bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Student Voice Recordings to Aid Teacher Reflection and Improve Online Teaching Practice
Authors: Burden Peter
Published: July 2022

In this investigation set in the first year of the COVID-19 outbreak, a snapshot of Japanese university student opinions from a general perspective of learning online about their specific viewpoints of their English-speaking class is sought. While one hopes the pandemic threat will soon be a memory, teachers must remember the probable future need for subsequent iterations of ERT which necessitates reflection on and change in a teacher's skill set. After outlining the importance of the reflective teaching cycle and its use to justify the teaching approach, the considerations of the choice of mechanisms for teaching communicatively in a remote setting in five classes at a national university in Japan are reported. Then, the views, insights, and suggestions for improvement on online learning analyzed from audio voice recordings submitted by 103 learners are discussed. What students' specifically liked and disliked about the teaching approach used and their suggestions for improvement are discussed. Finally, some classroom implications for future practice are outlined.
Extreme Precipitation Events in Chile
Authors: Lozano-Parra Javier , Garrido Velarde Jacinto , Aguirre Ignacio
Published: July 2022

Extreme precipitation has not only detrimental effects on ecosystems and social and economic sectors, but it is a natural hazard that can trigger floods or soil erosion. This study tries to analyze the extreme rainfalls on different geomorphological units and geographical regions of Chile. For this, data from 87 meteorological stations latitudinally and altitudinally distributed and covering a long period (1980–2018) were used. Results showed that precipitation concentration displays an exponential curve where 30% of the rainiest days were concentrated in only 10% of days with precipitation, proving high irregularity. The decisive weight on annual precipitation falls on a few rainy days with very high rainfall amounts. For return periods > 100 years, extreme events of daily precipitation could reach 109 mm and 305 mm in Northern and Southern Andes Mountains, respectively, while in Northern and Southern Central Depression, their values could be 70 mm and 170 mm, respectively.
Reservoir Time-Series Filling From Remote Sensing Data in the Central Valley, Chile
Authors: Aguirre Ignacio , Lozano-Parra Javier , Garrido Velarde Jacinto
Published: July 2022

Reservoirs play a fundamental role in the hydrological planning of the central valley of Chile as they provide water for human and animal consumption, energy generation, and crop irrigation, especially during the summer season. In agriculture, reservoirs represent a significant source to keep the food security standard for more than half of the population of the country. The water management plans need complete records of their volume to calculate rules of operation or future scenarios; however, currently, these time series include gaps that do not allow better analysis, which increases uncertainty. To address this, the authors test a methodology to assess Sentinel 2 imagery through normalized difference water index (NDWI). The results correctly represent the temporality and seasonality of reservoir dynamics; however, the magnitude of the changes is not well represented when the reservoir is delivering water. This research allows more data-based planning of water resources in the central zone, contributing to better decision-making and more efficient water management.
Environmental Analysis of Azerbaijan and Its Development
Authors: Balakishiyev Bahruz
Published: July 2022

The purpose of local environmental programs of municipalities is to involve the entire local population in the solution of environmental issues that are not provided for in the state environmental programs or in addition to them. These programs include measures to maintain the existing ecological balance in the local environment; greening and landscaping of the municipality; collection, transportation, neutralization, processing, and other issues in this area; protection of water, air, and land from all kinds of pollution together with neighboring municipalities, implementation of environmental measures, and other measures of local importance.
Analysis of the Quality of Vegetation on the Island of Palma (Spain)
Authors: Naranjo Gómez José Manuel , Garrido Velarde Jacinto
Published: July 2022

Natural resources are of vital importance in any territory. This is the case of the ultra-peripheral and low-density region such as the island of Palma, where the vegetation is enormously rich and varied, and also together with the water plays a transcendental role in the sustainability of the island. For this reason, the quality of the vegetation and its spatial distribution on the island were analysed. The water content in plants and soils was also determined. These objectives could be met using images from the Landsat satellite and the management of this raster information with a geographic information system. From the results obtained according to the spatial distribution, contrasts were identified between areas of the island where there was vegetation with great vigorousness and abundant water content, concerning others with vegetation of worse quality and lower water content.
Analysis of Productivity and Participation Relationship in Performance
Authors: Tural Jabbarov , Ozrecberoglu Nurdan
Published: July 2022

Performance is a multidimensional concept and only multiple indicators can evaluate it as a whole. The main purpose of the study is to discuss the variables that can evaluate the business performance as a whole with different aspects, the factors that can affect these variables, and the relationships between them. This study was carried out using quantitative and qualitative methods in order to find answers to questions such as how the performance of employees in enterprises is measured, which methods are used, who is employed as performance evaluators in enterprises, which mistakes are made due to performance evaluators, and the attitude of the employees whose performance is evaluated. The study is a descriptive and descriptive qualitative case study; the data were structured with a questionnaire form and provided with semi-structured face-to-face interviews and document review and analyzed with a descriptive analysis approach.
Carrying a Double Load
Authors: Dunlap Shekema S.
Published: July 2022

Navigating academic spaces is challenging for first-generation college students, particularly for Black women doctoral students who produce decolonizing research at historically White institutions. For these Black women scholars, the workload is doubled. While learning to conduct research, Black women scholars must also survive the hidden curriculum of hegemonic academia while simultaneously doing the emotional labor of leading their committees towards an understanding and respect for Black women's intersectionality and its impacts on Black women scholars' ways of knowing. This chapter is an autoethnographic counternarrative of one Black woman doctoral student's endeavor to design and conduct Endarkened feminist research that honors the sacred, revolutionary work of Black classroom teachers. Consequently, this chapter aims to inspire more decolonized research and suggest meaningful ways that higher education institutions can support decolonizing researchers.
Monitor and Adjust
Authors: Moye Shallegra
Published: July 2022

Black women navigating historically White institutions of higher education toward liberation has been and will likely remain a site of contestation. The contestation is in part due to institutional performance of equity and justice. The purpose of this chapter is to explain and explore the experiences of a Black woman navigating the performance of equity and justice in academe considering key factors in her socialization and formative professional experience. The key factors of socialization are Christian faith, the STRONGBLACKWOMAN, and undeveloped critical consciousness. The author utilizes frameworks of institutionality, intersectionality, and Christian faith to discuss her experiences within academe through a phenomenological approach. The author shares what she found to be most effective on her journey toward liberation. Fundamentally, this chapter is written to validate the experiences and serve as a guidepost on the journey of other Black women navigating historically White institutions toward their own liberation.
Wading Through Water
Authors: Reid Erica Kristina , Matute-Chavarria Monique , Gray Pamela
Published: July 2022

This chapter addresses the experiences of three female faculty of color throughout the pandemic. The authors challenge the linear narrative associated with progression through doctoral programs, entering higher education and progressing towards tenure track through the use of counternarratives. The chapter applies a critical race theoretical lens to deconstruct the multilayered intersectionality a part of academia when women of color enter spaces centered in hegemonic, white, male-dominated practices. The chapter concludes with a recognition of where the journey for faculty of color is today and strategies to continue while grappling with Black fatigue.
Teaching While Black, Oh and a Woman
Authors: Logan Stephanie R.
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this chapter is to draw attention to the intersection of racism and sexism in the life of a Black woman teacher educator and how these systems operated to disempower her. The chapter highlights research on the experiences of Black women in higher education and chronicles the author's personal story of pedagogy and practice as a Black women teacher educator. The chapter also details how she navigates societal oppression within the classroom and how her work reflects social justice pedagogy where oppression is examined and challenged through professional risk-taking. While conservative norms serve as a means to marginalize her experience, the author documents how she navigates systems of oppression and how she continues to survive as she pushes against the status quo and towards personal and professional liberation. The hope is that in sharing this autoethnographic counternarrative, readers will gain insight into the systemic and microaggressive experiences of Black women teacher educators who seek to make the academy a more inclusive place.
When “Karen” Is Your Colleague
Authors: Smith Alexanderia T. , George Rebecca A.
Published: July 2022

This chapter will provide a case study (loosely based on the authors' experiences) that depicts a Black woman, Dr. Jackie, who works in a predominantly white university setting and her experiences with “Karens.” Three different scenarios will be presented within the case study to describe the interactions between the “Karens” and Dr. Jackie. The thought process and emotions that Dr. Jackie experiences after each interaction will be described in detail, as she attempts to brainstorm different ways to address the situation. The chapter will culminate with Dr. Jackie's determination to strategize a plan of action for creating a more serene work environment for herself.
Rethinking School Principals' Leadership Practices for an Effective and Inclusive Education
Authors: Alkaabi Ahmed M. , Abdallah Asma Khaleel , Badwy Hosam R. I. , Badawy Hesham R. I. , Almammari Suhair A.
Published: July 2022

School leadership plays a central role in creating an inclusive learning environment that provides opportunities for students with disabilities to thrive. This chapter will shed light on the historical background of schools as they shifted to embrace inclusion and outline the key challenges that impeded school leadership from reaching full-bodied inclusive schools. To that end, this chapter will include an overview derived from the literature regarding the most imperative leadership practices that principals need to possess in order to facilitate the inclusion of students with disabilities into mainstream education: (1) demonstrating basic knowledge of special education, (2) building collaborative structures and processes to work together with students' interests at heart, and (3) embodying positive attitudes and beliefs toward special education. At the end of the chapter, the authors will provide key lessons, recommendations, and possible implications for improving leadership preparation.
Tapering Malicious Language for Identifying Fake Web Content
Authors: N. Shyamala Devi , K. Sharmila
Published: July 2022

The neoteric occurrence, the pandemic, and global crisis entails the extensive use of web portals to unfurl information. While this has built the cognizance of the common man, the infinitely unnoticed enumeration of malicious content on the web has escalated copiously. Spurious data and fake information has done more harm than what is actually unraveled to the public; however, scrupulously meticulous measures to agonize their source and delve into mitigating these data has become quite a challenge. This indignation delves into step-wise analysis of identifying the hoax through systematically programmed algorithms using natural language processing.
Anonymous Trading on the Dark Online Marketplace
Authors: Vyas Piyush , Vyas Gitika , Chauhan Akhilesh , Rawat Romil , Telang Shrikant , Gottumukkala Madhu
Published: July 2022

Advancement in technology provides numerous solutions to not only legitimate businesses but to illegal trades as well. Selling substances, drugs, and prohibited merchandise and goods on the internet comes under illegal trading. The internet we surf is merely a thin layer of this deeply rooted miraculous mechanism of connecting the world. The dark web is the part of the deep web that utilizes the internet to flourish the illicit intentions of trading illegal items, thereby fostering the ongoing societal devastation. This chapter is exploring anonymous trading on the dark online marketplace using the Silkroad 2.0 dataset. This work aims to analyze the various aspects of dark e-commerce trading and highlight different themes used for trading illicit drugs on Twitter by performing the thematic analysis using Latent Dirichlet Allocation unsupervised machine learning with a 0.44 coherence score. The findings have shown that developed countries are participating in illegal trading, and teenage schoolgoers can be victims of social media drug trading.
The Influence of Determinant Factors on Foreign Direct Investments
Authors: Iuga Iulia Cristina
Published: July 2022

The chapter aims both to analyze and interpret the determinants of foreign direct investment by conducting an analysis on the actual member countries of the European Union over the period 2005-2019. The chapter consists of three parts: 1) the role and importance of FDI and theories related to FDI, 2) the evolution of FDI in the member countries of the EU, and 3) the determinants of FDI: a case study on the influence of determinant factors on foreign direct investment. Given that FDI is significant in terms of economic growth and represents an important feature of the economy, the author has decided to analyze the factors that could influence FDI. The selected factors are trade freedom index, economic freedom, trade balance, exports and imports, governmental debt, fiscal freedom index, financial freedom index, inflation, unemployment rate, and labor freedom index. The analysis will be performed on the member countries of the European Union and the sample period is 2005-2019.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
Authors: Khalid Ijaz
Published: July 2022

The chapter consists of highlighting how CPEC initiated and linked China to the Arabian Sea by the shortest route through Pakistan. The chapter then elaborates Chinese and Pakistani relations in detail started from the birth of the PRC to the current joint venture of CPEC. This part of the work also covers Beijing's short- and long-term interests for they invest billions of dollars in the war torn state of Pakistan. Firstly, it defines CPEC in the contour of BRI that covers the regions of Asia, Africa, and Europe including more than 64 countries of these regions with investment of trillions of dollars to maintain the Chinese economic growth that has lasted for three decades. Secondly, with special reference to CPEC, PRC expects the shortest route to connect Kashghar with the Indian Ocean and permanently put an end to the Malacca dilemma. Thirdly, the study identifies Pakistan as a strong counter actor to India. Finally, it explains their political, diplomatic, economic, and strategic interests associated to the flagship project.
Do the Belt and Road Initiative and Chinese Investments Promote Moroccan FDI in African Countries?
Authors: Ait Soussane Jihad , Mansouri Zahra
Published: July 2022

This chapter analyzes the role played by Chinese investment within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in promoting outward FDI from Morocco to African countries. The authors used panel data of 29 African countries from 2004 to 2021 and robust weighted least squares (RWLS) with m-estimation and Welsch function. The empirical results confirmed that inflows of Chinese FDI attract Moroccan FDI outflows in African countries because of the signal effect that these countries are “good locations” for investment. Secondly, the authors found that joining the BRI affects Moroccan FDI positively in African countries due to the commitment of these countries to improve their institutional quality related to the protection of property rights and enforcement of contracts. Finally, the findings suggest that Chinese FDI inflows and the BRI moderate positively the effect of infrastructure (transport, ITC, etc.) on the attraction of Moroccan FDI in African countries.
Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on the Countries of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe
Authors: Mitrašević Mirela , Pjanić Miloš Radoslav
Published: July 2022

This research analyses the results of the Belt and Road Initiative in 17 Central, Eastern, and Southeastern European countries that signed the China-Central and Eastern European Countries Initiative. The subject of the research is the extent to which the initiative would provide benefits for the growth and development of these countries. Special attention will be paid to the link between infrastructure development and FDI, and whether environmental standards are taken into account in the projects belonging to the domain of the Initiative. The authors analyse which areas of economy belong to Chinese investments in the selected countries, and whether the countries have taken into account strategically important investments for the society and the country's economy. One of the goals of the research will be whether in the previous period the countries regularly settled their debts to China and how the COVID-19 crisis has had an impact on debt repayment.
Study and Comparison of Different Routes to Synthesize Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Fernandez-Martinez Rodolfo , Gomez-Mancebo M. Belén , Bonales Laura J. , Maffiotte Cesar , Quejido Alberto J. , Rucandio Isabel
Published: July 2022

The feasibility of graphene oxide (GO) obtained by both Hummers and Tour method to prepare reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as well as chemically reduction under different experimental conditions were evaluated with the objective of establishing the key items that should be considered when performing the synthesis of GO and rGO. This key items can be supportive to select the most feasible methodology to synthesize GO and rGO depending on the future application. Reduced graphene oxide was prepared by combining chemical and solvothermal as well as combined reduction adding a final thermal annealing step. Obtained GO and rGO were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS and BET analysis. A higher oxidation degree was achieved for samples from Tour method than those oxidized by Hummers method. On the contrary, lower oxidation degree from Hummers graphene oxide (GO-H) facilitates the subsequent reduction process, leading to a higher reduced rGO. Hence, rGO samples obtained from the Hummers method in the different reduction treatments presented higher C/O atomic ratios than the corresponding Tour method. In addition, the combination of a solvothermal treatment and chemical reduction, including a final annealing stage, increases significantly the value of the C/O ratio as well as it contributes to decrease the defect density and the restoration of π-conjugated structure. Besides, rGO samples obtained from Tour method presented higher SSA and pore volume than those samples obtained from Hummers method. Results from this study suggest the suitability of Tour graphene oxide (GO-T) for chemical functionalization which is very useful for several applications. In addition, GO and rGO coming from Tour method are more appropriate to applications in which high surface area is required. Taking into account the vast possible applications for chemically-exfoliated graphene the findings of this study could help to select the best method for oxidising graphite depending on the intended application.
Electronic Properties and Band Gaps of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Using π Orbitals Tight-Binding Model: A Comparative Study with Ab Initio Density Functional Theory
Authors: Takassa Rabi , Farkad Omar , Ibnouelghazi El Alami , Abouelaoualim Driss
Published: July 2022

Semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have already emerged as a promising candidate for molecular electronics and photovoltaic applications including solar cells. Any application of semiconducting SWCNTs is primarily related to proper information about its bandgap. In this work, the impact of the chirality indices and diameters of a series of armchair and zigzag SWCNTs on the electronic properties (band gap, electronic band structure and density of states (DOS)) are investigated using semi-empirical π orbitals tight-binding (TB) method. The results indicate that the electronic behaviour of the nanotubes changes according to chirality, the total number of electronic sub-bands gets increased when the chirality increases and Van Hove singularities (VHs) appear in its electronic DOS. We have found that for small diameter tubes (less than 0.8 nm), the calculated band gaps don’t agree with DFT calculations based on ab-initio (LDA and GGA) methods, which shows that the semi-empirical TB method including π orbitals only is not sufficient to give a reasonable description of small nanotubes. All Obtained results are in good agreement with previous studies. Semiconducting SWCNTs used in this study are particularly well-suited for the nanoelectronic devices and optoelectronic applications with their direct bandgap and optical transitions, while metallic SWCNTs are considered to be ideal candidates for variety of future nanoelectronic applications such as nanocircuit interconnects and power transmission cables.
Controlled Mass Transportation on Nanotubes by Strain and Thermal Gradient: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Zhang Ren Liang , Li Song Yuan , Li Yao Long , Wang Mei Fen
Published: July 2022

According to the motion style, a nanomotor can be classified into linear nanomotor and rotary nanomotor. Nanomotors, as the core components of nanomachine, have broad research prospects and applications. Here, a molecular dynamics method is used to simulate the linear nanomotor on a stretched carbon nanotube substrate. The results show that the nanomotor speed is well controlled by the temperature gradient, the axial strain of the substrate and the nanomotor size. When the nanomotor moves stably on the substrate carbon nanotube with a temperature difference of 200 K at both ends, the time required for the nanomotor to travel the same distance on the substrate carbon nanotube with 15% strain is about 62% longer than that without strain. The mechanism for the nanomotor movement and speed control is attributed to the thermophoretic force acting on the nanomotor. Specifically, the thermophoretic force increases with increasing substrate temperature gradient and decreases with increasing substrate strain. These results provide a novel method for controlling the speed of a nanomotor and inform nanomotor design and manufacture, as well as presenting a deeper understanding of the mechanism and movement law of the nanomotor.
MXene as Emerging Low Dimensional Material in Modern Energy and Bio Application: A Review
Authors: Arifutzzaman A. , Soon Chin Fhong , Morsin Marlia , Lim Gim Pao , Aslfattahi Navid , Jubadi Warsuzarina Mat , Sangu Sangeetha Siva , Saheed Mohamed Shuaib Mohamed , Nayan Nafarizal , Saidur Rahman
Published: July 2022

MXene is a recently emerged two dimensional (2D) layered materials, a novel series of transition metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides were established by a group of scientists from Drexel University in 2011. Multi-layered MXene nanomaterials have been synthesized using different wet chemistry etching approaches. To date, around twenty different types of MXenes are synthesized using different wet chemistry etching techniques. To ensure reproducibility of the MXene, advanced characterizations in terms of morphology, structure as well as elemental compositions of the MXene flakes are conducted. MXenes nanosheets possess a significant thermo-electrical conductivity, reasonable band gap and high intrinsic carrier mobilities. The family materials of the MXenes have high potential for making energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors as well as several many other implications such as electromagnetic interference shielding and capacitive desalination. MXenes are the potential candidates for hydrogen storage due to the interactive nature of hydrogen and these layered-structure materials. MXenes in biomedical applications were proven as valuable materials due to the tunable physiochemical properties into new distinct structures which is difficult to be manipulated in bulk materials. Besides, MXenes possess suitability of functionalization for tuning the various required properties for the specific properties. The many potential properties of MXene have disclosed new possibility to address the current need of higher efficiency materials for different applications.
Planning and Designing Learning Spaces in Academic Libraries: A Case Study at Information & Learning Centre (ILC) of the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo
Authors: Somaratna Sajeewanie D.
Published: July 2022

Planning and designing learning spaces in any library is not a short-term task of today’s librarians because of the unpredictable and changing nature of user demands. This study focuses on planning and designing the learning spaces in the Information & Learning Centre (ILC), the new library of the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo. It was designed to support the multifaceted learning activities of the diverse user communities of the university. The main data collection method used for identifying expected learning activities was focus group discussions. Ten learning activities expected by users were identified and the most prominent ones were collaborative learning, student individual learning, learning by discovery (learning by searching and reading), focused learning (focusing on research studies) and library classroom learning (information literacy learning). After-hours studying, auditorium facilities, learning by video conferencing, and non-library classrooms are also recognized. Eleven learning spaces are designed according to the expected learning activities within five study zones; collaborative, interactive, quiet, reference and open study zone, e-resource centre, Library skill lab, Library studio, auditorium, and classroom. These spaces have ensured three main requirements of a modern library; technology, furniture and ambience. 24/7 Wi-Fi facilities, state-of-art computer labs and other latest technical applications are integrated with modern, flexible and comfortable furniture. Continuous observations and assessment of user behaviour are considerably important to plan and design modern library buildings. Prioritizing user needs according to the specific environment and culture of the institution will yield unique and useful library spaces.
Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp: a pathogenetic мystery and therapeutic challenge
Authors: Tchernev Georgi , Kordeva Simona , Batashki Ilia , Batashki Atanas , Kirilova Heily , Stavrov Konstantin
Published: July 2022

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is a rare condition which affects predominantly the adult population, and occurs on a previously photo-damaged bald scalp. The physical examination is presented with a large erythematous, erosive and crusted patches with granulation on an atrophic skin. The problem in patients with erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp arises from the nonspecific clinical and histopathological findings, which can be misleading. Biopsy followed by careful histopathological verification is mandatory, although the finding is nonspecific.The histopathology findings are characterized by superficial erosions with mild neutrophil infiltrate, mainly intravascular and focally with neutrophil exocytosis. Focal parakeratosis, smoothed rete ridges without pronounced interface changes. Pronounced lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with focal distribution in the dermis, giant cell reaction with the formation of a “foreign body” granuloma. We report a 58-year old male patient with a 1 year old lesion, suspected for skin cancer, later diagnosed with EPDS, which was successfully treated with topical clobetasol proprionate after 3-5 weeks.
Gastrointestinal Manifestations Among Hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients in Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Authors: Bhatt Jugal Hiren , Raj Rikin , Mehta Kedar Gautambhai , Shah Meenakshi , Bavadiya Bhoomi
Published: July 2022

Background:

SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which was initially detected in the province of Wuhan, China, and World Health Organization ultimately determined the outbreak to be labeled as a “pandemic” in March 2020. It lead to various clinical manifestations among COVID-19 patients and so, this study was conducted with the objective to study gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary-level hospital in Vadodara. Hospital records of hospitalized COVID-19 patients from September to November 2020 were reviewed and included in the study. Clinical profiles including GI symptoms, respiratory symptoms, comorbidities, and length of hospital stay were extracted from the records.

Results:

A total record of 439 COVID-19 positive patients admitted during the study duration were reviewed. Out of 439 patients, 264 were males and 175 were females. Almost one-fifth (21.2%) of total patients had GI manifestations. The most common GI symptom was anorexia, followed by diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Other less frequent GI symptoms include nausea and blood in stools. Around 30% of patients showing GI symptoms had comorbidities of diabetes mellitus or hypertension or both. The length of hospital stay was higher among patients with one or more comorbidities as compared to patients without any comorbidities.

Conclusions:

The proportion of having GI manifestations in hospitalized COVID-19 patients was 21.2%. The common GI symptoms were diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, nausea, abdominal pain, and blood in stools. Patients with comorbidities had an elongated length of hospital stay.
Salvo of Ventricular Premature Complexes in Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Jesrani Gautam , Gupta Samiksha , Bhardwaj Arshia , Gupta Harsheel
Published: July 2022

Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia can be observed in various cardiac conditions, which can be benign or life-threatening, and is commonly encountered in patients with underlying structural heart disease. Hemodynamic instability in this rhythm abnormality is uncommon, but emergency management is warranted for unstable patients to mitigate dire consequences.
Smartphone Excessive Use, Sleep, and Beliefs about Well-being in University Students who Practice Yoga Compared with Those with No Experience of Yoga
Authors: Pal Sushma , Sharma Sachin Kumar , Singhal Aditi , Telles Shirley
Published: July 2022

Background:

Addictive behavior can be effectively managed with yoga. This study compared smartphone use, self-rated sleep, and beliefs about well-being in university students who practiced yoga regularly with those who did not.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and forty-two university students (average age ± standard deviation: 20.2 ± 2.2; male: female = 1:1) who practiced yoga (90 min a day, 6 days a week, and 29.7 months) were compared for smartphone excessive use, self-rated sleep, and beliefs about well-being, with an equal number of comparable age- and gender-distributed university students who did not practice yoga.

Results:

The yoga group had lower scores on the short version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale with fewer nocturnal episodes of checking their smartphone. The nonyoga group reported longer nocturnal sleep time compared to the yoga group, whereas there was no significant difference in the beliefs about well-being scores between the two groups.

Conclusions:

University students who practice yoga may be less likely to use a smartphone excessively as well as have uninterrupted sleep than students who do not practice yoga.
Hydroxychloroquine/Chloroquine Prophylaxis among Health-care Workers
Authors: Yadav Arun Kumar , Kotwal Atul , Ghosh Subhadeep
Published: July 2022

Background:

Despite the low level of clinical evidence in hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) favor, it was prescribed for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis in India and worldwide. In absence of a large randomized control trial, the evidence needs to be generated through observation study, hence the study was conducted to find the evidence for prophylaxis of HCQ.

Materials and Methods:

A multi-centric cross-sectional study involving government hospitals was chosen for serosurvey conducted from August 21, 2020, to November 20, 2020. Questionnaire was adopted from WHO. Data about chloroquine (CQ) use among health-care workers (HCWs) were added and the duration of CQ intake was also noted.

Results:

A total of 2,224 HCWs were recruited. The mean duration of time of taking HCQ was 7.1 weeks (standard deviation ± 6.1 weeks, median = 4 weeks with IQR, 3–10 weeks). Training on personal protective equipment (PPE), knowledge of handwashing, direct care to the patient, availability of alcohol hand rub, close contact with the patient, duration of contact, and usage of PPE were associated with HCQ intake. The antibody formation in group taking HCQ was 16.9% compared to 19.8% not taking it (P = 0.08). The Chi-square for linear trend for weeks of HCQ intake and antibody formation. However, the same was not statistically significant (Chi-square = 3.61, P = 0.06).

Conclusion:

Our study did not find a statistically significant association in the large multicentric study. The absolute difference of 2.9% in the two groups may not be sufficient to warrant its widespread use for prophylaxis.
Noise Level inside Sri Lanka Transport Board Buses and Hearing Impairment of Long- and Short-Distance Bus Drivers of Ampara and Batticaloa Districts, Sri Lanka
Authors: Shanmugarajah Suresh Kannah , Dilara Wijesinghe Millawage Supun
Published: July 2022

Background:

Transport drivers are more vulnerable to hearing impairment due to the traffic environment and fast-growing urbanization.

Objective:

The study aims to determine the noise level inside the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, hearing impairment of state transport bus drivers, and its associated factors in the selected districts of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 256 state bus drivers using a systematic sampling technique. A screening tool to assess the level of hearing impairment of drivers and a format to measure equivalent noise level inside the SLTB buses were used to collect data. Noise measurement was done using Benetech Sound Level Meter (Model DB 130).

Results:

With reference to the noise level inside buses, 88.4% (n = 53) exceeded 85 dB (A), and 21.7% of buses (n = 13) were above 90 dB (A). According to the hearing tool's hearing impairment assessment, the hearing of the majority of the study participants (84.4%, n = 216) was not affected. The association between hearing impairment and past history of ear diseases, surgeries, or head trauma was statistically significant (P = 0.017).

Conclusions:

Noise level inside the SLTB buses in Ampara and Batticaloa districts exceeded the 85 dB limit prescribed under the WHO standards of occupational noise exposure. The years of service of a bus was the only factor shown a statistically significant association with the level of noise inside the bus.
Impact of Steam Inhalation, Saline Gargling, and Povidone-Iodine Gargling on Clinical Outcome of COVID-19 Patients in Bengaluru, Karnataka
Authors: Chalageri Vani H. , Bhushan Shobha , Saraswathi S. , Ranganath T. S. , Rani V. Devika , Majgi Sumanth Mallikarjuna , Vijay Kariyappa , Hema M. S. , Sanadi Shweta laxman , Nasreen P. M. , Shoyaib K. Md , Partheeban Iswarya , Vanitha B. , Souza Neha D. , Vaddatti Jyoti S
Published: July 2022

Context:

In the absence of any specific treatment available for COVID-19, people started practicing traditional nonpharmacological preventive home remedies such as salt water gargling and steam inhalation. The available research evidence on some of these measures opines that steam inhalation, saline gargling, and povidone-iodine gargling does have virucidal properties and do provide symptomatic relief.

Aims:

The aim is to test this hypothesis, and the present trial was undertaken with an objective to assess the effect of steam inhalation, saline gargling, and povidone-iodine gargling among the COVID-19-positive patients with respect to early test negativity and clinical recovery.

Methodology:

Open-labeled, parallel, randomized controlled trial was conducted among asymptomatic or mild COVID-19-positive patients in Bangalore from September 2020 to February 2021. In each group of steam inhalation, saline gargling, povidone-iodine gargling, and control, twenty participants were allocated. Daily follow-up was done for 21 days to assess early test negativity and clinical recovery. Trial Registry Number: Clinical Trial Registry India/2020/09/027687.

Results:

Among 80 participants recruited, 65 (81.3%) were symptomatic. Early test negativity was seen in povidone-iodine gargling group of 6 days (KaplanMeier survival curve, BreslowGeneralized Wilcoxon test P = 0.7 as per the intention-to-treat and as per-protocol P = 0.8). Significant clinical recovery was seen in saline gargling group (4 days, P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Povidone-iodine gargling was effective in providing early test negativity, whereas saline gargling was effective in early clinical recovery.
Body Image and Its Association with Depression, Anxiety, and Self-esteem among College going Students
Authors: Diengdoh Ibanlumlin , Ali Arif
Published: July 2022

Background:

Body image is conceptualized as a subjective perception of an individual one's own body and on how he/she is seen by others, and its distortion can lead to poor self-esteem and affect psychological adjustment among the youth. The objectives of the study were to assess body image and to see the association with depression, anxiety, and self-esteem among students.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among undergraduate students in Shillong, Meghalaya. The researcher used random sampling as for the selection of college. The Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sampling method was used to determine the sample size by a table using the sample size formula for the finite population. A total of 384 respondents were selected for the study, out of which 358 were included for the final analysis. Sociodemographic datasheet, Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire–Appearance Scales, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale were administered.

Results:

Regression analysis showed self-esteem and anxiety contribute significantly to the prediction of body image satisfaction among students (F[4353] = 3.816, P = 0.001), accounting for a 15.1% variance.

Conclusion:

Significant proportion of students were dissatisfied with their body image. Furthermore, a study reported that body image influences psychological well-being. There is a need for preventive measures and making these young people aware of the importance of both physical and mental health.
What Explains the Rural-Urban Gap in the Use of Hygienic Methods of Menstrual Protection among Youth in the East Indian State of Bihar?
Authors: Maharana Barsharani
Published: July 2022

Background:

Menstrual hygiene management has become a globally recognized public health issue. As evidenced by the National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4), among the states in India, Bihar accounts for the lowest use of hygienic methods of menstrual protection among youth. Further, the use in rural areas of Bihar is substantially lower than in urban areas.

Objectives:

Therefore, using NFHS-4 data, this study endeavors to explore the socioeconomic and demographic factors in explaining the rural-urban gap in the use of hygienic methods of menstrual protection among youth in Bihar.

Methodology:

A logistic regression model is used to identify the socioeconomic and demographic determinants of the use of hygienic methods, and Fairlie's decomposition technique is employed to compute the rural-urban difference in the use, and then to decompose these differentials into their separate underlying factors.

Results:

Findings from logistic regression analysis reveal that women's education, household wealth, media exposure, use of toilet facility, and awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are the significant determinants influencing the use of hygienic methods of menstrual protection. Results from decomposition analysis indicate that while use of improved toilet facility and mass media exposure among youth reduce the rural-urban gap, the unequal distribution of women's educational qualification, wealth index, marital status, and awareness of STIs has tended to widen the gap.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest promotion of menstrual hygiene practices, enhancement of menstrual hygiene knowledge, opportunities for women's education, better sanitation practices, exposure of mass media, and economic incentives among youth in rural Bihar.
A study to assess the impact of medical nutrition therapy compared to standard nutrition therapy in children with severe thinness in the age group of 5 to 10 years
Authors: Sawant Vishal D. , Karnik Prachi , Viswanathan Varun , Rodrigues Blossom , Fernandes Lavina , Jadhav Alka
Published: July 2022

Aim:

The aim of our study was to study and compare the impact and efficacy of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) with that of the standard nutrition therapy(SNT) in children diagnosed with Severe thiness in the age group of 5-10 years and diagnosed as severely thin.

Study Design:

It was a prospective comparative study, conducted over a period of 18 months at the Nutrition Rehabilitation, Research and Training Centre (NRRTC) associated with a tertiary care hospital in India.

Methods and Materials:

A total of 113 children in the age group of 5 to 10 years with severe thinness were enrolled and divided into 2 groups—58 were placed in the MNT group and 55 in the SNT group for a period of 8 weeks. The children in both groups received MNT and SNT diet over the said period of 8 weeks. Primary outcome variables were weight gain and body mass index (BMI) (i.e., change in nutritional status).

Results:

At the end of 8 weeks, the rate of weight gain (gm/kg/day) was significantly greater in the MNT group, that is, 2.35 gm/kg/day as compared with the SNT group, that is, 0.73 gm/kg/day, and the change in nutritional status was significantly better in the MNT group (p < 0.001) with 62.1% achieving normal nutritional status, 32.8% remaining thin, and 5.2% remaining severely thin as compared to the SNT group in which 9.1% achieved normal nutritional status, 65.5% remained thin, and 25.5% remained severely thin.

Conclusion:

To conclude, MNT is superior to SNT for the treatment of severe thinness (ST).
Does Husband's Education Level Matter to Antenatal Care Visits? A Study on Poor Households in Indonesia
Authors: Wulandari Ratna Dwi , Laksono Agung Dwi , Matahari Ratu
Published: July 2022

Background:

Involvement in antenatal care (ANC) is one of the husband's responsibilities for his wife's health.

Objective:

This study analyzed the contribution of the husband's education level to his involvement in ANC visits among poor households.

Methods:

The study employed secondary data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey. The study analyzed 6429 respondents. The analysis units were poor women aged 15–49 years, had a husband, and had ever been pregnant for the past 5 years. Besides husband's education, other independent variables analyzed were residence, husband's age and occupation, and wife's parity. The analysis used a binary logistic regression test in the final step.

Results:

Husbands with a primary education record were 1.381 times more likely to participate in ANC visits than those without education. Husbands who had secondary education were 2.339 times more likely to get involved in ANC visits than those without education records. Moreover, husbands who had higher education were 3.376 times more likely to be engaged in ANC visits than those without education records.

Conclusions:

The study concludes that better education levels will be more likely to motivate husbands to get involved in ANC visits.
Evaluation of a revised care plan for babies with retinopathy of prematurity during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in India
Authors: Suhan Dinesh Narayan , Singh Avinash , Bhusal Utpal , Panchal Bhavik , Agarwal Komal , Nayak Sameera , Nayak Sameer , Jayanna Sushma , Das Taraprasad , Jalali Subhadra , Jadhav Vishal Sanjay , Padhi Tapas Ranjan
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

To analyze the impact of a revised care plan for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in a tertiary eye care facility in eastern India.

Methods:

In a retrospective study, we analyzed the medical records of babies managed for ROP during the peak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with particular reference to the challenges, and the revised strategies addressing travel restrictions for five months, from April to August 2020. The strategy included selective referral (babies with higher treatment probability), longer follow-up intervals (babies with non-alarming findings), use of locally available workforce, and teleconsultation whenever feasible.

Results:

In the given period, 222 babies were examined versus 624 in the preceding year (P = 0.001). The average gestational age, birth weight, and postmenstrual age at presentation were 30.4 weeks, 1.31 kg, and 37.7 weeks, respectively. The first examination was on time in 40.1% of babies but was delayed by a median of 23 days in the remaining babies. In the cohort, 56.7% of babies had any ROP, and 27.9% required treatment (versus 8.8% in the previous year; P < 0.001). The intravitreal anti–vascular growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection was more often used than in the previous year (n = 72 vs 36; P < 0.0001). The treatment outcome was comparable before and after the SARS-CoV-2 lockdown period. There was no report of health issues among the care providers attributable to ROP care.

Conclusion:

The revised strategy resulted in a smaller pool of babies screened but a larger proportion of babies treated for ROP. This strategy could be used more profitably in future ROP care.