bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH SEBELUM DAN SESUDAH DILAKUKAN PIJAT LAKTASI TERHADAP PRODUKSI AIR SUSU IBU PADA IBU POSTPARTUM DI BPM MEILISA AFTY DEPOK PERIODE 14 JUNI – 14 JULI 2021
Authors: Nisa Zakia Hary
Published: November 2023

Background: breast milk (ASI) is the best food for babies because it contains many nutrients. Data in Indonesia, only 1 in 2 infants under 6 months of age are exclusively breastfed and 38% of mothers stop breastfeeding due to lack of milk production. One method of increasing breast milk production is by lactation massage. The purpose of the study: was to determine the effect of before and after lactation massage on the production of brest milk on postpartum mothers at BPM Meilisa Afty Depok for the period June 14 – July 14, 2021. Methods: This study is an experimental study, with a one-group pre-test and post-test design. The number of samples as many as 35 postpartum mothers with a sampling technique that is purposive sampling. The lactation massage was carried out for 7 days and the measurement of milk production was carried out on the 1st and 7th days. Results: Breast milk production before lactation massage was found to all have less milk production as many as 35 people (100%) and after lactation massage it was found that most of them had sufficient milk production as many as 25 people (71.4%). The results of the Wilcoxon test showed the effect of before and after lactation massage on the production of breast milk on postpartum mothers at BPM Meilisa Afty (p value = 0.000 ≤0.05). Conclusion: the results showed that there was an increase in breast milk production after lactation massage was given. Suggestions: it is hoped that health workers can use lactation massage as a non-pharmacological alternative in an effort to increase breast milk production and educate mothers in the prenatal and postpartum periods regarding breastfeeding.
LSD and psilocybin for chronic nociplastic pain: A narrative review of the literature supporting the use of classic psychedelic agents in chronic pain
Authors: Van Der Walt J , Parker R
Published: November 2023

Healthcare providers face the challenging task of managing patients who suffer from chronic nociplastic pain conditions. Pain is a multidimensional experience, and the current approach to managing people in chronic pain often fails to meet the needs of these patients. Novel ways of treating people who suffer from chronic nociplastic pain with classic psychedelic agents may offer a new lens through which to approach their pain. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin are both serotonergic agents with a long history of use in treating people with chronic pain and mental health disorders. The new wave of research into psychedelics for major depressive disorder provides an opportunity to investigate and understand the potential for incorporating these drugs into chronic pain management pathways. This narrative review presents healthcare workers with a framework to understand the method of action of these drugs in chronic nociplastic pain pathways and a brief history into their use. We conducted an online search using Pubmed with keywords ‘chronic pain’ AND/OR ‘psilocybin’ AND/OR ‘lysergic acid diethylamide’ AND/OR ‘psychedelics’ with no date limit applied. We identified further articles that contained information on the neuroscience of psychedelics and the serotonergic system using Google Scholar. During the final stages of writing the article, the latest publications on psychedelics and chronic pain in leading pain journals were again included to update the information.
Biliary atresia: The profile, management and outcome of patients treated at a tertiary hospital in central South Africa
Authors: Brits E , Le Grange S M
Published: November 2023

Background. Biliary atresia (BA) is an obstructive inflammatory disease of the bile ducts. Without intervention, the disease rapidly progresses to liver cirrhosis and fibrosis, with end-stage liver failure and death occurring within the first 3 years of life. It is the most common indication for liver transplantation (LT) in the paediatric population. The management of BA in South Africa (SA) faces multiple challenges, such as late referrals and socioeconomic burdens, with suboptimal outcomes.
Objectives. To determine risk factors and shortcomings that are detrimental to the outcome of the paediatric patient population by reviewing the profile, management and outcome of patients with BA treated at Universitas Academic Hospital Complex (UAHC), Bloemfontein, SA.
Methods. This was a retrospective analytical record review of all patients diagnosed with BA and treated at UAHC from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2019.
Results. In total, 67 patients were included; 74.6% were female, and 86.6% were black Africans. Most (62.7%) had isolated BA. A Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) was performed in 32 patients (47.8%). Of 5 patients referred for LT evaluation, 2 received a transplant. Of 55 patients with known outcomes, 5.5% (n=3) survived and 94.5% (n=52) died after receiving a KPE or palliative treatment. Of the 3 patients who were alive at the end of the study period, 1 had a KPE and 2 had LTs.
Conclusion. Late presentation, cholangitis and cessation of bile flow after an initial successful KPE, and socioeconomic challenges are issues of concern and had a detrimental influence on the outcome of BA in our study population. Implementing screening measures and education programmes at the primary healthcare level is essential to diagnose and refer BA patients timeously. Establishing support systems to assist socioeconomically disadvantaged patients will enable them to qualify for LT.
Namibian spitting cobra, Naja nigricincta nigricincta (Zebra snake): Antibiotic profile of bacteria cultured from the oral pharynx, venom and snakebite wounds
Authors: Saaiman E , Buys C , Theart F
Published: November 2023

This was a cross-sectional study with the aim of characterising Naja nigricincta nigricincta’s oral bacterial flora as well as accompanying sensitivities and resistance towards antibiotics. Naja nigricincta nigricincta (zebra snake) is a spitting cobra indigenous to Namibia. Nasopharyngeal and venom swabs for bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity were taken from 37 native zebra snakes originating from the Khomas region that were captured for removal and relocation. Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus spp., Morganella morganii and Pseudomonas spp. were the organisms most often cultured. The antibiotic sensitivity profiles of these organisms suggest ciprofloxacin or a third-generation cephalosporin plus gentamicin or piperacillin-tazobactam as prophylactic antibiotics in case of Naja nigricincta nigricincta bites.
Psychometric Properties and Clinical Usefulness of the Spanish Version of the Toe Walking Tool
Authors: Guerrero-Blázquez Angélica , Díaz-Arribas María José , Ríos-León Marta , López-Bustos-de-las-Heras Raquel , Cano-de-la-Cuerda Roberto , Plaza-Manzano Gustavo , Delgado-de-la-Serna Pablo , Martín-Casas Patricia
Published: November 2023

Background: The Toe Walking Tool (TWT) was developed in Australia as a valid and reliable screening tool for children who toe-walk. However, psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the TWT have not been studied. The aim of this study was to assess psychometric properties and clinical usefulness of the Spanish version of the TWT.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Twelve children were assessed with the TWT. Intrarater and interrater reliability and agreement were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Fleiss kappa method for multiple raters. Internal consistency and construct validity were assessed with the Kuder-Richardson formula 20 coefficient and known-group methods, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic curve. The Content Validity Index was calculated to determine clinical usefulness.

Results: An excellent intrarater (ICC = 1) and interrater reliability (ICC = 0.8), moderate interrater agreement (Fleiss kappa, 0.6), strong internal consistency (Kuder-Richardson formula 20 coefficient, 0.86), and very good construct validity were found. Sensitivity and specificity results were appropriate (area under the curve, 0.845). The Content Validity Index was 0.906, suggesting high usefulness.

Conclusions: The Spanish version of the TWT was found to be a valid, reliable and useful screening tool for children who toe-walk, providing evidence for its recommendation.
Digital Foot Technology in Ulcer Prevention and Reulceration: A Clinical Perspective
Authors: Thorne Claire Saliba , Gatt Alfred , Formosa Cynthia
Published: November 2023

Background: Studies have shown that personal and economic reasons determine whether clinicians use diagnostic technology in their routine clinical biomechanical practice. This study aimed to identify the biomechanical management plan of local clinicians in relation to management of the diabetic high-risk foot and to investigate whether diagnostic technology is being used to determine the effectiveness of dispensed prescription orthoses in view of ulcer prevention.

Methods: A mixed-methodologic approach was adopted in this study. A retrospective quantitative study was also conducted to access records of patients attending the biomechanics clinic at a local health biomechanics clinic. Outcomes of interest included the number and percentage of patients attending the biomechanics clinic, source of referral to this clinic, age and gender of patients, clinical diagnosis, management plan, and referral pathway. Following a phenomenologic approach, four experienced clinicians working in the private, primary, and tertiary health sectors were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze and interpret data.

Results: Only low-risk patients living with diabetes mellitus were referred for a comprehensive biomechanical examination; the majority were referred by podiatrists. There was no record of diabetic high-risk patients being referred for a detailed biomechanical assessment within the health service. This study also confirmed that, because of the expenses and laborious work involved when using diagnostic technology to assess foot pressures, interviewed clinicians based their treatment plan and tested the efficiency of dispensed offloading devices on the basis of clinical experience and visual observation only.

Conclusions: Waiting for signs of ulceration can be too late for the high-risk foot. A change in clinical practice is recommended where the integration of diagnostic technology, together with standard care, in view of ulcer prevention is warranted.
Lateral Wedging of the Foot: A Scoping Review
Authors: Jackson Aaron , Sheerin Kelly , Reid Duncan , Molyneux Prue , Carroll Matthew R.
Published: November 2023

Lateral wedges are a common intervention used to alter biomechanical function of the lower limb. Although there is evidence investigating the use and impact of lateral wedges in individuals with medial knee osteoarthritis, knowledge of how these wedges affect foot function in healthy adults is limited. Therefore, this study intends to investigate how lateral wedging affects foot function in healthy adults and, furthermore, how wedge design influences the outcome. The framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley was used for this scoping review. To ensure methodologic quality and transparent reporting, the study adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews preferred reporting guidelines. A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE by means of EBSCO; SPORT Discuss; CINAHL; AMED by means of OVID; and Scopus. The initial search yielded 252 articles in total; 21 studies were included in the final analysis. Significant incongruence exists in descriptions of wedge length among the 21 included studies. Thirteen studies (61%) reported using full-length wedges, five studies did not report wedge length, and only one study analyzed more than one wedge length. Ethylene vinyl acetate was the most common material, and reporting of hardness was inconsistent. A broad range of inclination angles were used, with limited explanation for why these values were selected. All but one study that analyzed ankle/subtalar joint frontal plane moments reported an increase in the external eversion moment. The review identified significant variation in the design of wedges used within this body of work and a lack of investigation into the influence of wedge design. Wedge design appears to be a secondary consideration, with very few studies examining multiple material types or wedge placements. All but one of the included studies reported a significant change in ankle/subtalar joint moments with lateral wedging. Unfortunately, further generalization was not possible because of the inconsistency and variation.
Polycythemia as an Underlying Cause of Digital Gangrene: A Rare and Unusual Case Presentation
Authors: Ly Peter N.
Published: November 2023

Digital gangrene is frequently encountered in patients who have diabetes with peripheral vascular compromise, with or without superimposed infection. Preoperative laboratory values and radiographic images are important to determine a proper course of action. Equally important is a thorough history taking to confirm or rule out systemic entities and preexisting conditions that can aggravate or predispose one to the development of digital gangrene. A patient with diabetes presented with a rare and unusual case of digital gangrene, as he clinically had strong pedal pulses. Preoperative workup revealed a suspicion of polycythemia, which was subsequently confirmed. The patient underwent several days of phlebotomy until his hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were brought down to optimized levels before a digital amputation was performed. He went on to heal uneventfully, and he is currently being closely followed by oncology/hematology colleagues with periodic phlebotomy.
Comprehensive analysis of nasal IgA antibodies induced by intranasal administration of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Authors: Waki Kentarou , Tani Hideki , Saga Yumiko , Shimada Takahisa , Yamazaki Emiko , Koike Seiichi , Mana Okada , Isobe Masaharu , Kurosawa Nobuyuki
Published: November 2023

Intranasal vaccination is an attractive strategy for preventing COVID-19 disease as it stimulates the production of multimeric secretory immunoglobulin A (IgAs), the predominant antibody isotype in the mucosal immune system, at the target site of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry. Currently, the evaluation of intranasal vaccine efficacy is based on the measurement of polyclonal antibody titers in nasal lavage fluid. However, how individual multimeric secretory IgA protects the mucosa from SARS-CoV-2 infection remains to be elucidated. To understand the precise contribution and molecular nature of multimeric secretory IgAs induced by intranasal vaccines, we developed 99 monoclonal IgAs from nasal mucosa and 114 monoclonal IgAs or IgGs from nonmucosal tissues of mice that were intranasally immunized with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The nonmucosal IgAs exhibited shared origins and both common and unique somatic mutations with the related nasal IgA clones, indicating that the antigen-specific plasma cells in the nonmucosal tissues originated from B cells stimulated at the nasal mucosa. Comparing the spike protein binding reactivity, angiotensin-converting enzyme-2-blocking and SARS-CoV-2 virus neutralization of monomeric and multimeric IgA pairs recognizing different epitopes showed that even nonneutralizing monomeric IgA, which represents 70% of the nasal IgA repertoire, can protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection when expressed as multimeric secretory IgAs. Our investigation is the first to demonstrate the function of nasal IgAs at the monoclonal level, showing that nasal immunization can provide effective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 by inducing multimeric secretory IgAs at the target site of virus infection.
A hybrid attention network with convolutional neural network and transformer for underwater image restoration
Authors: Jiao Zhan , Wang Ruizi , Zhang Xiangyi , Fu Bo , Thanh Dang Ngoc Hoang
Published: November 2023

The analysis and communication of underwater images are often impeded by various elements such as blur, color cast, and noise. Existing restoration methods only address specific degradation factors and struggle with complex degraded images. Furthermore, traditional convolutional neural network (CNN) based approaches may only restore local color while ignoring global features. The proposed hybrid attention network combining CNN and Transformer focuses on addressing these issues. CNN captures local features and the Transformer uses multi-head self-attention to model global relationships. The network also incorporates degraded channel attention and supervised attention mechanisms to refine relevant features and correlations. The proposed method fared better than existing methods in a variety of qualitative criteria when evaluated against the public EUVP dataset of underwater images.
Automated black-box boundary value detection
Authors: Dobslaw Felix , Feldt Robert , Gomes de Oliveira Neto Francisco
Published: November 2023

Software systems typically have an input domain that can be subdivided into sub-domains, each of which generates similar or related outputs. Testing it on the boundaries between these sub-domains is critical to ensure high-quality software. Therefore, boundary value analysis and testing have been a fundamental part of the software testing toolbox for a long time and are typically taught early to software engineering students. Despite its many argued benefits, boundary value analysis for a given software specification or application is typically described in abstract terms. This allows for variation in how testers apply it and in the benefits they see. Additionally, its adoption has been limited since it requires a specification or model to be analysed. We propose an automated black-box boundary value detection method to support software testers in performing systematic boundary value analysis. This dynamic method can be utilized even without a specification or model. The proposed method is based on a metric referred to as the program derivative, which quantifies the level of boundariness of test inputs. By combining this metric with search algorithms, we can identify and rank pairs of inputs as good boundary candidates, i.e., inputs that are in close proximity to each other but with outputs that are far apart. We have implemented the AutoBVA approach and evaluated it on a curated dataset of example programs. Furthermore, we have applied the approach broadly to a sample of 613 functions from the base library of the Julia programming language. The approach could identify boundary candidates that highlight diverse boundary behaviours in over 70% of investigated systems under test. The results demonstrate that even a simple variant of the program derivative, combined with broad sampling and search over the input space, can identify interesting boundary candidates for a significant portion of the functions under investigation. In conclusion, we also discuss the future extension of the approach to encompass more complex systems under test cases and datatypes.
Identification of potential molecular mimicry in pathogen-host interactions
Authors: Rich Kaylee D. , Srivastava Shruti , Muthye Viraj R. , Wasmuth James D.
Published: November 2023

Pathogens have evolved sophisticated strategies to manipulate host signaling pathways, including the phenomenon of molecular mimicry, where pathogen-derived biomolecules imitate host biomolecules. In this study, we resurrected, updated, and optimized a sequence-based bioinformatics pipeline to identify potential molecular mimicry candidates between humans and 32 pathogenic species whose proteomes’ 3D structure predictions were available at the start of this study. We observed considerable variation in the number of mimicry candidates across pathogenic species, with pathogenic bacteria exhibiting fewer candidates compared to fungi and protozoans. Further analysis revealed that the candidate mimicry regions were enriched in solvent-accessible regions, highlighting their potential functional relevance. We identified a total of 1,878 mimicked regions in 1,439 human proteins, and clustering analysis indicated diverse target proteins across pathogen species. The human proteins containing mimicked regions revealed significant associations between these proteins and various biological processes, with an emphasis on host extracellular matrix organization and cytoskeletal processes. However, immune-related proteins were underrepresented as targets of mimicry. Our findings provide insights into the broad range of host-pathogen interactions mediated by molecular mimicry and highlight potential targets for further investigation. This comprehensive analysis contributes to our understanding of the complex mechanisms employed by pathogens to subvert host defenses and we provide a resource to assist researchers in the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Leaf defenses of subtropical deciduous and evergreen trees to varying intensities of herbivory
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , LeRoy Carri J. , Wang Guobing , Guo Yuan , Song Shuwang , Wang Zhipei , Wu Jingfang , Luan Fenggang , Song Qingni , Fang Xiong , Yang Qingpei , Huang Dongmei , Liu Jun
Published: November 2023

Generally, deciduous and evergreen trees coexist in subtropical forests, and both types of leaves are attacked by numerous insect herbivores. However, trees respond and defend themselves from herbivores in different ways, and these responses may vary between evergreen and deciduous species. We examined both the percentage of leaf area removed by herbivores as well as the percentage of leaves attacked by herbivores to evaluate leaf herbivore damage across 14 subtropical deciduous and evergreen tree species, and quantified plant defenses to varying intensities of herbivory. We found that there was no significant difference in mean percentage of leaf area removed between deciduous and evergreen species, yet a higher mean percentage of deciduous leaves were damaged compared to evergreen leaves (73.7% versus 60.2%). Although percent leaf area removed was mainly influenced by hemicellulose concentrations, there was some evidence that the ratio of non-structural carbohydrates:lignin and the concentration of tannins contribute to herbivory. We also highlight that leaf defenses to varying intensities of herbivory varied greatly among subtropical plant species and there was a stronger response for deciduous trees to leaf herbivore (e.g., increased nitrogen or lignin) attack than that of evergreen trees. This work elucidates how leaves respond to varying intensities of herbivory, and explores some of the underlying relationships between leaf traits and herbivore attack in subtropical forests.
Effect of Object Movement Control for Remote Robot Systems with Force Feedback
Authors: Nishiyori Kota , Ishibashi Yutaka , Huang Pingguo , Tateiwa Yuichiro
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we make a comparison among three types of object movement control in cooperative work of carrying an object between two remote robot systems with force feedback by experiment. The two robot systems have a masterslave relationship, and the slave robot automatically follows the movement of the master robot. The three types of object movement control are also compared with the case where a human performs the work instead of the robot. Furthermore, we examine the influence of the movement velocity of the object on the force applied to the object. As a result, experimental results illustrate that force in the left-right direction is more largely suppressed by the robot than by the human.
Research on Ageing Based on D2030.4 by RNA Interference Impairs Lifespan in Caenorhabditis Elegans
Authors: Liu Qinya , Li Yang
Published: November 2023

Ageing has been a mystery to humanity for millennia. It has been a burden for numerous people, from the minority that suffer from progeria to the plethora of people who, due to ageing, are more susceptible to diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to identify genes that regulate aging and elucidate their mechanisms. A Caenorhabditis elegans RNAi screen was performed to assess the role of these genes in the regulation of aging. For the first time, D2030.4 deficiency was found to accelerate senescence at 20 °C, comparable to DAF-16, a putative regulator of senescence. The results showed that D2030.4 deletion could down-regulate the expression level of GAS-1 mRNA and actively participate in the regulation of ROS in mitochondria. Therefore, D2030.4 may inhibit senescence by regulating ROS production. The Caenorhabditis elegans gene D2030.4 is conserved in many species, including humans, making it a potential target for anti-aging drugs.
Innovative Design of Air-Conditioned Bus Stops Model to Reduce Dust from Traffic, Uthai Tani City, Thailand
Authors: Pukklin Opas , Thongsanit Pajaree
Published: November 2023

This research aims to study the innovation of a prototype air-conditioned bus waiting stop designed to reduce dust from traffic in the area of the city. Uthai tani Province, Thailand. Objectives are to design a closed air-conditioned bus stop and install a dust filter device and test the effectiveness of reducing the amount of dust generated by traffic in the bus stop area. Data on PM2.5 (Particulate Matter of size less than 2.5 micron) and PM10 (Particulate Matter of size less than 10 micron) was collected with the air quality sensor model number PMS7003. The study found that the designed air-conditioned bus stop prototype can reduce the amount of particulate matter caused by traffic from the application of engineering knowledge in its design, installation, inspection, and can control dust levels with air pressure systems and air purification systems. It was found that the amount of PM2.5 and PM10 inside the air-conditioned bus prototype and outside are different. From collecting data on PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, it was found that the concentrations outside the air-conditioned bus stops were always higher than inside the prototype air-conditioned bus stops. The innovative design of the prototype air-conditioned bus stop can reduce PM2.5 particulate matter of 91.95 to 99.49% and PM10 of 89.09 to 96.88%.
Are there biological gender differences at the early stages of first language acquisition when producing double object constructions and to/for-datives?
Authors: Sánchez Calderón Silvia , Fernández Fuertes Raquel
Published: November 2023

This study examines whether biological gender differences appear in the early stages of acquisition in the case of English dative alternation (DA) structures (double object constructions (DOCs) and to/for-datives). Girls have been found to show faster syntactic development when compared to boys (Lovas, 2011). In the case of the acquisition of DA, an order in the emergence and in the incidence of English DA would entail a syntactic derivational status between DOCs and to/for-datives with one being the original structure and the other the derived one (Gu, 2010). However, analogous ages of onset and fairly similar frequency rates in the production could suggest the construction of two underived structures. We investigate whether biological gender differences appear in the case of DOCs and to/for-datives. We also investigate whether the exposure to English DA (adult input) results in differences between the girls’ output and the boys’ output. We analyze data from seven monolingual English girls and six monolingual English boys, and the adults that interact with them, as available in CHILDES. Our findings reveal that monolingual girls and monolingual boys pattern closely in the acquisition of the syntactic non-derivational relationship between DOCs and to/for-datives, as seen in their similar emergence. Biological gender differences are not seen either in the acquisition of the additional properties of to/for-datives given their later onset and their lower incidence when compared to DOCs. These production patterns also correlate with the frequency with which these structures are heard in the adult input.
La deconstrucción del mensaje: primer paso para la formación en la recepción crítica
Authors: Martín Vegas Rosa Ana
Published: November 2023

El alfabetismo en medios es una necesidad educativa debido no solo al hecho de que una alta tasa en su consumo suponga una gran capacidad de influencia en la población, sino también a que los medios se han convertido en la principal fuente de información y de conversión de conocimiento. Los múltiples estudios sobre educomunicación inciden en la necesidad de formar ciudadanos libres que participen en los medios y olvidan que la deconstrucción de mensajes es un aprendizaje previo requerido para producir textos críticos. En este estudio se defiende la formación prioritaria en la recepción crítica justificada, además de por la propia naturaleza del acto comunicativo, por los resultados extraídos de un cuestionario sobre el uso de los medios realizado a doscientos treinta y ocho jóvenes universitarios, que evidencian una mayor implicación como receptores que como emisores. Esta encuesta aporta datos relevantes sobre el consumo de los distintos medios que permiten valorar el peso de cada fuente de información en los jóvenes y plantear la didáctica de una recepción crítica centrada en el análisis de cinco elementos: la fuente, el mensaje, el canal, el código y los receptores. Frente a los múltiples estudios de educomunicación perdidos en generalidades indiscutibles, este trabajo aboga por estrategias semióticas de análisis discursivo que cuestionen la credibilidad de la comunicación. Educar en la deconstrucción del mensaje es, sin duda, el primer paso en la educomunicación.
Study on Influence of Copper Slag, Furnace Slag and Metakaolin In The Properties Of Concrete
Authors: Sakthieswaran N.
Published: November 2023

The wastes from the industries can be reused, recycled and reduced by the effective consumption. Moreover, these materials are effectively used as construction materials; the production of sustainable environment is possible. The secondary materials are throwing away from every metal making industries and the wastes are discharged to land, water and air bodies. The waste disposal to land makes the soil unhealthy. The living and non-living things in water bodies are also spoiled. The effective exploitation of industrial wastes is done by using the waste materials in making of concrete. Budding graduates have to overcome very far these issues with alternate construction materials. As a trigger to them here, it is extended from the earlier study to investigate the properties of concrete subjected to acid attack, the behaviour on concrete in reinforced structural members and also the microstructure study usin X-Ray Diffractometer and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy.
Role of Interventional Radiology in the Management of Vascular Lesions around the Knee Joint: A Series of Four Cases
Authors: Bakare Vishal Nandkishor , Yadav Pratiksha , Arya RaviAry , Sahu Ritesh
Published: November 2023

The soft tissue lesions around the knee range from congenital, traumatic, and vascular to neoplastic in aetiology. The various imaging modalities employed for diagnostic work-up include plain radiographs, ultrasonography, Computed Tomography (CT) scan, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Based on the peculiar imaging findings, the differential diagnosis can be narrowed down; however, the final diagnosis relies on histopathological findings. Some of the highly vascular lesions are arteriovenous malformation, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, haemangiopericytoma, and synovial sarcoma. The abundant neovascularity within these lesions poses a major problem during surgery due to potential blood loss. Presurgical interventional management in the form of endovascular embolisation significantly reduces intraoperative blood loss. Here, four different cases, one of each type, presenting as highly vascular lesions around the knee joint, were successfully managed with endovascular embolisation.
nternal Assessment in Phase I of Medical Undergraduates as per the New Competency-based Medical Education Curriculum
Authors: Agrawal Nitin , Bhardwaj Harshita
Published: November 2023

The new Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum was introduced in August 2019. Phase-I of the CBME curriculum encompasses preclinical subjects, each with its own set of competencies to be assessed according to the new CBME guidelines. Internal Assessment (IA) serves as the foundation of the CBME curriculum and is an essential component of medical education. It is included in Module three of the CBME curriculum and aids in the assessment of various competencies. IA consists of both formative and summative assessments, and employing multiple methods can enhance its effectiveness. The incorporation of regular feedback and remedial measures is crucial within the IA framework. The purpose of present review is to provide a review of the IA in Phase I based on CBME and previous research papers.
Food Security Status and Coping Strategies of Households in Inland Fisheries: Evidence from Fishermen from Niger River Basin
Authors: Zongo Beteo , Combary Omer S. , Zare Aïda , Samake Amadou , Gado Abdouramane Djibo , Keïta Karounga , Toé Patrice , Dogot Thomas
Published: November 2023

Inland fisheries play an important role in economic growth and food security in developing landlocked countries. In Mali, fishing from the Niger River contributes to national food security and nutrition but the food status of fishermen remains a research question to be explored. The objective of this study is to analyze the security status and coping strategies of fishermen households' in Pelengana municipality located along the Niger River in the Segou region. The adopted methodology is based on the food security index (FSI) which is a composite indicator based on Food consumption score (FCS), Economic vulnerability (EV), and Coping strategy index (CSI). The collection of data by survey concerned 204 households of fishermen in the municipality. The results of the FSI analysis indicate all fishermen's households are food secure. According to the FCS, EV, and CSI analysis, 1.3%, 6.9% and, 8.3% are food insecure. The households sell the fish and buy 98% of their food at the market. In conclusion, fishing allows fishermen to ensure their food security through the generated income for purchasing food at the market. The study encourages development partners and the government of Mali to invest in the development of the fish value chain to improve incomes and strengthen the food security of stakeholders, especially fishermen. For further research, an in-depth analysis of the impact of fish chain development on national food security is needed.
Government Agriculture Schemes in India: A Review
Authors: Tripathi Gagan , Dhodia Arpit , Giri Anmol , Rathore Veena , Verma Aman , Shukla Anoop , Verma Lalit Kumar
Published: November 2023

The agricultural sector plays a vital role in India's economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing substantially to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To promote sustainable growth, improve farm productivity, and uplift the livelihoods of farmers, the Indian government has implemented various agriculture schemes over the years. This abstract provides a concise review of select government agriculture schemes in India, focusing on their objectives, implementation strategies, and overall impact. Through an in-depth analysis of relevant literature and government documents, this review outlines the historical context and evolution of agriculture schemes in India. It explores how these schemes have evolved to address the diverse challenges faced by the agricultural sector, ranging from resource constraints to climate change and market fluctuations. The abstract examines prominent initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) which aims to provide direct income support to farmers, the Soil Health Card Scheme to improve soil fertility and enhance crop yields, and the National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) to create a unified platform for seamless agricultural trade. Furthermore, the abstract sheds light on the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), designed to boost agricultural infrastructure and insure farmers against crop losses, respectively.
The Impact of Upper Limb Functioning on Gait Patterns in Individuals with Post-Stroke Hemiplegia
Authors: Pushpika G. D. S. , Samaranayake T. N.
Published: November 2023

Hemiplegia resulting from a stroke leads to a distinct gait pattern and dysfunction in the upper limb. The objective of this study was to determine a correlation between the functionality of the upper limb and selected spatiotemporal parameters of gait in patients with hemiplegia following a stroke. The study comprised a sample of 80 outpatients (45 males and 35 females) with post-stroke hemiplegia, with an average age of 60.78 years, selected using a convenient sampling method. To assess the functionality of the affected upper limb, the study employed the QuickDASH questionnaire, which is a shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Concurrently, the participants were recorded on video while performing the 4-meter walk test (4mWT). The recorded videos were meticulously analyzed using Kinovea software (version 0.8.15) to calculate gait parameters such as comfortable and maximum speeds, stride length and time  on the paretic and affected side, number of steps taken to cover the 4m, and cadence. Pearson Correlation analysis was conducted to explore potential associations between these gait parameters and the QuickDASH score, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

The findings revealed significant correlations between upper limb functionality and selected gait parameters. Reduced upper limb functionality correlated with decreased comfortable speed (p < 0.05), maximum speed (p < 0.05), and cadence (p < 0.05) during the 4mWT. In contrast, impaired upper limb function linked to prolonged time to complete the 4m distance (p < 0.05), increased steps taken by both affected (p < 0.05) and unaffected (p < 0.05) sides, and extended stride time on both sides (p < 0.05). However, no substantial correlation emerged between upper limb functionality and stride length on either side (p > 0.05).

In conclusion, this study emphasizes the correlation between upper limb functionality and specific gait parameters in post-stroke hemiplegic patients. The correlation between upper limb functionality and selected spatiotemporal parameters of gait underscores the necessity for integrated rehabilitation strategies targeting both upper limb and gait training. These findings contribute to a deeper comprehension of the connection between upper limb disability and gait parameters, emphasizing the significance of personalized treatments in order to maximize the restoration of functionality in individuals who have suffered a stroke.
Effect of Foeniculum vulgare Mingled Diet upon Growth, Reproduction and Spawning Performance of Guppy Fish
Authors: Zareen Mamoona Kiran , Haider Muhammad Sultan , Akhtar Nasim , Fatima Sadia , Hassan Adeela
Published: November 2023

Naturally breeding fish cannot meet the demand of humans. So induced breeding is essential to fulfill this demand. Induced breeding ensures a timely supply of fish seeds having desired characteristics and different techniques can be used for this purpose. In this perspective synthetic hormones, extracts of pituitary hormones, Gonadotropin-releasing hormones, and sometimes Human chronic gonadotropin are used as a spawning inducer for fishes. Plant extracts can also be used as it is a new technique which could be used in aquaculture. The basic aim of our study was to enhance the growth as well as to check the effect of the traditional herb Foeniculum vulgare on the reproductive performance of Poecilia reticulata.

Methodology: Samples were collected from a local fish shop in Sargodha. Ethanolic extract of Foeniculum vulgare seeds was prepared and mixed with different commercial feed. This feed was given to fish for 90 days to test the effect of Foeniculum vulgare seed extract on growth and reproduction performance. Water quality parameters were also maintained and recorded daily. Fecundity and Gonad somatic index were measured after dissection by removing the ovaries. Fecundity was calculated by counting the number of larvae and eggs seen with the naked eye. The hatching rate was measured by counting the number of hatching in each spawning.

Results: According to the growth results, different levels of fennel seed extract has a significant effect on weight gain, length gain and survival rates of the ﬁsh in different groups. Statistical analysis cleared that T2 showed the highest weight and length gain. The feed Conversion Ratio decreased significantly. Results of reproduction parameters showed that the highest absolute fecundity (9.4 ± 0.19), GSI (8.69 ± 0.2) and spawning have increased in T2 followed by T1, T3, and control respectively. The observation of present research shows that Foeniculum vulgare seed extract can act as an estrogenic compound and growth promoter in commercial aquaculture.
Multidetector CT in Evaluation of Post COVID-19 Pulmonary Complications with 3D CT Volumetric Assessment of Post COVID-19 Fibrosis
Authors: Tourky Amira Magdy , Mubarak Amr Ahmed , El-Barbary Ali Ali , El-Ahwal Hanan Mohamed
Published: November 2023

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease is not just an acute infection but is a complex entity with post-infection complications and long effects especially involving the pulmonary system. The aim of this study was to assess post COVID-19 pulmonary complications using multidetector computed tomography after resolution of the acute infection and to correlate the findings with clinical manifestations.
Methods: This prospective study was carried out on 30 patients with pulmonary manifestations after more than 3 months of previously diagnosed initial COVID-19 infection, based on clinical, laboratory and radiological findings. All patients were scanned using different multidetector Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, automated and semi-automated volumetric measurements empowered by artificial intelligence (AI) techniques were used.
Results: There was significant relation between the adequate breath holding and the use of automated technique, between the percentage of lung volume loss and the need for oxygen support, and between the percentage of volume loss of lung by fibrosis and the degree of previous COVID -19 infection.
Conclusions: Multi-slice CT is a very useful diagnostic tool to be used in patients presented with suspected post COVID -19 pulmonary complications. 3D CT volumetry could easily detect diseases that cause volume loss, including pulmonary fibrosis, which may develop in the follow-up of COVID-19. Quantitative CT (QCT) is an ideal tool for classifying post COVID-19 fibrosis.
Integrating Melt Electrowriting and Fused Deposition Modeling to Fabricate Hybrid Scaffolds Supportive of Accelerated Bone Regeneration
Authors: Eichholz Kian F. , Pitacco Pierluca , Burdis Ross , Chariyev‐Prinz Farhad , Barceló Xavier , Tornifoglio Brooke , Paetzold Ryan , Garcia Orquidea , Kelly Daniel J
Published: November 2023

Emerging additive manufacturing (AM) strategies can enable the engineering of hierarchal scaffold structures for guiding tissue regeneration. Here, the advantages of two AM approaches, melt electrowriting (MEW) and fused deposition modelling (FDM), are leveraged and integrated to fabricate hybrid scaffolds for large bone defect healing. MEW is used to fabricate a microfibrous core to guide bone healing, while FDM is used to fabricate a stiff outer shell for mechanical support, with constructs being coated with pro‐osteogenic calcium phosphate (CaP) nano‐needles. Compared to MEW scaffolds alone, hybrid scaffolds prevent soft tissue collapse into the defect region and support increased vascularization and higher levels of new bone formation 12 weeks post‐implantation. In an additional group, hybrid scaffolds are also functionalized with BMP2 via binding to the CaP coating, which further accelerates healing and facilitates the complete bridging of defects after 12 weeks. Histological analyses demonstrate that such scaffolds support the formation of well‐defined annular bone, with an open medullary cavity, smooth periosteal surface, and no evidence of abnormal ectopic bone formation. These results demonstrate the potential of integrating different AM approaches for the development of regenerative biomaterials, and in particular, demonstrate the enhanced bone healing outcomes possible with hybrid MEW‐FDM constructs.
Turing Instability of Liquid–Solid Metal Systems
Authors: Xing Zerong , Zhang Genpei , Gao Jianye , Ye Jiao , Zhou Zhuquan , Liu Biying , Yan Xiaotong , Chen Xueqing , Guo Minghui , Yue Kai , Li Xuanze , Wang Qian , Liu Jing
Published: November 2023

The classical Turing morphogenesis often occurs in nonmetallic solution systems due to the sole competition of reaction and diffusion processes. Here, this work conceives that gallium (Ga) based liquid metals (LMs) possess the ability to alloy, diffuse, and react with a range of solid metals (SMs) and thus should display Turing instability leading to a variety of nonequilibrium spatial concentration patterns. This work discloses a general mechanism for obtaining labyrinths, stripes, and spots‐like stationary Turing patterns in the LM–SM reaction‐diffusion systems (GaX‐Y), taking the gallium indium alloy and silver substrate (GaIn‐Ag) system as a proof of concept. It is only when Ga atoms diffuse over Y much faster than X while X reacts with Y preferentially, that Turing instability occurs. In such a metallic system, Ga serves as an inhibitor and X as an activator. The dominant factors in tuning the patterning process include temperature and concentration. Intermetallic compounds contained in the Turing patterns and their competitive reactions have also been further clarified. This LM Turing instability mechanism opens many opportunities for constructing microstructure systems utilizing condensed matter to experimentally explore the general morphogenesis process.
Contemporary Approaches for Amide Bond Formation
Authors: Acosta‐Guzmán Paola , Ojeda‐Porras Andrea , Gamba‐Sánchez Diego
Published: November 2023

Amide bond construction has garnered significant interest in recent decades due to amides being one of the most prevalent functional groups among bioactive molecules. Out of the thirty‐seven new drugs approved by the FDA in 2022, eleven are small molecules containing at least one amide bond. Additionally, there are nineteen large molecules approved as new drugs, some of which have peptide structures, and therefore, also bear amide bonds. In recent years, multiple teams have embraced the challenge of developing more efficient methods for amide bond formation. This dedication has led to numerous publications appearing monthly in prestigious journals, showcasing significant advancements in this field. The primary goal of this review is to present the most viable strategies for constructing the amide bond. It is crucial to differentiate between amide bond formation and amide synthesis; hence, the focus is on describing specific methods for forming new C(O)−N bonds. In particular, this review concentrates on the methods developed within the last six years. There is a particular emphasis on new approaches that consider the thought process when selecting the starting materials and functional groups. This approach ensures coverage of all the most common chemical transformations that yield new amide bonds.