bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dostava paketa naručenih putem internetske trgovine u kontekstu posljednje milje u sjeverozapadnoj Hrvatskoj
Authors: Petar Saša , Garić Valentina , Jelenković Ana
Published: January 2024

Posljednja milja označava zadnji korak distribucije do kupca. Odnosi se na isporuku pošiljka u zadnjim kilometrima, gdje dostavne službe iz distributivno-logističkih centara preuzimaju pošiljke i dostavljaju ih na kupčevu adresu ili najbližu dogovorenu lokaciju. Glavni zadatci posljednje milje jesu, da u što kraćem vremenu i uz što manje troškove, pošiljke dođu do kupca. Iz tog razloga dostavne službe uvode nova logistička rješenja koja im pomažu savladavati probleme posljednje milje. Problem posljednje milje javlja se usporedno s rastom internetske trgovine jer dostavljači moraju isporučivati ogromne količine pošiljaka. Novi oblici dostave pospješuju dostavu u posljednjoj milji, tako što smanjuju troškove, zagušenje prometa, zagađenje okoliša i buku. Zato je cilj svim dostavnim službama u sjeverozapadnoj Hrvatskoj da u skorijoj budućnosti osim paketomata uvedu i druge inovativne oblike dostave u posljednjoj milji. Kako bi se saznalo koliko su kupci u sjeverozapadnoj Hrvatskoj zadovoljni dostavom paketa, provedeno je istraživanje na uzorku od 127 ispitanika. Ispitanici su se izjasnili što i koliko često naručuju preko interneta, koliko su zadovoljni dostavnim službama u sjeverozapadnoj Hrvatskoj te bi li željeli da se uvede neki novi oblik dostave u posljednjoj milji.
Analiza prerađivačke industrije Varaždinske županije u razdoblju od 2019. do 2021. godine
Authors: Štiber Snježana
Published: January 2024

Prerađivačka industrija predstavlja najvažniji i najsnažniji pokretač gospodarstva svake zemlje. U gospodarstvu Varaždinske županije prerađivačka industrija čini značajan udio, a osobito u segmentu broja zaposlenih, ukupnom prihodu te izvozu. Prema dokumentu „Nacionalna klasifikacija djelatnosti 2007. – NKD 2007“ prerađivačka industrija označava se oznakom C te sadrži 24 grane djelatnosti koje se označavaju oznakama od c10 do c33. U radu je dan pregled poduzetničkih aktivnosti prerađivačke industrije Varaždinske županije.
Analysis of applicability of tools and techniques in total
quality management concepts
Authors: Glogovac Maja , Ruso Jelena
Published: January 2024

The Total Quality Management (TQM) emerged as an evolution of the continuous improvement philosophy, emphasising quality as a fundamental aspect of the business to achieve higher organisational competitiveness. As business environments are characterized by dynamic changes, applying various TQM tools and techniques allows a leading edge in the market. Additionally, TQM tools and techniques serve entrepreneurs to improve the quality of their products or services, focusing on customer satisfaction, employee involvement, and continuous improvement. However, in the lack of knowledge and information, entrepreneurs are often unaware of the available methodologies. Hence, the paper shows, describes and systematises a set of tools and techniques available to all business people and their applicability to TQM concepts such as 8D and Six Sigma. The paper provides practical insights, information, and guidance for entrepreneurs and managers to improve the quality of their products or services, the efficiency of operations, and achieve long-term sustained success.
Pregled poduzetničkih aktivnosti u transportnoj logistici tijekom Covid 19 pandemije u Republici Hrvatskoj
Authors: Grgurević Davor , Jelenković Ana , Mutavdžija Maja
Published: January 2024

Ovim radom analizirane su poduzetničke aktivnosti u transportnoj djelatnosti Repubike Hrvatske tijekom pandemije COVID-19. Analizirana je struktura poduzetnika te trendovi povećanja ili smanjenja broja poduzetnika i zaposlenih u ovoj djelatnosti. Također, provedena je i regionalna analiza korištenjem filtera za županije ili regije kako bi se dobila cjelovita slika poduzetničke aktivnosti u tom području. Također je analiziran utjecaj pojave i širenja pandemije COVID-19 u kvalitativnom i kvantitativnom smislu na promet i prometnu infrastrukturu te pružanje prijevoznih usluga.
Economic diplomacy as an incentive to the development of
entrepreneurship
Authors: Jukić Doris
Published: January 2024

Entrepreneurship plays an important role in the context of economic diplomacy as a basis for the strengthening of the economic ties between countries. Entrepreneurs are key players in international business, and their innovation, adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit can stimulate trade, investment and development. By supporting entrepreneurs, economic diplomacy helps create sustainable economic growth and development. Adaptation and full understanding of economic, global and historical circumstances and principles can lead to progress and stability not only in the internal organization of the state, but also in its relationship, business and contact with other actors on the global scene. This paper contains an overview of activities that are considered a direct link between economic diplomacy and the development of entrepreneurship, or rather, it explains how entrepreneurs are represented through economic diplomacy.
Taxonomic diversity and abundance of enchytraeids (Annelida, Clitellata, Enchytraeida) in the Northern Palaearctic. 1. Asian part
Authors: Degtyarev Maxim , Saifutdinov Ruslan , Korobushkin Daniil , Bastrakov Alexander , Danilova Margarita , Davydov Ivan , Gorbunova Anastasia , Guseva Polina , Karlik Evgeniy , Koshchanova Roza , Kuznetsova Ksenia , Lebedev Iurii , Medvedev Dmitriy , Obolenskiy Roman , Popova Anna , Pronina Nina , Rybalov Leonid , Surov Alexei , Tadzhimov Akmal , Tarasov Alexander , Vasiliev Vladislav , Zaitsev Andrey , Zvychaynaya Elena , Gongalsky Konstantin
Published: January 2024

Enchytraeids, or potworms, are tiny oligochaetes that are distributed worldwide in many terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Despite their key role in the functioning of ecosystems, the diversity and abundance of Enchytraeidae are rarely studied due to the laborious process of species identification. The present study addresses this gap and sheds some light on the distribution and abundance of enchytraeids in the lands of the Northern Palearctic. The provided dataset constitutes the latest and comprehensive field sampling of enchytraeid assemblages across the Asiatic part of the Northern Palearctic, encompassing an original set of soil samples systematically collected throughout the region from 2019 to 2022.

The dataset includes occurrences from 131 georeferenced sites, encompassing 39 species and 7,074 records. This represents the first dataset providing species-specific information about the distribution and abundance of terrestrial enchytraeids across an extensive geographic area covering the Asian sector of the Northern Palaearctic. The compiled dataset is the key for exploring and understanding local and regional enchytraeid diversity. It may also serve as a valuable resource for monitoring and conserving the entire soil biodiversity.
Un communisme du vivant
Authors: Guillibert Paul , Löwy Michael , Geny Maxime
Published: January 2024

Les travaux de Paul Guillibert visent à élaborer une philosophie sociale et politique de la nature à partir d'une discussion entre marxisme et humanités environnementales. L’un de ses derniers ouvrages 1 est une tentative novatrice de fournir une base théorique aux luttes visant à préserver la biosphère et à protéger le vivant. Analysant, dans cette perspective, les écrits de Karl Marx, du sociologue de la culture anglais Raymond Williams et du marxiste péruvien José Carlos Mariategui, Paul Guillibert propose, contre la logique destructrice du capitalisme, un « communisme du vivant ». Dans cet entretien, nous lui demandons d'expliciter certains des arguments de son ouvrage.
Les esprits de la terre en soulèvements
Authors: Glowczewski Barbara , Querrien Anne
Published: January 2024

Barbara Glowczewski travaille depuis 1979 sur la richesse politique, artistique et spirituelle des savoirs aborigènes, en particulier avec les Warlpiri du désert central australien et les peuples de la côte nord-ouest. Dans son dernier ouvrage 1 , elle prend appui sur sa longue fréquentation des Aborigènes et sur les nombreuses recherches qu’elle a consacrées à leurs rituels cosmologiques et luttes pour la terre et la justice sociale. À partir de l’expérience de ces modes de vie qui attachent spirituellement les humains aux autres qu’humains, animaux, plantes mais aussi la pluie, les étoiles et des lieux vivants pour les Aborigènes 2  –, l’autrice propose d'encourager des alliances transplanétaires entre communautés autochtones et autres collectifs, sur la base de résonances de leurs cosmoactions respectives dans des luttes locales – menées partout sur la planète face aux expropriations et à l’extractivisme du capitalisme néolibéral. Une notion que Barbara Glowczewski appelle l’ouverture au Multivers, très proche de celle de plurivers théorisée par Arturo Escobar 3 . Un « compagnonnage des peuples en luttes » pourrait contribuer ainsi à propager une vision pluraliste de l’existence qui contribuerait à transformer la planète pour prendre soin des mondes qui y cohabitent. Des thèses ici mises en discussion avec Anne Querrien, amie de longue date de l’autrice.
Du terricide et de la domination de l’Homme à la relationnalité comme fondement de la vie
Authors: Escobar Arturo
Published: January 2024

L’auteur originaire de Colombie, dont les études anti-développementistes et décoloniales ont atteint une renommée internationale 1 , aborde ici trois notions connexes : la crise civilisationnelle, les transitions vers le « plurivers » et une ontologie relationnelle qui fonde politiquement ces mêmes transitions. S’appuyant sur la notion de « terricide », il développe une perspective de la « relationnalité » en tant que vision non dualiste du fondement de la vie. Cette perspective devrait permettre une éthique et une politique capables de désindividualiser, relocaliser et accroître les liens relationnels. L’extrait que nous traduisons ici est tiré d’un long article paru en 2021 2 , qui anticipe la sortie prochaine d’un ouvrage collectif sur le sujet 3 .
Murray Bookchin ou la puissance utopique de l’écologie
Authors: Fauvel Guillaume
Published: January 2024

Les pensées libertaires de l’écologie offrent la perspective enthousiasmante de se confronter aux enjeux environnementaux sans jamais céder ni au catastrophisme aujourd’hui incarné par les théories de la collapsologie, ni à l’« environnementalisme », cette pensée étatisée et inoffensive de l’écologie. Dans la galaxie des pensées libertaires écologiques, Murray Bookchin occupe une place importante. Sa réception tardive en Europe n’enlève rien à la puissance de sa conception de l’écologie qui part du constat fondamental selon lequel la domination de l’humain sur la nature résulte directement de la domination de l’humain sur l’humain. Sans renoncer au potentiel utopique de l’écologie libertaire, Bookchin propose un ensemble concret d’actions pour ouvrir une brèche dans l’ordre établi, celui du capitalisme et de ses logiques de domination.
Écosocialisme ou barbarie ?
Authors: Münster Arno
Published: January 2024

Arno Münster, auteur de plusieurs livres faisant référence au travail d’André Gorz et ancien membre de notre comité de rédaction, nous fait l’amitié d’une traduction d’une partie de son discours prononcé en allemand le 12 juillet 2023, à l’Université Technique de Vienne 1 . En hommage à André Gorz et dans le cadre du Colloque international « André Gorz – Zur Aktualität seines Denkens » (« André Gorz – L’actualité de sa pensée »), organisé par le Club of Vienna , en collaboration avec la branche autrichienne du Basic Income Earth Network « Netzwerk Grundeinkommen und sozialer Zusammenhalt » 2 . L’intégralité de la traduction d’origine est à retrouvée sur le site d’ EcoRev’.
Dénormalisation du tabac et de son industrie par la société civile : mise en œuvre et évaluation de la campagne « Pouvoir de vivre » par l’ACT – Alliance contre le tabac
Authors: de Guiran Ellen , Josseran Loïc , Catellin Marion
Published: January 2024

Cet article présente l’approche dite de dénormalisation, qui s’est progressivement imposée dans le champ de la lutte contre le tabac. Cette démarche regroupe un ensemble varié de pratiques et entend renouveler les méthodes de la lutte contre le tabac en élargissant sa portée au-delà des considérations individuelles et sanitaires habituelles ; elle envisage le tabagisme en tant que problématique sociétale. Cette contribution illustre la mise en œuvre de cette approche, incarnée en France par les campagnes de dénormalisation de l’Alliance Contre le Tabac depuis 2019. La dernière campagne réalisée en janvier 2023 démontre que le tabagisme, au-delà de son impact sanitaire, aggrave aussi les difficultés financières quotidiennes des personnes les plus modestes. La présentation de ce dispositif permet d’illustrer le déploiement de ce type de campagne, la méthodologie utilisée, les outils mobilisés et les résultats obtenus, grâce à la réalisation d’un post-test.
Walking to Prevent Fear of Falling Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Scoping Review
Authors: Iriarte Evelyn , Araya Alejandra-Ximena
Published: January 2024

The current review sought to identify and synthesize the evidence on available interventions that include walking and their impact on fear of falling (FOF) among community-dwelling older adults without cognitive impairment. A 10-year search was conducted (January 2012 to January 2022) in two peer-reviewed databases. A total of 116 articles were identified, and 22 articles were reviewed. Most studies included multicomponent walking interventions, such as walking and another type of intervention or exercise. Among the different questionnaires to assess FOF, the Falls Efficacy Scale–International was the most used in 77.3% (
n
= 17) of studies. In addition to walking, interventions to reduce FOF mainly included balance training, lower extremity strengthening, cardio or aerobic exercises, or a combination of these exercises. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of unidimensional walking interventions, as well as those that incorporate psychological and technological elements targeted to FOF prevention and management. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50
(1), 15–21.]
Social Support Networks Among Black Caregivers of Persons With Memory Problems
Authors: Blake Jason A. , Fields Maizonne J. , Bowen Pamela , Ejem Deborah , Clay Olivio J.
Published: January 2024

Positive social support can predict health outcomes in populations that experience significant burdens, such as minority caregivers. The purpose of the current study was to detail the social network (SN) of 36 Black family caregivers (FCGs) for persons with memory problems (PWMP) and examine differences in SN support depending on FCG gender and relationship to the care recipient. Participants were recruited from the Alzheimer's family program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the local community. FCGs were categorized into adult children (ACH), grandchildren and in-law children, and friends and other relatives. FCGs described the amount of adequate support they receive for different types of support from their SN. Female FCGs reported higher levels of support overall, with the largest effect sizes including social (
d
= 0.63), emotional (
d
= 0.64), and financial (
d
= 0.38) support. The largest effect size comparison of caregiver relationship type was in social support, with the ACH group reporting the lowest levels of adequate social support compared to the other two groups (
d
= 0.48). Findings suggest that different types of Black FCGs face unique challenges depending on their gender and familial relationship to the care recipient. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50
(1), 22–29.]
Robustness analysis of Cohen-Grossberg neural network with piecewise constant argument and stochastic disturbances
Authors: Xie Tao , Zheng Wenqing
Published: January 2024

Robustness of neural networks has been a hot topic in recent years. This paper mainly studies the robustness of the global exponential stability of Cohen-Grossberg neural networks with a piecewise constant argument and stochastic disturbances, and discusses the problem of whether the Cohen-Grossberg neural networks can still maintain global exponential stability under the perturbation of the piecewise constant argument and stochastic disturbances. By using stochastic analysis theory and inequality techniques, the interval length of the piecewise constant argument and the upper bound of the noise intensity are derived by solving transcendental equations. In the end, we offer several examples to illustrate the efficacy of the findings.
Tri-branch feature pyramid network based on federated particle swarm optimization for polyp segmentation
Authors: Fan Kefeng , Xu Cun , Cao Xuguang , Jiao Kaijie , Mo Wei
Published: January 2024

Deep learning technology has shown considerable potential in various domains. However, due to privacy issues associated with medical data, legal and ethical constraints often result in smaller datasets. The limitations of smaller datasets hinder the applicability of deep learning technology in the field of medical image processing. To address this challenge, we proposed the Federated Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm, which is designed to increase the efficiency of decentralized data utilization in federated learning and to protect privacy in model training. To stabilize the federated learning process, we introduced Tri-branch feature pyramid network (TFPNet), a multi-branch structure model. TFPNet mitigates instability during the aggregation model deployment and ensures fast convergence through its multi-branch structure. We conducted experiments on four different public datasets$ \colon $ CVC-ClinicDB, Kvasir, CVC-ColonDB and ETIS-LaribPolypDB. The experimental results show that the Federated Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm outperforms single dataset training and the Federated Averaging algorithm when using independent scattered data, and TFPNet converges faster and achieves superior segmentation accuracy compared to other models.
A hybrid butterfly algorithm in the optimal economic operation of microgrids
Authors: Sun Guohao , Yang Sen , Zhang Shouming , Liu Yixing
Published: January 2024

With the increasing capacity of renewable energy generators, microgrid (MG) systems have experienced rapid development, and the optimal economic operation is one of the most important and challenging issues in the MG field. To reduce the overall generation cost of microgrids, a hybrid butterfly algorithm (HBOA) is proposed to address the optimal economic operation problem in MG systems. This algorithm uses adaptive switching thresholds to balance the global exploration capability and local exploitation capability of the algorithm. It introduces a diversity learning mechanism to enhance information exchange among populations to improve the algorithm's accuracy and proposes an elite-guided guidance strategy to accelerate the convergence speed of the algorithm. Numerical simulation experiments on 10 standard test functions validate that the HBOA algorithm has higher optimization accuracy and faster convergence speed. Simulation experiments are conducted on two operation modes of microgrids: Islanded and grid-connected, and compared with other algorithms. In islanded and grid-connected modes, HBOA can reduce operating costs by up to 11.7% and 17.7%, respectively. The experimental results confirm the applicability and superiority of the proposed algorithm for solving the optimal economic operation problem in microgrids.
Systemic-Relational Design to Enhance Empathy Processes
Authors: Langella Carla
Published: January 2024

The chapter investigates the role that design discipline can have in the field of human affective relationships. For this role to be effective, the designer will have to elaborate strategies, tools, and methods for the development of a new generation of relational and interactive artefacts that, through innovative analogue and digital solutions, are proposed as active mediators of interpersonal emotional relationships. Mediation can take place through the decoding of signals with a high emotional component and the management of multisensory interaction modes. The paper proposes some projects developed in this direction within the Hybrid Design Lab, a laboratory born in the Department of Architecture and Industrial Design of the University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", from 2022 placed in the Department of Architecture of the University of Naples Federico II.
Innovation and Tradition - Respect for Tradition in the Architecture of the Past
Authors: Niglio Mariangela
Published: January 2024

This work shows some examples of architecture that have been able to combine the cultural and technological traditions of the places in which they are located with elements of innovation. The theme of respect for tradition in the great architecture of the past is discussed in the first part of the chapter. Three examples of great Italian architecture were chosen in which elements of innovation are inserted into projects in which the architect has chosen to respect the pre-existing structures. Subsequently, the use of materials and construction techniques belonging to the local tradition is discussed innovatively and continuously over time. Finally, some examples of contemporary architecture are displayed in which the designers have decided to respect traditions to make the works they propose better communicate with the environment, territory and society. Respecting traditional materials also turns out to be a method for creating eco-sustainable architecture.
LED Technology and Smart City, their Role and Impact on Man and the Environment
Authors: Di Caro Silvia
Published: January 2024

This chapter explores the evolution of public lighting, tracing its historical development from the early days of illumination to contemporary times. It highlights the contemporary significance of public lighting in meeting regulatory standards for illumination, emphasizing the fundamental role of LED technology. LED technology not only ensures compliance with lighting regulations but also significantly reduces network power consumption, thereby mitigating environmental pollution compared to traditional discharge lamps. Furthermore, this chapter underscores the transformative shift in the role of modern lighting systems, which have evolved into multifunctional hubs for the integration of value-added services. These services encompass a wide range of applications, including surveillance cameras, smart parking systems, and electric vehicle charging stations, thereby enhancing the overall functionality and sustainability of urban environments.
A Different Empathy towards the Use of DIY Biocomposites in Design
Authors: Santulli Carlo
Published: January 2024

The interaction of oil-based plastics with the user is limited to the sight and possibly touch, being in any case predictable and not very satisfying. Since bioplastics have been prevalently designed to fit the needs for plastic substitution, the natural elements present in it have intentionally been concealed, so that it is difficult for the user to recover the sense of what using a natural material is like, even worst of what is dealing with an upcycled waste in a material fit-for-use in design and not intended for single use. In this work, the preparation of DIY materials including different kinds of food or non-food waste according to a self-developed and tailored recipe may constitute a possibility. The surface aspect and the expressive properties of a set of twelve selected DIY materials developed in University di Camerino according to an opposite characteristics map are reported, to serve as reflection of their likely empathy content and on building a richer and more reputable interaction with materials including waste, in view of an effective upcycling process.
Nexus Between Possibility of Fraudulent Financial Reporting and Corporate Governance: Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Parvin R. , Akter M.
Published: January 2024

This paper intends to test the nexus between the possibility of fraudulent financial reporting and the corporate governance in Bangladesh. The content analysis of annual reports has been performed for 125 Bangladeshi listed manufacturing companies. In this study, we apply more than one fraud indicator models such as Altman Z-score and Beneish M-score models to determine more accurately the chance of fraudulent financial reporting. The chance of fraudulent financial reporting is determined based on whether either one or both of Altman Z-score and Beneish M-score models show red flags of potential fraud. This study found that board members with finance or accounting backgrounds are less likely to practice in misleading financial reporting since they may have the knowledge essential to understand fraudulent financial reporting strategies. This result implies that qualified directors may supervise financial reporting practices better, hence improving the quality of financial reports. Alternatively, some other components of corporate governance, such as board size, board independence, director ownership, gender diversity, and auditors' independence, have insignificant impacts on fraudulent financial reporting practices. This outcome indicates that these Bangladeshi corporate governance components may not be as strong in improving financial reporting credibility. In the context of Bangladesh, this is the first empirical study with management and policy implications. To the best of the writers’ knowledge, no article yet has been worked on the possibility of fraudulent financial reporting which calculated by multiple models and its relationship with the corporate governance in the context of Bangladesh.
The trial of sending short message service multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Indonesia
Authors: Syarifah Syarifah , Santi Devi Nuraini
Published: January 2024

Background. MDR TB (multidrug-resistant tuberculosis) is a threat for the future control of TB disease. In Indonesia, the success rate of MDR TB patient recovery is still very low, following the still low recovery rate of TB patients. Objective. This paper aims to discuss the trial result of message delivery containing knowledge and motivation to the MDR TB sufferers. Methods. There are about 34 MDR TB patients participating in this research. During the research, everyone received a message in their handphone or the handphone of their family members every day, contained information on medication and motivation to comply with the medication. At the end of the research, the measurement on knowledge and attitude, on the compliance with medication, and on the compliance with laboratory examinations was conducted. Results. The results were compared with the assessment before this intervention was conducted. Out of 32 patients that managed to complete the intervention, the average means of their knowledge and attitude increased significantly. The average mean of knowledge before the intervention was 9.74 to become 10.94, and the average mean of attitude was from 7.06 to become 18.47 (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the medication compliance score and the laboratory examination compliance score also changed significantly (p<0.05). SMS delivery routinely even in a short period of time managed to change knowledge and motivation of MDR TB sufferers. Conclusions. To conclude, it is necessary to develop recent technology effort in order to scalling-up MDR TB patients. Existing social channels in the community must be used intensivelly to reduce this disease negative impact.
Pulse pressure and inferior wall ST‑segment elevation myocardial infarction: investigating mortality, hospital major cardiovascular events, and long‑term prognosis
Authors: Enayatollah Hashemi-Jokandan Enayatollah , Khalaji Amirreza , Abdollahzadeh Ali , Separham Ahmad
Published: January 2024

Inferior Wall ST‑Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (INF STEMI) is a severe condition with high mortality. Rapid treatment with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) is preferred. Pulse Pressure(PP) is a known risk factor for both cardiovascular disease and may be a valuable predictor of outcomes in these patients. The study aims to evaluate the relationship between PP and long‑term prognosis, mortality, and major cardiovascular events after inferior STEMI in cases who underwent PPCI. This cross‑sectional study included subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of inferior STEMI who underwent PPCI. Patient data were gathered from hospital records and analyzed for the relationship between PP and MACE during hospitalization and one‑year follow‑up. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. This cross‑sectional study of 320 cases found that DM, DBP, and Cr patients had a higher incidence of MACEs (P‑value 0.05). Subjects with higher LVEF and SBP had fewer MACEs (P‑value 0.05). Cases with a PP of ≤50 had a higher mortality and heart failure incidence during hospitalization than those with a PP 50(P‑value 0.05). However, the two groups had no significant difference in one‑year MACE rates. The study found that increasing DBP, Cr, and DM and decreasing LVEF and SBP impacted MACE incidence. PP ≤50 had more heart failure incidence and mortality during hospitalization in patients with inferior STEMI.
Clinicoradiological Profile of Incomplete Hippocampal Inversion Diagnosed on MR Neuroimaging
Authors: Nitheesha Vendoti , Rao Jamine S. Mohan , Reddy Midhusha , Nagarajan Krishnan , Narayan Sunil K. , Kandasamy Preeti , Chandrasekharan Venkatesh
Published: January 2024

Background and Purpose:

Incomplete hippocampal inversion (IHI) is a developmental failure of normal hippocampal inversion. Previous studies have described IHI in epilepsy and non-epilepsy subjects. IHI has also been reported with malformations of cortical development (MCDs) and corpus callosal agenesis that have association with neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study aims to describe the clinical profile of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-diagnosed IHI.

Materials and Methods:

We studied patients with IHI who were identified after a retrospective review of the MRI archives of the past 3 years. The MRI findings of partial and total IHI were included. The clinical profiles associated with IHI were classified into epilepsy and non-epilepsy categories.

Results:

A retrospective review of MRI done over 3 years revealed 54 cases of IHI (32 left-sided, 20 bilateral, and 2 isolated right-sided), and out of 74 IHI, 59 were of total type and 15 partial. Thirty-six subjects (61.1%) had epilepsy (9 with neurodevelopmental problems), 17 subjects (31.5%) had ASD, and 4 subjects (7.4%) had only neurodevelopmental disorders. MCDs were seen in 7 (12.9%): polymicrogyria (4), periventricular heterotopia (2), and pachygyria (1). Hippocampal volume loss was seen in 10, and contralateral mesial temporal sclerosis was seen in 2 patients.

Conclusion:

Hippocampal inversion has been reported in MRI scans of patients with epilepsy, ASD, MCDs, and many other related disorders. Further studies are required to know its occurrence among patients who get MRI scans due to many other disorders such as headaches, psychiatric disorders, minor hear trauma, and perinatal insults. If possible, studies among normal populations also need to be done.
Neuroimaging Features of High-Altitude Cerebral Edema
Authors: Dhok Swapnil M. , Gudipati Anant R. , Kaul Subhash , Papalkar Amber S.
Published: January 2024

High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is serious, sometimes fatal clinical condition visualized in unacclimatized individuals climbing high altitudes. The current case report highlights a 39 year old male with a recent history of high-altitude mountain climbing and presented with memory impairment. The radiological findings revealed edema and microhemorrhages at genu and splenium of corpus callosum. Two months later the subject displayed complete resolution of edema, with persistent microhemorrhages. Herein, we report the radiological features of this rare clinical event. The lack of advanced imaging centers at higher altitudes elicit this clinical condition as less described entity.
Spontaneous Bilateral Basal Ganglia Haemorrhage Secondary to Methanol Poisoning
Authors: Sohor Norainon J , Loh Wei Chao , Pang Rong Yao , Khan Abdul Hanif , Chia Peck Kee , Sulaiman Wan Aliaa Wan , Mat Liyana Inche , Hoo Fan Kee , Basri Hamidon
Published: January 2024

Methanol toxicity remains as major problem in the medical field.[1-3] With its active metabolite, formic acid often leads to severe metabolic acidosis and to some extend brain damaged.[4-6] We are reporting a case of brain hemorrhage at the right external capsule and left basal ganglia with mass effect and obstructive hydrocephalus in a methanol poisoning patient. A confused 29-year-old gentleman was brought into hospital. Initial investigation showed severe metabolic acidosis with raised anion gap. Initial brain CT scan was normal. Subsequently, serum methanol was reported to be high (112 mg/dL). Intravenous (IV) ethanol 10% was given without any delayed. As there was no improvement in his consciousness level, a repeat brain CT was performed and it showed multiple cerebral hemorrhage with obstructive hydrocephalus. Hence, clinicians should have high index of suspicion for cerebral hemorrhage in a patient with methanol toxicity, who presented with altered mental status and severe metabolic acidosis.
Determining the Role of Immunoglobulin Levels in Children with Febrile Seizures
Authors: Akcal Omer , Arican Pinar , Cavusoglu Dilek
Published: January 2024

Background :

Febrile seizures are the most common form of convulsive disorder in childhood. The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of febrile seizure remain unclear.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess the immunoglobulin (IG) sub-group levels in children with febrile seizures.

Methods and Material:

The patients with a diagnosis of febrile seizure with an age range of 1–7 years who attended the clinic were included in the study. Neurologically normal and age- and sex-matched children with no history of febrile seizures were considered as controls.

Results:

A total of 64 patients and 100 control subjects participated in this study. There were no significant inter-group differences in terms of sex and age of the participants (p >.05). There was no statistical difference between case and control groups for serum lymphocyte count, IgA, IgG, IgM, IgE levels, and anti-HB response (p >.05).

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated that there is no difference in humoral immunity between children with febrile seizures and control subjects with the same age range.
Local Ulceration following Peripheral Neurolysis with Absolute Alcohol in Patients with Drug-Refractory Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Khandelwal Ankur , Seshan Jayanth Ranganathan , Rath Girija Prasad , Chaturvedi Arvind
Published: January 2024

A significant number of patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) are refractory to first-line drugs and require interruption of the pain pathway by various percutaneous procedures. One such percutaneous technique involves an injection of absolute alcohol (AA) into the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve. This procedure is useful in elderly and medically compromised drug-refractory cases of TGN who are not interested in undergoing open neurosurgery. Peripheral neurolysis with AA is easy, quick, and safe. It may be carried out in the outpatient department; however, its use is not free from complications. Here, we report four such patients who were complicated with local necrosis and ulceration following administration of AA. The most probable attributable etiologies are sympathetic nerve involvement, intravascular injection of alcohol, vascular spasm of the terminal arteries, distal micro-emboli effect, and faulty technique, including repeated injections.
Collagen XII-Related Myopathy
Authors: Padmanabha Hansashree , Arunachal Gautham , Kishore Pratik , Sharma P Praveen , Mailankody Pooja , Mahale Rohan R , Nashi Saraswati , Mathuranath PS , Chandra Sadanandavalli R
Published: January 2024

Collagen XII, a member of a protein family called fibril associated collagen with interrupted triple helices (FACIT), is an important component of extracellular matrix and is essential for bridging the neighbouring fibrils. Mutations in collagen XII have been recently described to cause a rare extracellular matrix-related myopathy in those whose phenotype resembles collagen VI-related dystrophies and were negative for pathogenic variants in COL6A genes. The authors report a 4-year old girl presented with a phenotype mimicking Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy and genetically confirmed to have pathogenic variants in COL12A1 gene thus, expanding the phenotypic spectrum of COL12A1-related myopathy.
A Review on Radix Scutellariae: A Traditional Chinese Medicine with Great Medicinal Significant
Authors: Koriem Khaled M. M.
Published: January 2024

Radix Scutellariae (RS) refers to the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) plant. This plant belongs to family Lamiaceae. There are many common names of RS such as huang chin, huang lien, huang qin, huangqin, and wogon. SBG plant is spreading throughout many Asian countries such as China, Japan, North and South Korea, Mongolia and Russia. The aim of this review is to focus on the ingredients, medicinal uses, pharmacological activity, toxicology, adverse effects, precautions, and dosage of RS. RS contains baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, wogonoside, and oroxylin A ingredients. RS is used in the treatment of fever, nausea and vomiting, acute dysentery, jaundice, coughs, carbuncles and sores, and threatened abortion. RS is applied in the treatment of allergies, arteriosclerosis, diarrhea, dermatitis, and hypertension. Pharmacology activity of RS includes experimental pharmacology and clinical pharmacology. Experimental pharmacology contains hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, antiviral, central nervous system, enzyme inhibition, immunological, platelet aggregation inhibition, and smooth muscle activities. Injection of water extract of RS (12–15 g/kg, intragastrically) to dogs without any toxic effects and the oral intake of 4–5 g/kg of this extract to dogs three times/day for 8 weeks did not induce any toxic effects. There are no carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, and impairment of fertility, pregnancy, teratogenic effects or any other effects of RS. RS possesses many pharmacological activities and it is used to treat many diseases and without any toxic effect to any organs.
Kasr-Al-Ainy cutaneous lymphoma unit protocol for management of mycosis fungoides
Authors: Youssef Randa , ElHanafy Ghada , Elmasry Maha F. , Abdelkader Heba A. , Elbendary Amira , Orabi Sarah , Helmy Kholoud
Published: January 2024

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. This article discusses the management of MF at our institute in view of the international guidelines with modifications according to the available facilities and suggested a stepwise algorithm for management of different stages of MF focusing mainly on early stages.
The boosting effect of minoxidil 0.1% when combined with dutasteride 0.01% and microneedling in the treatment of female pattern hair loss
Authors: Essam Reham , Selim Heba , Ehab Rana
Published: January 2024

Background

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a disease characterized by progressive hair thinning. Topical minoxidil is an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Dutasteride (a 5α-reductase inhibitor) can also be used in a topical form to reduce its systemic side effects. Both agents can be used as mesotherapy after microneedling of the scalp to enhance their potency in the treatment of FPHL.

Objective

To compare the use of combined minoxidil and dutasteride versus dutasteride alone when applied topically after microneedling of the scalp in the treatment of FPHL.

Patients and methods

This study included 40 female patients with FPHL. Patients were divided into two groups: one group was treated with combined minoxidil 0.1% and dutasteride 0.01% with microneedling, and the other group received dutasteride 0.01% alone with microneedling. Trichoscopic evaluation was done.

Results

In a group A, who were treated with combined minoxidil and dutasteride, 4 patients (20%) had excellent improvement, 10 patients (50%) had a good response, 5 patients (25%) had a moderate response, and only 1 patient (5%) had no response, while in a group B, who treated with dutasteride, 1 patient (5%) had excellent improvement, 4 patients (20%) had a good response, 10 patients (50%) had a moderate response, and 5patients(25%) had no response, with a significant difference between both groups (P=0.033. There were the nonsignificant difference between both groups regarding trichoscopic findings before treatment, but after treatment, there was a significant difference between both groups concerning the mean percentage of the follicular unit with one hair and the number of patients who had vellus hairs in the dermoscopic field.

Conclusion

The combination of minoxidil 0.1% and dutasteride 0.01% after microneedling of the scalp was significantly more effective than dutasteride alone with microneedling for the treatment of FPHL.
Prevalence and onychoscopy features of benign longitudinal melanonychia in richly pigmented skin individuals
Authors: Anaba Ehiaghe L. , Okoro Obumneme E. , Arabambi Babawale
Published: January 2024

Background

Benign longitudinal melanonychia (BLM) is not readily documented in richly pigmented skin individuals.

Objective

To determine the population-based prevalence of BLM and to document its onychoscopy and clinical features.

Patients and methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 1304 participants from October to December 2022 at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, following ethical clearance. The finger and toe nails of the participants were examined for BLM. Onychoscopy was conducted on individuals who had BLM. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Simple means and frequencies are presented.

Results

The prevalence of BLM was 30%, occurred in 50.6% of females and was more prevalent in individuals aged greater than 60 years. The colour of BLM was brown in 80.6%, regular width, uniform colouration and spacing in 100%. BLM mostly occurred on one digit and occurred more on the finger nails than the toe nails. The thumb and the index fingers of the hand, the big toe and the second toe nails were predominantly affected.

Conclusion

Benign longitudinal melanonychia has a high prevalence in richly pigmented skin individuals and it occurs more in the seventh decade of life. It affects females more and affects the finger nails more than the toe nails. A family history, onset after trauma or pregnancy are uncommon. Onychoscopy reveals a predominantly brown colouration, a width of less than 3 mm, regular lines, uniform colouration, regular spacing and a regular width.
Designing a proposal for the faculty development program on online assessments and proctoring – Secure Assessment and Facilitation of Examinations (SAFE)
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh RamBihariLal , Aziza Nurita
Published: January 2024

In recent years, the introduction of online assessments has completely revolutionized the field of medical education. In fact, online assessments offer multiple advantages to the administrators, the educators, and the students. However, considering the limited resources and being not aware of the thought process and competency level of faculty members in the medical college, it is ideal to perform a thorough need assessment. To enhance the competencies of medical teachers, we propose a hands-on workshop to enhance the knowledge and skills of faculty members in designing, developing, and administering effective online assessments in the field of medical education, along with the evaluation plan using the Kirkpatrick Model. In addition, the workshop will empower faculty members with strategies and tools for preventing cheating and ensuring the integrity of online assessments. In conclusion, online assessments have become an integral part of medical education, offering numerous benefits for both educators and students alike. We have proposed a comprehensive two half-day workshop on “Online assessments and proctoring-Secure Assessment and Facilitation of Exams,” with the help of a variety of teaching-learning methods, and multiple measures to promote their active engagement and hands-on activities. We anticipate that this program will be successful in meeting the needs of the target audience and improving their competence levels to eventually ensure that online assessments can be institutionalized.
Trochlear apparatus calcification and its association with diabetes
Authors: Ullas L. Yashas , Rachegowda N. , Revanth R. B. , Deep G. Rahul , Gowda Sahana N.
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Trochlear apparatus calcifications can be found incidentally on computed tomography (CT) scans involving the orbit. The calcification often is misdiagnosed as intraorbital foreign body and vice versa. This study aims to find the prevalence of trochlear apparatus calcification and its association with diabetes.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical college hospital from January 2021 to March 2021. Two hundred and fifty-three patients undergoing CT of the brain and paranasal sinuses were recruited. The trochlear apparatus calcification is considered when attenuation is high at the point of angulation of the superior oblique muscle. Frequency and percentages were used, and Fischer's exact test was done for association. coGuide software was used for data analysis.

Results:

The participant's mean age was 49.16 ± 18.42 years. Out of 253 participants, 137 (54.15%) had diabetes. The prevalence of trochlear apparatus calcification was 3.95%. Out of 137 people with diabetes, 5 (3.65%) had trochlear apparatus calcification.

Conclusion:

The study shows that trochlear apparatus calcification prevalence was 3.95%. This benign calcification in CT should be differentiated from ocular foreign body and other pathological conditions.
Myopia is progressing faster than its management options
Authors: Nouraeinejad Ali
Published: January 2024

Myopia, as the most common source of distance vision impairment in the world, is a serious global public health and socioeconomic crisis. Although more than half of the world population will be myopic by 2050, none of the myopia control strategies has been demonstrated to completely stop the development or progression of myopia. This is due to the fact that myopia is progressing faster than its management options. It should also be emphasized that none of the current myopia control strategies is practically in use for some reason except for research purposes. It is of critical importance to realize that without any effectual controls or therapeutic interventions, myopia crisis enlarges further.
Vitreoretinal practice during the COVID-19 era in a tertiary care hospital in Central India
Authors: Joshi Rajesh Subhash , Iyer Vandana Akshay
Published: January 2024

Aim:

The aim was to study the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on vitreoretinal practice in a tertiary care government hospital in Central India.

Setting:

This study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Central India.

Design:

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, comparative study.

Patients and Methods:

Records of all patients coming to the outpatient department of ophthalmology for vitreoretinal consultation from March 24 to September 30 in 2 consecutive years 2019 and 2020 were retrieved. Demographic profile and details of the diagnosis and treatment offered were noted and entered into the Excel sheet. Data were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results:

The number of patients presenting to the retina department from March 24 to September 30 came down from 1748 in 2019 to 836 in 2020, representing a 47.8% drop. Similarly, the number of major procedures was reduced from 178 in 2019 to 50 in 2020. Minor procedures such as intravitreal injections showed a reduction from 103 in 2019 to 38 in 2020 (37.2%).

Conclusion:

COVID-19 adversely impacted vitreoretinal practice in a tertiary care government hospital in Central India. This led to a severe loss of vision in several patients, affecting their quality of life.