bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Multiple-Choice Questions by Item Analysis, from an Online Internal Assessment of 6th Semester Medical Students in a Rural Medical College, West Bengal
Authors: Bhattacherjee Sharmistha , Mukherjee Abhijit , Bhandari Kallol , Rout Arup Jyoti
Published: March 2022

Background:

Properly constructed single best-answer multiple choice questions (MCQs) or items assess higher-order cognitive processing of Bloom's taxonomy and accurately discriminate between high and low achievers. However, guidelines for writing good test items are rarely followed, leading to generation and application of faulty MCQs.

Materials and Methods:

During lockdown period in 2020, internal assessment was taken through online mode using Google Forms. There were 60 'single response type' MCQs, each consisting of single stem and four options including one correct answer and three distractors. Each item was analyzed for difficulty index (Dif I), discrimination index (DI), and distractor efficiency (DE).

Results:

The mean of achieved marks was 42.92± (standard deviation [SD], 5.07). Dif I, DI, and DE were 47.95± (SD 16.39) in percentage, 0.12± (SD 0.10), and 18.42± (SD 15.35), respectively. 46.67% of the items were easy and 21.66% were of acceptable discrimination. Very weak negative correlation was found between Dif I and DI. Out of total 180 distractors, 51.66% were nonfunctional one.

Conclusion:

Item analysis and storage of MCQs with their indices provides opportunity for an examiner to select MCQs of appropriate difficulty level as per the need of assessment and decide their placement in the question paper.
Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices among Consumers Regarding Trans-Fat
Authors: Khanna Poonam , Goel Sonu , Jain Rachita , Singh Arshdeep , Singh Mahendra Pratap
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Processed and preserved food items are the major source of dietary trans fat. Despite various legal provision, public awareness toward trans fats are limited.

Objective:

To examine the awareness of participants about various aspects of trans fats and improving their knowledge through education.

Methods:

A cross sectional pre- and posttest survey was conducted online through a webinar. The questionnaire has 11 questions about trans fats. Received responses were coded. Mean and frequency of continuous data were calculated. Chi-square or t-test were used to find the difference in pre and posttest.

Results:

Eighty five out of 95 participants completed both pre- and posttest. The scores for each question were compared to find out awareness improvement. The question based on FSSAI showed 57% improvement while 50% in case of World Health Organization's REPLACE initiative. The difference of mean score of pretest (7.57 ± 1.8) and posttest (9.22 ± 1.37) was statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Nutrition education and proper labelling of food items can improve the knowledge about food ingredients and food purchasing patterns. Proper enforcement and monitoring of food items labeling guidelines can be recommended.
Association of Conicity Index with Different Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Rural Elderly Women of West Bengal, India
Authors: Ghosh Joyeta , Chaudhuri Debnath , Saha Indranil , Chaudhuri Aditi Nag
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

In menopause, changes in body fat distribution lead to increasing risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Therefore, the prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by the presence of risk factors is of importance in elderly women.

Objective:

To find out the conicity index (CI) and its association with different CVD risk factors among rural elderly women of West Bengal.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted among 236 rural elderly women, selected randomly from 30 villages of Amdanga block, West Bengal. Components of metabolic syndrome (MS), body fat percentage, different lipid profile fractions, CI, and body mass index (BMI) were measured. Statistical tests were calculated using SPSS software version 20.0. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

High CI (median 1.25 and interquartile range 1.05–1.45) was found. The proportion of participants with high CI were significantly higher among those with MS (87.95%), waist circumference having 80 cm or more (99.09%), blood pressure having ≥ 130/85 mm of Hg (75.66%), body fat percentage ≥25% (80.14%), and BMI ≥23 (93.18%).

Conclusion:

High prevalence of CI existed among rural elderly women. Significant correlation existed between CI and different CVD risk factors as well as some of the components of MS indicating a possible coexistence of different CVD risks.
“Written Formative Assessments with Peer-Assisted Learning” an Innovative Teaching Program for Postgraduate Students in Community Medicine
Authors: Sabale Rupali , Manapuranth Rukman Mecca , Subrahmanya Saurabha Urmi , Pathak Barsha
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

There is a paucity of research on conducting written formative assessment with constructive feedback for theory paper writing for postgraduates of Community Medicine in India. The concept of “Written Formative assessments with Peer-Assisted Learning Program” was implemented to improve the first 2 levels of Miller's Pyramid and assess its impact on the summative assessment.

Materials and Methods:

The program was conducted for 2 batches of postgraduate students in the Community Medicine enrolled for the academic session of 2016–2019 and 2017–2020. The written formative assessment was conducted every Saturday for 1 h from August to March month in 2018 and 2019. After each test, answer papers were evaluated by the peer and faculty from the department. Written and oral feedback was given by the peer. After IEC approval, we planned to assess the program's effect on level 1 and level 2 Kirkpatrick's framework. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical package version 24 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Total 23 formative written assessments were conducted per year. The proportions of knowledge, comprehension, and analytical type of questions asked were 47%, 32%, and 21%, respectively. The mean attendance rate was 76.28% ±16.4%. There was no statistically significant difference in the average percentage of marks in formative (weekly test) and summative assessment (university final examination). There was a statistically significant positive co-relation of projected mean marks and summative assessment marks with the co-efficient of the determination being 22.6%. There was overall positive feedback of the formative and peer-assisted learning (PAL) from post graduate students.

Conclusions:

Written Formative Assessment with PAL program is one of the effective programs for postgraduate students to gain confidence in writing and presentation skills and to score higher in theory examination.
Exploring the Socioeconomic Factors Associated with Girl Child Marriage and its Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Roy Avijit , Chouhan Pradip
Published: March 2022

Background:

Child marriage is not a new phenomenon in India. The prevalence of child marriage remains high in many districts of West Bengal.

Objectives:

The present study aims to address socioeconomic factors associated with girl child marriage and its effect on selected pregnancy outcomes among women in the Malda district of West Bengal.

Methods:

The study is based on primary data, collected from the Manikchak CD block by adopting a random sample survey technique. The participants in the study consisted of 357 ever married women aged 15–49 years.

Results:

Multivariate analysis revealed that the prevalence of child marriage was substantially higher among women who had no formal education resided in the marginalized family. Similarly, educated parents were less likely to marry their daughter at an early age. Besides, the likelihood of miscarried or stillbirth, complications during pregnancy and delivery were significantly higher among those married <18 years than those married at 18 years or later.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study suggest preventing child marriage by increasing opportunities for girls' education and employment. The targeted approach should be made among rural and poor girls to reduce the vulnerability of child marriage.
Breastfeeding Positioning and Attachment among Postnatal Mothers
Authors: Nancy S. , Sindhuri R. , Arunagirinathan Arulkumaran , Dongre Amol R.
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Proper positioning and attachment play a key role in exclusive breastfeeding. Whereas incorrect breastfeeding techniques lead to poor milk transfer and early discontinuation of breastfeeding.

Objectives:

1. To assess the breastfeeding techniques among postnatal mothers and to identify the factors associated with improper positioning and poor attachment. 2. To prioritize the action points to improve the poor breastfeeding practices according to the viewpoint of the staff nurses.

Materials and Methods:

A hospital-based mixed-methods study was carried out in Puducherry for 6 months. In quantitative phase, 99 postnatal mothers were interviewed consecutively and breastfeeding techniques were observed based on Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness guidelines. In qualitative phase, 45 staff nurses ranked the action points to improve the poor breastfeeding practices. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed. Mean rank and Kendalls' Concordance Coefficient were calculated for the ranked data.

Results:

About 28.3% and 27.3% of mothers demonstrated improper positioning and poor attachment, respectively. Young mothers, housewives, <10 days old infants, and failure to receive breastfeeding counseling were associated with poor breastfeeding techniques. Poster displays, healthcare workers' training, targeted counseling, and assistance were the priority action points suggested by the staff nurses.

Conclusion:

Maternal age, maternal occupation, infants' age, and breastfeeding counseling influenced breastfeeding techniques. The prioritized action points need to be implemented to achieve the level of Baby Friendly Hospital.
COVID-19 Serological Survey-3 Prior to Second Wave in Mumbai, India
Authors: Velhal Gajanan D. , Shastri Jayanthi S. , Shah Daksha , Agrawal Sachee R. , Gomare Mangala , Sadawarte Deepika Mandar
Published: March 2022

Background:

Subsequent to serosurveys 1 and 2 for COVID-19 carried out in three wards of Mumbai in July and August 2020, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai conducted serosurvey 3 in March 2021. This was to identify the extent of exposure by testing specific IgG antibodies against COVID-19.

Material and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted to find the prevalence of seropositivity in Mumbai, which included 10,197 samples belonging to patients visiting public dispensaries (slum population, 6006) and private (nonslum population, 4191) laboratories of Aapli Chikitsa network for blood investigations for non-COVID illnesses. The ward-wise number of unlinked anonymous samples from 24 wards was predecided by using probability proportionate sampling. The samples were collected using quota sampling technique as per predecided sample for each ward. These samples collected from nonimmunized individuals were tested for IgG antibodies at the Molecular Biology Laboratory of Kasturba Hospital for Infectious Diseases by chemiluminescence assay (CLIA) method.

Results:

The overall seropositivity was found to be 36.3% (41.6% in slum and 28.59% in nonslum population). It was more in city wards (38.28%) followed by western suburb (36.47%) and then eastern suburb wards (34.86%), matching with the proportion of cases in these wards during the study period. There was no significant difference in seropositivity among males and females and in different age groups.

Conclusions:

Seropositivity is higher in slum areas than nonslum areas. It has reduced in slum areas and increased in nonslum areas as compared to findings of serosurveys 1 and 2. This explains the detection of a greater number of cases from nonslum areas in the second wave. The average seropositivity of 36.3% justifies the necessity of immunization on a wider scale in the city. Periodic serosurveys are required at fixed intervals to monitor the trend of infection and level of herd immunity.
Isolated Involvement of Palatine Tonsil by COVID-19–Associated Mucormycosis
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar
Published: March 2022

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly contagious and rapidly spreading all over the world. COVID-19 patients might present with higher susceptibility to fungal co-infection. Mucormycosis is a life-threatening fungal disease characterized by vascular invasion by hyphae, leading to thrombosis and necrosis. Currently, COVID-19–associated mucormycosis (CAM) is creating a threat to patient's life in the community and is considered a fatal clinical entity in the Indian subcontinent. Mucormycosis is emerging as a matter of concern in COVID-19 patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and other comorbidities as risk factors. Here, a 48-year-old man previously admitted to the COVID hospital due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection presented with foreign body sensation and was later diagnosed with primary mucormycosis at the palatine tonsils. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with surgery followed by liposomal amphotericin B are essential for the successful management of the CAM.
The influence of MTAD and QMix on the accuracy of electronic apex locator in locating simulated perforations
Authors: Dumani A , Ates AA , Ucan CS , Yilmaz S , Unal I , Yoldas O
Published: March 2022

Aims and Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the electronic actual length in detecting artificial perforations of the root canal in the presence of saline solution (NaCl, (Eczacibasi, Istanbul, Turkey), chlorhexidine [CHX (Werax, Tunadent, Izmir, Turkey)], QMix (Dentsply Tulsa, Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), and MTAD (Dentsply, Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK, USA).

Materials and Methods:

The root canals of 25 single-rooted extracted human teeth were perforated artificially in the middle section of the root. The actual lengths up to the perforation site were measured and then, the teeth were embedded in an alginate mold. Electronic measurements of the perforations were obtained by an electronic apex locator according to the manufacturers' recommendations under dry conditions and in the presence of NaCl, CHX, MTAD, and QMix using a #20 K-file. Each canal was irrigated with distilled water and then dried with paper points between the measurements. Statistical analyses were performed using the Friedman test and Spearman Rank correlation coefficient to assess the correlations between the measurement methods.

Results:

Highest correlation between the actual length and the electronic measurement was observed under dry conditions and NaCl solution (r: 0.932, r: 0.940 respectively), and the least correlation was observed with MTAD solution (r: 0.697) using statistical analysis. Moreover, the accuracy of the electronic apex locator with different irrigation solutions was statistically different from each other (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

The most accurate electronic measurements of artificial perforation were obtained under dry conditions or with NaCl.
3D assessment of facial contours of patients wearing either complete denture or implant-supported fixed dentures
Authors: Demirekin ZB , Günaydın A , Çavdarlı K , Fındık Y , Türkaslan S , Baykul T
Published: March 2022

Background:

Total edentulousness leads to soft tissue changes causing esthetic problems. Being aware of the significant effects of different treatment approaches on facial soft tissue can help to obtain more satisfying esthetic results.

Aim:

The current study's objective was to evaluate three-dimensional facial soft tissue changes in edentulous patients rehabilitated with a complete denture (CD) and implant-supported fixed partial denture (FPD).

Material and Methods:

Fourteen edentulous patients, mean age of 47.6 years (42–63), were assessed before prosthetic treatments (T0), after CD (T1), and after FPD (T2). 3dMDface System (3dMD LLC) obtained the images and transferred them to 3dMD Vultus software (3dMD Vultus software Version 2.3.0.2). Nine linear, five angular, and one topographical measurement were performed for facial soft tissue analysis. For statistical analysis of facial soft tissue, ANOVA was used with a level of significance set at 5% (p <.05).

Results:

Significant differences were observed in lower lip height (Sto-Sl) and nasolabial angle (Prn Sn Ls) with CD. There is no significant difference with the implant-supported fixed partial dentures in these measurements when compared with pretreatment. Significant differences were observed in the lower lip angle (Chr Li Chl) with the implant-supported fixed partial dentures. There is no significant difference with CD in this measurement when compared with pretreatment. According to the paired comparisons, a significant difference was observed in philtrum height (Ls-Sn) between the treatment approaches.

Conclusion:

CD and implant-supported fixed partial dentures, both treatment approaches, cause facial soft tissue changes, which may help to improve the facial esthetic. The effects of these treatment methods on facial soft tissues are not significantly different, except the philtrum height.
Correlation of Cardiovascular Risk Parameters with Serum IL.6 and C-RP in Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ghamri RA , Alghalayini KW , Baig M
Published: March 2022

Aims and Background:

Determine the correlation between cardiovascular risk parameters with serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Patients and Methods:

Blood samples were obtained from 100 AMI patients (aged 40--60 years) admitted to the intensive care unit of our institution from March 2019 to February 2020, and from 40 age- and BMI-matched healthy adults.

Results:

Median IL-6 and hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in the AMI group (P < 0.001), as were fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, and LDLc, while HDLc was significantly lower. In the AMI group, hs-CRP was significantly correlated with BMI (r = 0.531; P < 0.001) and waist circumference (r = 0.448; P < 0.001). No significant differences in hs-CRP and IL-6 levels were observed between male and female AMI patients (5.90 ± 2.0 vs. 6.80 ± 8.2, P = 0.166; 21.23 ± 8.2 vs. 21.06 ± 8.7, P = 0.948, respectively), although IL-6 levels significantly differed between male and female controls (6.64 ± 3.0 vs. 9.74 ± 4.7, P = 0.017).

Conclusion:

IL-6 and hsCRP were significantly higher in the AMI group; however, no correlations with the biochemical parameters were observed. Further research into their involvement in the pathogenesis of AMI is needed.
What is the relationship of varicose vein pathogenesis with collagen fibers?
Authors: Koçarslan S , Koçarslan1 A , Doğaner A , Yasim A
Published: March 2022

Aims and Background:

In this study, the densities of collagen 1 and collagen 4, which are an effective vascular component in the remodelling of varicose veins, were investigated.

Materials and Methods:

The study included primary varicose vein samples of 20 patients and vein samples of 20 healthy controls. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using collagen 1 and collagen 4 antibodies. Histochemical staining was performed using Masson Trichrome.

Results:

In the immunohistochemical analysis of varicose samples, collagen 1 immunostaining was negative in 17 cases (85%) and positive in 3 cases (15%). In healthy venous tissue samples, collagen 1 immunostaining was negative in 12 cases (60%) and positive in 8 cases (40%). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups concerning collagen 1 immunostaining (p > 0.05). In varicose samples, collagen 4 immunostaining was negative in 4 cases (20%) and positive in 16 cases (80%). In healthy venous tissue samples, collagen 4 immunostaining was negative in 13 cases (65%) and positive in 7 cases (35%). Statistical comparison of healthy veins and varicose veins concerning collagen 4 immunostaining showed a significant difference (p = 0.03). In the histochemical analysis of varicose samples, Masson Trichrome staining was negative in 4 cases (20%) and positive in 16 cases (80%). In healthy venous tissue samples, Masson Trichrome staining was negative in 18 cases (90%) and positive in 2 cases (10%). Statistical comparison of healthy veins and varicose veins concerning collagen 4 immunostaining showed a significant difference (p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

The change in the density of collagen types plays an important role in vein wall remodeling.
Hematuria frequency and association with abnormal urological findings in medical check-up patients
Authors: Sarier M , Demir M , Emek M , Turgut H
Published: March 2022

Aims and Background:

Hematuria is one of the most common findings in urology. The management of hematuria detected in routine medical check-ups is also important in this respect. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of hematuria in patients undergoing medical check-ups and evaluate its association with abnormal urological findings in laboratory tests and imaging.

Patients and Methods:

Asymptomatic patients who presented to the check-up clinic between January 1 and December 31, 2020, were included. All patients underwent a complete laboratory workup and total abdominal ultrasound (TAUS). The distribution of hematuria by sex and age and the relationship between hematuria and abnormal urological findings in the laboratory tests and TAUS were calculated.

Results:

The mean age of the 2,077 check-up patients was 45.8 ± 12.8 years. The female to male ratio was 1.07:1, and there was no significant difference in age between the sexes (P = 0.655). Microscopic hematuria was detected in 15.9% of the patients. The frequency of hematuria was 10.8% in men and 20.7% in women (P < 0.001). Men with hematuria were significantly older than men without hematuria (P = 0.033), whereas hematuria was not associated with age in women (P = 0.521). When its relationship between abnormal urological findings was evaluated, hematuria had a sensitivity of 21.70% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.84, 24.86) and a specificity of 87.11% (95% CI: 85.23, 88.79).

Conclusion:

The frequency of hematuria in check-up patients was remarkable, at 15.9%. Hematuria in women is more common and unrelated to age, unlike in men. Hematuria had a high specificity but low sensitivity for urological abnormal findings.
Primary minor salivary gland tumors
Authors: Akpeh JO , Okechi UC , Ezeanolue BC
Published: March 2022

Background:

Tumors of the minor salivary glands (MSGs) are rare. They constitute a wide range of histologic types despite their low frequency.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and pathological features of 11 different tumors of MSGs presented at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu and to compare them with similar studies done elsewhere.

Patients and Method:

This is a retrospective study of patients with tumors involving the MSGs seen at the OMFS and ORL clinics, UNTH. Information regarding demographic characteristics, duration at first presentation, types of tumors, site and side affected, and treatment given were recorded in patients' medical records. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23; qualitative variables were compared using Chi-square test.

Result:

One hundred and thirty three cases of various lesions involving the salivary gland were seen within the study period. Fifty three (39.8%) patients met the inclusion criteria and are reported further. Twenty eight (28) cases occurred in males. The mean age of the patients was 39.8 years STD 16.5, while the mean duration of the swellings at presentation was 45.5 months STD 35.4. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common of the 29 (54.7%) benign histopathologic type seen. The soft palate was the commonest site affected 37 (69.8%). Local excision with wide margin was adequate in treating majority of the swellings 40 (75.5%), while 1 (1.9%) case of recurrence was seen within the study period.

Conclusion:

Tumors involving the MSGs are uncommon; males are mostly affected in our environment.
Evaluation of iron status in anemic pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Waziri B , Babawale BT , Mabayoje MO
Published: March 2022

Background:

Data on iron status are generally less readily available in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients than in the hemodialysis population. In Nigeria, little is known about iron indices in patients with CKD.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the iron status among anemic pre-dialysis patients with CKD.

Patients and Methods:

Using a cross-sectional study design, we evaluated serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) among 63 pre-dialysis CKD patients with anemia attending our outpatient nephrology clinic. CKD was defined as a glomerular filtration rate less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 for 3 months or more, while anemia was defined as a hemoglobin concentration (Hb) less than 11 g/dl.

Results:

The mean age of the study participants was 52.5 ± 12.7 years and 33 (52.4%) of the patients were females. The most common causes of CKD were hypertension (44.4%) and diabetic nephropathy (30.6%). The mean Hb, mean serum ferritin, and mean TSAT were 9.2 ± 1.1 g/dl, 106.6 ± 72.7 ng/ml, and 24.3% ± 7.9%, respectively. There was no significant difference in median ferritin (91[interquartile range: 54-133] ng/ml versus 106 [interquartile range: 45-151; P=0.75) and mean TSAT (24.9 ± 7.2 % versus 23.8 ± 7.7 %; P=0.54) between male and female study participants; Half (50.8%) of the study participants had absolute iron deficiency (serum ferritin <100 ng/ml) and 6.3% had functional iron deficiency (ferritin >100 ng/ml and TSAT <20%).

Conclusion:

Iron deficiency is common among anemic adult Nigerian pre-dialysis CKD patients. Results of iron studies should guide therapy when correcting anemia in these patients.
A Model-Driven Optical Clinic Management Systems: Systematic Software Engineering Approach
Authors: Addison Kobla Azameti Adams , Koi-Akrofi Godfred , Agbodo Nelson , K. Amegadzie Julius
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION: eHealth systems in a modern hospital and clinic require stringent measures to coordinate the operations of doctors, nurses, pharmacies for improved health care delivery.OBJECTIVES: The primary objective is to perform a comparative analysis to devise a novel approach to address the needs of a hospital information management system. This has triggered an urgent response to develop Optical Clinic Management System (OCMS) to address the limitation of the existing system. This intervention would promote the good health and well-being of humankind to meet the Sustainable Development Goals 3 (SDGs 3).METHODS: The study proposed a Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) approach in Software Engineering as a catalyst to design OCMS to capture patients’ up-to-date records for medical diagnosis. The system is to assist Clinicians to prescribe medications based on a patient’s medical history by clicking a computer button.RESULTS: The limitations discovered during systems analysis and design of the existing systems were addressed during system evaluation and testing. It was observed that the proposed optical clinic management systems received a 98% acceptance for the implementation.CONCLUSION: This study explores the problem facing clinic and hospital administration and established major factors affecting the existing systems. It was discovered that the paper-based management systems used to keep patients’ medical records were found to be unreliable and therefore unsafe to be used as the basis to prescribe medication for patients, hence the need for this comprehensive system to address the problem for effective health care delivery. The situation in the existing system incidentally led to misplaced and unstructured handling of patient clinical records that may inadvertently make the clinicians administer medications with no reference to the patient’s previous diagnosis due to the lost file. Hence, the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and its global destruction of human lives should motivate African leaders to invest adequate resources in the development of information technology applications for robust health information systems to improve health care delivery in Africa.
Cancer Statistics in Korea: Incidence, Mortality, Survival, and Prevalence in 2019
Authors: Kang Mee Joo , Won Young-Joo , Lee Jae Jun , Jung Kyu-Won , Kim Hye-Jin , Kong Hyun-Joo , Im Jeong-Soo , Seo Hong Gwan ,   The Community of Population-Based Regional Cancer Registries
Published: March 2022

PurposeThe current study provides national cancer statistics and their secular trends in Korea, including incidence, mortality, survival, and prevalence in 2019.Materials and MethodsIncidence, survival, and prevalence rates of cancer were calculated using the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database, from 1999 to 2019, with survival follow-up until December 31, 2020. Deaths from cancer were assessed using causes-of-death data obtained from Statistics Korea. ResultsIn 2019, newly diagnosed cancer cases and deaths from cancer were reported as 254,718 (ASR, 275.4 per 100,000) and 81,203 (ASR, 72.2 per 100,000), respectively. For the first time, lung cancer (n=29,960) became the most frequent cancer in Korea, excluding thyroid cancer. The overall cancer incidence rates increased by 3.3% annually from 1999 to 2012, and decreased by 5.3% annually from 2012 to 2015, thereafter, followed by nonsignificant changes. The incidence of thyroid cancer increased again from 2016 (annual percentage change, 6.2%). Cancer mortality rates have been decreasing since 2002, with more rapid decline in recent years (annual decrease of 2.7% from 2002 to 2013; 3.3% from 2013 to 2019). The 5-year relative survival between 2015 and 2019 was 70.7%, which contributed to prevalent cases reaching over 2 million in 2019.ConclusionCancer survival rates have improved over the past decades, but the number of newly diagnosed cancers is still increasing, with some cancers showing only marginal improvement in survival outcomes. As the number of cancer survivors increases, a comprehensive cancer control strategy should be implemented in line with the changing aspects of cancer statistics.
Hyperbolic geometry of shapes of convex bodies
Authors: Debin Clément , Fillastre François
Published: March 2022

We use the intrinsic area to define a distance on the space of homothety classes of convex bodies in the

n

-dimensional Euclidean space, which makes it isometric to a convex subset of the infinite dimensional hyperbolic space. The ambient Lorentzian structure is an extension of the intrinsic area form of convex bodies, and Alexandrov–Fenchel inequality is interpreted as the Lorentzian reversed Cauchy–Schwarz inequality. We deduce that the space of similarity classes of convex bodies has a proper geodesic distance with curvature bounded from below by

-1

(in the sense of Alexandrov). In dimension 3, this space is homeomorphic to the space of distances with non-negative curvature on the 2-sphere, and this latter space contains the space of flat metrics on the 2-sphere considered by W. P. Thurston. Both Thurston’s and the area distances rely on the area form. So the latter may be considered as a generalization of the “real part” of Thurston’s construction.
PREDATORY EFFECT AND SELECTIVITY OF PREY OF NOTONECTA PERUVIANA (HEMIPTERA: NOTONECTIDAE) ON THE LARVAL CONTROL OF MOSQUITOES (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)
Authors:   Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga, Ayala-Sulca Yuri , Cóndor-Alarcón Reynán , Colos-Galindo Percy , Arenas-Terrel Jorge , Huayhua-Lobatón Carlos , Jeri-Chávez Antonio , Carrasco-Badajoz Carlos ,   Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, Iannacone José ,   Universidad Científica del Sur
Published: March 2022

The larval stage of culicid mosquitoes are the main food resource of notonectides in aquatic systems. Prey alternation and abundance can significantly affect predator-prey interaction and functional response (FR). We evaluated the effect of predation and prey selectivity of Notonecta peruviana in fourth-stage larvae (F1) of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus at different densities and two test systems: one prey and the combination of both (ratio 1: 1). We used the FR protocol to measure predation and the Manly preference index () to evaluate the selectivity of prey, in a CRD experimental design. N. peruviana generated type II RF (“concave model”) of greater impact in larvae of Ae. aegypti (p ≤ 0.01). Predation capacity was similar in both of the prey, 17 ± 4 larvae / day in Cx. quinquefasciatus and 21 ± 4 in Ae. aegypti. The attack coefficient (a), turned out to be similar for both prey species in both test systems and the handling time (Th) was lower for Ae. aegypti than for Culex. Notonecta peruviana demonstrated selectivity for larvae of Ae. aegypti especially at the highest densities (≥ 0.5), attributed to the inefficient anti depredation response, active mobility and smaller size compared to those of Cx. quinquefasciatus. The FR demonstrated the success of N. peruviana in the larval control of culicid mosquitoes, prioritizing the type of prey; thus, promoting the need for its applicability in the field.
MEDIUM- AND LARGE-SIZED WILD MAMMALS OF THE RESERVA BIOLÓGICA MUNICIPAL MORENO FORTES, DOIS IRMÃOS DAS MISSÕES, RIO GRANDE DO SUL STATE, BRAZIL
Authors:   Consultor autônomo, Jacomassa Fábio André Facco
Published: March 2022

Medium- and large-sized wild mammals (MLSWM) are little known in protected areas. I carried a survey of MLSWM at the Reserva Biológica Municipal Moreno Fortes (REBIO-MF) in Dois Irmãos das Missões, Rio Grande do Sul state (RS), Brazil, using active search, footprint traps and interviews with residents. This work provided a list of 26 species of MLSWM. This number represent 60% of MLSWM species of Rio Grande do Sul state and 70% of those found in the region. Among them, 54% are included in the list fauna of endangered species at the state level, 19% at the national level, and 23% globally. The Crab-eating Fox (Cerdocyon thous) was the most registered and common species. The interviewees reported 24 species, 12 of which were not registered using active search and footprint traps methods. Such informations indicates REBIO-MF as an important place for MLSWM at RS.
MEDIUM TO LARGE SIZED MAMMALS IN VÁRZEAS DO RIO IVINHEMA STATE PARK, MATO GROSSO DO SUL, CENTRAL-WESTERN BRAZIL
Authors:   Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Aximoff Izar , Oliveira Reginaldo ,   Parque Estadual das Várzeas do Rio Ivinhema, Sales Dione , Freitas Antônio Carlos de
Published: March 2022

Habitat degradation and alien species are among the greatest threats to mammals. The degradation of the Atlantic Forest remnants makes it essential to carry out mammal inventories. In this sense, the species richness and the relative frequency of medium and large mammals was evaluated based on active search (192 hours) and camera traps (345 trap-nights). The study was conducted from July 2019 to June 2020, in the Várzeas do Rio Ivinhema State Park - VRISP, Mato Grosso do Sul State - MS. A total of 30 native species were found, representing 62% of mammals in MS, in addition to three invasive alien species. Our survey added sixteen new occurrences to the VRISP. The occurrence of Leopardus braccatus is the first record for the Atlantic Forest biome. Our study contributes to conservation measures proposed by VRISP, which plays a fundamental role in wildlife conservation in the Rio Paraná biodiversity corridor.
Estimation of 238U and 232Th in soil and water of prominent fault region of Mizoram
Authors: Thuamthansanga T. , Sahoo B. K. , Tiwari Ramesh Chandra
Published: March 2022

The study investigates radon and thoron concentrations in soil and water at one of the most prominent faults in Mizoram state, India. The obtained isotope pair data were consequently used for estimating the uranium and thorium content of the region. An indigenously developed and calibrated ZnS(Ag) alpha based scintillation counter (Model: SMARTRnDuo, BARC, India) was deployed for assessing radon and thoron data. Thoron concentration was found to be higher than radon concentration in both soil and water. The isotope pair and their parent nuclei concentration in water were found to be higher than in soil. The uranium and thorium content in soil were estimated to be 17.5 and 22.6 Bqkg-1 respectively, but in water, they were estimated to be 41.6 and 124.8 Bqkg-1 respectively. Comparisons with global averages were also presented in detail and no radiological risk has been observed for the region. A continuous radon data was generated at Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram (India) for cross-analysis with data at Mat fault. It was observed that radon data of the two locations behave similarly during geophysical phenomena, indicating that the region was seismically active. No geophysical properties of thoron were observed.
Tourism and Aldo Leopold’s Environmental Ethics: A Review
Authors: Ramukumba Takalani
Published: March 2022

The tourism industry's substantial reliance on the natural environment continues to raise debates with spatial and temporal aspects. There have been debates around the ethics of using sentient animals as attractions; using nature as a resource to suit tourist requirements; using the environment as a pollutant sink, and using a carbon-centric transportation system as concerns mount on how nature is misused in tourism. As we have grown more aware of the co-dependency of our relationship with nature as a result of the environmental issues posed by human activities, we have to re-evaluate our ethical relationship with nature. However, while a critical review of the application of environmental ethics is crucial to tourism's interaction with nature, there has been a considerable effort of studies done in tourism studies. Tourism is at the crossroads of several important ethical concerns, including good environmental and natural resources management, respect for and empowerment of local populations, the necessity of development and property rights, and the consequences of commodification and globalization. This paper adopted a methodology of the review of the very scarce literature available on ethics and tourism based on Aldo Leopold’s environmental ethics. The review of the available literature leads to a conclusion that very little has been done to include the ethical environmental principles suggested by Aldo Leopold by the tourism industry for its benefits.
Connecting the Carbon Ecological Footprint, Economic Globalization, Population Density, Financial Sector Development, and Economic Growth of Five South Asian Countries
Authors: Mishra Alok Kumar , Dash Aruna Kumar
Published: March 2022

We investigate the connection between the carbon ecological footprint, economic globalization, population density, financial sector development, and economic growth in five South Asian nations from 1971 to 2019. Using a panel autoregressive distributed lag model, we find that population density, economic growth, and economic globalization positively affect the carbon ecological footprint in the long run. However, financial development is inversely related to the carbon ecological footprint at a 10% statistical level of significance.
Investor Sentiment and Oil Prices in the United States: Evidence From a Time-Varying Causality Test
Authors: Akçay Selçuk
Published: March 2022

The question of the direction of causality between investor sentiment and oil prices remains moot in the literature. Using a recently developed time-varying causality test and monthly data, this study examines the causal relation between investor sentiment and oil prices in the United States. We find bidirectional causality between investor sentiment and oil prices over different time episodes.
A Novel Approach for Energy-Efficient of WSN Using PEGASIS Protocol
Authors:   LDDI Laboratory, University of Adrar Adrar, Algeria, KADDI Mohammed , MALOUKI Yamina ,   Mathematics and Computer Science Department, Faculty of ST, University of Adrar, Algeria, Alnatoor Moamen Adel Abdelfattah ,   Mathematics and Computer Science Department, Faculty of ST, University of Adrar, Algeria
Published: March 2022

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have hardware and software limitations and are deployed in hostile environments. The problem of energy consumption in WSNs has become a very important axis of research. To obtain good performance in terms of the lifetime of the WSN, several routing protocols have been proposed. We present in this article a new approach for the energy efficiency of WSN by using the PEGASIS (Power Efficient Gathering In Sensor Information Systems) routing protocol in order to reduce sensor energy consumption and to achieve good performance in terms of the lifetime of the network in WSN. The simulation results have shown that our proposed protocol excels regarding energy consumption in wireless sensor networks, resulting in an extension of a lifetime for the network. We simulated the proposed technique compared with traditional LEACH (Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy) protocol using MATLAB environment.
Focal laser photocoagulation of the optic disc peripapillary neovascularization in patient with proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Takhchidi KhP , Takhchidi NKh , Kasmynina TA , Tebina EP
Published: March 2022

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus and one of the major causes of blindness in the developed world. Retinal laser photocoagulation is a gold standard for the treatment of DR. Despite its high efficiency, laser therapy has a number of limitations. The emergence of drugs, designed to inhibit the growth of the newly formed blood vessels, in ophthalmic practice made it possible to change treatment strategy in patients with retinal neovascularization. However, this method also has some adverse effects. Given the limitations on the repeated sessions of laser photocoagulation and the risks of ophtalmic complications after the intravitreal injection of the angiogenesis inhibitors, extraordinary situations, when there are negative results of treatment with the use of the described above techniques in one eye and disease progression in the single eye with preserved vision, become a serious problem when performing treatment. The clinical case reported has shown the feasibility of staged laser treatment in patient with the optic disc peripapillary neovascularization. Therapy has resulted in the regression of the newly formed blood vessels and visual function preservation.
Isomeric Properties of Organic Compounds
Authors:   Assistant Prof., Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University, Faculty of Education, Department of Chemistry, Rasheedy Sheeraz Khan
Published: March 2022

Organic compounds have different linear and branched elaborate formulas, so if two organic compounds with the same molecular formulas and different elaborate formulas are called isomers of each other. The same but differs in structural formula and physical properties is called isomerism and the phenomenon is called isomerism. Spectroscopic research has shown that the chemical and physical Properties change and new materials emerge with new properties, but the change in the position of the bonds within a molecule only causes a change in the physical properties and leads to the formation of isomers.
The Moderating Effect of Automation on Firm Specific Factors and Performance of Initial Public Offering Stocks at The Nairobi Securities Exchange In Kenya
Authors: Okumu Anaclet Biket , Olweny Tobias , Muturi Willy
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Performance of IPO stocks depicts two anomalies: initial underpricing and long run underperformance. A plethora of studies have established the causes of these IPO puzzle to include information asymmetry, institutional ownership, IPO size, market volatility, the intrinsic value of the IPO and issue characteristics among others. None of these studies on IPO performance as far as research has shown considered moderating effect of automation of securities market on firm specific factors. Kenya’s equity market capitalization has been on a downward trend being surpassed by fixed income securities. IPO stocks performance offer long-term as well as short-term capital to companies. This study attempts to establish whether there is a nexus between NSE automation and firm specific factors regarding performance of IPO stocks at NSE. Longitudinal and descriptive study designs were used on the secondary panel data. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the data with Stata statistical software. The Hausman test was used to determine between fixed and random effect model. The results showed that automation had negative correlation with firm age and positive correlation with firm size. The study will assist the Kenyan government in developing financial stability measures and investors in making informed decisions.

Keywords: Automation, Firm specific factors, Initial Public Offerings, Nairobi Securities Exchange.
Biomineralogy of Kidney Stones Crystallization
Authors:   AGH – University of Science and Technology, Cath. Mineralogy, Petrography and Geochemistry, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-049 Kraków, Poland, Pawlikowski Maciej
Published: March 2022

One of the unsolved mysteries is why kidney stones are formed, for example, in one renal pelvis, while other pelvises are not subject to the process of biomineralization, i.e. crystallization on biological media. Stones also crystallize in the ureters and bladder. The study presents details of the crystallization of kidney stones in a place that mineralogy calls the crystallization center. This publication discusses the method of crystallization of stones and their structure.
Unconventional Therapy on Headache from Anatomy and Physiology Standpoint
Authors: De Cadeo Chinh , Tam Hao
Published: March 2022

This article discusses applied pharmacotherapy related to headaches and Gout. Headache is one of the frequently reported subjective complaints. Based on the causes, they are classified as primary headaches and secondary headaches. The aim of this paper is that students can know the definition of headache, know the classification of panic pain, know the anatomy and physiology of headache, know the prevention of headaches and adjunctive therapy and know the management for headaches.
Analysis of the Relationship between Completeness of Completion of Medical Record Documents for Surgical Patients and Compliance with INA-CBG's Tariff Standards
Authors: Fitriani Arifah Devi , Amirah Asriwati , Sitorus Mei Sryendang
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship of the completeness of the surgical inpatient medical records filling to the suitability of the INA-CBG’s Tariff Standards. The analyzed forms are the Exit Patient Summary Form (Medical Resume) Surgery Report, Anesthesia Report, Hospitalization Warrant and Diagnostic Support Examination. This study is a quantitative study with a cross sectional design. The sample size in the study was 96 medical records. The measuring instrument used was a check sheet list. Data were analyzed bivariate with Chi-square Test and multivariate with Multiple Logistic Regression Test. The results of the Bivariate Analysis obtained a completeness relationship for filling out the Surgery Report form (P-Value 0.001) Anesthesia Report (P-Value 0,000) and the Hospitalization Warrant (P-Value 0.004) with the suitability of the INA-CBG Tariff Standards, and there is no completeness relationship for filling out the Exit Patient Summary form (Medical resume) and Examination of Diagnostic Support with the suitability of INA-CBG Tariff Standards. The Multivariate Analysis revealed that the completeness of the Anesthesia Report Form is the dominant factor affecting the suitability of INA-CBG’s Tariff Standards with P (Sig) 0.006 < 0.05, Odds Ratio (OR) = 21.000, Coefficient Value B = 3.045). With this research, it is hoped that regular socialization and training will emphasize the completeness of the documents needed for claiming.