bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rehabilitation of Masonry Buildings with Fibre Reinforced Mortar: Practical Design Considerations Concerning Seismic Resistance
Authors: Boem Ingrid , Gattesco Natalino
Published: August 2021

Historic masonry buildings experience a high seismic vulnerability: innovative intervention strategies for strengthening, based on the use of fibre-based composite materials are gradually spreading. In particular, the coupling of fibre-based materials with mortar layers (Fibre Reinforced Mortar technique - FRM) evidenced a good chemical and mechanical compatibility with the historical masonry and proved to be effective for the enhancement of both in-plane and out-of-plane performances of masonry, contrasting the opening of cracks and improving both resistance and ductility. The resistant mechanisms that arise in FRM strengthened masonry walls subjected to in-plane horizontal actions are analyzed in the paper and a practical design approach to evaluate their performances is illustrated, evidencing the dominant collapse mode at the varying of the masonry characteristics. Some masonry walls are analyzed numerically and analytically, as “case study”.
Dynamic of Chemical and Biological Properties of Inceptisols Cilembu due to Phosphate Rock Nanoparticle Amendment and Phosphate-Solubilizing Fungi Inoculation
Authors: Suryatmana Pujawati , Solihin Muhammad Amir , Devnita Rina , Nurhakim Fajri Syahid , Sandrawati Apong , Arifin Mahfud
Published: August 2021

Cilembu's Inceptisols have great potential for agriculture. However, land management has several limiting factors: the available phosphate content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and low population of functional soil organisms. Rock phosphate is a natural material that can increase the availability of P nutrient. Application of rock phosphate as an ameliorant in nanoparticle size and inoculation of phosphate-solubilizing fungi (PSF) is a strategy that can be implemented to address the Inceptisols constraints. However, the dynamic of chemical and biological characteristics of Cilembu Inceptisols due to amendment of phosphate rock nanoparticle (PRNp) and phosphate solubilizing fungi (PSF) inoculation is not yet understood clearly. To know the dynamics of the chemical and biological properties of the soil due to the treatment of these materials is an essential aspect for strategy and planning in its proper application to improve the properties of Inceptisols. The completely randomized design (CRD) was used in this study, with a factorial pattern, consisting of the first factor being the amendment of rock phosphate nanoparticle and the second factor being the PSF inoculation. The observation was carried out in a month interval, with a three-month incubation. The result showed there was no interaction between phosphate rock nanoparticle amendment and PSF inoculation on pH-H2O, available P, CEC, and abundance of PSF population. The independent effect showed that a characteristic pattern of pH and available P values during two months of observation was increasing by PRNp amendment. Meanwhile, inoculation of PSF did not increase soil pH and P-available. The value of CEC and the population of PSF did not increase significantly during the three-month incubation. The dose of phosphate rock nanoparticle 2% (wt/wt) increased the highest available P.
Soil Acidity, Organic Carbon and Basic Cations as Affected by Nanoparticle of Volcanic Ash and Biofertilizer in Inceptisols
Authors: Arifin Mahfud , Devnita Rina , Suryatmana Pujawati , Solihin Muhammad Amir , Sandrawati Apong , Mutawadi'in Arief F. , Fitriyani Febby
Published: August 2021

Nanoparticle has been used in agricultural practices such as soil ameliorant. Nanoparticle of volcanic ash and biofertilizer were applied to improve some soil characteristics of Inceptisols. The objective of this research was to optimize the benefit of nanoparticle of volcanic ash and biofertilizer in reducing soil acidity, increasing organic carbon content, and increasing basic cations of Inceptisols. Volcanic ash was obtained from the eruption of Mt. Merapi in Central Java. Nanoparticle was grinded in Nanotechnology and Graphene Research Center, Universitas Padjadjaran. Phosphate solubilizing fungi was used as biofertilizer, isolated in Soil Microbiology Laboratory, Universitas Padjadjaran. A two factors randomized experimental design was used in this research. Nanoparticle of volcanic ash was used as first factor (four levels: 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% of soil weight percentages). Biofertilizer was used as second factor (two levels: 0 and 10 g.kg-1). These two treatments were combined and mixed evenly and incubated for three months in field condition. Every month during those three months a few soil samples were taken to analyze the change of soil characteristics. The results showed that the treatments increased organic carbon content and potassium basic cation but had no effect to soil acidity.
Scaling-up the Production Process of Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC)
Authors: Rahmawati Mintarsih , Yudha Cornelius Satria , Aliwarga Harry Kasuma Kiwi , Widiyandari Hendri , Nur Adrian , Purwanto Agus
Published: August 2021

Over the past few years, the development of lithium (Li)-ion batteries has been extensive. Several production approaches have been adopted to meet the global requirements of Li-ion battery products. In this paper, we propose a scaled-up process for the LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622) cathode material for high performance Li-ion batteries. During each synthesis step, the structural and morphological characteristics of the products were comprehensively examined. The performance of the samples was evaluated directly using an 18650 full-cell-type battery. Commercial graphite and LiPF6 electrolyte were used as the anode and electrolyte, respectively. Based on the obtained data, increasing the production scale of NCM622 reduces the overall performance. Nevertheless, a simple post-treatment technique can be used to enhance the overall capacity.
Resynthesis of NMC Type Cathode from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Review
Authors: Jihad Ahmad , Pratama Affiano Akbar Nur , Nisa Salsabila Ainun , Nisa Shofirul Sholikhatun , Yudha Cornelius Satria , Purwanto Agus
Published: August 2021

Li-ion batteries are one of the most popular energy storage devices widely applied to various kinds of equipment, such as mobile phones, medical and military equipment, etc. Therefore, due to its numerous advantages, especially on the NMC type, there is a predictable yearly increase in Li-ion batteries' demand. However, even though it is rechargeable, Li-ion batteries also have a usage time limit, thereby increasing the amount of waste disposed of in the environment. Therefore, this study aims to determine the optimum conditions and the potential and challenges from the waste Li-ion battery recycling process, which consists of pretreatment, metal extraction, and product preparation. Data were obtained by studying the literature related to Li-ion battery waste's recycling process, which was then compiled into a review. The results showed that the most optimum recycling process of Li-ion batteries consists of metal extraction by a leaching process that utilizes H2SO4 and H2O2 as leaching and reducing agents, respectively. Furthermore, it was proceeding with the manufacturing of a new Li-ion battery.
Manganese Sulphate Fertilizer Potential as Raw Material of LMR-NMC Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Review
Authors: Pratama Affiano Akbar Nur , Jihad Ahmad , Nisa Salsabila Ainun , Lestari Ike Puji , Yudha Cornelius Satria , Purwanto Agus
Published: August 2021

Lithium-ion battery (Li-ion) is an energy storage device widely used in various types of electronic devices. The cathode is one of its main components, which was developed because it accelerates the transfer of electrons and battery cycle stability. Therefore, the LiNixMnyCozO2 (LNMC) cathode material, which has a discharge capacity of less than 200 mAh g−1, was further developed. Li-Mn-rich oxide cathode material (LMR-NMC) has also received considerable attention because it produces batteries with a specific capacity of more than 250 mAh g−1 at high voltages. The structure, synthesis method, and sintering temperature in the fabrication of LMR-NMC cathode materials affect battery performance. Furthermore, manganese sulphate fertilizer replaces manganese sulphate as raw material for LMR-NMC cathode due to its lower price. The method used in this study was implemented by reviewing previous literature related to Li-ion batteries, Li-ion battery cathodes, synthesis of LMR-NMC cathode materials, and the potential of manganese fertilizers. This review aims to find out the effect of structure, synthesis method, and sintering temperature on LMR-NMC cathodes made from manganese sulphate fertilizer to obtain a Li-ion battery with a high specific capacity, more environmentally friendly, has good cycle stability, and a high level of safety and lower production costs.
Modification of Cathode Material Lithium Iron Phosphate by Silicon Doping Using Solid State Reaction
Authors: Rahayu Iman , Suci Ulima A , Taufiqulhadi Fahmi
Published: August 2021

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) based material is one of the most prospective candidates as a cathode material in lithium-ion batteries because of its lower cost, safer, and environmental benignity compared to lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), which is commonly used for lithium-ion batteries manufacturing. However, its low conductivity is the obstacle of this material to solve, so that modification with the addition of silicon (Si) is expected to improve the electrochemical performance. Meanwhile, solid state reaction is considered simple and effective in LiFePO4 crystal growth process. Therefore, Si-doped LiFePO4 using solid state reaction in this research aims to study its structure and morphology as well as the effect of adding Si to its conductivity. The synthesis began with mixing LiH2PO4, Fe2O3, carbon black, and six-mole ratio variation of Si to LiFePO4 using agate with ethanol: acetone addition then dried in an oven at 80°C and heated at 550°C in a furnace for 6 hours under argon atmosphere and sintering temperature of 870°C for 16 hours with the same condition. The sample of 3% mole ratio performed the highest conductivity of all variations with 3.01 x 10-6 S.cm-1, and was identified as Li0.93Fe1.07P0.93O4Si0.7 with orthorhombic structure, Pnma space group (Ref. Code: ICSD 98-016-1792) with the highest peak at 2θ = 35.556° from XRD analysis with rectangular-like shape particle.
Exposure to queer characters in Konigsberg’s Openly Straight through social messaging
Authors: Uys Matthys J. , Romylos Salomé , Nel Carisma
Published: August 2021

Research conducted by The Other Foundation has indicated that South Africans view the lives of queer individuals as lifestyle choice (34%), illness (12%), sin (5.10%), results of these individuals’ upbringing (3.80%) and/or resulting from the influence of ancestral spirits (3.70%). Advocacy and information about sexual orientation and sexual diversity through literary as characters may be instrumental in possibly changing negative perceptions of queer individuals. This article aims to show how a selected young adult queer novel, and the social messaging that emerges from the text, may be a potentially influential location for creating an awareness and better understanding of queer individuals. The aim of the investigation on which the article is based was to examine the possibility or viability of implementing critical literacy in secondary education systems in the language classroom as an opportunity to address social issues in heteronormative environments. The social messages found in queer texts may be used as entry points to fruitful discourse in language classroom environments. The study followed a qualitative approach with the use of critical hermeneutics as a strategy of inquiry and social constructivism as philosophical worldview. The queer text utilised was Openly Straight (2013) by Bill Konigsberg with the method of data generation being document analysis. The main findings were that queer texts should form part of the language classroom (as learners may read these texts critically and emphatically) and that Bill Konigsberg’s Openly Straight contained social messages that can contribute to positive influences on queer- and heterosexual readers.
FTIR spectroscopy used for study the thermal degradation of lard
Authors: Bunaciu Andrei A. , Fleschin Serban , Aboul-Enein Hassan Y.
Published: August 2021

Aim

Recent developments in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy instrumentation extend the application of this technique to the field of food research, in particular facilitating studies on edible oils and fats.

Materials and methods

In this work, an attenuated total reflection-FTIR spectroscopy method was used as an effective analytical tool to monitor the oxidation process of lard samples during heating. The process was interpreted according to the peaks data.

Results and discussion

FTIR spectroscopy has been found to be a versatile technique for evaluating the oxidative stability of lard and for providing information on the oxidation degree of a sample in a simple, fast and accurate way. To follow the oxidation process during the period of frying, about 40 min, the samples were subjected to increasing heat up to a temperature of 300°C, and samples were withdrawn every 10 min. Attenuated total reflection spectra were obtained and the process was interpreted according to the peaks data modifications.

Conclusion

FTIR spectroscopy has been found to be a versatile technique for evaluating the oxidative stability of lard and for providing information on the oxidation degree of a sample in a simple, fast, and accurate way. A slight decrease in the intensity was observed for the band at 721 cm−1, which implies the loss of cis double bonds during oxidation, a fact also confirmed by the decrease in intensity at 3006 cm−1, assigned to the same cis-double bonds in C=CH.
Incidental unruptured aneurysm of the distal M2 segment
Authors: Giridharan K , Nathan Sudhakshina , Patil Shashidhar , Mangaleswaran Balamurugan
Published: August 2021

Aneurysms of the Middle cerebral artery (MCA) are more common at the bifurcation. Distal MCA aneurysm in M2, M3 and M4 segments are rare. Here, we discuss an incidental distal M2 segment aneurysm and its management along with a brief literature review. Fifty-one-year-old male, presented to us with a history of the giddiness of 1-week duration. During the evaluation for giddiness, his computed tomography (CT) brain plain showed a small well-defined hyperdense rounded lesion in the left Sylvian fissure. CT angiogram was done and it showed a saccular aneurysm measuring 7.7 mm × 7.3 mm and had a narrow neck of 1.5 mm arising from the distal M2 segment of MCA. The aneurysm was directed superiorly in the distal MCA. Digital subtraction angiogram showed a 6.4 mm × 6.9 mm distal M2 segment bilobed aneurysm with a neck of 3.8 mm and projecting superiorly. Surgical clipping of the aneurysm was done. Perioperative period was uneventful and the patient is doing well at 3 months follow-up. Review of the literature showed that the incidence of distal MCA aneurysm was low. Intra-operative CT angiogram, neuro-navigation, indocyanine green video angiography (ICGV) are some of the useful tools in improving outcomes in surgical clipping of these aneurysms. Distal MCA aneurysms are less frequently encountered. Surgical clipping is the treatment of choice in these cases. Challenge arises in localising these aneurysms and adjuncts such as intraoperative CT angiogram, neuro-navigation, ICGV can be useful to overcome that challenge.
Bilateral carotid-cavernous sinus fistula
Authors: Chemate Sachin , Vargese Joy , Chatterjee Pritam , Nathan G Sudhakshina , Balamurugan M
Published: August 2021

Carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is an abnormal vascular connection between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. There are various classifications based on haemodynamic, aetiology or anatomically. Haemodynamic classification is based on whether the fistula is high or low flow. Etiologically, it can be secondary to trauma or can develop spontaneously due to pre-existing aneurysm or medical conditions predisposing to arterial wall defects. Bilateral CCFs are very rare. We present two cases of bilateral CCF – one secondary to trauma and other occurred spontaneously. Both the patients presented with the signs of raised intraocular pressure – decreased vision, chemosis, proptosis and ophthalmoplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography confirmed a bilateral CCF. Both the patients underwent two settings of endovascular embolisation procedures, and complete embolisation of bilateral CCF was achieved. Available literature is unclear about the aetiology of bilateral CCF, technique of endovascular embolisation and the prognosis of bilateral CCF. In our both the cases, we were able to achieve complete embolisation in two settings.
Double adjacent basilar artery fenestration with cerebellar infarct
Authors: Srivastava Trilochan , Hiremath Ashwini Shivayya
Published: August 2021

Basilar artery (BA) fenestration is an uncommon congenital variant associated with aneurysms and posterior circulation infarcts. We present a 42-year-old male, smoker and hypertensive who came with acute onset vertigo and gait ataxia. Cerebellar signs were positive on the left side. Diffusion-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging showed acute infarct in the left anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) territory. Computed tomography angiography showed BA double adjacent fenestration of proximal segment of BA, without thrombus, dissection/aneurysm. To the best of our knowledge, only three cases of double adjacent BA fenestration have been described so far. The association between vertebro-BA fenestrations and posterior circulation stroke is controversial. It has been suggested that turbulent flow at the site of fenestration predisposes to thrombus formation, which may be cause of stroke. This rare anatomic variant of the posterior circulation is important to recognize and may have associated neurologic consequences (double BA fenestrations are rare yet known congenital variants associated with aneurysms and associated neurological implications) (double adjacent BA fenestration presenting with AICA infarct are still rarer with only three cases reported across the world).
Statistical corner
Authors: Pyysalo Mikko
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Logistic regression is a regression with a categorical outcome variable and predictor variables that can be either continuous or categorical.

Objectives:

To demonstrate the basic workflow of logistic regression using R.

Materials and Methods:

A real world data-set has been used to present an example for the basic workflow of logistic regression using R.

Results:

Accurate results were obtained including deviance for analysing the fit of the model.

Conclusions:

Performing basic statistical modeling in R is simple and straightforward procedure. Analysing model fit is essential to be able to report the results.
Role of angiography in primary capsulo-ganglionic haemorrhage
Authors: Beedkar Saurabh , Hegde Ajay , Menon Girish R.
Published: August 2021

Spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH) is the second most common cause of stroke, accounts in contrast to ischaemic stroke and carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality. SICH refers to brain haemorrhage in the absence of trauma and is often associated with hypertension. It is a conventional belief that hypertension is the aetiology in most of the haemorrhage in the basal ganglia region, and angiography is rarely performed in such patients. This protocol carries a risk of missing potentially curable underlying vascular conditions such as arteriovenous malformations and aneurysms, especially in younger patients without a history of hypertension. Performing an angiogram for all patients however is an overkill and unnecessary waste of resources. The role of cerebral angiography to distinguish a primary SICH from secondary SICH in all patients with SICH is thus controversial. Hence, it is the choice of the type of angiogram between digital subtraction angiogram Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) and computerised tomography angiogram Computerised Tomography Angiography (CTA). This article attempts to review the current diagnostic angioimaging guidelines for intracerebral haemorrhage with an aim to evolve a management protocol.
Endovascular treatment of a saccular aneurysm associated with fenestrated basilar artery and proximal stenosis of vertebral artery origin - A treatment challenge
Authors: Patel Himanshu R. , Pandurang Barve S , Nadkarni Trimurti D
Published: August 2021

A 52-year-old woman had subarachnoid haemorrhage due to an aneurysm at a fenestration of the vertebrobasilar artery junction. The fenestration and aneurysm filled by the dominant left vertebral artery (VA). The left VA had a tight stenosis at its origin from the left subclavian artery. The patient underwent a stent-assisted coiling of the aneurysm after balloon dilatation of the proximal stenosis. The management of this unusual and rare entity is discussed. The relevant literature on the subject is presented.
A giant spontaneous dural arteriovenous fistula of the spheno-parietal sinus clinically masquerading as carotico-cavernous fistula
Authors: Mahakul Dibya Jyoti , Inganal Rahul N. , Singh Daljit
Published: August 2021

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) are abnormal connections between the feeding arteries and veins within the dural leaflets and constitute 10%–15% of all intracranial arteriovenous malformations. DAVF draining into sphenoparietal sinus is a rare pathologic entity that is fed by the middle meningeal artery and is associated with a history of prior trauma. We report a unique case of DAVF of sphenoparietal sinus that had developed spontaneously. Being giant in morphology, it had eroded into the orbit and presented with proptosis, chemosis and restriction of eye movement. Although the clinical findings pointed towards caroticocavernous fistula, the real pathomorphology was unveiled by the six-vessel catheter angiography with selective catheterisation of smaller feeding vessels. All the feeding vessels were meticulously mapped out, and the fistulous connection was vividly identified and subsequently obliterated using detachable coils and n-butyl cyanoacrylate.
Parental perception of medications safe storage in the State of Qatar
Authors: Hendaus Mohamed A. , Saleh Manar , Darwish Shereen , Mostafa Omar , Eltayeb Ahmed , Al-Amri Mohammed , Siddiqui Faisal J. , Alhammadi Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to identify parental perception of household medication storage.

Methods:

A prospective cross-sectional study utilizing a questionnaire was carried out at Hamad Medical Corporation, the solely tertiary pediatric hospital in the State of Qatar at the time of the study. Qatar is a young developing country with limited data on the awareness of medication storage among adults with children at home and on the safety practices regarding medication storage.

Results:

Three hundred and five questionnaires were completed. The vast majority of parents were married, one-third of them were males, and more than three quarters were college graduates and younger than 40 years of age. Almost 80% of the parents had more than three children but less than seven. In addition, 23% of participants were health-care workers. Almost 90% of the participants stored medications in a place that is easy to reach. However, the same percentage stated that those medications were stored in a locked place and that children did not have access to them. Approximately 10% of caregivers store multiple medications in one bottle, and the same percentage of participants do not check the expiration date on the medication labels. In terms of the most common medications stored at home, antihypertensives were on top of the list. Our study has shown that parental education and being a health-care worker were each associated with the difficulty in reaching medications (P = 0.006 and P = 0.011, respectively). Moreover, the percentage of participants who shared medications was significantly higher among those who were not working in the health-care section compared to those who were (P = 0.004). In addition, being a female parent and a college graduate was associated with the possibility of keeping excess or leftover medications at home (P = 0.025).

Conclusion:

Parents residing in the State of Qatar have some deficiencies in knowledge about medication storage. Parent's attitudes and perceptions are deemed vital objectives for population's health intervention.
An investigation of efficient nursing interventions in early diagnosis of cancer
Authors: Larimi Naghmeh A. , Belash Iran , Abedi Maede , Bandari Parisa , Mousavi Gohar , Ekhtiari Sepideh , Khademloo Fateme H , Rahnamaei Kosar , Konari Maryam Esmaeili , Rahmdel Samieh , Saripour Elnaz
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims:

Due to the contradictory results of previous research and the lack of a specific study to address the effective nursing interventions in the early diagnosis of cancer, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of nursing interventions on early diagnosis of cancer.

Methods:

This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted during the last 5 years from 2015 to September 30, 2020. The articles related to the nursing interventions to early diagnosis of cancer were achieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, ISI, Scopus databases, and Google and Google Scholar search engines. Risk-ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) between the intervention and control groups was determined using the fixed-effect model, and the Mantel–Haenszel method and I2 showed the heterogeneity of studies. Stata V16 software was used for meta-analysis.

Results:

The effect of an intervention on early diagnosis of breast cancer was evaluated using mammography, clinical breast examination, and breast self-exam. A total of 300 individuals participated in the study. RR results in the intervention group showed the effectiveness of nursing interventions on breast cancer detected early in both the mammography and colonoscopy (RR, 1.18 95% CI 0.57, 1.79. P =0.00 and RR, 0.58, 95% CI 0.42, 0.75, P = 0.00, respectively).

Conclusion:

A variety of nursing interventions including education, consultation, patient guidance, and reminders can have a positive impact on the early detection of cancers.
Role of nurse practitioners within health system in India
Authors: Nanda Lipika , Anilkumar Aiswarya
Published: August 2021

Nurses form the pillar of India's healthcare system representing 30.5% of the entire health workforce in India. Amidst a significant shortage in the provision of effective primary care, jeopardizing millions of Indians’ access to basic healthcare services, especially the poorest, it is very evident that nurse practitioners are the need of the hour in India. The current scenario of nursing in India warrants policy reforms to facilitate nurses as valuable primary care providers. It also shows the path towards making the Health and Wellness Centre operational by creating a pivotal role for the cadre in such centres, and it will also be important for the nurse practitioner to have a public health leadership role in a country like India. With additional training and qualification and also recognition of nurse practitioners as essential healthcare providers, a complete quality healthcare could be provided. In this research paper we assess the need for nurse practitioners as primary contact providers; reflect on the global evidence on nurse practitioners linking to health outcomes, effective coverage and access to services. We also try to contemplate on the training needs, their role in home-based care and as enablers of the referral mechanism, their untapped potential, and a plan for evaluating their effectiveness. This policy research paper focuses to build an argument for a policy towards making nurse practitioners the first contact providers.
Prevalence of spousal violence among married women in a rural area in North Kerala
Authors: Mundodan Jesha Mohammedali , K K Lamiya , Haveri Sheela P.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Domestic violence has substantial public health consequences. More than one-third of women globally suffer from physical and sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner with a lifetime prevalence of 10%–69%. In India, 28.8% of the ever-married women in the reproductive age group, reported domestic violence. Although Kerala, in southern India, performs better than other Indian states on a host of human development indicators for women, 15.8% among the women in this group have ever experienced physical or sexual violence in the past 12 months, the most common perpetrator being the husband.

Methodology:

A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among the ever-married women, residing in a selected area of northern Kerala, who have been married for at least 1 year. One to one structured interview was conducted with a pretested structured questionnaire by the investigator. Spousal violence was defined as proportion of ever-married women with a lifetime experience of violence perpetrated by their spouse, manifested through acts of physical, sexual, and/or emotional violence, even threat.

Results:

A total of 290 women were interviewed. The age of the participants ranged from 18 years to 64 years; majority were Muslims. Only 16.5% were college-educated and over 90% were homemakers. 29% reported having experienced spousal violence; with the most common being emotional violence (19%) closely followed by sexual violence (18.6%) and physical violence (14.8%). A little over one-third (39.7%) reported controlling behaviour of their husband. Age of the participant (P = 0.019), absence of social support (P = 0.034), employment status of husband (P = 0.026), controlling behaviour of husband (P < 0.001), alcohol abuse by husband (P = 0.004) and extra-marital relationship of spouse (P < 0.001) were found to have significant influence on spousal violence experience.

Conclusion:

More than a quarter of the married women in this rural setting have experienced one or the other form of violence.

Recommendation:

A multifaceted approach needs to be employed which takes into consideration legal measures, social sciences, women empowerment, mental health systems and educate the men to curb this menace.
Does parity and duration of lactation have any effect on the bone mineral density of the femur and lumbar spine in Indian women? A cross-sectional study from the Northeast region of India
Authors: Shaki Omna , Gupta Tej P. , Rai Sanjay Kumar , Upreti Vimal , Patil Deepak
Published: August 2021

Background:

The effects of multiple pregnancies and period of lactation on bone density have not been studied till date and there is very less data available, especially from developing countries like India. Lumbar spine and femoral neck were used to measure BMD and results were recorded.

Objective:

To find out the effect of parity and period of lactation on occurrence of osteoporosis in spine and femoral neck in women of the Northeast region of India.

Materials and Methods:

The cross-sectional study included 294 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women aged 30–65 year old. Age, body mass index (BMI), parity, total lactation period, menopausal status, duration of menopause socioeconomic status, and nutritional history were noted. The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry system was used to measure the BMD of lumbar and femoral neck BMD. Multiple regression analysis was done for finding out the association of parity and lactation with BMD.

Results:

The parity was inversely related with BMD of lumbar spine (β = −0.138, P = 0.00423) and BMD of femoral neck (β = −0.142, P = 0.00487). This relation remained significant after adjusting for age, BMI, and duration of menopause. Period of lactation was also inversely correlated with BMD for lumbar spine (β = −0.0812, P = 0.0012) and BMD of femoral neck (β = −0.033, P = 0.0031).

Conclusion:

The number of parity and prolonged period of lactation have a negative effect on BMD in both regions especially in the lower socioeconomic strata with poor nutritional intake. Our data supports that parity and duration of lactation can be associated with future osteoporosis.
Use of web-based health information portals in primary health care
Authors: Gupta Sunanda , S Ramadass , Kumar Rakesh , Salve Harshal R. , Yadav Kapil , Kant Shashi
Published: August 2021

Background:

Health care informatics is the scientific field that deals with the data capture, storage, retrieval, and use of biomedical data, information, and knowledge for problem solving and decision-making. The objectives of the study were to describe the web-based portals used at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) and to appraise its utilization at the local level.

Methods:

Various methodologies included observation of portal use, record review, interview of stakeholders using the portals.

Results:

Health Workers workload increased because of physical record entry and time spent for entry in web-based health information portals. Web-based portals did not have options for utilization of the data generated at the PHC level. The options of feedback and helpline were not universally available.

Conclusion:

Web-based portals are integral part of health system at primary healthcare level. Adequate utilization of web-based health information portals may lead to efficient provision of health services at the primary health care level.
Snakebite profile from a tertiary care setup in a largely rural setting in the hills of North-West India
Authors: Kumar Anil , Raina Sunil K. , Raina Sujeet
Published: August 2021

Background:

Snakebite, a medical emergency, faced by rural populations in tropical and subtropical countries assumes special significance in hilly terrains. Therefore, the hills provide a natural setting to study the challenges in the management of snakebite cases.

Methodology:

A hospital record-based retrospective descriptive study was conducted. Data were collected from the Medical Records Department of the 821-bedded, tertiary care hospital catering to the rural hilly population of the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Information were recorded on details of demography, clinical profile treatment and outcome.

Results:

A total of 252 patients were analyzed. Maximum patients were in the age-group of 21–40 (43.7%) with mean and standard deviation of 30.52 ± 5.693 and 31.81 ± 7.117 for male and female, respectively. A small minority (17.06%) of patients reported to health facility within 4–6 h of the bite. Maximum bites were on lower limb (143;56.74). Overall mortality rate in our study was 2.38%.

Conclusion:

Large-scale studies on epidemiological determinants of snakebite coupled with research in venom biochemistry and bio-pharmacology of anti-snake venom (ASV) are needed. The study also provides insights into the role of primary care practitioners in creating an ecosystem favorable for snakebite management at local level.
Impact of educational programme regarding ORS therapy on the level of knowledge of mothers aged 18–35 years of under 5-year children
Authors: Pasi Rachna , Divasha  , Ravi Kumar Satish
Published: August 2021

Context:

Diarrhoea is the most prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality among children aged under five years. To address this, an education programme is administered.

Aim:

To assess the effectiveness of a structured educational programme over knowledge of ORS.

Methods and Material:

60 mothers aged (18–35 years) of under five-year children were enrolled in this experimental quantitative study by non-probability purposive sampling method. A pre-test and post-test questionnaire administered to a group of mothers. Statistical analysis Paired t-test & Chi-Square test were applied whereas appliable.

Results:

This study showed a mean improvement of 7.36 (36.85%) in the score of pre-test and post-test as the mean score of the pre-test is 9.37 ± 4.96, and the mean score of post-test is 16.73 ± 2.97, respectively, which reveals that there is a significant improvement in the knowledge of the mothers after the structured educational program on ORS therapy.

Conclusion:

It is drawn from this study that a structured teaching programme was effective significantly in improving mothers’ knowledge regarding oral rehydration therapy.
Association between anemia and gastrointestinal malignancy among male patients in a university hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alobidan Abdulmhsen , Amin Hussein S.
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Iron deficiency was reported as the most common nutritional deficiency in developing and developed countries. Many studies reported that iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is related to the development of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies

Aim:

The current study aimed at investigating the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among Saudi patients subjected to endoscopy procedure, and to assess the association between iron deficiency anemia and GI malignancy.

Method:

A retrospective study was performed over 244 Saudi patients attending King Saud University Hospital (KSUH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between 2015 and 2018. Data were collected from the hospital database (esihi). Patients aged 30 years or more were recruited in this study. They had to be subjected to endoscopy before the recruitment period. Complete blood count analysis was performed for the blood samples collected from the patients.

Results:

The findings of the study showed that the prevalence of IDA among Saudi patients was 63.5%. Gastritis (15.16%), colon carcinoma (13.11%), and polyps (12.7%) were the most reported endoscopy results among patients with IDA. In addition, it was found that there is no significant association between IDA and GI malignancy.

Conclusion:

The study concluded that despite the reported significant association between IDA and GI malignancy, the current study revealed that there is no significant association between IDA and GI malignancy. This might be attributed to sample-related issues, which require more extended studies investigating larger sample sizes, in addition to including ferritin level measurements for the investigated patients.
Prevalence of self-medication in children under-five years by their mothers in Yogyakarta city Indonesia
Authors: Ahmed Naseer , Ijaz Sundas , Manzoor Sommaya , Sajjad Sana
Published: August 2021

Background:

The trend of combating minor ailments at home in children is a common practice in Indonesia. When it comes to very smaller children like those of age under-five.

Aims:

Consequences can be worse if not managed well. Self-medication among these children is not well studied in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Materials and Methodology:

In this study a questionnaire-based random survey among different areas of Yogyakarta city from the mothers bearing children if age under five. Questionnaire were validated by three experts, for reliability test a pilot study conducted on 10 mothers, after that questionnaire used for data collection. Data were analyzed by using SPSS Descriptive analysis to get frequency and percentage.

Results:

The overall prevalence reported is 58.82% (50/85). An increasing trend of self-medication was seen among high-higher secondary schools education mothers with 35.3%. In income factor 2600K-3000K mostly found in the self-medication. The residential area also seems influential upon this practice, i.e., 58.8% rural people depends on self-medication while urban people only 39.2% involved in self-medications.

Conclusion:

As a large population of very small children is under this practice so, proper education of mothers especially in rural areas is needed for the appropriate use of medicines.
Association between smartphone use and carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Al Shahrani Eman Salem , Al Shehri Norah Ali
Published: August 2021

Context:

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy of the upper limb. No published Saudi Arabian study has explored the effect of smartphones on the median nerve.

Aim:

To assess the association between smartphone use and the development of CTS.

Settings and Design:

This case-control study involved adults aged 18 years and older who visited King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods:

Patients were clinically diagnosed with CTS, and the diagnosis was confirmed by a nerve conduction study (NCS) and electromyography. The controls were free of CTS based on the disease-specific Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM-SPSS version 25.0.

Results:

In total, 95 cases and 190 controls were included. Most of the participants were females (84.2%). The mean ages in the controls and cases were 34.6 +/– 10.2 years and 51.8 +/– 10.6 years, respectively. Using smartphones for 2 hours per day or more was significantly associated with the occurrence of CTS. After adjusting for covariates, 4 hours or more per day of smartphone use was associated with CTS. Moreover, those who held the smartphone with both hands had 7.8 times higher odds of developing CTS than those who held it with one hand.

Conclusion:

CTS has a negative impact on patients’ daily activities and work. This study showed that an increased number of hours of smartphone use is associated with the development of CTS. Further prospective studies are needed to examine the long-term effects of smartphone use.
Awareness of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease among the population in taif, Saudi Arabia 2020
Authors: Mougrabi Mohammed M. , Aljuaid Raghad Sami , Alrabie Aeshah Dakhel , Althumali Nouran Khalid , Alkhaldi Lama Humaied , Alotaibi Waad Dhaifallah
Published: August 2021

Objective:

Studies assessing knowledge about rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are scarce in KSA. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness about ARF and RHD among the population at Taif city, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was done on 716 of residents of Taif city. A pre-designed questionnaire that collected data about the participants' demographic characters, their history of sore throat and medication used, participants' knowledge about cause and complications of sore throat, its relation to RHD, treatment, primary and secondary prevention of RHD.

Results:

77% of the participants had a history of sore throat, of them 58.4% took antibiotics as a self-medication. A significant higher prevalence of previous history of sore throat was present among 42-50-year-old females, graduated, and those with an income above 10000 SR. Participants with an age of 18-24 years and graduated, had significantly higher percent of those who knew about: cause and complications of sore throat, sore throat is associated with heart diseases, and if treating sore throat can prevent heart disease. Females had a significantly higher percent of those who knew about: complications of sore throat, being extremely aware of that primary prevention of sore throat by using antibiotics such as penicillin and being extremely aware of secondary prevention of recurrence RF and decrease progression of RHD.

Conclusion:

Raising awareness about ARF and RHD through health education programs is needed.
Adolescent eating behaviors in the UAE
Authors: Abouchacra Samra , Alkaabi Juma , Nair Satish Chandrasekhar , Abdulla Abdishakur , Taha Mazen , Ismail Mohamad Milad , Askheta Mazen , Elhouni Ali , Bairy Kurady , Bhat Raghavendra , Salam Al Sayadi Thekra Abdul , Al Baloushi Durra Mohammed , Abouchacra Oudi , Al Nasseri Asma , Gebran Nicole , Yaman Omar
Published: August 2021

Background:

Obesity is the single most burdensome lifestyle disease, which has reached epidemic proportions. This study aimed to examine the eating behavior patterns and beliefs in a group of adolescents living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Procedure:

A questionnaire was administered to adolescents (aged 11 and 18 years) attending outpatients' clinics at governmental health facilities. Informed consent was obtained, and the questionnaire was available in English or Arabic languages.

Results:

In all, 36 adolescent subjects participated in our study with 12 males and 24 females. UAE nationals constituted 72% of our participants and 28% were of other ethnic backgrounds; 75% were overweight to obese with 17% normal and 8% underweight. The majority of patients were healthy with only 6 patients suffering chronic medical diseases. We uncovered that in less than half of our cohort, the decision to eat came directly from the individuals themselves, but it was more influenced by their families. Food consumption was largely in response to physical hunger with the sensation perceived in the upper abdomen by one-third and the remainder localizing it to various other areas. Excessive caloric intake with frequent meals and snacks was also reported. Our study subjects decided what to consume mainly based on what appeared appetizing, followed by availability and cravings and to a lesser extent based on health recommendations. Excessive speed of food ingestion was self-reported in the majority of participants. Moreover, almost half of the adolescents were unable to turn down food offerings from their close family members and over one-fourth were unable to refuse food from other persons. Common symptoms reported included dysphoric mood, disordered sleep, decreased energy and concentration difficulties as well as low self-esteem.

Conclusion:

Our study uncovered certain eating behaviors in the cohort of adolescents, which may be important in promoting weight gain. These included misconceived hunger signals, excessive frequency, amount and speed of food consumption as well as more focus on food taste, inattentiveness to cravings and a strong social influence on food intake decisions. The findings of our study aim to shed some light on the eating patterns among adolescents and encourage research to investigate eating behaviors on an expanded scale evaluating ethnic, gender and age-related differences.
A Community Based Randomized Controlled Trial to See the Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Development of Diabetes Among Women with Prediabetes Residing in A Rural Community of Northern India
Authors: Misra Puneet , Kant Shashi , Misra Anoop , Jha Shreya , Kardam Priyanka , Thakur Nishakar , Bhatt Surya P.
Published: August 2021

Background:

The primary objective of this study was to intervene with vitamin D supplementation in rural-based women with pre-diabetes (impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance) to prevent development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods:

This was an open-label randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted in rural women with pre-diabetes and vitamin D deficiency (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02513888). Women aged 20-60 years with pre-diabetes were selected from rural Haryana (north India) and followed up for two years. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic and behavioral details, like sun exposure, dietary habits, etc., The intervention group received vitamin D supplementation while control group received lactose granules as placebo. Equal doses of calcium carbonate were given to both the groups.

Results:

A total of 132 participants were recruited in the study (58 each in the intervention and control groups). It was observed that there was no statistical significance in the incidence of diabetes in the control group as compared to the intervention group at the end of 2 years (P = 0.701).

Conclusion:

Though during the first year there was some delay in development of DM in the intervention group but at the end of two years there was no significant effect of vitamin D supplementation in delaying the incidence of diabetes in these women after two years.

Trial registration:

(Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02513888).