bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumer Ethnocentrism and Buying Intentions on OTT Platforms
Authors: Poddar Praneet , Anand Karan , Babita
Published: June 2024

This research delves into how OTT platforms are transforming media consumption patterns and explores the role of consumer ethnocentrism in shaping buying behaviors within this context. Through a literature review and quantitative research methodology using a Likert-scale questionnaire, the study investigates the relationship between consumer ethnocentrism, buying intentions, and various influencing factors on OTT platforms. Contrary to expectations, the findings show that consumer ethnocentrism has minimal impact on buying behavior. Instead, factors such as price, content variety, personalized recommendations, cultural alignment, ease of platform usage, familiarity with foreign content, and language preferences are crucial in determining viewers' buying intentions. The chapter concludes by recommending that OTT platforms integrate cultural sensitivities into their strategies to better cater to diverse viewer preferences, thereby enhancing market competitiveness and audience engagement.
Retention rate of abatacept in rheumatoid arthritis patients in a real-life setting: results from a monocentric cohort
Authors: Molteni E. , Pirone C. , Ceccarelli F. , Castellani C. , Alessandri C. , Di Franco M. , Riccieri V. , Spinelli F.R. , Priori R. , Scrivo R. , Conti F.
Published: June 2024

Objective. Data from trials demonstrated that abatacept (ABA) has a good safety and efficacy profile in treating rheumatoid arthritis. We have studied the retention rate of ABA in a real-life cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Methods. This is a monocentric, retrospective study including patients with rheumatoid arthritis classified by the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2010 criteria who started treatment with ABA. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to evaluate the ABA retention rate.
Results. This analysis was conducted on 161 patients [male/female 21/140, median age 65 years, interquartile range (IQR) 18.7, median disease duration 169 months, IQR 144.0]. 111 patients (68.9%) received ABA subcutaneously. ABA was associated with methotrexate in 61.9% of patients and was the first biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug in 41%. We observed a median ABA survival of 66 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 57.3-74.7], with a retention rate of 88% at 6 months and 50.9% at 5 years. Drug survival was significantly higher in patients treated with ABA subcutaneously and in male patients (p=0.039 and p=0.018, respectively). Adjusted for main confounders, female gender was the main predictor of withdrawal (hazard ratio 5.1, 95% CI 1.2-21.3).
Conclusions. Our study shows that better survival is associated with subcutaneous administration and male gender, confirming ABA effectiveness.
Childhood emotional maltreatment and internalizing problems in a non-clinical sample of adolescents: a moderated-mediation model of insecure anxious attachment style and gender
Authors: Falgares Giorgio , Costanzo Giulia , Manna Giovanna , Lamis Dorian A.
Published: June 2024

Childhood emotional maltreatment (abuse and neglect) may contribute to the development of internalizing problems in adolescence. However, the mechanisms explaining this association should be examined further. This study explored the mediating role of insecure anxious attachment style in the relationship between emotional maltreatment and internalizing symptoms in a non-clinical sample of adolescents. Analyses were also conducted to determine whether gender moderated the direct and indirect pathways between emotional maltreatment and internalizing problems. We recruited 449 adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years old [(Mage)=16.46, standard deviation (SD)=1.38]. 60.8% of adolescents were female (Mage=16.51, SD=1.43), whereas 39.2% identified as male (Mage=16.39, SD=1.28). Participants completed a survey including socio-demographic information and three selfreport questionnaires: the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, the Attachment Style Questionnaire, and the Youth Self- Report for ages 11-18. Results showed that emotional abuse and neglect were related to internalizing problems both directly and indirectly through anxious attachment style. Girls who experienced higher levels of emotional abuse and who had an anxious attachment style reported more internalizing problems than boys, whereas higher levels of emotional neglect were associated with increasing levels of internalizing problems only for boys. This study expanded our knowledge of the role of anxious attachment in the onset of internalizing problems among adolescents with experiences of childhood emotional maltreatment.
Simulation in the field of transfusion medicine: Scope and utility
Authors: Basavarajegowda Abhishekh , Pai Dinker R , Nalini Y. C.
Published: June 2024

Simulation in medical education has made significant inroads in most of the specialties in some form or the other. Transfusion medicine, as a branch, being a new specialty, is imbibing a few things from the world of simulation and provides immense scope for its utilization, given its broad applicability as well as necessity. In the current Indian scenario of transfusion medicine, wherein the transfusion process has undergone significant changes involving critical steps, with fewer but can be serious complications arising due to the transfusion process, it is desirable for students and the staff involved to practice on the simulators to attain the desired level of competency as it allows the practice of hands-on invasive procedures before performing the actual process. The principles, pedagogies, and educational strategies with their modalities used in health care simulation like case-based scenarios, physical models, computer systems, standardized patients, mannequins, virtual reality, and integrated simulators are all being used and the scope for improvisation is always in the fore with technical advancements. The transfusion and related activities include significant risks, so regular training is essential. The costs are also reasonably high, and focusing on being time-efficient is essential as many scenarios need immediate attention and management. Simulation in transfusion medicine has farsighted returns wherein there is the possibility of defining goals and objectives and ensuring that they could be adjusted to the individual learners as per their knowledge and skill level. The simulations can be set up that can train as well as assess cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains simultaneously in transfusion using multiple modalities.
The effect of blood transfusion on serum hepcidin levels in chronically transfused patients of β-thalassemia major: An observational study in a tertiary care centre in Western Maharashtra
Authors: Bhowmik Sujay , Biswas Amit Kumar , Baranwal Ajay Kumar , Pawar Amit Ajay , Dimri Ujjwal
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Hepcidin is the key regulator of systemic iron homeostasis. In iron-loading anemias, hepcidin levels are regulated by opposite forces of erythropoiesis and iron overload. In β-thalassemia major patients, transfusions are the predominant cause of iron overload; in such chronically transfused patients, hepcidin concentrations are significantly higher than nontransfused patients, due to both increased iron load of transfusions and the suppression of ineffective erythropoiesis.

AIM:

This study aims to evaluate the effect of blood transfusions on serum hepcidin levels in chronically transfused patients of β-thalassemia major and correlate with hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels of pre- and posttransfusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Thirty-three β-thalassemia major patients requiring monthly transfusions were included in the study. Blood samples, collected pretransfusion and 7 days posttransfusion, were evaluated for hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and serum hepcidin using enzyme immunoassay.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:

Data were statistically analyzed through SPSS software and P < 0.05 is considered statically significant.

RESULTS:

Posttransfusion levels of hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and serum hepcidin increased. Posttransfusion levels of hepcidin were near normal levels. Pre- and posttransfusion hepcidin concentrations were significantly associated with hemoglobin levels.

CONCLUSION:

Serum hepcidin concentrations vary depending on the degree of erythropoiesis drive and level of anemia. We found that the serum hepcidin levels decrease over the inter-transfusion interval and transfusions cause suppression of ineffective erythropoiesis by the increase in hemoglobin. Posttransfusion values of hepcidin in our study were closer to normal levels which may be due to lower erythropoietic drive posttransfusion. We suggest that the measurement of serum hepcidin in chronically transfused β-thalassemia patients can be used as a follow-up investigation for better management of these patients.
Is tattooing associated with increased seroprevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections among blood donors: A single-center study from Southeastern India
Authors: Arjunan Charumathy , Basavarajegowda Abhishekh
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION:

The regulations in India mandate a blanket deferral period of 12 months for donors from the time of acquiring a tattoo. The rationale is that using nonsterile needles, the same dyes for many persons, and other unhygienic practices result in the transmission of blood-borne infections. However, currently, autoclavable tattoo equipment, professional tattoo gun, single-use dye, and needle for tattooing have come up and are known to be devoid of the risks mentioned above. Hence, this study was designed to assess if the seroprevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) among tattooed blood donors was higher than in other nontattooed donors.

METHODOLOGY:

This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the Department of Transfusion Medicine at the tertiary care teaching hospital in Pondicherry from September 2017 to May 2019. The study group included blood donors in the age group of 18–60 years with one or more tattoos, and the control group was chosen among blood donors of the same age without a tattoo. The sampling technique was consecutive. The serological prevalence of the two groups was compared for HIV, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, Syphilis, and Malaria.

RESULTS:

A total of 368 donors were recruited for the study, 184 donors with tattoos and 184 donors without a tattoo. The detected seroprevalence of TTI among the tattooed and nontattooed groups was 3.8% and 4.3%, respectively. There was no significant association found between tattooing and seroprevalence of TTI. About 60% of the ones who got a tattoo had obtained it from a licensed tattoo parlor.

CONCLUSION:

We found that the seroprevalence of TTI among tattooed donors was similar to that of nontattooed donors. However, the seroprevalence among donors who had undergone more than one tattooing experience was higher than those who had a single tattooing event.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha Levels as a Predictor of Clinical Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response in a Luminal-type Locally Advance Breast Cancer in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Beksono Hanindyo Riezky , Ali Iskandar , Wibowo Marjono Dwi , Kharisma Bara , Amalia Rizki
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The prevalence of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) increases annually, especially in the luminal type. Chemotherapy is one of the treatments used to manage breast cancer. Biomarkers are needed to predict the outcome of chemotherapy, one of which is tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The purpose of this study was to analyze TNF-α levels as a predictor factor for clinical response to anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods:

This study design used observational analysis. The study was carried out over the period from April 2021 to June 2023. The study procedure included measuring participants’ TNF-α levels the day before chemotherapy was carried out and their clinical response. Participants received anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2, doxorubicin 50 mg/m2, and fluorouracil/5 FU 500 mg/m2) for 3 cycles. The study analysis used the Chi-square with P < 0.05.

Results:

The average TNF-α levels were 119.76 ± 282.18 pg/mL, ranging from 5.74 to 1.733 pg/mL. The result of the calculation of the TNF-α cutoff value in the study was 20.980 pg/mL (area under the curve = 0.882; 95% confidence interval = 0.779–0.984). Based on the cutoff, most participants with high TNF-α levels had a negative response of 83.3%, and those with low TNF-α levels had a positive response of 84.2% (P = 0.000). The statistical analysis showed a significant association between TNF-α levels and the clinical response to chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

TNF-α levels predict clinical response for anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in luminal-type LABC patients.
Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Daily Physical Performance in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients
Authors: Philothra Petrina Theda , Andriati  , Al-Hayyan Abdul Jabbar , Melaniani Soenarnatalina , Prasetyadi Yosafat Lambang , Soewargo Alan Christy
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most significant contributors to disability regarding limitation in transfer and ambulation. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has recently been developed as regenerative therapy. However, its effect on daily performance is limited. This study aims to evaluate ESWT on improving daily performance in knee OA patients.

Methods:

Thirteen OA patients were selected in one-group pretest–posttest design. Each participant received ESWT once a week for 6 weeks. Functional performance tests such as transfer ability by 30 s chair stand test (30s-CST) and ambulation with Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were evaluated before therapy (T1), at 3 weeks (T2), and 6 weeks after completing serial intervention (T3). A paired t-test was used to assess ESWT on changes in TUG and 30s-CST results. Effect size evaluated using Cohen’s D. Pearson correlation test analyzed the correlation of other variables with TUG and 30s-CST, as well as between TUG and 30s-CST.

Results:

There were significant improvements with a large effect size in 30s-CST during T2 (P = 0.001, r = 1.28) and T3 (P = 0.001; r = 1.265). It also happened in TUG results with T2 (P = 0.004, r = 0.978) and T3 (P = 0.002, r = 0.855). Pearson correlation test showed that body mass index was correlated with 30s-CST. TUG has a correlation with the onset of OA, IMT, and WBS, as well as 30s-CST correlated with TUG results.

Conclusions:

ESWT intervention for 6 weeks was proven to be effective in improving basic daily performance in knee OA patients.
Perturbations of Telmisartan Alone and in Combination with Ranolazineor Dapagliflozin on the Amplitude and Gating of Voltage-gated Na+ Current in Neuroblastoma Neuronal Cells
Authors: Chen Yi-Jung , Lee Chien-Ching , So Edmund Cheung
Published: June 2024

A recent study investigated the correlation between telmisartan (TEL) exposure and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk among African Americans (AAs) and European Americans. Their findings indicated that moderate-to-high TEL exposure was linked to a decreased incidence of AD among AAs. These results suggest a potential association between TEL and a reduced risk of AD specifically within the AA population. Here, we investigated the effects of TEL, either alone or in combination with ranolazine (Ran) or dapagliflozin (Dapa), on voltage-gated Na+ currents (I
Na) in Neuro-2a cells. TEL, primarily used for treating hypertension and cardiovascular disorders, showed a stimulatory effect on I
Na, while Ran and Dapa reversed this stimulation. In Neuro-2a cells, we demonstrated that with exposure to TEL, the transient (I
Na(T)) and late (I
Na(L)) components of I
Na were differentially stimulated with effective EC50’s of 16.9 and 3.1 μM, respectively. The research implies that TEL’s impact on I
Na might be associated with enhanced neuronal excitability. This study highlights the complex interplay between TEL, Ran, and Dapa on I
Na and their potential implications for AD, emphasizing the need for further investigation to understand the mechanisms involved.
The Spectrum of Thyroid Dysfunction During Pregnancy and Fetomaternal Outcome, A Study from the Premier Institute of Western India
Authors: Debbarma Ranesh , Gothwal Meenakshi , Singh Pratibha , Yadav Garima , Purohit Purvi , Ghuman Navdeep Kaur , Gupta Neeraj
Published: June 2024

Background:

Thyroid dysfunction evaluation during pregnancy is important for the mother’s health, obstetric outcomes, and the child’s cognitive development. This study is conducted to know various thyroid disorders that can occur during antenatal and their impact on mother and fetus outcomes.

Materials and Methods:

This observational research was conducted over two years at a tertiary center in Western Rajasthan, India. Seven hundred and seventy-two low-risk singleton pregnant patients who met the inclusive criteria were recruited. The estimation of T3, T4, and TSH was done along with a routine investigation in antenatal women. Antenatal having abnormal thyroid profiles were then analyzed for mother and fetus problems.

Results:

The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in antenatal women is 16.5%. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) was seen in 12.5% of cases, overt hypothyroidism in 3.36%, and subclinical hyperthyroidism in only 0.51% of cases. Anti-TPO was positive in 46 (41.44%) women with hypothyroidism and 1 (25%) with hyperthyroidism. Compared to euthyroid women, women with overt hypothyroid (19.23% vs 3.1%, P = 0.002) and subclinical hypothyroid (9.27% vs 3.1%, P = 0.003) were found to be associated with a higher risk of hypertensive disease. Concerning fetal outcomes. There was a high risk for preterm (12.37% v/s 4.9%, P = 0.004) and fetal growth retardation (FGR) in patients with SCH (7.21% v/s 3.1%, P = 0.04).

Conclusion:

Considering the significant influence of thyroid disorders on mother and fetus outcomes, the screening for thyroid during pregnancy should be considered universally, particularly in developing countries with high prevalent rates, such as India.
Interest in Online Tobacco Cessation Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic in India- insights from Google Trends
Authors: Verma Madhur , Goel Sonu , Sinha Praveen , Singh Mahendra , Upadhyay Kritika
Published: June 2024

Background:

With concerns about higher mortality and morbidity attributed to COVID-19 infection among tobacco users, the pandemic has been an opportune time to further our efforts towards tobacco cessation. The present study thus aims to assess the interest in tobacco cessation services during the pandemic.

Materials and Methods:

An ecological study was done using data from Google Trends for five years. The trends depicting the interest in internet search terms like “Quit-tobacco” and “Quitline” were retrieved and compared over the study period and with the Global Adult Tobacco Survey-India (GATS-II) data estimates (2016–17). The results were reported using descriptive statistics and line graphs.

Results:

Between 2017 and 21, the search interest regarding quitting tobacco depicted the highest peak corresponding to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were significant geographical disparities in the Google searches made across India. As per GATS-II, only 0.2% of the smokers had used a Quitline, corresponding to a smaller peak in Google Trends. Interest in “Quitline” compared to “quit tobacco” was in a ratio of 1:11, and the gap increased further during the pandemic by 1:12.

Conclusions:

We observed an increasing interest in the searches related to “Quit-tobacco” like terms during the pandemic but an increasing gap in the interest around the “Quitline” searches. The present study hypothesizes that the pandemic increased concerns regarding tobacco, leading to a higher interest in tobacco cessation services, thus calling for a proactive approach to propagate ‘Quitline’ through generous advocacy to have efficient tobacco control per the National Tobacco Control Program.
Incidence, Causes, and Perinatal Outcomes of “Near-Miss” Obstetric Emergencies during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience from a Tertiary Referral Center of Western Rajasthan, India
Authors: Yadav Garima , Sharma Charu , Singh Pratibha , Solanki Vrushti , Chhabra Swati , Kathuria Priyanka , Gothwal Meenakshi , Jhirwal Manisha , Shekhar Shashank
Published: June 2024

Background:

Pregnant women and neonates are often considered as being a vulnerable group during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Several studies have compared the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant and nonpregnant women. This study aimed to examine the reasons for severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM) and “near-miss cases” and their effects on perinatal outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods:

All women admitted to our facility with pregnancy-related complications for birth or in the puerperium who required critical care unit (CCU) or high dependency unit (HDU) admission were included in the study. A modified version of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Maternal Near-Miss Screening Tool was used to identify maternal near-miss cases and other obstetric emergencies requiring CCU admission.

Results:

The incidence of “near-miss” obstetric emergencies was -30.7 per 1000 live births. Over the 3 years of data obtained, 152 near-miss cases were found. Thirty-five cases were seen in the pre-COVID-19 period, whereas 117 near-miss cases were noted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common cause of near-miss cases in both groups was severe preeclampsia (65.8%). The rate of ICU admissions was 80.3% (94/117) during COVID-19, while only three cases required ICU before the COVID-19 pandemic. There were a total of 11 maternal deaths, and all were reported during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion:

There was a significant increase in ICU admission rates and “near-miss” obstetric emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 infection indirectly led to higher maternal morbidity secondary to lockdown effects on antenatal care and delayed referrals. This study will contribute to the existing literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and child health. The results will help inform policy decisions and guide the development of interventions to improve the quality of care for pregnant women during the pandemic.
Millets: Ancient Grains for Modern Nutrition – A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kaur Navjot , Ray Bhagyasri , Kalyani Chellakannan Vasantha
Published: June 2024

Millets are a group of small, drought-resistant grains that have been grown for more than thousands of years. They are highly nutritious, rich in essential vitamins and minerals, and have gained attention in recent years due to their potential to address global food security and environmental challenges. This review article provides an overview of millets, their nutritional benefits, environmental advantages, and their role in promoting sustainable agriculture and processing of millets. The article also discusses the various types of millets, their cultivation, and their potential to improve human health and combat malnutrition.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Predicts Postoperative Morbidity after Major Abdominal Cancer Surgeries
Authors: More Shikhar , Mishra Seema , Bharti Sachidanand J. , Garg Rakesh , Gupta Nishkarsh , Kumar Vinod , Khan Maroof A. , Deo Suryanarayana V. S. , Bhatnagar Sushma
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim:

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has been shown to predict outcomes after major surgery. However, CPET performance and risk thresholds may vary geographically due to different body composition, nutritional status, anaemia, etc. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative CPET variables and in-hospital morbidity after abdominal cancer surgeries.

Methods:

In this prospective observational study, 142 patients aged 18–70 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status II–III, underwent CPET preoperatively within 7 days of planned surgery. Oxygen uptake (VO2), ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide, heart rate (HR) and oxygen pulse (VO2/HR) were measured at anaerobic threshold (AT) and peak exercise (PE). Morbidity was assessed using the postoperative morbidity survey (POMS) postoperatively on days 3, 5 and 7. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the optimal cut-offs for various CPET parameters. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to test the relationship between CPET and postoperative morbidity.

Results:

After excluding patients who met the exclusion criteria, data from 109 participants were available for analysis. Forty-two patients (39%) suffered some morbidity postoperatively. VO2@AT (univariate odds ratio (OR) 1.36 [1.11–1.67] P = 0.002), sex (0.40 [0.17–0.99] P = 0.04), HR@AT (0.91 [0.94–0.99] P = 0.01), VO2/HR@AT (2.00 [1.42–2.80] P < 0.001) and VO2/HR@PE (2.04 [1.45–2.87] P < 0.001] were associated with postoperative morbidity. The final multivariate regression model contained VO2@AT (multivariate OR 1.25 [1.00–1.56] P = 0.04) and VO2/HR@PE (1.89 [1.34–11.09] P = 0.001). ROC curves revealed the optimal cut-off for VO2@AT as 11.9 ml/kg/min and VO2/HR@PE at 6.1 ml/beat.

Conclusion:

CPET parameters of oxygen uptake at AT and oxygen pulse at PE can predict morbidity in patients undergoing major abdominal onco-surgeries.
Flood Susceptibility Mapping for Kedah State, Malaysia: Geographics Information System-Based Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Keya Tahmina A. , Sreeramanan S , Siventhiran SB , Maheswaran S , Selvan Saravana , Fernandez Kevin , An Low J , Leela A , Prahankumar R , Lokeshmaran A , Boratne AV
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

The world economy is significantly impacted by floods. Identifying flood risk is essential to flood mitigation techniques.

Aim:

The primary goal of this study is to create a geographic information system (GIS)-based flood susceptibility map for the study area.

Methods:

Ten flood-influencing factors from a geospatial database were taken into account when mapping the flood-prone areas. Every element demonstrated a robust relationship with the probability of flooding.

Results:

The highest contributing elements for the flood disaster in the study region were drainage density, distance, and the curvature. Flood susceptibility models’ performance was validated using standard statistical measures and AUC. The ROC curves demonstrated that all ensemble models had good performance on the validation data sets (AUC = >0.97) with high accuracy scores of 0.80. Based on the flood susceptibility maps, most of the northwest regions of the study area are more likely to flood because of low land areas, areas with a lower gradient slope, linear and concave shape curvature, high drainage density with high rainfall, more “water bodies,” “crops land,” and “built areas,” abundance on sea and surface water, and Quaternary types of soil feature and so on. The very high flood susceptibility class accounts for 18.2% of the study area, according to the RF-embedding model, whereas the high, moderate, low, and very low susceptibility classes were found at about 20.0%, 24.6%, 24.3%, and 12.9%, respectively.

Conclusion:

In comparison with other commonly used applied approaches, this research presents a novel modeling approach for flood susceptibility that integrates machine learning and geospatial data. It has been found to be stronger and more efficient, highly accurate, has good prediction performance, and is less biased. Overall, our research into machine learning-based solutions points in a positive path technologically and can serve as a reference manual for future research and applications for academic specialists and decision-makers.
Correlation of anthropometric determinants, body fat distribution, and pulmonary function in postmenopausal women – An observational study
Authors: Makwana Priya , Mulla Ayesha , Oza Falak , Shah Purvi
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from loss of ovarian follicular activity. This induces a reduction in resting metabolic rate, physical activity, and fat-free mass. Buildup of adipose tissues in the anterior abdominal wall and in the intra-abdominal visceral tissue hinders diaphragmatic movement and diminishes basal lung expansion during inspiration causes ventilation–perfusion abnormalities. Very few evidence of the correlation between body fat distribution and pulmonary function in menopausal women.

AIM:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between anthropometry determinants, body fat distribution, and pulmonary function in postmenopausal women.

SETTING AND DESIGN:

After ethical committee approval, an observational study of 101 postmenopausal women fulfilling the criteria were selected from the tertiary care center.

METHODOLOGY:

Anthropometric measurements of participants such as height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were measured. Body fat distribution is evaluated by measuring skinfold at five sites (biceps, triceps, abdominal, suprailiac, and subscapular) with the help of Lange caliper. Pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1st second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow rate) recorded on a computerized portable lung function unit.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:

As the data were not in normal distribution, Spearmen’s correlation test was used.

RESULTS:

It showed that strong negative correlation existed between age and FVC (r = −0.742) and WHR and FEV1/FVC (r = −0.796). Furthermore, moderate negative correlation was found between biceps and FEV1 and FVC (r = −0.433 and r = −0.475), respectively, and abdominal skinfold and FEV1 and FVC (r = −0.628, r = −0.646) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION/CLINICAL IMPLICATION:

It could be concluded that in postmenopausal women, there may be a negative correlation between anthropometry, body fat distribution, and pulmonary function.
Oromotor rehabilitation on drooling and feeding activities in children with cerebral palsy: A case study
Authors: Nimmy A. , Priya S. , Evans Evin C.
Published: June 2024

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects the brain and causes difficulties with muscle coordination, body movement, and balance. Children with CP frequently present with severe oral motor impairments. Children with CP suffer from a variety of motor disorders, which are frequently accompanied by sensory, cognitive, communication, perception, and behavioral disorders, as well as epilepsy, nutrition, dysphagia, and oral motor dysfunction. CP refers to a group of long-term movement and posture impairments that occur in the developing infant brain, limiting many activities such as independent walking, stair climbing, running, or walking on an uneven surface. The purpose of this case report is to describe the difficulty in oromotor functional activity experienced by a CP child. A 5-year-10-month-old baby presented with drooling and difficulty in feeding activities, which greatly affected her day-to-day activities. Her pediatric Ability for Basic Feeding and Swallowing in Children-10 (ABFS-C) was 6/15 and The Drooling Impact Scale (DIS) 72/100 total score improved to (DIS) 83/100 and (ABFS-C) 10/15.
Classification of Cardiovascular Arrhythmia Using Deep Learning Techniques: A Review
Authors: Nithya S. , Rani M. Mary Shanthi , Sivakumar V.
Published: June 2024

Deep Learning (DL), an offshoot of Machine Learning (ML) has emerged as a powerful and feasible solution for medical image analysis due to advancements in robust computer software and hardware technologies. It plays a key role in Cardiovascular disease (CVD) diagnosis by detecting anomalies in Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Cardiac arrhythmia, which refers to irregular heartbeat, may signal an early symptom of CVD and can lead to fatal outcomes if ignored. Accurate detection of arrhythmia is very challenging even for experts to distinguish between acute and chronic conditions in ECG readings. This triggered the focus of researchers to explore the application of Artificial Intelligence for ECG classification. Traditional machine learning methods use handcrafted features that require domain knowledge. The new era in DL makes the automatic detection of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) possible. In this paper, an exhaustive review of DL-based techniques for ECG classification has been presented. Research findings in this survey indicate the challenges and issues with arrhythmia detection, such as single lead and multiple lead ECG signals, choice of the size of the training data set, and the number of arrhythmia classes, etc. The study also signifies that there is great scope for improving the performance of arrhythmia prediction models by employing hybrid ensemble learning, time series analysis using Recurrent Neural Network architectures and identification of unexplored classes of arrhythmia.
The Effect of Battery Thermal Management System Unit on the Roof of a
Bus on Passenger Air-Conditioning Performance
Authors: Küçükbayram Hamdi
Published: June 2024

While cooling comfort is important in city buses compared to other vehicles, it
is also difficult to keep the cooling performance at a high level. Roof AC units
used in commercial vehicles may vary in performance depending on many factors.
Therefore, while the design works are in progress, there are some points to be
considered while the units are in the packaging phase. These points are that the
air used for condenser cooling in the air conditioner suction zone is at low
temperature with high flow rate. In this study, it is aimed that the air
conditioner and battery cooling unit placed on the roof of a bus developed by
ANADOLU ISUZU are not adversely affected by each other. For this reason, in the
related study, design and analysis studies were carried out to reduce the
negative effects of the hot air coming out of the battery thermal management
system (BTMS) in the cooling circuit when the air conditioner is activated. The
aim of the study is to ensure that the air-conditioning unit provides thermal
comfort in the vehicle as soon as possible and is positioned together on the
vehicle roof without losing BTMS performance. The analysis processes of the
study were progressed by performing CFD simulations in Ansys FLUENT 2020
software. For simulations, the temperature of the loop is reduced using the RANS
equations. The study will be a guide for many new vehicles.
Ultrasound based estimate of central venous pressure: Are we any closer?
Authors: Gawalkar Atit A , Batta Akash
Published: June 2024

Central venous pressure (CVP) serves as a direct approximation of right atrial pressure and is influenced by factors like total blood volume, venous compliance, cardiac output, and orthostasis. Normal CVP falls within 8-12 mmHg but varies with volume status and venous compliance. Monitoring and managing disturbances in CVP are vital in patients with circulatory shock or fluid disturbances. Elevated CVP can lead to fluid accumulation in the interstitial space, impairing venous return and reducing cardiac preload. While pulmonary artery catheterization and central venous catheter obtained measurements are considered to be more accurate, they carry risk of complications and their usage has not shown clinical improvement. Ultrasound-based assessment of the internal jugular vein (IJV) offers real-time, non-invasive measurement of static and dynamic parameters for estimating CVP. IJV parameters, including diameter and ratio, has demonstrated good correlation with CVP. Despite significant advancements in non-invasive CVP measurement, a reliable tool is yet to be found. Present methods can offer reasonable guidance in assessing CVP, provided their limitations are acknowledged.
Initial decrease in the lipoprotein(a) level is a novel prognostic biomarker in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Saeki Yasuhiko , Sawaguchi Jun , Akita Satori , Takamura Taka-aki , Fujibayashi Kosuke , Wakasa Minoru , Akao Hironobu , Kitayama Michihiko , Kawai Yasuyuki , Kajinami Kouji
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases; however, its role in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unclear.

AIM

To investigate the hypothesis that the Lp(a) levels are altered by various conditions during the acute phase of ACS, resulting in subsequent cardiovascular events.

METHODS

From September 2009 to May 2016, 377 patients with ACS who underwent emergent coronary angiography, and 249 who completed ≥ 1000 d of follow-up were enrolled. Lp(a) levels were measured using an isoform-independent assay at each time point from before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to 48 h after PCI. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE; cardiac death, other vascular death, ACS, and non-cardiac vascular events).

RESULTS

The mean circulating Lp(a) level decreased significantly from pre-PCI (0 h) to 12 h after (19.0 mg/dL to 17.8 mg/dL, P < 0.001), and then increased significantly up to 48 h after (19.3 mg/dL, P < 0.001). The changes from 0 to 12 h [Lp(a)Δ0-12] significantly correlated with the basal levels of creatinine [Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (SRCC): -0.181, P < 0.01] and Lp(a) (SRCC: -0.306, P < 0.05). Among the tertiles classified according to Lp(a)Δ0-12, MACE was significantly more frequent in the lowest Lp(a)Δ0-12 group than in the remaining two tertile groups (66.2% vs 53.6%, P = 0.034). A multivariate analysis revealed that Lp(a)Δ0-12 [hazard ratio (HR): 0.96, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.92-0.99] and basal creatinine (HR: 1.13, 95%CI: 1.05-1.22) were independent determinants of subsequent MACE.

CONCLUSION

Circulating Lp(a) levels in patients with ACS decreased significantly after emergent PCI, and a greater decrease was independently associated with a worse prognosis.
Impact of D-dimer on in-hospital mortality following aortic dissection: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Srikanth Sashwath , Abrishami Shabnam , Subramanian Lakshmi , Mahadevaiah Ashwini , Vyas Ankit , Jain Akhil , Nathaniel Sangeetha , Gnanaguruparan Subramanian , Desai Rupak
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

The utility of D-dimer (DD) as a biomarker for acute aortic dissection (AD) is recognized. Yet, its predictive value for in-hospital mortality remains uncertain and subject to conflicting evidence.

AIM

To conduct a meta-analysis of AD-related in-hospital mortality (ADIM) with elevated DD levels.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar for AD and ADIM literature through May 2022. Heterogeneity was assessed using I 2 statistics and effect size (hazard or odds ratio) analysis with random-effects models. Sample size, study type, and patients’ mean age were used for subgroup analysis. The significance threshold was P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies (3628 patients) were included in our study. The pooled prevalence of ADIM was 20% (95%CI: 15%-25%). Despite comparable demographic characteristics and comorbidities, elevated DD values were associated with higher ADIM risk (unadjusted effect size: 1.94, 95%CI: 1.34-2.8; adjusted effect size: 1.12, 95%CI: 1.05-1.19, P < 0.01). Studies involving patients with a mean age of < 60 years exhibited an increased mortality risk (effect size: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.23-1.67, P < 0.01), whereas no significant difference was observed in studies with a mean age > 60 years. Prospective and larger sample size studies (n > 250) demonstrated a heightened likelihood of ADIM associated with elevated DD levels (effect size: 2.57, 95%CI: 1.30-5.08, P < 0.01 vs effect size: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.00-1.11, P = 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis shows elevated DD increases in-hospital mortality risk in AD patients, highlighting the need for larger, prospective studies to improve risk prediction models.
Composing dynamic programming tree-decomposition-based algorithms
Authors: Baste Julien
Published: June 2024

Given two integers $\ell$ and $p$ as well as $\ell$ graph classes
$\mathcal{H}_1,\ldots,\mathcal{H}_\ell$, the problems
$\mathsf{GraphPart}(\mathcal{H}_1, \ldots, \mathcal{H}_\ell,p)$, \break
$\mathsf{VertPart}(\mathcal{H}_1, \ldots, \mathcal{H}_\ell)$, and
$\mathsf{EdgePart}(\mathcal{H}_1, \ldots, \mathcal{H}_\ell)$ ask, given graph
$G$ as input, whether $V(G)$, $V(G)$, $E(G)$ respectively can be partitioned
into $\ell$ sets $S_1, \ldots, S_\ell$ such that, for each $i$ between $1$ and
$\ell$, $G[S_i] \in \mathcal{H}_i$, $G[S_i] \in \mathcal{H}_i$, $(V(G),S_i) \in
\mathcal{H}_i$ respectively. Moreover in $\mathsf{GraphPart}(\mathcal{H}_1,
\ldots, \mathcal{H}_\ell,p)$, we request that the number of edges with
endpoints in different sets of the partition is bounded by $p$. We show that if
there exist dynamic programming tree-decomposition-based algorithms for
recognizing the graph classes $\mathcal{H}_i$, for each $i$, then we can
constructively create a dynamic programming tree-decomposition-based algorithms
for $\mathsf{GraphPart}(\mathcal{H}_1, \ldots, \mathcal{H}_\ell,p)$,
$\mathsf{VertPart}(\mathcal{H}_1, \ldots, \mathcal{H}_\ell)$, and
$\mathsf{EdgePart}(\mathcal{H}_1, \ldots, \mathcal{H}_\ell)$. We apply this
approach to known problems. For well-studied problems, like VERTEX COVER and
GRAPH $q$-COLORING, we obtain running times that are comparable to those of the
best known problem-specific algorithms. For an exotic problem from
bioinformatics, called DISPLAYGRAPH, this approach improves the known algorithm
parameterized by treewidth.
A Practical Algorithm with Performance Guarantees for the Art Gallery Problem
Authors: Hengeveld Simon , Miltzow Tillmann
Published: June 2024

Given a closed simple polygon $P$, we say two points $p,q$ see each other if
the segment $pq$ is fully contained in $P$. The art gallery problem seeks a
minimum size set $G\subset P$ of guards that sees $P$ completely. The only
currently correct algorithm to solve the art gallery problem exactly uses
algebraic methods and is attributed to Sharir. As the art gallery problem is
ER-complete, it seems unlikely to avoid algebraic methods, without additional
assumptions. In this paper, we introduce the notion of vision stability. In
order to describe vision stability consider an enhanced guard that can see
"around the corner" by an angle of $\delta$ or a diminished guard whose vision
is by an angle of $\delta$ "blocked" by reflex vertices. A polygon $P$ has
vision stability $\delta$ if the optimal number of enhanced guards to guard $P$
is the same as the optimal number of diminished guards to guard $P$. We will
argue that most relevant polygons are vision stable. We describe a one-shot
vision stable algorithm that computes an optimal guard set for visionstable
polygons using polynomial time and solving one integer program. It guarantees
to find the optimal solution for every vision stable polygon. We implemented an
iterative visionstable algorithm and show its practical performance is slower,
but comparable with other state of the art algorithms. Our iterative algorithm
is inspired and follows closely the one-shot algorithm. It delays several steps
and only computes them when deemed necessary. Given a chord $c$ of a polygon,
we denote by $n(c)$ the number of vertices visible from $c$. The chord-width of
a polygon is the maximum $n(c)$ over all possible chords $c$. The set of vision
stable polygons admits an FPT algorithm when parametrized by the chord-width.
Furthermore, the one-shot algorithm runs in FPT time, when parameterized by the
number of reflex vertices.
Strategy For Improving Employee Performance Of Sahabat Yatim Indonesia
Authors: Yunitasari Yunitasari , Sutrisno Sutrisno
Published: June 2024

This research aims to determine the improvement in the performance of Sahabat Yatim Indonesia (SYI) Yogyakarta Branch employees by increasing the amount of Zakat, Infaq, and Sadaqah (ZIS) received. This research is qualitative, with data sources in the form of primary and secondary data. The method used in collecting data was interviewing and looking at the financial reports held by the SYI Yogyakarta branch. There were seven interview informants, including branch heads and employees of the SYI Yogyakarta branch. The validity of the data was tested using the source triangulation method. This research uses data analysis techniques, such as data reduction, presentation, and conclusion. The results of this research find that the strategy to improve employee performance carried out by the SYI Yogyakarta branch has gone according to plan; this is realized through measurable implementation and supervision through monitoring and evaluation. The strategy to increase ZIS revenues has also been running well. The increase in ZIS proves that this is accepted every month. The theoretical implications of this research can be helpful as a reference for further research on a similar theme. The practical implication of this research is that the SYI Yogyakarta branch can maintain employee performance in increasing ZIS acquisition. The leadership of the SYI Yogyakarta branch can provide policies for distributing employee performance according to employee duties and functions so that employee performance can run better by the organizational structure of the SYI Yogyakarta branch.
EDUCAÇÃO PARA TODOS: UMA MISSÃO POSSÍVEL?
Authors: Mata Cândida Santos
Published: June 2024

O artigo visa refletir sobre as políticas de inclusão, levando em conta a realidade educacional contemporânea, os paradigmas conceituais e as novas legislações que vêm sendo desenvolvidas e defendidas em documentos nacionais e internacionais. Entre outros aspectos, aborda a inclusão como um direito fundamental de todas as pessoas com deficiência e as atitudes necessárias para a implementação de práticas menos preconceituosas e segregacionistas. Traz ponderações sobre a importância de compreender o verdadeiro significado de inclusão e destaca que a escola deve ser um espaço para a expressão das diferenças. Discute a necessidade de um compromisso governamental para efetivar investimentos que contribuam para a implementação das ações educacionais necessárias para uma inclusão genuína.
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMS TO FIGHT SCHOOL DROPOUT CASE STUDY OF TAYSSIR PROGRAM IN ZAGORA PROVINCE
Authors: BASSOU Ismail AIT , FEZZA Jamal , CHEIKH Mustapha , BELKHAOUA Chaimaa
Published: June 2024

This paper aims to highlight the role of Tayssir program in fighting school dropout in Tamezmoute community, province of Zagora. The study based on sociological approach of social protection that focuses on analyzing local, social, and territorial conditions related to the school dropout phenomenon. By relying on a qualitative method, techniques of observation and semi-directed interview to collect data. The results showed that the receiving of cash transfers help the rural families so much to carry out educational supplies. Therefore, encourage their children to join the school, even though the weak value of Tayssir financial grant and the delay of its distribution, which affected their management of school needs.
THE POSITIVE SCHOOL CLIMATE AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCHOOL
Authors: Fotini Gritsopoulou
Published: June 2024

The school climate, as Cohen and Hamilton (2009) suggest, is a tool that schools can use “as a framework that supports healthy individuals and relationships, educator- parent mental health partnerships, and transformational learning for individuals and school communities, teacherparent relationships, and learning in school communities” (Coyne A. Y., 2012: p. 6). It is a set of interactions that affects both the psychology and the performance of all participants in terms of school goals. When there is a positive climate, each member of the school can realize its value and contribute to the collective creation, as it creates feelings of satisfaction and responsibility, thus contributing substantially to the effectiveness of the school unit. The present study, studies the meaning and dimensions of the school climate, its relationship with school culture, its shaping factors and its essential role in achieving maximum efficiency of the school unit.