bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Learning Commons as Third Spaces With the 5Es Usability Model
Authors: Zheng Jiani , Lam Apple Hiu Ching , Chiu Dickson K. W.
Published: August 2023

Gen-Z students' learning styles have recently changed significantly due to inquiry-based learning and rapid information technology development. Physical libraries have to surrender bookshelves to learning commons to attract student visits. This study analyses the effectiveness of the learning commons at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUSTLC) as a case of the library as a third space based on the third space theory of Oldenburg through using the 5Es usability model (effective, efficient, engaging, error tolerant, easy to learn) based on its publication, website information, and email inquiries with its manager. These finding indicate that HKUSTLC has been well-received, effective, efficient, and attractive. Yet, based on the limitations and shortcomings, the authors suggest solutions regarding activity delivery, space re-engineering, regular feedback collection, and environmental improvements. This study also provides insights for constructing learning commons in physical libraries as a third space for Gen Z students, which scant studies have covered, especially in Asia.
Decolonizing Computing and Research as a Third Space of Academic Sovereignty
Authors: Carroll-Miranda Joseph , Lindala April E. , Moreno-Sandoval Cueponcaxochitl , Shockley Ebony Terrel , Chatman Michelle , Cadeau Denise , Fleming Jeffrey , López-Quiñonez Alyssa , Flores-Reyes Elizabeth , Martínez-López Marlen
Published: August 2023

To challenge the current state of computing practices that normalize unsustainable extractive practices, the authors remind the readers of earth-based, interdependent forms of computing by reclaiming ancestral knowledge system frameworks in computer science education. They share the experiences of how a Third Space of academic sovereignty (TSAS) came into existence. The authors describe in detail the self-emancipatory journey of engaging in decolonial research by establishing an ancestral computing research project (ACRP) by researchers of color within a transformative justice agenda for computer science education. The chapter discussion sheds light on how to transform spaces of academic praxis and create Third Spaces that decolonize computing practice, research, and knowledge creation in harmony and balance with Earth.
Being “in the Beyond” Democracy Café as a Curriculum in the Third Space
Authors: Rawal Swaroop
Published: August 2023

This chapter focuses on the importance of democracy education in promoting democratic values as a way of life in schools and colleges. The author, an educator, shares their experiences in preparing post-graduate students at Sardar Patel University to become active and responsible citizens in India's democracy. Inspired by Salisbury Democracy Alliance's face-to-face forum for deliberative discussion, the author introduced an online Democracy Café at the Department of Social Work, Sardar Patel University. The Democracy Café serves as a hybrid space, known as the Third Space. The concept of the Third Space in this project encompasses the theoretical knowledge and information as the first space, the students' everyday knowledge as the second space, and the transformative space provided by the Democracy Café as the third space. The project highlights the significance of active learning and the willingness to challenge existing knowledge and beliefs for the transformative potential of the Third Space to be realised.
Do Engineering Students Intend to Be Entrepreneurs?
Authors: Vieira Filipa , Rodrigues Cristina S. , Vieira Iolanda
Published: August 2023

In Portugal, the total early-stage entrepreneurial activity (TEA) suggests an imbalance between the entrepreneur gender, with occasional advances and setbacks. Given the importance of the promotion of entrepreneurship, the authors propose to explore the gender differences in the entrepreneurial intents of engineering students at the University of Minho, Portugal. Since engineering contributes to innovative technological advances, this research presents the results of a survey administered to 218 engineering students. Analyzing the perspective of planned entrepreneurship according to gender, it is found that there may be differences between male and female students. Therefore, the study suggests reflecting on entrepreneurial education and the recognition of the specificities arising from gender in order to increase the rate of young entrepreneurship. From a practical point of view, the assessment suggests the need for universities to approach entrepreneurial education more flexibly, fostering a focus on the cases and life stories of men and women entrepreneurs.
Does Digitalization Have a Bi-Directional Causal Relationship With the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem?
Authors: Singh Ajay Kumar , Jyoti Bhim
Published: August 2023

This chapter created entrepreneurship ecosystem development index (EEDI) and information and communication technology evolution index (ICTEI) for 58 countries during 2010 – 2020 using principal component analysis. The statistical values of EEDI and ICTEI are used to explain the comparative performance of these countries in entrepreneurship ecosystem (EE) and digitalization, respectively. Accordingly, log-linear regression model is used to assess the impact of digitalization and certain control variables on EE and vice-versa. The Granger casualty co-integration test is employed to perceive the existence of bi-directional causal relationship between digitalization and entrepreneurship ecosystem. EE and digitalization have a positive and bi-directional causal relationship and vice-versa. Hence, determinants of EE will promote digitalization. Digitalization and ICTs infrastructure may be helpful to increase EE. The findings of this chapter proposed several policy implications to increase digitalization and EE across countries.
Impact of Social Media Platforms on the Consumer Decision-Making Process in the Food and Grocery Industry
Authors: Gupta Tanu , Pandey Pallavi , Raghav Yogita Yashveer
Published: August 2023

The rise of online social networking platforms has created a network around the globe among people for communicating and interacting with each other. Customer's view of an organization's contributions and brand are probably going to impact a buy choice. This idea is the focus of an investigation into trends, entertainment, customization, electronic word-of-mouth, and interactivity, additionally, fadedness, risk, interactivity, and personalization were perceived; keywords were also examined in order to test social media marketing in the insurance industry. Moreover, few additional metrics are used to evaluate the success of social media marketing, such as immediacy, accessibility, responses, information, interactivity, entertainment, perceived risk, trendiness, and customizability are all important factors. Also due to sudden hit of covid-19, the change in trend of customer purchase behaviour and interest is also discussed.
Social Media Adoption by the Greek Dairy Industry
Authors: Karetsos Sotiris , Zafeirakopoulos Nikolaos , Papadopoulou Evi , Costopoulou Constantina
Published: August 2023

Social media have become an important part of modern everyday life and are used for various purposes such as communication and interaction, content sharing, brand awareness, customer engagement, and market research. Numerous businesses employ them as marketing tools, adopting various strategies to achieve their goals. The objective of this chapter is to investigate the social media adoption by the dairy industry in Greece since the last years it has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis. More specifically, this chapter provides a literature review of social media in dairy industry and examines the digital presence of Greek dairy companies. Next, it analyses data from social media usage of 55 dairy companies in correspondence to their annual turnover for 2022. The results indicate that dairy companies can enhance their business outcomes by leveraging social media more effectively to harness their positive influence.
Smart Biodegradable and Bio-Based Polymeric Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Das Samir , Datta Sudipto , Barman Anamika , Barua Ranjit
Published: August 2023

Polymeric materials have gained too much attention in the past few decades because of their suitable properties that makes these materials applicable for various biomedical applications. More specifically, biopolymers have gained main attraction because of their properties like inexpensiveness, renewability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Additionally, these smart polymeric biomaterials are sensitive to some physical factors like magnetic field, electric field, light intensity, pH, humidity, and temperature. Moreover, this book chapter will briefly cover smart biomaterials, i.e., smart memory polymers (SMP), which are used in biomedical applications. The applications of these materials for tissue engineering and drug delivery is mainly covered. This book chapter will help to develop a brief idea for the readers on smart polymeric biomaterials.
Review on the Development of Smart Materials, Including Shape Memory Alloys, Characterization, and Recent Applications
Authors: Bahadur Preeti Singh , Srivastava Ruchira , Srivastava Vijay
Published: August 2023

Smart materials have made a substantial contribution to their widespread use across a number of industries. Numerous intelligent materials have the ability to alter their characteristics and behavior in response to an outside catalyst or stimulus. These materials are altering how typical engineering materials are used. To improve the desirable features of existing materials, smart materials can either be used alone or combined with them. Due to its transdisciplinary uses, smart materials are found in all human innovations. While some of these materials are in use now, some have been for a very long time. Therefore, suffice it to remark that further study is still needed on the recently produced smart materials. The development of composite materials to shape memory alloys is the subject of this review study. This literature describes the development of smart materials from traditional composites to cutting-edge shape memory alloys as well as how they are utilized.
Study on the Evaluation Method of Blended Learning Effect Based on Multiple Linear Regression Analysis
Authors: Chen Peijiang , Yang Xueyin
Published: August 2023

With the development of information technology, blended learning has been widely used in the education field, and the evaluation of blended learning effect has become one of the research hotspots. Taking the automobile theory course as an example, a blended learning process with online and offline is designed, and the main learning behaviors that affect learning effect are analyzed. By extracting data on the main learning behaviors of students during the learning process, correlation and linear regression methods are used to analyze the influencing factors of blended learning effect, and a linear regression prediction model is established. The results show that students' online testing, classroom performance, unit testing, feature assessment, and experimental performance are key indicators for predicting learning performance. According to the analysis of influencing factors of blended learning, the countermeasures and suggestions for improving the effect of blended learning are proposed.
Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Containing Waste Tires Rubber as Aggregates and Filler Additives
Authors: Ali Ahmed Sultan , Hasan Tamara M.
Published: August 2023

The issue of waste accumulation exists around the world, particularly in the densely populated regions. These waste materials not biodegradable in nature, so it is left as stocks or dumped illegally. The burning millions of tons of waste tires creates great risk. To prevent the hazardous effect of produced chemical gases (CO2) through combustion processes, many research attempts to use huge amounts of rubber waste in concrete mixes. In this paper, properties that are both fresh and hardened of self-consolidating concrete with different sizes of waste tires rubber and micro steel fibers were investigated. The various sizes of waste tires rubber were utilized in place of coarse and fine aggregates, limestone (Al-Gubra) and silica fume after obtaining a rubber size close to the size of each material that has been replaced. Coarse and fine aggregates were replaced with chip and crumb rubbers (20% and 10% by weight). Al-Gubra and silica fume were replaced with ground and finely ground rubbers (50%, 25%, and 12% by weight). The experimental results showed that the fresh properties of self-consolidating concrete had been adversely affected by incorporating micro steel fibers and scrap tires rubber, but remained within the European Federation of National Trade Association Representing Concrete (EFNARC). The results of tests also showed that the mechanical properties decrease when used rubbers as aggregates. However, the results demonstrated that the compressive as well as splitting tensile strength of specimens increased by replacing lime stone dust and silica fume with rubbers. The increases were (12.2-28.0) % and (11.6-41.9) % for compressive strength and splitting tensile strength, respectively.
Stabilization of High Sulfate-Saline Soil with Lime, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS), and Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag (BOFS)
Authors: Balogun Fatai Omeiza , Abzal Aliya , Kissambinova Aizhan , Shon Chang Seon , Kim Jong Ryeol
Published: August 2023

Saline soil is an inferior and special material consisting of fine soil particles and possesses poor engineering properties. The swelling, salt heaving, and corrosive behaviors of this soil render it unsuitable for pavement construction due to its deteriorating effects. To use this soil as a subgrade material in the roadway, this soil needs to meet various engineering standard criteria such as deformation, sulfate reduction, strength, and durability for use as subgrade material. Hence, the soil underwent careful stabilization using designed proportions of chemical additives such as lime and slag-based materials. The paper studied the feasibility of using slag-based materials (by-products of the steelmaking process) such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS) with lime in stabilizing sulfate-saline soil. On this premise, four designed mixtures, which include saline soil (control), [soil+6% lime], [soil+4% lime+2% (50% GGBFS+50% BOFS)], and [soil+4%lime+2% (70% GGBFS+30% BOFS)] for use to determine their various geotechnical and durability properties. The experimental program for determining these properties included proctor compaction, unconfined compressive strength, three-dimensional (3-D) swelling, and dielectric constant tests. As a result, the laboratory test findings have revealed that adding GGBFS and BOFS to the lime-treated saline soil decreased the maximum dry density, enhanced the strength parameter, and reduced the soil's volumetric swelling and moisture susceptibility.
Characteristics of Clay Soils Utilizing Okra Tips
Authors: Abd Al-Kaream Khalid W. , Noori Mohammed D. , Hameedi Mudhafar K. , Shaker Zainab H.
Published: August 2023

Soft clay soil is well known to deform and fail beneath a light surcharge load and being described via high compressibility, low shear strength, and high content of water. The objective of the present study is to determine the optimum okra tips that can be added to stabilize soft clayey soil. Several tests were conducted to determine how varying percentages of okra two ends plants (3, 6 and 9%) for all additives to the dry weight of soil affect the results. The experimental work is used to get the percent of consistency limits, compaction, consolidation, and unconfined compressive strength of the two okra ends increased significantly over time until the improvise continuously decayed. As per the research results, adding, 9%, okra tips stabilizer increased the shear strength and efficiently bonded soil particles together, of resulting in the best engineering qualities. Raising the end content of okra leads to a 57 percent increase in the unconfined compressive strength in content 9 % okra tips.
Computer Simulation for Energy-Efficient Buildings Integrated with Developed Phase Change Material (PCM)
Authors: Yousefi Ali , Tang Wai Ching , Alghamdi Salah
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the efficiency of integrating phase change materials (PCMs) in the thermal performance and energy consumption of a room model. A small studio room was modelled in DesignBuilder to evaluate the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, energy consumption and CO2 emission. The PCM composite with melting temperatures of 23°C was positioned on the roof and wall of the building model. The results showed that using PCM composite reduced the indoor temperature by 2-3 °C compared to the control room model in the summer and winter. The more difference between outdoor and indoor temperature means decrease in indoor temperature fluctuations and, consequently, reductions in energy consumption. In addition, the simulation highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of integrating PCM into the building. The energy consumption was reduced by 33.4 % in summer while energy consumption was reduced by up to 7.0 % in winter.
Modeling of FRP Strengthening of RC Girder Curved Soffits
Authors: Kareem Marwa Zaid , Ahmed Qusay Wahhab
Published: August 2023

In recent decades, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) is being used more and more to make concrete structures stronger. In this study, nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis was used to model and compare the influence of curvature performance on the behavior of the simply-supported RC curved soffit reinforced girders strengthened with fiber-reinforced polymer plates (CFRP) with a curve height of 5 to 130 mm. In this study, two models with different heights of curve (5 and 130 mm) and references for each model were used. Each model had dimensions that were similar to those of the models used in the program in terms of cross-sectional area and effective span. Simulations were done on the girders to find out how the load moved in relation to the mean range, the failure load, and the failure mode. This was done so that the effect of curvature on the performance of this type of structural element could be understood. The results show that the girder of height of curve is 5 mm more than 130 mm of the analytical ultimate load compared with that experimentally with a difference of only 4.5%, and 4.2% respectively. The load-displacement curves of the experimental tests were accurately simulated with the help of a nonlinear finite element model.
Influence of Anti-Solvents on the Performance of Cesium Bismuth Iodide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Aiba Shunsuke , Achoi Mohd Faizal , Kato Shinya , Kishi Naoki , Soga Tetsuo
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the influence of anti-solvents on the properties of cesium bismuth iodide (CBI – Cs3Bi2I9) perovskite solar cells (PeSCs) that were dripped with different anti-solvents, i.e., isopropanol, chlorobenzene (CB), and toluene during the spin-coating process was evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy images visually depicted the presence of extremely flat and homogeneous film with highly compactness for the Cs3Bi2I9 fabricated with isopropanol compared to other anti-solvents. A strong absorption band was observed at around the wavelength of 500 nm for all the CBI films, and we found that the maximum absorption percentage reached as high as 85%, while the current-voltage measurement showed that the CBI film fabricated with isopropanol showed twenty-one times increment than CB, in terms of power conversion efficiency and short circuit current density. Our findings suggest a further improvement of CBI film morphology by the anti-solvent for enhanced morphology and better solar cell performance in the future.
Effect of Hybridization of Ramie Fibers on the Vibrational and Damping Responses of Ramie/Glass/Epoxy Resin Composite Laminates
Authors: Ikbal Muhammad , Rizal Muhammad , Ali Nurdin , Putra Teuku Edisah
Published: August 2023

Fiber reinforced polymer composites made with glass fibers are among the oldest and most popular kinds of composites in use today. Glass fiber reinforced composites' key benefits are their adaptability for specific material applications, which allows them to give a number of design advantages relating to strength, chemical stability, impact damage tolerance, heat insulation, and low cost. The focus of this research is to investigate the role of hybridized ramie fibers in the assessment of enhanced vibrational damping capabilities in fiber glass reinforced composites, as well as in the initial assessment to verify their acceptability for real-time applications. Composite molding employing the hand layup technique was used to fabricate hybrid epoxy composites with ramie to glass fiber weight ratios from 0 to 50%. A free vibration test was performed to determine the hybrid composite's vibration dampening capabilities as a function of the ramie fiber filler content. The results demonstrated that the damping ratio was reduced when the percentage of ramie fiber in the GFRP composite was raised from 10% weight to about 50% weight. But adding up to 40% wt of ramie fiber to the hybrid composite had the biggest effect on the damping ratio, natural frequency, storage modulus, and loss modulus. This means that using ramie fiber in hybrid composites will be cost-effective and good for the environment.
A Review of Shear Strength of Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete under Ambient Condition
Authors: Munthir Hammad H. , Albegmprli Hasan M. Ahmed
Published: August 2023

Geopolymer is an innovative cement substitute constructed of alkali-activated cementitious materials (AACMs). Researchers interested in improving concrete's structural resistance, toughness, and flexure tensile strength have turned their focus to geo-polymer concrete binders. To completely understand how geopolymer binders act under these circumstances, it is necessary to investigate their behavior when exposed to multiaxial stress states. The purpose of this review is to examine geopolymer cement in depth and to get a better understanding of its mechanical characteristics. In this analysis, we see that Geopolymer concrete, in particular its compressive and tensile strengths, provides higher resilience. GPC is an eco-friendly material since it reduces emissions and requires less water for curing. Incorporating hybrid polypropylene and steel fibers to ternary mixed geopolymer concrete improves its mechanical qualities.
Low-Temperature Fracture Performance of Polymerized Sulfur Modified Asphalt Concrete Mixtures
Authors: Ghafari Sepehr , Nejad Fereidoon Moghadas , Kazemi Hadi
Published: August 2023

In this research, asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures modified by polymerized Sulfur were prepared. PG58-22 bitumen was used as the base binder for the mixtures along with crushed siliceous aggregate. The base binder was replaced by 20%, 30%, and 50% ratios with polymerized Sulfur in the modified mixtures while the reference mix was fabricated with 0% binder replacement. Single edge notched-beam fracture tests (SE(B)) were carried out in a temperature range of 0 °C to-20 °C on the AC beam specimens. Load-displacement curves were obtained from the experiments and the fracture energy of the mixtures could be determined. It was revealed that modifying the mixtures with polymerized Sulfur could improve the load bearing of the beam specimens as higher peak load values were recorded at fracture. However, fracture failure of the AC beams occurred at lower values of displacement addressing further embrittlement of the mixtures due to replacement of the base binder. Higher contents of polymerized Sulfur in the mixtures resulted in higher magnitudes of fracture energy as a general trend in this research addressing an improved resistance to low-temperature cracking.
The Effect of GGBFS on the Rheological and Compressive Strength Properties of Oil well Cement Slurries by Using "Superplasticizer"
Authors: Ali Hussein Wissal , Ali Ahmed Sultan , Noaman Qahtan Suleman
Published: August 2023

Cementing around the casing in oil and gas wells provides proper zonal isolation, holds the casing in place, and prevents fluid migration is an important part of the completing process and well plugging for abandonment. A reliable cement rheology prediction is central to the success of oil well-cementing operations. Properties of the rheological are plastic viscosity and yield stress by using advanced shear-stress/shear-strain controlled Viscometer with using Ground Granulated Blast Furnaces Slug, and Superplasticizer investigated. The effect replacement of Class G cement according to API [1]. (American petroleum institute) classification is performed at different rates. (15%-75%) Blast Furnaces Slag (GGBFS) at intervals of 15%. Further, by using different curing conditions (moist curing and @38°C, @60°C water path curing chamber). The results show that blended cement with 45% of GGBFS has significantly increased in compressive strength more than unblended cement type G. This happened because the fine micro GGBS influences the heat of hydration through the pozzolanic reaction and the effect of superplasticizer. The double effect of GGBS and Superplasticizer on the plastic viscosity and yield point, the linear relationship between shear stress and shear rate, by using Bingham plastic Fluid Model, the slurries act as Newtonian behavior at high shear.
The severity of pneumonia and its association with socio-demographic factors among children under five years old in Wasit governorate hospitals, Iraq
Authors: Al-Dalfi Mortadha H. Kreeb , Al Ibraheem Shrouk Abdulrazak Hassan , Al-Rubaye Ali Kadhim Qasim
Published: August 2023

Background. Pneumonia is the leading infectious cause of death among children under five globally.Objective. The study aims to determine socio-demographic factors associated with the severity of pneumonia among children under five in Wasit Governorate.Methods. A cross-sectional study and convenience sampling (non-probability) were conducted among 477 children admitted to Wasit governorate hospitals. This sample was distributed throughout five hospitals selected using convenience sampling techniques, including AL-Zahra Hospital, AL-Numaniyah General Hospital, AL-Karama Teaching Hospital, Martyr Fairouz General Hospital, and AL-Kut Gynecology Hospital. It was conducted from October 1st, 2022, to May 1st, 2023. Through questionnaires, data were collected and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics.Results. The results showed that the participants’ distribution according to pneumonia severity was such that the majority of children (81%) included in the study suffered from pneumonia. 14% of children suffered from very severe pneumonia, and 5% suffered from severe pneumonia. The children at risk of developing pneumonia were within the age group of 1-11 months (55.6%), were male (60.6%), and resided in urban areas (63.7%). Both the mother and the father had completed their primary education (50.9% and 47.4%, respectively), and 99.4% and 97.5% of the mothers were married and housewives. More than half of the fathers, 59.5%, were self-employed, and 25.6% suffered from house overcrowding. In addition, 65% had low socioeconomic status. There was a significant relationship between pneumonia severity and the father’s occupation and socioeconomic status.Conclusions. This study concludes that pneumonia was the most common diagnosis at admission. Among the risk factors studied, low socioeconomic status and the father’s occupation were significant risk factors for pneumonia in children.
Prescription analysis emphasizing on medication adherence of antibiotics for lower respiratory tract infection
Authors: Nyamagoud Sanatkumar Bharamu , Swamy A H M Viswanatha , S P Anchu , Gaitonde Sonia S , Johnson Jaison M , Hegadal Vishwanath
Published: August 2023

Antibiotics are choice of drugs in patients with respiratory infections. Irrational use of antibiotics is an important public health issue faced on daily basis by the community and the individual. Keeping this in consideration, the current study investigates the prescription pattern of antibiotics in lower respiratory tract infection in general population.The objectives of the study include prescription pattern analysis of antibiotics for LRTIs in general population and to evaluate adherence to antibiotic treatment. This was a hospital based prospective observational study conducted between November 2021 to April 2022 in the department of general medicine and pediatrics. Compliance to various antibiotics was scrutinized by using MMAS 4 scale. Patient demographics, laboratory details, prescribed antibiotics, duration of hospital stay were gathered over a period of 6 months.A total of 200 patients were involved in the study, out of which 53% were males and 47% were females. A total of 2127 drugs were prescribed in 200 patients (10.6 drugs/prescription). Ceftriaxone was the most commonly used antibiotic followed by azithromycin and piperacillin/tazobactam. The most frequently diagnosed disease was Bronchopneumonia (41%) followed by A/E COPD (28%). Evaluation of medication adherence resulted in 58% high and 11% poor adherence. The number of antibiotics prescribed was found to be rational but prevalence of polypharmacy should be prevented. Medication adherence decreases as the frequency of antibiotic increases, so it is recommended to lower the frequency of drugs as possible to enhance the compliance.
Tracheal atypical solitary carcinoid in a so called “difficult asthma”: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Turrin Martina , Pontoriero Francesca Maria , Fiorentù Giordano , Grisostomi Giulia , Zampieri Francesca , Savoia Francesca , Catino Cosimo , Zanardi Giuseppe , Peditto Piera , Malacchini Nicola , Zeraj Fabiola , Bonato Matteo , Sacchi Diana , Guido Maria , Morana Giovanni , Romagnoli Micaela
Published: August 2023

This report describes the case of a 46-year-old non-smoker housewife. She presented to our attention having a diagnosis of “difficult asthma” from another center in the previous two years. She had no allergies and had not been exposed to an excessive amount of noxious stimuli. Her chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnea on exertion with wheezing) remained uncontrolled despite maximal anti-asthmatic inhaled therapy. An HRCT scan was performed to further investigate other pulmonary diseases that mimic asthma. It revealed a pedunculated endotracheal lesion with regular borders that obstructed 90% of the tracheal lumen. The lesion was removed via rigid bronchoscopy with laser endobronchial; histological examination revealed the presence of atypical carcinoid. Atypical carcinoids are a rare subtype of neuroendocrine lung tumor that accounts for 2% of all thoracic malignancies. They frequently arise from the central airways and cause obstructive symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest pain, or recurrent obstructing pneumonia, which is caused by central airway obstruction. Clinical onset is gradual and characterized by non-specific symptoms, which frequently result in misdiagnosis. As a result, in a young patient with progressive dyspnea, chronic cough, and wheezing that is not responding to anti-asthmatic treatment, second-level investigations are required and may lead to a definite diagnosis, allowing the appropriate course of treatment to begin.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Goel Divya , Grover I.P.S.
Published: August 2023

Objectives:

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted teaching in a variety of institutions, especially in medical schools. Online learning became the main method of teaching during the COVID pandemic. After 12 weeks of online teaching and online learning, a study was conducted to know about the student’s perception regarding online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods:

A study was conducted by distributing an online questionnaire to medical students. At the end of the survey, summarized data from a google spreadsheet were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and t-test analysis were used for data analysis.

Results:

Overall, 460 students answered the questionnaire. According to the respondents’ answers, the main advantages of online learning were the ability to stay safely at home (68.56%), meet academic requirements (26.65%), and the opportunity to beat the boredom of lockdown (4.79%). The majority of respondents chose a lack of interactions with teachers (59.52%). Overall, 51.74% respondents did not want online learning to continue after the COVID pandemic.

Conclusions:

Online learning is a powerful tool for teaching medical students. However, for its successful implementation, a well-thought-out plan and a more active approach is required.
An Extensive Anterior Abdominal Wall Meleney’s Gangrene Following Bull Gore Injury
Authors: Pandiaraja Jayabal
Published: August 2023

Meleney’s gangrene is a rapidly spreading gangrene of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and fascia. It has the highest mortality approximately 40% and more in immunocompromised and diabetic patients. The initial presentation mimics cellulitis and most of the cases are misdiagnosed. Delayed diagnosis and treatment increase mortality by approximately 100%. Our case is initially diagnosed as bull gore injury and underwent treatment of the same. Later patient developed extensive Meleney’s gangrene of the entire anterior abdominal wall and genitalia. Even with extensive wound debridement with antibiotic coverage fails to save the patient life. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt surgical debridement in boll gore injury will reduce the chance of developing Meleney’s gangrene.
Purple Urine Bag Syndrome in Acidic Urine!
Authors: Katyal Amit , Menon Anand S.
Published: August 2023

Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is a rare phenomenon, which usually occurs in chronically constipated women having long-term catheters. The underlying pathogenesis is linked to sulfatase producing bacteria in the urinary tract, which react to produce indigo (violet) and indirubin (red) pigment and the mixture gives a purple hue in the presence of alkaline urine. Treatment of the underlying urinary tract infection (UTI), change of catheter, and management of predisposing conditions prevent its recurrence. We report a case of a 74-year-old diabetic man who had Enterobacter cloacae-related UTI with PUBS in acidic urine and managed successfully.
Degree of Hearing Threshold in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hernández Alvarado Emmanuel Salvador , Román Marín Laura Melissa , Cuellar Ramos Carlos Alberto , Vieyra Reyes Patricia , Mendieta Zerón Hugo , Trujillo Condes Virgilio Eduardo
Published: August 2023

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) leads to multiple chronic complications in the body including sensory functions.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine the hearing threshold in middle-aged patients with T2DM and categorize it according to the presence or absence of hearing loss.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective, cross-sectional study was performed with 40 patients with T2DM (mean age 58 ± 8.6 years and mean time of T2DM evolution 11.9 ± 8.2 years) and 40 nondiabetic subjects (mean age of 52.4 ± 10.9 years). Pure tone audiometry was performed with a Grason-Stadler GSI 18 screening audiometer, 11 frequencies (0.125–8 kHz) were evaluated and classified as low, medium, and high. Hearing loss was defined as a hearing threshold >20 decibels (dB) and was classified as: mild: 21–40 dB, moderate: 41–70 dB, severe: 71–90 dB, and profound: > 90 dB.

Results:

Compared to the control group, diabetic patients presented a significant increase in the hearing threshold at medium (P < 0.05) and high (P < 0.0001) audiometric frequencies. When hearing loss was present, it was almost entirely mild (>80%) in the control group, whereas diabetic patients presented moderate, severe, and even profound levels of hearing loss. A linear correlation was found between the diagnosis time of T2DM and the degree of hearing loss at high frequencies (P = 0.04) as well as at medium frequencies (P = 0.01).

Conclusions:

T2DM affects hearing from the early stages of the disease; routine evaluation of hearing function should be considered in this population.
Stop Frightening and Start Donating
Authors: Shahani Waseem , Anwar Nida , Fatima Naveena , ul Mujtaba Haya , Shamsi Tahir
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives:

One of the observed fears that keep people hesitant to donate blood is anemia. We conducted this study to investigate the hemoglobin (Hb) level post donation in first-time donors and compared it with healthy nondonor group.

Methods:

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2018 to December 2018 after approval from the institutional ethics committee. There were two study groups: Group 1 which included donors who donated blood as per the National Blood Donor Policy. Group 2 comprised gender matched healthy participants. Laboratory investigations included complete blood counts. Informed consent was taken from participants of both the groups. Anemia was defined as Hb of <14 g/dl in males and <12 g/dl in females. SPSS version 23.0 was used for inferential statistics.

Results:

A total of 928 donations were included, with 9 (1%) females and 919 (99%) males. Out of 919 male donors, 601 (65%) were donating blood for the first time. Out of 601 first-time donors, 175 (29%) participants were recruited for analysis. An equal number of gender-matched healthy nondonor participants were included in the analysis. The age range was 18–55 years in both the groups. Independent t-test was applied, and the mean difference in Hb level in both the groups was found statistically nonsignificant (P = 0.713).

Conclusion:

Our study revealed a similar mean Hb level in both the groups. Some other factors we encountered were scarcity of voluntary and female participation in blood donation.
Comparison of Two Techniques Used for the Evaluation of Point-of-Care Methodology for Testing Hemoglobin in Blood Donors
Authors: Ranjan Vivek , Rana Rashmi , Kant Ravi , Khillan Kamini
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives:

Precise measurement of Haemoglobin(Hb) is necessary before the blood donation procedure for donor's protection against anemia and to ensure blood elements' quality to ensure the better effect of these blood constituents on the clinical outcomes of recipients. This is a comparative analysis of DiaSpect Tm and AccuSure hemoglobin (Hb) for point-of-care technique (POCT) for testing of Hb and to evaluate their effectivness by using venous blood as sample and Sysmex XP100 cell counter as the reference method.

Methods:

A total of 544 samples of blood donors between the age group 18 and 65 years were taken for this study. Measurement of Hb was done with the use of three different Hb analyzers – DiaSpect Tm, AccuSure Hb (Model HB101), and Sysmex XP100 Cell counter by using venous blood samples. P < 0.001 was taken statistically significant.

Results:

AccuSure Hb was found to have lower sensitivity in Hb estimation in the donor's blood compared to that of the DiaSpect Tm analyzer. Among various available techniques, there is a requirement to find a more appropriate technique for the estimation of Hb in the donor's blood.

Conclusion:

We found that DiaSpect Tm has greater sensitivity in comparison to AccuSure Hb. Furthermore, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of DiaSpect Tm were greater in comparison to those of AccuSure Hb.
Alloimmunization to Erythrocyte Antigens in Patients Receiving Multiple Blood Transfusions
Authors: Das Sudipta Sekhar , Biswas Rathindra Nath , Safi Mahammad , Zaman Rafique Uz
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives:

The risk of red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization is always a concern for multi-transfused patients. Various factors have been found to be associated with alloimmunization. Alloimmunization rates were reported from 4% to 50%, 1.9% to 13% and 1.27% to 13.1% in thalassemic, onco-hematology and renal patients respectively. Transfusion of extended phenotype-matched blood was found to reduce rate of alloimmunization. This study investigated the various risk factors associated with RBC alloimmunization and the impact of transfusing phenotype-matched PRBC to multi-transfused patients.

Methods:

The retrospective observational study included 4350 multi-transfused patients of hemoglobinopathies, onco-hematological diseases and chronic renal failure (CRF). Pre-transfusion testing that included ABO and Rh(D) typing, antibody screening and crossmatching were performed following departmental standard operating procedure (SOP). Rh (C, c, E, e) and Kell (K) antigen phenotyping of blood donors as well as patients were performed by recommended techniques. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS statistical package.

Results:

The mean age of multi-transfused patients was 41.4 years with a female preponderance. A total of 122 alloantibodies with various specificities were found in the 4350 patients (2.8%). Anti-E was the most frequent alloantibody (27.87%) followed by anti-c (11.48%). Frequency of alloimmunization in patients with hemoglobinopathies receiving phenotype-matched blood was 1.89% which was significantly lower than those receiving phenotype-unmatched blood (p=0.0019). Gender, age, splenomegaly status, number of PRBC unit transfused, phenotype-matched status, and transfusion duration in years were independent risk factors of alloimmunization.

Conclusion:

Alloimmunization to red blood antigens challenge the proper management of multi-transfused patients. Based on the present results we suggest considering antibody screening as an important tool of pre-transfusion testing to ensure safe blood transfusion. It will be prudent to adopt a transfusion policy that provides at least the Rh-Kell phenotype-matched blood to minimize red cell alloimmunization among multi-transfused patients.
Comparison of Indigenous Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay and Chemiluminescent Immunoassays for Screening for Immunoglobulin G Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 in India
Authors: Chauhan Nitu , Chahar Ajeet Singh , Dua Seema , Mohan Yatendra , Arora Satyam , Agrawal Arti , Singh Prem , Kanaujia Garima
Published: August 2023

Serological screening for antibody against SARS-CoV-2 has been gaining more attention in view of selection for an appropriate donor for COVID-19 convalescent plasma, documenting the past/ recent infection due to the virus as well as now for evaluating the immune response to the vaccination. In beginning of the pandemic an indigenous ELISA kits were developed in India to screen for IgG type of antibody against the whole-cell virus particle. Our retrospective analysis provides a head-to-head comparison of an indigenous ELISA kits (COVID KAWACH IgG MICROLISA) and CLIA (SARS-CoV-2 IgG by Abbott) platform for screening of IgG type of antibody. Total 380 samples from adults were screened on both the platforms, out of which 250 had a history of a positive RT-PCR report and 130 were RT-PCR negative but with a history of symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or exposure to COVID-19 individual. The overall concordance of detection IgG type of antibody by both the platforms was 52.2% (higher in individuals with known RT-PCR positivity; 70%). The median S/CO ratio (on CLIA) was 3.34 in concordant positive samples and 2.48 in cases of CLIA yield samples. Our study highlights the variation in detection of the antibody by both the platforms due to inherent difference in the design of these platforms and kits.
Rhinovirus Pneumonia, Rhabdomyolysis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury, and Post-Viral Forme Fruste Lupus
Authors: Jha Vijoy Kumar , Akal Ramanjit Singh , Singh Bhanu Pratap , Walia Gurpreet K. , Tejesh B. S. , Mahapatra Debasish
Published: August 2023

Viral interstitial pneumonia is rarely associated with rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and evolving systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with no lupus flare. Here, we report an adult male with human rhinovirus-associated viral pneumonia and rhabdomyolysis-related AKI requiring dialysis. He was detected to be anti-nuclear, anti-Smith, and anti-U1 ribonucleoprotein antibodies positive. His kidney biopsy revealed normal glomeruli, with immunofluorescence showing a full-house pattern. Renal function and lung function gradually improved to normal without any immunosuppressants.
Severe Respiratory Alkalosis during Hemodialysis
Authors: Mavromatidis Konstantinos S. , Kalogiannidou Eirini M.
Published: August 2023

Respiratory alkalosis during hemodialysis session is a rare complication. We managed two patients with severe respiratory alkalosis, a woman who developed this 75 min after the beginning of the session and a man who developed it about 1 h before the end of the session. In both, the cause was a hypotensive episode, and both hypotension and alkalosis were successfully treated.
Karyomegalic Interstitial Nephritis in the Allograft Kidney – A Case Report
Authors: Jansi Prema K S , Mahesh R K , Kurien Anila A.
Published: August 2023

Karyomegalic interstitial nephritis is a rare progressive renal disease. We report a 36-year-old male patient who developed kidney failure due to this condition, underwent kidney transplantation from his sister, and developed the same condition in the graft. Genetic testing of the donor revealed autosomal recessive compound heterozygous mutation of Fanconi anemia–associated nuclease1 (FAN1) gene. Karyomegalic interstitial nephritis is most probably donor derived in our patient. It should not be mislabeled as viral nephropathy.
Risperidone-induced respiratory depression in a neonate through breast milk
Authors: Pasi Rachna , Appikatla Madhu Bhavana , Babu Thirunavukkarasu Arun
Published: August 2023

Risperidone is commonly used in postnatal mothers for depression and psychotic symptoms in spite of little data on its safety profile in neonates. It is reported previously that 6 mg/day can be used in mothers without having any untoward in breastfed neonates. Excretion of risperidone is dependent on the enzyme CYP2D6 whose activity varies as per individual phenotype. Maximum therapeutic levels are achieved at 2 h of administration of the drug. We are reporting a case of preterm breastfed neonate who presented with respiratory depression twice due to risperidone usage in its mother. This is the first reported case where 1 mg/day dosage of risperidone in nursing mother was associated with acute adverse effects such as respiratory depression in her neonate. The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Assessment Scale scored to 8 which suggests probable relation between the drug and its reaction in neonates. It underscores cautious use in mothers and close monitoring of neonates when risperidone is prescribed irrespective of dosage.
Effect of intraperitoneal magnesium sulfate in the prevention of postoperative pain in daycare laparoscopic cholecystectomy – A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sravanthi Gorle Chaitanya , Abuji Kishore , Soni Shiv Lal , Nagaraj Satish Subbiah , Sharma Akhilesh , Jafra Anudeep , Tandup Cherring , Kurdia Kailash Chand , Dahiya Divya
Published: August 2023

This study evaluated the efficacy of intraperitoneal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) in preventing postoperative pain after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). It is a prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial which included 64 patients who underwent LC. Patients were equally randomized into Groups A and B. MgSO4 and normal saline were instilled in subdiaphragmatic space in Groups A and B, respectively, after creating pneumoperitoneum and before starting dissection. The Visual analogue Scale (VAS) was used to determine postoperative pain. Patients who received intraperitoneal MgSO4 had lower average VAS scores for the first 6 h postoperatively, and also, the time for the requirement of first analgesic was longer (3.6 ± 0.4 vs. 2.3 ± 1.0 h). The incidence of vomiting and the requirement for rescue antiemetic was also lower in Group A. Intraperitoneal instillation of MgSO4 reduces postoperative pain and vomiting following elective LC without incurring additional side effects.