bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From segregation to participation: connecting sheltered workshops and local communities in Japan
Authors: Mithout Anne-Lise
Published: March 2024

This paper presents the situation of sheltered workshops in contemporary Japan. Based on three case studies, it analyses the tension between segregation and social participation, as experienced by sheltered workshop managers and users. Indeed, sheltered employment institutions have long been criticized as vectors of segregation and, therefore, have conducted significant changes in order to adapt to the current shift towards mainstreaming. They are thus going through significant tensions, caught between their identity as institutions and the call for de-institutionalization that has emerged in recent years. This paper examines the social function of sheltered workshops in contemporary society. It analyzes to what extent they provide their workers with opportunities for “social participation” and discusses the various meanings of this concept. It shows that, in a society that places a high social and moral value on work, they enable their users to feel and be socially recognized as productive individuals, but not to live as financially independent individuals.
Ce qu’être sourd veut dire aéro-médicalement : constituer un état, instituer une inaptitude, vivre le parcours de dérogation
Authors: Février Antoine
Published: March 2024

Si l’intégrité de l’audition est historiquement normée comme une condition opérationnelle essentielle pour exercer une activité certifiée de vol, les pilotes Hearing Speaking Impaired peuvent bénéficier de dérogations spécifiques et de prescriptions médicales pour voler, mais cela implique des ajustements et des modifications complexes. L’objectif de cet article est d’examiner comment la surdité est prise en compte et institutionnalisée dans le processus de sélection des pilotes d’aviation de loisir. Nous étudions l’évolution des critères de sélection et l’organisation actuelle de cette pratique. L’analyse se concentre sur les tensions et les enjeux liés à ce processus. Nous mettons en évidence les normes et les règles spécifiques qui régissent cette activité, ainsi que les défis posés par l’intégration des pilotes sourds. Les activités aéronautiques des pilotes sourds ne sont ainsi pas détachées de ce processus d’évaluation médicale. Plus en avant, elles sont organisées en son départ, dans une disposition de certification reliant une condition médicale (surdité) à des opérations, des méthodologies de vol et des espaces aériens (vol en dehors des espaces où la radio est obligatoire).
Agencer l’individuel et le collectif : Entrainement cognitif et schizophrénie en France
Authors: Moutaud Baptiste
Published: March 2024

La remédiation cognitive recouvre en psychiatrie un ensemble de techniques qui visent à entrainer les compétences cognitives de personnes qui souffrent de troubles mentaux chroniques afin d’améliorer leurs conditions de vie et leur quotidien. Dans ce texte, je vais tracer les grandes lignes de l’agencement particulier de la remédiation cognitive tel qu’il se matérialise dans la pratique. J’interroge plus particulièrement le fait que les tensions et les évolutions de cette pratique se structurent en partie autour du couple institution-désinstitutionnalisation et autour des modalités d’organisation d’une pratique qui se fonde sur les idéaux et valeurs de la désinstitutionnalisation mais pensée par et depuis des services hospitalo-universitaires. Tout d’abord, j’amène des éléments pratiques puis historiques et conceptuels concernant le développement de la remédiation cognitive afin de saisir comment elle est pensée, organisée, pratiquée et les idéaux qu’elle transporte. Ensuite, j’expose certaines des tensions et ambiguïtés théoriques et épistémiques qui peuvent naître d’une pratique qui prétend répondre à la fragilité et à la précarité de la vie des personnes souffrant d’un trouble psychiatrique chronique en agissant sur la cognition. Enfin, j’analyse les conséquences d’une pratique qui étend ses objectifs à la réhabilitation psychosociale pour devenir un potentialisateur d’insertion sociale et professionnelle.
Pour le meilleur et pour le pire ? Les effets tout à la fois protecteurs et délétères des établissements médico-sociaux à l’égard du tabagisme des personnes avec un trouble psychique
Authors: Saetta Sébastien , Fernane Adel , Trichard Christian , Minary Laetitia , Remen Thomas , Martini Hervé , Guirimand Nicolas , Rouquette Alexandra , Amsellem Norbert , Lombrail Pierre , Leplege Alain
Published: March 2024

Par le biais d’une étude sur le tabagisme dans les établissements médico-sociaux accueillant des personnes avec un trouble psychique, la présente contribution vise à enrichir d’éléments empiriques la controverse sur la légitimité des établissements résidentiels soulevée par la rapporteuse de l’ONU lors de sa visite en France en 2017. Elle vise à interroger le caractère ségrégatif de ce type d’établissement (évoluent-ils à l’égard du processus général de dénormalisation du tabac ?) ainsi que les potentielles privations qui y sont exercées. Nous montrerons que, si le tabagisme est globalement plus prégnant et banalisé dans ces établissements que dans le reste de la société, des indices d’un processus de dénormalisation s’y observent, en particulier dans une partie de ces établissements. A la question de savoir si ces établissements constituent des lieux de privation de liberté, nous montrerons que le fait de restreindre l’accès des résident·e·s à leurs cigarettes s’apparente à une atteinte aux droits et contribue à les infantiliser, mais leur évite cependant de se retrouver en difficulté et peut parfois constituer également une demande de leur part. Cette contribution encourage ainsi à repenser le fonctionnement et la réforme des établissements résidentiels, tout en invitant à ne pas abandonner et laisser à eux-mêmes les franges les plus vulnérables de la population, en particulier en rapport avec la forte dépendance qu’induit le tabagisme.
Programme de développement professionnel des fonctionnaires en vue de la création d’un environnement éducatif sûr dans le cadre de la loi martiale
Authors: Trubavina Iryna , Cherednychenko Oleksandr , Nedria Kirill , Oliinyk Nadiia
Published: March 2024

La pertinence de cet article est déterminée par la nécessité de former les responsables de l'éducation, les fonctionnaires et les représentants des autorités locales autonomes à travailler et à gérer le système éducatif dans des conditions de guerre. L'objectif est donc de justifier et d’élaborer un programme de développement professionnel à court terme pour les fonctionnaires et les représentants des autorités locales autonomes en ce qui concerne la sécurité dans l'éducation en vue de créerun environnement éducatif sûr. La méthodologie de recherche de l'article déploie un ensemble d'approches scientifiques qui ont déterminé le contenu, les méthodes et la forme de la formation : approches fondées sur les compétences, axiologiques, systémiques, axées sur le risque, approche de l'administration publique et approche des droits de l'homme. Les méthodes de recherche comprennent l'analyse des sources théoriques, la synthèse, la modélisation, les entretiens oraux avec les éducateurs, la généralisation de l'expérience et l'observation. La nouveauté scientifique est justifiée par le contenu du programme et la sélection des approches d'apprentissage. L'enjeu pratique réside dans l'élaboration d'un programme de formation destiné aux fonctionnaires et aux représentants des autorités locales autonomes. Les résultats de l'étude fournissent le contenu, les formes et les méthodes d'enseignement pour résoudre les problèmes d'éducation sous la loi martiale en Ukraine, en examinant spécifiquement l'exemple de la région de Kharkiv. Les nouveaux problèmes de l'organisation de l'éducation sous la loi martiale ont été identifiés : problèmes techniques et psychologiques des enfants et des autres participants pendant le processus éducatif, problèmes matériels des institutions éducatives et des familles. Ces problèmes doivent être résolus pour que le processus éducatif soit efficace malgré le manque de culture en matière de sécurité au sein de la population et bien d’autres failles. En conclusion, le programme proposé répond à de nombreuses questions, en particulier pour la région de Kharkiv et l'Ukraine. Les perspectives de recherche future concernent le développement du contenu du programme et incluent la connaissance des meilleures expériences étrangères et ukrainiennes.
Genre et pratiques numériques selon l’origine sociale et le territoire, à l’entrée dans l’adolescence
Authors: Décret-Rouillard Rozenn
Published: March 2024

Notre article porte sur les pratiques des réseaux sociaux numériques et des jeux vidéo par des adolescents et adolescentes âgé·e·s de 13 ans. La recherche présentée qui s’inscrit dans un modèle intersectionnel, interroge les pratiques adolescentes genrées à l’ère du numérique et ce, en les confrontant à l’origine sociale et au territoire de scolarisation des enquêté·e·s. Les résultats sont issus d’une enquête quantitative auprès de 2475 élèves et qualitative auprès de 180 élèves menée dans l’académie de Rennes. Si notre travail confirme la place déterminante du genre dans la différenciation des pratiques numériques adolescentes, il nuance l’exclusivité de la variable genre dans l’explicitation de ces pratiques, en particulier chez les filles. Les pratiques numériques des filles sont différenciées socialement et dans une moindre mesure, territorialement. L’entre-soi numérique genré des garçons, à la différence de celui des filles, est bien moins soumis aux effets de la catégorie sociale des parents.
L’activité des médiatrices interculturelles en contexte médical : un rempart aux injustices épistémiques ?
Authors: Mahmoud Marwa , Muller-Mirza Nathalie
Published: March 2024

Nous repensons ici les situations de communication plurilingue et interculturelle en contexte médical sous l’angle des injustices épistémiques (Fricker, 2007). À l’aide d’entretiens narrativo-explicitatifs portant sur deux situations relevant du rapport à la naissance et à la mort, décrites par deux médiatrices interculturelles, nous analysons les pratiques de ces dernières et mettons en évidence la manière dont elles s’y prennent pour que la parole des personnes allophones soit écoutée et crue. Notre étude contribue, d’une part, à mettre en lumière certains aspects liés aux injustices épistémiques dans la communication interculturelle, et, d’autre part, à repenser de manière critique le rapport entre les ontologies sous-tendant la relation à autrui, au corps et à la santé, mobilisées dans les institutions médicales.
Digital Health, Smartphone-Based Motor Assessment, and Public Health
Authors: Souza Givago Silva , Furtado Brena Karoline Ataíde , Almeida Edilson Brabo , Callegari Bianca , Pinheiro Maria da Conceição Nascimento
Published: March 2024

The availability of technologies for assessing people's health is a limiting factor in many countries, especially the poorest ones. Smartphones offer a range of tools that can be useful for extracting biological signals that may be related to individuals' health conditions or diseases. Among these tools, inertial sensors and touchscreens enable the performance of motor tests that scientific literature has shown to be valid for the physical assessment of individuals. The integration of smartphones into public policies aimed at increasing health monitoring of individuals would allow for the expansion of the scope of quality assessment and preventive actions against functional declines.
Machine Learning-Based Application for Long-Term Electrocardiogram Analysis
Authors: Queiroz Jonathan Araujo , Silva Juliana M. , Magalhães Yonara Costa , Mendes Almeida Will Ribamar , Correia Bárbara Barbosa , de Lima José Ricardo Santo , Lima Edilson Carlos Silva , Sa Marcos Jose Dos Passos , Barros Filho Allan Kardec
Published: March 2024

Electrocardiogram (ECG) analyses can only be performed by health professionals whose demand for care is often greater than the availability. In this context, this work consists of the development of an application capable of processing long-lasting ECG signals to assist health professionals in making decisions. The application has an interactive interface that allows view the entire ECG signal in a single image generated by all overlapping cardiac cycles. The proposed application still has email communication between users with the objective of facilitating patient follow-up. The application was tested on three different ECG signals, one artificial and two real. The first signal was an artificial signal generated in software Matlab. The second ECG signal has normal sinus rhythm, available in the MIT-BIH normal sinus rhythm database. The third ECG sign diagnosed with arrhythmia can be found in the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. The results obtained by the proposed method can be used to support decision-making in clinical practice.
Crisis Management Challenges
Authors: Petrova Elitsa
Published: March 2024

The world is facing unprecedented crises and emergencies on a global scale. They are distinguished by the inclusion of new elements and characteristics in them, their extreme intensity, they are complex and complicated, and they affect many sectors of social development. Politics and diplomacy are often silent or unable to achieve the required result. Civilians, military personnel, women, children completely senselessly lose their lives for impossible and strange causes or for those that should unite and not divide people, families, society. The international community and world leaders must take immediate measures to reduce military conflicts and crises, poverty and inequality, hunger and disease, violence against women and children. This chapter examines Crisis (essence, content, views), traditional and modern forms of crises, unprecedented crises and emergencies on a global scale, and the crisis management concept framework.
The Corporate Strategy Role for Leaders to Achieve Business Continuity and Organizational Success
Authors: Sedky Ahmed
Published: March 2024

Corporates have been exposed to risks as they operate in various industries, possibly leading to business closure. The increased potential risks of VUCA, wrong strategy implementation, lack of business diversification, and absence of governance may lead corporates to encounter losses ranging from decreased market shares to a total failure to achieve business continuity. Corporate leaders set strategies to provide guidance, improve performance, and mitigate risks. Grounded in Edward Freeman's stakeholder conceptual framework, the purpose of this chapter is to explore the corporate strategy's important role in achieving business continuity and organizational success. Data were collected from a review of previous literature and two case studies of corporate strategies and their implementations. A key recommendation for corporate leaders is to set strategies that fit their corporate needs. A fit for purpose corporate strategy may allow the corporate to achieve business continuity, extend opportunities, and positively impact communities' stability and growth.
Rural Women in Leadership
Authors: Suresh Chaaya , Moger Shilpa Shankar , Raghavan Ramya
Published: March 2024

Gender issues and microaggressions are related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This research provides a starting point on how microaggression is experienced by rural women in the urban workplace, and how best to address it. A better understanding of gendered microaggression (GMA) in an urban workplace is needed to develop effective psychological resources available and achieve occupational adaptability. The study also provides new insights into rural heritage and long-term sustainable development goals of emotional well-being that need to be further explored in the future.
Data Visualization in Large Scale Based on Trained Data
Authors: Suriya S. , Shyamala Devi J. , Agusthiyar R.
Published: March 2024

Data visualization is one of the techniques to understand the patterns of data in graphical methods. Data visualization is an effective tool for transforming raw data into actionable insights and facilitating data-driven decision-making. High-dimensional synthetic data are datasets created artificially with an abundance of attributes or aspects. This type of synthetic data is particularly helpful for attempting to assess machine learning algorithms and data analysis techniques in scenarios with a large number of factors. The method can be difficult because of the more complicated nature of high-dimensional data, but it is necessary for a variety of applications, such as testing machine learning algorithms, evaluating data analysis techniques, and exploring model behaviour in high-dimensional spaces. These trained high-dimensional synthetic data are given to the visualization techniques to produce graphical representation and better decision-making models. This chapter elaborates on visualizing synthetic high-dimensional data for better understanding by common men.
Deep Machine Learning
Authors: Giri Parimal Kumar , Mallick Chandrakant , Mishra Sambit Kumar
Published: March 2024

With deep learning technology, machine learning has shown impressive results. Nonetheless, these techniques frequently use excessive amounts of resources; they demand big datasets, a lot of parameters, and a lot of processing power. In order to develop machine learning models that are efficient with resources, the authors have outlined a general machine learning technique in this work that they call deep machine learning. All the methods that initially identify inductive biases and then use those inductive biases to improve the learning efficiency of models come under the umbrella of deep machine learning. Numerous robust machine learning techniques are currently in use, and some of them are highly well-liked precisely because of their efficacy. Deep machine learning, however, is still in its infancy, and much more work remains. The efforts must be focused in order to progress artificial intelligence (AI).
Studying the Effects of Internet of Things (IoT) Wearables on People's Awareness of Their Own Health
Authors: Deshpande Swapnil Govind , Nawasalkar Ram Kishor , Jambhekar Navin , Ingole Kartik
Published: March 2024

Internet of things (IoT) devices and contributions will advance healthcare to a more aware age while saving time and lives with extreme precision. Remote healthcare expansion spurs Wi-Fi gadget development. Next-generation emergency room prototypes can already assess patients' overall health. The study analyzes rural India's healthcare situation and suggests the “rural smart healthcare system” (RSHS) for seniors. IoT technology permits intercommunication and may notify the clinic personnel based solely on the patient's vitals. The healthcare industry becomes more efficient, cheaper, and better at patient care. Modern technology includes milestone healthcare technology breakthroughs that lead to cloud computing and big data. Volume, diversity, speed, and authenticity define cloud computing.
Harnessing Nature
Authors: Tyagi Rama , Bhattacharjee Sudeshna , Kumar Neeraj
Published: March 2024

One of the current concerns to human health is antibiotic resistance, which leads to biofilm formation along with acquired resistance. Additionally, it requires the administering of more harmful, expensive, and ineffective medications. In this scenario, several naturally occurring chemicals produced from bacteria, plants, animals, marine species, and other sources are now being studied for antimicrobial characteristics. These natural antimicrobial compounds extracted from different sources have been demonstrated to be effective against a variety of diseases, although plants remain the most abundant source. These compounds have shown promise in reducing the microbial diseases linked to the development of drug tolerance and resistance. The authors conclude by emphasizing the broad mechanisms through which plants can combat bacterial infections linked to biofilms and antibiotic resistance. The review will be useful in refining current antibacterial medicines as well as establishing new treatment strategies to tackle the rising number of human bacterial -associated infections.
Traditional Herbs, Spices, and Plants as a Source of Novel Antibiofilm Compounds
Authors: Khadtare Srushti , Choudhary Pooja , Singh Rajshri , Barage Sagar H.
Published: March 2024

Antimicrobial resistance to synthetic antimicrobial drugs has rekindled interest in natural antimicrobial compounds. Biofilms account for about 80% of total microbial infections in humans. This chapter explores the formation mechanism of biofilm which includes stages like: (i) adhesion, (ii) maturation, and (iii) differentiation, along with antimicrobial agent and antimicrobial activities of plant, spice, and herb derived components; their chemical potential and mode of action with examples of each. Biofilms use a quorum sensing communication system which varies according to types of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Plants produce a wide range of bioactive molecules which possess antimicrobial activity making them a valuable source of pharmaceutical raw material. Herbs have been used for the past thousands of years and have many medicinal and other properties. Spices and condiments are used around the globe as key flavor and fragrance enhancers in various types of cuisines. This chapter explores the antimicrobial potential of plants, herbs, and spices.
Mitigating Antibacterial Resistance Through Nanotechnology-Based Approaches
Authors: Kriplani Priyanka , Mittal Vishnu , Chopra Bhawna , Guarve Kumar
Published: March 2024

A global hazard to public health has emerged from antibacterial resistance, leading to the need for innovative approaches to combat this issue. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field with various nanomaterials and nanodevices being developed to mitigate antibacterial resistance. Strategies based on nanotechnology have also concentrated on creating nanoscale biosensors for the quick identification of antibiotic resistance. A platform for creating new antibacterial agents, increasing targeted medication delivery, and developing better detection techniques is provided by nanoparticles, nanobiosensors, and nanomaterials. Future research and development projects utilizing nanotechnology-based methods may result in ground-breaking ways to tackle antibiotic resistance, eventually enhancing public health. High sensitivity and specificity provided by nanoscale sensors and devices enable early detection of bacteria that are multidrug resistant and facilitate specialized treatment approaches.
Decoding the Genomic and Proteomic Landscape
Authors: Komalasari Rita
Published: March 2024

This chapter challenges traditional assumptions about the containment of antibiotic resistance by discussing the worrisome development of multidrug-resistant staphylococci in common contexts. It emphasizes the necessity for increased attention in public settings by highlighting the intricacy of staphylococcal adaptability and stress response pathways. This chapter places an emphasis on the significance of taking preventative measures in the form of policy implementation and maintaining research efforts in order to safeguard public health and guarantee a sustainable future.
Morphology and Wettability Analyses on Electrospun Polyvinyl Alcohol/Elastin Nanofibers at Varying Voltages and Composition
Authors: Vangetaraman Kugambikai , Asiri Amnah , Sivalingam Sivakumar , Shafi Aisyah Ahmad , Jemon Khairunadwa , Saidin Syafiqah
Published: March 2024

Electrospinning technique is widely used to fabricate nanofibrous membranes mimicking the extracellular matrix structure. The utilization of synthetic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the base material to construct electrospun nanofibers is often related to the limitation of biological function. Therefore, in this study, elastin (EL), a natural polymer, was incorporated into PVA matrix to overcome the biofunctional limitation. The ideal electrospinning parameters for the fabrication of PVA/EL electrospun nanofibers were investigated by varying the compositions of PVA/EL at 9.9/0.1, 9.5/0.5 and 9.0/1.0 (v/v) and the applied voltages at 18, 20 and 22 kV. With the increasing voltage from 18 to 22 kV, the mean fiber diameter decreased for the PVA and PVA/EL of 9.9/0.1 (v/v) while a fluctuating trend was observed for the 9.5/0.5 and 9.0/1.0 (v/v). The homogenous nanofibers construction with no beads was observed in the PVA/EL 9.5/0.5 (v/v). Both PVA and PVA/EL nanofibrous membranes displayed hydrophilicity with water contact angles below than 90°. In conclusion, the PVA/EL 9.5/0.5 (v/v) fabricated at 20 kV, possessed the ideal fiber morphology and wettability, to be subjected for biomedical applications.
Passing through the Vicinity of a Singularity on Off-Line Teaching for End-Milling by Industrial Robot
Authors: Kato Daiki , Ayumu Takeuchi , Masataka Sekioka , Hirogaki Toshiki , Aoyama Eiichhi
Published: March 2024

This study proposes a method for passing through the singularity and its vicinity, the biggest challenge on off-line teaching for end-milling by industrial robots. When passing through the singularity and its vicinity, some joints rotate rapidly. However, by changing the wrist configuration: NONFLIP and FLIP, when passing through the singularity, the robot motion can be stabilized. This was verified with a six-degree-of-freedom manipulator. This robot was moved in a linear path such that the end-effector passed through the wrist singularity and its vicinity, and the encoder values were measured simultaneously. The results showed that the commanded rotational speed of the wrist joint exceeded the maximum rotational speed of the servomotor when passing through the wrist singularity and its vicinity, resulting in a trajectory tracking error. However, by changing the wrist configuration, the robot could pass through the singularity and its vicinity without decreasing the trajectory tracking accuracy.
Study on the Influence of Tool Runout on the Stability of Chatter Vibration Based on Image Estimation of Machined Surface Pattern after Side-End Milling
Authors: Taniguchi Toma , Hirogaki Toshiki , Aoyama Eiichhi , Ozaki Nobutoshi
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the effects of tool runout on chatter vibration taking images of a machined surface to assess the vibration strength, number of vibrations, and phase difference depending on the spindle speed and axial depth of the cut. This study obtained significant results regarding the stability pocket represented by the spindle speed. We observed that the stability limit changed depending on tool runout.
Effects of PVA, PVP, and Glycerol on the Viscosity of a Transdermal Patch
Authors: Tathimongkon Jirarutinan , Chaijaruwanich Anirut , Nakkiew Wasawat , Wattanutchariya Wassanai
Published: March 2024

Transdermal patches find extensive application in both medicine and cosmetics, offering distinct functional properties based on their unique formulations. In this study, polymer film patches were developed using a mixture design methodology, incorporating polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), glycerol (GLY), and deionized water (DW). To investigate the impact of the mixture on patch viscosity, seventeen different mixtures were designed using extreme vertices and were prepared through a simple casting technique. The special quartic model proved to be the most suitable for explaining the relationship between ingredients and predicting viscosity, as it demonstrated impressive statistical performance with a standard deviation of 296.237, an R-squared value of 99.80%, and a mean absolute percentage error of 4.24%. To validate the accuracy of our viscosity predictions, five mixture ratios were randomly selected from the contour plots, resulting in a mean absolute percentage error of 7.71%. In evaluating viscosity and mixture ratio, PVA demonstrated a significant influence compared to other constituents. Higher levels of PVP correlated with increased viscosity, whereas increased GLY concentration led to decreased viscosity. Additionally, the impact of GLY on viscosity diminishes with higher concentrations of PVP and PVA, aligning with the antagonistic terms PVP*GLY and PVA*GLY. Furthermore, antagonistic behavior was observed for the PVA*DW interactions, while synergistic tendencies were observed for the PVA*PVP interaction.
A case report of extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving upper limb soft tissue in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis on immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Ciampi Saverio Antonio , Petrelli Cosimo
Published: March 2024

An 80-year-old woman affected by rheumatoid arthritis on immunosuppressive therapy was evaluated for an 11-month history of swelling of her left upper limb. The patient did not report systemic symptoms. Ultrasonographic examination showed hypoechoic masses in the upper limb soft tissue, brachial vein thrombosis, and suspected malignant axillary lymphadenopathy. The patient underwent an excisional biopsy of the lymphadenopathy for histologic examination; a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was made. The patient started anticoagulation therapy and chemotherapy, with a follow-up at a hematology clinic. At a 3-month follow-up visit in our clinic, the swelling of her left upper limb decreased, and an ultrasonographic control demonstrated a reduction in the size and number of the soft tissue masses and resolution of vein thrombosis.
Class IV Laser Therapy as an Adjunct to Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Individuals with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Feasibility Pilot Study
Authors: Jangra Mandeep Kumar , Mirza Mehroz Ahmed , Goyal Manu
Published: March 2024

Background:

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the most severe clinical condition of coronary artery disease, and early reperfusion of the ischemic myocardium is the most important and standardized treatment for it. Unfortunately, reperfusion also leads to myocardial reperfusion injury (RI). Photobiomodulation/laser therapy has been found to be effective in limiting myocardial RI in a number of animal studies. This study aims to assess the feasibility and cardio-protective effects of Class IV laser therapy among patients with ACS who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

Methods:

Twelve patients with ACS who underwent pPCI, having a mean age of 56.08 ± 7.03, were recruited and randomly divided into two groups. Participants in the experimental group were irradiated with Class IV laser immediately within 30 min of pPCI, and for the next 2 consecutive days, whereas in the sham control group, laser probe was placed but not irradiated. The outcome measures troponin I was assessed immediately after pPCI before first intervention (T1), after 10 h (T2), and on 3rd day after intervention (T3), whereas left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was assessed on 1st and 3rd days.

Results:

No adverse effect was reported in any of the patients. Increase in the level of troponin I from T1 to T2 in the experimental group was less as compared to the sham control group, which was statistically significant (P = 0.02), and no statistically significant difference was observed in LVEF.

Conclusion:

Class IV laser therapy is a feasible, safe, and effective therapy that can be used as an adjunct to pPCI in limiting myocardial RI.
Prevalence of Anemia among Adult Male Camel Milk Consumers and Nonconsumers in Rural Rajasthan: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Soni Vaishali , Halder Pritam , Soni Vatsala
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Anemia is an important nutritional disorder with major public health importance. In India, anemia prevalence among adult males was 25.0% (NFHS-5, 2020–2021). Being rich in iron and other micronutrients camel milk might decrease the nutritional anemia prevalence. The objective was to determine the prevalence of anemia among adult male camel milk consumers (CMC) versus nonconsumers in rural Rajasthan.

Materials and Methods:

A community-based study was conducted among 30 CMC adult male. All the participants meeting the eligibility criteria were recruited. The same numbers of non-CMC (NCMC) adult males were recruited with respect to similar age, sex, and residence. After obtaining informed consent a semi-structured interview schedule containing sociodemographic, dietary characteristics were introduced to all participants in June 2013. The participants were assessed for their hemoglobin (Hb) level from fingertip capillary blood using the Cyanmet Hb method as suggested by Dacie and Lewis. The prevalence of anemia in each group was compared. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel version 2013 and analyzed in Stata version 13.

Results:

The prevalence of anemia was more (26.6%) among nonconsumers than CMCs (16.6%). There was a significant difference between these groups (P < 0.001). The mean (standard deviation) Hb (g/dL) level of the male in the CMC and NCMC categories was found to be 13.0 (0.99) and 12.22 (1.51) in adult males, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.021).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of anemia among CMC adult males was lower than nonconsumers with relatively higher levels of Hb in the former group. Future studies are recommended for further inference.
Comparison of Nocturnal Restlessness in Patients with Low Back Pain and Age- and Gender-Matched Healthy Controls
Authors: Upadhyay Sweta Jagdishchandra , Ganapathy M. Bala
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Sleep disturbances are common in individuals with chronic pain conditions such as low back pain (LBP). This cross-sectional observational study aimed to compare nocturnal restlessness, measured through various sleep parameters, between LBP patients and age- and gender-matched healthy controls.

Materials and Methods:

A convenient sampling method was employed to recruit 55 LBP patients and 56 healthy controls from a community setting. Participants wore activity trackers ActiGraph for two consecutive nights to measure sleep parameters, including duration of sleep, restlessness during sleep, average nocturnal activity levels, sleep fragmentation index, sleep latency, and sleep efficiency. Sociodemographic data, including age, gender, and body mass index, were also collected.

Results:

LBP patients exhibited significantly higher average nocturnal activity levels (93.6 ± 16.9 vs. 35.1 ± 11.2, P = 0.045) and longer sleep latency (22.5 ± 3.7 vs. 10.2 ± 4.2 min, P = 0.036) compared to controls. However, there were no significant differences in the duration of sleep (435.8 ± 16.5 vs. 416.1 ± 12.3 min, P = 0.48), sleep fragmentation index (14.4 ± 1.7 vs. 12.2 ± 1.5, P = 0.16), and sleep efficiency (80.6 ± 2.7 vs. 86.4 ± 1.6, P = 0.071) between the two groups.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest that LBP is associated with increased restlessness during sleep and prolonged sleep latency. Addressing sleep disturbances in LBP patients may have positive implications for pain management and overall well-being. Objective measurements using activity trackers offer valuable insights into sleep quality and may aid in identifying individuals at risk of sleep disturbances. Further research is needed to explore the complex relationship between LBP and sleep disturbances and identify interventions to improve sleep quality in this population.
Brucellar Spondylodiscitis - A Silent Cause of Concern
Authors: Singh Abhishek Pratap , Goldar Shalini , Neog Bhaskar Jyoti
Published: March 2024

A 68-year-old male with a history of persistent lower back discomfort visited our orthopedic department. Based on magnetic resonance imaging that was compatible with infective spondylodiscitis at a medical facility close to his home, spinal tuberculosis (TB) was suspected, and the patient was transferred to our hospital for further therapy. The patient was treated appropriately after investigations revealed that he had an unusual diagnosis of Brucellar spondylodiscitis. Therefore, it must be taken into consideration as a differential diagnosis when a patient presents with lower back discomfort (especially in the elderly) and symptoms of a persistent infection. Brucellar spondylodiscitis may clinically mimic spinal TB. Serological screening is essential for the early diagnosis and treatment of spinal brucellosis.
Assessment of Serum Vitamin D Levels and Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Vitamin D Deficiency among Emergency Health-care Workers at a Tertiary Care Center in North India: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Yadav Sakshi , Mishra Prakash Ranjan , Rajalekshmi R. , Gopinath Bharath , Aggarwal Praveen , Ramaswami Akshaya , Paulina  , Sharma Mohit
Published: March 2024

Background:

The importance of vitamin D in maintaining overall health cannot be overstated, as its deficiency is a significant contributor to mortality and morbidity. There is a paucity of literature on vitamin D deficiency among healthcare workers (HCWs) in India, especially those working in emergency settings and day-night shifts.

Aims and Objectives:

This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to assess the levels of vitamin D among emergency healthcare workers (HCWs) and evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding vitamin D deficiency. The study sought to address the limited literature on vitamin D deficiency among HCWs in emergency settings in India.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 105 randomly selected healthy HCWs from the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital in north India participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect demographic information and assess the participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to vitamin D. Serum vitamin D levels were measured using a 2 ml venous blood sample.

Results:

The mean serum vitamin D level was 15.08 ± 8.52 ng/ml, indicating a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (94.3%) among the participants. While most participants were aware of the active form of vitamin D, its sources and critical functions, knowledge about non-skeletal manifestations and measurable forms of vitamin D deficiency was limited. A majority of the participants (85.3%) recognized the importance of vitamin D as a micronutrient, and 69.3% expressed the need for education on its role. However, only 48.5% emphasized regular vitamin D intake.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among HCWs in the emergency department and identifies knowledge gaps regarding its critical functions. There is a need for an effective system to identify and address vitamin D-related health issues among HCWs, which could potentially enhance their overall efficiency.
A Systematic Review on Outcomes of Vertebroplasty and/or Balloon Kyphoplasty for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Tripathi Ashutosh , Pundkar Ganesh , Baitule Rajendra , Chikhale Chaitanya , Rathod Yogesh , Bubna Amogh
Published: March 2024

With nearly 50% of all osteoporotic fractures, osteoporotic vertebral fractures are the most frequent consequence of osteoporosis. Vertebroplasty (VP) and balloon kyphoplasty (KP) are two distinct techniques that have been introduced for the therapy of symptomatic fractures without neurological disorders. The results for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) from VP and/or balloon KP will be the focus of this study. An extended search was done in databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Wiley library, and Google Scholar between 2001 and 2020. In this systematic review, 16 studies were cited. Studies, in which the outcomes for osteoporotic VCFs from VP and/or balloon KP were noted, were included in the study. These findings demonstrated that for the treatment of osteoporotic (VCFs, VP, and KP) appeared to be complementary procedures with particular indications and demonstrated similar good clinical outcomes. Balloon KP and VP are effective and beneficial methods for treating VCFs, with balloon KP being slightly more effective for osteoporotic fractures due to its advantages in minimizing fractures, controlled cement placement, deformity relief, and immediate pain relief.
The role of the GABAergic system on insomnia
Authors: Varinthra Peeraporn , Anwar Shameemun Naseer Mohamed Nizarul , Shih Shu-Ching , Liu Ingrid Y.
Published: March 2024

Sleep is an essential activity for the survival of mammals. Good sleep quality helps promote the performance of daily functions. In contrast, insufficient sleep reduces the efficiency of daily activities, causes various chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, and increases the risk of having accidents. The GABAergic system is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter system in the central nervous system. It transits the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter via GABAA and GABAB receptors to counterbalance excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, noradrenaline, serotonin, acetylcholine, orexin, and dopamine, which release and increase arousal activities during sleep. Several studies emphasized that dysfunction of the GABAergic system is related to insomnia, the most prevalent sleep-related disorder. The GABAergic system comprises the GABA neurotransmitter, GABA receptors, GABA synthesis, and degradation. Many studies have demonstrated that GABA levels correlate with sleep quality, suggesting that modulating the GABAergic system may be a promising therapeutic approach for insomnia. In this article, we highlight the significance of sleep, the classification and pathology of insomnia, and the impact of the GABAergic system changes on sleep. In addition, we also review the medications that target the GABAergic systems for insomnia, including benzodiazepines (BZDs), non-BZDs, barbiturates, GABA supplements, and Chinese herbal medicines.
Dissecting Combinational Mechanisms of Herbal Formula from a Transcriptome-based Multi-scale Network Pharmacology Model
Authors: Li Peng , Jin Tong , Deng Qing-Qiong , Chen Ning , Zhang Hao-Ran , Zhang Wu-Xia , Li Yi-Jie , Meng Zi-Yu , Xing Lin , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Zhan Ling-Min , Cheng Cai-Ping , Zhao Jin-Zhong , Fu Bang-Ze , Li Tian-Gang , Lu Peng
Published: March 2024

Objective:

Illumination of the integrative effects of herbs in a formula is a bottleneck that limits the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In the present study, we developed a transcriptome-based multi-scale network pharmacology model to explore the combined effects of different herbs.

Materials and Methods:

First, we curated gene signatures at different biological scales, from the molecular to higher tissue levels, including tissues, cells, pathological processes, biological processes, pathways, and targets. Second, using the Xiexin Tang (XXT) formula as an example, we collected transcriptomic data in response to the treatment of XXT or its three compositive herbs on Michigan cancer foundation7 cells. Third, we linked each herbal drug to different biological scales by calculating the correlation scores between herb-induced gene expression profiles and gene signatures. Finally, the combined mechanisms of the three constituent herbs in XXT were deciphered by comparing their multi-scale effects with those of the formula.

Results:

The results showed that although XXT or single herbs regulated a large number of signatures on each biological scale, the phenotypic effects of these herbal drugs are concentrated onto the “Blood” tissue, types of hemocytes, and hemorrhagic injury-related pathological processes. At the molecular level, these herbs consistently regulate processes such as the cell cycle and blood coagulation-related pathways, as well as protein targets related to the immunoinflammatory response and blood coagulation, such as proteinase-activated receptor 2, integrin beta-3, inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta, and coagulation factor XII. The analysis of the combinational modes demonstrated that different herbs can cooperate by acting on the same objects and/or regulating different objects in related functions, and cooperative behaviors change at different biological scales.

Conclusions:

Our model can dissect the combined effects of herbal formulae from a multi-scale perspective and should be beneficial for the development and exploitation of TCM.
Sobolev trace-type inequalities via time-space fractional heat equations
Authors: Tang Yongrui , Li Pengtao , Hu Rui , Zhai Zhichun
Published: March 2024

This article aims to establish fractional Sobolev trace inequalities, logarithmic Sobolev trace inequalities, and Hardy trace inequalities associated with time-space fractional heat equations. The key steps involve establishing dedicated estimates for the fractional heat kernel, regularity estimates for the solution of the time-space fractional equations, and characterizing the norm of

$\dot {W}^{\nu /2}_p(\mathbb {R}^n)$

in terms of the solution

$u(x,t)$

. Additionally, fractional logarithmic Gagliardo–Nirenberg inequalities are proven, leading to

$L^p-$

logarithmic Sobolev inequalities for

$\dot {W}^{\nu /2}_{p}(\mathbb R^{n})$

. As a byproduct, Sobolev affine trace-type inequalities for

$\dot {H}^{-\nu /2}(\mathbb {R}^n)$

and local Sobolev-type trace inequalities for

$Q_{\nu /2}(\mathbb {R}^n)$

are established.
Monodromy of double elliptic logarithms
Authors: Tropeano Francesco
Published: March 2024

We determine the relative monodromy group of abelian logarithms with respect to periods in the cases of fibered products of elliptic schemes. This gives rise to a result stronger than a theorem due to Y. André and implies in particular the algebraic independence of the logarithm of any non-torsion section and the periods. We then conjecture an analogous result for the general case of an abelian scheme of arbitrary relative dimension. This generalizes a theorem of Corvaja and Zannier which determines the said group in the case of a single elliptic scheme.
Dylematy interpretacyjne stosowania sygnałów drogowych ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem sygnalizatora S-2 w „bezpiecznym” zarządzaniu ruchem drogowym. Część II/III
Authors: Iwanowicz Damian
Published: March 2024

Interpretative dilemmas of the use of road signals with particular emphasis on the S-2 signal in “safe” traffic management. Part II/III

In this part of the article, the authors focus their attention on the formal and legal issues related to the design of traffic signals on roads and intersections in Poland. A synthesis of the characteristics of the necessary content of the design of traffic organization with traffic lights, approved by the competent authority managing traffic on the road is given. A historical outline of the guidelines for the implementation of the signal allowing turning in the direction indicated by the green arrow is provided. The most important aspect of this part of the article is a commentary on the current legal provisions regarding the permissibility and inadmissibility of allowing simultaneous movement of individual collision streams – with particular emphasis on vehicle streams controlled by the S-2 traffic signal. The commentary includes separate references to the legal status from the original version of the requirements made in 2004 and from the 2008 and 2015 amendments to the regulations. In the authors’ opinion, these descriptions provide key points explaining the complexity of the problem for designers, reviewers, and approvers of signals controlled traffic organization. An effort has been made to explain comprehensively all possible situations since there is currently a non-uniform application of signal phases at intersections and different opinions on the questions of interpreting the correct application of the "green arrow" signal. The results of the study in this regard are included in part III of the article.