bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHLORIDE REMOVAL FROM LANDFILL LEACHATE BY THE ULTRA-HIGH LIME WITH ALUMINUM PROCESS
Authors: Chen Gang , Grasel Peter , Millington Gary , Hallas John , Ahmad Hafiz , Tawfiq Kamal
Published: February 2023

Besides organic contaminants, nutrients and heavy metals, high concentrations of chloride have also been observed in landfills accepting ash deposition from waste-to-energy applications, which is difficult be removed in wastewater treatment processes. Chloride may percolate and cause surface salt formation and soil alkalinity increase, thereby resulting in loss of soil. In plants, chloride tends to accumulate in the tissues, especially the leaves. Conventional removal techniques are not feasible from the cost perspective. In this research, the ultra-high lime with aluminum process was evaluated for chloride removal from landfill leachate by precipitation as calcium chloroaluminate (Ca4Al2Cl2(OH)12) in the presence of calcium and aluminum at high pH. Chloride removal was found to be a function of both aluminum concentration and pH. Chloride removal increased with the increase of alum addition until 20 mg/L, after which the chloride removal became moderate. With the increase of pH, obviously more chloride was removed. At pH of 10, the removal reached 90%. To save the chemical costs, alum sludge from a drinking water treatment plant was tested for the removal of chloride from the landfill leachate. The results showed that the supernatant of the alum sludge was more efficient than that of alum sludge suspension in chloride removal. The usage of alum sludge can dramatically save the chemical costs.
STUDY OF VARIOUS FACTORS INFLUENCE ON LAND SURFACE TEMPERATURE IN URBAN ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Datta Debjit , K Mithun Prasad , Mandla Venkata Ravibabu
Published: February 2023

Land surface temperature (LST) is an important for urban environment. Our research mainly based on the landuse and landcover (LULC) on LST. The research of our study tells how the LST variations based especially for a rapidly developing city such as Vellore, India. This study uses the techniques of remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) to detect the temperature variation of LST. The spatial variability of texture in LST was done. These variations are also present in the images, and are responsible for the spatial patterns in an urban environment. The result values shows that both the spatial and temporal variation in surface temperature is associated with CO2 concentration levels and thus affects the local land use pattern
ANALYSIS INFLUENCE OF CEMENT OF THE ASPHALT PAVEMENT DEMOLITION MATERIAL ON ROADS SEMARANG-DEMAK-INDONESIA
Authors: Pratikso P. , Purwanto A. , Sudarno S.
Published: February 2023

Natural resources such as natural material such as stone, sand, asphalt which has long been used by humans for road construction because of the limited experience any material taken will collide with the preservation of the environment so that the construction work of road infrastructure obstacles and ultimately can lead to the work stalled road infrastructure. To overcome these problems it is necessary to the implementation of the technology development of road infrastructure by using recycled (recycling). The purpose of this study is to determine levels of cement that can be used for the top layer foundation (base course) with recycled materials mixed asphalt cement / Cement Treated Recycling Base (CTRB) on road rehabilitation Semarang - Demak and to determine the uncondifined compressive strength that occurs so that the material can be reused as construction material pavement layer. This study uses an experimental method in the laboratory with a cylindrical specimen diameter of 7 cm height of 14 cm made of asphalt pavement scratching Semarang-Demak roads with cement content variation 0%, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, 6% and 7.5% is used for testing the uncondifined compressive strength / (UCS) at the age of 7 days, 21 days, 14 days and 28 days. The results show that the addition of cement content will increase the value of the dry weight insignificantly, but will rise UCS value significantly and utilization of scratching asphalt cement with added material from these laboratory experiments can increase the carrying capacity CTRB construction. Levels of cement that meets the requirements of Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) for the construction of Cement Treated Recycling Base (CTRB) is between 6% to 7.5%. According to the results of research it is economically to used cement content at average of 6.75% for road rehabilitation works Semarang - Demak has met the required UCS test.
MODELLING THE IMPACTS OF WILDFIRE ON SURFACE RUNOFF IN THE UPPER UBERABINHA RIVER WATERSHED USING HEC-HMS
Authors: Oliveira Jean Maikon Santos , Salla Marcio Ricardo
Published: February 2023

Fire significantly affects hydrological processes in the watershed because it changes land cover and it creates a double layer of hydrophobic soil covered with ash, increasing the surface runoff and the production of debris flow in the basin. Assessing the impacts of fire on overland flow requires the use of modeling softwares capable of simulating post-fire discharge. Because a total of 760 wildfires were detected in the Upper Uberabinha River subbasin in the last nine years, it is of dire importance to understand the consequential impacts of fire on hydrological processes in this basin. In this study, the HEC-HMS model was used to evaluate post-fire discharge in the Upper Uberabinha River watershed. Model was previously calibrated and validated using two representative storms observed in the wet season. After calibration, the 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, 100-, and 200-year storms were simulated in scenarios with increasing burn severity. The calibrated model performed well in the prediction of discharge values at a daily basis (0% difference in peak timing; 0% difference in peak flow; 31.8% BIAS). Peak flow and discharge volume increased and peak timing shifted to the left as severity of burn increased. The highest increment in peak discharge was 74.7% for the 10-year storm, whereas overall discharge volume raised in up to 31.9% for the 50-year storm, both after simulation in the most fire-impacted scenario. The results reveal that fire highly affects hydrological characteristics, e.g. peak timing and flow and discharge volume, in the Upper Uberabinha River watershed. The authors suggest further investigations concerning the impacts of wildfire on other processes, such as the production of debris flow in the basin.
AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BASED DROUGHT PREDICTIONS IN PART OF THE TROPICS
Authors: Aiyelokun Oluwatobi Oluwaseun , Ogunsanwo Gbenga , Fabiyi Oluwafunbi
Published: February 2023

There are indications that anthropogenic activities of man have tremendously increased extreme weather conditions resulting from global warming. This study therefore aims to determine the possibility of drought, its frequency, persistence and severity in Southwest Nigeria. The study employs the use of secondary data such as rainfall records from Ijebu-Ode station covering a period of 40 years (1974-2013) for drought computation while other parameters such as temperature, potential evapotranspiration and relative humidity were used for Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based modeling and prediction of drought. The frequency of drought events was calculated using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). The SPI was calculated for 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months’ time steps, and findings shows that all time steps had an increasing trend which signify excess rainfall and flooding in years to come except, the 3 month time step for the month of April that shows a significant decreasing trend, indicating an increase in drought. ANN was further used to model the drought for the 3 month time step for the month of April. Prediction of the year 2045 shows that there would be periods of severe dryness. The study concludes that the hypothesis of increasing rainfall in the tropics due to climate change does not hold for all areas and time steps, since there is indication that drought will persist in few months in years to come. Finally, more intensive study should be done to ascertain possibility of unforeseen droughts in the tropics where rainfall has been forecasted to persist.
STUDY OF SHADING DEVICE BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC PERFORMANCE ON ENERGY SAVING
Authors: Budhiyanto Aris , Suryabrata Jatmika Adi , Saragih Soeleman
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the study of the performance of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applied on vertical building envelope as overhang shading devices on energy saving. In Indonesia, where solar energy is abundant, the utilization of PV system as renewable energy is very potential, especilly in remote area. However, in the urban core of Indonesia, the utilization of PV system is not yet economically viable. In this study, six BIPV models with different design of PV panel shading devices were simulated using weather file of Jakarta, an urban core of Indonesia. The results show that installing fewer PV panel shading devices on building façade with greater distance is more effective than installing more PV panel shading device with less distance. The LCOE (levelized cost of electricity) of all models that is lower than the national grid electricity cost indicates that BIPV could be economically profitable if it is designed properly.
PARTIAL ENERGY MATRIXES ON URBAN SCALE FOR TRANSPORTATION: A CASE-STUDY OF METROPOLITAN AREAS OF BORDEAUX (FRANCE), CINCINNATI (USA) AND CURITIBA (BRAZIL)
Authors: Paes Neilor de Carvalho , Schmid Aloisio Leoni
Published: February 2023

Energy consumption and its economic, social and environmental effects in cities is a relevant issue of growing concern that requires better tools for assessment and measurement. In this context, the aim of this article is to explore the concept of a city energy matrix, with focus on the transportation sector, to support political decision-making. Partial (only transportation-related) energy matrixes are presented for three cities: Bordeaux (France), Cincinnati (USA) and Curitiba (Brazil), using an energy accounting method. The study considered consolidated energy consumption data of the conurbation area around each city. This information allowed the elaboration of inferences made from matrixes, which involved urban population and economic indicators, as a strategy to understand the relationship between urban characteristics and energy consumption. Results obtained were compared to information available in the literature. National and local influences as city size, spatial structure, economic development and access to data in the final matrixes are reported. Relevant theoretic issues to be further explored are the adequacy of the political boundaries and the actual geographic distribution of energy consumption of trucks, trains and airplanes connecting the city to other regions.
ADVANCED HIGHLY POLLUTED RAINWATER TREATMENT PROCESS
Authors: Aljerf Loai M.
Published: February 2023

A new PVC-filter filled with recycled glass and crushed foam glass has been investigated the removal of major pollutants in rainwater to enhance the physical properties and enrich the matrix of this potential source of water with essential minerals. The physical properties of 10 pre-filtered and 10 post-filtered specimens of rainwater are tested. Then, all samples are analysed to assess the chemistry of rainwater. The ions found in pre-filtered rainwater follows the order: HCO3− > SO42− > NO3− > Cl− > F- for anions and Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > NH4+ > Sr2+ > K+ for cations. The relative abundance of heavy metals in pre-filtered rainwater follows the descending order: Cu2+, Fe2+, Zn2+, Se4+, Pb2+, Mn2+, As5+, Ni2+, Cd2+. On the other hand, the high concentrations of SO42-, NO3-, and the heavy metals found in this study can be signs of that Damascus rainwater is mainly of anthropogenic origin. After filtration, the analytes in rainwater becomes in conformity with the World Health Organization for drinkability. The performance of this filter is compared with Eugene Water & Electric Board. This comparison proves that this filter is greener and eco-friendly option to conventional rainwater purification practices. Results of this research prove the capability of this filter to shift polluted raindrops into a freshwater.
WETLAND CHANGE ANALYSIS AND THEIR IMPACT ON DENSE VEGETATION BY SPATIAL APPROACH
Authors: Singh Leelambar , Katpatal Yashwant B.
Published: February 2023

Wetlands are the most important component of an ecosystem that provides ecological habitats and hence wetlands are supposed to be the indicators of healthy environment. It has been observed recently that the wetlands are affected by several anthropogenic impacts and climate change. Monitoring of the wetlands for their preservation has become mandatory. The present study uses MODIS satellite data of 2000 and 2014 for recording the temporal change in the status of the wetlands in Nagpur district, Maharashtra India. Least square regression correlation had been performed between wetlands area and corresponding (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) NDVI of the selected wetlands. The study shows that the extent of the wetlands have reduced in the study area during 2000-2014. The Least square regression analysis result shows that vegetated areas within wetlands reduced during 2000 to 2014. This study highlights the present status of wetlands, which is helpful in future, conservation, assessment, and management of wetlands. The application of remote sensing and GIS techniques made analysis simpler and effective.
REVERBERATION TIME AS AN INDICATOR FOR NOISE MAPS
Authors: Penteado Lucas , Souza Léa , Christoforo André
Published: February 2023

Despite being an important acoustic parameter in urban canyons, reverberation time (RT) is little used to make noise maps. This paper focuses on urban RT and urban equivalent sound pressure level (LAeq) in order to construct noise maps. Therefore, these indicators were sampled in 31 points distributed in the central region of a medium-sized Brazilian city. In addition, constructive geometric characteristics and the vehicle flow were collected. These data were used as input for a reverberation time prediction equation and then used to develop a thematic map on a GIS platform by applying the inverse distance interpolation method. Furthermore, a LAeq indicator noise map was made using the NMPB-Routes 2008 method in calculation commercial software. The results show a relationship between LAeq and the urban RT map. Moreover, the results allowed the validation of a predictive RT model able to calculate future scenario acoustics based on geometric-constructive features and vehicular flow.
IDENTIFICATION OF URBAN HEAT ISLAND SPREADING TO CONCENTRATION OF NO2, O3, AND PM10 POLLUTANT IN DKI JAKARTA
Authors: Fitriani Alfiyah Nur , Dewi Kania , Tursilowati Laras
Published: February 2023

Urban Heat Island is usually caused by Land use Land-Cover Changes (LULCC), including in Jakarta-Indonesia. Rapid development in Jakarta causes green open space to decrease and increase surface temperature in urban areas. In addition, Urban Heat Island also affects the spread of pollutants due to increased turbulence. Therefore, this study aims to find the link between temperature rise in DKI Jakarta which is influenced by land cover changes to pollutant spread such as NO2, PM10, and O3.

This research begins with data processing observation of average temperature of DKI Jakarta area with meteorology station Tangerang, Banten for spatial calculation from year 2011-2016. In addition, LANDSAT 8 satellite image data is processed for spatial land and temperature encapsulation with Remote Sensing software from 2013-2015. As a result, in 2013 and 2015 there is a reduction in the area of vegetation that turns into non-vegetation (residential and industrial areas) that affect the temperature of the DKI Jakarta region is increasing. After that, sought the linkage between Urban Heat Island and the spread of pollutant concentrations in DKI Jakarta in 2013 and 2015. As a result, the increase of Jakarta area temperature, especially in pollutant observation area at five points, influenced the distribution of pollutant NO2, O3, and PM10 pollutant concentration balance with the dominan area such as roadside, industry, settlement in the time and area study in DKI Jakarta.
THE USE OF VECTOR-BASED GIS BOOLEAN ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE TO DETERMINE THE BEST LOCATION FOR A MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILL SITE IN MAFRAQ GOVERNORATE/ JORDAN
Authors: Al- Shabeeb Abdel Rahman Rakad
Published: February 2023

The choice of location for a landfill site has a significant effect on the economy, ecology and overall environmental well-being, and is therefore a vital decision in the process of city planning. In Mafraq, the huge increases in population, as a result both of the arrival of significant numbers of Syrian refugees, as well as an increasing birth rate, has increased the pressure on the limited resources available, as well as emphasising the necessity of building a proper system of waste management, as well as a well-located landfill site. In relation to the latter, the aim is to position it so as to minimise any negative impact on either the environment or on public health. In terms of GIS, vector analysis tools and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) were applied to ascertain the best location for a landfill site. The aspects that were assessed in this research included slopes, roads, airport, wells, soil, faults, international borders, Wadis, and urban areas. The weighting given to each item was determined using the Boolean technique in terms of its importance to the location of a landfill site. The conclusions indicated that 18 sites in the area researched were potentially suitable for landfill sites, but that the Jordanian government had to undertake further work using the results of the GIS research to determine where the site should be located.
NEURAL NETWORKS FOR THE PREDICTION OF FRESH PROPERTIES AND COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF FLOWABLE CONCRETE
Authors: Jayaseelan Revathy , Pandulu Gajalskshmi , G Ashwini
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the prediction of fresh concrete properties and compressive strength of flowable concrete through neural network approach. A comprehensive data set was generated from the experiments performed in the laboratory under standard conditions. The flowable concrete was made with two different types of micro particles and with single nano particles. The input parameter was chosen for the neural network model as cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, superplasticizer, water-cement ratio, micro aluminium oxide particles, micro titanium oxide particles, and nano silica. The output parameter includes the slump Flow, L-Box flow, V Funnel flow and compressive strength of the flowable concrete. To develop a suitable neural network model, several training algorithms were used such as BFGS Quasi- Newton back propagation, Fletcher-Powell conjugate gradient back propagation, Polak - Ribiere conjugate gradient back propagation, Gradient descent with adaptive linear back propagation and Levenberg-Marquardt back propagation. It was found that BFGS Quasi- Newton back propagation and Levenberg-Marquardt back propagation algorithm provides more than 90% on the prediction accuracy. Hence, the model performance was agreeable for prediction purposes for the fresh properties and compressive strength of flowable concrete.
PARAMETERS OF INTEREST FOR THE DESIGN OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Authors: Šperac Marija , Obradović Dino
Published: February 2023

The urbanization process significantly reduced the permeability of land surfaces, which affected the changes of runoff characteristics and the relations in the hydrological cycle. In urban environments, the relationships within the hydrological cycle have changed in quantity, in particular: precipitation, air temperature, evaporation, and infiltration. By applying the green infrastructure (GI) to urban environments is beneficial for the water resources and the social community. GI has an effect on the improvement of ecological, economic, and social conditions. Using GI into urban areas increases the permeability of land surfaces, whereby decreasing surface runoff, and thus the frequency of urban floods. It also has a significant influence on the regulation of air quality, water purification, climate change impact, and the changes in the appearance of the urban environment. When planning and designing the GI, it is necessary to identify the type of GI and determine the size and location of the selected GI. Since each urban environment has its own characteristics, it is necessary to analyze them before deciding on the GI. The paper analyzed meteorological parameters (precipitation, air temperature, insolation, air humidity) affecting the selection of GI types, using the specific example of an urban environment – the City of Osijek, Croatia. Significant parameters when designing GI are operation and maintenance These parameters directly affect the efficiency of GI. The proper selection of GI and its location results in maximum gains: the reduction of land surface drainage - drainage of the sewage system, purification and retention of precipitation at the place of production, the improvement of air quality, and the improvement of living conditions in urban environments
DEVELOPMENT OF A GIS-BASED COMPOSITE PUBLIC TRANSPORT ACCESSIBILITY INDEX
Authors: Cyril Anila , Mulangi Raviraj H , George Varghese
Published: February 2023

The increasing interest in sustainable modes of transport such as public transport has triggered the need for evaluation of accessibility to and from the transit service. Accessibility to the transit service determines the service attractiveness and hence better accessibility increases the demand. Although accessibility has been the focus of research in the past few decades, it still remains a concept that has been poorly defined and hence finding a theoretically good and operationally sound measure of accessibility is a challenging task. The objective of this paper is to develop a composite public transport accessibility index using Geographic Information System (GIS) as a case study of an Indian city, Trivandrum. This concept is a spatio-temporal GIS-based public transport accessibility model which includes travel modes of walking and bus transit, travel impedance and service coverage of the transit network. The methodology used in the study is based on the factor that the index should measure the accessibility which comes from proximity to bus stops and land use destinations and the proportion of the population served.
A CASE-BASED URBAN MICROCLIMATE VARIETY CLASSIFICATION PROCEDURE: FINISHING MATERIALS AND SHADING IN URBAN DESIGN.
Authors: Urrutia del Campo Nagore , Grijalba Aseguinolaza Olatz , Hernández Aja Agustín
Published: February 2023

This research work focuses on the study of microclimate conditions of two squares of Madrid, a city with a considerable Urban Heat Island. The process includes field measurements of the surface and radiant temperatures of materials on buildings façades, pavements and urban furniture. Air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and direction were also measured. A virtual 3D model was used for sun exposure and solar radiation simulations. The urban microclimate regulation capacity of the finishing materials and shading are numerically defined.
Considering the results obtained from measurements and simulations, a procedure for open spaces’ microclimate variety classification and identification is proposed: An approach to describe the thermal level for open spaces, in order to help the urban designers and planners to provide high microclimate variety for the users to meet their difference thermal demand. This is a key element to identify environmental quality and to obtain thermal comfort.
“Psychogenic vomiting” – A potential transdiagnostic psychological construct: Inferences from case series
Authors: Ray Anirban , Roy Ayoleena , Basu Aniruddha , Sarkar Sukanto
Published: February 2023

Psychogenic vomiting is often diagnosed in the absence of medical, psychiatric, or other conditions. Although functional gastrointestinal disorders are now an established entity, still psychogenic vomiting has its place as a temporary diagnosis till a more definitive diagnosis emerges, particularly during the developmental period. The usefulness of psychogenic vomiting is illustrated by four interrelated pediatric cases as a forerunner of formed psychopathology or as an epiphenomenon of significant psychosocial issues. Hence, psychogenic vomiting can be advocated to have a more prominent place in nosology in the coming years.
An observational study on drug prescribing pattern of psychotropic medication in psychiatry outpatient department of a medical college in Eastern India
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Ujjwal , Bhattacharjee Debanjan , Chakraborty Avik
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

There are a few studies on the psychotropic prescription pattern in Eastern India, particularly in West Bengal, with limited statistics and focus, as well as there is no study conducted in health facilities particularly catering to the labor class population. To improve the mental health-care delivery in laborers and their dependents through policy-making, information is required regarding psychotropic prescription patterns in laborers suffering from mental disorders.

Materials and Methods:

A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted for 6 months. A total of 3000 patients were randomly selected from those who consented to utilize their information for study purposes. DSM-5 was used for psychiatric diagnosis. Descriptive statistic was used to describe drug use pattern. The World Health Organization-drug use indicators were used for analyzing prescriptions.

Results:

Among 3000 participants, 1114 (37.1%) and 537 (17.9%) were suffering from somatic symptom disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, respectively. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines (BZDs) with Z-drugs together form the major bulk of prescriptions. Amitriptyline, olanzapine, and alprazolam were the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, antipsychotics, and BZDs, respectively.

Conclusion:

Neurotic and anxiety disorders are major psychiatric morbidity among the labor class population. Antidepressants like amitriptyline and BZDs like alprazolam can meet the majority of mental health needs of laborers. Therefore, policy and provision are required for an adequate availability of these drugs in catering centers.
Burnout and resilience among resident doctors working at a COVID-19 nodal center in India
Authors: Sriperambudoori Varsha , Pingali Srilakshmi , Molanguri Umashankar , Deekshith T. , Joopaka Ajay Kumar
Published: February 2023

Background:

COVID-19 pandemic can lead to burnout among health workers. The study aimed to know the prevalence of burnout among resident doctors and its relation to resilience.

Methodology:

An online anonymous cross-sectional study was done at the sole COVID nodal center of Telangana, India, using a three-part questionnaire E-mailed to all the resident doctors. It included a consent form, sociodemographic data, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory to measure burnout, and the Brief Resilience Coping Scale to measure resilience. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 22.0 (IBM). P value was considered statistically significant below 0.05 and all tests were two-tailed.

Results:

Personal burnout (53.6%) was highest followed by work-related burnout (46.4%) and client-related burnout (40.8%). All three domains of burnout showed a significant negative correlation with scores of resilience (personal burnout [r = −0.240), work burnout (r = −0.203), and client burnout [r = −0.212]; P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion:

Client-related burnout has increased when compared to nonpandemic times. Burnout was inversely associated with resilience, suggesting a role for resilience as a protective factor.
Comparison of sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate, biodentine with and without bioactive glass as furcation repair materials
Authors: Kamal Shaik Afreen , Garlapati Roopadevi , Bolla Nagesh , Vemuri Sayesh , Pydiahnaidu Bandaru , Suvarna Yandra Lakshmi
Published: February 2023

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine with and without Bioactive glass (BG) as furcation repair materials by ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric analysis.

Materials and Methods:

Forty extracted human maxillary molars (n = 40) were selected and decoronated 3 mm above the cementoenamel junction and 3 mm below it and a defect in furcation was created. The samples were then divided into 4 groups of 10 (n = 10) each, Group I: MTA, Group II: Biodentine, Group III: BG + Biodentine and Group IV: BG + MTA and the defect was treated with respective furcation repair material. All the samples were then immersed in 2% methylene blue solution for 24 h and later stored in 65% nitric acid solution. The solution obtained was subjected to centrifuge at 3500 rpm for 5 min. From this solution, 100 μl of the supernatant was collected, analyzed in UV spectrophotometer at 550 nm with nitric acid as the blank and readings were recorded as absorbance units.

Results:

All four groups exhibited a significant difference in dye absorbance values (P < 0.01). Group I, i.e., MTA showed the least dye absorbance values when compared with the other three groups. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that MTA had superior sealing ability than Biodentine, whereas BG + Biodentine showed better sealing ability when compared with BG + MTA.
Immune periapical granuloma with Mott cells
Authors: Datar Uma Vasant , Mahajan Aarti Mahendra , Chaudhari Vishakha , Patil Rahul B.
Published: February 2023

Periapical granulomas (PGs) respond well to endodontic treatment. In case of refractory response to the treatment apicectomy and finally, extraction is the treatment of choice. Herein, we present a case of endodontically failed PG with an excessive amount of Mott cells (MCs). MCs are plasma cells with spherical aggregates in their cytoplasm. The extensive accumulation of MCs in a periapical lesion is hitherto underreported and might elucidate the cause of refractory treatment outcomes of certain periapical lesions. The lesion was diagnosed with immune PG with multiple MCs. To the best of our literature search, there have been only two similar reports till date. Additional case reports and long-term follow-up are necessary to understand the nature and significance of such lesions. This article aspires to further the awareness regarding such unique presentation to aid appropriate diagnosis and also highlights the importance of subjecting apicectomy specimen to histopathological examination.
Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of diode laser, EndoActivator, passive ultrasonic irrigant, and manual irrigation activation systems in debridement of root canal isthmus
Authors: Varghese Arun Kurian , Satish S. V. , Gowda Basavana , Uthappa Roshan , Patil Ashwini M.
Published: February 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of diode laser, EndoActivator, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and manual dynamic activation (MDA) in the debridement of root canal isthmus using a stereomicroscope.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 65 extracted mandibular first molars were selected for the study. The access cavity preparation was done and the working length was determined. All teeth were prepared using ProTaper rotary system up to F2. The samples were randomly divided into five groups (n = 13) used in the study. Group 1: Diode laser (n = 13): samples were irrigated using a diode laser having a wavelength of 980 nm. Group 2: EndoActivator (n = 13): the samples were irrigated using EndoActivator sonic device. Group 3: PUI (n = 13): samples were irrigated using an ultrasonic device. Group 4: MDA (n = 13): samples were irrigated manually by placing a master gutta-percha cone of F2 size. Group 5: Conventional needle irrigation (n = 13): no activation of irrigant. Following irrigant activation, the mesial roots were sectioned 4 mm from the apex and the isthmus cleanliness was observed under a stereomicroscope at ×20. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test.

Results:

EndoActivator showed the least amount of debris when compared to diode laser, passive ultrasonic irrigant, and MDA. MDA showed more amount of debris at the isthmus level.

Conclusion:

EndoActivator showed the least amount of debris at the isthmus level of mandibular molars when compared to diode laser, passive ultrasonic irrigant, and MDA.
Antibiotic Stewardship and Microbiological Aspects of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Supraja K , Menon Thangam , Sankardas Mullasari Ajit , Rohit Anusha , Sharmila S , Subathra S M
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

Infections are a serious threat in the postoperative period in cardiac surgical patients. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is caused by multidrug-resistant organisms resulting in high mortality. Our aim is to study the prevalence of VAP, the organism associated with it and the appropriate management.

Materials and Methods:

Three thousand consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery were included and followed from admission till discharge. All baseline characteristics and intra- and postoperative details were collected. Data on microbiological sampling were noted. The duration of ventilation and time point at which samples were sent, microbiological growth, its sensitivity, and antibiotics used were analyzed. The reassessment of the need for antibiotics at the end of 48 h of sending culture and switching based on the sensitivity (antibiotic time-out) was also captured.

Results:

Forty-eight patients had VAP (12.78 per 1000 ventilator days); 38 patients had culture-proven growth. The most common organism in our setting was Klebsiella
pneumoniae,
Acinetobacter
baumannii, and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa. The resistance to β-lactams, cephalosporins, and carbapenems was high. Dual and triple antibiotic therapies were noted in 64% of patients. Failure to adhere to antibiotic time-out was associated with mortality in patients when it was adhered and not adhered (27% vs. 74%, respectively) (<0.015).

Conclusions:

The incidence of VAP in our setting is very low. However, VAP remains a serious threat and carries a high mortality. A high degree of suspicion, timely diagnosis, usage of appropriate antibiotics based on local antibiogram, and following antibiotic time-out will help to reduce the intensive care stay and mortality.
Disproportionate Tachycardia and Tachypnea in Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Patil Shital , Gondhali Gajanan , Bhadake Manojkumar
Published: February 2023

Cardiovascular involvement in tuberculosis is not uncommon. Cardiac dysfunction is a clinical presentation due to direct or indirect affection due to tuberculosis. Cardiac dysfunction is possible without structural cardiac disease. In this case report, a 32-year-old male presented with constitutional symptoms for 6 months with acute deterioration with tachycardia and tachypnea with hypoxia 2 weeks before hospitalization. Radiological investigations documented conglomerated miliary tuberculosis and confirmed by sputum smear microscopy and Gene Xpert MTB/Rif. Cardiac investigations revealed sinus tachycardia in electrocardiogram, raised cardiac enzymes in laboratory evaluation, and “global left ventricular hypokinesia” with reduced ejection fraction in echocardiography. We have started Anti-tuberculosis treatment as per National guidelines for 6 months with steroids backup for four weeks. We have documented cardiac function improvement in one month post treatment, bacteriological cure after 2 months of ATT and near complete radiological resolution after 6 months. We recommend cardiac workup in all pulmonary tuberculosis cases with disproportionate tachycardia and tachypnea with or without hypoxia.
Cross-sectional community-based study in Saudi Arabian population with inclusion of behavioral studies of osteoporosis patients
Authors: Ahmed Anas E. , Madkhali Abdullah Y. A. , Mojiri Mohammed E. M. , Jada Abdulmajeed A. A. , Mojamami Mohammed Y. A. , Matari Mohammed H. A. , Beati Abdulelah Y. M. , Abdelwahab Siddig I. , Khired Zenat A.
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Purpose:

Osteoporosis is especially prevalent in the older population and in women. Fractures lead to many health complications, placing an enormous burden on the health system. Improved knowledge will encourage healthy practices that prevent osteoporosis and help community members avoid unhealthy lifestyles and habits. The goal of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to osteoporosis among male and female students of the Jazan community.

Methods:

The Jazan region has 13 governorates and a population of more than 1.5 million. For this study, 440 participants were selected from seven different governorates, and the osteoporosis knowledge assessment tool (OKAT) was used together with five background variables and some questions on attitude and practice. A Chi-squared test was implemented to identify any significant relationships between the background variables and the knowledge and practice scores. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Of the 440 participants, 53% were men and 47% women. Thirty-three percent of them held government jobs, 73% had completed university, and 50% had a monthly income of less than 5,000 riyals. Regarding the risk factors for osteoporosis, 62 (14%) smoked, 37 (8.4%) used steroids, 184 (41.8%) had a family history of osteoporosis, and 393 (89.3%) had not attended an education campaign on osteoporosis. The highest number of correct answers in the OKAT was to the question “osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures” (423, 96.1%), and the lowest number of correct answers was to the question “osteoporosis is more common in men” (60, 13.6%). Regarding protective behaviors against osteoporosis, namely physical activity, daily intake of dairy products, attending an education campaign, and background characteristics, attending an education campaign was statistically significant, with a P value of 0.003, but marital status, education level, body mass index (BMI), and occupation were not statistically significant. For the risk factors, sex was statistically significant, along with the daily soft drink intake and smoking but not with the use of steroids. Other background characteristics, such as education level and BMI, were not statistically significant as osteoporosis risk factors.

Conclusions:

The participants’ level of knowledge was high, and the risk factors for osteoporosis were still present together with a low level of achievement for protective measures. It is highly recommended that education campaigns be implemented to increase knowledge and encourage improved attitudes and practices.
Knowledge and attitude toward biological warfare among health-related students: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey
Authors: Abdelkarim Suhaila , AlMarei Shahd Othman , Elyas Anas , Amri Rahaf Abdulaziz Ahmed , Khawaji Eithar Ali Mohammed , Khormi Ghadah Jubran Mohammed , Abujabir Ethar Ibrahim Mohammed , Othathi Rahaf Jabreil Hamad , Ali Abbas Khawlah Ali , Hayyan Rasha Dhaifallah Ahmad , Abdelmageed Maha Murtada , Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Purpose:

Many types of research have been published on the history of biological warfare, the agents used, and the medical implications. However, no studies measure how people are aware of the magnitude of these health problems and international threats. The present study aimed to produce and make background about biological warfare information for health college students to be used as a basis for future studies or research and prepare the hospitals’ bases for similar disasters.

Methods:

This observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among undergraduate students (N = 626) enrolled in health-related colleges at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. A preliminary survey of 30 participants was then undertaken to improve the questionnaire’s understanding and validity. The questionnaire encompassed three primary sections, including (1) sociodemographic characteristics, (2) knowledge, and (3) awareness. Sociodemographic characteristics consisted of age, gender, college type, academic level, and specialty. All data were gathered using an online self-reported questionnaire using Google Forms and participants were recruited using a random sampling strategy.

Results:

The total participants were 626 students; 514 were females, whereas 112 were males. Knowledge and attitude indices were 3.8650 ± 0.48 and 4.06 ± 0.51 (maximum is 5). The indices showed variable statistical differences among sociodemographic factors. With adjusted and crude odds ratios of 0.53 and 0.54, attitude score is the sole significant (P= 0.05) predictor of knowledge as analyzed using logistic regression.

Conclusion:

The results of the present study are the first of their kind in the region and can be used to shape public awareness among specialists and decision-makers, especially in light of the recent pandemic.
Different presentation of autoimmune hepatitis in children: Case series
Authors: Ansari Qudsiya , Sawant Vishal , Kondekar Alpana Santosh
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a disorder causing chronic hepatic inflammation. Its clinical presentation is highly variable from the affected child might have only biochemical evidence of liver dysfunction or present in hepatic failure. It is important to distinguish AIH from other forms of chronic hepatitis because a high percentage of cases respond to immunosuppressive therapy. In this article, we describe the clinical presentation, biochemical and histological findings, treatment, and clinical outcome of the four children with AIH in a tertiary care center in Mumbai. Most patients with AIH have high levels of immunoglobulin. All four cases showed high serum Ig G levels and responded to oral prednisolone only. AIH should be excluded for all patients with symptoms or signs of prolonged, relapsing, or severe liver disease so that treatment can be promptly initiated and morbidity can be reduced.
“Vasudaiva kutumbakam-one earth, one family, one future: “- India’s mantra for a healthy and prosperous earth as the G20 leader
Authors: Raina Sunil K. , Kumar Raman
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

India is a civilization, not just a country, nation, or government. Taking over the leadership of G20 by India, at a time when the world is battling pandemics, war, energy and climate crisis, and resource restriction is not just appropriately suited politico-economically but socio-culturally as well. COVID-19 proved that the unbelievably diverse world was too complex to be packed into a utopian hold-all one size fits all ideas. However, the fact is that COVID-19 may only have uncovered the crisis, which had been in the making for the latter part of the last century and extending into the current. India’s leadership of G20 is therefore a window of opportunity for a more sustainable worldview as the ideas are coming from a civilization with a long history of acceptance of the entire world as one family- Vasudaiva Kutumbakam.
Association of minimum dietary diversity with anaemia among 6–59 months’ children from rural India: An evidence from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kathuria Nishtha , Bandyopadhyay Prasanta , Srivastava Shobhit , Garg Priyanka Rani , Devi Kshetrimayum Surmala , Kurian Kauma , Rathi Suresh Kumar , Mehra Sunil
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Anaemia is one of the micronutrient deficiency disorders that have global public health implications. The present study aims to determine the association of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) with anaemia among children aged 6–59 months in rural North India.

Methods:

In Rohtak (a north Indian city), a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2018–19 (n = 266). Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed. The Chi-square test was used for assessing the significance level during bivariate analysis. Further, multivariable regression analysis was used for determining the factors for anaemia prevalence among children aged 6–59 months.

Results:

About 62.4% (n = 166) of the children aged 6–59 months were found to have anaemia in the study area. The prevalence of MDD was 35.3% (n = 94). It was found that children with no MDD have a higher prevalence of moderate (42% vs. 25.5%; P < 0.001) and severe (12.8% vs. 8.5%; P < 0.001) anaemia. It was revealed that the children with no MDD had a significantly higher likelihood of being anaemic than children with MDD in model-1 [aOR: 2.09; CI: 1.23, 3.55] and model-3 [aOR: 1.70; CI: 1.01, 3.01]. Children with mothers who never attended school had significantly higher odds for anaemia in reference to those children whose mothers ever attended school in model-2 [aOR: 3.62; CI: 2.07,6.34] and model-3 [aOR: 3.00; CI: 1.62,5.56].

Conclusion:

Measures to alleviate under-five anaemia should include empowering and educating women, expanding access to supplementation, fortification programmes, and promoting and raising awareness about feeding diverse foods, while also considering the socioeconomic status.
Neonatal Meningitis Secondary to Elizabethkingia meningoseptica Infection
Authors: Goel Srishti , Jhajra Sandeep Dayanand , Nangia Sushma , Kumar Ajay , Nanda Debasish
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, a rare cause of sepsis and meningitis in neonates, often associated with a wide spectrum of clinical presentation. The objective of the study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of neonates, who developed meningitis secondary to Elizabethkingia meningoseptica infection at a tertiary care Neonatal unit in India.

Methods:

This retrospective study was conducted in the neonatal unit of a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi. The clinical data including demographic data, clinical presentation, management, and outcome data were collected and analyzed.

Results:

During the study, 7 neonates with meningitis secondary to Elizabethkingia infection were identified. Majority of the neonates were preterm with a median gestational age of 31 (interquartile range: 29–33.5) weeks and a median birth weight of 1250 g (interquartile range: 1024–2065). The median age of onset of symptoms was 7 days. Lethargy (100%), apnea (85%), seizure (71%), and feeding difficulties (42%) were the common clinical presentations. Overall mortality during the period was 28.5%, and 60% of the survivor developed hydrocephalus. Isolated strains were resistant to the commonly used antibiotics (piperacillin-tazobactam, aminoglycosides, meropenem, and colistin) effective against Gram-negative organisms. The environmental screening was done but the potential source of infection could not be identified conclusively.

Conclusion:

Meningitis in neonates caused by Elizabethkingia represents a potentially life-threatening infection and is often associated with significant neurological impairment, especially in premature neonates. A prolonged duration of antibiotic therapy, longer hospital stay, and likelihood of adverse neurologic sequelae during the hospital stay and follow-up should be anticipated in such cases of meningitis.
Свойства критических ветвящихся случайных блужданий на прямой при условии невырождения
Authors: Topchii Valentin Alekseevich
Published: February 2023

Исследуется управляемое точечным процессом критическое ветвящееся случайное блуждание на прямой с дискретным временем. Размеры последовательных поколений образуют стандартный критический процесс Гальтона-Ватсона с одним типом частиц. Координаты частиц интерпретируются как веса вершин на генеалогическом дереве случайного блуждания. При удалении из генеалогического дерева ветвей, не доходящих до уровня $n$, получается редуцированное дерево. Описана асимптотика двух первых моментов числа вершин и суммы весов вершин на разных уровнях редуцированных деревьев при условии невырождения процесса. Получен ряд предельных теорем для весов частиц в ветвящемся случайном блуждании при условии его невырождения к моменту времени $n$.