bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Tiger Shrimp Shell Extract (Penaeus monodon) on Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Mice
Authors: Saraswati Indah , Armalina Desy , Ayu Fadila Risang , Purnawati Ratna Damma
Published: May 2023

Background: The shell is a part of the tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) body that often becomes waste and has not been utilized properly, but it contains secondary antioxidants that can prevent oxidative stress in the form of astaxanthin. Although several studies have examined the function of astaxanthin as an antioxidant, the role of it in tiger shrimp shells against hepar mice induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) is not well knownObjective: to determine the effect of tiger shrimp shell extract in graded doses on the histopathological picture of hepatic mice induced by MSG.Methods: Extraction of tiger shrimp shell was carried out with palm head oil solvent and analyzed with Ultraviolet-Visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis). This study used 25 male mice classified into 5 groups. One group was negative control without any need and 4 other groups were induced with MSG 0.84 g/kgBB. Three of the MSG-induced groups were induced with tiger shrimp shell extract at doses of 50 mg/kgBB, 100 mg/kgBB, and 200 mg/kgBB. The treatment was given for 35 days. Mice were terminated on the 42nd day and hepatic histopathology was observed with Manja Roenigk score.Results: The group  induced with tiger shrimp shell extract in graded doses showed a better picture of hepatic histology structure compared to the group that was only induced with MSG. Statistical tests using the Kruskal Wallis test showed a significant difference between each group with a P value of 0.005.Conclusion: Feeding of tiger shrimp shell extract in graded doses can prevent hepatic damage to MSG-induced mice.
Influence of Innovation Climate on Attraction and Retention of Human Capital Among Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya
Authors: Olila Mbadi , Maalu Jackson , Muindi Florence
Published: May 2023

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) globally are currently operating in dynamic and uncertain business environments, making it necessary to attract and retain valuable human capital that can give them a competitive edge over peers. Most of these enterprises lack resource advantages and suffer from liabilities of size and newness, resulting in a big challenge in their attempts to compete favorably with large established firms. The ability of an enterprise to create and sustain a healthy and supportive innovation climate is consequential to its ability in attracting and retaining valuable human capital. This research aimed to ascertain the influence of innovation climate on attracting and retaining human capital among SMEs in Kenya. The top 100 SMEs for the year 2019 formed the study sample. A response rate of 59% was achieved. The study utilized structured questionnaires to collect data from founders of enterprises, and in their absence, the top management team was engaged. The data analysis methods used included SPSS and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). This yielded results which established that various dimensions of innovation climate, including organizational support for innovation, organization structure, teamwork, leadership behaviour, and manager's approval, have a significant and positive influence on the attraction and retention of human capital among SMEs in Kenya. From these findings, it is recommended that founders and top management teams of SMEs should put in place a supportive and healthy innovation climate where human capital holders feel comfortable working and growing their careers in the long run. Such measures are instrumental in the attraction and retention of valuable human capital.
Tracing the Remains of the Dutch Colonialism Period and Its Influence on Heritage Tourism Resources in Bandung City, Indonesia
Authors: Nugroho Fajar Aditya , Handizar Dhyana Hanifianti , Furqan Alhilal
Published: May 2023

Relics of the past are the main attractions of heritage tourism, these past relics are not spared from the legacy of colonialism because of the implications that are still visible today. Such as in Bandung, where remnants of the colonialism period are still visible in urban elements that have been sustainable to this day. Therefore, this study aims to examine the legacy of Dutch colonialism in Bandung City and its influence on heritage tourism resources in Bandung in a descriptive qualitative manner through data collected through literature study. The results of this study indicate that the existence of colonialist values left behind in Bandung City has a major influence on the elements of tourism resources in Bandung City from the five dimensions, namely historical buildings and monuments; historical event sites; cultural sites and/or natural landscapes; language, literature, and music; and traditional Lifestyle.
Artificial Intelligence has a Role in Medical Treatments and Associated Research?
Authors: Jarrett Jeffrey E.
Published: May 2023

I encourage the growth of artificial intelligence and similar methods in health and medical care for the purpose of continuously improving processes included in this field. By focusing on the growth on data analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, and computer methods including machine learning, the future of health-care methods will change. The development of computerized methods and the growth of data systems produce ample materials for artificial intelligence to develop and to bring physician assistance programs to enable continuous improvement resulting in superior health and medical care. This includes applications in intensive care as well as diagnostic therapies. The focus is on examples in the use of the promising developments in data science methods, the accumulation of medical and research data. With quality and continuous improvement in process control applications where one determines the usefulness of data analytics, there are great possibilities of change in the improvement in medical applications as well as the management of hospital and other health-care facilities.
The Effects of TV Viewing, Computer and Gaming Console Use on Academic Achievement: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Bui Nghi Hoang , Cruickshank Marilyn , McAloon John , Maguire Jane
Published: May 2023

Background: Early learning experiences are crucial for children’s optimal development. The rising prevalence of screen time (ST) in children’s lives have raised concerns regarding their effect on academic outcomes (Gingold et al., 2013). Aim: This study used a longitudinal design to examine the effects of the amount of ST on academic achievement. Method and Sample: The “Growing Up in Australia: A Longitudinal Study in Australia (LSAC)” (Soloff et al., 2005) was the primary data source for this research and focused on children from this cohort who were 4-5 years of age on enrolment (N=2954). The National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) was used to measure five academic domains: reading, writing, numeracy, spelling and grammar/punctuation at two time points. Results: Increased ST at Time 1 (T1) demonstrated a negative association with Year 3 NAPLAN scores in reading (B= -5.94), writing (B= -3.08), numeracy (B= -4.85), spelling (B= -4.03), and grammar/punctuation (B= -5.74). Increased ST at Time 2 (T2) demonstrated a significant negative association with only Year 5 NAPLAN scores in grammar/punctuation (B= -2.72).  ST at T1 predicted lower scores on the Year 5 NAPLAN in reading (B= -1.67), writing (B= -2.36), and grammar/punctuation (B= -1.96). This effect was not observed for numeracy and spelling. Conclusions: Overall, these findings illustrate that more ST leads to a decreased performance in academic achievement over time, although this was not present across all domains. These findings may have implications for educational settings, as technology is increasingly utilised for educational purposes.
Perception of Postgraduate Students on Ethical Public Relations Practice in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Authors: Orji-Egwu Agatha Obiageri , Nworie Happiness Chinenye
Published: May 2023

In every organization, Public Relations serve as a vital anchor that keeps its reputation and external relationships afloat. It is a shield that minimizes risk and damage upon progress, initiating robust growth and evolution. The rationale for this study is that every successful public relations activity is guided by certain moral principles and is geared towards ensuring that the communication needs of all key stakeholders are addressed. These obviously include the postgraduate students of Ebonyi State University who constitute a critical component of the university publics. Besides, in building the reputation of an organization, it has to start with the internal publics. It is against this backdrop that it becomes imperative to assess the practice of ethical public relations as perceived by postgraduate students among the university staff at Ebonyi State University. The objectives were to determine whether Ebonyi State University postgraduate students perceive the level of communication flow between the students and staff as highly commendable; ascertain the level of goodwill elicited from postgraduate students and as well determine the major challenges that confront the postgraduate students. The study was anchored on a two-way symmetrical model. A mixed research method was adopted for this study and data were gathered using a questionnaire and in-depth interviews with staff of the public relations unit of Ebonyi State University. The population of the study consists of 990 postgraduate students in the 9 faculties of the university between 2018 to 2022 academic sessions. The population includes 88 PGDs, 540 Masters, and 362 PhDs. A sample of 285 respondents was chosen for the study based on the Australian sample size online calculator. The findings of the study revealed that poor communication and inadequate feedback mechanism pose serious challenges to the ethical practice of public relations at Ebonyi State University. It was therefore recommended that in order to build and enhance healthy relationships between the university and its postgraduate students, it is vital to find innovative ways to communicate with the postgraduate students to keep them not only engaged but informed.
The Effectiveness of Geopark-Based Science Learning to Increase Students' Concern for The Local Environment and Culture the Belitung Island
Authors: Budiastra A. A. Ketut , Asror Mustaghfiri , Erlina Nia , Wicaksono Iwan
Published: May 2023

Research to know the effectiveness of science learning at the Geopark-based elementary school (SD) stage on Belitung Island which includes geological diversity (Geodiversity), biodiversity (Biodiversity), and cultural diversity (Cultural diversity). The type of research applied is experimental research with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The sample selected was elementary school students in grades IV, V, and VI with each class using a large scale. The instruments used were pretest and posttest to determine student learning outcomes in geopark-based science learning both before and after the learning process. In this study, questionnaires were also used to collect qualitative descriptive data. The research results for grade IV geological diversity on granite teaching materials show that Geopark-based science learning is effectively applied in the high category and for Lake Kaolin teaching materials show that Geopark-based science learning is effectively applied in the medium category. The results of the research for Biodiversity for class V Mangrove Forest teaching materials show that Geopark-based science learning is effectively implemented in the high category and for Kabong Tree or Enau teaching materials it is shown that Geopark-based science learning is effectively applied in the medium category. The results of the study for cultural diversity (Cultural diversity) for class VI on Marastaun Culture teaching materials show that Geopark-based science learning is effectively applied with medium category and for Nirok Nanggok Culture teaching materials shows Geopark-based science learning is effectively applied with high category. The research recommendations show that development in the form of Geopark-based science teaching materials needs to be followed up for learning in the Geopark area which is a source of the nation's natural wealth.
National Social Identity in Guinea-Bissau: An Exploratory Essay Inspired by The Methodology of J. Cheek, S. Briggs, S. Smith and L. Tropp
Authors: Proença Carlos Sangreman , Faria Raquel , Magalhães José
Published: May 2023

The research is defined as exploratory and aims to evaluate whether the methodology of inquiry and analysis of the identity of J. Cheek, S.Briggs, S.Smith and L.Tropp [8], can be adapted to a fragile state like Guinea-Bissau. This methodology consists in the assessment of the importance attributed by the respondents of 70 sentences from which the characteristics of individual and social identity (family and collective) are extracted (Cheek, J.M. & Briggs, S.R. [7]). The phrases were sent by digital means to 102 Guineans known in person or only by Facebook with a request for response and dissemination and obtained 183 responses. These answers, calculated according to the methodology adopted, allowed to define some identity characteristics of the respondents. We tried to interpret these results using other surveys conducted since 2014 in Guinea-Bissau with different themes. It is concluded by realizing that this is a method that can contribute to the knowledge of the national identity of Guineans, but insufficient. This conclusion remains to be demonstrated if it is carried out with a statistically significant sample.
Studies on macrofungi diversity and discovery of new species of Abortiporus from Baotianman World Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Tie Lu , Lang Zhao , Deng Li , Junqiang Zhao
Published: May 2023

This research focuses on macrofungi in Baotianman Biosphere Reserve and their relationships with plant ecosystems. The findings demonstrate the reserve’s macrofungal resources. The study collected 832 specimens, among which 351 macrofungi species were identified, belonging to six classes, 19 orders, 54 familiae, and 124 genera, and one new species of Abortiporus was found. Among them, 11 familiae with a total of 231 species were dominated, accounting for 20.37% of the total number of familiae and 65.81% of the total number of species; 14 genera with a total of 147 species were dominated, accounting for about 11.38% the total number of genera and 41.88% of the total number of species. The richness of macrofungi at the species level was considerably different across the four vegetation types in the reserve, showing that the vegetation types had a bigger influence on macrofungi. In the evaluation of macrofungal resources, a total of 196 species of edible fungi, 121 species of medicinal fungi, 52 species of poisonous fungi, and 37 species of macrofungi with unclear economic value were counted. Abortiporus baotianmanensis is a new species of podoscyphaceae in the genus Abortiporus. The new species display the reserve’s richness. Next, the project seeks to generate and conserve macrofungal resources.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Properties of an Electron Beam Cladded Layer of Inconel 718
Authors: Müller R. , Hengst P. , Biermann H. , Buchwalder A.
Published: May 2023

The present investigations serve to characterize Inconel 718 layers deposited onto a stainless steel by means of wire-based electron beam cladding. The investigations analyze the depth-dependent element concentration and the hardness profile, while providing a detailed microstructural examination. It is thus shown that multilayer coating systems can be applied without defects, and that the chemical composition of the additive material can be achieved in the third layer. Furthermore, the Fe content is shown to have a significant influence on the segregation of the Laves phase during solidification. The investigations also analyze the necessity of a subsequent solution annealing heat treatment step by means of hardness mapping and microstructural investigations. As a result, it is evident that solution annealing at 1050 °C reduces the amount of the Laves phase, but does not completely dissolve it. Additional age hardening tests with different T-t variants yield the desired hardness range. As a result, these variants offer a suitable possibility for in situ age hardening during boriding tests planned for future research.
Falls during oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for gastrointestinal malignancies – (lessons learned from) a prospective study
Authors: Galliardt Melanie , Betz Ulrich , Birklein Frank , Drees Philipp , Geber Christian
Published: May 2023

This prospective cohort study aimed to characterise the impact of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and its neurotoxic side effects (i.e., chemotherapy-induced neuropathy) on functional fall-risk and falls. Twenty chemotherapy-naïve participants (mean age, 59 years; 16 males) were consecutively included. A multimodal fall risk assessment was performed at four time points within 6 months. Polyneuropathy was assessed using the Neurologic Disability Scale; the fall risk was assessed by functional tests (Tinetti Test, Chair-Rising Test, and Timed up and Go Test). Patient-reported outcomes comprised the Hospitality Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Falls Efficacy Scale – International (FES-I) to assess the fear of falling, and the Physical Activity for the Elderly (PASE) questionnaire. Three falls occurred during the study. All fallen participants had a high fall risk-index (≥4 more risk factors) compared to only 30% of the non-fallen participants (p = 0.03) and suffered more frequently from pre-existing mild polyneuropathy (p = 0.049). Study discontinuation (n = 12) was associated with a higher rate of polypharmacy (p = 0.045), anxiety (HADS-A, p = 0.03), and specific fear of falling (FES-I, p = 0.025). In contrast, study completers (n = 8) reported an improvement in physical activity (PASE) (p = 0.018). In summary, pre-existing fall-risk factors impacted more falls than chemotherapy. A fall risk index offers a time-efficient screening option in an outpatient oncological setting.
Outcomes of low-risk birth care during the Covid-19 pandemic: A cohort study from a tertiary care center in Lithuania
Authors: Poškienė Ingrida , Minkauskienė Meilė , Kregždytė Rima , Jarienė Kristina , Kliučinskas Mindaugas
Published: May 2023

According to the World Health Organization, midwife-led care is the most appropriate and cost-effective type of perinatal care. As the Covid-19 pandemic with its drastic changes and challenges for the health systems and the medical staff made large adjustments to the healthcare delivery system, midwife-led care became an even more important supportive tool in maintaining unnecessary interventions. This retrospective cohort study aims to compare the outcomes of midwife-led care and team-led care in low-risk births between the Covid-19 pandemic and non-Covid-19 pandemic period. The total studied population was 1,185 singleton births and consisted of 727 births during the non-Covid-19 period and 458 births from the Covid-19 period. The study revealed the safety of low-risk birth care during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in both groups. The maternal and perinatal outcomes remained stable without an increased rate of unsuccessful vaginal births and newborn asphyxia; moreover, birth care of low-risk women provided by midwives preserved autonomy, integrity, and resistance to responding to a disaster. The aforementioned results exhibit that high-quality, safe supervision by midwives in low-risk births can be provided even in high-stress circumstances.
Gradient-distributed ZTAp-VCp/Fe45 as new anti-wear composite material and its bonding properties during composite casting
Authors: Fan Lei , Hu Chun , Yang Neng , Fan Xingshuai , Cheng Jie , Li Xiangming
Published: May 2023

In this article, gradient-distributed VCp-ZTAp/Fe45 composites were prepared by vacuum sintering, and three-body abrasive wear experiments were carried out to investigate its anti-wear performance. The composite casting of VCp-ZTAp/Fe45 was investigated by using the finite element method and experiments, and the bonding between the Fe45 substrate and 35SiMnCrMoNi steel was fully investigated. Results show the in situ formation of VCp in the VCp-ZTAp/Fe45 composite matrix during vacuum sintering. The anti-wear property of the VCp-ZTAp/Fe45 composite is ca. 7 times that of Hardox450 and NM450 and ca. 8 times of 30SiMn. There forms a solid metallurgical bonding between the Fe45 matrix of VCp-ZTAp/Fe45 and 35SiMnCrMoNi steel, with a ca. 80 μm thickness of the bonding area during the composite casting.
Model-Based Small Area Estimation of Regional-Level Maternal Mortality Prevalence in Ghana
Authors: Jakperik Dioggban , Chukwudum Queensley Chidimma , Adjabui Michael Jackson
Published: May 2023

The study involved 1240 women covering the ten administrative regions of Ghana. The aim was to study the prevalence of maternal mortality and its distribution across the ten regions based on given demographic factors. Three main analytical methods were used: Direct estimation method, Fay-Herriot method and Binary Logistic regression. The study revealed that prevalence of maternal mortality in Ghana was high among women engaged in manual works, rural dwellers, women living without partners and women living in pro-poor families. The Northern region had the highest number of maternal deaths followed by the Western region whilst the Ashanti and the Upper East regions had the lowest number of maternal deaths. There is therefore the need for Ghana Health Service to engage all stakeholders in checking maternal mortality in the country.
A Study of the Adolescents’ Psychological Potential Actualization Model
Authors: Svatenkova Tetyana
Published: May 2023

The socio-psychological situation in Ukraine has undergone significant changes. A global pandemic, harsh quarantine measures, war, insufficient public information, stigmatization of public opinion, high risks to public health – have all created a new psychosocial reality of life for both adults and young people. It is obvious that these problems and their manifestation in totality have affected young people’s life in various aspects. An anonymous voluntary survey of high school teachers conducted in 10 schools in different regions of Ukraine (Prykarpattia, Central and Northern) revealed a decrease in student activity (360 students aged 14-17) by 40% (attendance, willingness to learn and participate in educational activities), significantly reduced success (by 35%) during the distance learning period. The parents’ survey results show that young people’s feelings of fear (89%), anxiety (84%), aggression (58%), and depression (52%) are significant. A study of the structural characteristics’ of the specific manifestations of young people’s psychological potential was conducted between 2016-2020 which involved 2022 participants on a voluntary, anonymous basis. The young people’s psychological potential comprised the following components: motivational, emotional, value, and behavioral. The results showed a 40% decline in indexes on average over 2020-2021. A 4-stage young people’s psychological potential actualization model focusing on diagnostic, psycho-corrective, formative, and recreational-assertive aspects was developed based on the “Children`s Camp Zefir” recreation program and the adolescents’ psychological center “Alternative”. The model, implemented for the second year 2021-2022, currently displays significant results for increasing psychological indicators.
Does the epigenetic expression of obesity, insulin resistance and their metabolic sequelae contribute to brain senescence?
Authors: Tulp Orien L
Published: May 2023

Cognitive senescence and brain shrinkage have been reported in Alzheimer’s disease and is often associated with obesity but the pathophysiologic factors which bring about the neural declines remain unclear. A retrospective examination of factors of Insulin resistance and obesity in lean and obese rats indicated that final body weights of obese phenotype were more than double those of their lean littermates throughout adulthood, and carcass fat content at 10.5 months of age 15-fold greater than similarly fed lean littermates. In addition, the life span of the obese phenotype was decreased by approximately 30% in both male and female rats compared to their lean littermates. In addition, glycemic parameters indicated that the obese rats developed significant insulin resistance, while brain lipid, protein and DNA content were significantly reduced by one third or more in the obese phenotype by ~10 months of age, when they had approached their peak body weights. These observations suggest that the onset and progression obesity and its metabolic sequelae contributes to brain shrinkage, decreased DNA and protein content, key factors in the development of cognitive senescence in aging in this strain of rat.
HIV positive pregnancy and nutrition
Authors: Penchyna Nieto Maria Regina
Published: May 2023

Background: If an HIV-positive woman becomes pregnant, certain complementary nutritional considerations must be justified, since pregnant women with HIV have greater needs to promote a healthy outcome. This review aims to provide information on HIV and pregnancy, nutrition, and infection, and how care and environment can be improved for these HIV positive women. Results: The search yielded a total of 120 articles, of which 102 were excluded by title, abstract, or year of publication. In total, as a result of this search, 20 articles were included, which met at least one of the criteria. Based on the results of the study, these show a great diversity in the changes and recommendations for pregnant women who show the pathology.
The hunt for data: obstacles faced by researchers in the search for accurate information on precipitation in Brazil
Authors: Pugas André Francisco
Published: May 2023

Precipitation data collection is a fundamental activity for understanding climate phenomena and making decisions in various areas, such as agriculture, water resources, and energy. However, collecting and analyzing this data in Brazil faces several challenges that affect the quality and reliability of the information. This article aims to analyze the challenges related to precipitation data collection in Brazil and present proposals to overcome them, contributing to improving the quality of information and the safety of the population. To achieve the proposed objective, the main factors presented in debates and discussions that occurred between master's and doctoral students, and researchers from government agencies in Brazil from 2021 to 2023 were monitored and recorded. The analysis of the challenges related to precipitation data collection in Brazil points to the lack of investment in the maintenance and monitoring of meteorological stations, the lack of observational data in certain regions of the country, the need to consider the spatial and temporal variability of the data, and the guarantee of the safety of the stations. To overcome these challenges, a joint effort is proposed by the government, the scientific community, and the general population with adequate investments in the maintenance and monitoring of meteorological stations, the adoption of more efficient solutions for data collection and analysis, the consideration of the spatial and temporal variability of the data, and the adoption of security measures for meteorological stations.
Nuclear engineering for monitoring the thinning of the pipe wall of the Angra 1 power plant
Authors: Vitalli Rogerio Adas Pereira , Manoel Losada Moreira Joao
Published: May 2023

Large thermoelectric generation systems based on the Rankine cycle require monitoring of the thinning of the pipe wall caused by steam flow due to aging processes such as erosion and accelerated corrosion processes. Inspection difficulties are related to hostile environments (50 oC and 100% relative humidity) and spaces with complicated geometry, such as pipeline curves and their support structures. This work presents a monitoring program that integrates wall thickness inspections performed with a robotic system and Industry 4.0 technology to process the collected data and disseminate information throughout the organization. The robotic system is developed using “Digital Twin” technology, a very realistic virtual modeling scheme that allows interaction with the real world environment. They include equipment and all the steps to carry out the inspection process. The tube wall thickness monitoring system will be used at the Angra 1 nuclear power plant (Brazil).
Scientific research methods and methodologies of research applied in the professional training of the public administrator
Authors: Maldonado Jefferson Carmona
Published: May 2023

The recurrent call for content, elements, and parameters of the methods of investigation against either applied research methodologies oblige to analyze the context faced in the professional formation of sciences and disciplines, notably in public administration. The Multicriteria analysis and Designing Process, outline the work of the one and the other in a complementary manner. Scientific research methods are unique to science and are not easily transportable to other scenarios. Applied methodologies, by arranging as known elements and practical ways, recompose the restrictions that the methods present. Rigorous combination of both orients the role that must comply with the methodology and methods analysis and, not reference chapter. Both are different and their combination requires a greater effort.
An Investigation of the cultural intelligence of pre-service music teachers in Turkish Universities
Authors: Sibel Celik
Published: May 2023

Culture constitutes all the values of a society; they are all the building blocks that can be transferred, renewed, and come from the past to the present. Turkey is a diverse, rich and culturally diverse country. In today's world, the concept of cultural intelligence, which is necessary for people to adapt in different and multicultural environments is substantial. In this context, it is extremely important for music teachers to adapt in multicultural environments for their efficient work. This purpose of this study is to investigate of pre-service music teachers’ cultural intelligence and to determine by some variables whether differ or not.  This study was conducted with quantitative research methods. Descriptive analysis, Independent Group t-test, One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Kruskal Wallis-H Test, Pearson Correlation Coefficient were used. In study, which was carried out with quantitative research, 278 participants who study at seven various regions of Turkey in the 2020-2021 academic year. It has been determined that the cultural intelligence levels are at a good level and the relations between them are positive. Cultural intelligence levels of participants do not differ significantly by the gender, age, university, parents' education status. Solely it was found statistically significant whether there was someone involved in music in the family in metacognition and cognition sub-dimensions. As a result, it was seen that the cultural intelligence levels of the pre-service music teachers were good and generally did not differ according to demographic variables. The novelty of this  study  is  that  the  framework  has  identified preservice music teachers’ cultural intelligence levels in Turkey.  Furthermore, this study can  be  a  point  of  reference  to  stakeholders and researchers on this music education axis.  The findings of this study also serve to foresee education sector about the issues related to the implementations of higher institutions of teacher educations.
Decision to delivery interval in cesarean delivery for suspected fetal distress: the risk factors and outcomes
Authors: Zakaria Zahar Azuar , Muhammad Maria
Published: May 2023

Background: This study was to evaluate the differences in the neonatal outcomes after caesarean sections (CS) for suspected fetal distress in groups with decision to delivery interval (DDI) of 30 minutes or less and longer than 30 minutes. Factors associated with these intervals were also investigated.
Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from all emergency caesarean deliveries for fetal distress in 2021. Maternal demographic data, the procedure characteristics and the neonatal outcomes were analyzed according to the DDI groups; 30 minutes or less and more than 30 minutes. Time interval for different stages of DDI and related factors were also analyzed.
Results: A total of 115 cases were included for analysis with the mean DDI of 40.1 minutes. Only 24/115 (20.9%) of the cases had the DDI of 30 minutes or less. Maternal and surgical characteristics were similar between the 2 study groups, and there were no differences in the proportion of neonatal acidosis, low Apgar score, intubation, NICU admission and the mean umbilical cord pH or base excess. Regression analysis demonstrated that level of surgeon’s experience, operations during the normal working hours or CS for fetal bradycardia were significantly associated shorter DDI. Experienced surgeon and unscarred uterus were associated with shorter incision to neonatal delivery interval.
Conclusions: The longer DDI in caesarean deliveries for suspected fetal distress is not associated with significant adverse neonatal outcomes. Despite so, identifying the factors influencing the DDI is still an important aspect in the constant work to improve the obstetric service.
A 5-year review of contraceptive uptake among women attending family planning clinic at Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Lohnan Lucky C. , F. Oyeniran Oluwaseye , C. Opara Francis , Kahansim Makshwar L. , Cobson Meshi E. , Momoh Mary C. , Odonye Caleb E.
Published: May 2023

Background: Rapidly rising population in Africa is of great concern, most especially in Nigeria because of its impact on social stability. Family planning is an indispensable tool for population control and also in preventing unwanted pregnancy and its complications. Women and men at any given point in their lifetime should be able to choose the most appropriate contraceptive methods from many available options, as this is an important contributor to the successful use of contraception. Aim of the study was to determine the uptake and trend in contraceptive use from 2014-2018 in the family planning unit of a specialist hospital in the North central, Nigeria.
Methods: It is a retrospective, descriptive study of contraceptive uptake of women attending family planning clinic of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH), Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria from 2014 to 2018.
Results: Of the 5448 women accessing family planning services in the hospital within the study period, 5277 folders were retrieved with complete data. A vast majority of the women were married (99.6%) with the mean age of the subjects being 28.8±6.0 years. Contraceptive uptake was 43.2% of deliveries in the hospital. Implants (65.4%) remained the preferred contraceptive choice, followed by injectables (20.7%) and intrauterine devices (IUDs) (10.3%). Less popular were bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) (0.2%), Sayana press (0.1%) and Standard Days Methods (SDM) (0.0%). Implants, injectables and IUDs consistently remained the preferred contraceptive choices yearly throughout the studied years.
Conclusions: Implants is the most popular contraception in DASH. Contraceptive uptake is relatively high among the women but there is still need to increase access to effective contraception and if possible make them freely available at all levels of health care.
Efficacy of an alginate versus proton pump inhibitor in the symptomatic relief of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in pregnant women
Authors: T. Jayanthy , Reddy Vayyala P.
Published: May 2023

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently seen during pregnancy with prevalence of 80%. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are the most effective drugs used in the treatment of reflux symptoms. Alginates are natural polysaccharide polymer which builds a non-systemic barrier against acid and food reflux in the oesophagus. Aims and objectives were to compare the efficacy of alginate versus PPIs in pregnant women, and to determine the time to onset of decrease in the pain intensity of alginate to PPIs.
Methods: This is a prospective randomised study conducted in pregnant women with symptoms of heartburn comparing the efficacy of alginates to PPIs in Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences. After subjects have signed the consent, two sachets of 10 ml liquid preparation alginate were given to the alginate group while 40 mg intravenous pantoprazole to the PPI group.
Results: Among 40 patients studied, 20 were given alginates and 20 were given PPIs. 7 presented in the 1st trimester and 33 in 2nd trimester. Onset of action is faster with alginates when compared to PPIs, it was 30 min to 1 hour in patients taking alginates and 6-12 hours in patients taking PPIs, duration of action was longer for PPIs than alginates, with alginates it’s observed that it attains 24-hour symptom free interval in shorter time when compared to PPIs.
Conclusions: ¬Alginates to be used for rapid symptom relief in patients with acute symptoms as an induction agent, PPIs to be used for longer duration of action as maintenance.
The effect of preventive measures to reduce the decision to delivery interval in women undergoing emergency caesarean section
Authors: Sahithi Donthireddy L. , Talathi Manju A. , Taralekar Vaishali S.
Published: May 2023

Background: Time interval between the decision to perform an emergency caesarean (ES) section and the actual delivery is known as decision delivery interval (DDI). A third phase delay in the delivery of emergency obstetric care is caused by prolonged DDI. In an effort to reduce maternal morbidity and neonatal morbidity and mortality, it is essential to implement interventions designed to reduce DDI.
Methods: This study was carried out to reduce DDI by setting benchmarks for all categories according to Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guidelines 2010, in our setup. The study carried out in 2 phases; first phase was a pilot study comprising of 143 women who underwent ES section. The deviation in DDI with possible causes were noted. The benchmarks were set to 8%, 30% and 20% for categories 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Corrective actions were taken including both hospital and patient causes for delay and were discussed at each level. Second phase included total 460 women from January to December 2021 and evaluated for DDI.
Results: Out of 460, 87 (18.91%) women had deviated from the set DDI. The percentages in individual categories 1, 2 and 3 were 17.22%, 30.50%, and 29.50%, respectively. The deviation percentage of DDI in category 2, was achieved as per benchmark set in a pilot study, however, it was not achieved for other categories.
Conclusions: Since the result that was obtained didn’t reach the set deviation percentage, we have observed that achieved deviation cannot be further reduced as our clinical setup is a teaching institute.
Outcome of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: a tertiary care centre study
Authors: Umrethwala Sakina Muslim , Shaikh Sohel , Tatyabe Palve Tushar , Devnikar Komal , Kulkarni Sejal
Published: May 2023

Background: Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in Indian women with an incidence of 4.9 cases per 100,000. Epithelial ovarian cancer is a silent killer disease as it presents at an advanced stage with minimal signs and symptoms.
Methods: It is a type of research article. The present study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cama and Albless Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, from a period of January 2018 to July 2019, during which 53 cases of EOC were studied.
Results: Out of 53 cases of EOC, 45 cases were advanced stage EOC, they were either operated as PDS-ACT or NACT- IDS.
Conclusions: NACT is recommended wherein optimal cytoreduction appears unlikely, or in patients where upfront surgery is high risk and extensive causing high morbidity post-surgery. Places where there is non-availability of special surgical expertise and hospital resources, there too NACT-IDS is recommended.
A comparative study of efficacy and side effects of nifedipine with nifedipine along with dydrogesterone in management of preterm labor
Authors: Singh Sapna , Tyagi Preeti , Anand Deepak , Gupta Nitika , Gupta Rashmi
Published: May 2023

Background: Preterm labor remains one of the major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Different tocolytics have been studied for prolongation of pregnancy, role of progesterone in increasing latency period remains controversial. Aim of the study was to compare efficacy of nifedipine with nifedipine along with dydrogesterone as a tocolytic agent in case of preterm labor and find its impact on maternal and neonatal outcome.
Methods: This study was conducted in 100 women who presented with  symptoms of   preterm labor,  patients were then randomized to nifedipine plus dydrogesterone therapy  or nifedipine  treatment. Group I received Nifedipine plus dydrogesterone 10 mg and group II received only nifedipine.
Results: There was significant difference in latency period between group I and group II polongation beyond 1 week was observed in 58% in group I and 32% in group II. There is significant difference in APGAR score at 1 minute and 5 minute between patients of group I and group II. In group I, 57.4% neonates have APGAR >7 whereas in group II 31.9% neonates have APGAR >7 at 1 minute. In Group I, 89.4 % neonates have APGAR >7 whereas in group II 68.1% neonates have APGAR >7 at 5 minutes. The mean birth weight in group I was 1.86 with SD 0.35 whereas in group II it was 1.72 with SD 0.34 which is statistically significant. However, no significant difference was found between admission in neonatal intensive care unit or neonatal complications and adverse effects between 2 groups.
Conclusions: This study found dydrogesterone along with nifedipine is more effective as tocolytic in comparison to nifedipine alone.
A randomized double-blind study to evaluate asurgeon-based technique to reduce post-operative pain in minimal gynecological surgery
Authors: Mustafa Asif , Khemani Manju , Verma Deepika , Chandra Kapoor Mukul , Makhija Bela , Bhandari Ruchi
Published: May 2023

Background: The study aims to evaluate whether instillation of levo-bupivacaine intraperitoneally decreases post-operative pain after laparoscopic gynaecological surgeries, using VAS pain Scale.
Methods: Randomized placebo controlled double blinded study conducted at tertiary care hospital in New Delhi. 90 ASA I & II women scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic gynaecological surgeries. 20 ml 0.5% levo-bupivacaine diluted with 40ml normal saline (total 60ml) intraperitoneally at the end of surgery before closure of ports along with port site infiltration of levo-bupivacaine (3-5 ml) in intervention group and 60 ml normal saline intraperitoneally in control group.
Results: Mean pain scores were significantly lower (p<0.01) in the intervention group when compared to the control group for initial 4 hours of the study after that mean pain score was lower in intervention group than control group but it was statistically not significant. The requirement of rescue analgesia was also significantly lesser in intervention group compared to control group.
Conclusions: Levo-bupivacaine is an easy, cheap and non-invasive method which provides good analgesia in the immediate postoperative period after laparoscopic gynaecological surgery, without adverse effects, especially in the early postoperative period. This improves patients experience and should be made an integral part of all minimal gynaecological endoscopic surgery.
Use of low dose misoprostol for induction of labour in a secondary hospital setting: a retrospective cohort study of a unique induction protocol
Authors: Cherian Anne George , Reddy Tamma Anusha , Dhinagar Manoj Jacob , Arunraj Deyya Anish
Published: May 2023

Background: Induction of labour is a procedure often used in pregnant women where there are clear medical indications. There are various modalities of induction of labour which differ in outcomes and complications. Our aim was to look at how effective our protocol using misoprostol was in achieving delivery within 24 hours of the start of induction, the induction delivery interval, Caesarean section rates and its indications using Robsons classification, uterine hyperstimulation with FHR changes and oxytocin augmentation and its duration.
Methods: This was a retrospective study which looked at the mode of induction and outcomes of women during the period from 1st February, 2021 to 31st July,2021.
Results: There were 2574 deliveries in the period February 1st, 2021 to July 31st, 2021. We found more nulliparous women and obese women in the induced group. The main indication for induction was past dates and the mean induction to delivery interval among the women being induced was 32 hours (SD: 22.58). There were significantly higher women who experienced PPH and Caesarean sections were 2.100 (1.577- 2.793) times higher among women who were induced.
Conclusions: Induction protocols need to be developed taking into consideration the advantages as well as complications associated with it and then tailor it according to infrastructure and personnel available.