bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote Work Impacts and Employee Rights in the Maritime Sector
Authors: Elmacioglu Bilun
Published: March 2022

When the World Health Organization (WHO) announced COVID-19 as a pandemic on 11th, March 2020, the lockdown of almost all sectors brought a new definition of a work style into the work life, which is either called remote work or working from home. It may seem to most of the people that this is a new working style that is designed in pandemic. However, this is not really a new way of working. Remote working had already been defined in International Labor Organization's Remote Work Convention in 1996, and it is stated that this working style is used for people who work for specific periods away from their home such as seafarers in the maritime sector or field workers who work in such as oil and gas, chemicals and farm industries, or choose different places to work other than the employer's workplace.
Injury Prevention and Improving the Performance of Athletes
Authors: Kumaran Tharani , Baig Mirza Khalid , Avvari Ravi Kant , Arunachalam Thirugnanam
Published: March 2022

Sports biomechanics helps one to understand the sport movements and helps increase the performance of individuals and prevent injury. Understanding the mechanics involved in every sport is crucial for kinesiologists help patients to recover from traumatic or overuse injuries. Each sport activity has different phases, and in each phase, the kinetics and kinematics are studied for better understanding. Computational technologies help to understand sports movements and forces developed during motion and provide proper guidance that can be followed to avoid injuries and enhance performance. The aspects of biomechanical analysis of sports, injuries and their causes in sports, various techniques for recording and analysis of sports movements, and lastly, performance improvement and preventing injury using the analysis are discussed in this chapter.
A Review on Applications of Quantum Computing in Machine Learning
Authors: Paul Subrata , Mitra Anirban
Published: March 2022

Computational technologies drive progress in industry, science, government, and society. While these technologies form the foundation for intelligent systems and enable scientific and business innovation, they are also the limiting factors for progress. Quantum computing promises to overcome these limitations with better and faster solutions for optimization, simulation, and machine learning problems. Quantum computing is broadly applicable to business problems in optimization, machine learning, and simulation, impacting all industries. In the last couple of years, researchers investigated if quantum computing can help to improve classical machine learning algorithms. Therefore, it is instrumental for industry to seek an active role in this emergent ecosystem. In this chapter, the authors present a brief overview on various applications of quantum computing in machine learning.
The Potential of Quantum Computing in Healthcare
Authors: Jayanthi Prisilla , Rai Bharatendra K. , Muralikrishna Iyyanki
Published: March 2022

The need for IR4 technologies with faster and accurate results for huge health datasets is required. Healthcare has made a lot of advancements with technologies and has certain issues in terms of carbon emission. This in turn sets the patient's life in risk. The study proposes a model for all the healthcare sectors. The study deals with the various quantum neural networks implemented on diabetes retinopathy and COVID-19 images. The quantum computing model outperformed all other machine learning and deep learning models giving more accurate results in less time. The revolution of quantum computing has proven the healthcare in diabetes retinopathy and COVID-19 detection to be faster. It can henceforth be implemented for early warning of the diseases and provide treatment for the patients.
Impact of Mobile Technology to Enhance the Customer Service Experience in SME Hotels
Authors: Chithradevi Sajan Narayanan , Nadda Vipin
Published: March 2022

The aim of the chapter is to analyze the impact of mobile technology to enhance the customer service experience in the SME hotel sector. Most of the hotels use their mobile-enabled websites and third-party mobile platforms for supporting customer activities including booking and payment. They offer Wi-Fi services to their customers during their stay. Mobile technology-enabled applications have helped their customers to make online hotel bookings more easy and convenient as it helps customers to book hotel rooms from any geographical location with no hassle by eliminating tradition communication needs and reducing the time needed for booking and check in.
Customer Perception and Brand Image Through Sensory Marketing
Authors: Tyagi Pankaj Kumar , Tyagi Priyanka
Published: March 2022

Firms can be seen as value facilitators, offering various types of services for consumer consumption, as well as value-generating methods, while following a service viewpoint. It has been proposed that a company's relationships with consumers are used to influence value generation processes. Different experiences influence the form and kinds of meaning that consumers interpret in terms of interactive, relativistic, preferential, or perception beliefs, as well as self- and other-oriented values, in these systems. The aim is to make the procedure easier by grouping alternative options into three main explanatory stages of means. Furthermore, the classification's aim was to include an exhaustive classification when none existed in the marketing literature. The three levels are paradoxically both connected to and independent of each other, according to a general observation made here. They can appear concurrently or independently of one another, but they can also be defined separately.
Geospatial Application in Tourism Study on Geoportals as an Expedient Tool for Holiday Trip Planning
Authors: Singh Malini , Mukherjee Sudipta , Mukherjee Madhumita
Published: March 2022

Geospatial technology refers to data and information that identifies the location of specific features on the Earth's surface. The term refers to collective data in which the technologies involved have geographic or locational dimensions. Geospatial information is attached to any information related to space (i.e., locational component [latitude and longitude]). When location information is added to any dataset, it is transformed into geospatial data. For example, if the population of a region's various districts is stored in a spreadsheet, it is not spatial. If a population map is created for this region, it becomes geospatial data. Geospatial technology is widely used in tourism and has changed the travel landscape. Tourism and hospitality brands use technology to identify the geospatial context and improve customer engagement and help Tourists to plan holiday trips.
Role of Technology for Formal Education in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Md Hussin
Published: March 2022

We are using technology for e-learning platforms, blended platforms, and formal education platforms. Formal education is a structured and systematic form of learning. For formal education, we can say face-to-face or on-campus education. Formal education is classroom based, meaning everything a student learns comes from books and other educational materials with the sole purpose of educating students. Internet gives us the option to meet around the world. Internet distance education is a natural consequence of industrial transformations from a manufacturing economy, in which standard educational practices are based, to an information economy, in which greater autonomy, collaboration, flexibility, and a project orientation to work are the norm. The internet did not cause changes in education, but rather enabled educators to meet new demands for instructional practices and outcomes and adapt to a rapidly changing economic and social environment that was beginning to outpace the academy.
Re-Visioning Academic Narratives for Marginalized Spaces
Authors: Gruber Sibylle , Barrón Nancy G.
Published: March 2022

Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (J.E.D.I.) goals have gained wide acceptance in higher education systems. However, despite many efforts to infuse J.E.D.I. principles into educational institutions, the implementation of these goals has remained elusive. This chapter addresses the current order of systems and provides the background for envisioning a truly integrative ecological system that helps us reconfigure currently discriminatory and exclusionary systems. It then shows how an integrative ecological system provides new spaces for a successful integration of J.E.D.I. principles even though we need to be aware of the challenges and constraints to an integrative ecosystem. The chapter's conclusion provides possibilities for change and possibilities for integrating J.E.D.I. as part of a reconfigured academic ecosystem.
Diversity and Equity in Higher Education
Authors: Maiti Adwaita , Jana Sebak Kumar
Published: March 2022

While the expansion of higher education is primarily driven by economic agendas, the equity concerns are driven by social agendas like social justice. Equity is an inclusive notion, and government policies play important role in promoting equity in access to higher education. The chapter highlights some important issues related to higher education in India like diversity of higher education, state-wise inequality in access to higher education, state-wise disparity in public and private expenditure on higher education, promising practices like use of ICT in higher education, quality of higher education institutions, and higher education policies in India. Though the expansion of higher education in India is phenomenal, the findings of the study reveal the wide disparity in equity in higher education across states in terms of different parameters.
The Exploration of Diversity and Inclusion Programs Within Institutions of Higher Education
Authors: Jackson Tyresa Rene
Published: March 2022

In recent decades, the landscape of higher education has begun to shift. Yet, throughout the higher education pipeline (Bachelor, Master, Ph.D., and Law), there are stark differences in the academic performance and graduation outcomes among diverse student populations. This chapter explores landmark historical cases that promulgated diversity and inclusion programs in higher education. This chapter also assesses the social experience of race in higher education and if diversity and inclusion programs truly help to remove barriers to access.
Environmental Awareness, Oligopolistic Competition, and Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Ramirez Rafael Salvador Espinosa , Barba Evangelina Cruz
Published: March 2022

In most developing countries, local companies have more expensive polluting production technology than those in developed countries. On the other hand, there is a growing concern to produce and consume ecological goods in the world. Based on this reality, and using environmental awareness as public policy, this article uses a theoretical model that determines the level of environmental awareness that a government receiving foreign investment is willing to promote, taking into account oligopolistic competition between foreign and local companies in the country. The optimal environmental awareness policy considers the impact of this policy on local investment, the benefit of the consumer, foreign investment flows, and the disutility of the contamination of polluting goods in the population. The optimal level of environmental awareness is found to depend on the degree of disutility of pollution and the introjection of politics induced by the host government.
A Facile Production of Reduced Graphene Oxide Transparent Films in Polyethylene Terephthalate Substrates
Authors: Pereira Neuma , Carballo Julieta , Vozer Felisberto Marcos Daniel , Silva Glaura
Published: March 2022

Graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide films have widespread applications in many fields. There are several methods for preparing thin films of these materials in different substrates, but a method that offers low cost and high quality in thin-film fabrication is still lacking. Here, we report a low cost and easily scalable methodology to produce reduced graphene oxide conductive films in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates from graphene oxide suspensions. In an environmentally friendly approach, the reduction process was carried out in a green chemistry fashion way using ascorbic acid as reduction agent. Graphene oxide was synthesized by modified Hummers' method and the coating was realized in a homemade dip-coating process. Films with light transmittance as high as 99% and surface resistance in the order of MΩ/sq were obtained with graphene oxide contents as low as 0.5 wt%. The increase in graphene oxide contents produced films with surface resistance as low as 13 kΩ/sq. These are very interesting results that allows these films to be considered for application in electromagnetic shielding and electrostatic dissipation.
Controlling Water Flow in Pattern-Charged Nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Ren Liang , Du Guo Jun , Wang Mei Fen , Li Song Yuan
Published: March 2022

Molecular dynamics simulation is used to study the water flow in a charged nanotube. The simulation results show that the charge patterns on the nanotube have an important role in determining the flow behavior. In a nanotube charged with one pattern, the water flow rate decreases with increasing charge value, when the charge value increases from 0 to 0.8 e, the water flow rate decreases to 7%. While in the other one with a different charge pattern, the water flow rate is independent of charge value. By analyzing the morphology of water molecules, it is determined that this unexpected phenomenon is caused by the structure of water molecules near the nanotube wall. For the first charge pattern, the network of hydrogen bonds formed by water molecules near the wall had a hexagonal structure, similar to single layer ice, which changes the interactions between the wall and the water molecules. By contrast, the second pattern did not exhibit such an effect. This study provides a means to control the rate of water flow in nanotubes using an electric field. These results may provide new insights and lead to new methods for flow control in complex micro- or nanofluidic systems.
Measurement of Surface Tension/Contact Angle of Saturated Fatty Solution for Developing In Situ Forming Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Chantadee Takron , Senarat Setthapong , Chinpaisal Chatchai , Mahadlek Jongjan
Published: March 2022

Naturally-occurring saturated fatty acids have been classified as the interesting biomaterials. Typically, the interfacial tension and wettability relying on intermolecular forces relate to the well-fitted performance with any target sites of in situ forming matrix. This research aimed to determine surface tension/contact angle of several saturated fatty acids in selected aprotic solvents commonly used in in situ forming system by varying fatty acid concentrations and molecular weights. Six fatty acids were dissolved in the aprotic solvents, namely 2-pyrrolidone (PYR), N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). As fatty acid concentrations in binary mixtures increased, surface tension and contact angle became diminished except where DMSO was used as a solvent. The longer chain of fatty acid, the lower the surface tension except when C14-16 fatty acid was dissolved in NMP. Contact angle was also decreased as the chain of fatty acid increased except for C14-16 fatty acid-based preparation due to their viscosity. Understanding these fatty acid solution's surface tension/contact angle behaviors is useful for designing the suitable fatty acid-based in situ forming system.
Development of Floating 3D-Printed Devices for Carvedilol Tablet
Authors: Chareonying Thapakorn , Akkaramongkolporn Prasert , Opanasopit Praneet
Published: March 2022

A floating drug delivery device is one type of gastro-retentive drug delivery system (GRDDS). Carvedilol (CAR) is poorly soluble in alkaline pH (intestinal environment) and has good solubility in the acidic pH (stomach environment). Hence, floating 3D-printed devices (FD) were developed from polylactic acid (PLA) filaments using fused deposition modeling (FDM) and designed to be a tablet shape with an anti-flip-up property as GRDDS of carvedilol tablets. There were two parts of FD, including the cap and the base. The base was designed with different hole diameters (2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 mm) for a controlled drug release. The FD had a smooth texture and white color. All the FD showed the anti-flip-up property. The drug release showed that the FD with 2.5- and 3.5-mm hole diameters had the potential to control the drug release. The CAR tablet-incorporated FD with a 3.5 mm hole diameter showed an optimal sustained-release profile, 99.8 % of drug release in 10 h. Moreover, zero-order kinetic was achieved. Therefore, this device may be promising to provide an extended drug release in the stomach.
Synthesis of Boron Nitride Nanosheets/Polyvinyl Butyral Thin Film: An Efficient Coating for UV Protection of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Glass Bottles
Authors: Kuru Duygu , Akpinar Borazan Alev , Ay Nuran
Published: March 2022

In this study, we research the long-term UV protective effect of BNNSs/PVB multilayer thin film coating on the properties of extra virgin olive oil. Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) were synthesized using the liquid exfoliation method. BNNSs/PVB multilayer thin film was coated on tubes by dip-coating. After the UV irradiation of coated and uncoated glass tubes at different times, the total phenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of olive oil (TAA) were determined. Specific absorption coefficients K232 and K270 in the ultraviolet region were measured for estimating the oxidation degree of olive oil after irradiation. Free fatty acid (FFA) in olive oil after UV irradiation was determined by the titration method. Olive oil quality analysis indicates that BNNSs/PVB coating on the glass is effective on the protection of TPC and TAA of olive oil. In addition, the results show that extra virgin olive oil in the coated glass tube is maintained nearly 2 times more than the amount of phenol in the uncoated tube. While olive oil samples in glass tube coated with 30 and 50 times exceeded the limit of K270 value (0.22) after 400 hrs, it was determined that olive oil samples in uncoated glass exceeded this limit after 215 hrs. After 720 hours of UV irradiation, the free fatty acid value of the UCOL (uncoated) sample increased by 24.7% compared to the initial value, while the increase in the COL50 (coated) sample was 15%.
Oxypeucedanin Hydrate: A Natural Furanocoumarin as P-Glycoprotein Substrate
Authors: Maw May Phyu Thein , Piyapolrungroj Nusara , Phattanawasin Panadda , Sukonphan Chanokporn
Published: March 2022

Oxypeucedanin hydrate is a furanocoumarin widely found in various fruits and vegetables so it may interact with prescribed drugs leading to pharmacokinetic interaction. This study was conducted using in vitro cell culture model to investigate the role of oxypeucedanin hydrate on P-gp function. To evaluate the role of oxypeucedanin hydrate as a P-gp substrate, the bidirectional transport studies of oxypeucedanin hydrate were performed in LLC-PK1 and LLC-GA5-COL300. The corrected efflux ratio of oxypeucedanin hydrate was 3.3 ± 0.7, indicating that it was a P-gp substrate. Calcein AM uptakes performed in comparison between LLC-PK1 and LLC-GA5-COL300 as well as daunorubicin transport across Caco-2 cell monolayer were conducted to examine the inhibition effect of oxypeucedanin hydrate on P-gp. The results exhibited that oxypeucedanin hydrate significantly increased calcein accumulation in LLC-GA5-COL300 in a concentration dependent manner and, moreover, the b-a daunorubicin transport across Caco-2 cell monolayer was decreased from 7 to 5, implying the role of the compound on P-gp inhibition, although the effect was quite minimal. Collectively, the results suggested that oxypeucedanin hydrate could act as P-gp substrate and be likely to inhibit P-gp function.
Knowledge, perceptions and experiences of risk to sexual violence among adults with intellectual disabilities in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Kahonde Callista K. , Johns Rebecca
Published: March 2022

Background: People with intellectual disabilities are at high risk to sexual violence, yet minimal research has been conducted in South Africa to understand this phenomenon, especially seeking perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities themselves.Objectives: This study aimed to explore and describe the knowledge and awareness of risk to sexual violence among adults with intellectual disabilities and to understand their perceptions and experiences of risk.Method: An exploratory qualitative approach was appropriate as there is lack of literature on this subject. Focus group discussions were used as the method of data collection. The method of conducting focus group discussions and data collection instruments were adapted to suit the communication and cognitive abilities of the adults. Twenty-seven adults participated in the study and they were divided into six groups of four to five participants in each group.Results: The adults’ responses revealed that they had some knowledge of risks to sexual violence, but they also had knowledge gaps and some erroneous knowledge and perceptions that could put them at high risk. The experiences they shared showed that the risk of sexual violence is high among women with intellectual disabilities.Conclusion: Further research is needed to inform a community approach which includes people with intellectual disabilities, their families, services providers and community members as an intervention to empower and protect people with intellectual disabilities from sexual violence. To achieve this, we recommend an ecological framework as a guiding tool in both the research processes and the implementation of the outcomes.
Physical activity and sedentary behaviour of primary school learners in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
Authors: Gomwe Howard , Seekoe Eunice , Lyoka Philemon , Marange Chioneso S. , Mafa Dennyford
Published: March 2022

Background: This study was designed to assess physical activity (PA) levels and sedentary behaviour amongst primary school learners in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.Methods: A cross-sectional study was adopted to assess the patterns and levels of PA and sedentary behaviour using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). The sample consisted of primary school learners, both boys and girls, aged 9–14 years. The learners were randomly selected from rural, urban and peri-urban areas in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.Results: Using a complete case analysis, 870 randomly selected participants (boys = 351 and girls = 519) aged 9–14 years were retained. Overall, the sample had a low mean PAQ-C score of 2.33 ± 0.43. The mean of PA in boys was significantly higher (p = 0.003) in comparison with the girls. The 13- to 14-age group had significantly higher PA levels (p = 0.014). Learners from urban areas (n = 136; 77.3%) engaged more in sedentary behaviour compared to those from rural areas (n = 252; 54.9%).Conclusion: The findings demonstrated low levels of PA and high engagement of sedentary behaviour across the combined gender groups, which have negative implications on health, growth and development of children. The study, therefore, recommends relevant stakeholders to implement interventions aimed at promoting an increase in PA and a reduction in sedentary behaviours for primary school learners in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
Association between socio-economic factors and HIV self-testing knowledge amongst South African women
Authors: Ekholuenetale Michael , Nzoputam Chimezie I. , Okonji Osaretin C.
Published: March 2022

Background: Self-testing for HIV is an effective and alternative method of increasing HIV testing rates and a strategy for reaching populations that are underserved by HIV testing services. Nonetheless, many resource-constrained settings are yet to adopt HIV self-testing (HIVST) into their national HIV programmes.Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between socio-economic factors and HIVST knowledge amongst South African women.Method: We used nationally representative data from the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey. A sample of 8182 women of reproductive age was analysed. The outcome variable was HIVST knowledge. This was measured dichotomously; know versus do not know about HIVST. The multivariable logistic model was used to examine the measures of association, with the level of significance set at P  0.05.Results: The prevalence rate of HIVST knowledge was found to be approximately 24.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.9–26.1) amongst South African women. Women with tertiary education were 3.93 times more likely to have HIVST knowledge, when compared with those with no formal education (odds ratio [OR]: 3.93; 95% CI: 1.37–11.26). Rural residents had a 33% reduction in HIVST knowledge when compared with those residing in urban areas (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.51–0.89). The odds of interaction between the richer and richest women who have good knowledge of HIV infection were 1.88 and 2.24 times more likely to have HIVST knowledge, respectively, when compared with those from the poorest wealth household who have good knowledge of HIV infection.Conclusion: Based on the low level of HIVST knowledge, the findings emphasise the importance of developing effective HIVST educational campaigns. Moreover, programmes should be designed to address the unique needs of the socio-economically disadvantaged women.
Chronic T Cell Encephalitis Responsive to Immunotherapy
Authors: Elavarasi Arunmozhimaran , Shukla Garima , Vibha Deepti , Suri Vaishali , Bal Chandra Sekhar
Published: March 2022

Chronic encephalitis manifesting as an epilepsy syndrome most commonly presents as Rasmussen's syndrome, usually characterized by epilepsia partialis continua, hemiparesis, and progressive cortical deficits such as aphasia, hemianopia, and cognitive decline. It is characterized by progressive hemispheric cortical atrophy on imaging and is usually seen in childhood. Adult-onset of the syndrome is rare, and only a few cases have been reported with bilateral symptoms. We present a patient with pseudobulbar affect and frontal lobe dysfunction who developed multifocal myoclonic jerks, right hemibody focal motor seizures, and right hemiparesis with bilateral cerebellar signs. Magnetic resonance imaging showed progressive hemispheric atrophy and bilateral features in Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET CT). Brain biopsy revealed chronic T-cell infiltrate. We discuss this case as the patient had several features that were atypical for Rasmussen's encephalitis (or syndrome).
An update on EUS-guided ablative techniques for pancreatic cystic lesions
Authors: Ardeshna Devarshi R. , Woods Edward , Tsung Allan , Krishna Somashekar G.
Published: March 2022

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are increasingly being recognized due to improvements and widespread use of cross-sectional imaging. With an estimated prevalence of 15% in general population, incidentally discovered PCLs represent a dilemma in management. While pancreatectomies offer a chance of cure, the morbidity is considerable in patients with high surgical risks. More recently, EUS-guided approaches for cyst ablation are being offered in clinical trials for the management of PCLs. EUS-chemoablation studies have progressed from first investigating safety and efficacy of EUS-guided alcohol lavage to single-agent paclitaxel ablation. Recent studies have shown that alcohol lavage may not be required, and long-term resolution can be achieved by chemoablation alone. EUS-guided lauromacrogol ablation and EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are new techniques that have shown promising results in a few small studies. Overall, the current literature suggests that EUS-guided paclitaxel ablation has better cyst resolution rates compared to other existing minimally invasive techniques including ethanol injection, lauromacrogol ablation, or RFA. This article will review EUS-guided PCL ablation approaches and future directions the field is headed into.
Prevalence of psychological outcomes and its associated factors in healthcare personnel working during COVID-19 outbreak in India
Authors: Sharma Gautam , Sharma Payal , Mohan Bishav , Agarwal Aman , Lama Sudha , Jat Mansingh , Biju K. C. , Upadhyay Palak , Gupta Anupama , Mohanty Sriloy , Miglani Mitthat , Sharma Sarit , Sagar Rajesh , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Pandey R. M.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Care of COVID-19 patients has been shown to affect the mental health of healthcare personnel (HCP), however, there is little data reflecting psychological health of HCP in India.

Aims:

The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of psychological outcomes and its association with various sociodemographic and occupational factors among the HCP in India.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional, online survey, using snowball sampling method was conducted between June 1, 2020, and June 22, 2020. The HCP working in COVID-19 designated hospitals across India were invited to participate. Patient Health Questionnaire-4 and 19-item stress-related questionnaire were used to evaluate symptoms of overall anxiety, depression, COVID-19 infection specific anxiety, exhaustion, and workload.

Results:

In this cross-sectional study with 2334 HCP from 27 states and 7 union territories of India; 17.9% of participants had depression, 18.7% had overall anxiety, 26.5% had exhaustion, 30.3% reported heavy workload, and 25.4% had COVID-19 infection-specific anxiety, respectively. The HCP working in states with higher caseload was a common risk factor for overall anxiety (odds ratio [OR], 1.7; P < 0.001), depression (OR, 1.6; P < 0.001), COVID-19 infection-specific anxiety (OR, 2.5; P < 0.001), exhaustion (OR, 3.1; P < 0.001), and heavy workload (OR, 2.6; P < 0.001). Nurses were more at risk for depression (OR, 2.2; P < 0.001), anxiety specific to COVID-19 infection (OR, 1.3; P = 0.034), and heavy workload (OR, 2.9; P < 0.001); while doctors were more at risk for overall anxiety (OR, 2.0; P = 0.001) and exhaustion (OR, 3.1; P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Frontline workers, specifically nurses and doctors, and those working in states with high COVID-19 caseload are more at risk for adverse psychological outcomes. The relatively less prevalence compared with other countries, is perhaps a reflection of measures undertaken, including early lockdown, ensuring better all-round preparedness and social norms.
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among General Public of India During Post-COVID-19 Second Wave
Authors: Mekala Jyothi Suchitra , Goruntla Narayana , Nayaka Bharathi , Velpula Kavyasree , Biswas Raghavendra , Veerabhadrappa Kasturi Viswanathasetty , Pradeepkumar Bhupalam
Published: March 2022

Background:

Evidence suggests that one-third of respondents had a significant psychological impact in the lockdown period of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This indicates a need for longitudinal assessment of the psychological needs of the public to plan holistic interventions.

Aim:

To investigate depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) levels among the general public post-COVID-19 second wave.

Materials and Methods:

A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among the general public who were aged above 15 years. The data were collected through online mode by providing a link to fill Google Form. The survey tool was disseminated in various messenger groups and social media networks. The survey tool comprises demographics, COVID-19 stressors, and DAS Scale 21 (DASS-21). Multi and Univariate linear regression analysis was used to correlate patient characteristics and COVID-19 stressors with DASS-21 subscales.

Results:

A total of 2515 (males = 1274; females = 1241) people participated in this web-based survey. The mean age of the study respondents was 31.3 ± 13.4 years. The mean scores of depression, anxiety, and stress were 6.8 ± 8.6, 5.0 ± 7.3, and 7.3 ± 8.6, respectively. The majority of the participants are normal in all sub-scales of DASS-21. Very few are experiencing symptoms of severe or extremely severe depression (4.2%, 4.3%), anxiety (3.3%, 6.9%), and stress (3.0%, 2.3%). Geriatrics, females, health-care workers, homemakers/unemployed/retired people, rural residents, and people suffering from co-morbidities have a significant elevation of DAS scores with a P < 0.05.

Conclusion:

Even though most of the respondents are free from the DAS symptoms, few are still (post-COVID-19 second wave) experiencing symptoms of severe or extremely severe DAS subscales. More interview-based and probability sampling future studies are warranted to minimize the biases present in the study.
Relationship between Height and Arm-Span of Elderly Persons in a Rural Area of Ballabgarh, Haryana
Authors: Gupta Sunanda , Kumar Rakesh , Kalaivani Mani , Nongkynrih Baridalyne , Kant Shashi , Gupta Sanjeev Kumar
Published: March 2022

Background:

Progression in age causes gradual loss in height due to degenerative osteoporotic changes in bones and decrease in the disc space. Hence, proxy measures of height are required in elderly persons.

Objective:

The objective of the study is to study the relationship between height and arm-span of elderly persons.

Materials and Methods:

This community-based study was conducted in a rural area of Ballabgarh, Haryana, among elderly persons (age ≥60 years). Four hundred and twenty participants were selected by simple random sampling method. House-to-house visits were made. Height and arm-span were measured. Association between height and arm-span was assessed by Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. Scatter plot was also made to show the association by age and sex.

Results:

In both sexes and all age groups, arm-span was seen to be more than height. Linear relationship between height and arm-span was observed. There was strong correlation between height and arm-span in both sexes (correlation coefficient = 0.97, P < 0.001 in both sexes).

Conclusion:

Arm-span can be measured as an alternative to height in elderly population. Arm-span can be used as a substitute for height for calculation of body mass index, creatinine height index, basal energy expenditure, and pulmonary function test.
Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Different in Females as Compared to Males?
Authors: Bothara Rita Vijaykumar , Holay Madhuri Prashant
Published: March 2022

Background:

Recent years have witnessed a major shift in the sex profile of the chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). In India, while smoking remains a significant risk factor, COPD due to nonsmoking causes (like biomass exposure) accounts for 30%–50% of all COPD cases. There is a lack of studies on characteristics of women with COPD exposed to biomass smoke and the degree to which they differ from COPD in men from the Indian context.

Aim:

The aim was to study clinical profile, risk factors, and severity of COPD in females and compare the same with COPD in males.

Materials and Methods:

100 cases of COPD were divided into two groups – 50 Females and 50 males and were analyzed further for clinical profile and were graded as per the GOLD criteria and BODE index.

Results:

The mean age of presentation in females was 62 years. Biomass smoke exposure was the most common risk factor in females and that in males was smoking. Females had more severe dyspnea as compared to males (P = 0.022). There was a significant statistical difference in the performance of 6-min walk test (P = 0.005) and number of exacerbations in the past year in females (mean 4.5) and males (mean 3.58) (P = 0.034). Majority of female patients belonged to GOLD Groups B and D. Mean BODE index was 4.98 in females and 4.24 in males, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.014).

Conclusion:

There are gender-related differences in COPD risk, progression, and outcomes. Females have more symptoms, more severe obstruction, more number of exacerbations, and more functional disability as compared to males.
A Fatal Disease Hidden Behind a Common Symptom
Authors: Sharma Vishal Chandra , Umashankar Anisha
Published: March 2022

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. Recently, a number of clinical features have been identified in the diagnosis, and this disorder has been expanded to include a wider spectrum. It is important to have knowledge of these syndromes to diagnose this condition. One such presentation is intractable vomiting and hiccoughs, which is categorized as area postrema syndrome (APS) and is often misdiagnosed as a digestive disorder. We present a case of young female presenting with unresolving vomiting and hiccoughs. Magnetic resonance imaging done showed lesions in the dorsal medulla, suggestive of APS. A positive immunoglobulin G aquaporin-4 antibody confirmed the diagnosis of NMOSD. With this case report, we try to reiterate the importance of knowing the varied presentations of NMOSD and vigilance in identifying that a common symptom such as vomiting/hiccough can be due to an uncommon disorder.
Melioidosis Presenting Predominantly as Thoracic Empyema
Authors: Dao-Thi Ngoc-Huyen , Nguyen-Tiet Au , Nguyen-Ho Lam
Published: March 2022

Burkholderia pseudomallei has been rarely mentioned as a causative organism of thoracic empyema in previous literature. Here, we reported two cases (a 66-year-old male farmer and a 57-year-old male security guard) presenting with fever and pleuritic chest pain. Their chest computed tomography scans revealed pleural effusion which was frank pus confirmed through thoracentesis. The result of pus culture isolated B. pseudomallei suitable to diagnose melioidosis. These patients were treated successfully with appropriate antibiotics without chest tube drainage. Although uncommon, melioidosis could present exclusively as thoracic empyema.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene and Nutritional Risk Factors for Acute Respiratory Illness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: REDUCE Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Endres Kelly , Sanvura Presence , Williams Camille , Thomas Elizabeth D. , Kuhl Jennifer , Coglianese Nicole , Bauler Sarah , François Ruthly , Bisimwa Jean Claude , Mirindi Patrick , Perin Jamie , Namegabe Alain , Bisimwa Lucien , Leung Daniel T. , George Christine Marie
Published: March 2022

The objective of this cohort study was to examine the prevalence of acute respiratory illness among children under 5 years of age and to identify water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and nutritional risk factors. This prospective cohort study was conducted in Walungu Territory, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and enrolled 512 participants. Spot checks of the household environment were conducted at baseline. Baseline minimum dietary diversity (MDD) was defined by consumption of five or more of the following food groups: 1) breast milk; 2) grains, roots, and tubers; 3) legumes and nuts; 4) dairy products; 5) flesh foods; 6) eggs; 7) vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables; and 8) other fruits and vegetables. Acute respiratory illness was defined as caregiver-reported rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, lower chest wall in-drawing, or coughing in the previous 2 weeks obtained at a 6-month follow-up. A total of 58% of children had acute respiratory illness, 19% had soap present in the household cooking area, and 4% in the defecation area, and 21% of children met MDD. A decreased odds of acute respiratory illness was associated with soap being present in the household cooking area (odds ratio [OR]: 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38–0.88) and children with MDD (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.38–1.00). These findings highlight the need for interventions targeting hygiene and improved dietary diversity among rural DRC households to reduce the rate of respiratory illnesses in children under 5 years.
Neural Field Models: A mathematical overview and unifying framework
Authors: Cook Blake J. , Peterson Andre D. H. , Woldman Wessel , Terry John R.
Published: March 2022

Mathematical modelling of the macroscopic electrical activity of the brain is
highly non-trivial and requires a detailed understanding of not only the
associated mathematical techniques, but also the underlying physiology and
anatomy. Neural field theory is a population-level approach to modelling the
non-linear dynamics of large populations of neurons, while maintaining a degree
of mathematical tractability. This class of models provides a solid theoretical
perspective on fundamental processes of neural tissue such as state transitions
between different brain activities as observed during epilepsy or sleep.
Various anatomical, physiological, and mathematical assumptions are essential
for deriving a minimal set of equations that strike a balance between
biophysical realism and mathematical tractability. However, these assumptions
are not always made explicit throughout the literature. Even though neural
field models (NFMs) first appeared in the literature in the early 1970's, the
relationships between them have not been systematically addressed. This may
partially be explained by the fact that the inter-dependencies between these
models are often implicit and non-trivial. Herein we provide a review of key
stages of the history and development of neural field theory and contemporary
uses of this branch of mathematical neuroscience. First, the principles of the
theory are summarised throughout a discussion of the pioneering models by
Wilson and Cowan, Amari and Nunez. Upon thorough review of these models, we
then present a unified mathematical framework in which all neural field models
can be derived by applying different assumptions. We then use this framework to
i) derive contemporary models by Robinson, Jansen and Rit, Wendling, Liley, and
Steyn-Ross, and ii) make explicit the many significant inherited assumptions
that exist in the current literature.
Películas comestibles para extender el largo de vida útil de naranjas (Citrus sinensis) frescas peladas
Authors: Luz A. Buitrago  , María L. Plaza  , Lynette Orellana  , Linda Wessel-Beaver
Published: March 2022

El Núcleo de Productores de Cítricas de Puerto Rico produce naranjas peladas, pero enfrenta el problema de la corta vida útil de este producto. Esta investigación se realizó para comparar tratamientos de películas comestibles que puedan ser utilizadas para extender el largo de vida útil de naranjas frescas peladas almacenadas a 4±0.5 °C. Se evaluaron cuatro tratamientos: NatureSeal® (NS), NatureSeal® con 2% de sorbato de potasio (NS+SP), hldroxipropilmetilcelulosa con 2.5% de glicerol (HPMC), hidroxipropilmetilcelulosa con 2.5% de glicerol y 2% de sorbato de potasio (HPMC+SP), y un control de frutas sin película. Se realizó un recuento total en plato petri de microorganismos aerobios, hongos y levaduras. Se midió la pérdida de peso, apariencia externa, textura, color, pH, actividad de agua (aw), °Brix, contenido de vitamina C y acidez titulable en las frutas tratadas. Estos análisis se realizaron a los 0, 3, 7, 14, 21 y 28 días después de aplicar la película comestible. En general, las películas comestibles con SP presentaron menor carga microbial. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las películas en pérdida de peso, textura, color, pH, aw, °Brix, contenido de vitamina C y acidez titulable. Las películas comestibles elaboradas a base de HPMC mostraron mejor apariencia. En conclusión, con la película comestible HPMC+SP se obtuvo el mejor resultado.
Efectos alelopáticos de extractos acuosos de las leguminosas crotalaria [Crotalaria juncea (L.) Tropic Sun'], canavalia [Canavalia ensiformis (L.)] y gandul [Cajanus cajan (L.) 'Lázaro'] en el desarrollo de los cultivos
Authors: Eliana Martínez-Mera  , Elide Valencia  , Hugo Cuevas
Published: March 2022

En el laboratorio se evaluaron los efectos alelopáticos de extractos acuosos 3.3% m/v de crotalaria [Crotalaria juncea (L.) 'Tropic Sun'], canavalia [Canavalia ensiformis (L.)] y gandul [Cajanus cajan (L.) 'Lázaro'] en siete cultivos agronómicos: maíz (Zea mays 'Mayorbela 2011'), sorgo (Sorghum bicolor), habichuela (Phaseolus vulgaris 'Verano'), soya [Glycine max (L.)], caupí [Vigna unguiculata (L.)], lechuga [Lactuca sativa (L.) 'Nevada'] y gandul. Se encontró una interacción entre cultivos x extracto acuoso en el séptimo día de germinación. Se determinó el efecto alelopátlco contrastando con el tratamiento control el largo del coleóptilo y la radícula en maíz y sorgo y el largo hipocótilo y radícula en habichuela, soya, caupí, lechuga y gandul. El sorgo y la lechuga presentaron inhibición de crecimiento del coleóptilo e hipocótilo (respectivamete) y radícula al tratarse con los tres extractos acuosos, donde el extracto acuoso de canavalia mostró mayores porcentajes de inhibición (66% en lechuga y 49% en sorgo). Por el contrario, en los cultivos de maíz, habichuela y caupí, el extracto acuoso de crotalaria estimuló el crecimiento. De acuerdo a estos resultados se debe experimentar en el campo las asociaciones de leguminosas con cultivos agronómicos para determinar si las interacciones estimulan o inhiben el desarrollo de los cultivos ya que la influencia de los factores ambientales son determinantes en el efecto alelopático.
FURTHER EVALUATION OF BLIGHT-TOLERANT GENOTYPES OF TARO UNDER UPLAND CONDITIONS
Authors: Carlos E. Ortiz  , John J. Cho
Published: March 2022

FURTHER EVALUATION OF BLIGHT-TOLERANT GENOTYPES OF TARO UNDER UPLAND CONDITIONS
Control de Meloidogyne spp. con Pasteuria penetrant (Thorne) Sayre y Starr.
Authors: Roberto Vargas  , Nelia Acosta  , Amelia Monllor  , Carlos Betancourt
Published: March 2022

Se establecieron tres experimentos de invernadero en el Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez para estudiar el potencial de la bacteria Pasteuria penetrans (población de Australia) como biorrepresor del nematodo nodulador Meloidogyne incognita en plantas de tomate. Las raíces de plantas inoculadas con el nematodo, infectado, a su vez, por la bacteria, presentaron un índice de inoculación y un número de larvas y huevos de Meloidogyne spp. significativamente menor que las de plantas infectadas solo con el nematodo.
THE STABILITY OF β-CAROTENE IN MANGO NECTAR
Authors: Angel L. Rodríguez-Arce  , Noemi Díaz
Published: March 2022

THE STABILITY OF β-CAROTENE IN MANGO NECTAR
The efficacy and safety of immunobiological therapy of atopic dermatitis in children
Authors: Larkova Inna A. , Glukhova Evgeniya A. , Revyakina Vera A.
Published: March 2022

The review shows atopic dermatitis (AD) as a chronic inflammatory skin disease that develops in early childhood in infants with a hereditary predisposition. The inflammatory response type 2, including a complex interaction of type 2 T-helpers (Th2), congenital lymphoid cells, granulocytes (including eosinophils, mast cells and basophils), cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 etc.) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) underlie at the base of the AD pathogenesis. IL-4 and IL-13 deserve special attention since they affect several links of pathogenesis at once. Both cytokines interact with receptors. Their critical subunit is the alpha chain of the IL-4 receptor. This molecule is the target for dupilumab, the first genetically engineered biologically active drug that demonstrated the high efficacy in the treatment of AD in 6 to 18-year children patients. At the same time, the data available in the literature indicates the drug to have both nonspecific (soreness at the injection site, allergic response) and specific (conjunctivitis, secondary herpetic infections, eosinophilia) adverse effects, which should be taken into account by practitioners when prescribing immunobiological therapy. Conclusion. In randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in children of different ages with the moderate to severe course of AD, immunobiological therapy with dupilumab has demonstrated high clinical efficacy in the form of a rapid remission of the disease and exemplary safety.