bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the effects of physics explainer videos and written explanations on declarative knowledge and the illusion of understanding
Authors: Kulgemeyer Christoph , Hörnlein Madeleine , Sterzing Fabian
Published: February 2022

Studies have shown the potential of science explainer videos. An alternative is a written explanation, as found in science textbooks. Prior research suggests that instructional explanations sometimes lead to the belief that a topic has been fully understood, even though that is, objectively, not the case. This “illusion of understanding” may be affected by the medium of the explanation. Animations tend to falsely imply an easy explanation, which might result in explainer videos supporting the illusion of understanding. Textbook entries may appear to be more reliable and formal, resulting in an overestimation of the learning gains from this medium. Also, prior studies comparing the achievement from both media come to ambiguous results. In the present experimental study (N = 150 learners), we compared the effects of an explainer video introducing the concept of force to a written explanation containing the script of the video and two images, as though it is a page from a textbook. Both groups achieved comparable degrees of declarative knowledge, however, the written explanation video group had a significantly higher belief of understanding (partial 𝜼2 = 0.043) that did not correspond with their actual learning progress. Consequences of this potential illusion of understanding may include lower cognitive activation and less motivation in science classrooms if learning environments exclude further learning tasks that allow for a more realistic picture of understanding. That might suggest that it is sometimes potentially harmful to leave physics learners to their own devices with instructional material.
Calibration of Cognitive Tests to Address the Reliability Paradox for Decision-Conflict Tasks
Authors: Kucina Talira , Wells Lindsay , Lewis Ian , de Salas Kristy , Kohl Amelia , Palmer Matthew A. , Sauer James D. , Matzke Dora , Aidman Eugene , Heathcote Andrew
Published: February 2022

Standard, well-established cognitive tasks that produce reliable effects in group comparisons also lead to unreliable measurement when assessing individual differences. This reliability paradox has been demonstrated in decision-conflict tasks such as the Simon, Flanker, and Stroop tasks, which measure various aspects of cognitive control. We aim to address this paradox by implementing carefully calibrated versions of the standard tests with an additional manipulation to encourage processing of conflicting information, as well as combinations of standard tasks. Over five experiments, we show that a Flanker task and a combined Simon and Stroop task with the additional manipulation produced reliable estimates of individual differences in under 100 trials per task, which improves on the reliability seen in benchmark Flanker, Simon, and Stroop data. We make these tasks freely available and discuss both theoretical and applied implications regarding how the cognitive testing of individual differences is carried out.
Why not both? Using multiple measures to improve reliability in infant studies
Authors: Havron Naomi
Published: February 2022

To increase reliability in infant experimentation, Byers-Heinlein et al. (2022) suggest six practical solutions. Here I add a seventh solution, which is recording multiple measures from the same infant and trial. Recording multiple measures is relatively easy to implement in many cases, and has additional advantages. I survey several ways to accomplish this, and recommend preregistering hypotheses and analyses plans beforehand to avoid adding researcher’s degrees of freedom. Multiple measurements are complementary to Byers-Heinlein et al.'s (2022) solutions and should be used in tandem with them to further the quality of research in the field.
Great expectations: The construct validity of the violation-of-expectation method for studying infant cognition
Authors: Stahl Aimee E. , Kibbe Melissa M.
Published: February 2022

The violation-of-expectation method has been used in thousands of studies examining the breadth and depth of preverbal infants’ knowledge and cognitive capacities. In this commentary, we review evidence that supports the violation-of-expectation method as an important tool for infant research that has strong construct validity. We show that this method reveals infants’ expectations, produces reliable results across study designs and stimuli, and is grounded in theories of learning. We support and encourage the use of this method to continue to unveil the scope and sophistication of infant cognition.
Habits in consumer purchases: Evidence from store closures
Authors: Tohidi Amir , Eckles Dean , Jadbabaie Ali
Published: February 2022

In-store shopping is a recurring behavior often happening in a stable context, making it very likely for the formation of habits. Relying on heuristics and habits can help consumers free up their mental resources for more important deliberative tasks. This is broadly consistent with the finding that consumers' choices exhibit state dependence. However, much prior work has simply distinguished all state dependence from other sources of correlated choices (e.g., latent consumer heterogeneity), thus leaving open the question of whether some of this state dependence should be attributed to habits. Here, using panel data on households' purchases across many product categories, we use store closures as a shock that partially disrupts households' shopping behavior to identify the role of formed shopping habits in repeated brand purchases. Closures force people to visit new stores to purchase products in categories they previously bought at the closed store, where we posit they are more likely to engage in deliberative decision-making processes --- driving them to explore some options that are normally ignored in a familiar store because of learned habits. Following a store closing at which they frequently purchased products in a given category, households are more likely to purchase something other than their modal brand in that product category. This effect remains after accounting for the reduced availability of their modal brand. Over time, households return to higher levels of purchasing their modal brand, consistent with the formation of new habits. However, we find that the temporarily increased deviation from their prior modal brand due to store closures results in a lasting impact on households' brand choices, leading them to permanently lower rates of purchasing their baseline modal brands. This illustrates how habit formation, while advantageous for consumers in other ways, can lead to non-optimal choices.
Exploring profiles of hormone exposure: Associations with cognition in a population-based cohort of early adolescents (Stage 1 Registered Report)
Authors: Chaku Natasha , Barry Kelly
Published: February 2022

Stage 1 Registered Report. During adolescence, increases in pubertal hormones lead to reproductive maturity and drive changes in cognitive development. However, little is known about how to best characterize interindividual differences in hormone concentrations. The goal of the proposed study is to examine the antecedents and consequences of membership in empirically derived hormone subgroups. Data will be drawn from over 11,000 youth (approximately 50% male, ages = 9 -11 years) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study.Latent profile analysis stratified by sex will be used to derive profiles of hormone exposure based on basal testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and estradiol (girls only). Profile membership will then be related to pubertal status, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and body mass index (BMI). Additionally, profile membership will be examined as a prospective predictor of adolescents’ cognition (i.e., inhibitory control, visuospatial processing, decision-making) assessed two years later. Findings will clarify disparate associations between hormones and behavior in adolescence and underscore the importance for youth-centered approaches that focus on patterns of individual characteristics.
Peaceful Entry: Entrepreneurship Dynamics during Colombia's Peace Agreement
Authors: Bernal Carolina , Prem Mounu , Vargas Juan F. , Ortiz Mónica
Published: February 2022

The end of internal conflict are often shaped by political uncertainty and threats of violence recurrence. This implies that the effects of conflict termination on economic ac- tivity and specifically entrepreneurship can go in either direction, and we know little about this relationship. Studying Colombia’s recent peace agreement with the FARC guerrilla, and using a difference-in-differences empirical strategy, we document that dynamics of en- trepreneurship in traditionally violent areas closely mapped the politics that surrounded the peace agreement. When the agreement was imminent after a 5-decade conflict and violence had plummeted, local investors from all economic sectors established new firms and created jobs. Instead, when the agreement was rejected in a referendum, the party that promoted this rejection raised to power, and violence re-escalated, the rate of firms’ creation rapidly reversed.
Examining spatial disparities in electric vehicle charging station placements using machine learning
Authors: Roy Avipsa , Law Mankin
Published: February 2022

Electric vehicles (EV) are an emerging mode of transportation that has the potential to reshape thetransportation sector by significantly reducing carbon emissions thereby promoting a cleaner environment and pushing the boundaries of climate progress. Nevertheless, there remain significant hurdles to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the United States ranging from the high cost of EVs to the inequitable placement of EV charging stations (EVCS). A deeper understanding of the underlying complex interactions of social, economic, and demographic factors which may lead to such emerging disparities in EVCS placements is, therefore, necessary to mitigate accessibility issues and improve EV usage among people of all ages and abilities. In this study, we develop a machine learning framework to examine spatial disparities in EVCS placements by using a predictive approach. We first identify the essential socioeconomic factors that may contribute to spatial disparities in EVCS access. Second, using these factors along with ground truth data from existing EVCS placements we predict future ECVS density at multiple spatial scales using machine learning algorithms and compare their predictive accuracy to identify the most optimal spatial resolution for our predictions. Finally, we compare the most accurately predicted EVCS placement density with a spatial inequity indicator to quantify how equitably these placements would be for Orange County, California. Our method achieved the highest predictive accuracy (94.9%) of EVCS placement density at a spatial resolution of 3 km using Random Forests. Our results indicate that a total of 74.18% of predicted EVCS placements in Orange County will lie within a low spatial equity zone – indicating populations with the lowest accessibility may require the highest investments in EVCS placements. Within the low spatial equity areas, 14.86% of the area will have a low density of predicted EVCS placements, 50.32% will have a medium density of predicted EVCS placement, and only 9% tend to have high EVCS placements. The findings from this study highlight a generalizable framework to quantify inequities in EVCS placements that will enable policymakers to identify underserved communities and facilitate targeted infrastructure investments for widespread EV usage and adoption for all.
Do I Really Want to Hear The News? Public Information Arrival and Investor Beliefs
Authors: Ben-Rephael Azi , Cookson J. Anthony , izhakian yehuda
Published: February 2022

This paper shows that public information arrival affects investor beliefs and disagreement through a new channel: the uncertainty of beliefs (UOB). Based on novel daily measurement of belief uncertainty and disagreement, disagreement and trading are lower when UOB is higher. Higher UOB also dampens the relationship between disagreement and trading volume. The paper also highlights novel patterns of disagreement and trading around public news. For clarifying news like earnings announcements, information arrival reduces UOB, which naturally amplifies disagreement and trading. Consistent with learning, UOB decreases more for events with more attentive investors and for firms with a better information environment. By contrast, unscheduled events with opaque information information increase UOB while decreasing disagreement and trading.
Von der Selbststeuerung zur interaktiven Irritation. Ein kritischer Blick auf schulische Kontrollsubjekte
Authors: Redecker Anke
Published: February 2022

Kybernetische Konzepte lassen sich für eine Managementtheorie der Selbststeuerung einsetzen, die auch für schulische Kontexte relevant wird. In unterrichtlichen Prozessen selbstgesteuerten Lernens besteht die Gefahr, dass die Lernenden im Abgleich zwischen Soll- und Ist-Zuständen einer effizienzorientierten Planung und damit einer Ausbildungsfixierung unterliegen, die einer kritischen Bildung entgegensteht. Kritische Bildung hingegen basiert auf krisenhaften Prozessen des Umlernens, die einer irritierenden Intervention durch Lehrende bedürfen.
Big Data und Algorithmen: Instrumente einer neuen kybernetischen Steuerung an Schulen?
Authors: Reinisch Markus
Published: February 2022

Der Beitrag geht der Frage nach, inwieweit „learning analytics“ als Instrumente einer neuen kybernetischen Steuerung an Schulen gesehen werden können. Zunächst wird expliziert, welch bedeutende Rolle das Vermessungsparadigma von Daten („Big Data“) gesamtgesellschaftlich spielt. Auf der Folie einer Outputorientierung sowie der Gemeinsamkeiten zwischen Big Data und kybernetischen Prinzipien wird ein Einblick in mögliche Szenarien der „Verdatung“ von Lernprozessen gegeben. Diese „4.0“-Setzungen in Analogie zur Industrie werden im Rahmen des allgemeinen Steuerungseifers und im Anschluss an Prinzipien der „Neuen Steuerung“ im Bildungsbereich kritisch betrachtet. Einige Implikationen auf der individuellen Ebene der Lernenden, die sich aus einer umfassenden Schüler*innen-Vermessung und aus einer algorithmischen, kybernetischen Steuerung ergeben könnten, werden ebenfalls kritisch in den Blick genommen.
Chronic toxicity study of Somanathi Tamra Bhasma in albino- rats
Authors:   Ph.D. Scholar SDM Centre for Research in Ayurveda and Allied Sciences, Kuthpady, Udupi – 574118 India, Honwad Sudheendra , Bairy T. Shridhara ,   Professor & Head, Department of Dravyaguna SDM Centre for Research in Ayurveda and Allied Sciences, Kuthpady, Udupi – 574118 India, Ravi M. ,   Research Officer SDM Centre for Research in Ayurveda and Allied Sciences, Kuthpady, Udupi – 574118 India, Ravishankar B. ,   Director SDM Centre for Research in Ayurveda and Allied Sciences, Kuthpady, Udupi – 574118 India
Published: February 2022

Somanathi Tamra Bhasma, a special method of Tamra bhasma preparation, was studied for its chronic toxicity in Wistar strain albino rats. In this study Somanathi Tamra Bhasma was administered orally daily to different groups of albino rats in TED (Therapeutically effective dose), TED×5 (5 times the therapeutically effective dose) and TED×10 (10 times the therapeutically effective dose) doses for 3 months by following Ayush guidelines for evaluation of ASU drugs. Behavioural, ponderal, hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters were considered for the assessment of data. Somanathi Tamra Bhasma was found to be relatively safe at TED and TED×5 dose levels when behavioural, ponderal, hematological, bio-chemical and histopathological parameters were studied and mild to moderate toxic at TED×10 treated group. The overall chronic toxicity study data indicates that the test substance Somanathi Tamra Bhasma at TED and TED×5 dose levels is very well tolerated since no toxicity symptoms were observed in these groups in any of the parameters analyzed.
Pharmacognostic characterisation of flowers Woodfordia fruiticosa Kurz. (Dhataki Pushpa) used as fermentation initiators
Authors:   PG Scholar, Admani Mallikarjun ,   Department of PG Studies in Dravyaguna, SDM College of Ayurveda, Kuthpady, Udupi – 574118 India, Kumar KN Sunil ,   Senior Research Officer, Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, SDM Centre for Research in Ayurveda and Allied Sciences, Kuthpady, Udupi – 574118 India, Mallya Suma V. ,   Associate Professor; Department of PG Studies in Dravyaguna, SDM College of Ayurveda, Kuthpady, Udupi – 574118 India
Published: February 2022

Background: Woodfordia fruiticosa Kurz. flowers are highly valued medicinal material used in Indian System of Medicine. They are used as fermentation initiators in medicated alcoholic preparations like asavas and arishtas. In addition to this, flowers are recommended in acute diarrhoea, haemorrhages, ulceration and erysipelas. Authentication of herbal drug by macro-microscopic and chemical characterization should be the primary criteria prior to its usage. Materials and Methods: In the current study flowers of W. fruiticosa are collected and subjected for macro-microscopic and physico-chemical analysis aiding standard methodology. Results: Macro-microscopic features of different parts of a flower are documented along with their photographs. Physico-chemical values like total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, ethanol soluble extractive and water soluble extractive are recorded. Conclusion: Macro-microscopic atlas; along with physico-chemical value serve as reference standard for identification and distinguishing the sample from its substitutes and adulterants.
Novel approach for sophistication of fingerprinting methods for polyherbal formulations
Authors:   Editor-in Chief (Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine) and Senior Research Officer, Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, SDM Centre for Research in Ayurveda and Allied Sciences, Kuthpady, Udupi – 574118 India, Kumar KN Sunil
Published: February 2022

Polyherbal formulations (PHFs) are important category of traditional medicines (TMs) practiced in India. Ancient books of Ayurveda compiled several polyherbal combinations such as Triphala, Dashamoola etc for different therapeutic applications. Sarangdhar Samhita (1300 AD) has highlighted the concept of PHF based on several Ayurvedic principles[1]. Plants of varying potency when combined may theoretically produce a greater result, compared to individual use of the plant, and also the sum of their individual effect. Combination of herbals may act on multiple targets at the same time to provide a thorough relief often by positive herb-herb interaction called synergism[2] . In a disease condition, multiple organ systems are involved, therefore, drug should have a multiple targeted action. Molecules follow specific pathway and act on specific receptor, hence combination of different herbs targets different sites of action.
Heavy metals contamination of some polyherbal products from Lagos state, Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria, Idu MacDonald , Oghale Ovuakporie-Uvo ,   Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria, Jimoh Adeola ,   Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria
Published: February 2022

Background: A “heavy metal” refers to any metallic element that has a high density and is toxic or poisonous even at low concentration. Aim of study: To investigate the heavy metal contents of thirty used polyherbal products purchased from different vendors in Lagos State. Materials and methods:Using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, the heavy metals Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Mercury (Hg), Chromium (Cr) and Magnesium (Mg) were tested. Results: Pb, Cd, Hg and Cr were absent in polyherbals analyzed in this study. The concentrations of Zn(0.025- 0.42) ppm, Cu(0.017-0.31 ppm) and Mg (0.02-0.55)were below WHO/FAO permissible limits. Conclusion: This study has shown that the heavy metals content of most poly-herbals sold in Lagos State is below WHO/FAO permissible limits.
Herbal Pharmacopoeias– an overview of international and Indian representation
Authors:   Editor-in Chief (Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine) and Senior Research Officer, Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, SDM Centre for Research in Ayurveda and Allied Sciences, Kuthpady, Udupi – 574118 India, Kumar KN Sunil
Published: February 2022

Pharmacopoeia, literally means “drug-making”, technically is a book published by the authority of a government or a medical or pharmaceutical society containing directions for the identification of medicines, shortly a legal document containing standards for medicinal commodities. The word is derived from Ancient Greek word pharmakopoiia having three words in it - pharmakon meaning ‘a drug’, the verb-stem poi meaning 'make' and abstract noun ending ia; cumulatively meaning 'drug-mak-ing'. The Greek spellings φ (f), κ (k) and οι (oi) are respectively written as ph, c, and oe in early modern editions of Latin texts giving the spelling pharmacopoeia. Descriptions of each single drugs or preparations included in a Pharmacopoeia are called monographs. They are the only officially recognised book for reference on standards of quality specifications of a synthetic and natural pharmaceutical drug.
An exploratory study on Shirisharishta with leaves as alternative for bark, wood and heartwood of Albizzia lebbeck Benth
Authors:   Bengal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SPLPIM Campus, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal-741235, India, Naskar M , Bera E ,   Bengal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SPLPIM Campus, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal-741235, India, Debnath M ,   Bengal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SPLPIM Campus, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal-741235, India, Sarkar P K ,   J. B. Roy State Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital, 170-172, Raja Dinendra Street, Kolkata, West Bengal-700004, India
Published: February 2022

Background: Lack of alternative part of use and unscientific harvesting are the two main causes for the medicinal plants becoming rare, endangered and threatened (RET). Now, there is a need to find out alternative part of use to save medicinal plants. Shirisharishta is a popular and commonly used Ayurvedic formulation prescribed to the patients of Shwasa (breathing difficulties), Kasa (cough) and others. Shirisha (Albizzia lebbeck Benth.) is the main ingredient of Shirisharishta; and the part of use of Shirisha is Sara (heartwood). Many a times collection of the heartwood from stem of the plant causes death of the plant. Aims and Objectives: This study is an attempt to explore leaf as an alternative for bark, wood and heartwood of A. lebbeck for preparation of Shirisharishta. Methods: Shirisharishta was prepared from heartwood, wood, bark and leaf of A. lebbeck. pH, specific gravity, total solid content, alcohol content and HPTLC profile of the prepared four samples were determined. Result: Alcohol content was more in Shirisharishta (heartwood) sample than other samples. HPTLC analysis revealed more band area in Shirisharishta (heartwood) sample and HPTLC fingerprint of Shirisharishta (heartwood) was completely different from Shirisharishta (leaf). Conclusion: The results of this reveal that heartwood the best part of use of A. lebbeck for preparation of Shirisharishta and leaf could not be an alternative of heartwood.
Evaluation of influence of Rutu (Seasons) on quality of Haridra (Curcuma longa Linn.) by pharmacopoeial tests and HPTLC fingerprinting
Authors:   Postgraduate Scholar (MD Ayu.) Department of Dravyaguna, S.D.M. College of Ayurveda and Hospital, BM Road, Thanniruhalla, Hassan-Karnataka-573201, India, Sikha A , Harini A ,   Associate Professor Department of Dravyaguna, S.D.M. College of Ayurveda and Hospital, BM Road, Thanniruhalla, Hassan-Karnataka-573201, India, Hegde L Prakash ,   Professor and Head Department of Dravyaguna, S.D.M. College of Ayurveda and Hospital, BM Road, Thanniruhalla, Hassan-Karnataka-573201, India, KN Sunil Kumar ,   Senior Research Officer, Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, SDM Centre for Research in Ayurveda and Allied Sciences, Kuthpady, Udupi, Karnataka – 574118, India
Published: February 2022

Medicinal herbs are to be harvested during their optimal season to obtain herbal products of the best possible quality. In the criteria for standardization, season of collection of the used part of a plant plays an important role to assure the quality of the drug. Ayurvedic classics have advocated certain season for the collection of used parts of the medicinal plants. Haridra kanda (rhizome of Curcuma longa Linn.) has wide range of applications as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anti diabetic, anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemic, wound healing, antitumor and hepatoprotective agent. It is one of the important drug in Ayurveda used therapeutically in charmadosa, prameha, raktavikara, sotha, pandu, vrana etc. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of sangraha kala (seasons of collection) of Haridra on quality indicating Pharmacopoeial constants. Haridra was cultivated and collected at different seasons and the procured rhizomes were powdered and subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. Macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical, solvent extraction and chromatographic studies carried out suggest that Haridra collected during Sharad rutu (autumn season) contain more active principles to meet Pharmacopoeial requirements. It may be concluded that Sharad rutu is the ideal season for collection of Haridra rhizomes, which revalidates the classical reference in ancient Ayurvedic texts.
Nonconventional approach in diagnosing digestive disorders
Authors:   Junior Resident, Department of Kayachikitsa, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (IMS-BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-221005, India, Sangeeta  , Singh Satyapal ,   Research Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (IMS-BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-221005, India, Prasad Rajendra ,   Associate Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (IMSBHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-221005, India
Published: February 2022

As we all know, the gastrointestinal tract extends from buccal cavity to anus. Beside main parts of G.I.T. its associated glands and other body organs has equal importance in causing, diagnosing and treating ailments. So, their functions, abnormalities and examinations should always be considered while thinking of gastroenterology. In Ayurveda we deal G.I. disorders under Annavaha srotas vikaras, while remaining associated organs aren’t considered often. So, this is the demand of the present time to consider both simultaneously to achieve better results. Because this is well established fact, that supporting organs such as liver, gall bladder, pancrease etc. has very important role in performing proper digestive process as well as causing and curing associated diseases. In this paper we’ll discuss different pathologies other than GIT which may present as gastrointestinal symptoms.
Comparative physico-chemical validation between Arsenic-based Indian traditional drugs Haratal Bhasma and Rasamanikya
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Rasa-Shastra, B.I.P.S, S.P.L.P.I.M. Campus, Nadia, West Bengal-741235, India, Palbag Satadru , Mondal Sucheta ,   PG Scholar, Department of Ayurvedic Pharmacy, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (IMSBHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-221005, India, Bardhan Taniya ,   PG Scholar, B.I.P.S, S.P.L.P.I.M. Campus, Nadia, West Bengal-741235, India, Gautam D.N.S. ,   Associate Professor, Department of Rasa-Shastra, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (IMSBHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-221005, India
Published: February 2022

Background: Arsenic containing drugs Rasamanikya (RM) and Haratal Bhasma (HB) are used in Ayurveda for the treatment of several ailments. They are prepared from raw Haratal (RH) by the distinct Ayurvedic procedure. Hence, proper scientific validation by physico-chemical studies is needed for their acceptability to the modern scientific community. Methods: RM and HB were prepared from RH. Namburi Phased spot test (NST) study was done to check the quality of prepared drugs. Loss on drying, extractive values, ash values was performed over the said two arsenic containing drugs. Sophisticated instrumental analysis like XRD, TEM, TGA, DTA, EDAX, AAS, etc. were studied to understand the crystal profiles, particle size, thermo stability, chemical microanalysis, trace elemental analysis of the drugs respectively. Results: XRD analysis of both RM and RH showed that they were comparatively amorphous in their structure. RH contains trace amount of lead which was confirmed by AAS analysis. TEM Image of HB showed that average particle size is 100nm. It is highly irregular in shape and is homogeneously distributed. While in the case of RM, images revealed that it is highly agglomerated to form small globules. Particles size is about 200nm. EDAX analysis revealed that RH contains Arsenic and Sulphur with wt% of Arsenic is 72.04% and sulphur is 27.96%. In HB wt % of Arsenic is 58.69% and sulphur is 11.69%. RM contains 41.77% wt % of Arsenic and 15.81% of sulphur. Both RM and HB also contain oxygen, carbon, silicon, etc. The DTA plot showed two endothermic peaks in the range of 300 to 600oc in the three samples of RH, HB and RM. Conclusion: Thus an attempt has been made for creating a comparative database of two such drugs by the incorporating modern analytical methods. It can be concluded that there were minimal comparative differences found in the HB and RM but HB showed better results from the standardization point of view.
Tal sindoor: an in vivo study
Authors:   PG Scholar, P.G Department of Rasashastra, JSS Ayurveda Medical College, Alanahalli, Mysore, Karnataka-570028, India, Srilakshmi Dasari , Anand T. ,   Scientist ‘E’, Biochemistry and Nano sciences Discipline, Defence Food Research Laboratory, Siddarthanagar, Mysore, Karnataka-570011, India, Khanum Farhath ,   Scientist ‘F’, Biochemistry and Nano sciences Discipline, Defence Food Research Laboratory, Siddarthanagar, Mysore, Karnataka-570011, India
Published: February 2022

Tal Sindoor is one of Ayurvedic metallic preparations processed by Kupipakwa method (special processing). As per the present day scenario intake of formulations prepared with heavy metals like mercury and mineral compound like arsenic trisulphide are considered highly toxic. Tal Sindoor is prepared with Shuddh (purified) Parad (mercury), Gandhak (sulphur) and Haratal (arsenic trisulphide). With the myth that Rasoushadhis (metallic preparations) are toxic, the need for the study was persuade to elucidate the safety of diligently processed Tal Sindur at therapeutic dose prescribed in classics. Study was conducted for 14days on Wistar strain albino rats. Selected Wistar strain albino rats were divided into two groups. Group-I being vehicle control group, albino rats were administered with 0.5ml of compound consisting of 3 parts of de-ionized water and 2 parts of honey. Group-II rats were administered with 0.5ml of compound vortexes with test compound Tal Sindoor at therapeutic dose of 250mg/Kg/day in 3 parts of de-ionized water and 2 parts of honey. During or after the study either morbidity or mortality was not observed. Food and water intake, body weight, normal activity, behavioural changes and other toxicological changes were evaluated daily for both groups during administration of drugs. After the study haemotological, biochemical parameters, lipid-peroxidation and histopathological changes were evaluated for both the groups. Statistics of body weight and above mentioned parameters were not significant. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney revealed normal histology for both groups.
Exploration of some folk medicinal claims of Mizoram (India)
Authors:   North Eastern India Ayurveda Research Institute, Borsojai, Guwahati, Assam-781028 India, Bharali B. K. , Bora D. ,   North Eastern India Ayurveda Research Institute, Borsojai, Guwahati, Assam-781028 India, Baruah D. ,   North Eastern India Ayurveda Research Institute, Borsojai, Guwahati, Assam-781028 India, Bora T. ,   North Eastern India Ayurveda Research Institute, Borsojai, Guwahati, Assam-781028 India
Published: February 2022

India has rich diversity of medicinal plants. The tribal peoples in different parts of India use their traditional knowledge in their primary health care. This traditional system of medicine serves a large portion of rural population which is out of reach and infrequently intruded by modern health care system. Mizoram, one of the North eastern states of India positioned in extreme of Himalayan ranges is rich in flora and fauna. There is high prevalence of folk medicinal practice in the rural areas of the state. 14 such folk medicinal claims of herbal origin documented from Lunglei and Darlawn area of Mizoram have been presented in this study.
Pharmaceutical and analytical profiles of Savarnakara Yoga
Authors:   Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, I.P.G.T. & R.A., Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat-361008, India, Shingadiya Rahul , Joshi Krutika ,   Lecturer, Department of Dravyaguna, Shree V M Mehta Institute of Ayurved, Anandpar, Rajkot, Gujarat- 360003, India, Shukla VJ ,   Head, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, I.P.G.T. & R.A., Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat361008, India, Prajapati PK ,   Professor & Director, I.P.G.T. & R.A., Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat-361008, India
Published: February 2022

Background: Savarnakara Yoga is a herbo-mineral formulation mentioned in different Ayurvedic classics for management of shvitra. It contains Bakuchi (Psoralia corilifolia Linn.) and Haratala (Orpiment), which are well-known for their shvitrahara properties. But for better management and convenience, it was planned to convert the Lepa of Savarnakara Yoga into ointment form. Aim: To prepare Savarnakara Yoga in Lepa and ointment forms and develop their quality parameters. Materials and Methods: Lepa was prepared by using one part of Bakuchi Churna and one forth part of Ashudhdha Haratala (Orpiment) triturated with Gomutra (Cows’ urine); while Ointment was prepared using Siktha Taila as a base with the same ingredients of Lepa. Organoleptic and Physico-chemical analysis of raw drugs, intermediate and final products were carried out. Observations: Insignificant variations were found in organoleptic and physico-chemical profiles of both the forms of Savarnakara Yoga and showed alkaline nature due to Gomutra. Conclusion: Pharmaceutically, addition of Kalka remaining after Taila Paka gives more yield and better consistency to ointment. Analytical approaches used in the present study like Loss on Drying, Ash Value, Acid Insoluble Ash, Solubility, pH and percentages of Arsenic and Sulphur are useful in the quality control and standardization of Savarnakara Yoga.
Rare presentations of sarcoidosis
Authors:   Professor, Head of Department, Department of Emergency Medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Doiwala Jollygrant, Dehradun- 248140, Uttarakhand, India, Sharma Anita , Aswal Richa ,   Senior Resident, Department of General Medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Doiwala Jollygrant, Dehradun- 248140, Uttarakhand, India, Punetha Arpit ,   Junior Resident, Department of General Medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Doiwala Jollygrant, Dehradun- 248140, Uttarakhand, India, Pal Shilpa ,   Senior Resident, Department of General Medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Doiwala Jollygrant, Dehradun- 248140, Uttarakhand, India
Published: February 2022

Sarcoidosis affects multiple organs, forming non-caseating granulomas whose cause is unknown and can present with nonspecific features. The diagnosis requires involvement of two or more organs and the demonstration of noncaseating granulomas on biopsy. Non-specific clinical features make delay in diagnosis. It is for this reason that we report herein two cases, one who presented with abdominal pain due to panceratitis- hypercalcemia related and cause of which was sarcoidosis, second patient presented with generalised weakness and shortness of breath. Cases: First case: Thirty-two-year-old man with past history of H. pylori infection, significant weight loss, on and off fever for 1 year, seizures with recurrent bell’s palsy admitted with complaints of pain in abdomen, nausea and vomiting for 3 days. On evaluation his blood calcium level was raised causing pancreatitis which is very rare in sarcoidosis. Diagnosis of sarcoidosis was very challenging in this situation where chest radiograph was perfectly normal and HRCT thorax revealed multiple small nodules, lymphadenopathy and ILD. Lung biopsy revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation. After ruling out infectious and malignancy causes of hypercalcemia, the patient was diagnosed as sarcoidosis, treated with steroids, is still in follow up and is doing fine. Second case: Fifty-six-year-old female with past history of H- pylori infection, raised blood pressure, weight loss and underlying heart condition presented with complaints of itching all over body, generalised weakness and shortness of breath on exertion. Patient was wandering for treatment for past 1 year for her non-specific symptoms and was investigated in line of lymphoma in the past. On investigation she was found to have raised creatinine, calcium, calcitriol and anterior uveitis, probable diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made trial of steroids was given which showed slight improvement but she died due to cardiogenic shock. Conclusion: Sarcoidosis is usually underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed or lately diagnosed leading to loss of life which can be prevented. Pancreatitis in sarcoidosis is very rare and careful history, knowledge and investigation may be helpful in diagnosis of it.
A wandering spleen with hydatid cyst in 16 weeks pregnancy a rare combination- A case report with review of literature
Authors:   Presently, Professor, Department of General Surgery, ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad, Haryana. (Formerly, Professor, Department of General Surgery, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi)., Gupta Ashwani , Kumar Ashish ,   Formerly, PG Resident, Senior Resident, Department of General Surgery, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, Kashid Yatindra ,   Presently, Associate Professor and HOD, Department of General Surgery, ESI PGIMSR, Andheri, Mumbai. (Formerly, Associate Professor, Department of General Surgery, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Faridabad, Haryana.)
Published: February 2022

Wandering spleen is a rare clinical entity with less than 500 cases reported in literature, with incidence of less than 0.2%, characterised by presence of a spleen in a position other than of its normal i.e. left hypochondrium, due to hypermobility of spleen which result either from laxity or maldevelopment of its suspensory ligaments. Only few cases of wandering spleen with pregnancy have been documented in the literature. Echinococcosis (hydatid cyst) is a zoonotic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus parasite larva. Man is an accidental intermediate host in the life cycle of parasite. We report a rare case of a wandering spleen with a hydatid cyst, presenting with recurrent abdominal pain and abdominal mass with 16 weeks pregnancy.
A Comparative study for post-operative pain relief after lumbar epidural block using 0.2% Ropivacaine with two different doses of Ketamine for lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries
Authors:   Senior Resident All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, Aneejwal Himanshu , Singh Atul Kumar ,   Associate Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, Mathur S K ,   Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, uttar Pradesh, India
Published: February 2022

Background & Objective: By conducting this study our motive was to use a Local Anaesthetic like Ropivacaine which is very potent at lower doses and at the same time being less neurotoxic and cardiotoxic and having lower propensity of motor blockade. Simultaneously choosing an adjuvant like Ketamine which is non-opioid thus avoiding all opioid related side effects like respiratory depression,pruritis,nausea and vomiting. Our objective was to give lumbar epidural blockade with Ropivacaine (0.2%) with two different doses of Ketamine (0.3 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg) in all lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries and to observe onset and duration of analgesia, quality of post-operative analgesia, hemodynamic changes, side effects and complications. Methods: This prospective study was carried out involving randomly allocated 60 patients scheduled to undergo elective surgeries of lower abdomen and lower limb. They were randomly distributed into following groups of 30 each. The Group 1 and Group 2 patients were given 5ml (0.2%) Ropivacaine with 0.3 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg preservative free Ketamine via lumbar epidural catheter post operatively. The level of postoperative pain was assessed up to 48 hours(h) at intervals of 1h, 2h, 3h, 4h, 5h, 6h, 12h, 24h and 48h following surgery, using visual analogue scale (VAS). Whenever the VAS score was 4 or above epidural was charged accordingly. Results and Conclusion: In our present study the VAS score average was significantly lower in group 2 in which we administered 5ml (0.2%) Ropivacaine + 0.5 mg/kg Ketamine than group 1 in which we administered 5ml (0.2%) Ropivacaine + 0.3 mg/kg Ketamine at different intervals up to 48 hours. It was found that difference in mean VAS scores was significant only after 4 hours. In group 1 at 4 hours the average VAS score was 2.53±1.479. In group 2 at 4 hours the average VAS score was 1.23±2.112. We Concluded that adding Ketamine (Preservative free) to Ropivacaine(0.2%) improves the Post-operative pain outcome without any systemic side effects.
The quality of educational services of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences of Yazd from the viewpoint of medical stagers in 2021
Authors:   Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, Ayatollahi Jamshid , Tabatabaie Seyed Mohammad Amin ,   Medical Student, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, Sharifyazdi Mohammad ,   Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, Hamidfar Mahdie ,   Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, Shahcheraghi Seyed Hossein ,   Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Published: February 2022

Educational services, especially those provided in universities and higher education institutions, play a key role in the development of communities. In the university system, one of the elements that affect the quality of educational services is the student. Therefore, we decided to study the quality of educational services of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd among medical trainees in 2021. This study was descriptive-cross-sectional and the sampling method was census and all medical students of stager of Yazd Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in 2021 were included in the study. The data collection tool in this study was a two-part questionnaire. Finally, the collected data were entered into SPSS version 22, using statistical tests were analyzed. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean perception score in confidence and empathy based on gender. Also, a statistically significant difference was found between the mean perception score in the confidence dimension and responsiveness in terms of grade point average. There was a quality gap that indicates that students' expectations of the services provided are not met. To reduce these gaps, it is suggested that training workshops be held on how to provide services to employees.
The response of patients with TB to the treatment in Isfahan province
Authors:   Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, Ayatollahi Jamshid ,   Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, Heidari Faezehsadat ,   Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, Alame Seyedeh Mojgan ,   Medical Student, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, Hamidfar Mahdie ,   Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, Shahcheraghi Seyed Hossein ,   Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Published: February 2022

Tuberculosis is one of the well-known infectious diseases and one of the most important causes of mortality worldwide. Despite significant advances in medical science, the prevalence of tuberculosis in the world, especially in the developing countries as well as Iran, is significant. In this study, the response of patients with TB to the treatment in Isfahan province in september2014-september2019 has been evaluated. This study was as descriptive and cross-sectional. After submitting a questionnaire to the health center of Isfahan province, all the information about patients referring to this center. Studying the result of treatment of patients in terms of their sex showed that 419 cases (88.2%) of the men had successful treatment and 56 cases (11.8%) had failed treatment, and 356 cases (89.45%) of the women had successful treatment, and 42 cases (10.55%) had failed treatment. The results of treatment of none Iranian nationality patients based on positive sputum smear and negative sputum smear were evaluated. Out of 193 cases of positive sputum smear, 165 cases (85.5%) had successful treatment and 28 cases (14.5%) had failed treatment and, out of 73 cases of negative sputum smear, 56 cases (76.7%) were successful and 19 cases (23.3%) was failure to treatment. The results showed that the exact implementation of the defined strategy as well as following the treatment of none Iranian nationality patients are among the important factors in made the successful treatment in patient with pulmonary tuberculosis.