bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schizophrenia in the Elderly Population
Authors: Rizvi Syed Zafar Sultan , Qureshi Gulfisha , Khan Fariha Jalil , Mehboob Abdullah , Khan Fizzah , Tabassum Faiza
Published: August 2024

Schizophrenia is one of the disorders that cause psychological, cognitive, and social changes among elderly. The chapter emphasizes the psychological factors, cognitive factors, and mulitimorbidities among elderly patients. There are many psychological factors that also affect their mental health and wellbeing, like aggression and chronic loneliness that cause clinical depression. Furthermore, this chapter highlights the cognitive factors like memory impairment, linguistic problems, attention and executive functioning. Moreover, it's a requirement of social engagement, family support system and cognitive restructuring can be beneficial along with drug therapy. Antipsychotic medicine helps them to decrease the level of their symptoms like hallucination, paranoia, and delirium; while psychosocial therapies, assertive community treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive remediation, and family psycho education also help to improve their functioning and over all mental health.
A Review of Reverse Logistics Models Based on Operations Research Techniques
Authors: Rabiei Naghmeh , Hassanzadeh Amin Saman , Zolfaghari Saeed
Published: August 2024

In response to the imperative of efficient resource use, value recapture, and environmental responsibility, companies are increasingly prioritizing reverse logistics (RL) activities. In today's dynamic business environment, effectively managing returned products has become essential for companies aiming to control costs, meet customers' expectations, and align with sustainability goals. This book chapter focuses on journal papers which were published between 2020 and 2023, focusing on RL optimization models. The publications reviewed in this chapter are categorized in problem domain and techniques of operations research. The problem domain is explored in three classifications comprising literature reviews (LR), deterministic reverse logistics models (DRLM), and uncertain reverse logistics models (URLM). This book chapter also reviews the related operations research and optimization techniques. This study concludes with discussions on observations and findings, along with suggestions for future research directions.
Demystifying Sustainable Practices in the Hotel Industry
Authors: Deri Mildred Nuong , Singh Amrik , Zaazie Perpetual , Anandene David
Published: August 2024

Sustainability continues to be one of the most commonly discussed trends within the hotel industry. Sustainability has become a matter of concern for both individuals and corporations. Hotel chains develop environmental sustainability practices, mainly for cost-reduction purposes, accommodating the owners' demands for efficiency. Notwithstanding, there are differences according to the chain's size. This study aimed to identify sustainable hotel practices in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana. The hospitality industry is starting to take responsibility for environmental sustainability. A strong focus on energy, waste, and water usage is directly linked with financial benefits in the operation of the hoteliers. Practices connected to the social aspect of sustainability are less developedThe hotels accepted and executed water and liquid waste management more than any other sustainable practice, and consumer demand was the element that drove these behaviours. It is advised that hotels create and execute a strategy for environmental management that will help to mitigate these consequences.
Economic Implications and Scope of Wastewater Management Through Life Cycle Cost Assessment
Authors: Lopez-Serrano Maria Jose , Lakho Fida Hussain , Van Hulle Stijn W. H. , Batlles-delaFuente Ana
Published: August 2024

Global demand for freshwater is rising due to anthropic factors, exacerbating water scarcity and pollution. The economic dimensions of sustainable wastewater management offer both environmental benefits and economic promise, with studies consistently highlighting cost-effectiveness and long-term financial gains. Treated wastewater, a dependable and economically viable alternative, aligns with sustainable development goals and contributes to improving public health. An in-depth economic analysis explores the profitability and cost savings of nature-based solutions, emphasizing the importance of investing in these strategies for water sustainability within the circular economy. The study incorporates the review of a life cycle cost assessment, providing nuanced insights into the economic implications of adopting nature-based solutions in wastewater management. The findings contribute substantively to the discourse surrounding water sustainability, informing policy decisions and promoting transformative change aligned with environmental sustainability, and circular economy principles.
Local Governments' Roles in Sustainable Waste Management for a Green Economy
Authors: Oladejo Olufemi Micheal , Mutereko Sybert , Mavunda Nyikiwa Agreement
Published: August 2024

Waste management has become one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today, with the increasing population and urbanization leading to an exponential increase in waste generation. Hence, sustainable waste management which includes a hygienic environment, providing waste recycling and re-use logistics, and managing the consumption pattern of the local community are key components of a green economy. The study adopts a systemic and desktop review of the literature to explore the role of Local government (as the closest government to the people) in sustainable waste management for a green economy.
Beyond the Hype
Authors: Khan Adan , Omokhoa Venus Oseyi , Afzal Safa Inaya
Published: August 2024

This chapter comprehensively explores the clinical perspectives on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare. It examines AI's significant opportunities for enhancing diagnostic capabilities, personalising treatment plans, streamlining clinical workflows, and improving clinician wellbeing. The chapter also delves into the challenges clinicians face with AI adoption, including technological literacy, ethical concerns, legal uncertainty, and patient trust. The impact of AI is analysed across various medical specialities, such as radiology, oncology, cardiology, emergency medicine, and dermatology. Emphasis is placed on the ethical considerations surrounding AI development and implementation in healthcare. Recommendations are provided to ensure the responsible integration of AI tools into clinical practice, underscoring the importance of clinician involvement, transparency, and ethical principles. Overall, the chapter offers valuable insights into leveraging AI's potential to improve patient outcomes while upholding the highest standards of care.
Deep Learning for Accurate Diagnosis of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: Dong Jiaoxuan , Li Ling , Milanov Ivan Gospodinov , He Songbin , Dai Fangyu , Liu Haipeng
Published: August 2024

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is characterized by paroxysms of vertigo and nystagmus triggered by head position changes. The diagnosis of BPPV can be objectively determined through the objective analysis of nystagmus, making it a promising approach towards artificial intelligence (AI) -assisted diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria for BPPV have been clearly defined, and standardized protocols for data collection have been established. Video-oculography utilizing infrared cameras has been employed for the quantification of nystagmus. These objective data can be used to train AI algorithms. Utilizing deep learning models allows for accurate tracking of pupil movement trajectories, facilitating the identification of nystagmus types, and making automated diagnosis of BPPV possible. This chapter summarizes the recent advances in AI-assisted diagnosis of BPPV and discusses the limitations and challenges in clinical practice.
Unveiling Critical Periods of Brain Development in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Babu C. V. Suresh , Shunmugapriya K.
Published: August 2024

This chapter addresses the complex nature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the pressing need for advancements in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions. It explores the integration of AI as a promising avenue to revolutionize ASD research and clinical practices. Focusing on critical periods of brain development, particularly prenatal and postnatal growth parameters, the chapter aims to deepen our understanding of ASD's underlying mechanisms and improve early detection methods. Leveraging AI-driven approaches, it seeks to refine diagnostic criteria and inform personalized interventions for individuals across the autism spectrum. By integrating insights from interdisciplinary analyses, the chapter sheds new light on ASD complexities, paving the way for more effective strategies in early detection, intervention, and support for affected individuals and their families. Through a comprehensive exploration, this chapter contributes to the advancement of evidence-based practices in ASD healthcare, striving to enhance care and outcomes for individuals with ASD.
Beyond ATP
Authors: Bhardwaj Akashdeep
Published: August 2024

In the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the number and sophistication of cyber-attacks. New-age cyber criminals, often referred to as Advanced Persistent Threats or APTs, are typically well-funded and highly skilled organizations or individuals who use a variety of tactics to gain access to and steal sensitive information. These tactics include phishing scams, malware, and social engineering. APT actors are often state-sponsored and target government agencies, military organizations, and large corporations. In addition to APT actors, there has also been a rise in ransomware attacks, in which criminals encrypt a victim's data and demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. Other trends in the last decade include an increase in attacks on IoT devices and the use of AI and machine learning by both attackers and defenders.
Cyber Security and System Vulnerabilities
Authors: Vatti Naresh Babu
Published: August 2024

The chapter primarily covers the details of on-premises, cloud, and hybrid deployments, focusing on web application and mobile app vulnerability issues. It explores how to protect data and secure end-user transactions containing sensitive information like user data, credit cards, and environment variables from hackers and various miscellaneous attacks. Predominantly, it addresses how to comply with GDPR and PCI DSS policies and regulations, in addition to considering OWASP best practices for Progressive Web Applications (PWA) and Single Page Applications (SPA).
Online Tutoring Advances in the Post-Pandemic World
Authors: Ceglie Robert John
Published: August 2024

Tutoring has always had an important role in the education of children. After COVID-19 interrupted the education system and as schools closed and learning moved online, the landscape of education changed. Not only were there short-term changes in education, but major changes occurred in how we utilized the online environment for learning. Tutoring also took on a different look as virtual tutoring became the only option as social distancing took hold. As we have emerged from the COVID era, online tutoring has only increased in popularity. With more children behind learning targets and online learning offering numerous advantages, online tutoring demand has skyrocketed. This chapter takes a careful look at how we got to this point for online tutoring and explores what it looks like in more detail. Finally, for those looking to better understand online tutoring, this chapter provides a clear starting point.
Probing the Post-Pandemic Landscape
Authors: Hansen Mary A. , Donne Vicki
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines the evolution of technology and assistive technology (AT) across pre-pandemic, pandemic-era, and post-pandemic periods for students with disabilities, who comprise approximately 15% of the student body in the United States. Technology and AT aim to enhance the learning experiences and capabilities of students with disabilities. Pre-pandemic, use of AT and remote learning for students with disabilities was limited, necessitating research calls for additional training and utilization. Mandated remote learning during the pandemic exposed students and teachers to new technology and accessibility, albeit with complicated challenges. Post-pandemic advancements, driven by extended reality and artificial intelligence, promise enhanced accessibility and transformative potential in education, potentially extending enhanced benefits to students with disabilities. This chapter discusses newer technological capabilities, future prospects of technology and AT, and future opportunities for their utilization for students with disabilities.
Using Artificial Intelligence to Promote Post-Pandemic Transformational Learning Experiences
Authors: Scarlett Nichole , Carbonara David D.
Published: August 2024

The pandemic gave rise to transforming student learning using readily available technology tools. As a result, it provided the authors an avenue for self-reflection in their use of various technologies to support their teaching. Given new advances in artificial intelligence, there is a lack of research on how educators can use these technologies. Through reflective practice, opportunities to support educators' teaching practices were created, supporting student learning. Generative AI tools guided the authors to teach efficiently, allowing for more student-focused practices. Following a teacher support model, one of the authors conducted a reflective analysis using word processing and spreadsheet software to record reflections and conversations generated with the AI tools. In this chapter, the authors intend to introduce how educators should focus on self-reflection, using available tools to efficiently improve their practice.
Human-Machine Nexus for Digital Rebound Fostering Futuristic Energy-Efficiency
Authors: Singh Bhupinder , Kaunert Christian
Published: August 2024

Human-machine interaction plays a pivotal role in realizing energy-efficient and sustainable urban mobility. There is a vital contribution of HMI in facilitating more environmentally responsible transportation solutions. Through the seamless interaction between users, smart infrastructure, and autonomous vehicles, HMI-driven approaches promise to optimize traffic flows, reduce energy consumption, and minimize emissions. In the rapidly urbanizing world, the evolution of smart-sustainable urban mobility is a pressing concern, necessitating the judicious integration of cutting-edge technology with ecological sustainability. This chapter explores the multifaceted nexus between human-machine interaction, technology, sustainability, and urban mobility, with a specific focus on the ecological footprint of technology within the context of smart-sustainable urban transportation systems.
Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Kumar Abhishek Benedict , Mohanty Aparajita
Published: August 2024

With each technological revolution, mankind experiences a shift in the pace of history, leading to the emergence of a new age that fundamentally redefines human beliefs. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technological subject that is causing a profound shift in human society towards a state characterised by robots and machines. AI encompasses several technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, big data analytics, algorithms, and other related fields. Nevertheless, as human intelligence is marked by inherent bias in decision-making, AI products that rely on human-generated intelligence also display similar characteristics. The existence of bias and discrimination poses a threat to universal human rights, since these phenomena are deeply embedded in social institutions and have many technological origins. Indeed, because of its facilitation of prejudice, AI disproportionately affects the human rights of marginalized individuals and communities, hence giving birth to a new type of oppression rooted in technology.
Dynamics of Managing the Teaching-Learning Process Online
Authors: Vicente José Manuel , dos Reis Felipa Lopes , Rodrigues Rosa Isabel
Published: August 2024

The present chapter aims to explore the dynamics of the online teaching-learning process management. The study is applied to the Portuguese university and polytechnic education system (teachers and students), during the Covid-19 pandemic period, using a properly structured questionnaire. As the method, the statistical treatment of the data collected in the sample for the study and respective analyzes of statistical tests applied. The authors used MAXqda© and SPSS©. The results indicated that majority of students consider the main difficulty to be the interaction teachers and students, on other hand, teachers mentioned that the use of synchronous communication is the most difficult aspect of manage in this teaching modality. These findings suggest that the opinions of students and teachers regarding the challenges faced during online teaching tend in the opposite direction. Although the integration of information and communication technologies in education is currently on the agenda of educational institutions.
Problem-Based Learning in DBMS for Non-CSE/IT Students
Authors: Uma K. V.
Published: August 2024

The course database management is offered as a General elective subject for Non-CSE/IT students during the fifth semester. Some of the non-IT/CSE students will have good coding knowledge. To make others confident in solving real-world problems and writing queries, a problem-based learning technique is adopted for the DBMS course. In problem-based learning, students working in collaborative groups learn by resolving complex, realistic problems under the guidance of faculty. The students need to form a team and choose a real-world application such as turf booking system, bike sales management system, agriculture management system, theme park management system, etc. By using open-source software such as MySQL, the students need to create a database and execute simple and complex queries. This hands-on approach allows students to gain practical experience in database management and query execution. It also helps them develop problem-solving skills and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios
Leveraging the Pharmaceutical Area Through Multidisciplinary Synergy
Authors: Razak Nurul Nadiah Abd , Diba Rubaiyat Siddique , Xin Fu Ke , Salem Almadodi Reema Mohammed , Jayadeep Rishika , Malik Izyan Kamaliah Abdul , Qi Ng Shi , Xin Lee Zhi , Emran Amani Othman , Zain Daan Kamal Mohamed , Jayaram Nanthini , Kandandapani Salanee , Zia Ubaidah Naim Taraq Naem , Manap Aimi Syamima Abdul , Rhofita Erry Ika , Hang Ng Jing , Thoe Ng Khar
Published: August 2024

The environmental implications of pharmaceutical industry drawn the attention of environmental scientists, prompting multidisciplinary collaborations toward sustainable solutions. Driven by the urgent need to combat the environmental persistence of pharmaceuticals, scholars across diverse disciplines including pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology and chemical engineering are collaborating to develop effective solutions. Biotechnology uses microbes' natural breakdown power, while chemical engineering creates ideal conditions for efficient drug removal. In this work, a transdisciplinary approach was employed to study a model system comprising ibuprofen and a laccase enzyme. By empowering researchers with a comprehensive understanding of multidisciplinary approaches, the project seeks to optimize reaction conditions for maximized drug degradation efficiency, contributing to environmental protection and cleaner water sources.
Data Analytics to Forecast Brain Cancer Risk and Suitable Digital Solutions in India
Authors: Ravikumar Aswathy , Sriraman Harini , Pandey Ritika Kumari , Ajitsinh Dhruviben , Goswami Abhinav
Published: August 2024

Brain tumours are among the worst human malignancies. Accurate and dependable segmentation of brain tumours using MRI images aids in treatment planning and extends patients' life spans. To implement the treatment regimen, the tumor present in these slices must be accurately identified. The tumor resembles the various brain tissues that are present. This makes finding brain problems exceedingly difficult. Despite the rising incidence of brain tumors in developing nations like India, few population-based statistics are available. This study looks at the digital tools and IT infrastructure that is available for the early detection of brain tumors. The study examines the connection between the tumor/stroke and India's current infrastructure and facilities for brain tumor identification and treatment. A detailed study of risks and trends associated with a brain tumor in India is given. Using AI approaches, the infrastructural requirements, and budget for enhancing the facilities for digital health facilities for brain tumor treatments are proposed. The study examines the impact of cancer in India, and brain tumor in males and females including children in India. We have examined the burden of cancer in India. All the data comprised from the year 2004 to the year 2022. Yearly registrations of brain tumor cases in hospitals and therapy costs have also been studied and examined in this paper. Shortages of machines in various states and the initiative and funding of the government are also studied. The different machine learning algorithms used for Brain MRI segmentation have been compared. The precise specifications and characteristics of the segmentation challenge will determine the most effective strategy for brain MRI segmentation. To choose the best strategy for a particular application, it is frequently beneficial to compare and assess the performance of various strategies using the right evaluation metrics and validation procedures.
Cybersecurity Challenges in Healthcare
Authors: Bansal Manish , Kaur Sukhbir
Published: August 2024

Modern India is transforming rapidly with the advent of advanced technologies and the automation of all processes. This transformation is beneficial for all business sectors including the healthcare industry. The Indian healthcare sector is one of the largest service sectors and it is expanding quickly. Organizations are using modern devices and offering quality service to patients. But these organizations are facing cybersecurity issues and storing patients' confidential information is a big challenge for all healthcare service providers. The threat from hackers and cyber thugs, who can steal and further exploit or sell the personal data of patients poses a big risk for all healthcare service providers and patients. This chapter focuses on various cybersecurity problems faced by healthcare organizations and various ways to deal with them.
Rule Extraction in Trained Feedforward Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Negro Pablo Ariel , Pons Claudia
Published: August 2024

Explainability is a key aspect of machine learning, necessary for ensuring transparency and trust in decision-making processes. As machine learning models become more complex, the integration of neural and symbolic approaches has emerged as a promising solution to the explainability problem. One effective solution involves using search techniques to extract rules from trained deep neural networks by examining weight and bias values and calculating their correlation with outputs. This article proposes incorporating cosine similarity in this process to narrow down the search space and identify the critical path connecting inputs to final results. Additionally, the integration of first-order logic (FOL) is suggested to provide a more comprehensive and interpretable understanding of the decision-making process. By leveraging cosine similarity and FOL, an innovative algorithm capable of extracting and explaining rule patterns learned by a feedforward trained neural network was developed and tested in two use cases, demonstrating its effectiveness in providing insights into model behavior.
Solitary fibrous tumor – a rare tumor of the pleura
Authors: Kedia Yash , Gupta Nitesh , Ish Pranav , Kumar Rohit
Published: August 2024

Solid lesions in the pleura could be benign, malignant, or borderline processes, the most common lesion being pleural thickening. Among pleural tumors, malignant lesions are more common as compared to benign lesions. Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura are rare tumors of the pleura, originating from the mesenchymal tissue, which can have malignant transformation on some occasions. It is difficult to differentiate the pleural tumors in radiology, and histopathology is required to make a definitive diagnosis. Usually requiring surgery, few cases can have recurrence despite complete resection.
Description of Cypturus zappii n. sp. from Sri Lanka (Coleoptera: Histeridae)
Authors: Vienna Pierpaolo , Penati Fabio
Published: August 2024

A new species of the Indo-Malayan genus Cypturus Erichson 1834 is described and compared with the other five congeneric species currently known. Male genitalia and a peculiar sexual dimorphism of female pygidium are illustrated in detail. Holotype ♂ and allotype ♀ are housed in the collection of the Civic Museum of Natural History of Milan (Italy). It is the third species reported for Sri Lanka after Cypturus aenescens Erichson 1834 and Cypturus thugi Lewis 1894.
Neural-Targeted Rehabilitation Strategies to Address Neuroplasticity After Joint Injury
Authors: Needle Alan R. , Howard Jennifer S. , Downing Marguerite B. , Skinner Jared W.
Published: August 2024

In patients with musculoskeletal injury, changes have been observed within the central nervous system that contribute to altered movement planning. This maladaptive neuroplasticity potentially explains the clinical disconnect where residual neuromuscular dysfunction and high rates of reinjury are often observed even after individuals clear return-to-activity functional testing. An improved understanding of these neural changes could therefore serve as a guide for facilitating a more complete recovery and minimizing risk of reinjury. Therefore, we propose a paradigm of neural-targeted rehabilitation to augment commonly used therapeutic techniques targeting sensorimotor function to better address maladaptive plasticity. Although most treatments have the capability to modify neural function, optimizing these treatments and combining them with integrative therapies (eg, implementation of motor learning strategies, transcranial direct current stimulation) may enhance neural efficiency and facilitate return to activity in patients with musculoskeletal injury. To complete this model, consideration of affective aspects of movement and associated interventions must also be considered to improve the durability of these changes.
Adaptation of Clinical Practice Guideline for Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Isfahan Province
Authors: Hosseeini Sayed Mohammad , Jafari Mohammad , Tahmasebi Marzieh , Adibi Payman
Published: August 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to the presence of hepatic steatosis (accumulation of fat in the liver to over 5% of its weight) in the absence of secondary causes of fat accumulation in the liver such as excessive alcohol use. NAFLD is divided into two types: non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Therefore, in this clinical guideline, we sought to determine general and important policies for this disease and modify its managment approaches. We adapted this guideline for the management of NAFLD in Isfahan Province. This guideline was developed by clinical appraisal and review of the evidence, available clinical guidelines, and in consultation with members of the Isfahan Chamber of the Iranian Association of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Biopsy is recommended as the most reliable method (gold standard) to diagnose steatohepatitis and fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) are recommended as the test with the highest predictive value for advanced fibrosis in patients with NAFLD compared to other serologic tests. Among the noninvasive methods used to assess liver fibrosis, transient elastography (TE) is preferable to other methods.
The Impact of the Health Transformation Plan on Hospital Performance Indicators: A Meta-analysis Study in an EMRO Region Country
Authors: Setoodehzadeh Fatemeh , Ansari-Moghaddam Alireza , Khammarnia Mohammad , Barahouei Fatemeh Bagher
Published: August 2024

To adapt to the changing conditions and respond to the needs of society, health systems need continuous changes and reforms in their structure and performance, and subsequently, they need to evaluate their indicators. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of the health system transformation plan (HTP) on the functional indicators and efficiency of hospitals in a country in the Middle East region (Iran). A systematic literature review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines using the online databases Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Pubmed, SID, Magiran, and Medlib from 2013 to 2022 using a combination of medical subject heading terms (‘health system transformation plan [Mesh] OR ‘health reform [Mesh] OR implementation of the health transformation plan [Mesh] ‘’AND (‘performance indicators’ [Mesh]) ‘’AND (‘Iran’ [Mesh]). STATA version 11 were used for data analysis. A total of 20 reports (cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control) were identified for this study. The results showed that after the HTP, the indices of bed occupancy rate and bed turnover rate have increased and the index of bed turnover distance has decreased. On the other hand, after the implementation of this plan in hospitals, the average of patients’ length of stay has increased. The implementation of HTP has improved most of the performance indicators of hospitals and has generally led to an increase in the productivity of hospitals compared to that before the implementation of the plan. However, efforts to strengthen weak performance indicators and identify effective indicators along with adopting correct policies to increase the overall efficiency of hospitals can be effective in improving HTP.
Classical Indian Vitalism Found in the Abhidhamma as an Approach to the Hard Problem of Consciousness: Problems and Perspectives
Authors: Banerjee Rahul , Sahu Dipsundar
Published: August 2024

Currently, vitalism stands as a discredited theory in the Western empirical sciences. However, the Indian analytical traditions, specifically the Jaina, Bauddha, Sankhya-Yoga, and the Vedanta, unanimously propose a vital energy “prana” or “jivitindriya” to bridge the explanatory gap between internal conscious states and physical states in the body. The philosophical development of vitalism both in the East and West follows independent and different trajectories. In this article, the view of consciousness as a transient internal state (found in the Abhidhamma) and the modes of its interaction with physical states is critically examined. An attempt is made to find some parallels between the classical Abhidhamma model of consciousness and modern biophysical studies. How the model arose from meditative observation and the status of vital energy prana in mediating the interaction between internal and physical states, is discussed. The article ends by noting the application of these concepts in a therapy found in the Ayurvedic system of medicine.
Jungian Collective Unconscious and the Purusha-prakriti of the Sankhya
Authors: Chakraborty Chandrabati
Published: August 2024

That human individual is a physico-psychic being and that this mortal soul is capable of partaking not only in a physical world but can also overcome the confinement of this substantive world and thereby become an indomitable part of the psychic universe or even a metaphysical world; is a fact, that has been preached by several philosophers of the world, for time immemorial. The present article focuses on a comparative study of Carl Gustav Jung’s conceptions of the collective consciousness, personal consciousness and likewise to that of the same as observed in the Eastern thoughts and philosophical domain, particularly in the Sankhya philosophical school.
The Potential Impact of Yoga Practices on Extraordinary Human Abilities: A Scoping Review
Authors: Alibalaei Hassan , Ilavarasu Judu
Published: August 2024

This scoping review aims to scrutinize credible research on yoga and meditation practices, examining claims of extraordinary human abilities, and evaluating the potential for extraordinary outcomes. A scoping review was conducted to investigate the impact of yoga and meditation on extraordinary human abilities. The review, covering 1970-2023, systematically searched for relevant literature, selected 28 studies, and analyzed their content. The findings were categorized into themes such as demographic characteristics, yoga and meditation practices, extraordinary human activities, and key outcomes observed. The study adhered to the PRISMA-ScR checklist recommendations and was conducted using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. This scoping review of 28 articles on yoga and meditation revealed three main themes: the effect on the physical body, the impact on the mind and spirituality, and the manifestation of parapsychological phenomena. The theme of the physical body included sub-themes such as tolerance, molecular changes, performance enhancement, and extended periods of suspended breathing. The theme of the mind and spirituality included sub-themes like increased awareness, improved memory, experiencing timelessness, and unusual experiences. The theme of parapsychological phenomena included sub-themes of levitation and mystical powers. The studies were conducted in India and the USA, covering a wide range of topics. Yoga and meditation are believed to possess extraordinary powers, intellectual capabilities, and mental control. These practices are integral to yogic practice, enhancing extraordinary human abilities, sensory awareness, and mental control. Studies also reveal their effects on molecular biology, brain function, muscle relaxation, cardiac health, glutathione production, oxidative stress management, gene expression, and exercise tolerance.
Ideal Time to Practice Yoga: Insights from Traditional Yoga Texts and Observations from Scientific Studies: A Narrative Review
Authors: Iyer Swathi , Bhargav Hemant , Bhat Raghavendra
Published: August 2024

Background:

Those interested in practicing yoga often lack clarity on what would be the best time to practice yoga. This paper intends to review the ancient, scientific and contemporary literature to understand this. Ancient texts on yoga mention that the best time to practice yoga is early morning hours. Lack of information and standardization regarding timing of the yoga practice is a key indicator for us to explore current study on the influence of time on yoga practice which can set a direction for the future studies and possible outcomes that can be derived by choosing the best time to practice yoga.

Methods:

In this review article we searched the scientific and traditional literature to find an answer to this question. We searched Google Scholar and PubMed using the following criteria: 1) Research studies examining the influence of timing on practice of Yoga, exercise, meditation or mindfulness on various variables 2) Studies published in English language until March 1, 2024.

Results:

We found sixteen studies; most of them were surveys that tried to assess the influence of time of physical activity/mindfulness on various health parameters. We observed that there are studies that suggest that the best time to practice yoga could depend on the specific outcome that is attempted to be achieved. Awareness of the appropriate time to practice yoga is important for several reasons, including enhancing the effectiveness of the practice, to regulating the body's internal clock, reducing the chances of distractions and developing a consistent regimen for practice.

Conclusion:

Engaging in morning vigorous exercise or yoga is better than evening vigorous yoga or exercise for enhancing the state of mind/mood of the practitioner and improving sleep quality in the night. Evening yoga should be less intense, relaxing and more meditative. Intense exercise / yoga in the evening may reduce the sleep quality in night. Studies also suggest that the difference in chronotype of the individual could possibly play a role in determining the best time to practice yoga.
Management of Obsessive–compulsive Disorder through Yoga Philosophy-based Satvavajaya Chikitsa
Authors: Iyer Swetha , Savitha H. P. , Venu P. Veena
Published: August 2024

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic anxiety disorder that significantly interferes with an individual’s occupational and social life leading to low self-esteem. Ayurveda correlates to Atattvabhinivesha. This case report describes a 25-year-old female, diagnosed case of OCD managed through Satvavajaya
Chikitsa (Ayurveda psychotherapy),
Yoga, and Pranayama.
Vijnana,
Dhairya,
Smriti,
and
Samadhi are the psychotherapeutic domains of this therapy. Satvavajaya
Chikitsa was planned based on the philosophical aspects of Patanjali Yoga Sutra. Significant relief in anxiety and Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale were appreciated at the end of the therapy. Thus, the case report highlights the potential and usefulness of Yoga-based Satvavajaya
Chikitsa in the management of OCD.
Predictors of In-hospital Outcomes of Community-acquired versus Hospital-acquired Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Prospective Study
Authors: Sharma Gaurav Shekhar , Kumari Ranjeeta , Kandari Sharon , Jain Gaurav , Huda Farhanul , Bahadur Anupama , Kant Ravi
Published: August 2024

Background:

Sparse data is available comparing the outcome of Community-acquired acute kidney Injury (CA-AKI) and Hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (HA-AKI).

Aims:

This study was undertaken to compare the demographic, clinical spectrum and in-hospital outcomes of CA-AKI versus HA-AKI.

Patients and Methods:

A prospective cohort study was conducted from October 2020 to December 2021 in the inpatient departments (IPDs) of a tertiary-care referral centre in north India. A total of 65 patients with CA-AKI and 32 patients with HA-AKI were enrolled. The characteristics and outcomes of AKI in both groups were compared.

Results:

The mean age of patients in the CA-AKI and HA-AKI groups was 46.7 years and 45.5 years respectively. The CA-AKI group had significantly higher baseline serum creatinine, serum creatinine at admission, proportion of patients requiring renal replacement therapy, proportion of patients having oligo-anuria and hyperkalemia at presentation. Despite more patients in the CA-AKI group being in AKI-Stage 3 at presentation, in-hospital mortality was observed to be lower in this group. However, on comparing the overall survival, both groups were found to be comparable. The independent predictors of mortality were the presence of lung disease and the requirement of vasopressor support at presentation.

Conclusion:

It was observed that both recovery and dialysis dependency were more common in patients with CA-AKI. Both groups had comparable overall survival. Only two factors, i.e. the presence of lung disease and the requirement of vasopressor support at presentation predicted the survival of AKI patients. The type of AKI was not an independent predictor of mortality in such patients.
Assessment of Quality of Life after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Apoorva P. , Geeta  , Girish H. O. , Manjunath N.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Chronic rhinosinusitis is the most common otolaryngologic disease that has a great impact on patient’s quality of life. Patients refractory to medical therapy require functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Aim:

To evaluate and compare the disease specific quality of life in patients of chronic rhinosinusitis pre operatively and after FESS using the Sino Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT 22).

Patients and Methods:

This prospective longitudinal study was conducted on 30 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. History, clinical, diagnostic sinonasal endoscopy and radiological findings were recorded. For assessing the quality of life, the SNOT-22 questionnaire was used preoperatively and after 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after undergoing FESS.

Results:

About 43.3% of the patients were males and 56.7% were females. Seventy percentage were between 18 and 30 years. Nasal obstruction was the most common presenting symptom (96.6%), followed by nasal discharge (80%). Diagnostic sinonasal endoscopy and non-contrast computed tomography scan of paranasal sinuses reflected the extent of the disease. The mean pre-operative SNOT-22 score was 40.4 ± 12.06 and a decrease in mean post-operatives scores was observed during their post-operative visits at 1 week (11.77 ± 3.39), 1 month (4.67 ± 2.77) and 3 months (2.47 ± 1.28) which were statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Chronic rhinosinusitis patient’s refractory to medical treatment showed statistically significant improvement in their quality of life after undergoing FESS.
Pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy in spinal cord injury: regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic targets
Authors: Zheng Qingcong , Wang Du , Lin Rongjie , Xu Weihong
Published: August 2024

Regulated cell death is a form of cell death that is actively controlled by biomolecules. Several studies have shown that regulated cell death plays a key role after spinal cord injury. Pyroptosis and ferroptosis are newly discovered types of regulated cell deaths that have been shown to exacerbate inflammation and lead to cell death in damaged spinal cords. Autophagy, a complex form of cell death that is interconnected with various regulated cell death mechanisms, has garnered significant attention in the study of spinal cord injury. This injury triggers not only cell death but also cellular survival responses. Multiple signaling pathways play pivotal roles in influencing the processes of both deterioration and repair in spinal cord injury by regulating pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy. Therefore, this review aims to comprehensively examine the mechanisms underlying regulated cell deaths, the signaling pathways that modulate these mechanisms, and the potential therapeutic targets for spinal cord injury. Our analysis suggests that targeting the common regulatory signaling pathways of different regulated cell deaths could be a promising strategy to promote cell survival and enhance the repair of spinal cord injury. Moreover, a holistic approach that incorporates multiple regulated cell deaths and their regulatory pathways presents a promising multi-target therapeutic strategy for the management of spinal cord injury.
Utilizing engineered extracellular vesicles as delivery vectors in the management of ischemic stroke: a special outlook on mitochondrial delivery
Authors: Chen Jiali , Li Yiyang , Quan Xingping , Chen Jinfen , Han Yan , Yang Li , Zhou Manfei , Mok Greta Seng Peng , Wang Ruibing , Zhao Yonghua
Published: August 2024

Ischemic stroke is a secondary cause of mortality worldwide, imposing considerable medical and economic burdens on society. Extracellular vesicles, serving as natural nano-carriers for drug delivery, exhibit excellent biocompatibility in vivo and have significant advantages in the management of ischemic stroke. However, the uncertain distribution and rapid clearance of extracellular vesicles impede their delivery efficiency. By utilizing membrane decoration or by encapsulating therapeutic cargo within extracellular vesicles, their delivery efficacy may be greatly improved. Furthermore, previous studies have indicated that microvesicles, a subset of large-sized extracellular vesicles, can transport mitochondria to neighboring cells, thereby aiding in the restoration of mitochondrial function post-ischemic stroke. Small extracellular vesicles have also demonstrated the capability to transfer mitochondrial components, such as proteins or deoxyribonucleic acid, or their sub-components, for extracellular vesicle–based ischemic stroke therapy. In this review, we undertake a comparative analysis of the isolation techniques employed for extracellular vesicles and present an overview of the current dominant extracellular vesicle modification methodologies. Given the complex facets of treating ischemic stroke, we also delineate various extracellular vesicle modification approaches which are suited to different facets of the treatment process. Moreover, given the burgeoning interest in mitochondrial delivery, we delved into the feasibility and existing research findings on the transportation of mitochondrial fractions or intact mitochondria through small extracellular vesicles and microvesicles to offer a fresh perspective on ischemic stroke therapy.
Acute and chronic excitotoxicity in ischemic stroke and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yu Shan Ping , Choi Emily , Jiang Michael Q. , Wei Ling
Published: August 2024

Stroke and Alzheimer’s disease are common neurological disorders and often occur in the same individuals. The comorbidity of the two neurological disorders represents a grave health threat to older populations. This review presents a brief background of the development of novel concepts and their clinical potentials. The activity of glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated Ca2+ influx is critical for neuronal function. An ischemic insult induces prompt and excessive glutamate release and drastic increases of intracellular Ca2+ mainly via N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, particularly of those at the extrasynaptic site. This Ca2+-evoked neuronal cell death in the ischemic core is dominated by necrosis within a few hours and days known as acute excitotoxicity. Furthermore, mild but sustained Ca2+ increases under neurodegenerative conditions such as in the distant penumbra of the ischemic brain and early stages of Alzheimer’s disease are not immediately toxic, but gradually set off deteriorating Ca2+-dependent signals and neuronal cell loss mostly because of activation of programmed cell death pathways. Based on the Ca2+ hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease and recent advances, this Ca2+-activated “silent” degenerative excitotoxicity evolves from years to decades and is recognized as a unique slow and chronic neuropathogenesis. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit GluN3A, primarily at the extrasynaptic site, serves as a gatekeeper for the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activity and is neuroprotective against both acute and chronic excitotoxicity. Ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, therefore, share an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor- and Ca2+-mediated mechanism, although with much different time courses. It is thus proposed that early interventions to control Ca2+ homeostasis at the preclinical stage are pivotal for individuals who are susceptible to sporadic late-onset Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia. This early treatment simultaneously serves as a preconditioning therapy against ischemic stroke that often attacks the same individuals during abnormal aging.
Role and spectrum of imaging in ovarian torsion
Authors: Dhawan Vaishali Bodhraj , Chavhan Ashwini Ashwin , Choudhary Shilpa Sanjeev , Hatgaonkar Anand , Pavithradevi A.
Published: August 2024

Ovarian torsion, an emergency abdominal and gynecological condition requiring immediate surgical intervention, is characterized by the twisting of ovary and its ligamentous attachment over its pedicle. As no specific clinical signs are there for accurate diagnosis, a radiologist may be the first person to make the diagnosis. Varying radiological findings on different modalities, namely ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging are there characterizing ovarian torsion. Knowledge and understanding of these features can help radiologists make accurate diagnosis helping clinician for timely intervention. We here present a series of five different cases of ovarian torsion, demonstrating different and multiple imaging features of ovarian torsion on USG and CT.