bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Democracy Through Blockchain-Enabled Electronic Voting Systems
Authors: Upadhyay Divya , Shakkarwal Shantanu , Vibuti Sautramani
Published: December 2024

In contemporary democracies, e-voting marks a shift from traditional paper methods, reducing costs and errors but introducing challenges like transparency and data storage issues. This chapter proposes blockchain technology to enhance the transparency and security of electronic voting. The study explores global advancements in electronic voting and assesses blockchain-based electoral mechanisms, comparing various blockchain technologies for their capacity to uphold democratic integrity. It highlights the vulnerabilities of traditional systems to errors and manipulation and advocates for a gradual transition to digital platforms. Blockchain, particularly Ethereum 2.0 and smart contracts offers robust internal verification, ensuring anonymity, privacy, and fairness while reducing operational costs. This chapter envisions a future where democracy is preserved and strengthened through secure, distributed voting mechanisms, presenting blockchain as an indispensable partner in enhancing democratic processes.
Securing Data Privacy in Blockchain Networks
Authors: Rahman Hakikur
Published: December 2024

In this chapter, we tackle the significant obstacles linked to closing the information gap on blockchain technology adoption, promotion, and use between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), businesses, organizations, government agencies, and the general public. We specifically concentrate on the two most important issues: data privacy and cybersecurity. Through an examination of data security management systems, regulatory frameworks, and legitimate encryption techniques, we put out a strong blockchain-based storage plan. This strategy promotes confidence and accountability across multiple industries by enabling safe digital transactions when paired with smart contracts. To improve openness and efficacy in data management, our study includes components including pseudonymity, transaction traceability and data leakage and privacy enhancing techniques.
Elevating Investment Confidence
Authors: Fariana Andi , Nadya Prameswara Samofa
Published: December 2024

Legal certainty and investment are closely intertwining in Islamic economic frameworks, particularly in Indonesia. Legal certainty, defined as the clarity of norms, serves as a guide and protection for justice seekers. Investment involves capital accumulation, knowledge transfer, job creation and development of disadvantaged areas, necessitating a stable legal environment. The government recognizes the crucial link between legal certainty and investment, addressing various issues like the environment, employment, and socio-cultural aspects. From an Islamic law perspective, legal certainty is fundamental and hinted at in the Al Quran, forming the basis for asset developing through investment. the holistic view of investment in Islam encompasses both material and spiritual dimensions, emphasizing honestly, halal and haram principles, and social responsibilities. By ensuring legal certainty, policymakers can create a conducive environment for investors, fostering economic growth and national development.
Islamic Branding
Authors: Nasution Muhammad Dharma Tuah Putra , Rossanty Yossie , Sany Annisa , Yanti Eli Delvi , Malikhah Ikhah , Pratama Siswa
Published: December 2024

This chapter delves into Islamic branding, examining its dimensions, classifications, challenges, and opportunities within the branding and marketing landscape. Through content analysis, data from academic articles, reports, and marketing materials were systematically analyzed. The findings underscore the deep connection of Islamic branding to religious principles and cultural values, highlighting the necessity of aligning brand strategies with Islamic values. Businesses need to grasp cultural nuances to cultivate loyalty and trust among Muslim consumers. Despite challenges, substantial opportunities for market expansion prevail. Future research should prioritize consumer behavior, branding strategies, and the impact of social media on perceptions of Islamic brands.
Transition to Sustainable Human-Centric Education in Emerging Artificial Intelligence Industry 5.0
Authors: Oyekunle David Oyewumi , Nwaiku Morgan , Matthew Ugochukwu Okwudili , Ogechukwu Onyedibe Nkiruka , Nwanakwaugwu Andrew Chinonso , Adebola Nabeela Temitayo , Oladipupo Matthew Abiola , Olawoyin Oluwafemi Olalere
Published: December 2024

The wave of European Commission conception for the Fifth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 5.0, a new paradigm towards sustainability that will use technology to transform the world is essentially proliferating. In this paper, the authors exceptionally advanced the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of conversational education pedagogy in Society 5.0 by describing the technological underpinnings, guiding principles, essential values, and key components of Industry 5.0 in education. Conversational AI was projected with the help of user-centric ChatGPT-5 .The goal is to provide educational technologist with best practices and experimentally validated guidelines for measuring, enhancing, and maintaining sustainability and human centeredness. It is anticipated that ChatGPT-5 would incorporate more sophisticated multimodal features, allowing it to process and produce text in addition to images, voice, and maybe video. Creating intricate visual material, helping with video content and offering more dynamic and captivating user experiences in education 5.0
Unlocking the Path to Sustainable Development Through Higher Education
Authors: Lal Maureen Primrose , Nagariya Ramji , Dawar Gaurav
Published: December 2024

Sustainable development is a prominent issue in academia and policy, highlighted by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Higher education institutions play a vital role in preparing students to tackle complex challenges associated with sustainable development. This research conducted a systematic review of literature from 1990 to 2023, focusing on sustainable development in higher education. Using SPAR4SLR methodology and TCCM framework, the review analyzed articles on topics such as Education for Sustainability, CSR, and Higher Education. Key findings suggest strategies like early integration of sustainability education and holistic curriculum approaches. However, the review's scope was limited by database selection. Nevertheless, this study aims to enhance understanding of sustainable development frameworks in higher education, emphasizing their role in fostering societal well-being and advancing public good.
Peer Observation
Authors: Gerges Elissar
Published: December 2024

As universities face increasing pressure to demonstrate teaching excellence and accountability, peer observation has become crucial for enhancing pedagogical practices as a quality assurance mechanism and a professional development tool. While the effectiveness of peer observation is well-documented, its success largely depends on institutional culture, implementation structure, formal requirements, and developmental objectives. The discussion emphasizes how peer observation can transcend compliance-driven evaluation to become a catalyst for institutional learning. Special attention is given to the role of observers, the importance of non-evaluative feedback, and the potential of cross-disciplinary observations in fostering innovative teaching practices. The chapter concludes by addressing key challenges and opportunities, offering recommendations for institutions seeking to develop effective peer observation programs that support quality assurance and professional growth in teaching practice.
Advisory Meetings to Foster Quality Assurance in Academic Programs
Authors: Saeed Saqib , Gull Hina , Saqib Madeeha , Iqbal Sardar Zafar , Alabbad Dina A. , Bamarouf Yasser A. , Almuhaideb Abdullah M.
Published: December 2024

Quality assurance in higher education has become a critical issue for academic organizations to foster better learning experience for students. Different accreditation and ranking agencies also highlight the need to implement different quality practices in their academic processes. Stakeholder's feedback is an important input for academic organizations to meet their quality expectations. Forming an advisory team for academic programs representing all stakeholders can be a good tool to bridge the weaknesses of academic programs as well as improving the perception of stakeholders. Therefore, it is important that such advisory meetings should be well planned to reap all the desired benefits. In this chapter we present a case study of practices adopted to convene advisory meeting in an ABET accredited information system program in Saudi Arabia. Based on our experience, we present a framework to optimally schedule the advisory meetings for academic programs. This framework can help other academic institutions to optimize the benefits of advisory meetings.
Communication Requirements and Performance Metrics for Electric Vehicle Charging
Authors: Saxena Pranshu , Jain Parita , Aggarwal Puneet Kumar , Singh Mandeep , Goel Sachin , Batra Monica
Published: December 2024

Electric vehicles, often known as EVs, are often touted as more environmentally friendly and less noisy alternatives to gasoline-powered automobiles. EVs are gaining popularity due to several factors, including declining prices and increased awareness of climate change and environmental issues. This chapter examines the recent developments in electric vehicles (EVs) concerning the trends in battery technology, performance matrix, charging techniques, new challenges in research, and unexplored possibilities. To be more specific, there is an analysis of the current market for electric vehicles across the globe and the potential for the market's growth in the following years. This article presents an in-depth review of the various battery technologies now available, bearing in mind that the battery is one of the most essential components of electric vehicles. In addition, we investigate the several standards presently accessible for charging electric automobiles and the concepts of power regulation and battery energy management.
An Efficient Energy Management Strategy to Reduce the Comprehensive Cost of Electric Vehicles by Recent Advances
Authors: Ponnambalam Suriya , Ilampoornan M. K.
Published: December 2024

The Energy Management Strategy (EMS) to reduce comprehensive cost of EVs can be approached based on the efficiency improvement using a model, considering various parameters in co-ordination. The main parameters considered are vehicle mass with various resistances such as rolling resistance and average resistance. The energy desired from primary source of battery and emergency source of supercapacitor is consider in the model. Further the model considers energy conversion via converter, bus to motor. The mechanical output of motor is managed by power train/drive train, Hence, overall efficiency improvements is achieved by reducing losses at various stages, such as switching losses of converter, transmission loss of bus, frictional and magnetic loss of motor and energy loss of drive train. The internal considerations for the above loss reduction are discussed in detail along with supercapacitor support in case of emergency and also reverse generation by means of regenerative braking.
A Smart Traffic Management System for Improving EV Range Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Singh Ramveer , Chaudhary Anu , Sahu Shashank , Yadav Deepika
Published: December 2024

Nowadays, Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) have become the most demanded technology for reducing pollution emissions and fuel saving in the transport sector. The demand growth rate for electric vehicles is rapidly increasing due to zero emissions of carbon dioxide from electric vehicles. The main challenges with HEVs are their limited battery capacity and difficulty in deciding when and where to charge EVs. The Concerned EVs charging problem and range anxieties still make customers uneasy about purchasing an electric vehicle but new advancements in EVs try to resolve the above problems and improve EVs range. The effectiveness of HEVs relies on energy management strategies (EMSs). A big challenge for the researcher is to develop suitable EMSs for HEVs, to enhance the range of EVs and increase their performance and battery life.
Autonomous Vehicle Performance Prediction System Using Support Vector Machine
Authors: Gupta Vishan Kumar , Ghai Anupriya Sharma , Jain Paras , Wadhawan Vidisha
Published: December 2024

Self-driving cars or also known as Autonomous Vehicles have incorporate with sensors, actuators, sophisticate algorithms, machine learning systems, and high-level processors to run the software. These are vehicles that are programmed to move and be run without the need of a human being. They are of different categories depending on the low-level to high-level automation. The focus of this research is on the ability of SVM to forecast the effectiveness of self-driving cars. Especially in the context of safety and efficiency of autonomous driving considerable importance is given to the prediction of vehicle behaviour. SVM is used in this study to analyse and forecast the performance out the different sensors and environmental measures. The conclusion drawn based on the analysis of results show that the application of SVM enhances the improvement of the level of reliability of the autonomous systems. Thus, the study is demonstrated on various datasets, namely, the KITTI datasets with up to 95.64% accuracy. Finally, K-folds cross validation is performed for the robustness of the Model.
Secure 6G Infrastructre in a Futuristic World
Authors: Sharma Kapil , Kathuria Rachna
Published: December 2024

The advent of 6G technology marks a transformative era in global communication networks, offering unprecedented advancements in speed, latency, and connectivity. As we approach this futuristic landscape, the imperative for a robust and secure infrastructure becomes paramount. This paper explores the critical need for security in 6G networks, examining the technological innovations that distinguish 6G from its predecessors, including terahertz communication, quantum computing, and enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) integration.
Privacy and Security Concerns With 6G Smart City Infrastructure
Authors: Prajapati Yogeshwar , Gosai Krupali , Suthar Omprakash , Singh Sushil Kumar , Usman Muhammad Talha , Khan Habib
Published: December 2024

6G technology in smart cities brings a new era of connection, efficiency, and innovation, but it also raises privacy and security concerns. This chapter discusses smart city components such IoT devices, autonomous systems, and smart grids. It introduces 6G networks' ultra-low latency, massive device connections, and high data rates. This chapter discusses cyber-physical attacks, data breaches, network intrusions, and other privacy and security issues particular to 6G-enabled smart cities. Smart city environments generate a lot of data, thus data ownership, permission, and anonymization are carefully examined. This chapter discusses 6G-appropriate security and privacy tactics such enhanced encryption, secure communication protocols, and AI-driven threat detection systems. In conclusion, this chapter discusses privacy and security in 6G-enabled smart cities, including where the field is going and what the future holds for research, to help create trustworthy, resilient, and secure smart city ecosystems that can take advantage of 6G's revolutionary capabilities.
6G Technology and Heritage Cities
Authors: Nag Aditi , Rathore Anurag Singh
Published: December 2024

Heritage cities face the dual challenge of preserving their cultural legacy while meeting modern tourism demands. The advent of 6G technology offers a transformative opportunity to address these challenges by enhancing preservation efforts and visitor experiences. This paper explores the potential of 6G in revolutionising heritage city management through technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies enable immersive and interactive experiences for tourists while facilitating real-time monitoring and proactive maintenance of heritage sites. Case studies from Rome and Kyoto illustrate the practical implementation of 6G, highlighting its benefits and challenges. The integration of 6G requires careful consideration by urban planners and heritage managers, balancing technological advancements with the preservation of cultural authenticity. As 6G technology continues to evolve, its role in heritage city strategies holds promise for sustainable tourism and the enduring conservation of global cultural heritage.
SEBAKE-6G Secure Batch Authentication and Key Exchange for 6G-Enabled ITS
Authors: Surapaneni Praneetha , Chigurupati Sailaja , Bojjagani Sriramulu
Published: December 2024

As the cyber theft is increases, information safety and confidentiality are the major issues in wireless communications. 6G technology overcomes these difficulties to build a secured intelligent transportation system (ITS). Conventional transportation system faces high computation cost when road side unit (RSU) process each authentication vehicle request. In this chapter, to address this issue we introduced batch authentication and key exchange to secure user privacy and prevent attacks. To ensure message integrity, this system provides location-based information safely from RSU to vehicle without any changes. This system reduces the communication and computational costs. Simulation is performed using simulation of urban mobility (SUMO) simulator.
Structural and some Mechanical Properties of Parquetina Nigrescens Pod Nanoparticles Reinforced Mixed Matrix Membrane for Dental Applications
Authors: Bello Sefiu Adekunle , Olukunle Boluwatife , Adeyemo Raphael Gboyega , Kolawole Funsho Olaitan , Adebayo Mohammed Kayode , Alabi Abdul Ganiyu Funsho , Abdulraman Sikiru Ottan
Published: December 2024

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biocompatible, and biodegradable thermoplastic. It is renewable being produced by bacterial fermentation of potatoes, sugarcane, or corn starch. PLA has been attempted in many applications to replace petroleum-based polymers because some of its mechanical properties are excellent and it can be processed easily but low toughness and thermal stability are setbacks from one application to another. To improve on mechanical properties of the PLA to be suitable as biomaterials for dental and other applications, this study focuses on synthesis of Parquetinanigrescens pod nanoparticles (PNPNP) as reinforcements in the PLA to engineer new nanocomposites for biomedical applications. Chemical, structural and some mechanical properties were investigated. TEM result indicates an average size of 14.14 nm of the PNPNP used for reinforcing the PLA. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrograph establishes a reduction in the amount of light transmitted by the PLA. This is due to PNPNP additions with changes in the wavenumbers of the observed peaks affirming formation of new compounds due to interactions of the PLA molecules and PNPNP. X-ray diffractograms reaffirms new compound formations. Moreover, there are enhancements in mechanical properties up to 3% by weight of PNPNP addition to the PLA with about 92% improvement in the impact toughness.
Development and internal validation of El-Shazly-Buchholz’s nomogram to predict postoperative complications after PCNL: A multicenter study
Authors: Bapir Rawa , Bhatti Kamran , El-Shazly Mohamed , Galan Juan Antonio , Harraz Ahmed M. , Noori Mahmood Sarwar , Pedro Renato N. , Vargas Pablo , Papatsoris Athanasios , Trinchieri Alberto , Buchholz Noor
Published: December 2024

Introduction: A model to predict the risk of surgical complications following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) could be a useful tool to guide clinical decision-making. The aim of this study was to develop a simple and widely applicable stratification tool to be used for patient counseling, surgical planning, evaluation of outcomes, and academic reporting.
Methods: Data of patients who underwent PCNL were retrieved from the database of the collaborating centers including demographics of patients, characteristics of their stones and urinary tracts, and perioperative data. The primary outcome was the development of postoperative complications. Data were randomly split into a training dataset (85%) and a validation dataset (15%). A univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of the training dataset was performed to identify independent predictors of postoperative complications. Model variables were used to construct a nomogram that was internally validated on the testing dataset by measuring calibration, discrimination, and plotting the decision curve.
Results: Six hundred thirty one patients (245 Males) with a median (IQR) age of 49 (37-56) years were included. Post-operative complications occurred in 147 (23.3%) patients. Significant predictors of complications included preoperative urine culture (p < 0.001), largest stone diameter (p = 0.02), and intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.002). A nomogram was developed from the predictors and applied to the validation dataset showing an area under the curve (95%CI) of 66.4% (52.2;80.6).
Conclusions: This new scoring system emphasized patient characteristics and operative details rather than stone characters to predict the morbidity of PCNL. Furthermore, it should facilitate risk adjustment, enabling physicians to better define the nephrolithiasis disease continuum and identify patients who should be referred to tertiary care centers.
Efficacy of povidone-iodine as an effective pleurodesing agent: an experience from a teaching hospital
Authors: Mahboob Hasnain , Mahmud Talha
Published: December 2024

The management of persistent malignant pleural effusion (MPE) or uremic pleural effusions requires the removal of pleural fluid and the prevention of recurrence through pleurodesis. Pleurodesis involves injecting a sclerosing agent into the pleura to encourage adhesion between the two layers, ultimately obliterating the pleural space. Povidone-iodine is a potential pleurodesing agent. This quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Department of Pulmonology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Federal Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, Pakistan, over one year (March 2021- March 2022). A total of 70 patients with MPE, uremic pleural effusions, and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) were enrolled after meeting the inclusion criteria. The pleurodesis procedure involved administering a mixture of 20 mL of 10% povidone-iodine solution and 30 mL of normal saline through a chest tube, followed by clamping for 3 hours. Patients were scheduled for follow-up visits at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. The average age of participants was 53.26 years (+13.71). Of the 70 patients, 39 (55.7%) were male and 31 (44.3%) were female. 62 patients (88.57%) had pleural effusion, and 8 patients (11.42%) had pneumothorax. The procedure was successful in 84.3% of patients, with varying success rates by diagnosis: MPE (81%), uremic pleural effusion (92%), and SSP (75%). Statistical analysis revealed significant positive effects of povidone-iodine on procedure outcomes (p=0.048) and effectiveness in preventing pleural effusion recurrence (p=0.028). This study indicates that 10% povidone-iodine can serve as a viable alternative to other pleurodesis agents, yielding standard-quality pleurodesis in 84.3% of patients. It is readily available, cost-effective, and has minimal adverse effects.
Comparing the Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine Administered as an Intravenous Infusion and Intravenous Bolus on Hemodynamic Stability of Patients Undergoing Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgeries
Authors: Siddappa Prajwal , Kamath Shaila Surendra
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims:

Dexmedetomidine has been administered as an intravenous infusion for maintenance dose following a loading dose, however, there is no study conducted so far that has compared the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine administered as bolus intravenously. The study aimed to compare the hemodynamic stability between intravenous infusion and intravenous bolus injection dexmedetomidine.

Methodology:

A comparative observational study was conducted among 60 participants aged 20–60 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I/II, scheduled to undergo elective ear, nose, and throat surgeries. Participants were divided into Group A (received a loading dose of 0.5 μg/kg followed by 0.3 μg/kg/h intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine) and Group B (an intravenous bolus of dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg) 15 min before the induction of anesthesia. Hemodynamic variables, anesthetic requirement, blood loss, volume of intravenous fluid, recovery time, pain scores, rescue analgesia required, and any adverse events were recorded.

Results:

Heart rate, blood pressure (BP), and mean arterial pressure were found to be significantly higher among participants receiving dexmedetomidine in the bolus group (P = 0.001). Diastolic BP was higher 90 min after intubation. Mean propofol administered, total blood loss, and total intravenous fluid volume were significantly higher in the bolus group (P = 0.001). Pain scores were higher in the bolus group after 2 h and infusion group after 12 h. Participants in the infusion group took more time to recover from anesthesia.

Conclusion:

Almost all outcome variables were significantly higher among the bolus group. The recovery time was nonetheless reduced. There were no adverse events reported in both groups.
Assessing the effectiveness of brief interventional group therapy on severity of illness, readiness for change, self-efficacy and motivation levels in patients with alcohol use disorder: A pre-post study
Authors: Bagde Romesh , Kadiani Adnan , Kedare Janhavi , Shailly Smriti
Published: December 2024

Background:

There has been an increase in the estimated burden of alcohol use disorders (AUD) in countries like India. Treatment of AUD needs to be multi model and can be pharmacological and Psychological is their approach. Brief interventions are an effective approach to reducing drinking.

Aim:

To assess if brief group intervention has any change in the motivation stage, readiness to change scores, self efficacy levels of an individual.

Materials & Method:

Alcohol use disorder patients were included and pre intervention scales—Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire {SADQ}, Stage of change readiness and treatment eagerness, General Self efficacy scale, University of Rhodes Island change assessment scale were applied. Three Group sessions were taken on a weekly basis and scales were re applied at the end of 12 weeks.

Results:

A total of 83.33% of the participants were in early remission, the SADQ scores decreased in all participants, and 60% were in the Action phase of Motivation. Approximately 80% had a high score on the taking steps component of readiness to change scale and there was a statistically significant increase in the mean self efficacy score post intervention.

Conclusion:

Brief group intervention involving psychoeducation and motivational enhancement techniques is a low cost, simple, and time saving behavioral intervention that not only increases rates of early remission but also leads to change in motivation and self efficacy levels.
Persistent pulmonary impairment after 2 years of COVID-19 infection: An observational study
Authors: Suri Tejas Menon , Srivastava Garima , Kumar Sunil , Surendranath A , Shaji Syam , Mittal Saurabh , Tiwari Pawan , Hadda Vijay , Madan Karan , Chauhan Abhishek , Mohan Anant
Published: December 2024

Background:

Persistent dyspnoea and pulmonary function impairment are common after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, long-term outcomes beyond 2 years of infection are unknown.

Methods:

In this single-center study, we observed the trend of self-reported dyspnoea and pulmonary functions among subjects attending a post-COVID clinic in India after 2 years of COVID-19 illness. Using logistic regression, we explored the clinico-demographic factors associated with persistent dyspnoea and impaired lung functions beyond 2 years.

Results:

Among 231 included subjects (68.8% male) with a mean [standard deviation (SD)] age of 44.8 (13.2) years, 119 (51.5%) had recovered from moderate-to-severe COVID-19. The median [inter-quartile range (IQR)] time intervals from COVID-19 diagnosis (T0) to clinical enrolment (T1) and final follow-up (T2) were 3.3 (1.9–5.5) months and 29.5 (27.2–32.2) months, respectively. Between T1 and T2, the prevalence of self-reported dyspnoea remained stable in the whole cohort (39.4% vs. 36.4%, P = 0.26) but declined in the sub-group with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 (63% vs. 54.6%, P = 0.03). Persistent dyspnoea at T2 was associated with female sex (P = 0.007), moderate-to-severe COVID-19 (P < 0.001), and infection during the delta wave (P < 0.001). At T2, impairment in forced vital capacity (FVC) was seen in 48.1% subjects. Persistently impaired FVC was associated with older age (P value = 0.047), female sex (P value <0.001), and infection during the delta wave (P value = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Persistent self-reported dyspnoea and impaired pulmonary functions were common in COVID-19 survivors beyond 2 years of infection. Female sex and infection during the delta wave were associated with long-term impairments.
Clinical Manifestations of Anti-GABA-B Receptor Encephalitis: A Case Series
Authors: Jiju Jeeva P. , Santhosh Sneha , Lalwani Chirag S. , Thampi Smrithi S. , Kannoth Sudheeran , Nambiar Vivek , Gopinath Siby , Umesh Saraf U. , Unnikrishnan Gopikrishnan , Anandakuttan Anandkumar , Mathai Annamma , Leelamani Jyothi V. , Krishnan Parameswaran , Vaidya John J. , Chemminikkara Bineesh
Published: December 2024

Anti γ aminobutyric acid B(GABA B) receptor encephalitis is a rare form of autoimmune encephalitis. Our aim is to study the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of anti GABA B receptor encephalitis. This is a retrospective case series from the Neuroimmunology laboratory of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India from 2016 to 2021. A total of four cases (two males, two females, age range: 13–80 years) tested positive for GABA B antibody during the study period. The clinical manifestations of anti GABA B receptor encephalitis found in our patients consisted of seizures, cognitive function decline (especially recent memory), and behavioral abnormalities. No malignancies were encountered. Patients were treated with steroids and immunoglobulins and showed an improvement in behavioral and cognitive function. However, one patient succumbed to illness while being treated with plasma exchange, and two other patients died at a later date due to other causes.
Endoscopic Suturing of Skull Base Dura and its Effectiveness in Preventing CSF Leak
Authors: Sahoo Sushanta K. , Gharat Mayur , Dhandapani Sivashanmugam
Published: December 2024

Proper skull base repair is essential in preventing postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following endonasal endoscopic skull base surgery. Direct suturing of the skull base dura is desirable but difficult. Here, we discuss the effectiveness of endoscopic suturing of skull base dura in cases of skull base lesions with intraoperative CSF leak. A total of 36 cases (three arachnoid cyst, two Rathke’s cleft cyst, two tuberculum sella meningioma, and 29 pituitary adenoma) where dura was sutured endoscopically after endonasal endoscopic excision of lesion were evaluated. Endoscopic suturing was categorized in to three types (type 1 – dura with tumor excised and single suture placed across the anterior tuberculum sella dura to clival dura, type 2 – dura excised partially and repaired with multiple interrupted sutures, type 3 – dura was completely intact at the end of surgery and closed with interrupted suture). Type 1 dura closure was performed in eight cases, type 2 in 16 cases, and type 3 in 12 cases. Two patients with type 1 closure had CSF leak in the postoperative period and managed with lumbar puncture. None of the other patients had CSF leak after surgery. Direct suturing of the skull base dura is effective in preventing postoperative CSF leak. Even a single suture is able to hold the fat graft in place and provides sufficient support against pulsatile CSF flow and thereby reduces the incidence of postoperative CSF leak.
A Complex Pediatric Vertebrobasilar Junction Aneurysm Treated using a Flow Diverter with Coiling: Case Report and Management Strategy
Authors: Dash Chinmay , Mishra Biswamohan , Sahoo Biswajit , Deep (Bag) Nerbadyswari , Nayak Manoj
Published: December 2024

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms (PIAs) are highly uncommon, with an incidence of <5% (0.17 to 4.6%) and <2% of PIA complicates into an aneurysmal hemorrhage. Pediatric aneurysms are usually treated by clipping, coiling, or more recently with flow diversion. Herein, we describe a 3-year male, whose ruptured vertebrobasilar junction aneurysm was successfully treated with a flow diverter and coiling.
Schwannomas of C1: A Novel Classification and Description of Growth Patterns Based on a Personal Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Sridhar Krish
Published: December 2024

Background:

Schwannomas of C1 are rare tumors. Because of the wide variation in their anatomy, and presentation and their rarity, there is no proper understanding of their pathological anatomy nor their optimal management.

Methods:

A retrospective study of the C1 schwannomas operated by the author between 2000 and 2020 and a PubMed-based search of English literature were done to analyze data on the location and extent of the lesions, surgical approaches used, and operative outcomes. Using this data, a classification system was created indicating the location and extent of these lesions, depending on whether they were extradural (E) or intradural (I); with further subdivisions based on their relation to the vertebral artery, and cervicomedullary junction (CMJ).

Results:

Six patients with C1 schwannoma were operated by the author in the said period. Literature search yielded 44 cases in 16 publications. The details of location and extent of tumor were available in 22 patients including six of this article. Most of the tumors were intradural (13/22), with six in intradural and extradural compartments. Specific growth patterns were identified and a theory for this is proposed. Different surgical approaches were used; the far lateral and the posterolateral in 9 patients each, and the posterior midline in 7 of 25 patients. Using the available data, preferred surgical approaches are also presented.

Conclusions:

C1 schwannomas are a rare and complex group of tumors. The classification presented will help in understanding the growth pattern and pathological anatomy and choose the preferred surgical approach.
Assessment of White Matter Alterations in Patients of Migraine Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Authors: Nanda Civilee , Sachdev Namrita
Published: December 2024

Background:

Vascular hypotheses was previously considered to play a major role in pathophysiology of migraine. Recently, neurological mechanisms have been proposed with implication of the trigemino-vascular pathway. Deciphering the pathophysiology of this disorder is extremely important for diagnosis, assessment of progression and to explore targeted treatment options.

Objectives:

To assess white matter alterations in patients of migraine by using Diffusion Tensor Imaging.

Materials and Methods:

We performed Diffusion Tensor Imaging in migraine patients to assess changes in microstructural integrity of white matter tracts involved in pain processing to localize the tracts involved in migraine. This is a cross-sectional observational study involving 50 subjects (30 patients of migraine diagnosed as per ICHD-III and 20 age and sex matched controls). DTI was performed on 3T MRI and the mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy values of the cases were compared with controls.

Results and Conslusion:

Significant changes were noted in the multiple white matter tracts implicated in pain processing compared to the controls. Significant association was also noted between the DTI parameters and the type and frequency of migraine. DTI can thus assist in the diagnosis, assessing the extent of neurological damage in patients of migraine and follow up post treatment.
Misleading manifestations: Takayasu arteritis with shock and posterior subcapsular cataract
Authors: Srivastava Shilpi , Sharma Abha , Nath Smita , Raizada Alpana , Sharma Rohit
Published: December 2024

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare, chronic inflammatory condition that predominantly targets large blood vessels, notably the aorta and its major branches. Due to its nonspecific symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed, which can lead to complications. This case underscores the need to consider TA in the differential diagnosis of patients with vague symptoms, especially younger individuals. While the condition typically affects large arteries, it can occasionally involve the eyes, leading to anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, retinal artery occlusion, or cataracts. However, posterior subcapsular cataract as a presenting symptom of TA is exceedingly rare, with only a few documented cases. This case report delves into the clinical manifestations, diagnostic hurdles, and treatment strategies associated with TA. It also emphasizes a common oversight in medical practice: Failing to measure blood pressure in all four limbs when a patient presents with absent pulse or unrecordable blood pressure in the upper extremities. Given the varied and often nonspecific symptoms of the disease, it is crucial to consider TA in patients with chronic, unexplained illnesses, especially when other diagnoses have been ruled out.
Competencia comunicativa oral en español en contextos de migración
Authors: Ureña Tormo Clara , Flores Maria Eugenia , Martín Leralta Susana
Published: December 2024

La evaluación es una parte fundamental del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de una lengua extranjera o lengua adicional. En el ámbito del español como lengua de migración, existe la necesidad de contar con una prueba que, ajustándose a las particularidades de los aprendices migrantes y refugiados, permita evaluar su nivel de competencia comunicativa oral en español. Este artículo describe el diseño y la validación empírica de un examen multinivel que se ha implementado con 30 informantes y en el que han participado 40 especialistas en enseñanza de segundas lenguas y evaluación de competencias orales. Tras el proceso de validación, los resultados reflejan que tanto la prueba como la escala de evaluación son instrumentos válidos y fiables, aportándose valores estadísticamente significativos. Esta prueba, ya validada, prevé estar accesible para profesores y voluntarios que enseñan español en contextos de migración y refugio.
Modelos de valoración afectiva del léxico en español como segunda lengua
Authors: Blanco Canales Ana
Published: December 2024

La mejora de los procesos de adquisición de segundas lenguas requiere investigar cómo se incorporan y representan las propiedades afectivas en la nueva lengua, dadas las implicaciones que ello tiene para una comunicación genuina y eficaz. En general, se acepta que la L1 es más emocional, puesto que se adquiere en contextos más ricos en experiencias, estrechamente asociados a las emociones básicas. La L2, sin embargo, no cuenta con las mismas oportunidades para una construcción semántico-afectiva completa, lo que hace que resulte menos excitante y con mayor distanciamiento emocional. Con objeto de comprobar de qué forma sucede esto en español/L2, hemos analizado la carga afectiva de un corpus léxico básico formado por 300 palabras, para lo que se han recogido y examinado las valoraciones subjetivas de la valencia y activación proporcionadas por cinco grupos de estudiantes de español de contextos lingüísticos y culturales diversos (Grecia, Dinamarca, República Checa, Portugal y Francia). Nos interesaba conocer si existen diferencias entre nativos y no nativos, pero también si todos grupos de aprendices muestran conductas similares, esto es, si responden a los mismos modelos de representación emocional. Asimismo, queríamos comprobar si la competencia lingüística, la abundancia de contactos con el español y las actitudes hacia la lengua y sus culturas ejercen alguna influencia en los patrones observados. Los resultados muestran, en general, que los no nativos puntúan de forma similar o por encima de los nativos, lo que consideramos un efecto de sobredimensión consecuencia de las actitudes y representaciones tan positivas hacia el español y su contexto.
Los verbos neológicos creados con los sufijos '-ear' e '-izar'
Authors: Llopart-Saumell Elisabet
Published: December 2024

En este trabajo nos proponemos analizar los verbos neológicos creados con el sufijo -izar y -ear en español peninsular para identificar posibles transgresiones de las reglas de formación de palabras. En primer lugar, revisamos los patrones de formación de ambos sufijos verbalizadores, tanto en relación con las bases a las cuales se adjuntan como con el proceso verbal resultante. Para ello, tenemos en cuenta aspectos morfosintácticos, semánticos y pragmáticos. A partir de los patrones observados, clasificamos los verbos neológicos procedentes de medios de comunicación escritos y orales en las categorías establecidas en la metodología. Entre los verbos neológicos con -izar y -ear identificamos algunas unidades que transgreden las restricciones morfosintácticas. En general, se trata de verbos en inglés que no disponen de un equivalente fijado en la lengua de llegada, de modo que se han adaptado al español mediante la adjunción del sufijo verbalizador -izar o -ear al préstamo. Esta nueva tendencia es especialmente productiva en relación con el sufijo -ear. Por otro lado, entre los verbos con -izar también se observan algunos pocos casos creados por analogía con verbos en inglés que contienen el sufijo verbalizador -ize; en este caso, los verbos resultantes también se desvían de las restricciones semánticas. A parte de las formas prestadas y adaptadas del inglés, solamente en casos puntuales los verbos creados con ambos sufijos se desvían de las reglas de formación previstas. No obstante, en estos casos no se trata de un nuevo patrón o tendencia, sino que se añaden nuevos rasgos a un patrón ya existente.
Análisis morfopragmático del formante -itis para la creación de neologismos no especializados
Authors: Milà-Garcia Alba
Published: December 2024

En español, como en otras lenguas, ha emergido desde hace años un nuevo patrón de formación de palabras a partir de -itis, que se caracteriza por combinar este formante originalmente culto con voces patrimoniales para crear palabras que designan enfermedades ficticias que se usan en contextos no especializados. En el marco de la neología, la composición culta es uno de los procesos de formación de palabras que ha recibido más atención en las últimas décadas dada la alta productividad que presenta entre los hablantes, que imitan este proceso para crear palabras nuevas que satisfacen necesidades expresivas determinadas y, normalmente, puntuales. Partiendo de una revisión bibliográfica de las aportaciones hechas en el estudio del formante -itis no especializado, este artículo analiza los neologismos recogidos en la base de datos del Observatori de Neologia. El análisis se centra en la formación de los neologismos, el significado del formante -itis y el valor expresivo de las formas creadas desde el enfoque de la morfopragmática, para determinar con precisión los matices humorísticos e irónicos que se les ha atribuido en la bibliografía anterior. El análisis pormenorizado del corpus de neologismos permite comprender el funcionamiento y las particularidades de este formante, y supone un punto de partida para análisis de otros formantes originalmente cultos que también son productivos en contextos no especializados.
Strong topological Rokhlin property, shadowing, and symbolic dynamics of countable groups
Authors: Doucha Michal
Published: December 2024

A countable group

G

has the strong topological Rokhlin property (STRP) if it admits a continuous action on the Cantor space with a comeager conjugacy class. We show that having STRP is a symbolic dynamical property. We prove that a countable group

G

has STRP if and only if certain sofic subshifts over

G

are dense in the space of subshifts. A sufficient condition is that isolated shifts over

G

are dense in the space of all subshifts.We provide numerous applications including the proof that a group that decomposes as a free product of finite or cyclic groups has STRP. We show that finitely generated nilpotent groups do not have STRP unless they are virtually cyclic; the same is true for many groups of the form

G_{1}\times G_{2}\allowbreak\times\nobreak G_{3}

where each factor is recursively presented. We show that a large class of non-finitely-generated groups do not have STRP; this includes any group with infinitely generated center and the Hall universal locally finite group.We find a very strong connection between STRP and shadowing, also called the pseudo-orbit tracing property. We show that shadowing is generic for actions of a finitely generated group

G

if and only if

G

has STRP.
Spacecraft System Health Management: Current Practices and Emerging Technologies
Authors: Khan Samir
Published: December 2024

Ensuring the safe and reliable operation of spacecraft is a complex task that requires advanced technologies and innovative approaches.

This comprehensive guide provides a deep dive into the world of spacecraft system health management. From understanding the intricacies of spacecraft systems to exploring cutting-edge technologies like AI and digital twins, this book offers a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field.

Key Features:

- Clear and accessible language: The book is written for both technical experts and general readers, making it easy to understand complex concepts.

- Real-world examples: Case studies and examples from actual missions bring the theoretical concepts to life.

- Future-focused: The book explores emerging technologies that are shaping the future of spacecraft health management, giving readers a glimpse into the future of space exploration.

Whether you're a seasoned space engineer or simply curious about the wonders of space exploration, this book offers valuable insights into the critical role of system health management in ensuring mission success.

In addition to its technical depth, the book also explores the broader implications of spacecraft health management. It discusses the ethical and societal considerations involved in space exploration and the importance of responsible innovation. By understanding these factors, readers can gain a well-rounded perspective on the field.

Spacecraft System Health Management is an essential resource for anyone interested in the future of space exploration. It provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and technologies, making it a valuable tool for students, researchers, and professionals alike.