bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two new species of the congrid eel genus Ariosoma (Anguilliformes, Congridae, Bathymyrinae) from Indian waters
Authors: Kodeeswaran Paramasivam , Kathirvelpandian Ayyathurai , Ray Dipanjan , Mohapatra Anil , Kumar Thipramalai Thangappan Ajith , Raghunathan Chelladurai , Kumar Sarkar Uttam
Published: January 2024

Two new species have been described from Indian waters, based on the materials collected from Kochi coast, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Mannar and West Bengal coast along the Bay of Bengal. Ariosoma gracilesp. nov. is described, based on five specimens collected from the landings at Kalamukku Fishing Harbour, Arabian Sea. The new species is characterised by longer tail, 55.3–58.7% TL; dorsal-fin origin above pectoral-fin base; no dark or whitish bands on dorsal surface of head, ventral extremities of lower jaw and mid-portion with minute dark pigmentation patch; anus positioned well before the middle of total length; SO canal with 4 pores; 0 or 3 pores on ST canal; pre-dorsal vertebrae 9; pre-anal vertebrae 49–54; total vertebrae 140–142. Ariosoma gracilesp. nov. is closely related to Ariosoma dolichopterum and Ariosoma emmae by sharing similar morphometrics and pre-anal vertebral counts. However, it differs by having more total pores (132–135 vs. 121–129 in A. dolichopterum, 123–126 in A. emmae); fewer pre-anal pores (43–46 vs. 47–51 in A. dolichopterum, 50–53 in A. emmae); more pre-dorsal pores (9 vs. 5–9 in A. dolichopterum, 4–6 in A. emmae). Another new species, Ariosoma kannanisp. nov. is described on the basis of two specimens (157–171 mm TL) from Gulf of Mannar and one specimen (201 mm TL) collected from Shankarpur Fish Landing Centre, West Bengal. This species is similar to Ariosoma megalops, but readily differs by having smaller eyes, smaller interorbital distance and exhibits 10.8% genetic divergence from A. megalops from the Taiwan waters.
Fractional optimal control analysis of Covid-19 and dengue fever co-infection model with Atangana-Baleanu derivative
Authors: Hanif Asma , Butt Azhar Iqbal Kashif , Ismaeel Tariq
Published: January 2024

A co-infection with Covid-19 and dengue fever has had worse outcomes due to high mortality rates and longer stays either in isolation or at hospitals. This poses a great threat to a country's economy. To effectively deal with these threats, comprehensive approaches to prevent and control Covid-19/dengue fever co-infections are desperately needed. Thus, our focus is to formulate a new co-infection fractional model with the Atangana-Baleanu derivative to suggest effective and feasible approaches to restrict the spread of co-infection. In the first part of this paper, we present Covid-19 and dengue fever sub-models, as well as the co-infection model that is locally asymptotically stable when the respective reproduction numbers are less than unity. We establish the existence and uniqueness results for the solutions of the co-infection model. We extend the model to include a vaccination compartment for the Covid-19 vaccine to susceptible individuals and a treatment compartment to treat dengue-infected individuals as optimal control strategies for disease control. We outline the fundamental requirements for the fractional optimal control problem and illustrate the optimality system for the co-infection model using Pontraygin's principle. We implement the Toufik-Atangana approximating scheme to simulate the optimality system. The simulations show the effectiveness of the implemented strategy in determining optimal vaccination and treatment rates that decrease the cost functional to a minimum, thus significantly decreasing the number of infected humans and vectors. Additionally, we visualize a meaningful decrease in infection cases with an increase in the memory index. The findings of this study will provide reasonable disease control suggestions to regions facing Covid-19 and dengue fever co-infection.
Numerical treatment for a novel crossover mathematical model of the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Alalhareth Fawaz K. , Al-Mekhlafi Seham M. , Boudaoui Ahmed , Laksaci Noura , Alharbi Mohammed H.
Published: January 2024

This paper extends a novel piecewise mathematical model of the COVID-19 epidemic using fractional and variable-order differential equations and fractional stochastic derivatives in three intervals of time. The deterministic models are augmented with hybrid fractional order and variable order operators, while the stochastic differential equations incorporate fractional Brownian motion. To probe the behavior of the proposed models, we introduce two numerical techniques: the nonstandard modified Euler Maruyama method for the fractional stochastic model, and the Caputo proportional constant-Grünwald-Letnikov nonstandard finite difference method for the fractional and variable-order deterministic models. Several numerical experiments corroborate the theoretical assertions and demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approaches.
Research work and contribution of Andrej Kranjc to geography and karstology
Authors: Ravbar Nataša
Published: January 2024

Andrej Kranjc was one of the leading geographers of his generation at the national and international level. His research covers a wide range of topics related to karst geomorphology, speleology, and hydrology, as well as the history of karstology and karst terminology. This article presents his fruitful and active research activities, his contribution to geography, and his role and importance to karstology. His research and publications were honoured by his appointment as a member of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Through his scientific, professional, and educational work, Kranjc has had a lasting impact on Slovenian geography and has contributed significantly to the establishment of karstology in the professional community and among the general public. In addition, his work led to many important initiatives, such as the International Karstological School and the Doctoral study programme Karstology. It is also thanks to him that Slovenia is recognised as a karst country and is among the world leaders in karstology.
The Strobach Syndrome: François-Joseph Fétis, Historical Fakes and the Early Music Revival
Authors: Holman Peter
Published: January 2024

Some pieces included by François-Joseph Fétis in his concerts historiques are now known to be “historical fakes”, which he composed himself and attributed to Emilio de’ Cavalieri, Heinrich Schütz, Alessandro Stradella and others. He even provided a spoof entry for his invented composer Jean Strobach in his Biographie universelle des musiciens. This paper traces the history of historical musical fakes from Fétis to Winfried Michel, arguing that they are uncovered because they go out of date like other cultural artefacts.
El refinado gusto de un agente español en Roma. Antonio Pérez de Rúa y su correspondencia con el cardenal Moncada en 1671
Authors: Gil Saura Yolanda
Published: January 2024

La correspondencia datada en 1671 entre el agente español en Roma, Antonio Pérez de Rúa y el cardenal Moncada, en Madrid, ofrece un panorama de la circulación de objetos artísticos entre las dos ciudades, bufetes de scagliola, estatuillas de bronce, pinturas sobre cobre y grabados, mostrando el gusto artístico de ambos interlocutores y su juicio sobre diferentes artífices romanos entre los que sobresale Ciro Ferri.
Las declaraciones de Juan Pérez Castiel, Jaime Bort y Pedro de Ribera para reformar la fachada de la Catedral de Cuenca y sus torres (1710-1726). El arquitecto barroco a través de sus escritos
Authors: Torralba Mesas Desirée
Published: January 2024

Las declaraciones compuestas por los célebres arquitectos barrocos Juan Pérez Castiel, Jaime Bort y Pedro de Ribera para reformar la fachada y torres de la Catedral de Cuenca entre 1710 y 1726 constituyen un ejemplo sustancial para entender la figura del artífice en sí mismo y en relación a la cultura arquitectónica de su tiempo. Al tratarse de fuentes originales no existe distorsión en su contenido por lo que adquieren un valor único y representativo a la hora de entender cómo trabajaban estos artífices, qué condicionantes teóricos y prácticos les influían y qué principios constructivos y decorativos empleaban. Así, el análisis de tres de estos textos vinculado a cada uno de los arquitectos permite entrever las características profesionales propias de cada uno y, a la par, los rasgos subyacentes que entroncan con el contexto arquitectónico del momento.
Mirar y escuchar al báculo de Limoges en la catedral de Toledo
Authors: Jasperse Jitske
Published: January 2024

La catedral de Toledo posee un báculo de Limoges de principios del siglo XIII con singulares representaciones de leones y diáconos, indicativo del rico repertorio artístico de Limoges. Reconociendo sus llamativas características, este breve artículo presenta el báculo como un objeto portátil que animaba múltiples sentidos a través de su uso físico.
Colorado Castellary, Arturo: Arte y Caja de Reparaciones. La incautación republicana, la evacuación a México y Ginebra y la gestión franquista. Madrid: Ediciones Cátedra, 2023, 244 pp., 61 ilus. b/n. [ISBN: 978-84-376-4614-5].
Authors: Cabañas Bravo Miguel
Published: January 2024

-
Les « tracteurs du président » au Tchad : machines agricoles ou instrument politique ?
Authors: Mugelé Ronan
Published: January 2024

À la fin des années 2000, l’État tchadien met en œuvre une ambitieuse politique de modernisation et de développement de l’agriculture. Il cherche notamment à encourager la mécanisation et la motorisation du travail paysan, via la diffusion de tracteurs agricoles. Un partenariat technique est officialisé avec l’Inde à travers le programme TEAM. Cet article s’attache à décrire et à analyser les conditions d’introduction et d’utilisation de ces tracteurs. Il montre en quoi la dimension matérielle et technique de la machine est indissociable de sa composante immatérielle et symbolique, et comment cette articulation en redéfinit les usages.
El impacto social del avión (Manutara) en la isla Rapa Nui
Authors: Rojas Pantoja Roberto
Published: January 2024

Cet article traite de l'impact de l'avion (Manutara) sur l'île de Rapa Nui. Il réfléchit à la manière dont cette machine s'insère dans la problématique de l'île, dans la conception du territoire et comment l'avion peut être compris comme un objet d'étude anthropologique capable de fournir une lecture pertinente de la réalité sociale en tant qu'objet, expérience et symbole dans les relations entre l'État du Chili et l'île de Rapa Nui.
L’affaire est dans le sac : un cas exceptionnel de contenant textile au sein du dépôt du Bronze final atlantique 2 de Hellez, Saint-Ygeaux (Côtes-d’Armor)
Authors: Fily Muriel , Mélin Muriel , Gendrot Véronique , Levillayer Axel , Bardel Véronique
Published: January 2024

Résumé. Le dépôt métallique de Hellez a été découvert à Saint-Ygeaux, dans les Côtes-d’Armor, en Bretagne. Sa fouille a permis de faire des observations in situ. Cet article propose une étude typologique détaillée ainsi que des observations tracéologiques et une étude de textile. Cinquante fragments métalliques ont été mis au jour, dont une partie toujours conservée dans une céramique bitronconique. Au fond du vase, 13 petits fragments de bronze ont été retrouvés regroupés au sein d’une petite bourse de lin fermée à l’aide d’un brin d’herbacé. La question de leur emploi en tant que poids est ici posée. Par sa composition, le dépôt est clairement attribuable au Bronze final atlantique 2 (épées à languette tripartite et lames décorées de rainures, pointes de lance à douille courte, haches à talon massives sans nervure centrale). Certaines caractéristiques typologiques permettent d’ailleurs de positionner cet ensemble à une phase récente du BFa 2, en particulier grâce à une épée presque entière. Ces observations sont confirmées par une datation absolue obtenue sur les fibres végétales de la bourse, dans l’intervalle suivant : 1056-917 cal. BC.
Cyber Habitat of Digital Culture
Authors: Köselerli Berna Berkman
Published: January 2024

This study aims to reveal the cultural aspects of digital society by discussing the views of scholars in the field. In liberal digital culture debates, digital platforms are regarded as alternative meeting places and democratic user-friendly spaces. As it is known, cutural materials can be deployed easily, instantly, and globally through digital technologies. People build online communities and share photos, videos, images, opinions with others by using social networks. Critical digital culture studies pointed out that the digital platform companies dominate the digital culture industry. Digital culture is shaped by the capitalist accumulation, so the functions of digital platforms are limited. In this study, digital culture is defined to build common meanings, values, experiences, and practices via digital platforms. In addition, a dialectic model is developed to comprehend the digital culture together with the political economic structure that transform it.
Fundamental Concepts of Cloud Computing
Authors: Darwish Dina
Published: January 2024

Cloud computing has transformed corporate and consumer lives. Cloud computing may save startups and businesses money and improve services. Independent developers may build global apps and services, share, and analyze data at scales formerly reserved for well-funded projects. Internet users may quickly create, share, and preserve digital content beyond their devices' computing capabilities. The cloud provider owns and maintains computer resources in cloud computing. Browser-based apps like Netflix, third-party data storage for images and other digital files like iCloud or Dropbox, and third-party servers used to support a company, research, or personal project's computer architecture are examples of such resources. This chapter discusses many topics related to cloud computing, such as: Cloud computing term, entities, technologies, delivery models, environments, and platforms, advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing, benefits of cloud computing, using cloud computing, risks and security concerns, cloud computing ethics, challenges, and costs, and research directions.
Big Data and Cloud Computing
Authors: Darwish Dina
Published: January 2024

Big data helps organizations of all sizes track performance, detect issues, and find growth opportunities. Big data has advantages, but supporting it with computer resources and software services may cost even the biggest organizations. Sales, IoT sensors, and user feedback give analytics, and clouds can handle big data. Cloud computing changed computer infrastructure, since all services are cloud-based. Cloud computing is great for massive data storage, administration, and analytics due to its flexibility, pay-as-you-go or pay-per-use strategy, and minimal upfront cost. This chapter examines big data and its analytics with cloud computing for businesses and end users and discusses the key concepts of big data and cloud computing; the advantages, benefits, and disadvantages of big data analytics; cloud service types for big data analytics; security challenges; differences between big data and cloud computing; applications of big data analytics; choosing the cloud deployment model; and security and research issues in big data.
Cloud Computing Applications in Biomedicine
Authors: Namdev Arpit , Veeraiah Vivek , Dhamodaran S. , Islam Shaziya , Patil Trupti , Pramanik Sabyasachi , Gupta Ankur , Pandey Digvijay
Published: January 2024

Today's biology is characterized by a rising requirement for real-time handling of massive quantities of data. New needs for information and communication tools (ICT) result from this. These needs can be satisfied by cloud computing, which also has many benefits like cost reductions, flexibility, and scaling when using ICT. This chapter aims to examine the idea of cloud computing and its associated applications in the field of biomedicine. The researchers provide a thorough examination of the application of the cloud computation method in biological analysis, broken down into framework, infrastructures, and service layers, along with a suggestion in handling huge quantities of data in the field of medicine. The chapter begins by outlining the suitable applications and technical approaches for cloud computing. Second, the cloud computing elements of the high-end computing model are examined. Finally, a discussion of this technology's promise and actual uses in biomedical study is presented.
Elevating Performance and Navigating Success Through Innovative Performance Management in SMEs
Authors: Kassar George
Published: January 2024

In this chapter, the author navigates the dynamic landscape of performance management (PM) within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a sector marked by agility and unique operational dynamics. The chapter examines the evolution of traditional PM frameworks in light of the rapidly changing business landscape. Serving as a comprehensive guide, it presents insights designed for professionals and business leaders navigating the SME realm. The chapter spotlights the key methodologies and approaches to PM, underscores the criticality of aligning individual goals with organizational strategies and the significance of smart objectives. It further investigates the transformative role of continuous feedback, coaching, and importance of technological integration in PM, emphasizing their relevance in the contemporary SME setting. The chapter concludes by addressing employee development and recognition, underscoring their value in cultivating a culture of excellence and growth within SMEs.
HR 2.0
Authors: Das Sima , Manna Monojit , Modak Subrata
Published: January 2024

This chapter aims to explore the concept of HR 2.0 and its implications for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). HR 2.0 represents a paradigm shift in human resource management, driven by the rapid advancement of technology and the changing dynamics of the modern workplace. The chapter will provide insights into innovative strategies that SMEs can adopt to effectively manage their human resources in this new era. The chapter will begin by discussing the evolution of HR management, highlighting the traditional practices that have been prevalent in SMEs. It will then delve into the concept of HR 2.0, emphasizing the need for SMEs to embrace technology, data-driven approaches, and a more employee-centric mindset to stay competitive and attract top talent.
Catchment-Specific Approaches in Human Resource Management
Authors: Francis Shimmy , Sangeetha R.
Published: January 2024

In today's dynamic business outdoors, identifying the most skilled employees has become a challenging and captivating challenge. This chapter explores the catchment-specific approach in human resource management in the information technology (IT) industry. This conceptual chapter analyzed peer-reviewed academic literature, the business press, and other media outlets. This conceptual chapter outlines the key issues for catchment-specific approaches in human resource management in the area of recruitment with the changing trends of the recruitment process. Certain emergent practices include analyzing the catchment area, tailoring recruitment strategies, and evaluating and refining catchment-specific in recruitment. This chapter helps raise awareness and understanding of this new and emerging aspect of catchment-specific approach in human resource management.
A Review on the Chemical Vapor Deposition Synthesis of 2D Materials and Their Applications
Authors: Kumar Sumit
Published: January 2024

This chapter explains the principle and synthesis method involved in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. A smart method for making layered 2D atomic crystal nanomaterials on a compatible substrate through bottom-up approach is explored. CVD is a vacuum deposition method used to produce high-quality, high-performance solid materials. CVD is a scalable method to fabricate one layer to multi-layer thin films to bulk layer hybrid materials and their hetero-structure composites by changing the precursor compound with combination of an appropriate element having affinity toward the precursor complex cations. The process stacks two or more atomic layers of different compounds in the rich variety of 2D library to explore novel and collective quantum phenomena at the interfaces. Recently, 2D-SnXSY semiconductor materials have been synthesized by using CVD. These hybrid materials find various applications in sensors, photovoltaics, and quantum phenomena. Latest trends on fabricating hetero-structures of SnS and SnS2 with other hybrid composites by CVD have also been discussed.
Effect of Natural Gas Composition, Ratio of Methane-Steam and Methane-Air on Ammonia Products
Authors: Febrianti Regita , Trianingtias Sontika Rahma , Pratiwi Vibianti Dwi , Gemilar Gelar Panji
Published: January 2024

Natural gas has diverse content such as Methane, Ethane, Carbon dioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, and other gases. In addition, natural gas is formed over a very long time, where it comes from fossil fuels. Natural gas that has been treated and produced products are called synthesis gas which can be used to make ammonia (NH3). To produce ammonia, steam compounds (H2O) are used which are reacted with natural gas to produce hydrogen (H2) and Nitrogen (N2) obtained from the air. Ammonia manufacturing can be done by several processes, namely desulfurization (natural gas purification), Steam Reforming, Shift Converter, CO2 removal, methanation, and refrigeration units. The data used in this simulation is data on the ammonia plant at PT. Petrokimia Gresik. What is seen from this simulation is the influence of the composition of natural gas with variations in composition, namely 75% – 99% methane. The largest yield was obtained in the composition of 75% methane with an ammonia product yield of 82.34 tons/hour, this is because the division of the composition is divided propositionally into other compounds such as ethane, and propane, i-butane, etc. which have more H2 content. Then there is the ratio of methane flow rate to steam using a variation of 1:3.5 - 1:7.5 where the largest ammonia product is obtained from a ratio of 1:7.5 with ammonia product yields of 84.79 tons/hour because more and more steam causes the formation of more hydrogen. Furthermore, there is a ratio of methane flow rate to air with a variation of 1:5.5 - 1:7.5 where the largest ammonia product is obtained from a ratio of 1:5.5 with an ammonia product yield of 84.87 tons/hour because the air content consists of N2 and O2, where if the O2 content is a lot it will react with Methane so that the H2 produced will be less if methane reacts also with O2 not only with H2O.
Clinical achievement improvement through experiential learning-based training
Authors: Kuspita Fitri Chandra , Sukartini Tintin , Ahsan Ahsan , Nursalam Nursalam , Hastuti Apriyani Puji
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to enhance clinical educators' competence through experiential learning-based preceptorship training. Many clinical educators struggle with implementing effective clinical education, providing guidance, and having limited time for new nurses. The research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-posttest control group involving 60 clinical educators. The intervention group received a five-day training module using experiential learning-based preceptorship, while the control group received standard intervention. Data analysis used the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test to analyse differences before and after intervention, and used Mann-Whitney to analyse differences between the two groups. Analysis revealed significant improvements in critical thinking, patient safety, leadership, communication, research-based practice, and professional development among the intervention group compared to the control group (p-value=0.000). The findings highlight the effectiveness of this training model in enhancing clinical educators' learning outcomes. The study suggests that incorporating experiential learning into clinical education can be a valuable strategy for improving the competence of clinical educators and subsequently achieving better clinical achievements.
An Exploratory Case Study: Examining the Design of Clinical Immersion from the Preceptors’ Perspective
Authors: Gessel Chyrsten L. , Singe Stephanie M. , Crocker Heidi M.
Published: January 2024

Context

The clinical immersion experience is a key part of the socialization of the professional athletic training student. Clinical immersion offers the student the chance to experience the totality of the role of the athletic trainer. Programmatic autonomy allows many athletic training educators the opportunity to be creative in the implementation of clinical immersion(s).

Objective

Examine clinical immersion from the preceptors’ perspective to understand their opinions regarding the structure of the experience and preferences they may have surrounding clinical immersion structure.

Design

Qualitative exploratory case study design.

Setting

Individual one-on-one video-conference interview.

Patients or Other Participants

Eight athletic training preceptors (6 female, 2 male) completed one-on-one interviews and were 38 ± 6 years old with 10 ± 3 years of experience as a preceptor and 14 ± 7 years of experience as a certified athletic trainer.

Data Collection and Analysis

Semistructured interviews were conducted with all preceptors. Interviews were recorded and transcribed using a video-conferencing software. An iterative approach with principles of phenomenological research was used to code the data. Data saturation guided recruitment and cessation of new interviews. Basic member checks, reflexivity, and multiple analyst triangulation were used to determine trustworthiness.

Results

The following four major themes emerged: (1) preceptors prefer the clinical immersion experience to be longer than the minimum accreditation requirement, (2) preceptors prefer to supervise second-year students in the immersion experience, (3) immersion allows for meaningful relationship development between the preceptor and student, and (4) preceptors treat immersions as a transition to practice mechanism.

Conclusions

Preceptors perceived the clinical immersion experience to be a facilitator of strong preceptor-student relationships and a facilitator of transition to practice. They believed that the clinical immersion should be longer than 4 weeks and occur late in the athletic training curriculum.
Role of Fenofibrate Use in Dyslipidemia and Related Comorbidities in the Asian Population: A Narrative Review
Authors: Deerochanawong Chaicharn , Kim Sin Gon , Chang Yu-Cheng
Published: January 2024

Hypertriglyceridemia and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) persist despite statin therapy, contributing to residual atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. Asian subjects are metabolically more susceptible to hypertriglyceridemia than other ethnicities. Fenofibrate regulates hypertriglyceridemia, raises HDL-C levels, and is a recommended treatment for dyslipidemia. However, data on fenofibrate use across different Asian regions are limited. This narrative review summarizes the efficacy and safety data of fenofibrate in Asian subjects with dyslipidemia and related comorbidities (diabetes, metabolic syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic nephropathy). Long-term fenofibrate use resulted in fewer cardiovascular (CV) events and reduced the composite of heart failure hospitalizations or CV mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Fenofibrate plays a significant role in improving irisin resistance and microalbuminuria, inhibiting inflammatory responses, and reducing retinopathy incidence. Fenofibrate plus statin combination significantly reduced composite CV events risk in patients with metabolic syndrome and demonstrated decreased triglyceride and increased HDL-C levels with an acceptable safety profile in those with high CV or ASCVD risk. Nevertheless, care is necessary with fenofibrate use due to possible hepatic and renal toxicities in vulnerable individuals. Long-term trials and real-world studies are needed to confirm the clinical benefits of fenofibrate in the heterogeneous Asian population with dyslipidemia.
Risk Prediction and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease in People Living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ooi Ying-Guat , Sarvanandan Tharsini , Hee Nicholas Ken Yoong , Lim Quan-Hziung , Paramasivam Sharmila S. , Ratnasingam Jeyakantha , Vethakkan Shireene R. , Lim Soo-Kun , Lim Lee-Ling
Published: January 2024

People with type 2 diabetes mellitus have increased risk of chronic kidney disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Improved care delivery and implementation of guideline-directed medical therapy have contributed to the declining incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in high-income countries. By contrast, the global incidence of chronic kidney disease and associated mortality is either plateaued or increased, leading to escalating direct and indirect medical costs. Given limited resources, better risk stratification approaches to identify people at risk of rapid progression to end-stage kidney disease can reduce therapeutic inertia, facilitate timely interventions and identify the need for early nephrologist referral. Among people with chronic kidney disease G3a and beyond, the kidney failure risk equations (KFRE) have been externally validated and outperformed other risk prediction models. The KFRE can also guide the timing of preparation for kidney replacement therapy with improved healthcare resources planning and may prevent multiple complications and premature mortality among people with chronic kidney disease with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present review summarizes the evidence of KFRE to date and call for future research to validate and evaluate its impact on cardiovascular and mortality outcomes, as well as healthcare resource utilization in multiethnic populations and different healthcare settings.
Adding chitosan nanoparticles of green tea extract in diluent and thawing temperatures ameliorate the post-thawed quality of Boer buck semen
Authors: Susilowati Suherni , Mustofa Imam , Suparyogi Tri Wahyu , Akintunde Adeyinka Oye , Purwanto Djoko Agus , Wurlina Wurlina , Utama Suzanita , Mulyati Sri
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To improve the quality of post-thawing Boer buck semen for artificial insemination by adding green tea extract chitosan nanoparticles to skimmed egg yolk diluent, and the proper thawing temperature.

Methods:

The ejaculate of Boer buck was added to skimmed egg yolk diluent without (the control group) and with adding 1 μg of chitosan nanoparticles of green tea extract per mL of diluent (the treatment group). Then, the diluted semen was filled in French mini straws containing 60× 106 live sperm per straw, frozen in a standard protocol, and stored as frozen semen at -196 °C for a week. Six replicates from each group were diluted for 30 s at 37 °C or 39 °C sterile water to evaluate the semen quality.

Results:

Post-thawing (at 37 °C or 39 °C) of live sperm, progressive motility, and plasma membrane integrity were lower compared to those of the pre-freezing stage (P<0.05). Thawing at 37 °C resulted in no significant difference in live sperm, progressive motility, and plasma membrane between the control group and the treatment group (P>0.05). The live sperm, progressive motility, and plasma membrane of the treatment group in the pre-freezing stage, and post-thawed at 39 C were higher compared to those of the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, DNA fragmentation, and catalase concentration of thawing at 37 °C compared to those of 39 °C in the same group. The MDA concentration and DNA fragmentation in thawing at 37 °C and 39 °C of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). However, the catalase concentration in thawing at 37 °C and 39 °C of the treatment group was not significantly different than the control group (P>0.05).

Conclusions:

Higher quality post-thawing Boer buck semen is achieved by adding 1 μg/mL of chitosan nanoparticles of green tea extract to the skimmed egg yolk diluent and thawing at 39 °C.
Exploring the psychometric properties of Gujarati version of WHOQOL-BREF scale among general population of Western Gujarat: A confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Chauhan Meet M. , Patel Ravi R. , Savani Nikita M.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Quality of life (QOL) is a useful component in assessing the health of people and society. There are many reports on the validity of the four-domain structure of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), but few studies have investigated the possibility of a better alternative model fit among the general population.

Objective:

The objectives of the study were to perform exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the WHOQOL-BREF and to generate a model that fits among the general population of western Gujarat.

Materials and Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to February 2023 using the Gujarati version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire among the general population of urban and rural areas. Factor analysis was performed to check the model fit.

Results:

Factor analysis gave a five-factor structure, and the CFA suggested that the model was acceptable.

Conclusion:

Based on the findings, this model can better explain QOL and can be used as a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating QOL in the general population of Gujarat.
Impact of global public health days on online health-information-seeking behavior related to substance use: An analysis of five-year data
Authors: Singh Swarndeep , Balhara Yatan Pal Singh
Published: January 2024

The United Nations Organizations observe various global public health days (GPHDs) (also known as world days) throughout the year. We aimed to assess the impact of GPSDs on online health information-seeking behavior related to substance use in the Indian context. We used the Google Trends data for this study using standard guidelines. We conducted a topic search for the query “Substance abuse” to capture online information-seeking behavior (OHISB) for substance use disorder-related searches. The data were analyzed using the Joinpoint Regression software. Joinpoint regression model analysis was conducted to determine the statistically significant daily percent change (DPC) in the RSV trend. We found that there were significant changes in OHISB for substance use-related disorders on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking over the last five years. The increase in the pattern of online search for substance use-related information was not observed around the World No Tobacco Day, World Mental Health Day, and World Suicide Prevention Day. Since most of these world health days are likely to continue to be observed in the coming years, it is important to regularly assess their impact as well as make the necessary modifications to make them more effective in achieving the desired objectives.
Efficacy of tDCS on craving in patients of alcohol dependence syndrome: A single-blind, sham-controlled trial
Authors: Astha  , Patil Sandeep , Patil N M , Tekkalaki Bheemsain , Chate Sameeran S.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Craving is attributed as one of the main reasons for relapse in alcohol dependence syndrome. Neurostimulation techniques targeting craving in substance use disorders are being researched. Neuroimaging has shown dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) as one of the potential targets responsible for craving, with frontal dysfunction being quintessential in alcohol use disorder. Evidence suggests that stimulation of DLPFC with low-dose current can help in reducing craving.

Objectives:

To study the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on craving in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a single-blind, sham-controlled study involving 76 patients with alcohol dependence syndrome (according to ICD-10 DCR). Participants with Clinical Institute of Withdrawal Assessment in Alcohol Withdrawal (CIWA-Ar) scores less than 10, not on any anti-craving medications were included in the study. Patients were allocated to active and sham tDCS groups in a ratio of 1:1. Such that 38 patients received active, and 38 patients sham tDCS stimulations; with anode as right DLPFC and cathode as left DLPFC receiving 2 mA current (twice daily session, total of 10 sessions). The Alcohol Craving Questionnaire (ACQ-NOW) was administered to measure the severity of alcohol craving at baseline and after the last tDCS session.

Results:

Our study showed a significant reduction in craving in the Post-tDCS, ACQ-NOW scores as compared to sham tDCS. There was a significant reduction in the compulsivity and emotionality domain of craving after tDCS. The effect size for treatment with time interaction was (0.58).

Conclusions:

tDCS was superior to sham in reducing caving in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome.
Association between urban upbringing and functional brain connectivity in schizophrenia
Authors: Korann Vittal , Thonse Umesh , Garani Ranjini , Jacob Arpitha , Ramkiran Shukti , Praharaj Samir K. , Bharath Rose D. , Kumar Vijay , Varambally Shivarama , Venkatasubramanian Ganesan , Rao Naren P.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Environmental factors considerably influence the development of the human cortex during the perinatal period, early childhood, and adolescence. Urban upbringing in the first 15 years of life is a known risk factor for schizophrenia (SCZ). Though the risk of urban birth and upbringing is well-examined from an epidemiological perspective, the biological mechanisms underlying urban upbringing remain unknown. The effect of urban birth and upbringing on functional brain connectivity in SCZ patients is not yet examined.

Methods:

This is a secondary data analysis of three studies that included 87 patients with SCZ and 70 healthy volunteers (HV) aged 18 to 50 years. We calculated the developmental urbanicity index using a validated method in earlier studies. Following standard pre-processing of resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, seed-return on investment (ROI) functional connectivity analysis was performed.

Results:

The results showed a significant association between urban birth and upbringing on functional connectivity in SCZ patients and HV (P < 0.05). In SCZ patients, connections from the right caudate, anterior cingulate cortex, left and right intracalcarine cortices, left and right lingual gyri, left posterior parahippocampal cortex to the cerebellum, fusiform gyri, lateral occipital cortex, and amygdala were significantly associated with the urbanicity index (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

These study findings suggest a significant association between urban birth and upbringing on functional brain connectivity in regions involved in reward processing and social cognition in SCZ. Assessment of social cognition could have implications in developing an in-depth understanding of this impairment in persons with SCZ.
Pattern of adult psychiatric emergencies at a tertiary care center before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sen Mahadev S. , Chawla Nishtha , Deep Raman , Chadda Rakesh K.
Published: January 2024

A gap exists in published data on psychiatric emergencies presenting to Indian centers over the entire pandemic. We assessed 2,048 consecutive adult psychiatric emergencies for the period April 2019–September 2021 to compare 18 months following the onset of the pandemic, with the pre pandemic year as the control. Mean age was 33.8 ± 13.6 years, with 55% females. The proportion with ICD-10 schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders (18.9% vs 15.3%; P = 0.031), mood disorders (21.8% vs 18.1%; P = 0.038), and personality disorders (3.8% vs 2%; P = 0.018) showed a significant increase during a pandemic, while those with no diagnosable illness reduced (28.6% vs 34.3%; P = 0.006). Suicidality was the reason for referral in 43%, comparable to pre pandemic year. Those with stay ≥24 hours increased (14% vs 11%; P = 0.034). Benzodiazepines remained the commonly prescribed medication, but a notable rise was seen in mood stabilizer prescriptions.
Research on feeding and eating disorders in India: A narrative review
Authors: Vaidyanathan Sivapriya , Menon Vikas
Published: January 2024

Despite growing evidence of their prevalence, research on feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) in India has been sporadic. This narrative review aimed to summarize the research on FED in India and set priorities for future research and translation of evidence. An electronic search was conducted in the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant English peer-reviewed articles from April 1967 to July 2023. The extracted data from these studies included author names, publication year, research location, type of intervention (for interventional studies), nature of comparator treatments, and main outcomes or findings. We found a rising trend in the prevalence of EDs in India. Adolescent age group, female sex, higher socioeconomic status, family history of mental illness or disordered eating, and borderline personality pattern were risk factors for EDs. For feeding disorders (FDs), childhood age group, malnutrition, pregnancy, psychosis, intellectual disability (ID), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were putative risk factors. Both physical and psychiatric comorbidities were common in FEDs. Culture appears to exert a pathoplastic effect on symptom presentation in FEDs; an illustrative example is the documented nonfat phobic variant of anorexia nervosa (AN) in India. Research on management has focused on using assessment tools, investigations to rule out medical comorbidities, psychosocial and family-based psychotherapies, nutritional rehabilitation, pharmacotherapy, and neuromodulation approaches. Whereas the publication output on FEDs in India has increased over the last decade, it remains an under-researched area, with a striking paucity of original research. Future research priorities in FEDs include conducting country-wide registry-based studies to offer real-world insights, longitudinal research to identify culturally relevant risk factors, and developing brief, culturally sensitive diagnostic instruments for FEDs in the Indian context. This will help generate locally relevant epidemiological data on FEDs and inform treatment and prevention strategies.
Leopard syndrome without lentigenes: A rare presentation and literature review
Authors: Gannavarapu Nikhila , Parida Preetinanda , Sneharika P. N. V. , Biswal Sebaranjan , Mohanty Ambika Prasad , Mohakud Nirmal Kumar
Published: January 2024

Leopard syndrome (LS) has presentations of lentigines, conduction abnormalities in the heart, hypertelorism of the eyes, stenosis of the pulmonary artery, cryptorchidism, mental retardation, and sensorineural deafness. Another condition known as Noonan syndrome (NS) has many overlapping symptoms. LS is due to germ-line mutations in the PTPN11 gene. The same genetic mutation also leads to NS. Here, we described a 10-year-old male child presented with failure to thrive, decreased appetite, large atrial septal defect, and developmental delay and later on diagnosed with LS by whole-genome sequencing. In this case, characteristic lentigines are absent, which puts the pediatrician in a dilemma. However, by using the diagnostic criteria set by Voron since 1976, we are able to reach a clinical diagnosis of LS.
Dermatoglyphics: The elusive nexus decoding the conundrum of amlodipine-induced gingival enlargement – A cross-sectional, pilot, observational study
Authors: Bhuvaneswari P. , Thamaraiselvi R. , Narayanan Akshaya Muthuswamy , Ahamed M. Shabbir , Monika A.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Dermatoglyphics is a scientific study dealing with the dermal ridge configurations of the palmar and plantar surfaces of the upper and lower limbs. Drug-induced gingival enlargement refers to engorgements in gingiva as a consequence of drug usage. This pilot study was done to see the pattern of fingerprints using dermatoglyphics and amlodipine-induced gingival enlargement in hypertensive patients.

Materials and Methods:

The subjects for the study were prospectively recruited from the outpatients reporting to the Department of Periodontology, Tamil Nadu Government Dental College during the study period of 3 months following the inclusion criteria. Twenty people presenting with amlodipine induced gingival enlargement were thus recruited for the study and their fingerprint patterns were recorded and analyzed with the assistance of magnifying lens.

Results:

It was thus observed that there was a preponderance of whorls (55%) while observing fingerprint patterns of the recipients of amlodipine presenting with gingival enlargement. Females outnumbered males in the study. The gender difference was seen in the type of fingerprint. A preponderance of whorls (55%, 11 participants) 30% arch (6 participants) and 15% with loop (3 participants). Similar results were recorded in both genders with whorl recording the highest incidence of 80% and 46.67% in males and females, respectively. No zero loop patterns were recorded in males.

Conclusion:

The relative preponderance of whorls being observed in this study might be a predictive marker for those amlodipine consumers with a heightened predilection to develop gingival enlargement The subdued expression of loops which are otherwise the most commonly expressed fingerprint pattern among the humans, and the ascendancy of whorls characterizing this category of people is indeed a finding, which by further supportive studies, could help find preventive strategies to combat amlodipine-induced gingival enlargement.
Change in paradigm of medical undergraduate teaching due to COVID-19 pandemic students’ perspective: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Mishra Soumya , Behera Anugya Aparajita , Barman Diplina , Manjareeka Magna , Satpathy Sudeep , Behera Basanta Kumara
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

The use of competency-based, integrated teaching and self-directed learning has brought about substantial changes in the field of medical education in recent years. However, the COVID-19 epidemic suddenly changed the game, requiring an immediate switch to online instruction.

Aim:

This study examines undergraduate medical students’ experiences in a private medical institution during the COVID-19 epidemic by contrasting traditional in-person instruction with recently implemented online learning techniques.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among students belonging to medical fraternity. Response rate of 97.2% of the students took part. We looked at learning outcomes, motivation, interaction, and attentiveness as well as demographics, device and Internet connection choices, and the effects of online and offline learning environments.

Results:

We found that students significantly prefer traditional in-person instruction, with lecture halls being preferred over online learning environments. Issues with motivation, focus, and the capacity to learn efficiently in an online setting are among the difficulties noted. According to the report, some students support hybrid learning, even if the majority still prefers offline instruction. The results highlight the need for a sophisticated strategy that integrates the best aspects of online and traditional teaching methods into a “blended learning” model.

Conclusion:

This study emphasizes the significance of responding student input to improve the quality of medical education, which provides insightful information for improving instructional practices in the post-COVID-19 age.