bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Élites agrarias y paramilitares en el magdalena: el caso del sector cafetero
Authors: Castillo Luis
Published: February 2024

En este artículo propongo que la relación de las élites agrarias con los paramilitares fue más compleja de lo que se cree. Así como hubo sectores que se articularon profunda y masivamente a la experiencia paramilitar, también hubo otros que se abstuvieron o se mantuvieron relativamente al margen. Tomando como caso de estudio el sector cafetero del Departamento del Magdalena, muestro que la participación directa de sus élites en el fenómeno paramilitar fue muy limitada, casi nula. Argumento que esto se puede entender a partir de su relación con la conflictividad agraria y con la violencia guerrillera.
Forum for Institutional Thought: A platform for an exchange of ideas about institutional economics in Poland
Authors: Jurczuk Anna , Śliwa Renata , Łapniewska Zofia , Zachorowska-Mazurkiewicz Anna
Published: February 2024

This article presents the history, objectives, and scope of activity of the Forum for Institutional Thought Association. The Forum is an initiative by a group of social sciences’ representatives gathered around the belief that the institutional approach currently offers the best way to understand the world, particularly the changes that happen in the economies undergoing a systemic transition.
Antioxidant Defenses Against Air Humidity Stress in Fruit Bodies of Auricularia heimuer (Agaricomycetes)
Authors: Ma Huai Liang , Ma Shi-Yu , Fu Chen-Xi , Yang Jia-Qi , Li Dan-Lin
Published: February 2024

Air humidity is an important environmental factor restricting the fruit body growth of Auricularia heimuer. Low air humidity causes the fruit body to desiccate and enter dormancy. However, the survival mechanisms to low air humidity for fruit bodies before dormancy remain poorly understood. In the present study, we cultivated A. heimuer in a greenhouse and collected the fruit bodies at different air humidities (90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, and 50%) to determine the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH); and the activities of enzymatic antioxidants including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR). Results showed that the MDA contents tended to increase with decreasing relative air humidity. Relative air humidity below 90% caused membrane lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress (based on MDA contents) to the fruit body, which we named air humidity stress. In contrast to the control and with the degree of stress, the GSH contents and activities of SOD, CAT, GR, GPX, and APX tended to ascend, whereas AsA showed a declining trend; the POD activity only rose at 50%. The antioxidants favored the fruit body to alleviate oxidative damage and strengthened its tolerance to air humidity stress. The antioxidant defense system could be an important mechanism for the fruit body of A. heimuer in air humidity stress.
A fracture-based discrete model for simulating creep in quartz sands
Authors: Lei Jiangtao , Arroyo Marcos , Ciantia Matteo , Zhang Ningning
Published: February 2024

Creep of granular soils is frequently accompanied by grain breakage. Stress corrosion driven grain breakage offers a micromechanically based explanation for granular creep. This study incorporates that concept into a new model based on the discrete element method (DEM) to simulate creep in sands. The model aims for conceptual simplicity, computational efficiency and ease of calibration. To this end a new form of normalized Charles power law is incorporated into a DEM model for rough-crushable sands based on the particle splitting technique. The model is implemented using a controlled on-off computational strategy. The model is validated by simulating creep in quartz sands in oedometric and triaxial conditions. Model predictions are shown to compare favourably with experimental results in terms of creep strain, creep strain rates and particle breakage. The model proposed would facilitate the calibration of phenomenological continuum models, but may be also useful to directly investigate structural scale phenomena, such as pile ageing.
Research into the Causes of Undesired Synchronisation Between the Motor Speed and the PWM Modulation Frequency in a PM BLDC Drive
Authors:   AGH University of Krakow, TUTAJ Andrzej , DRABEK Tomasz ,   AGH University of Krakow, PIATEK Pawel ,   AGH University of Krakow, KOCWA Pawel ,   AGH University of Krakow, BARANOWSKI Jerzy ,   AGH University of Krakow
Published: February 2024

In a drive system comprising a high-speed PM BLDC motor and an inverter implementing motor phases commutation and phase voltages PWM modulation, a spontaneous synchronisation between the PWM modulation frequency and the motor rotational speed may occur. The drive behaves like an unintended phase-locked loop. The effect distorts mechanical characteristic of the drive by introducing flat segments where the rotational speed remains constant despite changing load torque. It makes the speed-torque relationship discontinuous, nonlinear, and non-unique. The phenomenon is closely related to the problem of phase current and motor torque ripples. The paper presents experimental results recorded with a laboratory test bench for drives for electric power tools where the phenomenon of the parasitic speed locking has been observed. A root cause of this effect is discussed, and the mechanism of unwanted synchronisation is investigated. Several mitigation techniques are proposed and verified with computer simulations.
Feedstocks-to-Fuels Pipeline (F2F) v1
Authors: R Pidatala Venkataramana , Lei Mengziang , Choudhary Hemant , J Petzold Christopher , Garcia Martin Hector , A Simmons Blake , Gladden John , Rodriguez Alberto
Published: February 2024

Sustainably grown biomass is a promising alternative to produce fuels and chemicals and reduce the dependency on fossil energy sources. However, the efficient conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuels and bioproducts often requires extensive testing of components and reaction conditions used in the pretreatment, saccharification, and bioconversion steps. This restriction can result in an unwieldy number of combinations of biomass types, solvents, microbial strains, and operational parameters that need to be characterized, turning these efforts into a daunting and time-consuming task. Here we developed a high-throughput feedstocks-to-fuels screening platform to address these challenges. The result is a miniaturized semi-automated platform that leverages the capabilities of a solid handling robot, a liquid handling robot, analytical instruments, and a centralized data repository, adapted to operate as an ionic-liquid-based biomass conversion pipeline. The pipeline was tested by using sorghum as feedstock, the biocompatible ionic liquid cholinium phosphate as pretreatment solvent, a “one-pot” process configuration that does not require ionic liquid removal after pretreatment, and an engineered strain of the yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides that produces the jet-fuel precursor bisabolene as a conversion microbe.
Práticas avançadas de enfermagem em cuidados paliativos na comunidade compassiva de favela: relato de experiência
Authors: Silva Alexandre Ernesto , Almeida Antonia Rios , Martins Matheus Rodrigues , Oliveira Thayná Moura de , Mesquita Maria Gefé da Rosa , Trotte Liana Amorim Correâ
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: descrever a prática avançada do enfermeiro em cuidados paliativos que atua com a equipe Interdisciplinar em um projeto de extensão universitária nas favelas da Rocinha e Vidigal no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo do tipo relato de experiência, sobre a aplicabilidade de prática avançadas de enfermagem, no contexto de cuidados paliativos em comunidades vulneradas, Rocinha e Vidigal, 2019 e 2020. Resultados: Enfermeiros líderes, por meio da micropolítica, buscam o alívio do sofrimento humano, mediante o controle de sinais e sintomas físicos, psicossociais e espirituais, através de raciocínio clínico, habilidade de resolução de problemas por intermédio da consulta de enfermagem e articulação junto a equipe interdisciplinar. Conclusão: A abordagem de cuidados paliativos sob a ótica do projeto de comunidade compassiva tem mostrado uma forte prática da autonomia do enfermeiro, assim como proporciona visibilidade para a vulnerabilidade social e fortalecimento da prática avançada do enfermeiro no Brasil.
The role of emotions during the acceptance of corruption decisions and actions
Authors:   Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Zarichanskyi Oleh
Published: February 2024

Background. Researching the role of emotions in making corrupt decisions and actions is an urgent task, since corruption remains a serious threat to society and the economy in many countries. One of the aspects of the problem of corrupt behavior is the role of emotions when making corrupt decisions and actions. The concept of norms states that participating in or observing corruption leads to different emotions depending on the prevailing norms. Emotions signal adherence to norms and thus regulate people's behavior. The system of norms determines the connection between emotions and corruption, inspires new research and forms anti-corruption policy. The purpose of the article is to reveal and understand how emotions influence a person's personal decision to participate in corrupt practices. Methods. To determine the role of emotions in some cases of corruption, the following methods were used: selection, study and analysis of corruption stories. Results. Conducted theoretical and empirical studies confirm that numerous emotions, both positive and negative, serve as factors of corruption. Empirical studies show that fear and anxiety about punishment reduce the willingness to participate in corrupt practices. Theoretical studies also suggest that feelings of shame and guilt have a negative effect on propensity for corruption, but these theories have not been supported by evidence. There is currently no explanation for this conflicting evidence. C o n c l u s i o n s . The results obtained within this study can have an important practical impact on the development of effective anti-corruption strategies and policies aimed at reducing corruption in various spheres of society. Understanding the role of emotions in corruption decisions can contribute to more successful measures to solve this serious problem. The results of the study can also serve as a basis for developing a deeper understanding of the psychology of corruption and contribute to the creation of more successful measures to solve this problem.
Development and justification of the profession graph military officers of tank units
Authors:   Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Yurkova Olha
Published: February 2024

Background. The full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine has become the biggest challenge for the Ukrainian people since the independence of our state. This fact became a catalyst for the development of military science at both the theoretical and practical levels and led to changes in the training of military specialists of various branches and types of troops. To date, the unsolved problem is the development of occupational profiles for specialists in a number of military specialties, including tankers. The practical application of the occupational profile of a soldier of a tank unit would make it possible to improve the quality of professional and psychological selection measures, to improve training programs, which will significantly affect the quality of the personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The purpose of the article is the theoretical substantiation and practical development of the professional profile of a soldier of a tank unit. Methods. To establish the main definitions of the research, we used theoretical methods, such as: analysis, synthesis, generalization, systematization of scientific sources. The method of analyzing documents, instructions and regulations was used to determine the main components and characteristics of the professional profile of the military personnel of tank units. Also, our research was based on the empirical research we have already conducted on the psychological characteristics of the professional activity of the military personnel of tank units, which was carried out using the empirical method of an expert survey. Results. The basis for the development of the professionogram was: the results of a theoretical analysis of scientific sources, official documents of the professional activity of tank units, a psychological analysis of the professional activity of tankers and the results of the expert evaluation method, which made it possible to determine the main individual and psychological qualities of the military personnel of tank unit. Сonclusions. The proposed psychogram contains the following positions: general characteristics of the professional activity of the military personnel of tank units; a list of sanitary and hygienic conditions and safety rules of activity (sensory and motor field); negative factors of influence on military personnel during their professional activities (objective and subjective); professional traits of the military personnel of tank units; professionally important qualities of the military personnel of tank units (cognitive, motivational, emotional and volitional, functional spheres and individual psychological qualities); a list of possible errors in the specialist's work; contraindications to the profession.
Digitalization of the process of payment of settling allowances to servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their families
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Tsiukalo Liudmyla , Tumanska Marianna ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: February 2024

Background. A component of the social security of the military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their family members is a settling allowance paid to them in case of moving to a new place of military service in another settlement. Today there are a number of problems in this process of payment of this type of assistance. One of the factors that slows down the process of organizing the payment of relocation allowances to the military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine today is a number of bureaucratic procedures in terms of collecting the relevant package of documents for the payment of relocation allowances, their approval and signing. In addition, one of the features of its payment is that the timeliness of receiving assistance also depends on the human factor. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to conduct a study on the possibility of digitalizing the process of paying the settling allowance to the military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their families. Methods. The research methodology is based on the use of general scientific methods, in particular: analysis and synthesis, generalization, as well as a systematic approach to solving the tasks. The analytical method was used to identify theoretical approaches to the review and study of the legal framework governing the payment of allowances to the military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; the method of analogy was used for the proposed automated system for the process of payment of settling allowances to the military personnel. Results. It is proposed to develop and implement an automated system "Settling Allowances". The process of payment of lifting allowance to the military personnel using the automated system "Settling Allowances", which consists of eight stages, is described. Nine basic requirements for the automated system "Settling Allowances" are formed. Conclusions. An algorithm for digitalization of the process of payment of settling allowances to the military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been developed and substantiated. Using this automated system will make the process of paying the settling allowance to the military personnel clear, fast and transparent.
The Use of Augmented Reality-Based Learning Media: Arloopa for English Descriptive Text in Secondary School.
Authors: Rohman Abu Na'im , Mustofa Mutmainnah , Heriyawati Dwi Fita
Published: February 2024

This study aims to understand the English learning process using Arloopa as a digital medium. This study uses a descriptive qualitative design. To answer the problem of the study, the researcher observed the learning and teaching process in an Islamic secondary school in Malang. Two classes were observed by immersion in the classroom to get data. To verify the data obtained, the researcher checked the learning module document. The researcher revealed that using Arloopa as a digital learning media requires additional skill technology for the teacher if the students need to be equipped with a mobile phone, which Arloopa is only working with a mobile phone. The teacher should connect the mobile phone’s display to the LCD projector so that the students can view an object displayed by Arloopa. It would be different if each student in the class utilized an Android phone.
Communicative Language Teaching in Aviation Vocational College Context: The Effect of Students’ Learning Perception and Attitude on Their EFL Learning Performance
Authors: Rochmawati Laila , Sylvia Tiara , Kusumayati Lusiana Dewi , Silvia Maulana Anifa
Published: February 2024

This study examines the effect of learning perception and attitude on students' learning performance while implementing communicative language teaching (CLT) in a vocational college. The quantitative study used a survey research method with a cross-sectional design. 270 students participated in the study selected using a voluntarily random sampling technique. These research respondents were among those who had completed intermediate English classes with the amplification of the CLT method. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a four-point Likert's scaling method from very disagree (1) to very agree (4) (α = 0.843). The obtained data were analyzed using ANOVA with the assistance of IBM SPSS 25. Results showed a significant effect of learning perception (β = .890; F = 1018.849; p = 0.000) and attitude on students’ learning performance (β = .850; F = 698.468; p = 0.000). Among the two, learning attitude had been the more influential factor in students' learning performance during the implementation of CLT. This study suggested that CLT could be a catalyst for learning perception and attitude to elevate students' learning performance in the context of EFL teaching in vocational college.
A study to evaluate the effect of Lactobites bar as a galactagogue to increase the production of milk in lactating women and promote overall healthy recovery of lactating mothers
Authors: Desai Anish , Malhotra Narendra , Malhotra Neharika , Datar Nikhil
Published: February 2024

Breastfeeding is widely acknowledged as the preferred and recommended mode of infant nutrition. However, women who have undergone cesarean deliveries may face an increased risk of inadequate breast milk production, which can be addressed through various techniques, including the use of galactagogues, which stimulate breast milk production. Galactagogues are synthetic or plant molecules that induce, maintain, and increase milk production.

In this current real-world evidence study, 53 lactating women were enrolled. During the study, they received lactobites bar for 28 days. The intestinal health of the baby, incidences of formula feeding, the volume of breast milk, baby's anthropometric measures: such as changes in height, changes in the quality of hair and skin of the mother were evaluated. The feeling of wellness in the mother and haemoglobin levels were also assessed during the study.

The haemoglobin levels were significantly increased in mothers who were given lactobites bar. A significant increase was observed in hours of night and day sleep, stool frequency per day, vol. of breast milk [baseline vs 28 day: 30.19 ± 34.4 vs 448.06 ± 651.11; P<0.05], no. of diapers per day, height [baseline vs 28th day: 47.39±1.72 vs 50.1±1.62; P<0.05], changes in quality of hair and skin of mother, and the feeling of wellness in mother [baseline vs 28th day: 0.04 ± 0.19 vs 1.88 ± 0.32; P<0.05]. A significant reduction was observed in formula feeding incidence (<0.001). No side effects were reported.

Lactobites bar can be used as a galactagogue to increase the human milk volume in lactating women.
Correlation between pre-operative platelets count and serum cancer antigen-125 level in epithelial ovarian carcer
Authors: Alegbeleye Justina Omoikhefe , John Celestine Osita
Published: February 2024

Cancer antigen 125 (Ca-125) is currently used as an adjunct to ovarian cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring. Platelet (PLT) count and Ca-125 levels are both prognostic markers in ovarian cancer that are linked to inflammation and immune evasion.

To determine the relationship between pre-operative platelet count and serum Ca-125 level, and their diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of stage IV epithelial ovarian cancer.

The study included forty-two women with histologic diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer managed at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020. Following informed consent, a data collection form was used to obtain socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Pretreatment levels of Cancer Antigen 125 (Ca-125) and Platelets count (PLT) were determined from blood samples. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between PLT and Ca-125, and the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the predictive accuracy of PLT count alone and PLT-Ca-125.

The sample median platelet count was 308 (307) x 10/L and median Ca-125 was 286µ/ml (397). Pre-operative platelets count was significantly associated with Ca-125 (rho= 0.28 p-value = 0.03). Ca-125 had a statistically significant relationship with ovarian cancer histology (X2:19.522; p-value 0.001). PLT-Ca-125 (0.51) and PLT only (0.29) had a statistically significant positive correlation with ovarian cancer stage (p 0.001). Since it had an area under the curve (AUC) greater than 0.7, PLT-Ca-125 can be used as a predictive model to correctly stage patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Ca-125 level (z:-2.24; p-value = 0.025) was significantly associated with thrombocytosis in ovarian cancer patients.

Platelet count and Ca-125 levels do correlate in blood samples taken from ovarian cancer patients prior to treatment. Furthermore, PLT-Ca-125 levels could be used to predict advanced stage disease.
Correlation between sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) with demographic characteristics, sexual history, social habits, chronic illness, BMI: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sunil K S  , Sunil C V  , Jain Apoorva
Published: February 2024

: During an evaluation of infertile men when all standard semen parameters are normal, a significant proportion of infertile men are found to have increased levels of DNA damage that may adversely affect fertility.

To evaluate the correlation between sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) with demographic characteristics, sexual history, social habits, chronic illness, BMI, physical characteristics, and abstinence period.

The current study was carried out among male patients visiting an infertility clinic at SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad.

The present has shownno statistically significant association between DFI and socio-demographic characteristics like age, married life, contraceptive usage, sexual factors, personal habits, chronic illness, BMI, and physical characteristics of semen analysis like liquefaction and viscosity of the study participants.

DFI categories and semen traits including normal forms, head defects, tail defects, amorphous forms, droplet forms, and viable sperms had different means, however these differences (p=0.4378) were not statistically significant.
Assessing vitamin A intake among pregnant women: The creation and validation of a semi-quantitative FFQ specific for vitamin A in a tertiary healthcare center
Authors: Nayar Kapil Dev , Singh Prabhsimran , Kiruthiga T
Published: February 2024

: This study aims to develop a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to assess vitamin A levels using 24-hour food recall in pregnant women and further validate the formulated FFQ. Our study found a significant correlation between the 24-hour recall and FFQ results, indicating that the developed FFQ is a valid and useful tool for assessing vitamin A intake in pregnant women.

: This was a two-phase study conducted at a Tertiary health care centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, consisting of two groups: Group A (55 participants) and Group B (68 participants). Phase I consisted of administering a 24-hour food recall to group A participants to collect their vitamin A intake and develop a FFQ. During Phase II of the study, FFQ was administered to Group B participants, which estimated vitamin A intake over the past 30 days. These patients were then contacted within a week of the administration of FFQ, and a 24-hour recall was administered. The results collected from the 24-hour recall were used to validate FFQ.

: Results showed r value under Pearson coefficient was 0.743 (95% CI = 0.613 - 0.834, p <0.001), indicating a strong and significant relationship, and rho under Spearman coefficient was 0.686 (95% CI = 0.535 - 0.794, p <0.001) indicated the presence of a significant correlation suggesting the FFQ is valid.

: The results of this study found that the developed FFQ is a valid and useful tool for assessing vitamin A intake in pregnant women and can be utilised to assess vitamin A intake.
Assessing the effectiveness of membrane sweeping combined with cervical massage for term pre-induction cervical ripening: A single experimental study
Authors: Mylsamy Kaavya , Supriya M Sree , Sekar Sindhujha , Palanisami PS Nithin
Published: February 2024

Massage of the cervical region entails applying light pressure to the cervix to trigger the uterine contractions. Membrane sweeping, often called cervical sweeping or membrane stripping, releases hormones that may start labor by removing the amniotic sac from the uterine wall. Although membrane sweeping is helpful in several clinical trials, no studies have examined how effective cervical massage is when combined with membrane sweeping.

This research compared the effectiveness of membrane sweeping and cervical massage as cervical ripening techniques in post-dated pregnancies before labor induction in specialized clinics.

A total of 150 low-risk singleton pregnancies with a Modified Bishop Score (MBS) of fewer than five at 38 weeks of gestation were included. The experimental group received membrane sweeping with cervical massage, and the control group, which just received membrane sweeping, was randomly allocated to the participants. 48 hours after the intervention, changes in the MBS were used to gauge cervical favorability. Neonatal morbidity, membrane rupture, intrapartum and postpartum infections, and other complications were assessed.

The mean ages and MBS of the primigravidae in the two research groups at induction were similar. After the intervention, the trial group's mean MBS was significantly higher than the control groups. Because of this, primigravidae observed a substantial change in the MBS after the operation. The experimental group's adverse effects and neonatal morbidity were comparable, except cardiotocographic abnormalities were observed more often in the control group.

In some cases, when membrane sweeping cannot be conducted because of a closed cervical os, cervical massage combined with membrane sweeping appears successful and secure. A significant choice for obstetric care, this technique may aid cervical softening in post-dated pregnancies.
Efficacy of 2D/3D HyCoSy with new contrast medium lignocaine and saline comparing with HSG - A single centre prospective study
Authors: Rao Chegondi V Narayana , Chegondi Sindhu , Kota Murali Krishna
Published: February 2024

Tubal patency significantly impacts female infertility, with a substantial portion of cases linked to tubal damage. This hinders gamete and embryo transfer. While laparoscopic chromo-pertubation is the gold standard, its invasiveness prompts the search for alternatives. Common methods for assessing tubal health are Hysterosalpingography (HSG) and Hysterosalpingo Contrast Sonography (HyCoSy).

The objective of this study is to assess and compare the efficacy of a budget-friendly 2D/3D HyCoSy method using a unique contrast agent with traditional HSG for diagnosing tubal patency in women with infertility issues.

A prospective observational study was conducted within a single clinical setting over a five-year duration. A total of 117 infertile women underwent assessment using both the 2D/3D HyCoSy and HSG techniques.

Participants had a mean age of 27.7 years (standard deviation: 4.2, range: 19-45 years). The diagnostic accuracy of 2D/3D HyCoSy was determined with a sensitivity of 91.86%, specificity of 89.18%, a positive predictive value of 90.40%, and a negative predictive value of 90.82%. Comparative analysis revealed that when evaluating tubal patency in both tubes collectively with HyCoSy, the sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy were 91.86%, 89.18%, and 90.59%, respectively.

The study findings demonstrated that employing 2D/3D HyCoSy with lignocaine gel proved to be a superior diagnostic approach compared to HSG for assessing tubal patency in women experiencing infertility.
Association of pre-pregnancy body mass index to gestational weight gain, diabetes mellitus and hypertension
Authors: Sreelakshmy K  , Shahnas M
Published: February 2024

: The body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy and gestational weight gain (GWG) may have an association with the outcome of pregnancies. Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, macrosomia show an association with the BMI.

A retrospective analysis of the data collected from 720 pregnant mothers during the period from January 2017 to January 2019 in a tertiary health care centre. The chi-square test was done to assess the categorical data.

: Gestational hypertension was significant in overweight women and those who gained weight above recommended range. (22.4% Vs. 0%; p <0.001) GDM was noted in a significant percentage of pregnant women within the recommended weight gain group. (12.4% Vs. 0%; p<0.001).

: Pre-pregnancy dietary counselling, physical and lifestyle modifications have a role in bringing down the incidence of GDM and gestational hypertension.
Perinatal outcomes of COVID-19 affected pregnant women in a tertiary care center of eastern India
Authors: Pendyala Sujata , Kumari Shiwangi , Rath Tanushree Sandipta , Dalal Chandrabhanu , Kar Dattatreya , Mishra Sujata Priyadarshini
Published: February 2024

Pregnancy is an immune-compromised state and pregnancy affected with COVID-19 infection is at a higher risk of adverse perinatal results. Data on feto-maternal outcomes in pregnancies infected with COVID-19 is sparse, which makes it difficult to draw conclusions on vertical transmission.

To study the perinatal outcomes of covid-19 affected pregnant women.

A prospective observational study was conducted over eighteen months, on 320 COVID-19 positive antenatal patients. Clinical manifestations of pregnancies with COVID-19, demographic profile, pregnancy outcomes were recorded. Important laboratory parameters were assessed along with COVID-19 inflammatory markers like serum ferritin,D-Dimer, CRP etc. Neonatal outcomes assessed included APGAR score, fetal deaths, birth weight, NICU admissions. Neonatal infections were screened by testing for SARS-CoV-2 positivity in neonatal throat swab samples.

61.5% of patients complained of pain abdomen, followed by bleeding PV in 1.9%. 52.19% of the patients were asymptomatic for COVID-19 symptoms, followed by fever in 34.69%. Most common risk factor associated was hypothyroidism. Anemia was found in 22%, coagulation parameters were elevated in 30% and COVID-19 inflammatory markers were raised in more than 90% cases. Maternal and neonatal ICU admission rates were 4.69% and 30.34% respectively. Neonatal infection rate was 3.1%.

COVID-19 was mainly seen in primigravida, without affecting the birth weight of babies. Coagulation profile and renal parameters were deranged in 30 percent of the patients, without any life any threatening complications. COVID-19 specific inflammatory markers showed derangement in more than 90% cases, although majority of them were asymptomatic. The rate of COVID-19 positivity among newborns was 3.1%.
Perilous myoma in the puerperium: A case report
Authors: Sampath Archana
Published: February 2024

Leiomyoma, a benign solid tumour found in the female genital tract, affects 3%-13% of pregnancies. These growths occur as sub serosal, intramural, or submucosal tumours. Approximately 10%–30% of pregnant women experience fibroid-related complications, such as spontaneous abortion, preterm labour, soft tissue dystocia, uterine inertia, feto pelvic disproportion, fetal malposition, and postpartum hemorrhage and a higher risk of caesarean delivery.

This case report aims to shed light on the complexities arising in the postpartum period for women previously diagnosed with large fibroids during pregnancy. By exploring a specific case, this report emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing these complications comprehensively.

A 27-year-old primigravida sought antenatal care at 8 weeks of gestation with a 6cm intramural fibroid. Her pregnancy progressed smoothly, leading to a healthy vaginal delivery. However, at 7 weeks postpartum, she experienced pelvic discomfort, heavy lochia, and bleeding. Imaging revealed a submucosal fibroid protruding into the endometrial cavity with degenerating component Myomectomy performed.

This case underscores the necessity of a comprehensive understanding of complications associated with large fibroids, spanning both the antenatal and postpartum periods. Heightened awareness and timely intervention are crucial to ensuring optimal outcomes for both maternal and foetal health.
Malignant melanoma arising in mature teratoma with pugnacious spread: A case report
Authors: Gupta Sumedha , Solanki Shalu , Shamsunder Saritha , Ahuja Sana , Varma Vinayak
Published: February 2024

Of all ovarian neoplasms, mature cystic teratomas make up between 10–20%. Malignant transformation accounts for just 0.1-2 percent of cases of adult teratoma. Malignant melanoma is one of the rarest metamorphoses. Here, we describe a postmenopausal woman who complained of abdominal pain. Upon examination, it was discovered that she had an abdominally metastasized mature dermoid cyst that had ruptured. Following an exploratory laparotomy and staging procedures, she had a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with removal of melanotic deposits from the pouch of doughlas, bladder peritoneum, mesentric, and omentum, as well as the small and large bowel serosa. Only roughly 45 cases of malignant melanoma originating in mature cystic teratomas in the ovary have been documented since 1901.
Massive ovarian mucinous cystadenoma with torsion: A surgical wonder
Authors: Kulkarni Jayshree , Kulkarni Manasvi Milind , Burute Shankar , Salunke Rajkumar
Published: February 2024

Mucinous cystadenomas are some of the commonly encountered ovarian tumors, having huge size which causes pain, pressure, distension, genito urinary symptoms etc. Eventually, these tumors are prone to life threatening complications, like hemorrhage or torsion. These cases may remain asymptomatic for a long period of time. For further diagnosis of symptomatic patients clinical examinations and radiological investigations can be used and help the surgeon in deciding management. We hereby report a case involving a very large mucinous cystadenoma, measuring 25 × 24 centimeter with torsion. The data presented here contains details post admission of this patient in casualty to discharge of the patient, such as (a) clinical history (b) physical examination, (c) laboratory reports, (d) radiological investigations, (e) surgical evaluation, (f) histo pathology reports. These Mucinous cystadenomas constitute a comparatively smaller percentage of cases that can present with pain in abdomen due to an ovarian cause. Here, a huge mucinous ovarian cystadenoma had been found pressing on the abdominal contents leading to a variety of symptoms. The aim is to establish the value of detailed diagnosis and timely surgical treatment of these ovarian tumors as well as to signify the potential fatal outcomes.
Corpus luteal cyst rupture presenting as massive spontaneous hemoperitoneum in women with dengue infection: A case series
Authors: Kulshrestha Rupita , Singh Neetu , Mishra Mona
Published: February 2024

Corpus luteal cyst rupture presents with acute pain abdomen, hemoperitoneum and features of shock. The condition clinically closely mimics acute rupture ectopic pregnancy but has negative urine pregnancy test. Massive hemoperitoneum requires urgent surgical exploration and achievement of hemostasis. Here is a case series describing 3 cases of corpus luteal cyst rupture in patients with diagnosed dengue fever presenting with features of acute abdomen with or without shock at emergency. All were managed surgically, did well in postoperative period, had transfusions of blood and blood products and finally discharged in satisfactory condition. The objective of this series is to highlight the importance of this condition as a differential diagnosis in patients with acute abdomen which is not much described in medical literature.
A case series on live ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Meddya Prantik , Nandi Malay Kumar
Published: February 2024

A pregnancy which develops outside uterus is called ectopic pregnancy that comprises nearly two percent of total pregnancies. In first case a 25years old female presented with lower abdominal pain and bleeding per vagina with 3 months of amenorrhea and history of irregular oral contraceptive pill use. A live ectopic pregnancy of 12 weeks 3 days gestation found on right fallopian tube during laparotomy and right salpingectomy was done. In second case, a third gravida mother presented with bleeding per vagina and lower abdominal pain with history of 2.5 months of amenorrhea and chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. During laparotomy, both sided hydrosalpinx and left sided live ectopic pregnancy found on the distal end of fallopian tube and left salpingectomy with fimbriectomy with right sided tubal ligation was done. In third case, a third gravida mother with history of lower uterine caesarean section and ruptured left sided tubal ectopic pregnancy previously, presented with lower abdominal pain with 2 months of amenorrhea. Ultrasonography diagnosed a live right sided cornual ectopic pregnancy of 6weeks 6days and conservative management with injection methotrexate was started. Later due to sudden hemodynamic instability, emergency laparotomy was done and ruptured right cornual ectopic pregnancy was found and treated with total abdominal hysterectomy. All these cases were managed successfully. This case series emphasizes that early serological and sonographic diagnosis of location of pregnancy is necessary, there should be high suspicion for ectopic pregnancy even beyond the first trimester and the decision of conservative management in early ectopic pregnancy should be taken judiciously after checking all parameters of the patient.
Confidence And Anxiety In Students Who Are Preparing To Write A Thesis
Authors: Nugrahani Rizka Fibria , Fuadi Tsamrotul
Published: February 2024

Anxiety is a common experience, especially among students who are about to face their thesis. This feeling of anxiety is often influenced by their level of self-confidence. For instance, sixth semester students who are preparing to write their thesis often view it as a daunting task, which leads to anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-confidence and anxiety among psychology students in their sixth semester, who are about to embark on their thesis writing journey. The hypothesis proposed was that there is a negative correlation between self-confidence and anxiety. The study employed a quantitative method that utilizes numerical data. The results obtained from the study showed a significant negative correlation between self-confidence and anxiety, with a correlation coefficient of r = -0.326, p = 0.021 (less than 0.05). This means that an increase in self-confidence is associated with a decrease in anxiety among sixth-semester students who are about to write their thesis. Therefore, the research hypothesis was accepted.
Factors affecting the choice of Rohto Vietnam company’s acnes product line
Authors: Tran Hung Van , Tran Anh Viet
Published: February 2024

The objective of this study is to identify the various elements that influence the decision-making process in selecting the acne product line offered by Rohto Vietnam Company  specifically within the context of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A representative sample consisting of 265 clients who have used acnes’ facial care and acne prevention products within Ho Chi Minh City was gathered and subjected to analysis. This study makes a substantial contribution by investigating the factors that influence consumers' choices for Rohto Vietnam's Acnes product line in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  The results underscore the importance of various factors  including safety, aesthetics, brand reputation, pricing, geographical proximity, promotional efforts  and social impact  in influencing consumer decision-making. Understanding these factors and the implications they carry will help Rohto Vietnam develop targeted marketing strategies to effectively position and support the acne product line which will eventually lead to the attraction and retention of a loyal customer base.  The company should place a high level of importance on product safety, allocate resources towards enhancing product aesthetics, establish a robust brand image, carefully evaluate pricing strategies  and execute impactful marketing and promotional initiatives. These actions are necessary to meet consumer expectations and strengthen their competitive advantage within the skincare industry.
A tremendous year terminated, and a bright future is expected
Authors: Akbari Hamideh , Jalili Mohammad
Published: February 2024

The Article Abstract is not available.
Evaluating the diagnostic efficacy of 12-point lung ultrasound in detecting COVID-19 lung lesions: a comparative study with low-dose chest CT scan
Authors: Pakniyat Abdolghader , Jafari Farzane , Ahmadi Seyedeh Hoda , Ghasemi-Rad Mohammad , Ghasemi Mahan , Akhbari Korush
Published: February 2024

Objective:
Chest computed tomography (CT) scans are the gold standard for identifying pulmonary involvement in pneumonia-like COVID-19 cases, albeit with certain drawbacks such as radiation exposure and high costs. This research aims to evaluate the diagnostic precision of a 12-point lung ultrasound (LUS) against a low-dose chest CT scan in identifying lung lesions associated with COVID-19.
 
Methods:
The study incorporated 100 consecutive patients, aged over 18 years, exhibiting suspected clinical symptoms of COVID-19 or inpatients requiring a low-dose chest CT scan for diagnosing asymptomatic COVID-19 lung lesions. All participants underwent a 12-point LUS, followed by a low-dose chest CT scan. Data analysis was conducted using STATA-16, with descriptive results presented as mean and standard deviation.
 
Results:
The study comprised 60 males and 40 females, with an average age of 43.0±16.9 years. The mean distribution of the patients' clinical features was calculated. The LUS demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 97.5%, 86.4%, 83.3%, and 98%, respectively.
Conclusion:
The 12-point LUS exhibited high sensitivity and specificity in assessing pulmonary involvement in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, lung ultrasound results, combined with medical history and clinical examination, can serve as an effective triage tool for COVID-19 patients. The LUS, a swift, safe, and effective ionization tool, can potentially replace chest CT scans in scenarios such as CT scan unavailability, intensive care management, and patient follow-up.
The role of thiol/disulfide hemostasis in the diagnosis and severity prediction of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Ekici Mustafa , Işık Gülşah Çıkrıkçı , Varhan Özge Ebru Dağcı , Çorbacıoğlu Şeref Kerem , Çevik Yunsur
Published: February 2024

Objective: Reactive oxygen radicals are generated in the early stages of acute pancreatitis (AP) and are responsible for its progression. Thiol/disulfide homeostasis (TDH) is an important antioxidative mechanism. This study aimed to evaluate the role of TDH in the differential diagnosis of AP and predict its clinical severity.
 Methods: Patients admitted to the emergency department due to upper abdominal pain were evaluated. The study consisted of two groups: the AP group and the non-AP group (patients with diagnoses other than AP). The AP group was divided into mild and severe according to Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE-II) scores. TDH was measured with an automated assay from Erel et al. Statistical analyses were done with SPSS 16.0.
Results: The results from 128 cases—58 in the AP group and 70 in the non-AP group—were evaluated. There was no difference in TDH parameters between the AP and non-AP groups. Among the AP subgroups, native thiol (sh) and total thiol (tt) were significantly lower in the severe AP group (sh: 313.9 μmol/L, 239.1 μmol/L; tt: 351.5 μmol/L, 303 μmo/L, respectively, in the mild and severe AP groups, P-value=0.006, P-value=0.013).
Conclusion: TDH parameters change because of inflammatory processes in AP. Since this change does not occur for any specific reason, using TDH parameters for differential diagnosis of AP in patients with upper abdominal pain is not appropriate. However, in patients already diagnosed with AP, native and total thiol levels might be helpful in the prediction of clinical severity with a limited role.