bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Downstaging, Pathological Response, and Microsatellite Instability Status in Patients with Signet-Ring Cell Carcinoma Rectum Undergoing Preoperative Long-course Chemoradiation
Authors: Rajkrishna B. , Das Saikat , Masih Dipti , Putta Tharani , Raghunath Rajat , Ram Thomas Samuel
Published: November 2022

Aim and Objective:

To assess the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) downstaging, pathological response, and the relationship between microsatellite instability (MSI) and radiotherapy response in signet-ring cell carcinoma rectum.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty two patients were recruited prospectively and retrospectively in this observational study. Six weeks following radiotherapy, the response was assessed using an MRI pelvis, and patients who were operable underwent total mesorectal excision followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The outcome of radiotherapy was correlated with post radiation MRI downstaging, pathological response, and MSI status.

Results:

The post radiotherapy response assessment MRI showed tumor regression grading (TRG) 5 in 5 patients. TRG 4 seen in 12, TRG 3 in 3, and TRG 2 in 1 patient. Fifteen patients were operable and post-operativ histopathology showed that 40% had pathological complete response (pCR) and 26.7% had near-complete response. Even those who had no response in MRI had pCR. MSI done 17 patients were stable. Of the 6 patients who had complete pathological response, two were MRI TRG 5, three were MRI TRG 4, and one was MRI TRG 3. The median survival was 23 months. The 2-year and 3-year disease-free survival was 46% and 38%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The predictive value of MRI downstaging in these tumors following neoadjuvant long-course chemoradiation therapy is not often in concurrence with the histopathological response and needs to be interpreted carefully. Even though the pCR rate seen in this cohort is encouraging, this needs to be evaluated in studies with large cohorts.
Outcomes of Supraflex Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stents
Authors: Singh Vishal Virendra , Tahir Sheikh Mohamad , Sharma Sanjiv
Published: November 2022

Background:

The development of a sirolimus-eluting coronary stent (SES) was a big step forward in interventional cardiology. SES has been demonstrated in large, randomized clinical studies to reduce angiographic restenosis and target vessel revascularization (TVR) when compared to bare-metal stents and other drug-eluting stents (DESs). However, there is little information on the outcomes of Indian patients treated with Drug-eluting stents (DES). As a result, the study's goal was to assess the efficacy of Supraflex sirolimus-eluting coronary stents in the treatment of coronary artery disease and to identify severe adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.

Methods:

This single-center, observational, nonrandomized study enrolled unselected real-world patients at a tertiary care center who had undergone implantation with Supraflex sirolimus-eluting stents. The primary endpoint of the study was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), which is a conglomeration of cardiac death, target lesion revascularization, TVR, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and heart failure at 1-year follow-up.

Results:

A total of 100 patients were intervened successfully with sirolimus-eluting stents. Out of total patients, diabetes and hypertension were observed in 38% and 35% of patients, respectively. According to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association classification, there were 68% of type B lesions and 32% of type C lesions. At 1-year follow-up, major adverse cardiovascular events were 11%, a composite of 4% target lesion revascularization, 3% target vessel revascularization, 1% CVA, and 5% heart failure. Diabetes (P = 0.02), hypertension (P = 0.01), kidney dysfunction (P = 0.002), and left ventricular (LV) function (P = 0.01) strongly correlated with outcome (MACCE).

Conclusion:

There was an acceptable rate of adverse events after implantation of the Supraflex sirolimus-eluting stents, although slightly higher than in other studies. Diabetes, hypertension, kidney dysfunction, and LV function strongly correlate with the outcome (MACCE).
Undergraduate Medical Education in India During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nirupama A. Y. , Chaudhuri Sirshendu , Chittooru Chandra Sekhar , Vani K. Yashaswini , Chittem Sravana Deepthi
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the disruption of medical teaching nation-wide and pushed the institutions to explore the probable role of online teaching methods. The aim of this review is to identify the untested perspectives and help in strategizing based on evidence generation for the preparation for future.

Methods:

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analysis guidelines for reporting the present review. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases for the articles published between April 2020 and October 2021 for studies on online medical education in India during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results:

We initially screened a total number of 1412 articles and finally recruited 45 articles for the analysis. Majority of the articles were from single institution, and reported the experience of the students and teachers on online teaching. The common teaching platform used such as Zoom and Google Meet were enumerated. Internet connectivity was the most reported challenge of online teaching. None of the selected articles reported on ethical issues related to online teaching.

Conclusion:

Even though there were some strong points reported for the successful implementation of e-learning, a more sustainable and well-informed plan should be devised for the future on online teaching.
Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Motivation Toward Blood Donation among Citizens of Albania
Authors: Sula Idris , Alreshidi Mateq Ali
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives:

Blood donation is a remarkably safe medical procedure. However, it can easily be affected by attitudes, beliefs, and level of knowledge. A knowledgeable, attitudinal, and practical survey has been used in Albania, to understand and identify (1) The factors that influence blood donation, (2) the factors stopping people from blood donation, (3) the behavior and approach of the people toward blood donation in the future, (4) the knowledge level among donors and nondonors, and (5) misconceptions related to blood donation.

Materials and Methods:

This search was conducted on online surveys using Google Forms, which were shared through social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Gmail, and a self-administered questionnaire was shared to random people through social media platforms.

Results:

Of the 858 people answering the questionnaire from Albania, only 32% of the people were blood donors. The motifs that encouraged the people in Albania mostly to donate were to help others in need and save lives and donations for family members. The main reasons preventing people from donation were the fact that they were not asked for and medical reasons. In Albania, 88.6% would donate if called upon.

Conclusion:

Some of these results reflected an encouraging attitude toward blood donation. Further future planning with emphasis on educational programs and more organizations of donor recruitment campaigns could result in an increase of donations and thus fulfilling the needs of the patients in the country but not only.
Comparison of Three Methods for Enumeration of Residual White Blood Cells in Single Donor Apheresis Platelets
Authors: Naikoo Nasir Nabi , Basu Sabita , Bajpayee Animesh , Mishra Deepak Kumar , Datta Suvro Sankha
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives:

The aim of this study was to compare three platforms side-by-side: Nageotte hemocytometer, flow cytometry (FC), and standard hematology analyzer for enumeration of residual white blood cells (rWBCs) in single donor platelets (SDPs) apheresis.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care oncology center by evaluating 36 units of SDP that were collected and tested in parallel by three different methods for the enumeration of rWBCs. All tests were performed within 24 h of collection according to the manufacturers' recommended methods. Counting by the Nageotte hemocytometer was done by: rWBC/μl = (cells counted × dilution/gridded area volume [50 μl]) and FC calculation was performed by: rWBC/μl = (total beads × total number of leukocyte events/total beads acquired × total sample volume).

Results:

The number of rWBCs detected by FC was between 1 white blood cell (WBC)/μl and 8 WBCs/μl; whereas, those detected by Nageotte chamber were between 3 WBC/μl and 6 WBCs/μl. The range of rWBC detected by hematology analyzer was 100 WBC/μl to 270 WBCs/μl. There was no correlation observed between the results obtained in standard hematology analyzer with any of the other two methods. The concordance correlation coefficient was measured by kappa analysis and found to be 0.71 between hemocytometry and FC. Linear regression analysis also showed a moderate correlation (R2= 0.42) between the two methods. However, the coefficient of variation was found to be 49.32% in Nageotte method compared to the 17.55% in FC (P< 0.001).

Conclusion:

FC followed by Nageotte chamber counting is a better method compared to the standard hematology analyzer for the enumeration of rWBCs. To overcome the cost of FC it is high time to explore the scope and feasibility of a centralized quality monitoring system in India for all leukoreduced blood components.
Detection of Weak “B” Phenotype While Resolving an ABO Discrepancy
Authors: Ibrash-uz-Zaman Muhammad , Mushtaq Mamona , Saeed Aamir , Mansoor Neelum
Published: November 2022

Quantitative and/or qualitative differences in ABO phenotypes give rise to ABO discrepancies causing difficulties in establishing the accurate phenotype. These discrepant serological reactions result in significant delays in blood bank. The correct typing of the blood group is imperative to prevent ABO incompatibility issues. However, the discrepant results encountered in routine settings are a challenge to immunohematologists. The variants of the ABO occur very rarely particularly true for B subgroups. Here, we present a case study of a healthy blood donor, discrepant results in forward and reverse blood grouping led us to perform adsorption-elution test. The presence of anti-B in the eluate confirmed the presence of weaker variant of B antigen on the surface of red blood cells. Correct identification of blood group is mutually important for donor and recipient to prevent the occurrence of any transfusion reaction. The serologically determined weak B phenotypes, however, require further confirmation through genomic analysis.
Effect of Donor and Patient Variables on the Platelet Increment and Percent Platelet Recovery
Authors: Sharma Sarita , Joshi Praveen Kumar , Bundas Sunita , Sharma Amit
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives:

Platelet (PLT) deficiency is a common cause of bleeding and PLT transfusions are often indicated for the same. PLT refractoriness is a challenging complication in patients dependent on PLT transfusions. The present study aimed to find out any effect of the donor, recipient, and machine variables on PLT increment (PI) and percent PLT recovery.

Patient and Methods:

A total of 600 apheresis PLT donors and 600 patients were included in this study; however, the PI and percent platelet recovery (PPR) were analyzed for only 535 patients. The data were collected such as the donor's age, gender, preapheresis hemoglobin (Hb), PLT count, PLT product yield, patient's age, gender, weight, pre- and posttransfusion Hb, and PLT count. PI and PPR were calculated and compared across different groups.

Results:

Refractoriness was more seen in hematological disorders in comparison to nonhematological disorders (P = 0.00001). However, no significant association of donor and recipient characteristics with PI was seen.

Conclusion:

PI does not depend on recipient characteristics such as age, gender, pretransfusion PLT count, and Hb.
Transfusion Challenges and Use of Best Match Blood Transfusion in Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Patients
Authors: Sahoo Dibyajyoti , Anuragaa S. , Basavarajegowda Abhishekh , Kulkarni Rajendra G.
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives:

In autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) patients, there is decreased survival of red blood cells (RBCs) because of increased destruction by patients' autoantibodies. Due to decreased survival of RBCs, there is an increase in erythropoiesis and other biochemical parameters of hemolysis. One of the vital tests in AIHA is direct Coombs test (DCT). In this study, we share our experience on the difficulties faced by us during the compatibility testing and providing transfusion support to these patients.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study done in the department of transfusion medicine in a tertiary care hospital of South India. Patients from January 2020 to March 2021 with the diagnosis of AIHA requiring transfusion were included in this study. A total of 136 patients with positive DCT with AIHA diagnosis requiring transfusion support were included in our study.

Results:

Out of 136 cases, 58% (n=79) of patients had incompatibility during cross matching while in 42% (n=57) had cross matched compatible unit. In all incompatible cases best match blood was transfused. Most transfusions were done for patients with DCT Grade 4+. Out of 45 patients with mixed AIHA, 40 (88.8%) patients required a transfusion (P < 0.05). Of that 104 patients with transfusion support, 66 (63%) were with primary AIHA and 38 (36.04%) with secondary AIHA.

Conclusion:

It is tough and challenging to get compatible units in AIHA patients. Best-matched blood is useful when transfusion becomes essential during life-threatening anemia.
Clinical Audits – A Quality Improvement Tool in Transfusion Medicine
Authors: Gupta Monica , Ranapurwala Mustafa F
Published: November 2022

A clinical audit is a quality improvement process that seeks to improve services and outcomes through a systematic review of care against explicit criteria. It is now a recognized tool for improving clinical quality of care. However, in transfusion medicine, they have been utilized in a limited manner. This review intends to discuss the methodology of carrying out a clinical audit systematically. Clinical audit is not research and focuses on the improvement of ordinary and routine practices. Various methodologies for selecting and prioritizing a good audit topic can be employed. Based on the Donabedian model, process-based audits from donor selection to the actual bedside transfusion could be audited to bring in improvement. Likewise, transfusion processes can be audited based on the dimensions of quality in the context of timeliness, effectiveness, and appropriateness. Prioritization of a topic can be done through a quality impact assessment. The objectives help quantify the aim of the audit, while the standards include criteria that are quantified against targets, based on the current evidence for the best possible care. A snapshot sample (20–50 cases) is sufficient to carry out a clinical audit. Where targets are not met, root-cause analysis and quality improvement tools guide the implementation of changes in transfusion practices. To ensure that change is implemented and internalized, it is necessary to have the entire team and the management on board; communication with all stakeholders is key. Re-audit, after the change has been internalized, is an essential part of all clinical audits. Meticulously planning and proper implementation ensure improvement of the care that transfused patients receive.
A Study to Formulate Maximum Surgical Blood Order Schedule at a Tertiary Care Referral Teaching Institute in Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Sandhya Gudditi , Babu Bandi Suresh , Sreedhar Babu K. V. , Rajendran Arun , Chandra Abha , Narendra Hulikal , Mutheeswaraiah Y. , Reddy V. Venkatarami , Ramesh Chandra V. V. , Kumar Nallabothula Anil , Keerthi C. , Ravikanth C. , Prashanth G.
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives:

Blood transfusion is the mainstay of treatment for several serious illnesses, surgical, and trauma patients. The aim of this study is to develop maximum surgical blood order schedule (MSBOS) for surgeries in our institute to formulate certain guidelines to prevent the over-ordering of blood and promote reasonable ordering of blood.

Patients and Methods:

All the patients undergoing surgeries in General Surgery, Surgical Gastroenterology, surgical oncology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Urology, and Orthopedics Departments requesting blood were included in this study. Cross-match-to-transfusion (CT) ratios, transfusion probability (TP), and transfusion index (TI) were calculated for individual specialties and surgeries. Based on these parameters, MSBOS was formulated.

Results:

During the study period, a total of 2724 patients posted for elective surgical procedures necessitating blood among various surgical departments were included in the study. A total of 5812 units of packed red blood cells were requested and cross-matched for the study population. Among these, 1831 units were transfused with a blood utilization percentage of 31.50% (6%–60%). The overall CT ratio of our study was 4.21. The overall TP was 31.69% and the overall TI was 0.56.

Conclusion:

Implementation of MSBOS is helpful in achieving the goal of rational usage of blood. Based on the results, we grouped the surgical procedures which need type and screen, type and hold, and type and cross-match.
Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
Authors: Smit Sibinga Cees Theodoor , Pahuja Sangeeta , Al-Lawati Mujtaba , Hussain Shabneez
Published: November 2022

Disasters and emergencies do happen all over the world, both natural and human-made. It is important to carry out a gap analysis and a risk assessment before making plans for disaster and emergency preparedness at national, regional, and local levels. It is equally important to decide in advance what to do and how to react to such situation to restore the “business as usual.” The blood system is an integral part of the health-care system and should be ready to act when necessary – donor mobilization, triage, personnel, stock management, and distribution. In the hospital, one should have a plan and be prepared in advance to introduce priority setting, stock management, restricted transfusion practice, and communication. The article provides a list of recommendations to prepare for such expected and unexpected situation to mitigate as much as possible the deleterious consequences.
An Audit of Clinical Cases of Dengue Fever and the Usage of Platelets in Such Cases in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Hyderabad
Authors: Isharat Sumaiya , Sharma Aparna , Goru Bhawani , Ayatullah Molla M. D.
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives:

Dengue is an acute self-limited systemic viral infection caused by the dengue virus of the family Flaviviridae. The incidence of dengue fever has been increasing for the past few years and dengue has become a global problem. The current data required for further improving the treatment policies are scanty. Our study aims to capture the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients enrolled in the study, to see any correlation between thrombocytopenia and bleeding tendencies and other transfusion-related parameters.

Methods:

The study is a prospective cohort study. All seropositive dengue cases were included in the study. A format was prepared for documenting the demographic data, history, clinical characteristics, spectrum of the disease, the laboratory details of the patient (platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, Hematocrit, and indication). All the transfusion requirement data were collected from the blood center registers. Overall mortality in the study group, number of hospital readmissions, and episodes of exacerbation of symptoms was recorded separately.

Results:

A total of 270 cases were included in the audit who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The median age of the patient pool was 27 (4–66 years range). Twenty-six percent of the cases developed hemorrhages. Eighty-four single-donor platelets (SDPs) and 340 random-donor platelets (RDPs) were used. A mean of 270 ml of products was transfused per patient. The mortality rate was 0.8%. The mean duration of hospitalization was 1 week. In 72% of cases, platelet count was restored in single-unit transfusion. Ninety-nine percent of the product utilization were within the guidelines recommended.

Conclusion:

A good monthly audit of blood product utilization is a good guide for treatment. Quality control and rational use of SDPs and RDPs are important in sick and thrombocytopenic patients resulting in better clinical outcomes.
Sero-Prevalence of COVID-19 in Blood Donors of North India – Single-Center Report
Authors: Tiwari Aseem K , Pabbi Swati , Aggarwal Geet , Marik Arghyadeep , Sharma Shruti , Singh Manish , Gupta Shubham , Golia Sunil
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives:

COVID-19 has infected and caused the deaths of millions of people globally with India being the second most affected country in the world. The primary objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) antibodies in healthy blood donors in North India. The secondary objective of the study was to find the association of vaccination and infection with seropositivity in the blood donors.

Methods:

All blood donor samples were screened for the presence of IgG antibodies against SARS CoV2 spike (S1) protein. Anti-SARS CoV2 IgG antibody status, demographic data, history of past COVID infection, and vaccination of all eligible donors in the study period were collected. Seroprevalence was calculated as the percentage of total number of donors positive for anti-SARS CoV2 IgG antibodies. Month-wise seroprevalence was also calculated and analyzed.

Results:

Out of 1456 donors, 874 were found to be seropositive, resulting in a seroprevalence of 60%. Seroprevalence was found to be 38.3% and 77%, respectively, in the months of April and May 21. Seropositivity was 100%, 92%, 79%, and 54% in those with a history of both COVID infection and vaccination, vaccination only, infection only, and no history of vaccination or infection, respectively.

Conclusion:

Blood donors represent an easy access to seroprevalence studies and need to be tapped at the national level to obtain a temporal picture of the COVID-19 situation to guide healthcare policies, mark regions where vaccination drives need to be intensified.
Role of Double-Filtration Plasmapheresis in ABO- and Human Leukocyte Antigen-Incompatible Kidney Transplant
Authors: Sinha Smriti , Kabra Shri Ram , Mandal Saikat , Bansal Vivek , Bhatia Tanuj Paul , More Sumit , Kumar Ranjan , Gupta Vibhu Ranjan
Published: November 2022

Kidney transplant has significantly improved the quality of life in end-stage renal disease patients compared to maintenance hemodialysis. Recipients can receive a living-donor or a deceased-donor kidney transplant. However, the presence of donor specific anti human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies or anti A or B antibodies in the recipient makes the transplant incompatible and provokes to cause hyperacute, acute, or chronic rejection. Desensitization which is usually applied before to reduce incompatibility can be achieved by apheresis and preventing donor-specific antibody resynthesis by targeting both T and B cells. Here, we present two such cases transplanted successfully by desensitizing with double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP). Case 1 which was a female with high-titer anti-HLA antibody was managed with rituximab, 4 sessions of DFPP, antithymocyte globulin, and posttransplant Tacrolimus (Tac). Case 2 who had both high-titer anti-HLA and anti-A (IgG 1:256) antibody was managed with rituximab, 3 sessions of DFPP, and posttransplant Tac. In both cases, perioperative complications due to DFPP such as bleeding, thrombocytopenia, hypotension, and need of transfusion was minimal. These cases point toward successful application of DFPP in desensitization protocol, leading to successful HLA antibody-incompatible and ABO-incompatible renal transplant with minimal adverse incident and cost.
A Retrospective Audit of Red Cell Serology Requisition Forms Received at a Reference Testing Center for Work-Up
Authors: Pandey Prashant , Kumari Supriya , Setya Divya
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives:

Audits identify areas of problems in immunohematology workup and transfusion practice which can be corrected by the education of medical staff, formulation of guidelines, and algorithms. An audit is a series of simple, direct questions, which when answered and reviewed, tell us whether the laboratory is performing its procedures, activities, and policies correctly. The aim of this study was to analyze immunohematology request forms sent from red cell serology laboratories to our reference testing center (RTC) to ascertain their completeness.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective, observational study conducted in the department of transfusion medicine at a tertiary-level health-care center from November 2019 to June 2021. We ascertained whether the immunohematology workup forms details were complete, absent, or incomplete.

Results:

The study was conducted over a period of 20 months, with 264 forms being audited. In this overall total number, almost one-third of 1894 (34.16%) of the immunohematology workup requisition form details were complete and 716 (12.91%) of these entries were incomplete. However, almost half of the overall number of 2934 (52.92%) of the requisitions were absent.

Conclusion:

From our study, we concluded that an audit of all the RTC requisitions at the point of receiving can be an important tool to detect requisition errors and results of RTC workup. We received a sample for RTC advanced immunohematological testing from all over India. There is a need for the organization of CME and training of staff to increase compliance regarding sending appropriate RTC advanced immunohematological requisitions and samples.
A Story of the “Puritanical-Eater” (Orthorexia Nervosa): A Rare Case Report of How Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with Multiple Themes Led to Extremes of Malnutrition
Authors: Chong Siew Koon , Hashim Aini Hayati Binti Mohd , Zakaria Zafrie Izzat Bin
Published: November 2022

Orthorexia Nervosa is a terminology used to describe the combination of obsessive-compulsive disorder adversely affecting eating patterns in the absence of anorexia or bulimia. And unlike their counterparts, these patients are neither focused on losing weight nor are they fettered by their body shape and looks. Although this terminology is yet to be recognized by the American Psychiatric Association with vague criteria to describe this clinical entity, several cases across the world report a similar pattern of presentation. This case report describes one such encounter.
Agreement in Disability between World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (36 Item Version) and Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale among the Person with Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Paul Fayaz Ahmad , Bora Debashree
Published: November 2022

Background:

The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) was designed to assess the functioning level in six life domains (cognition, mobility, self-care, getting along, life activities, and participation in community activities). It was used to measure functional impairment in cross-cultural studies. Universal usage of this instrument will synchronize disability data across various countries and help in international comparison.

Objective:

To check the agreement in disability between WHODAS 2.0 (36-Item Version) and Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS) among Persons with Severe Mental Illness.

Materials and Methods:

This was a longitudinal study. A total of 60 participants were selected using a consecutive sampling procedure. Persons diagnosed with severe mental illness as per the ICD-10 diagnosis criteria, aged above 18 to 60 years with a total duration of illness of at least 2 years were considered for inclusion in the study. Patients and their primary caregivers who gave written informed consent were included in the study. Those who refused to consent to the research study and patients not staying with primary caregivers were excluded from the study.

Results:

There is a correlation between all the similar domains of WHODAS 2.0 and IDEAS. It is statistically significant except for the correlation between the “Mobility” domain of WHODAS 2.0 (36 items) and the “Communication and Understanding” domain of the IDEAS scale.

Conclusion:

WHODAS 2.0 can be recommended either by itself instead of by IDEAS for the assessment of disability in the Indian setting as there is a highly significant agreement between WHODAS 2.0 with IDEAS. This will help the disability boards to give an exact percentage of disability; an aspect that was lacking in IDEAS where a range is available.
Pandemic Fatigue and its Association with Cognitive Functioning in Adults
Authors: Halder Susmita , Mahato Akash Kumar
Published: November 2022

Objectives:

The concept of Pandemic Fatigue was specified by the World Health Organization in 2020 after the COVID pandemic swept nations worldwide. Pandemic Fatigue can be conceptualized as an expected and involuntary response to the prolonged public health crisis with unprecedented impact on daily living of every person including those who were not affected directly. Mental health and motivation of the general population has been adversely impacted by the prolonged duration of the pandemic situation. Many studies have suggested that the feeling of uncertainty due to pandemic or lockdown caused a fatigue and it may have slowed down the cognitive functioning in individuals.

Methods:

The present study aimed to explore the possible association between Pandemic Fatigue and cognitive functioning of adults. Hundred adults of both sexes in the age group of 18–40 years were selected from different cities of India and assessed on the Pandemic Fatigue Scale and the Perceived Change in Cognitive Functioning Questionnaire.

Results:

Findings suggest presence of Pandemic Fatigue predominantly in the sample. It was significantly related with perceived changes in attention and concentration. Individuals with history of COVID infection reported significant change in their attention and concentration and flexibility.

Conclusions:

The adverse impact of pandemic on physical and mental health is evident There is a need to explore the persistence of the findings in longitudinal perspective as well as changes in cognitive and mental health of COVID infected individuals.
‘Scrap Metal Hoards’ of the Later Urnfield Period in the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Dietrich Oliver , Dietrich Laura , Rezi Botond
Published: November 2022

Large ‘scrap’ metal hoards have so far been seen as a characteristic of the older Urnfield Period in the eastern Carpathian Basin. Using the hoard from Dezmir, Romania, as a starting point, this paper describes a group of hoards with chronologically and spatially diverse components. These hoards were hidden during the younger Urnfield Period and represent smaller variants of the older, large ‘scrap’ hoards. Earlier research has used them to define a chronological horizon (‘Phase 3-Jupalnic-Turia-Ha A2’). Based on archaeological observations, spatial data and a correspondence analysis, we argue that they represent a specific hoarding practice instead, characteristic of Phase 4, i.e. the younger Urnfield Period.
‘Animal Farm’
Authors: Almeida Nelson J. , Texugo André , Basílio Ana Catarina
Published: November 2022

This paper presents the results of the excavations carried out in the Chalcolithic contexts from the walled enclosure of Ota (Alenquer, Portugal). Six new absolute dates allow the discussion of the stratigraphical evidence and chronologically frame the zooarchaeological and taphonomical analysis of the faunal assemblage. Domesticated swine, caprine and bovine are prevalent, while wild species, most notably leporids, but also red deer, auroch and wild boar, among others, are less common. Exploitation and management of animals for the acquisition of primary and secondary products are inferred. Existing data suggests that the economic intensification that started during the previous phases was ongoing.
Investigation of adsorption of Basic Orange 2 dye on montmorillonite and error analysis
Authors: Ali Fil Baybars
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT. In this study, isotherm studies were investigated for the removal of basic orange 2 (BO2) dye on the montmorillonite surface. Two-parameter isotherm models such as Langmir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms and Three-parameter isotherm models such as Sips, Toth, and Khan isotherms were calculated by non-linear analysis method. The adsorption capacity at equilibrium was calculated by adding 0.035 g of adsorbent at 10-300 mg/L concentrations to 100 mL of synthetic dyestuff solution at room temperature. According to the results obtained, it was determined that the isotherm data matched the Langmuir isotherm with a regression coefficient of 0.995 from the Two-parameter models, and the Sips isotherm with a regression coefficient of 0.998 from the Three-parameter isotherm models. In addition, according to the results of error analysis, it was determined that the lowest error value fit the HYBRID model. SNE values support the HYBRID model.

 

KEY WORDS: Adsorption, Basic orange 2, Isotherm models; Error analyses, Hybrid

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(1), 47-58.                                                               

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i1.5
Preparation and chemical study on metallic bonding with antibiotics in nanometer form to raise the therapeutic efficiency: structural characterizations of Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) 6-aminopenicillinic acid complexes
Authors: Aljohani Mohammed
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT. The medical and pharmaceutical areas are interested in the production of metal-biomolecule complexes because to their strong biological activity against bacteria, fungus, and cancers. The purpose of this paper was to synthesise of three coloured transition metal complexes of copper(II), cobalt(II), and nickel(II) with a 6-aminopenicillinic drug ligand (6-apen). The analyses of elemental analysis (carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen), molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, infrared (FTIR), and electronic (UV-Vis) spectroscopy provided a thorough characterization of the solid complexes. The low molar conductance values of the produced solid complexes suggested that they were not electrolytic. The 6-apen drug ligand has more than one site of coordination as carboxylic group, β-lactam nitrogen, nitrogen of –NH2 group, oxygen of carbonyl β-lactam group and sulfur of the five–member ring. The microanalytical, spectroscopic and thermogravimetric analyses indicated a 1:2 (Metal : Ligand) stoichiometry of all complexes. The 6-apen ligand acts as a bidentate ligand that the coordination site occurs through the oxygen of deprotonated carboxylic group and β-lactam nitrogen. The thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the absence of crystalline water molecules outside the coordination sphere. The anticancer availability of the 6-apen free drug was checked against of 2Q7K receptor prostate cancer using a molecular docking calculation.

 

KEY WORDS: 6-Aminopenicillinic, Coordination, Metals ions, FTIR, Molecular docking

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(1), 91-100.                                                              

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i1.8
Managing, Structuring and Scaling Innovation in International Organizations
Authors: Tatarinov Katherine
Published: November 2022

This article summarizes my award-winning dissertation on innovation for transforming the United Nations (UN) to solve the grand challenges in a technologically evolving world. It answers: how do the processes of managing, structuring and scaling innovation impact international organizations and the fulfilment of their missions? Findings show that innovative initiatives lead to the development of responsible innovation capacity, that scaling digital solutions for wicked problems requires global/local ecosystem actors to take on new roles in each location, and that innovation units create value through relationships not owned by one party. These contributions exhibit the cross-sectoral potential for delivering global impact through innovation. It also shows that IB scholars have the frameworks and tools to move beyond traditional contexts to address real problems in the global economy.
Místo myšlenkových experimentů ve filosofii
Authors: Tvrdý Filip
Published: November 2022

Thought experiments are popular tools of argumentation in science and philosophy. The criticism of these experiments from naturalized and experimental philosophers has led to the formation of deflationary and minimalist approaches that weaken the epistemic power of thought experiments and reconcile them with empiricism. This paper aims to demonstrate that these attempts do not overcome the main problems encountered by thought experiments in philosophy. The limits of human rationality and imagination prevent experimenters from solving unrealistic scenarios in a reliable way. Thought experiments in philosophy are different from science because the real ones usually cannot be implemented and are not open to the possibility of empirical falsification. Moreover, they are based on defective analogies and they shift the burden of proof unfairly. The persuasive success of thought experiments is very low; therefore, they cannot contribute to the solution of philosophical problems. The paper concludes that the most common types of thought experiments should be removed from the set of philosophical methods.
Odvrácená strana legendy: Otto Hahn v kontextu nacistického Německa
Authors: Grygar Filip
Published: November 2022

The article aims to demystify a long-standing legend about Otto Hahn, who, as the Nobel Prize winner for chemistry for the discovery of the fission of heavy nuclei, is widely regarded as an academic figurehead in the world of science. He was considered a symbol of so-called German decency and responsibility; he was a model example of an anti-Nazi scientist who did not collaborate with the criminality of the regime in its warmongery. It was only from the 1990s onwards that historians gained access to new archival materials, which allowed for a comprehensive picture of Hahn’s work in Nazi Germany and his involvement in uranium research during wartime, whose aim was construction of nuclear reactors and bombs.
Creative Nonfiction in Social Science: Towards More Engaging and Engaged Research
Authors: Kotišová Johana
Published: November 2022

The paper aims at identifying, explaining and illustrating the affordances of “creative nonfiction” as a style of writing social science. The first part introduces creative nonfiction as a method of writing which brings together empirical material and fiction. In the second part, based on illustrations from my ethnographic research of European “crisis reporters,” written in the form of a novel about a fictional journalist, but also based on a review of existing social science research that employs a creative method of writing, I identify several main affordances of creative nonfiction in social-scientific research. In particular, I argue that creative nonfiction allows scientists to illustrate their findings, to express them in an allegorical way, to organize data into a narrative, to let their pieces of research act in the social world, and to permeate research accounts with self-reflexive moments. I also discuss some apparent negative affordances: challenges that creative nonfiction poses to readers and to the institutionalized academic discourse. Finally, I suggest that writing about sociological problems in the style of creative nonfiction can help to produce more engaging and engaged texts, and I discuss the ethical implications of the approach.
Modal Sosial Masyarakat Pesisir (Studi Kesejahteraan Sosial Petani Rumput Laut di Kabupaten Jeneponto)
Authors: Azis Fatimah , Risfaisal Risfaisal , Rosa Irda
Published: November 2022

Social capital is a set of values or informal norms that are shared among members of an interrelated community group, which are based on the values of trust, norms, and social networks. The purpose of this study is to analyze more deeply the existence of social capital and how the perspective of the Pao Village Community, Jeneponto Regency related to capital. This study is a phenomenological study of 10 informants using the data collection method according to the interview method and qualitatively analyzed in a descriptive way. The results of the study indicate that the existence of the share capital in Pao, Jeneponto Regency is indicated by the implementation still under development.Unity, mutual assistance, and concern of the villagers for one another show the form of trust, social norms and social networks that are still intertwined in the Pao village community. The forms of social capital in society are trust, social networks, social norms and reciprocal relationships (cooperation). The social capital of the Pao Village Community, Jeneponto Regency regarding social capital has various responses. Social capital according to the social view is a description of social institutions, such as social networks, norms, and social beliefs, which facilitate mutually beneficial coordination and cooperation. How to behave and treat others. In addition, someone who always maintains trust will also be maintained, treated and appreciated by others because he is good at taking care of himself.
PROBLEM SOLVING AND REHABILITATION OF THE SPELEOLOGICAL OBJECT OF LARGER DIMENSIONS WHICH APPEARED DURING THE EXCAVATION OF THE "POČITELJ" TUNNEL
Authors:   department of science, Ph.D (Mining) Hrvoje Antičević, , M.Sc.C.E. Anita Bukovac,
Published: November 2022

The "Počitelj" tunnel was built as part of the section of the highway Mostar North - the border with the Republic of Croatia on the corridor Vc, the section Počitelj - Bijača, the subsection Počitelj - Zvirovići with a length of approx. 11.50 km. The Počitelj tunnel is a two-tube, two-lane tunnel with a length of 1163 m on the right tube and 1192 m on the left tube.
The Effect of Implementation of Integrated Reporting on Company Value
Authors:   Perbanas Institute, Kurniawati Dian
Published: November 2022

This study aims to find out how the effect of the application of integrated reporting elements on the reporting of LQ 45 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2018 on company value in the period after the implementation of the integrated reporting element. Measurement of disclosure of integrated reporting elements using content elements developed by the International Integrated Reporting Committee in 2013. The content element of integrated reporting is identified through annual reports, sustainability reports, and information on the company's website. The samples in this study were selected using the purposive sampling method and 34 companies were selected. The results showed that the implementation of integrated reporting elements in company reporting affected the increase in company value in the period after the implementation of integrated reporting. The coefficient of determination of this study shows a value of 38.2% which means that the company value variable (Tobin's Q) can be explained by 38.2% by the disclosure of the integrated reporting element, while the remaining 61.8% is explained by other factors.
The Effect of Martial Law on Transfer Pricing in Ukraine
Authors:   Postgraduate student of the Department of Enterprise Economics, State Tax University, Ukraine, Korin Inna
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to describe the current state of tax control over transfer pricing in Ukraine. Analysing the effect of war and martial law on the tax system on the whole and transfer pricing as well, I would like to say that the situation shook the system, but nevertheless, it managed to rehabilitate itself and survive, in turn, standing on wartime slats. The practical significance of the study lies in the complex analysis and evaluation of the current situation of the transfer pricing processes taking place in Ukraine. For Ukraine, in practice, the experience of European countries and case law can be found, which have formed a number of important and progressive legal positions and conclusions to improve control in the field of transfer pricing. The practical novelty of the obtained results consists in a comprehensive analysis of the impact of transfer pricing on the current state of tax management in general. While the EU countries and the UK introduce additional temporary taxes on excess profits on electricity production between 2021 and 2023, as well as on excess profits received from activities in the oil, gas, coal and oil refining sectors, Ukraine introduces an income tax for all companies in any industries in the amount of 2% of the turnover, in order to keep the business afloat. In particular, I would like to note the effectiveness of the work within the framework of the EU4PFM international project, which made it possible, even in wartime, not only to preserve the achievements of pre-war times, but also to start the development of new software products and OECD support for the harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with EU norms in the context of the further integration of Ukraine into the European Union. The main goal of this work is to determine the effectiveness of transfer pricing in Ukraine today, as well as to assess the development prospects for Ukraine in this direction.
Determinants of Hedging Decisions in State-Owned and Private Manufacturing Firms on the IDX
Authors:   Alumnae of Faculty of Economics & Business, Universitas Tarumanagara, l. Tanjung Duren Utara 1, Jakarta, Indonesia, Hosama Ezra , Roni Setyawan Ignatius ,   Lecturer of Faculty of Economics & Business, Universitas Tarumanagara, l. Tanjung Duren Utara 1, Jakarta, Indonesia
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to examine the determinants of hedging decisions in state-owned and private manufacturing firms on the IDX. Based on the previous research from Mediana & Muharam (2016), several determinant factors of hedging decisions were identified, namely liquidity, leverage, firm size, profitability and public ownership. The analytical method used is logistic regression analysis using a sample of 175 state-owned and private manufacturing firms from 2018-2020. The results of the analysis show that only liquidity and firm size have a significant influence on hedging decisions, which are negative and positive, respectively. The implication that can be taken is that when the firm makes a hedging decision, the firm needs to reduce liquidity or invest in working capital. On the other hand the firm needs to increase firm size through its fixed asset investment activities. Result of this study supports the optimal hedge ratio theory of Carter (2003).