est ainsi traversée d'une mauvaise conscience liée au gaspillage de charbon. Comment, dès lors, penser l'après-charbon sans imaginer le pire ? La vision tragique du futur - il n'y aura pas de 2 e chance - s'explique à son tour par une conception de la transition qui porte sur la source et non sur le système énergétique dans son ensemble.
Creating Supply, Creating Demand: Gas and Electricity in Montréal from the First World War to the Great Depression
Authors: Hatton-Proulx Clarence
Published: September 2024

Réduire l’utilisation d’énergie est un impératif urgent pour les sociétés occidentales. Pourtant, il est dur d’anticiper comment cela se fera et quelles conséquences seront engendrées. Cet article avance que l’étude de l’histoire énergétique aide à comprendre la flexibilité des systèmes énergétiques. À partir du cas de Montréal, il analyse la fluctuation de l’offre et de la demande en électricité et en gaz entre la Première Guerre mondiale et la Grande dépression, une période marquée autant par l’expansion que par la stagnation des systèmes énergétiques. En étudiant les activités de la compagnie énergétique monopolistique de la ville ainsi que les pratiques des consommatrices et consommateurs d’énergie, cet article propose une typologie de quatre différents types de flexibilité énergétique : flexibilité à la hausse menée par les fournisseurs, flexibilité à la baisse menée par les fournisseurs, flexibilité à la hausse menée par les consommateurs, flexibilité à la baisse menée par les consommateurs. Les conclusions de cette analyse ont des répercussions importantes sur l’analyse des mégaprojets énergétiques futurs et sur le façonnement de la consommation d’énergie. Elles montrent aussi comment l’histoire énergétique révèle la manière dont les structures héritées du passé influencent les décisions futures.
Les trafics postaux dans une perspective d’histoire globale
Authors: Tworek Heidi , Laborie Léonard
Published: September 2024

Cet article introduit un dossier sur les trafics postaux dans une perspective d’histoire globale. Il s’intéresse autant à l’organisation de ces trafics qu’à leurs contenus, licites et illicites, depuis le xviii e siècle, à toutes les échelles, locale, impériale, nationale, et internationale. Délaissées par l’historiographie des communications globales en comparaison des télécommunications, les postes sont pourtant le vecteur et l’expression d’une myriade d’interactions qui forment la chair des mondialisations modernes et contemporaines. Correspondance administrative et commerciale, cartes postales touristiques, lettres et mandats des migrants : ces communications sont plus que le simple reflet de l’administration de territoires distants, de relations commerciales et touristiques, de migrations planétaires. Elles les façonnent et sont réciproquement façonnées par elles. L’émergence d’une gouvernance mondiale des trafics postaux, à travers la fondation de l’Union générale des postes en 1874, devenue Union postale universelle en 1878, est de ce point de vue cruciale. Agence spécialisée des Nations unies depuis 1947, cette organisation internationale a pour mission de forger « un seul territoire postal » autour de normes, de tarifs et de règlements partagés. Pour ses membres, c’est dans le même temps un lieu de construction des termes de la souveraineté, à l’âge de l’interdépendance. « Postaliser » la mondialisation, et réciproquement mondialiser les postes nationales : tels sont ainsi les deux principaux enjeux de ce dossier.
“The Comity of Nations”: The Chinese Post Office, the Universal Postal Union, and the Abolition of the “Alien Post Offices”, 1843-1923
Authors: Harris Lane J.
Published: September 2024

Au lendemain de la guerre de l’opium (1839-1842), les puissances impérialistes commencent à établir des bureaux de poste étrangers dans les ports ouverts par le traité de Nankin. En 1896, l’empereur Guangxu autorise Sir Robert Hart, inspecteur général du service impérial des douanes maritimes, à créer une administration postale impériale. Au cours des 25 années suivantes, Hart et ses successeurs développent une série de stratégies pour concurrencer les bureaux de poste étrangers et obtenir leur fermeture. Face à l’échec de ces stratégies, la poste chinoise décide de rejoindre l'Union postale universelle et utilise la rhétorique de la « souveraineté » pour négocier sur ce sujet lors d'une série de conférences internationales au lendemain de la Première Guerre mondiale. La décision d’adhésion, qui aide la Chine à « récupérer » un aspect de sa souveraineté, en dit long sur l'importance de l'Union postale universelle et du trafic postal mondial qu'elle cherche à coordonner, dans la fabrique de la société internationale à la fin du xix e siècle et au début du xx e siècle.
La Loi de 2014 et ses perspectives pour l’ESS
Authors: Filippi Maryline , Hamon Benoît
Published: September 2024

Dans cet entretien, Benoît Hamon revient sur la loi relative à l’Économie sociale et solidaire de 2014, en explorant à la fois ses réussites et ses limites. Il partage sa vision de ce que doit être l’ESS dans les 10 ans qui viennent, les forces et faiblesses de ce mode d’entreprendre ainsi que les chantiers principaux qu’il identifie pour ESS France, l’organisation représentative de l’ESS dont il vient de prendre la présidence. Il évoque le rôle que peut jouer le monde de la recherche et de la formation dans ces dynamiques ainsi que la nécessité des alliances et coalitions pour le passage à l’échelle de l’ESS.
Loi 2014 sur l'ESS : genèse, ambitions et futur
Authors: Filippi Maryline , Saddier Jérôme
Published: September 2024

Ce témoignage a été accordé en pleine tourmente électorale. L’entretien souligne les dessous de la loi, « l’émergence d’une loi plutôt consensuelle avec les acteurs », ses enjeux, son potentiel d’innovation dont la mesure n’est pas encore pleinement prise. Il apporte le regard d’un bâtisseur d’une ESS unifiée mais toujours pas décloisonnée, qui en soulignant la polysémie de l'ESS comme à la fois une force et une immense faiblesse, appelle aussi à une recherche académique plurielle pour une compréhension du monde renouvelée, pour animer la volonté collective des acteurs de l'ESS de se projeter dans quelque chose de plus grand tout en s’ancrant dans ses fondamentaux.
La loi de 2014 évaluée par le Conseil supérieur de l’ESS (CSESS)
Authors: Tiberghien Frédéric
Published: September 2024

Le Conseil supérieur de l’ESS a été sollicité par le secrétariat d’État à l’ESS pour réaliser un bilan de la loi près de dix ans après son adoption. Cet article en présente les principales conclusions. Il propose d’abord une analyse exhaustive et précise des dispositions législatives et de leur mise en œuvre. S’il relève la contribution positive de cette loi pour sécuriser juridiquement la définition et le périmètre de l’ESS ainsi que la reconnaître, il souligne qu’elle n’a pas atteint ses objectifs de changement d’échelle, faute de politiques publiques volontaristes et de moyens à la hauteur des ambitions. Il s’achève par quelques préconisations à l’attention du Parlement comme du Gouvernement, en particulier en vue de l’adoption d’une loi de programmation.
La loi ESS 2014, un référentiel essentiel à consolider pour les politiques locales de l’ESS
Authors: Federici Anne-Laure , Fraisse Laurent
Published: September 2024

La reconnaissance institutionnelle de l’économie sociale s’étant historiquement faite en France dans un cadre national, statutaire et sectoriel, les premiers élus locaux en charge de l’ESS ont coconstruit dans les années 2000 un nouveau domaine de l’action publique sans cadre légal de référence. Le Réseau des collectivités territoriales pour une économie solidaire (RTES) a contribué à introduire un volet territorial qui n’allait pas de soi. En retour, la loi de 2014 sur l’ESS a eu des effets symboliques et structurants pour la reconnaissance des politiques locales de l’ESS et la diffusion des bonnes pratiques à différentes échelles. Pour autant, le caractère plus incitatif que contraignant de la loi rend l’application des articles relatifs aux collectivités locales plus ou moins effective dans les territoires. Enfin, l’accent mis sur les collectivités ayant le développement économique comme compétence ne permet pas une pleine reconnaissance de la transversalité de l’ESS dans l’ensemble des politiques publiques locales à différents niveaux de collectivités territoriales
Les fondations depuis la loi ESS de 2014 : quels apports et évolutions ?
Authors: Manoury Lucile
Published: September 2024

Le prisme philanthropique invite à situer symboliquement la Loi ESS de 2014 entre la loi de 2009 sur les fonds de dotation et la loi PACTE de 2019, qui encourage les entreprises à un nouveau positionnement sociétal. Sans chercher à clarifier les motifs du rattachement des fonds à l’ESS, la Loi Hamon a contribué à un ajustement d’une partie des cadres statutaires, et plus largement à faciliter l’accès à la pratique philanthropique. Elle se fait en cela l’écho d’évolutions contemporaines du secteur philanthropique, entre accroissement du recours aux fondations et évolution des pratiques, notamment organisationnelles, qui restent à explorer.
Loi Économie sociale et solidaire : l’utilité sociale comme critère distinctif en matière d’entrepreneuriat ?
Authors: Amblard Colas
Published: September 2024

Les acteurs de l’économie sociale et solidaire (ESS) en général et les associations en particulier se voient régulièrement sommés de rendre compte de leurs spécificités méritoires, en particulier lorsque leurs moyens d’action s’inscrivent largement dans la sphère économique voire lucrative. Sur ce point, le concept juridique d’utilité sociale sur lequel repose pour une bonne part la loi du 31 juillet 2014 relative à l’ESS, contribue à renforcer la distinction entre ces nouveaux modes d’entreprendre et l’économie capitaliste traditionnelle.
Les dépenses de la Sécurité sociale à l’épreuve de la Covid-19
Authors: Dort Aurélie
Published: September 2024

La crise sanitaire représente un coût certain pour l’État et la Sécurité sociale, mais elle traduit aussi un interventionnisme étatique important à travers le Ségur de la santé et la mise en place d’une réforme longtemps attendue : la création d’une nouvelle branche de la Sécurité sociale.
Le financement de la dette sociale issue de la crise sanitaire
Authors: Pierucci Christophe
Published: September 2024

Le financement de la dette sociale Covid pouvait présenter de réelles spécificités compte tenu des circonstances uniques à l’origine de ce surcroît d’endettement public. Force est cependant de constater que ni la gestion de la dette sociale Covid , ni la stratégie adoptée afin de l’éteindre ne se distinguent des solutions appliquées habituellement à la dette sociale.
Certification de crise et crise de la certification : les comptes de la Sécurité sociale et la Covid-19
Authors: Kott Sébastien
Published: September 2024

Les comptes des organismes de sécurité sociale traduisent l’activité d’un secteur très particulier tant par ses missions que par son organisation. Le déploiement d’une comptabilité en droits constatés ne s’y est pas fait sans difficultés comme en témoigne le caractère chaotique des premiers actes de certification du régime général. On pouvait penser que la situation s’était améliorée et que la qualité comptable était assurée. Mais les comptes du régime général se sont de nouveau heurtés à l’écueil de leur certification lors de la crise sanitaire. Cette certification de crise traduit alors une forme de crise de la certification des comptes publics en ce qu’elle met en lumière autant la spécificité de l’information financière des entités non marchandes que le statut particulier de l’organe chargé de cette certification : une institution supérieure de contrôle qui maintient sa ligne en dépit des circonstances… mêmes exceptionnelles.
Incitations fiscales et psychosociologie de l’impôt
Authors: Rotolo Marina
Published: September 2024

Jean Dubergé’s research focused on taxpayers’ reactions to taxes. As such, even if there are limits, taxation seems to be able to take on a real incentive aspect by directing the behavior of taxpayers in a specific direction.
Les budgets d’aide et d’action sociales des collectivités territoriales à l’épreuve de la Covid-19
Authors: Levoyer Loïc
Published: September 2024

Si le système de protection sociale a résisté au choc de la Covid-19, la crise sanitaire a toutefois fortement impacté les budgets locaux d’aide et d’action sociales, nécessitant des adaptations du droit budgétaire et de sa mise en œuvre. Ces adaptations textuellement consacrées ou issues de la pratique ont contribué à dessiner un droit budgétaire local de crise.
Les budgets d’aide sociale des départements à l’épreuve de la Covid-19
Authors: Houser Matthieu
Published: September 2024

La situation financière des départements apparaît, au premier abord, relativement saine malgré l’existence de fortes dépenses sociales. L’analyse plus précise de la situation révèle, en revanche, un accroissement des disparités de dépenses et donc des inégalités entre départements.
L’OMC et le FMI en soutien aux pays pauvres contre la Covid-19 : leçons pour l’avenir
Authors: Pellet Rémi
Published: September 2024

Pour aider les pays pauvres contre les conséquences économiques et financières de la pandémie mondiale de Covid-19, l’Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC) leur a permis de « lever », sous certaines conditions, les brevets sur les vaccins contre la Covid-19. D’autre part, le Fonds monétaire international (FMI) a augmenté les droits de tirage spéciaux (DTS) pour que les États pauvres puissent s’endetter à des taux faibles et sans conditionnalité. Malheureusement ces deux décisions n’ont pas eu les effets escomptés et elles étaient critiquables dans leur principe même.
Le moment Dubergé dans l’évolution internationale de la sociologie du contribuable
Authors: Leroy Marc
Published: September 2024

Inscrites dans l’âge d’or de la psychologie sociale, les enquêtes pionnières de Dubergé sur les contribuables demeurent utiles, même si depuis les années 1990 la sociologie fiscale s’est enrichie comme science sociale par l’apport de nouvelles disciplines et méthodes de recueil des données.
Derivation of some solitary wave solutions for the (3+1)- dimensional pKP-BKP equation via the IME tanh function method
Authors: Khalifa Abeer S. , Ahmed Hamdy M. , Badra Niveen M. , Manafian Jalil , Mahmoud Khaled H. , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Rabie Wafaa B.
Published: September 2024

This study is focusing on the integrable (3+1)-dimensional equation that combines the potential Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (pKP) equation with B-type Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (BKP) equation, also known as the pKP-BKP equation. The idea of combining integrable equations has the potential to produce a variety of unexpected outcomes such as resonance of solitons. This article provides a wide range of alternative exact solutions for the pKP-BKP equation in three dimensional form, including dark solitons, singular solitons, singular periodic solutions, Jacobi elliptic function (JEF) solutions, rational solutions and exponential solution. The improved modified extended (IME) tanh function method is employed to investigate these solutions. All of the obtained solutions for the investigated model are presented using the Wolfram Mathematica program. To further help in understanding the solutions' physical characteristics and dynamic structure, the article provides visual representations of some derived solutions using 2D representation in addition to the 3D graphs via symbolic computation. This article aims to use a potent strategy using a powerful scheme to derive different solutions with various structures. Additionally, the results greatly improve and enhance the literature's solutions to a combined pKP-BKP equation and allow deep understanding of the nonlinear dynamic system through different exact solutions.
Environmental responsibility and communication in selected companies in the Podravska statistical region
Authors: Virant Zala , Osojnik Janez , Kozmus Andreja
Published: September 2024

The paper presents best practices pursued by eight companies from the Podravska statistical region selected because they promote green transition in this society. In the theoretical section, the article presents environmental responsibility as part of corporate social responsibility and deals with the type of communication needed to address and motivate people to implement the EU Green Deal goals. The empirical section analyses eight semi-structured interviews with representatives from selected companies in the Podravska statistical region. The results highlight long-term efforts to raise public awareness about the environmental crisis (without major visible effects), financial aid as the main motivation factor to implement green practices, shortage of specific training courses in communication, and the need for locally focused training.
Chemical composition and color analysis of BRSMG Caravera rice in relation to urea sources and dosages
Authors: Souza Fernandes Gisele , Andrade Luan Alberto , Carneiro Fernandes Luíza Aparecida , Pereira Joelma
Published: September 2024

Rice is an essential food for the diet of the Brazilian population. Parboiling and nitrogen fertilization are processes which aim to improve the physical-chemical composition of these grains. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition as well as the color of unparboiled and parboiled rice fertilized with policote and kimcoat urea in dosages of 40, 80, and 120 ha-1. When it comes to the chemical composition, the parboiled rice presented higher levels of moisture, ash, and crude fiber. It also presented low lipid levels, non-nitrogenized extract, and color difference. The nitrogen fertilization strongly impacted the protein levels of rice. It was found that the fertilization with policote and kimcoat urea might have a stronger impact on the protein levels of rice, and that the parboiling process impact further aspects of the chemical composition and color of rice.
Do not dismiss the commitment to the humanisation of medicine
Authors: Sgreccia Elio
Published: September 2024

News of the new achievements and successes of cutting-edge medicine are taking a back seat, or being forgotten, to the day-to-day problems of healthcare management outside and inside hospitals.
Remembrance of Giuseppe Lazzati
Authors: Rossano Pietro
Published: September 2024

Not available.
A blended teaching and learning model for family-medicine registrar training at a South African university
Authors: George Ann Z. , Lion-Cachet Carien , Torlutter Michele , Erumeda Neetha , Pretorius Deidre
Published: September 2024

Effective primary healthcare is essential in developing countries but faces several challenges, including the lack of standardised training across decentralised sites. In response to unsatisfactory registrar examination outcomes in 2013, the Department of Family Medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa introduced a blended teaching and learning programme. The aim of the new programme was to level the playing field by providing uniform online resources on a course site on the university’s learning management system. The uniform online resources would be integrated into the teaching programme. A team consisting of the registrar-training-programme coordinator, an educationalist and five family-medicine consultants from different districts began reviewing the curriculum, selecting appropriate resources and developing the course site. The blended programme was developed and implemented using a phased, participatory research action approach, including phases of evaluation and redesign. Since the implementation of the blended-learning programme in 2017, registrar outcomes have improved, but this has not been the only success attributed to the programme. The programme also resulted in an enhanced focus on teaching and learning, especially among those involved in its development. We share the lessons gleaned from our experiences, emphasising the need for adequate training and teamwork if we are to use technology appropriately and effectively to address the difficulties associated with decentralised training in developing countries.
Beliefs affecting ART adherence in newly diagnosed HIV-positive participants in Manzini, Eswatini
Authors: Mango Thabiso , Kasese-Hara Mambwe , Mulaudzi Mamakiri
Published: September 2024

Background: Achieving optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is challenging. Consistency in HIV care and treatment is crucial for achieving viral load suppression and preventing HIV-related illnesses, disease progression to AIDS, mortality, drug resistance, and onward transmission.Objectives: The purpose of this research was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the beliefs that play a role in determining the level of ART adherence among individuals newly diagnosed with HIV. By examining these beliefs, the researchers aimed to identify potential barriers and facilitators to adherence, ultimately contributing to the development of effective interventions and strategies to improve ART adherence.Method: An exploratory qualitative approach was employed in this study, utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as its theoretical framework. To gather insights, in-depth interviews were conducted with 19 participants recruited post diagnosis, who shared their beliefs regarding ART adherence. Thematic analysis identified beliefs, categorised under TPB precursors, namely behavioural outcomes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control.Results: Participants emphasised health improvement, treatment effectiveness, and disease prevention as advantages to ART adherence, while disadvantages included fear of lifelong commitment, side effects, and stigma. ART adherence was enhanced by family support but impeded by a number of social factors. Participants expressed confidence in creating personal reminders or seeking external help, but anticipated various challenges.Conclusion: The research has shown that the beliefs affecting ART adherence in individuals recently diagnosed with HIV but not yet on treatment are like those that have been reported to influence adherence in HIV-positive participants currently receiving treatment.
Improved Culture Positivity Rate after Modified Culture Technique of Dialysis Effluent Fluid in Peritoneal Dialysis-related Peritonitis Cases
Authors: Gupta Shilpi , Hazra Nandita
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims:

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) peritonitis is one of the common complications and direct causes of death in the majority of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The laboratory plays an important role in the management of such patients by guiding definitive antimicrobial therapy. The purpose of the present study is to compare the culture positivity rate before and after implementation of revised International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis guidelines, 2016 as well as to study the etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of causative organisms in our center.

Materials and Methods:

This ambispective study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology in a tertiary care hospital in North India. A training session of laboratory staff on revised culture techniques of CAPD fluid was undertaken in March 2018. The CAPD fluids received from October 2017 to February 2018 and April to July 2018 were labeled as pre- and post-intervention groups, respectively.

Results:

Out of 70 samples received from the clinically suspected peritonitis episodes, 28 (40%) belonged to confirmed CAPD peritonitis cases. After the intervention, the culture negativity rate dropped from 68.7% to 8.3%. The rate of bacterial and fungal isolates was 87.5% and 12.5%, and most of the isolates showed low resistance to antimicrobials.

Conclusion:

The study highlights the importance of training laboratory staff on standard guidelines, which resulted in an increased culture positivity rate in CAPD fluids. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolated pathogens will help the clinicians in initiating appropriate management.
Relationship between Heightened Level of Aggression and Lower Digit Ratio in a Cohort of Children in Conflict with the Law
Authors: Mukhtar Isyaku Gwarzo , Umar Hassan Sani , Umar Safiyyu Mujitapha
Published: September 2024

Background and Aim:

Digit ratio (2D:4D) has been linked to prenatal exposure to androgen and by implication, aggression, however, results have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between 2D:4D and family income with measures of aggression among children in conflict with the law in Northern Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and twenty participants aged 12–17 years (median = 15) consisting of 60 male children in conflict with the law at a remand home in Northern Nigeria and 60 age-matched normal controls were randomly recruited. Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire was used to assess aggression, whereas 2D:4D was measured directly on the second and fourth fingers. Data were analyzed on SPSS version 23.0. P ≤ 0.05 was set as significance.

Results:

Of the 60 children in conflict with the law, 10% had a history of substance abuse; 50% were first-time offenders; 70% were involved in theft, 22% in fight, and 8% in physical assault. Children in conflict with the law had significantly lower years of education (P ≤ 0.001), r2D:4D (P = 0.003), and l2D:4D (P = 0.047) but higher family income (P ≤ 0.001) and aggression scores (P ≤ 0.001). Among the participants as a whole, education was negatively (P < 0.001), whereas family income was positively (P < 0.001), correlated with aggression; r2D:4D was positively correlated with physical (P = 0.023), verbal (P < 0.001), total aggression (P = 0.002), and anger (P < 0.001); l2D:4D was negatively correlated with physical aggression (P = 0.050) and hostility (P = 0.037). Among children in conflict with the law, l2D:4D was positively correlated with anger (P < 0.001), whereas education was negatively correlated with hostility (P = 0.015).

Conclusion:

Children in conflict with the law are associated with a heightened level of aggression and shorter 2D:4D. Aggression is influenced by education and family income, whereas the relationship between aggression and 2D:4D is unclear.
AGTR1 A1166C gene polymorphism is associated with the effectiveness of valsartan monotherapy in Chinese patients with essential hypertension: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Yu Hanzhong , Li Lei , Wei Shuyao , Kong Qianqian , Nu Wei , Dong Bo , Zhao Yuewu , Wang Li
Published: September 2024

Objective:

To investigate whether angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1 A1166C) gene polymorphism was associated with the effectiveness of valsartan monotherapy in Chinese patients with essential hypertension.

Methods:

This retrospective analysis included 198 patients (⩾18 years of age) who received valsartan monotherapy (80 mg/day) for newly developed essential hypertension at the authors’ center between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2023. Genotyping for AGTR1 A1166C gene polymorphism was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-melting curve analysis of genomic DNA from peripheral blood samples. A dominant genetic model for AGTR1 A1166C (AA genotype versus AC + CC genotype) was used. Multivariate regression analysis of baseline variables and AGTR1 polymorphism was conducted to identify predictors of target blood pressure attainment (<140/90 mmHg) at the 4-week follow-up.

Results:

The median age of the 198 patients was (53.7±13.5) years, and 58% were men. Genotyping assays showed that 164 patients had the AA genotype, and 34 patients were of the AC/CC genotype, including 30 with the AC genotype and 4 with the CC genotype. Allele distribution was consistent with Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. 109 Patients (55.1%) attained the blood pressure target. Multivariate analysis showed that smoking (versus no smoking, HR 0.314, 95% CI 0.159-0.619, P=0.001) and AGTR1 A1166C AA genotype (versus AC/CC, HR 2.927, 95% CI 1.296-6.611, P=0.023) were significant and independent predictors of target attainment. 25 Patients (73.5%) with AGTR1 A1166C AC/CC genotype attained the target versus 51.2% (51/164) of patients with AGTR1 A1166C AA genotype (P=0.017). Patients with AGTR1 A1166C AC/CC genotype had a significantly greater reduction in systolic blood pressure [(33.1±10.8) mmHg versus (29.2±11.7) mmHg in AA carriers; P=0.029)].

Conclusions:

Hypertensive patients carrying one or two C alleles of the AGTR1 A1166C gene were more responsive to valsartan treatment.
Risk factors for hypertension in pregnant women in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Oktarina Oktarina , Nantabah Zainul Khaqiqi , Nyoman Juliasih , Ristrini Ristrini , Hakim Lukman , Ridwan Wawan , Rachmat Basuki , Wardhani Yurika Fauzia , Rukmini Rukmini
Published: September 2024

Objective:

To determine the risk factors for hypertension in pregnant women, which is a significant cause of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality in Indonesia.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study used secondary data from the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research. Pregnant women aged 15-54 years in the second and third trimesters were eligible. The history of hypertension in pregnant women was the dependent variable. The independent variables consisted of the demographic characteristics of pregnant women including pregnancy age, gestational age, education, occupation, place of residence, and region of residence. This study used multivariate logistic regression to determine the risk factors for hypertension in pregnant women in Indonesia.

Results:

Among 6479 respondents included in this study, 11 (7.0%) had a history of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension compared to pregnant women who did not have a history of DM (0.1%). The dominant risk factors for hypertension in pregnant women in Indonesia include maternal age above 35 years (OR 3.67, 95% CI 2.54-5.32), third-trimester pregnancy (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.72-3.35), primigravida (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.19-2.68), excessive consumption of salty foods (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.03-2.03), and diabetes mellitus (OR 10.20, 95% CI 3.04-32.23).

Conclusions:

Great efforts must be made to increase public awareness about the dangers of hypertension in pregnant women through early diagnosis and treatment, education on sodium intake, and appropriate care for pregnant women with DM.
Prevalence and outcomes of neonates with severe COVID-19: An observational study at Children’s Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Phung Nguyen The Nguyen , Tran Thanh Thuc , Nguyen Thanh Hung , Ngo Ngoc Quang Minh , Dang Quoc Duy , Tran Minh Nhut , Nguyen Hoang Dung , Tran Nguyen Ai Nuong , Dinh Nguyen Cam Tu
Published: September 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of the severe COVID-19 pandemic on neonates and develop strategies to improve their outcomes.

Methods:

We conducted an observational cross-sectional study at Children's Hospital 1 (CH1) from July 25, 2021, to May 31, 2022. All neonates who had fever or respiratory symptoms or were born from mothers with COVID-19 and had a positive RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 result would be included. We classified neonates with COVID-19 into 2 groups: mild/moderate and severe for analysis. Differences between groups were analyzed using Fisher's exact test/Chi-square test for categorical variables and Student's t-test/Wilcoxon Rank Sum test for continuous variables.

Results:

This study included 88 newborns who had positive RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 results. The severity COVID-19 rate among neonatal cases was found to be 13.6% (12/88), with a corresponding mortality rate of 1.1% (1/88). All severe cases showed lung abnormalities as evident on chest X-ray images. In addition to respiratory symptoms, a higher incidence of gastrointestinal manifestations, such as vomiting and diarrhea, was observed in the severe group, indicating a compelling association. The administration of anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory drugs in the study group resulted in a satisfactory outcome with no significant complications.

Conclusions:

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the well-being of neonates. The management of COVID-19 in this population presents significant challenges.
Endocrinopathies in Thalassemia – A Hospital-based Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Haq Tahniyah , Ferdousi Tahmina , Ayub Tohfa E. , Hasanat Muhammad Abul
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Thalassemia is the most common congenital anomaly in Bangladesh, and 14,000 children are born with thalassemia each year. The risk of developing an endocrine complication in thalassemia is 9.7% in 5 years. Despite the high prevalence, data on the rate of endocrinopathies in thalassemia are limited in this country.

Aim:

This study was done to see the frequency of endocrinopathies in thalassemia in Bangladesh.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective cross-sectional study included all patients with thalassemia in the Department of Endocrinology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University between September 2021 and December 2022. Data were collected from patient records retrospectively. Endocrine disorders were diagnosed as per standard definitions and criteria.

Results:

Patients had either hemoglobin E beta-thalassemia (59.34%) or beta-thalassemia major (40.66%). The mean age of 91 patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia was 18.30 ± 5.27 years. About 53.3% were female. The mean hemoglobin level was 7.70 ± 1.57 g/dL. About 76.92% had any one type of endocrine disorder. Short stature was the most common endocrine presentation, occurring in 45.83% of patients under 20 years of age. One-third had glucose intolerance (34.9%), hypothyroidism (32.9%), and hypogonadism (30.8%). There was a positive relation between hemoglobin level and height (r = 0.406, R
2 = 16.48%, P = 0.017, n = 72).

Conclusion:

There was a high rate of endocrine disorders in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. The most common disorder was growth retardation and height decreased with decreasing hemoglobin.
Evaluating the effect of amalgam fillings on caries detection in cone-beam computed tomography images
Authors: Abdinian Mehrdad , Hranadi Mohammad Amin Tavakoli , Naeini Mohammad Hossein Manouchehri
Published: September 2024

Background:

Dental caries stands as one of the most prevalent dental concerns, with early diagnosis being pivotal in clinical dentistry. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) emerges as a widely utilized modality for dental caries identification, owing to its significant advantages. However, there remains a considerable knowledge gap regarding the efficacy of CBCT scans in detecting dental caries. In line with the as low as reasonably achievable principle, this study endeavors to evaluate the impact of amalgam fillings on the precision of occlusal caries detection in CBCT.

Materials and Methods

This in vitro study employed a set of 102 extracted human teeth samples. Among these, six molar teeth were used to create mesial-occlusal-distal amalgam restorations. The remaining teeth were placed in the dental sockets of a dry human skull to restore proximal contacts. CBCT images were obtained and examined by two observers, while histopathological examination was conducted using a stereomicroscope. Comparative analysis of CBCT images and histopathological data was performed using the McNemar test in SPSS software (α = 0.05).

Results:

The McNemar test results indicated that the nonrestoration group showed greater sensitivity and lower specificity in CBCT imaging than the amalgam-restored tooth group.

Conclusion:

The findings suggested that the CBCT technique did not demonstrate effectiveness in diagnosing dental caries around amalgam restorations.
Scorpion Bite Mimicking Acute Coronary Syndrome/Myocarditis Later Detected to Have Preexcitation Syndrome—A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Kumar Ankit , Pathania Sunny , Desai Arusha , Kapoor Suraj
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Scorpion sting-induced myocarditis is a strange and potentially life-threatening problem that merits careful clinical consideration and management.

Case Details:

Our case, a young male presented with history of scorpion bite over left foot sole associated with local burning an itching with subsequent development of systemic symptoms. The patient received supportive care, including pain management, fluid resuscitation, and close cardiac monitoring. Given the severity of the myocardial involvement, specific interventions targeting the venom’s impact on the heart were initiated. The patient showed significant improvement in symptoms and cardiac function with the implemented management strategies. We present a case report of a patient who suffered myocarditis following a scorpion sting, emphasizing the distinctive clinical features, diagnostic dilemma, and successful management. This case highlights the importance of heightened awareness among healthcare providers when faced with scorpion envenomation, particularly in regions where such encounters are prevalent.

Conclusion:

This case report contributes to the limited literature on scorpion bite-induced myocarditis, shedding light on the diagnostic intricacies and successful management.
Challenges in Obstetric Anesthesia for a Parturient With Asherson’s Syndrome
Authors: Hariharan Uma , Nagpal Vijay Kumar
Published: September 2024

Ashersons’ syndrome is a rare and serious form of coagulation disorder with thrombo-embolic complications. The combination of a dysfunctional protein C and protein S along with anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, is known as the catastrophic anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (CAPS) or Asherson’s syndrome. Their deficiency predisposes the patient to thrombotic events involving multi-organ vasculature. Obstetric anaesthesia in a patient with Asherson’s syndrome can be quite challenging, as we are dealing with two lives simultaneously. We hereby describe an uneventful case of operative delivery for a pregnant women with Asherson’s syndrome under subarachnoid block, with no veto-maternal complications. Literature is sparse focusing on the peri-operative care of this rare syndrome.
Evaluation of different activated irrigation protocols on debridement quality in various access cavity designs
Authors: Ujariya Urvashi M. , Gangani Mitul Lallubhai , Bharatiya Rajendra P. , Kothari Anjali K.
Published: September 2024

Aim:

This study aimed to evaluate the debridement quality of various activated irrigation (AI) protocols in the mesial root canal system of mandibular molars prepared with three different access cavity designs.

Methods:

Fifty-four freshly extracted mandibular molars were selected as per the inclusion criteria using preoperative cone-beam computer tomography. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups for three different access designs – Traditional Access Cavity (TradAC), Conservative Access Cavity, and Truss Access Cavity. Each group was further divided into three subgroups for three different irrigation protocols – Side Vent needle irrigation (SNI), sonic AI, and laser-AI. Each subgroup contained six samples. They were subjected to biomechanical preparation with different irrigation protocols using the standardized technique. Then samples were processed for histological evaluation after sectioning for measurement of remaining pulp tissues (RPT).

Results:

There was a statistically significant reduction in RPT using AI protocols (P < 0.05) in the pulp chamber, and all areas of the mesial root canal system in minimally invasive access cavity designs (MIAD) as compared to SNI protocol. However, in the TradAC design, a statistically significant reduction in RPT was found only in the isthmus area using AI protocols (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

AI protocols efficiently removed RPT from the pulp chamber and the root canal system of MIAD.
Iatrogenic Tube Ileostomy Complicating Blind Percutaneous Cystostomy Managed in Prostate Cancer Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Khalid Abdullahi , Umar Ahmed Mohammed , Jesini Gamdu , Muhammad Abubakar Sadiq , Agwu Ngwobia Peter , Abdullahi Abdulwahab-Ahmed
Published: September 2024

Herein is a case of an 80-year-old retiree who presented to our facility with a 2-week history of recurrent blockage of the percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy catheter, drainage of feculent fluid through the catheter, overflow urinary incontinence, fever, and vomiting. He had blind percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy (SPC) to relieve acute urinary retention due to failed urethral catheterization at a secondary health facility two weeks before referral to our facility. The investigative findings at our facility confirmed full urinary bladder on transabdominal ultrasound scan, incomplete bulbar stricture with the Ileostogram showing contrast opacification of the small bowel sparing the bladder cavity and urethral and vesical calculi. He was diagnosed with iatrogenic tube ileostomy, complicating blind percutaneous cystostomy with urosepsis. He had urethrocystoscopy, urethrotomy, cystolithotomy, and ileostomy repair. The blind percutaneous cystostomy should be discouraged in the present era of imaging and minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment to avoid major complications like iatrogenic tube ileostomy.