bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical analysis of variable-order fractional KdV-Burgers-Kuramoto equation
Authors: Wei Leilei , Wei Xiaojing , Tang Bo
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a fully discrete local discontinuous Galerkin finite element method is proposed to solve the KdV-Burgers-Kuramoto equation with variable-order Riemann-Liouville time fractional derivative. The method proposed in this paper is based on the finite difference method in time and local discontinuous Galerkin method in space. For all $ \epsilon(t)\in (0, 1) $ with variable order, we prove the scheme is unconditional stable and convergent. Finally, numerical examples are provided to verify the theoretical analysis and the order of convergence for the proposed method.
Novi etimološki slovar slovenskega jezika kot rastoči spletni slovar 2017−: dodatek 2021 (sinonimi za postrv in brancina)
Authors: Furlan Metka
Published: March 2022

V prispevku se objavljajo gesla, ki so bila konec leta 2021 dodana rastočemu spletnemu Novemu etimološkemu slovarju slovenskega jezika (2017–), dostopnemu na portalu Fran Inštituta za slovenski jezik Frana Ramovša. V geslih so obravnavani slovenski sinonimi za postrv in brancina.
Skozi vrata ven, skozi okno noter: poimenovanja za dele hiše v sestavi slovenskih in slovaških frazemov
Authors: Kmecová Svetlana
Published: March 2022

Koncepta dom in hiša sta v jeziku tesno povezana in sta v vsaki kulturi v središču jezikovne slike sveta. Prispevek se v uvodu ukvarja ravno z njima, v nadaljevanju pa s primerjalnega vidika obravnava frazeološke enote v slovenskem in slovaškem jeziku, ki kot sestavino vsebujejo izbrana poimenovanja za dele hiše. Ti večinoma večpomenski leksemi vstopajo v stalne besedne zveze ne samo s svojo semantično, ampak tudi simbolno vrednostjo. Obsežnost preučevanega pomenskega polja dokazuje dojemanje doma kot ene od osnovnih vrednot človekovega življenja.
O poskusu metodološkega pristopa k zapisovanju in analizi frazemov v napisih na nagrobnikih (epitafih)
Authors: Fabijanić Ivo
Published: March 2022

Prispevek govori o novem metodološkem pristopu k identifikaciji, zapisovanju in analiziranju hrvaških frazemov v nagrobnih napisih. Zapisanih je bilo 138 frazemov s 127 nagrobnih napisov na mestnem pokopališču Pag (na otoku Pagu). Po izvedeni terenski raziskavi, postopkih in orodjih je v specifičnem metodološkem okviru opravljena razvrstitev frazemov po klasifikaciji Antice Menac iz leta 2007 na tri osnovne tipe: po izvoru, obliki in slogu.
Mímesis de la muerte: Alonso Berruguete, El Greco y los retratos del cardenal Tavera
Authors: Riello José
Published: March 2022

Uno de los retratos más impresionantes pintados por el Greco a lo largo de su carrera es el del cardenal Juan Pardo de Tavera. Para pintarlo, dado que el cardenal había muerto en 1545 —cuando el pintor tenía unos 4 años—, el Greco recurrió a una mascarilla funeraria que el artista Alonso Berruguete sacó del cadáver de Tavera para tallar el retrato del cardenal para su tumba y también, probablemente, para pintar una efigie del prelado. Con sus obras, Berruguete y el Greco desafiaban los límites entre la realidad y su representación y entre la verdad y la ficción, traspasando los límites de las artes de la escultura y la pintura y subrayando sus diversas capacidades para materializar discursos que aunaban preocupaciones escatológicas y ambiciones puramente artísticas.
Nuevos datos del género Parhelophilus Girschner, 1897 de España, incluidos los primeros registros de P. crococoronatus Reemer, 2000 (Diptera, Syrphidae)
Authors: Van Steenis‍ Jeroen , Ricarte Antonio , Van Steenis Wouter
Published: March 2022

El sírfido Parhelophilus crococoronatus Reemer, 2000 (Syrphidae: Eristalinae) estaba registrado de Francia y Portugal. En este trabajo, se documenta, por primera vez, de España. En la provincia de Murcia, el hábitat donde esta especie se ha capturado es el Embalse de la Risca, constituido por valles forestales arbolados recientemente inundados, con matorrales en descomposición y árboles muertos, donde viven las larvas acuáticas de Parhelophilus. Este hábitat ha desaparecido por inundación, por lo que la presencia actual en esta ubicación de P. crococoronatus requiere de confirmación. En la provincia de Granada, P. crococoronatus se recolectó en un humedal natural dominado por Phragmites, mientras que, en Huelva, fue recolectado en un área de marismas con árboles y vegetación baja. Los presentes hallazgos muestran que, aunque el hábitat de P. crococoronatus haya desaparecido en Murcia, la especie está más extendida en España. Se proporcionan registros adicionales de Parhelophilus versicolor (Fabricius, 1794) y Parhelophilus frutetorum (Fabricius, 1775).
From the Conference Chair of The Learning Ideas Conference 2021
Authors: Guralnick David
Published: March 2022

A note from the conference chair of The Learning Ideas Conference 2021, introducing a special issue of iJAC focused on papers related to presentations from the conference.
Semantically Enriched Augmented Reality Applications: A Proposed System Architecture and a Case Study
Authors: Lampropoulos Georgios , Keramopoulos Euclid , Diamantaras Konstantinos
Published: March 2022

With a view to creating a mixed reality that combines coexisting real and virtual objects and to providing users with real-time access to information in an interactive manner, augmented reality enriches users’ physical environment by incorporating digital and real objects and rendering them in the physical environment in the proper time and spatial framework. Due to its nature, augmented reality can be combined with and exploit other innovative technologies in order to improve its efficiency and potentials. Some such technologies are semantic web, knowledge graphs and deep learning. The study main purpose and contribution is to showcase the benefits of developing semantically enriched augmented reality applications and to present a system architecture for developing such applications as well as to showcase and assess an augmented reality application developed following the proposed architecture. The specific application aims at facilitating end-users’ day-to-day activities, enhancing the learning and informing process and increasing user experience (UX). The results of this study showcase that such applications have the potential to be applied and positively affect various sectors and that they can be a useful, flexible, interactive and informative tool for end-users.
The Impact of Covid-19 on Cybersecurity
Authors: Ghann Patricia , Tetteh Emmanuel Dortey , Doe Nina
Published: March 2022

The world as of now is encountering a dreadful pandemic. Coronavirus has affected the world differently. Economies are disintegrating searching for solutions for the crisis brought about by this pandemic. Education in certain nations has been stopped while others are contriving new ways for teachers and students to interact observing the necessary protocols to guarantee no loss happens on these difficult occasions. Health sectors are the major heroes at these difficult times trying their possible best to fight the virus and get many people immunized against the virus. The internet has seen a lot more compromises because of the new ways adopted by many sectors to still get their businesses running. One of the ways employed mostly is the use of the internet to perform tasks. With the increased use of the internet, it has become even more important now to ensure cybersecurity or information technology protection. Protection of information from unauthorized disclosure, theft, or damage to hardware, software, or electronic data, as well as from disruption or misdirection of services information technologies provide. This paper delves deep into the impact of COVID-19 on cybersecurity, the various cybersecurity trends that are attacking various institutions as this pandemic came about, the various effects of COVID-19 on society, from the perspective of cybersecurity threats and outcomes, and a detailed deliberation on why it is still of great relevance in the teaching and learning of cybersecurity.
Classification of Mobile App Users in Multi-Channel Retail—an Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Wohllebe Atilla , Hübner Dirk-Siegfried , Kämpf Doreen , Podruzsik Szilárd
Published: March 2022

The retail industry is facing the challenge of digitization. On the one hand, the share of online shopping in total retail sales is increasing. On the other hand, consumers increasingly expect digital services. At the same time, the spread of smartphones and therefore also mobile apps has been growing for years. More and more retailers are therefore offering mobile apps, which as multi-channel apps combine aspects of online shopping and stationary retail. While the acceptance and use of mobile apps has already been extensively researched, there is little knowledge about the users themselves and user-types. This explorative research classifies users of mobile apps in multi-channel retail. Based on a survey of 101 consumers who were asked to assess the personal relevance of various app functions in a multi-channel retail context, four user types can be identified with the help of a cluster analysis. The results provide practitioners with important information for the future development of mobile apps in retail.
Smart Learning based on Moodle E-learning Platform and Digital Skills for University Students
Authors: Alrikabi Haider Th.Salim , Jasim Nabaa Ali , Majeed Ban Hassan , Zkear Abass Ahmed , ALRubeei Ibtihal Razaq Niama
Published: March 2022

The education system is facing new challenges and requirements as a result of the rapid and complex changes in the world. It has become necessary to change and improve the current system for online learning to keep pace with these changes. E-learning is of increasing importance in higher education and learning communities as standard components in many courses. Especially with the great development in technology, which the Corona pandemic had a great impact on its acceleration and increase in dealing with it. So the COVID-19 affected the whole world also affected education, so education is no longer limited to a specific place and time but it is now possible at any time and place. So even education has changed from face-to-face education to distance education. In this paper, Moodle is used to design an open-source e-learning platform that supports both the student and the teacher by providing services that facilitate teaching, and educational-related administrative tasks and effectiveness. In addition, to know how it affects digital skills which considered one of the most important things related to the Internet recently. The findings obtained as a result of the research are given in detail in the results section.
Neurofeedback and ADHD
Authors: Vlachou Jenny A. , Polychroni Fotini , Drigas Athanasios S. , Economou Alexandra
Published: March 2022

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder across children population and much research is being conducted to find the best ADHD treatment. Neurofeedback (NF) is widely used for the treatment of ADHD, thus such ADHD cases will be reviewed in this study. As an introduction, a short overview of the definition of ADHD and Neurofeedback, as well as the history of neurofeedback in ADHD will be given. The main part of the paper will present a literature review of neurofeedback in ADHD while mentioning the effects of this treatment. Results and evaluation of NF applications among other treatments are to be discussed in the conclusion, showing that NF is quite promising on ADHD subjects.
Chapitre 2. L’Épigravettien : variabilité diachronique et géographique
Authors: Tomasso Antonin
Published: March 2022

L’Épigravettien est une entité particulière au sein de la mosaïque du Paléolithique supérieur récent européen. Cet ensemble de traditions techniques s’étend entre 24 000 et 11 000 cal. BP sur une grande partie de l’Europe méditerranéenne et orientale. Depuis sa définition en 1964 par G. Laplace à partir des sites italiens, le terme a été adopté et étendu vers l’est en même temps qu’un certain flou s’installait sur sa définition et sa périodisation. Le principal écueil rencontré par les recherches actuelles reste la faiblesse du cadre chrono-stratigraphique. La proposition initiale de G. Laplace et ses aménagements postérieurs ont été critiqués et partiellement abandonnés mais, pendant longtemps, aucune proposition aboutie n’est venue la remplacer. Ce chapitre propose une présentation synthétique de l’état des recherches et surtout de la dynamique nouvelle, liée aux approches technologiques des industries lithiques, qui aboutit à l’émergence progressive d’une nouvelle sériation chronologique. Nous insistons tout particulièrement sur une proposition de redéfinition techno-économique de la limite entre Épigravettien ancien et Épigravettien récent (les deux grandes étapes déjà établies) et nous proposons de la dater autour de 16 000 cal. BP au lieu de 18 000 cal. BP, limite arbitraire communément admise et calquée sur le début du Dryas ancien. Nous revenons également sur la question du découpage géographique de l’Épigravettien. La tendance à un fort morcellement régional s’exprime de manière particulièrement évidente dans les Abruzzes où le terme de Bertonien devait pour certains auteurs être préféré à l’Épigravettien et où une « culture » régionale aurait perduré tout au long de la séquence épigravettienne. Nous défendons l’idée que seule une relecture des assemblages selon une approche techno-économique permettra de rediscuter des facteurs de variabilité (chronologiques, fonctionnels, régionaux, etc.) et que les hypothèses « régionalistes », privilégiées jusqu’ici, doivent être considérées avec un œil critique.
Etude de cas : la bipédie des chimpanzés de la communauté de Sebitoli, Ouganda
Authors: Pernel Lise , Senut Brigitte , Gommery Dominique , Okimat John Paul , Asalu Edward , Krief Sabrina
Published: March 2022

Afin de mieux comprendre les pressions sélectives liées à l’émergence des comportements bipèdes dans la lignée humaine, l’étude de ces derniers et de leur contexte chez les chimpanzés actuels (Pan troglodytes) permet d’apporter des éléments de comparaison. Ici, les bipédies chez des chimpanzés sauvages en milieu naturel et un chimpanzé vivant chez des humains ont été étudiées. En milieu naturel, l’adoption de comportements bipèdes permettrait aux chimpanzés de se dresser pour détecter d’éventuelles menaces, ou alternativement de libérer leurs mains pour transporter des objets ou extraire de la nourriture peu accessible, ou encore de parader. Pour étudier ces contextes, à partir de vidéos issues de caméras à détection de présence posées à Sebitoli, dans le Parc National de Kibale en Ouganda, les comportements bipèdes adoptés par les chimpanzés ont été recherchés et analysés. Par ailleurs, la bipédie d’un chimpanzé juvénile mâle orphelin de 4 ans recueilli et élevé par des humains a été étudiée à partir de vidéos. Sur les 1451 vidéos enregistrées, les chimpanzés sauvages ont adopté des comportements bipèdes sur 35 d’entre eux. Dix étaient liés à des postures de vigilance à la lisière de leur habitat forestier où se trouvent des champs de maïs gardés par des fermiers et 18 montrent des comportements bipèdes liés à la recherche de miel à l’aide d’outils de type baguettes. Peu d’enregistrements de charges (3) et de transport de nourriture (2) ont été détectés par cette méthode. En revanche, la plupart (11) des bipédies du chimpanzé orphelin concernait des cas de transport ou de manipulation d’objets. L’étude des bipédies chez les individus sauvages et l’individu orphelin (juvénile mâle) a montré chez le jeune orphelin, un nombre de pas moyen (13,9 vs 2 pas) et une durée moyenne de déplacement en bipédie (5,5 vs 3 secondes) supérieurs aux chimpanzés sauvages.
How Responsible Is AI?
Authors: Dwivedi Dwijendra Nath , Mahanty Ghanashyama , Vemareddy Anilkumar
Published: March 2022

Many businesses around the World are adopting AI with the hope of increasing their top-line and bottom-line numbers. The COVID19 pandemic has further accelerated the journey. While AI technology promising to bring enormous benefits, the challenges come in similar proportions. In the current form, the requirements for transparency and trust are relatively low for AI systems. On the other hand, there is a lot of regulatory pressure for AI systems to be trustworthy and responsible. Challenges still exist both on the methods and theory side and how explanations are used in practice. The objective of this paper is to analyze Twitter data to extract sentiments and opinions in unstructured text. We attempted to use contextual text analytics to categorize the twitter data to understand the positive or negative sentiments and feelings for the AI Ethical challenges and highlight the key concerns. Text clustering has also been performed on positive and negative sentiments to understand the key themes behind people's concern.
An evaluation of career opportunities for project management graduates in Sri Lanka
Authors: Selvarajan P. , Sivapragasham P. , Bandara G.
Published: March 2022

This paper presents and discusses the results of a study on the career opportunities for project management graduates from the state Universities in Sri Lanka. Currently there is only one Project management degree in Sri Lanka offered by the Vavuniya Campus of the University of Jaffna (currently the University of Vavuniya). There are two batches of 69 graduates. However, lack of knowledge among the relevant stakeholders regarding the career opportunities for these graduates in various sectors. Research objectives intended to identify the career opportunities for Project management graduates in Sri Lanka and evaluate the competencies required from them to find employment. A sample of 30 graduates in the population is considered for this research. A questionnaire with 20 Likert scale questions and the personal interviews have been constituted as the data collection instruments to collect the data. One of the qualitative methods- Phenomenology has been incorporated with the interpretive analysis. Findings showed that the existing project management graduates should possess additional skills to find appropriate employment in project management field. Therefore, undergraduates must be provided with the opportunity to follow other project management related professional courses to enhance their competencies. As internship training was very helpful to enhance the practical skills of students, it is recommended that the degree programme should be re-designed and improved to cater the career demand of project related professions in the current scenario.
Readiness of institutional setting to address the competitive technology challenges of SME sector in Sri Lanka: Perceptions of officers in local settings
Authors: Upulwehera J.M.H.M. , Gamage S.K.N. , Rajapakshe P.S.K. , Jayasundara J.M.S.B. , Ekanayake E.M.S. , Abeyrathne G.A.K.N.J. , Prasanna R.I.P.R.
Published: March 2022

In the era of economic globalization, many challenges arose for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) due to the rapidly intensified competition. In that, many of them cease within the few years of their commencement. Technology challenges are recognized as one of the main challenges retarding growth and reducing their potential contribution to the national economy. Therefore, SMEs must adopt survival strategies and strategic methods to survive to face various technological challenges. Hence, this research aims to address the apparent lack of research on the relative perception of DS-level officers on institutional support towards SMEs in facing technology challenges. The investigation used a qualitative, case study-based methodology. A series of key informant interviews were held using purposive sampling with 13 DS-level officers in the Agribusiness sector in Sri Lanka. Data gathered from the interviews were analysed using an in-depth thematic area analysis to identify five technology challenges: innovation-utilization of new scientific discoveries, business collaboration through networking, information communication technology, technology transfer with large-scale companies, and productivity-enhancing technologies. The findings of the study sorely revealed the association between SMEs’ technology challenges and the prevalence of numerous institutional defects. Finally, the study provides recommendations to develop existing institutional support concerning the agribusiness sector development in Sri Lanka. The study will help the government and related policymakers shape SMEs’ competitive strategies and policy adjusting and reforming processes.
The impact of Samurdhi development program on self-employment motivation of women (A study on self-employed Samurdhi recipient women in Matara district, Sri Lanka)
Authors: Purnima U.G.K. , Ranatunga R.V.S.P.K. , Priyanath H.M.S.
Published: March 2022

This paper attempts to study the impact of the Samurdhi development program on the motivation of women for self-employment. The research was conducted by selecting 156 self-employed Samurdhi recipient women in 14 Grama Niladhari Divisions of Kirinda and Hakmana Divisional Secretariats in the Matara District of Sri Lanka using cluster sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the primary data. Data analysis was performed using SmartPLS based on the Partial Least Squire Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that microcredit, vocational training programs, and livelihood development activities have a significant positive impact on the motivation of women for self-employment while entrepreneurship training and infrastructure development have positive and negative relationships, respectively, with women’s motivation for selfemployment, those relationships were not statistically significant. The study concluded that microcredit, vocational training programs, and livelihood development activities under the Samurdhi development program have a significant impact on the motivation of women for self-employment. Therefore, it is appropriate to design the Samurdhi activities to improve further the motivation of women for self-employment.
A Novel Approach to Promote Evidence-Based Development of District Maternal and Newborn Health Plans in Two States in India
Authors: Kumar Harish , Sarin Enisha , Alwadhi Vaishali , Chaurasia Shailesh Kumar , Martolia Kuldeep Singh , Mohanty Jaya Swarup , Bisht Nitin , Joshi Naresh Chandra , Saboth Prasant Kumar , Gupta Sachin
Published: March 2022

Background:

Maternal and child health implementation plan development in districts of India lacks systematic process and capacity resulting in suboptimal health improvements. There is ineffective and limited participation and lack of autonomy to effect changes in district priorities.

Objectives:

Primary objective was to demonstrate a systematic planning approach to develop evidence-based district implementation plans for mothers and children.

Methods:

A planning tool named RAASTA (RMNCH + A Action Agenda using Strategic Approach for evidence-based district work plans) adapted from WHO (World Health Organization) program review tools was used in the states of Uttarakhand and Jharkhand. The tool was implemented in the two states for the development of implementation plans in a 6-step process by prioritizing district health goals; reviewing maternal, neonatal, child, and family planning intervention coverage; and linking them with activity implementation status; assessing strengths, and weaknesses of previous implementation plans and developing solutions based on current gaps in intervention coverage's.

Results:

Tool was used for capacity building of 59 participants and also identification of prioritized activities based on their available data. Several newer activities were identified. The districts mainstreamed them as action plans, many of which were incorporated in the state Program Implementation Plan for budgetary provisions under state NHM (National Health Mission) funds.

Conclusion:

The use of a tool facilitated the systematic development of evidence-based district implementation plans.
Effectiveness of After-School Physical Activity Intervention on Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference/Height Ratio among Overweight Adolescents in Selected Schools at Puducherry, India
Authors: Ponnambalam Sumathy , Palanisamy Soundararajan , Singaravelu Rajeswari , Janardhanan Hemamalini Arambakkam
Published: March 2022

Background:

Globally, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has dramatically increased in the recent years. In India, more than 10% of schoolchildren are overweight or obese. Schools play a major role in the modification of behavior. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of after-school physical activity intervention on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference/height ratio as primary outcomes.

Materials and Methods:

A randomized controlled trial was adopted where the schools were randomized. Each group, i.e., study and control groups, had 140 overweight adolescents. BMI and waist circumference/height ratio were measured. After-school physical activity intervention was carried out for a period of 9 months by the study group. The posttests were carried out at an interval of 3 months up till 9 months.

Results:

There was a statistically significant difference in BMI between the study and control groups during the 6th and 9th months (t = 1.256, P < 0.001 and t = 0.920, P < 0.001), respectively. The repeated measures analysis of variance did not show a significant reduction in BMI and waist circumference/height ratio over a period of time.

Conclusion:

School-based physical activity interventions are effective in prevention of childhood overweight/obesity and are a very cost-effective measure that can be easily implemented in schools.
Smokeless Tobacco Exposure and Fetal Iron Status
Authors: Rao Swathi Sunil , Agadi Rutuja , Shetty Sukanya , Rao Raghavendra , Shenoy Rathika D.
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

To compare the cord serum ferritin and fetal iron status in newborns with and without maternal occupational smokeless tobacco exposure and determine the influencing factors.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included mother–infant dyads with occupational tobacco exposure (exposed) and an unexposed group. Umbilical cord serum ferritin was compared in both groups. Fetal nicotine absorption was established by cord cotinine.

Results:

A total of 140 newborns each were analyzed in each group. There was no significant mean difference (MD) (P = 0.900) between the cord serum ferritin in the tobacco exposed and unexposed group. Fetal nicotine absorption was seen in 43.6% of the exposed group. Cord serum ferritin was 14.1 μg/L (95% confidence interval [(95% CI:-43.1, 14.9); P=0.338] lower in this group compared with the group without fetal nicotine absorption. A higher adjusted MD for ferritin was present for maternal hypertension (12.5 [95% CI: −75.5, 100.5]; P = 0.777) and gestational diabetes mellitus (21.4 [95% CI: −54.0, 96.9]; P = 0.571) in the group with fetal nicotine absorption. Fetal nicotine absorption exaggerated fetal iron depletion in maternal anemia [aOR 4.8 (95%CI: 1.2, 19.0); P=0.025].

Conclusion:

Cord serum ferritin and fetal iron status were comparable in tobacco exposed and unexposed groups. In those with fetal nicotine absorption, cord ferritin levels reflect the fetal inflammatory state.
Perinatal Mortality and its Causes in a Rural Block in Tamil Nadu, Southern India
Authors: Cherian Anne George , Tryphena Cherryl , George Kuryan , Abraham Vinod Joseph , Mohan Venkata Raghava , Prasad Jasmine Helan
Published: March 2022

Background:

Globally, over 130 million babies are born every year, and almost 8 million die before their first birthday. Data on perinatal mortality (PM) and its various causes are lacking in many parts of the world including India.

Objectives:

This study aimed to estimate stillbirth (SB), early neonatal, and PM rates and its causes over the last decade in a rural development block, India.

Materials and Methods:

This is a nonconcurrent cohort study, analyzing the births, SBs, and early neonatal deaths between January 2008 and December 2017. The World Health Organization-PM classification was used to allocate causes of death as well as maternal risk factors. Birth weights were classified using standard growth charts.

Results:

There were 20,704 births after 28 weeks gestation and where the fetus weighed more than 1000 g of which 285 were SBs. There were 20,419 live births with 229 early neonatal deaths. There was a significant decline in PM rate from 32 per 1000 to 11 per 1000. There was a decrease in the small for gestational age fetuses from 20% to 12.5%. The main cause for SBs was antepartum hypoxia (34.4%) and fetal growth disorders (26.3%). Complications of intrapartum events contributed to 32.8% of the early neonatal deaths.

Conclusion:

Steady decline in PM rate and in the number of small for gestational age fetuses over 10 years was seen. Pregnancy registration and follow-up help in giving us a better understanding of the causes of PM.
Prevalence and Determinants of Depression among Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) TB cases registered under National Tuberculosis Elimination Program in Ahmedabad City
Authors: Sharma Rashmi , Bakshi Harsh , Prajapati Shailesh , Bhatt Gneyaa S. , Mehta Rajesh , Rami Kiran C. , Mehta Prakash , Shah Tejas , Dave Roshni , Peerzada Azba
Published: March 2022

Background:

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) increases the risk of depression, lowers treatment compliance leading to poor outcomes.

Objectives:

To (1) document the prevalence of depression among MDR-TB cases registered at tuberculosis units (TUs) of Ahmedabad city and (2) assess determinants of depression.

Methodology:

Adult MDR-TB patients registered at all (23) TUs of Ahmedabad city, were studied using semi-structured questionnaire along with Gujarati translated version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) to assess the severity of depression based on 17 items. The sample size at 95% level of significance, was 251. Probability proportional to size sampling was adopted for selecting participants from each of the 23 TUs. Proportions and odds ratio with confidence interval with probability value were calculated.

Results:

Of 251, only 185 (73.7%) cases could be contacted. Mortality proportion among selected cases was 18.7%. More than one-fifth (22%) had ≥1 comorbidity and 9.7% had another active TB case in the family. 161 (87.1) experienced ≥1 adverse event. Financial, social, or psychological stressors were reported by 22% of cases. Based on the HAM-D scale, 16.2% suffered from depression, determinants of depression by univariate analysis showed significant association with recent family issues, discrimination, financial/other troubling issues, and the presence of adverse drug event.

Conclusion:

MDR-TB cases are more vulnerable for developing depression as the prevalence was 16.2% among them. Hence, cases need to be monitored closely for depression at TU as well at community level.
Prevalence and Predictors of Physical Inactivity among Adults – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Goel Naveen Krishan , Kaur Ravneet , Khosla Navroz , Shekam Mohit
Published: March 2022

Background:

Physical inactivity is detrimental to health. It is a risk factor for noncommunicable diseases.

Aim and Objective:

The aim of this study was to find the prevalence and predictors of physical inactivity among adults.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among 374 adults aged 20–50 years. Trained field investigators administered the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Epi Info software for Windows. Logistic regression model was used to study the factors associated with physical inactivity.

Results:

The prevalence of physical inactivity among the study participants was 52.1%. Females (OR=1.9[1.2-3.1]), literate individuals (OR = 1.8 [1.04–3.2]), and current tobacco users (OR = 2.2 [1.8–4.1]) were significantly more physically inactive; as compared to their counterparts.

Conclusions:

Nearly half of the study participants were physically inactive, according to the World Health Organization guidelines. This highlights the need for strengthening the existing interventions for promoting physical activity among adults.
Development of the Hair Cells of the Human Cochlea
Authors: Mishra Sabita , Roy Tarasankar , Saini Shubhi
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

In the mammalian auditory system, the cochlea is the first to attain structural and functional maturity. Although ultrastructural details of the developing cochlea of lower animals have been elucidated in the last few decades, comprehensive studies on human cochlea are lacking.

Materials and Methods:

In the present investigation we studied the development and maturation of the hair cells of ten human fetal cochlea from gestational weeks (GW) 12 to 37 by scanning electron microscopy.

Result:

We observed undifferentiated hair cells possessing numerous surface projections and long kinocilium during GW 14. At GW16, the primitive hair cells were arranged in one inner and four outer rows and had globular apices indicating the initiation of stereocilia formation. By GW 22, the globular apices were replaced by linear stereocilia and occasional kinocillia. Mature hair cells with sterocilia were observed in the basal turn at 30th week of gestation. At GW 37, the stereocilia were arranged in a typical “V” shaped pattern at the middle and apical coil, while the stereocilia of the basal turn were shorter in length resembling the adult cochlea. The inner hair cells were long and slender while outer hair cells were pear shaped, kinocilium were absent and the tunnel of Corti were well formed.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that in human, the morphological maturation of the hair cells starts in the basal turn around GW 22 and continues till 37th week in the apical turn indicating that early maturation of the cochlea may have a role on development of the higher auditory pathway connections.
Evaluation of Stigma among Patients Reporting to a Tertiary Care Psychiatric Center
Authors: Davis Supriya , Gupta Nishtha , Samudra Madhura , Dhamija Sana , Chaudhury Suprakash , Saldanha Daniel
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Stigma toward mental illness is a pervasive concern that impacts the way psychiatric disorders are perceived.

Aim:

This study was aimed to evaluate the stigma experienced by patients visiting a psychiatric care facility and the associated factors contributing to the development of stigma.

Methodology:

150 patients presenting to Psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary care centre were screened using Mini international neuropsychiatric interview questionnaire to segregate patients into various psychiatric groups. These patients were further assessed for the degree of stigma utilizing the Stigma scale and Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness-10.

Results:

60.7% of the participants reported facing discrimination, which was highest in those with mania. 67.3% patients preferred not to disclose their illness, especially those with psychotic disorders. Eighty-six percent did not expect any positive results from their illness, most of them with psychotic disorders. 68.7% of the patients experienced total stigma, highest in mania. Sixty-four percent experienced high internalized stigma mostly in mania. Stigma was irrespective of age, sex, education, employment, and family type.

Conclusion:

A large segment of participants in the study sample claimed to have suffered from stigma, i.e., they faced discrimination, preferred not to reveal information about their illness, denied any positive outcomes from their illness, and endured self-stigma owing to their illness. Patients with mania faced the most discrimination, total stigma, and internalized stigma whereas disclosure and positive aspects were mostly in psychotic disorders. High levels of stigma observed are a barrier to availing mental health-care facilities.
A Rare Case of Pancytopenia
Authors: Edara Manaswini , Bhatt Varsha , Kanitkar Shubhangi A. , Patel Aditi
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT

Pancytopenia is a reduction in all the three peripheral blood cell lineages and presents as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Aplastic anemia is pancytopenia with bone marrow hypocellularity. Aplastic anemia can be constitutional or acquired. Genetic diseases such as Fanconi anemia and dyskeratosis congenita usually present as pancytopenia with typical physical anomalies and are usually seen in early childhood. Fanconi anemia is a rare cause of pancytopenia, which is an autosomal recessive disorder and manifests as progressive pancytopenia with congenital developmental anomalies and an increased risk of malignancy. Here, we present a case of Fanconi anemia who presented with pancytopenia, short stature, and hypoplastic thumb of the right hand and was diagnosed on the basis of bone marrow biopsy and chromosomal breakage test.
SOCS-1 1478 CA/del gene polymorphism affects survival in colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Ayyildiz T , Dolar E , Oral B , Erturk B , Haktanir AE , Adim SB , Yerci O
Published: March 2022

Aims and Background:

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) is a prototype molecule of the SOCS family. Alterations in the SOCS1 expression have been reported in human cancers and some studies suggest that SOCS1 might act as a tumor suppressor in carcinogenesis. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the association of SOCS1 promoter -1478CA/del gene polymorphism detected in DNA isolated from the tissues of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) for histopathological characteristics and survival.

Patients and Methods:

For the study, we retrospectively enrolled 53 patients with resected colon due to CRC and 23 control subjects with no systemic illness. SOCS1- 1478CA/del gene polymorphism was determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology. These results were evaluated in relation to histopathological features and survival results and analyzed statistically. A P value equal to or less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Neither control subjects nor the CRC group showed a significant association with SOCS1 -1478CA/del gene polymorphism (p = 0.248). SOCS1 -1478CA/del gene polymorphism was not significantly associated with histopathological features either. However, in the overall survival (OS) analysis, those patients with the del/del allele were found to have a 3.9-fold greater risk of mortality compared to those with CA/CA allele (p = 0.05). Progression-free survival (PFS) was also significantly different in such patients (p = 0.05).

Conclusion:

The present study examining the association of SOCS1 -1478CA/del gene polymorphism with CRC showed that CRC patients with del/del allele had both significantly shorter PFS and OS versus those with CA/CA or CA/del allele.
Effects of C-factor on dentin bonding using various adhesive systems
Authors: Yoshikawa T , Arakawa M
Published: March 2022

Aims and Background:

This study evaluated the effect of C-factor on the bond strength of a resin composite to floor and wall dentin using various adhesive systems.

Materials and Methods:

Four dentin substrates (flat wall, flat floor, cavity wall, or cavity floor) were prepared on human molars. Each specimen was restored with one of three adhesives; Clearfil SE Bond, Single Bond, or Clearfil tri-S Bond followed by buildup or filling using Z100 resin composite. The specimen was cut perpendicular to the bonded surface parallel to the floor or wall to obtain beams after light curing at 24,000 mJ/cm2. The microtensile bond strength to wall specimens or the cavity floor was determined. Data were analyzed.

Results:

All adhesive systems exhibited the highest bond strength to flat wall group (p < 0.05). The bond strength to the cavity group was significantly lower than that to the respective flat group regardless of the bonding system (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in bond strength with Clearfil SE Bond and Clearfil tri-S Bond between the cavity wall and cavity floor (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The findings suggested that the strength of bonding to the cavity floor and cavity wall was affected by C-factor regardless of the adhesive system. Bonding to flat wall was higher than flat floor regardless of the adhesive system. Self-etching system provided uniform bond to the cavity wall and cavity floor dentin. However, total etching system reduced bond to the cavity floor than to the cavity wall.
Association of frontal and maxillary bone fractures and concomitant craniocerebral injuries in patients presenting with head trauma
Authors: Kubat G Orhan , Şahin C , Özen Ö
Published: March 2022

Background:

Maxillofacial fractures and craniocerebral injuries are common in patients with head trauma. These are injuries with high mortality and morbidity. Therefore, patients with head trauma should be evaluated early with a multidisciplinary approach.

Aim:

The association between frontal and maxillary bone fractures and concurrent craniocerebral injuries were investigated in patients presenting with head trauma in this study. The data of the patients were analyzed retrospectively.

Methods and Material:

Age and gender distributions were evaluated in frontal and maxillary fractures. Concomitant craniocerebral injuries were investigated. Craniocerebral injuries were grouped as pneumocephalus, extra-axial, intra-axial injuries and brain edema. Craniocerebral injuries in frontal and maxillary fractures were compared statistically.

Results:

Frontal bone and maxillary bone fractures were detected in 24% and 95% of the patients. Coexistence of pneumocephalus and intra-axial injuries in frontal bone fracture was statistically significant. The association of frontal posterior wall fractures with pneumocephalus and parenchymal contusion was found to be statistically significant. In addition, the association of craniocerebral injuries were evaluated and statistically significant ones were determined.

Conclusion:

The presence of maxillofacial fractures in patients presenting with head trauma increases mortality and morbidity. Craniocerebral injuries can be life-threatening and delay the treatment of facial fractures. Upper facial bone fractures are significantly more common in craniocerebral injuries.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with dry eye disease among adults in a population-based setting in South-West Nigeria
Authors: Betiku AO , Oduyoye OO , Jagun OO , Olajide OS , Adebusoye SO , Aham-Onyebuchi UO
Published: March 2022

Background:

Dry eye disease (DED) occurs as a result of an abnormality in tear production, tear consistency, and tear evaporation.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with dry eye disease in a population-based setting in Southwest Nigeria.

Patient and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical outreach at Iperu Remo in Nigeria. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 415 participants. Symptoms of dry eye were evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire. Tear film break-up time (TBUT), fluorescein staining, Schirmer test with anesthesia, and meibomian gland were evaluated. The diagnosis of DED was confirmed when the OSDI score is ≥13 and TBUT is less than 10 seconds. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and logistic regression analyses at a 0.05 level of significance.

Results:

The overall prevalence of DED was 28.2%. Adults aged between 31 and 40 years were 23 times more likely to be diagnosed with dry eyes (aOR = 23.13; 95% CI: 1.32 – 405.99; P = 0.032) compared to those between 16 and 20 years. Female adults were about four times more likely to be diagnosed with dry eyes (aOR = 3.59; 95% CI: 1.44 – 8.94; P = 0.006). The use of drugs was also significantly associated with dry eyes.

Conclusion:

This study shows a fairly high prevalence of DED among adults in a semi-urban area in Southwest Nigeria. Ophthalmologists and other eye care workers need to be cautious about the DED and offer appropriate treatment options to patients.
MEDIUM AND LARGE SIZED MAMMALS IN FRAGMENT AT CERRADO, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL
Authors:   Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Aximoff Izar , Santos Antônio Marcos dos ,   Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Toledo Karen Santos , Freitas Antônio Carlos de , Guillobel Heloisa Carneiro da Rocha
Published: March 2022

The state of Minas Gerais has already lost more than half of the original Cerrado coverage. Mammals are among the beings most affected by this. Fauna inventories are essential for future conservation actions. In this sense, between July 2018 and December 2020, the richness and composition of medium and large mammals in a Cerrado fragment in the central-west of Minas Gerais were evaluated, using direct visualization methods (464 hours of searches) and camera traps (380 night traps). Were recorded 28 wild species, including seven threatened species, two of which are globally threatened. Carnivora was the most representative order (12 species), followed by Cingulata and Primates (4 each). The richness found was superior to other fragments and similar to nearby protected areas a dozen times larger. The fragment and the high species richness studied, including endangered species and large predators, suffer anthropic pressure, requiring short-term measures for their conservation
ABUNDANCE AND REPRODUCTION OF OLIGORYZOMYS NIGRIPES IN TWO FOREST FRAGMENTS, SOUTHERN OF ATLANTIC FOREST, CERRO LARGO, RS
Authors:   Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Lima Daniela Oliveira de , Sausen Jady de Oliveira , Skupien Fabrício Luiz ,   Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rodrigues Daniele Pereira ,   Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul
Published: March 2022

Oligoryzomys nigripes is a generalist rodent widely distributed in South America. The present study aims to present information on abundance, reproduction, and litter size for O. nigripes in the south of Atlantic Forest biome. This study was conducted at two forest fragments in Cerro Largo, RS, between April 2015 and October 2016, with 5,320 trap-nights. We captured most of the individuals captured during winter and spring, corroborating previous researches that indicated higher abundance during the coldest months on the southern portion of O. nigripes distribution. Reproductive animals were found during all seasons, however, males had greater chances to be reproductive during spring. During autumn of 2015, through handling and identification, one reproductive female had three young; this was a rare record of litter size for a Neotropical rodent.
Co-digestion of euryhaline microalgae Scenedesmus sp. MKB. with paddy straw for biogas production
Authors: Sharma Nishu , Gupta Urmila , Singh Iqbal
Published: March 2022

Biogas is a clean and renewable biofuel source produced by anaerobic digestion of organic matter and can replace conventional sources of energy such as fossil fuels. The present study was undertaken to assess biogas production from microalgae Scenedesmus sp. MKB. (MN796425) which was isolated from the saline water collected from the waterlogged area of Southwest Punjab. The biogas production for different concentrations of microalgal biomass, microalgal filtrate, and paddy straw was observed in laboratory conditions and the performance of microalgae was also studied in field conditions. The co-digestion of microalgal biomass and paddy straw under laboratory conditions revealed maximum production of 60.18 L when both were co-digested as compared to 48.56 L during the digestion of paddy straw alone. Kinetics of biogas production studied by modified Gompertz equation revealed that the highest biogas production potential (P) of 68.58 mLg-1 volatile solids at the biogas production rate (Rm) of 1.34 mLg-1d-1 with lag phase (λ) of 0.66 days. Microalgae biomass production under field conditions was carried out in an open raceway pond of 200 L capacity and later biomass was digested in 1 m3 digester that showed cumulative biogas production of 2,407 L and it was 20.44% more than control.