bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Motivation, Coping Mechanisms, and Alcohol Cessation among Alcohol Drinkers in Barangay Ubaldo Laya, Iligan City
Authors: Obina Marsha Fe J. , Daligdig Angelica Kitz D. , Lim Fedea Melry Y. , Khu Dennis Dave M. , Abordo Ian C. , Lim Deary Mae Y.
Published: November 2024

Background and Aim: Alcohol consumption remains a prevalent and varied practice across cultures worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the level of motivation, coping strategies, and alcohol cessation among individuals attempting to cease alcohol consumption. In addition, this study aimed to explore the relationships between motivation, coping mechanisms, and alcohol cessation among alcohol drinkers in the Philippines. Design: This study employs a descriptive-correlational design. Using convenient sampling, it targets male and female residents aged 18–59 years old in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, who have attempted to quit alcohol consumption. Results: Personal growth and development, relationships, and physical appearance were the primary motivators for alcohol cessation. Effective coping mechanisms included confronting negative emotions, boosting mood through special treats or increased productivity, and reflecting on past drinking consequences. Respondents reported significant improvements in well-being, excellent stress management, and strong support from groups and family, leading to increased confidence in maintaining cessation, infrequent alcohol consumption, and success in quitting. Individuals with higher motivation and effective coping strategies were more likely to maintain cessation, manage stress without alcohol, attend support sessions, and experience overall well-being improvements. Conclusion: These results suggest that targeted interventions that enhance motivation and provide effective coping mechanisms are essential. Counseling, support groups, and educational programs emphasizing personal growth, strong relationships, and self-improvement can achieve this. These findings are valuable for health-care providers, counselors, and policymakers, highlighting key factors for successful alcohol cessation. By focusing on motivation and coping mechanisms, support systems can improve the likelihood of sustained alcohol cessation, leading to better community health and well-being.
SIGMOID COLON TRANSECTION FOLLOWING A SEAT BELT INJURY: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Mahmoud Dabbagh , Amine Maazouz , Imad El Azzaoui , Mohammed Lamghari , Mohammed Bouzroud , Mohamed Najih , Hakim El Kaoui , Mountassir Moujahid , Bouchentouf SM , Ahmed Bounaim
Published: November 2024

Background: Seatbelts have reduced the number of fatal head, chest and abdominal injuries. They have, however, introduced a set of injuries comprising abdominal wall bruising, Intra-abdominal injuries, and lumbar spine fractures collectively termed the seat belt syndrome.

Case presentation: A 60-year-old man who was transferred to our emergency department after sustaining a blunt abdominal trauma after a road traffic accident. An exploratory laparotomy was performed revealed a sigmoid transection that was treated by an Hartmanns pouch procedure. After further management, the patient was discharged with no further complaints.

Conclusion: The presence of a seatbelt sign should raise the suspicion of a significant intra-abdominal injury. Responding to clinical signs is critical and early diagnosis and management reduces morbidity and mortality.
ILEAL TRICHOBEZOAR: A CASE REPORT
Authors:   Department of General Surgery II, Mohamed V Military Instruction Hospital, Mohamed V University of Rabat., Halim EL M. , Rebbani M. ,   Department of General Surgery II, Mohamed V Military Instruction Hospital, Mohamed V University of Rabat., Njoumi N. ,   Department of General Surgery II, Mohamed V Military Instruction Hospital, Mohamed V University of Rabat., Hjouji A. El ,   Department of General Surgery II, Mohamed V Military Instruction Hospital, Mohamed V University of Rabat., Zentar A. ,   Department of General Surgery II, Mohamed V Military Instruction Hospital, Mohamed V University of Rabat., Ali A. Ait ,   Department of General Surgery II, Mohamed V Military Instruction Hospital, Mohamed V University of Rabat.
Published: November 2024

Trichobezoar is a condition characterized by the formation of concretions from hair in the digestive tract, mainly located in the stomach. This condition primarily affects adolescents troubled by psychological disorders. We report a case of a young girl admitted to the gastroenterology department for epigastric pain and vomiting, whose esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed no abnormalities before presenting to the emergency room with an obstructive syndrome. The patient underwent emergency surgery, during which the trichobezoar was surgically removed through an enterotomy with a simple postoperative course. Psychological care was recommended for her, which is the key element in preventing recurrence.
The Contested Realm of Muslim Identity in Late 19th and Early 20th Century Bengal: A Comparative Analysis between Islam Darshan and Johurnama
Authors:   Independent Researcher, Ghosh Subhrodal
Published: November 2024

This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of two distinct strands of popular literature within the Bengali Muslim literary and cultural milieu during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. While most existing scholarship has attempted to categorize this community within simplistic divisions such as communal or syncretic, this study seeks to critically examine the sources underpinning such categorizations. To undertake such an inquiry, the paper delves firstly into “Islam Darshan,” a self-improvement text utilized by the new cohort of Mullahs to bridge the Atrap-Ajlaf cleavage that emerged in contemporary Bengal. It analyzes the historical context surrounding its emergence, delving into its content and rhetoric, and explores why it may be juxtaposed with ideas of communalism. A critical analysis of their content juxtaposed with their historical role (bridging an atrap-ajlaf cleavage and addressing bhadralok mistreatment) may provide how their promotion of a certain ethos i.e., self-improvement was aimed at challenging certain elites’ assumptions and at ameliorating their socio-economic condition. Further, the paper then moves on to examine Bonobibi Johuranama a localized Kechha (Bengali version of the Persian quissa) popular in the Sundarbans. Written in a mixed vocabulary referred to as dobhasi and published from the cheap presses of Bengal, these texts formed an important part of the non-standardized print culture of the Bengali Muslims. The paper attempts to elucidate how these texts propagated a ‘syncretic’ conception of Bengali Muslim identity through narratives of conflict with the ‘cultural’ other and the utilization of a mixed vocabulary.
“This is the story of my sad lot, I shall tell everyone!”: Discourse as Resistance in Madhusudan Dutt in Nineteenth Century Bengal
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of English, Bhairab Ganguly College, Kolkata, West Bengal, Molla Laki
Published: November 2024

The main objective of the paper is to present how colonial discourses prevented a native from flourishing in his literary career as an English writer in nineteenth-century Bengal. With the introduction of English as a medium of instruction in school, after Macauley’s Minutes in 1835, many Indians went beyond the English design of becoming the mediators between the rulers and the ruled and tried to build their literary career in English falling genuinely in love with the language. One such Indian was Michael Madhusudan Dutta (1824 – 73), remembered mostly for bringing a “renaissance” in Bengali literature of the time. Deeply influenced by the Westernized curriculum of the Hindu College and his teacher David Lester Richardson, Madhusudan wrote, at the early phase of his literary career, many poems in English but failed to publish them in Blackwood’s Magazine or Bentley’s Miscellany. “The Captive Ladie”, published in 1849, was also not accepted seriously by Western readers. To become accepted into European culture, he even embraced Christianity ignoring the repeated advice of his parents and relatives. This paper intends to investigate why Madhusudhan’s works were not accepted by English readers despite having literary merits. The first part of the paper discusses the operations of colonial discourses with the help of the theories by Frantz Fanon and Edward Said. The second part engages itself with the literary contribution of Madhusudan Dutt. The paper concludes by criticizing the attitudes of metropolitan universities of the West toward the literature and cultures of the “Third World.”
El árbitro como objeto de violencia y desahogo: las problemáticas del fútbol base andaluz
Authors:   Universidad de Granada, Salazar Miguel Carretero
Published: November 2024

Este trabajo, consta de la investigación de 10 partidos de fútbol base en la ciudad de Granada, en España. Donde se analizarán las diferentes violencias que se ejercen durante estos encuentros de jugadores entre edades comprendidas desde los 8 a los 16 años. Además, se analizarán porque surgen estas violencias en categorías donde los participantes son menores de edad. Por otro lado, la realización de un análisis en profundidad de las entrevistas a los agentes participantes como entrenadores, directivos, árbitros y padres nos ayudará a poder comprender más de cerca situaciones que se observan cada fin de semana en los diferentes campos de fútbol en categorías formativas. Submissão: 01 ago. 2024 ⊶ Aceite: 30 set. 2024
O “chefe para a vitória”
Authors: Mostaro Filipe Fernandes Ribeiro , Helal Ronaldo
Published: November 2024

O fenômeno esportivo é um ambiente fértil para a produção de narrativas sobre modelos de sociedade. Eventos como a Copa do Mundo de futebol masculina, especificamente no Brasil, possuem uma relação intrínseca com os meios de comunicação. Suas narrativas indicam as disputas constantes na sociedade. Este artigo vai apresentar o que consideramos a embrião da narrativa do gestor no esporte como alguém fundamental para organizar o talento e as ações dos atletas dentro de campo. Na Copa do Mundo de 1958, quando a seleção brasileira conquista o seu primeiro título, vamos, através da análise crítica de narrativa de três periódicos brasileiros, indicar qual foi o papel do “chefe” Paulo Machado de Carvalho no mundo criado pelos jornais. Escolhemos os jornais O Globo, Folha da Manhã e Jornal do Brasil pela relevância na produção de narrativas no contexto brasileiro daquela época. De maneira mais específica os dois primeiros por também se constituírem com porta-vozes da elite nacional. Da estreia da seleção até o dia do desembarque da delegação no Brasil, selecionamos todas as reportagens que abordam o tema seleção brasileira e as contabilizamos, chegando ao total de 401. Em seguida, contabilizamos as menções aos membros da comissão técnica da seleção, de forma mais específica: Paulo Machado de Carvalho (19) e Vicente Feola (85).
Submissão: 21 jul. 2024 ⊶ Aceite: 03 set. 2024
Editorial
Authors: Vianna Beto , Esteves Leonardo Leal
Published: November 2024

Editorial do v. 12, n. 24 da revista Ambivalências.
Vilania, futebol e representação: análise de uma série de reportagens sobre violência e torcidas organizadas
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Silva Juliana Nascimento
Published: November 2024

O presente artigo tem como objetivo relacionar os debates entre construção de mitos no futebol pelos meios de comunicação com o processo de estigmatização das torcidas organizadas. Tendo como referencial teórico os debates sobre representação, o trabalho busca analisar as disputas discursivas visualizadas na série de reportagens veiculadas pelo Globo Esporte, programa esportivo e televisivo da Rede Globo, intitulada “Futebol em Paz”. A partir da investigação, é possível perceber a construção narrativa e representativa da reportagem sobre os torcedores organizados pela perspectiva da vilania, enquanto o público caracterizado como “família” protagoniza o heroísmo de conduta de um público desejado nos estádios. Submissão: 31 jul. 2024 ⊶ Aceite: 27 set. 2024
Avaliação das características genéticas de abelhas africanizadas (Apis mellifera L.) importantes na seleção de rainhas matrizes para a produção de mel
Authors:   , Gomes Renata Valéria Regis de Sousa
Published: November 2024

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as características fenotípicas de abelhas africanizadas (Apis mellifera L.) importantes na seleção de rainhas matrizes para a produção de mel. Foram transferidas 30 colônias de abelhas africanizadas (Apis mellifera L.) dos apiários de apicultores colaboradores da região do litoral e zona da mata sul de Pernambuco para o apiário experimental do Departamento de Zootecnia (AEDZ/UFRPE). As colônias foram avaliadas quinzenalmente no período de janeiro de 2014 a fevereiro de 2016 e foram registrados dados de 89 rainhas de colônias ou famílias. Foi administrado alimentação energética e proteica no período de entressafra. Foi verificado o nível de infestação das colônias com Varroa destructor e Nosema e realizado os testes de comportamento higiênico, postura da rainha, defensividade e produção de mel na 1ª fase experimental e obteve-se o índice de seleção (IS) das colônias analisadas. Para 2ª fase experimental foram produzidas rainhas de 1ª, 2ª e 3ª geração filhas das matrizes com IS ≥ 8,0 e avaliou-se a produção de mel. Das 89 rainhas observadas, 62 morreram naturalmente apresentando longevidade média de 6,4 ± 2,9 meses. A época de pico da reprodução natural é entre os meses de setembro a dezembro. A rainha realiza postura todos os meses do ano, sendo que à medida que a temperatura aumenta e a umidade e o índice pluviométrico diminuem, maior é a intensidade de ovoposição da rainha, consequentemente aumenta o número de quadros com crias. A dieta utilizada apresentou viabilidade econômica, evitou a perda dos enxames e estimulou a postura da rainha. Foram encontrados um nível baixo de varroatose (2,92% ± 2,02%) e baixa intensidade de infecção por Nosema. O sucesso na produção de realeiras foi de 98% na aceitação das larvas transferidas. Observou-se um ganho genético de 0,7 Kg na produção de mel nas colônias com rainhas de 3ª geração, o que representa aumento de 5,4% na produção de mel em relação as colônias matrizes e 49,2% comparada a produção nos apiários dos apicultores parceiros. Esses resultados são muito estimulantes levando-se a acreditar no sucesso do programa de melhoramento aplicado, utilizando-se as variáveis e a forma de cálculo para o índice de seleção utilizados no presente trabalho e nos dá subsídios para possíveis adequações no manejo dos apiários de produção, em conformidade com as condições ambientais dessa região, visando o crescimento profissional da atividade apícola e o aumento da produção de mel
Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Adult Immunization amongst Resident Physicians at an Apex Tertiary Care Center in India
Authors: Bhatia Oshin , Kumar Arvind , Rajendran Anand , Khot Wasim , Abdul Samad Sameer , Begum Nazneen Nahar , Chakraborty Sayan , Vishwakarma Vishal Kumar , Khan Maroof A , Wig Naveet
Published: November 2024

Background:

The coverage of immunization amongst adults in India remains low; a lack of nationally endorsed guidelines and implementation policies is a
contributing factor. There is a paucity of tools available to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding adult immunization. Hence,
we attempted to develop a KAP questionnaire to evaluate the existing expertise regarding adult immunization among medicine and infectious
diseases resident doctors in an apex medical institute in India.

Methods:

A two-stage scheme for the development and validation of the questionnaire was followed. The first step involved an exhaustive literature review,
focused group discussion, and in-depth interviews. The prepared draft was reviewed by experts in the field of infectious diseases and adult
immunization across the domains of necessity, relevance, and clarity. ‘Item-level content validity indices’ (I-CVI) and ‘Scale-level content validity
indices’ (S-CVI) were then calculated. Brennan and Prediger's AC (Agreement Coefficient) and Gwet’s AC (Agreement Coefficient) were used to
establish inter-rater agreement on the obtained expert reviews.

Results:

A 57-item KAP questionnaire was developed and was reviewed by a total of 11 experts. The questionnaire had satisfactory I-CVI (>0.6 for all the
items) and S-CVI Ave (>0.9 for each of the domains). The questionnaire had a strong inter-rater agreement as assessed by both Brennan and
Prediger AC (> 0.6, p<1) and Gwet’s AC (>0.8, p<1).

Conclusions:

The developed tool was scientifically validated following a staged process. We propose that this questionnaire can hence be used to evaluate the
knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding adult immunization amongst medical practitioners across medical colleges and hospitals in India. This
may be instrumental in developing programmatic interventions and major policy changes to enhance the practice of adult immunization amongst
healthcare providers.
Ameliorating Insulin Injection Site Rotation and its Impact on Lipohypertrophy Incidence and Glycemic Control in Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Elrefaey Noura Mahmoud , Mohamed Mona Gamal , El-Monem El-Deeb Hoda Abdou Abd
Published: November 2024

Background:

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ameliorated insulin injection site rotation on the incidence of Lipohypertrophy (LH) and glycemic
control in patients with diabetes.

Methods:

A quasi-experimental design involving a pretest-posttest with a control group was utilized at the medical outpatients’ clinic of Sohag University
Hospital. The participants were divided into two groups (30 in the study group and 30 in the control group). Two instruments were utilized to
collect the data, i.e., a sociodemographic and clinical data sheet and a lipohypertrophy assessment sheet.

Results:

The majority have been found to suffer from type I DM with an insulin injection duration from one to less than 6 months. A significant reduction
has been noticed in the lipohypertrophy incidence and grade during the 6-month assessment compared to the pre-intervention assessment.

Conclusion:

A marked reduction in the incidence of LH and improved glycemic control have been noted in the study group, indicating the clinical significance
of the anti-clockwise insulin site rotation technique.
Effect of Green Tea Supplementation on Blood Pressure Among Hypertensive People: A Community-based Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Pathania Supriya , Ravi Ramya Kundayi , Kaur Manpreet , Thakur Vaishali , Kaushal Shivani , Hamid Syed Fazil , Slathia Aditya Paul , Baby Priya
Published: November 2024

Background:

A significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, affects more than a billion people globally. Numerous non-pharmacological
methods work well to lower blood pressure. The objective of this study was to assess the short-term effect of green tea supplementation on blood
pressure among people with hypertension.

Methods:

This community-based randomized controlled trial was conducted among people with hypertension recruited using a purposive sampling technique
from the village of Lakhnaur, Mohali, Punjab, India. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive either supplementation with green tea
beverage (one cup/day) or no intervention. The primary outcome measure was systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Blood pressure was measured
at the baseline and 15 days after the intervention using a standard calibrated digital sphygmomanometer.

Results:

Post-intervention, the decrease in the mean systolic blood pressure was significantly greater (p <) in the experimental group (129.83±6.497)
than in the control group (135.0±6.433).

Conclusion:

Green tea supplementation significantly lowered the systolic blood pressure among study participants. Green tea may be included as part of a
lifestyle intervention to manage and control systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
Untrained Network for Super-resolution for Non-contrast-enhanced Wholeheart MRI Acquired using Cardiac-triggered REACT (SRNN-REACT)
Authors: Maciel Corbin , Miah Tayaba , Zou Qing
Published: November 2024

Background:

Three-dimensional (3D) whole-heart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent tool to check the heart anatomy of patients with congenital
and acquired heart disease. However, most 3D whole-heart MRI acquisitions take a long time to perform, and the sequence used is susceptible to
banding artifacts.

Purpose:

To validate an unsupervised neural network that can reduce acquisition time and improve image quality for 3D whole-heart MRI by superresolving
low-resolution images.

Methods:

The results of the super-resolution neural network (SRNN) were compared with bilinear interpolation, a state-of-the-art method known as AdapSR,
and the ground truth high-resolution images qualitatively and quantitatively. Thirty pediatric patients with varying congenital and acquired heart
diseases were included in this study. Results from the SRNN without a ground truth image were compared qualitatively with the contrast-enhanced
whole-heart images. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was used to quantitatively compare each of the methods and the high-resolution ground truth.

Results:

As confirmed by both the quantitative and qualitative results, the SRNN improves image quality. Furthermore, because it only requires a lowresolution
acquisition, the use of the SRNN reduces acquisition time.

Conclusion:

The SRNN lessens noise and eliminates artifacts while maintaining correct anatomical structure in the images.
Physicochemical, Phytochemical, NMR, FTIR and LC-MS Analysis of Extract of Ripe Fruits of Carissa carandus L.
Authors: Naaz Iram , Kondalkar Avinash , Kondalkar Sapna Avinash
Published: November 2024

Background:

Carissa carandus L., commonly known as Karonda, is renowned for its distinctive tangy flavor, making it a valuable ingredient in culinary
applications. Additionally, its extensive array of phytoconstituents renders it a significant component of traditional Indian herbal medicine, where it
has been used to address various health conditions. Despite its availability, palatability, and diverse phytochemical profile, Karonda remains under
utilized, and lacks substantial scientific validation. Further research is needed to substantiate its therapeutic potential and elevate its status in
modern scientific and medical contexts.

Methods:

An ethanolic extract was prepared from the ripe fruits using a hot continuous extraction method. Phytochemical screening of the extract identified
the presence of tannins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, steroids, and carbohydrates. Subsequent analysis using spectrometric and
spectro chromatographic techniques, including NMR, FTIR, and LC-MS, were conducted, supplemented by chromatographic studies, to further
elucidate the extract's chemical profile and validate the presence of these bioactive compounds.

Results:

The analysis of the ripe fruit extract identified several functional groups, including O-H, N-H, C=O, C-N, C-H, and –COOH, based on IR
absorption bands observed in the high wave region at 3850 cm−1 and 1728 cm−1. Active compounds were further characterized by comparing these
findings with standard reference charts. Proton environments and their electronic states were examined using 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The 1H-NMR
spectrum revealed signals at specific δ ppm values corresponding to R-CH3, R-CH2-R, RO-C-H, and F-C-H groups, as detailed in the
accompanying table.

Conclusion:

These results provide a comprehensive chemical fingerprint of CA fruits offering scientific validation of its chemical nature and supporting its
potential therapeutic applications.
Risk Factors Analysis of Diabetes Prevalence in Wetland Area: A Study from Borneo Wetland Study on Diabetes
Authors: Fajari Nanang Miftah , Hariyanto Felix , Nur'amin Hendra , Hasrianti Nuvita
Published: November 2024

Background: National Basic Health Survey held by the Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia shows the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus increased from 6.9% to 8.5% in 2018. Wetland is an area covered by shallow water on the surface, which represents a unique ecosystem.
Aim: This study investigated the association between various risk factors and DM prevalence in South Kalimantan Wetlands, Indonesia. Early identification and management of risk factors may prevent progression into diabetes mellitus.
Methods: We conducted the Borneo Wetland Study on Diabetes (Best-Diab 1) with a cross-sectional study approach using the latest health survey data conducted by the South Kalimantan Provincial Health Office from the primary health center visit from January 2020 to March 2022. Using Proportionate Random Sampling, we divided samples into two groups; 6.010 in the DM group, and 6.010 non DM group.
Results: Gender, age, BMI, blood pressure, and blood glucose level were significantly correlated with diabetes mellitus prevalence (p<0.001). Family history of DM surprisingly has a significant impact on DM prevalence (PR, 3.16; 95% CI, 2.80-3.57, p<0.001). The prevalence of DM in the smoking group was 0.78 times less than in non-smoking individuals (PR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.74-0.82; p<0.001). Excess sugar was the greatest risk factor for diabetes mellitus, with the prevalence of DM 4.72 times greater than normal sugar intake (PR, 4.72; 95% CI, 4.29-5.2; p<0.001). Excess salt intake also seemed to be a significant risk factor among DM patients (PR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.17-1.30, p<0.001.
Conclusion:  Females, older age, higher BMI, and family history of DM were significant risk factors for diabetes mellitus prevalence in this study. Further studies are needed to determine how those factors impacted diabetes mellitus.
 
Keywords:  risk factors, prevalence, diabetes mellitus, wetland, South Kalimantan
Correlation among Blood Sugar Levels, C-Reactive Protein, Total Lymphocyte Count with SOFA Score on Sepsis COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Fajari Nanang Miftah , Hartono Ivan , Rudiansyah Mohammad , Agung SNC Wiwit , Yasmina Alfi
Published: November 2024

Background: COVID-19  is a  caused a pandemic since early January 2020. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score can assess organ dysfunction in the state of Sepsis MODS.
Aim: This study aims to determine the relationship between Blood Sugar Levels, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and Total Lymphocyte Count (TLC) with SOFA score in COVID-19 patients with Sepsis.
Methods: An observational study using the cross-sectional method was carried out in 2020-2021 at Ulin Hospital Banjarmasin with a total sample of 87 participants.
Results: Based on the Spearman test, there were a positive correlation between Random Blood Sugar levels and SOFA with the scores r = 0.778 (p = 0.000); significant negative correlation between TLC and SOFA with the score r = -0.409 (p = 0.000); and no significant correlation between CRP and SOFA with the score r = -0.077 (p = 0.507). The multivariate test showed that the correlation value for each Random Blood Sugar with a SOFA score is R=0.664 (p=0.000), and the Total Lymphocyte Count with a SOFA score is R=-0.270 (p=0.001). The statistical analysis model revealed that Blood Sugar Levels and Total Lymphocyte Count could predict SOFA scores of as much as 60.9%.
Conclusion:  Blood sugar levels can be a marker of poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients with Sepsis. Hyperglycemia can be caused by pancreatic cell damage due to SARS-CoV2 invasion, acute insulin resistance, and inflammation caused by Sepsis and COVID-19. Total Lymphocyte Count is one of the many factors contributing to organ dysfunction caused by Sepsis in COVID-19.
 
Keywords:  COVID-19, Sepsis, SOFA Score, Prognosis
Clinical Profile of Patients Diagnosed with Liver Abscess – a Retrospective Study at a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Goswami Brijesh , Makwana Harsha , Nanda Vivek
Published: November 2024

Background: Liver abscesses continue to present a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the medical community. Early clinical distinction between an amoebic and a pyogenic liver abscess is challenging due to their overlapping clinical presentations.
Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical characteristics, lab parameters as well as management in patients suspected of liver abscess.
Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in 60 consecutive patients presenting with liver abscess, admitted at tertiary care hospital. Lab investigations were carried out. All patients underwent ultrasound-guided aspiration of a liver abscess either by percutaneous needle or by a pigtail catheter.  Patients were monitored during the period of hospital stay to note their outcome. The data variables collected were compiled by using an excel spreadsheet and later analysed using Medcalc (version 20.118).
Results: The commonly observed clinical presentation was abdominal pain (95%) followed by fever (57%) and jaundice (7%). On examination, 60% of the liver abscess cases had right hypochondrial tenderness while Hepatomegaly was observed in about 17% of the subjects. Leucocytosis was observed in 67% of the cases in view of underlying infectious etiology. The size of the majority (60%) of the liver abscess were in the range of 5.1 to 9.9 cms and right lobe was the most affected region (75.2%).
Conclusion: Early recognition of symptoms, institution of antibiotic and amoebicidal therapy and drainage of abscess via appropriate modality improves the prognosis of liver abscess.
Spatial Blue Economy: Coastal Tourism Efficiency As an Application of Blue Economy in Jepara Region, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors:   Management Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Wahid Hasyim University, Irhamni Muhammad Ricza , Astuti Wulan Budi ,   Accounting Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Wahid Hasyim University
Published: November 2024

Coastal tourism is the oldest, most important, and rapidly growing segment of the tourism industry, but it is also a fragile and seasonal sector. The blue economy is significant in achieving sustainability and resilience to face challenges. During COVID-19 the tourism sector suffered a loss of 75% in 2020, recovery efforts continue to be carried out, but the lack of research in Indonesia, a country that is geographically majority oceanic, highlights a significant research gap. Using a quantitative method approach of efficiency analysis with data envelopment analysis (DEA), it focused on 12 centers of the central decision-making unit of the Jepara, Central Java tourism center to test the hypothesis. The results show that most coastal tourism is efficient and can continue its tourism management activities. The advice can make innovations to increase the number of tourists who visit locally and abroad. However, there are four inefficient tourism centers, namely Jepara Ourland Park, Blebak Beach, Mandalika Island, and Panjang Island. The government and investors are advised to focus on these inefficient tourism centers, by focusing on the distribution of the use of areas and coastlines, reviewing the investments given, and improving accommodation facilitation to increase tourist interest.
Projected Economic Impact of Sediment Removal Programs at Priority Locations
Authors:   Directorate General of Marine and Marine Spatial Management, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 16th Central Jakarta, Gultom Iqbal S. , Harlis Triana ,   Directorate General of Marine and Marine Spatial Management, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 16th Central Jakarta, Wicaksono Priagung ,   Directorate General of Marine and Marine Spatial Management, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 16th Central Jakarta, Utami Siti Nuraini Putri ,   Directorate General of Marine and Marine Spatial Management, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 16th Central Jakarta, Anggoro Tri Danny ,   Directorate General of Marine and Marine Spatial Management, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 16th Central Jakarta
Published: November 2024

Removing marine sediment is a Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries program regulated by Government Regulation No. 26 of 2023. Five priority locations have been designated for the removal of marine sediment: Riau Islands Province, West Java Province, East Kalimantan Province, Central Java Province, and East Java Province. This study uses input-output analysis to measure and compare the economic impacts of sediment removal activities on the economies of these five provinces. The input-output table results show that the highest output multiplier for sediment removal activities is in East Kalimantan Province with a value of 1.48, while the lowest is in the Riau Islands Province with a value of 1.22. The highest income multiplier is also found in East Kalimantan Province with a value of 0.3710, followed by Riau Islands Province with a value of 0.3513. In East Kalimantan and Riau Islands, sediment removal is a key sector with strong forward linkages to other sectors but weak backward linkages. One strategy to enhance the economic impact of sediment removal is for the government to spend non-tax state revenue (PNBP) from this activity on key sectors in each province.
La disputa por la soberanía de la zona septentrional antártica (2012-2022)
Authors: Garrido-Quiroz Aldo Andrés
Published: November 2024

Este artículo analiza la disputa por la zona septentrional de la Antártica, en especial por la península antártica, entre Argentina, Chile y Reino Unido, junto a la pretensión soberana de Brasil, en el periodo de 2012 a 2022, desde la perspectiva de la geopolítica clásica. Se basa en una revisión documental de tratados, declaraciones de los Estados, bibliografía especializada y notas de prensa. A través de una metodología cualitativa y comparativa, se describen los eventos entre 1938 y 1959, se explican y comparan las reclamaciones territoriales y el Tratado Antártico, que ha mantenido la estabilidad geopolítica hasta los años recientes, cuando han surgido nuevos desafíos tecnológicos, ambientales y geopolíticos. Se argumenta que estas pretensiones territoriales nacionales hacen insostenible la idea de que el continente blanco sea Patrimonio Común de la Humanidad.
Autolegitimidad policial y conflicto
Authors: Olavarría Tito
Published: November 2024

Esta investigación exploratoria cualitativa examina la percepción de autolegitimidad de los funcionarios de Carabineros de Chile, una institución policial nacional que opera en la región de La Araucanía, caracterizada por una alta conflictividad territorial de carácter indígena. Se entrevistaron 46 funcionarios de diversas funciones policiales utilizando dos técnicas de recolección de datos: grupos focales y entrevistas en profundidad. Los resultados demuestran la importancia de los ataques a la policía y de la percepción de falta de apoyo institucional en la percepción de autolegitimidad policial por parte de los funcionarios. Por otro lado, los funcionarios con una labor de mayor vinculación ciudadana perciben una mayor eficacia de su actuación y, por tanto, tienen una mayor autolegitimidad. La investigación concluye subrayando la necesidad de estudios adicionales sobre este tema aún por explorar en Latinoamérica, especialmente de tipo cuantitativo, para optimizar la gobernanza policial en zonas de conflicto.
Economía de defensa del Perú
Authors: Villalba-Garcia Luisa Fernanda , Melo-Rodrigues Luz Martha
Published: November 2024

Este artículo analiza la interacción entre las relaciones civiles-militares y la economía de defensa en el Perú mediante un enfoque comprensivo que incluye una revisión documental y teórica, y consultas a expertos del Ejército del Perú. Se examina el Libro Blanco de la Defensa y datos presupuestarios, para comprender la gestión de recursos en el sector defensa. Asimismo, se revisan conceptos clave de la economía de defensa y las relaciones civiles-militares para comprender cómo confluyen en este contexto. A través del método Delphi, se recogen las perspectivas de expertos, identificando escenarios futuros basados en sectores estratégicos, el porcentaje del PIB destinado a la defensa, las amenazas reconocidas, la inversión presupuestaria y las alianzas estratégicas. Estos resultados ofrecen una visión estratégica y anticipada que contribuye tanto al conocimiento académico como a la práctica política en el ámbito de la defensa peruana.
Las empresas del sector defensa y su contribución a los índices de transparencia
Authors: Guerrero-García Laura Daniela , Espejo-Fandiño Fabián Orlando
Published: November 2024

Este artículo analiza la relación entre la transparencia de las empresas del sector defensa y los resultados obtenidos al respecto por los sectores de defensa en diversos países. Para ello, se emplean el Índice de Compañías de Defensa (DCI) y el Índice de Transparencia del Sector Defensa (GDI), ambos desarrollados por Transparencia Internacional en 2020. A través de una metodología cuantitativa, que analiza conjuntamente estos índices, se busca comprender tanto la contribución de las empresas privadas a la transparencia del sector defensa, como el impacto que la transparencia del sector defensa tiene sobre las empresas del sector. Los resultados muestran una asociación positiva clara en el caso de las empresas públicas, mientras que en las empresas privadas la asociación no es tan evidente, lo que lleva a identificar cuatro categorías que reflejan vínculos positivos, neutros o negativos de estas empresas con la transparencia en el sector defensa.
Linchamientos y crimen organizado
Authors: Díaz-Roman Mario Pavel , Jasso-González Carolina , Nava-Cortés Daniel
Published: November 2024

Este artículo contrasta empíricamente hipótesis relevantes para explicar la distribución de linchamientos en municipios mexicanos durante el periodo 2015-2020. Considerando las dinámicas de violencia derivadas del crimen organizado en México, se busca determinar si estos eventos de violencia colectiva a nivel municipal se relacionan con la presencia de organizaciones criminales. Asimismo, se ponen a prueba dos hipótesis explicativas del linchamiento que han primado en la literatura especializada: la presencia deficitaria del Estado y la acumulación de desventajas socioeconómicas. Se trata de una investigación orientada a variables, para la cual se recurre a un modelo binomial negativo. Los resultados indican que la presencia de organizaciones criminales sí se correlaciona con el linchamiento, si bien también lo hacen los mayores niveles de pobreza y la precariedad estatal.
Migración y seguridad ciudadana
Authors: Bendezú-Jiménez Héctor Javier , Romero-Bendezú Aníbal Erik , Chumacero-Calle José Antonio
Published: November 2024

Este artículo investiga el impacto de la migración venezolana en la seguridad ciudadana en Perú durante los años 2018-2023, utilizando un modelo econométrico de datos de panel. El modelo confirma un impacto estadísticamente significativo, aunque modesto, del flujo migratorio en la seguridad ciudadana: su magnitud es relativamente baja, habida cuenta de que los ciudadanos venezolanos suman cerca de 1,2 millones de migrantes en el país. Los resultados muestran también que hay una insuficiente inversión para atender esta problemática, y que aumentar las comisarías, entre otras acciones, puede ayudar a disminuir los índices de inseguridad ciudadana. Estos resultados contribuyen a comprender las dinámicas de seguridad en contextos de migración y sirven de base para hacer recomendaciones de políticas públicas más inclusivas y efectivas.
Choques geopolíticos y cadenas globales de valor
Authors: Guerrero-Sierra Hugo Fernando , Hernández-Pérez Mauricio , Rojas-Mora Jaime Edison
Published: November 2024

El comportamiento de los mercados de productos básicos está influenciado por varios factores internacionales, incluyendo la oferta y demanda, las preferencias de los inversores y los factores de riesgo económico global. Los choques externos, tales como eventos políticos, económicos y naturales, pueden tener un impacto significativo en estos mercados. Por ejemplo, la guerra comercial entre Estados Unidos y China, la invasión de Ucrania por Rusia y la pandemia de COVID-19 han generado disrupciones en las Cadenas Globales de Valor (CGV), aumentando la volatilidad de precios y la incertidumbre. Los países menos desarrollados, que dependen en gran medida de la producción y exportación de materias primas, son particularmente vulnerables a estas perturbaciones. Este trabajo examina los efectos de estos choques, destacando sus consecuencias significativas sobre el comportamiento de los precios de las materias primas y en menor medida sobre el funcionamiento de las cadenas globales de valor.
Evaluating Older Adults’ Engagement and Usability With AI-Driven Interventions: Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Shade Marcia , Yan Changmin , Jones Valerie K , Boron Julie
Published: November 2024

Background

Technologies that serve as assistants are growing more popular for entertainment and aiding in daily tasks. Artificial intelligence (AI) in these technologies could also be helpful to deliver interventions that assist older adults with symptoms or self-management. Personality traits may play a role in how older adults engage with AI technologies. To ensure the best intervention delivery, we must understand older adults’ engagement with and usability of AI-driven technologies.

Objective

This study aimed to describe how older adults engaged with routines facilitated by a conversational AI assistant.

Methods

A randomized pilot trial was conducted for 12-weeks in adults aged 60 years or older, self-reported living alone, and having chronic musculoskeletal pain. Participants (N=50) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 intervention groups (standard vs enhanced) to engage with routines delivered by the AI assistant Alexa (Amazon). Participants were encouraged to interact with prescribed routines twice daily (morning and evening) and as needed. Data were collected and analyzed on routine engagement characteristics and perceived usability of the AI assistant. An analysis of the participants’ personality traits was conducted to describe how personality may impact engagement and usability of AI technologies as interventions.

Results

The participants had a mean age of 79 years, with moderate to high levels of comfort and trust in technology, and were predominately White (48/50, 96%) and women (44/50, 88%). In both intervention groups, morning routines (n=62, 74%) were initiated more frequently than evening routines (n=52, 62%; z=−2.81, P=.005). Older adult participants in the enhanced group self-reported routine usability as good (mean 74.50, SD 11.90), and those in the standard group reported lower but acceptable usability scores (mean 66.29, SD 6.94). Higher extraversion personality trait scores predicted higher rates of routine initiation throughout the whole day and morning in both groups (standard day: B=0.47, P=.004; enhanced day: B=0.44, P=.045; standard morning: B=0.50, P=.03; enhanced morning: B=0.53, P=.02). Higher agreeableness (standard: B=0.50, P=.02; enhanced B=0.46, P=.002) and higher conscientiousness (standard: B=0.33, P=.04; enhanced: B=0.38, P=.006) personality trait scores predicted better usability scores in both groups.

Conclusions

he prescribed interactive routines delivered by an AI assistant were feasible to use as interventions with older adults. Engagement and usability by older adults may be influenced by personality traits such as extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. While integrating AI-driven interventions into health care, it is important to consider these factors to promote positive outcomes.
A Nurse-Led Telemonitoring Approach in Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study and Lessons from the COVID-19 Environment (Preprint)
Authors: Noonan Stephanie , Gauld Amanda , Constantino Maria , McGill Margaret , Middleton Timothy , Caterson Ian , Fontana Luigi , Twigg Stephen , Wu Ted , Biswas Raaj Kishore , Wong Jencia
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

The utility of a nurse-led telemonitoring approach (NLTA) is yet to be firmly established in diabetes management.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of a 12-month proactive NLTA on metabolic and psychological health-indices in individuals with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a new diabetes model-of-care.

METHODS

The telemonitoring study-group (TSG n=91) comprised adults who had initially attended a tertiary hospital Australian Diabetes Centre between January 2019-March 2020. Telehealth surveillance contact with a diabetes nurse educator was subsequently maintained at ~3 monthly intervals during the pandemic response period; surveillance measures included HbA1c%, weight, adherence to healthy-behaviours and patient-reported outcomes of distress, anxiety and depression using validated instruments. Metabolic changes were compared retrospectively with a comparison-group (non-TSG n=115) who had not received contemporaneous telemonitoring contact.

RESULTS

At the end of the 12-month study, the relative percentage reduction in unadjusted HbA1c% for the TSG cohort was significantly greater than the non-TSG cohort (3.8% vs 1.2%; p = .043) by between group analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Further adjusting for pre-pandemic HbA1c% for each cohort separately across time, there was an overall significant improvement in HbA1c% for the TSG (p = .048) dissimilar to the non-TSG (p = .61). TSG participants were 40% less likely (OR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5–0.7) to experience an unfavourable rise in HbA1c% compared to the non-TSG participants after adjusting for sex, age, pre-pandemic HbA1c%, ethnicity, diabetes type, and diabetes duration. The NLTA facilitated assessments of psychological risk, with elevated depression scores significantly increased in women and in youth < 30 years-of-age (p <.001). Increasing anxiety-measures were observed in those with high baseline anxiety scores (p <.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A proactive diabetes NLTA is feasible with positive effects on glycemia and the potential to identify those at psychological risk for targeted intervention. In the context of increasing diabetes-resource demand, further study of a NLTA model of care is warranted.

CLINICALTRIAL

This study was approved by the Ethics Review Committee (HREC/X20/RPAH/0206) of the Sydney Local Health District.
Expression of MBL Genes and Biofilm Genes among Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Yadav Suvarna A. , Pawar Satyajeet K. , Patil Satish R. , Datkhile Kailas D. , Karande Geeta S.
Published: November 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a versatile Gram-negative bacterium, poses a serious threat due to its adeptness at developing resistance mechanisms. Metallo-beta-lactamases produced by P. aeruginosa are pivotal in conferring resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, compromising treatment effectiveness. The bacterium’s proficiency in forming biofilms further enhances its persistence, especially in clinical settings. In this study conducted at Krishna Hospital and Medical Research Center, Karad, 205 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated for their metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) production and biofilm-forming capabilities. The phenotypic detection of MBL production was carried out using the Imipenem-EDTA combination disc test, while biofilm formation was assessed through the microtiter plate technique. Genotypic detection involved conventional polymerase chain reaction targeting MBL and biofilm genes. Results showed that 28.29% of isolates produced MBL phenotypically, with 16.59% possessing MBL genes, notably the blaNDM-1 gene in 15.12% of isolates. Regarding biofilm production, 85.85% of isolates were biofilm producers, and biofilm-encoding genes were present in 80.49% of isolates. The most frequently encoded genes were algD (79.51%), pelF (58.0%), and pslD (46.34%). Comparing phenotypic and genotypic methods for MBL detection, a statistically significant average agreement was observed. While there was an increasing trend in biofilm genotypic positive patterns with stronger biofilm phenotypic patterns, the correlation was not statistically significant. The study concludes that every resistant clinical isolate should be screened for MBL and biofilm production using simple phenotypic tests, with confirmation by PCR if possible. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the prevalence and genetic basis of MBL and biofilm in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates, contributing to strategies for combating antibiotic resistance.