bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The complexity of measuring reliability in learning tasks: An illustration using the Alternating Serial Reaction Time Task
Authors: Farkas Bence C. , Krajcsi Attila , Janacsek Karolina , Nemeth Dezso
Published: January 2023

Despite the fact that reliability estimation is crucial for robust inference, it is underutilized in neuroscience and cognitive psychology. Appreciating reliability can help researchers increase statistical power, effect sizes, and reproducibility, decrease the impact of measurement error, and inform methodological choices. However, accurately calculating reliability for many experimental learning tasks is challenging. In this study, we highlight a number of these issues, and estimate multiple metrics of internal consistency and split-half reliability of a widely used learning task on a large sample of 180 subjects. We show how pre-processing choices, task length, and sample size can affect reliability and its estimation. Our results show that the Alternating Serial Reaction Time Task has respectable reliability, especially when learning scores are calculated based on reaction times and two-stage averaging. We also show that a task length of 25 blocks can be sufficient to meet the usual thresholds for minimally acceptable reliability. We further illustrate how relying on a single point estimate of reliability can be misleading, and the calculation of multiple metrics, along with their uncertainties, can lead to a more complete characterization of the psychometric properties of tasks.
Pengaruh Inovasi Produk, Harga, Kualitas Produk Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Kuliner Di Pasar Lama Tanggerang
Authors: Nurina Nurina
Published: January 2023

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui pengaruh Inovasi produk, Harga, Kualitas Produk terhadap keputusan pembelian kuliner Objek penelitian ini adalah pembeli kuliner di wilayah PASAR LAMA Tanggerang. Penelitian Penelitian ini dilakukan kepada 115 responden dengan pendekatan deskriptif kuantitatif..Dari hasil penelitian yang telah dilakukan maka diperolehlah kesimpulan Tidak Terdapat pengaruh signifikan inovasi produk terhadap keputusan pembelian dan terdapat pengaruh signifikan harga, dan kualitas produk terhadap keputusan pembelian kuliner secara parsial yang terlihat dari hasil perhitungan hasil uji parsial (uji t) Sedangkan secara simultan inovasi produk, harga dan kualitas produk berpengaruh secara simultan terhadap keputusan pembelian . Hal ini terbukti dari hasil F hitung lebih besar dari F table. Keputusan pembelian dipengaruhi oleh inovasi produk , harga dan kualitas produk sebesar 54,4%, dan sisanya sebesar 45,6 % dipengaruhi oleh faktor-faktor yang lain
Efektivitas Penyidikan Tindak Pidana Narkoba dan Obat-obatan Berbahaya di Wilayah Hukum Kepolisian Daerah Sumatera Selatan
Authors: Apriansyah Apriansyah , Leoneto Bambang A , Mardianto Mardianto
Published: January 2023

Penelitian dengan judul Efektivitas Penyidikan Tindak Pidana Narkoba dan Obat-Obatan Berbahaya di Wilayah Hukum Kepolisian Daerah Sumatera Selatan bertujuan untuk mengetahui keefetivitasan penyidikan tindak pidana narkoba dan obat-obat berbahaya. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, yaitu suatu tata cara penelitian yang bertujuan menggambarkan mengenai keadaaan tertentu, yang digambarkan dengan kata-kata atau kalimat terpisah-pisah untuk memperoleh kesimpulan. Fokus penelitian dalam penelitian ini adalah Efektivitas Penyidikan Tindak Pidana Narkoba dan Obat-Obatan Berbahaya di Wilayah Hukum Kepolisian Daerah Sumatera Selatan. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan yaitu teknik analisis data kualitatif, sedangkan teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan yaitu observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi.
GENDERED DIFFERENCES IN WRITING STYLES IN PRINT MEDIA
Authors: S Anamika , Manjunatha V M.
Published: January 2023

Journalism demands its outputs to be accurate, objective, and immaculate. Therefore, permitting prejudices to seep into work is staunchly condemned. Human beings are still vulnerable to cognitive biases based on individual characteristics, and hence, this paper attempted to identify if one such characteristic – gender – can influence the works produced by journalists. The study, through content analysis, examined whether there were any significant disparities in writing styles between the articles by male reporters and female reporters concerning story tones prevalent in the articles, the story structures used, and the gender of the sources selected. The results showed that there is no significant difference in story tone, story structure, and selection of sources in articles written by journalists of both genders, thus indicating that gender might not influence news writing. This conclusion provides reassurance that hiring more female journalists in newsrooms will not dilute the quality of work, nor threaten to weaken the existing power that journalism possesses. The resulting data can reinforce the need to erase gender stereotypes about female journalists and encourage them to become part of newsrooms
Phenformin Inhibits the Proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: HALUGIC SEN Amra , ÇETİNAVCI Dilan , YİĞİTTÜRK Gürkan , YAZICI Ayca , ELBE Hülya , ÖZTÜRK Feral
Published: January 2023

Aim: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. This disease is a critical public health problem and further research at the molecular level would define its prognosis and specific treatment. Phenformin is an antidiabetic agent. Recent studies showed that it should be considered as a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of cancer cell lines. This study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative effect of phenformin on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines were used in the study. Experimental groups; control group, 1 µM, 2.5 µM, and 5 µM phenformin administered groups were planned. WST-1 analysis was performed to evaluate the viability of cells 24 h after the treatments. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS 17.0 statistical program. p<0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference.Results: In the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line, there were statistically significant differences among all groups (p<0.05, for all), except between the 1 µM phenformin-treated and control groups (p>0.05). In the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line; there were statistically significant differences between the control group and 5 µM phenformin-treated, and between 1 µM phenformin-treated and 5 µM phenformin-treated (p<0.05, for all) groups. Conclusion: Phenformin seems to exert antiproliferative effects on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. It was observed that the antiproliferative effect was stronger in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. It showed a stronger antiproliferative effect in the MDA-MB-231 cell line of antiproliferative effect.
Orta Çağ’da Giresun Limanı’nın Tarihsel Gelişimi (IX.-XIV. YY.)
Authors: SARIYILDIZ Bekir
Published: January 2023

Asırlar boyunca pek çok millete ve devlete ev sahipliği yapan Giresun’un bir kent olarak oluşumunun temelleri, sahip olduğu liman ile yakından bağlantılıdır. Kaynaklardaki ilk bilgilere göre kentin ilkel limanı Asurluların ticari takas merkezlerinden biridir. Kolonizasyon döneminde ise kent yerleşiminin ilkel liman ve kale etrafında geliştiği tahmin edilmektedir. Giresun Limanı, Aksu Vadisi ile Kelkit Havzası’na ve daha geniş alanda Uzak Doğu’ya ve Hind diyarına kadar ulaşan hinterlandı sayesinde ticari, askeri ve nakliye açısından stratejik bir lokasyon olmuştur. Liman, İpek yolu ticaret mallarının kuzeye ve batıya ulaştığı tali güzergâhlardan birinin üzerinde olması sebebiyle Roma döneminde de gelişimini sürdürmüştür. Bizans döneminde ticari hareketliliği önemli bir seviyeye ulaşan liman, Haçlıların Akdeniz’deki ticaretin önemli bir kısmını Karadeniz’e yönlendirmesine yol açan uygulamalarıyla önemli bir ticaret merkezi haline gelmiştir. Giresun Limanı, Orta Çağ boyunca Bizans’ın doğu sınırındaki devletlerle rekabeti, Haçlı Seferleri, Türkiye Selçuklularının Karadeniz ticaretinde söz sahibi olma girişimleri, Moğol İstilası, Trabzon Rum Devleti’nin Türklerle mücadelesi ve Venedikliler ile Cenevizlilerin Karadeniz ticaretine hâkim olma çabaları gibi bölgede yaşanan pek çok olaydan önemli ölçüde etkilenmiştir.
MAP OF DA'WAH BLIMBING VILLAGE, PACIRAN DISTRICT, LAMONGAN REGENCY, EAST JAVA PROVINCE
Authors: Tohir Sya'roni , Kurniawan Trio Satrio
Published: January 2023

To find out the Da'wah Map of Blimbing Village, Paciran District, Lamongan Regency in 2022. Research Method: Qualitative. Research Results: From the SWOT analysis, preaching in Blimbing has several opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses, including: (low opportunity) a consumptive society, (moderate opportunity) the need for free education and a modernizing society, (best opportunity) the majority Muslim religion, requires true Islamic teachings, is egalitarian, welcome, enthusiastic, as well as adequate means of proselytizing, (major threat) religious and community sentiments that are inclusive, (moderate threat) there is competition between institutions, (minor threat) the community heterogeneous, (strength) da'wah can be carried out openly and comprehensively, and (weaknesses) the lack of preachers and their quality, as well as the lack of maximizing the power of da'wah. Conclusion: Da'wah in Blimbing Village is carried out actively and organized through proselytizing organizations/institutions as well as programs of existing religious facilities. Adequate facilities include mosques and prayer rooms, formal and diniyah educational institutions, as well as various community charities to support da'wah. However, the da'wah that has been carried out has not been maximized, so efforts are needed to improve weaknesses, take advantage of opportunities, and minimize threats to become strengths of da'wah.
The JCMT SCUBA-2 Survey of the James Webb Space Telescope North Ecliptic Pole Time-Domain Field
Authors: Hyun Minhee , Im Myungshin , Smail Ian R. , Cotton William D. , Birkin Jack E. , Kikuta Satoshi , Shim Hyunjin , Willmer Christopher N. A. , Condon James J. , Windhorst Rogier A. , Cohen Seth H. , Jansen Rolf A. , Ly Chun , Matsuda Yuichi , Fazio Giovanni G. , Swinbank A. M. , Yan Haojing
Published: January 2023

The James Webb Space Telescope Time-Domain Field (JWST-TDF) is an ∼14′ diameter field near the North Ecliptic Pole that will be targeted by one of the JWST Guaranteed Time Observations programs. Here, we describe our James Clerk Maxwell Telescope SCUBA-2 850 μm imaging of the JWST-TDF and present the submillimeter source catalog and properties. We also present a catalog of radio sources from Karl J. Jansky Very Large Array 3 GHz observations of the field. These observations were obtained to aid JWST's study of dust-obscured galaxies that contribute significantly to cosmic star formation at high redshifts. Our deep 850 μm map covers the JWST-TDF at a noise level of σ
850µm = 1.0 mJy beam−1, detecting 83/31 sources in the main/supplementary signal-to-noise ratio (S/N > 4 / S/N = 3.5–4) sample, respectively. The 3 GHz observations cover a 24′ diameter field with a 1σ noise of 1 μJy beam−1 at a 0.″7 FWHM. We identified eighty-five 3 GHz counterparts to sixty-six 850 μm sources and then matched these with multiwavelength data from the optical to the mid-infrared wave bands. We performed spectral energy distribution fitting for 61 submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) matched with optical/near-infrared data, and found that SMGs at S/N > 4 have a median value of z
phot = 2.22 ± 0.12, star formation rates of 300 ± 40 M
⊙ yr−1 (Chabrier initial mass function), and typical cold dust masses of 5.9 ± 0.7 × 108
M
⊙, in line with bright SMGs from other surveys. The large cold dust masses indicate correspondingly large cool gas masses, which we suggest are a key factor necessary to drive the high star formation rates seen in this population.
Light Curves of Trans-Neptunian Objects from the K2 Mission of the Kepler Space Telescope
Authors: Kecskeméthy Viktória , Kiss Csaba , Szakáts Róbert , Pál András , Szabó Gyula M. , Molnár László , Sárneczky Krisztián , Vinkó József , Szabó Róbert , Marton Gábor , Farkas-Takács Anikó , Kalup Csilla E. , Kiss László L.
Published: January 2023

The K2 mission of the Kepler Space Telescope allowed the observations of light curves of small solar system bodies throughout the whole solar system. In this paper, we present the results of a collection of K2 trans-Neptunian object observations between campaigns C03 (2014 November–2015 February) and C19 (2018 August–September), which includes 66 targets. Due to the faintness of our targets, the detectability rate of a light-curve period is ∼56%, notably lower than in the case of other small-body populations, like Hildas or Jovian Trojans. We managed to obtain light-curve periods with an acceptable confidence for 37 targets; the majority of these cases are new identifications. We were able to give light-curve amplitude upper limits for the other 29 targets. Several of the newly detected light-curve periods are longer than ∼24 hr, in many cases close to ∼80 hr; i.e., these targets are slow rotators. This relative abundance of slowly rotating objects is similar to that observed among Hildas, Jovian Trojans, and Centaurs in the K2 mission, as well as among main belt asteroids measured with the TESS space telescope. Trans-Neptunian objects show notably higher light-curve amplitudes at large (D ≳ 300 km) sizes than found among large main belt asteroids, in contrast to the general expectation that due to their lower compressive strength, they reach hydrostatic equilibrium at smaller sizes than their inner solar system counterparts.
The first dataset of vascular plant species occurrences on kurgans in Southern Ukraine
Authors: Moysiyenko Ivan , Sudnik-Wójcikowska Barbara , Dembicz Iwona , Zachwatowicz Maria , Skobel Nadiia
Published: January 2023

The dataset contains the records of vascular plant species occurrences and distribution on Ukrainian kurgans (burial mounds, barrows), located in various zones of steppe vegetation: desert steppe, grass steppe, herb-rich grass steppe and forest steppe. Much of the studied kurgans belongs to the territory historically known as the “Wild Fields”. Besides the occurrence data, the publication presents a comparison of the floristic richness amongst five microhabitats distinguished on kurgans (top, northern slope, northern bottom, southern slope, and southern bottom) and amongst kurgans located in different steppe zones. The oOriginal publication includes 721 species of vascular plants) within four4 vegetation zone (desert steppe, grass steppe, herb-rich grass steppe and forest steppe). The report shows also sozological value of kurgans in southern Ukraine, as they play a role of steppe habitat islands in a landscape almost completely transformed to arable land. The obtained flora inventory was analyszed in various aspects. This occurrence dataset is the first public record of species from kurgans in Ukraine.

This is the first occurrence dataset from kurgans in Ukraine. The dataset includes 28,456 occurrences of vascular plants recorded in the years 2004-2009 on Ukrainian kurgans. The dataset includes information about 1446 occurrences of rare species on kurgans (69 species). It contains information on the kurgan flora within four vegetation zone (desert steppe, grass steppe, herb-rich grass steppe and forest steppe) on the area ca. 32000 km2. Of the approximately 450 mounds visited, the ones with the best preserved vegetation cover were selected. For each of 106 investigated mounds, floristic lists from five microhabitats were compiled - 530 lists in total.
The subfamily Dermestinae (Coleoptera, Dermestidae) from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Háva Jiří , Abdel-Dayem Mahmoud S. , Aldhafer Hathal M.
Published: January 2023

In this study, the fauna of Saudi Arabian Dermestinae (Coleoptera, Dermestidae) is summarised. Six Dermestes species and single species from two Marioutini genera, Mariouta and Rhopalosilpha, are reported. Dermestes (Dermestinus) undulatus Brahm, 1790 and Dermestes (Dermestes) haemorrhoidalis Küster, 1852 are newly recorded from Saudi Arabia. A list of Dermestinae species from the Arabian Peninsula is provided with their distributions.
Two new species of Bryocamptus (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Canthocamptidae) from the Russian Arctic and comparison with Bryocamptus minutus (Claus, 1863)
Authors: Novikov Aleksandr , Sharafutdinova Dayana , Chertoprud Elena
Published: January 2023

Two new species ofBryocamptusChappuis, 1929 from the Russian Arctic from theBryocamptus minutusspecies group are described:Bryocamptus putoranussp. nov.andBryocamptus abramovaesp. nov.A complete morphological comparison of the new species with the type speciesBryocamptus minutus(Claus, 1863) was carried out. Significant interspecific differences were shown at the level of microcharacters, such as integumental sensillae and pores, ornamentation of segments of mouthparts and swimming legs, and pores on swimming legs. A significant correlation has also been shown in the shape of the caudal rami of the females and the antennules of the males, which is likely caused by an evolutionary sexual arms race.Bryocamptus putoranussp. nov.andB. minutushave a similar structure of caudal rami, but completely different male antennules, which may indicate a convergent origin of modifications and highlights the importance of depicting male antennules in the species descriptions.
Lisibilité des informations non financières des entreprises françaises : impact de l’intégration et conséquences sur le marché financier
Authors: Boutant Lapeyre Jennifer , Gatignol Marc-Antoine , Martinez Isabelle
Published: January 2023

Cet article porte sur les déterminants et les conséquences de la lisibilité des informations non financières. Ces informations sont extraites de 1531 documents de référence d’entreprises françaises sur la période 2003-2019. Nos résultats confirment que le fait de renforcer les obligations de divulgation conduit à augmenter le volume d’informations non financières publiées sans nécessairement en garantir une meilleure lisibilité. La lisibilité s’améliore avec le niveau d’intégration des informations financières et non financières au sein d’un même document. Toutefois, l’effet positif de l’intégration sur la lisibilité est modéré par la quantité d’informations non financières publiées. Enfin, il apparaît que la lisibilité accroît la valeur prédictive des informations non financières, réduit l’asymétrie informationnelle et est positivement associée à un volume anormal de transactions boursières.
Valorisation et taux d’actualisation en IFRS : une prime de taille existe-t-elle sur le marché français ?
Authors: Thauvron Arnaud , Astolfi Pierre , Desban Marc
Published: January 2023

L’effet taille mesure l’écart qui peut être observé entre la rentabilité des petites capitalisations, ajustée du risque, et celle des grandes capitalisations. Identifié en 1981, il a fait depuis l’objet de nombreuses études, aux résultats contrastés. S’il est avéré, il devrait être intégré dans les modèles de valorisation actuarielle, notamment dans un contexte de normalisation IFRS. Les résultats obtenus dans notre étude portent sur 1 221 sociétés cotées sur le marché français et couvrent 29 années (de janvier 1990 à décembre 2018). Cette recherche met en évidence un effet taille plus complexe sur le marché français que dans la littérature. Ce dernier apparaît lorsqu’il est croisé avec une mesure comptable de la qualité des sociétés. Il constitue, à l’instar de cet effet qualité, un risque non diversifiable non capté par le bêta du MÉDAF. Ces effets taille et qualité s'apparentent à des primes de risque que les préparateurs des états financiers doivent prendre en compte dans l’estimation de la juste valeur au travers de calculs actuariels (l’effet cumulé de ces deux paramètres est compris entre 0,48 % et 2,97 % dans le cadre de notre étude).
Reconciling Evidential and Causal Decision Theory
Authors: Huttegger Simon
Published: January 2023

In this paper I study dynamical models of rational deliberation within the context of Newcomb's problem. Such models have been used to argue against the soundness of the "tickle'" defense of evidential decision theory, which is based on the idea that sophisticated decision makers can break correlations between states and acts by introspecting their own beliefs and desires. If correct, this would show that evidential decision theory agrees with the recommendations of causal decision theory. I argue that an adequate understanding of rational deliberation leads to deliberative processes for which this idea works. My proposal is modest, though. Evidential decision theory cannot always be reconciled with causal decision theory along the lines suggested here, but the agreement between the two theories is broader than previously thought.
The Perils and Potential Benefits of Machine Translation in Transnational Higher Education
Authors: High Michael David
Published: January 2023

Machine translation has recently improved dramatically in accuracy, convenience, and accessibility, and while it has been widely adopted, it remains far from perfect. This chapter considers the perils and potential benefits of machine translation in English-medium of instruction transnational higher education. The perils of machine translation in this context are that it can stunt language learning and cause miscomprehension; it problematizes authorship; it facilitates novel forms of plagiarism; and it can hurt transnational higher education institutions' reputations and devalue their degrees. The potential benefits of machine translation are that it can aid reading comprehension, raise writing level, and help student retention; it provides an opportunity for critically engaging with digital technology and its appropriate use; and it facilitates instruction and research beyond instructor and student language competencies, which can broaden and transnationalize the often Americentric and Eurocentric content of transnational higher education.
Reflection on Teaching Observation for Computer Science and Engineering to Design Effective Teaching Resources in Transnational Higher Education
Authors: Gill Sukhpal Singh , Thibodeau Danielle , Kaur Rupinder , Naeem Usman , Stockman Tony
Published: January 2023

Teaching observation plays an important role in the development of educators in higher education institutions, as this practice facilitates an environment where educators can share and be made aware of good pedagogic practices. This also applies to educators who teach in transnational higher education (TNE) programmes. The work in this article presents a theoretical framework for reflection on educator observations that took place on a semi-structured data and advanced data modelling module delivered to the BSc/MSc computer science programme at Queen Mary University of London. This article also provides an overview of a research methodology for designing and delivering teaching resources based on educational research and theory, as well as personal evaluations of the teaching teams' previous experience. The article illustrates how the approach adopted for the module can be transferrable to TNE programmes.
Enhancing Educational Leadership in Transnational Higher Education
Authors: Morris Gareth Richard , Morris James , Li Lei
Published: January 2023

In every industry and field, and at every institutional level, good leadership is essential. Equally significant is the remit a leader is tasked with fulfilling, and the point in time at which this is expected and the situation one must work within, alongside the context. This all makes defining good leadership and good leaders fraught with difficulty, as what may work well in one situation, may not work so well in another. For transnational higher education, the situation is complicated further because providers can vary in terms of location, size, complexity, context, and remit. It is also challenging because of the ongoing COVID pandemic. Consequently, this chapter will briefly introduce transnational higher education, along with the idea of what successful and effective leadership constitutes. It will then go on to consider different leadership styles before examining a specific transnational higher education provider and discussing some of the leadership approaches and features that have been evidenced in a specific academic school at this institution over the past decade.
Physicochemical characteristics of Palmyrah bottled toddy and their effect on storage
Authors: Mahilrajana S. , Thurisingam S.
Published: January 2023

In the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka, the cloudy whitish toddy is obtained by tapping young or matured inflorescence of both female and male palmyrah palm (Borassus flabellifer), preserved them by using pasteurization techniques and then sold. In the present study, the effect of heat and storage period on the physicochemical characteristics as well as nutritional and mineral content of fresh and preserved toddy were determined. Preserved toddy showed a significantly (P<0.05) higher alcohol (%) 3.80(±0.07), acidity (%) 0.60(±0.07), turbidity (NTU) 2,694.50 (±0.07), relative density 1.01 (±0.07) and total solid (g/L) 58.22 (±0.07) while the total soluble solids (obrix) 5.93(±0.07) and pH 3.43 (±0.07) showed significantly lesser values compared to the fresh toddy. However, there was no significant (P>0.05) difference in protein 1.42(±0.01) g, fat 0.02(±0.00) g, iron 11.9(±0.3) mg, phosphorus 0.64(±0.04) mg, calcium 13.5(±0.5) mg and magnesium 5.3(±0.5) mg/100 mL. During pasteurization, total sugar and ascorbic acid content were significantly (P<0.05) decreased from 3.04(±0.06) to 2.80(±0.01) g/100 mL and 3.0(±0.01) to 2.1(±0.01), respectively. When pasteurized toddy was stored at room temperature, there were no significant differences between the storage period of twelve months in alcohol 2.9(±0.60), acidity 0.5(±0.10), TSS 7.9(±0.6), pH 3.6(±0.01) and TS 69.4(±9.3). In conclusion, the physicochemical characteristics of palmyrah bottled toddy were not influenced by the pasteurization process and period of storage of twelve months.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Bangladesh – A Narrative Review
Authors: Kamrul-Hasan A. B. M. , Aalpona Fatema Tuz Zahura , Mustari Marufa , Selim Shahjada
Published: January 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy affecting reproductive-aged women. PCOS is not a homogeneous disease and can manifest as a range of multifaceted problems, including various reproductive, cosmetic, cardiometabolic, and psychiatric conditions. In Bangladesh, research defining the prevalence and characteristics of PCOS is not ample. This review summarizes the findings from published studies that provide consistent evidence on the prevalence and characteristics of women with PCOS in the country. The small-scale studies conducted among different subgroups of women indicate a high prevalence of the condition. Clinical presentations of PCOS in Bangladeshi women are also highly variable. A substantial portion has obesity, insulin resistance, abnormal glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome, which significantly threaten their cardiovascular health. Many of them have co-existent other endocrinopathies, including thyroid abnormalities. Moreover, highly prevalent psychiatric comorbidities among these women warrant routine screening for these conditions.
Coexistent Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Patient with Graves' Disease
Authors: Kamrul-Hasan A. B. M.
Published: January 2023

A 21-year-old male presented with the features of thyrotoxicosis, and his thyroid function tests revealed primary hyperthyroidism. He also had mild bilateral exophthalmos with lid lag, lid retraction, and a clinical activity score of 1, suggestive of mild Graves' ophthalmopathy. Neck ultrasonography revealed mild diffuse goiter with bilateral fairly large nodules predominantly at the right lobe and bilateral multiple cervical lymphadenopathies. Tc-99m pertechnetate scan demonstrated diffuse goiter with homogeneously increased radiotracer concentration. He had an elevated titer of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor autoantibody level. Fine-needle aspiration cytology from the largest nodule of the right lobe reported a Bethesda Category-VI lesion compatible with papillary thyroid carcinoma. Graves' disease and papillary thyroid cancer carcinoma might be present concomitantly in the same patient. Although links between these entities have long been investigated, a clear correlation is not established yet.
Recalcitrant livedoid vasculopathy
Authors: Poojary Sheetal , Pathave Hari Shivaram , Rajpoot Prachi Singh
Published: January 2023

Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a chronic prothrombotic disease of cutaneous microcirculation resulting in cutaneous ischemia and infarction. Chronic disease often results in painful ulcerations and atrophie blanche on the lower extremities, predisposing affected patients toward infection and high morbidity. Treatment of LV is often difficult and prolonged. Owing to the postulated pathophysiology of vasculopathy, rivaroxaban has been recently suggested as a treatment modality and seems to induce significant improvement in some patients. Compared with other treatments such as classic anticoagulants or intravenous immunoglobulin, rivaroxaban is far more convenient as it does not require injection, international normalized ratio monitoring or hospitalization. Herein, we report the successful treatment of recalcitrant LV in two Indian patients with oral rivaroxaban along with a review on use of rivaroxaban in LV.
Bilastine up-dosing in chronic urticaria
Authors: Godse Kiran , Rajagopalan Murlidhar , Shah Bela , Girdhar Mukesh , Shankar Kupra , Zawar Vijay , De Abhishek , Sharma Nidhi , Tahiliani Sushil , Patil Anant
Published: January 2023

Chronic urticaria, a heterogenous skin condition can be difficult to treat in many patients. It can adversely affect patient’s quality of life. Bilastine is a useful armamentarium for the management of chronic urticaria. This second generation H1 antihistamine is distinguished from most of its counterparts. Non-sedating potential, fast onset and longer duration of action, less risk of drug interactions and once daily administration make it an attractive option for use. In patients with chronic urticaria, not showing satisfactory response to standard doses, its dose can be increased up to four fold. In this review, we discuss the evidence of higher dose of bilastine in chronic urticaria and its place in therapy.
Ponatinib-induced symmetric dermatitis
Authors: Lohani Naman , Rajesh Gayathri , Priyadarshini Anuradha , Sundaram Murugan
Published: January 2023

Ponatinib is a third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) which is used as a chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. Despite being relatively less toxic than other older TKIs, it still has various adverse effects including skin rash. Cutaneous manifestations have varied presentations such as lichenoid, pityriasiform, ichthyosiform, and pityriasis rubra pilaris-like rash. We present here a 35-year-old male with chronic myeloid leukemia who developed a unique pattern of symmetrical rash to Ponatinib which was successfully treated with topical tacrolimus and reduction of dose of the drug.
Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of vitiligo
Authors: Mehta Prajul , Verma Ghanshyam , Tegta Geeta R. , Bhota Sakshi
Published: January 2023

Vitiligo is a multifactorial disorder characterized by the loss of functional melanocytes. Even though not a life-threatening disorder, many suffer enormous stigma and psychiatric comorbidities. The treatment of vitiligo still remains a challenge. To get therapeutic success, there has been a continuous search for newer treatment modalities. We hereby report the case series of five patients of stable vitiligo who were resistant to topical therapies. These patients were given intradermal platelet-rich plasma at 4-week interval for a total of four injections. Out of five patients, two showed excellent response and two patients showed moderate response to the treatment, whereas there was no response seen in one patient.
A retrospective analysis of real-world data to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of topical amorolfine in tinea infection
Authors: Jain Devendra , Kumar Pradeep , Chowdhuri Sanjib , Doshi Hitesh , Jain Umesh , Beergouder Savitha L. , Maganti Krishnasree , Rani Rashmi , Mohod Bhagyashree , Jaiswal Ashok
Published: January 2023

Background:

Conventional antifungals are becoming resistant against dermatophytosis due to development of recalcitrant tinea. These patients may get benefit from newer topical antifungals or combination therapy. Topical antifungal therapy is the mainstay in the treatment of dermatophytosis.

Aims/Objectives:

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of topical amorolfine in tinea infection in real-world settings.

Materials and Methods:

This was a real-world retrospective study; data was collected from 106 centers across India on the usage of amorolfine in the management of tinea infections. The treatment response was evaluated at the end of 2 and 4 week. It was determined by the reduction in severity of the classic symptoms of disease viz. pruritus, burning sensation, erythema, and scaling and crusting at Week 2 and Week 4 of treatment. The severity of symptoms was classified and quantified as mild (1), moderate (2), and severe (3). Safety was determined based on the occurrence of any adverse events during the treatment.

Results:

An improvement in symptoms score was observed for all the classic symptoms of infection viz. pruritus, burning sensation, erythema, and scaling and crusting at Week 2 and Week 4 compared to baseline. Mean total symptom score (TSS) was reduced to 0.88 ± 1.19 from 7.18 ± 2.84 at week 4 (P < 0.05). Only 10 (0.73%) patients out of 1358 showed mild and non-treatment-related adverse events.

Conclusion:

Amorolfine alone or in combination therapy with oral antifungals in real world clinical setting represents an improved treatment strategy for patients with tinea infections.
Evaluation of effects of riboflavin and/or ultraviolet-A on survival of rat limbal epithelial stem cells in ex-vivo
Authors: Zamani Mitra , Nejaddehbashi Fereshteh , Bayati Vahid , Nasrolahi Ava
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

To investigate the effects of riboflavin and/or ultraviolet-A (UV-A) irradiation on the cell viability of ex-vivo-cultured rat limbal stem cells (LSCs).

Methods:

LSCs of male Wistar rats (N = 12 eyes) were cultured, and immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate them. After characterization, these cells were assigned to four groups of control (C), a group that was exposed to UV-A radiation (UV), a group that was treated with riboflavin (R), and a group that cotreated with both UV-A and riboflavin (UV+R). To determine the cell viability of LSCs, these cells were subjected to MTT assay on days 1, 3, and 7 after exposure to UV-A and/or riboflavin. The duration of exposure to UV-A and riboflavin was similar to levels used during the conventional corneal collagen cross-linking procedure.

Results:

Compared with the viable cells in the control group, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.0001) in the number of LSCs in the UV group during all study days. In the R group, the level of viable LSCs was as same as the level of viable LSCs in the C group. Combined treatment with UV-A plus riboflavin significantly decreased the survival of LSCs on days 1 and 3 (P < 0.0001, P < 0.001, respectively) compared with the control group. Interestingly, in the UV+R group, the photosensitizing effect of riboflavin significantly decreased the cytotoxic effect of UV irradiation 7 days after exposure.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that the administered UV energy in the presence or absence of riboflavin can damage LSCs. Likewise, riboflavin could decrease the toxic effect of UVA on LSCs.
Prevalence and causes of low vision in a population-based study on childhood visual impairment in North India (CHVI 4)
Authors: Wadhwani Meenakshi , Vashist Praveen , Senjam S. Suraj , Gupta Vivek , Saxena Rohit , Tandon Radhika
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

The present study was a population-based study to determine the prevalence and causes of low vision in children less than 16 years in North India.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 40 clusters of urban Delhi. Children aged less than 16 years underwent visual acuity screening using age-appropriate visual acuity charts. All children with visual acuity of <6/12 in any eye in the age group between 3 and 15 years and inability to follow the light in age less than 3 years were referred for detailed ophthalmic examination in a centrally based clinic. Cycloplegic examination and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were assessed. They were examined by an ophthalmologist to determine the prevalence and causes of functional low vision (FLV). The prevalence of FLV was compared with other population-based studies across India and other parts of the world.

Results:

Amongst 20,955 children examined for visual acuity, 789 children were referred to the central clinic for detailed ophthalmic examination. The overall prevalence of low vision was 0.62 per 1,000 children (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12–1.90). The main anatomical cause of low vision was retinal abnormalities.

Conclusion:

Although the prevalence of children with low vision decreased as compared to previous population-based studies. There is an important need to create awareness among parents on appropriate and timely usage of low-vision devices (LVDs) at an affordable cost to improve the visual quality in children with low vision.
Impact of pandemic COVID-19 lockdown on penetrating keratoplasty patients
Authors: Sharma Rajan , Mamatha B , Sharma Suresh , Gyanchand Rekha
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

To study the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the regular follow-up of keratoplasty patients.

Methods:

This retrospective interventional case series included 30 patients who had immunological corneal endothelial rejection out of 190 patients who came for post-PKP follow-up between September 15, 2019, and September 30, 2020. The demographics, primary diagnosis, surgical technique, time of presentation, recovery of graft, associated ocular problems, and visual acuity at 1 month were analyzed. Forward stepwise (likelihood ratio) binary logistic regression was used to find significant variables.

Results:

The study population had 19 males (63.33%) and 11 females (36.67%). The mean age of the study group was 42.83 ± 18.89 (8–80) years. Of 30 patients, 19 (63.3%) presented before and 11 (36.7%) after the COVID-19 lockdown. Overall, 23 (77%) showed a reversal of graft rejection. Logistic regression showed that preoperative indications, large-sized grafts, and deep corneal vascularization were significant risk factors for non-resolution of graft rejection. It was noted that patients who presented to the hospital late had poor recovery (P = 0.002). The delay in the presentation was a significant risk factor for non-resolution of graft rejection (P < 0.01). Z-test for proportions revealed that the difference in the non-resolution of rejection on immediate or delayed treatment in patients presenting during lockdown (P = 0.002) was significant.

Conclusion:

This article is to highlight the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on graft rejection recovery of PKP patients due to delays in follow-up. Early treatment helps in the recovery of graft transparency and the reversal of immunological graft rejection. Also, primary diagnosis, deep vascularization, and large-sized grafts were significant risk factors for non-resolution of graft rejection.
Uptake pattern of training programs over two decades at an International Ophthalmic Training Institute in India
Authors: Krishnaveni G , Joseph Sanil , Thulasiraj Ravilla
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

Inadequacy of trained human resources is a critical challenge for eye-care delivery worldwide. Recognizing this, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness had identified the development of human resources as one of the focal areas in the global initiative “Vision 2020: The Right to Sight.” The global action plan of the WHO also emphasized the need for trained workforce for ensuring comprehensive eye-care services. We aimed to present the uptake pattern of training programs offered at a high-volume training institute in India.

Methods:

We did a retrospective analysis of data related to training programs conducted between 2000 and 2019. Trainees included ophthalmologists, allied ophthalmic personnel, and eye-care management professionals from all over the world. We analyzed the overall growth over the 20 years in the WHO regions. The uptake patterns were also analyzed across four segments of 5-year-periods by the type of training.

Results:

Overall, 9091 trainees from 118 countries attended training in over 40 courses that included long- and short-term clinical training for ophthalmologists (54.2%) and short-term training for eye-care managers (29.5%), allied ophthalmic personnel (6.2%), and eye-care technicians (10.2%). The majority of the trainees (81.3%) came from the Southeast Asian region, of which 87.4% were from India. Most (98.3%) of the trainees belonged to developing countries. We found an overall average growth of 4.8% in the training uptake across the four 5-year segments over the 20 years.

Conclusion:

Comparatively better representation of trainees from the developing countries is encouraging as the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment is higher in those countries, warranting improved eye-care delivery. Given the strong influence of distance and associated costs of accessing training, the development of similar institutes in other regions might help enhance the global efforts to eliminate needless blindness.
Prescribing patterns of low vision devices in patients with cone-related dystrophies
Authors: Mahalingam Maanasi , Gopalakrishnan Sarika , Parasuraman Dhanalakshmi , Jayaraj P Jeni , Raman Rajiv
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to elucidate the type of low vision devices (LVDs) prescribed for patients with cone dystrophy, cone–rod dystrophy, and rod–cone dystrophy and to analyze the visual improvement with the devices.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 300 electronic medical records of patients with cone dystrophy, cone–rod dystrophy, and rod–cone dystrophy referred to the low vision care (LVC) clinic for the first time between 2014 and 2016 at a tertiary eye care center was done. Collected data included the demographic profile of patients, details of LVDs, and best-corrected vision.

Results:

Out of 300 patients, 62.6% (n = 188) were male and 37.3% (n = 112) were female. Of the cases, 50% (n = 150) had cone–rod dystrophy, 45% (n = 135) had cone dystrophy, and 5% (n = 15) had rod–cone dystrophy. The most commonly prescribed LVD was SEE-TV binocular telescope (n = 6, 2.0%) for distance and dome magnifier (n = 60, 20%) for near. ET-40 dark grey tint (20.6%) was preferred for managing photophobia. There was a statistically significant difference in both distance and near visual acuities with LVDs (P < 0.05) in all categories, except rod–cone dystrophy.

Conclusion:

Early diagnosis with appropriate prescription of LVDs including tints helps in achieving good quality of vision in patients with cone-related dystrophies.
Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the tear secretion of conjunctivitis patients during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Behera Himansu Sekhar , Ghana Madhusmita , Parida Priyadarshini , Sahu Srikant K , Das Sujata , Priyadarshini Smruti Rekha , Priyadarshini Kshyanaprava , Mohanty Amrita
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

To determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the tear secretion of conjunctivitis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in clinically diagnosed patients with conjunctivitis attending the outpatient services of our institute from July 2021 to December 2021. The tear samples were collected from patients using Schirmer’s strips or capillary tubes to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time PCR assay. COVID-19 vaccination and infection status, visual acuity, and clinical features were documented in all cases.

Results:

A total of 111 patients with symptoms of conjunctivitis were included during the study period. The mean age was 41.1 ± 13.1 years, and the mean duration of symptoms was 7.1 ± 4.4 days, with 74% males. Conjunctival congestion was mild in 69 (62.1%) patients, moderate in 30 (27%) patients, and severe in 12 (10.8%) patients. All except four had superficial punctate keratitis (SPK). Five (4.3%) patients were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in their tear samples. All had mild–moderate conjunctival congestions with variable papiliofollicular reaction and SPKs, superficial hemorrhages were seen in three and pseudomembrane in one patient. They were followed up with telemedicine and three of them developed mild COVID-19-related symptoms and recovered after in-home quarantine. None of them had a previous history of COVID-19 infection and all had received COVID-19 vaccination within 2 weeks to 2 months.

Conclusion:

SARS-CoV-2 transmission through ocular secretion of conjunctivitis patients cannot be ignored and appropriate COVID-19-preventive behavior should be followed in ocular settings.
Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis and its resurgence during COVID-19 pandemic: A review
Authors: Karkhur Samendra , Soni Deepak , Chauhan Khushboo , Sarkar Deepayan , Gautam Megha , Verma Sunil , Nyodu Richa , Yadav Nikita , Sharma Bhavana
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to review the current literature for epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical spectrum and management of rhino-orbito-cerebral-mucormycosis (ROCM), especially highlighting the association between ROCM and COVID-19 disease and factors resulting in its resurgence during the pandemic. Mucormycosis is a rare, but an important emerging opportunistic fungal infection, often associated with high morbidity and mortality. ROCM is the commonest and also the most aggressive clinical form occurring in debilitated patients in conjunction with sinus or para-sinus involvement due to the propensity for contiguous spread. Recently ROCM has shown an unprecedented resurgence during the current pandemic. Reports from different parts of the world indicated an increased risk and incidence of ROCM in patients who had required hospital admission and have recovered from moderate-to-severe COVID-19 disease. A majority of mucormycosis cases have been reported from India. The presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and use of corticosteroids for COVID-19 pneumonia were found to be the key risk factors, resulting in higher mortality. Amidst the ongoing pandemic, with the third wave already having affected most of the world, it becomes imperative to adopt a risk-based approach toward COVID-19 patients predisposed to developing ROCM. This could be based on the most recently published literature and emerging data from centers across the world. The present review intended to elucidate the causes that brought about the current spike in ROCM and the importance of its early detection and management to reduce mortality, loss of eye, and the need for mutilating debridement.