bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Vyanga Vis-A-Vis Melasma Through Ayurveda- A Case Series
Authors: Mythrey R C  , Dhanwantari Saste
Published: July 2022

Melasma is a skin condition characterized by dark spots and patches on the nose, cheeks, forehead and jaw line. Although it is completely harmless, it causes skin discoloration which is difficult to fade away with routine skin care. Melasma can lead to social isolation and stigmatization adversely affecting the quality of daily life which definitely has a major impact on individual’s psychological state and social relationship.

The symptomatology of Vyanga given in various available Ayurvedic classics are Mandala (circular patches), Shyava (brown), Tanu (thin), Niruja (painless), etc. The clinical features of melasma can be correlated with Vyanga and condition can be treated based on the Vyanga Chikitsa.     

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of Haritakyadi Lepa in the management of Vyanga and to review the etiopathology and the clinical aspect of the Vyanga.

Result: Based on the collected data, efforts were made to evaluate the efficacy of Haritakyadi Lepa followed by Sadyo Virechana with Manibhadra Guda in the subjects of melasma vis-à-vis Vyanga.

Conclusion: In contemporary science, topical steroids have been described in the management of melasma. Alternative to that Haritakyadi Lepa along with Madhu selected for treatment, has shown very effective result in Vyanga.
How do English-speaking Cancer Patients Conceptualise Personhood?
Authors: Alsuwaigh Rayan , Radha Krishna Lalit Kumar
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Understanding personhood or “what makes you, you” is pivotal to the provision of person-centred care. Yet the manner that personhood is conceived amongst patients varies significantly. This study aims to investigate conceptions of personhood in a multiracial, multicultural, multireligious setting. Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted at National Cancer Centre Singapore, from January 2013 to April 2013. We used a validated questionnaire where English-speaking oncology patients rated the importance of 26 features of “personhood” on a 10-point Likert scale from 0 to 9, with 9-points being extremely important. This was followed by a semi-structured interview. Analysis of transcripts using the Grounded Theory revealed original data that inspired novel ideas about the nature of personhood, which precipitated a further study in April 2014. Results: Our initial study of 100 patients revealed that personhood is conceived in a unique and novel manner. To study this, we interviewed a further 40 patients using a supplemental question to our original questionnaire. Our data affirmed our initial findings and evidenced a change in conceptions of personhood. Conclusion: Our evidence supports the Ring Theory of Personhood, which suggests that personhood is defined by innate, individual, relational, societal elements. It also evidences that personhood is temporally and contextually sensitive allowing for better appreciation of the evolving goals of care that frequently occur at end-of-life. Most importantly, this study reminds healthcare professionals on the importance of “treating persons” and looking beyond familial interests in maintaining the interests and dignity of the patient. Key words: End-of-life, Oncology, Palliative care, Person-centred care
A Review of Back Injury Cases Notified to the Ministry of Manpower from 2011 to 2012
Authors: Wong Shiu Hong , Choy Kenneth KY
Published: July 2022

Introduction: In Singapore, the notification of workplace accidents and occupational diseases is a legal requirement under the Workplace Safety and Health (Incident Reporting) Regulations. This review is to identify back injury cases with physical work stresses and propose recommendations for preventive measures. Materials and Methods: Cases involving back injuries notified to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2012 were reviewed. Using predefined criteria, cases with physical work stresses were identified and the associated variables analysed. Results: A total of 1124 notifications involving back injuries were received from 2011 to 2012; 579 cases (52%) were identified to have physical work stresses, of which 447 cases (77%) were males and 375 (64%) of them were between the ages of 21 to 40 years. The commonest physical work stresses were carrying (35%), awkward postures (22%) and lifting (20%). Majority of the cases came from the following sectors: construction (14%), accommodation and food services (12%), transport and storage (12%), manufacturing (10%) and wholesale and retail trade (10%). Conclusion: We identified the main physical work stresses in the back injury cases as carrying, awkward postures and lifting. The common industries involved were construction, accommodation and food services, and transport and storage sectors. This is useful for programmes aimed at reducing physical work stresses which can lead to improved work and health outcomes for our workers.

Key words: Notification, Physical work stresses, Singapore
Patterns and Predictors of Dropout from Mental Health Treatment in an Asian Population
Authors: Sagayadevan Vathsala , Subramaniam Mythily , Abdin Edimansyah , Vaingankar Janhavi Ajit , Chong Siow Ann
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Studies examining mental health treatment dropout have primarily focused on Western populations and less so on Asian samples. The current study explored the prevalence and correlates of mental health treatment dropout across the various healthcare sectors in Singapore. Materials and Methods: Data was utilised from the Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS), a cross-sectional epidemiological survey conducted among an adult population (n = 6616) aged 18 years and above. Statistical analyses were done on a subsample of respondents (n = 55) who had sought treatment from the various treatment providers (i.e. mental health, medical, social services and religious healers) in the past 12 months. The World Mental Health (WMH) Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 (CIDI 3.0) was used to determine diagnoses of mental disorders, chronic medical disorders and service utilisation. Results: Of those who had received treatment, 37.6% had ended treatment prematurely, 23.2% had completed treatment and 39.2% were still in treatment. The religious and spiritual sector (83.1%) had the highest dropout, followed by the general medical sector (34.6%), mental health services sector (33.9%) and the social services sector (30%). Marital status emerged as the only sociodemographic factor that significantly predicted treatment dropout—with those who were married being significantly less likely to drop out than those who were single. Conclusion: The overall dropout rate across the various healthcare sectors was comparable to past studies. While the small sample size limits the generalisability of findings, the current study provides useful insight into treatment dropout in an Asian population.

Key words: Attrition, Mental illness, Service providers
Electrocardiographic Criteria for Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Asians Differs from Criteria Derived from Western Populations—Community-based Data from an Asian Population
Authors: Xu Chang Fen , Tan Eugene SJ , Feng Liang , Santhanakrishnan Rajalakshmi , Chan Michelle MY , Nyunt Shwe Zin , Ng Tze Pin , Ling Lieng Hsi , Richards A Mark , Lam Carolyn SP , Lim Toon Wei
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), such as the Cornell and Sokolow-Lyon voltage criteria were derived from Western populations. However, their utility and accuracy for diagnosing echocardiographic LVH in Asian populations is unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of ECG criteria for LVH in Asians and to determine if alternative gender-specific ECG cut-offs may improve its diagnostic accuracy. Materials and Methods: ECG and echocardiographic assessments were performed on 668 community-dwelling Asian adults (50.9% women; 57 ± 10 years) in Singapore. The accuracy of ECG voltage criteria was compared to echocardiographic LVH criteria based on the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines, and Asian ethnicity and gender-specific partition values. Results: Echocardiographic LVH was present in 93 (13.6%) adults. Cornell criteria had low sensitivity (5.5%) and high specificity (98.9%) for diagnosing LVH. Modified gender specific cut-offs (18 mm in women, 22 mm in men) improved sensitivity (8.8% to 17.5%, 0% to 14.7%, respectively) whilst preserving specificity (98.2% to 94.2%, 100% to 95.8%). Similarly, Sokolow-Lyon criteria had poor sensitivity (7.7%) and high specificity (96.1%) for diagnosing LVH. Lowering the cut-off value from 35 mm to 31 mm improved the sensitivity in women from 3.5% to 14% while preserving specificity at 94.2%. A cut-off of 36 mm was optimal in men (sensitivity of 14.7%, specificity of 95.5%). Conclusion: Current ECG criteria for LVH derived in Western cohorts have limited sensitivity in Asian populations. Our data suggests that ethnicity- and gender-specific ECG criteria may be needed.

Key words: Cornell, Ethnicity, Sokolow-Lyon, Voltage
INITIAL SEED WEIGHT AND SCARIFICATION AFFECT in vitro GERMINATION OF Echinocactus parryi (Engelm.)
Authors: Osuna Pedro , García González Dolores Adilene , Santos Díaz Maria del Socorro , Flores Margez Juan Pedro
Published: July 2022

The endemic and threatened species Echinocactus parryi, native to the municipality of Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, presents important limitations for its reproduction and natural propagation. It is hypothesized that initial seed weight and scarification would affect the percentage of seed germination of this species. The objective was to compare the effect of initial seed weight (two levels) and scarification treatments (four levels) on in vitro germination of E. parryi. The morphology of seedlings grown for 12 months was also described. Four hundred seeds were divided into two groups of 200 seeds each: first group, seeds of 35 to 45 mg; and second group, seeds of 46 to 55 mg. The scarification treatments were a control (intact seeds), mechanical scarification, application of 25 % sulfuric acid and Murashige and Skoog growing medium added with 2 mg L-1 of gibberellic acid. Fifty seeds per treatment were placed for each weight group. Treatments were distributed in a completely randomized experiment with factorial arrangement. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared by Tukey’s test (p ≥ 0.05). Results showed significance in the interaction of seed weight and mechanical scarification treatment by obtaining 93.2±3.6 % germination in seeds of 35 to 45 mg and 96.0±3.3 % in seeds of 46 to 55 mg at 30 d of in vitro culture. The morphological description of the seedlings provided information on the development of E. parryi in juvenile stages, which differs from the adult stage. Results on germination and the morphological description of the seedlings represent an important advance for propagation and conservation purposes. To our knowledge, this is the first report on scarification treatment in seeds of different weights and the influence on germination, that also recorded the seedling morphology of E. parryi.
The Information-Based Economy
Authors:   Ministry of Science and Technology - Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission, Iraq, Ahmad Dr. Ahmed Ahmad Hassan
Published: July 2022

We should pay attention to the fact that the information-based economy is because information has a material value, as it allows all individuals to make choices that result in expected returns higher or more than what they would get from the choices in the absence of information. Today the information became a resource and an essential element in life and the economy. It is called in the most economic literature the (knowledge economy), but it is better to call it the information economy because the dependence on information in it is more. but although some of them consider it an intangible resource and this is a big mistake, as information is a resource and has a cost resulting from the procedures for obtaining it or producing it in various ways in order to achieve a benefit from its use in the future to increasing profits, reducing costs and increasing their competitiveness. The organizations attach great importance to spending on information or research and development and it can reach millions of monetary units. The amount of spending on information varies from one organization to another for several factors, perhaps the most important of which are the size of the organization and the nature and objective of the organization. It is also difficult to measure or predict the cost of obtaining information or the benefit resulting from it, in addition to the difficulties in determining its source, the appropriate timing for obtaining it, and determining the beneficiary party also.
Reconstruction of the Application of the Death Penalty to Perpetrators of Corruption Crimes during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors:   Mahasiswa Magister Hukum Universitas Pembangunan Nasional ‘’Veteran’’
Published: July 2022

Corruption is a serious problem because this criminal act can endanger the stability and security of society, endanger socio-economic development, and also politics, and can damage democratic values and morality because gradually this act seems to become a culture. Corruption is a threat to the ideals towardsa just and prosperous society. The formulation of the problem in this study is thatreconstruction is needed in the application of the death penalty to perpetrators of corruption crimes during the Covid-19 pandemic and how the ideal concept of the death penalty against perpetrators of corruption crimes is needed. The research method used in this study is the method of approach used in this study is normative juridical. For the effectiveness of law enforcement in eradicating corruption, an integral system of law enforcement is needed, be it the Police, Prosecutor's Office or Judicial Institutions to jointly uphold justice under one roof, namely the Judiciary. Because when one of the law enforcement agencies is under executive power, political intervention will easily enter and influence the decisions taken. Basically, if the perpetrator of corruption has fulfilled the clause ''certain circumstances'' in Article 2 paragraph (2) of the Typist Law, then the death penalty can be imposed on the perpetrator.
Effectiveness of In-Service Training: A Study of Secondary School Teachers of Balasore District, Odisha
Authors:   Doctoral Research Scholar, F.M. University, Balasore, Odisha, India
Published: July 2022

In-service teacher education and training are the keys to changing the perception of teaching, which used to be student-oriented inside the classroom. In earlier days, it was more about instilling a value system in the children. Therefore, as they grow older, they become independent and can be able to nourish their own life by their own effort. However, because globalization has resulted in cultural mixing, we have begun to accept more foreign cultures and their teaching methodologies. With this intention in service, teacher training has been included as part of the teachers’ development program, whereby teachers are supposed to attend short-term courses and other faculty development programs in order to increase their existing knowledge. For this purpose, there are sufficient provisions with regard to the tying up of schools with specific organizations, both public and private, to train teachers. With this background, the researcher attempted to examine the effectiveness of in-service training programs from the teachers' point of view based on eighty-eight secondary school teachers of the Balasore municipality area of the Balasore district of Odisha.
Collective Trauma, Conditioned Identities, and the Struggle to Healing and Reconciliation in Toni Morrison`S Song of Solomon
Authors:   Department of English, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
Published: July 2022

As an outstanding African-American author who has got fame for her tragic novel, Toni Morrison is well-known for her depiction of black experiences as slaves. She is an expert in portraying characters who are dealing with the after-effect of their ancestral African-American traumas. Morrison`s community is weighed down by the heavy burden of rejection, oppression, racism, and white dominance, so they are burdened with a wounded psyche and body, therefore experiencing painful memories of their past. This paper focuses on Morrison`s one of the major novels, Song of Solomon which highlights traumatic events that the African American community is faced with. This paper aims to study the collective trauma of these black characters who struggle with major repressive pressures within trauma theory; it further intends to analyze how this trauma condition`s the characters` life and focus on their difficulty dealing with the problems. Also, it intends to deal with the issue of recovery and reconciliation among these black communities, whether they could pass the stages of recovery or rather are conditioned by the heavyweight of their trauma.
La huelga en el derecho laboral peruano
Authors: Arévalo Vela Javier
Published: July 2022

En el presente trabajo se analizan las disposiciones legales y los criterios jurisprudenciales, así como de la doctrina, sobre el derecho de huelga en el régimen laboral peruano de la actividad privada. Como principal herramienta legal se examina el Texto Único Ordenado de la Ley de Relaciones Colectivas de Trabajo. Asimismo, entre los principales aspectos de la huelga, se busca señalar su definición, características, contenido esencial, titularidad, límites, requisitos, entre otros. Por otra parte, se explica la legalidad e ilegalidad de la huelga, cuya determinación es emitida mediante una resolución por la Autoridad Administrativa de Trabajo.
Comparative Evaluation of Midazolam and Clonidine as Premedicants in Children Undergoing Elective Orodental Surgeries: A Randomized, Double Blind Trial
Authors: Gupta Anupriya , Gupta Heena . , Jamwal Anju , Gulati Samriti
Published: July 2022

Background: Preoperative anxiety is common in children that can have impact on induction, emergence from anesthesia and/ or on the psychological state of the child. Intranasal route offers an advantage of rapid and virtually complete absorption due to high mucosal vascularity. Objective: The present study aimed to compare efficacy of midazolam with clonidine for intranasal premedication in pediatric patients scheduled to undergo elective orodental surgeries. Methods: One hundred and five children of either sex, aged between 3-7 years belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists ASA) physical status 1 and 2 undergoing elective orodental surgeries were randomly assigned to three study groups. Group 1 n=35) received 0.5 ml of 0.2 mg/kg midazolam, Group 2 n=35) received 0.5 ml 1µ/kg clonidine and Group 3 n=35) received 0.5 ml of normal saline in each nostril 40 minutes before inducing anesthesia. Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, SpO2, degree of sedation was measured every 10 minutes till 30 minutes according to the 5- point sedation scale. The reaction to intravenous i.v.) cannulation was noted according to 4-point scale and child’s face mask acceptance was noted according to 5-point scale. After induction of anesthesia, vitals were noted every 10 minutes, intraoperatively. Postoperatively, level of sedation was assessed every 10 minutes for one hour using 3- point scale. Results: The difference in sedation score between group 1 and 2 was insignificant at 10 minutes but highly significant at 20 min, 30 min and 40 minutes with more sedation in clonidine group. Heart rate and blood pressure were lower in clonidine group. Children in group 2 had better reaction to i.v. cannulation and mask acceptance scores compared with group 1. Postoperative sedation was highest in clonidine group and these children had better wake up scores than midazolam. Conclusion: Compared to midazolam, intranasal clonidine provides higher sedation level, better mask acceptance and better response to intravenous cannulation.
Empirical Piperacillin/Tazobactam versus Imipenem/Cilastatin in Covid-19 Infected Patients
Authors: Jdaitawi Sahar Mohammad , Abujoudeh Dema Fahed , Khorshid Ghaith Ghazi , Alghonmien Shadi Ibrahim , Obeidat Mohammad Basem
Published: July 2022

Background/Aim: β-Lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors (BL/BLIs) and carbapenems are often considered for the treatment of sepsis when the main suspected pathogens are Gram-negative bacteria, because of their broad spectrum of coverage. Our aim was to compare the clinical outcomes of the two most widely used empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics in Jordanian SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Methods: A single-center, retrospectively study was conducted in a specialized COVID-19 isolation center at Queen Alia Military Hospital of the Royal Medical Services (RMS) in Jordan. Over 19 months. All Jordanian mild/moderate-severe/critical SARS-CoV-2 infected patients aged 18 years and above, whose hospital admission days exceeded at least 3 days, and whose COVID-19 diagnosis were suspected or confirmed were included in our study. β-ABs were allocated to Non-PIP/TAZ group (Group I) and PIP/TAZ group (Group II). An Independent T and One –Sample T Tests, and Chi Square Test will be used to analyze the parametric and non-parametric outcomes’ data, respectively. Results: 718 eligible studied patients were finally included in this study (718/4183, 18.67%) in which 247 patients (31.6%) had suspected COVID-19 infection and 534 (68.4%) had confirmed COVID-19 infection. The mean age of the whole study cohort was 59.40±10.60. Insignificantly, males were distributed in the study in approximately 2.309:1 ratio compared to females. The main finding of our study was that an investigated overall 28-day SARS-CoV-2 infected patients’ mortality were insignificantly recorded between the two ABs based categorized cohorts [75 (19.8%) vs 80 (19.9%), p-Value=0.997] over also insignificantly overall hospital length of stay (LOS) [11.17±2.79 days vs 11.28±2.91 days, -0.11±0.20 days, p-Value=0.595] for Cohort I and Cohort II, respectively. Conclusion: In summary, our results demonstrate that there were insignificant differences between Piperacillin/Tazobactam and Carbapenems regarding overall clinical impacts, when they were empirically administered in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Also, we explored that significant higher %cNa12 in PIP/TAZ Cohort (Cohort II) may have positive clinical advantages over Carbapenems in Non-PIP/TAZ (Cohort I).
Prosopagnosia as a Manifestation of Neuro-COVID
Authors: Finsterer Josef
Published: July 2022

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Socio-demographic Characteristics and its Association with Outcome in Secondary Peritonitis cases in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Thakur Preet , Chandel U. K. , Kaundal A. K.
Published: July 2022

Background: Peritonitis still poses major problem for surgeons as far as morbidity and mortality is concerned. The aim of this study is to evaluate the Socio-demographic characteristics and its association with outcome in Secondary Peritonitis cases in a tertiary care Hospital. Material and Methods: This study was a longitudinal, prospective study in which all patients presenting to the Department of Surgery, IGMC, Shimla over a period of twelve months from January 2022 – December 2022 and with a diagnosis of secondary peritonitis after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. Relevant information was collected and further analysed by using IBM SPSS Statistics. Results: In this study, a total of 250 patients with diagnosis of perforation peritonitis were evaluated. Among the total Males were 205 (82%) and Females were 45 (18%). Mean age of the patients was 47.28±17.34 years with range from 18 to 87 years. Among the total, 99 (39.6%) patients were age less than 40 years while 151 (60.4%) patients were aged > 40 years. Among the total, 32 (12.80%) were expired while 218 (87.20%) were discharged after treatment. Among the total 205 males, 19 (9.3%) were expired and 186 (90.7%) were discharged while among total 45 females 13 (28.9%) were expired and 32 (71.1%) were discharged. There was significant difference in mortality among males and females. Mean age of 32 expired patients was 59.16±13.32 years while mean age of 218 discharged patients was 45.49± 16.96 years. There was significant difference in mortality according to age. Among the total 205 Males mean BMI was 21.93±3.00 while among the total 45 females mean BMI was 20.68±2.46. Among the total 32 expired patients mean BMI was 22.69±3.54 while among the total 218 discharged patients mean BMI was 21.76 ±2.80. There was no significant difference in mortality according to BMI. Conclusion: In the present study maximum patients of secondary peritonitis were males and less than 40 years old. There was significant association of mortality with gender and age group.
Anesthesia Related Complications and Guidelines
Authors: Shuber Reem Hashim Abdalmahdi , AL Haddad Sudad Mohammed Salih , Otaifa Rehab Sabah Abd-Alhussein
Published: July 2022

This study focused its objective on knowing the extent of complications that exist and generated by the type of anaesthesia on the patient. A study was conducted of 800 patients collected from different Hospitals Baghdad, Iraq. Complications were found in 120 patients. All statistical analyzes were performed for patients of age, gender, and type of anesthesia used during in addition to that, the type of complications found in patients was identified, and by relying on the statistical analysis program SPSS Soft 20 and MSEXCEL, the data and demographic characteristics of the patients were analyzed.
The Prognostic Capabilities of Positive Acute Phase Reactants in Stratifying Hospitalized Covid-19 Infected Patients
Authors: Hasan Adnan Aref Mosleh , Al-Qatarneh Mohammad Nayef Mufleh , Alrabadi Rami  Farah Mfadi , Obeidat Mohammed Ali Mahmoud
Published: July 2022

Background/Aim: Several biochemical parameters in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit severe acute respiratory syndrome conronavirus-2 (MVICU-SARS-CoV-2) are strongly correlated with affected COVID-19 patients’ clinical outcomes. Of particular, C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin (FER) levels are commonly used in clinical practices for theirs diagnostic and prognostic performances. So, in this study we aimed to explore the two tested positive acute-phase reactants prognosticating capabilities in MVICU-affected COVID-19 patients. Methods: A single-center study was retrospectively processed for eligible admitted MVICU-SARS-CoV-2 infected patients between March 2020 and September 2021. One-Sample and Independent T-Tests were conducted to analyze parametric data while in contrary, Mann Whitney-U and Chi Square Tests were conducted to analyze non-parametric data. A Receiver Operating Characteristic Test followed by Sensitivity Analysis were also conducted to plot the area of each tested prognosticator and to pick the operating optimal dichotomous levels with their corresponding sensitivity indices. Results: Overall 28-day ICU mortality was detected in 94 (48.70%) during an average of 12.40±4.79 days of ICU length of stay. The whole study cohort mean age was 58.37±9.96 years. and the Non-Survivors Cohort were insignificantly younger than the Survivors Cohort (58.09±10.05 years vs 58.55±9.95 years, respectively, p>0.05). Significantly, males were distributed in the study in approximately a 2: 1 ratio compared to females. Biochemically, the c-reactive protein and ferritin were significantly higher in the Non-Survivors Cohort than in the Survivors Cohort [143.09±59.28 mg/dl and 891.51±377.82 ng/ml vs 88.38±34.38 mg/dl and 465.76±154.07 ng/ml, respectively, p LESS THAN 0.05]. Conclusion: In global ever-shrinking in medical teams and facilities, elevated levels of CRP and FER can be potentially used for their reasonable performances and prognostic utilities in early risk stratification and clinical trending tracking in MVICU-SRAS-CoV-2 infected patients. Both tested biochemical prognosticators may facilitate in optimum resource provision and swift management protocols implementation.
The Predictive Value of Shock Index versus Modified Shock Index in Critically Ill COVID-19 Infected Patients
Authors: Abuzaid Mohamed Sulaiman , Alqatarneh Ali Kathm Mohammad Ali , Shafaqouj Zaid Majed , Alshadid Intisar  Jum'ah Ghadfan , AL-Shawabkeh Audai Ali Sulaiman , Alshawabkeh Amani Daoud
Published: July 2022

Background/Aim: Having reliable indicators and markers that would help in prognosticating the survival are invaluable and would consequently assist in the course of effective treatment. Our objectives in this study were to compare the ability of SI and mSI to predict the primary outcomes of overall 28-day mortality rate in SARS-CoV-2 infected hemodynamic unstable critically ill patients. Methods: This study was retrospectively conducted and both of confirmed and suspected affected critically ill COVID-19 patients were included in our study. Hemodynamics variables of SI and mSI were mathematically calculated after dividing HR over SBP and MAP. All tested variables and others were comparatively compared across the two studied affected COVID-19 patients; Survivors Cohort (Cohort I) and Non-Survivors Cohort (Cohort II) using One Sample and Independent-T Tests in addition to Chi Square Test for categorical retrievable data. ROC curves were constructed for SI and mSI, and the area under the ROC curves (AUROCs) were statistically compared using proposed Delong Method. The optimal operating cutoffs on each ROC curve for the two tested prognosticators were also investigated by picking the highest youden’s index. Results: The mean age of the whole study cohort was 51.88±16.22 years, and the Non-Survivors Cohort were significantly older than the Survivors Cohort. Significantly, males were distributed in the study in approximately 2.57: 1 ratio compared to female. There were statistically significant differences regarding serum albumin levels profile during the 1st admission week, among the 3 serial albumin day levels. The overall incidences of NOPST were assessed at 65.9% during an average of 14.08±4.06 days. The Non-Survivors Cohort had also significantly higher SI and mSI compared to Survivors Cohort [1.16±0.14 bpm/mmHg and 1.67±0.23 bpm/mmHg versus 0.92±0.04 bpm/mmHg and 1.30±0.07 bpm/mmHg; +0.24±0.01 bpm/mmHg and -0.37±0.01 bpm/mmHg, respectively, p-Value=0.001]. SI had a higher AUROC than mSI with Area±SEM (95% CI; Range) of 0.983±0.002 (95% CI; 0.978-0.987) versus 0.959±0.004 (95% CI; 0.950-0.967) and the best cut-off values for SI and mSI were 0.99 bpm/mmHg and 1.43 bpm/mmHg, respectively. Conclusion: In summary, our stated hemodynamic based mortality prognosticators may be an early effective, no-cost bedside, realistic, reliable triaging modalities with high sensitivity, specificity, performance. Also, SI may be used as an additional or readily available red flag bedside assessment tool for severe disease.
Does Special Autonomy Funds Matter for Economic Performance? The Case of Aceh Province, Indonesia
Authors: Hayati Fitri . , Majid M. Shabri Abd. , Nasir Muhammad
Published: July 2022

This study aims to examine and analyze the effects of special autonomy funds on economic growth, poverty, inequality, and unemployment. It also attempts to study and analyze the effects of economic growth on poverty, inequality, and unemployment in 23 regencies/cities in Aceh Province, Indonesia. Using panel data from 2013-2019 and analyzed using the fixed-effect panel regression technique, this study found evidence that special autonomy funds promoted economic growth and reduced poverty, income inequality, and unemployment. Furthermore, the estimation results showed that economic growth increased poverty, income inequality, and unemployment. The results showed the effectiveness of special autonomy funds in improving the economic performance of 23 districts/cities in Aceh Province, Indonesia. However, economic growth has not been able to reduce poverty, income disparity, and unemployment. This shows the importance of redesigning inclusive economic development by formulating development policies that are pro-poor, pro-job creation, and pro-equal income distribution oriented by involving the active participation of the community collectively in economic development.
The determinants of leverage of SMEs: empirical evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Campos Antonio , Porta Marco Della , Piluso Vincenzo
Published: July 2022

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between financial leverage and its main determinants in the context of SMEs in an emerging economy, such as the Chilean one. The investigation is based on the application of trade-off theory and pecking order theory. In this regard, the literature has amply highlighted that these two theories are more suitable for explaining the financial decisions of SMEs. We used a stratified sampling technique based on an economic criterion to identify the companies to analyze and develop the empirical analysis. The period investigated is three years and runs from 2016 to 2018. The research hypotheses were tested with a static fixed effects model (FE). The robustness checks validated the reliability of the model used. The results suggest that the size and tangibility of assets have a positive and statistically significant influence on debt. Conversely, profitability has a negative and statistically significant influence on leverage. The results of this research contribute to enriching the literature on the subject, providing empirical evidence of an economic context that has not yet been studied.
Strategic Planning and Decision-Making Process During the Period of Covid -19 Crises in Salamair
Authors: Kumar Ajith , Al-salmani Abeer Said , Al-rashdi Isra Abdullah , Al-zadjali Nibras Najeeb
Published: July 2022

Air transportation is an essential input for downstream sectors, as it permits various economic exercises through buying and selling goods mostly in services by way of the movement of natural individuals. The preparation of aviation expanded a major number of destinations is also helpful for tourism, especially global tourism. Air transport is distinguished by both complementarity and substitutability with other systems of transport. The differences in the way of behaving passengers following the COVID-19 crisis, travel imitations forced by the government and the following economic crisis have caused significant fall in demand for airline services. Controlling costs are probably to rise for both airlines and airports with reason of extra health and safety necessities (e.g. disinfection, PPE, temperature checks or viral tests) before they can be passed on to customers. Besides, the application of social distancing measures has forced a restriction in the passenger by up to 50% of the capacity. Direct aviation jobs (at airlines, airports, manufacturers, and air traffic management) drop down by 4.8 million, and aviation-supported jobs potentially fall off by 46 million to 41.7 million (-52.5%) (a 43% reduction compared with the preCOVID situation) these are the impact of covid -19 in the aviation industry as a whole.
Post-COVID Guillain-Barre syndrome: Comparison of Two Reviews
Authors: Finsterer Josef
Published: July 2022

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Evaluation of time taken for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) and to achieve lowest creatinine levels after surgery among renal transplant recipients with multiple renal arteries
Authors: Sharma Manish , Sharma Uma
Published: July 2022

Background: This was a prospective observational study to evaluate the time taken for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and to achieve lowest creatinine levels after surgery among Renal transplant recipients with multiple renal arteries. Material andMethods: In the present study 25 patients’ recipients of multiple renal artery graft kidney who underwent renal transplant after 30 the June 2016 till October 2017 with post-transplant serum creatinine ≤ 1.5mg/dl were included and evaluated for time taken for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and to achieve lowest creatinine levels. Results: In the present study, in 16 cases (64%) time taken for LDN ranged from 180-239 minutes, 3 (12%) cases were completed in less than 120 minutes and 5(20%) cases were completed in time range of 120-179 minutes. Average time time for LDN is 177.96 ± 87.578 minutes. Time taken for recipient surgery in 20 cases (80%) varied from 180-239 minutes. In 4 cases (16%) surgery was completed in range of 240-300 minutes. Average time taken for recipient surgery was 203.64± 61.504 minutes. Mean cold ischemia time (CIT) in this study was 107.44 ± 43.416 minutes In this study the time taken to reach the lowest creatinine value varied from 3 days to 14 days with mean of 7.52 ± 7.7 days. In majority of cases i.e 12(48%) the lowest creatinine level was reached in less than 5 days . in 7 cases (28%) the time taken was 6-10 days and in 6 cases(24%) it was between 11-15days. Conclusion: In conclusion, among majority of patients undergoing Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy, time taken for LDN and recipient surgery was between3-4 hours while in majority of cases the lowest creatinine level was reached within a week.
Management of Infected Hydrocephalus in Infancy; Repeated Tapping versus External Ventricular Drain
Authors: Almeran Mohammed Ayad , Khasro Mahamed Natheer , Ali Waseem Yousif
Published: July 2022

Background: Infected hydrocephalus is are the most frequent consequences in ventriculoperitoneal shunt patient. Most of the patient treated by external ventricular drain under antibiotic cover. Aim of study: To assess the advantage of ventricular tap compared to external ventricular drain in treating infected hydrocephalus patients in infancy. Patient and methods: A clinical prospective study of 40 patients with infected hydrocephalus collected over one and a half year (2015-2016) in Al-Shahid Ghazi Al-Hariri hospital, medical city, Baghdad. After thorough general and neurological examination, patent was divided in two groups. One treated by external ventricular drain and the other treated by ventricular tap. Both groups were under antibiotic cover. Results: The male: female ratio is1.7, the age’s mean of the study group is 90.4 days. The most frequent cause of hydrocephalus in the study group is congenital hydrocephalus 62.5%. Post meningitis is 32.5% .IVH is 5% .37.5% is associated with myelomeningeocele as associated congenital anomalies. Clear CSF was found in 15% EVD patients, and 89% in ventricular tap patients. The mortality rate is 5% in the EVD, with no death in the ventricular tap patients. Conclusion: Ventricular tap is better in treating patient with infected hydrocephalus than external ventricular drain. EVD group require longer hospital stay along with longer antibiotic cover with lower cure rate and higher mortality compared to the ventricular tap.
A Single-Center Review of Clinical Profile, Prognostic Factors, and Outcomes of Emphysematous Pyelonephritis ─ A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ali Nawaz , Singh A k Kaku , Somarendra Khumukcham
Published: July 2022

Background: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is an uncommon life-threatening condition characterized by the production of gases within the renal parenchyma and perirenal space. We aimed to study the clinical features, radiological classification, prognostic factors of EPN, and outcome among the various radiological classes of EPN. Methods: All the patients who were admitted to the urology ward of our Institute were included and the study period was for the last 5 years. It was a retrospective study and the collection of file records were done from the medical record section department of our Institute. Results: Overall 20 cases were diagnosed to have emphysematous pyelonephritis. There were 12 females and 8 males and the majority of the patients were from (40-50) age groups. Eighteen cases had type 2 diabetes mellitus and two patients had upper ureteric calculus. 16 cases had unilateral involvement, 3 had bilateral involvement and one patient had solitary kidney with EPN. 12 cases were classified as having class 1 or 2 diseases and eight cases had class 3 and 4 diseases. The most common clinical presentations were flank pain (95%) and fever (85%). The most common organism cultured was Escherichia Coli (E. coli) (70%). Most of the cases were managed by percutaneous nephrostomy drainage (PCN) of the collecting system with medical management. Shock at admission (p=0.009), serum creatinine >5.0 mg/dl (p= 0.031) and DIC (p= 0.045) were independent poor prognostic factors. Conclusions: Early control of blood sugar with vigorous hydration and appropriate intravenous extended-spectrum antibiotic should be the initial treatment of choice. Early percutaneous nephrostomy should be tried even in advanced stages. Shock, DIC and Serum creatinine >5mg/dl on admission are independent predictors of poor outcome.
Atherosclerosis and Human Life Expectancy
Authors: Ermoshkin Vladimir Ivanovich
Published: July 2022

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Role of E-Learning during COVID -19 pandemic
Authors: Ravikoti Shyamala , Pusa Rajeshwari
Published: July 2022

Ever increasing use of technology in day to day life activities has made distance education evolved into online or E-learning, which has many benefits for teachers on one side and leaners on the other side. E-learning has now become a key application in many fields like education, business and commerce. In our study we tried to focus on various concepts of E-learning its evolution in India, technology used, various advantages and challenges involved in its adoption and implementation. The research shows that there is abundant availability of technology and E-learning tools which can be widely used in education systems and this is expected to grow hugely in the near future.
Polyneuritis Cranialis in COVID-19 Patients Requires Comprehensive Work-Up to Apply Appropriate Treatment
Authors: Finsterer Josef , Matovu Daniel
Published: July 2022

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The Peripheral Nervous System Is a Common Target of SARS-Cov-2 Infections
Authors: Finsterer Josef , Matovu Daniel
Published: July 2022

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Epiphysiodesis Screw Thread Damage and Migration
Authors:   Orthopedic surgery department, CHU Brugmann - Free University of Brussels - ULB, Edouard Kunegel , Lucile Sohm ,   Orthopedic surgery department, Hopitâl Erasme – Free University of Brussels- ULB
Published: July 2022

Percutaneous femoral distal epiphysiodesis using transphyseal cannulated screws is commonly used for correcting anisomelia and angular deformity in adolescent patients. Method: We report a case of previously unreported complication using cannulated screws: The thread being damaged, the screw failed to block growth in the physis showed by the releasing of a metal filament in the bone marrow after the screw's removal. Results: The patient showed a limb length discrepancy necessitating a surgical correction. The screw thread was damaged by the other device releasing a metal filament lodged in the bone marrow. The metal filament was released during the first operative gesture for Patient A, whereas it occurred on the removal of the hardwire on the other example. Images: Conclusion: This report illustrates an uncommon complication using transphyseal screws inherent to the Metaizeau surgical technique.
Mino-Pimaatisiwin Beginning the Journey towards Decolonisation and Reconciliation
Authors: Duncan Heather , Smith Jeff , Bachewich Laurie ,   Erickson Elementary School, Brandon University
Published: July 2022

Mino-Pimaatisiwin is an Ojibwe term for life in the fullest, healthiest sense. Grounded in anti-colonial theory, this case study explores the impact of infusing Indigenous perspectives into an elementary school curriculum on students, school staff, parents, and community. With a focus on building self-esteem and cultural connectedness among Indigenous students, it uses the cultural frameworks of Mino-Pimaatisiwin and the Ojibwe seven sacred teachings of a good life. Findings indicate high levels of cultural connectedness and a reduced gap in self-esteem levels between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, an increased awareness among staff of Indigenous history and culture, a greater parent comfort level with visiting the school, and increased involvement from the community.
Educating for Cultural Sustainability
Authors:   SiMERR National Research Centre, University of New England, Reading Chris , Redford Morag ,   University of the Highlands and Islands
Published: July 2022

The importance of culture as a pillar of cultural sustainability needs to be better recognised and appreciated, especially in rural areas. Everyone has a responsibility to prepare future generations for living in our culturally complex world BUT educators especially must step up and take a pivotal role in ensuring future generations appreciate the importance of cultural sustainability. The nine papers selected for inclusion in this Special Issue provide the opportunity to share just some of the thought-provoking research and practice that was shared at ISFIRE2021 Educating for Cultural Sustainability: Innovation for the Future. A clearer focus on culture can be achieved within schools by transforming curriculum, teaching practice, and the way that school performance is assessed. For teachers, bringing culture to the fore in professional learning and teacher preparation, can facilitate the development of a better rural sense of belonging and ultimately improve teacher retention in rural areas. In particular, prioritising Indigenous languages and creating more Indigenous language resources will help to bring Indigenous languages to the forefront in schools.
Aplicação da tecnologia pinch por meio de programa computacional para o planejamento de uma rede de trocadores de calor
Authors: Brandão Yago Fraga Ferreira , Correia João Henrique Lewi Accioly , Marques José Antônio
Published: July 2022

A tecnologia Pinch é uma metodologia utilizada na otimização e dimensionamento de redes de trocadores de calor, desenvolvida inicialmente por Hohnmann e Linnhoff durante a crise do petróleo em meados dos anos 70 e 80. A tecnologia Pinch visa obter melhor disposição dos equipamentos, possibilitando um processo com maior eficiência energética e redução de consumo. Neste trabalho foi desenvolvido um algoritmo computacional por meio da ferramenta Matlab e sua extensão para simulação de processos, o Simulink, para aplicar os princípios da tecnologia Pinch na resolução computacional de uma situação problema envolvendo uma rede de trocadores de calor. Inicialmente, foi selecionada uma situação problema envolvendo tecnologia Pinch, que foi resolvida de maneira tradicional. A partir disso o algoritmo computacional foi desenvolvido no Matlab, baseando-se nos princípios da tecnologia Pinch e fazendo uso dos dados pertencentes ao problema selecionado para estudo; realizando uma comparação dos dados originais e os encontrados pelo algoritmo para assim validar o programa desenvolvido. Após a validação do algoritmo, foi utilizado o Simulink para o desenvolvimento de um programa em linguagem de blocos, a fim de se proporcionar uma melhor visualização gráfica dos resultados obtidos, comparando-os mais uma vez com os resultados da resolução tradicional. Os resultados obtidos pelos algoritmos no Matlab/Simulink foram os mesmos obtidos pela resolução tradicional, validando desta forma os programas desenvolvidos nesta pesquisa, podendo assim auxiliar futuros trabalhos que visem aprofundar a aplicação computacional da tecnologia Pinch.