bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osmanlı İmparatorluğu’nun Son Yıllarında Yabancı Ülke Bayraklarının Kullanımı ve Denetimi
Authors: Çelik Emre
Published: August 2022

Osmanlı İmparatorluğu’nda yabancı ülke bayraklarının varlığı imparatorluğun son döneminde yaygınlaşmıştır. Bu bayrakların sahip olduğu sembolik değerler ve güncel gelişmeler, farklı aidiyetlere sahip bireylerin ve kurumların bayraklara yönelik değerlendirme ve uygulamalarının farklılık göstermesine yol açmıştır. Bayrak, bireyler için kimliklerinin ve aidiyetlerinin görsel sembolü anlamına gelirken resmi kurumların dışında ve izinsiz kullanılması halinde yöneticilerin gözünde egemenliklerine yönelik bir tehdidin ifadesiydi. Osmanlı coğrafyasındaki yabancı etkisinin politik ve gündelik alanlardaki nüfuzunun 19. yüzyılla birlikte artması ve bağımsızlık hareketlerinin yarattığı ayrılıkçı tehdit nedeniyle, devletin gözünde yabancı bayrakların varlığının denetlenmesi ve engellenmesi hassas bir sorun haline gelmiştir. Devlet adamlarının bu amaçla attıkları adımlar süreklilik arz eden bir arka plana sahip olmasına karşın kalıcı çözümler üretmede başarısız olmuştur.

Arşiv belgeleri; devlet adamlarının resmi kurumlarda ve özel mülklerde, yabancı bayrakların kullanılmasına dair belirledikleri kuralları ve denetim usullerini yansıtmaktadır. Seyahatnameler, anılar ve gazete haberleriyse, insanların bayraklara atfettikleri değerleri incelemeyi ve bireyin gözünden bir anlatı oluşturmayı mümkün kılmaktadır. Araştırmada, Osmanlı İmparatorluğu’nun yabancı bayraklara yönelik politikasının hukuki metinlerin yanı sıra fiili durumun etkisiyle zaman içerisinde değiştiği ve bu gelişmelerin sonucunda, uzun bir süre ihlal olarak engellenmeye çalışılan bazı uygulamaların meşru kabul edildiği görülmüştür.
The Design of a Superstate NZIM-Antenna Array for WLAN Application
Authors: Khairy A , Mohammed Islam , Ahmed Mohamed I , Elsherbini M M
Published: August 2022

With the development of telecommunications and its applications, the design of compact antennas with high performance has become a great necessity. Among the important requirements is a high gain. In this article, a microstrip patch antenna using near zero-index metamaterial (NZIM) is proposed. This prototype is designed with the designing parameters of a rectangular microstrip patch antenna. The substrate material is FR-4. Simulation results show that this antenna operates at 5.8 GHz for a wireless local area network (WLAN). The proposed single antenna element achieves side-lobe suppression better than -13 dB. The 4×4 proposed antenna array is designed using 16 single elements and a T-shaped power divider to split power for each element. By covering a single-layer NZIM coating with a 4×4 array over a microstrip antenna, a gain enhancement of 14 dB is achieved in comparison with the single element. Over the operating band, the antenna prototype demonstrates steady radiation patterns. These characteristics are in good agreement with the simulations, rendering the antenna a good candidate for 5G applications. These antennas are designed, optimized, and simulated using CSTMWS2020.
ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE EUROPEAN CONGRESS OF CARDIOLOGY 2015: NEW VERSION OF GUIDELINES FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF PULMONARY HYPERTENSION
Authors: Chazova I. Ye. , Martynyuk T. V. , Nakonechnikov S. N.
Published: August 2022

.
Atomic Gas Dominates the Baryonic Mass of Star-forming Galaxies at z ≈ 1.3
Authors: Chowdhury Aditya , Kanekar Nissim , Chengalur Jayaram N.
Published: August 2022

We present a comparison between the average atomic gas mass, 〈M
Atom〉 (including hydrogen and helium), the average molecular gas mass, 〈M
Mol〉, and the average stellar mass, 〈M
⋆〉, of a sample of star-forming galaxies at z ≈ 0.75–1.45 to probe the baryonic composition of galaxies in and during the epoch of peak star formation activity in the universe. The 〈M
Atom〉 values of star-forming galaxies in two stellar-mass-matched samples at z = 0.74–1.25 and z = 1.25–1.45 were derived by stacking their Hi 21 cm signals in the GMRT-CATz1 survey. We find that the baryonic composition of star-forming galaxies at z ≳ 1 is dramatically different from that at z ≈ 0. For star-forming galaxies with 〈M
⋆〉 ≈ 1010
M
⊙, the contribution of stars to the total baryonic mass, M
Baryon, is ≈61% at z ≈ 0, but only ≈16% at z ≈ 1.3, while molecular gas constitutes ≈6% of the baryonic mass at z ≈ 0, and ≈14% at z ≈ 1.3. Remarkably, we find that atomic gas makes up ≈70% of M
Baryon in star-forming galaxies at z ≈ 1.3. We find that the ratio 〈M
Atom〉/〈M
⋆〉 is higher at both z ≈ 1.3 and at z ≈ 1.0 than in the local universe, with 〈M
Atom〉/〈M
⋆〉 ≈ 1.4 at z ≈ 1.0 and ≈ 4.4 at z ≈ 1.3, compared to its value of ≈0.5 today. Further, we find that the ratio 〈M
Atom〉/〈M
Mol〉 in star-forming galaxies with 〈M
⋆〉 ≈ 1010
M
⊙ is ≈2.3 at z ≈ 1.0 and ≈5.0 at z ≈ 1.3. Overall, we find that atomic gas is the dominant component of the baryonic mass of star-forming galaxies at z ≈ 1.3, during the epoch of peak star formation activity in the universe.
Chemical Abundances for 25 JWST Exoplanet Host Stars with KeckSpec
Authors: Polanski Alex S. , Crossfield Ian J. M. , Howard Andrew W. , Isaacson Howard , Rice Malena
Published: August 2022

Using a data-driven machine learning tool we report T
eff,

log
(
g
)

,

v
sin
(
i
)

, and elemental abundances for 15 elements (C, N, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Y) for a sample of 25 exoplanet host stars targeted by JWST's first year of observations. The chemical diversity of these stars show that, while a number of their companion planets may have formed in a disk with chemistry similar to Solar, some JWST targets likely experienced different disk compositions. This sample is part of a larger forthcoming catalog that will report homogeneous abundances of ∼4500 FGK stars derived from Keck/HIRES optical spectra.
Large Population Outcomes of Small Incision Lenticule Extraction in Young Myopic Patients
Authors: Reinstein Dan Z. , Carp Glenn I. , Archer Timothy J. , Vida Ryan S. , Yammouni Robert
Published: August 2022

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for myopia in a large population of young adults.

METHODS:

In this retrospective case series, the patient population consisted of the first 4,138 consecutive SMILE treatments using the VisuMax femtosecond laser (Carl Zeiss Meditec) between 2012 and 2018 at the London Vision Clinic. Inclusion criteria were myopic spherical equivalent up to -9.00 diopters (D), cylinder up to 6.00 D, corrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better, age younger than 40 years, and follow-up of 12 months. Outcomes analysis was performed using the Standard Graphs for Reporting Refractive Surgery.

RESULTS:

Data were available at 12 months in 3,722 eyes (90%), and 416 eyes (10%) were lost to follow-up. Mean attempted spherical equivalent refraction (SEQ) was −4.61 ± 1.84 D (range: −1.12 to −9.00 D). Mean cylinder was −0.78 ± 0.66 D (range: 0.00 to −6.00 D). Postoperatively, the mean SEQ relative to target was −0.13 ± 0.30 D (range: −1.35 to +1.25 D) and was within ±0.50 D in 88.1% and ±1.00 D in 99.6% of eyes. Uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 95.4% of eyes and 20/25 or better in 98.7% of eyes. One line of CDVA was lost in 3.0% of eyes, and 0.08% (n = 3) lost two or more lines of CDVA, for which CDVA was restored following phototherapeutic keratectomy treatment. There was a statistically significant improvement of 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, and 0.07 log units for contrast sensitivity at 3, 6, 12, and 18 cycles per degree, respectively (
P
< .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

SMILE achieved excellent outcomes for myopia up to −9.00 D with cylinder up to −5.50 D for a large population in patients without presbyopia.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2022;38(8):488–496.]
Fresh Human Myopic Lenticule Intrastromal Implantation for Keratoconus Using SMILE Surgery in a Long-term Follow-up Study: Ultrastructural Analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Semiz Faruk , Lokaj Anita Syla , Tanriverdi Gamze , Caliskan Gulser , Hima-Musa Njomza , Semiz Ceren Ece
Published: August 2022

PURPOSE:

To investigate new intrastromal histological structures that develop after myopic human lenticular implantation in keratoconus with femtosecond laser–assisted small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery using transmission electron microscopy.

METHODS:

Sixty eyes with advanced keratoconus indicated for corneal transplantation were included in this study. Fresh myopic lenticular implants were placed in all eyes through SMILE surgery. Lenticular implants were extracted from patients with myopic refractive errors of the cornea, untreated keratoconus, and treated keratoconus following 1, 2, and 3 years of surgery. These five lenticular samples were examined under the electron microscope and compared.

RESULTS:

Disorganized and thinned collagen fibers were observed in the stroma with degenerative stromal cells (telocyte-like cells and keratocytes) in the keratoconic cornea. Apoptotic bodies and cell debris were easily observed near the disorganized fibers. In contrast, the myopic refractive error of the control and treatment groups demonstrated well-organized parallel lamellar structures. Healthy keratocytes and telocyte-like cells were observed in samples obtained 1, 2, and 3 years after lenticular implantation. Thus, telocyte-like cells may be activated by appropriate stimuli, such as stem cells, and be involved in stromal regeneration.

CONCLUSIONS:

Fresh myopic intrastromal lenticular implantation is a safe, economical, and reliable technique that leads to increased corneal thickness, improved visual acuity, and the regeneration of healthy keratocytes and telocyte-like cells that are involved in stromal regeneration.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2022;38(8):520–528.]
Common preperiodic points for quadratic polynomials
Authors: DeMarco Laura , Krieger Holly , Ye Hexi
Published: August 2022

Let \begin{document}$ f_c(z) = z^2+c $\end{document} for \begin{document}$ c \in {\mathbb C} $\end{document}. We show there exists a uniform upper bound on the number of points in \begin{document}$ {\mathbb P}^1( {\mathbb C}) $\end{document} that can be preperiodic for both \begin{document}$ f_{c_1} $\end{document} and \begin{document}$ f_{c_2} $\end{document}, for any pair \begin{document}$ c_1\not = c_2 $\end{document} in \begin{document}$ {\mathbb C} $\end{document}. The proof combines arithmetic ingredients with complex-analytic: we estimate an adelic energy pairing when the parameters lie in \begin{document}$ \overline{\mathbb{Q}} $\end{document}, building on the quantitative arithmetic equidistribution theorem of Favre and Rivera-Letelier, and we use distortion theorems in complex analysis to control the size of the intersection of distinct Julia sets. The proofs are effective, and we provide explicit constants for each of the results.
INTEGRACIÓN DE VARIABLES CONFIGURACIONALES EN EL ESTUDIO DEL CICLISMO URBANO A ESCALA INTERMEDIA
Authors: Campos-Sánchez Francisco Sergio , Ezquerra Isabel
Published: August 2022

El ciclismo como modo de transporte urbano es cada vez más importante para alcanzar un desarrollo sostenible. Es común el estudio de características de ruta que influyen en la decisión de pedalear. Sin embargo, no lo es el uso de variables configuracionales, pese a su utilidad. Este trabajo explora un enfoque metodológico más integrado considerando tanto variables clásicas de ruta ciclista, como variables apoyadas en la forma urbana. Para ello (i) se realizó un cuestionario; (ii) se mapearon las rutas según preferencias de los usuarios; (iii) se estudió la asociación entre uso frecuente de bicicleta y variables de ruta. El caso de estudio se centra en la comunidad universitaria de una ciudad intermedia española. Los resultados mostraron la relevancia de variables configuracionales para estimar probabilidades de ciclismo, incluso por delante de otras más comunes. Además, se discutieron políticas de planificación urbana para fomentar este medio de transporte.
Palabras-clave: Transporte urbano, morfología urbana, ciudades intermedias.
SIMULAÇÃO COMPUTACIONAL NA SEGURANÇA CONTRA INCÊNDIO EM EDIFICAÇÕES: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA
Authors: Somavilla Uliana Renan , Cattelan Antocheves de Lima Rogério , Quispe Rodriguez Rene , Vieira Romano Fabiane
Published: August 2022

Este trabalho reune estudos que abordam o tema simulação computacional na segurança contra incêndio, por meio de uma revisão sistemática de literatura. A pesquisa foi realizada nas bases de dados eletrônicas de textos completos, disponíveis no portal Periódicos CAPES: SciELO; ScienceDirect (Elsevier); Academic Search Premier – ASP (EBSCO); e Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD). O período delimitado na busca de referências foi de 2015 a 2021 pela contemporaneidade do saber científico. Foram localizados 207 documentos, dentre os quais 31 foram mapeados, selecionados e serão discutidos neste estudo. Grande parte dos documentos selecionados são artigos científicos publicados em periódicos, sendo considerados os mais relevantes e com mais citações: Physica A - Statistical Mechanics and its Applications; Fire Safety Journal; e Safety Science. Nos estudos de simulação computacional de evacuação de pessoas, os modelos matemáticos microscópicos são os mais utilizados. Os softwares mais recomendados pela comunidade científica para simulações de evacuação em situação de incêndio são o PyroSim e o Pathfinder. As ferramentas computacionais elencadas podem auxiliar arquitetos e engenheiros na tomada de decisão, frente as diferentes situações e soluções projetuais, sendo um dos desafios recorrentes, tanto para normativas quanto para pesquisas, a determinação do tempo de evacuação de uma edificação em situação de incêndio.
Palavras-chave: Evacuação, Rotas de fuga, Saídas de emergência.
ADAPTACIÓN DE ESPACIOS COMUNES EN EDIFICIOS PLURIFAMILIARES DURANTE PANDEMIAS
Authors: Galiana Agulló Mercedes , Climent Mondéjar Mª José , González Ponce Eloísa , Rosa Roca Nuria , Carazo Díaz Carmen
Published: August 2022

El confinamiento vivido por la COVID-19 ha puesto de manifiesto las carencias de muchas viviendas, relacionadas con la ausencia de espacios exteriores que palian los efectos negativos del mismo, mayoritariamente en aquellas situadas en edificios plurifamiliares. El objetivo de esta investigación ha sido lanzar una propuesta de adaptación de los espacios comunes al aire libre disponibles en estos edificios, para darles un uso privativo durante pandemias y mejorar la calidad de vida de sus habitantes. Se ha estudiado para ello el porcentaje de población afectada en el caso de la Región de Murcia, España, así como las características de las edificaciones que habitan. Se han establecido los criterios a tener en cuenta en el diseño y materialización de los nuevos espacios exteriores y se han recopilado y complementado las medidas sanitarias aplicables para el uso y disfrute de estos y el resto de espacios comunes. Ello ha permitido lanzar un propuesta de adaptación viable y económica, aplicable tanto a la zona geográfica en estudio como al resto del territorio nacional y países de similares características urbanas y arquitectónicas.
Palabras clave: edificios plurifamiliares, adaptación de espacios exteriores, higienización de espacios comunes,  COVID-19.
ENCLOSURE OF OUTDOOR SPACES IN A RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT BETWEEN VISIBILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY
Authors: Fenghour Abir , Hamouda Abida , Benyahia Lamia
Published: August 2022

This article attempts to study the impact of spatial intelligibility and the visual perception of the user on his habitat and focuses on how the inhabited space is experienced, practiced, and appropriated by its inhabitants through the study of concepts affecting the habitability and use of outdoor spaces in the residential environment based on the space syntax approach. The aim is to measure the degree of visibility, spatial and visual accessibility, connectivity, and integration between one space and another. Once the diagnosis is made, it becomes possible to intervene to improve the visual characteristics of the urban fabric and landscape, towards a better fabric of the city. The results show that the living practices and the ways that the inhabitants appropriate and use the space are intimately linked to the use of visibility by the inhabitants according to the integration of the space in question, its intelligibility, permeability, and its accessibility. Ultimately, the visual perception of the landscape image of the residential environment and the use of space are too important and closely related parameters, they affect each other and are shaped mainly by the physical environment in which the resident lives.
Keywords: Habitability, residential environment, enclosure, space syntax
Teatralidade em Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas
Authors: Justen Ana Paula , Saraiva Juracy Assmann
Published: August 2022

O presente artigo, parte do projeto de pesquisa intitulado “Ficção de Machado de Assis: teatralidade humana e sua representação por meio de recursos da arte dramática”, busca identificar a presença de moldes dramáticos em Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas, romance de Machado de Assis, publicado em 1881. Sua análise justifica-se porque o tema da teatralidade das ações humanas faz-se presente na narrativa, que, além disso, traz recursos da arte teatral no mesmo discurso. Com base em pesquisa de natureza bibliográfica, a reflexão traça um panorama do contexto histórico do século XIX, período que compreende a vida do escritor e em que se dá a história do romance. O estudo faz uma síntese da dramaturgia brasileira, surgida no mesmo século, e apresenta uma biografia de Machado de Assis, por meio da qual se comprova a paixão do escritor pela arte dramática e seus esforços para alcançar a consolidação do teatro brasileiro. Além disso, analisa aspectos da arte dramática, comprovando sua presença em Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas. Fundamentais para a realização da pesquisa foram os estudos de Juracy Assmann Saraiva, João Roberto Faria e Renata Pallottini, que contribuíram para confirmar a hipótese de que Machado de Assis recorre a elementos da dramaturgia para produzir a biografia post mortem de Brás Cubas.
Inclusão digital e o mundo do trabalho na educação de jovens e adultos
Authors: Da Silva Menezess Ana Paula
Published: August 2022

O presente artigo traz uma reflexão acerca do trabalho interdisciplinar desenvolvido pelosos componentes curriculares Cultura Digital e Língua Portuguesa e Literatura, que tinham porobjetivo com esse processo alcançar graus mais elevados de letramento digital e linguísticos aoutilizá-los como facilitadores na educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA) no Colégio Aplicação, daUniversidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Explora-se, por meio dessa análise, como a inclusão dastecnologias de informação e comunicação (TIC) beneficiam a formação dos alunos e da escola comofacilitador do acesso ao meio digital de forma consciente. Além disso, investigar quais as principaisdificuldades encontradas com o público ao qual estamos direcionando as tarefas, tendo assim, maisfacilidade para desenvolver tarefas com eles e dessa forma visualizar a componente curricular CulturaDigital como uma forma de emancipação do sujeito por intermédio da inclusão digital. Busca-sesintetizar como o professor deve agir diante das novas ferramentas de ensino, qual deve ser o grau deatuação do docente e a sua importância, mesmo frente a tantas tecnologias. Pretende-se, também,demonstrar como as ferramentas tecnológicas são úteis, não somente no dia a dia, mas também emdisciplinas como português e literatura e, principalmente, no processo de letramento digital elinguístico desses alunos. O uso das tecnologias de informação e comunicação se tornam, inclusive,auxiliares no desenvolvimento dos educandos dentro e fora da escola, respeitando sua individualidadee contextos trazidos de suas experiências.
Comparative Study on Microstructure and Properties of Domestic and Imported Cu-2Ag Alloy Wirebar
Authors: Zeng Yan Qi , Yu Hui Hui , Li Jie , Zou Jin , Jiang Jiang , Hu Xiao Na
Published: August 2022

The chemical composition, microstructure, mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of domestic and imported Cu-2Ag alloy wirebar were studied by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), oxygen analyzer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), universal tensile testing machine and electronic micro ohmmeter. The results show that compared with imported Cu-2Ag alloy wirebar, domestic u-2Ag alloy wirebar has poor composition uniformity and purity, coarse and uneven grain, uneven distribution and segregation of Ag. These shortcomings of domestic Cu-2Ag alloy wirebar are the fundamental reasons for its large fluctuation of performance, slightly low plasticity and conductivity, and frequent wire breakage during micro drawing. In order to improve the micro drawing processing performance of domestic Cu-2Ag alloy wirebar, it can be considered to use rare earth refining to remove impurities during alloy melting for improving the purity of the material and refining grains, increase the cooling rate of wirebar during large deformation processing and heat treatment for reducing the precipitation of Ag atoms and improving the composition uniformity and mechanical properties of the material.
Characterization of Magnesium Alloy AZ31 due to Thermal Oxidation Temperature
Authors: Sutyoko  , Lutiyatmi  , Afandi Ridwan
Published: August 2022

Magnesium and its alloy have good characteristics for implant materials. Increasing these characteristics is needed to be an excellent material. The objective of this research is to investigate the magnesium alloy AZ31 (Al: 3.07%; Zn: 1.05%) characteristics affected by thermal oxidation temperature. Investigated characteristics in this study were hardness, corrosion resistance, and microstructure. The temperature variations of thermal oxidation were 100, 200, 300, 400 °С. The Vickers micro-hardness decreased with increasing of thermal oxidation temperature and the as-received of Mg alloy had the highest Vickers micro-hardness. The lowest corrosion resistance occurred at 200 °С of thermal oxidation temperature but this corrosion resistant was higher than that at the as-received material. The microstructures of Mg alloy were looked cracked in their grains at the thermal oxidation temperature over than 200 °С. The cracks increased by increasing of the thermal oxidation temperature.
Effect of General Physical Activity on the Flexibility of Lumbar Spine and Lower Limbs in Healthy Undergraduates: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rikas A. M. M. , Ajmala H. , Hana M. H. F. , Herath H. M. G. S. , Karunaratne N. G. Y. W. , Senarath M. K. I. D. , Banneheka B. M. H. S. K.
Published: August 2022

Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for global mortality with flexibility being the key factor for determining an individual’s health status. This study explored the impact of physical activity on the flexibility of lumbar spine and lower extremities in undergraduates. It further explored the association between the flexibility of lumbar spine and lower limbs in individuals who shared the same amount of physical activity. The sample of 70 undergraduates was chosen from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka using stratified random sampling method. 35 students from each gender were divided into three categories (low, moderate, and high) based on their physical activity level evaluated using International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF). Modified Schober test was used to measure the flexibility of lumbar spine while Sit-and-Reach and Groin Flexibility tests were used to measure the flexibility of lower limbs. The results showed a weak significant correlation between physical activity and flexibility of lower limbs (r=0.236, p=0.048), but no significant correlation between physical activity and flexibility of lumbar spine (r=-0.179, p=0.701). It explored a moderate positive significant correlation between the flexibility of lumbar spine and lower limbs (r= 0.536, p=0.008) in subjects who were low in physical activity but not in subjects who were moderately and highly physically active. Furthermore, the study indicated the males to be more flexible in both lumbar spine (22.3) and lower limbs (7.7) compared to the corresponding values of females (21.4 and 6.7) respectively. Therefore, it is important to take measures to alleviate the physical inactivity in young adults with low physical activity to improve the general status of health by preventing the influence of flexibility of one region on another.
The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) among the Academic Staff of a Non-State University in Sri Lanka amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Anthony D. K. , Jayakody L. W. , Bandara P. C. , Liyanage K. , Wijekoon W. M. P. D. S. , Guruge M. L.
Published: August 2022

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is considered an occupational hazard in the 21st century resulting from the high utilization of computers, laptops, and mobile phones in the workplace. The current study aimed at determining the prevalence of computer vision syndrome and its associated factors among the academic staff of Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), Malabe campus amidst the COVID-19 pandemic using a sample of 145 academics based on stratified random sampling procedure. Required data were collected through a structured questionnaire. The participants of the study comprised 50.3% of females and 49.7% of males. About 45% were 20-30 years irrespective of gender. Dryness in the eyes (52.4%), itching (54.5%), eye pain (65.5%), and headache (76.6%) were the most common symptoms reported by the staff members, while colored halos around objects and double vision were experienced by around 20%. Most of the academics (42.1%) work 6-8 hours in front of the digital screen. Taking breaks in-between the working time (73.8%), adjusting the screen (62.1%), and adjusting the chair and posture (60.0%) were the most common methods used by the participants to minimize CVS. The rate of prevalence of CVS among the academic staff of SLIIT is 42.8%. This figure is lower than the corresponding figure reported in other countries. However, no significant association was found between the prevalence of CVS and gender, type of faculty, type of devices used, duration spent, preferred time to utilize the device, awareness of CVS, and actions to minimize CVS, but a strong significant association (p< 0.01) was found between the prevalence of CVS and age of the academic staff members. The rate of prevalence of CVS among academics aged over 60 years is 87.5%. Thus, a regular ocular screening program is recommended to reduce the prevalence of CVS among the academic staff of SLIIT starting from higher age groups.
An Understanding Reticence and Ambivalence towards Speaking English through the ‘Problem’ of Limited Capital Yielded by English in a Sri Lankan State University: A Case Study
Authors: Rathnasiri O. H.
Published: August 2022

The use of English for communicative purposes among Sri Lankan state university students has been a topic of concern for many decades as they are typically noted as being either reticent or ambivalent in using the target language (TL) for oral communication irrespective of their proficiency in the TL or the fact that they are enrolled in English Medium Degree Programmes (EMDPs). This paper therefore offers a sociological response to the issue through an exploration of the notion of ‘capital’ yielded by English. Required information was obtained from a larger narrative case study conducted with five first-year undergraduates studying for two profession-oriented EMDPs offered by one academic department in a state university in Sri Lanka. Portraying the positioning of English in the context under study, this paper depicts how English use is discouraged by the hegemonic sociocultural environment in the context whereby opportunities for the respondents to use English that would ultimately enable them yield ‘capital’ are constrained. This ‘problem’ of ‘capital’ associated with English in the context under study has direct impacts on the learners’ investment in using the TL. The study confirms that ‘capital’ has direct implications to investment in using English within the social realities of the respondents in the university context and recommends institutional-level support to foster a supportive academic environment that creates legitimate opportunities for the learners to yield ‘capital’ in using English.
Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child? Child Disciplining Practices Adopted by Mothers in Urban Maharashtra, India
Authors: Nair Sreeni V. , Yadav Arun Kumar , Mukherjee Reema
Published: August 2022

Background:

Very little is known about child disciplining practices adopted by parents in India. Few studies carried out in India have shown a high prevalence of violent disciplining practices.

Aims:

We carried out this study to assess the nature and severity of violent disciplinary practices (VDPs) adopted by mothers in urban Maharashtra and identify possible social and demographic factors associated with them.

Materials and Methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in a hospital attached to a medical college in Western Maharashtra, India. One hundred mothers were included in our study, and written informed consent was taken from all participants. The UNICEF/WHO Child Discipline Module questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. Ethical clearance was also obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee before the conduct of the research.

Statistical Analysis:

Contingencies tables were made to find out factors associated with discipline behavior. Bivariate logistic regression was done, and factors found statistically significant were taken into multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

Seventy-one percent of mothers used VDP against their children. The older age of a child's mother and father and female gender significantly increased the child's risk of facing VDP.

Conclusion:

There is a need to sensitize parents on the ill effects of VDP on the physical and mental health of children.
Ossicular Chain Reconstruction in Austin-Kartush Type A and B Defects using Titanium Prosthesis
Authors: Malhotra Tarun , Nadiger Sujay , Thakur Vaidehi , Kamal Deep
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR) augments the hearing mechanism in various ossicular pathologies. Titanium allograft with superior properties was evaluated in the study.

Materials and Methods:

To assess the audiological and anatomical outcomes following titanium OCR, a retrospective review was performed for 47 cases who underwent OCR from January 2015 to December 2018 at a tertiary care center. The ossiculoplasty was carried out in a single stage tympanoplasty. The partial ossicular replacement prostheses (PORP) and total ossicular replacement prostheses (TORP) were used in 28 and 19 patients, respectively, with a follow up for 12 months. The pre and postoperative air conduction pure tone averages and air bone gaps(ABG) were analyzed. The operative success was defined as a postoperative ABG of ≤20 dB. Fisher's test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and t test were used depending on data compared.

Results:

Postoperatively, the mean ABG was 15.4 ± 2.8 dB; about 80. 85% of cases achieved operative success. ABG values showed significant improvement compared with preoperative values (P = 0.001, t test). Successful OCR was achieved 85.7% of PORP and 73.6% TORP cases.

Discussion:

The mean postoperative ABG was 13.75 ± 5.4 dB for the PORP group and 17.84 ± 2.5 dB for the TORP group. No variation in audiological outcomes was observed when comparing PORPs to TORPs. There was no significant difference in postoperative ABG on comparison of different etiologies (P = 0.508, ANOVA), procedures undertaken (P = 0.226, ANOVA), and primary/ revision surgery (P = 0.172, t test). The extrusion and displacement rates were 2% each. These findings highlight that Titanium OCR gives stable hearing gains with low extrusion rates.
COVID-19 Breakthrough Infections amongst ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Covishield) Vaccinated Health-Care Workers and Its Clinical Manifestations
Authors: Kamal Deep , Thakur Vaidehi , Chauhan Anurag S
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Second wave of the COVID -19 pandemic had a significant impact on India with large number of populations getting affected by it. Pan -India COVID -19 vaccination was started on 16 January 2021. All the hospital Health Care Workers (HCWs) started receiving Covishield vaccine. By March 2021, all the HCWs received 02 dosages of the vaccine. It was the time when the second wave of COVID-19 started in India. This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence and severity of breakthrough COVID -19 infection (BCI) amongst fully vaccinated HCWs.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective observational study was conducted at a single multispecialty COVID-19 dedicated hospital on fully vaccinated HCWs who developed BCI. A total of 981 HCWs were enrolled and observed them for six months from March -September 2021 for occurrence of BCI. The outcome measures included percentage of fully vaccinated HCWs developing BCI. The BCI according to various demographic variables was studied. Clinical profile, duration between last dose of vaccine and BCI and requirement of mechanical ventilation were analysed.

Results:

Out of 981 fully vaccinated HCWs, 97 developed BCI. Amongst one -fifth of them were asymptomatic. Fever and cough were the prominent symptoms. Two HCWs developed COVID -19 pneumonia. None required oxygen supplementation or mechanical ventilation. There was no death observed amongst these COVID -19 infected HCWs.

Discussion:

BCI occurred in 9.88% fully vaccinated HCWs. They were primarily minor and did not lead to severe disease. Overall, Covishield prevented severe infection in HCWs, leading to decreased ICU admission and deaths.
Profile of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Serving Personnel Presenting to a Field Cardiology Center Without Cath Lab Facilities
Authors: Jayachandra A , Datta Rajat , Swamy Ajay , Issar Neel Kanth , Sarkar Saikat , Aggarwal Vivek
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is common in serving personnel and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. This retrospective study was done to see the profile of ACS in serving personnel presenting to a tertiary hospital without cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) facilities.

Methods:

ACS was diagnosed based on an electrocardiogram (ECG), clinical features, and cardiac biomarkers. History of comorbidities, risk factors, and preceding exertion was taken. Immediate medical management was done as per the standard guidelines, and follow-up angiography was done at a dependent cardiology center with CCL.

Results:

A total of 75 personnel reported with ACS. The mean age of personnel was 42.01 ± 8.59 years. Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was noted in 48% (36/75) of the patients, 32% (24/75) had non-STEMI, and 20% (15/75) had unstable angina (UA). Low ejection fraction was more common in patients with STEMI (P ≤ 0.001). History of preceding exertion was noted in 55 personnel. Eighteen patients with STEMI were thrombolysed. Angiographically significant lesions were noted only in 30.6% (23/75) individuals with ACS.

Conclusion:

ACS is common in deployed serving personnel. The most common precipitators were immediate preceding exertion and smoking. Morbidity and mortality due to ACS can be decreased by digital transmission of ECG, prehospital thrombolysis, graded physical exertion, and counseling about a healthy diet.
Clinical Profile and Spectrum of Duodenal Biopsy and other Investigational Abnormalities in NUD Patients
Authors: Singh Sarvinder , Bansal Naresh , Mamidi Sreenivasu , Singh Pradeep Kumar , Sharma P. K. , Jain Rahul , Brar K. S.
Published: August 2022

Aim of Study:

The study was done to find out the prevalence of rapid urease test (RUT) positivity, IgA-tTG, and spectrum of duodenal abnormalities in nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD) patients.

Methods:

This descriptive observational study was carried out in the gastroenterology center in GOI research institute from August 2020 to March 2021. Initially, 200 dyspepsia patients were selected. Fifty patients were excluded due to various reasons. Finally, 150 patients who met the Rome 4 criteria for NUD/functional dyspepsia were recruited. The inclusion criteria were patients above 18 years of age, dyspepsia for ≥ Six months, and no evidence of underlying malignancy, pan gastritis, previous gastric ulcers, and pancreatitis. The patients underwent RUT, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, duodenal biopsy, and serum IgA-tTG antibody.

Results:

The mean age was 46.3 years ± 14.12 years, of which 49.3% were female and 50.70% were male. The prevalence of epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) was found in 37.3%, postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) in 30.7%, and both EPS + PDS in 32%. Thirty-eight percent of the NUD patients were positive on RUT suggesting Helicobacter pylori infection. 88.7% of the NUD patients were IgA-tTG antibody negative and 11.3% serologically positive. The duodenal biopsy was normal in 48% of the patients, 21.3% had mild inflammation/duodenitis, 8% had chronic duodenitis, and 22.7% had various grades of celiac disease (CeD) (as per Marsh grading). These 22.7% showing evidence of CeD on histopathological examination showed Marsh Grade 1 in 12.7%, Grade 2 in 2%, Grade 3A in 6.7%, and Grade 3B in 1.3%. Only 17.6% of biopsy positive had IgA-tTG antibody positivity, but only 4% of the total cases were positive for both biopsy and IgA-tTG antibody (P = 0.05). Eosinophilic infiltration in the duodenum was common in NUD patients. It was observed that 17.33% (26/150) of the NUD patients had duodenal eosinophilia. Duodenal eosinophilia association with various other Gastrointestinal disorders, It was observed that 33.33%(19/57) of the H. pylori patients had duodenal eosinophilia with p<0.001. It was also observed that 7.52% (7/93) of others, such as normal individuals, chronic duodenitis, and mild inflammation/duodenitis, had duodenal eosinophilia.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of H. pylori and IgA-tTG antibodies in NUD patients was 38% and 11.3%, respectively. The spectrum of duodenum biopsy abnormalities in NUD patients included mild inflammation/duodenitis, chronic duodenitis, and CeD. 22.7% of the NUD patients had various degrees of CeD morphology on D2 biopsy, and only 17.6% of these biopsy-positive patients were positive for IgA-tTG. Only 4% of the total NUD patients were positive for both biopsy and IgA-tTG antibody labeled as CeD. There is a significant association between H. pylori and duodenal eosinophilia.
Association between vitiligo and risk of suicide and suicidal ideation
Authors: Phan Kevin , Shumack Stephen , Gupta Monisha
Published: August 2022

Background:

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disorder characterized by patches of depigmentation due to loss of melanocytes. Vitiligo is associated with significant psychosocial burden, with prior studies showing links with psychiatric comorbidities such as depression. Few studies have evaluated the relationship between vitiligo and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. We aimed to investigate the underlying prevalence and risk of suicidal ideation or suicide attempts among patients with vitiligo.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Cross‐sectional, case–control or cohort studies that assessed the prevalence of suicidal ideation or suicide attempts among patients with vitiligo were included. DerSimonian and Laird random‐effects models were utilized to calculate the pooled prevalence and odds ratios.

Results:

From systematic review, we identified seven studies included for analysis. A total of 12,043 vitiligo cases were compared with 87,053,333 controls. The pooled proportion of suicidal ideation in vitiligo was 15.2% compared to 2.0% in the control group (P < 0.001). The proportion of suicide attempts/suicides was also higher for vitiligo compared to controls (3.2% vs. 2.1%, P < 0.001). Moderate‐to‐high heterogeneity was observed between the studies.

Conclusion:

Our data further provide evidence of the significant impact vitiligo has on self-esteem and psychological burden. Patients with vitiligo were significantly more likely to have suicidal ideation. Clinicians should actively evaluate patients with vitiligo for signs/symptoms of suicidal ideation and provide appropriate referrals to manage their psychiatric symptoms accordingly.
Clinico-dermatoscopic study of facial melanosis at a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Patel Dhruv R. , Tandel Jinal J. , Polra Rutoo V. , Ganjiwale Jaishree , Nair Pragya A.
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Facial pigmentary disorders are a group of heterogeneous disorders with clinical features of hyper- or hypopigmentation. They cause a great degree of psychosocial impact on patients’ quality of life due to their easy visibility.

Aims and objectives:

To find out different clinical and dermatoscopic patterns in facial melanosis.

Materials and methods:

Patients with hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation over the face attending the skin OPD were recruited after taking their written consent in vernacular language. A detailed history was taken to collect demographic data. Clinical examination and dermatoscopy were done in all patients. Relevant investigations and biopsy were carried out as and when required. The descriptive statistics has been used to describe the quantitative data. Qualitative data were presented as frequency and percentage for clinical and dermatoscopic patterns.

Results:

The study included 180 patients having 20 different facial melanoses. Maximum number of patients (99; 55%) belonged to the age group of 19 to 40 years with female:male ratio of 1.72:1. The most common precipitating factor was sunlight in 66 (36.7%) patients followed by seasonal variation in 27 (15%) cases. Cheek was the most common site involved in 101 (56.1%) cases. Melasma was reported as the most common dermatosis including epidermal melasma 40 (22.2%), dermal melasma 26 (14.4%), and mixed melasma 4 (2.2%) cases followed by postinflammatory pigmentation (18; 10%), acanthosis nigricans (13; 7.2%), and vitiligo (11; 6.1%). In dermatoscopy, the most common pattern seen was reticuloglobular pattern in 68 (37.3%) cases, followed by black-brown globules in 47 (25.6%) cases.

Conclusions:

Melasma was reported as the most common cause of facial melanosis. The most common dermatoscopic pattern was the reticuloglobular pattern. The study is useful in understanding the different clinical and dermatoscopic patterns of facial melanosis, thereby help the physician to effectively manage the conditions and reduce the need of biopsy.

Limitation:

Histopathological correlation was not done.
Tamoxifen-induced lichen planus pigmentosus − case report
Authors: Chaudhary Azra Ferheen , Goel Shitij , Arora Tunika
Published: August 2022

Lichen planus pigmentosus is characterized by slaty-gray pigmentation, predominantly on sun-exposed sites. It is considered to be a type IV hypersensitivity reaction to unknown antigen with lichenoid inflammation which may lead to melanin incontinence and superficial dermal pigmentation. This report presents a rare case of lichen planus pigmentosus caused due to tamoxifen intake.
Newer indications of tranexamic acid in dermatology beyond melasma
Authors: Arora Astha , Bhalla Mala
Published: August 2022

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent approved for use to control bleeding during surgery and after trauma. It has been used in dermatology as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent in angioedema since 1970s but its recently discovered role in melasma has made it the current molecule of interest. At present TXA is being widely researched for multiple indications in view of its role in reducing melanogenesis and angiogenesis in skin. Various case reports and clinical trials have been published over the last few years describing its role in postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, dermal melanosis, rosacea, telangiectasia, and even as an antiaging agent. We present this review here summarizing the various publications for the aforementioned indications.
“I Believe in Science and in All Vaccines
Authors: Nascimento Marcelo de Maio , Nunes Allysson Nathan Galvão , Juchem Luciano
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

To investigate the intention of older Brazilian adults to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, to find out their perception of the older adults' fragility to the virus, and to know their opinion on the progress of the national immunization plan against COVID-19.

Methods:

An exploratory qualitative study was carried out through semi-structured telephone calls with 32 participants (aged 60–89), between February and March 2021. Data were analyzed thematically, emerging three major themes.

Results:

Most participants expressed concern about the vulnerability of their immune system to the coronavirus, and dissatisfaction with the organization of the national immunization plan. Strong criticism was leveled at the leadership of the President of the Republic due to his resistance to vaccination and encouraging the use of hydroxychloroquine.

Conclusion:

The vast majority of respondents reported an intention to receive the vaccine. The short time for the production of vaccines generated distrust with its effectiveness. All expressed dissatisfaction with the organization of the national immunization plan, and agreed that after the pandemic, their lives and the world will no longer be as before.
A Theory-based Educational Intervention to Promote Behavior Change and Physical Activity Participation in Middle-aged Women
Authors: Joveini Hamid , Malaijerdi Zeinab , Sharifi Nader , Borghabani Rohollah , Hashemian Masoumeh
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Promoting physical activity (PA) behavior by education can help people to create and maintain an active lifestyle until old age. This study aimed to design and evaluate a theory-based educational intervention to promote behavior change and PA in middle-aged women.

Methods:

This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 73 middle-aged women in Jovein, Iran, from January to November 2018. A researcher-made questionnaire based on the volition phase constructs of the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model was used. Randomly, one health base and one health house were assigned to the intervention group and one health base and one health house were assigned to the control group, and the participants were randomly selected from these centers. Both the groups completed the questionnaires before, immediately after, and 3 months after the educational intervention. The educational intervention was held in three 60-min sessions among three groups of approximately 17 participants. PA maintenance was measured 6 months after the intervention.

Results:

Immediately and 3 months after the intervention, the mean scores of all the volition phase constructs significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Three and 6 months after the intervention, the number of people who had at least 150 min of moderate PA per week was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The educational intervention based on the volition phase constructs of the HAPA increased PA intention and facilitated the transition from an inactive lifestyle to an active lifestyle among middle-aged women.