bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Potential Alternative Antibacterial Activity of Falcata (Falcataria Falcata) Leaf Methanolic Extract against Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli
Authors: B. ARNAN LALIEFE , JOY S. ESCUETA KATHERINE , P. RASHID NOR RASHIDA , M. TACBOBO ELYCA , ROSE M. TINOY QUEENIE
Published: September 2024

The Potential Alternative Antibacterial Activity Of Falcata (Falcataria falcata) Leaf Methanolic Extract Against Staphylococcus aureus And Escherichia coli  Laliefe B. Arnan; Katherine Joy S. Escueta; Nor Rashida P. Rashid; Elyca M. Tacbobo; Queenie Rose M. Tinoy  Degree: Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy  Thesis Adviser: Junnin Gay L. Garay, RPh, CPh, MS Pharm Falcata is a plant that can be found in the Philippines and is used for the production of wood veneer and plywood. While in Indonesia, it is used as traditional remedy for malaria (Budiarti et al. 2020). They belong to the Fabaceae family, a family known for having great antibacterial effects (Gamo et al. 2015). This study used a percolation extraction method and the percentage yield is calculated to determine the yield from the falcata extract. Disc diffusion method is used for susceptibility testing and determining the zone of inhibition for the different groups. The CLSI guidelines for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli will be used to determine the antibacterial effect of the extract, in terms of resistance, intermediate, and susceptible results. From the results, the percentage yield of the methanolic crude leaf extract of Falcataria falcata is 2.67%. Leaves from the Falcataria falcata plant were extracted and tested against bacteria. The extracts showed promise in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria, with 75% concentration as being more effective. However, these bacteria showed some resistance to all extract concentrations: S. aureus (90% - resistant, 75% - intermediate, 50% - resistant, 25% - resistant); E. coli (90% - resistant, 75% - resistant, 50% - resistant, 25% - resistant). Further study is needed to determine the exact antibacterial properties of the plant.
A rendvédelmi hivatásetikai kódex és etikai eljárási szabályzat
Authors: Búza László
Published: September 2024

The author provides an overview of the Hungarian Code of Conduct and Rules of Ethics for Law Enforcement Professionals.
A vádlottak jogai és az áldozatok érdekei – megteremthető a harmónia?
Authors: Bárd Károly
Published: September 2024

Since the early eighties of the last century, attention has increasingly turned to the needs of victims, both in national law and internationally, and there have been calls for a victim-centred procedural order.
A rendőr tanú – egy alkotmánybírósági határozat apropóján. Kratochwill Ferenc emlékére
Authors: Hack Péter
Published: September 2024

The author discusses the evaluation of the testimony of police witnesses in an article on the occasion of a Constitutional Court decision 24/2013 (X. 4.).
Agonies Presented to Students and their Pedagogues in Institutions of Higher Learning due to Load Shedding: Eclectic Contexts
Authors: Awam Mavimbela , Kang’ethe Simon Murote
Published: September 2024

Axiomatically, in this era of irregular power outages, a fundamental change in the method of delivering lectures, whether online learning, distance learning, or continuing education has emerged as a universal remedy. Researchers have put to the fore that load shedding has adverse effects on the mental health of students and lecturers. This is a literature review investigative analysis which endeavoured to elucidate the detrimental effects on mental health and well-being caused by power outages to students and their educators. The article utilised variegated literature from various research engines such as Ebscohost, Google Scholar, Research Gate, etc. The study concurred with the legal decision that power outages contravene the South African Constitution, with this transgression causing socio-psychological repercussions. The study concluded that the upcoming government elections give a chance for change to the energy parastatal behemoth, ESKOM. The paper recommends, as a ploy to ease agonies imposed by load-shedding, the implementation of various coping strategies, including maladaptive coping strategies, resolution coping strategies, and the application of the circumplex model coping. The study discusses the impact of load shedding on South Africans’ mental health including involvement of psychosocial factors. It offers a detailed examination of the mental health implications of load shedding.

Keywords: Mental Health, Load Shedding, Pedagogies, Missing Classes, Academic Performance
Smart city management from the perspective of inhabitants as the creative consumers of urban space
Authors: Gwiaździński Emilian , Kalińska-Kula Magdalena , Moreira Pinto Luís
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this article is to assess the perception of the idea of about the smart city management by its creative inhabitants. In operationalising the adopted objective, the focus is on the perception of the advantages and disadvantages of the implementation of Internet of things technologies and devices in urban space, based on the residents’ convictions and attitudes. The study was conducted using an online survey technique. The most important advantages related to the implementation of Internet of things solutions in the field of smart cities are improved convenience in everyday life (easier access to public services), optimised allocation of urban resources, creating the image of the city as a modern city and economic benefits. On the other hand, the most important disadvantages are unethical use of personal data by public administration representatives, excessive surveillance of residents, increased costs of purchasing public services, loss of control over devices/systems, and increased feeling of insecurity among residents. The variable that differentiates to some extent the advantages and disadvantages perceived by inhabitants is their age.
Unveiling the Central Engine of Core-collapse Supernovae in the Local Universe: Neutron Star or Black Hole?
Authors: van Putten Maurice H. P. M. , Aghaei Abchouyeh Maryam , Della Valle Massimo
Published: September 2024

The physical trigger powering supernovae following the core collapse of massive stars is believed to involve a neutron star (NS) or a black hole (BH), depending largely on progenitor mass. A potentially distinct signature is long-duration gravitational-wave (GW) bursts from BH central engines by their ample energy reservoir E

J
in angular momentum, far more so than an NS can provide. A natural catalyst for this radiation is surrounding high-density matter in the form of a nonaxisymmetric disk or torus. Here, we derive a detailed prospect ﻿on LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA probes of core-collapse supernovae during the present observational run O4 based on their event rate, an association with normal long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and mass scaling of GW170817B/GRB170817A. For BH central engines of mass M, GW170817B predicts a descending GW chirp of energy

E

GW

≃
3.5
%

M

⊙

c

2

M

/

M

0

at frequency

f

GW

≲
700

Hz

M

0

/

M

, where M
0 ≃ 2.8 M
⊙. For a few tens of events per year well into the Local Universe within 50–100 Mpc, probes at the detector-limited sensitivity are expected to break the degeneracy between their NS or BH central engines by GW calorimetry.
The Dispersion Relation of Massive Photons in Plasma: A Comment on “Bounding the Photon Mass with Ultrawide Bandwidth Pulsar Timing Data and Dedispersed Pulses of Fast Radio Bursts”
Authors: Wang Bao , Wei Jun-Jie
Published: September 2024

The dispersion measures of fast radio bursts have been identified as a powerful tool for testing the zero-mass hypothesis of the photon. The classical approach treats the massive photon-induced and plasma-induced time delays as two separate phenomena. Recently, Y.-B. Wang et al. suggested that the joint influence of the nonzero photon mass and plasma effects should be considered, and proposed a revised time delay for massive photons propagating in a plasma medium, denoted as

Δ

t

m

γ

′

∝

ν

−
4

, which departures from the classical dispersion relation (∝ν
−2). Here we discuss the derivation presented by Y.-B. Wang et al. and show that the classical dispersion relation remains valid based on Proca equations.
The Febrile Infant: Updates in Evaluation and Management
Authors: Perlman Jeremy
Published: September 2024

New American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines were published in 2021 for the evaluation and management of well-appearing febrile infants from age 8 to 60 days. This first guideline of its kind from the AAP brings together increasing evidence from the last 20 years and replaces the varied protocols previously used (eg, Rochester, Philadelphia, Boston). The guideline also incorporates lessons from newer studies, such as the work of the Febrile Infant Working Group of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network. This article will explain the motivation for the guideline, summarize its recommendations, and fill in some details about how to evaluate and manage infants that fall out of the guideline's scope of the well-appearing febrile infant age 8 to 60 days (ill-appearing infants and early-onset infections in newborns younger than age 8 days).

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2024;53(9):e314–e319.]
Production of biogas from co-substrates using cow dung, pig dung, and vegetable waste: A case study in Cambodia
Authors: San Sokna , Heng Seyla , Torn Vanna , Choeung Chivon , Cheng Horchhong , Hun Seiha , Or Chanmoly
Published: September 2024

Sustainable waste management and renewable energy are crucial, particularly in Cambodia, where environmental concerns are rising. Organic waste, including cow dung (CD), pig dung (PD), and vegetable waste (VW), offers a promising source for biogas production and clean and renewable energy. However, the efficiency of this biogas production depends on the type of waste and processing conditions. We evaluated the quality, composition, and volume of biogas generated from organic waste, specifically CD, PD, and VW. Three experimental conditions were tested: 10 kg of CD with 10 liters of water, 5 kg of CD mixed with 5 kg of PD and 10 liters of water, and 5 kg of CD mixed with 5 kg of VW and 10 liters of water. As a result, the conversion of pure CD yielded a total volume of biogas up to 0.391 m3, with a methane percentage (CH4) of 69.18%. The CD mixed with PD, which produced only 0.362 m3 of biogas with a CH4 of 65.51%, and CD mixed with VW, which yielded a total biogas volume of only 0.319 m3 with a CH4 of 68.17%. From the result, it can be concluded that the bioconversion of pure CD into biogas was the most efficient compared to the other two conditions.
Blowup criterion for the Cauchy problem of 2D compressible viscous micropolar fluids with vacuum
Authors: Huang Dayong , Hou Guoliang
Published: September 2024

In this study, we establish a regular criterion for the 2D compressible micropolar viscous fluids with vacuum that is independent of the velocity of rotation of the microscopic particles. Specifically, we show that if the density verifies $ \|\rho\|_{L^\infty(0, T; L^\infty)} < \infty $, then the strong solution will exist globally on $ \Bbb R^2\times(0, T) $. Consequently, we generalize the results of Zhong (Discrete Contin. Dyn. Syst. Ser. B, 25 (2020), no. 12, 4603–4615) to the compressible case. In particular, we don't need the additional compatibility condition.
In Dialogue with More-Than-Human Wor(l)ds: Collaborative Kinship and Relationality in Digital Publishing
Authors: Tavella Elizabeth , Spiegelhofer Eva
Published: September 2024

Animated Wor(l)ds is a multimedia born-digital project with roots in relational practices that honor biocultural diversity and multispecies flourishing. Our community is composed of scholars, artists, and activists who contribute a wide array of transdisciplinary and multisensory research-creation projects promoting care-full attunement with more-than-human wor(l)ds. Focusing on the developmental process of the project, we celebrate the vital network of relations animating our work and the multispecies ethics that permeates our editorial practice.
By retracing the collaborative efforts occurring behind the scenes, we explore three interwoven areas to illustrate our experimental methodology: (1) developing an editorial process rooted in community care, (2) entering in dialogue with more-than-human persons, and (3) building a digital ecology. Ultimately, we draw attention to radical reciprocity to propose a counterexample that challenges established publishing models embedded within hierarchical organizational structures as well as the underlying anthropocentric logic that characterizes scholarly research and artistic production conducted within the humanities.
Finternet in Africa
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: September 2024

The finternet is an emerging concept in global finance. The finternet is a term used to describe financial systems that are interconnected to one another like the internet. The finternet is a vision of the financial system of the future and Africa cannot be left behind in the race to transition to the finternet. But for this to happen, there is a need to understand what the finternet really is, what it means for Africa, the benefit for African countries, the mechanisms that exist today that will bring Africa closer to the finternet and the changes that need to be made today to prepare African countries for the finternet. This article explores the concept of the finternet, its definitions, benefits, and the strategies to help African countries transition to the financial system of the future which is the finternet.
Spanish Wine Industry Internationalization
Authors: Martínez-Falcó Javier , Sánchez-García Eduardo , Marco-Lajara Bartolomé
Published: September 2024

The Spanish wine industry has established itself as a significant player in the global market, ranking first in terms of wine exports by volume and third in terms of export value, trailing only France and Italy. The presence of Spanish wine in key international markets not only contributes to the maintenance of Spain's brand reputation, but also serves to enhance it on a worldwide scale. Through a comprehensive descriptive analysis utilizing secondary sources of information, this study seeks to examine the patterns of wine trade flows and the level of concentration within these flows to elucidate the level of equality or inequality among Spanish wine exporters. The findings reveal that over the past decade, Spain has consistently maintained a surplus in the wine trade balance exceeding 2,000 million euros per year, with more than 80% of wineries engaging in regular export activities, largely dominated by a small number of large wineries.
Factors Influencing Birth Outcomes in Preeclampsia: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study in Central India
Authors: Soni Vaishali , Tomar Shashi Prabha , Gupta Preeti , Devaliya Sangeeta
Published: September 2024

Background and Aim:

Preeclampsia significantly increases the risk of maternal and perinatal mortality. It is often undetected during pregnancy but can become fatal if not managed promptly. Lifestyle and dietary changes are recommended as a cost-effective approach to prevent pregnancy-induced hypertension. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate how dietary habits, physical activity, and antenatal care influence birth outcomes in mothers with preeclampsia.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2022 to January 2024 among 350 women who were admitted for delivery in a tertiary care hospital. Data collection was done by interview technique using a pretested self-structured questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic data, and information regarding antenatal period such as dietary habits, and physical activity.

Results:

Among 350 women, 68.85% were primigravida. The majority received inadequate antenatal care, leading to more adverse consequences during childbirth, with most newborns (71.18%) having low birth weight and premature delivery. 29.42% of women were unaware of their illness. Good compliance with iron-folic acid and calcium tablets showed positive effects, but dietary habits did not significantly impact birth outcomes. Moderate-to-heavy work was associated with lower rates of cesarean section.

Conclusion:

Preeclamptic mothers with good diets, physical activity, and adequate antenatal care have fewer adverse consequences compared to those with poor dietary practices and antenatal coverage. Despite existing health programs regarding mother and child health, there is a need to allocate resources toward enhancing nutritional services for pregnant women and more attractive packages for antenatal care.
A Cross-sectional Survey of Comorbidity Profile among Adult Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected Patients Attending a Nigeria Medical University Teaching Hospital Campus Located in Akure, Ondo State
Authors: Atandero Margaret Oluronke , Fasipe Olumuyiwa John , Famakin Sharon Mosinmiloluwa , Ogunboye Igbekele
Published: September 2024

Background and Aim:

Previous studies have shown that comorbid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients have a higher chance of dying from non-HIV comorbid disease conditions than due to HIV infection itself. This study was designed to determine the prevalent comorbid conditions among adult HIV-infected patients attending the antiretroviral clinic at a Nigeria Medical University Teaching Hospital campus in Akure, Ondo state.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out for 6-month duration between October 2021 and April 2022. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a total of 252 adult HIV-infected patients who have been on a combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) for at least a year. The data obtained were analyzed using the measure of descriptive statistics integrated within the software of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.

Results:

The prevalence of comorbidity and multimorbidity (polypathology) in the present study was 40.1% and 9.5%, respectively. The result revealed that bone diseases (28.17%) and hypertension (9.92%) accounted for the predominant comorbidities observed. Using the revised 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) to categorize the associated comorbid disease conditions, ICD Class 15 was the most predominant, followed by ICD Class 11, ICD Class 13, ICD Class 21, ICD Class 5, ICD Class 9, and ICD Class 12.

Conclusion:

Comorbidities have gradually become prevalent epidemics among people living with HIV infection due to their prolonged life expectancy and increased survival outcome over time with the chronic intake of cART.
Diligent family history to detect a mitochondrial disorder in disguise: Lessons from a case of myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Bhowmick Suvorit S. , Parikh Radhay , Shrivastav Pratishtha
Published: September 2024

Mitochondrial disorders often present with ataxia, myoclonus, and epilepsy. Valproic acid may be selected for treating myoclonus if it is the presenting feature. While it is efficacious in suppressing cortical myoclonus, valproic acid is a known mitochondrial toxin and, therefore, not recommended. We report a family carrying the mitochondrial A8344G mutation. The proband, after being treated with valproic acid for myoclonic epilepsy, presented with gradually progressive cerebellar ataxia. He had a re-emergence of myoclonus upon withdrawal of valproic acid about 15 years later. The mitochondrial A8344G mutation, given its diverse clinical manifestations and intrafamilial phenotypic heterogeneity, evaded early recognition. Individuals carrying this mutation need life-long anti-epileptic therapy for myoclonus. Thus, it is important to recognize the mitochondrial disorder and select appropriate drugs.
Gordon Holmes syndrome - A rare case of ataxia, hypogonadism, and cerebral white matter changes with expanding phenotype and review of cerebellar ataxia with hypogonadism
Authors: Sharma Vishal Chandra , Nadig Raghunandan , Mathew Thomas , Sarma Gosala Raja Kukkuta
Published: September 2024

Cerebellar ataxia encompasses an increasing list of genetic disorders, and identifying associated features in addition to ataxia will help narrow down the diagnosis. We present a case of a 33-year-old male experiencing choreiform movements and cerebellar ataxia and found to have primary infertility. Investigations revealed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and magnetic resonance imaging showed cerebellar atrophy and cerebral white matter changes, which helped diagnose Gordon Holmes syndrome (GHS), confirmed by whole exome sequencing. This case highlights the potential association of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) as an additional phenotype in GHS. Although the causal relationship between SNHL and GHS is not fully proven, the findings offer insights into the emerging phenotypic spectrum of GHS.
Role of Hysteroscopy in the Management of Uterine Vascular Malformations with a Focus on Enhanced Myometrial Vascularity – A Review of Diagnosis and Treatment with the Suggested Algorithm
Authors: Shahulhameed Mohamed Siraj , Chern Bernard Su Min , Wright Ann M.
Published: September 2024

Postpregnancy bleeding is common after failed pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and postnatally after both vaginal and cesarean delivery. Pelvic ultrasound (US) is usually the initial imaging modality of choice to ascertain the cause when the bleeding is heavy or prolonged. When used in combination with Doppler studies, US can help differentiate retained products of conception (RPOC) from rarer uterine vascular malformations (UVM), including true arterial vascular malformations and areas of enhanced endometrial vascularity (EMV), which may themselves be associated with any RPOC present. While the management of RPOC is well established and has evolved from an almost universal surgical approach to increasingly more medical or expectant alternatives, clinical decisions over the management of a concurrent UVM are less clear and treatment options need to be individualized depending on features of the lesion and the clinical situation with hysteroscopy featured as an important modality, especially when dealing with EMV’s. In this review, we discuss the role of hysteroscopy in the treatment of enhanced myometrial vascularity with and without associated RPOC and propose a management algorithm.
Exploring Factors affecting Missed Nursing Care in Cardiovascular Care Units: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Amrolahi-Mishavan Fatemeh , Emami-Sigaroudi Abdolhossein , Jafaraghaee Fatemeh , Shahsavari Hooman , Maroufizadeh Saman , Babaeipour-Divshali Mohammad
Published: September 2024

Background:

Cardiovascular care units are among the most crucial departments in any healthcare system. In these units, nurses play the most pivotal roles, and the quality of nursing care is essential; missing certain aspects of care can have irreversible adverse effects on patient health. This qualitative study aims to investigate the factors influencing Missed Nursing Care (MNCs) based on the experiences of nurses and patients in cardiovascular care units.

Materials and Methods:

This qualitative study utilized the conventional content analysis approach to explore the factors affecting MNCs in cardiovascular care units. Data were collected between December 2021 and September 2022 through in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews with 11 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis followed the five-step method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman.

Results:

The analysis revealed five main themes: nurse’s job characteristics, work–life conflict, nurse’s professional competence, the cardiac work environment atmosphere, and organizational management.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study suggest that authorities should consider factors such as understanding the occupational characteristics of nurses when assigning them to cardiovascular care units, providing solutions to mitigate work–life conflicts for nurses, enhancing nurses’ professional competence, improving the working environment for nurses, and enhancing the performance and skills of organizational managers.
Assessment of Cognitive Impairment and Related Factors Among Elderly People in Jordan
Authors: Alkhawaldeh Abdullah , Alsaraireh Mahmoud , ALBashtawy Mohammed , Rayan Ahmad , Khatatbeh Moawiah , Alshloul Mohammad , Aljezawi Ma’en , ALBashtawy Sa’d , Musa Ahmad , Abdalrahim Asem , Khraisat Omar , AL-Bashaireh Ahmad , ALBashtawy Zaid , Alhroub Nisser
Published: September 2024

Background:

With an increase in elderly people, it is essential to address the issue of cognitive impairment and support healthy aging. This study aimed to assess cognitive impairment and factors associated with it among older adults.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out in different catchment areas within the Jerash governorate in the north of Jordan. The Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire (ECAQ) and a household face-to-face interview were used to collect data from 220 older adult participants aged 60 years and more. Descriptive statistics were conducted to describe the study variables. Correlation tests were applied to find associations between them. Logistic regression analysis was applied, with a minimum significance level (p < 0.05).

Results:

About 9.10% of the older adults had cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment was correlated with age, self-perceived health, hypertension, stroke, and mental illness. The primary predictors of cognitive impairment were age [odds ratio (OR) =1.07 (1.01–1.14), p = 0.001] and stroke [OR = 10.92 (1.44–82.85), p = 0.001].

Conclusions:

While many factors were correlated with cognitive impairment, the strongest predictors of cognitive impairment were age and stroke.
Knowledge and Practice of COVID-19 Preventive Strategies among Nurses
Authors: Odikpo Linda C. , Afonne Anulika J. , Onyekaonwu Vera I. , Makata N. Eucharia , Nwankwo Clementina U. , Agbapuonwu Noreen E. , Ilo Clementina I. , Helen Obidife I.
Published: September 2024

Background:

Knowledge of COVID-19 preventive measures, in addition to appropriate practices of such measures, remains a necessity for the prevention of contracting COVID-19 by nurses. This study assessed nurses’ knowledge and practice of COVID-19 preventive strategies. It also determined the influence of sociodemographic variables on the knowledge of preventive measures for COVID-19 among nurses.

Materials and Methods:

The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design using multi-stage sampling to recruit 344 nurses.

Results:

The results showed that 92% of the nurses had adequate knowledge of COVID-19 preventive measures. The practice of COVID-19 preventive measures among nurses showed that 98.80% had sufficient knowledge of the infection preventive measures. Nurses with Registered Nurse/Registered Midwife (RN/RM-AOR 12.30; CI 4.79–31.63; p = 0.001) and Bachelor of science in nursing (BScN-AOR 37.60; CI 7.644-184.95; p = 0.001) were more knowledgeable about the COVID-19 preventive compared to other nurses with higher degree qualifications.

Conclusions:

The nurses in the study had good knowledge of the preventive measures for COVID-19 despite not being trained as frontline staff. It is essential to transform theory into practice by ensuring that the preventive measures they know are implemented to halt the spread of the disease in the face of minimal vaccine coverage.
Risk Factors of Recurrent Diabetic Foot Ulcers Based on the Delphi Method
Authors: Haryanto Haryanto , Oe Makoto , Kardatun Tutur , Ramadhaniyati Ramadhaniyati , Makmuriana Lestari , Sari Yunita , Bhakti Wida K.
Published: September 2024

Background:

The risk factors for recurrence are poorly understood. The purpose of study is to investigate the risk factors that contribute to the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers.

Materials and Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study, and the two-phase Delphi method was used. A category was developed to investigate the risk factors of recurrent diabetic foot ulcers by experts. The recurrent items with risk factors were analyzed. Furthermore, the risk factor variables were clinically tested for inter-rater reliability agreement. Fourteen experts and two patients were included from February 15 to September 28, 2020, Indonesia.

Results:

There were 13 risk factors for recurrent diabetic foot ulcers. The mean authority coefficient was 0.71. The positive coefficients were 100% and 78%, respectively. The Kendall coordination coefficient was statistically significant (p < 0.01), and inter-rater reliability agreement was perfect (1.00).

Conclusions:

This study found some risk variables related with recurrent diabetic foot ulcers, which might serve as guidance to prevent future recurrences.
An Agreement Among Nurse Educators on Infection Prevention and Control Practices to Ensure Safe Clinical Training Post-COVID-19
Authors: Al Hadid Lourance , Al Barmawi Marwa , Al-Rawajfah Omar , Al-Sagarat Ahmad
Published: September 2024

Background:

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices during nursing students’ clinical training are based on standardized precautions. However, the spread of COVID-19 raised the need to revise these practices. We aimed in this study to assess nurse educators’ agreement on items that represent precautionary guidelines, which enhance safety during clinical training of students. It aimed to reach an agreement among nurse educators on IPC practices to ensure safe clinical training.

Materials and Methods:

This descriptive explorative, cross-sectional study included 243 Jordanian and Omani educators. The study questionnaire was based mainly on evidence reported in the literature. The study questionnaire comprised items for trainers to practice and items to supervise students. It was developed based on available evidence and recommended training practices during COVID-19 suggested by the WHO and the literature. Both the face and content validity processes were adopted to validate the study questionnaire. The final version was composed of 26 items for trainers and 20 items for students subsumed in the following themes: protecting self, protecting others, and essential training needs.

Results:

All questionnaire items were rated above the midpoint indicating agreement among participants on including the new IPC practices. All suggested practices (26 items for the trainers and 20 items for the students) were supported by the study participants.

Conclusions:

Clinical training is an important component of nursing students’ preparation. Findings suggest the importance of adding new IPC practices to improve student IPC practices, protect themselves and others, minimize cross-infections, and enhance students’ training within a safe clinical environment.
Effect of Carob and Ginseng Supplements on Semen Analysis Parameters, Sexual Function, and Sex Hormones in Infertile Men: Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial Study
Authors: Pilehvari Shamim , Masoumi Seyedeh Zahra , Bahar Tayebeh G. , Kazemi Farideh , Moradkhani Shirin , Maleki Parvin
Published: September 2024

Background:

Infertility is one of the most common problems in the world; there is a growing demand for herbal medicines to treat infertility-related problems.

Materials and Methods:

A randomized controlled trial with three groups was conducted, each with 30 participants. The first group was administered 1.5 grams of Carob daily, the second group was administered 1.5 grams of Ginseng daily, and the third group received a placebo. The treatment was administered for 12 weeks, and before and after the intervention, semen parameters, testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid hormones, and sexual function were evaluated. Sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire.

Results:

The mean (SD) age of participants was 34.83 (6.22), 34.60 (5.78), and 33.67 (5.82) years in Carob, Ginseng, and Placebo groups, respectively. The results showed that in the Carob group, the normal volume of semen (Z 133 = 3.05, p = 0.02) and the normal shape of sperm (Z 134 = 2.97, p = 0.01) increased significantly compared to the control group. In the Ginseng group, the normal volume (Z 133 = 3.90, p = 0.001) and the normal viscosity of semen (Z 133 = 2.36, p = 0.01) increased significantly compared to the control group.The Carob group showed a significant increase in normal sperm counts and testosterone hormone levels (Z 131 = 2.81, p = 0.05). The Ginseng group demonstrated a significant improvement in orgasm function (H2 = 6.14, p = 0.04) and the total score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) (H2 = 5.8, p = 0.05).

Conclusions:

Carob supplements are suggested to enhance some semen parameters and male sex hormones. For infertile men, Ginseng can be beneficial in improving sexual function.
Mental Health System in the Most Populated State of India: Bounce from the Base of National Mental Health Survey 2015–2016
Authors: Kar Sujita Kumar , Sharma Eesha , Singh Amit , Agarwal Vivek , Singh Shivendra Kumar , Dalal Pronob Kumar
Published: September 2024

Background:

Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, was part of The National Mental Health Survey 2015–2016. The survey evaluated mental health resources and treatment gaps while estimating the prevalence of mental health problems. This article assesses changes in mental health resources in the state over 7 years postsurvey.

Methods:

Surveyed in 2015–2016 in 12 Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, the State Mental Health System Assessment used WHO instruments to evaluate the state’s mental health system across 10 domains on a Likert scale.

Results:

In 2015, there were only 0.15 psychiatrists available per 100,000 people in Uttar Pradesh. However, this increased to 0.46 by 2023. Medical colleges offering MBBS and postgraduate courses in Psychiatry have doubled and tripled, respectively. The coverage of districts under mental health programs has increased from 19% to 100% in Uttar Pradesh, though psychiatrists were not present in all the districts under these programs.

Conclusion:

The development of the resources for mental health in the past 7 years is substantial in Uttar Pradesh, though it still falls short of the recommended standards. Another assessment of the mental health treatment gap will give better insight into strategizing mental healthcare in Uttar Pradesh.
Effect of Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation on Quality of Life in Computer Users with Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Singphow Chametcha , Purohit Satya Prakash , Tekur Padmini , Bista Suman , Panigrahy Surya Narayan , Pradhan Balaram , Raghuram Nagarathna
Published: September 2024

Background:

Computer professionals are more prone to chronic low back pain (CLBP) as compared to the normal population. It has been reported that the 1-year prevalence of low back pain (LBP) was 23%38% in the normally active population, while it was 31%54% in computer users.

Objective:

To investigate the effect of yoga and mindfulness meditation on the quality of life (QOL) of computer users with CLBP.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty computer users (42.6 ± 8.45 years of age; suffering from CLBP since 5.20 ± 3.01 years; 51 males and 29 females) were recruited from Bengaluru, India. Participants were randomized into two groups: Yoga and mindfulness meditation/YM group (n = 40) and physical exercise/PE group (n = 40). The YM group practiced an integrated module comprising yoga postures and mindfulness meditation, and the PE group practiced PE designed for LBP. Both groups practiced 1 hour daily, 3 days a week for 16 weeks. WHO QOL-BREF and spinal flexibility (Straight Leg Raising [SLR]) were assessed at baseline and after 8 and 16 weeks.

Results:

Results of repeated measures-analysis of variance test showed that the scores on QOL physical health (diff = 12.43%, P < 0.001), psychological health (diff = 11.9%, P < 0.001), social relationships (diff = 15.66% P < 0.001), and environment (diff = 17.37% P < 0.001) were significantly higher in YM group as compared to PE group at the end of 16 weeks. Similarly, the scores on the SLR right leg (diff = 12.97%, P < 0.001) and SLR left leg score (diff = 11.71%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the YM group as compared to the PE group at the end of 16 weeks.

Conclusion:

Yoga with mindfulness meditation is significantly more effective in improving QOL and spinal flexibility in computer users with CLBP as compared to PE designed for LBP.
Happiness Analysis
Authors: Rao V. N. , Jagannathan Aarti , Vani K. V.
Published: September 2024

Happiness being a state-of-mind, it can be achieved by different paths as laid out by various world religions. Since the ultimate goal of all religions is inner peace, cross-referencing of factors to achieve happiness throws up an interesting mix of feasibility and barriers across global societies. The integration of thoughts from a Hindu culture to a European Christian culture or an Arabic Muslim could lead a mosaic without being religion specific. Since yoga is not affiliated to any religion in particular, it has the direction to lead the aspirant on well-laid path to happiness that includes the best principles integrated from world religions. This study reviews the concept of happiness and pathways to happiness from the perspective of different religions. It also provides a comparative statement on happiness analysis and a conceptual framework based on the results of the review.
Effect of Prana vidya Practices on Cognitive Abilities of Adolescents
Authors: Prabhu Prem , Gowda Paran , Chandra Girish
Published: September 2024

Context:

Prana vidya practices (PVPs) have been found to be effective in improving intelligence quotient and performance quotient previously. This article is the sequel to previous research and investigates the effect of PVPs on the selected cognitive abilities of adolescents.

Aim:

To study the effect of the PVPs (Prana Vidya Practices for Consciousness Enrichment [PVPCE]), a prana visualization-based technique, on the cognitive abilities associated with (i) Six-letter cancellation task (SLCT) and (ii) Corsi block-tapping task (CBTT).

Subjects and Methods:

The present study was a randomized control trial carried out to examine the effect of a 5-week Prana vidya intervention on the cognitive abilities of adolescents. As an intervention, the practices of the PVPCE technique were given every day for 35 min. A sample size of 36 adolescent participants (14 boys and 22 girls) was obtained for this study.

Statistical Analysis:

The descriptive statistics (average value, standard deviation, and standard error of the mean) were obtained. The paired t-test for performance comparison along with Cohen's d test and repeated-measure analysis of variance between pre- and post-situations were also performed.

Results:

The results of the study show that in the experimental group, total attempts (TA) and net attempts (NA) of SLCT were significantly increased (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant change in the wrong attempts. In the CBTT, total scores and Corsi span also significantly increased (P < 0.05) in both the forward and backward directions. The PVPCE practices are most effective for SLCT-TA, SLCT-NA, and forward total score.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that PVPs (PVPCE technique) improve cognitive abilities associated with letter cancelation and block tapping tasks.
Medicalization of Yoga
Authors: Bhardwaj Ruby
Published: September 2024

This paper analyses sociological underpinnings of yoga as complementary therapy in contemporary India. It traces the trajectory of medicalization of yoga through an analysis of the socio-cultural currents that prevailed at different historical epochs. The paper focuses on modern postural yoga as a therapy for physical ailments and fitness. Yoga, as it is experienced today, ensues from the impact of a series of social and cultural forces, both global and national. Gurus such as Vivekananda, Madhavdasji, Krishnmacharya, Kuvalayananda, and Iyengar responded to the pervasive temper of scientific rationality by underplaying the esoteric and mystical elements associated with yoga and accentuating its postural attributes that were scientifically validated to be therapeutic. As a symbol of indigenous cultural heritage, yoga has also been the narrative of protest and resistance against colonial rule and western medicine. With State patronage, yoga is elevated to the position of a recognized medical system under AYUSH, amenable to integration with naturopathy, ayurveda, biomedicine, and other systems of medicine resulting in the proliferation of medical pluralism. Modern postural yoga is secularized, professionalized, democratized, and adaptive. The digitization of yogasanas as cultural heritage and practice of yoga through apps is yet another illustration of its capacity to respond to technological changes and societal demands.
Role of Optimal Features Selection with Machine Learning Algorithms for Chest X-ray Image Analysis
Authors: Manav Mohini , Goyal Monika , Kumar Anuj
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

The objective of the present study is to classify chest X-ray (CXR) images into COVID-positive and normal categories with the optimal number of features extracted from the images. The successful optimal feature selection algorithm that can represent images and the classification algorithm with good classification ability has been determined as the result of experiments.

Materials and Methods:

This study presented a framework for the automatic detection of COVID-19 from the CXR images. To enhance small details, textures, and contrast of the images, contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization was used. Features were extracted from the first-order statistics, Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix, Gray-Level Run Length Matrix, local binary pattern, Law’s Texture Energy Measures, Discrete Wavelet Transform, and Zernikes’ Moments using an image feature extraction tool “pyFeats. For the feature selection, three nature-inspired optimization algorithms, Grey Wolf Optimization, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Genetic Algorithm, were used. For classification, Random Forest classifier, K-Nearest Neighbour classifier, support vector machine (SVM) classifier, and light gradient boosting model classifier were used.

Results and Discussion:

For all the feature selection methods, the SVM classifier gives the most accurate and precise result compared to other classification models. Furthermore, in feature selection methods, PSO gives the best result as compared to other methods for feature selection. Using the combination of the SVM classifier with the PSO method, it was observed that the accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score were 100%.

Conclusion:

The result of the study indicates that with optimal features with the best choice of the classifier algorithm, the most accurate computer-aided diagnosis of CXR can be achieved. The approach presented in this study with optimal features may be utilized as a complementary tool to assist the radiologist in the early diagnosis of disease and making a more accurate decision.
Evaluation of In-room Volumetric Imaging Doses for Image-guided Radiotherapy: A Multi-institutional Study
Authors: Sakai Yusuke , Monzen Hajime , Takei Yoshiki , Kosaka Hiroyuki , Nakamura Kenji , Yanagi Yuya , Wakabayashi Kazuki , Hosono Makoto , Nishimura Yasumasa
Published: September 2024

Aims:

We investigated imaging dose and noise under clinical scan conditions at multiple institutions using a simple and unified method, and demonstrated the need for diagnostic reference levels in image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT).

Materials and Methods:

Nine cone-beam and helical computed tomography (CT) scanners (Varian, Elekta, Accuray Inc., and BrainLAB) from seven institutions were investigated in this study. The weighted cone-beam dose index (CBDIw) was calculated for head and pelvic protocols using a 100 mm pencil chamber under the conditions used in actual clinical practice at each institution. Cone-beam CT image noise was evaluated using polymethylmethacrylate head and body phantoms with diameters of 16 and 32 cm, respectively.

Results:

For head and pelvic protocols, CBDIw values ranged from 0.94–6.59 and 1.47–20.9 mGy, respectively. Similarly, standard deviation (SD) values ranged from 9.3–34.0 and 26.9–97.4 HU, respectively. The SD values tended to increase with decreasing imaging dose (r = −0.33 and −0.61 for the head and pelvic protocols, respectively).

Conclusions:

Among the nine machines, the imaging dose for high imaging dose institutions was approximately 20 mGy to the pelvic phantom, and there was a 14-fold difference in dose compared with the other institutions. These results suggest the need to establish DRLs for IGRT to guide clinical decision-making.
Dosimetric Comparison of Different Dose Calculation Algorithms in Postmastectomy Breast Cancer Patients Using Conformal Planning Techniques
Authors: Gaur Garima , Dangwal Vinod Kumar , Banipal Raja Paramjeet Singh , Singh Ranjit , Kaur Gurpreet , Grover Romikant , Sachdeva Sheetal , Kang Manraj Singh , Singh Simrandeep , Garg Pardeep , Singh Baltej
Published: September 2024

Background:

The aim of the current study was to compare three different dose-calculating algorithms, i.e., superposition (SP), fast SP (FSP), and convolution (CV), for breast cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and field-in-Field forward plan IMRT (FiF-FP-IMRT).

Materials and Methods:

The current retrospective study involved 100 postmastectomy breast cancer patients who were given radiotherapy using IMRT and FiF-FP-IMRT planning techniques. All the initially SP-calculated plans were recalculated with the same monitor units for FSP and CV algorithm without change in any of the other planning parameters. The isodose distribution and various plan evaluating parameters, for example, conformity index (CI), homogeneity index, and uniformity index target volume and normal structure doses were compared and analyzed for all the different algorithm calculated plans.

Results:

In the IMRT plans, all the target and normal structure dose-volume parameters showed a significant difference between all the three different algorithms with P < 0.05. In the FiF-FP-IMRT plans, CV algorithm showed a significant difference in most of the target and normal structure dose-volume parameters. Among quality indexes, only CI showed a significant difference between all the algorithms in both the planning techniques. R50 showed a significant difference with the CV algorithm in both the planning techniques.

Conclusion:

The change in the dose calculation algorithm resulted in dosimetric changes which must be evaluated by the medical physicists and oncologists while evaluating treatment plans. In the current study with breast patients, the results obtained for target and normal structure doses using the CV algorithm are overestimated as compared to SP and FSP algorithms, producing variable results in air and bony normal structures. However, the ipsilateral lung V5 parameter and the ipsilateral humeral head mean dose were found to be underestimated by the CV algorithm as compared to the SP and FSP algorithm in both the planning techniques.