bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Native, Non-Native, or Bilingual? A Concise Assessment of ChatGPT’s Suitability for Second-Language Instruction as a Native or Non-Native Pedagogue
Authors: Sakai Noboru
Published: February 2025

This study aims to investigate ChatGPT's ability to comprehend input from non-native speakers, specifically those learning English as a second language, with Japanese speakers serving as the model population. The experiment examines how ChatGPT evaluates the difficulty levels of the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), which is widely taken by non-native English speakers of varying proficiency levels. This study also measures ChatGPA’s response to discourses produced by non-native speakers - one containing grammatical errors and the other incorporating sociolinguistic or strategic competence expressions. The findings indicate that ChatGPT demonstrates proficiency in lexical and grammatical features and can comprehend non-perfect grammatical discourses produced by non-native speakers. However, ChatGPT does not accurately perceive the varying degrees of difficulty experienced by non-native speakers. Moreover, while ChatGPT can comprehend sociolinguistic expressions when the context is clear, its understanding of other communication strategies employed by non-native speakers is relatively limited.
THE LANCET – Respiratory Medicine published an article with an irreparable methodological error which caused a discrepancy with Our World Data
Authors: Sorli Amrit S.
Published: February 2025

Lancet article titled “Estimated number of lives directly saved by COVID-19 vaccination programmes in the WHO European Region from December, 2020, to March, 2023” is not in line with official Our World Data. The article claims that COVID-19 vaccination in 2021 has reduced global mortality in 2020 by 63%. According to Our World Data in 2021 6.08 million more people died than in 2020 which means that the discrepancy between article claims of reduced global mortality and official data is 159.5%.
A New Interpretation of Ptolemy's Germania Magna: Employing Computer-Assisted Image Distortion of a Medieval Map by Donnus Nicolaus Germanus to Examine Post-Glacial Geodynamics in Europe
Authors: Mildner Sven
Published: February 2025

This paper revisits Claudius Ptolemy's depiction of Germania Magna through a multidisciplinary approach, integrating computer-aided distortion analysis of Donnus Nicolaus Germanus's medieval cartography with geological insights. The study proposes that the region underwent significant and complex transformations, likely influenced by tectonic activity, such as the reactivation of the Caledonian Deformation Front (CDF), a major geological structure in Europe that separates ancient orogenic belts, and possibly by cosmic events like the Chiemgau impact, a proposed meteorite impact in southern Germany. A reevaluation of Germanus's map, aligned with modern cartographic data, challenges long-held interpretations of Germania Magna's boundaries. The analysis suggests that Ptolemy's Vistula Fluvius corresponds more closely to the present-day Schwarze Elster in Germany rather than the Vistula River (Weichsel) in Poland. Building on this reinterpretation, the study further examines the potential regression of the Oceanus Germanicus, attributing it to tectonic shifts, volcanic activity, or changes in relative sea level. These environmental processes may have profoundly shaped settlement patterns and cultural development, influencing not only coastal areas but also extending to all regions of Germania Magna, as communities presumably adapted to substantial environmental changes. By situating Germania Magna within the broader framework of geological, cosmic, and climatic phenomena, this study offers new insights into pivotal events and processes that could have shaped the environmental and cultural landscape of Northern and Central Europe in antiquity. It aims to encourage further interdisciplinary research and a critical reassessment of historical and archaeological interpretations.
Where has all the Sinter gone? From the Pink and White Terraces, the Greatest Tourist Attraction of the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Bunn Rex
Published: February 2025

Debate continues over the silica sinter Pink and White Terraces, the greatest tourist attraction of the southern hemisphere. The 1886 Tarawera eruption may or may not have destroyed them by burial or eruption. This research compiles surviving sinter. The volume is unexpectedly tiny, which bears on the debate. A database was developed including photography. A forensic approach was taken to atmospheric conditions which affected visibility. The eruption ejected ~ 0.5 km³ ash. Pink and White Terrace and other sinter occupied ~0.0003 km3 –0.0004 km3 of this. Finding sinter amongst the ejecta was unlikely. The probability of finding terrace sinter is ~0.03%–0.04%. This helps explain the small amount, presuming it existed. Many samples were unverified or lost. Surviving post-eruption samples are few. The scarcity is consistent with the terraces being buried and/or the vagaries of sample collection.
Evidence Factors in Fuzzy Regression Discontinuity Designs with Sequential Treatment Assignments
Authors: Suk Youmi , Lee Youjin
Published: February 2025

Many observational studies often involve multiple levels of treatment assignment. In particular, fuzzy regression discontinuity (RD) designs have sequential treatment assignment processes: first based on eligibility criteria, and second, on (non-)compliance rules. In such fuzzy RD designs, researchers typically use either an intent-to-treat approach or an instrumental variable-type approach, and each is subject to both overlapping and unique biases. This paper proposes a new evidence factors framework for fuzzy RD designs with sequential treatment assignments, which may be influenced by different levels of decision-makers. Each of the proposed evidence factors aims to test the same causal null hypothesis while potentially being subject to different types of biases. Our proposed framework utilizes the local RD randomization and randomization-based inference. We evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed framework through simulation studies and two real datasets on pre-kindergarten programs and testing accommodations.
An evaluation of the longitudinal, bidirectional association between cognitive and physical functioning in older adults
Authors: Imani Hadis , Godde Ben
Published: February 2025

Previous research has suggested that declines in physical function can be predicted by general cognitive scores. This study aimed to further investigate the longitudinal interplay between cognitive and physical functions, with a specific focus on determining which domain exerts a more pronounced influence on the other over time. A cross-lagged longitudinal analysis of panel data from the German Ageing Survey, specifically the scientific releases from the fourth, fifth, and sixth waves (2011, 2014, 2017), was employed. This longitudinal, cohort-based survey encompasses individuals aged 40 and over living in private households in Germany, with a sample size of 1,759 participants. Cognitive function was assessed with the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, and physical functioning was assessed using the Short Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Results revealed a significant bidirectional relationship between cognitive and physical function, with cognition exerting a more substantial long-term influence on physical function than vice versa. These findings emphasize the importance of regular screening for cognitive decline and early intervention strategies to maintain physical function and quality of life in older adults.
Development of morphological awareness in English as a Foreign Language: A Latent Growth Curve Modeling study
Authors: Li Xijiang , Zhang Dongbo
Published: February 2025

This longitudinal study examined the impact of learners’ first language (L1) background and affix neutrality/word regularity (i.e., whether suffixation changes the form of base words) on the growth of English morphological awareness (MA). University students with Chinese and Korean as their respective L1 completed the same set of tasks three times over two semesters that measured three aspects of derivational MA: relational, syntactic, and distributional. Unconditional latent growth curve models (LGM) showed a pattern of linear growth for all MA aspects. Further LGM analyses with group as a time-invariant covariate revealed that for the intercept, there was no significant group difference for relational MA; however, Korean-L1 learners significantly outperformed Chinese-L1 learners for distributional MA, whereas a converse pattern was found for syntactic MA of regular words. No significant group difference, however, was found in the slope for any MA aspect. Finally, Wald tests through parameter constraints on a parallel growth model showed that the intercept was greater for regular words than irregular words, which was true across groups and MA aspects. These findings underscore a complex interplay of learner internal (L1) and external (affix neutrality and skill facets) factors in MA development in a foreign language context.
Is my “red” your “red”?: Evaluating structural correspondences between color similarity judgments using unsupervised alignment
Authors: Kawakita Genji , Zeleznikow-Johnston Ariel , Takeda Ken , Tsuchiya Naotsugu , Oizumi Masafumi
Published: February 2025

Whether one person's subjective experience of the 'redness' of red is equivalent to another's is a fundamental question in consciousness studies. Intersubjective comparison of the relational structures of sensory experiences, termed 'qualia structures', can constrain the question. We propose an unsupervised alignment method, based on optimal transport, to find the optimal mapping between the similarity structures of sensory experiences without presupposing correspondences (such as 'red-to-red'). After collecting subjective similarity judgments for 93 colors, we showed that the similarity structures derived from color-neurotypical participants can be 'correctly' aligned at the group level. In contrast, those of color-blind participants could not be aligned with color-neurotypical participants. Our results provide quantitative evidence for interindividual structural equivalence or difference of color qualia, implying that color-neurotypical people’s 'red' is relationally equivalent to other color-neurotypical’s 'red', but not to color-blind people’s 'red'. This method is applicable across modalities, enabling general structural exploration of subjective experiences.
B-Man Stra/Tac and the Definition of Consciousness
Authors: Howard John
Published: February 2025

The B-Man Stra/Tac model is a new and comprehensive theory of how the mind works. This paper extracts from that model the definition of consciousness, and discusses some of the terms and concepts used.
A ruler-based technique for rigorously controlling visual stimulus size in online psychological experiments
Authors: Muto Hiroyuki
Published: February 2025

This study proposes a rigorous method for controlling visual stimulus size in online psychological experiments. Our method employs ruler-based calibration to estimate the millimeter-to-pixel ratio by applying the least squares method to participants’ repeated measurements of randomly generated line segment lengths. Importantly, the success of the calibration can be objectively verified by assessing the measurement error of a test line segment and the residual variance in a linear regression model. Our simulation demonstrated that, with the recommended calibration criteria, an upper bound of the standard deviation for estimation errors was 0.007 mm/px. Implementation results showed that the majority of 100 participants completed the calibration within a few minutes, demonstrating the method’s feasibility. Our method may facilitate rigorous studies of psychological phenomena sensitive to visual stimulus size, such as visual perception and cognition, in online environments. A demo and JSON file for implementing this method with lab.js are available at https://doi.org/10.17605/osf.io/zeyxp.
“ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.” Epistemic Beliefs and Metacognitive Accuracy in Students’ Integration of ChatGPT Content into Academic Writing
Authors: Urban Marek , Brom Cyril , Lukavsky Jiri , Dechterenko Filip , Hein Veronika , Svacha Filip , Kmonickova Petra , Urban Kamila
Published: February 2025

Recent studies have identified ChatGPT as an epistemic authority; however, no research has yet examined how epistemic beliefs and metacognitive accuracy impact actual work with ChatGPT-generated content, which is often prone to factual inaccuracies. Therefore, the present experimental study aimed to examine how university students integrate correct and incorrect information from expert-written and ChatGPT-generated articles when writing independently (N = 49) or with ChatGPT assistance (N = 49). Students working with ChatGPT-4o integrated more correct information from both expert-written (d = 0.64) and ChatGPT-generated articles (d = 0.95), but ChatGPT-assisted writing did not affect the amount of incorrect information sourced from the ChatGPT-generated article. Regardless of the condition, hierarchical regressions revealed that lower metacognitive bias was moderately associated with increased inclusion of correct information from the expert-written article (R2 = 12%). Conversely, a higher metacognitive bias (R2 = 10%) and epistemic beliefs (R2 = 12%) were moderately related to the inclusion of incorrect information from ChatGPT-generated articles. These findings suggest that while ChatGPT assistance enhances the integration of correct human- and AI-generated content, metacognitive skills remain essential to mitigate the risks of incorporating incorrect AI-generated information.
Centenarian Consciousness Index: A Biocognitive Assessment Model for Longevity Science
Authors: Martinez Mario
Published: February 2025

Psychometric RationaleOne the challenges of personality tests and other psychometric assessments is their limitedpredictive validity of healthy longevity because the measures fail to capture the contextual andcultural contributors to healthspan. In other words, mindbody responses are highly influenced bythe environmental conditions and cultural interpretations of the meaning-maker involved in theresponse and its midbody consequences. Individuals can be extroverted with family andintroverted with strangers, emotional openness is valued in one culture and discouraged in another,collectivism vs individualist influences in cultural perception, and so on.The Centenarian Consciousness Index (CCI) is a 60 questions assessment instrument derived fromover 20 years of ethnographic content analysis of healthy centenarians (100 years or older),including collectivist and individualist Eastern and Western cultures. Each question is measuredwith a five-point Likert scale ranging from “strongly disagree to strongly agree.” As it relates tocorrelating biological longevity markers (micro-assessment) and mindbody patterns of perceivingand emoting the world (macro-assessment), the (CCI) measures 4 perceptual and 4 emotionalfactors common to centenarians from most cultures, expressed during favorable as well as adverseconditions, independent of cultures, capturing the unique ways they perceive and emote their innerand outer world.
Estimating the Value of Retargeting in the Online Advertising Market
Authors: Fang Yuhan , Kawaguchi Kohei
Published: February 2025

To protect users' online privacy, many Internet browsers prohibit advertisers from tracking user information or targeting potential consumers. Advertisers are concerned that such retargeting prohibition policies could lead to a reduction in ads' click probability, thereby affecting their bidding valuations. Bid data from a demand-side platform (DSP) reveals that the bid valuations for non-retargeted impressions are more than 60% lower than those for retargeted ones. However, since the retargeting status is only observed for bids winning the internal auction at the DSP, we need to correct the selection bias. To address this, we develop an internal auction model and structurally estimate the advertisers' CPC and CTR. Counterfactual simulations using the estimate indicate the expected bid reduces by 38.10% on average if retargeting is prohibited compared to the scenario with the industry-average retargeting prevalence.
PRINCIPE DE L'ÉTAU
Authors: Tempier Aurélien
Published: February 2025

Dans une situation d’un stop-loss et un prix d’investment product entraînant un manque de capital pour un risque de compte donné, l’exposition majorée relative à un effet de levier implique une perte de contrôle d’un placement de stop-loss élaboré.Je propose un raccourcissement d’un point d’entrée mental signalé techniquement, dans l’attente d’un reflux du cours.Le reflux suppose le bruit de marché d’unités de temps inférieures, dans le délai du début d’un mouvement sur le cadre de signal.Il est aussi la manifestation par le cours de signal des phénomènes buy the dips et « effet de disposition ».Ladite entrée est nommée « serrage » (σ).
Medical Jousting
Authors: Sharma Anup
Published: February 2025

The definition of jousting according to the “Oxford Dictionary” is a sporting contest in which two opponents on a horseback, typically knights, fight with lances.
Medical jousting is when a medical professional makes derogatory comments about another medical professional’s work or treatment, either intentionally or unintentionally. It can be verbal, written or conveyed through body language. It is usually done due to jealousy against a fellow colleague. Jealousy can be interms of knowledge, number of patients that is seen by a fellow colleague and in today’s time especially in surgical practice, whether the procedure done is minimally invasive or open surgical.
The common ways of medical jousting is by passing comments like did the doctor examined the patient thoroughly, why this treatment was done why not other, if you have come to me first, I would have done like this, who gave you this scar, I would have avoided and so on.
Medical jousting has both ethical and legal implications. It leads to reduction in the trust towards the medical professional and stimulate the patient to file a case on a ground of malpractice or the patient is forced to do “Doctors Shopping” and end up in confusion and in worst situation it can provoke physical attack on a medical professional.
Difference in opinion about the treatment of many diseases between two doctors or a critical review of an article by a reviewer is well accepted. There are many controversies in the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of diseases around the world.
To prevent medical jousting, medical professionals should have no feeling of jealousy or opposition among the colleagues. If any incompetency is found in the treatment by the primary physician, the second should better not mention it to the patient or his/her relatives and if it is very important to mention it can be discussed by himself personally.
MRI Assessment of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and its Association with Modic Changes
Authors: Jha Amit , Ghimire Prasanna , Paudel Nabin , Jha Sushmita
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Low Back Pain is a very common disability affecting millions of people worldwide. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is the preferred tool of investigation in these patients in which commonly encountered findings include lumbar disc degeneration and endplate changes. However, there are few studies exploring a potential relationship between these two findings.
Aims: To evaluate whether endplate changes, as described by Modic, are associated with the Pfirrmann grades of disc degeneration.
Methods: Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans of the lumbar spine were performed on a consecutive group of 200 patients experiencing low back pain. Disc degeneration was assessed using the Pfirrmann grading system, while endplate changes were categorized according to Modic types. This comprehensive evaluation aimed to identify the relationships between disc degeneration and Modic changes in this patient population.
Results: The most commonly affected age groups were those between 40 and 60 years, with a higher prevalence in females. Among 200 patients with disc degeneration, 74 (37%) exhibited Modic changes. The most common type of disc degeneration was Pfirrmann grade III and most common type of Modic change was type II. Non-Modic, Type 1 and Type 2 changes showed significant differences in Pfirrmann grade (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Significant correlation was observed between endplate changes and intervertebral disc degeneration, as demonstrated by imaging findings. This relationship indicates that as disc degeneration worsens, the association between the Pfirrmann and Modic classifications becomes statistically stronger.
Bacteriological Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Chronic Non-healing Wound Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital from North India
Authors: Karn Subhash Lal , Pokhrel Sandeep , Rai Maya , Neupane Ganesh Prasad , Myneedu Vithal Prasad , Bhartiya Satyanam Kumar , Sahu Minakshi , Nath Gopal
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Chronic wounds are becoming increasingly common as a result of an increase in the ageing population and a rising population with diabetes and obesity. These have been associated with significant financial burdens on society, directly (medi- cal and healthcare expenditures) and indirectly. Factors like infection by multi-drug resistant microorganisms, biofilm formation, inflammatory mediators, hypoxia, poor nutrition, and recurrent trauma may make the wounds chronic. Aims: To assess the bac- teriological profile of chronic wound infections and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern.
Methods: Two swabs were collected to isolate aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. The isolates were then subjected to antimicrobial testing by a modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method, and the multi-drug resistant strain was identified to be resistant to at least three different antibiotic classes. The strain of Staphylococcus aureus was screened for methicillin resistance using a cefoxitin disc (30 μg).
Results: 100% of the samples collected from chronic wounds yielded bacterial growth. S. aureus was the most prevalent isolate at 29.2%, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae at 22.5% and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 17.5%. Monobacterial infection was the most frequent in 51.7% of wounds. 88.6% of the strains of S. aureus were methicillin-resistant (MRSA). MDR bacteria accounted for 95.83% of all bacterial isolates.
Conclusion: High levels of resistance to one or more antibiotic agents have been reported, and a substantial number of them exhibited multidrug resistance , indicating limited therapeutic options for managing chronic non-healing wounds. Therefore, to contain antibiotic resistance, periodic surveillance of the bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern in the study region is of the utmost importance in ensuring successful wound infection care with appropriate antiobiotics.
Evaluation of the Impact of Helmet Use on the Severity of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Shakya Bikram , K.C. Bidur
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among motorcyclists, especially in Nepal, where two-wheeler vehicles are highly prevalent. This study investigates the association between helmet use and the severity of traumatic brain injuries in motorcyclists presenting to a tertiary care hospital.
Aims: To evaluate the impact of helmet use on the severity of traumatic brain injuries and associated clinical outcomes.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 150 motorcyclists admitted to Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital between July and September 2023. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics, including age, gender, mechanism of injury, alcohol or drug use, and injury severity, were collected. The Glasgow Coma Scale scores and imaging findings were analyzed to assess traumatic brain injury severity. Statistical tests, including chi-square and logistic regression, were employed to evaluate the association between helmet use and injury outcomes.
Results: Among 150 participants, 87 (58%) were helmeted, and 63 (42%) were non-helmeted. The mean age was 32.8 years (SD = 11.2). Helmeted patients had significantly higher Glasgow Coma Scale scores (13.2 vs. 8.4, p < 0.001) and were more likely to experience mild or moderate traumatic brain injuries (90%) compared to non-helmeted patients, who had a higher proportion of severe injuries (60%). Imaging revealed that helmeted patients had a lower incidence of intracranial hemorrhage (25% vs. 75%) and contusions (15% vs. 60%) (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Helmet use significantly reduces the severity of traumatic brain injuries, as evidenced by higher Glasgow Coma Scale scores, lower intracranial hemorrhage rates and reduced likelihood of severe injuries. These findings emphasize the need to promote helmet use to mitigate the burden of traumatic brain injuries in Nepal.
Comparison of Three Different Doses of Esmolol to Attenuate Hemodynamic Stress Response During Laryngoscopy and Endotracheal Intubation
Authors: Sharma Mahesh , Sapkota Suraksha , Sharma Sagun , Shakya Shailendra
Published: February 2025

Introduction: The hemodynamic stress can result from laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation due to sympathoadrenal stimulation. Esmolol administered intravenously reduces the hemodynamic stress response. The lowest effective dose of esmolol for this purpose is still in debate, hence we chose to study three different doses.
Aims: To evaluate various doses of esmolol administered intravenously in managing hemodynamic stress response in patients undergoing laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation.
Methods: This prospective and cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 66 patients, administered 0.5 (Group A), 1 (Group B) and 1.5 mg/kg (Group C) doses of esmolol to 22 patients in each group undergoing laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation, considering all inclusion and exclusion criteria. Parameters like heart rate, arterial blood pressure were all monitored before premdication, after premdication, before intubation, after intubation, till 7 minutes at different time intervals following laryngoscopy and intubation.
Results: The heart rate data for Groups A, B, and C shows significant differences at various stages. For example, post succynylcholine Group data also showed significant differences, particularly at 3 and 4 minutes post-intubation (p<0.001). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) measurements further demonstrate significant differences at multiple stages (e.g., post-intubation MAP: Group A 115.5±8, Group B 108.2±7.2, Group C 109.2±8.9, p<0.001).
Conclusion: The study has shown that it is better to choose 1.5 mg/kg to manage hemodynamic stress response during laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation.
Comparison of Tubeless Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and With Tubed Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Kidney Stones: A Prospective Study
Authors: Shah Ram Sagar , Mishra Kartikesh , Sah Sachidanand , Karn Prakash , Thapa Niraj
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Renal stone disease is a prevalent condition with a high recurrence rate, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Different modalities of renal surgery are using globally. Mini Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is an effective treatment for renal stones. Due to the significant pain and morbidity after Percutaneous nephrolithotomy because of nephrostomy tubes, various modifications of Percutaneous nephrolithotomy are being performed.
Aims: To compare the safety and efficacy of tubeless mini Percutaneous nephrolithotomy against tubed mini Percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Methods: It is prospective Hospital study conducted from July 2021 to December 2022 at Nobel Medical College. total 100 patients under inclusion criteria were divided into two groups: 50 in Group A (tubed mini Percutaneous nephrolithotomy) and 50 in Group B (tubeless mini Percutaneous nephrolithotomy) alternatively. The 2 groups were compared for Clavien Dindo grading of complications in Percutaneous nephrolithotomy analgesic requirements, hospital stay and time of operative procedure. Data was analysed by using the chi-square test for qualitative variables and the student t test for quantitative variables. A P value 0.05 was considered significant. Ethical clearance was obtained from institutional review committee.
Results: The mean age was similar between groups (Group A: 35.44 years; Group B: 36.26 years). Complications were comparable, with postoperative pyrexia being the most common in both groups. However, Group B demonstrated significantly shorter hospital stays (80% discharged within 2 days vs. 30% in Group A) and lower analgesic requirements (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Tubeless mini Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a safe and effective alternative for selected patients, offering reduced hospital stays and lower analgesic needs compared to tubed mini Percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Prevalence of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus in Morang District
Authors: Rijal Shash Sharma , Paudel Diksha
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Type II Diabetes Mellitus is a significant global health concern that has become prevalent worldwide, and its impact on morbidity and mortality is substantial. Metformin is a commonly prescribed medication for type II diabetes that interferes with the absorption of vitamin B12 in the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to neurological issues in patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the vitamin B12 levels in Type II diabetic patients taking metformin at the Purbanchal University Teaching Hospital medical OPD.
Method: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study was done from May 2022 to April 2023 at the medical outpatient department of Purbanchal University Teaching Hospital, Gothgaun, Morang. Non-probability purposive sampling was done to select 385 Type II diabetic patients on metformin for 12 months. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, which was validated with the consultation of experts.
Result: It was found that the mean age (in years) with SD was 55.2±11.3; most of the respondents were female. The prevalence of low vitamin B12 was 21.8% among the study respondents. Diabetic patients on low vitamin B12 taking metformin were significantly associated with age over 50 years, a higher metformin dosage, a longer duration of use, and vegetarian dietary patterns.
Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of regular monitoring of vitamin B12 levels in Type II diabetes mellitus and prolonged metformin treatment to prevent potential complications.
Knowledge on Hypertension among Adult People in Morang, Nepal
Authors: Basnet Saraswati
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the silent killers in the 21st century and is one of the largest global public health concerns. An estimated 1.28 billion people aged 79 years worldwide have hypertension, with the two-thirds residing in low and middle-income country. In Nepal, about one in every four people has hypertension, and less than 5% have it under control.
Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge on hypertension among adults in a community.
Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to assess the knowledge on hypertension among adults. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the respondents. A structured interview schedule was used to collect the data among 423 respondents. Descriptive and inferential analysis i.e. chi-square test was used to find the association between dependent and independent variables.
Result: The finding of the study revealed that less than one third (27.9 %) of respondents were aged between 31 to 40 years. More than half (52.7%) were male, less than one third (28.6%) of respondents were dependent on service. Similarly, more than half (53.4%) of the respondents had no family history of hypertension less than half (42.6%) of respondents were Brahmin/ Chhetri, 44.4% of respondents had a good level of knowledge on hypertension. The finding shows that there was a significant association between level of knowledge with educational level (p=0.001), ethnicity (p=0.001), source of health information (internet) (p=0.001) and health care worker (p=0.001) whereas the other independent variables had no statistical significance with the level of knowledge (p ˂ 0.05).
Conclusion: The study concluded that less than half of respond-ents had still poor level of knowledge. Hence, mass awareness program might be helpful to increase the level of knowledge on hypertension.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern Among Cancer Patients with Urinary Tract Infection at a Tertiary Cancer Hospital in Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Abish , Pandit Subhas , Sapkota Simit , Bhandari Jeebana , Suwal Atul
Published: February 2025

Background: Cancer patients are at a higher risk of infection due to the nature of treatment modalities used that lead to immunosuppression. Urinary tract infections are the most common cause of morbidity among cancer patients.
Objective: The objective of this study is to determine antibiotic sensitivity and resistance pattern in cancer patients with urinary tract infections at a tertiary cancer hospital in Nepal.
Method: A retrospective analysis was conducted on cancer patients with urinary tract infections from September 2020 to June 2024 at a tertiary cancer hospital in Nepal. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Data on positive urine cultures were extracted from the medical laboratory system. Bacterial profiles and antibiotic susceptibility test results were assessed. Data were analyzed using R-statistical software.
Result: A total of 613 urine cultures were performed during the study period among which 116 were positive cultures. After excluding ineligible cultures, 102 (16.63%) positive cultures from 97 patients were included. Most of the patients were females (79.38%). The most common cancers were gynecological (43.39%) followed by genitourinary (9.28%), central nervous system (9.28%) and lung (8.25%) cancers. The most isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (62.88%) followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (14.43%). The most sensitive antibiotics were Amikacin (68.42%), Nitrofurantoin (63.54%), Gentamicin (41.43%), Co-trimoxazole (40.63%), Ofloxacin (38.10%), Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (31.51%), Norfloxacin (26.09%), Ciprofloxacin (20.93%), Cefixime (13.85%) and Amoxicillin (8.33%) while the antibiotics in reverse order were most resistant antibiotics among top 10 tested antibiotics.
Conclusion: The findings of this study can guide clinicians to make an informed decision in the selection of antibiotics and management of urinary tract infections in cancer patients.
Pure Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Renal Pelvis: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Kunwar Lokendra
Published: February 2025

Pure squamous cell carcinoma of renal pelvis is a rare malignancy usually associated with nephrolithiasis. There is difficulty in early diagnosis of such rare neoplasm because of non-specific clinical and radiological features. We report a case of squamous cell carcinoma of left renal pelvis in a 60 year old male with history of long standing renal calculi. After detailed workup, he underwent radical nephrectomy and the histopathological examination revealed squamous cell carcinoma of renal pelvis.
Fasciotomy in Compartment Syndrome of Upper limb: A Case Report
Authors: Shrestha Robin
Published: February 2025

Acute compartment syndromes of the upper arm following trauma is even though a less common complication, it certainly is an orthopedic emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and intervention, typically via surgical decompression by fasciotomy. I report a 45 years old factory worker with compartment syndrome after trauma treated with fasciotomy. The limb was saved and wound was closed serially by shoelace technique. At 6 months follow up visit, the patient was asymptomatic with 30 to 150 degrees of ac-tive range of movement on examination. In this article I emphasize on early identification and management of acute compartment syndrome.
Leading the Future of Medical Education: A Dean’s Perspective on MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) curriculum Design of Purbanchal University, Nepal
Authors: Pokharel Shailesh Mani
Published: February 2025

The development of the MBBS curriculum at Purbanchal University (PU) signifies a monumental advancement in medical education in Nepal. This article delves into the processes, methodologies, and guiding principles employed in the creation of the curriculum, emphasizing its alignment with global standards, national health needs, and modern educational practices. The curriculum’s innovative elements, such as the SPICE (Student-centered, Problem-based, Integrated, Community-based, and Elective) model and competency-based education, alongside its comprehensive structure integrating basic and clinical sciences, aim to produce proficient medical graduates equipped to meet both local and international healthcare demands.
Nursing Faculties: The Heart of Nursing Academia
Authors: Pradhan Uma , Subba Dipty , Shrestha Menuka , Barakoti B.
Published: February 2025

Nursing academics involves both the profession of nursing and the profession of education. This article sheds light on different duties and responsibilities performed by nursing faculties, various challenges, and how nursing institutions and stakeholders can work together to overcome the challenges. This article also focuses on various key areas like research, clinical practice, teaching-learning activities, and administrative roles that nursing faculties are supposed to acquire and gain their competence.
Moreover, nursing faculties plays pivotal role in tailoring the quality nursing professionals. However, faculties need to attain excellence in their roles so that the positive attitude with professional demeanor are passed on to the next generation.
A STUDY OF THE URBAN FEATURES OF THE URBAN SYSTEM IN THE ALGERIAN CITY OF CONSTANTINE FOR THE PERIOD (1987–2022)
Authors: Nacer Fethi
Published: February 2025

The study of the urban system today is one of the important topics in the field of regional planning and urban engineering. It focuses on urban centers from both external and internal perspectives, considering their interaction and interconnection in forming the urban system.This study attempts to explore the characteristics of the urban system in the city of Constantine over the period (1987–2022) by addressing the various changes that occurred in the dynamics of urban movement as well as the manifestations of regional integration and their influence on the city’s size and functions. The study also emphasizes the importance of examining the balance within the urban system and its interactions within the urban network.The results of the study indicate that the characteristics of the urban system exhibit urban dynamics that have developed over a specific period, reflecting a distinctive urban system during a phase where the phenomenon of "urban sprawl" has emerged in alignment with the interests of the city of Constantine. Over time, the urban system evolved to lean towards institutional and legislative balances and the stability of urban networks, while dismantling spatial disparities and integrating the connections within the urban network.
Vegan alternatives as the source of halal cosmetic products: a comparative analysis in efficiency, cost, and ethical ımplications
Authors: Mujib Nabilah Ulfah
Published: February 2025

The growing demand for vegan cosmetics, projected to reach US $20 billion by 2028, presents a significant opportunity for the cosmetics industry. However, aligning vegan products with halal certification remains a challenge, especially given the prevalence of animal-derived ingredients in traditional formulations. This study explores the comparative efficacy, cost implications, and ethical considerations of vegan versus animal-based ingredients in cosmetics. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and market trends, we examine the benefits of vegan cosmetics, such as their cruelty-free production and reduced environmental impact, alongside the barriers to halal certification. The research identifies key vegan alternatives—such as agar, carrageenan, soy, and plant-based colourants—that offer similar functional benefits to animal-derived ingredients like collagen, gelatin, and keratin but often require additional processing or formulation adjustments to achieve comparable results. Despite these challenges, vegan alternatives offer cost-effective solutions and align more easily with ethical standards, including halal compliance. The study concludes that heightened consumer awareness, alongside innovative product formulations, can facilitate the acceptance of vegan and halal-certified cosmetics for ethical consumption practices in the industry.
İleri Yetişkinlikte Anlam Arayışı: Ölümle Yüzleşme Bağlamında Bir Film Analizi: İkiru (Yaşamak)
Authors: Yıldız Canan , Kahveci Gülistan , Yukay Yüksel Müge
Published: February 2025

Ölüm gerçekliği her zaman bilinen fakat yaşamın akışı içerisinde bastırılan ve bazen dışsal bir durum sonucu yüzleşebildiğimiz bir olgudur. Ölüm farkındalığı bireye özgü olmakla birlikte her gelişim döneminde farklı bir seviyede deneyimlenmektedir. Yaşamın son evrelerinde üzerine daha fazla düşünülen bir durum olan ölüm, tetikleyici bir hastalıkla birlikte bireyin ölüm farkındalığının ve yaşamla ilgili sorgulamalarının daha da derinleşmesini sağlamaktadır. Usta Japon yönetmen Akira Kurosawa, ileri yetişkin karakterleriyle ön plana çıkan Ikiru (Yaşamak) isimli filminde kanser olduğunu ve öleceğini öğrenen bir ileri yetişkinin hayatını sorgulamasını konu edinmektedir. Bu makalede karakterin bulunduğu gelişim dönemi de göz önüne alınarak filmin psikolojik analizi yapılmıştır. Analiz kapsamında gelişim ve yaşlılık kuramlarından Erikson’ın Psikososyal Gelişim Kuramı ve Ödünleme Yoluyla Seçici Optimizasyon Kuramı’ndan yararlanılmıştır. Ayrıca filmin ölüm farkındalığı ve anlam arayışı vurgusunu açıklayabilmek için varoluşçu kuramcılardan Victor Frankl ve Irvin Yalom’un kavramları açısından da film incelenmiştir. Son olarak Jung’un Analitik Psikolojisi kapsamında kişisel bilindışına ait olan “persona” ve “gölge” arketipleri ile kolektif bilinçdışına ait olan “kahraman” arketipi kapsamında filmin ana karakteri incelenmiştir. Ikiru filmi yukarıda bahsedilen kuramlar ve kavramlar perspektifinde incelendiğinde psikolojik olarak analiz edilmeye uygun bir filmdir.
Fonksiyonel Olmayan Akıl Yürütme Görevleri (Türkçe Versiyon): Klinik Olmayan Örneklemde Psikometrik Özelliklerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: Tunç Ece , Yorulmaz Orçun
Published: February 2025

Çıkarıma Dayalı Yaklaşım (ÇDY), Obsesif-Kompulsif Bozuklukta (OKB) şüphenin rolüne odaklanan, nispeten yeni, süreç odaklı bir yaklaşımdır. Bu yaklaşımda önemli bir bilişsel süreç olan çıkarımsal karmaşa, işlevsel olmayan akıl yürütme yöntemlerinin kullanılması nedeniyle hayali olasılıklar ile gerçeklik arasında yaşanan kafa karışıklığını içerir. Türkçede şu anda bu değişkeni göreve dayalı olarak değerlendiren bir ölçüm aracı bulunmamaktadır. Bu nedenle mevcut çalışmada Fonksiyonel Olmayan Akıl Yürütme Görevleri (FOAG) isimli ölçüm aracının 200 kişilik klinik olmayan yetişkin örneklemde Türkçe diline uyarlanması amaçlanmıştır. FOAG’ın psikometrik özelliklerini değerlendirmek için Obsesif İnanışlar Anketi, Obsesif Kompulsif Envanteri ve Çıkarımsal Karmaşa Ölçeği kullanılarak analizler yapılmıştır. FOAG, OKB endişeleriyle doğrudan ilgili 24 senaryo (bulaşma, kontrol, "doğru" ve kabul edilemez düşünceler gibi) ve OKB dışı endişelerle ilgili (dakiklik ve benzerlik gibi) 6 senaryo içermektedir. Ölçme aracının hem 24 maddelik hem de 30 maddelik tam formu üzerinde analizler yapılmıştır. Sonuçlar, FOAG’ın diğer değişkenlerle gösterdiği anlamlı ilişkiler, yüksek ve düşük semptom grubunda istatistiksel olarak farklılaşması ve semptom düzeyine yaptığı bağımsız katkıyla tatmin edici güvenilirlik ve geçerlilik değerleri sağladığını göstermektedir. Bu çalışmanın bulguları, mevcut alanyazınla tutarlı olarak çıkarımsal karmaşa ve OKB arasındaki ilişkiyi desteklemekte ve FOAG’ın Türk toplumunda kullanılabilecek geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçüm aracı olduğunu göstermektedir.
Pelatihan Pengolahan Minyak Jelantah Sebagai Upaya Untuk Menumbuhkan Motivasi Berwirausaha Masyarakat Desa Ciseeng Kabupaten Bogor
Authors: Wahyuni* Sri , Soesyanti Soesyanti
Published: February 2025

Pengabdian masyarakat dengan program pelatihan pengolahan minyak jelantah dilaksanakan berdasarkan atas pertimbangan kebutuhan desa Ciseeng. Tujuan dari pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah untuk memberikan pengetahuan dan keterampilan kepada masyarakat serta menumbuhkan motivasi untuk berwirausaha.  Metode pelaksanaan pelatihan dilakukan dengan tiga tahapan yaitu 1) mediasi yaitu upaya untuk menjebatani terjalinnya kerjasama dalam pengelolaan limbah minyak jelantah antara Desa Ciseeng dan PT RMJ; 2) sosialisasi, yaitu pengenalan pemanfaatan minyak jelantah; 3) pelatihan, yaitu pemberian panduan dan praktik mengolah minyak jelantah menjadi sabun dan lilin. Hasil pelatihan diukur dengan menggunakan pretest dan posttes yang menunjukkan adanya peningkatan kesadaran masyarakat untuk tidak membuang minyak jelantah sembarangan sebesar 76,9%. Peningkatan pengetahuan tentang minyak jelantah dapat diolah Kembali menjadi sabun dan lilin sebesar 23,1 %, peningkatan pengetahuan cara mengolah minyak jelantah menjadi sabun dan lilin sebesar 30,8%, serta menumbuhkan motivasi untuk berwirausaha yang ditunjukkan dengan minatnya untuk memproduksi sabun dan lilin dari minyak jelantah sebesar 100%.
Upaya Peningkatan Pemahaman Pengasuhan Pekerja Migran Indonesia di Singapura melalui Lokakarya Program Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat
Authors: Izzaty* Rita Eka , Nurhayati Siti Rohmah , Romadhani Rahmatika Kurnia
Published: February 2025

Minimnya pengasuhan dan perlindungan merupakan permasalahan yang terjadi pada Anak Pekerja Migran Indonesia (APM). Apalagi Pekerja Migran Indonesia tinggal jauh dari keluarga dan anak dan menghadapi stresor yang menjadi tantangan dalam mengembangkan keterampilan pengasuhan positif. Oleh karena itu, perlu adanya upaya dari berbagai pihak untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut. Pelatihan ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efek dari Program Pengabdian Masyarakat (PPM) berupa pelatihan keterampilan pengasuhan terhadap pengetahuan pengasuhan Pekerja Migran Indonesia (PMI), mencakup pengetahuan tentang pemahaman diri PMI sebagai orang tua, hubungan yang sehat dalam keluarga, hak-hak anak, dan pola asuh yang positif. Program PPM yang dilakukan berupa workshop online sebagai bagian dari layanan psikologis melalui platform Zoom dan konsultasi psikologis melalui WhatsApp. Untuk menguji keberhasilan pelatihan ini, digunakan metode pra-eksperimental dengan desain one group pre test-post test. Peserta pelatihan ini adalah 80 Pekerja Migran Indonesia (PMI) yang berdomisili di Singapura (dengan rentang usia 18-43 tahun dan semuanya berjenis kelamin perempuan). Rangkaian program dilaksanakan dari tanggal 18-25 Juli 2021. Pengetahuan orang tua mengenai mindful parenting dievaluasi menggunakan pre dan post-test (tes awal dan akhir) dengan analisis menggunakan uji Wilcoxon. Hasil penghitungan uji beda menunjukkan bahwa terdapat peningkatan pengetahuan yang signifikan antar peserta mengenai topik atau isu yang dibahas dalam Pelatihan (p = 0,00, p<0,05) sehingga implementasi PPM dapat dibuktikan berhasil.