bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social media conversations reveal large psychological shifts caused by COVID's onset across US cities
Authors: Ashokkumar Ashwini , Pennebaker James W.
Published: January 2021

The current research chronicles the unfolding of the early psychological impacts of COVID-19 by analyzing Reddit language from 18 US cities (200,000+ people) and large-scale survey data (11,000+ people). Large psychological shifts were found reflecting three distinct phases. When COVID warnings first emerged (“warning phase”), people’s attentional focus switched to the impending threat. Anxiety levels surged, and positive emotion and anger dropped. In parallel, people’s thinking became more intuitive rather than analytic. When lockdowns began (“isolation phase”), analytic thinking dropped further. People became sadder, and their thinking reflected attempts to process the uncertainty. Familial ties strengthened, but ties to broader social groups weakened. Six weeks after COVID’s onset (“normalization phase”), people’s psychological states stabilized but remained elevated. Most psychological shifts were stronger when the threat of COVID was greater. The magnitude of the shifts produced by the pandemic dwarfed responses to other events that occurred in the previous decade.
A possible evolutionary function of phenomenal conscious experience of pain
Authors: Kolodny Oren , Moyal Roy , Edelman Shimon
Published: January 2021

Evolutionary accounts of feelings, and in particular of negative affect and of pain, assume that creatures that feel and care about the outcomes of their behavior outperform those that do not in terms of their evolutionary fitness. Such accounts, however, can only work if feelings can be shown to contribute to fitness-influencing outcomes. Simply assuming that a learner that feels and cares about outcomes is more strongly motivated than one that doesn’t is not enough, if only because motivation can be tied directly to outcomes by incorporating an appropriate reward function, without leaving any apparent role to feelings (as it is done in state-of-the-art engineered systems based on reinforcement learning). Here, we propose a possible mechanism whereby pain contributes to fitness: an actor-critic functional architecture for reinforcement learning, in which pain reflects the costs imposed on actors in their bidding for control, so as to promote honest signaling and ultimately help the system optimize learning and future behavior.
Altering sensorimotor simulation impacts early stages of facial expression processing depending on individual differences in alexithymic traits
Authors: Schiano Lomoriello Arianna , Maffei Antonio , Brigadoi Sabrina , Sessa Paola
Published: January 2021

Simulation models of facial expressions suggest that posterior visual areas and brain areas underpinning sensorimotor simulations might interact to improve facial expression processing. According to these models, facial mimicry, a manifestation of sensorimotor simulation, may contribute to the visual processing of facial expressions by influencing early stages. The aim of this study was to assess whether and how sensorimotor simulation influences early stages of face processing, also investigating its relationship with alexithymic traits given that previous studies have suggested that individuals with high levels of alexithymic traits (vs. individuals with low levels of alexithymic traits) tend to use sensorimotor simulation to a lesser extent. We monitored P1 and N170 ERP components of the event-related potentials (ERP) in participants performing a fine discrimination task of facial expressions and animals, as a control condition. In half of the experiment, participants could freely use their facial mimicry whereas in the other half they had their facial mimicry blocked by a gel. Our results revealed that only individuals with lower compared to high alexithymic traits showed a larger modulation of the P1 amplitude as a function of the mimicry manipulation selectively for facial expressions (but not for animals), while we did not observe any modulation of the N170. Given the null results at the behavioural level, we interpreted the P1 modulation as compensative visual processing in individuals with low levels of alexithymia under conditions of interference on the sensorimotor processing, providing a preliminary evidence in favor of sensorimotor simulation models.
Reservations for Women in Kerala’s Local Self-government Institutions : A Mere Tokenism?
Authors: M S Navaneeth
Published: January 2021

Kerala is one of the many states in India which allow 50 per cent reservation for women in local self-governance through the Panchayati Raj act of 2005 and hence the representation of women in the same has risen to almost 54 per cent, as of 2015. However the same is not reflected in the upper levels of governance namely state legislature and parliamentary elections despite Kerala being praised as a forerunner of women empowerment in India. The current state legislature has a mere 8 female members out of 141, which was almost the same since the first assembly which had 7 women members. Not to mention the state also send only one member to the Parliament, a numerical trend which has been consistent since 1950. Through this article, I would be examining whether women members of various local self-government bodies (Panchayat, Municipality etc.) have the same agency as that of a man and what are the factors and conditions preventing her from achieving the same
"Did you know that David Beckham speaks nine languages?”: AI-supported production process for enhanced personalization of audio-visual content
Authors: Derda Izabela
Published: January 2021

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into the media production process has contributed to the automation of selected tasks and stronger hybridization of man and machine in the process; however, the AI-supported production process has expanded from the traditional, three-stage model by a new phase of consumer evaluation and feedback collection, analysis, and application. This has opened a way for far-reaching content personalization and thus offers a new type of media experience. Powering the production process with a constant stream of consumer data has also affected the process itself and changed its nature from linear to cyclical.
GIS and Computational Notebooks
Authors: Boeing Geoff , Arribas-Bel Dani
Published: January 2021

Researchers and practitioners across many disciplines have recently adopted computational notebooks to develop, document, and share their scientific workflows - and the GIS community is no exception. This chapter introduces computational notebooks in the geographical context. It begins by explaining the computational paradigm and philosophy that underlie notebooks. Next it unpacks their architecture to illustrate a notebook user's typical workflow. Then it discusses the main benefits notebooks offer GIS researchers and practitioners, including better integration with modern software, more natural access to new forms of data, and better alignment with the principles and benefits of open science. In this context, it identifies notebooks as the glue that binds together a broader ecosystem of open source packages and transferable platforms for computational geography. The chapter concludes with a brief illustration of using notebooks for a set of basic GIS operations. Compared to traditional desktop GIS, notebooks can make spatial analysis more nimble, extensible, and reproducible and have thus evolved into an important component of the geospatial science toolkit.
Susceptibility to misinformation: a study of climate change, Covid-19, and artificial intelligence
Authors: Gruener Sven
Published: January 2021

This study explores whether susceptibility to misinformation is context dependent. We conduct a survey experiment in which subjects had to rate the reliability of several statements in the fields of climate change, Covid-19, and artificial intelligence. There is some evidence for a monological belief system, i.e., being susceptible to one statement containing misinformation is correlated with falling to other false news stories, in all three contexts. The main findings to explain the susceptibility to misinformation can be summarized as follows: trust in social networks is positively associated with falling for misinformation in all contexts. There are also several context-related differences: Individuals are less likely to be susceptible to misinformation in the contexts of climate change and Covid-19 if they have a higher risk perception, tend to take a second look at a problem (i.e., willingness to think deliberately), update their prior beliefs to new evidence (actively open-minded thinking), and trust in science and mass media. Within the context of artificial intelligence, being less prone to conspiracy theories in general and lower subjective knowledge helps not to be susceptible to misinformation.
The Role of Authentic Leadership on Athletes’ Achievement and Moral Outcomes Over Time
Authors: Malloy Ella , Kavussanu Maria
Published: January 2021

Introduction Authentic leadership is a form of leadership which could result in positive outcomes in athletes, yet, it has received limited research attention in sport. Furthermore, previous research of authentic leadership in has been cross sectional and so it is not known how the relationships between authentic leadership and athlete outcomes change over time. The aim of the study was to investigate whether coaches’ changes in authentic leadership are related to changes in athlete outcomes directly and indirectly through changes in trust, team culture, and cohesion over time. MethodData were collected via questionnaires. The study had a longitudinal design with 421 (227 females, Mage = 20.32) team sport athletes at time 1 and 247 athletes at time 2 (5 months later). ResultsChanges over time in authentic leadership were related to changes in athletes’ perceptions of their teammates’ prosocial behaviours and enjoyment, both directly and indirectly via changes in trust and cohesion.ConclusionsOur findings enhance our understanding of authentic leadership in sport and highlight its importance in predicting crucial positive athlete outcomes.
Reading Trauma in History through Post-Conflict Narrative: Thakuri’s “The Descending Mountain”
Authors: Pokharel Badri Prasad
Published: January 2021

Maya Thakuri’s “The Descending Mountain,” is a testimony of an event that might have happened during the People’s War instigated by the Maoists towards the end of the 20th century. It has unfolded the truth hidden behind the curtain, that is, how Nepal’s geopolitical development in the post-democratic movement has made one mass depart towards the forest and raise the voice against those who were still marginalized in the name of caste, gender and ethnicity; which ultimately caused the death of more than fifteen thousand Nepali citizen and hundreds of thousands other displaced from their own homes. The theme of this article is to show a bitter truth that happened in history - the compulsion of perpetrators and victims to sabotage physically and to mourn in trauma. It is to bring the fact of Nepal’s hinterlands’ people’s history of traumatic life – how much traumatic their life was, as well as the reluctance of the civil society to such grave tale. The end of the twentieth century and the beginning of the new era, in political development to grab the power from the elite group have been remarkable to heed for the historians and academicians to knit the very emotional facts in the form of narratives, which is called here post-conflict narrative. Mrs. Thakuri, to some extent, is successful to weave a plot of a mother and her daughter on the background of the People’s War – a historical turning point in the history of Nepal and narrativize the painful traumatic story to the readers.
Editorial Vol.10 Special Issue
Authors: Dhamala Bhupa P.
Published: January 2021

No abstract available.
Knowledge and practices on maternal health care among mothers: A case study from Sewar Bansbot village of Dang district
Authors: KC Ganga
Published: January 2021

Knowledge and practices regarding maternal health care among women has had a significant shift in Nepali culture. Understanding this ship can help to improve women's overall status. Nepal implemented a safe motherhood program, which slightly improved maternal health. Data, showed the maternal mortality ratio decreased during the period between 1996 and 2016 but still there is high ratio in maternal mortality. Conservative practices of maternal health are prevalent to this date. Health education is one of the crucial factors empowering women to be attentive of their rights and health status to get appropriate health services. Maternal health is a major burning issue in Nepal, which has been affected mainly due to early marriage, teenage pregnancy, superstition, low women literacy rate, and unhygienic behavioural practices. Women go through a rather depressing situation due to workload ignorance, lack of health facilities, economic, and social conditions. Despite the efforts from various types of private, government, and voluntary health agencies, there has not been a satisfactory improvement in maternal health status and safe motherhood. This study focuses on the knowledge and practices of maternal Health care. It also describes antenatal care, delivery care, and postnatal care. The study was conducted in Sewar Basbot village of ward no. 13, Ghorahi Sub-metropolitan city of Dang district that is situated near by district headquarters, Ghorahi. In total, 45 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) who were pregnant and having children below five years of age were purposively interviewed and completed the self-administered interview schedule.
Chhaupadi Pratha: Women’s Experiences and Perceptions about Social Suffering
Authors: Khadka Nirajan
Published: January 2021

Chhaupadi Pratha, a socio-cultural system, is mostly exercised at the Far Western region of Nepal. The system is linked with biological process of women's menstrual period. Women are kept in small sheds away from home during their menstrual period. Besides difficulties staying in a small hut, they have to suffer from many physical and psychological problems. In that period, they are not allowed to take part in religious ceremonies, family kitchen for nutritious food, and family home for security, and warm. This article attempts to analyze women's experience and perception towards Chhaupadi system. In doing so, it investigates how women are suffering from the Chhaupadi system and its consequences. This ethnographic research employed unstructured in-depth conversations and key informant interviews methods to collect information. This research finds that these women are affected physically and mentally by the practices of Chhaupadi. The practice restricts women's safe live and educational opportunity because they are restricted touching anything during their period. The concept of pollution and purity differentiate the life situation of women which is depended on monthly menstrual bleeding. Menstruating women are believed as polluted that’s why they are forced to live small shed and face various difficulties. Non-menstruating women are believed as a pure. Consequently, their social relationship disturbed by shame and restriction. Living in the Chhaupadi shed brings psychological and physical threats. The discrimination during the periods faced by women is considered as violation of fundamental human rights. Women activists are engaged in campaign against the system.
Buddhist Literature: A Cosmopolitan Philosophy
Authors: Giri Pradeep Kumar
Published: January 2021

This article argues that literature of Buddha's philosophy has cosmopolitan nature. Buddhists do not believe in a personal creator God. In this sense, Buddhism is more than a religion; it is not centered only on the relationship between humans and a high God. Buddhism is a philosophical tradition that believes and centers on personal spiritual development. It is a humanistic way of life which can be understood as motivated to lead a moral life; it is also conscious of one's thoughts and actions as well as in developing wisdom and compassion. Both Buddhism and cosmopolitanism assert the dignity of every human being; these ideals aim at improving the condition of life. Philanthropy, empathy, and compassion can be considered as synonyms for Buddhism and cosmopolitanism. Service to fellow human beings is at the center for a cosmopolitan. When humans ascend the material concerns like pleasure and material desire, they are free to fulfill responsibilities to fellow human beings so that they can go up and beyond the close family members to all human beings, which is the philosophy of both Buddhism and cosmopolitanism. In both the Buddhist and cosmopolitan philosophy there is basic consideration of humanity. Buddhist social thought offers something to cosmopolitan ethics that cosmopolitanism’s desire to enhance ‘human interconnectedness’ is truly helpful to minimize the human sufferings. In this article, my goal is to explore and show Buddhism as a cosmopolitan philosophy.
Exploring the Different Roles and Aspects of Music
Authors: Pokharel Ramesh
Published: January 2021

This paper explores different roles and aspects of music, describes its value, power and essential role in our daily life. The main objective of this article is to highlight the overall musical power in different aspects. Music affects both our body and mind. So, whenever we get time, we listen to Music. This makes us feel fresh even in old age. Music provides exercises to the mind. This is the reason why music is being used as therapy in hospitals even today. It has been seen that patients who listen to music take less time to improve. There are different genres of music like classical, semi-classical, light, folk, and their varieties of compositions with a magical quality, which we can enjoy according to our needs and requirements. Musical composition plays a vibrant part in everybody's normal life. It keeps us busy in free time. The rationalized sound, which arises from the creation of aesthetic-rasa, is called music. In eastern philosophy, Nada-Brahma (sacred-sound) is the primary source of music. This sound is called AUM, in which the whole universe remains vibrant. The impact of music on the living world is not hidden from anyone. Music is also the best way to practice yoga and meditation because it improves physical and mental health. It can be used for a therapeutic purpose too. It gives us peace in our challenging times and further enhances our happiness in good times. We can always use it to be happy. It is also beneficial for all professionals in different fields of society.
Causes and Effects of Trauma in Bhutanese Nepali Diasporic Poetry
Authors: Timalsina Ramji
Published: January 2021

This study aims to explore the causes and effects of trauma in Bhutanese Nepali diasporic poetry. It discusses the connection between the individual and collective trauma. Bhutanese Nepali diasporic poetry gives expression to centuries-long marginalization and sufferings of this community. The series of suffering started from the time the people of Nepali origin reached Bhutan for permanent settlement. It continued with their expulsion, life as refugees and finally in the resettled life in the West. Their experiences of suffering caused trauma on both the personal and collective levels. To explore how it is represented in their poetic creations, I have done this study with the use of constructivist trauma theory in the analysis of the six purposively selected poems that deal with causes and effects of trauma. Constructivist trauma theory deals with trauma as a social construct. The experiences of the people are traumatic, and the discourses on trauma make the individual and social trauma acute and understandable. The study has found that the history of sufferings and the consequent experiences are the causes of their trauma. As a result of trauma, their mentality has been badly affected. The speakers in the poems and the community at the level of representation have been fearful, purposeless and disoriented. The victims’ vulnerable existential condition has been reflected in their alternative mode of living on, disability, helplessness and aloneness that has caused significant bearing on the construction of their identity. Their psychology has been filled with troubling past and unstable present mentality resulting into the feeling of being demeaned and diminished. At the same time, these poems have depicted the combination of personal and collective trauma. I believe that this study paves way to further studies on Bhutanese Nepali diasporic literature from the perspective of trauma theory.
Tāpa as an Underrated Nepali Novel (Book Review)
Authors: Mishra Indira Acharya
Published: January 2021

No abstract available.
Ethnobotanical Studies and Biological Screening of Tinospora cordifolia
Authors: Modi Bindu , Timilsina Hari , Basnyat Ram Chandra
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to carry out the ethno-botanical survey to determine the importance of traditional medicinal Tinospora cordifolia plant and to evaluate phytochemical screening and anti-oxidant potential of plant extract of Tinospora cordifolia. Traditionally, it is used alone or with other medicinal plants to treat common disease such as fever, diabetics, urinary tract infection and piles problem. Phytochemical screening proved that plant extracts are the rich sources of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids etc. Antioxidant activity of these plant extracts was studied by DPPH radical scavenging assay which proved the inhibitory concentration, IC50 value of hexane and methanol extract of leaves of Tinospora cordifolia were 140 and 79.41 µg/ml and hexane and methanol extract of stem were found to be 126.52 and 76.26 µg/ml, Similarly IC50 value of methanol extract of leaves and stem from percolation method were 94.83 and 91.88 µg/ml . The IC50 value thus provided scientific information that T. cordifolia can be used as a potential candidate in different pharmaceutical purpose.
Length-Weight Relationship of Longtail Hillstream catfish Olyra longicaudata (McClelland, 1842)
Authors: Shrestha Samjhana , Risal Anjali , Shrestha Jay Narayan
Published: January 2021

The present study reports the length weight relationshipof Olyralongicaudata from Chisang River, Nepal. Study was carried out in 30 fishes collected from April 2019 to Jul 2019. The body weight ranged from 0.8 to 5.2 g and total length from 6.1 to 13.4 cm. Regression analysis was done to analyzed the data. The growth performance of length-weight relationship is found to be highly significant (r=0.936). The fish was found to show isometric growth pattern with exponential value (b) equal to 2.5115.
Fractura de odontoides y tipos de tratamiento quirúrgicos
Authors: San Lee Ruiz Lorna , Araya Ramírez Esteban , González Arrieta Diego Eduardo
Published: January 2021

La fractura de Odontoides se presente en un elevado porcentaje de todas las fracturas de columna cervical. En dos grupos etarios opuestos, adultos jóvenes por trauma de alta energía y adultos mayores por trauma de baja energía. Se realiza diagnóstico con estudios de imágenes las cuales permiten aplicar clasificación de Aderson y D`Alonzo de los tipos de fracturas de odontoides. Esta clasificación se utiliza en la práctica clínica como guía de tratamiento; junto con indicaciones especificas permiten  determinar los casos de manejo quirúrgico. Según los criterios, se elige el abordaje quirúrgico más apropiado para cada caso. Las técnicas quirúrgicas como tratamiento de la fractura de odontoides, tienen ventajas y desventajas  para la recuperación del paciente.
Endocarditis infecciosa
Authors: Núñez Guerrero Alberto , Campos Quesada Marilyn , Molina Castaño Daniel
Published: January 2021

La endocarditis infecciosa, es una patología poco usual que afecta principalmente válvulas nativas relacionadas a cuidados de la salud, se presenta con mayor frecuencia en adultos mayores de 60 años y en el sexo masculino. Sus factores predisponentes a lo largo del tiempo han ido modificándose, principalmente en países desarrollados, desplazando a la fiebre reumática. Son múltiples los microorganismos involucrados en la patología y su distribución a nivel global se ha mantenido estable, siendo las bacterias Cocos Gram-positivos las más frecuentes colonizadoras. Para que exista una infección debe haber bacteriemia en condiciones locales que permitan la proliferación e invasión de endocardio. Se debe sospechar en todo paciente con fiebre asociada a síntomas constitucionales y factores de riesgo para endocarditis, los métodos diagnósticos de elección son los hemocultivos y ecocardiografía respectivamente. El tratamiento se fundamenta en la erradicación del microorganismo, antibiótico terapia de amplio espectro y se reserva la cirugía para casos que desarrollen complicaciones que solo puedan ser tratadas en sala de operaciones. La profilaxis antibiótica solo está recomendada en pacientes de riesgo.
Lesiones del manguito de los rotadores
Authors: Alfaro Pacheco Rodolfo José , Ramírez Fallas Raquel Sofía , Solano Hidalgo John Alejandro
Published: January 2021

El manguito de los rotadores está compuesto por cuatro músculos; el infraespinoso, supraespinoso, redondo menor y subescapular. Su función es estabilizar y fijar  la cabeza humeral en la cavidad glenoidea. La lesión del manguito de los rotadores es la patología dolorosa más común de hombro, su etiología es multifactorial conformándose por factores de riesgo extrínsecos e intrínsecos, dentro de los cuales destacan la edad, el consumo de tabaco, la ocupación laboral y la exposición a trauma. Estas lesiones pueden conducir al deterioro del funcionamiento del paciente y a una potencial carga económica tanto para el paciente como para el centro de salud debido a la necesidad de realizar exámenes radiológicos, fisioterapia y hasta una posible cirugía. El término “lesión del manguito de los rotadores” abarca la tendinitis y las rupturas parciales, totales y masivas. El diagnóstico está basado en un meticuloso examen físico que se complementa con imágenes radiológicas, especialmente la resonancia magnética. El manejo conservador de estas lesiones tiene un buen pronóstico en la mayoría de los pacientes, sin embargo características como el tamaño de la ruptura/lesión, y el tiempo de evolución, orientan al médico a pensar en una opción de intervención quirúrgica.
Evolución clínica del querubismo en un paciente pediátrico
Authors: Miranda Solís Lisa Natalia , Barrantes Astorga Gerald Josué , Varela Moreno Ana Cristina
Published: January 2021

El querubismo es una enfermedad autosómica dominante de incidencia esporádica, con manifestaciones clínicas progresivas e indoloras de sustitución de tejido óseo normal por tejido fibroso en las regiones mandibular y maxilar. Se presenta el caso de un paciente que consulta a los 3 años de edad, sin antecedentes personales patológicos conocidos, con historia de ausencia parcial de piezas dentales temporales inferiores y aumento de volumen mandibular bilateral, abordado en el Hospital Nacional de Niños Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera. Se realiza una revisión sobre los hallazgos clínicos, radiológicos e histopatológicos del paciente, además del tratamiento indicado en este caso, correlacionado con lo descrito en la literatura.
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF RESEARCH OF INTERACTION OF INSTITUTIONS OF GENERAL SECONDARY AND OUT-OF-SCHOOLS EDUCATION IN AESTHETIC EDUCATION OF TEENAGERS
Authors: Sierykh Larisa Vladimirovna
Published: January 2021

The article reveals the main results of scientific research on the implementation of the system of interaction of general secondary and out-of-school education institutions in the aesthetic education of teenagers. Methods of diagnosing the aesthetic education of students at the stages of the ascertaining and formative stages of the study, which were used during the experiments, confirmed the need and correctness of the conclusions. The main purpose of improving the aesthetic education of adolescents - the integration of the existing system and new forms of interaction, event technology in education as a technology of impressions and a component of the system of socio-pedagogical activities in educational institutions, methods of interaction, and methods of aesthetic education aimed at creative activities, promotes acme success, creative self-realization of teenagers. As a result of introduction of multi-vector model the tendencies of development of aesthetic education of modern teenagers in the conditions of application of system of interaction of establishments of general secondary and out-of-school education in aesthetic education of teenagers are allocated. A general trend for both control and experimental groups is a decrease in the number of teenagers who show a "low" level of aesthetic education. This allows us to argue about the feasibility of the proposed system of interaction of general secondary and out-of-school education in the aesthetic education of teenagers, the introduction of new forms, methods of interaction in the practice of school and out-of-school. With such interaction, the out-of-school education institution is able to solve a range of tasks aimed at aesthetic education of teenagers in particular and humanization of general secondary education in general: integrate resources of out-of-school and general secondary education, equalize initial opportunities at the same time to each pupil acme success, to promote self-realization of the personality of the child and the teacher.
NETWORKING AS A COMPONENT OF FORMING SOCIAL CAPITAL: THE ECONOMIC ASPECT
Authors: Halushka Zoia , Nafus Inna
Published: January 2021

The article analyzes the nature and economic importance of social networks as one of the components of social capital. It is shown that the economic component of social capital is associated with the ability to obtain certain economic benefits from its use. Mechanisms for the accumulation of social capital contain the involvement in these processes of all its components - trust, norms, values, social networks. The network approach of J. Coleman to substantiation of economic essence of social capital is analyzed. The necessity, possibility and directions of influence of social networks on formation and increase of efficiency of social capital have been proved. The types of social networks and the possibilities of their influence on creation of connecting, horizontally-integrating and vertically integrating social capital are revealed. The rating of social networks and examples of their use to increase the efficiency of functioning of social capital are given. It is proved that networks are formed not chaotically, but purposefully, given the subjective vision of the feasibility of such interaction, and their use can have both positive and negative consequences. The possibility of using social networks to form a service-oriented state is indicated.
Noise exposure during orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Razali Ailin , Herman Hendy Putra , Zulkifly Ahmad Hafiz
Published: January 2021

Introduction: There is serious concern on noise hazard in the operating theatre, especially in the orthopaedics field that requires usage of many instruments. However, local data on this noise exposure is rather limited. This study was conducted as a pilot study to investigate the noise exposure in orthopaedics theatre in a hospital in Kuantan, Pahang in June 2011. Methods: Several different orthopaedics theatres involving procedures that use powered instruments were investigated. Time recorded noise exposures were taken using a noise dosimeter throughout the surgeries worn by the surgeons. The peak noise level and the average noise exposure within 8 hours were determined, and compared with available health guidelines, namely the Factories and Machinery (Noise Exposure) Regulations 1989. Results: Six out of seven surgeries which include interlocking nail and plating of femur, Ilizarof insertion, total knee replacement and dynamic hip screw insertion of the femoral head were found to exceed 140 dB(A) for peak sound levels. The average noise exposure within 8 hours was below 85 dB(A) in all cases. Although the average noise level did not surpass the health guidelines, the peak level exceeding 140 dB(A) still carries risk for hearing loss. Conclusions: In conclusion, healthcare personnel in operating theatre were exposed to noise hazard for certain orthopaedics surgical procedures. Hence, proper noise management should be implemented to protect them from noise-induced hearing loss while maintaining the success and efficiency of the surgeries.
Perspectives Review of Management in Renal Injury: A Single Centre Experience
Authors: P Kavin Raj , Kumar Kaillash , Cheong YT
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Renal injury occurs in 1%–5% of all trauma cases. The objective of this retrospective study is to register a clinical audit on renal injury management of a single center. Materials and Methods: All renal–related trauma cases presented to Penang Hospital between August 2015 and July 2017 were included in this audit. These injuries were classified using American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) renal injury scale. Results: A total of 145 cases of renal trauma were audited; of which 40 cases of Grade I injury, 30 cases of Grade II, 45 cases of Grade III and 30 cases constituting Grade IV and V injury. Broadly, these patients were managed via two main approaches; 138 (95.27%) via conservative approach and 7 (4.83%) via surgical intervention. Among those who underwent surgical intervention, 3 had emergency nephrectomy performed while the other 4 had ureteric stenting. Conclusion: Literature review had shown up to 95% of renal injuries can be successfully managed conservatively, especially in cases of blunt trauma. The clinical audit of our center demonstrates that the perspective of renal injury management is in par with internationally acclaimed general consensus; hence affirms the feasibility of conservative management in a vast number of cases, with a prudential role for surgical intervention in severe injuries.
Post-Operative Outcome of Traumatic Extradural Haematoma in HOSHAS
Authors: CY Lim , OB Baharuddin , RG Xavier
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Traumatic extradural haematoma (EDH) is a common surgical emergency with huge socio-economic impact. Prompt diagnosis and management are key for patient survival and good outcome. Considering that neurosurgical units are mostly only available in tertiary centres, it is a challenge for non-neurosurgical centres to transport patient to the nearest neurosurgical unit for emergency surgery, which may be of significant distance away, hence, a delay in surgery. General surgery units are more widely available and general surgeons are trained to competently manage patients with EDH. Referring to the nearest general surgery unit for emergency surgery for EDH can be life-saving and avoid delay in surgery. There is a lack of study regarding outcome of patients with EDH operated by general surgeons, hence the aim of this study to investigate in this regard. To determine the post-operative functional outcome of patients with extradural haematoma in a nonneurosurgical centre, and compare the outcome with other centres. Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective review of records of all post-operative patients operated in HOSHAS for traumatic EDH in year 2017. Sample were obtained from 2017 General Surgery Department operative census in HOSHAS. Data were obtained from patient admission records using a proforma. Documented patient post-operative functional status was classified as per Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Data were analysed using SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 11 patient data were collected. Mean age of the study population is 27. All samples were male patients. Road traffic accident was the main mode of injury (82%). Seven patients had GCS on arrival of 9 to 12 (64%), while 4 patients had severe brain injury on arrival (36%). All except 1 patient with moderate brain injury (GCS on arrival 9-12) recovered well post-operatively. As for patients with severe brain injury on arrival (GCS 3-8), only half of the patients had complete recovery post operatively. Most of the patients (73%) had good post-operative recovery (GOS 4-5). One patient died (GOS 1) and another ended up in vegetative state (GOS 2). The post-operative outcome in this study is comparable to other studies done in neurosurgical unit. Conclusion: The functional outcomes of traumatic EDH patients operated by general surgeons in HOSHAS are similar to those in neurosurgical centre.
Prevalence of Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease among Diabetic Patients and Its Relationship with Quality Of Life (QOL) In Primary Care: A Single Centre Experience
Authors: A. H Norhayati , K.A Nur Diyana , Muhaimin M. S. , Mahno Ezmas , Ahmad A W , Abdul Rahman M N A , O Faidzal
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Peripheral Occlusive Arterial Disease (POAD) is an important cardiovascular morbidity especially among diabetics. The goal of the treatment is to improve patients’ quality of life (QoL) starting by quantifying the disease burden in our population especially among high risk group such as diabetics. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study aims to provide a data on the prevalence of POAD among diabetic population in a primary health care in Kuantan and its’ effects on the patient’s QoL. Additionally, we examined for any other stipulated associated factors that may have contributed towards the development of POAD. We applied a universal sampling for the purpose of patient selection. POAD is universally defined as ankle-brachial index (ABI) of lower than 0.9. Individuals were assessed on validated Malay version of WHOQOL BREF to assess their QoL parameters. P value of <0.05 considered as statistically significant. This study was registered with the National Medical Research Register (NMRR registration no. 17-1375-35710). Results: The prevalence of PAD among diabetic patients in Klinik Kesihatan (Local General Practitioner) Jaya Gading, Kuantan was found to be 20%. We found a significant relationship between lower levels of education (p = 0.016), older age group (p = 0.02) and lower economic class (p = 0.03) with the presence of POAD among diabetics. The presence of POAD has a significant adverse effect on QoL evidenced by lower Physical Domain (p=0.001), Psychological Domain (p=0.066), Social Domain (p=0.005), and Environmental Domain (p=0.027) scores using validated WHOQOL BREF questionnaires. Conclusion: The significant prevalence of POAD among diabetics prompts a greater urgency for early detection to prevent the development of its’ associated morbidity and deterioration of their QoL.
Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (NPSLE) – Masquerade Diagnosis: A Case Report
Authors: Mohd Hanafi Mohd Sharil Iman , Che’ Man Mohammad , Che Alhadi Shahidah
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Diagnostic challenge is seen in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) due to insidious onset, unpredictable course, broad spectrum of clinical presentation that mimic other diseases manifestation and possibility not fulfilling the classification criteria at the earlier course of the disease. Case report: We highlighted a case of a man, lived with diagnosis of Schizophrenia for almost 15 years subsequently revealed him suffered from neuropsychiatric lupus as he fulfilled the SLE classification criteria. His initial presentation was altered sensorium treated as acute psychosis-the tip of an iceberg to the underlying disease. His multiple admissions to psychiatric ward were believed contributed by episode of lupus flare. Necessary investigation is important to exclude another medical condition before make a diagnosis of Schizophrenia using DSM-V criteria. The misdiagnosis has significantly impaired his social life and untreated disease had leads to morbidity and severe organ damage. This case emphasizes on the crucial aspect of assessing patient as a whole, follow-up the progression and re-evaluates patient’s condition for a new hint. Even though there is no cure yet for SLE, correct and early diagnosis is able to guide for individualized treatment and thus helping in good disease control that warrant better outcome.
Reliability Measurement of Corneal Wavefront Aberrations using Corneal Videokeratograph Atlas 9000
Authors: Mat Rejab @ Md Rejab Noorshazana , Hilmi Mohd Radzi , Mohd Kamal Khairidzan , Md Mustafa Md Muziman Syah
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Accurate corneal wavefront aberration measurements are essential in determining patient’s suitability, vision outcomes and patient satisfaction in laser refractive surgeries. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability measurement of higher-order aberration (HOA) using corneal videokeratograph Atlas 9000. Materials and method:  38 eyes of 19 participants were recruited in this study. Comprehensive eye examination was done to ensure all participants eligibility, and any conditions in which obstruct the central cornea were excluded. Corneal wavefront aberrations were measured based on Zernike polynomials. In assessing repeatability, three repetitive measurements in five minutes in a single session were taken by 2 experience examiners. For reproducibility measurement, similar approach was done with the time-interval between measurements was set at one week. Bland-Altman, limits of agreement (LoA) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to evaluate the reliability measurement. Results: Bland-Altman and LoA findings revealed no significant differences for both repeatability and reproducibility measurement. For repeatability testing, the mean differences for vertical trefoil, oblique trefoil and spherical aberration were -0.096 ± 0.493, 0.001 ± 0.048, 0.008 ± 0.035, 0.004 ± 0.029, 0.010 ± 0.053 with LoA of 1.930, 0.188, 0.138, 0.114, and 0.208 respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) excellent reliability of 0.841 for all parameters. Likewise, reproducibility  testing showed similar findings  with the mean difference were -0.018 ± 0.091, 0.016 ± 0.061, -0.0004 ± 0.036, -0.002 ± 0.042, 0.003 ± 0.026, with LoA of 0.356, 0.24, 0.141,0.164, and 0.102 respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) shows excellent reliability of more than 0.9 for all parameters. LoA of less than 1.0 were observed in all measurements (except for repeatability of vertical trefoil) indicates high consistency of the measurements. Conclusions: Corneal videokeratograph Atlas 9000 provides excellent HOA measurement reliability.
The Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on Physiological Halitosis. A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Abllah Zurainie , Shahnon Siti Khadijah , Nuawi Nurain Najihah , Ardini Yunita Dewi
Published: January 2021

Introduction: VCO oil pulling therapy has been used as a remedy for oral malodour in traditional Indian folk. Main objective for this research is to study on the effect of VCO oil pulling on physiological halitosis among IIUM Kuantan Campus students. The specific objectives are to evaluate the effect of VCO oil pulling on physiological halitosis and to compare the efficacy of VCO with conventional mouthwash in reducing physiological halitosis. Materials and method: 20 convenient samples were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into two groups, mouthwash and VCO based on single blind randomized controlled trial. Subjects required swishing oil pulling (group A) or rinsing with mouthwash (group B). Breathing analysis was recorded during pre-assessment, post assessment (on day 1short term and day 14-long term) using organoleptic 1, organoleptic 2 (selfassessment) and Tanita device. The results were analysed using paired t-test in SPSS version 22. IREC approval: 2018-061. Result: There were significant difference between pre and post assessment of mouthwash in short term (p<0.001) and long term (p=0.002) period of usage and between group VCO pre and post assessment in short term (p=0.001). However, there was no significant (p<0.05) between group of VCO and mouthwash. Conclusion: VCO has potential to reduce physiological halitosis in immediate observation after the oil pulling procedure. VCO oil pulling and gargling with commercial mouthwash had no significant difference in reducing physiological halitosis.
Effect of modifiers on Fe-Pt/Al2O3 catalysts for alkanes hydrotreatment
Authors:   M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan State University, Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan, Zhumabekova A.K. , Tastanova L.K. ,   K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional State University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan, Orynbassar R.O. ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Zakumbaeva G.D. ,   D.V. Sokolskii Institute of Fuel, Catalysis and Electrochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Published: January 2021

Zeolite-containing polyfunctional catalysts Fe-Pt/Al2O3 (КТ-17, КТ-18), modified with additives of molyb-denum, phosphorus and cerium, were synthesized. The developed catalytic systems were studied in treatment of C14 alkane obtaining a gasoline fraction. Reaction products contain C4-C9 iso-alkanes, C10-C14 iso-alkanes, C4-C10 alkanes, aromatic hydrocarbons and C1-C3 alkanes. In addition, 0.2–0.6 % of heavy hydro-carbons was found in reaction products. The yield of C4-C9 iso-alkanes at 380 °C reached 37.9 %. By means of physical and chemical methods it has been found that the zeolite containing catalysts Fe-Pt /Al2O3 modi-fied by various additives are complex systems. Micro-diffraction and Mossbauer spectroscopy methods al-lowed detecting nanosized hetero clusters of Fe-Pt, Fe-Mo, Pt-Mo in catalysts structure. Depending on chem-ical composition of clusters, particle size varies between 20 and 80 Ǻ. KT-18 catalyst demonstrates high ac-tivity in the process of heavy alkanes treatment; sizes of platinum (d = 200 Å) and iron (d = 30–50 Å) parti-cles were determined by electron microscopy. Activity of KT-18 catalyst is higher than that of highly dis-persed KT-17. The main feature of KT catalysts is their polyfunctionality. During alkanes processing simul-taneous and consecutive reactions of hydrocracking, dehydrogenation, isomerization, dehydro-cyclization and hydro-desulfurization take place.
Salt tolerant acrylamide-based quenched polyampholytes for polymer flooding
Authors:   Satbayev University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Mukhametgazy N. , Gussenov I.Sh. ,   Satbayev University, Almaty, Kazakhstan,   Institute of Polymer Materials and Technology, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Shakhvorostov A.V. ,   Institute of Polymer Materials and Technology, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Kudaibergenov S.E. ,   Satbayev University, Almaty, Kazakhstan,   Institute of Polymer Materials and Technology, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Published: January 2021

In our previous papers [1, 2] we considered the behavior of linear and crosslinked polyampholytes based on fully charged anionic monomer — 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt (AMPS) and cationic monomer — (3-acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC) in aqueous-salt solutions, swelling and mechanical properties. In the present paper we report the applicability of salt tolerant amphoter-ic terpolymers composed of AMPS, APTAC and acrylamide (AAm) in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The amphoteric terpolymers of different compositions, particularly [AAm]:[AMPS]:[APTAC] = 50:25:25; 60:20:20; 70:15:15; 80:10:10 and 90:5:5 mol.% were prepared by free-radical polymerization, identified and their viscosifying ability with respect to reservoir saline water (salinity is 163 g⋅L-1) at 60 °C was tested. It was found that due to polyampholytic nature, the AAm-AMPS-APTAC terpolymers exhibited improved viscosifying behavior at high salinity water. As a result, the appropriate salt tolerant sample [AAm]:[AMPS]:[APTAC] = 80:10:10 mol.% was selected for polymer flooding experiments. Polymer flood-ing experiments on high permeable sand pack model demonstrated that only 0.5 % oil was recovered by am-photeric terpolymer. While injection of polyampholyte solution into preliminarily water flooded core sample resulted in the increase of oil recovery up to 4.8–5 %. These results show that under certain conditions the amphoteric terpolymers have a decent oil displacement ability.