bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Willingness To Pay And Its Role In Health Economics
Authors: Abbas Syed Muslim , Usmani Ambreen , Imran Maroosha
Published: November 2021

A stated preference which refers to the valuation of benefits in monetary terms to the health-related commodities or services are loosely termed as willingness to pay (WTP). Studies in health economics which are derived by surveys or experiments have been conducted addressing this issue. However, most economists have the view that stated preference or willingness to pay is an acceptable method if inclined with the aims of economic analysis. There has been a rapid growth of the health industry in the last few decades to meet the healthcare needs of an ever-growing population of the world with varying patterns of burden of disease and health related issues. This has escalated healthcare costs significantly putting pressure on governments to allocate additional finances in the health sector. In developing nations and some developed countries health services are mostly purchased privately as the governmental annual health budgets struggle to meet the healthcare demand of the communities. Its relevance is increased in countries where people are expected to contribute significantly towards the costs of healthcare. Similarly, the strength of preference of health-related commodities is an important indicator for making prudent choices in deciding between competing health program which may be publicly funded. Moreover, other advantages of using WTP as outcome measure include; demand for information, process utility, option value and altruistic value. Demand for information encompasses the utility gained by individuals from the information included in the WTP survey. To conclude willingness to pay methodology is a useful tool in health economics to capture the preference of individuals who are the direct beneficiaries of the proposed health services.
Association Of Vitamin D Deficiency With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Shafique Sehrish , Ansari Rana , Arif Hamidullah , Jafri Sajid Abbas , Faraz Naveed
Published: November 2021

Objective: To determine the association of Vitamin D deficiency with peripheral neuropathy in patients of type-2 Diabetes mellitus. Study Design and Setting: It was a cross sectional study conducted in a private clinic in Karachi, during a period of three months. Methodology: Total of 70 cases were included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Approval was sought from Ethical review committee. Consent was signed from the patients before the data collection. All the patients who were coming to the clinic, 30-75years of age, had history of type 2 diabetes for more than 5 year with HbA1c of 7% or above and had peripheral neuropathy were included. Data was collected in a pre-designed proforma. For entry of data and its statistical analysis SPSS version 20 was used. Results: From the total 70 cases n=41(58.5%) were vit D deficient. Most of the patients with type 2 diabetes with neuropathy were in the age group of 61-75yrs (57%) followed by 46- 60yrs age group (30 %). This study also showed that 30 females (73%) and 11 males (26.8 %) were deficient in vitamin D. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetic patients with vitamin D deficiency were more at risk of developing diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) earlier. It is required to supply vitamin D appropriately for preventing DPN in type 2 diabetes
Reflexión histórico-filosófica sobre el sentido de la educación
Authors: Ayala Ardila Richard
Published: November 2021

a presente investigación muestra la diferencia existente entre el objeto, el sujeto y el sentido de la educación en términos de la Paideia griega y el objeto, sujeto y sentido de la “educación” de acuerdo con la visión Moderna y Contemporánea de la práctica educativa.

 

Asimismo, caracteriza las condiciones actuales de existencia en cualquier sociedad liberal, democrática e industrializada a partir de la expresión sociedad del conocimiento, con lo cual se muestra que tales condiciones son incompatibles con las condiciones a partir de las cuales se dio vida a la Paideia griega, lo cual significa que la “educación” no es educación o que la Paideia no es posible, por lo menos en términos colectivos o políticamente sIgnificativos, en las sociedades liberales, democráticas e industrializadas. Por último, en esta investigación se muestra la historia de Occidente como un proceso de desarticulación de la experiencia fundacional original, lo cual significó llegar a un estado de olvido de las prácticas espirituales iniciales, lo que ocurrió a partir del inicio de la Modernidad (Momento cartesiano), hasta alcanzar un estado tal de desarticulación y distanciamiento en el siglo XIX, cuando los intelectuales sintieron roto el vínculo con su pasado y hablaron de Crisis; en este último sentido, la presente investigación presenta una forma de inscribir la reflexión educativa contemporánea desde una óptica en la cual la novedad histórica se hace especialmente relevante.
PROYECTOS DE INVESTIGACIÓN FORMATIVA: MEMORIAS DE INVESTIGACIÓN 2005-2010 UNIMETA
Authors: García Franco Ruber Hernán
Published: November 2021

Corporación Universitaria del Meta - UNIMETA
Process optimization of paddy drying in cross-flow aerated drying cum storage bin
Authors: N. U. Sruthi , Lohani U. C. , Shahi N. C. , Pandey J. P.
Published: November 2021

A cross-flow aerated drying cum storage bin was developed and the drying conditions for paddy was optimised. The drying cum storage bin consisted of a cylindrical outer drum with two inner basins having perorated walls made of galvanised iron to hold paddy, and a central perforated vertical duct. A blower (1.5 kW) connected at the base supplies air to the heating chamber (with 1 kW heater coil) and moves vertically through the central duct. The hot air passes horizontally through the grain bulk taking the moisture and moves towards the perforated walls of the bin and exit through the space between the drum and the basins. Drying experiments were conducted with bed thickness of 15 cm to study the drying characteristics of paddy and evaluate the performance of the dryer. Paddy was dried from 18 to 12% (wb) moisture content with the independent parameters selected being drying air temperature (35, 40 and 45 °C) and airflow rate (15, 21 and 27 m3 /h). The drying time varied 1.5 to 4.75 hours over the entire experimental conditions. The analysis of drying rates for both top and bottom bins showed minimum variation indicating uniform drying throughout the depth of the bin. The estimated optimum conditions of drying were 45°C temperature and 27 m3 /h airflow rate. The predicted values of responses at optimised conditions were 1.51 hours of drying time, 6.05x10-7 m2 /s of effective moisture diffusivity, 0.078 W/m2 K of heat transfer coefficient, and 8.23x105 kJ/kg of specific energy consumption. Further, exergy analysis indicated that exergy loss increased with increase in drying air temperature and airflow rate.
Akaki Tsereteli’s unknown letter about repressions of year 1906
Authors: Pruidze Nana
Published: November 2021

Part of Akaki Tsereteli’s creative legacy is still spread in different foundations or private collections. Difficulty about finding these writings is that some documents in various binders do not have description. Currently foundations are intensively being studied in order to create digital catalogues and whenever this process is finished, many interesting documents will be displayed. “Burning down Imereti during movement” is one of Akaki’s public letters which remained unknown until today. It will be published after 115 years in corresponding value of the writer's new academic publication of his works. Manuscript is being held at Kutaisi’s historic museum.“Burning down Imereti during movement” is about revolutionary movements and its echoes in Georgia, which took place in the years 1905-1907. On the one hand it is a bold protest against King’s cruel policy; Also, the article contains Akaki Tsereteli’s especially significant observations and thoughts about ongoing political processes.In the first paragraph of the article there is a very interesting observation of the author. According to his words, the Russian empire from the very beginning intended absolute occupation and annexation of Georgia. According to that, the friendly condition which led King Irakli of Kartli-Kakheti to let Russians in our country without war and blood, was definitely going to break. Akaki thought that everything that was done by Russian governance in our country, was provocative and its goal was to drag Georgian people into armed conflict.Events occurred in 1905 led to logical conclusions. Georgian nobles decided to officially demand national autonomy. On their emergency gathering they created an appropriate document and presented it to the emperor. Surely, the empire would not let Georgia restore their autonomy. They needed a reason to finally destroy us and the reason found out to be that revolutionary movement which was widespread not only in Russia, but also its subordinate countries including Georgia.According to Akaki Tsereteli, a significant part of society was against Georgia’s partaking in revolt from the beginning. They had reasonable suspicion that if the revolutionary movement would be defeated, this would totally change the perspective of Georgian-Russian relationship. Unfortunately, following events proved the correctness of this assumption - Georgians were pled guilty for separatism and it led to very brutal repressions. The events that occurred in Georgia were outrageous for Akaki. That is why he makes fun of Russia in his article and boldly declares that the decision of the government - campaigning against unarmed and helpless people, is worthless and unseemly.
Georgian and Language Competition in the Diaspora (Emigrant community)
Authors: Mikadze Manana
Published: November 2021

At the End of the XXth and at the beginning of the XXIst Century the population of Georgia has decreased by 9,1% . This decrease has been influenced by demographic processes as well as by those connected with long-term emigration. In terms of numbers, the largest emigration occurred bertween 2003 and 2010 when approximately 1,5 mln people left Georgia. Emigration has decreased in recent years; however, every year several tens of thousands of Georgian nationals leave Georgia. For an extended period of time Georgia lacked any systematic studies grounded in statistics regarding the lives of those Georgian nationals who had emigrated; however, in recent years, the number of researchers studying the Georgian Diaspora continues to extand. One of the most extensive studies devoted to researching the life of the diaspora is the study the Georgia’s emigrant communities: national identity, translational relationships and the politics of the diaspora, which has conducted in 2014-2016 by a research group from the Ministry of Foreign affairs of Georgia. The Georgian languuage situation in the diaspora is analyzed based on the statistics from this study.
Diabetic Foot: its grades and mode of presentation at a tertiary care hospital of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Jamil , Kumar Akash , Ahmad Khan Zubair , Rahim Sarah , Mohsin Muhammad , Khan Abbas
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Diabetic foot is defined as the foot of diabetic patients with ulceration, infection, and/or destruction of the deep tissues, associated with neurological abnormalities and various degrees of peripheral vascular disease in the lower limb. Foot ulcers are the principal cause of severe complications and hospitalization among patients with diabetes, substantially increasing the costs of this disease.

Objectives: To describe the presentation, distribute the diabetic foot lesions according to Wagner’s classification, and determine the outcome of diabetic foot ulceration in a tertiary care hospital of Peshawar, Pakistan.

Materials & Methods:  This study was conducted in the Surgery department of Rehman Medical Institute Peshawar. Thirty nine (39) patients with diabetic foot disease presenting from Jan 2018 to Dec 2019 were included in the study. The patients were evaluated and managed by classifying their disease according to Wagner’s classification for diabetic foot disease. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS version 26 for descriptive statistics.

Results: The most common age of presentation with diabetic foot lesion was between 41-70 years; out of 39 patients, 28 (71.8%) were males and 11 (28.2%) were females. Their mode of presentation was as follows- 22 cases (56.4%) with Ulcer, 9 cases (23.1%) with Cellulitis, 7 cases (17.9%) with Gangrene, and 1 case (2.6%) with Abscess. The most common grade of presentation were grades 3 and 4 Wagner’s lesion followed by Grade 1, and Grade 2. Debridement was the most common treatment modality (56.2%), followed by Amputation (41%).

Conclusion: Foot ulceration in diabetic patients is a resource-consuming, disabling morbidity that often is the first step towards lower extremity amputation. Diabetic foot lesions can be easily graded according to the Wagner classification and helps in correlating appropriate treatment to the grade of the lesion for a better outcome.
Ecart du nombre d’années d’éducation selon le genre en Côte d’Ivoire : L’importance de l’effet des rendements
Authors: Ibrahima Sy , MONNEY Serge Kader N'cho
Published: November 2021

L’objectif de cette étude est d'expliquer l’écart de nombre d’années de scolarité entre les femmes et les hommes afin d’accroître l'efficacité des politiques éducatives. Dans cette perspective, ce travail tente d’améliorer la compréhension des distorsions de la demande d’éducation en Côte d’Ivoire. Nous utilisons dans cette étude la méthode de décomposition d’Oaxaca-Blinder, en générant une régression de la fonction d’influence recentrée (RIF) de l’inconditionnel quantile. Les données mobilisées sont issues de l’Enquête sur la Situation de l’Emploi et le Travail des enfants (ENSETE 2014). Les résultats montrent une différence notoire des écarts en termes de nombres d’années scolaire de succès en faveur des hommes. Résider dans la capitale (Abidjan), et appartenir à un ménage de grande la taille affecte positivement le nombre d’années de scolarité en Côte d’Ivoire. Par contre, la nationalité (non nationaux) et le type d’établissement fréquenté (public) ont un effet négatif et significatif sur la durée de scolarisation ou le nombre d’années de scolarité.
ASSESSMENT OF A NEW ISOTROPIC HYPERELASTIC CONSTITUTIVE MODEL FOR A RANGE OF RUBBERLIKE MATERIALS AND DEFORMATIONS
Authors: Anssari-Benam Afshin , Bucchi Andrea , Horgan Cornelius O. , Saccomandi Giuseppe
Published: November 2021

The choice of an appropriate strain energy function W is key to accurate modeling and computational finite element analysis of the mechanical behavior of unfilled non-crystalizing rubberlike materials. Despite the existing variety of models, finding a suitable model that can capture many deformation modes of a rubber specimen with a single set of parameter values and satisfy the a priori mathematical and structural requirements remains a formidable task. Previous work proposed a new generalized neo-Hookean W (I1) function (doi: 10.1016/j.ijnonlinmec.2020.103626), showing a promising fitting capability and enjoying a structural basis. In this work we use two extended forms of that model which include an I2 term adjunct, W(I1,I2), for application to various boundary value problems commonly encountered in rubber mechanics applications. Specifically, two functional forms of the I2 invariant are considered: a linear function and a logarithmic function. The boundary value problems of interest include the in-plane uniaxial, equi-biaxial, and pure shear deformations and simple shear, inflation, and nonhomogeneous deformations such as torsion. By simultaneous fitting of each model to various deformation modes of rubber specimens, it is demonstrated that a single set of model parameter values favorably captures the mechanical response for all the considered deformations of each specimen. It is further shown that the model with a logarithmic I2 function provides better fits than the linear function. Given the functional simplicity of the considered W (I1, I2) models, the low number of model parameters (three in total), the structurally motivated bases of the models, and their capability to capture the mechanical response for various deformations of rubber specimens, the considered models are recommended as a powerful tool for practical applications and analysis of rubber elasticity.
Обобщённые банки данных (на примере ОБД «Память народа») как исторический источник о деятельности особых отделов НКВД в период Сталинградской битвы
Authors: Стрельников Максим Александрович
Published: November 2021

Обобщённые банки данных – это новый и актуальный ресурс для работы историков. В них содержатся материалы из различных архивов по периоду Великой Отечественной войны. В статье рассмотрены документы, включённые в один из банков данных, – «Память народа». Материалы, которые исследовались, посвящены особым отделам НКВД в период Сталинградской битвы. В статье приводится статистика количества документов, содержащихся на данном портале по указанной теме. Также рассмотрены первоначальные функции, возложенные на особые отделы НКВД, и те, которые позднее реализовывались ими в период Сталинградской битвы. Дана характеристика задач, выполняемых данными органами в рамках охранения законодательства Советского Союза (Уголовного кодекса РСФСР). Выделены задачи, которые не были возложены на особые отделы НКВД, а также дано объяснение подобного расширения функций.
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: current state of the problem
Authors: Shnayder N. A. , Petrov K. V.
Published: November 2021

Due to the high prevalence of the disease, its genetic and clinical heterogeneity, the need for lifelong therapy and the emergence of new views on the pathogenesis and course of JME, it is necessary to provide primary care physicians (general practitioners, district therapists, neurologists) with up-to-date systematized information about the most common form of genetic generalized epilepsy (Herpin-Janz syndrome). JME is a genetically determined disease of the brain, accompanied by a triad of seizures (absences, myoclonia, generalized tonic-clonic seizures), and developing mainly in adolescence and young age. In recent years, monogenic and multifactorial forms of JME have been identified, but questions about the genetics of JME are far from being resolved. JME is characterized by the preservation of intelligence, life expectancy with adequate therapy does not differ from the average population, but the frequency of failures of pharmaco-induced remission is high when taking anticonvulsants is canceled. This explains the need for lifelong pharmacotherapy, individual selection of anticonvulsants. About 30% of patients with JME have non-psychotic mental disorders, disorders of the sleep and wake cycle, which in turn leads to an aggravation of epileptic seizures mainly in the first half of the day. This review presents an analysis of full-text publications in Russian and English over the past five years in the databases eLibrary, PubMed, Web of Science, OxfordPress, Springer, and Clinicalkeys. In addition, the review includes earlier publications of historical significance.
ПІДГОТОВКА МАЙБУТНІХ УЧИТЕЛІВ ІНФОРМАТИКИ ДО ІННОВАЦІЙНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ КЕЙСІВ
Authors: ПАВЛОВА Н. С.
Published: November 2021

Описано сутність методу кейсів з урахуванням особливостей процесу підготовки майбутніх учителів інформа- тики до інноваційної діяльності у закладах загальної середньої освіти. Кейс представлено як сукупність спеціаль- но дібраних відомостей предметного і методичного змісту різного типу, в яких відображено педагогічну ситуацію, що містить конкретну професійну проблему й прогнозує існування альтернативних способів її вирішення, їх колек- тивне обговорення здобувачами вищої освіти. Серед прийомів навчання виокремлено дискусію та акцентовано увагу на необхідності формування у студентів умінь: вести обговорення в онлайн- і офлайн-режимі; обґрунтову- вати власну точку зору; розуміти співрозмовника; спільно вирішувати проблему; представляти здобуті результати у різних форматах. Співпрацю викладача і студентів описано на організаційному етапі, на етапах опрацювання ситуації і презентації спільних рішень, а також на дискусійному і підсумковому етапах. Послідовний перехід від одного етапу діяльності до іншого потребує урахування мотиваційного, когнітивного і діяльнісного складників. Відзначено, що кейси є педагогічно доцільними в освітньому процесі навчання студентів старших курсів, які володіють на відповідному рівні професійними, в тому числі і методичними, компетентностями. Звернено увагу на те, що метод кейсів ефективно використовується під час вивчення дисциплін психолого-педагогічного напряму, як такий, що трансформує навчально-пізнавальну і пошуково-дослідницьку діяльність студентів в інноваційну діяльність вчителя, інтегрує основні елементи методичної діяльності та комунікації, зміст інформатики як шкіль- ної дисципліни та методики її викладання. Метод кейсів розглянуто як: метод інтерактивного навчання, який, сприяючи нововведенням, визначає різноманітні форми комунікації між усіма учасниками освітнього процесу; технологію ситуаційного навчання, яка на основі відібраного змісту та організаційних форм навчання мотивує студентів до активної діяльності.
ЛІНГВОДИДАКТИЧНІ ПРИНЦИПИ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ ПІДГОТОВКИ МАЙБУТНІХ УЧИТЕЛІВ ПОЧАТКОВИХ КЛАСІВ ДО ІНТЕГРОВАНОЇ ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ
Authors: ФРУМКІНА А. Л.
Published: November 2021

У статті представлена проблема визначення принципів підготовки майбутніх учителів початкових класів до їх інтегрованої професійної діяльності іноземною мовою. Наведено та порівняно принципоутворювальні системи підготовки майбутніх учителів різних профілів. Встановлено лінгводидактичні принципи організації підготовки майбутніх учителів початкових класів до інтегрованої професійної діяльності. Цими принципами є: 1) принцип процесуальної інтеграції викладання двох різнотипних предметів у єдиному процесі навчання; 2) принцип моти- вації професійної діяльності як в аспекті навчання образотворчого мистецтва молодших школярів, так і в аспекті вивчення іноземної мови як засобу викладання основного предмету; 3) принцип самореалізації вчителя в його високорівневій художній майстерності і безперешкодному володінні іноземною мовою в загальнонавчальних і соціально-комунікативній формах; 4) принцип високорівневої методичної компетентності педагога, заснованої на сукупності художньо-образотворчої, лінгвокомунікатівної і методичної компетенцій; 5) принцип рефлексивно- зумовленої самоосвіти, який проявляється в рефлексивній потребі пізнання нової інформації, у висуванні цілей самовдосконалення і способів їх досягнення; вивченні професійної літератури, в тому числі й іншомовної; спробі реалізувати свої професійні можливості в нових видах живопису й іншомовному коментуванні своїх дій; погли- бленні своїх теоретичних знань через різноманітні дослідні роботи; 6) принцип безпрервності освіти, який має прояв в набутті базових знань і умінь за дисциплінами, що вивчаються, та їх вдосконаленні протягом усього свідомого життя; 7) принцип готовності педагога до його професійної діяльності, який проявляється в здатності передачі учням своїх знань та умінь в галузі предмета, що викладається.
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY IN A DIALYSIS-RELATED PNEUMOCEPHALUS CASE
Authors: ÖZER Elif Ebru , ERGÖZEN Serkan
Published: November 2021

The presence of gas in the cranial cavity is called “pneumocephalus”, and is usually seen after invasive surgical procedures. Although symptoms are non-specific, such as headache, it can cause neurological distortion, coma, and death. Oxygen therapy is the most effective way to treat pneumocephalus and accelerates the reabsorption of the air. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT), with its direct high pressure effect, causes the air mass to shrink. In the case reported in this paper, the pneumocephalus manifested with the symptom of sudden loss of consciousness and the etiology was an invasive intervention of dialysis catheter placement while the patient was in a sitting position. HBOT was applied as an emergency treatment, after which a dramatic radiological improvement was detected with computed tomography. Although this patient needed consecutive HBOT sessions for the best result, only a single session of HBOT could be applied because she was under the observation in the intensive care unit of another hospital due to the lack of space in the intensive care unit of our hospital. One of the main points is that the clinicians should not decide to cease HBOT only after the first session. Consecutive HBOT sessions can dramatically improve the radiological and clinical findings in these case
Foreign, illegal prostitutes’: migrant sex work and the media, Building the body as a site of pleasure: Contributions from embodied sociolinguistics
Authors: Neyland Matilda , Couper Shannon
Published: November 2021

Foreign, illegal prostitutes’: migrant sex work and the media

In 2003, New Zealand decriminalised sex work, a hard-fought win for a stigmatised group. However, people on temporary visas can still be deported for selling sex. This presentation considers how the media constructs migrant sex workers in ways that contribute to this discrimination. Using a corpus of news articles under a critical discourse framework, I offer quantitative and qualitative insights into this question, highlighting the way the law is used to perpetuate anti-migrant and whorephobic Discourses in supposedly progressive New Zealand.

Building the body as a site of pleasure: Contributions from embodied sociolinguistics

Talking about women's erotic pleasure is politically powerful because it directly challenges patriarchal hostility toward female sexual agency. This presentation explores the ways in which sexual pleasure dynamically unfolds in the discursive construction of the body. Using a lens of embodied sociolinguistics, I show how experiences of sexual pleasure are negotiated in talk between female friends, and how individuals learn, teach and come to know each other’s bodies. This leads to a critical mapping of bodies as construction sites across time and space, building an extension into contemporary theorizing about bodies and language.
A History of /s/-retraction in New Zealand English
Authors: Sanderson Reuben , Warren Paul
Published: November 2021

/s/-retraction refers to a sound change whereby /s/ becomes more /esch/-like in certain phonetic contexts, most notably /str/ clusters (e.g. ‘Aushtralia’).

In this talk, we make use of Reuben's recent Master's project to show how this sound change has developed over time in NZE. Using data drawn from the Origins of New Zealand English corpus we consider the linguistic and social factors that have influenced its spread through NZE.
Implementing policies and programmes to reduce the impact of globalisation on oral health in Pacific Island Countries and Territories
Authors: Pili Nafanua , Nosa Vili , Tatui Leroy
Published: November 2021

Very little research focuses explicitly on oral health in Pacific Islands countries and territories (PICT). However, oral health will continue to be a concern if policies, programmes, and strategies are not implemented to reduce poor oral health and inequitable outcomes that will affect many Pacific communities. A review of available studies written between 1969 and 2018 shows that dental caries and periodontal diseases were identified as the most significant oral health issue in PICT. The globalisation of imported food products that are high in sugary content has further exacerbated the increase in DMFT (decayed, missing or filled teeth). With the introduction of tobacco, there have also been many oral health issues with oral cancer, periodontal disease, and periodontitis. There is a need for a sugar tax policy, food policy changes, tobacco policy and the removal tax of oral health products in PICT. In addition, most oral health services are provided in the hospitals and often work within their own departments whereas they might be better working closely with other departments such as the public health team or the education sector so, therefore, there needs to be a coordinated collaboration approach with other services that can promote good oral health policies and health promotion activities.
Effects of calcination variables on quicklime yield of Nkalagu limestone
Authors: Benson Chinweuba Udeh  , Chidinma Lovelyn Ani  , Monday Omotioma
Published: November 2021

Calcination of Nkalagu limestone for the production of agricultural quicklime is presented. It entails improving the quality of limestone through calcination process. Appropriate scientific instruments/techniques (x-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscopy) were used for the characterization of the uncalcined and calcined limestone samples. Effects of calcination variables on the quicklime yield were examined. Central composite design of design expert software was used to optimize the calcination process. Analyses of the results revealed that calcite was the major limestone’s mineralogical composition. Quadratic model adequately described the relationship between quicklime yield and calcination factors of temperature, particle size and time. Quadratic model adequately described the relationship between quicklime yield and calcination factors of temperature, particle size and time. The optimum yield of 74.00% was obtained at optima operating conditions; temperature of 937.41 0C, particle size of 85.99µm and time of 3.7 hrs. Characteristics of the quicklime showed that the calcination improved the quality of the sample in terms of mineralogical properties. It is recommended that the generated model should be used to develop chemical plant/equipment for limestone calcination process.
Mycochemical composition and antioxidant potential of Macrolepiota africana (Heim) Heinem. (Agaricaceae), an edible mushroom from Gabon
Authors: Hugues Calixte Eyi Ndong  , André Ledoux Njouonkou
Published: November 2021

Macrolepiota africana is a fungus used as food in Gabon for its culinary properties. However, its nutritional value, mycochemical contents, antioxidant properties and health potential still unknown. The present study investigated the phytochemicals and antioxidant properties of this mushroom species. This chemical screening was followed by a study of the antioxidant activity and a prediction of additional pharmacological activities of M. africana. Using standard methodology, the mycochemical analyses were carried out on aqueous, hydro-ethanolic and ethanolic fungi extracts. The antioxidant activity of the mushroom extracts was determined using DPPH radical scavenging assay. Apart from Digitoxigenine, flavonol and gitoxigenine that were not found in any of the extracts, all other tested mycochemical were found in atleast one of the extracts. Alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, oses and holosides, proanthocyanidins and coumarins were found in all extracts at different intensity. Saponosids, sterols and triterpenes, tannins gallics, reducing sugar, anthracenosides and digitoxine were found in two extracts while tannins catechics, flavone and gitoxine were detected only in one extract. The dosage of phenolic compounds confirmed the richness of this fungus in total polyphenols, its moderate richness in proanthocyanidins, the lack of flavonoids in the aqueous extract and the moderate richness of the hydro-ethanolic and ethanolic extracts in flavonoids. Regarding the antioxidant activities, the results obtained for the DPPH trapping test showed that the different extracts had low to moderate antioxidant activity with antioxidant activity index (IAA) ranged 0.29 to 0.97 respectively in aqueous and ethanolic extracts. The presence of these mycochemical compounds along with the identified antioxidant activities shows that this M. africana have some pharmacological potential.
Biology of Sarcophagidae (Diptera): Mini review
Authors: Carlos Henrique Marchiori
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study is to report the Biology of Sarcophagidae. The mini review consists of bibliographical research on the muscoid dipterans (Muscomorpha) (Order: Diptera). The research was carried out in studies related to quantitative aspects of the Family and Species (taxonomic groups) and in conceptual aspects such as: geographic distribution, biology, traps, life cycle, vector of bacteria and importance in Forensic Entomology. A literature search was carried out containing articles published from 1971 to 2021. The mini review was prepared in Goiânia, Goiás, from August to September 2021, through the Online Scientific Library (Scielo), internet, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, Frontiers, Publons, Qeios and Portal of Scientific Journals in Health Sciences, https://goo.gl/gLTTTs and https://www.growkudos.com/register.
Patients Satisfaction Undergoing Endometrial Thermal Balloon Ablation for the Treatment of Intractable Menorrhagia
Authors: Ejaz Saman , Raana Maryam , Riaz Ambar , Nazar Netasha , Mumtaz Amara , Ashraf Misbah
Published: November 2021

Background: Heavy amounts of menstrual blood loss regularly in three or more consecutive cycles are characterized as menorrhagia which has been shown to be present among in many peri-menopausal and premenopausal women. Aim: To determine the frequency of patients’ satisfaction with TBA for the treatment of intractable menorrhagia. Methods: This descriptive study was undertaken in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Wallington Hospital Lahore from January to July 2017. A sample size of 200 patients was calculated and informed consent was taken to fill predesigned Performa. Prophylactic dose of 1g Ceftriaxon antibiotic was administered and Foly’s catheters were placed simultaneously in uterine cavity of patients after curettage and dilations. The uterine balloon catheter was then entered into the uterus and balloon was filled with sterile fluid. Results: A high number of 157(78.5%) women were found to be satisfied with thermal balloon ablation while different age groups presented an insignificant difference on level of satisfaction. Level of education and BMI had insignificant difference (p >0.05) while a significant difference (p<0.05) was observed among patients suffering from long duration of >6 months as compared to short duration of 3-6 months. Conclusion: Thermal balloon ablation is the method of choice for treatment of women suffering from menorrhagia and high number of patients revealed their trust on this method. Keywords: Menorrhagia, Dysmenorrhea, Blooding, Satisfaction, Endometrium.
Incidence of Congenital Hypothyroidism in Neonates: A study in Abbotabad
Authors: Wasim Khan Muhammad , Sajid Munir Syed , Saeed Maimoona , Ul Haq Sami
Published: November 2021

Aim: To determine the frequency of congenital hypothyroidism in neonates admitted in Neonatology Department of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbotabad Setting: Department of Neonatology, ATH, Abbotabad Duration of Study: From 13 June, 2016 to 13 Dec, 2016. Design of study: Cross sectional Methodology: 621 neonates included in this study. All admissions were enrolled in study. Informed written consent was taken from parents. TSH level of the patients was sent to laboratory. Name, age, gender and address was recorded on a Performa. Results: As per frequencies and percentages for congenital hypothyroidism, 5(0.8%) neonates were found having congenital hypothyroidism. Conclusion: Prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism in neonates is 0.8%. It is strongly associated with hypothyroid mothers and their intake of medicine in pregnancy. Keywords: Hypothyroid mother, Newborn baby, TSH
Efficacy of Supratarsal Triamcinolone Injection versus Dexamethasone in Recalcitrant Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Amin Muhammad , Kakar Abdul Bari , Tajwidi Chakar , Farooq Nesr , Ahmad Ghauri Hafiz Waqar , Zaman Khan Asad
Published: November 2021

Aim: To determine the effectiveness of supratarsal triamcinolone injection versus dexamethasone in recalcitrant vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Study Design: Prospective/randomized study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, Lorallai Medical College, Loralai from 1st October 2020 to 31st March 2021. Methods: Fifty patients (100 eyes) of both genders and age between 12-40 years were enrolled. Detailed demographics of enrolled cases age, sex and body mass index were recorded after taking informed written consent. All patients had recalcitrant vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Patients were equally divided into 2-groups. Group I had 25 patients and received 20mg of supratarsal triamcinolone injection in both eyes and group II with 25 patients received 2mg of dexamethasone in their eyes. Postoperative effectiveness, complications and recurrence of disease was observed and compared among both groups. Results: There were 15 (60%) males and 10 (40%) females in group I with mean age 18.14±6.34 years while in group II, 15 (60%) males and 10 (40%) females with mean age was 17.68±4.54 years. Palprebral vernal keratoconjunctivitis was found in 36 eyes (10 patients of group I and 8 patients of group II) and Mixed vernal keratoconjunctivitis in 64 eyes (15 patients of group I and 17 patients of group II). Symptoms were itching,photophobia, lacrimation and pain. Conjunctival hyperemia, giant papillae and limbal infiltrate were the most common signs observed. Post operatively effectiveness among group I and II was (100% vs 92%) without any complication. Recurrence rate of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in group I was lower 4% as compared to group II 10%. Conclusion: The use of supratarsal triamcinolone injection in patients of recalcitrant vernal keratoconjunctivitis was effective and safest method as compared to dexamethasone in terms of less recurrence and high rate of efficacy. Keywords: Supratarsal triamcinolone, Dexamethasone, Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, Effectiveness, Recurrence
Postoperative Pain Relief: The Comparison of Bupivacaine before Incision and Near Closure of Wound
Authors: Durrani Haq dad , Kousar Rafia , Iqbal Ejaz , Abdul Aziz Muhammad , Abbas Naqvi Syed Aushtar , Sehrish Anam
Published: November 2021

Background: Pain is the most common and most difficult problem faced by patients after operation. Due to inadequate management 30-70% patients suffer from post-operative pain. Acute pain resulting in chronic pain reduces quality of life and creates economic burden. Aim: To compare post-operative pain relief between infiltration of 0.25% bupivacaine into skin and subcutaneous tissue in the line of incision before incision and along edges of wound near completion of procedure. Study design: Randomized control trial Methodology: Sixty four patients were randomly divided into two groups i.e. (0.25% Bupivacaine 6 to 30ml) at the site of incision into skin and subcutaneous tissue Preincision (Group P) and (0.25% Bupivacaine 6 to 30ml) along the edges of wound at near closure of procedure (Group C). Intensity of pain was assessed on visual analogue scale in the recovery room, 3, 6 and 24 hours postoperatively.The time of first dose of rescue analgesia within 24 hours was also noted in both groups. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between two groups regarding age (p-value = 0.324), gender i.e. males (p=0.545) females (p=0.763) and duration of operation (P=Value=0.208). The mean time of rescue analgesia in Group P and Group C in minutes was 318.12±149.47 and 374.84±125.67 respectively (p value =1.5) reflecting no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Postoperative analgesia and analgesic requirement do not differ significantly whether bupivacaine is infiltrated before incision or just before closure of wound. Keywords: Postoperative pain, bupivacaine, rescue analgesia, Preincision
Prevalence of Early Post-Operative Complications in Patients Undergoing Surgical Treatment for Meningomyelocele
Authors: Pervez Khan Muhammad , Haq Naeem ul
Published: November 2021

Objective: To determine the prevalence of early postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgical treatment for meningomyelocele. Study Design: Descriptive study Place & Duration: Department of Neurosurgery, Saidu Teaching Hospital, Saidu Sharif, Swat for duration of three years from November 2017 to October 2020. Methods: Total one hundred and thirty six patients of both genders presented with meningomycele were included in this study. Patients’ ages were ranging from 5 to 120 days. All the patients were undergoing surgical treatment for meningomyelocele. Early post-operative complications were recorded after surgery Results: There were 76 (55.88%) males and 60 (44.12%) females. Forty (29.41%) patients were ages <1 month, 59 (43.38%) patients were ages 1 to 2 months 37 (27.21%) were ages above 2 months. Majority of patients 70 (51.47%) had defect size <5 cm. Post-operative complications such as surgical site infection, pyrexia, hydrocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 20 (14.71%), 115 (84.56%, 29 (21.32%) and 33 (24.26%) patients respectively. Conclusion: Early and accurate diagnosis and better management may reduce the complications rate Keywords: Prevalence, Complications, Meningomvelocele
The Effect of Swimming Training on Bone Mineral Metabolism in Female Swimmers
Authors: Adigüzel Serdar , Çakaroğlu Deniz
Published: November 2021

In this study, the effects of 8-week swimming training applied to swimmers aged 19-25 on bone alkaline phosphatase (bALP), magnesium, calcium, Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC), iron and ferritin parameters were investigated. Mean age of 23.12±5.46 years, 12 swimmers participated in the study. A swimming training program was applied to the participants for 8 weeks/3 days. All tests and measurements were performed before starting the 8-week training program and after the program was completed. The data obtained from the study were analyzed using the SPSS 15.0 package program. The normality distribution of the data was made with the shapiro-wilk test, and the pre-post-test measurements of the participants were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. According to the results of the data, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the metabolic rate, iron, UIBC pre-post test data. (p<0.05). As a result, it can be said that the 8-week swimming training program, which is applied regularly, can positively affect performance with the changes in bone mineral metabolism. Keywords: Ferritin, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, magnesium, metabolic rate
The Severity of Covid- 19 Among Pregnant Women and The Risk of Adverse Maternal Outcome
Authors: Anwar Maria , Jabeen Kiran , Khan Safia , Anwar Shazia , Jadaan Aalia , Rizwan Aesha Sadaf
Published: November 2021

Background and Aim: The obstetrical complications of pregnant women might elevate to a severe stage due to ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2). Limited study focused on association between COVID-19 and pregnant women adverse outcomes. The present study was carried out to evaluate the severity of COVID-19 among pregnant women and risk of adverse maternal outcome. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 242 pregnant women of confirmed COVID-19 cases hospitalized in Aziz Fatimah Hospital, Faisalabad and Holy Family hospital Rawalpindi for six months duration from 5th December 2020 to 5th May 2021. Pregnant women demographic details, obstetric characterizations, adverse maternal outcomes, and laboratory findings were noted. Positive tested pregnant women through RT-PCR regardless of clinical symptoms and signs were enrolled as confirmed cases while negative tested pregnant women were excluded. Hypertensive disorders, preexisting pulmonary, obesity, renal, nulliparity, and cardiovascular disease were the maternal risk factors. Different variables were assessed through fisher’s test and regression logistics model. Results: Of the total 242 pregnant women, the prevalence of mild to moderate symptoms, and severe disease were 187 (77.3%) and 43 (17.7%) respectively. About 12 (5%) had a critical stage of the disease. During this study period, about 31 (12.8%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 9 (3.7%) died. Mode of delivery, maternal age, underlying conditions, parity, and admission to ICU were the important demographic factors in severe COVID-19 disease. Other severe maternal outcomes were fever, cough, breath shortness and anosmia. Increase ICU admission and cesarean section delivery were significantly associated with disease severity. Conclusion: Our study founds a mortality rate of 3.7% among pregnant women with COVID-19. A higher prevalence of intensive care admission and cesarean delivery were reported in acute and severe COVID-19disease. The obstetrical and neonatal outcomes significantly affected by the severity of maternal disease; neonatal prematurity, ICU admission, and cesarean sections complications. Keywords: COVID- 19, Pregnant women, Adverse maternal outcomes
Comparative Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety for Management of Neuropathic Pain with Gabapentin, Pregabalin, and Amitriptyline
Authors: Alharbi Abdulrahman
Published: November 2021

Background: Current treatments for neuropathic pain (NeP) are tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), such as pregabalin and gabapentin are first-line drugs for the management of NeP complaints. Current treatment for the management of neuropathic pain is often sub-standard. Methods: It's a three-arm, prospective, comparative, open-label study. A total of 270 patients with persistent lumbar radiculopathy were randomized into three groups based on clinical examination, symptoms, X-rays, and MRI scans of the lumbosacral spine. Patients in Groups A and B got Gabapentine 300 mg, Pregabaline 75 mg, and Amitriptyline 75 mg, respectively. Results: The mean NPRS score at two months was 3.72 ± 2.65 for Group A, 3.63 ± 2.65 for Group B, and 5.21 ± 2.65 for Group C. The F-value was 6.63, and the p-value was 0.001, which was statistically significant. As compared to the other two treatment groups, the subjects in Group 3 saw a significant difference. ‎ The adverse effects reported occurrence of dizziness was significantly more in group B with 21 patients (23.33%) as compared to group A with 11 patients (12.22%) and group C with 4 patients (4.44%), [p=0.041). The sedation occurred in 28 patients of group B (31.11%), which was significantly more than group A i,e, in 23 patients (25.55%) and group C, i.e., 22 patients (24.44%), [P=0.036]. Conclusions: In patients with NeP Thus, in conclusion, three groups Gabapentine, Pregabaline, and Amitriptyline, are equally efficacious in relieving pain in NeP. Pregabalin has advantages in terms of Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) score over the Gabapentine and Amitriptyline. Gabapentine has fewer reported adverse effects and hence better patient compliance on long-term use. Keywords: Gabapentine, Amitriptyline, Pregabalin, Neuropathic pain
Reconstruction Surgeries for Management of Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of The Elbow: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alrabai Ahmed Ali , Raizah Abdullah Fahad
Published: November 2021

We aimed to investigate the indications, techniques, and results of lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (LUCLR) for posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow (PLRI) by collecting currently available data. Several databases (PUBMED & EMBASE) were explored for articles published between 2010 and 2020. A search strategy was applied. Altogether, 2,583 studies were recovered for possible inclusion. After adjusting for duplicates, revision of methodology, exclusion of non-full text studies, and those in languages other than English, only four studies remained, which included 51 patients, with more males than females (56.9% and 43.1%, respectively). The patients’ mean age was 35.1 years. Eight patients (15.7%) were managed by the Docking technique in one retrospective study, while 43 patients (84.3%) were managed by the trans-osseous technique. Both trans-osseous and Docking techniques are safe and efficient in the management of PLRI cases. The trans-osseous technique has better functional and postoperative results and lesser complications. Mesh Words: posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow; lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery; systematic review; meta-analysis