bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histories of Rape Resistance
Authors: Jordan Jerrica
Published: January 2024

Ann Petry's The Street is a text that begins and ends with vivid descriptions of violence, paving the way for the brutal environment that faces its female protagonist, Lutie Johnson. "The Street" that Petry's narrator describes is an allegory for the establishment of patriarchy within America. Jordan connects Lutie's journey to the literal female rebellion occurring in or on America's streets against patriarchal structures. Jordan ties Lutie's journey to the present day in three ways: her education with her white employers, her attempt to independently achieve racial uplift, and her violent outburst after an attempted rape. Because Lutie has been educated via white authored texts--including that of Benjamin Franklin's autobiography--she pursues white methods of uplift unattainable for African American women. In doing so, she absents herself from a potential community of female allies; her eventual recognition emanates in actions of anger and violence, when she physically beats her male abuser into submission.
Exploring the Chemistry and Mass Function of the Globular Cluster 47 Tucanae with New Theoretical Color–Magnitude Diagrams
Authors: Gerasimov Roman , Burgasser Adam J. , Caiazzo Ilaria , Homeier Derek , Richer Harvey B. , Correnti Matteo , Heyl Jeremy
Published: January 2024

Despite their shared origin, members of globular clusters display star-to-star variations in composition. The observed pattern of element abundances is unique to these stellar environments and cannot be fully explained by any proposed mechanism. It remains unclear whether stars form with chemical heterogeneity or inherit it from interactions with other members. These scenarios may be differentiated by the dependence of chemical spread on stellar mass; however, obtaining a sufficiently large mass baseline requires abundance measurements on the lower main sequence, which is too faint for spectroscopy even in the nearest globular clusters. We developed a stellar modeling method to obtain precise chemical abundances for stars near the end of the main sequence from multiband photometry, and we applied it to the globular cluster 47 Tucanae. The computational efficiency is attained by matching chemical elements to the model components that are most sensitive to their abundance. We determined [O/Fe] for ∼5000 members below the main-sequence knee at the level of accuracy, comparable to the spectroscopic measurements of evolved members in the literature. The inferred distribution disfavors stellar interactions as the origin of chemical spread; however, an accurate theory of accretion is required to draw a more definitive conclusion. We anticipate that future observations of 47 Tucanae with the James Webb Space Telescope will extend the mass baseline of our analysis into the substellar regime. Therefore, we present predicted color–magnitude diagrams and mass–magnitude relations for the brown dwarf members of 47 Tucanae.
Metal-enriched Pair-instability Supernovae: Effects of Rotation
Authors: Umeda Hideyuki , Nagele Chris
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we revisit metal-enriched rotating pair-instability supernovae (PISNe) models for metallicities consistent with the Small Magellanic Cloud, the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), and 0.1Z
⊙. By calculating multiple models, we intend to clarify mass ranges and the ejected 56Ni masses from the PISNe, and mass-loss histories for progenitors. We find that the choice of the Wolf–Rayet (WR) mass-loss rates is important, and we adopt the recently proposed rate of Sander & Vink, which covers the mass ranges for PISNe progenitors. We show that slow rotation lowers the PISN range because the core mass increases by rotational mixing. On the other hand, when we assume a typical rotation speed for observed OB stars, the mass-loss increase becomes more significant, and the final stellar masses are lower than in nonrotating models. As a result, the typical mass range for bright supernovae (SNe), with a 56Ni mass higher than 10M
⊙ for these fast-rotating models is more than 400 and 350M
⊙ for LMC and 0.1Z
⊙ metallicities, respectively. It is interesting that unlike in previous works, we find oxygen-rich progenitors for most cases. This O-rich progenitor may be consistent with the recently identified PISN candidate SN2018ibb. He-rich progenitors are seen only for relatively dim and metal-poor (Z ≲ 0.1Z
⊙) PISNe. We also discuss the black hole mass gap for metal-enriched PISNe, and we show that the upper bound for the gap is lower than in the Population III case.
The Link between Nonthermal Velocity and Free Magnetic Energy in Solar Flares
Authors: McKevitt James , Jarolim Robert , Matthews Sarah , Baker Deborah , Temmer Manuela , Veronig Astrid , Reid Hamish , Green Lucie
Published: January 2024

The cause of excess spectral line broadening (nonthermal velocity) is not definitively known, but given its rise before and during flaring, the causal processes hold clues to understanding the triggers for the onset of reconnection and the release of free magnetic energy from the coronal magnetic field. A comparison of data during a 9 hr period from the extreme ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer on the Hinode spacecraft—at a 3 minute cadence—and nonlinear force-free field extrapolations performed on Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager magnetograms—at a 12 minute cadence—shows an inverse relationship between nonthermal velocity and free magnetic energy on short timescales during two X-class solar flares on 2017 September 6. Analysis of these results supports suggestions that unresolved Doppler flows do not solely cause nonthermal broadening, and instead other mechanisms like Alfvén wave propagation and isotropic turbulence have a greater influence.
Validation of Combs prognostic scoring system in Indian recurrent glioma patients treated with re-radiation
Authors: Dutta Debnarayan , Jose Meenu , Kalavagunta Sruthi , Sasidharan Ajay , Nair Haridas , Edappattu Annex H.
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Retrospective audit of recurrent glioma patients treated by different fractionation schedules and to validate the modified Combs prognostic score in Indian patient cohort.Material and Methods: Between Jan 2009 and June 2022, 66 recurrent gliomas patients treated with standard adjuvant treatment—radiation (RT) ± temozolomide (chemotherapy)—and re-treated with RT (±chemotherapy) were categorized as per modified Combs prognostic criteria and outcomes were compared.Results: Sixty-six patients with recurrent gliomas who received reirradiation (re-RT) were audited—53% males; 61% Karnofsky performance status (KPS) ≥80 at time of re-RT; median age 41.5 years (range, 6 to 70 years); 67% <50 years; primary histology low-grade glioma in 33% ; grade III 27%, grade IV 40%; initial median dose of 60 Gy equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions EQD2; maximum safe resection at recurrence 41%; mean and median follow-up 78 ± 51 months and 66 months. Mean time interval between RT was 46.4 ± 39 months. Mean planning target volume (PTV) volume in conventional RT (Conv-RT), hypofractionated RT (Hypo-RT), and ultra-hypofractionated RT (UF-RT) was 226.1 ± 140.7 mL, 162.8 ± 123.3 mL, and 143.3 ± 145.8 mL. Mean dose for Conv-RT, Hypo-RT, and UF-RT was 50 Gy (range, 40 to 60), 31 Gy (range, 20 to 40), and 20 Gy (range, 10 to 30). Mean overall survival (OS) in Conv-RT, Hypo-RT, and UF-RT cohort was 18.8 months (range, 2.4 to 76.8); 6.6 months (range, 2 to 17.4), and 13.9 months (range, 3 to 131.9). Median OS as per Combs criteria were 16.6 months (Group a), 24.6 months (Group b), 4.6 months (Group c), and 3 months (Group d). Significant survival benefit was with good KPS score (KPS >80 vs. <80; 20.46 vs. 5.25 months; p < 0.001), patients receiving salvage chemotherapy (20.46 vs. 6.96 months; p = 0.001), and patients received re-RT biological equivalent dose BED3 >80 Gy (16.62 vs. 5.48 months; p = 0.03). Median OS in our patient cohort and Combs cohort in Group a was 16.6 and 19.5 months; Group b was 24.6 and 11.3 months; Group c was 4.7 and 8.1 months, and Group d was 2 and 5.5 months, respectively. Six months survival in our patient cohort and Combs cohort in Groups a, b, c, d were 100%, 92%, 34%, 17% and 94%, 79%, 70%, 41%, respectively. Twelve months survival in our patient cohort and Combs cohort in Groups a, b, c, d were 88%, 74%, 22%, 0% and 88%, 47%, 22%, 7%, respectively.Conclusion: Modified Combs prognostic factors predicts OS and is applicable in Indian subcontinent patient population.
Phalaenopsis zhanhuoensis (Orchidaceae, Vandeae), a new species from Yunnan, China
Authors: Qin Shiyu , Wang Hanchen , Wang Yajun , Ma Chongbo , Li Zan , Yang Boyun , Jin Xiaohua
Published: January 2024

A new species of Orchidaceae, Phalaenopsis zhanhouana, from Xichou County, Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. The novelty is close to P. taenialis, P. wilsonii, and P. stobartiana, but differs from them by having a distinct, fleshy anterior callus with a deeply lobed apex at the base of the labellum and lateral lobes of labellum reflexed and facing outward.
Higher Education Institutions as a Catalyst for Sustainability Development
Authors: Shetty Shilpa H.
Published: January 2024

Growing concerns about the planet and society have led to the evolution of the concept of sustainable development. This concept gained popularity when the World Commission on Environment and Development released its report Our Common Future in 1987. In 1975, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) brought sustainability as the International Environmental Education Program focusing on environmental education. This gave birth to the idea that Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) can play a significant role in promoting the sustainability agenda. Over the years, this was done by implementing sustainability initiatives on the campus. These initiatives mostly focused on the environment and ignored the social and economic dimensions of sustainability. Given the paucity of adequate knowledge in this field, the chapter aims to explore the challenges in implementing sustainable initiatives and suggest a framework that will guide HEIs to act as a catalyst for sustainability development.
Application of Experiential, Inquiry-Based, Problem-Based, and Project-Based Learning in Sustainable Education
Authors: Singha Ranjit , Singha Surjit
Published: January 2024

This chapter explores integrating pedagogical approaches for sustainable teaching and learning, emphasizing the capacity to meet present requirements without compromising the future. It highlights the merits of experiential, inquiry-based, problem-based, and project-based methods in sustainable practices in education. Experiential learning emphasizes practical application and reflection, whereas inquiry-based learning promotes inquiry and exploration. Problem-based learning immerses students in real-world sustainability challenges and interdisciplinary collaboration, whereas project-based learning enables students to take on leadership roles. Integrating these techniques offers a variety of options for addressing complex environmental issues. Future obstacles include integrating technology and ensuring equitable access. Integrated educational practices require learner-centred approaches, collaboration, and continuous feedback, empowering students to become proactive sustainability advocates and promoting positive change for a sustainable future.
Early Childhood Inclusion
Authors: Mărgărițoiu Alina , Eftimie Simona
Published: January 2024

The themes analysed in the present chapter ensure a better understanding of the issue of early childhood inclusion in order to provide a theoretical and practical framework to teachers, specialists and families: clarifications regarding the evolution of concepts and inclusion indicators described by UNICEF in 1999, which were adopted by education institutions from around the world; legislative documents facilitating inclusive education in Romania; the factors that influence parents and teachers' attitudes towards early childhood inclusion; the effects of inclusion on children with and without SEN; good practices and researches regarding early intervention and preschool inclusion for the main categories of children with special educational needs and the most challenging for teachers (intellectual disabilities, hearing and visual impairment, physical and/or locomotor impairments, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders).
Quantifying the Impacts of Artificial Intelligence Implementations in Marketing
Authors: Durai Subhashini , Manoharan Geetha , Priya T. Sathya , Jayanthi R. , Razak Abdul , Ashtikar Sunitha Purushottam
Published: January 2024

AI will personalize marketing. Analysis of client behavior and preferences customizes product and service suggestions. AI-powered CRM solutions can automate customer service, help customers, and boost satisfaction. AI improves marketing targeting. Technology can improve client behavior targeting. AI will also impact digital marketing. Personalization boosts client engagement and sales. Virtual assistants and chat bots will increase marketing. Apps can swiftly answer customer questions, improve service, boost satisfaction, and develop brand loyalty. AI can enhance price by studying market trends, competition, and customer behaviour. Machine learning algorithms help organizations set rates, increasing sales and profit. Marketers may create more engaging content with AI. AI can analyze client data and behavior to determine which content performs best for target demographics, improving content marketing. AI marketing will develop in the future. Companies will benefit from AI-powered, tailored, and data-driven marketing that boosts customer engagement, loyalty, and revenue.
Unveiling the Advancements and Trends in Innovative Sustainable Marketing Strategies
Authors: Kavimayil N. V. , Vijayabanu C.
Published: January 2024

This chapter aims to bring a crystalline understanding of trends in marketing strategies with their origin of invention. Marketing, a significant component, was incorporated following the division of the section within the chapter that encompasses the management abstract. It brings out an ocean of information on the past viability of management and marketing alignment for performance by understanding the stiff competition and predicting recent trends based on the relevant strategies. Integration into e-commerce and engaging in technologies lead an organization to get itself well-developed and managed accordingly. The chapter will facilitate traders, academicians, research scholars, government, consultants, and practicing managers through the current trends in marketing strategies.
Classification of Arsenic in Groundwater Samples Using Extreme Learning Machine and Crow Search Algorithm for Smart Cities
Authors: Kumar Siddharth , Dhillon Harshdeep Singh , Chattopadhyay Arghya , Pati Jayadeep
Published: January 2024

This research aims to classify the arsenic contamination in the groundwater along the banks of river Ganga of Varanasi, India. The groundwater is vital for various purposes, including agriculture and drinking. Groundwater contamination with high levels of arsenic pose a significant health risk. To tackle this problem, the authors build a model for classifying arsenic levels in groundwater samples that incorporates the extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithm and crowd search optimisation (CSO) technique. In the hybrid approach, they initialize the ELM components and randomly assign weights while employing CSO to guide the search for optimal solutions. By classifying new groundwater samples as having high or low arsenic concentrations, the developed model can be used to evaluate the new groundwater samples. The proposed hybrid approach offers a promising solution for monitoring and managing groundwater quality, ensuring a healthier environment for the city's population.
Exploring AI and Machine Learning Integration in Medical Assistive Robotics
Authors: Saravanan T. R. , Suvitha S. , Banavath Dhanalaxmi , Gogula Sreenivasulu , Upadhyay Jyoti , Sudhakar M.
Published: January 2024

This chapter investigates the integration of AI and machine learning (ML) techniques in medical assistive robotics, focusing on their potential in enhancing healthcare capabilities. It explores the synergy between AI, ML, and medical robotics; outlines the chosen methodology; and assesses AI applications in areas like image analysis, predictive modeling, real-time monitoring, surgical automation, and rehabilitation. The study compares results with existing literature, revealing insights into the contributions and limitations of AI-empowered medical robotics. The findings highlight the transformative possibilities of AI and ML in advancing patient care, diagnostics, and treatment planning. By bridging theoretical understanding with empirical validation, this chapter aims to advance the discourse on AI integration in medical assistive robotics.
Integration of Cloud, IoT, and AI for Smart Services
Authors: Behura Aradhana , Singh Amrita , Nayak Sankalp
Published: January 2024

This chapter focused on providing the latest knowledge about IoT with prominence on application issues, intelligent sensors, enabling technologies, communication technology, and protocols. This chapter explores the interconnection among cloud computing, the internet of things (IoT), and machine learning. It delves into how integrating these technologies can enable intelligent and data-driven applications in various domains for smart cities. It also describes the challenges and opportunities presented by combining cloud computing, IoT, and machine learning and highlights the novel approaches, techniques, and frameworks that leverage this convergence. The convergence of cloud computing, the internet of things (IoT), and machine learning has opened up new opportunities for creating intelligent and efficient systems.
Intelligent Engineering and Applied Sciences for Comprehensive Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Htet Arkar , Liana Sui Reng , Aung Theingi , Bhaumik Amiya
Published: January 2024

Environmental sustainability is vital in combating climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. This chapter explores four domains, utilizing intelligent engineering and applied sciences. It first addresses pollution control, utilizing technologies such as electrostatic precipitators and AI-enabled monitoring. Next, it emphasizes waste management, focusing on waste-to-energy and AI in recycling. The third section evaluates sustainable construction, exploring bio-based materials and green practices. Fourth, it highlights climate change mitigation through clean energy, efficiency measures, and CCUS technology. Additionally, the chapter underscores interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sectoral partnerships for innovative, sustainable solutions. With practical case studies, the chapter offers a comprehensive view of how technology contributes to sustainability, inspiring future research and collaboration.
Quality of Supply and Customer Engagement in the Energy Industry
Authors: Amushembe Hilde , Musti K. S. Sastry
Published: January 2024

Industries can experience loss of productivity and equipment damage due to poor quality of power supply and unintended or unexpected service interruptions. Several factors such as unreliable power supply contribute to the poor service quality and revenue losses to the utilities. It is desirable that service interruptions are carefully recorded, from which the reliability indices are determined. These indices provide a good indication of the capacity of the utility in engaging and serving the customers. This chapter presents various reliability indices and explains their importance in engaging the customers through providing reliable power supply. A novel framework for reporting the reliability indices is suggested. Further, this chapter illustrates how this suggested framework can be applied to a typical energy supply industry (ESI) to improve overall revenues to the utilities and to provide high quality of power supply and service to the customers.
The Importance of Industrial Design in the Aerospace Industry of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico
Authors: Muñoz Ismael Mendoza , Herrera Manuel Guzmán , Román Daniel Barrera , Zepeda Pedro Alberto Escarcega , Badilla Gustavo Lopez
Published: January 2024

The industrial design of compounds of aerospace systems as aircrafts is very important because the metallic structures are complex with linear and curve areas, and it can generate in sometimes any type of accumulation of humidity, and with this can have the presence a deterioration and cause any type of negative effect in the operation of this relevant aerospace systems. The principal computing programs used in the industrial design in the aerospace industry of the Mexicali city are the diverse types of CAD/CAM software as AUTOCAD, solid works, and CREO (formerly known as Pro/Engineer), as the more popular software to make single of complex operations in the industrial processes, as tool making activities in the CNC machines. This investigation was made in 2022.
Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Food Systems
Authors: Ben Abdallah Rim , Ben Aribi Hiba , Ben Amara Eya , Othmeni Imed , Fattouch Sami
Published: January 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool to address various challenges in the food industry, particularly in the development of eco-friendly processes of sustainable food systems. With the growing concern for environmental sustainability and food security, there is a need for the food industry to adopt sustainable practices that reduce wastes, preserve resources, and improve the overall efficiency of food production, processing, and packaging to meet the needs of the growing human populations without compromising the ability of future generations. Within this context, this chapter delves into the utilization of artificial intelligence to construct sustainable food systems. It emphasizes the new trends of AI applications to qualitatively and quantitatively optimize key elements of sustainable food systems.
Biosensor Applications and Principles of Agricultural and Aquacultural Sectors
Authors: Bhambri Pankaj , Khang Alex
Published: January 2024

The chapter offers an extensive examination of the basic concepts and varied uses of biosensors in the fields of farming and aquaculture. Beginning with an overview of biosensor technology, the chapter delves into the underlying principles that govern biosensor design and functionality. It explores the integration of biorecognition elements and transducers, highlighting the synergy between biology and electronics. The main focus of the chapter is on the pivotal role biosensors play in revolutionizing agricultural and aquacultural practices. Specific applications discussed include real-time monitoring of soil health, crop diseases, and water quality. The chapter emphasizes the significance of biosensors in precision agriculture, enabling targeted interventions and resource optimization. Additionally, it explores the use of biosensors in aquaculture for monitoring the health and environmental conditions of aquatic ecosystems.
Application of Sensors for Smart Farming
Authors: Eswaran Ushaa , Eswaran Vivek , Murali Keerthna , Eswaran Vishal
Published: January 2024

This chapter delves into the pivotal role of smart sensors in revolutionizing agriculture through smart farming practices. It begins by defining smart farming and elucidating the significance of smart sensors in this domain. An overview of smart sensors, including their types, functions, advantages, and limitations, is presented. The chapter elaborates on the multifaceted roles of smart sensors in smart farming, encompassing environmental monitoring, precision irrigation, water management, and crop health surveillance. It emphasizes sensor applications such as temperature, humidity, soil moisture, light, water level, flow, and disease detection sensors. Furthermore, it explores the integration of smart sensors into farming systems, highlighting sensor networks, communication technologies, data collection, analysis, and automation for decision support systems. Case studies illustrate successful implementations of smart sensors in crop production, livestock farming, and greenhouse agriculture.
Internet of Things (IoT)-Integrated Technologies in the Agriculture Sector
Authors: Yamini R. , Nassa Vinay Kumar , Rajkumar M. , Nidhya M. S.
Published: January 2024

Industrialization and intensification in agriculture are becoming more necessary to meet the rising demand for food. The internet of things (IoT) is an exciting new development that has the potential to significantly improve agricultural practises worldwide. There is a continual effort by academic institutions and scientific communities to develop and market goods and services that use the IoT to solve various agricultural sectors. The primary objective of this study is to compile a comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR) that examines the utilization of internet of things (IoT) technologies in diverse agricultural domains, encompassing current applications, sensors/devices, communication protocols, and network categories. This entails consolidating research on IoT applications in agriculture. There's also a good discussion of the most pressing agricultural questions and problems.
Optical Sensing for Precision Agriculture
Authors: Talal Muhammad , Raza Aamir , Safdar Muhammad , Al Ansari Mohammed Saleh , Ali Syed Kashif , Sattar Jaffar
Published: January 2024

Optical sensing technologies have revolutionized agriculture by enabling precision farming practices that optimize resource use and enhance crop productivity. This chapter provides an overview of optical sensing, its definition, historical development, fundamental principles, various sensing technologies, and applications. Optical sensing plays a crucial role in monitoring crop health, soil properties, water quality, weeds, and pests, and predicting yields. However, it faces challenges like environmental factors, calibration, and integration issues. The chapter emphasizes the continued significance of optical sensing in sustainable agriculture and its potential role in shaping future farming practices. As technology develops and becomes more affordable, optical sensing is poised to play an increasingly important role in precision agriculture.
An Exploration on Utilization of Business Analytics in Sri Lankan Banks
Authors: Rodrigo A. D. S. , Hettiarachchi H. A. H. , Kumarasinghe D. H. P.
Published: January 2024

In this era of data evangelism, organizations are evolving with a paradigm shift from intuition-driven decision making to evidence-based decision making. Thus, business analytics has become a popular buzzword in modern business. Banking is a lavish industry that generates massive amounts of data and has copious opportunities for the utilization of business analytics to reap its maximum return. Therefore, the significance of business analytics in banking cannot be ignored. Though some international studies have indicated the utilization of business analytics in banks, studies on Sri Lankan banks are quite scarce. To fill this gap, this paper investigates the current utilization of business analytics in the Sri Lankan banking industry. The paper adopted a qualitative approach with multiple case studies, interviewing five professionals from different private commercial banks who are well-versed in business analytics. The paper covers eight aspects of business analytics utilization: duration of use, delegation, beneficiaries, technological aid, essentiality, value realization, perceived usage, and future direction. It was found that most banks have started using business analytics during the last three to four years, mainly for digital banking and card operations with basic technologies such as Power BI and Tableau. Further, it was also found that most banks have realized the importance and potentiality of business analytics, but neither integrated it fully with their core business nor achieved the expected value creation. The paper concludes that Sri Lankan banks are still in the early stages of business analytics maturity. Thus, there is a need to overcome the challenges and implement strategies to leverage business analytics for their benefit. Importantly, this study will contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of business analytics and the Sri Lankan banking industry where related studies are scarce.
Impact of bank-specific and macroeconomic factors on The profitability of Commercial Banks in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasena D. M. , Karunarathne T.
Published: January 2024

The objective of this research study is to investigate the impact of Bank specific and Macroeconomic indicators/forces on the Profitability of the Listed Commercial banks in Sri Lanka. Balance panel data regression analysis mode was used to analyze the data. Data for each macroeconomic and bank-related variables were collected with the assistance of secondary resources and it covers a period of 13 years commencing from the year 2006 up to 2018. The study sample contained nine licensed commercial banks that cover both the private and government sector. The study employed ROA and ROE as dependent variables while using exchange rate, GDP growth, inflation, lending interest rate, unemployment rate, BOP, Central government debts, operating margin, deposits, loan to assets, debt to equity, capital adequacy, loans to deposits and assets size as independent variables. Inflation, Balance of payments, Central government debts, operating margin, loans, equity debt, and capital adequacy variables were positively correlated with both ROA and ROE while the rest of the variables indicated a mixed effect under two regression models. Many existing studies on Banks profitability have focused either on Bank specific or macroeconomic variables but this study focused on both bank specific as well as macroeconomic factors giving equal weight for both factors as well as extending existing literature by including variables such as central government debts and BOP.
Association of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 and Neurofilament Light Chain in Patients with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Dey Saikat , Yelamanchi Ramachadra , Mullapudi Thrinath , Holla Vikram V. , Kamble Nitish , Mahale Rohan R. , Sathyaprabha Talakad N. , Pal Pramod K. , Debnath Monojit , Yadav Ravi
Published: January 2024

Background:

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is the most common primary tauopathy. The definite diagnosis of PSP is established by histopathologic changes in the brain. There are no reliable blood-based biomarkers to aid the diagnosis of this fatal disease at an early stage. Also, the precise etiopathology of PSP and its variants is inadequately understood.

Objective:

Blood-based molecules such as neurofilament light chain (NfL) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are shown as important markers of neurodegenerative and aging processes, respectively. These two biomarkers have not been analyzed simultaneously in PSP patients.

Methods:

To address this knowledge gap, 40 PSP patients and equal number of healthy individuals were recruited and serum levels of NfL and IGF-1 were assayed in all the study participants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Motor and nonmotor symptoms were evaluated in PSP patients using various scales/questionnaires. Cardiac autonomic function tests were performed in a subset of patients (n = 27).

Results:

A significantly high serum level of NfL (P < 0.01) and a reduced level of IGF-1 (P = 0.02) were observed in PSP patients compared to healthy controls. Besides, a negative correlation (r = -0.54, P < 0.01) between NfL and IGF-1 levels was observed in PSP patients.

Conclusion:

The finding of this study reinforces the important role of blood NfL level as a potential biomarker of PSP. Further, the current study provides novel insights into the reciprocal correlation between NfL and IGF-1 in PSP patients. Combined analysis of blood levels of these two functionally relevant markers might be useful in the prediction and diagnosis of PSP.
A Comparative Evaluation of Different Methods for Shade Selection in Fixed Prosthodontics: An In vitro Study
Authors: Saiyed Anam Abdulla , Mathur Somil Kumar , Shah Takshil Devendra
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Aesthetics has gained broad importance over the last few years among dental practitioners and patients. It has become essential for clinicians to match the original shades of the present tooth. Hence, this study evaluated the efficacy of conventional visual shade selection, digital photography and digital shade selection using a device for shade selection in fixed prosthodontics.

Materials and Methods:

A comparative evaluation of different methods for shade selection in fixed prosthodontics was done using the three different techniques. The three were the conventional visual method, the conventional visual method assisted by digital photography and the conventional visual method assisted electronic shade matching device. In this study, 16 sample sizes were used, as there are 16 tabs in a Vitapan classical shade guide and eight observers. Independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance test was used for this study.

Results:

The percentages of visual, digital and shade selection done with electronic shade selection devices were 74.2%, 71.1% and 87.5%, respectively. The P = 0.366, which is statistically not significant.

Conclusion:

There is no significant difference between visual shade selection performed clinically or with digital photographs and shade selection assisted by electronic shade selection devices.
Potential Strategies to Limit Inappropriate Purchasing of Antibiotics without a Prescription in a Rural Province in South Africa: Pilot Study and the Implications
Authors: Sono Tiyani Milta , Maluleke Morgan Tiyiselani , Jelić Ana Golić , Campbell Stephen , Marković-Peković Vanda , Schellack Natalie , Kumar Santosh , Godman Brian , Meyer Johanna Catharina
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

There is considerable concern with rising rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with its subsequent impact on morbidity, mortality and costs. In low- and middle-income countries, a key driver of AMR is the appreciable misuse of antibiotics in ambulatory care, which can account for up to 95% of human utilisation. A principal area is the selling of antibiotics without a prescription. There is conflicting evidence in South Africa regarding this practice alongside rising AMR rates. Consequently, there is a need to explore this further, especially in more rural areas of South Africa. A pilot study was undertaken to address this.

Materials and Methods:

A two-step descriptive approach involving a self-administered questionnaire amongst pharmacists and their assistants followed by cognitive interviews with some of the participants.

Results:

Twenty-one responses were obtained from nine of the 11 community pharmacies invited to participate. Participating pharmacies were all independently owned. Ten of the 21 participants admitted dispensing antibiotics without a prescription, including both adults and children, representing five of the nine participating pharmacies. A minority dispensed antibiotics before recommending suitable over-the-counter medicines. These high rates were exacerbated by patient pressure. There were issues with the length of the questionnaire and some of the phraseology, which will be addressed in the main study.

Conclusion:

There were concerns with the extent of purchasing antibiotics without a prescription in this pilot in South Africa study. Key issues will be explored further in the main study.
Roles of Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1: More than Just Pneumonia
Authors: Han Jiajia , Li Li
Published: January 2024

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)-1 is a transmembrane receptor embedded in the intrinsic immune cell membrane that amplifies inflammation by increasing inflammatory signalling triggered by toll-like receptors as well as transcript levels in the NF-κB signalling pathway. The soluble form of TREM-1 is obtained by cleavage of the extracellular portion of TREM-1 by matrix metalloprotease-9 and can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of TREM-1 pathway activation in many acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. The present review aims to summarise the latest research and insights on TREM-1 in inflammatory and non-inflammatory diseases.
Grinspan Syndrome
Authors: Smitha C N , Shergill Sumanpreet , Jain Sanjeev , Saxena Divya , Pandav Gaurav , Bansal Pancy
Published: January 2024

Grinspans’s syndrome is an enigmatic condition, be it a separate entity or a drug-induced reaction occurring due to the medications used to treat hypertension and diabetes mellitus. It is a triad of oral lichen planus, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Oral lichen planus is an autoimmune chronic mucocutaneous non-infectious inflammatory condition involving skin, mucosa or both. Diabetes is associated with a history of hyperglycaemia leading to a rapid destruction of bone and non-mineralised connective tissue leading to periodontitis. Grinspan syndrome with periodontitis has been rarely reported. It remains a rare entity, as little research has been performed in this area. In this article, we present a 68-year-old female patient with swollen gums and severe burning sensation in the oral cavity, including a history of type 2 diabetes 33 mellitus, depression and hypertension. Clinical attachment loss and generalised recession were recorded on examination.
Improving sexual dysfunction through guided imagery music (GIM): A clinical trial study
Authors: Mohammadi Elahe , AbdiShahshahani Mahshid , Noroozi Mahnaz , Mohammadi Ali Zadeh , Beigi Marjan
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Women with perfect health are strong foundations of a healthy and prosperous family life and suppressing the natural needs of women will have adverse effects on the intimacy and vitality of family members, especially in the field of sexual function. This study aimed to determine the effect of GIM on the level of sexual function in women with sexual dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this cluster randomized trial, which was conducted from 2018 to 2019 in the randomly selected comprehensive health centers of Isfahan, Iran, 72 women of reproductive age (two groups of 36 people) with sexual dysfunction were selected by convenience sampling method, and then, music-guided imagination was performed on the intervention group. No special intervention was performed in the control group. Data collection tools were demographic characteristics questionnaire and a standard questionnaire of the female sexual function index.

RESULTS:

There was no statistically significant difference in sexual function and demographic characteristics before the intervention between the two groups (P = 0/301). The results demonstrated that the overall score of sexual function in the intervention subjects was better than the control group (P = 0/003). Improvement of sexual function dimensions (desire, arousal, orgasm) was also significant in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

GIM can be effective in improving women's sexual function. Providing this technique as a low-cost and affordable method is recommended to health experts in private and government clinics. This method can improve the mental health of the family and society.
The effect of a self-management program on the quality of life of patients with scleroderma
Authors: Parniyan Razieh , Pasyar Nilofar , Rambod Masoume , Momennasab Marzieh , Nazarinia Mohammadali
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Scleroderma is a rare disease with complex disorders. It affects the quality of life with severe impacts on the skin and extensive complications in the internal organs, and does not have a definitive treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a self-management program on the quality of life of patients with scleroderma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a clinical trial in which 54 patients with scleroderma were randomly divided into two groups of 27 each (experimental and control groups). The data were collected using the Systemic Sclerosis Questionnaire. A self-management program was sent to the experimental group via a mobile phone application (WhatsApp) every day for three months. Statistical analysis was performed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences V21.

RESULTS:

The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that the average overall quality of life score of the experimental group showed a significant increase after the implementation of the program (P value: 0.00). The average overall quality of life score of the control group also significantly declined after the intervention (P value: 0.00). The Mann-Whitney U test revealed that there was no significant difference in the overall quality of life score of the two groups before the intervention (P value: 0.31); however, after the implementation of the self-management program, a significant difference was observed between the two groups (P value: 0.00).

CONCLUSION:

According to the results, the self-management program can help improve the quality of life of patients with scleroderma.
Older people's health promotion policies challenges: Making an avenue for policy responses in a developing country
Authors: Bahmaei Jamshid , Bahrami Mohammad Amin , Asadollahi Abdolrahim , Bastani Peivand , Ravangard Ramin
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Older people's health policies suffer from many challenges in Iran. The issue is more highlighted considering the increasing rate of the older population in the country. This study aimed to explore the challenges of older people's health policies in Iran as well as make an avenue for policy responses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was a qualitative study that was conducted using conventional content analysis in 2020–2021 in Iran. The purposive and snowball sampling methods were used for semi-structured interviews with 30 selected participants. Data were analyzed through the content analysis approach using Granheim and Landman's five-step thematic method.

RESULTS:

The results of analyzing the data were categorized into four main themes, 16 sub-themes, and 70 final codes. The main themes were executive, policymaking, intra- and inter-sectoral, and environmental challenges.

CONCLUSIONS:

Older people are facing challenges in receiving appropriate and timely care. In order to achieve a wide national policy dialogue for covering all older people's health needs in policy agendas and better formulation and implementation of the policies, it is necessary for Iranian health policymakers to address executive challenges and apply effective strategies.
The nurses perceived educational values and experience of journal club activities - A cross-sectional study in Qatar
Authors: Hassan Nesiya , Alomari Albara Mohammad Ali , Singh Kalpana , Kunjavara Jibin , Joy George V. , Mannethodi Kamaruddeen , Al Lenjawi Badriya
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Journal club (JC) is widely used as an educational method to support nurses in up-to-date clinical practices, acquire critical appraisal skills, and promote evidence-based nursing practice. Traditionally, JC activities were conducted as face-to-face sessions. However, after the emergence of the pandemic, many educational activities including JC turn to the online platform. This study aims to assess the perceived educational value of JC and the experience of virtual journal club (VJC) among nurses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional research design was used to gather the information from the nurses using the Nursing journal club perception scale. A purposive sampling method was used to enroll 450 participants from the JC attendees of various facilities between May andAugust 2022. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS:

The data from 450 participants were analyzed with a response rate of 40.1%. The majority of the participants were females (82.4%) and belonged to the 35-44 years' age group (39.6%). Mostly, the subjects were registered nurses or midwives (78%) and had more than 5 years of clinical experience (45.8%). The mean perceived educational value of JC and VJC was 62.9 ± 8.3 and 56.3 ± 8.9, respectively. The nurse educators are holding higher educational value of JC as compared to other participants including clinical nurses, charge nurses, head nurses, and director of nurses (P = 0.03). Additionally, 90% of participants strongly agreed that the nursing journal club helps them to disseminate and reinforce evidence-based practice, update their clinical knowledge, and was very informative. Furthermore, 80% of participants agreed that educational standards, social networking, and time allocation of the VJC are enhancing the chance of attending more sessions.

CONCLUSION:

The JC has a vital role in preparing nurses for promoting research culture and practicing evidence-based nursing care. The national health strategies are focused on improving research capabilities and enhancing research within the national context. The implementation of evidence-based practice in healthcare involves enhancing formal research opportunities, promoting continuing education in research, developing skills in addressing research gaps, and enhancing research-oriented cultures in healthcare facilities. The nursing leadership can play a key role to support the initiatives to develop and conduct nursing JC in their facilities to improve the nurse's research skills and evidence-based nursing practice.
Sleep quality and shift work among Moroccan nurses: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kabbadj Kaoutar , Amekran Youssra , Damoun Narjisse , Taiek Nora , El Hangouche Abdelkader Jalil
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Sleep is vital for physical and mental health. The nursing profession is often associated with unique challenges when it comes to sleep quality. Nurses are often faced with irregular work schedules, including night shifts and rotations, high-stress levels, and significant job demands that can contribute to sleep problems and hinder their productivity at work. This study aimed to assess sleep quality in Moroccan nurses and to investigate the relationship between sleep quality and shift work.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a cross-sectional study carried out between August 8, 2022 and September 30, 2022 among 260 nurses working day or night shifts in the province of Tétouan, northern Morocco. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality in day and night shift nurses. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and shift work were also collected. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. Regression models were used to study the association between participant characteristics and sleep quality.

RESULTS:

Among all participants, 60.4% had poor sleep quality. The results of the study revealed that there was no significant association between shift work and sleep quality among nurses in Morocco.

CONCLUSION:

Given that the majority of nurses suffer from sleep disorders, an action plan to raise awareness and promote good sleep in this population should be implemented.