bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Crystalloid Preloading and Coloading for Prevention of Spinal-induced Hypotension in Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial at a Tertiary Facility in Ghana
Authors: Quarshie Amanda , Anno Audrey , Djagbletey Robert , Sarpong Pokua , Sottie Daniel , Phillips Brenda J. , Lassey Phyllis Demi , Aryee George , Essuman Raymond , Owusu Darkwa Ebenezer
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia is the recommended technique for cesarean section. It is easy to perform and provides a reliable, safe, effective, and fast sensory and motor block of high quality. Hypotension, which can be deleterious to both mother and  baby, is however a common side effect. Preloading has not been shown to consistently prevent spinal-induced hypotension.
AIM: The aim of this study was to compare coloading with preloading using crystalloids for preventing spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension in parturients undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-blinded, randomized, and controlled study was conducted on 88 patients at term scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Parturients were randomly assigned to receive a preload of 12.5 mL/kg of Ringer’s Lactate (Group P) before the spinal anesthetic or a coload of 12.5 mL/kg of Ringers Lactate (Group C) at the time of the spinal procedure. Blood pressure, heart rate, incidence and timing of nausea and vomiting, and amount and frequency of vasopressor used were recorded for the first 10 minutes post-spinal anesthesia. Neonatal Apgar scores were determined at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.
RESULTS: The two groups were comparable with respect to age, weight, height, gestational age, ASA classification, baseline hemodynamic  measurements, time to onset of hypotension, and time to delivery of baby post-spinal anesthesia. Post-spinal anesthesia changes in the heart  rate, systolic blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure were also comparable between the two groups. None of the patients in both groups experienced nausea or vomiting without hypotension. Although the cumulative dose of ephedrine to treat hypotension in the preload group was  higher compared to the coload group, the difference was not statistically significant (16.3 vs. 12.4; p-value = 0.110).
CONCLUSION: Preloading and coloading with 12.5 mL/kg of Ringer’s Lactate are comparable but neither is effective alone for preventing spinal-induced hypotension in the obstetric population. A vasopressor regimen is required to improve efficacy of the fluid load for preventing spinal-induced hypotension.
Novel type of egg-clustering in threadsnakes (Serpentes: Leptotyphlopidae)
Authors: Chuliver Mariana , Scanferla Agustín
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Snakes lay their eggs in clutches of different size, which are usually attached to each other forming a cluster. Egg-clustering is a widespread phenomenon across alethinophidian snakes, mostly recorded in Pythonoidea and caenophidian clades. Here we report a new type of egg-clustering for threadsnakes (Leptotyphlopidae) that departs from the alethinophidian type. We found that females ofEpictia australisandLeptotyphlops sylvicoluslay their eggs connected to each other through a filament, and we dubbed it ‘string-egg clustering’. The histomorphology of the filament linking the eggs inE. australisshowed an outer calcareous layer underlain by a thick layer of collagen fibers, demonstrating that it is an integral part of the eggshell formed during its deposition process in the oviduct. String egg-clustering seems to be present only among species belonging to both subfamilies of threadsnakes, Epictinae and Leptotyphlopinae. Egg-clustering in alethinophidians has been demonstrated to have several advantages for embryo development and post-hatching survival, including fixing the position of the embryo within the egg, protection against predators, and embryo-to-embryo communication. The presence of a filament connecting the eggs in leptotyphlopid species might be relevant for maintaining the position of the embryo in the egg, to avoid the dispersion of the egg in the nesting site, and potentially for the transmission of physical cues. Thus, we hypothesize that the string-egg clustering constitutes an advantageous reproductive trait among threadsnakes.
Du déclin du père à la paire articulée : le pari de la conversation
Authors: Lacadée Philippe
Published: September 2023

Au moment de l’adolescence, le sujet vit une crise de l’identité, une crise de la langue articulée à l’Autre. De nos jours, du fait du déclin de la fonction paternelle et de l’autorité, nombre de sujets refusent d’en passer par le savoir de l’Autre, que ce soit celui de la famille ou celui transmis à l’école qui devient alors un lieu impossible. Ainsi, la question de l’adolescence s’affirme-t-elle clinique et politique. Qu’est-ce que le monde pratiqué, vécu et examiné à partir de la différence et de l’erreur et non à partir de l’identité, voire de l’idéal ? Quel est le destin de l’amour et du désir à l’heure de la déchéance du père et de la fragmentation des corps et des histoires ? Si la langue s’appuyant sur la transmission du père ne fait plus autorité, nous proposons de rencontrer dans les conversations que nous mettons en place avec des adolescents l’autorité de la langue en prenant le risque de la parole en s’appuyant sur la paire des mots qui, en s’articulant l’un à l’autre, apporte une signification sur ce que chacun vit.
Les avatars esthétiques dans les réseaux sociaux : une quête identitaire contemporaine
Authors: Cernat Cristina , Pluchart Sandra
Published: September 2023

Dans cet article nous interrogeons les différentes fonctions de la construction d’avatars esthétiques au sein des réseaux sociaux. Des effets subjectifs se perçoivent pour celui qui crée comme pour celui qui regarde ces images d’autosuffisance illusoire et temporaire. Le sujet entame ainsi une relation particulière avec le regard supposé de ses pairs. Il y cherche une réparation narcissique de son image métamorphosée ou encore l’effacement de la castration. Ces nouveaux modes d’interaction du sujet avec ses pairs questionnent les formes contemporaines de la quête identitaire.
Rêvais-je de gémeaux ?
Authors: Florence Nicolas , De Neuter Patrick
Published: September 2023

En complément de la rêverie poétique sur le thème de la gémellité, l’auteur propose quelques hypothèses interprétatives, tout en soulignant qu’en l’absence des associations libres de l’auteur de la rêverie, ces hypothèses interprétatives ne sont que la projection de ses propres a priori théoriques et de sa propre subjectivité.
La cothérapie en cas de thérapie de couple
Authors: De Neuter Patrick
Published: September 2023

Se référant à son expérience personnelle et aux publications de quelques collègues, l’auteur envisage successivement les avantages de la cothérapie en cas de thérapie de couple : intervision sur le vif, élargissement de l’écoute, partage des tâches, maniement plus aisé des débordements transférentiels, dédoublement des styles d’intervention, abord plus aisé des clivages et de la différence des sexes, évocation plus rapide des transferts parentaux et possibilité de formation de stagiaires. Il envisage aussi les risques de conflit ou d’énamoration entre les thérapeutes et l’exigence de quelques qualités des cothérapeutes, entre autres : ouverture bienveillante à l’autre, aptitude au partage des pouvoirs, fonctions et savoirs, faible tendance à la rivalité, et tolérance à la (re)mise en question.
Enseignement à distance du travail social pendant la pandémie : expériences des enseignants avec les étudiants de premier cycle dans les universités portugaises
Authors: Garcia Ana Paula , Marques Jacqueline , Rullac Stéphane
Published: September 2023

Cette étude descriptive vise à comprendre la perception qu’ont les enseignants des conséquences de la crise sanitaire sur le type d’enseignement-apprentissage et les méthodologies d’évaluation, quel est leur impact sur le processus d’apprentissage, la réalisation des objectifs et des compétences, et quels sont les principales limites et les principaux avantages au cours des stages. L’instrument de collecte des données a été l’enquête menée auprès des enseignants de premier cycle en travail social. En ce qui concerne le processus d’apprentissage, les étudiants ont trouvé qu’il était plus difficile de se concentrer et qu’il y avait constamment des problèmes techniques et d’accès à Internet. La distance a été le principal impact sur les relations étudiants-enseignants. Les objectifs et les compétences ont été partiellement atteints pour la majorité des étudiants, soulignant la distinction, pour leur réalisation, entre les cours théoriques, théorico-pratiques et pratiques. L’acquisition de compétences relationnelles, argumentatives et orales a été la plus affectée, mais, d’un autre côté, d’autres compétences ont été approfondies. Il y a eu une transposition des méthodologies de l’enseignement en face à face à l’enseignement en ligne, avec des conséquences pour les enseignants et les étudiants.
Regard sur les défis de l’évaluation dans les processus de co-construction d’une politique de développement social territorial
Authors: Gagnon Frédérik , Boucher Maxime , Parent André-Anne , Smits Pernelle , Divay Gérard , Gonin Audrey
Published: September 2023

Les processus de co-construction de développement social territorial rencontrent des défis à l’égard de l’évaluation, notamment en raison des demandes et des attentes des diverses parties prenantes de cette forme d’action collective. Notre article s’appuie sur une expérience de collaboration entre la recherche universitaire et des organisations du secteur public et du tiers secteur pour réfléchir à un cadre d’évaluation d’une politique régionale de développement social. Il propose d’explorer les préoccupations des acteurs de la société civile à l’égard de l’évaluation de la mobilisation et des pratiques de travail collaboratives influencées par son déploiement dans les collectivités locales de la région. Les acteurs accordent une importance à la captation et la mesure d’éléments intangibles comme objets d’évaluation.
De l’expérience à l’expertise : passer de l’expérience de vie à la construction d’une expertise
Authors: Portron Arnaud , Portal Brigitte
Published: September 2023

Pourquoi parler d’expertise concernant les personnes accompagnées ? Est-ce le terme le plus approprié concernant des personnes qui bénéficient d’un suivi, voire d’une mesure contrainte ? La notion d’expertise renvoie aux connaissances acquises par un spécialiste dans un domaine donné. Cependant, l’étymologie du mot « expert » insiste sur l’expérience. Selon cette acception, les intervenants détiennent une expertise professionnelle et les personnes qu’ils accompagnent possèdent également une expertise. Celle-ci est issue de leurs expériences de vie et de la connaissance de leur réalité. L’expertise va au-delà du témoignage, elle nécessite de prendre du recul et favorise des prises de conscience. Cette expertise est convoquée dans nos conversations avec Arnaud, elle nous invite à une réflexion sur le travail social.
Développer le pouvoir d’agir par la reconnaissance du savoir expérientiel des personnes en situation de vulnérabilité. Les apports de la recherche collaborative.
Authors: Lelubre Marjorie
Published: September 2023

Les dispositifs participatifs se sont progressivement imposés au sein des politiques publiques, y compris lorsqu’elles concernent des publics partciculièrement vulnérables. Face à ce que d’aucuns nomment cette nouvelle "injonction" force est de constater que cette partcipation rencontrent de nombreux obstacles.
De la norme a la marge : l’impossible dialectique ?
Authors: Cugola Umberto , Lenoir Jean-Loup , Lakhouache Améle
Published: September 2023

La réflexion proposée ici découle d’un séminaire né à l’IFRASS à Toulouse en 2016 dans un contexte où la réforme et l’universitarisation des diplômes d’Etat d’éducateurs ont interrogé les équipes sur la place de la recherche dans nos centres de formation. Avec mon collègue J.L Lenoir, la richesse des échanges avec les étudiants et les intervenants nous ont nourrit toutes ces années jusqu’à ce que nous identifions le thème et l’argumentaire présenté en introduction ci-dessous. C’est lui qui a motivé l’intervention des praticiens, personnes concernées et associations que nous invitons depuis maintenant trois ans. Et cette année nous osons franchir le pas en mettant par écrit toutes les analyses et pistes de réflexion que ce séminaire et ses échanges ont inspiré. S’il faut bien associer un nom à une plume, ce travail reste le produit d’une intelligence collective, le fruit d’un réseau d’acteurs passionnés qui ont pensé en commun.
Roman pour la jeune fille, roman de la jeune fille : le roman catholique face à ses paradoxes
Authors: Plet Charles
Published: September 2023

La jeune fille acquiert une place centrale dans le sous-champ littéraire catholique de l’ère 1900 : en un temps républicain où l’on craint la disparition de la famille chrétienne, critiques et éditeurs soutiennent la production de « romans catholiques » susceptibles de plaire aux futures épouses-mères, premières éducatrices de l’enfant. Cet article examine l’histoire et la poétique de la principale forme romanesque catholique orthodoxe proposée aux jeunes personnes en âge de se marier : le roman d’amour catholique, de 1880 à 1945. Promoteur d’un idéal réactionnel de la jeune fille, ce sous-genre mu par l’exemplarité est à l’origine de trois « paradoxes exemplaires » : son esthétique du conte de fées n’exacerbe-t-elle pas la rêverie des lectrices au lieu de la domestiquer ? La lecture suivie de productions amoureuses n’entraîne-t-elle pas la jeunesse vers des lectures a/antireligieuses ? Faire de la jeune fille pure le personnage régnant normé et normatif de la culture catholique, n’est-ce pas se détacher du champ du pouvoir (masculin) ?
La Jeune-France au miroir : stratégies de légitimation d’une jeunesse romantique
Authors: Beliaeva Solomon Maria
Published: September 2023

Cet article se propose de revenir sur les portraits que les dénommés Jeunes-France donnent d’eux-mêmes autour de 1830 afin d’y étudier la coexistence de deux imaginaires contradictoires : celui d’une jeunesse romantique et d’un jeune siècle, prématurément vieilli par l’avènement des logiques marchandes. Au-delà de l’élaboration, déjà abondamment commentée, d’une conscience générationnelle, l’adhésion au motif de la jeunesse dans la production d’écrivains tels que Borel, Gautier, Nerval ou O’Neddy constitue un moyen inédit de remettre en question leur marginalisation dans les systèmes de légitimation en vigueur afin de mieux en exposer les failles. Les représentations qu’ils renvoient à leurs contemporains contribuent ainsi à façonner, par-delà l’identité collective, un nouveau discours sur la jeunesse.
El periódico como «base de vida». La relación de Ramón Gómez de la Serna con El Sol y La Voz a través de unas cartas inéditas
Authors: González Gómez Sofía
Published: September 2023

Este trabajo explora la faceta periodística de Ramón Gómez de la Serna a través de un corpus epistolar inédito. Documentaremos los mecanismos internos que rigieron el trabajo de Ramón para El Sol y La Voz, desde los aspectos crematísticos hasta la negociación de sus colaboraciones. En este artículo, subrayaremos, además, la importancia que tuvo el engarce del autor en el círculo intelectual de tales periódicos, no solo para su carrera, sino también para su trayectoria vital. Con todo, aportaremos claves sobre la profesionalización de la figura del escritor en el periodo de entreguerras, en relación con los medios de comunicación.
La demonización falangista del fútbol en la literatura y el periodismo español (1926-1936): de Chiripi a Stadium
Authors: Da Costa Marco
Published: September 2023

El presente artículo plantea un acercamiento a la interpretación ideológica que se estableció sobre el fútbol en la literatura deportiva de Jacinto Miquelarena, Wenceslao Fernández Flórez, Rafael López de Haro, Ernesto Giménez Caballero o Juan Antonio de Zunzunegui. El objetivo principal, a partir de un enfoque histórico-literario, se centra en analizar el debate en el que se vieron enfrascados una serie de escritores y periodistas, de ideología conservadora y posteriormente falangista, que observarían en el deporte rey un compendio peyorativo de lo que simbolizaba para todos ellos el ideario principal del régimen republicano.
WIND ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS OF GREEN BUILDING BASED ON BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM)
Authors: Wei Guomin , Sarman Asmawan Mohd , Gungat Lillian , Li Minghe , Shen Ling
Published: September 2023

This papers offers a more simple and effective method to simulate indoor and outdoor wind field at the same time, while also exploring the influence of indoor wind field on air conditioning energy consumption. This paper presents an application framework for simulating indoor and outdoor wind field and an air conditioning system based on BIM. Through the BIM software with built-in CFD calculation, the indoor and outdoor wind environment is simulated, and it is found that the outdoor vertical wind field has a certain influence on indoor ventilation. Meanwhile, the air conditioning energy consumption of the building is calculated, and the influence of indoor natural ventilation on air conditioning energy consumption is quantified. This paper provides important guidance for building researchers and practitioners to better align BIM development with green building development in the future.
ENERGY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND COST PERFORMANCE OF WALL SYSTEMS FOR STANDARD RESIDENTIAL HOUSING: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Bertoli Gabriela , Sartori Gabriela , Baptista Daniela , Passuello Ana , Danilevicz Angela , Torres Maurício , Garcez Monica
Published: September 2023

The design process influences the resulting environmental impacts and life cycle costs. Life cycle assessment can assist the construction industry in selecting more sustainable technological alternatives. In this context, wall systems play a significant role in the environmental and economic performance of a building. This paper compares the potential energy, costs, and environmental impacts of three structural wall construction systems (ceramic, concrete, and soil-cement blocks) for standard residential housing in Southern Brazil, considering a 50-year lifespan. The highest environmental impacts are related to the use stage of all three systems. The ceramic brick system presents the highest impact in the product stage, the concrete block system in the use stage, and the soil cement brick system in the construction stage. The concrete block system presents the highest relative net present value, followed by soil cement and ceramic brick systems. The impacts for the soil-cement block system are similar to those for ceramic block, while the concrete block system is the most expensive, energy demanding, and CO2 releasing. The results demonstrate the importance of producing criteria for architectural decision-making based on scientific evidence when choosing wall systems.
Quantum Metrology
Authors: Muthusamy Arvindhan
Published: September 2023

Researchers have focused increasingly on hybrid quantum computing and brain-computer interfaces. Scientists are investigating brain-computer interface technology and applying it to additional fields as neural technology and artificial intelligence evolve. The subject of brain-computer interface has progressed rapidly over the past decades, yet the underlying technologies and novel ideas behind seemingly unconnected systems are rarely summarized from the point of quantum integration. This study describes hybrid quantum computing and brain-computer interface applications, discusses present issues, and suggests future research. Ecologists could employ quantum computers because the statistical approaches they use have proven routes on them. If the hardware, opportunity, and imagination of quantitative ecologists coincide, quantum computing could leapfrog our understanding of complex ecological processes.
An Enhanced Study of Quantum Computing in the View of Machine Learning
Authors: Muthusamy Arvindhan , Ramprasath M. , Kalpana A. V. , Ravishankar Nadana
Published: September 2023

Emerging technologies, including quantum information science and artificial education systems, have the potential to have significant implications for the future of human civilization. Quantum information, on the one hand, and machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), on the other, consume their personal unique set of queries and contests that have been studied in isolation up until now. However, a recent study is starting to examine whether these disciplines can teach one another anything useful. The discipline of quantum ML investigates how quantum computing and ML may work together to find solutions to challenges in both areas. Major advancements in the two areas of effect have been made recently. Particularly relevant in today's “big data” era is the use of quantum computing to speed up the solution of machine learning (ML) challenges. However, ML is already present in many state-of-the-art technologies and may play a crucial role in future quantum technologies.
Data Analytics Applications in Healthcare, Hospitality, Marketing, and Security
Authors: Selvanambi Ramani , Dhankhar Jatin Kumar , Batish Paurush , Soni Rakshit , Karuppiah Marimuthu
Published: September 2023

The healthcare industry produces an outsized amount of knowledge, including medical records, compliance with regulatory requirements, and patient information. Most of these records were stored in a hard copy file system, but the current trend targets digital data. Driven by the need for resources and the ability to enhance the quality of healthcare that currently reduces costs, these big data sets hold the promise to support a large range of health and medical services. Thus, big data in healthcare focuses on digital data sets that are so large and sophisticated that it's almost impossible to manage with conventional software or hardware, nor will they easily be operated by conventional information management methods and tools. This chapter discusses big data analytics in healthcare, how it could be a game changer in reducing the cost of treatments for hospitals and patients, help in treating chronic diseases by suggesting methods as simple as lifestyle changes, and how it could change the whole healthcare industry.
Data-Driven Framework for Quantification of Reactive Power Using Aggregated Load Data
Authors: Jeremia Nghipundaka , Musti K. S. Sastry
Published: September 2023

Fluctuations in voltages and power mismatches are common in modern power grids due to the dynamic changes in the load and generation levels. Ancillary services are provided by specialized engineering firms to assist the market operators in operating the power networks and to manage the power mismatches. Ancillary services require a lot of data including the load data, system data, and control device data to take appropriate decisions based on standardized computational processes. This chapter introduces the overall process of determining the required reactive power flows based on load data aggregation in low voltage (LV) networks. The proposed method utilizes the adjustment of DER inverter reactive power using the IEEE 1547 standard reactive power control mode, constant-reactive mode (Cons-VAr), and voltage-reactive power mode (Volt-VAr). The suggested process is applied to a modified IEEE 5-bus network. ETAP software is used simulations for 12-month period.
Using PBL to Teach English Language and Culture at the Tertiary Level
Authors: Armie Madalina , de los Ríos María Enriqueta Cortés , Soriano Ángeles Jordán , López Nuria del Mar Torres , Pérez María del Mar Sánchez
Published: September 2023

The aim of this research is to display how project-based learning (PBL), one of the most innovative methodologies in the contemporary educational panorama, can be beneficial in teaching culture in English language classes at the tertiary level. Students will be due to produce a final project that examines cultural elements in several English-speaking countries combining various disciplines, such as geography, history, literature, and economics. The results will be drawn from two questionnaires: a pre-task survey that will assess the expectations and motivation levels of tertiary students in connection to this pedagogical approach and a post-task survey which will—in this case—assess the effects of these final results in students' motivation and the potential changes concerning their views on PBL.
Software Modeling and Design Process
Authors: Dwivedi Smrity
Published: September 2023

Modeling is the designing of software applications before coding according to the object-oriented groups where under the model-based software design and development, software modeling and design are used as an important and mandatory part of the software development process. Software models are methods of expressing a software design. Basically, some sort of abstract language or pictures are used to express the software design under modeling. For object-oriented software, an object modeling language such as UML and many more are used to develop and express the software design. Also, the design model is based on the analysis and architectural essentials of the system. It denotes the application components and determines their appropriate placement and use within the overall architecture.
Designing an Efficient and Scalable Relational Database Schema
Authors: Rajendran Rajesh Kanna , Mohana Priya T.
Published: September 2023

Relational databases are a critical component of modern software applications, providing a reliable and scalable method for storing and managing data. A well-designed database schema can enhance the performance and flexibility of applications, making them more efficient and easier to maintain. Data modeling is an essential process in designing a database schema, and it involves identifying and organizing data entities, attributes, and relationships. In this chapter, the authors discuss the principles of designing an efficient and scalable relational database schema, with a focus on data modeling techniques. They explore the critical aspects of normalization, data types, relationships, indexes, and denormalization, as well as techniques for optimizing database queries and managing scalability challenges. The principles discussed in this chapter can be applied to various database management systems and can be useful for designing a schema that meets the demands of modern data-intensive applications.
Performance Evaluation of Different Machine Learning Algorithms Using Credit Scoring Model
Authors: Singh Amrit , Mahapatra Harisankar , Biswal Anil Kumar , Samantaray Milan , Singh Debabrata
Published: September 2023

The project focuses on the development of a credit scoring model. Concerns with credit scoring are being raised when developing an empirical model to support the financial decision-making process for financial institutions. This chapter focuses on the development of a credit scoring model using a combination of feature selection and ensemble classifiers. The most relevant features are identified, and an ensemble classifier is used to reduce the risk of overfitting with the aim of improving the classification performance of credit scoring models in the proposed method. Several metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and AUC-ROC, are used to evaluate the performance of the model. The accuracy and robustness of credit scoring models can potentially be improved by the proposed method, and the evaluation metrics can be used to further enhance it.
Financial Inclusion Through FinTech Adoption
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Alhamzi Khalid Hussain , Devi G. Vinodini
Published: September 2023

The emergence of fintech has made it possible for many unbanked individuals worldwide to obtain financial services through digital means. Recently, the COVID-19 health crisis has opened up new possibilities for digital financial services to speed up financial inclusion despite social exclusion. Many national governments have promoted its usage by lowering costs and boosting the transactional limits for digital transactions. In this research, the authors attempted to construct a model for the adoption of fintech in the context of rural India. The goal of this research is to identify the policies and initiatives that best promote the growth of the fintech ecosystem. They also make an effort to pinpoint the qualities of banking systems that are more likely to support fintech in order to collaborate effectively on financial inclusion. The methodology section of this work is built on the ISM-MICMAC technique.
FinTech in India
Authors: Ramkumar Gowtham
Published: September 2023

India is the second-most populous country in the world, with a rapidly growing economy. Its population is highly tech-savvy and has a high level of adoption of digital technologies. The Indian government has taken several initiatives to promote digital transactions and financial inclusion. These initiatives have been instrumental in the growth of fintech in India. Fintech, or financial technology, is transforming the financial sector worldwide. Fintech solutions have led to the creation of new business models, streamlined operations, and enhanced customer experience. India is no exception to this trend, as it has witnessed a significant growth in fintech in recent years. The fintech ecosystem in India is highly diverse, consisting of startups, technology companies, banks, and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). There are various challenges faced by fintech companies in India, such as lack of access to capital, regulatory hurdles, and competition from established players. This chapter proposal aims to provide a basic literature review on the development of fintech in India.
Exploring the Interconnection of FinTech and Climate Sustainability
Authors: G. Sreelekshmi , A. V. Biju
Published: September 2023

The escalating climate catastrophe has made climate-sustainable development indispensable, the success of which relies on the sustainable adoption of innovative ideas and technologies. Against this backdrop, the FinTech industry saw the emergence of a novel FinTech model with a climate action motive, known as climate FinTech or green FinTech. This chapter contributes to the scanty climate FinTech literature by providing insights on the state of the art using an inductive qualitative methodology comprising a literature review, case research on Indian climate FinTech, and sentiment analysis of climate FinTech tweets. The chapter puts forward suggestions for the growth of the market, and the future implications. The results suggest that the climate FinTech landscape is made up of a multitude of business types and activities and this innovative yet impactful FinTech model is a promising proposition for countering climate catastrophe, especially using blockchain technology.
Impact of Green Banking Practices on Sustainable Environmental Performance and Profitability of Private Sector Banks
Authors: Jain Pooja , Sharma Bhuvanesh Kumar
Published: September 2023

Sustainable environmental performance linked with profitability has been one of the brimming concerns in the worldwide scenario. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the impact of green banking practices on the firm's sustainable environmental performance. Further, the impact of sustainable environmental performance on firms' profitability was also measured. A survey-based research design was employed by collecting data from Private sector bank employees of India. The data analysis was performed on the selected private bank employees collected from August 2022 to November 2022 by employing the PLS-SEM method with the help of smartPLS software. The study found a significant positive relationship between bank environmental performance and profitability. Consequently, green banking policy significantly influences the day-to-day operation and funding or investment in green projects. Specifically, the study hypothesizes that green banking practices lead to improved operational efficiency, increased funding and investment in green projects, enhanced sustainable environmental performance, and improved profitability for private sector banks. The results of this study contributed to the existing literature on green banking practices and provided insights for policymakers, bank management, and other stakeholders interested in promoting sustainable banking practices.
Analysis of a Hybrid System Solar Chimney-Air Soil Heat Exchanger for Natural Ventilation
Authors: Belfegas Billal , Tayebi Tahar , Larbi Salah
Published: September 2023

The current study looks at a hybrid passive cooling system that combines a solar chimney with an earth-to-air heat exchanger (EAHE) usually called Canadian Well. Numerous experimental and numerical examinations with various applied radiation heat fluxes were carried out to evaluate its ability to cool a room. Glass temperature, wall temperature, air flow mean temperature, hourly rate of air exchange (ACH), outlet airflow velocity, and rate of air mass flow were determined experimentally and numerically, and validated against previously published experimental and analytical works. It was found that the chimney's operation is dependent on the radiation intensity. The EAHE has reduced the room's temperature by improving exchanges with the solar chimney. The comparison of experimental and numerical data for different radiation intensities reveals that the best diameter of the tube of the underground heat exchanger for the proper operation of our system is d = 0.04m. The efficiency of our system increases as the radiation increases, causing an increase in the temperature of the absorber, which influences the air temperature in the chimney.
Numerical Simulation of Geotechnical Isolation of Building Subjected to Earthquake Using Rubber Sand Mixtures
Authors: Brara Ali , Boumezerane Djamalddine
Published: September 2023

The use of recycled rubber in various civil engineering applications has seen a considerable rise in recent years. The rubber-soil mixture can exhibit a higher energy absorption capacity than soil alone, which would reduce the energy applied to structures, the stresses, and shocks they undergo. Base isolation is the process of isolating the base of a structure to limit the effects of earthquakes, so that the seismic forces applied to the base of the bedrock cannot move with the same intensity towards the super structure.In this work, the beneficial effects of rubber mixtures (RSM) in mitigating earthquakes when these mixtures are inserted as layers in the soil profile are highlighted; the approach is based on a method of using worn tires for seismic protection applications for infrastructures subjected to seismic loads. It involves mixing particles from used tires with soil materials and placing the mixtures under the foundation of the building as geotechnical insulation systems for vibration absorption.The foundation of a four-storey building is implanted in a soil profile in which a layer of rubber-sand mixture (RSM) has been inserted; to perform the role of seismic isolation when subjected to seismic excitation.The investigation is focused on the variation in the thickness of the layer on the one hand (between 1m and 4m), and on the other hand on the position of this layer in the soil mass (top, middle and bottom of the profile).The peaks of horizontal accelerations recorded at the base and top of the structure show that the sand-rubber mixture has adequate and promising potential for their application as seismic isolation materials for low-rise buildings. Moreover, the thickness of the layer and its location are two very determining parameters in the improvement of the performances of these RSM mixtures, especially in terms of reduction of the acceleration peak recorded.
Characterization of Boeing 777 Nose Landing Gear to Better Withstand Rough Landing
Authors: Jinadu Abdulbaqi , Olayemi Olalekan Adebayo , Tijani Quadri , Salaudeen Abdulwasiu
Published: September 2023

An important role a landing gear plays is that it aids in the landing and takeoff of aircraft. The landing gear must be designed in such a way that it can take these stresses in static and dynamic situations. This is to accommodate both rough and smooth landings that result from various loads acting upon it, such as drag force, vertical load, and side load. In the aviation industry, landing gear stress is a key concern, and different research in this field has previously yielded excellent results. However, the time has come to raise the bar even higher. This report will focus on the optimization of the Boeing 777's nose landing gear to better withstand rough landings. During the timeframe of this research, SOLIDWORKS was utilized to model and analyze various components of the landing gear. The results summarize that a single material should be avoided throughout the components of the landing gear. Components such as pistons with a larger stress allocation should be made of titanium alloy, while components with a lesser stress allocation should be made from aluminum alloy.Abstract. An important role a landing gear plays is that it aids in the landing and takeoff of aircraft. The landing gear must be designed in such a way that it can take these stresses in static and dynamic situations. This is to accommodate both rough and smooth landings that result from various loads acting upon it, such as drag force, vertical load, and side load. In the aviation industry, landing gear stress is a key concern, and different research in this field has previously yielded excellent results. However, the time has come to raise the bar even higher. This article will focus on the improvement of the Boeing 777's nose landing gear to better withstand rough landings. During the timeframe of this research, motion study in SOLIDWORKS 2020 (Stand-alone license) was utilized to model and analyze various components of the landing gear. The results summarize that a single material should be avoided throughout the components of the landing gear. Components such as pistons with a larger stress allocation should be made of titanium alloy, while components with a lesser stress allocation should be made from aluminum alloy.
Application of a Modified Particle Swarm Optimization for Maximum Power Point Tracking for Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Gedefaye Edemialem , Lakeou Samuel , Tadiwos Tassew , Yetayew Tefera
Published: September 2023

The maximum power point extraction at any instant of time on photovoltaic (PV) systems has attracted attention. This study introduces a novel DC-DC converter-based power point tracking (PPT) algorithm for solar PV systems. The proposed optimization technique is a modified form of the standard particle swarm optimization (PSO), where the limitations of the standard PSO algorithm, like random number assignment of the acceleration factors and constant weight, are modified. The main goal of the suggested modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO) algorithm is to change the particle weight within a range of values and remove the random number from the acceleration factors. As a result, some of the contributions to this work are: First, when the weight is within some interval values, velocity restriction with a constant number improves. It offers the chance to expedite the search without limitation because of the constantly shifting environmental conditions. Second, the solution shows that the lack of acceleration constants predicts the particle's behavior. Thirdly, the algorithm's input parameters are incredibly minimal. The MATLAB/Simulink simulation of a modeled standalone 2.9 kW solar PV system in shading and non-shading conditions proved the proposed algorithm's performance. Thus, the average efficiency and time tracking of the global maximum power point (GMPP) is 99.45% and 6.285 s, respectively. Generally, the proposed MPPT method is more straightforward and adaptable than perturb and observe (P&O), the cuckoo search algorithm, and standard PSO.
Crocin exerts anti-tumor effect in colon cancer cells via repressing the JAK pathway
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhang Yunlong , Zhang Desheng , Qian Liping , Yang Tianxing , Wu Xiaocheng
Published: September 2023

Crocin has been reported to have therapeutic effects on multiple cancers including colon cancer, but its specific mechanism is still ambiguous and needs to be further explored. Human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HCT-116) and human normal colonic epithelial cells (CCD841) were first treated with increasing concentrations of crocin. Subsequently, with 150 and 200 μM of crocin, the cell vitality was examined by cell counting kit 8. Cell apoptosis and proliferation were tested by TUNEL staining and colony formation assay, respectively. The expression of Ki-67 was assessed by immunofluorescence. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate the level of inflammation- and oxidative-related factors. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were examined by flow cytometer. Janus kinase (JAK), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) in HCT-116 cells were tested by Western blot. Different concentrations of crocin barely affected the CCD841 cell vitality, while crocin restrained the HCT-116 cells vitality, proliferation and the expression of Ki-67, while inducing apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the contents of inflammation- and oxidative-related factors in HCT-116 cells were largely blunted by crocin that enhanced ROS and restrained the MMP and suppressed p-JAK2/JAK2, p-STAT3/STAT3, and p-ERK/ERK expression in HCT-116 cells. Crocin induced apoptosis and restored mitochondrial function in HCT-116 cells via repressing the JAK pathway. If the threptic effect works in patients, it could herald a new, effective treatment for colon cancer, improving the patients’ prognosis and quality of life.
Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of uropathogens among diabetic and non-diabetic pregnant women in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Sharmin Farzana , Hasan Mehedi , Azad Abul Kalam , Islam Mohammad Ariful
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To determine the urinary tract infections (UTIs)-causing bacterial profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern for the proper and complete treatment of UTIs in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods:

We collected 300 urine samples from diabetic and nondiabetic pregnant women at various gestational ages. After isolating and identifying uropathogens, we conducted an antibiotic sensitivity assay against fourteen commonly used antibiotics: amikacin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, azithromycin, cefixime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, co-trimoxazole, gentamicin, levofloxacin, netilmicin, nitrofurantoin.

Results:

Among the participants, 70% had DM but only 37.3% had positive uropathogen growth. Five gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Citrobacter spp., and Pseudomonas spp.) and 3 gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp.) were indentified. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent bacteria (57.1%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (19.6%). In the antibiotic susceptibility assay, we found 96.5% of the isolated organisms were highly susceptible to levofloxacin, 94.2% to netilmicin, 88.2% to nitrofurantoin, 85.1% to amikacin, 79.8% to gentamicin, respectively. On the other hand, 64.8%, 63.6%, 61.8% of the isolates demonstrated high-level resistance to ampicillin, ceftazidime and amoxicillin whereas 38.0%, 37.1%, 33.6%, 30.9% and 30.0% of the organisms were resistant to co-trimoxazole, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, cefuroxime, cefixime, respectivey.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that amikacin, levofloxacin, netilmicin, nitrofurantoin, and gentamycin can be used as first-line treatments for UTIs, whether the patient has DM or not. Contrarily, amoxicillin, ampicillin, ceftazidime, azithromycin, and co-trimoxazole should be avoided in treating UTIs.
A study of quality of life among the elderly in urban areas of Tirupati
Authors: Punabaka Navya Keerthana , Nagaraj Kondagunta , Guthi Visweswara Rao , Chakradhar K. V.
Published: September 2023

Background:

The objectives of the study are to evaluate quality of life (QoL) among the elderly and to determine the association between socio-demographic factors and QoL.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in elderly subjects (aged 60 years and above) (n = 120) in the urban field practice areas of our tertiary care teaching institute in southern India. QoL was assessed using World Health Organization-QoL BREF Questionnaire.

Results:

Most of the study population were aged 60–69 years (65.8%), males (51.7%), from nuclear families (78.3%), Hindus (67.5%) and were literates (78.3%). Majority of families belong to the upper lower socio-economic group (45%). Most of them belonged to the backward caste communities (30%). The mean total QoL score was high among ≥80 years, males, illiterates and upper class. All these differences were statistically non-significant. However, the mean total QoL score showed significant relation with socio-economic class. The domain correlation ranged between 0.238 and 0.690 and was statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Most of the study population were leading moderate QoL, followed by good QoL. Based on total domain QoL scores, it is concluded from this study that overall QoL is good among elderly ≥80 years, males, illiterates and the population in the upper socio-economic class. The mean total QoL score showed a significant relation with socio-economic class.
Study of obstetric patients admitted to medical intensive care unit in a tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: Mehendale Advait , Nagar Vidya , Radhakrishnan Rahul , Kantak Divya , Akhtar Tahir , Priyadarshini Arpita
Published: September 2023

Background:

Obstetric critical care is of utmost importance and interventions in intensive care unit (ICU) can improve the maternal outcome. The efficient scoring systems for such critically ill patients are the need of the hour.

Methods:

We prospectively studied the characteristics and outcome of 75 critically ill obstetrics patients admitted to the ICU of our tertiary care teaching hospital.

Results:

Their mean age was 27.2 ± 5.0 years. Hypertensive diseases of pregnancy (n = 51; 68%) were the most common reasons for ICU admission; hypothyroidism (13.3%) was the most common comorbid condition. The mean ICU stay and mean hospital stay were 4.6 ± 2.5 days and 8.2 ± 4.1 days, respectively. Compared to survivors, patients who died had a significantly higher sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (6.5 ± 0.8 vs. 2.5 ± 1.1; P < 0.0001) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, respectively. The predicted mortality by APACHE II score was 11.3 ± 6.4 and the observed mortality rate was 21.3% (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were the most common indication for ICU admission. The SOFA, APACHE II and length of hospital stay were the most important predictors of maternal mortality.