bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Research Trends on ChatGPT: Insights from Altmetrics and Science Mapping Analysis
Authors: Raman Raghu , Lathabhai Hiran , Diwakar Shyam , Nedungadi Prema
Published: October 2023

In the four months following its launch in December 2022, ChatGPT, the LLM bot employing deep learning algorithms to generate human-like responses, has been the subject of numerous research articles. Identifying early attention to this research is highly intriguing. As citations for these publications may take time to accumulate, our study focused on examining the early attention of ChatGPT research using the Altmetric Attention Score (AAS), a composite attention score developed by Digital Science. Our findings from the total set of publications and the top publications according to the highest AAS scores reveal the following trends: (i) The United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom are the top countries that published most of the top research articles related to ChatGPT. (ii) The most frequently mentioned source titles include journals like Nature, Science and preprint sources like medRxiv and arXiv. (iii) Among the fields of research (FoR) to which ChatGPT publications align, ‘information and computing sciences’ and ‘biomedical and clinical sciences’ received the highest mentions. (iv) Five major clusters were identified in the network formed by the interlinkage of FoRs, and the most prominent themes discussed in top articles within these five clusters include ChatGPT usage in medical writing and determining ChatGPT’s role in scientific publishing. (v) Scientists are found to be the major user category demonstrating the highest level of interest in ChatGPT research. By capturing these early trends in ChatGPT research and the early attention to this research, our work offers valuable insights for ChatGPT enthusiasts, researchers, and policymakers in fields such as education, information sciences, biomedical sciences, scientific publishing, and many others.
Measuring Video Conferencing System Success in Higher Education: Scale Development and Evaluation
Authors: Bubaš Goran , Čižmešija Antonela
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed great importance on video conferencing tools in delivering instruction at higher education institutions (HEIs). Increased interest in video conferencing tools for hybrid and fully online teaching is also expected in the post-pandemic period. The main focus of this paper is on the analysis of the BigBlueButton video conferencing tool by using survey data collected from students (N = 175) at a HEI at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The assessment scales for data collection in the survey were based on the DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success Model (D&M ISSM), as well as on the concepts of usability (US), cognitive involvement (CI), and design appeal (DA). The analysis of the assessment scales indicated their good internal consistency and reliability (using the Cronbach alpha and other indicators). A correlation analysis and factor analysis were performed to assist in developing a structural model of the relations between independent variables; system quality (SYSQ), information quality (INFQ), service quality (SERQ), US, CI, and DA; and the dependent variable intention to use (IU) the BigBlueButton video conferencing system. A structural model was developed and confirmed with the use of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), and the explanatory power (R2 value) of this model was .507 regarding the dependent variable IU the BigBlueButton system.
Roblox in Higher Education
Authors: Alhasan Khaled , Alhasan Khawla , Al Hashimi Sama'a
Published: October 2023

Roblox is widely recognized as one of the most popular metaverse games, boasting millions of users across the globe. The focus of this paper is on the impact of Roblox on higher education, exploring how it can be utilized as a valuable educational tool and the benefits and opportunities that can be created by integrating it into university courses. Additionally, this study investigates the challenges faced by students and educators when attempting to integrate Roblox into curricula. Previous research has primarily focused on Roblox’s impact on elementary schools, leaving unexplored its potential as a metaverse learning platform for higher education. To address this gap, a systematic literature review was conducted to extract themes from the selected literature, identify gaps, and draw conclusions. The study reveals that Roblox can be an effective tool for higher education and has the potential to gamify any university course. However, there is little awareness among educators about metaverse, and creating a customized 3D environment and coding it using Lua to create games can be a challenging task for them. The potential of Roblox as a learning platform for higher education has not been explored much. This study aims to investigate the perspective of students on Roblox’s integration as an educational tool using the TAM model, which states that computer acceptance depends on perceived usefulness and ease of use. The study will examine the potential of Roblox as an educational tool for higher education, as previous research has been limited to elementary schools.
A Study on the Influence of Hybrid Teaching on Students’ Learning Attitude and Learning Confidence
Authors: Wang Hong , Lin Wenhe , Wang Wenbao
Published: October 2023

Intelligent terminal equipment is becoming extremely popular, and online learning has been increasingly accepted by people. In this context, it is particularly important to consider the ways of activating students’ interest in learning, improving their learning efficiency, and perception of network learning, as well as whether they can meet the requirements of the curriculum. The participants of this study are university students from China’s Fujian Province. According to the findings, it is suggested to improve the hybrid teaching resources, help teachers establish a correct outlook on learning, and improve their online learning management abilities.
Musées de la science et de la technologie en Finlande : un accent mis sur la spécialité, l’enthousiasme et le régionalisme
Authors: Myllyntaus Timo
Published: October 2023

Collecter, préserver et exposer le patrimoine industriel et technologique a été un phénomène dispersé et spécialisé en Finlande. La principale raison en est que l’État finlandais ne s’est pas intéressé à la création de ses propres musées des sciences et des technologies et n’a pour ainsi dire mené aucune autre politique que celle d’accorder des subventions financières aux institutions dans ce domaine. Les musées finlandais des sciences et des technologies ont été établis et sont détenus par des fondations privées, des associations, des entreprises privées, des municipalités ou des universités. L’article examine les principales catégories de musées de sciences et technologie en Finlande ainsi que leurs centres d’intérêt et leurs spécialités. Beaucoup d’entre eux ont été fondés par des acteurs privés qui ont fait vivre leurs musées principalement grâce à des dons ou des subventions régionales. Bien qu’il existe des musées de technologie relativement importants dans les grandes villes, un musée de technologie finlandais typique est une institution raisonnablement modeste.
Cartographie des thèses portant sur l’éducation, l’enseignement et la formation dans les pays francophones du Sud de 2000 à 2020
Authors: Chevalier Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2023

Le répertoire des thèses consultable sur le site APPRENDRE de l’Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) recense les thèses en français portant sur l’éducation, l’enseignement et la formation dans 26 pays d’Afrique, de l’Océan Indien plus le Liban et Haïti. Ce répertoire a été mis à jour début 2022. Il recense 1816 thèses soutenues de 2000 à 2020. L’analyse quantitative permet de mettre en valeur des pôles de recherche doctorale : en Algérie, en Côte d’Ivoire, au Maroc et au Sénégal, en particulier. L’approche qualitative permet de dégager les thématiques privilégiées par les chercheurs en éducation, en enseignement et formation ainsi que sur le management des systèmes éducatifs. Enfin, l’approche chronologique montre la croissance en Afrique des recherches francophones en éducation.
Au long du Nil, écrivains d’origine judéo-égyptienne
Authors: Tartakowsky Ewa
Published: October 2023

La production littéraire des écrivains d’origine judéo-égyptienne présente des caractéristiques communes dont le cadre socio-historique, situé dans la première moitié du XXe siècle, qui permet des descriptions de la vie quotidienne d’autrefois. Dans ces remémorations, le cosmopolitisme et la bourgeoisie éclairée qui participent tous deux du processus de construction d’un imaginaire collectif des juifs d’Égypte occupent une place majeure. L’émigration du pays natal est également un autre topoï littéraire qui – pour les écrivains installés en Israël – s’accompagne d’une déception de leur alya. La place de cette mémoire témoigne d’une volonté d’enracinement couplée à un profond besoin de cultiver le passé. L’écriture littéraire permet alors de mettre à jour cette double aspiration, doublement identitaire, tournée à la fois vers un enfui et un devenir dans un nouvel espace national.
Instructional Media
Authors: Freese J. Richard
Published: October 2023

Online courses often use pre-recorded video lectures and other instructional media to share information and as a means of instructor-to-student interaction. For faculty, and especially adjunct faculty who might not have immediate access to support resources, learning how to create content and determining what that content could look like can be challenging. Faculty should consider three questions with their media: why, what, and how. Considering the purpose of the media will help make it more meaningful for faculty and students. Starting with simple tools (and some best practices on how to learn to use those tools), faculty can quickly learn to create media to share their personality and help students understand and apply course concepts. By learning how to create instructional media, online adjunct faculty can create more effective learning environments while learning skills that can help them in their current and future gigs.
The Role of Artificial Intelligent in Public Relations Activities Ethically
Authors: Vanel Zon
Published: October 2023

AI is becoming increasingly significant in a variety of fields, including public relations (PR). AI can assist public relations practitioners in automating operations, analyzing data, and making strategic decisions. However, the use of AI in public relations raises ethical concerns that must be addressed. One of the ethical problems is the potential for AI to perpetuate biases, propagate stereotypes, and discriminate against specific groups of people. While AI can automate some jobs, it cannot replace the human touch when it comes to developing relationships, recognizing communication nuances, and offering empathy and compassion. PR professionals must strike a balance between employing AI to improve their job and maintaining the human element that is crucial to their industry. To mitigate these threats, public relations professionals must design AI systems with fairness, transparency, and accountability in mind. They must also exercise caution when gathering data to train their AI models, ensuring that it is diverse and representative of the individuals they are aiming to reach.
Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and Spirituality in the Modern Balinese Society
Authors: Ardhana I Ketut , Ariyanti Ni Made Putri
Published: October 2023

There is much debate about how the influence of artificial intelligence on the global world has caused various changes, including in Bali. The debate that occurred revolved around the pros and cons related to the introduction of artificial intelligence, where the pros saw the need to use artificial intelligence. However, on the other hand, are those who are against the view that the use of artificial intelligence has indeed made a difference with ethical and spiritual issues. For that, several significant questions arise among them. First, how is artificial intelligence accepted and developed in society? Second, how does the process of change affect the cultural roots of society? And third, how can the application of artificial intelligence have and strengthen meaning in people's lives concerning ethical, and spiritual issues that have an important role in the life of a globalized society? This study uses the approach of the social sciences and humanities, with an interdisciplinary approach, using qualitative data.
Towards an Ethics Framework for Learning Analytics
Authors: Pretorius André
Published: October 2023

This chapter proposed a learning analytics (LA) ethics framework to inform the design and implementation of an ethics-based LA system for tertiary institutions. A background to ethics of LA is provided, ethical approaches discussed, and philosophies explained, followed by an explanation of various ethical dilemmas in LA. A brief overview of ethical framework considerations is given, followed by an overview of three ethical frameworks from practice. An LA maturity measuring instrument is proposed before an LA ethics framework culminates this research. The LA ethics framework can be used towards the development of a specific ethical LA framework for tertiary institutions.
Spiritual Individualism in Digital Society
Authors: Chakraborty Swati , Agarwal Kenu
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the advent of digital technology has brought about profound changes in the way we interact, communicate, and experience the world. This digital society is characterized by the omnipresence of digital devices, social media platforms, and virtual communities, has revolutionized the concept of individualism, including its spiritual dimensions. This chapter explores the phenomenon of spiritual individualism in the context of the digital society, analyzing its implications, challenges, and opportunities. Overall, this chapter aims to deepen our understanding of spiritual individualism in the digital society by examining its manifestations, challenges, and opportunities. By exploring the complex interplay between digital technology and spirituality, it seeks to shed light on how individuals navigate their spiritual paths in the digital age and how society can support and cultivate meaningful and authentic spiritual experiences in a digitally connected world.
Blockchain in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Barroso Sophia , Castro Gonçalo , Corrêa Marcelo , Godinho Rafael Soares , Niemann Leon , Rocha Renan , Barbosa Belem
Published: October 2023

Blockchain technology has been the focus of much attention and discussion recently. Its unique characteristics, such as immutability, transparency, and decentralization, create a great potential solution for many industries. Especially the automotive sector, which is known for its complex supply chains, large amounts of data, and wide-reaching infrastructure, can profit in many aspects by incorporating blockchain technology. To illustrate the advantages and potential of blockchain in supply chain management, this chapter includes a case study of one of the leading corporations in the automotive industry that has been increasingly committed to adopting this technology. The analysis uses a set of strategic analysis tools frequently used by managers for strategic planning to highlight the benefits and challenges of this approach. Besides contributing to the literature on blockchain and supply chain management, this chapter offers valuable insights for managers, namely in the automotive sector, who are considering adopting blockchain technology in their operations and processes.
Supply Chain Sustainability Risks
Authors: El Ouarrak Yasser , Hmioui Aziz
Published: October 2023

In line with growing global awareness of sustainability issues, supply chain (SC) actors have begun to integrate sustainability practices into their activities, to create a more sustainable SC. However, this integration cannot be effective unless the various risks that could adversely affect the sustainability of the SC are managed. Indeed, managing these risks involves first identifying and classifying them, then assessing them, and subsequently suggesting the measures needed to mitigate them. To provide practitioners with a roadmap of supply chain sustainability risks (SCSRs), numerous articles have been published in the literature focusing on the identification, categorization, and assessment of SCSRs. This study carried out a systematic literature review, based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram, to systematically analyze these articles. The review highlighted different areas in which SCSRs were identified, classified, and assessed. It also presented various SCSR evaluation frameworks developed in the literature. Finally, it underlined the importance of stakeholder involvement in dealing with SCSRs.
Availability of subfertility management services in Colombo District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunawardhana Gayani , Godakandage Sanjeeva , Weerasinghe Manuj
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Affordable and accessible quality services reduce treatment defaults and improve patient satisfaction in subfertility management. Assessment of the available services is a necessity to advocate for the relevant authorities to improve services.Objectives: To assess the availability of subfertility management services at healthcare institutions in Colombo District, Sri LankaMethods: This survey was performed in 2019 in 18 medical officer of health (MOH) units that provide field level healthcare; seven secondary and tertiary level government hospitals; and 32 registered private clinics/hospitals in Colombo District. Two separate checklists were developed for field-level and clinic/hospital-based services assessment. The interviews were performed to administer the checklist for clinical and administrative staff at different units of service provision. The availability of the services was presented as numbers and percentages.Results: Field-level availability of facilities; only 44.5% of MOHs had conducted awareness programmes on subfertility for the public during the past year and only 27.7% of MOHs had referred sub-fertile couples to secondary or tertiary hospitals for further management during the preceding month. Seminal fluid analysis (SFA) was available in 71.5% of the government sector and 84.3% of the private sector hospitals; abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound scans (USS) in 100% of government sector hospitals; and 93.7% of abdominal and 84.3% of transvaginal USS available in the private sector. Intra-uterine insemination (IUI) was available in 71.5% of the government sector hospitals but in only 40.6% of the private sector hospitals. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) was available in 12.5% of the private sector hospitals while none of the government sector hospitals provided this facility.Conclusions & Recommendations: The provision of field level facilities for subfertility was not satisfactory and less integrated. Notably, the ART services were available in the private sector hospitals predominantly. Rational public health policies need to be developed regarding the provision of field level and advanced care.
Oligochaete distribution in alpine freshwaters: not a mere question of altitude
Authors: Dumnicka Elzbieta , Najberek Kamil , Lencioni Valeria
Published: October 2023

Alpine freshwater biodiversity is at risk of extinction due to climate change and some species could remain undescribed before they go extinct. These species are not yet included in red lists of protection by law, such as annelids in alpine habitats. Within this context, we studied the annelid fauna in 20 sites located between 1223 and 2703 m asl, belonging to different habitat types (kryal, glacio-rhithral, non-glacial streams, springs, littoral lake zone), in three glaciated catchments of the Italian Alps (Noce Bianco, Careser and Conca-Carè Alto; Trentino Province). The aim of this study was to describe the annelid communities of the different habitat types collected with different sampling methods (kick sampling and drift) and investigate the relationships between species richness and abundance with altitude. Between the years 2000 and 2005, we collected 4,765 individuals in 418 samples. One genus of Polychaeta (Aeolosoma) and 36 species of Oligochaeta were identified, distributed in four families: Enchytraeidae (28), Lumbriculidae (4), Naididae (3 and Tubificinae juveniles) and Haplotaxidae (1). Five species were new to Italy: Cernosvitoviella carpatica, Cernosvitoviella cf. crassoductus, Henlea brucei, Henlea glandulifera and Mesenchytraeus sanguineus. As expected, Enchytraeidae prevailed in all sites with the genera Cernosvitoviella and Cognettia the most abundant and frequent. The regression and cluster analyses and the generalized linear mixed models we performed, highlighted that the differences in species richness and abundance among sites are explainable partly by altitude but mainly by habitat type. A clear longitudinal species turnover was evident only in the Noce Bianco and Careser glacier-fed streams, where taxonomic diversity (tested by Seriation analysis) and abundance increased with increasing distance from the glacier front and decreasing altitude. Also expected, the harsh kryal habitat was the poorest in species and individuals, with a dominance of semi-aquatic and terrestrial enchytraeid taxa. Drift was found to be more effective than kick sampling in collecting oligochaetes, especially in glacier-fed streams where the use of the pond net is generally hindered by their high and highly variable discharge. In conclusion, this study provides new data on oligochaete fauna in alpine freshwaters, useful to implement the prevision models for Alpine biodiversity up to date not including annelid fauna.
Cardiac Evaluation of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Before Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Mondal Sunetra , Nagendra Lakshmi
Published: October 2023

Up to 40% of patients undergoing elective surgeries have underlying diabetes mellitus (DM), and therefore an elevated risk of perioperative adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Preoperative cardiovascular risk assessment and therapeutic optimization are warranted in all patients with DM. This is an updated review on preoperative evaluation of cardiac risk in patients with DM undergoing surgery and strategies to minimize the risk. This article summarizes the current evidence and recommendations for cardiac evaluation in DM before noncardiac surgery. Preoperative risk estimation includes risk stratification of the proposed surgery and estimating the risk in the patient using available risk calculators such as the Revised Cardiac Risk Index and assessment of the functional status of the patient in terms of metabolic equivalents of tasks. Preoperative cardiac investigations such as electrocardiogram, echocardiography, stress testing, or cardiac biomarkers should be done in high-risk surgeries, and in certain subsets of patients undergoing low- or intermediate-risk surgeries. Additional testing and preoperative optimization are warranted in patients with heart failure and reduced or preserved ejection fraction, those with cardiac autonomic neuropathy, hypertension with or without end-organ damage, and patients undergoing transplant surgery, all of which are discussed in the current review.
A late-preterm infant with hypocalcemic tetany caused by traditional soy milk feeding: A case report and literature review
Authors: Hu Shu-Wei
Published: October 2023

Hypocalcemia may cause numerous symptoms, including neuromuscular irritability, prolonged QT interval, apnea, cyanosis, tachypnea, vomiting, or laryngospasm. Here, we reported a late-preterm 3-month-old infant presenting general involuntary twitches caused by hypocalcemic tetany. Laboratory data revealed hypocalcemia–hyperphosphatemia, high parathyroid hormone, normal magnesium, and low vitamin D(25-OH). Calcium intake deficiency was suspected. The infant was cured after calcium supplementation through the intravenous route and standard infant formula.
L-glutamate can protect the oxidative stress injuries of the fetal lung cells
Authors: Lee Chuen-Ming , Lu Li-Hua , Lu Jacqueline , Pan Ying-Ru , Chang Po-Ya , Chang Yu-Wei , Shing Yun-Mao , Fan Hueng-Chuen
Published: October 2023

Background:

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the major complications of prematurity resulting in significant mortality and morbidity. Reactive oxygen species, which are highly reactive molecules that can cause oxidative damage to lung tissue and trigger inflammatory reactions, are associated with pathophysiological changes in many lung diseases, such as BPD. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is a strong oxidant, is widely used in simulating cellular oxidative damage. Whether glutamine can protect lung cells from oxidant damages is not known.

Objectives:

To explore the cytotoxic mechanisms of H2O2 on lung cells, including A549 and HEL299 cells, and investigate the effects of L-glutamine in the protection of oxidative damage on the lung cells.

Methods:

Cytotoxic effects of H2O2 and the protective effects of glutamine against H2O2 on lung cells were accessed by the cell viability assay. The underlying mechanisms for H2O2 damaging lung cells were analyzed by the flow cytometry to quantify changes in mitochondrial membrane potential before and after H2O2 and L-glutamine were added into lung cells. Pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells line, A549, and human embryonic bronchial fibroblast cell line, HEL 299, were grown in the incubator. H2O2 with and without L-glutamine was added in the lung cells, and cell viability was measured by the water-soluble tetrazolium 1 (WST-1) assay and the changes of mitochondrial membrane potential by the flow cytometry. Statistical analysis used is as follows: data comparisons from cell proliferation studies were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. The quantification data of the mitochondrial potential assay was analyzed by Student’s t tests. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 100-μM H2O2 significantly decreased the viability of A549 and HEL299 cells; 8-mM L-glutamine rescued lung cell death caused by the H2O2 toxicity; and 100 μM of mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly elevated in HEL299 cells, except A549 cells in the application of H2O2 and L-glutamine.

Conclusion:

H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in A549 and HEL299 cells was associated with mitochondria. The different effects of L-glutamine on A549 and HEL299 cells in response to the 100 μM of H2O2-induced cytotoxicity suggest that these two cell lines may have different mechanisms against oxidative stress.
Insights into the Early Use of Oral Semaglutide in Routine Indian Clinical Practice
Authors: Bhattacharyya Supratik , Saboo Bharat , Mohit Minal , Bhojane Sonali , Deshmane Rajesh , Chavda Vipul , Hasnani Dhruvi , Jagadeesha Aravinda , Sikdar Mahuya
Published: October 2023

Background:

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, in its oral form can be helpful in improving glycemic parameters and reducing weight in patients with diabesity.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective, observational cohort study across eight centers from India captured the initial patterns of routine clinical use of oral semaglutide postlaunch in India in 2022. Subjects with type 2 diabetes and ≥1 prescription for oral semaglutide were included.

Results:

The study recruited 209 patients (135 males); mean age (±standard deviation) 51.36 (±14.32) years; mean body mass index of 33.39 (±5.09); mean body weight of 91.83 (±13.12) kg and mean glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 9.16 (±1.61). Oral semaglutide was prescribed as monotherapy (7.65%), with sulfonylurea (8.61%), or with insulin (32.06%). The study population had the following comorbidities: hypertension (43%), dyslipidemia (35%), and hypothyroidism (12%); 23.9% were on ≥3 concomitant medications. At baseline, 74.3% of patients on oral semaglutide monotherapy were initiated on the 3 mg dose. At the first follow-up, 34.8% and 44.9% were on 7 mg and 14 mg doses, respectively. The mean reduction in HbA1c and body weight between baseline and first follow-up was 2.03% and 5.30 kg (P < 0.0001 for both). The most common side effects of oral semaglutide monotherapy were generalized weakness, nausea, dryness of mouth, and diarrhea. No hypoglycemia, other serious adverse events, or discontinuations were reported.

Conclusions:

The Semaglutide oral in Indian T2D Patients study shows improvement in glycemic parameters and weight in Indian patients initiated on oral semaglutide during the early days of its availability postlaunch.
Conducting and Reporting Meta.analysis
Authors: Ghosal Samit
Published: October 2023

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have become an important way to summarize data. The hierarchy of evidence-based medicine confers a high platform to meta-analyses. Hence, it is imperative that the analytical and reporting strategies associated with a meta-analysis be standardized. The modern tradition of reporting and publishing a meta-analysis is riddled with several methodological flaws. The most common of these flaws involves the choice of the model used to conduct the meta-analysis and the way that the heterogeneity of studies are assessed. The use of the I

2
statistic as a means of detecting within-study heterogeneity is a common methodological flaw encountered in reporting summary statistics. One of the ways to rectify these flaws is to arm reviewers with an objective way to scrutinize the manuscript. This narrative review enlists six checklists for reviewers to improve the reporting of meta-analyses. The first two checklists address reporting of the risk of bias and assessment of publication bias with the help of a funnel plot. Checklists 3, 4, and 5 address the choice of the model selected for the meta-analysis, the method to assess the confidence interval, and the measures of heterogeneity. The final checklist addresses the question asked in the meta-analysis, binary versus an effect-size estimate. Although there are many more aspects that can help improve the assessment of a manuscript, these basic checklists can be employed by reviewers without the need for an external statistical analysis to enhance and improve the meta-analyses.
Determining age-specific prostate-specific antigen for healthy Indian men: A retrospective study
Authors: Addla Sanjai K. , Selvaraj Nivash , Sakthivel Deerush Kannan , Ragavan Narasimhan
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Prostate cancer usually affects older men and accounts for considerable cancer-associated mortality in men globally. In India, there is a rise in prostate cancer, and the published literature to determine age-specific prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is limited by a small sample size. The objective of our study was to determine age-specific PSA for Indian men based on a very large cohort of apparently healthy men undergoing health screening.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study using the hospital-based database of men who had undergone PSA blood tests as a part of health screening at two tertiary referral centers in South India between January 1, 2011, and August 31, 2018. Anonymous data were extracted, and statistical analysis was performed.

Results:

During this period, 99,386 men underwent PSA blood tests. Non-Indian patients and patients with PSA levels either <0.2 or >20 were excluded from the study, leaving 86,728 patients who were further analyzed. Seventy percent of patients were below 60 years of age, and the mean PSA for the study cohort was 1.2 ng/mL (standard deviation 1.74), with a median PSA of 0.7 ng/mL (interquartile range 0.4–1.1). The 95th percentile serum PSA level was 1.40, 1.70, 3.10, 5.80, 8.82, and 11.31 ng/mL for age groups of ≤40, 41–50, 51–60, 61–70, 71–80, and >80 years, respectively. The mean, median, and 95th percentile PSA reportedly increased for each decade of life (P = 0.0005).

Conclusions:

Results of this study indicated a positive correlation between serum PSA level and age in Indian men. These values are lower than the age-specific PSA defined for Caucasian men. These findings provide a basis for establishing new age-specific reference ranges of PSA for Indian men which will help in clinical decision-making.
Protocol for a quasi-experimental study to ascertain the effectiveness of using eKnee School approach to impart self-care education to patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sharma Meenakshi , Dhillon Mandeep S. , Singh Amarjeet , Prinja Shankar , Bahuguna Pankaj , Singh Meenu , Adhya Bibek , Negi Sandeep , Verma Nishank
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients seek improvement in their quality of life by attaining independence in activities of daily living. Literature recommends nonpharmacological intervention as first-line treatment for KOA. The study aims to ascertain the effectiveness of online supervised nonpharmacological intervention sessions of virtual knee school (eKS) training among mild and moderate KOA patients in comparison to routine care during COVID-19 pandemic and assessment of cost-effectiveness of eKS against the routine care for KOA patients during COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A quasi-experimental pre-post with control group, enrolling 50 participants each in two groups: usual/routine KOA care or usual care plus KS interventions via virtual mode. Our primary outcome measures are pain, quality of life, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Secondary outcomes include performance-based tests (30-second chair test, timed up and go test, 6-minute walk test) and patient satisfaction. Intervention fidelity will be assessed with a priori checklist tailored to eKS assessing adherence, dose, quality, and user engagement in the key components. Quantitative data collection will be conducted at baseline and 6 months. Descriptive data analysis will be carried for quantitative data. For qualitative data, the thematic analysis will be performed; we propose to undertake a deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis to address the issue of uncertainty in the present cost-effectiveness analysis model.

CONCLUSION:

The management of KOA through virtual mode emphasizes the concepts of patient-as-person, family-centered, with socially interactive approach. The study will provide information on the effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions for improving the quality of life of patients suffering from KOA through virtual knee school. Nevertheless, pitfalls in running eKS will be noted, which will help improve all aspects of online medical communications in the future.
Diagnostic accuracy of drooling, reluctance, oropharynx, others, and leukocytosis score as a predictor of mortality and complications following acute corrosive ingestion
Authors: Poonthottathil Fawaz , Suresh Soorya , Nayer Jamshed , Aggarwal Praveen
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is considered the gold standard in assessing the severity of injury to the gastrointestinal tract following corrosive ingestion. Zargar's endoscopic grading of injury helps in prognostication as well as guiding management. Since the major burden of cases lies in resource-limited settings, the availability of endoscopic evaluation is a limiting factor. Hence, it is prudent to develop bedside tools that can be used as screening tools to identify patients at high risk of mortality and complications so that timely referrals and judicious utilization of resources can be made. Literature in this regard is limited and published studies have shown that clinical features fail to predict the severity of injury. We aimed our study to find the role of Drooling, Reluctance, Oropharynx, Others, and Leukocytosis (DROOL) score as a predictor of mortality and complications following acute corrosive ingestion.

METHODS:

This was a diagnostic accuracy study conducted in the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary care hospital in North India. We screened all cases of acute corrosive ingestion presented to our ED. We collected the data on demographic profile, clinical features, investigations, endoscopy findings, treatment, and DROOL score. We followed patients for up to 12 weeks for outcomes including mortality and complications.

RESULTS:

We studied 79 patients of acute corrosive ingestion. The median age was 26 years with a female predominance. Nausea, vomiting, and pain abdomen were the common symptoms. The median DROOL score was 4. The majority of our patients had normal to Zargar grade 1 injury to the stomach and esophagus. Out of 79 patients, 27 patients developed some complications. The overall mortality up to 12 weeks was 10%. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed, and the area under the ROC (AUROC) curve of Zargar classification in predicting overall complications was 0.909 (96% confidence interval [CI]: 0.842–0.975) and it was 0.775 (95% CI: 0.553–1.000) in predicting mortality. The AUROC of DROOL score in predicting overall complications was 0.932 (95% CI: 0.877–0.987) and the AUROC of DROOL score in predicting mortality was 0.864 (95% CI: 0.758–0.970). The ROC analysis showed that a DROOL score ≤4 has a sensitivity of 96.2% and a specificity of 77.8% in predicting overall complications. Similarly, DROOL score ≤5 has a sensitivity of 81.7% and a specificity of 62.5% in predicting the development of mortality. Delong test showed that there was no statistically significant difference in Zargar versus DROOL score in terms of prediction of mortality and overall complications (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

DROOL score is comparable to Zargar score in identifying patients at high risk of mortality and complications. Hence, DROOL score can be used for risk stratification of patients presenting with corrosive ingestion.
Severe pulmonary-renal syndrome in honeybee sting envenomation – A case report
Authors: Shaji Alan , Parvez Malik , Chirumamilla Naresh Kumar , Sharma Nalin , Pannu Ashok Kumar
Published: October 2023

Honeybee stings with features of envenomation (either local or allergic and rarely systemic toxicity) are often seen in agriculture workers. An initial presentation with severe diffuse alveolar hemorrhage or pulmonary-renal syndrome is rare and only confined to a few case reports. Herein, we describe a case of a 45-year-old male who presented with multiple bee stings and subsequently developed acute kidney injury and pulmonary hemorrhage. He was managed with hemodialysis, invasive mechanical ventilation, red-cell transfusion, and pulse methylprednisolone. However, he developed cardiac arrhythmias with ventricular tachycardia and died.
E-HEART score
Authors: Yuvaraj V. , Nayak Sachin Sujir , Krishnan S. Vimal
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE:

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. As there is an increase in the global burden of ischemic heart disease, there are multiple scoring systems established in the emergency department (ED) to risk stratify and manage acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with chest pain. The objective of this study was to integrate point-of-care echo into the existing history, electrocardiogram, age, risk factors, and troponin (HEART) score and evaluate a novel scoring system, the echo HEART (E-HEART) score in risk stratification of patients presenting with undifferentiated chest pain to the ED. The E-HEART Score was also compared with existing traditional scoring systems for risk-stratifying acute chest pain.

METHODS:

A diagnostic accuracy study involving 250 patients with chest pain at the ED of a single tertiary care teaching hospital in India was conducted. The emergency physicians assessed the E-HEART score after integrating their point-of-care echo/focused echo findings into the conventional HEART score on presentation. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 4 weeks of initial presentation. The accuracy of the E-HEART score was compared with other conventional risk stratification scoring systems such as the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI), history, electrocardiogram, age, and risk factors, Troponin Only Manchester ACS (T-MACS), and HEART scores.

RESULTS:

A total of 250 patients with a median age of 53 years (42.25–63.00) were part of the study. Low E-HEART scores (values 0–3) were calculated in 121 patients with no occurrence of MACE in this category. Eighty-one patients with moderate E-HEART scores (4–6) were found to have 30.9% MACE. In 48 patients with high E-HEART scores (values 7–11), MACE occurred in 97.9%. The area under receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) of E-HEART score is 0.992 (95% confidence interval: 0.98–0.99), which is significantly higher than AUROC values for HEART (0.978), TIMI (0.889), T-MACS (0.959), and HEAR (0.861), respectively (P < 0.0001). At a cutoff of E-HEART score >6, it accurately predicted ACS with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 99% with a diagnostic accuracy of 97%.

CONCLUSION:

The E-HEART score gives the clinician a quick and accurate forecast of outcomes in undifferentiated chest pain presenting to the ED. Low E-HEART scores (0–3) have an extremely low probability for short-term MACE and may aid in faster disposition from the ED. The elevated risk of MACE in patients with high E-HEART scores (7–11) may facilitate more aggressive workup measures and avoid disposition errors. E-HEART is an easily adaptable scoring system with improved accuracy compared to conventional scoring systems.
Scholarly impact of the dissertation requirement for postgraduate medical education and factors affecting transformation into publication
Authors: Özturan İbrahim Ulaş , Sarbay İbrahim
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVES:

In Turkey, conducting research for a dissertation is necessary to obtain a specialist degree, but publication of this research is not mandatory. Previous studies have shown a low rate of publication for dissertation-derived research. The aim of this study was to determine publication rates, factors affecting the transformation of the dissertations into high-quality publications, and bibliometric analysis of published articles in the field of emergency medicine (EM).

METHODS:

This was a retrospective bibliometric study of EM dissertations submitted between 1998 and 2021 to the National Thesis Center. Research characteristics, publication status, journal characteristics, indexing, citation analysis, and institution characteristics were recorded. Journals indexed in the web of science (WOS) were defined as high-quality journals. A logistic regression was performed to identify factors affecting publication in high-quality journals.

RESULTS:

A total of 2434 dissertations were included. Of these, 864 (35.5%) were published and 474 (54%) were published in WOS-indexed journals. The most common area of research was trauma (n = 150, 17%), and the most common journal was the American Journal of EM (n = 74, 8%). Prospective data collection (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.8–2.5), experimental design (OR = 2, 95%, CI = 1.3–3), university-type residency program (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.02–2.1), and duration between year of graduation and publication (OR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.84–0.95) were associated with publishing in WOS-indexed journals.

CONCLUSION:

EM is a relatively successful specialty for publishing dissertation-derived studies. Prospective and experimental research design, graduation from a university-type residency program, and shorter duration between the graduation and publication may increase the chance of publishing in high-quality journals.
A Deep Neural Network Attack Simulation against Data Storage of
Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Kim Insup , Lee Ganggyu , Lee Seyoung , Choi Wonsuk
Published: October 2023

In the pursuit of advancing autonomous vehicles (AVs), data-driven algorithms
have become pivotal in replacing human perception and decision-making. While
deep neural networks (DNNs) hold promise for perception tasks, the potential for
catastrophic consequences due to algorithmic flaws is concerning. A well-known
incident in 2016, involving a Tesla autopilot misidentifying a white truck as a
cloud, underscores the risks and security vulnerabilities. In this article, we
present a novel threat model and risk assessment (TARA) analysis on AV data
storage, delving into potential threats and damage scenarios. Specifically, we
focus on DNN parameter manipulation attacks, evaluating their impact on three
distinct algorithms for traffic sign classification and lane assist. Our
comprehensive tests and simulations reveal that even a single bit-flip of a DNN
parameter can severely degrade classification accuracy to less than 10%, posing
significant risks to the overall performance and safety of AVs. Additionally, we
identify critical parameters based on bit position, layer position, and
bit-flipping direction, offering essential insights for developing robust
security measures in autonomous vehicle systems.
PERAN PENGETAHUAN EKOLOGI SEBAGAI PEMEDIASI HUBUNGAN ANTARA KOMUNIKASI PEMASARAN TERPADU DAN KEPUASAN PELANGGAN
Authors: Hadi Antonius Satria
Published: October 2023

Efek negatif emisi gas rumah kaca yang berdampak pada degradasi lingkungan menyebabkan tekanan di sektor pariwisata dan industri akomodasi. Di samping sedang bangkit karena efek pandemi Covid-19, industri tersebut juga dihadapkan pada kesadaran terhadap lingkungan. Hal tersebut yang melandasi dilakukannya penelitian ini. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk menguji efek mediasi pengetahuan ekologi antara hubungan komunikasi pemasaran terpadu dengan kepuasan pelanggan. Responden dalam penelitian ini adalah pelanggan/pegunjung/tamu yang pernah menginap di hotel yang berlokasi di Yogyakarta. Teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah purposive sampling dengan total sampel 100 responden.Uji hipotesis, uji analisis faktor konfirmasi, uji validitas, dan uji reliabilitas menggunakan software SmartPLS 3. Semua hipotesis yang diajukan dalam penelitian ini diterima.
PROACTIVE PERSONALITY, WHISTLE BLOWING SYSTEM (WBS), AND BUMN EMPLOYEE INTENTIONS IN REPORTING VIOLATIONS
Authors: Sulistiyowati Firma
Published: October 2023

This study aims to encourage the justice of voice BUMN's employees. This research examines the effect of proactive personality and Whistle Blowing System (WBS) towards the BUMN's employees intention to do whistleblowing. The quantitative approach with survey method using a questionnaire is choosen to gather the data. The respondents in this study are BUMN's employees in DIY Province. The technique to analyze data is multiple regression. The multiple regression is used to examine the effect of independent variables (proactive personality and WBS) towards the dependent variable (whistle blowing intention). The result of this study indicates that the proactive personality and WBS have a positive and significant effect on whistle blowing intention.