bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Path Clearing, Policy Acceleration or Trend Reinforcement: Potential Implications of Selected Local Government Responses to Covid-19 in the UK
Authors: Gore Tony , Bimpson Emma , Dobson Julian , Parkes Stephen
Published: April 2024

Since its onset in 2020 Covid-19 impacts have engendered rapid interventions across all policy domains and at all scales of government. This has prompted lively debate around the wider significance and longer-term implications of such moves with regard to their role as potential 'punctuations' within a broader policy paradigm shift. This includes acting as a ‘path-clearing’ mechanism that heralds a move towards a different approach; representing the onset of ‘path deviation’ towards such a change; quickly adding to the implementation of new ideas in a process of 'policy acceleration’; or essentially replicating existing patterns to provide 'trend reinforcement'. This paper applies these concepts to a wide range of evidence on local government responses to Covid-19 across the United Kingdom (UK). The analysis focuses on five selected domains: supporting and coordinating mutual aid; maintaining local economies; addressing homelessness; managing parks and other public spaces; and promoting active travel through road space reallocation. Developments in each of these areas are framed by both wider operational and existing policy contexts, as well as with respect to geographical and sectoral variations. The conclusion is that evidence exists for all four types of 'punctuation', but the patterns are inconsistent both between and within different local authorities and policy domains.
Mathematical Algorithms Supporting the Optimization of Topical Aspects of Project Management
Authors: Pezeshki Zahra , Krinitsky Eugene , Hosseini M. Reza , Martek Igor , Mazinani Sayyed Majid
Published: April 2024

Project management is a highly sophisticated undertaking requiring the synthesis of various interconnected functions, processes, and activities. Numerous risks and uncertainties are inherent to all these inputs. Consequently, successful project management entails the optimization of the complete project as a system. In order to achieve this result, however, the various system subsets to the project must themselves be optimized. Given the current complexity of projects, optimization cannot be adequately undertaken by intuitive judgment alone. Philosophically, optimization is a mathematical concept, and mathematical algorithms are available to identify ideal operating parameters for any given problem. This chapter samples a range of features inherent to project management operations and presents mathematical algorithms that deliver optimal solution sets. The material is collated from literature and adapted to the project management context.
Digital Twin
Authors: Awasthi Kanchan , Padwekar Krunal , Misra Subhas Chandra
Published: April 2024

Digital twin is a new concept, creating a buzz among researchers and practitioners in all sectors. It is assumed that this revolution will change the way businesses proceed. The concept is garnered with terms or key concepts and so extensively misrepresented that it is losing its originality. In an effort to overcome this issue, the authors endeavored to define digital twin in a more holistic manner. The authors collected 37 definitions from extant literature to build a unified definition that can capture the true essence of digital twin. Furthermore, the authors discussed the issues, challenges, and opportunities that digital twin will bring across all sectors and at large the society. The authors also suggested some of the future works that can be carried forward.
Post-Quantum Security Measures for the Internet of Things
Authors: Şafak Ilgın , Alagöz Fatih , Anarim Emin
Published: April 2024

The internet of things (IoT) has been used in a wide range of applications since its emergence, including smart cities, intelligent systems, smart homes, smart agriculture, and healthcare. IoT systems rely on information processing and sharing, where data leakages may jeopardize their security and privacy. On the other hand, quantum computers are poised to solve complex problems that traditional computers cannot. However, due to the fact that the majority of cyber algorithms are based on significant computational complexity, quantum computing poses a substantial threat to the cyber security of global digital infrastructure, including IoT networks, smart cities, banking, and intelligent infrastructure. This chapter discusses potential security and privacy measures for a post-quantum world against threats posed by quantum computing, including post-quantum cryptography, quantum software testing, post-quantum blockchain technology, and architectural considerations for creating post-quantum secure IoT systems.
Security and Privacy Mechanisms for 6G Internet of Everything Networks in Banking
Authors: Safak Ilgin , Alagöz Fatih , Anarım Emin
Published: April 2024

6G, as a platform for the internet of everything, supports high data rates and low latency and satisfies the requirements for services, massive data traffic, storage, and processing, thus providing new opportunities for accessing consumer goods and digital services. Due to its enhanced autonomy, accuracy, and predictive capabilities, artificial intelligence (AI) is anticipated to play a significant role in the evolution of 6G by enabling large-scale deployments of self-optimized and automated systems, and enhancing applications and services, including augmented/virtual/mixed reality, Industry 5.0, banking, and financial services. 6G and AI can potentially revolutionize the banking and financial industry despite cost, scalability, security, privacy, and adoption constraints. This chapter discusses security and privacy concerns in 6G and potential solutions, the relevance and impact of 6G technology to the banking and financial industry, solutions and recommendations for developing secure 6G banking and financial systems, and future research directions.
The Effects of the Transformational Leadership Model on Teachers' Organizational Justice and Job Satisfaction in Private Universities in Shandong Province
Authors: Zuo Changlong , Wongvanichtawee Chalermkiat , Chollathanrattanapong Jidapa
Published: April 2024

This study analyze how transformational leadership affects job satisfaction and explore the relationship between transformational leadership and teachers' satisfaction through organizational justice and psychological capital in private universities in Shandong Province. The data 425 valid questionnaires were collected from private universities in Shandong province. The data were analyzed by the quantitative research method, structural equation modeling was constructed, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used with the purpose to test the hypotheses. The results show that there are effects to each variable relationship. There are significant direct effects of transformational leadership on psychological capital, organizational justice, and job satisfaction. Meanwhile, psychological capital and organizational justice mediate between transformational leadership and teachers' job satisfaction. Transformational leadership enhances employees' sense of organizational justice and psychological capital. Transformational leadership motivates employees to have good job satisfaction.
Temperature Measurement Method and Simulation of Power Cable Based on Edge Computing and RFID
Authors: Guan Runmin , Chen Huan , Shang Jian , Pan Li
Published: April 2024

Aimed at the problem of large errors in traditional power cable temperature measurement methods, a method based on edge computing and radio frequency identification (RFID) is proposed. Firstly, a RFID electronic label design scheme was constructed utilizing the radio frequency signal between alternating electromagnetic fields to achieve the communication and information identification between two devices. Then, the design of power cable edge intelligent terminal is analyzed from the aspects of hardware and software. On this basis, the early warning criterion formula of power cable temperature fault state is abstracted by using edge computing algorithm. Based on edge computing and RFID, the corresponding temperature measurement method is proposed. Finally, the proposed power cable temperature measurement method is compared with other three methods through simulation experiments. The results indicate that the temperature measurement error of the proposed method is the minimum under different currents and in cross-sectional areas. Compared to the other three methods, the maximum improvement is 5.15% and 7.92%, while the minimum improvement is 1.05% and 1.45%, which outperforms the comparable algorithms in terms of performance.
Application of Multimedia Man-Machine Interaction in College Physical Education Teaching
Authors: Zhu Ruohong , Tian Xiaoli , Xu Guangchi
Published: April 2024

In the realm of physical education in college, the traditional classroom teaching approach primarily relies on paper textbooks and demonstrations by the teacher. However, in today's physical education classrooms, there is a need to change these traditional teaching methods. Utilizing multimedia technology and interactive interfaces, teachers can demonstrate the essential actions and intricate details through multimedia videos and other formats such as push-pull and shaking. This chapter introduces a multi-segment human body tracking algorithm that focuses on real-time tracking. The human body target is divided into multiple segments, and an online learning method based on Hough Forests is used to learn the overall appearance of the human body and the appearance model of each segment. The research findings indicate that when the merged area exceeds 82.36% of the pre-segmentation area using watershed analysis, smaller areas lead to faster segmentation speed, while larger areas result in slower segmentation speed. Compared to other methods, this approach yields better recognition results.
Can Remote Work Be Adopted When Phubbing and Cyber Loafing Behavior Are on the Rise?
Authors: Chakraborty Tanusree , Dhir Swati , Al-Busaidi Adil S. , Dwivedi Yogesh K
Published: April 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work became a prevalent practice for organizations, raising concerns about counterproductive behaviors like phubbing and cyberloafing. This research investigates the dynamics of these behaviors among employees working from home, focusing on social networking needs (SNN), perceptions of others' online behavior, and the pandemic's influence. Data from 222 remote employees were analyzed using structural equation modelling, revealing positive relationships between SNN, perceptions of others' online behavior, pandemic influence, and phubbing. Moreover, the study reveals the moderating effect of WFH on these relationships. These findings highlight the importance for HR practitioners and policymakers to understand and address phubbing and cyberloafing behaviors in remote work settings. This study fills critical research gaps, offering insights to mitigate the negative impacts of remote work policies, thereby enhancing organizational effectiveness and employee well-being. The chapter, therefore, aims to examine whether remote work can succeed amid rising phubbing and cyberloafing. Through analysis, it offers insights for HR and policymakers to manage these challenges effectively.
The 43rd Alexander A. Nikolsky Honorary Lecture: “Fifty Years of Innovation, Reducing Pilot Workload, and Enhancing Safety by Helping Pilots Manage Helicopter Performance”
Authors: Germanetti Serge
Published: April 2024

Pilots must respect the helicopter’s flight envelope to ensure flight safety. The technological limitations of engines and transmissions as well as the constraints linked to environmental conditions fluctuate constantly during flight. The instruments installed in the cockpit have
evolved over time to simplify the pilot’s workload. Based on the analysis of the root causes of accidents, this article highlights the interest of continuing to explore new technologies to provide the crew with more reliable alerts anticipating the approach of these limits. Examples
are presented foreshadowing what information will be used in the years to come and how it can be calculated in real time.
Culture, Self-construal and Social Cognition: Evidence from Cross-Cultural and Priming Studies
Authors: Kühnen Ulrich
Published: April 2024

Members of different cultures vary in basic social psychological processes, such as value orientation, attitudes, attitude-behavior relations, person perception and attribution of observed behavior. Previous researchers have traced back these differences to the respective culture members’ self-construal: Westerners define their self primarily in independent terms, whereas Asians are more likely to define their selves in interdependent ways. This difference in construing the self in turn affects the above mentioned judgmental processes. However, when relying on cross-cultural studies alone, the critical role of the self cannot directly be tested. In this chapter I argue that the accessibility of either independent or interdependent self-knowledge plays a critical role, because judgments are assimilated to either autonomous –or social– contents to the degree that independent –or interdependent– self-knowledge is accessible in the judgmental situation. If so, making self-knowledge of one kind or the other temporarily accessible, should mirror cross-cultural differences. I will review a series of studies confirming this assumption. These studies will be discussed with regard to their implications a) for the role of the self in judgment formation and b) for the flexibility of cultural differences.
Intergenerational Transmission of Values in Different Cultural Contexts: A Study in Germany and Indonesia
Authors: Albert Isabelle , Trommsdorff Gisela , Wisnubrata Lieke
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study1 is to investigate cultural similarities and differences in the transmission of general and domain-specific value orientations (individualism/collectivism, and value of children) within German and Indonesian families. Supposing that both cultures differ with respect to developmental pathways of independence and interdependence, we asked if the extent of intergenerational transmission of values within families differs between Germany and Indonesia, and we studied possible cultural differences in intergenerational transmission with respect to different value contents. More precisely, we asked if there is a difference in transmission of values that are highly versus not highly endorsed by the members of the respective culture. The sample is part of the cross-cultural study “Value of Children and Intergenerational Relations” and included altogether 610 German and Indonesian motheradolescent dyads as well as altogether 200 triads of maternal grandmothers, mothers, and adolescents. Results showed intergenerational transmission of values between adjacent generations both in the German and the Indonesian sample, but transmission of individualistic values was higher in the Indonesian sample. The results are discussed under a theoretical framework of cultural specifics of intergenerational transmission.
Geocentric Gestures as a Research Tool
Authors: Dasen Pierre , Changkakoti Nilima , Abbiati Milena , Niraula Shanta , Mishra Ramesh , Foy Harold
Published: April 2024

This study1 is part of a large-scale cross-cultural research project on the development of spatial language and cognition, in India, Indonesia and Nepal, that focuses on a culturally particular way of organizing small-scale, table space, using a large-scale geocentric spatial orientation system (Dasen & Mishra, in preparation). One of the main questions is at what age this geocentric frame of reference starts to be effective. The study of language development does not provide a clear answer, because young children (ages 4 to 7) use ambiguous “deictic” descriptions, i.e., they just say “this way” accompanied by a gesture. Can these gestures be used to clarify the meaning of language? To answer this question, 234 video recordings of Nepalese children performing the “Perspectives” task (in which they have to describe the location of three objects placed on a table in front of them, under three different conditions) were analyzed separately for both language and gestures. The results show a good correspondence between language and gestures in 9 to 12 year olds. This allows us to interpret further the frame of reference used by the younger children. Out of 367 items on which young children (4 to 9 years) give an ambiguous deictic answer, only 17% are accompanied with an egocentric gesture, and 83% with a geocentric one (combining 48% large gestures linked to the use of cardinal directions, and 35% medium-large gestures linked to the use of situational local landmarks). This shows that a geocentric frame is at play as early as age 4, even when the child cannot express it clearly in the language.
TFE3 rearranged epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the lymph node: A rare primary presentation of vascular tumor
Authors: Thomas Ann , Rane Swapnil U. , Menon Santosh
Published: April 2024

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare malignant vascular tumor that has been described in numerous sites such as soft tissue, liver, and lungs. However, primary lymph nodal presentation of hemangioendothelioma is extremely rare. We present a 49-year-old male patient who presented with an inguinal mass but was otherwise asymptomatic. Clinical and radiological workup failed to reveal any other primary lesion. The lymph node was excised and the histomorphological examination showed an epithelioid and spindle neoplasm with chondromyxoid stroma. The diagnosis of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma was suspected based on histomorphology and immunohistochemistry, which showed diffuse positivity for CD31, CD34, and TFE3 stains. This was further confirmed by the fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) technique that showed TFE3 gene rearrangement.
Plausible mechanisms in malignisation of non-habit related chronic nonhealing traumatic ulcers of oral cavity
Authors: Pandiar Deepak , Krishnan Reshma Poothakulath
Published: April 2024

Chronic nonhealing ulcers of the oral mucosa and lateral tongue, in particular, can transform into invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Sometimes these ulcers do not heal even after the removal of the etiological agent that actually initiated these lesions, something similar to what happens in “neoplasia.” Numerous factors have been postulated in the literature; however, the exact mechanism remains unclear. We hereby would suggest few plausible factors that could be considered for future studies to shed light on some untapped territories in the pathogenesis of OSCC arising from chronic nonhealing traumatic ulcers in purview of chromoanagenesis and the concepts of “quantum entanglement and coherence.”
Poorly differentiated thyroid cancer: Clinical, pathological, mutational, and outcome analysis
Authors: Agarwal Amit , George Nelson , Kumari Niraj , Krishnani Narendra , Mishra Prabhaker , Gupta Sushil
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) remains a challenge not only for pathologists and surgeons because of the difficulties associated with the diagnostic process and the compelling need for difficult thyroidectomy, but it is also of high clinical relevance because it is responsible for mortality in non-anaplastic follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer.

Materials and Methods:

Cases of PDTC within a 30-year period were reviewed by two independent pathologists. Histological features like atypical mitosis, necrosis, capsular, and vascular invasion were studied. Mutation analysis was done for BRAF, RET/PTC, RAS, and PI3KCA, and P53 was performed using immunohistochemistry.

Results:

There were 39 patients with a median age of 53 years; 14 patients were more than 55 years of age. At presentation, 38.4% had compressive features and the median tumor size was 9 cm. At presentation, 67.7% had an extrathyroidal extension (ETE). R0 resection was achieved in 41%, with 12 cases resulting in a difficult thyroidectomy. Necrosis was seen in 65.7% and mitosis in 73.3% with well-differentiated components in 41%. The commonest mutation was RAS (23.1%). Survival was higher in the operable group (54.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.83–77.70 vs. 20.25, 95% CI: 0–54.07) months, respectively; however, 10-year survival was only 5% and only the tumor size and presence of mitosis were independent risk factors.

Conclusion:

PDTC presents with worrisome features like large size, ETE, and rapid growth. Aggressive surgical resection with extended/radical thyroidectomy may result in better loco-regional control and improved survival. RAS was the frequent mutation detected. It is worthwhile to identify prognostic factors that can predict the course of PDTC.
An outbreak of H1N1 Influenza A among the students and staff of school X, Kozhikode, January 2020
Authors: Jaya Ajan Maheswaran , Narayana Pillai Mahesh , Lohithakshan Sarita R. , Vasu Meenakshi , Nagarajan Ramya , Parasuraman Ganeshkumar
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

An outbreak of fever and cough was notified to public health authorities by the management of school X among their students, Kozhikode district, Kerala, on Jan 1, 2020. We conducted an outbreak investigation to confirm the diagnosis, describe the case patients by time, place, and person, and propose appropriate recommendations.

Materials and Methods:

We defined a probable case of influenza as any student or staff of school X, Kozhikode district with a fever and cough between Dec 30, 2019, and Jan 14, 2020. We conducted an active case search and contact tracing in the school. We described the cases by date of symptom onset using an Epicurve, plotted cases by their classroom, and calculated the attack rate by age, and gender.

Results:

We identified 270 cases of influenza; among them, 264 (98%) were students, and 6 (2%) were the staff. The overall attack rate was 36%. The attack rate was higher among the students (39%) than the staff (12%, 6/49, P < 0.0003). The attack rate was higher among students of class 10E (90%, 37/41) and class 10A (80%, 33/41), where the index case had contact with the students during the symptomatic phase.

Conclusion:

An outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) occurred among students and staff, predominantly affecting the 10th division. School and health authorities implemented several interventions to limit the outbreak, including training students on personal hygiene. We recommended conducting surveillance of influenza, maintaining adequate spacing of benches, self-hygiene practices, and classroom ventilation.
Awareness and Knowledge about Monkeypox Disease among General Adult Population in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alasslani Hanaa A. , Alasslani Tahani A. , Alharbi Wejdan A.
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Assessment of awareness and knowledge of the general population regarding Monkeypox is rarely investigated on a global level. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a lack of knowledge about monkeypox as one of the main challenges facing authorities in implementing effective preventive strategies. This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of the general adult population about Monkeypox disease.

Subjects and Methods:

An online population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, among a snowball sample of adult persons (>18 years old). A self-administered online Arabic and English questionnaires was utilized in this study. It consists of three main parts: sociodemographic characteristics of the patients, perception towards Monkeypox disease and assessment of the knowledge about Monkeypox disease through 23 multiple-choice questions with “Yes”, “No” and “don’t know” responses.

Results:

A total of 387 adults were included in the study. Females represented 72.6% of them. Almost two-thirds (63.8%) aged between 26 and 45 years. More than half (55.6%) of the participants believed that monkeypox will affect social and economic life like the COVID-19 pandemic while 30.7% considered Monkeypox as a conspiracy or bioterrorism. Overall, almost half (50.4%) of the participants expressed excellent level of knowledge, whereas only 4.4% had poor level of knowledge. The highest level of excellent knowledge about Monkeypox disease was observed among participants in the age group 26–45 years (55.1%), whereas the lowest was observed among those in the age group 46–60 years (39.7%), P = 0.001. More educated participants (university/postgraduates) were more knowledgeable about Monkeypox disease as 53.5% of them had excellent level of knowledge compared to 33.3% of those below secondary school educational level, P = 0.047.

Conclusion:

The knowledge of the general population about Monkeypox is acceptable. However, defective knowledge was observed regarding the fact that Monkeypox is not a new infection that appeared in the year 2022 as well as about the availability of a monkeypox vaccine in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it is recommended to organize educational activities about the disease for general population targeted mainly lower educated and elderly subjects.
Analgesic efficacy of stellate ganglion block in head and neck cancer pain: A case series
Authors: Chiraya Seerat , Kumar Ajit , Srivastava Mohit K. , Purohit Gaurav
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) have ongoing pain but Stellate ganglion block which is a sympatholytic block may be a viable therapy for treating it. The data were retrospectively collected from five histopathologically confirmed HNC patients who had completed chemotherapy and radiation doses. Stellate ganglion block was given to these patients and was subsequently monitored for 3 months to assess pain alleviation and overall satisfaction. Over a 3-month period, there was a decrease in the pain levels with a better quality of life so the stellate ganglion block can be a promising modality for reducing the pain of HNC.
Investigating the association of the lifestyle of pregnant women with the rate of preterm labor
Authors: Vahiddastjerdi Mehdi , Vaghar Mohammad Eslami , Sharifiyan Rayhane
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

From a long time ago, preterm birth has posed life-threatening risks due to the significant complications it causes. The present study aimed to examine how the lifestyle of pregnant women is related to the incidence of preterm birth.

Materials and Methods:

For this cohort study, a total of 234 individuals with healthy and unhealthy lifestyles who visited the women’s clinics of Azad University hospitals during the year 2021 were randomly selected to participate. Four criteria were utilized to build lifestyle questionnaires, which included smoking habits, physical activity levels, consumption of high-fiber foods, and sufficient sleep. According to the individuals’ responses, 117 mothers who scored above 14, and 117 mothers who scored below 14 were followed up. The SPSS version 25 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill., USA) was used to analyze the correlation between variables and preterm birth, employing statistical tests such as Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, and independent t-test.

Results:

In this study, the mean age of the examined women was 27.11 ± 3.19. Out of the total number of babies, 133 (56.8%) were females, while 101 (43.2%) were males. The P value for the association between lifestyle and preterm birth was less than 0.0001, indicating statistical significance. The difference between the consumption of tobacco, fruits, and vegetables and sufficient sleep with preterm birth was not statistically significant (P value >0.05).

Conclusion:

A healthy lifestyle can serve as an important preventive measure against preterm birth. Adequate education provided by the healthcare and treatment system plays an important role in promoting the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and benefiting from its positive outcomes.
Water sanitation and hygiene at households and its implications on diarrhoea among under-five children of slums at field practice area of a Peripheral Medical College of West Bengal
Authors: Sarkar Manisha , Lahiri Surajit , Gupta Avisek , Mukhopadhyay Prianka
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) may lead to an increase in water-borne diseases like diarrhoea. The objective of the study was to assess water, sanitation and hygiene in the urban slums of Patpur, Bankura and to determine the implications of WASH on the occurrence of diarrhoea among under-five (U-5) children.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted during January–March 2020 by interviewing persons involved in water collection from each of the 182 slum households of Patpur, by two-stage sampling using a pre-designed structured schedule and the core questions on drinking WASH for household surveys: 2018 update by UNICEF and WHO. For testing the association between categorical variables, a Chi-square test was done. Binary logistic regression and the Hosmer Lemeshow test were done to know the predictors of diarrhoea in U-5 children. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The proportion of diarrhoea among U-5 children was 0.34. Limited drinking WASH services were found in 3.30, 45.05 and 24.18% of households, respectively. Mobile objects users for handwashing were 14.05 times more prone to diarrhoea in U-5 children than those who had fixed handwashing facilities at their dwellings, yards or plots. Feeding children without handwashing had 5.70 times increased chances of diarrhoea among U-5 children than those who washed their hands before feeding.

Conclusion:

Handwashing facilities (fixed, mobile object or no facility) and handwashing with soap and water before feeding the child significantly affected the occurrence of diarrhoea among U-5 children.
Evaluation of microalbuminuria in type-2 diabetes mellitus under oral hypoglycemic agents: Association with age, sex, BMI, and renal clearance
Authors: Gnanasegaran Selvalaxmi , Gopal Srija , Adhimoolam Mangaiarkkarasi , Raj Gerard M. , Velayudhan Shanmugapriya , Yuvaraj M
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing drastically and affecting the individuals globally, especially in the low- and middle-income countries like India. The poor glycaemic control results in micro-vascular and macro-vascular complications, leading to dysfunction of multiple organs. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the risk factors and microalbuminuria levels among patients with type 2 DM on oral hypoglycaemic agents.

Materials and Methods:

Hundred type 2 DM patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected by convenient random sampling. Demographic details, biochemical markers, and anti-diabetic medication details were collected. The findings were analyzed statistically using Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS software 21.0.

Results:

Among the different combination therapies, 59% were commonly using metformin and teneligliptin. There was a significant association noted between microalbuminuria and risk factors like age, duration of disease, body mass index (BMI) (25.5 ± 2.9), fasting blood sugar (151 ± 53.2 mg/dL), post prandial blood sugar (227.01 ± 70.9 mg/dL), blood urea (24.42 ± 9.3 mg/dL), and serum creatinine (1.5 ± 0.2 mg/dL) (P < 0.001). One-way ANOVA showed statistical significance between microalbuminuria and the different treatment groups (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Microalbuminuria was associated with age, duration of diabetes, glycaemic control, and BMI. In contrast, there was no significant difference noted between the genders and microalbuminuria. Microalbuminuria is an early indication of nephropathy in diabetes patients. The early identification of the risk factors is important, and it is always recommended to screen for microalbuminuria in all the diabetic patients for early detection and prevention of diabetic nephropathy and their associated complications.
An assessment of treatment compliance using the Morisky scale-8 tool in adult hypertensive patients of Eastern India
Authors: Kishor Raman , Kumari Sarita , Prakash Ravi , Chaudhary Neha , Shyama Shyama , Ahmad Shamshad , Kumar Pragya
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Adequate management of hypertension is crucial for decreasing the likelihood of cardiovascular ailments and associated complications. Nonetheless, in the Indian context, maintaining compliance with prescribed hypertensive therapies presents a notable hurdle, impeding the attainment of favorable health outcomes. Thus, this study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the prevalence of treatment adherence and explore the diverse factors that impact adherence patterns among individuals diagnosed with hypertension.

Material and Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out among the diagnosed hypertensive patients from 12 purposefully selected villages of Khagaul block, Patna. A total of 262 participants were recruited in the study by using non-probability sampling. The 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was used for measuring adherence. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows version 21.0 (SPSS Inc; Chicago, IL, USA) was used for statistical analysis of data.

Result:

As per MMAS scores, 10 (3.8%) had high, 133 (50.8%) moderate, and 119 (45.4%) poor adherence. However, good adherence was reported among geriatric patients [1.65 (1.01–2.7)], those with a history of absence of comorbidities [2.15 (1.21–3.85)], more than 5 years’ duration of hypertension [3.2 (1.89–5.41)], once-a-day drug intake [2.8 (1.61–4.87)], and having controlled blood pressure [5.2 (3.08–8.96)]. Controlled blood pressure (AOR = 0.048, 0.023-0.098), perception of high benefit of treatment [0.497 (0.255–0.97)], and absence of comorbidity [0.016 (0.168–0.832)] were identified as predictors of good treatment adherence.

Conclusion:

Overall medication adherence in the current study was 54.6%. Achieving treatment adherence frequently demands proactive patient engagement, highlighting their active role in disease management. Also, involving the patient’s caregivers can offer an additional tactic to tackle non-adherence stemming from forgetfulness of the patient.
Modified rankin scale is a reliable tool for the rapid assessment of stroke severity and predicting disability outcomes
Authors: Nimbvikar Apoorv A. , Panchawagh Suhrud , Chavan Abhijit P. , Ingole Jitendra R. , Pargaonkar Yash , Pai Rohan
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

‘Time is brain’ goes the adage. Rapid and precise management of stroke is of the utmost essence. The modified National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (mNIHSS) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) predict stroke severity and functional disability outcomes. However, the mRS can be administered more rapidly than the mNIHSS and therefore might be better to assess patient outcomes. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the correlation of stroke severity on admission and functional disability outcomes on the day of discharge or on the 8th day of hospitalization.

Materials and Methods:

This was an observational, cross-sectional study with a sample size of 61 participants. The mNIHSS score was calculated on admission for patients with clinical features suggestive of stroke and mRS was calculated on the 8th day of hospitalization or on discharge. Evaluation of the association between continuous variables was done using Spearman’s correlation analysis.

Results:

Correlation between mNIHSS and mRS was positive and statistically significant (rho = 0.866, 95% CI [0.751, 0.925]. For each point increase in the mNIHSS, the odds of having higher mRS scores are 153% more than the odds of having lower mRS scores (aOR = 2.534, 95% CI [1.904, 3.560]).

Conclusion:

Our study concluded that mRS can be reliably used to predict the functional outcomes for patients with stroke in circumstances where the mNIHSS may prove to be lengthy. Thus, where ‘time is brain’, the mRS can be used with a similar power to predict the outcome.
Prevalence of anemia and its social determinants among the male residents of an urban area in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Philip Jithin , Venkatesan Sandhiya , Shanmugam Karthikeyan
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

India has a high burden of anemia among the South Asian countries. Anemia has been extensively studied in the female and child population, with less attention given to males. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of anemia among males residing in an urban area and associated social determinants.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 males (during September and October 2021) in an urban area of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. A portable hemoglobin photometer was used to detect the prevalence of anemia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect details on social determinants of anemia such as dietary practice, education, income, and sanitary practices.

Results:

The mean age of study participants was 34 ± 5.23 years. The prevalence of overall anemia among men was 20.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.9–25.3%), with moderate and severe anemia being 5.7% (95% CI: 3.3–8.9%) and 1% (95% CI: 0.2–2.9%), respectively. Belonging to a lower socioeconomic class (odds ratio [OR] = 6.50, P < 0.05) and consuming more than two cups of tea (OR = 7.28, P < 0.05) were significantly associated with anemia.

Conclusion:

Our study depicts a high burden of anemia among males. Health education on the role of dietary factors contributing to anemia needs to be emphasized with special focus on the frequency of tea intake. Primary care physicians can include screening for anemia in their routine practice for men belonging to lower socioeconomic groups. Consideration should be made to include male populations also under the National Anemia Control program.
Impact of nicotine dependence on self-efficacy and readiness to quit among tobacco consumers in rural areas
Authors: Jalli Vishwanath V , Sreepradha C , Halemani Shweta , Mutha Animesh , Sharma Rituraj , Joshi Himanshu , Chhabra Kumar Gaurav
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim and Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to determine the impact or effect of nicotine dependence on self-efficacy and readiness to quit.

Materials and Method:

The current study was performed using a cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire design among tobacco users visiting primary health care facilities in the rural Jaipur district. Jaipur district is divided into four directions: east, west, north, and south. From each direction, two PHCs were selected randomly based on suitable accessibility to patients. Sample size of study is 465. Out of 465 tobacco consumers, 238 were consuming a smoked form of tobacco, and 227 study participants were consuming a smokeless form of tobacco.

Results:

It was observed that the majority of study participants (145 (31%)) need smoke/smokeless tobacco within 5 minutes of waking up. With regards to internal stimuli, the majority of study participants (179 (38%)) and (203 (44%)) were not very sure that they would refrain from smoking when they were nervous and depressed. It was determined that quitting tobacco products was not at all important for 159 (34%) study participants. In regards to confidence in tobacco product quitting, only 79 (16%) of tobacco consumers were extremely confident.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that nicotine dependence impacts both self-efficacy and readiness to quit. It was determined that the higher the nicotine dependence, the less self-efficacy and the less would be the readiness to quit.
Prevalence and risk factors for falls among the community dwelling older adults of Thrissur: A pilot study
Authors: Mercy P. J. , Neelamana Sandhya K. , Nair Vijayan C. Parameswaran
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, every year 28–35% of people over 65 years and 32–42% of people over 70 years experience falls. Given that many falls are preventable, can occur in any population, and can result in significant morbidity and mortality, falls are receiving more attention as a major global issue.

Objective:

The objectives of this study were as follows: 1. To measure the prevalence of falls among the elderly living in the Thrissur Taluk Health Centre. 2. To identify the risk factors associated with falls in the elderly using the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries (CDCs STEADI) 2019 scale and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) scale. 3. To find the association between the risk factors and the prevalence of fall among older people.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted to find the prevalence of fall among the elderly in Thrissur Taluk Health Centers. CDCs STEADI 2019 fall risk assessment tool was used to assess the risk factors associated with the elderly. TUG test was used to determine gait, balance, strength, and posture.

Results:

In our study, we discovered a prevalence of 41 percent of falls among the community-dwelling older adults of Thrissur. This study has shown that the risk of fall was higher among the female elderly population. 88% are found to be at high risk of fall, and 65% of the population were worried about fall.

Conclusion:

This study found out a high prevalence of falls among community dwelling older adults.A future study with a larger sample size would be more helpful to confirm the impact of different variables in relation to the risk of fall among the elderly.
Association of stress and primary hypothyroidism
Authors: Singh Monika , Narayan Jagdish , Thakur Ruchika , Bhattacharya Sandeep , Sonkar Satyendra K. , Ali Wahid
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Hypothyroidism is the result of impaired production and secretion of thyroid hormones. The cardiovascular system is affected by fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels. Stressful events or stressors can affect the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis and psychological and physiological responses. Stress increases thyroid hormone levels while decreasing TSH levels, which exacerbates autoimmune thyroid disease.

Aim:

To evaluate the relationship between stress and primary hypothyroidism.

Methods:

A total of 77 newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients (TSH >5.0 mIU/L) and 77 healthy adults (TSH 0.5–5.0 mIU/L) were enrolled. During a brief general physical examination, the following values were measured: height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and pulse rate. A brief systemic examination of the cardiovascular system and lungs was also performed to rule out systemic diseases. Heart rate variability (HRV) processing and analysis were performed using Pro LabChart (PowerLab 8Pro) data analysis software from AD Instrument.

Results:

Mean Avg. RR was significantly higher, RM SSD and pRR50 were significantly lower in cases than in controls. Mean HF was significantly lower and LF/HF (frequency range) was significantly higher in cases than in controls. Mean PSS was significantly higher in cases (25.82 ± 2.83) than in controls (22.47 ± 2.10). The majority of cases (54.5%) had a high stress level. The TSH level showed a highly significant correlation with the LF/HF ratio and with the PSS score.

Conclusion:

The mean Avg. RR and HF were significantly higher, RM SSD and pRR50 and LF/HF (frequency range) were significantly lower in hypothyroid patients.
Development of a novel labour monitoring tool: Improving labour care quality in the Indian setting
Authors: Sharma Shivani , Parwez Saroj , Batra Kiran
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Efficient care by labour monitoring tools manages labour, identifies the abnormalities and avoids the fatalities. Various studies are being undertaken by the researchers to understand the limited use of these therapeutic tools. The present study aimed to develop a novel labour monitoring instrument after understanding the barriers and enablers of the currently used tools and using it in the health setting for improving clinical outcomes.

Materials and Methods:

Methodological research design was adopted to develop the novel tool. Item pool was generated by literature review, focus group discussions and retrospective observations of the partographs. Developed tool was evaluated by various experts by undergoing three rounds and was found to be reliable in terms of stability and equivalency. After undergoing pilot runs by researcher and nurses, tool was found to be feasible and understandable. The developed novel labour monitoring tool was used on 200 intranatal women.

Results:

Focus group discussions revealed various barriers in the current labour tools, such as lack of clarity, complexity, staff shortage, workload etc. Retrospective observation of filled partographs revealed the incomplete recording of the components of the partograph. The prepared first draft underwent rigorous review by the experts. The prepared novel tool, after being used on 200 intranatal women resulted in 90% of normal vaginal deliveries. Duration of 1st stage of labour was around 5 hours.

Conclusion:

A novel labour monitoring tool was developed after methodological approach resulting in adequate monitoring and improved labour outcomes.
Extensions of invariant random orders on groups
Authors: Glasner Yair , Lin Yuqing Frank , Meyerovitch Tom
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we study the action of a countable group

\Gamma

on the space of orders on the group. In particular, we are concerned with the invariant probability measures on this space, known as
invariant random orders
. We show that for any countable group, the space of random invariant orders is rich enough to contain an isomorphic copy of any free ergodic action, and characterize the non-free actions realizable. We prove a Glasner–Weiss dichotomy regarding the simplex of invariant random orders. We also show that the invariant partial order on

\mathrm{SL}_{3}(\mathbb{Z})

corresponding to the semigroup generated by the standard unipotents cannot be extended to an invariant random total order. We thus provide the first example for a partial order (deterministic or random) that cannot be randomly extended.
The Potential of Clove Rhizospheric Bacteria to Produce Vanillin from Eugenol
Authors: Nurfahmi Riziq Ilham , Mubarik Nisa Rachmania , Rusmana Iman , Tambunan Ika Roostika , Akhdiya Alina
Published: April 2024

Vanillin is one of the most important flavoring agents worldwide. Currently, consumers' awareness and concern for biovanillin production has been increasing. This study aimed to screen the potential of clove rhizospheric bacteria isolates producing vanillin through a biotransformation process of eugenol and to conduct the preliminary optimization of the biotransformation condition. Twenty-eight bacteria isolates were screened for their capability to transform eugenol into vanillin. BKL 15 isolate, which was identified as Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus, was selected as the highest vanillin producer among the isolates. The optimum molar yield of vanillin produced by the selected isolate was 4.99% (1.11 g/L) after 168 hours of biotransformation process in the medium consisting of TSB (30 g/L), eugenol (24 g/L), yeast extract (20 g/L), and concentration of casamino acid (20 g/L). Throughout the publications we have read, this is the first report of L. xylanolyticus that produces vanillin.