bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management Challenges and Training Needs in Transnational EAP Programmes
Authors: O'Connell Jeanne , Brewer Sarah , Wilding Elisabeth , Robbins Jane
Published: April 2024

The professional development of academic managers is an established field of higher education research, but there has been little research into the experiences of managers working in the area of English for academic purposes (EAP). Although many EAP programmes are large and complex, requiring skilled management, managers in this field regularly transition from teaching to management roles with little or no management training. This multi-case study focuses on the challenges of managers working on EAP programmes at three universities in mainland China, the UK, and Hong Kong. Questionnaires and focus groups with new and experienced managers identify the challenging aspects of their current roles and their perceptions of effective support to understand their management training needs. The results support the view that management training needs in the field of EAP are diverse, with people management perceived as particularly challenging, and managers are often unprepared for these wide-ranging roles. These findings contribute to research in management needs in general, and in this increasingly important sector of higher education in particular, facilitating additional studies in this under-researched area of higher education.
A Comparative Study of Chinese EFL Teachers' Teaching Efficacy in the Online Teaching Mode
Authors: Zhao Furong , Zou Bin , Wang Chenghao
Published: April 2024

Teacher efficacy, a key psychological factor affecting EFL instructors' performance, is vital for quality education. In China, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted most EFL teaching online, prompting a need to compare teachers' efficacy in traditional and online settings. Previous studies have indicated that teaching experience greatly influences teacher efficacy, with notable differences between novice and experienced teachers. This study surveyed 56 novice and 51 experienced teachers using independent t-tests to assess online teaching efficacy. Additionally, interviews with five novice and five experienced teachers provided insights into these differences. Results revealed high overall efficacy in online teaching for both groups, with experienced teachers showing significantly higher efficacy across four sub-dimensions of efficacy.
Factors Affecting the Intention and Use of Metaverse
Authors: Alshammari Sultan Hammad , Alrashidi Muna Eid
Published: April 2024

The metaverse is a mixed blend of digital and tangible worlds, indicating the future directions of Internet sector development. This study aimed to assess the factors affecting students' intentions to use a metaverse platform. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology was applied as the research model. Data were collected using a survey of 240 students. Two steps in SEM AMOS were conducted to analyze data. The results demonstrated that effort expectancy and social influence positively affect students' intentions to utilize metaverse technology. However, effort expectancy had an insignificant effect on students' intentions to utilize metaverse technology. These findings shed light on the acceptance and adoption of metaverse and identify influencing factors that could increase metaverse utilization. Moreover, this study offers a distinctive and fresh perspective on metaverse technology that can be used as a basis for future research in this field.
Exploring University Students' Self-Directed Learning in Online Learning
Authors: Chen Lin , Saharuddin Norzihani
Published: April 2024

This qualitative case study aims to understand the situation of university students' SDL and identify the factors that help university students solve the problem of SDL in online learning. It involved seven participants who were selected according to the inclusion criteria. Using thematic analysis of the interview data, the researchers found that the university students' perceptions of the problems of SDL in online learning are: traditional teaching and learning limits SDL, lack of effective monitoring and evaluation of the SDL process, insufficient awareness of SDL, insufficient effective resources for SDL, methods of teaching SDL need to be improved, and inadequate online learning platform. Besides, reforming online teaching and learning models, building a mechanism for monitoring and evaluating SDL, strengthening university students' knowledge of SDL, improving online learning resources, improving methods of teaching SDL, and creating an online favorable atmosphere for university students are solutions to help university students solve the problem of SDL in online learning.
Nano Biomaterial Coating of Stainless Steel Alloys (316 and 304) as a Corrosion Inhibitor in Saliva Medium
Authors: Jasim Sarah. A. , Ayesh Ammar , Kadhim Abdulhadi
Published: April 2024

Two AISI (316,304) stainless steel alloys were utilized in this work to enhance the surface properties and corrosion inhibiters with Al2O3 nanoparticles which was generated via pulse laser deposition (PLD). Alumina as biomaterial for dental purposes was prepared using the co-precipitation process and analysis by X-Ray diffraction. Alumina has drawn a lot of interest and is historically well-accepted .SEMs, and EDS, been used to describe researchers have studied the coating morphology. Roughness and Vickers hardness were utilized to quantify the surface modifications as part of an investigation into corrosion prevention employing mechanical properties submerged in saliva with a PH (5.6). When compared to bare AISI (316,304) stainless steel, all samples exhibit greater corrosion resistance.
The Polydrusus weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of the United States of America and Canada: identification and insights into the ecology of two nonnative species in hazel (Corylus spp.)
Authors: Lisak Sarah C. , Shanovich Hailey N. , Lindsey Amelia R.I. , Aukema Brian H.
Published: April 2024

Seven species of Polydrusus Germar weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) occur in the United States of America and Canada, three of which are introduced from Europe, are polyphagous, and may be displacing native weevil fauna in select areas of North America. We review host plant information for these species and provide distributional maps for each. We also present results on the seasonal phenology and sex ratios of two nonnative species, Polydrusus impressifrons (Gyllenhal) and Polydrusus formosus (Mayer), recorded in 2020 and 2021 in two orchards of hybrid hazelnuts (Betulaceae) in Minnesota, United States of America. These two species may present an episodic threat to the burgeoning hybrid hazelnut industry due to their ability to damage buds, foliage, and roots of hardwoods. We found that adults of these two species began emerging in late May of each year and remained present until mid-July. We found higher numbers of P. formosus than of P. impressifrons on hazel plants. Sex ratios of both species were generally between 50–60% male. We supply a compendium of species descriptions that (1) distinguishes between native and nonnative species and (2) identifies the sex of nonnative species. This research contributes to work on the ecology of Polydrusus, conservation of native species, and the management of tree crops.
Puerarin Alleviates Experimental Autoimmune Thyroiditis by Regulating Macrophages
Authors: Tao Qing , Chen Yu , Liang Qiao , Shi Jianfeng , Wang Zhiguo , Min Haiyan , Gao Qian , Yao Xiaoming , Wang Lei
Published: April 2024

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the most common organ-specific autoimmune disease, predominantly affecting women. Although the pathogenesis of HT is incompletely understood, some studies have found that macrophage polarization plays a role. Puerarin is a soy isoflavone compound that has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects and regulates macrophage immune activity. This study aimed to verify the therapeutic effect of puerarin on HT and explored its regulatory effect on macrophage polarization imbalance in HT. Through bioinformatics analysis and molecular biology methods, it was found that macrophages increased significantly in HT patients and model mice. Immunological staining showed that puerarin intervention could reduce tissue inflammatory cell infiltration. Molecular biological examination displayed that puerarin could inhibit local and systemic inflammation levels, and the expression of marker thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase Abs. In vivo experimental results indicated that puerarin regulated macrophage polarity and reduced inflammatory damage, possibly by inhibiting the pyroptosis signaling pathway. In vivo macrophage clearance experiments demonstrated that puerarin relied on macrophages to exert its mechanism of action in treating HT. The results of this study indicate that macrophages are important mediators in the development of HT, and puerarin can regulate macrophage polarity and inflammatory status to provide thyroid tissue protection, which provides a new idea for the treatment of HT.
Pretreatment with interleukin-15 attenuates inflammation and apoptosis by inhibiting NF-κB signaling in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction
Authors: He Chaojie , Yu Yi , Wang Feifan , Li Wudi , Ni Hui , Xiang Meixiang
Published: April 2024

Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) is associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality in patients with sepsis. Cytokines are important regulators of both the initiation and progression of sepsis. Interleukin-15 (IL-15), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, has been linked to protective effects against myocardial infarction and myocarditis. However, the role of IL-15 in SIMD remains unclear. We established a mouse model of SIMD via cecal ligation puncture (CLP) surgery and a cell model of myocardial injury via lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. IL-15 expression was prominently upregulated in septic hearts as well as cardiomyocytes challenged with LPS. IL-15 pretreatment attenuated cardiac inflammation and cell apoptosis and improved cardiac function in the CLP model. Similar cardioprotective effects of IL-15 pretreatment were observed in vitro. As expected, IL-15 knockdown had the opposite effect on LPS-stimulated cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, we found that IL-15 pretreatment reduced the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins cleaved caspase-3 and Bax and upregulated the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. RNA sequencing and Western blotting further confirmed that IL-15 pretreatment suppressed the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling in mice with sepsis. Besides, the addition of NF-κB inhibitor can significantly attenuate cardiomyocyte apoptosis compared to the control findings. Our results suggest that IL-15 pretreatment attenuated the cardiac inflammatory responses and reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by partially inhibiting NF-κB signaling in vivo and in vitro, thereby improving cardiac function in mice with sepsis. These findings highlight a promising therapeutic strategy for SIMD.
The episteme of academia in Africa: The developmental history of the University of Bophuthatswana/North-West and the city of Mmabatho as an exemplary case
Authors: Cowley John , Gouws Tom
Published: April 2024

In hierdie artikel word aangetoon dat die stand van die akademie 'n Afrika ten nouste saamhang met die politieke aspirasies van die heersende politieke party. Die oorspronklike idee van die universiteit, soos oorgelewer deur die eeue, word hierdeur nietig verklaar, sodat die konsep van 'universiteit', soos ons dit vandag ken, eintlik 'n kontradiksie in terme is. Vanweë die praktiese eise van Afrikaregerings moet die konsep van 'universiteit' na regte vervang word met die konsep 'multiversiteit'. Die ontwikkelingsgeskiedenis van die Universiteit van die Noordweste (vroeër Universiteit van Bophuthatswana) toon duidelik aan hoedat die teorie van die Afrikauniversiteit in die praktyk gestalte gekry het. Die begeerte om 'n eie akademiese identiteit te verkry was gedra deur politieke aspirasies, met streng kontrole deur die destydse staatshoof, Lucas Mangope. Alhoewel akademiese vryheid gedetermineer is deur politieke aspirasies, en veral deur die vestiging Val 'n kultuurtrots, het die universiteit desnieteenstaande 'n uitstekende balans tussen Westerse standaarde en gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid gehandhaaf. Die artikel fokus ook op die komplementere ontwikkeling van Mmabatho as tuislandhoofstad en die ontwikkeling van die universiteit. Daar word aangetoon hoedat hierdie frenetiese bou gedryf was deur die begeerte om 'n eie identiteit vas te Iê, 'n eie unieke kulturele ruimte vir die Batswana tot stand te bring.
Agency in South African historiography: Reflections
Authors: Saunders Christopher
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
The roots of contemporary governmental and non-governmental environmental activities in South Africa, 1654-1972
Authors: Steyn Phia , Wessels Andre
Published: April 2024

Ten einde die eietydse regerings- en nieregerings-omgewingsaktiwiteite in Suid-Afrika na behore te kan begryp en te kan beoordeel, word in hierdie artikel 'n evaluerende oorsig gegee van die ontstaan en ontwikkeling van "environmentalism" in Suid-Afrika vanaf 1654 (toe die eerste maatreëls ingestel is om die omgewing vanaf staatsweë te bewaar) tot en met 1972 (toe die United Nations Conference on the Human Environment te Stockholm wêreldwyd 'n nuwe era in die geskiedenis van "environmentalism" ingelui het). Vier fases in hierdie ontwikkelingsgeskiedenis is geïdentifiseer, naamlik 'n lang periode van wetlike beskerming (1654-1883), 'n periode toe naas privaatbelange daar talle wildresevate en nasionale parke geproklameer is (I883-1937), die era toe daar van proteksionisme na die bewaring van natuurlike hulpbronne beweeg is (1937-1965), en ten slotte 'n kort periode wat as 'n omgewingsrevolusie tipeer kan word (1965-1972).
Conventional treatment options and herbal remedies for male infertility
Authors: Wal Ankita , Wal Pranay , Pandey Ashutosh , Vig Himangi , Karunakaran Rohini , Dash Biswajit
Published: April 2024

Male infertility is responsible for an estimated 50% of all cases of infertility. Treatments for male infertility include surgery, in-vitro fertilization, hormone therapy, and herbal remedies. Assisted reproductive technologies and methods have made it possible to identify and treat previously untreatable causes of male infertility. Currently available treatments for male infertility are prohibitively expensive, difficult to obtain, necessitate a lengthy course of treatment, and have a host of side effects. Herbal therapy offers male infertility treatment that is less expensive and has fewer side effects than other treatments. The current review focuses on the various treatment options for male infertility.
Iron supplementation for non-anaemic pregnant women and the incidence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy
Authors: Fitriana Farida , Pallotti Phoebe
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To investigate effect of iron supplementation on the risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy in non-anaemic pregnant women.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted using three categories of terms with its synonyms or related words: “iron”, “supplement”, “hypertensive disorders in pregnancy” through MEDLINE (OVID), CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov, and manual search of references was used in seven potential resources. The inclusion criteria were randomized control trials (RCTs), published in English, full-text available, having healthy pregnant women without anaemia for study participants, and having hypertensive disorders in pregnancy at the end of pregnancy as the outcome. The risk of bias assessment tool was used for quality appraisal. Meta-analysis was conducted by calculating the fixed and random effects of the odds ratio (OR) for iron supplementation among non-anaemic pregnant women compared with the incidence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The range of the study's estimation accuracy was reflected by a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:

Four RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that iron supplementation possibly had no effect on the incidence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81-1.07; P=0.30), gestational hypertension (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.69-2.73; P=0.36) as well as on the development of preeclampsia (OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.71-2.97; P=0.31).

Conclusions:

Iron supplementation has no effect on the incidence of hypertension in non-anaemic pregnant women. In general, there is a lack of evidence for the association between iron supplementation and the incidence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy among non-anaemic pregnant women, and further studies are needed.
Impact of geographical and seasonal temperature on sperm parameters in Indian men who were partners in subfertile couples – A retrospective analysis
Authors: Dogra Yogita , Singh Neeta , Malhotra Neena , Mahey Reeta , Perumal Vanamail
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of seasonal and geographical temperature on sperm parameters in Indian men who were partners in subfertile couples.

Methods:

A retrospective review of the records of semen analysis from January 2009 to December 2017 that was performed as part of primary evaluation of infertile couple was undertaken. Mean values of various semen parameters were compared between seasons using one-way analysis of variance test followed by Bonferroni pair wise post-hoc comparison test. Bivariate Pearson correlation coefficient was applied to measure the correlation between age, sperm parameters and annual temperature/seasons. The logistic regression analysis was further carried out to identify significant variables contributing to normal progressive motility of sperm.

Results:

A total of 3 433 reports of semen samples were analysed. There was no significant seasonal variation in the mean volume, concentration, and total motility levels (P>0.05) except the mean values of progressive motility (P<0.001). The mean values of progressive motility during pre-monsoon were significantly higher compared to the corresponding values during monsoon and autumn seasons (P<0.01). In all the seasons, total motility had significant positive correlation with sperm concentration and progressive motility (P<0.05). Pre-monsoon emerged as the significant favourable season to get normal progressive motility level (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.04-1.68) compared to winter. The chances of getting normal progressive motility reduced due to longer abstinence period (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80-0.93). When the temperature was more than 28 °C, the likelihood of getting normal progressive motility decreased (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51-0.95).

Conclusions:

The progressive motility of sperms significantly decreases from pre-monsoon to autumn with recovery towards winter, which substantiates the effect of rising temperature on the progressive motility of sperm. This is clinically important to counsel infertile patients, so that they can plan their treatment accordingly.
Testicular vascularization at two locations in relation to hormonal levels, and pixel echotexture in bulls at different ages
Authors: Abdelnaby Elshymaa A. , Emam Ibrahim A.
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To assess the hemodynamic changes that occurred in the main testicular artery at two different locations such as supra and marginal ones in bulls at three different ages.

Methods:

Eighteen Baladi bulls were divided according to their age into three different age groups: 1 year [n=6; group I with bodyweight (380±10) kg], 3 years [n=6; group II with bodyweight (570±10) kg], and 6 years old [n=6; group III with bodyweight (650±10) kg] Baladi bulls. Circumference of the scrotum, thickness of the mediastinum, testicular dimensions, vascularity, and hormonal levels were measured. Testicular hemodynamics were assessed by Doppler ultrasound scanning.

Results:

Testicular width, length, and volume were significantly different among the three age groups, with the highest in bulls of group III (P<0.05). The bulls in group III had significantly higher mediastinal line thickness and scrotal circumference than group I (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between group II and group III. Bulls in group II showed a decline in Doppler indices (resistance and pulsatility indexes) at both testicular branches compared to the other two groups (P<0.05). Supra and marginal end diastolic velocities in the three age groups were significantly different, with the highest in group II (P<0.05). Time average velocity (cm/s) was significantly elevated in group II compared to the other two groups (P<0.05). Both testicular echotextures were significantly decreased in group II (P<0.05). Estradiol and nitric oxide metabolites were significantly high in group II compared to the other two groups (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the level of plasma testosterone was maximum in group III (P<0.05). Positive correlations were found between supratesticular artery resistance and pulsatility indexes (r=0.81; P<0.001), while both resistance and pulsatility indexes had correlated negative with estradiol (r=-0.71 and r=-0.91; P<0.001), and nitric oxide metabolites (r=-0.92 and r=-0.72; P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Three-year old Baladi bull has the lesser Doppler indices with lesser echotexture and greater nitric oxide with estradiol concentrations, which directs a significant ability for the thermoregulation process. These parameters will help in breeding selection.
Prevalence and risk factors of infertility in a Mongolian population
Authors: Negdel Tuvshinbayar , Enkhbat Arigbukh , Munkhbayar Badrakh , Bilegsuren Khantushig , Ganbold Ariunaa , Nanjid Khuderchuluun , Readhead Carol W , Erkhembaatar Lkhagva-Ochir , Tuduvdorj Erkhembaatar , Malchinkhuu Munkhzol , Enkhtaivan Odkhuu
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To investigate and analyze the prevalence and risk factors of infertility in a Mongolian population.

Methods:

We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study between September 2016 and November 2021. Our study population of 1919 participants consisted of residents of Ulaanbaatar city and four regions of Mongolia. A pretested standardized and structured questionnaire was used to gather data from the participants. Our questionnaire comprised categories influencing infertility, such as socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, health, reproductive history, present status, and sexual function. In addition, trained staff conducted face-to-face interviews with the participants.

Results:

Our study showed an infertility incidence of 8.2%, with primary infertility at 2.76% and secondary infertility at 5.47%. Compared with the urban area of Ulaanbaatar, the prevalence of infertility was significantly higher amongst the rural population (P<0.001). Risk factors of infertility included advanced age (35-39 years, OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.99-6.55; >40 years, OR 2.1, 95% CI 2.62-8.55), living rural region (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.62-3.69), alcohol consumption (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.11-2.44), chronic diseases (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.20-2.38), reproductive disease (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.86-3.88), gynecological operative history (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.38-3.21), ovarian cyst (aOR 4.2, 95% CI 2.70-6.40), gonorrhea (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.01-6.16), non-malignant uterine cancer (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.40-6.70), and endometriosis (aOR 4.7, 95% CI 1.41-15.62).

Conclusions:

In Mongolia, the average infertility rate is 8.2%, similar to the average worldwide and is significantly higher in rural communities. Our study shows the most significant risk factors for infertility are age, alcohol consumption, and rural living. In addition, an unfavorable gynecological history and some diseases also pose a risk to fertility.
Antifertility potential of leaves and seeds of Delonix regia in female rats
Authors: Garg Megha , Sharma Aditi , Choudhary Manjusha , Kaur Prabhjeet
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the antifertility activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Delonix regia (Boj. ex Hook.) Raf. leaves and seeds which are traditionally being used by Yanadi tribe to treat dysmenorrhea.

Methods:

Three experimental animal models, including anti-implantation, early abortifacient, and estrogenic activity in female rats, were used for evaluation of the antifertility activity of both extracts at two dose levels (250 and 500 mg/kg, orally). There were five groups in the anti-implantation and early abortifacient activity while six groups in estrogenic activity including the standard. The number of implants, resorptions, vaginal cornification, body weight, uterus weight, and biochemical parameters were measured.

Results:

At doses 250 and 500 mg/kg, the leaf extract was found to have strong anti-implantation action. The extract administered at the same doses also caused a significant rise in the number of resorptions, showing early abortifacient activity, increased uterine weight, and altered numerous biochemical parameters. Meanwhile, the seed extract only displayed slight anti-implantation activity at both levels.

Conclusions:

Based on these preliminary findings, we can conclude that the leaf extract outperformed the seed extract in terms of antifertility activity, exhibiting potent estrogenic, anti-implantation and early abortifacient activities in a dose-dependent manner. These findings are consistent with the literature study and corroborate to the antifertility activity of the plant.
Buffalo anti-PDC-109 antibodies improve the semen quality profiles and in-vitro zona binding index and minimize the cryoinjury of sperm in cryopreserved buffalo semen
Authors: Ramteke S. S. , Rajoriya J. S. , Shende A. M. , Ghosh S. K. , Prasad J. K. , Perumal P.
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To optimize the concentration of PDC-109 protein in semen for higher cryopreservability and fertility by sequestration or neutralization of PDC-109 by its antibodies (anti-PDC-109 antibodies) in bubaline species.

Methods:

PDC-109 protein was purified by applying two-step chromatography procedures. Purified protein was injected in rabbits to raise antibodies. These raised anti-PDC-109 antibodies were used in neutralization or sequestration of PDC-109 in in-vitro model. Ejaculates were collected from buffaloes and splited for four groups. Group 1 received egg yolk Tris glycerol extender, without anti-PDC-109 antibodies, while group 2 to 4 received anti-PDC-109 antibodies 266 μg/mL, 80 μg/mL, and 26 μg/mL in Tris-fructosecitrate buffer, respectively. Semen quality parameters viz., forward progressive motility, viability, total morphological abnormality, acrosomal integrity, plasma membrane integrity, cryoinjury and in-vitro zona binding index were evaluated.

Results:

Semen quality parameters of neat semen were within the normal range of bubaline species. Sperm motility, livability, acrosomal integrity, plasma membrane integrity, and cholesterol content of sperm were decreased and total sperm abnormality was increased significantly in post-thaw semen compared to those in pre-freeze and fresh semen (P<0.05). Semen in group 2 had higher sperm motility, livability, acrosomal integrity, plasma membrane integrity, and cholesterol content of sperm and lower total sperm abnormality significantly compared to those in group 1, 3 and 4 at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

Sequestration or neutralization of PDC-109 by its antibodies significantly improves pre-freeze, and post-thaw semen quality parameters and in-vitro zona binding index with simultaneously reducing cryoinjury or cryodamage in the sperm of bubaline species.
Role of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Treatment of Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kankane Arvind Kumar , Pandey Atul Kumar , Patil Manish Ramesh , Agarwal Arpit
Published: April 2024

Background and Objective:

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disease characterized by widespread, persistent musculoskeletal pain in association with impaired health-related quality of life. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an emerging tool for the management of fibromyalgia. There is no standardized protocol of rTMS for the treatment of FMS, and both low- and high-frequency stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) are described in the literature with variable efficacy. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of rTMS in people with fibromyalgia and compare the response of low- and high-frequency stimulation with sham stimulation.

Materials and Methods:

This study was a single-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Ninety patients with the diagnosis of FMS were randomly allocated into one of the following three groups: low-frequency (1 Hz) group, high-frequency (10 Hz) group, and sham group. Pain, depression, anxiety, and quality of life were measured using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) immediately following treatment as well as at 1 and 3 months after treatment. The data was statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23 software. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Intergroup analysis revealed a significant improvement in NPRS, HAM-A, HDRS, and FIQR scores in both low- and high- frequency groups immediately following treatment and for 3 months after treatment. No significant difference in the efficacy of low- and high-frequency stimulation was noticed.

Conclusions:

rTMS is an effective mode of treatment in people with FMS. Both low and high frequencies of stimulation at DLPFC are equally effective in reducing pain and associated symptoms.
Assessment of preparedness for emergency cesarean section by utilizing a checklist before and after an educational intervention: A quality improvement study
Authors: Sherin Shahana , Kuberan Aswini , Gupta Avantika , Balasubramanian Mukilan , Rudingwa Priya
Published: April 2024

Using cognitive aids, like checklists, for clinical practices will significantly improve the quality of patient care and thereby reduce morbidities and mortalities. We used one such checklist to assess preparedness for emergency cesarean sections. Sixty-five emergency cesarean sections were assessed in the baseline period without informing the residents and other operating room staff. We then conducted educational intervention sessions for residents of obstetrics and anesthesiology and for nursing officers on the significance of each step in the checklist, focusing on the steps that were often missed. The checklist had 22 actions. The mean percentage of each checklist action in all 65 assessments was computed. The average of these values was the overall percentage of completed actions in 65 assessments, which was 78.80%. In the post-intervention period, this increased to 92.48%. The results of our study indicate that residents understood the importance of each checklist action and it reflects their positive attitude towards improving patient care. Although we did not measure our intervention in terms of patient outcomes, our assessment has helped us identify lacunae in our hospital practice.
Dexmedetomidine versus ketamine in improving tolerance to noninvasive ventilation after blunt chest trauma: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Ghazaly Huda F. , Elansary Mohamed M. , Mahmoud Ahmed A. , Hasanen Mohamed K. , Hassan Mahmoud M.
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims:

Even though patient tolerance is critical to the success of noninvasive ventilation (NIV), research on using sedation to improve tolerance to NIV after traumatic chest injuries is limited. We hypothesized that dexmedetomidine would be superior to ketamine in terms of patient tolerance and lengthening the NIV sessions after blunt chest trauma.

Material and Methods:

This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial included 45 patients of both genders aged 18–60 who needed NIV after blunt chest trauma. The patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 15) for receiving dexmedetomidine, ketamine, or placebo (0.9% sodium chloride solution) infusion to maintain a Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) score between 0 and − 3 during two successive NIV sessions. Patients were evaluated for the duration of the NIV sessions, RASS, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the total amount of rescue analgesia consumed.

Results:

The mean duration of the NIV sessions was significantly longer in patients who received dexmedetomidine (P < 0.001) or ketamine (P < 0.001) compared to placebo. However, the NIV durations did not differ significantly between the dexmedetomidine and ketamine groups (P > 0.05). The dexmedetomidine group had a significantly lower RASS score compared to the ketamine (P < 0.001) and placebo (P < 0.001) groups, whereas the ketamine group had a significantly lower VAS compared to the dexmedetomidine (P = 0.005) and placebo (P = 0.022) groups and required significantly less total morphine (P = 0.001) compared to the other groups.

Conclusion:

The duration of the NIV sessions for patients with blunt chest trauma did not differ significantly between the dexmedetomidine and ketamine groups.
Comparison of Financial Risk Protection among Health-Insured and Non-Insured Diabetic Patients in Kaduna, North West Nigeria
Authors: Babandi Zaharaddeen S. , Shehu Shefaatu , Saad Ismail A. , Hamza Khadeejah L. , Aliyu Aqqad T. , Abdullahi Ibrahim
Published: April 2024

Context:

Diabetes mellitus poses a significant health and economic burden in Nigeria. With limited resources and a heavy reliance on out-of-pocket payments for healthcare, the cost of diabetes mellitus management creates financial hardships for individuals and households.

Aim:

This study aimed to compare financial risk protection between health-insured and non-insured diabetic patients in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

It was a hospital-based cross-sectional study, involving 250 health-insured and 250 non-insured diabetic patients.

Statistical Analysis:

Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25.0. Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used for comparison between different groups with statistical significance set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results:

About 70% and 65% of the health-insured and non-insured patients, respectively, were protected from financial risk, with no statistically significant difference observed between the groups. Financial risk protection was significantly associated with levels of education (P = 0.001), occupation (P = 0.019), and religion (P = 0.018) in the health-insured group, while occupation (P = 0.015), income (0.012), and duration of diabetes (P = 0.001) were the statistically significant factors associated with financial risk protection among the non-insured group. Higher education and income levels positively impacted protection, while longer diabetes duration reduces the likelihood of financial risk protection.

Conclusion:

No significant difference was found in financial risk protection between health-insured and non-insured diabetic patients. Collaborative efforts between the NHIA, Health Maintenance Organizations, and healthcare service providers are recommended to improve the breadth and scope of coverage for diabetes mellitus treatments within the National Health Insurance Scheme to ensure adequate financial risk protection.
Indications and Diagnostic Yield of Colonoscopy in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Abdulkadir Yussuf M.
Published: April 2024

Context:

Colonoscopy is the investigation of choice for colonic lesions and has been widely used to diagnose and treat various colonic diseases. As essential as it is, colonoscopy is not readily available in Nigeria, particularly in Kano, therefore, the study on the indication and diagnostic yield of colonoscopy is necessary in our environment.

Aim:

To determine the appropriateness of indications for the colonoscopy and the colonoscopy diagnostic yield in resource-limited environment.

Method:

The study is a cross-sectional descriptive study of patients referred for colonoscopy in our center during the study period between November 2013 and June 2014. Sixty patients referred to our Endoscopy Unit were consecutively recruited during this period. The data generated were analyzed using a computer-based SPSS version 16.0. The variables were presented as percentages and tables.

Results:

Largely, the indication for the colonoscopy is lower gastrointestinal bleeding accounting for 70.0%, while changing bowel habits, chronic constipation, and diarrhea among other indications accounted for the remaining 30.0%. Similarly, the diagnostic yield defined in the study as the presence of serious colonic lesions was 25%. A serious colon lesion is the presence of malignancy, pre-malignant lesions, or pathology with devastating clinical outcomes.

Conclusion:

Colonoscopy is the gold standard in the evaluation of colonic lesions, and no single or combination of tests is as sensitive in identifying pre-malignant or malignant lower gastrointestinal conditions. The study shows that rectal bleeding is the singular most important indication for colonoscopy with higher diagnostic yield.
Psychological Resilience of Frontline Healthcare Workers in India: A Mixed-Methods Exploratory Study during COVID-19 Pandemic in India
Authors: Dhillon Prabhkeerat Kaur , Das Shankar
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

To measure the resilience of the healthcare staff and frontline workers who played an active part during the COVID-19 pandemic in India and to explore the correlation of factors that bolster resilience.

Materials and Methods:

Mixed-methods study using convenience sampling, with a sample size of 103 respondents and a qualitative sample size of 18 respondents (11 doctors and 7 nurses) from all over India. The resilience was measured using the Brief Resilience Questionnaire.

Results:

The mean Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), indicative of the workforce’s psychological resilience, was 3.257 with a standard error of 0.07 (Max: 4.66 and Min: 1). The median score was 3.33. The study has shown a high positive correlation (r= 0.633) between the presence of a peer support mechanism (both formal and informal) in organisations and resilience of the healthcare workforce. There exists a moderate positive correlation between healthcare workers relationship status and their resilience (r= 0.226). A positive correlation withr= 0.122 was observed between the years of experience and the BRS scores. A weak but positive correlation was observed between the respondents’ self-reported positive adaptation to the pandemic and their BRS Scores.

Conclusions:

Enhancing the psychological resilience of healthcare workers, a key factor in delivering quality patient care, can be achieved through straightforward interventions leveraging fundamental human attributes such as peer support and interpersonal relationships.
Assessing the Influence of Connectivity on Out-migration and Healthcare in Uttarakhand’s Hilly Villages, India
Authors: Chandra Ankit , Debnath Aninda , Maroof Mohd , Awasthi Sadhana , Suniyal Himani
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To assess the influence of connectivity of a geographical location on out-migration and health-seeking behaviour in the hilly village of Uttarakhand.

Materials and Methods:

Two villages located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India were surveyed. One village had good connectivity, while the other was remote. The survey was conducted through door-to-door visits by two volunteers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed using R software.

Results:

A total of 63 households in the well-connected village and 94 in the remote village. In the well-connected village, the prevalence of out-migration (household level) was 0%, while in the remote village, it was 32.9% (95% confidence interval: 24.1–43.3). In the remote village, 72.3% of households sought care from traditional healers. A significantly higher proportion of remote village households (88.3%) faced healthcare access issues compared to well-connected village households (17.5%) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The healthcare access and out-migration were major issues in the remote village. The government policies should aim to tackle these issues.
Bariatric surgery in the management of morbid obesity in individuals with HIV infection: A scoping review
Authors: Alamri Abdulrahman Manna , Alasmari Mansour Yousef , Alwadai Hajar Hassan Ali , Alromayan Mohammed , Alsareii Saeed Ali , Chierici Andrea , Iannelli Antonio
Published: April 2024

The escalating incidence of obesity in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy is a significant health concern. This scoping review investigates the impact of bariatric surgery (BS) on HIV patients suffering from severe obesity. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, we meticulously searched PubMed and Scopus databases and selected 11 studies published in English from various countries. These studies provided quantitative evidence of weight loss or remission of severe obesity in HIV patients post BS. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists for quality assessment relevant to observational study designs. The results from the 11 selected studies, primarily case series conducted in different geographical locations, showed significant reductions in body mass index and percentage of excess weight loss following sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and combined BS procedures. This review highlights the potential of SG and RYGB in achieving significant weight loss in HIV patients. However, it also emphasizes the need for careful interpretation due to variations in study designs and quality. It underscores the need for future research employing rigorous methodologies to strengthen the evidence base at this complex intersection of HIV, obesity, and BS.
Liderazgo transformacional para la prevención del abandono escolar. Una historia de vida
Authors: Meza Mejía Mónica del Carmen , Ortega-Barba Claudia Fabiola
Published: April 2024

El liderazgo transformacional es un estilo con el cual los líderes podrían incidir positivamente en contextos socioculturales adversos, donde se suelen generar riesgos diversos para los estudiantes. De aquí que esta investigación tenga como objetivo mostrar las acciones que desde la dirección escolar, y mediante un liderazgo transformacional, lograron evitar el abandono. El carácter cualitativo del trabajo bajo el método de historia de vida, obedece a la perspectiva que se quería dar a la indagación. Se concluye que la dirección escolar bajo un liderazgo transformacional es decisiva porque puede modificar significativamente el camino indefectible hacia el abandono parcial o definitivo de los estudios.
Sin tiempo para formar ciudadanos: liderazgo de la Formación Ciudadana en un contexto escolar de rendición de cuentas
Authors: Lopez Barraza Andrea
Published: April 2024

El presente estudio de casos múltiples, en seis escuelas secundarias chilenas, explora los desafíos en un ámbito que ha ganado relevancia: la implementación de la Formación Ciudadana para promover el involucramiento cívico del estudiantado, en un sistema educativo mercantilizado. Se utiliza el lente del liderazgo ético, asociado al imperativo moral de la educación. Se realizaron entrevistas, observaciones y análisis documental, y se exploró cómo los instrumentos de planificación, rendición de cuentas y evaluación, moldean los discursos y prácticas de Formación Ciudadana. Los resultados muestran que se desplaza la Formación Ciudadana ante la primacía de los contenidos obligatorios y las pruebas estandarizadas; sin embargo, también se identifican resistencias a tales lógicas, que permiten la emergencia de la Formación Ciudadana. Se concluye que las políticas educativas e instrumentos de Formación Ciudadana son abordados mayormente como el cumplimiento de una obligación, delineando posibles rutas para un liderazgo ético de la Formación Ciudadana.
Writer verification using feature selection based on genetic algorithm: A case study on handwritten Bangla dataset
Authors: Paul Jaya , Dutta Kalpita , Sarkar Anasua , Roy Kaushik , Das Nibaran
Published: April 2024

Author verification is challenging because of the diversity in writing styles. We propose an enhanced handwriting verification method that combines handcrafted and automatically extracted features. The method uses a genetic algorithm to reduce the dimensionality of the feature set. We consider offline Bangla handwriting content and evaluate the proposed method using handcrafted features with a simple logistic regression, radial basis function network, and sequential minimal optimization as well as automatically extracted features using a convolutional neural network. The handcrafted features outperform the automatically extracted ones, achieving an average verification accuracy of 94.54% for 100 writers. The handcrafted features include Radon transform, histogram of oriented gradients, local phase quantization, and local binary patterns from interwriter and intrawriter content. The genetic algorithm reduces the feature dimensionality and selects salient features using a support vector machine. The top five experimental results are obtained from the optimal feature set selected using a consensus strategy. Comparisons with other methods and features confirm the satisfactory results.
Post-Treatment and Hybrid Techniques for Prolonging the Service Life
of Fused Deposition Modeling Printed Automotive Parts: A Wear Strength
Perspective
Authors: Narang Rajan , Kaushik Ashish , Dhingra Ashwani Kumar , Chhabra Deepak
Published: April 2024

This study aims to explore the wear characteristics of fused deposition modeling
(FDM) printed automotive parts and techniques to improve wear performance. The
surface roughness of the parts printed from this widely used additive
manufacturing technology requires more attention to reduce surface roughness
further and subsequently the mechanical strength of the printed geometries. The
main aspect of this study is to examine the effect of process parameters and
annealing on the surface roughness and the wear rate of FDM printed
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) parts to diminish the issue mentioned
above. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) G99 specified test
specimens were fabricated for the investigations. The parameters considered in
this study were nozzle temperature, infill density, printing velocity, and
top/bottom pattern. The hybrid tool, i.e., GA–ANN (genetic algorithm–artificial
neural network) has been opted to train, predict, and optimize the surface
roughness and sliding wear of the printed parts. Results disclose that the
minimum surface roughness obtained with GA–ANN was 1.05482 μm for infill density
of 68%, nozzle temperature of 230°C, printing velocity of 80 mm/sec, and for
concentric type of top/bottom pattern. In extension of this study, annealing was
performed on the specimens printed on the optimized results obtained from the
analysis at three different temperatures of 110°C, 150°C, and 190°C and for a
fixed period of time of 60 min as a post-treatment process to further study the
impact of annealing on the surface roughness and wear rate. The surface
roughness of the samples showed a discernible improvement as a result of
annealing, which can further make significant inroads in automotive
industries.