bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of Forces and Catalysts for the Evolution of Money
Authors: Popli Simriti , Wasswa Gabriel
Published: March 2024

The evolution of money has been a continuous and dynamic process, influenced by myriad economic, social, technological, and political forces. From the invention of coinage to the emergence of blockchain technology, technological innovations have continually reshaped the mechanisms of monetary exchange, challenging traditional notions of currency and financial intermediation. Moreover, the study also examines the complex relationship that exists between money and socio-political forces. It investigates how government policies and central bank interventions influence monetary systems shaping their stability and credibility. The socio-cultural perceptions and beliefs surrounding money have also been taken into consideration, highlighting how cultural norms and values impact its evolution and acceptance. Finally, the chapter offers a holistic perspective on the forces driving the evolution of money, and by understanding these forces, policymakers, economists, and individuals can navigate the evolving nature of money more effectively.
Central Bank Digital Currencies
Authors: Lekhi Pooja
Published: March 2024

Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) represent a transformative development in the realm of digital finance, offering a government-backed digital alternative to traditional fiat currencies. This chapter delves into the concept, benefits, impacts, and challenges associated with CBDCs. Positioned as government-backed digital alternatives to traditional fiat currencies, CBDCs address the surge in digital payments and private digital currencies. They offer secure digital payment solutions, ease online and offline transactions, and foster financial inclusion, especially in underbanked regions. While CBDCs promise transformation, concerns arise regarding increased financial surveillance, privacy implications, and the intricate integration into existing payment systems. Furthermore, potential ramifications on the banking sector, such as heightened competition and reduced credit availability, are examined. This study emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, ensuring that implementing CBDCs maximizes benefits while mitigating associated risks.
FinTech Credit Using CBDC
Authors: Roy Jewel Kumar , Hasan Md. Foysal
Published: March 2024

The advancement of financial technology and the development of central bank digital currency (CBDC) are revolutionizing the lending market. FinTech credit and CBDC have disrupted traditional lending practices, providing new channels of financing for borrowers and increasing access to credit. This chapter explores the transformation in the lending market due to the advent of FinTech credit and CBDC. It analyses the impact of these developments on the lending market, borrowers, and financial institutions. The chapter also evaluates the challenges and opportunities presented by these innovations and the implications for regulators. Financial technology (FinTech) credit has rapidly emerged as a disruptive force in the lending market, and the use of central bank digital currency (CBDC) has the potential to further transform the lending market. This chapter aims to examine the potential impact of FinTech credit using CBDC on the lending market, analyse the benefits and challenges of this model, and provide recommendations for policymakers and market participants to foster its adoption.
International Lessons and Adaptations Examining Global CBDC Implementations and Extracting Insights for India's Digital Rupee
Authors: Kumar Amit , Sikka Vinit
Published: March 2024

This chapter analyzes global central bank digital currency (CBDC) implementations to inform India's digital rupee development. By examining case studies from China, Sweden, and the Bahamas, it seeks to understand the successes, challenges, and strategies behind CBDCs. The focus is on technological, regulatory, and economic aspects, aiming to offer actionable insights for India's unique context. This comparative study aims to equip policymakers and financial experts with knowledge to navigate India's CBDC journey, emphasizing learning from global practices to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities for a smooth and impactful digital rupee rollout.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Techniques for Intertwined Artisanal Mining-Communal Farming Conflict
Authors: Banda Annabel , Ncube Mthuthukisi M.
Published: March 2024

The chapter discusses challenges of artisanal mining (AM), a nature-based livelihood strategy, in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. It highlights how AM competes for biodiversity and ecosystem services and causes environmental damage and a shift from traditional sustainable agricultural practices land-use tenure to uncontrolled itinerant AM. Methodologically, the chapter reviewed secondary systematic-literature review (SLR) of articles articulating the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques. These include facilitated mediation, negotiation, and arbitration that yield land-use zoning agreements (conciliation) to attain synergy and market convergencies. It recommends transforming negative-synergy and implementing zoning strategies that prevent land-use conflicts, conserve biodiversity, and extricate competing AM from communal farming to attain sustainability. The resultant, unbridled development would protect ecosystem-service producing biodiversity, converge AM-agricultural markets and sustainably, leading to sustainable agricultural growth and conservation.
Complications in Natural Disasters
Authors: Sivakarthi G. , Vinora A. , Nancy Deborah R. , Soundarya M.
Published: March 2024

Natural disasters are events that occur as a result of environmental risk. Natural disasters may have significant consequences for millions of people and families affected once a year. Natural catastrophes are destructive, affecting a great number of people each year. This abstract explored the effects of such disasters, including humanitarian, facility, wellness, economic, social, and environmental aspects. Furthermore, the amplification of natural disasters by climate change adds another degree of complication. To address these problems, a comprehensive, coordinated strategy including governments, non-governmental organizations, and the international community is required, with a focus on preparedness, early warning systems, and sustainable development practices for effective mitigation and response. To predict natural disasters, several AI and machine learning technologies were created. In this chapter, the authors will discuss the complications of natural disasters and how to predict them using the latest technology.
IoT Devices for Natural Disasters
Authors: Gobinath A. , Manjula Devi  , Rajeswari P. , Srinivasan A.
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the convergence of internet of things (IoT) technologies has emerged as a pivotal force in revolutionizing the landscape of natural disaster management. This chapter explores the diverse array of IoT devices designed to monitor, detect, and respond to various natural disasters, providing a comprehensive overview of their applications and impact on disaster resilience. The chapter delves into the role of weather stations equipped with advanced sensors, capable of collecting real-time meteorological data such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure. These stations contribute significantly to early detection and improved forecasting of weather anomalies, offering a crucial advantage in disaster preparedness.
Strengthening Resilience
Authors: Singh Col Ravinder , Manoharan Geetha
Published: March 2024

With climate change and natural catastrophe risk rising, India faces several risks. Administrators, disaster responders, and medical teams face difficult terrain. Emergency decision-making is being pursued to increase natural catastrophe resilience. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can revolutionize emergency decision-making by providing data-driven insights, improving predictive capabilities, optimizing resource allocation, and strengthening communities facing India's rising disaster risk. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can quickly and efficiently analyze large datasets during crises due to the turmoil and flood of enormous data from varied sources. Advanced tools for real-time data analysis and predictive modeling are needed to help disaster management decision-makers traverse the complex labyrinth. In this chapter, technology and resilience are examined in depth. We've seen AI and machine learning alter emergency decision-making, demonstrating its adaptability and efficacy.
How to Become a “Self-Made” Leader
Authors: Bayard Aleen Z.
Published: March 2024

In academic and professional settings, discussions about leadership development often entertain the question: Are leaders born or made? While these discussions are fruitful in advancing our understanding of external leadership behaviors, they can distract from the concept of a more impactful interrogation of the internal processes and forces at play. These processes are far more potent in helping to identify, challenge, and ultimately shape an individual's development. This chapter attempts to make the case that leaders are made, not born, and that the individual has many tools available to aid in their development, including coaching: coaching provided by external professionals and coaching as an exercise of deep self-reflection and transformational growth. Building upon the thought leadership of several prominent leadership scholars (Goleman, Blanchard, Greenleaf, Chaleff), the author provides concrete steps to facilitate this development process from the inside out.
Coaching Happier Leaders
Authors: Nieves Dinorah
Published: March 2024

Research suggests that high-achieving leaders are at higher risk for lower levels of life satisfaction, given their proclivity for relationship fatigue, ambition addiction, and issues with self-trust. Given these challenges, it is worth examining their inner speech for reframes that improve happiness. A small convenience sample of the researcher-practitioner's active coaching clients (N=10) was surveyed, responding to a revised achievement motives scale (AMS), a satisfaction with life (SWL) measure, and other relevant information. This preliminary study found that clients surveyed could be characterized as high achievers. They also engaged in the researcher-practitioner's S.I.L.L.Y. coaching model – focusing on stillness (S), introspection (I), limberness (L), loving self-talk (L), and authenticity in the form of learning to “be you” (Y). Lastly, the average SWL score among clients proved higher at the time of survey than before engaging in the coaching process, suggesting a worthwhile line for further inquiry.
Smart Sensor-Based Smart Agriculture for Better Crop Production in This Smart Era
Authors: Pradeep M. , Tyagi Amit Kumar
Published: March 2024

In this sera era, the growth of smart sensors has revolutionized agriculture, ushering in an era of precision and data-driven farming. This chapter provides an overview of the application of smart sensors in smart agriculture, highlighting their important role in achieving better crop production. In the face of a growing global population and changing climatic conditions, the demand for increased crop yields and resource efficiency has never been greater. Smart agriculture, empowered by smart sensors, emerges as a solution to these challenges. While the adoption of smart sensors in agriculture provides huge benefits, challenges remain, including data security, interoperability, and accessibility for small-scale farmers. However, as technology continues to advance and become more accessible, smart sensors-based smart agriculture holds the promise of addressing the global food security and sustainability challenges of the 21st century. This chapter provides the important role of smart sensors in achieving better crop production and more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.
The Effect of Multilingual Awareness on Indonesian EFL Pre-Service Teachers' Teaching Motivation
Authors: Arsalia Fatimah Suhaila , Falah Zain Adinul , Mulyono Herri
Published: March 2024

The existing literature indicates the crucial role of multilingual awareness and motivation in enhancing the teaching quality of EFL pre-service teachers in multilingual classrooms. In this chapter, we report a study on the potential influence of teachers' multilingual awareness on their teaching motivation in Indonesian multilingual settings. Surveying 395 EFL school pre-service teachers across Indonesian provinces, we conducted a Rasch-based multiple regression analysis of 235 valid responses. The findings reveal a high level (47.6%) of multilingual awareness. The findings also indicate a significant correlation between multilingual awareness, demographic background, and teaching motivation, unveiling nuanced variations based on age, gender, and teaching practicum experiences. Younger and experienced teachers exhibit higher motivation in specific dimensions. The results underscore the imperative need for teacher education programs addressing multilingual awareness and comprehending diverse factors influencing teaching motivation.
Contextualizing Vietnamese Students' Willingness to Communicate in L2 English Inside the Classroom
Authors: Vo Thanh Huynh
Published: March 2024

Willingness to communicate (WTC) has increasingly received the attention of second language researchers and practitioners in the past decades. WTC in a second/foreign language (L2) refers to L2 students' willingness to involve in conversation with a certain person or people at a specified time using a second language. Although students' communicative competence in the second language may be predicted by WTC, the role of WTC in L2 acquisition in Vietnamese situations is understudied. This chapter argues for the importance of relating aspects of L2 WTC to Vietnamese cultures, motivated by the author's wish to add to the literature on WTC. First, the chapter reviews the literature on WTC in a second language. Then, the roles of culture on WTC are discussed. Finally, the chapter presents suggestions for tackling elements of students' WTC in Vietnamese EFL classes.
Adult Education and Empathy
Authors: Zaky Hany
Published: March 2024

Post COVID-19, the world experiences tension politically, socially, and educationally. COVID-19 brought a new world reality. This integrative literature review addressed how encouraging empathetic classroom activities boosts students' empathetic use in their community; how institutional empathetic communication post COVID-19 enhances students' abilities to meet educational challenges by fostering those learners' resilience due to the expansion of mutual care; how engaging learners academically, interculturally, mentally, and emotionally requires new development in institutional communicative approaches; how institutional practice and activities should embrace collaborative learning through well-designed activities; and how interpersonal perceptions shape institutional empathy practices. Therefore, infusing empathetic leadership develops a sense of belonging and profound trust in the community. Additionally, the review provides some researched pedagogical practices to spur empathy in educational environments, which support learners' academic competencies.
Sri Lanka as a Battleground for International Law
Authors: Sornarajah M.
Published: March 2024

No abstract available
The Prodigious Need for Fueling South Asian Economies through Sustainable Energies
Authors: Kandewatta K. , Fernando A.
Published: March 2024

South Asia is one of the fastest growing regions in the world during the last two decades. This growth momentum has been fuelled by carbon-intensive fossil fuels as reflected through the expansion in fossil fuel utilization in the total energy mix of 60.5 per cent on average for the period 1996-2000 to 70.3 per cent by 2011-2015. Against this backdrop, the study intended to identify the relationship between energy consumption and economic growth in South Asia to recognize the feasibility of promoting low-carbon economic progress in the future. The study employed annual data for the period from 1971-2014 for five selected South Asian countries. The unit root test results indicate that all the variables are stationary at their first difference and the four statistics of the Pedroni cointegration test indicate the existence of a long-run relationship between the variables. The FMOLS estimator implies the significance of the energy consumption in economic growth in the region where one per cent increase in energy consumption leads to a 0.78 per cent increase in economic growth. The study finds a strong bi-directional relationship between the core variables which illustrates the necessity to shift towards sustainable energy sources to achieve an undisrupted economic expansion with a minimum carbon footprint. Thus, the study lays the foundations to identify the aforementioned relationships and encourage the derive of sustainable energy solutions to fuel the growth in the region.
Participation of Female Workforce in the Construction Sector in Sri Lanka: Challenges and Policy Implications
Authors: Shanthaarchchi A. A.
Published: March 2024

It is widely accepted that women do not have equal rights and status, particularly in developing nations. The various theoretical and empirical studies show gender inequalities in salaries, earnings, income and pay scales, and the construction sector is no exception. This study highlighted potential areas for women in the construction sector labour market by analyzing market and employment related trends and requirements on the demand and supply sides. Further, the study identified the challenges and necessary policy implications for enhancing female labour force participation in the construction sector in Sri Lanka. Many female workforces believe that developing a critical mass of women in different occupations in the construction sector would encourage more women to enter the business. Many studies have shown that since women have poor levels of skills and are either not given or unaware of skill upgrading opportunities, they are unable to enter or flourish in construction-related industries. In addition, interruptions in careers, limitations on flexible working hours, engaging in precarious work due to household responsibilities, and the gender pay gap are some other important factors that limit labour market activities by women, thus lowering social protection coverage for females. Besides socio-cultural and religious barriers, the data also revealed that women face sexual harassment, which discourages them from continuing their jobs in the construction sector for a long time.
Robotic pyeloplasty: Technological global panacea or geo-surgical nightmare?
Authors: Nikolinakos Panagiotis , Chatzikrachtis Nikolaos , Donkov Ivo , Kotsi Elisavet , Antonoglou Georgios , Alexandrou Ioannis , Zavras Nikolaos , Norris Joseph M.
Published: March 2024

To the Editor,Pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) is a well-recognised clinical entity characterised by functionally significant impairment of drainage of urine at the level of the pelvi-ureteric junction due to extrinsic or intrinsic obstruction and is encountered both by adult and paediatric urologists alike. Management of PUJO has been surgical historically, and the gold standard has been an open Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty [...]
Evaluation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of non obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Alhefnawy Mohamed A. , Elmorsy Gamal , Bakry Sayed , El-amrosy Hesham , Mearaj Ibrahim , Sabra Ebrahim A. , Badr Osama M. , Ibraheem Dalia , Khalifa Taymour
Published: March 2024

Background: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents an infertility problem that is usually difficult to treat. Such patients usually have testicular biopsy of germ cell aplasia or spermatogenic arrest. In recent decades, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) had been studied thoroughly and proved safe and effective regarding their capability for trans-differentiation into different cell types. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of MSCs local intratesticular injection in induction of spermatogenesis. Patients and method: The current study included 87 infertile non-obstructive azoospermic patients. Clinical assessment and repeated semen analysis with centrifugation were done to confirm azoospermia. Karyotyping and AZF study were done. Some of the patients had previous testicular biopsy proving a lack of sperm in the testes. Single intratesticular injection of purified MSCs suspension was done. Results: 20.7% of patients showed sperm in their semen after variable period of time. Hormonal profile among treated patients showed significant improvement regardless success of treatment. Also most of the treated patients appreciated the improvement of their sexual function and libido. Conclusions: Bone marrow derived MSCs could be a new hope and therapeutic modality for treatment of refractory cases of NOA.
The relationship between personality type and fulfillment of basic needs with the FoMO Syndrome among adolescents in East Java
Authors: Rachmawati Dhian Satya , Suhardiningsih A.V. Sri , Dewi Sisi Istiyana , Laili Rizky Dzariyani
Published: March 2024

Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) stems from individuals' dissatisfaction with their basic needs, and each individual develops distinct FoMO characteristics. This research aimed to analyze the relationship between personality types, fulfillment of basic needs, and the incidence of FoMO syndrome in East Java. We employed a correlational approach with a cross-sectional design for the study. The study's population comprised youths aged 12-25 in East Java. We obtained our research sample, consisting of 140 individuals, through proportionately stratified random sampling. The instruments we used included the Jung personality type indicator, a basic needs assessment, and the FoMO questionnaire. We analyzed the data using the chi-square test (p<0.05) and Spearman's rho (p<0.05). Our research findings indicated that the prevalent personality type in East Java was introverted, with 84 youths (60.0%). Additionally, 125 youths (89.3%) reported a high level of adequately met needs, while 71 (50.7%) fell into the moderate FoMO category. The Chi-square test revealed a significant correlation between personality type and the incidence of FoMO syndrome (p=0.000). Similarly, Spearman's rho indicated a significant link between meeting basic needs and the occurrence of FoMO syndrome (p=0.000). Adolescents with both introverted and extroverted personality types, coupled with low basic needs satisfaction, were more prone to experiencing FoMO syndrome. Our study's implications underscored the necessity of increasing motivation to fulfill basic needs, thereby mitigating the likelihood of experiencing FoMO.
Artificial intelligence is being utilized to drive drug repurposing as a new strategy for managing asthmatic attacks
Authors: Daungsupawong Hinpetch , Wiwanitkit Viroj
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE:

This study assesses the efficacy of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence language model, in assisting health-care professionals in selecting appropriate medications for the treatment of asthmatic attacks in males. A panel of experts specializing in rhinology and infectious diseases evaluates ChatGPT’s recommendations for ten fictional clinical scenarios involving asthmatic attacks. The objective of the study is to determine the extent to which ChatGPT can contribute to informed decision-making regarding the repurposing of drugs for managing this condition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The expert panel assesses the accuracy and relevance of ChatGPT’s suggestions by comparing them to current medical research and literature. The findings demonstrate that ChatGPT consistently provides valuable recommendations for potential drug repurposing in the treatment of asthmatic attacks across all scenarios.

RESULTS:

These recommendations align with scientific evidence and published literature. While the range of treatment options may be limited, ChatGPT’s guidance proves beneficial for health-care professionals in identifying potential repurposed drugs. However, certain limitations, such as the need for more clinical data and the inability to customize treatment plans, should be addressed.

CONCLUSION:

Further research is required to enhance ChatGPT’s effectiveness in managing asthmatic attacks. Future studies should focus on refining the model’s capabilities, incorporating comprehensive clinical data, and enabling customization of treatment plans to make ChatGPT a valuable resource for health-care professionals dealing with asthmatic attacks in males.
Prevalence and Predicting Factors of Alcohol Use Among School Going Adolescents in a Hilly State of Northern India
Authors: Kumari Durgesh , Gupta Anmol , Thakur Anita
Published: March 2024

Background:

Alcohol use among adolescents is rising globally. This habit starts in adolescence and continues throughout their life. Alcohol addiction is associated with many other risky behaviors. Social environmental interventions will be an effective measure to control the problem of alcohol use.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of alcohol use among adolescents and to investigate the associated risk and protective factors.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out among school going adolescents in the hilly state Himachal. A pre-validated, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection.

Results:

The prevalence of alcohol use in adolescent was 6.1% (10.7% in males and 0.4% in females). Binary logistic regression model revealed that parent’s and peer’s drinking behavior significantly predicts an adolescent’s drinking behavior.

Conclusion:

Our research supports the need for an adolescent health program involving school, peers, and family. Life skill education should be given to the adolescents to inculcate the resilience so that they learn to say no to peers who try to pull them into such habits.
Impact of Universal Health Insurance on Total Ischemia Time and Door-to-Balloon Time in STEMI
Authors: Upadhyay Amar Nath , Dhasmana Manira , Kumar Barun
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

We studied the impact of a Universal Health Insurance (UHI) Scheme introduced in India on total ischemia time (an important determinant of ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] outcome).

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective hospital-based comparative study which evaluated the total ischemia time (min) of all the patients presenting with STEMI and undergoing primary angioplasty before (Group A) and after (Group B) implementation of this scheme.

Results:

A total of 221 patients (mean age: 54.18 ± 13.02 years in Group A and 57.59 ± 11.42 years in Group B) were included in the study. Median pain to first medical contact time was 300 and 360 min (P = 0.49), whereas the median first medical contact to percutaneous coronary intervention PCI center time was 330 and 210 min (P = 0.32), for Groups A and B, respectively. A statistically significant difference was noted in the mean door-to-device time between two groups (67.46 ± 33.10 min in Group A vs. 58.48 ± 12.99 min in Group B; P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

A significant difference in door-to-balloon time was found after implementation of UHI, but total ischemia time was no different. It emphasizes the importance of establishing a system of STEMI care that can decentralize the benefits of early reperfusion like hub-and-spoke model.
Anthropometric Indices and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus as a Risk Factor in Predicting Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease – A Prospective Study in Indian Population
Authors: Suvarna Renuka , Nasir Mohammed A. , Stanley Weena , Prabhu M. Mukhyaprana
Published: March 2024

Background:

The different anthropometric indices have different predictive values of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in various populations. Since obesity is a common cause of NAFLD and diabetes, therefore, it is critical to correlate the various anthropometric indices as a risk factor in terms of NAFLD and diabetes in the Indian population. In view of reported association between obesity and NAFLD, the study was employed to analyze the relationship of various anthropometric indices (body mass index [BMI], a body shape index [ABSI], waist-height ratio [WHtR], etc.) with NAFLD and to comment, if possible, which among them has the highest predictive value in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Material and Methods:

Data of 220 diabetic patients (36–80 years) were analyzed. Anthropometric data were collected using standard methods. Routine biochemical investigations data were used. Ultrasonography was used to assess liver status for NAFLD.

Results:

Based on the results, Waist height ratio [WHtR] and BMI had better correlation with NAFLD than ABSI. The desirable WHtR cutoff value was 0.545 with 62% of sensitivity and 62% of specificity. The cut off for BMI and ABSI were 24.6 and 0.805, respectively, with 65% of sensitivity and 62% of specificity for BMI and 63% of sensitivity and 42% of specificity for ABSI.

Conclusion:

There is a strong association of BMI and ABSI with NAFLD in this study. Public health measures to limit overnutrition and management of obesity are essential to prevent NAFLD, and as its negative health effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Prevalence of Tuberculosis Infection among Adults of Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala as Measured by Interferon Gamma Release Assay – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mohan Aparna , Indu P.S. , Nair Sanjeev , Rakesh P.S. , Saradadevi K.L. , Rajahamsan Jyothi
Published: March 2024

Background:

To achieve the goals of the end tuberculosis (TB) strategy, strategies for management of TB infection (TBI) have to be expanded. The first step to devise policies is to understand the distribution and determinants of TBI in the community. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of TBI using Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) and its determinants among the adult population of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.

Materials and Methods:

A community-based, cross-sectional study using the stratified cluster sampling was carried out among the adults. TBI was detected using IGRA conducted on whole blood sample. Data on determinants were collected using a structured questionnaire by the face-to-face interview. The prevalence of TBI was estimated. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to identify the determinants.

Results:

Age standardized prevalence of TBI among 396 adults was 20.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.52–24.48). On adjusting for the possible confounders, increasing age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.028; 95% CI 1.008–1.048; P = 0.005), history of contact with active TB disease (adjusted OR 7.61; 95% CI 4.43–13.05; P < 0.001), childhood contact (adjusted OR 8.20; 95% CI 3.14–21.41; P < 0.001), and household contact (adjusted OR 10.12; 95% CI 5.39–18.98; P < 0.001) were found to be the determinants of TBI in this population.

Conclusion:

The present study observed that nearly one-fifth of the adult population in the Thiruvananthapuram district has TBI. For the programmatic management, factors such as increasing age and contact history may be considered for the elimination of TBI in the state.
Comparing Three Models of Community-Based Diabetic Retinopathy Screening, Treatment, and Awareness Creation Services in Southern India / South Kerala
Authors: Soman Manoj , Iqbal Sameer , Nizar A. P. Abdul , Nair R. Unnikrishnan
Published: March 2024

Background:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of three models of diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening from an economic perspective and their effectiveness in awareness creation, screening, and ability to deliver treatment.

Materials and Methods:

Analysis of a prospective screening program for diabetes mellitus and DR in South Kerala was done. Three models were created: Model 1: blood screening camp, Model 2: comprehensive eye camp, and Model 3: institution-based screening camp.

Results:

Forty-seven camps were conducted in Model 1, 438 in Model 2, and 18 in Model 3. Of 94,993 people screened, the percentage of diabetes was 17.4. Of the diabetics screened, the percentage of retinopathy was 22.8. Model 1 was most economically viable to detect a large number of new diabetics. Model 2 was more economically challenging but had the best overall pickup rate for new DR patients. Model 3 had a lesser pickup of new DR patients.

Conclusion:

Model 1 is effective in picking up new diabetics but poor for DR screening. Model 3 is cost-efficient with very high DR detection rates. Cost-effective screening activities and service delivery are best achieved through a well-planned Model 2 camp which has the best overall detection rate for DR.
Sharing the Load by One Health
Authors: Airikkala-Otter Ilona , Fröchlich Julia , Porkodi S. , Gibson Andrew , Gamble Luke , Rayner Emma
Published: March 2024

Background:

India carries the largest national burden for rabies globally. Coordinating large-scale canine rabies elimination programs is challenging, particularly in rural areas, where the majority of human rabies deaths occur. This study evaluated the feasibility of combining canine rabies vaccination with pre-existing animal-health interventions or public health programs in a rural area of India.

Materials and Methods:

Canine rabies vaccination teams collaborated with a bi-annual bovine foot-and-mouth vaccination program coordinated by the Animal Husbandry Department (AH-collaboration) and with a village health program by the Public Health Department (PH-collaboration) in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, to vaccinate dogs during the implementation of these government-led health initiatives.

Results:

A total of 251 dogs were vaccinated over 7 days during the AH-collaboration, and 1083 dogs were vaccinated over 15 days during the PH-collaboration. The AH-collaboration achieved a vaccination coverage of 76% based on same-time sighting survey, and 58% based on post-vaccination survey. The PH-collaboration achieved vaccination coverage of 79% based on the same-time survey and 83% based on the post-vaccination survey.

Conclusions:

The integration of mass dog vaccination into existing government sector initiatives may facilitate the scaling up of canine rabies vaccination campaigns.
Compliance for Community-Based Cervical Cancer Screening Program among Women of Age 30–65 Years Residing in Low Socioeconomic Settings of Mumbai, India
Authors: Kulkarni Vasundhara Yalguresh , Mishra Gauravi Ashish , Pimple Sharmila Anil , Shaikh Heena Kauser Aslam , Awasthi Aanchal A
Published: March 2024

Background:

Low participation in screening and poor follow-up are major challenges in implementing population based screening in developing countries. Determinants of participation in a community-based organized cervical cancer screening program are discussed here.

Objectives:

The objectives were to study factors determining compliance of women for cervical cancer screening in an urban low socioeconomic setting.

Methodology:

Community-based service program was conducted for screening uterine cervix cancers with a visual inspection of the cervix on the application of 5% acetic acid by trained primary health workers. The process involved the selection of clusters, household surveys, health education, and screening of eligible women for uterine cervix cancer. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify determinants of participation in cervical cancer screening.

Results:

A total of 138,383 population were surveyed, of which 21,422 eligible women were contacted and 16,424 (82.50%) complied for screening. According to the results of univariate and multivariate analysis, women belonging to the age group of 30–39 (80.69%), literate women with school level or education up to Senior College (78.97% and 80.86%) (odds ratio [OR], 1.323; P ≤ 0.001) and (OR, 1.402; P ≤ 0.001), belonging to Hindu religion (77.20%), speaking Marathi (77.07%), and with a family history of cancer (81.93%) had higher participation for screening, while women belonging to the Muslim community (73.95%) (OR, 0.743; P ≤ 0.001), speaking other than Marathi and Hindi language (73%) (OR, 0.872; P = 0.017), illiterate women (70.71%), and graduate women (70.78%) had lower participation.

Conclusion:

High compliance can be achieved by providing good-quality health education and setting up of screening clinics in vicinity of participating women.
“Healthy Heart, Healthy You”
Authors: Kannan Radhika , Kiran Pretesh Rohan , Gnanaselvam Nancy Angeline , Mathew Kevin George , Johnson Jewel Christy
Published: March 2024

Background:

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality globally. Over 75% of CVD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Objectives:

To assess the 10-year CVD risk among adults aged 30 years and above attending the outpatient department at a Taluk Hospital, Bangalore Urban District, Karnataka.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 217 subjects above 30 years of age attending the hospital. They were selected by consecutive sampling and administered a face-validated interview schedule. WHO/ISH CVD risk assessment tool was used to categorize them into four categories of CVD risk. Additional risk factors like alcohol use and smoking were also assessed.

Results:

The mean age of the subjects was 55.7 ± 12.3 years. About 65% of the study population had low risk (<10%), 21.2% had mild risk (10%–20%), 9.7% had moderate risk (20%–30%) and 4.1% had high risk (>30%) according to the World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) CVD risk assessment tool. In the study population, 4.6% were abusing alcohol as per the CAGE questionnaire.

Conclusion:

The burden of CVD risk among the adults interviewed was high. The WHO/ISH chart is an inexpensive tool that can be used for screening in a regular OPD.
A Cross-sectional Study to Evaluate the Acceptance of Non-pharmacological Interventions to Control Anaemia among Adolescent Girls and Lactating Mothers in a District of Gujarat, India
Authors: Lodhiya Kaushik K. , Brahmbhatt Krutarth R. , Govani Kapil J. , Chhaya Jatin
Published: March 2024

Background:

To combat Iron deficiency anemia, an innovative pilot project, anemia prevention among adolescent girls and lactating mothers through nonpharmacological measures has been started at few places in Gujarat. To evaluate the acceptability of intervention kits provided to the beneficiaries.

Material and Methods:

A cross-sectional study design where 182 beneficiaries were randomly selected for interview from 12 randomly selected Anganwadi centers of intervention taluka of Junagadh district.

Results:

Information Education and Communication (IEC) material though available was unread by majority of beneficiaries. Iron utensils were used by 65% of beneficiaries for cooking. Only few beneficiaries (7%) daily use the provided moringa powder. Only half of the beneficiaries (53%) had grown some of the crops from the kitchen garden kit provided and knowledge of beneficiaries regarding iron-rich food was satisfactory in less than one-fifth (19%) of them.

Conclusion:

Study results concluded that providing nonpharmacological material is of little use until beneficiaries were properly guided and motivated by regular follow-up visits and addressing their problems; otherwise, it just stands as a mere matter of rock only.
Integrating Research into Undergraduate Medical Education Curriculum
Authors: Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Rekha T , Jain Animesh , Mithra Prasanna , Kumar Nithin , Holla Ramesh
Published: March 2024

Research is the key to advancement in medical science. Medical school can nurture the skill of research right from the under graduation. Research forms an integral part of the medical curriculum in western countries. We attempted the same in our medical school in India. We developed a structured research methodology program, which was implemented in the undergraduate (UG) curriculum in two phases. Phase I focuses on research methodology and Phase II on manuscript writing. With the implementation of a competency-based medical education curriculum (CBME), we have extended the research methodology program with manuscript writing and introduction to systematic reviews, which is being offered as electives to UG medical students in the third professional year. Our experience in training students at an UG level has been immensely satisfying. We hope that this article will help other medical schools to adopt a similar method of training UG medical students in research methodology and scientific medical writing.
A Hospital Based Study to Access the Usefulness of Using the Combination Regime of the Ferric Carboxy Maltose, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid as a Treatment of Severe Anemia among Pregnant Women in a Rural Tribal Community of South Gujarat
Authors: Maitri Vayeda , Tushar Desai , Dhiren Modi , Shrey Desai , Gayatri Desai
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Anemia is most common morbidity in pregnancy and micronutrient deficiency is its most common cause in India.

Objective:

It is to assess the beneficiary effects as well as side effects of single parenteral administration of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), Vitamin B12, and folic acid as treatment of severe anemia during pregnancy.

Methods:

This pre-post intervention study was done from April 2018 to March 2019 at a charitable hospital. 100 pregnant women were treated with one infusion of FCM (1000 mg), along with intramuscular Vitamin B12 (500 mcg) and folic acid (15 mg) followed by daily oral supplementation of iron (100 mg) up to delivery.

Results:

Compared to baseline, absolute increase in hemoglobin was 2.9 g/dl (P < 0.001) and 5.4 g/dl (P < 0.001) after 6 weeks of infusion and at delivery, respectively. 63.9% of women turned nonanemic and none had severe anemia at delivery. No serious side effect was reported and none needed blood transfusion at any time during the study.

Conclusion:

FCM along with Vitamin B12 and folic acid might be considered for treating severe anemia in pregnancy in resource-poor settings.
Root canal dentin wear during final irrigation in endodontic retreatment with passive ultrasonic irrigation and easy clean instruments
Authors: Alves Louise Schmitt , Ormiga Fabiola , de Lima Carolina Oliveira , Lopes Ricardo Tadeu , Gusman Heloisa
Published: March 2024

Context:

Complementary procedures have been proposed to improve the endodontic retreatments.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate, by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), the dentin wear caused by passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and easy clean (EC) instruments, when used for the final removal of filling material during endodontic retreatment.

Methods:

Thirty-six mesial roots of the lower first molars were divided into four groups (n = 9), according to the final irrigation and sealer: PUI/AH Plus, EC/AH Plus, PUI/Total Fill (TF), and EC/TF. Canal volume was evaluated, both before and after the final irrigation, by micro-CT analysis. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the volumes among groups and the paired Wilcoxon test was used to compare the volume values before and after the final irrigation within each group.

Results:

Both complementary cleaning procedures promoted dentin wear that was observed only when the volume was analyzed for each third of the root canal. In the apical third, both instruments showed significant wear, where the use of the EC instrument resulted in greater wear than the PUI, in teeth filled with both AH Plus and TF BC Sealers (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Both complementary cleaning procedures promoted dentin wear and must be used cautiously.
In vitro evaluation of the effect of addition of biomaterials to carbamide peroxide on the bleaching efficacy and microhardness of enamel
Authors: Kavoor Sowmya , Ranjini M. A. , Aziz Naval Abdul , Ashok H. K. , Nadig Roopa R.
Published: March 2024

Background and Aim:

Teeth bleaching, although considered safe and conservative, cause microscopic changes in the tooth structure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the bleaching efficacy of carbamide peroxide (CP) bleaching gel when modified with the incorporation of bioactive glass (BG) and hydroxyapatite (HA) and its effect on enamel microhardness.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-five maxillary incisors were decoronated, artificially stained and mounted in acrylic. The samples were divided into three groups of 15 each and subjected to the following bleaching protocol for 8 h/day at 37°C for 2 weeks: Group 1 – 16% CP, Group 2 – CP modified with BG, and Group 3 – CP modified with hydroxyapatite (HA). Spectrophotometric color assessment using CIE L*a*b* system and Vickers microhardness were assessed before and after bleaching. Data were analyzed using Student’s paired t-test and one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc analysis.

Results:

There was a significant change in color (L*a*b*) in all the three groups when compared to the baseline values. However, no significant difference in the total color change (ΔE) was observed between the three groups. Enamel microhardness reduced significantly in the CP group, whereas it increased in the BG and HA group after bleaching. Scanning electron microscopy images of BG and HA groups showed crystalline deposits suggesting mineral deposition.

Conclusion:

Addition of biomaterials can be a beneficial alternative to bleaching with CP alone, considering the increase in microhardness without hindering the bleaching action.
Evaluation of rise in pH and oxygen release at the site of simulated external root resorption cavities using different oxygen-releasing biomaterials: An in vitro study
Authors: Swetha Bollineni , Malini Duvvuri Lakshmi , Mohan T. Murali , Priya B. Devi , Reddy O. Asha , Haripriya G.
Published: March 2024

Context:

External inflammatory root resorption has rapid onset and progresses aggressively. It leads to cementum loss, which allows communication between the infected pulp and the periodontium through the denuded dentinal tubules. Primary management strategy includes adequate chemomechanical debridement and lesion arrest for which maintaining alkaline pH and aerobic conditions is essential for healing and repair of the resorption defect.

Aims:

The aim of this study is to evaluate rise in pH and oxygen release at the site of simulated external root resorption cavities using different oxygen-releasing biomaterials.

Materials and Methods:

In 40 extracted single-rooted teeth access opening and chemomechanical debridement were done. Cavities simulating resorption defect are prepared on the roots. The samples are divided into four groups (n = 10) based on the biomaterial used. After placing the biomaterial, the root apices were sealed. Half of the samples from each group were tested for oxygen release using dissolved oxygen meter and the other half for rise in pH using pH meter at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days.

Statistical Analysis:

The pH values were analyzed using Friedman 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal–Wallis test. Oxygen release was measured using the two-way and repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results:

Calcium peroxide group showed the highest mean pH and oxygen release than other groups at any given point of time.

Conclusions:

Incorporating oxygen-releasing biomaterials such as calcium peroxide and perfluorodecalin into intracanal medicaments, such as calcium hydroxide, creates an alkaline and oxygen-enriched milieu in the periapical tissues.