bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Approach of a Flying Ad-hoc Network for Smart Cities
Authors: Kumar Sudesh , Prajapati Mamtha , Rathore Neeraj Kumar , Anand Sanjay Kumar
Published: February 2023

Recently, a flying ad-hoc network (FANET) has been employed in modern warfare for monitoring and reconnaissance to produce a healthy living environment in smart cities through multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). FANETs allow multiple UAVs to communicate in 3D space to establish an ad-hoc network. FANET applications, among others, can deliver cost-effective services to help future smart cities achieve their goals. However, adopting FANET technology in smart cities is difficult due to its challenges from UAV mobility, energy, and security considerations. Therefore, this study analyzed the new trends and technologies of smart city research and proposes research directions through FANET. This chapter aims to look at FANET's possible applications in smart cities and the implications and issues that come with them. Furthermore, it also goes over the current state of recent enabling technologies for FANET in order.
FuzzyNet-Based Modelling Smart Traffic System in Smart Cities Using Deep Learning Models
Authors: Mall Pawan Kumar , Narayan Vipul , Pramanik Sabyasachi , Srivastava Swapnita , Faiz Mohammad , Sriramulu Srinivasan , Kumar M. Naresh
Published: February 2023

The current lockouts, climatic variations, population expansion, and constraints on convenience and natural resource access are some of the factors that are making the need for smart cities more critical than ever before. On the other hand, these difficulties may be conquered more effectively with the use of emerging technology. In smart cities, the number of cars on the road has skyrocketed over the years, resulting in severe problems such as gridlock, accidents, and a myriad of other issues. Increased travel time reliability, decreased congestion, more equitable distribution of green phase time, faster response to traffic conditions, timely assistance and support, and accurate prediction of traffic volumes, including timing adjustments for traffic signals; these are some of the benefits that can be achieved. It is possible that the current, conventional traffic management system isn't up to deal with the increased traffic congestion and traffic violations. Image processing is the foundation of the sophisticated traffic management system that is now in place.
E-Waste Control and Its Recycling to Build Sustainable Society in the Global Context
Authors: Jaiswal Swatantra Kumar , Mukti Suraj Kumar , Rath Kali Charan
Published: February 2023

Electrical and electronic equipment that has reached the end of its useful life produces e-waste for the society. It generates various problems for society sustainability. The time has come to take the remedial action for its preventive or recycle it for various usages. This chapter incorporates a correlation research of e-waste from distinct international locations and sufficiently illuminates the variables adding to the development of e-squander and its management structures. Accordingly, it gives reality to lower e-object usage at the customer facet and manipulates the estimate at the maker facet. Furthermore, it would be treasured by the leaders who are related to drafting India's future e-squander approach.
Digital Twins for Smart Grids
Authors: Musti K. S. Sastry , Tomar Geetam Singh
Published: February 2023

The development of smart energy systems using the principles of Industry 4.0 to energize smart cities is of significant interest. On the other hand, digital twin systems are gaining popularity as they are expected to provide greater insights into the design, development, and maintenance processes of complex systems. This chapter first presents various salient operational requirements in energizing the smart cities through renewable energies, virtual power plants, and demand side management technologies. The tenets of digital twins and Industry 4.0 are the key drivers in the developmental process of cyber physical energy systems. The chapter illustrates the process of replicating the twins—physical and virtual systems—to function in synchronization for effective management. The digital transformation process of developing cyber physical systems from the conceptual living labs to the fully functional digital twins is presented.
A Review on Energy Efficient Routing Protocols and Security Techniques for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Paruvathavardhini Jaganathan , Sargunam B. , Sudarmani R.
Published: February 2023

Nowadays Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are a very promising device to monitor environmental events, which are used in many application areas such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, air-water pollution, greenhouse, health monitoring, structural monitoring etc. Also, WSN needs effective and efficient way of collecting data from the area over which it is deployed, since the network consists of battery-operated nodes with limited energy. Improving the lifetime of WSN for continuous monitoring applications are very essential because of simple deployment, low installation cost, lack of cabling, and high mobility. The better energy conservation and reliable data transmission would be achieved in WSN by adopting efficient routing protocols for better and reliable communication. Also, security in data transmission in WSN is still a challenging task. Hence, a better way of encryption has to be computed to promote a reliable transmission between the nodes. In this paper discusses about different routing protocols which support energy efficiency and security techniques in WSN.
Metabolic Bone Disease in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Sharma Brij , Sharma Neetu , Bodh Vishal , Sharma Rajesh , Sharma Vineeta , Kumar Rajesh
Published: February 2023

Background:

Metabolic bone disease (MBD), including osteomalacia, osteopenia, and osteoporosis, is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is considered to be an extraintestinal manifestation. There is a paucity of reports on MBD in patients with IBDs from India. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of MBD in adult patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

Materials and Methods:

In this single–center, hospital–based, cross-sectional observational study, 161 consecutive patients of UC, between 18 and 70 years of age, were assessed for MBD with blood investigation (corrected serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, serum 25-hydroxy Vitamin D3, and parathyroid hormone levels) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

Results:

Out of 161 UC patients, 74 (46.0%) had Vitamin D deficiency. Osteopenia and osteoporosis of the neck of the femur on DEXA were seen in 39.7% and 11.2% of the patients, respectively. Osteopenia and osteoporosis of the lumbar spine on DEXA were seen in 33.5% and 15.5% of the patients, respectively.

Conclusion:

MBD is common in UC.
Knowledge and Attitude of MBBS Students Regarding Organ Donation
Authors: Parida Swayam Pragyan , Giri Prajna Paramita , Mohapatra Debjyoti , Sahu Dinesh Prasad , Patnaik Madhumita , Bhatia Vikas
Published: February 2023

Background:

The organ donation rate in India is much lower than the developed countries, which leads to long waiting for the recipient. Religious beliefs, misconceptions, and lack of awareness were a few of the reasons. The study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and attitude of undergraduate medical students regarding organ donation.

Methodology:

The study was conducted in a tertiary care center in eastern India from February to April 2019. A total of 285 undergraduate students were randomly selected and interviewed by using a pretested structured questionnaire. The data were entered and analyzed. Categorical data were presented as proportion or percentages.

Results:

Among the participants, 98.6% were aware of organ donation and television was the major source of knowledge for most of them. The participants were found to have a good knowledge regarding organ donation. However, their knowledge was poor regarding the legal framework. Despite knowledge, the attitude toward organ donation was poor among the students.

Conclusion:

Lack of complete knowledge among health-care providers and particularly doctors can affect the organ donation activity. In a country like India, where the organ donation rate is poor, health-care providers need to take initiative to encourage people. The subject of organ donation should be incorporated into the medical curriculum to improve the knowledge of medical students.
Effect of Antiretroviral Therapy on Lipid Profile in Newly Diagnosed HIV-Infected Children of Immune Stage III and IV
Authors: Singh Neelam , Garg Vijendra Kumar , Meena Rohitash , Sharma Rambabu , Gothwal Sunil
Published: February 2023

Background:

There are increasing concerns about the adverse effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on lipid profiles. Limited studies reported the adverse effects of HAART on lipid profiles from the Indian subcontinent.

Methods:

This observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in North Western India. The objective of the study was to find out the adverse effects on lipid profiles after HAART initiation in newly diagnosed HIV-infected children of immune stage III and IV in the 18 months to 16 year age group. These 43 children were evaluated every 3 months for lipid profile for 1 year.

Results:

There was a nonsignificant increase in total lipid and phospholipid levels and a statistically significant increase in triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels after initiation of HAART therapy and a statistically significant decline in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level after initiation of HAART therapy in immune phase III. The mean level of total lipid profile, phospholipids, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, and TGs before starting of treatment was 474 mg/dl, 147 mg/dl, 126.8 mg/dl, 44.7 mg/dl, 94.3 mg/dl, 22.9 mg/dl, and110 mg/dl in immune stage IV, respectively. After starting treatment, the mean level of total lipid profile, phospholipids, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, and TGs was 495.7 mg/dl, 164 mg/dl, 146.5 mg/dl, 38.9 mg/dl, 108.5 mg/dl, 28.9 mg/dl, and 127.3 mg/dl in immune stage IV, respectively. There was a statistically significant increase in total lipid, TG, phospholipid, cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL levels. There was a statistically significant decline in HDL level after initiation of HAART therapy in immune stage IV.

Conclusions:

We concluded that there was a significant alteration in lipid profile in HIV-infected children of immune stage III and IV with HAART.
Hues to Blow Away the Blues: Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Child Sexual Assault Victim
Authors: Malhi Prahbhjot , Bharti Bhavneet
Published: February 2023

In India, children are disproportionately affected by sex-related crimes, and nearly 40000 cases were reported under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act in 2018. Sexual assault is the most common trauma associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among young people. Children with preexisting vulnerabilities, such as family dysfunction, emotional abuse and neglect, disengagement in the education system, lack of positive attachments, and socioeconomic disadvantage are especially vulnerable to sexual abuse. In this case report, we highlight the successful use of creative art therapy to help a girl who developed PTSD after sexual assault by an adult male neighbor. Multifaceted prevention programs may be one way of reaching out to large numbers of families without stigmatizing any group.
Prevalence of Adjustment Disorder during COVID-19 in Northeast India: An Observational Study
Authors: Bala Renu , Srivastava Amit , Ningthoujam Gouri Devi , Potsangbam Thadoi , Anal Lily
Published: February 2023

Background:

The 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) aims to provide a new definition of adjustment disorder (AjD), which is one of the most frequently diagnosed disorders. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the mental health of people and the associated stressors could lead to AjD. The study aimed to investigate the AjD symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic based on the ICD-11 concept on a clinical sample.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between June 10, 2020, and August 9, 2020, among patients visiting the outpatient department of the authors’ institute. Prevalence rates of stressors due to COVID-19 and AjD were estimated using scale of the International AjD Questionnaire (IADQ).

Results:

The study enrolled 723 subjects and 638 subjects endorsed at least one psychological stressor. The IADQ algorithm showed that 25.24% (161) of subjects were suffering from AjD due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a mean score of 20.29 (standard deviation = 4.26) among them. The most common stressors were related to financial problems (81.03%), work problem (63.17%), and personal health problems (27.43%).

Conclusion:

The high proportion of AjD during COVID-19 in this study may reflect a need for specific interventions. Provision for health-care services for such individuals is essential to avoid other mental disorders in the future.
Quality of life among patients with obsessive compulsive disorder: Impact of stigma, severity of illness, insight, and beliefs
Authors: Kaur Ramandeep , Garg Rohit , Raj Rajnish
Published: February 2023

Background:

No Indian studies have evaluated the impact of stigma, severity, and insight on the quality of life in obsessive compulsive disorder.

Methods:

A hospital-based, cross-sectional, descriptive study on 100 patients of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, was conducted. Data were collected using socio-demographic performa, Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale (Y-BOCS), WHOQoL-Bref hindi, hindi stigma scale, and Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale (BABS) from March to June 2021. Appropriate statistical analyses were used.

Results:

A majority of patients were males (58%), married (65%), above matric pass (89%), and belonged to rural areas (62%). The total stigma score showed a significant negative correlation with overall QoL (P< 0.01**), overall health (P< 0.002**), satisfaction with physical health (P0.006**), psychological health (P< 0.01**), and social relations (P< 0.01**) on WHOQoL-Bref. Discrimination, disclosure, and positive aspect domains of the stigma scale also showed a significant negative correlation with many domains of QoL. Severity of illness showed a significant negative correlation with overall QoL (P0.045*), satisfaction with physical health (P< 0.01**), psychological health (P0.01**), social relations (P0.004**), and environment (P0.007**). Poorer insight on BABS was associated with poorer overall health (P0.04*), satisfaction with physical health (P0.001**), social relations (P0.03**), and environment (P0.009**). Stigma was significantly increased by higher severity of obsessions (P0.04*), compulsions (P0.007**), and total Y-BOCS score (P0.007**).

Conclusion:

Stigma and severity of OCD have a significant negative impact on quality of life. Stigma reduction and appropriate management of severity should be an integral part of management for patients with OCD.
Are vitamin D, B12, and folate deficiency associated with depressive disorder? A case-control study
Authors: Bharti Abhishek , Tevatia Manvir Singh , Prakash Jyoti , Yadav Arun Singh , Bajaj Swati
Published: February 2023

Background:

Depression is a global burden with complex etiopathogenesis. Some nutrients including vitamin D, B12, and folate deficiency have been considered risk factors for depression. Therefore, this study has been contemplated to find out the possible association of vitamin D, B12, and folate deficiency with depression.

Method:

This study included 81 case subjects with depression and 95 control subjects without any International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 diagnosis. The sociodemographic details were collected from each subject. Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered to identify the severity of depression. The blood samples were collected and measured for vitamin D, B12, and folate along with other laboratory investigations as per exclusion criteria. The data were obtained and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results:

The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) of the case and control subjects were 34.86 ± 9.25 and 33.49 ± 8.44, respectively, without any significant difference (P > 0.05). The subjects with vitamin D deficiency were found to have four times higher odds (OR 4.703; 95% CI = 2.378–9.300) for depression compared to subjects with sufficient vitamin D levels. In addition, there was a negative correlation between vitamin D levels and the severity of depression as per BDI scoring (r = -.384, P < 0.01). However, there was no significant association identified between the case and control group with respect to serum vitamin B12 and folate levels.

Conclusion:

The results of the study revealed that vitamin D deficiency has an association with depression. However, further research studies are needed to validate its correlation to the etiopathogenesis of depression.
Computational Intelligence in Otorhinolaryngology
Authors: Mathews Sunil , Dham Ruchima , Dutta Angshuman , Jose Asha Treesa
Published: February 2023

There have been major advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in the last few decades and its use in otorhinolaryngology has seen promising results. In machine learning, which is a subset of AI, computers learn from historical data to gather insights and they make diagnoses about new input data, based on the information it has learned. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of current applications, future possibilities, and limitations of AI, with respect to the specialty of otorhinolaryngology. A search of the literature was performed using PubMed and Medline search engines. Search terms related to AI or machine learning in otorhinolaryngology were identified and queried to select recent and relevant articles. AI has implications in various areas of otorhinolaryngology such as automatically diagnosing hearing loss, improving performance of hearing aids, restoring speech in paralyzed individuals, predicting speech and language outcomes in cochlear implant candidates, diagnosing various otology conditions using otoscopic images, training in otological surgeries using virtual reality simulator, classifying and quantifying opacification in computed tomography images of paranasal sinuses, distinguishing various laryngeal pathologies based on laryngoscopic images, automatically segmenting anatomical structures to accelerate radiotherapy planning, and assisting pathologist in reporting of thyroid cytopathology. The results of various studies show that machine learning might be used by general practitioners, in remote areas where specialist care is not readily available and as a supportive diagnostic tool in otorhinolaryngology setups, for better diagnosis and faster decision-making.
Review of Clinical and Hematological Profile of Hemoglobin D Cases in a Single Centre
Authors: Singh Neha , Seth Tulika , Tyagi Seema
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Hemoglobin D Punjab is a common hemoglobin D variant, which is essentially known to cause a mild disease even in homozygous state. Heterozygous state of hemoglobin D Punjab with sickle cell is the only presentation when a severe disease may be expected. We aim to study the spectrum of clinical and haematological profile of all case of haemoglobin D, reported at an apex referral centre of the country.

Material and Methods:

This is a record based retrospective study of cases of hemoglobin D Punjab from hematology OPD of a apex medical care centre. The clinical and hematological findings of 30 cases with genotype/phenotype of hemoglobin D Punjab were recorded from physical records and electronic data maintained at the institute. The cases were divided into homozygous Hb D Punjab, Double heterozygous hemoglobin S and D, Hemoglobin D-β–thalassemia, and Hemoglobin D trait.

Results:

The reported 30 cases consisted of 3 cases of homozygous Hb D Punjab, 8 cases of co-mutation of Hb D and beta thalassemia, 6 cases of co-mutation of Hb D with sickle cell and 13 cases of Hb D trait. All three cases of Hb D disease were mild to moderately symptomatic with co-existent splenomegaly. Out of the 8 cases reported of Hb D-β–thalassemia, three cases were found to have moderate anemia and one with severe anemia. The MCV of all participants were reduced, while, MCHC of all cases was within normal range. Among the 6 cases of compound heterozygous Hb D and S Disease two had hemolytic faces and three cases had splenomegaly. Blood transfusion was required by four out of six cases at varied frequency.

Conclusion:

We find the spectrum of symptoms presented by the cases of hemoglobin D Punjab is varied and few cases may require blood transfusion and medical care with follow up even in absence of heterozygous hemoglobin S inheritance.
High D-Dimer Level at First Incident Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism is a Predictor for Recurrence
Authors: S. Al-Eidan Fahad A. , Alotaibi Shaden A. , Almajid Hind M. , Alnahedh Taghreed A. , Abdel Gadir Abdel G.
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

Cancer is considered a major risk factor of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Whether the D-dimer level at first incident cancer-associated VTE can predict recurrence is not fully elucidated.

AIM:

The aim of this study was to assess the association between D-dimer level measured at first incident cancer-associated VTE and risk of recurrence.

METHODS:

In this study, the electronic records of all patients with first incident cancer-associated VTE were retrospectively retrieved and followed up for a period of 36 months. The measured levels of D-dimer and clinical predictors for each patient prior intervention were collected. Univariate and multivariant Cox regressions were fitted to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS:

A total of 73 (34.3%) of 213 cancer-associated VTE patients had recurrent VTE. The crude recurrence rate was 11.4/100 person-years (95% CI, 9.2–14.2). The mean value of D-dimer was significantly higher seen in recurrent VTE patients than those without recurrence (14.8 ± 7.5 mg/L vs. 4.8 ± 5.7 mg/L, P < 0.001). The highest positive likelihood ratio using area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve occurred when a D-dimer threshold of 8.67 mg/L was chosen. At this threshold, the D-dimer was 92% sensitive and 80% specific in predicting recurrent VTE. The area under the ROC curve was 0.924 (95% CI 0.887–0.960, P < 0.001). Patients with a D-dimer ≥8.67 mg/L at first VTE in our study were 3.1-fold more likely to have a recurrence than those with lower D-dimer results.

CONCLUSION:

A D-dimer ≥8.67 mg/L measured at the first incident cancer-associated VTE was associated with a 3.1-fold increased hazard of recurrence events. Our finding suggests that a low D-dimer level at the time of first cancer-associated VTE is suitable in the clinical practice to avoid extended-duration anticoagulation.
Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm
Authors: Quispe-Vicuna Carlos , Cabanillas-Lazo Miguel , Barja-Ore John , Mauricio-Vilchez Cesar , Guerrero Maria Eugenia , Munive-Degregori Arnaldo , Mayta-Tovalino Frank
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematological disease. There is an incidence. We aimed to evaluate the scientometrics characteristics of the scientific production on BPDCN between 2011 and 2020.

METHODOLOGY:

A cross-sectional and retrospective bibliometric study was performed. The search was executed in the Scopus database. Data were extracted based on a formula developed using thesaurus MeSH (Medline) and Emtree (Embase) terms. The retrieved papers received 11.2 citations per paper. Four of the ten most productive authors were from the United States. The institution with the highest impact (1064 citations) and the highest scientific output (46 papers) was the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (United States).

RESULTS:

The journal “Movement Disorders” rated first with 18 articles and 643 citations in terms of productivity and impact, and articles published in Q1 journals surpassed the remaining quartiles. The most cited articles had national collaboration. Conclusion the number of papers on BPDCN has been rising, yet journals with a higher quality tend to keep the similar publication rates, although they have shown a slight increase in the recent years.

CONCLUSIONS:

High-income countries' international collaboration is crucial for increasing publications impact; hence, greater collaborations between researchers and institutions from countries around the world are needed to expand knowledge on this subject.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Treatment Decisions of Patients Treated by Hematologists in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bahashwan Salem M. , Alahwal Hatem M. , Almohammadi Abdullah T. , Radhwi Osman O. , Khan Shahida A. , Barefah Ahmed S.
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

As on March 12, 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. Its rapid spread has posed major challenges to the management of health-care systems. Patients with hematological disorders, being immunocompromised in more ways than one, face a lot of challenges. Most of these patients require frequent visits to health-care facilities for transfusion support, infusions, surveillance, and follow-ups, which increase the risk of exposure and hence infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

AIM:

We assessed the impact of the pandemic on the decisions of hematologists in Saudi Arabia.

Method: An online survey was done through questionnaires, to understand the decisions and course of clinical treatments taken. 45 hematologist answered 20-questions structured questionnaires through online link.

RESULTS:

The majority of hematologist have used virtual clinics in managing patients and have delayed or canceled well visits. Although some hematologist delayed treatment in stable patients like autologous stem cell transplantation for myeloma patients, the majority did not delay induction or consolidation therapies for patients with leukemia with curative intent plans.

CONCLUSION:

The crisis brought along with it challenges and opportunities to improve patient care through research and clinical practice. Telemedicine was sought for supporting outpatients. Malignancies were taken care of, with due precautions. Observations of decisions of hematologists resulted in the patients still being closely followed up and urgent treatments being attended to. The hematologists expressed satisfaction with the use of telemedicine. Online consultations and monitoring of patients could probably be taken as an alternative resource in such situations.
Role of ultraviolet ray filters and antioxidants in the prevention of DNA damage and oxidative stress associated with phototherapy in jaundiced term neonates
Authors: Saad Ahmed S. M. , Elsaeed Gamila S. M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Phototherapy induces DNA damage by direct and indirect (oxidative) effects, which are prevented by ultraviolet (UV) filters and antioxidants.

Aim

Our goal was to assess DNA damage and oxidative stress associated with phototherapy and to prove the efficacy of UV filters and antioxidants for the prevention of DNA damage.

Patients and methods

The study included 160 jaundiced neonates who had been exposed to phototherapy for at least 48 h. The neonates were divided into four groups, 40 neonates in each group. The first (control) group received phototherapy only; the second group received antioxidants before and during phototherapy; the third group received phototherapy under an umbrella of UV filters; and the fourth group received phototherapy under both UV filters and antioxidants. DNA damage was assayed by the comet assay. Plasma total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status levels were also measured and then oxidative stress index was calculated for all the four groups before and 48 h after phototherapy.

Results

The first group showed significant DNA damage accompanied with severe deterioration in all oxidative stress parameters by about 19%; the second group showed a decreasing trend as regards DNA damage and oxidative stress parameter deterioration to about 9%; the third group showed a more decreasing trend than group II to about 5%; but on the other hand, the fourth group showed complete DNA protection from damage with no changes in oxidative stress parameters.

Conclusion

Phototherapy causes DNA damage that can be completely prevented by combined concurrent use of UV filters and antioxidants.
Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus infection in a rural area in Gharbia Governorate (Quotour District)
Authors: Abdallah Afaf M. , Atalla Asmaa O. , El-Demerdash Attia Taher , El-Kafas El Sayed A.-R.
Published: February 2023

Background

Egypt has the largest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the world with 11–14%. So, it is considered one of the most significant public health problems facing this country.

Aim

The aim was to estimate the prevalence of HCV infection in a rural area in Gharbia Governorate (Quotour District) and identify risk factors affecting the occurrence of hepatitis C infection in such an area.

Subjects and methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out in a rural area of Gharbia Governorate (Quotour District). A multistage random sample technique was used to recruit the calculated required sample (400), and a specially predesigned validated questionnaire sheet was the tool used for data collection in this study.

Results

The study revealed that the prevalence of HCV was 13%. The highest percentage of positive HCV infection was among participants aged more than 50 years old, females, unmarried, illiterate, unemployed, heavy smokers, diabetics, and HCV-positive family history. The risk factors of high positivity were in participants receiving clotting factors, and the most significant ones were reported in those visiting dental clinics. Sharing the same tools within the family was common in most participants, especially glucometer usage, which had a significant effect on positive cases.

Conclusion

The study revealed that HCV prevalence is 13% in Quotour District. Great attention should be paid to this district and other rural areas, and there should be an increase in awareness about HCV infection through health education programs and strict measures for infection control.
Study of serum level of insulin-like growth factor 1 in children with trisomy 21 in relation to age
Authors: Dawoud Heba , AbdEl-Azim Sahar , Mabrouk Maaly , El Sheikh Mai Rabei
Published: February 2023

Background

Down syndrome (DS) is a chromosomal disease in which all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21 is present. From the age of 6–9 months postnatal, endogenous growth hormone induces the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which has a significant influence on development. As a result, when growth hormone takes over as the primary regulator of development, the growth retardation associated with DS becomes more apparent.

Aim

The study’s purpose was to compare IGF-1 levels in children with DS to those in healthy children.

Patients and methods

This prospective cross-sectional research was conducted on 20 children with DS as the study group who attended the outpatient clinic of the Tanta University Pediatric Department’s Genetics Unit. Twenty healthy normal children with matched age and sex served as the control group. All included children were given a full history, clinical examination, and blood IGF-1 test.

Results

Serum levels of IGF-1 were considerably lower in children with DS (122 ± 83.3 ng/ml) when compared with healthy controls (169.4 ± 33.3 ng/ml). The median IGF-1 levels were significantly lower in the DS patient group (2–6 years) than that in the age group 7–12 years (60.4 vs. 153, respectively). IGF-1 was significantly positively correlated with age and BMI.

Conclusion

IGF-1 level in children with DS was substantially lower than that in healthy children, especially in the age group 2–6 years. Moreover, IGF-1 positively correlated with age and BMI.
Accuracy of transcerebellar diameter in comparison with biparietal diameter, femur length, and fetal kidney length in the sonographic assessment of gestational age in the third trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Haggag Amr G.A. , Hamisa Manal F.M. , Elsayed-Atallah Walid M. , Marie Safaa K.
Published: February 2023

Background

When gestational age (GA) cannot be calculated by the date of the last menstrual cycle or an early pregnancy ultrasound, the cerebellar diameter acts as an accurate predictor of GA in the fetus and a criterion against which other fetal parameters can be compared.

Aim

The aim of this work was to evaluate the accuracy of transcerebellar diameter (TCD) in comparison with biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL), and fetal kidney length in the determination of GA in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Patients and methods

This was a cross-sectional analysis performed at Tanta University Hospital on 200 singleton uncomplicated pregnant women. Fetal biometric measurements were taken using ultrasound, including TCD, BPD, FL, and fetal kidney length.

Results

The percentages of accurate assessment of GA within 3 days were as follows: of 200 patients, the TCD gave accurate assessment within 3 days in 120 (60%) patients, the BPD gave accurate assessment within 3 days in 90 (45%) patients, the FL gave accurate assessment within 3 days in 100 (50%) patients, and both right and left kidney lengths gave accurate assessment within 3 days in 100 (50%) patients.

Conclusion

The TCD is a reliable single parameter for the determination of GA in the third trimester of pregnancy. TCD is a most valuable tool in cases where other established biometric indices are difficult to obtain.
Application of infection-control guidelines in hemodialysis units in El Mahalla El Kobra, Gharbia Governorate
Authors: Amer Reham M. , Ali Gamalat M. , Atalla Asmaa O. , Saied Shimaa M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Application of infection-control precautions limits the occurrence of infections, which improves safety for hemodialysis patients.

Aim

To assess infection-control guidelines’ application and knowledge of healthcare providers regarding these guidelines in hemodialysis units.

Subjects and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at six hemodialysis units in EL Mahalla El Kobra, Gharbia Governorate, from September 2018 to December 2019. The study included all healthcare providers (physicians, nurses, technicians, and workers) in the studied units. Only 204 of them agreed to participate. A questionnaire sheet was developed and validated to collect background variables of the studied participants and their knowledge regarding infection-control guidelines. Also, observational checklists were used to evaluate the application of infection-control precautions by observing healthcare providers at initiation and termination of hemodialysis session.

Results

The majority of healthcare providers had good knowledge. The mean knowledge score was significantly higher among physicians and nurses who attended training courses. The application level of infection control was satisfactory regarding hemodialysis clinic, dialysis termination, and medication administration, whereas it was unsatisfactory regarding immunization and dialysis initiation. The deficient hospital resources were the main barrier for application.

Conclusions

The majority of the studied healthcare providers had good knowledge, but application of infection-control precautions was unsatisfactory regarding immunization of healthcare personnel and dialysis initiation. The main barrier to application was a lack of hospital resources. Training courses specific in infection control in hemodialysis units are recommended, with routine supervision of the staff’s practices.
Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on indirect hyperbilirubinemia (nonhaemolytic and haemolytic) in neonates treated with phototherapy
Authors: Ali Dawood Sally M.S. , El-Sharkawy Hamed M. , Elsisi Alaa E.E. , Hamam Sarah A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Hyperbilirubinemia is a global problem in neonates. Classic management for indirect neonatal hyperbilirubinemia includes phototherapy and exchange transfusion. Phototherapy shows disadvantages, and exchange transfusion is related to significant morbidity.

Aim

To assess the added role of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in reducing unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in neonates undergoing phototherapy.

Patients and methods

Our randomized controlled trial was performed on neonates with hyperbilirubinemia who needed phototherapy and were admitted to the neonatal care unit at Tanta University Hospital from May 2017 to March 2019. A total of 120 neonates were randomly divided into four groups: group A (n=30), which included neonates with nonhemolytic indirect hyperbilirubinemia who received UDCA 10 mg/kg/day beside the usual phototherapy; group B (n=30), which included neonates with isoimmune hemolytic indirect hyperbilirubinemia who received UDCA 10 mg/kg/day, besides the usual phototherapy; group C (n=30), which included neonates with nonhemolytic indirect hyperbilirubinemia who received phototherapy only; and group D (n=30), which included neonates with isoimmune hemolytic indirect hyperbilirubinemia who received phototherapy only. The total serum bilirubin (TSB) was determined every 24 h till being less than 10 mg/dl.

Results

TSB was significantly decreased in group A compared with group C (P<0.05). However, TSB was comparable in groups B and D (P>0.05). Duration of phototherapy was significantly shorter in groups A and B compared with groups C and D (P<0.05).

Conclusion

UDCA shows a beneficial added role in the treatment of neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia, particularly in the nonhemolytic type.
Pre-emptive analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block versus transversus abdominis plane block in laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Amer Dina A. , Abo Elnasr Lobna M. , Ezz Hoda A. , Abdullah Mohammed A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block creates satisfactory somatic analgesia at T6–L1 with minimal or no visceral blockade, whereas quadratus lumborum block (QLB) provides somatic and visceral analgesia of the whole abdomen.

Aim

To compare the efficacy of QLB with TAP block in controlling pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Patients and methods

A total of 70 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II, aged 18–50 years, who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were allocated into two groups: group I (subcostal TAP block) and group II (lateral QLB).

Results

Pain scores were lower in group II compared with group I at 4, 6, 8, and 10 h postoperatively. The time of first rescue analgesia was prolonged in group II in comparison with group I. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure showed insignificant differences between the two groups intraoperatively. However, there was a significant decrease in heart rate and mean arterial pressure in group II compared with group I at 4, 6, 8, and 10 h postoperatively. There was no reported local anesthetic toxicity or technique-related complication in the two groups.

Conclusion

Bilateral ultrasound-guided QLB was more effective than bilateral ultrasound-guided subcostal TAP block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with prolonged postoperative analgesia and less pethidine consumption.
Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Uptake of Regenerative Agriculture Technologies in the Dry-lands of Embu County, Kenya
Authors: Otara Elvin Nyaboe , Mogaka Hezron Rasugu , Ndirangu Samuel Njiiri , Mugwe Jayne Njeri
Published: February 2023

This study evaluated socioeconomic factors influencing the uptake of regenerative agriculture technologies in the dry lands of Embu County. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 400 farm households. Multivariate Probit model (MVP) and percentage were used to analyse the data. The findings of the study indicate that several socioeconomic factors including farming experience, farm size, main occupation, off-farm activities, age, gender, marital status and education level influenced the uptake of various regenerative agriculture technologies. Government and other inventors should take these factors into consideration while making decisions and formulating policies to support the dissemination and uptake of agricultural innovations.
Prevalence and Consequences of Insecurity on Livelihood of Rural Households in Enugu State: Implication for e-Extension in Nigeria
Authors: Oduehie ThankGod Chijioke , Ifenkwe Godwin. E. , Shu’aibu Hajara , Adolphus Gold
Published: February 2023

The study investigated the prevalence and consequences of insecurity on livelihoods of rural households in Enugu State, Nigeria. A three-stage random sampling technique was used to select a total of 108 respondents from nine communities for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed with mean and percentages. The study revealed that looting of farm produce (54.6%), communal fights (76.9%), armed robbery (51.9%), rape (50.7%), kidnapping (58.3%) and cultism (65.7%) were the forms of insecurity prevalent in the study area. The result further reveals that poor road network (𝑥̅ = 3.3), corruption (𝑥̅ = 3.2), poor security system (𝑥̅ = 3.2), absence of basic infrastructural facilities (𝑥̅ = 3.2), feeling of marginalization (𝑥̅ = 3.1), grazing on arable cropland (𝑥̅ = 3.1), rural poverty (𝑥̅ = 3.1) and high level of rural unemployment (𝑥̅ = 3.1) were perceived to be immediate causes of rural insecurity Loss of livelihoods/income (𝑥̅ = 3.5), loss of lives (𝑥̅ = 3.4), disruption of supply and distribution of agricultural inputs and outputs (𝑥̅ = 3.4), destruction of crops (𝑥̅ = 3.3), displacement of households (𝑥̅ = 3.2), prevention of farming activities (𝑥̅ = 3.1) and decline in patronage of commercial riders (𝑥̅ = 3.1) were the major consequences of rural insecurity. Insecurity had negative consequences on the rural livelihoods in Enugu State, and thus, efforts should be made by security agencies in reduction or curbing occurrences of insecurities in the State.
Research, Direct Construction form Optical Characteristics – OCR using Department Technology
Authors:   Faculty of Fundamental Science, Van Lang University, 69/68 Dang Thuy Tram Street, Ward 13, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam., Son Ly Hai , Minh Nguyen Thu Nguyet ,   Faculty of Fundamental Science, Van Lang University, 69/68 Dang Thuy Tram Street, Ward 13, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. ORCID ID: 10000-0001-5103-2553, Dong Tra Van ,   Faculty of Fundamental Science, Van Lang University, 69/68 Dang Thuy Tram Street, Ward 13, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Published: February 2023

Optical character recognition – using a deep learning technique that describes an overview of optical character recognition, the basic steps in the optical character recognition problem. At the same time, the thesis introduces in detail the Long short term memory (LSTM) deep learning method and its application in optical character recognition. Through testing on a dataset of 10,000 license plate photos, the thesis showed that the application of the LSTM method is quite effective in optical character recognition.
Discourse on the Application of Zero Sentences as Imposition of Criminal Sanctions in Indonesia
Authors:   Law of Faculty Lampung University, Indonesia, Fathonah Rini , Kusworo Daffa Ladro ,   Law of Faculty Lampung University, Indonesia, Khaliza Fauzi Maghfira Nur ,   Law of Faculty Lampung University, Indonesia
Published: February 2023

The verdict is still rarely known by the people of Indonesia. The question in society is why judges do not add punishment to perpetrators of criminal acts who have been proven valid and guilty of committing crimes. The implementation of zero sentences is still a problem in law enforcement in Indonesia. The reason is because, a zero sentence is not included in the type of punishment mentioned in Article 10 of the Criminal Code. The research method used is normative juridical which is carried out by studying, viewing and examining legal regulations such as the Criminal Code and Circular Letter Number 1 of 2022 concerning the Enforcement of the Formulation of the Results of the 2022 Supreme Court Chamber Plenary Meeting. The results of the study show that the application of the Zero Sentence in Indonesia certainly creates problems, namely two different opinions, if the defendant has been sentenced to a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, so if there are other cases a Zero Verdict is required, especially since there is SEMA No. 1 of 2022.
The Effect of Career Development, Job Demands and Job Resources on Employee Performance with Job Satisfaction as Intervening Variables and Knowledge Sharing as Moderating Variables at Pt Pramana Artha Raharja
Authors:   Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Adi Maheswari Made Rekma , Mujanah Siti ,   Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Sumiati Sumiati ,   Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya
Published: February 2023

The aim of this research is to analyze and interpret the effect of career development, job demands and job resources on employee performance with job satisfaction as an intervening variable and knowledge sharing as a moderating variable at PT Pramana Artha Raharja. This study used a population of 100 employees who had worked at PT Pramana Artha Raharja. The saturated sample technique was used in the research so that the final sample size was 100 respondents. Data analysis in this study used SmartPLS version 3.0. The results in this study of the variables career development, job demands and job resources have no significant effect on job satisfaction, then the variables career development, job demands and job resources have no significant effect on employee performance while the variable job satisfaction has no significant effect on employee performance. Then the knowledge sharing variable has no effect on moderating the relationship between career development, job demands and job resources on employee performance
Parent-Teacher Partnership and its Effect on Students’ Numeracy Skills
Authors:   Calatrava National High School- Malanog Annex, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, Philippines, Mahilum, II Roel J. , Bearneza Francis Jose D. ,   Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, Talisay City, Negros Occidental,Philippines
Published: February 2023

This study focused on the effect of parent-teacher partnership in improving students' numeracy skills in Grade 7 in Calatrava National High School- Malanog Annex. The participants of this study are the two sections of Grade in Calatrava National High School-Malanog Annex. The participants are selected using purposive sampling. In this sampling method, only the underachievers are chosen as participants. One section was assigned to the experimental group, and the other was to the control group. The students' numerical grades in the 2nd and 3rd quarters served as the basis for their numeracy skills; students were given four written compositions created by the researcher and four performance challenges. The instrument used in data-gathering underwent validity testing. Three experts in the field of Mathematics were asked to evaluate the content of the researcher-constructed written works and performance tasks. They rated it using the criteria of Good and Scates. The statistical tools used for the data treatment are mean, and an independent sample t-test was used. The findings revealed that the level of numeracy skills before and after the control group and experimental group is interpreted as average (80-84). Results also show no significant difference between the level of numeracy skills of the control and experimental group before the intervention. After the intervention, the control group's level of numeracy abilities significantly differed from that of the experimental group. This shows that the parent-teacher intervention relationship enhances students' numeracy abilities.