bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of a Simulation Workshop on Nursing Students' Attitudes Toward Poverty
Authors: Lowey Susan E.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Poverty is a global issue that negatively affects health outcomes and quality of life. Incorporating simulation in nursing education programs can help students develop a better understanding about poverty.

Method:

A cross-sectional mixed-methods pre- and posttest survey design was used with two cohorts of undergraduate nursing students who participated in a poverty simulation.

Results:

A convenience sample of 132 students participated in this study. Most of the students reported they had learned something new that would impact the way they will interact with patients affected by poverty.

Conclusion:

To ensure a competent nursing workforce in an ever-changing global health care environment, all nursing students must have a basic understanding about the implications of poverty on health. Nursing education can enhance a 1-day poverty simulation by partnering with local community groups and agencies so that students can actively participate in improving the lives of disadvantaged individuals who are affected by poverty.

[
J Nurs Educ
. 2021;60(8):462–465.]
Student Perceptions of a Cardiac Skills Laboratory Using a Just-in-Time Teaching Approach
Authors: Williams Ware Katilya S. , Owens Watts Sarah , Wang Chih-hsuan
Published: August 2021

Background:

Clinical instructors noted students in an advanced medical-surgical nursing course frequently struggled to identify cardiac rhythms in clinical settings. Course faculty redesigned a skills lab incorporating the Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT) teaching approach, which was selected to guide teaching practices and encourage interactions among students and faculty during the lab.

Method:

This mixed-methods study examined student perceptions of implementing JiTT to enhance learning. Data were collected through the use of a questionnaire that included 10 Likert-type and four open-ended questions completed by 269 baccalaureate nursing students.

Results:

Students provided high evaluative remarks regarding the teaching approach. The following four themes were noted from qualitative data: assessed prior knowledge, student-centered, interactive, and provided clarity.

Conclusion:

Students reported incorporation of a JiTT skills lab provided an effective approach to gain a greater understanding of cardiac rhythms and prepare for clinical practice.

[
J Nurs Educ
. 2021;60(8):472–475.]
Rotational periodic solutions for fractional iterative systems
Authors: Wu Rui ,   Department of Mathematics, Changchun University of Finance and Economics, Changchun 130122, China, Cheng Yi , Agarwal Ravi P. ,   Department of Mathematical Sciences, Bohai University, Jinzhou 121013, China,   Department of Mathematics, Texas A & M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas, USA
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we devoted to deal with the rotational periodic problem of some fractional iterative systems in the sense of Caputo fractional derivative. Under one sided-Lipschtiz condition on nonlinear term, the existence and uniqueness of solution for a fractional iterative equation is proved by applying the Leray-Schauder fixed point theorem and topological degree theory. Furthermore, the well posedness for a nonlinear control system with iteration term and a multivalued disturbance is established by using set-valued theory. The existence of solutions for a iterative neural network system is demonstrated at the end.
Open set recognition algorithm based on Conditional Gaussian Encoder
Authors: Tang Yan ,   School of Communication Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China, Zhao Zhijin , Li Chun , Ye Xueyi ,   State Key Lab of Information Control Technology in Communication System, The 36th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, Jiaxing, China
Published: August 2021

For the existing Closed Set Recognition (CSR) methods mistakenly identify unknown jamming signals as a known class, a Conditional Gaussian Encoder (CG-Encoder) for 1-dimensional signal Open Set Recognition (OSR) is designed. The network retains the original form of the signal as much as possible and deep neural network is used to extract useful information. CG-Encoder adopts residual network structure and a new Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence is defined. In the training phase, the known classes are approximated to different Gaussian distributions in the latent space and the discrimination between classes is increased to improve the recognition performance of the known classes. In the testing phase, a specific and effective OSR algorithm flow is designed. Simulation experiments are carried out on 9 jamming types. The results show that the CSR and OSR performance of CG-Encoder is better than that of the other three kinds of network structures. When the openness is the maximum, the open set average accuracy of CG-Encoder is more than 70%, which is about 30% higher than the worst algorithm, and about 20% higher than the better one. When the openness is the minimum, the average accuracy of OSR is more than 95%.
Predicting a Model for Modified Asphalt Cement Rutting Parameters
Authors: Al-Jumaili Mohammed Abbas , Al-Jameel Hamid Athab
Published: August 2021

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between the Superpave rutting parameter of asphalt (G﹡/sin δ) by conducting Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) tests with the rut depth values obtained by the wheel track device. The twenty asphalt mixtures have been prepared with twenty types of unmodified asphalts and Polymer-Modified Binders (PMBs). SBS was used to produce PMBs. The twenty base and modified asphalts have been used to prepare asphalt paving mixtures required to conduct wheel track tests. The predicted model of asphalt mixtures rut depth related to asphalt rutting parameter (G﹡/sin δ) values has been founded. Besides, the minimum limits of (G﹡/sin δ) of aged asphalt have been gotten as 3.25 kPa for Iraqi asphalt cement.
Assessment of Asphalt Mixture Behaviour Containing Recycled Concrete Aggregates
Authors: Musa Sarah Safaaldeen , Al-Mukaram Noorance , Mahdi Mohammed Bally
Published: August 2021

Recently, the construction industry uses the Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA)resulting from construction and demolition waste (CDW) to achieve sustainable requirements andeconomic benefits. In this paper, asphalt paving mixes were prepared with RCA instead of naturalaggregates for the base course in flexible road pavements and walking areas used by pedestrians andcyclists. Different asphalt mixes samples were prepared with different asphalt contents to meet therequired specifications. Additionally, several laboratory tests were carried out to assess mixturebehavior including the Marshall test. The results indicated that the mixture made with aggregates ofCDW have met all the requirements of Iraqi specifications of roads and bridges (SORB/R9). Thisinvestigation could be a useful guide for road engineers in designing asphalt mixtures from RCA.
Comparative Study of Structural Behavior for Asymmetrical Castellated (Concavely - Curved Soffit) Steel Beams with Different Strengthening Techniques
Authors: Hussein Ahmad Alaa , Alshimmeri Ahmad Jabbar Hussain
Published: August 2021

The Asymmetrical Castellated concavely – curved soffit Steel Beams with RPC and Lacing Reinforcement improves compactness and local buckling (web and flange local buckling), vertical shear strength at gross section (web crippling and web yielding at the fillet), and net section ( net vertical shear strength proportioned between the top and bottom tees relative to their areas (Yielding)), horizontal shear strength in web post (Yielding), web post-buckling strength, overall beam flexure strength, tee Vierendeel bending moment and lateral-torsional buckling, as a result of steel section encasement. This study presents two concentrated loads test results for seven specimens Asymmetrical Castellated concavely – curved soffit Steel Beams section encasement by Reactive powder concrete (RPC) with laced reinforcement. The encasement of the Asymmetrical Castellated concavely – curved soffit Steel Beams consists of, flanges unstiffened element height was filled with RPC for each side, and laced reinforced which are used inclined continuous reinforcement of two layers on each side of the Asymmetrical Castellated concavely – curved soffit Steel Beams web. The inclination angle of lacing reinforcement concerning the longitudinal axis is 45. Seven specimens with seven different configurations will be prepared and tested under two concentrated loads at the mid-third of the beam span. The tested specimen's properties are: unconfined Asymmetrical Castellated Steel Beams (Reference1), second model; Asymmetrical Castellated concavely – curved soffit Steel Beams (web and flange) confined with (RPC) only, third model; Asymmetrical Castellated concavely – curved soffit Steel Beams (web and flange) confined with (RPC) and laced reinforcement, fourth model; is same as the third model but it has one web opening with increase the depth of web post by 10 %, 20%, and 30 % as a gap between top and bottom parts of Asymmetrical Castellated concavely – curved soffit Steel Beams respectively. The results that have been obtained from the experimental part and the numerical analysis results by ABAQUS demonstrated that the increase of the gap leads to an increase in the load against the deflection curve. Sample CB8 with 122 mm gap has gained the highest load against deflection when compared with either reference sample without gap and other samples with 65 mm and 105 mm gap for concavely–curved soffit Steel Beams.
Effect of Nano-Carbon on Geotechnics Features of Gypseous Soils
Authors: Al-Gharrawi Asaad M.B. , Hayal Assad Layth , Fattah Mohammed Y.
Published: August 2021

A Collapsing soil usually causes problems, this kind of soil has a substantial strength while it is dry, but it loses its strength while inundating and be subjected to extreme settlement. It is impossible to predict in advance the reactions of soils subjected to inundating (i.e. landslide otherwise an important soil settlement). The reduction in irreversible volumes of collapsing soil happens quickly as well as suddenly, once the reduction starts there will be no measurement to be executed which could halt such difficulty. As a result of the soak and leach that are resulting from the dissolute and clean out of gypsum, the collapsing potentials increase during the time. There are many studies in this field that indicated the possibility of modifying this soil by using nanomaterials. In this study, the nanomaterial used is nanocarbon and the soil is gypseous soil taken from Al-Najaf city in Iraq. This work studies the effect of adding nanomaterials on the gypseous soil and investigates its behavior before and after adding nanomaterial. The results showed that adding the nanocarbon affects the collapse potential which decreases by a percent meanwhile the soil cohesion decreased partly when the nanocarbon is added with 0.8% but the friction angle increased about 19%. The best proportion of using of the nanocarbon ranges between 0.8-1.2%.
The Combined Effect of CKD and Silica Fume on the Mechanical and Durability Performance of Cement Mortar
Authors: Falah Mayadah W. , Hafedh Alaa Adnan , Hussein Safa A. , Al-Khafaji Zainab S. , Shubbar Ali A. , Nasr Mohammed Salah
Published: August 2021

To manufacture high-strength and high-performance concrete, the incorporation of silica fume with concrete was becoming popular nowadays. When utilizing various amounts of cement substitute products, the design becomes even more complicated. The latest research has been dedicated to researching the applicability of cement substitute products for cement kiln dust (CKD) and silica fume (SF). In permeability and compressive strength terms, the effect of these components on the efficacy of the concrete would be studied. Also, the materials proposed might limit greenhouse gas emissions, which will mitigate climate change on other causes of global pollution. Casting a standard concrete cube (100 percent OPC) equivalent to (150 gm) would initiate the experiment, which was utilized later for comparative purposes. The industrial waste materials (SF and CKD) was be applied as cement substitution proportions (10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent) of the dry cement weight at varying percentages of each component (5 percent, 10 percent, and 15 percent). Eventually, after 7, 14, 28 days, the compressive strength shift would be calculated. The permeability of the latest concrete will be checked after (7, 14, and 28) days of healing utilizing ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) technology. The experimental findings indicate that with a specimen comprising 20 percent of (SF and CKD) relative to (100 percent OPC) specimen, there is an improvement in compressive intensity and pulse velocity values in various curing times and specimens of various (SF and CKD) specimen M3 have a decrease in pulse velocity value after 7 curing days.
Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Calcium Alginate Capsules for Self-Healing Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Inozemtcev Sergey , Korolev Evgeniy , Trong Toan Do
Published: August 2021

The key physical and mechanical property is the strength of the capsules, which ensure the implementation of the self-healing technology, in which the capsules are not destroyed during the compaction of the asphalt concrete mixture, but are destroyed during the formation of defects in the asphalt concrete. An increase in the content of the reducing agent in the composition of the alginate emulsion leads to a decrease in the breaking load during compression of the capsules, which is explained by an increase in their diameter. But the change in the content of sodium alginate does not have a significant effect on mechanical properties. As a result of exposure to a temperature of 170 °C, a decrease in the strength of the capsules by 22 % after 1 hour of exposure in the burning oven is observed, and with an increase in the time to 4 hours, the strength decreases by 46.9 %. The maximum decrease in the strength index after 4 hours of exposure at a temperature of 160 °C reaches 29.9 %. A decrease in temperature to 150 °C leads to a decrease in the loss of strength. The strength of the capsules decreases by 4 % after 4 hours of exposure at 150 °C. Exposure of capsules to a temperature of 140 °C has no significant effect on strength.
Synthesis and Characterization of Microcellular Injection Molded Polyolefin/Polycaprolactone Composites
Authors: Hwang Shyh Shin , Chen Shia Chung , Yang Chiu Lan
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the effect of polycaprolactone (PCL) loading (0.5, 1, and 3 wt%) on the morphology, tensile strength, and thermal properties of microcellular injection molded PP/PCL and PPgMA/PCL composites. We used the filler, PCL, that is micro-material in size. Results showed that 0.5 wt% loading of PCL on foamed PP has the largest tensile strength. However, tensile strength was almost similar to that of PPgMA composites. Tensile strength depends on the filler dispersion in the matrix and cell size present on the foamed composites. Good dispersion resulted in good tensile strength. The elongation decreased on PP but increased on PPgMA composites. The highest degradation temperature for PP/PCL and PPgMA/PCL was noted for 3.0 wt% PCL loading and neat PPgMA respectively. Cell size decreased and cell density increased with the addition of PCL into the PP and PPgMA matrix.
Comprehensive Immunologic Evaluation of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Samples from Human Patients with Moderate and Severe Seasonal Influenza and Severe COVID-19
Authors: Reynolds Daniel , Vazquez Guillamet Cristina , Day Aaron , Borcherding Nicholas , Vazquez Guillamet Rodrigo , Choreño-Parra José Alberto , House Stacey L , O’Halloran Jane A , Zúñiga Joaquín , Ellebedy Ali H , Byers Derek E , Mudd Philip A
Published: August 2021

Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) or seasonal influenza may lead to respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. The pathophysiology of this respiratory failure is attributed to local immune dysregulation, but how the immune response to viral infection in the lower airways of the human lung differs between individuals with respiratory failure and those without is not well understood. We used quantitative multiparameter flow cytometry and multiplex cytokine assays to evaluate matched blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from control human subjects, subjects with symptomatic seasonal influenza who did not have respiratory failure, and subjects with severe seasonal influenza or SARS-CoV-2 infection with respiratory failure. We find that severe cases are associated with an influx of nonclassical monocytes, activated T cells, and plasmablast B cells into the lower airways. Cytokine concentrations were not elevated in the lower airways of moderate influenza patients compared with controls; however, 28 of 35 measured cytokines were significantly elevated in severe influenza, severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, or both. We noted the largest elevations in IL-6, IP-10, MCP-1, and IL-8. IL-1 family cytokines and RANTES were higher in severe influenza infection than severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Interestingly, only the concentration of IP-10–correlated between blood and BAL during severe infection. Our results demonstrate inflammatory immune dysregulation in the lower airways during severe viral pneumonia that is distinct from lower airway responses seen in human patients with symptomatic, but not severe, illness and suggest that measurement of blood IP-10 concentration may predict this unique dysregulation.
Intermittent abdominal pressure ventilation: feasibility and efficacy in neuromuscular disease. A case report
Authors: Puricelli Cristina , Volpato Eleonora , Sciurello Salvatore , Nicolini Antonello , Banfi Paolo
Published: August 2021

he standard treatment for patients with neuromuscular respiratory failure is non-invasive ventilation (NIV) as non-invasive ventilation support-setting (NVS). NVS is administered through a nasal or face mask and/or mouthpiece with the potential to cause nasal ulcers, discomfort, and/or aesthetic issues, resulting in poor compliance. We reported the observation of a 45-year-old woman with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), secondary to Dysferlin deficiency, who was on NVS since 2017 for nocturnal hypoventilation. In 2018, despite nocturnal ventilation, due to weight gain and daytime hypoventilation, a nasal mask was introduced. We initiated daytime intermittent abdominal pressure ventilation (IAPV) to mitigate cosmetic problems, improving in pO2 and decreasing in pCO2 versus baseline (52>84 mmHg, 46>33 mmHg respectively) at 6 (85 mmHg, 42 mmHg) and 18 months (93 mmHg, 38 mmHg), respectively. IAPV was effective, safe, and well-tolerated in our patients who did not tolerate standard daytime NVS with the known interface.
Ecological characterization of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in areas of the Mato Grosso Pantanal, Mato Grosso State, Brazil
Authors: Alencar Jeronimo , Melandri Vanessa , Silva Júlia , Albuquerque Hermano Gomes , Guimarães Anthony Érico
Published: August 2021

Bimonthly diurnal and nocturnal captures were conducted in four different sampling sites of the Mato Grosso Pantanal region over 24 consecutive months between March 2009 and January 2011. The goal of performing these collections was to elucidate aspects of the biology and ecology of mosquitoes in this region since little to nothing is known about these aspects for many species. A total of 17,532 specimens were captured, comprising two subfamilies, nine genera, and 44 species. The main species of culicids found in the Mato Grosso Pantanal had strong ecological compatibility with well-preserved environments and with some of the specific habitats found in at least one of the four selected collection sampling sites. Anopheles darlingi, An. albitarsis, and An. triannulatus are well-suited to environments with large water bodies and greater anthropic activity. Culex nigripalpus and Cx. quinquefasciatus prefer environments with bush fragments and pronounced human action and movement. Culex declarator and Psorophora albigenu, the most eclectic, prefer wild areas and with some anthropic activity. Mansonia titillans is associated with environments offering a wide variety of natural breeding areas that enable its development, in particular natural swamp areas covered with macrophytes, which is one of the natural components of the Pantanal biome. The effect of the flooding season on the population density of anophelines is especially advantageous, with an explosion in the number of individuals in periods of widespread flooding. The region’s environmental dynamics are regulated by flooding cycles with alternating periods of flooding and drought, which are the main factors governing the ecology of the local fauna and flora. Flooding periods contribute to raising culicid species’ richness and diversity, while the droughts result in a more even distribution of specimens within species. The flooding season of the Pantanal occurs between November and May and coincides with the greatest abundance of culicid species. During this period, the human population of the region has greater contact with mosquito vectors carrying pathogens, including arboviruses, which previous studies have confirmed via seropositivity in the region’s equines and birds.
Remedial mine ventilation planning: tracer gas definition of leakage routes
Authors: Hardcastle S , Klinowski G , Mchaina D
Published: August 2021

A common scenario for a mine ventilation engineer is the inheritance of a ventilation system with multiple working and development areas that are at the geographical extremities of the orebody. The mine is traversed by numerous access levels which in turn are
intersected by raises. In such a situation controlling leakage becomes one of the engineer's primary concerns as it reduces the available air to dilute contaminants and the speed at which they are removed. Leakage is an expensive loss, as it has consumed fan power and possibly heating.
Although leakage is known to exist in ventilation systems, it can be difficult to locate and quantify. This especially true when it occurs mid-shaft and through caved areas. Therefore, to some extent leakage has been left unchecked as bulkheading every conceivable leakage route is not an economic
solution.
CANMET has developed a tracer gas based simple test that has already shown the extent of inter-shaft leakage in a multi-level mine. The first test indicated a 22% loss of fresh air to just one of the mine's exhaust routes within the first 570 m, that was prior to the first production area. The
test also indicated the general location of the leakage, and further iterative use of the test will pin-point the exact leakage route and its associated volume. Such tests allow the ventilation engineer to design remedial action selectively correcting the leakage in his system (i.e., through the
construction or improvement of bulkheads) in the most cost effective manner. The in-mine element of this test can be executed by mine personnel, once trained, with CANMET performing sample analysis and data interpretation.
This method of interrogating a mine ventilation system has been applied at an Ontario gold mine. Here the first tracer gas tests indicated a 22% loss of intake air via three primary routes to one of the mine's exhaust shafts. This leakage costs the mine $50k p.a. in main fan power, when compared
to $4k to construct a bulkhead, the potential cost benefits of isolating and limiting leakage can be quickly realised.
Sexual Dysfunction in Male Patients with Idiopathic Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizures
Authors: Sureka Rajendra Kumar , Gaur Vikas , Purohit Gaurav , Gupta Medha
Published: August 2021

Background:

Epilepsy is the second most common neurological disorder, and it may have a significant effect on sexual functions in epileptic patients.

Materials and Methods:

Sexual dysfunctions were assessed in 146 male patients suffering from generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) with a seizure-free interval of at least 1 year. Out of 146 patients enrolled, 46 patients had a psychiatric impairment and were excluded from the study, after applying the General Health questionnaire12 (GHQ12) scale and detailed psychiatric evaluation. The remaining patients were evaluated for the presence of sexual dysfunction by applying Arizona Sexual Experience scale (ASEX). Sixty-six patients scoring more than 19 as a cutoff score on the ASEX scale were further interviewed by a psychiatrist, and a diagnosis of sexual dysfunction was made as per ICD 10 Diagnostic criteria.

Results:

Sexual dysfunction was diagnosed in 66% (n = 66) of the patients. Erectile dysfunction was the most common sexual disorder diagnosed in 36% of the patients (n = 36) followed by premature ejaculation in 26% (n = 26) and decreased libido (hypoactive sexual desire) seen in 4% (n = 4) of the patients. In patients with sexual dysfunction, a significant association was observed with the duration of epilepsy and type of therapy (mono/polytherapy) (P value < 0.05). Erectile dysfunction and hypoactive desire were more common in patients taking polytherapy, whereas premature ejaculation was more common in patients on monotherapy.

Conclusion:

Significant impairment of sexual functions was observed in male epileptics with GTCS. A high index of suspicion should be kept in mind by the practicing clinician on diagnosing and treating sexual dysfunction in them.
Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitude Towards Dementia Amongst Medical Undergraduate Students
Authors: Patel Ishani , Patel Jalpan , Jindal Siddharth Vrajesh , Desai Devangi , Desai Soaham
Published: August 2021

Background:

Current undergraduate medical academic curriculum does not emphasize on evaluation and management of dementia. The knowledge and attitude of medical students towards patients with dementia in India has not been ascertained previously.

Objective:

We aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of final year medical students about dementia and Alzheimer's disease. We also aimed to assess if a dedicated sensitization cum teaching session by a group of interns doctors guided by a neurologist could help improve students’ knowledge and awareness towards dementia or not.

Methods and Materials:

82 consenting final year medical students answered questionnaires of Alzheimer Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) at a baseline level. A sensitization cum teaching session by intern doctors was conducted to enhance students’ knowledge about dementia. A post sensitization reassessment of students was done to assess impact of the session.

Results:

The ADKS score was 57% at baseline which was increased to 71% post sensitization program. The mean DAS score was 3.2 at baseline which was reported to be 3.4 after sensitization program. Students reported significant improvement in their knowledge level but did not show the same improvement in their attitude and comfort level in caring for dementia after the sensitization program. Students were still not comfortable dealing with patients with dementia.

Conclusion:

Medical students lack significant knowledge and training about dementia. Patient contact and practical training for basic assessment and care of dementia needs to be incorporated in the current academic curriculum. Dedicated sensitization sessions on dementia care can help improve the gap. Practical exposure to management of patients with dementia would be required to enhance the comfort level and attitude of students towards dementia.
A Systematic Review of Childhood Psychological Traumas and Alexithymia Among Persons with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome
Authors: Ghogare Ajinkya Sureshrao , Patil Pradeep Shriram , Vankar Ganpatlal Kodarbhai
Published: August 2021

Psychological traumas may occur during childhood in the form of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, and/or emotional neglect. Trauma may be experienced when a person experiences serious loss or his/her life is under grave threat. If such traumatic event is neither dealt effectively nor resolved completely, it may predispose such a person to development of mental health issues such as drug dependence including alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS). Persons who experience or suffer from childhood psychological trauma tend to consume alcohol in order to cope with their trauma related experiences. Hence, generally, onset of alcohol dependence is preceded by the occurrence of childhood psychological trauma(s). Childhood psychological trauma especially emotional abuse acts as a risk factor for the development of alexithymia in later life among persons with alcohol dependence. Alexithymia is a state of emotional dysregulation, which is characterized by the triad of difficulty in identifying one's own feelings, difficulty in distinguishing between the physical sensation and emotional arousal, and difficulty in explaining one's own feelings to others, which is known as externally oriented style of thinking. Alexithymia is itself a risk factor for the development of ADS. Thus, both childhood psychological trauma(s) and alexithymia play a significant role in the development of ADS. Findings of the present study showed that childhood psychological trauma(s), alexithymia, and ADS are interconnected. The present study findings conclude that significant relationship exists between childhood psychological traumas, alexithymia, and ADS.
Rhinos as “The Mine” and the Fugitive Meanings of Illegal Wildlife Hunting
Authors: Witter Rebecca
Published: August 2021

Most scholarship and policy documentation that examines the problem of “rhino poaching” assumes that the potential for economic gain drives impoverished people to hunt threatened and endangered wildlife illegally. The amount of money illegal hunters can extract from the lethal trade in rhinoceros’ horn is extraordinary. Yet, the provocation of one convicted hunter, who referred to rhinos as “the mine” (as in a gold mine) reveals complicated meanings underneath and adjoined to monetary explanations. In the transfrontier region comprising the Kruger and Limpopo National Parks, men have responded to colonial and post-colonial dispossession through institutions of migrant labour. When dispossessed mine labourers developed the wealth of southern African colonial states, they salvaged for themselves, economic benefits, status, and dignity. In the post-colonial context, the protection of threatened species forecloses opportunities for migrant labour and generates the need for “peripheral” or illegal labour. The killing of protected wildlife to trade in their parts enables hunters to extract money, cultural continuity, and dignity from the very processes that impoverish and dispossess them. Improved understandings of people's motivations to hunt wildlife illegally necessitate theorisations that are more explicitly co-produced, derived from and responsive to the people living (and dying) with conservation by dispossession.
Establishment of a geriatric clinic in psychiatry outpatient setting of a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Naskar Chandrima , Chakrabarti Subho , Mehra Aseem , Nehra Ritu
Published: August 2021

Although there is a rapid increase in the elderly population in India, there is a lack of geriatric mental health services across the country. In India, although the postgraduation psychiatry program is available across many centers, little attention is paid to the subspecialty of geriatric psychiatry during the postgraduation training. There are very few courses (in the form of doctorate of medicine and fellowship programs) available in the subspecialty of geriatric psychiatry in the country. In this background, this paper focuses on the experience of establishing a geriatric clinic in a postgraduation psychiatry department and the impact of the same on patient care, research, and training in the area of geriatric psychiatry. The patient care data suggest that with the establishment of the geriatric clinic, there is an increase in the number of elderly patients admitted to the inpatient setting and those receiving electroconvulsive therapy. Further, there is an increase in the research in the area of geriatric psychiatry.
Relevance of the Indian telemedicine guidelines 2020 in psychogeriatric care
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sanchari , Banerjee Debanjan
Published: August 2021

Older people with psychiatric illnesses face unique challenges in terms of clinical, sociocultural, and environmental factors. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India (MoHFw, GOI), has released telemedicine guidelines in April 2020, closely followed by a telepsychiatry operational guidelines as a collaborative effort of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, and the MoHFw, GOI. The current article presents a critical analysis of the provisions in these guidelines relevant to psychogeriatric care. The gray areas in the existing protocols which may hamper their applicability and accessibility in older adults include digital connectivity, continuity of care, patient autonomy and capacity assessment, medical comorbidities, evaluation of dementia, confidentiality, and teleconsultations in the institutionalized elderly. Preexisting challenges are seen to be compounded by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, in addition to the onset of newer psychosocial and clinical adversities. The article also highlights certain recommendations for possible modifications of the guidelines in future. The telepsychiatry guidelines provide a paradigm shift in mental health care. However, the lacunae involved in the care of vulnerable groups such as the geriatric population based on these guidelines need to be reconsidered by all levels of stakeholders supported by evidence-based research.
Research on delirium
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Gupta B. M. , Mamdapur Ghouse Modin
Published: August 2021

Aim:

To analyze the publication growth, international collaboration, funding support, citation impact, and distribution of publications on delirium with one of the authors from India, indexed in Scopus database, published during 2001–2020.

Methodology:

The Scopus database (http://www.scopus.com) was searched for publications on delirium during 2001–2020 with one of the authors from India. The publications were identified and retrieved.

Results:

The initial search, which involved locating the global publication output, yielded 22,929 records. When the search was limited to research originating from India, it yielded 478 Indian records. Researchers from India contributed to 2.08% of the world's delirium research, and overall, the research output from India, ranked twelfth in the world. Of the research originating from India, only 12.97% of publications involved international collaboration. The number of publications on delirium with one of the authors from India increased from 1 in the year 2001 to 47 in the year 2020, accounting for 33.61% annual average growth rate, higher than 9.5% of publication growth rate on the topic for the worldwide publications. The 10-year cumulative publications increased from 84 during 2001–2010 to 394 during 2011–2020, registering 369% absolute growth, which was much higher than 107.52% of the world publications.

Conclusion:

To conclude, this study suggests that only 2% of the world's delirium research emerges from India and overall based on this research output, India stands at the 12th position in delirium research. However, over the last few years, the research on delirium from India has increased.
Efficacy of thumb abduction orthosis versus local methylprednisolone acetate injection in De Quervain's tenosynovitis
Authors: Das Rakesh , Bimol Naorem , Deb Debasish , Meethal Shanavas Anoth , Singh Yumnam Nandabir
Published: August 2021

Context:

De Quervain's disease tenosynovitis is a painful inflammation of tendons on the side of the wrist at the base of the thumb. The most common cause is chronic overuse. It can be self-limited and may resolve without intervention. For those individuals with persistent symptoms, nonsurgical modalities such as rest, massage, cold and heat application, splinting, physical therapy, systemic anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections have been tried with variable success.

Aims:

The aim of this study was conducted to compare the efficacy of thumb abduction orthosis with local methylprednisolone acetate injection for the management of De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Settings and Design:

A randomized controlled study was conducted from September 2017 to August 2019, in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of a tertiary hospital in Imphal, Manipur.

Subjects and Methods:

In Group 1, thumb abduction orthosis was applied, and in Group 2, injection methylprednisolone acetate was given in the first dorsal compartment. Treatment effectiveness was measured by visual analog Scale (VAS) for pain and Quick disabilities score of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (quick DASH) for functional assessment. Follow-up assessment was done at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.

Statistical Analysis:

Chi-square test, independent t-test, and paired t-test were used for analysis.

Results:

Out of the total 60 patients, 51 patients were females and 9 were males. There was a significant improvement in both mean VAS scores and Quick DASH scores in both the groups. At 1-month of follow-up, VAS and Quick DASH score in control group significantly improved compared to study group (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant differences between the two groups at 3 months and 6 months follow-up period (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Although methylprednisolone acetate injection has an excellent outcome, thumb abduction orthosis can be an alternative treatment option for De Quervain's disease.
Clinicopathological study of papulosquamous skin disorders in a tertiary health-care center
Authors: Shimray Rachel , Laishram Sharmila , Pukhrambam Gayatri , Devi Kh. Ambala , Pal Paramita Rudra
Published: August 2021

Background:

Papulosquamous skin disorder is a group of heterogenous dermatoses with a distinct histomorphological feature. The characteristic primary lesion is a papule, usually erythematous, that has a variable amount of scaling on the surface. The most common papulosquamous dermatoses are psoriasis, lichen planus, and pityriasis rosea. Because all papulosquamous disorders are characterized by scaling papules, clinical confusion may result during their diagnosis. Our study is to evaluate histomorphological findings in various papulosquamous skin disorders encountered at RIMS, Imphal.

Materials and Methods:

Skin biopsies of clinically diagnosed papulosquamous skin disorders along with their relevant clinical data received during a period of 2 years from September 2017 to August 2019 were included in the study. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination using hematoxylin and eosin stain.

Results:

A total of 115 papulosquamous skin disorders were studied with 75 cases of psoriasis (11–80 years), 36 cases of lichen planus (2–70 years), and 4 cases of pityriasis rosea. Age ranges from 2 to 80 years. Maximum cases were seen in the age group of 31–50 (70.6%) with a mean age of 39.18 years. Both genders were almost equally affected with a male: female ratio of 1.13:1. An analysis of the clinical with histopathological diagnosis of these papulosquamous skin lesions revealed a positive correlation in 76 (66.08%) cases and a negative correlation in 39 (2.9%) cases.

Conclusion:

Because of the varied clinical presentation and histopathological patterns of papulosquamous skin disorder, it is important to characterize the types of papulosquamous lesions as far as possible for definitive treatment.
Media and suicidality during the surge of Thai student suicides in 2019
Authors: Jatchavala Chonnakarn , Pongthanawisut Suchawadee
Published: August 2021

Background:

During the 2 months of February and March 2019, more than 10 Thai university students were official reported to have committed suicide, which may impact on others' suicidality.

Aims:

This study aims to examine media and other factors influenced suicidal ideation among Thai university students, during the crisis of suicidal height in March–April 2019.

Methods:

The study was of a retrospective and cross-sectional design. Patients, who were university students and accessed the psychiatric outpatient clinic in March–April 2019, were recruited. Data collected by the hospital's databased system included patient profiles, perceptions of media influencing suicidality, and the Thai version of the suicide screening test.

Results:

Of the 68 participants, most participants were female (75.0%). They mostly stated that they were at a high risk of suicide (35.0%); whereas those who reported that the media influenced them were shown to have 3.5 times, higher risk of suicide (P = 0.012). Moreover, the moderate risk of suicide was statistically significantly associated with media, while other variables did not associate with suicidal risk (P = 0.03).

Conclusion:

During the crisis of copycat suicides, among Thai university students; most of whom were psychiatric outpatients, were at high risk for suicide. In addition, those who reported that the media had influenced them demonstrated a higher risk of suicide. Moreover, those who were at moderate risk for suicide were significantly associated with media.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19 among the general public in Manipur
Authors: Konjengbam Shantibala , Phurailatpam Madhubala Devi , Laishram Jalina , Loukrakpam Victoria , Akoijam Pooja , Khuraijam Sushma
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Various measures have been adopted to control the rapid spread of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in the state. Adherence to control measures by the population is influenced by their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine KAP toward COVID-19 among the general public of Manipur.

Methods:

A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview the study participants. The demographics and KAP of the participants were investigated. Chi-square test and t-test were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Out of the total participants (n = 398), 240 (60.3%) were female. One hundred and seventeen (29.4%) participants have adequate knowledge regarding COVID-19. The number of participants who have adequate knowledge was significantly more among males, those residing in plain districts, those residing in rural areas, and among those who studied up to graduate and above. The study also showed that attitude toward practicing more hand hygiene during infectious disease outbreaks was significantly associated with residence, education, religion, and occupation. A significant association was also observed between the preventive practices and knowledge, gender, district, residence, and education.

Conclusion:

Nearly one-third of the participants have good knowledge and positive attitude. However, when coming to practice, a little more than one-tenth of the study participants practiced preventive behaviors all the time. Knowledge on COVID-19 and practice of preventive behaviors were significantly associated with gender, district, residence, education, and occupation. The results of this study can help to identify the specific target groups with low KAP with well-planned, tailored strategies.
Candida parapsilosis
Authors: Devi Ningthoujam Priyolakshmi , Devi Khuraijam Ranjana , Singh Akoijam K. Joy , Devi Pukhrambam Pratita , Singh Longjam Nilachandra
Published: August 2021

Fungal arthritis is a rare condition, often missed and underreported. Among all Candida species, Candida parapsilosis is a rare cause. A 66-year-old male with a history of arthritis on and off for the past 3 years and treated symptomatically presented with acute pain and swelling of the left knee joint for 1 week. Synovial fluid examination revealed yeast-like structures and fungal culture showed growth of Candida spp. VITEK 2 compact identified it as Candida famata but matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry assay confirmed it as C. parapsilosis. This is a rare case of nonalbicans candida arthritis, especially in this part of the country.
A Method to Increase the Viability of Cyprinus Carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) Stocking of the Aquatories Under the Influence Advanced Biotechnologies
Authors: Honcharova Olena , Kutishchev Pavlo , Korzhov Yevgen
Published: August 2021

This research investigated Spirulina Platensis, Chlorella vulgaris and Artemia salina as additional sources of protein and biologically active substances that affect the parameters of the carp body. Additional addition of carp to the diet in the ratio: Spirulina Platensis - 40%, Chlorella vulgaris - 30% and Artemia salina - 30% made an impact on the parameters of carp development. The components were cultured in a bioreactor built into a recirculating aquaculture system. The results showed that after additional feeding of carp with the indicated components, the body weight of one-year carp was higher than the control group by 8.9%, and safety by 3.4%. Body weight two year carp was greater in the experimental group than in the group where the fish ate the total diet. The difference was 12.1% in body weight and 2.9% in safety. These parameters were significantly lower in fish fed the control diet (P<0.05). This scientific work has demonstrated the additional use of natural food as a method for improving the blood composition of carp: an increase in hemoglobin by 15.5% (P<0.05), erythrocytes by 5.5% in comparison with the control group. Indicators of gas-discharge visualization of a biological object supplemented the obtained result.
Inclusion of Spirulina in Floating Fish Feed Production: Protein and Physical Quality
Authors: Hakim Arif Rahman , Wullandari Putri , Zulfia Naila , Widianto Tri Nugroho , Sedayu Bakti Berlyanto
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate effects of Spirulina meal (SM) inclusion in fish feed formulations on their physical and protein content. Four formulations of fish feed were carried out i.e. a control diet with fishmeal (FM) as the single protein source and three others formulations containing Spirulina meal (SM) ingredient in different ratios of FM: SM (w/w) namely 75:25; 50:50 and 25:75 (w/w). All the formulations were processed into pellets using an extruder with a 600 rpm screw speed, 100 °C barrel temperature, and 3 mm diameter of dies. The dried pellets were then evaluated with respect to the protein content and physical properties i.e. expansion ratio, unit density, floatability and hardness. In general, the most optimum pellet formulation was found at the ratio of 25:75 (FM: SM) ingredients resulted in pellet with higher protein (38.89%) and expand ratio (1.65 fold), the lowest unit density (0.473 mg/mm3), the highest floatability (100%) and less hardness (32.53 N). Therefore, formulation of floating fish feed included with Spirulina are an option for improving its protein content and physical properties.