bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Figurative Language of the Novel Entitled "Miles Morales: Spider-Man" by Jason Reynold
Authors: Al Hafiz Esya Firjatullah , Widarti Lestari Maria Yosephin , Wahyuni Sri
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to (1) investigate the types of figurative language used in the novel Miles Morales: Spider-Man, (2) describe the meaning of figurative language conveyed in Miles Morales: Spider-Man novel, (3) identify what figurative language is used has the most appearances in Miles Morales: Spider-Man novels (4) find out his contribution to education. Researchers used a qualitative descriptive method. The research data is figurative language in a novel entitled "Miles Morales: Spider-Man" by Jason Reynold. Data collection techniques use documentation. At the same time, data analysis is done by identifying figurative language, classification, interpretation, analysis, and conclusion. The study results in mentioning seven figures of speech found in the novel "Miles Morales: Spider-Man" by Jason Reynold, namely metaphor, hyperbole, personification, irony, simile, repetition, and metonymy. The researcher concludes that figurative language has the most appearances in the novel "Miles Morales: Spider-Man" by Jason Reynold.
Öffentliches Recht Jahrbuch 2022
Authors: Baumgartner Gerhard
Published: October 2023

Mit Schwerpunkt zu COVID-19-Rechtsfragen: Triage, Versammlungsfreiheit und Impfstrafverfügung Nach wie vor spielt das Thema COVID-19 in der öffentlich-rechtlichen Diskussion eine Rolle. So werden im Jahrbuch 2022 Rechtsfragen der Triage, die Zulässigkeit von Einschränkungen der Versammlungsfreiheit und die Impfstrafverfügung behandelt. Darüber hinaus stehen sowohl die Judikatur des VfGH als auch die Verfassungsgerichtsbarkeit selbst im Fokus. Erörtert werden die verfassungsrechtlichen Grenzen der Mitwirkung der Sozialpartner an der staatlichen Vollziehung, die Rechtsprechung zum Recht der Untersuchungsausschüsse und die Exekution von VfGH-Erkenntnissen. Außerdem wird die vorgeschlagene Einführung von Sondervoten am VfGH kritisch beleuchtet. Weitere Beiträge beschäftigen sich mit der geplanten Informationsfreiheit, der Verhältnismäßigkeitsprüfung nach dem VPG, der Sicherstellung elektronischer Kommunikationsgeräte und den rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen der ministeriellen Weisungserteilung an die ASFINAG. Der zweite Teil des Jahrbuchs dokumentiert die Rechtsentwicklung im öffentlichen Recht in der EU, im Bund und in den Ländern. Im dritten Teil finden sich Berichte über die Judikatur des EGMR zu Österreich und über die Rechtsprechung der österreichischen Höchstgerichte zur EMRK.
Exploring the Relationship between Leisure Involvement and Life Satisfaction: Perspectives of Recreational Skiers
Authors: BUDAK Davut
Published: October 2023

In the current study, the aim is to determine the leisure involvement and life satisfaction levels of recreational skiers and to compare these factors with various demographics. The study group consists of 243 recreational skiers (Mage=32.71 ± 10.51). “Leisure Involvement Scale-LIS” and “Life Satisfaction Scale-LSS” were used to collect data. Besides the descriptive statistics, t-test, MANOVA, ANOVA and Pearson Correlation analysis were used to test the hypothesis. The results indicated that “gender” and “participation in skiing event” variables do not have a statistically significant differences in terms of LSS. On the other hand, although “gender” variable does not differ in terms of LIS and its subscales, “participation in skiing event” variable has a significant difference in terms of the subscales of LIS. The significant difference was due to those who participated in skiing events "often" against those who engaged in skiing events "sometimes" and "rarely." In addition, there is a statistically significant positive and low-level correlation between the total mean scores of LSS and the subscales of LIS. As a conclusion, it can be said that as the frequency of participation in the recreational skiing increases, leisure involvement and life satisfaction levels of the participants will increase.
The Relationship Between Digital Addiction and Life Satisfaction
Authors: İLK Çağrı , GÜLER Cemal
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to explore the relationship between digital addiction and life satisfaction among university students across their demographic characteristics. A sample of 264 university students, including 148 females and 116 males, was selected through a random sampling method. The "Digital Addiction Scale (DAS)" developed by Kesici and Tunç (2018) for university students was administered to assess digital addiction levels. The " Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)," developed by Diener et al. (1985) and adapted into Turkish by Dağlı ve Baysal (2016), was utilized to evaluate participants’ satisfaction with life. Descriptive statistical methods, such as percentage and frequency, were employed to determine the demographic characteristics of the participants. The data were assessed for normal distribution based on the skewness and kurtosis values. Additionally, parametric tests such as independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA test were employed. Pearson’s correlation analysis was employed to determine the relationship between the sub-dimensions of the scale. The findings indicated a significant difference in the sub-dimensions of the digital addiction scale based on participants’ age, frequency of digital tool use, and level of welfare. However, no significant difference was found in the sub-dimensions of digital addiction and life satisfaction levels according to gender and grade level variables. On the contrary, there was a correlation between the life satisfaction scale and sub-dimensions of the digital addiction scale. Consequently, the relationships between digital addiction and life satisfaction levels varied depending on the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants.
La première des frontières françaises est celle des trois aéroports franciliens : Roissy, Orly et le Bourget
Authors: Harnois Jérôme
Published: October 2023

Les trois aéroports parisiens, Roissy, Orly et Le Bourget constituent sans conteste la première des frontières françaises au regard du nombre de passagers et du volume de fret qui transitent chaque année par ces plateformes aéroportuaires. Nombreux sont les services de l’Etat à exercer leurs missions de surveillance, de contrôle et de protection dans cet environnement spécifique afin de rendre sécure et fluide les frontières aéroportuaires parisiennes. Ce service public incarné par 5 000 fonctionnaires contribue à la première image de la France et à la qualité de l’accueil des millions d’hôtes qui, chaque année, viennent découvrir la France. A l’aube de l’organisation de grands évènements sur notre territoire comme la Coupe du Monde de Rugby et les Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques, sécurité, fluidité et hospitalité sont plus que jamais les moteurs de la communauté aéroportuaire.
Le rôle du préfet maritime
Authors: Veran Marc
Published: October 2023

La présentation par la préfecture maritime du bilan 2022 des migrants qui ont tenté de traverser la Manche a incité la revue à interroger le vice-amiral Marc Véran, préfet maritime de la Manche et de la mer du Nord délégué du gouvernement, sur le rôle du préfet maritime. Représentant direct du Premier ministre et de chacun des ministres, le préfet maritime est le représentant de l’État en mer. Officier général de la marine nationale, son expérience lui permet de s’imposer comme l’interlocuteur naturel de tous les intervenants en mer. Ses principales missions en mer sont la sauvegarde de la vie humaine, l’assistance aux navires en difficulté, la lutte contre les pollutions maritimes et les trafics illicites, la protection de l’environnement, ainsi que de faire coexister en sécurité tous les usages et acteurs, tout en préservant nos intérêts nationaux. Pour y parvenir, il s’appuie sur une équipe interministérielle composée d’agents des différentes administrations (marine, douane, affaires maritimes, gendarmerie) et sur les bénévoles de la Société nationale de sauvetage en mer (SNSM). Il peut aussi compter sur le directeur interrégional de la mer (DIRM), les directeurs régionaux de l’environnement, de l’aménagement et du logement (DREAL), ainsi que les directeurs départementaux des territoires et de la mer (DDTM). Enfin, à travers ses fonctions de commandant de zone maritime, il dispose d’une organisation opérationnelle importante.
De la LIC 06 à la Force aux frontières
Authors: Gonzalez Bernard
Published: October 2023

Depuis les attentats survenus le 13 novembre 2015, la France a rétabli les contrôles à ses frontières intérieures (RCFI), en application des dispositions du règlement du 15 mars 2006 établissant un code communautaire relatif au régime de franchissement des frontières par les personnes (dit « code Schengen », modifié par le règlement du 9 mars 2016). Parallèlement, pour répondre à l’importance des flux migratoires illégaux à la frontière franco-italienne, un dispositif LIC 06 (Lutte contre l’immigration clandestine) a été mis en place depuis novembre 2016 afin d’assurer la cohérence de l’ensemble des forces impliquées dans les Alpes-Maritimes. Face à la forte augmentation des flux transfrontaliers clandestins connue depuis le début de l’année 2023, la Première ministre a annoncé le 26 avril 2023 la mise en place d’une Force aux frontières expérimentale dans le département des Alpes-Maritimes (dès le 1 er juin 2023) et dans les Hautes-Alpes (à compter du 1 er juillet 2023). Cette expérimentation doit tout à la fois permettre de fournir des indicateurs objectivant l’efficacité de nos dispositifs, de renforcer la complémentarité des forces engagées et d’établir un contrat opérationnel établissant un socle de moyens affectés dans ces départements à la lutte contre l’immigration illégale. Dans ce cadre, la Force frontières 06 permettra, d’une part, de définir des doctrines d’emploi et de coordination pour les moyens humains comme technologiques et, d’autre part, d’adapter en conséquence ces moyens engagés à la frontière en fonction de la nature et de l’intensité des flux constatés ou anticipés.
Le Maroni n’est pas une frontière
Authors: Queffelec Thierry
Published: October 2023

Vaste territoire grand comme la Nouvelle Aquitaine mais peuplé de seulement 300 000 habitants, la Guyane a la particularité de compter deux immenses frontières terrestres françaises avec des pays n’appartenant pas à l’UE : le Surinam à l’ouest, sur le Maroni, et le Brésil à l’est, sur l’Oyapock. De tous temps, les hommes sont passés de l’une à l’autre des deux rives, et continuent de le faire malgré les frontières et les obligations qui en découlent. Comment dans ces conditions juguler ce mouvement, dans le respect de notre souveraineté ?
Les Terres australes et antarctiques françaises : des territoires-frontières au cœur des enjeux de la planète
Authors: Jeanblanc-Risler Florence
Published: October 2023

Situées aux confins du territoire national, les Terres australes et antarctiques françaises, formées par l’archipel Crozet, l’archipel Kerguelen, les îles Saint-Paul et Amsterdam (dits « districts austraux »), la terre Adélie et les îles Éparses, illustrent la notion de « frontière » dans toutes ses dimensions. Elles sont en effet non seulement constitutives de frontières nationales ( borders ), mais également d’opportunités d’échanges et de coopérations, notamment en matière de recherche scientifique. Longtemps envisagées comme des fronts pionniers ( frontier en anglais), elles font aujourd’hui l’objet d’une politique de restauration et de conservation visant à rétablir leurs écosystèmes originels. L’accélération de la compétition entre les grandes puissances dans la zone indopacifique et les effets du changement climatique, qui touche directement ces territoires-frontières en apparence préservés du chaos du monde, font peser un risque non négligeable sur leur stabilité.
La fin des frontières ?
Authors: Boniface Pascal
Published: October 2023

La mondialisation et son accélération ont fait croire à la « fin des frontières ». Ce sentiment s’est vu renforcé par la chute de l’URSS et la disparition du rideau de fer qui avait divisé l’Europe pendant près d’un demi-siècle. Or, les conflits en ex-Yougoslavie, en Afrique ou au Proche-Orient, et plus récemment la guerre en Ukraine ou les tensions en Asie rappellent combien les frontières continuent de faire l’objet de confrontations à l’échelle internationale. À cela s’ajoute les dynamiques migratoires qui soulignent le caractère inégalitaire des frontières que certains États cherchent à rendre infranchissables, ou la pandémie de Covid-19 qui témoigne que des frontières qu’on croyait durablement abaissées, peuvent à tout moment redevenir hermétiques, bien que de manière temporaire. L’enjeu de la frontière reste donc un élément structurant des relations internationales.
Le point sur l’action de la police aux frontières sur nos frontières extérieures et intérieures et les perspectives d’avenir
Authors: Gardon Fabrice
Published: October 2023

La police aux frontières coordonne l’action de policiers gardefrontières, dont les missions s’établissent aussi bien à l’intérieur qu’à l’extérieur du territoire. Le recours à de nombreux outils technologiques permet de fluidifier le trafic international de personnes, tout en respectant l’impératif de sécurité et de contrôle de ces flux. La collaboration des organismes partenaires (direction générale des douanes, agents FRONTEX, coopération européenne…) est également indispensable pour mener à bien les opérations de sûreté, dans un contexte à forts enjeux à venir, comme les Jeux olympiques et paralympiques de 2024 ou la Coupe du monde de rugby 2023.
Garantir le droit d’asile, contrôler les frontières
Authors: Olsina Clémence
Published: October 2023

Concilier les garanties inhérentes à l’exercice du droit fondamental à l’asile et le contrôle des frontières est devenu un enjeu essentiel pour assurer la résilience des institutions de l’asile face à une demande qui renoue avec des niveaux record depuis la fin de la crise sanitaire. Si l’optimisation des procédures et la réduction des délais doivent y contribuer, les réponses à ce défi doivent aussi être trouvées à plus grande échelle et au premier chef au niveau européen, dans le cadre de la négociation du Pacte sur la migration et l’asile.
Haute-Savoie et canton de Genève : la compensation financière des mouvements frontaliers vers la Suisse
Authors: Idiri Nadia
Published: October 2023

Les interactions soutenues entre la Haute-Savoie et le canton de Genève sont plus largement ancrées dans un contexte de dynamisme accru sur l’agglomération franco-valdo-genevoise. Les autorités suisses sont conscientes de l’impact sur les collectivités françaises du flux de frontaliers français vers le canton de Genève et le district de Nyon. Dépendants de la main d’œuvre haut-savoyarde et aindinoise, nos voisins participent aux investissements de notre territoire pour en conserver la vitalité.
Jérusalem, ville sainte contestée
Authors: Vogt Matthias
Published: October 2023

Les chrétiens de Jérusalem, répartis sur 13 communautés confessionnelles reconnues, luttent pour préserver leur présence face à un environnement juif et musulman de plus en plus hostile et dans une situation œcuménique pas toujours facile. La précarité de leur statut légal, l’impossibilité de conclure des mariages avec des chrétiens de Cisjordanie et la menace de pauvreté sont autant de raisons pour réfléchir de l’émigration. Les écoles chrétiennes et les services des Églises au niveau de l’assistance sociale et de la santé leur sont, pourtant, un appui important. En Israël, les communautés chrétiennes palestiniennes se voient côtoyées, voire concurrencées, par des chrétiens vivant complètement dans le milieu juif : chrétiens orthodoxes originaires de l’Europe de l’Est d’un côté, travailleurs migrants et refugiés de l’autre. À la différence des chrétiens de Jérusalem, les chrétiens arabes d’Israël se sentent assez bien intégrés dans l’État juif et ceci malgré certaines inégalités et les tensions qui vont en s’agrandissant dans les villes mixtes. Les chrétiens en Palestine, en revanche, considèrent l’État d’Israël comme « occupant » et participent à la lutte pour leurs ambitions nationales sans être insensibles à la montée d’idées islamistes. Fidèles à leur responsabilité pour la sauvegarde des lieux saints, l’accueil des pèlerins, le service pastoral et social auprès des communautés locales, la préservation de l’identité chrétienne et la défense des droits de l’homme, les Églises de Terre Sainte doivent s’investir de plus un plus pour gérer les attentes des différentes catégories de leurs fidèles. Ceci fait des Églises une sorte de laboratoire de la paix où des positions divergeantes doivent être équilibrées.
Decreasing Nurses' Anxiety About Pediatric End-of-Life Care With Simulation
Authors: Roseland Kelsey A. , Cook Michelle , Connelly Patricia , Dungan Jennifer R.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Caring for pediatric patients at the end of life (EOL) can lead to anxiety and burnout for critical care nurses. New graduate nurses (NGNs) often report receiving inadequate education related to EOL care and then enter the workforce with limited clinical experience in caring for patients at EOL. A quality improvement project at a pediatric academic hospital sought to determine whether a simulation-based educational program for NGNs working in critical care could reduce anxiety about EOL care.

Method:

Eight NGNs participated in a case study and simulation-based educational program that encompassed topics such as communication, symptom management, postmortem care, and support for the family at EOL. Anxiety was measured pre- and postprogram with the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI
©
).

Results:

Anxiety levels after participation in the EOL educational program decreased by 24.1% from preprogram levels.

Conclusion:

Providing NGNs in critical care with a case- and simulation-based EOL educational program can reduce anxiety levels and potentially decrease caregiver burnout.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2023;54(12):574–580.]
Treatments for Acute Nonarteritic Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: Findings From a Cochrane Systematic Review
Authors: Lin John C. , Song Sophia L. , Ng Sueko M. , Scott Ingrid U. , Greenberg Paul B.
Published: October 2023

Many interventions for nonarteritic central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) are associated with serious complications and little effect on visual outcomes. We report on the findings of a Cochrane systematic review that searched seven databases for peer-reviewed articles reporting on treatments for acute nonarteritic CRAO. We assessed six randomized controlled trials, including interventions such as tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), isovolumic hemodilution, eyeball massage, intraocular pressure reduction, anticoagulation, vasodilation, oxygen inhalation, laser embolysis, transcorneal electrical stimulation, thrombolysis, pentoxifylline, and enhanced external counterpulsation. However, none of the randomized controlled trials demonstrated significant improvement in visual acuity at 1 month compared to observation, and some patients treated with t-PA experienced serious adverse effects including intracranial hemorrhage. Proposed interventions for acute nonarteritic CRAO may not be better than observation, but the evidence is uncertain. Larger, well-designed studies are necessary to determine the most effective management option for acute nonarteritic CRAO.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
2023;54:650–653.]
Trends in Imaging Utilization Among United States Medicare Beneficiaries and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Finn Avni P. , Ji Xiangyu , Chen Qingxia , Sternberg Paul , Patel Shriji
Published: October 2023

This study characterizes trends in ophthalmic imaging volume and utilization in the United States among and assesses the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic using data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Utilization of macular optical coherence tomography (OCT), optic nerve OCT, and fundus photography steadily increased from 2013 to 2020 and was not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, there was minimal adoption of anterior segment OCT and a decline in the utilization of dye-based angiography. Utilization patterns may be impacted by the advent of new technologies, role of the clinician, and alignment with treatment paradigms.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
2023;54:661–665.]
Group invariant solutions for the planar Schrödinger-Poisson equations
Authors: Zhou Ganglong
Published: October 2023

This paper is concerned with the following planar Schrödinger-Poisson equations

   \begin{document}$ \begin{equation*} -\Delta{u}+V(x)u+\left(\ln{|\cdot|}\ast |u|^p\right)|u|^{p-2}u = f(x,u),\; \; \; x\in\mathbb{R}^{2}, \end{equation*} $\end{document}

where $ p\geq2 $ is a constant, and $ V(x) $ and $ f(x, u) $ are continuous, mirror symmetric or rotationally periodic functions. The nonlinear term $ f(x, u) $ satisfies a certain monotonicity condition and has critical exponential growth in the Trudinger-Moser sense. We adopted a version of mountain pass theorem by constructing a Cerami sequence, which in turn leads to a ground state solution. Our method has two new insights. First, we observed that the integral $ \int_{\mathbb{R}^2}\int_{\mathbb{R}^2}\ln{(|x-y|)}|u(x)|^{p}|u(y)|^pdxdy $ is always negative if $ u $ belongs to a suitable space. Second, we built a new Moser type function to ensure the boundedness of the Cerami sequence, which further guarantees its compactness. In particular, by replacing the monotonicity condition with the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition, our approach works also for the subcritical growth case.
The Michigan Big Tree Program
Authors: Reuschel Ted M.
Published: October 2023

The Michigan Botanical Society (MBS) hosts and maintains a state register of the largest trees occurring in the State under the Society’s Michigan Big Tree Program. Initiated in 1956 by Paul Thompson, who was also its first coordinator, the continued tracking of our big trees has been carried out by MBS botanists through the volunteer efforts of subsequent Big Tree Program coordinators Elwood Ehrle, Andrew Sawyer, and Ted Reuschel, as well as numerous more certifiers over the years and more than 40 current volunteer certifiers. The Big Tree register displays 639 trees as currently active. Field checking of species during 2022 by certifiers yielded 19 new or reconfirmed state champions. Five specimens submitted to the American Forests’ National Registry of Big Trees during 2021 are still national champions. Information is presented regarding development of the Society’s Big Tree register along with instructions for accessing it online, both by computer and by smart phone.
Influence of the Structural Support Model on the Stress-Strain State of Reinforced Concrete Floor Slabs
Authors: Azizov Taliat , Pereiras Rolando , Maistrenko Oksana F.
Published: October 2023

The influence of modeling the support of floor slabs on forces and deformations is shown. In slabs freely supported on the walls, the corner zones move upwards. In slabs that are partially pinched into the walls, negative bending moments occur. The degree of pinching and separation of the corner zones depends on several factors. The article shows how to take into account these factors in the design.
Analysis of Thermal Performance of Polylactic Acid Nanocomposite by Using T-History Method
Authors: Banjare Devraj , Chouhan Rohan , Verma Jyotish , Dewangan Richa , Sahu Govind , Dewangan Chandra Prakash
Published: October 2023

In this study, we perceived the thermo-physical boundary and the thermal efficiency of zinc oxide for volume fraction in polylactic acid based on a heat energy storage system was examined by using the T-history method. The use of the T-history method for the assessment of thermo-physical boundary describes the specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity enhanced in solid as well as liquid phases of the mixture until the addition of 0 to 0.025% of volume part of zinc oxide in the polylactic acid nanocomposite. After the addition of the zinc oxide, the heat of fusion falls and polylactic acid has a high rate of fusion related to 0.025% volume part of zinc oxide mixed with polylactic acid. Further zinc oxide-based polylactic acid nanocomposite has 31.30% and 13.5% higher solid as well as liquid thermal conductivity in comparison with polylactic acid. Moreover, raise the particle size and analysis as well as distributions found by dynamic light dispersing method for different volume parts of zinc oxide mixed on polylactic acid. In contrast to the thermal efficiency analysis of 0.025% of volume fraction zinc oxide in polylactic acid nanocomposite has a 30.6% high heat transfer rate related to pure polylactic acid along the stage of 4 minutes. Further, the addition of zinc oxide above 0.025% volume fraction in polylactic acid, rise the particle settlement rate freely. Whatever can become to end that 0.025% volume fraction of zinc oxide in polylactic acid mixed thermal energy storage arrangement outcome of maximum thermo physical property and thermal efficiency.
The prevalence and management of obstetric fistula among women of reproductive age in a low-resource setting
Authors: Sanni Olaniyi Felix , Dada Michael Olugbamila , Ariyo Abimbola Oluseyi , Salami Aisha Oluwakemi , Afelumo Olaide Lateef , Ayosanmi Oluwasola Stephen , Abiodun Olaiya Paul , Sanni Elizabeth Abike
Published: October 2023

Obstetric fistula is one of the most significant obstetrical concerns and apparent indications of maternal morbidity in low-resource nations. Therefore, the study assessed the prevalence and management of fistula among women of reproductive age (15-49) in low-resource settings. This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three local government areas (Jere, Konduga and Maiduguri Municipal City) in Borno State. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 484 respondents, and the data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0. The overall prevalence of obstetric fistula was 10.7%. Over 13% of women with seven or more vagina deliveries had a fistula. Likewise, 19% of respondents knew about fistula prevention and treatment services available, and 13.7% of those did not participate in antenatal care services. Furthermore, 48.1% of respondents with a fistula during labour were treated successfully. Almost half (47.9%) who were aware of health facilities around them were successfully treated, same with 46.2% of those living within 1 to 2 km of a health facility, and almost half (49.0%) of those who got married within age 20. The study emphasizes the importance of effective community-level interventions to address obstetric fistula. To achieve this, a comprehensive action plan should be developed, ensuring pregnant women have access to necessary obstetric care services at all healthcare levels. The plan should include preventive measures, timely management of labour complications, and increased awareness of fistula prevention and treatment services. Prioritizing maternal healthcare and empowering women with knowledge and access to services are essential in preventing and managing obstetric fistula.
Retrospective analysis of epidemiologic features and clinical course of COVID-19 patients and comparison between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients
Authors: Di Costanzo Domenica , Mazza Mariano , Carbone Andreina , Pratillo Anna , Di Perna Felice , Graziani Vittoria , Casals Marin Cristina , Tartaglione Stefania , Ponticiello Antonio
Published: October 2023

At our Pneumology Department, we dealt with three waves of COVID-19 pandemics. The purpose of this study is to compare patients' epidemiological and clinical characteristics across waves and to assess the effect of vaccination on clinical presentation, course, and prognosis. From March 2020 to March 2022, a retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare patient characteristics. Based on the time of hospital admission, data from 456 patients were collected and divided into three groups (IW, IIW, and IIIW). In addition, we looked at the link between vaccination and clinical presentation and hospitalization outcome. The average age and comorbidities of patients increased, as did the worsening of respiratory conditions at admission (PaO2/FiO2 median 207 in IW, 95.5 in IIW, and 99 in IIIW). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was the primary respiratory support during the first wave, but an increase in the use of high flow nasal cannula and noninvasive ventilation was later observed, resulting in a higher hospital discharge rate and a lower intubation rate. Vaccinated patients had less severe COVID-19-related respiratory failure, a better clinical course, and a higher hospital discharge rate (71.4% in V-group vs 44.7% in NV-group, p<0.001). Patients' characteristics changed over the three waves, possibly due to virus mutations. The advancement of clinical and therapeutic management knowledge has contributed to a reduction in the severity of respiratory failure. The vaccination campaign improved the clinical course and reduced mortality.
New records and ecological data on the alien species Colasposoma dauricum and Luperomorpha xanthodera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Italy
Authors: Magoga Giulia , Montagna Matteo
Published: October 2023

New records and ecological data on the alien species Colasposoma dauricum and Luperomorpha xanthodera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are provided for Italy. C. dauricum was collected during the summer of 2021 in Verbania (Piedmont), close to the border between Lombardy and Switzerland, on Rubus ulmifolius Schott, a new host plant for the species. L. xanthodera was collected both in semi-natural environments and in close proximity to gardens and greenhouses. Interestingly, among the newly reported records, the presence of L. xanthodera in the vicinity of Lago Fimon (Veneto) in 2007, only one year after its first detection in Italy, suggests that this species may have been introduced in the Country multiple times.
Perspectives on Ayush sector
Authors: Gopal K. Madan , Kumar Shobhit , Uplabdh Gopal KS
Published: October 2023

Globally, traditional systems have experienced a resurgence in recent times. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 88% (170 of 194) of WHO member states report the use of traditional medicine (TM) among all WHO regions. Both in the governmental and private sectors, the Ayush system has grown significantly in recent years. However, there is substantial potential for further development and expansion in the Ayush sector. To promote growth and address difficulties that impede further growth, the Ayush sector needs innovations and research. This paper attempts to highlight the innovations that are necessary for the various potential fields of Ayush. It is essential to strengthen the Ayush systems further and increase opportunities and standards of various domains under Ayush to meet the current health needs. Essential areas for promoting innovations in Ayush include Education, Research, Clinical Practice, Health and Wellness, Public Health, Digital innovations and technologies, and pharmacovigilance. It is essential to create an ecosystem for innovation in these areas. There is a need for Ayush human resources capacity building, identifying young talents, and supporting them for innovations. Innovative ways that bring together Ayush systems and modern medicine can accomplish the promise of futuristic integrative health systems.
Floristic exploration of East Sikkim district of Sikkim
Authors: Pulicherla Yugandhar , Meher Sudhanshu Kuma , Nagayya Shiddamallayya , Bora Devanjal , Cheemanapalli Srinivasulu , Bhardwaj Yashpal , Tripathi Ashish Kumar , Venkateshwarlu Bandi , Rath Chinmay , Mangal Anupam Kumar , Narayanam Srikanth
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

The state of Sikkim possesses 26% of Indian flowering plants. This is an important phytogeographical region of India. There are no floristic exploration studies being carried out in East Sikkim district. Due to this, the present study was intended to explore the floristic diversity in the East Sikkim district of Sikkim state.

METHODS:

For the exploration, the Medico Ethno-Botanical Survey (MEBS) team surveyed 09 different forest ranges of East Sikkim and documented the floristic diversity as per the guidelines of CCRAS, Ministry of Ayush, New Delhi.

RESULTS:

The study explored 165 plant species belonging to 140 genera of 71 families. Among the collected plants, the family Asteraceae represents the highest number (15) of plants, whereas the genus Rhododendron exhibits more number (06) of species. The herbs encompass a copious number (87) of plants compared to other habits of the plant. The enlisted plants were cross-verified with Ayurvedic texts, which revealed that 26 plant species were indexed with their Ayurvedic formulations. The IUCN status and trade value of the explored plants were also mentioned.

CONCLUSIONS:

The floristic exploratory studies represent the species richness of a particular geographical area. It facilitates further research for scholars to utilize the plant taxa sustainably to taxonomy, ecology, biodiversity, and medicinal plants-related works to manufacture herbal-based formulations.
Metabolic characterization of Achillea millefolium L. through ultraviolet absorption, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Kain Dolly , Kumar Suresh , Khan Jamil Ahmed , Vandana  , Suryavanshi Amrita , Arya Atul
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Achillea millefolium L. is an aromatic herbal plant of family Asteraceae having characteristically finely divided leaves that give a fern-like appearance and corymbose cluster inflorescence that gives a flat-headed appearance to the plant.

OBJECTIVES:

To study absorption patten of mature and immature plant extract using UV spectroscopy, to study the different functional groups present in mature plant extract using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and to study various compounds present in the mature plant extract using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Immature and mature A. millefolium have been collected from Pathanteer, Mendhar, Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. For metabolic characterization of A. millefolium, ultraviolet (UV) absorption, FT-IR, and GC-MS have been used.

RESULTS:

UV spectroscopy of immature and mature plants reveals the clear difference in their absorption pattern with high content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the mature plant. FT-IR analysis of the mature plants reveals the presence of different functional groups including alkyl-substituted ether, secondary amine, and carboxylic acid. GC-MS analysis reveals the presence of 70 compounds including 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, phenol, 2,6-dimethoxy, neophytadiene, phytol, ethyl oleate, vitamin E, stigmasterol, γ-sitosterol, and α-amyrin, which are reported to have different medicinal properties.

CONCLUSION:

Achillea millefolium has shown versatile metabolic composition, which contributes to its different medicinal activities in the literature.
Identification and estimation of vicine bioactive compound in Momordica charantia L. fruit and coded Ayurvedic formulation using HPLC method
Authors: Meena Ajay Kumar , Singh Arjun , Swathi Kudingila Narasimha , Ojha Vikas , Dixit Amit Kumar , Ilavarasan Raju , Srikanth Narayanam
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Momordica charantia L. is one of the important Ayurvedic drugs having anti-diabetic, anti-viral, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, and anti-lipolytic and hepatoprotective properties. This study was designed for comparative fingerprint profiling of vicine bioactive compound in M. charantia L. fruit extract and coded Ayurvedic formulation extract through high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and for developing rapid high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of vicine in fruit extract and coded Ayurvedic formulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The dried powder of M. charantia L. fruit (10.3448 g) and powder of coded Ayurvedic formulation (13.4975 g) were extracted by using a Soxhlet apparatus for 24 h. For HPTLC finger printing, ethyl acetate: methanol: water: formic acid (7:3:1:0.5; v/v/v/v) was used as a solvent system. The quantitative analysis was performed by HPLC using acetonitrile and water (65:35 v/v) as mobile phase, with 1.0 mL/min flow rate at 275 nm, and the retention time of vicine was 3.688 min.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

A band was obtained at 254 nm (green, R
f = 0.31) in standard and test solution tracks of M. charantia L. fruit extract and coded Ayurvedic formulation extract corresponding to vicine. The calibration plot showing linear relationship with concentration has been observed. A linear equation is y = 12.224x + 7.829, and the goodness of fit (r
2) of 0.99 was obtained from the regression analysis, which showed proportional dependence between concentration and peak area.

CONCLUSION:

Results of the HPLC analysis showed that the coded Ayurvedic formulation extract and M. charantia L. fruit extract contains 0.0273% and 0.0603% of vicine biomarker compound, respectively.
Pharmaceutical and analytical characterization of Shatadhout ghrita
Authors: Jain Nishta , Kamat Rajeshwari V. , Koralli Anil
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Goghrita has a wide spectrum of medicinal properties for external as well as internal applications. Shatadhout ghrita (SDG) is a samskarita ghrita, derived when washed in cold water a hundred times. In this study, an attempt has been made to standardize the pharmaco-analytical parameters for SDG using modern tools. The aim of this study is to develop the pharmaceutical standards of SDG and to establish the analytical parameters of SDG.

METHODS:

Ghrita is procured from the GMP-certified KLE Ayurveda Pharmacy, Belgaum, Karnataka, India. Three samples of SDG were prepared as per classical method. Goghrita and all three samples of SDG were subjected to the analysis of organoleptic characters and physicochemical parameters such as pH, moisture content, acid value, iodine value, saponification value, unsaponification value, microbial load, according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India, in Ayush-Approved ASU Drug Testing Laboratory, KAHER’s Shri B.M. Kankanwadi Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Shahpur, Belgaum, Karnataka, India.

RESULTS:

Ghrita transformed into a semisolid, pale yellow, creamy texture, smooth to the touch with a pleasant odor. The final quantity of ghrita after 100 washes was increased, and all the analytical results for ghrita and three samples of Shatdhout ghrita were explained.

CONCLUSION:

The ghrita achieves a non-granular form from granular texture. Analytical parameters such as pH, moisture content, acid value, iodine value, saponification value, and unsaponification value of all the three samples of SDG showed significant changes in comparison to ghrita.
Successive extracts guided isolation of plumbagin from Plumbago zeylanica L. in the course of development of marker compound
Authors: Cheemalapati Venkata Narasimhaji , Dharmalingam Velvizhi , Shanmugam Murugammal , Marimuthu Gokul , Bhat Swathi Kudingila Narasimha , Singh Ravindra , Raju Ilavarasan , Srikanth Naraynam
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Certain phytochemical compounds that act as therapeutic or chemical markers play a crucial role in the identification of raw drugs or formulations in the course of standardization and quality control. The isolation and development of marker compounds are important. In this study, the isolation of plumbagin was aimed at the development of a phytochemical marker compound from Plumbago zeylanica L.

METHODS:

The P. zeylanica L. root was purchased from the crude drug market from Chennai, authenticated at Captain Srinivasa Murthy Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CSMCARI), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Successive extraction of Soxhlet was carried out, and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) profiles and thin layer chromatography (TLC) array were developed and documented at UV 254 nm. The bulk sample was extracted through the cold maceration method. The crude extracts of n-hexane and chloroform were combinedly loaded on the silica-gel column for separation and isolation of the marker compound. Various spectral data were recorded using instruments such as UV, IR, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electrospray ionization-mass, HPTLC, and high-performance liquid chromatography for further confirmation of the isolated compound.

RESULTS:

Isolation was carried out through the separation of components of combined crude extracts of n-hexane and chloroform through chromatography over column loaded with silica gel using a mixture of n-hexane and chloroform as a mobile phase in a gradient manner. Finally, the yellow orange color solid compound (0.09% yield W.R.T. raw material) was eluted in a mobile phase of n-hexane: chloroform (6: 4, v/v). The eluted compound was cross-verified with the R
f
of plumbagin on co-TLC and further confirmed by spectral data such as UV, IR, 1H and 13C NMR, and EI-Mass and are found according to the reported data.

CONCLUSION:

The developed TLC and HPTLC profiles of successive extracts are used for identification of P. zeylanica L. in the course of standardization. The developed profiles and observed data for all spectra are compared with the data reported in the literature and found to be correlated. Thus the isolated compound is confirmed as Plumbagin.
Detoxification of Datura metel L. seeds using Shodhana (purifying process) and estimation of scopolamine content
Authors: Meena Ajay Kumar , Venktaraman Poorna , Singh Ravindra , Ganji Kusuma , Srikanth Narayanam , Dhiman Kartar Singh , Motiwale Mohit , Chaturvedi Sadhna , Dixit Amit Kumar
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

The seeds of Datura metel L. are classified as toxic in the classical texts of Ayurveda and hence need to be purified by the traditional method as mentioned before using for medications.

METHODS:

In this study, the seeds of Datura metel L. were detoxified by Shodhana, an Ayurvedic purifying process. The process of detoxification (Shodhana) was performed by soaking the seeds in gomutra (cow’s urine) and boiling them in godugdha (cow’s milk). The preliminary phytochemical and physicochemical analyses were performed simultaneously for the processed and unprocessed Datura metel L. seeds. The total ethanol and chloroform extracts of the processed and unprocessed Datura metel L. seed samples were used for chemical profiling using high-performance thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. Scopolamine content was quantified by HPLC in both processed and unprocessed seeds.

RESULTS:

Scopolamine was not detected in the chloroform extract. The ethanol extract found that the detoxification process has removed scopolamine content in the processed Datura metel L. seed. An attempt has been made to identify the chemical constituents responsible for the toxicity by measuring the level of major chemical constituents before and after the detoxification of seeds.

CONCLUSION:

This study reveals that the process of Shodhana was effective by reducing the content of scopolamine, and hence it was mandatory and supports its use in medications.
Medicinal plants of Arunachal Pradesh used in Ayurveda preparations: An overview
Authors: Janardhanan Anjana , Prashanth Kumar G. M. , Shiddamallayya N.
Published: October 2023

Ayurveda is an Indian traditional medicine system practiced since the Vedic period. Plant, animal, and mineral origin crude drugs have been used in various formulations as mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. Since a few decades, crude drugs of plant origin are gaining more importance. Most of the plants collected for formulations are available in surroundings of the village and nearby human dwelling sources and they are limited in forests. Most of the Ayurvedic formulations contain crude drugs of plant origin as major ingredients. As mentioned in the classical literature of Ayurveda, plants are employed in different ways to treat human and animal disorders. This study aims at exploring all crude drugs of plant origin available in the state of Arunachal Pradesh either cultivated or grown wild. Identifying those plant species serves as a tapping resource for utilizing the processed drugs for further industrial /pharmaceutical usage with respect to classical formulations. A comprehensive review of the Ayurvedic literature and the floras of Arunachal Pradesh found that classical formulations are made of 169 plant species belonging to 146 genera and 68 families. The state is rich in biodiversity, with a diverse range of plants utilized for therapeutic reasons; it also plays a vital role in meeting the local people’s pharmaceutical and nutritional needs.
Diospyros exsculpta Buch.-Ham. an underutilized plant
Authors: Dixit Amit Kumar , Kumar Vijay , Meena Ajay Kumar , Srivastava Bhavana , Nair Parvathy G. , Sahu Dipsunder , Rotwar Dara Singh , Das Manosi , Srikanth Narayanam
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Diospyros exsculpta Buch.-Ham. (DE) belongs to the genus Diospyros, is an underutilized plant and needs to explore its phytochemical and biological activities.

OBJECTIVES:

The Present study aimed to compare phytochemical and biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and protein-binding assay of twig and stem bark of DE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Biological and phytochemical properties of three solvents extracts of twig or branches and stem bark were analyzed. Quantitatively, minerals, antioxidant qualities, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and protein binding were analyzed. Antimicrobial activities were assessed against four bacterial and three fungal strains.

RESULTS:

It was observed that stem bark and twig of DE showed a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Good concentration of Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, P, and Zn has been observed. Comparatively, stem bark and twig have almost the same amount of nutrients (P ≤ 0.05). Value of total phenolic content (TPC) samples varied from 6.27 to 8.74 mg g-1 dry weight in methanol extracts, 18.48–24.09 mg g-1 DW in acetone extracts and 1.41-2.31 mg/g DW in petroleum ether extracts, which is called as gallic acid equivalents (GAEs). Total flavonoid content varied from 87.52 to 197.2 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g DW of sample for methanol extracts, 70.12–86.25 mg QE/g DW for acetone extracts, and 2.55–3.75 mg QE/g DW for petroleum ether extracts.

CONCLUSION:

It was observed that all three extracts of twig and stem bark of DE have significant variation for antioxidant activities. The antioxidant activities were variable from assay to assay as well as extract to extract. Overall, in antioxidant activities, polar extracts have shown the most effective results. All three extracts have shown a significant protein-binding assay, which was almost close to aspirin. Anti-inflammatory assay of various extracts has revealed potent anti-inflammatory activity. Significant linear correlation (P ≤ 0.05) of TPC with antioxidant activities favored its role in antioxidant activity. These comparative findings on phytochemical, biological activities of stem bark, and twig of DE provide compelling scientific evidence of its therapeutic usage.
A clinical tip for conservative retrieval of fractured abutment screw
Authors: Sane Vikrant Dilip , Nair Vivek Sunil , Khandelwal Saurabh , Sane Rashmi Vikrant
Published: October 2023

Fractures of the abutment screw are an extremely dreadful and taxing experience even for experienced clinicians. Retrieval of fractured screw segments due to excessive torque and improperly placed implants pose a great challenge to the clinician. The authors present a case wherein the fractured abutment screw was retrieved successfully with the help of an intraoral plastic mixing tip of light body putty material. The intraoral plastic mixing tips are a more readily available, cost-effective, and feasible alternative to other means of screw retrieval like ultrasonic scalers, endodontic files, and screw retrieval kits.