bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Milk Is a Thin Fluid Thickly Filled With Opaque White Globules
Authors: Rickett Sophy
Published: February 2023

Weaving together text with visual imagery, Rickett explores the condition of photography through subjects such as landscape, autobiography, memory, and language. The title, Milk is a Thin Fluid Thickly Filled with Opaque White Globules, references the idea of bearing witness to life in the most granular of ways - looking up close, questioning the visually apparent, combining affect, and the lived experience of the body with primary research into a range of subjects and contexts, (for example, an astronomical telescope at the Institute of Astronomy in Cambridge, or the restoration of an Elizabethan Water Garden in Somerset). With landscape and the natural world as a backdrop, photography emerges not only as a tool for seeing and representing, but also for thinking, processing, navigating, and framing the world and its relations.
Urgent Autobiographies
Authors: Fontoura Catarina
Published: February 2023

This chapter develops on topics explored in the seminar the author has curated and facilitated for the Global Photographies Network in late 2021 entitled ‘Urgent Stories: Lived Experiences of a Changing planet', bringing together photography and arts practice, eco-philosophy, science and literature. Whilst the six-day seminar series looked to address the question of ‘What climate collapse asks of us?', this chapter looks to build a cohesive understanding of how photographic practice can respond to environmental change by focusing on ecological awareness and storytelling in autobiography- and lived experienced-based work. Drawing from the photographic work of seminar participants, the chapter weaves the elements of memory, archive, and relationship between oral storytelling and photographs into this discussion. Consequently, this chapter argues that storytelling based on first person accounts of ecology and change is not only a valuable tool in climate action, but urgent work in shaping heightened ecological consciousness.
The Memory of Others
Authors: Hillman John
Published: February 2023

The focus of this chapter is orientated around two positions. The first articulates the relationship of photography to memory through making and exploring the claim that memory renders the “noumenal” mutability of photographic meaning. The second, connected, position considers memory not as a single homogenised process only linked to recall, but as neuroscience understands it, as something associated with predictive thought and perception. This chapter's argument is that while memory's predictive capacity creates models through which we meaningfully navigate life, memory may also act to shield us from lived experience. When thought through in this way, memory operates like a screen preventing access to the reality of both the present and the past. In short, memory helps to maintain a distance from actual experiences.
Use of Nanofertilizers in Agriculture
Authors: Biswal Debraj
Published: February 2023

The agricultural industry is currently facing challenges of food production for the expanding human population. This will be worsened in the future by the negative impacts of climate change. The obstacles can be overcome by increasing the productivity of the available agricultural lands. The conventional fertilizers are, however, not very efficient in delivering nutrients to the plants. Formulation of nanofertilizers based on tiny particles (< 100 nm), prepared from common organic and inorganic sources, is a ground-breaking discovery that can ensure sustainable agriculture in an eco-friendly manner. Their unique properties make them effective at low concentrations. They can supply nutrients and help the plants withstand biotic and abiotic stress factors. This proves their efficiency over traditional fertilizers. However, they have certain drawbacks. Their high reactivity can be a source of toxicity to the plants as well as animals. Thus, this emerging field has high potentialities but requires extensive research.
Glimpses of 3D Printing in the 21st Century
Authors: Tambrallimath Vijay , Keshavamurthy R.
Published: February 2023

As the ability to fabricate highly complicated computerized geometry makes additive manufacturing a significant technology in the present day, it has a significant impact on both the manufacturing and design industries. As a result of their intrinsic mechanical and anisotropic properties, pure polymer parts which are 3D printed completely have a limited application potential. Their capabilities have been improved by the filler inclusion for more versatility and application. Innovative benefits of 3D printing include simplicity of material modification, low production cost, less waste, and customised geometry. The overview describes the advancement of matrix composites printing technologies for 3D printing materials with improved qualities including its uses in the electronics, automotive, aerospace, and biomedical. In conclusion, the technology of 3D printing is analysed, highlighting its capabilities and shortcomings.
Additive Manufacturing Developments in the Medical Engineering Field
Authors: Boopathi Sampath , Khare Richa , Jaya Christiyan K. G.  , Muni T. Vijay , Khare Smriti
Published: February 2023

The additive manufacturing technology has been applied in various sectors: the manufacturing of industrial components, toys, medicine, medical-surgical instruments, and tissue engineering sectors. In the tissue engineering field, it has been intensively applied to make biomaterials, organs, and drugs. The fundamental procedures of the additive manufacturing process, the various additive manufacturing techniques, and advanced methods that have been applied in the making and synthesis of organs in the tissue engineering fields have been described. In this chapter, the computer-aided tissue modelling process, different fundamental and advanced biomaterials, and advanced scaffold manufacturing applications in emerging tissue engineering fields have been illustrated.
The Importance of Polymers in Medicine and Their FTIR and Raman Spectroscopic Investigations
Authors: Celik Sefa , Akyuz Sevim , Ozel Aysen E.
Published: February 2023

Polymers are macromolecules with a very high molecular weight that are formed as a result of one or more small molecules bonding to each other, typically by covalent bonds. The concept of macromolecules consisting of many repeating units are published in the article titled “Uber Polymerization,” which was first published in 1920 by Hermann Staudinger. The idea of polymers, which have been in our lives for a long time, has thus become an important field of study. Polymers are commonly used in tissue engineering because of their properties such as biocompatibility and biodegradability. In addition, polymers have a wide range of applications in tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and wound healing. Polymers have varying structural properties based on their backbone structure, molecular weight, and crystallinity. For this cause, a great deal of study in the medicine has been based on this category of materials. This work focuses on the importance of polymers in the medicine, 3D printed polymer composites and Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopic investigations of polymeric structures.
Applications of Fused Deposition Modeling in Dentistry
Authors: Mahale Rayappa Shrinivas , Kanaginahal Gangadhar M. , Vasanth Shamanth , Tiwary Vivek Kumar , Shashanka Rajendrachari , P. C. Sharath , Patil Adarsh
Published: February 2023

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is a popular additive manufacturing (AM) technique for modelling, prototyping, and production. FDM is a technology that creates three-dimensional things directly from three-dimensional CAD data. Layer by layer, thermoplastic material is extruded by a temperature-controlled head. FDM, also known as fused filament fabrication (FFF), is a simple and low-cost method of additive manufacturing that was first introduced in 1989. A thermoplastic filament is fed to a heated nozzle in the FFF process. The material is melted here, and the material is deposited as the nozzle travels layer by layer in the x and y axes along the geometry. FDM has proved beneficial in the medical field to produce more naturalistic models for educational, training, and research reasons, as well as treatment and surgical planning.
Advancing Latinx Faculty and Students in Academia Through Femtoring/Mentoring
Authors: Aguirre Hilda Cecilia Contreras , Romero Celeste
Published: February 2023

Latinx are a growing portion of the U.S. population, and students represented 19.5% of the total student population in higher education in 2018. Furthermore, the Latinx college enrollment rate among 18- to 24-year-olds increased from 27.5% to 36.3% between 2009 and 2019. The idea to create a femtoring/mentoring program at state university (SU) came in response to the need of the Latinx college community from undergraduates to faculty to feel supported, included, and appreciated. Latinx students and faculty must have and share a space where they feel safe, connect at a deeper level with others, and develop a sense of belongingness. Meaningful and intentional serving programs should be implemented at Hispanic-serving institutions (HSI) to improve Latinx students' persistence, faculty retention, and the overall college climate.
The Importance of the Use of Technology in the Education of Refugee Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa in the Digital Age
Authors: Pougaza Sedar F.
Published: February 2023

Despite having multiple strategies to provide better education to refugee populations around the world, the use of technology to teach refugees in conflict zones in the Sub-Saharan African countries especially in the Central African Republic (CAR) remains a key challenge for many organizations and nations. The purpose of this chapter is to show how the use of technology combined with effective leadership in the education of Central African refugees at Gado Badzere refugee camp can improve learning and teaching in the digital age. The Central African Republic, considered as a war-torn nation, continues to struggle with its education. Examples of technologies acting as indispensable tools to effectively teach 21st century competencies to Central African refugees living in the low-resource community of Gado-Badzere refugee camp and possible solutions to education in the CAR are given in this chapter. The data used is from international organizations and non-governmental organizations.
Making Learning Environments More Inclusive for All Students With Educational Technology
Authors: Nieves Licwinko Kathryn
Published: February 2023

The placement of students with disabilities in the inclusion setting alongside their peers has increased in recent years due to a variety of federal mandates. Technology has become an important component of this learning experience since digital tools and resources can provide students with support while accessing the grade-level curriculum. This chapter addresses the various ways that technology can be utilized in the inclusion classroom, including assistive technology, mainstream educational technologies, and accessible digital resources. The existing research tends to focus on how specific tools can be integrated, but this chapter synthesizes this information to show educators how technology can be leveraged to support all learners in the classroom. The intent of this chapter is to share research-supported strategies for making classrooms more inclusive using available technologies.
The Kremlin's Annexation Policy and Provoked Migration as a Russian Political Pressure Tool
Authors: Amilakhvari Liza , Baghaturia Otar
Published: February 2023

Migration is still a heavily debated topic in many countries. According to some opinions, immigration brings many advantages to a country. To others, high immigration numbers threaten national identity, increase dependence on welfare, and threaten national security (illegal immigration or terrorism). Migration is an integral part of modernity that affects both the host country of the migrants and the country of origin. Waves of artificially provoked migration based on goals unrelated to the causes of the crisis deserve separate mention. The prime example of such actions is Russia, which is using this tool to satisfy its disproportionately aggressive expansionist foreign policy ambitions, especially in post-Soviet countries. That is why in this work significant attention is paid to the research on Russian foreign policy priorities. The chapter analyzes Russia's aggressive foreign policy and its impact on the forced migration from Georgia and Ukraine.
No Pain, No Gain
Authors: Batrancea Larissa Margareta
Published: February 2023

The chapter delves into an engaging and timely topic concerning talent migration and the overall implications it has on economies around the world. The chapter offers details on factors that influence talent migration, future trends regarding this phenomenon, and current changes in the labor market. It is built on official statistics, international reports of well-known organizations, scientific studies, and media outlets covering the topic. Besides informing on the impact of talent migration, important policy implications are also addressed.
Visual Cultural Arts as a Gateway to Digital Literacy
Authors: Farmer Lesley S. J. , Farmer Christopher J.
Published: February 2023

Societies increasingly use visual arts to communicate and teach about their cultures. Therefore, both visual and digital literacies are needed in order to better understand and appreciate cultural arts. With advances in reproduction and other technologies, visual messages cross traditionally defined cultures in different contexts, thus opening themselves to different cultural interpretations, further pointing out the need for visual and digital literacy to address the content, format, and context. The chapter uses a communications cycle framework to trace the intersection of visual and digital literacies, noting their universal and culturally-defined aspects. Because of the increased awareness of the importance of cultural identity and the impact of globalization, higher education needs to embrace visual cultural arts, both in terms of resources as well as instruction. The chapter provides several teaching strategies and resources to help students gain these important skills.
A Model of Self-Directed Learning in Blended Learning Environments
Authors: Dogra Ambalika
Published: February 2023

Self-directed learning is a trait, process, and context as evidenced by adult education researchers. However, studies have sporadically centered on self-directed learning from the viewpoint of web-enabled or blended environments. Technology and internet have convoyed knowledge to the fingertips of learners, but many of them do not possess the ability of autonomy in learning. On the other hand, educators are also unaware of the conceptual underpinnings of self-directed learning and the nature of knowledge and skills needs to be instilled among the learners to transform them from listeners to learning leaders. This chapter while considering the context of blended learning came up with the model of self-directed learning on the evidence furnished by the related research studies. Recommendations for future research are also suggested.
The Emerging Role of Innovative Teaching Practices in Tourism Education in the Post-COVID-19 Era
Authors: H. Sandhya , Varghese Bindi
Published: February 2023

The education sector has undergone a tremendous transformation during the last few decades with the advancement of information and communication technology. Traditional methods of teaching and learning are replaced with modern technology enabled methods such as virtual reality, 3D images and videos, augmented reality, and gamification. Tourism education involves learning about geographic regions, destinations, and sightseeing. The shift from offline mode of teaching to a completely online and digital platform during the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the need to include such innovative practices in teaching and learning. This chapter focuses on the potential benefits of enabling technology infused teaching and learning methods and their implications on improving student motivation and engagement.
A Real-Time Smart Sewage Cleaning UAV Assistance System Using IoT
Authors: P. Iyyanar , R. Anand , T. Shanthi , Nassa Vinay Kumar , Pandey Binay Kumar , George A. Shaji , Pandey Digvijay
Published: February 2023

There is a boom in autonomous systems with rapid technological development that cannot adapt without human interaction to actual life conditions. Such programs will free people from the added activities which are mundane, repeatable, and invalid. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can use in boring, dusty, and hazardous environments, where human health and welfare are at significant risk. Autonomous systems deliver efficiencies in the supply chain, tracking, and hazardous climate control. This paper proposes the concept to improve the UAV's effectiveness, the compression and track architecture is combined. In addition, the UAV and pipe can increase the friction of the trackwheel. The process of cleaning starts when the sensors feel the mouth. The washing mechanism will not occur if the sensors do not detect the dirt. The focus of this chapter is on the drainage cleaning system automation. Device automation is required to address the mobility and space challenge. This chapter proposes the effective use of this method to manage waste disposal and routine wastage filtration.
Blockchain in Supply Chain Management Prevailing in Smart Cities
Authors: Waghmare Ganesh , Sundram Suja , Kumar Bhupendra , Raman Manju Shree , Yagnam Nagesh , Motekar Harish S. , Kaushik Dushyant
Published: February 2023

Supply chain enactment engages in a diversified shareholder environment and need provenance, transparency, and trust. The establishment of a decentralised infrastructure comprising several stakeholders is made possible by blockchain technology. The blockchain technology is suited for multi-stakeholder supply chain applications because of these processes. This chapter covers the elements that make up the supply chain, outlines its needs, and describes how blockchain technology might help. This chapter focuses on the use of blockchain technology to develop data and trust management. To assist the stakeholders in making an educated choice, the significance of scalability and interoperability in a blockchain-dependent supply chain is stressed. This chapter ends by downplaying the design difficulties and untapped potential of the blockchain-dependent supply chain industry.
IoT and Machine Learning in Smart City Healthcare Systems
Authors: Janani S. , R. Dilip , Talukdar Suryansh Bhaskar , Talukdar Veera Bhaskar , Mishra Krishna Nand , Dhabliya Dharmesh
Published: February 2023

The phrase “smart city” refers to a collection of ideas and technology aimed at making cities more effective, technologically sophisticated, environmentally friendly, and socially inclusive. Technical, economic, and social innovations are among these ideas. Since the 2000s, this phrase has been around by a variety of players in politics, commerce, administration, and urban planning to describe technological advances and advancements in cities. A response to the commercial, societal, and governmental issues which post-industrial nations are facing in the new era, the concept of smart city is employed is combined with the use of digital technology. The main emphasis is on addressing issues that urban society faces, such as resource shortages, environmental pollution, population increase, and demographic changes. In a more general sense, the phrase also refers to non-technical innovations that improve the sustainability of urban living.
Smart City Approaches Using Machine Learning and the IoT
Authors: Pandey Jay Kumar , Veeraiah Vivek , Talukdar Suryansh Bhaskar , Talukdar Veera Bhaskar , Rathod Vinod Motiram , Dhabliya Dharmesh
Published: February 2023

Machine learning has attracted the interest of academics and industrialists and is likely to develop. Machine learning may deliver widespread wireless connectivity. Machine learning enables the internet of things (IoT), which allows objects to communicate without human intervention. Healthcare, smart grids, vehicular communications, etc. use machine learning. The authors explore IoT-based machine learning methods applied in these sectors and others. Lessons learnt and judgments of machine learning's use in IoT networks are also discussed here.
The Industrial Internet of Things
Authors: Bhushan Saloni , Shanker Surabhi , Cengiz Korhan
Published: February 2023

Volumes of data produced by the dumb machines in industrial environment are used by smart machine for real time analysis. The ultimate result is far better than human handling and analysis of data, and hence enhancement and accuracy in business decisions. IIoT (industrial internet of things) also referred to as industry 4.0 is developed to enhance the accuracy and performance of industrial processes by using smart sensors and actuators. This chapter shed light on key technologies of IoT ecosystem and also discusses the architecture and development details of an IIoT solution its components, applications, and case studies.
Scope of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture
Authors: R. Divya , Ramalingam Karthikeyan , Unnikrishnan Sneha
Published: February 2023

The world population will increase by two billion in the year 2050 as per the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. To meet the needs of people, more efficient farming practices must be identified and implemented, which can increase the yield of crops in the field. A study shows that one in five deaths globally, equivalent to 11 million deaths, are because of poor diet and unavailability of food for the underprivileged. Automation in the agricultural field will not just ease the process but also increase the yield, helping many households to afford at least two meals a day. Implementation of artificial intelligence in agriculture can ease the process. Some countries like the United States, Singapore, etc. use AI in agriculture; they have reported a good impact on the yield of crops. The main objective of this work is to analyze the applications to implement artificial intelligence technology in farming, the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence in agriculture, and the opportunity in India to implement these technologies in farming.
Biological Plant Recommendation System for Indoor Air Quality Improvement Using IoT
Authors: Patil Ashish Anandrao , Manu T. M.  , Anami Basavaraj S.
Published: February 2023

Various enforced rules on human beings due to pandemic have made them spend more time indoors. Hence, improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is significant so that people can work efficiently under good indoor ambience. There are various plants in nature that absorb harmful ingredients from indoor environments based on their biological properties. This chapter presents an internet of things (IoT)-based biological plant recommendation system to improve indoor air quality. This system monitors a particular indoor environment and measures the concentration of various gases at the front-end. In the back-end subsystem, the data received from the front-end subsystem is assessed and a suitable plant/s from the cloud database is recommended. This is a very handy and cost-effective system and can be easily implemented in any indoor environment.
Medication Discovery Using Neural Networks
Authors: Mendon Akshay , Votavat Bhavya Manoj , Hegde Vighnesh , Patil Megharani
Published: February 2023

The genesis of artificial intelligence (AI) has subsequently led to many machine learning algorithms being used for purposes like drug discovery. The strategies for developing drug targets and medication revelation have joined forces with AI and deep learning algorithms to improve the effectiveness, adequacy, and nature of created yields. Drug discovery is a very difficult endeavor as its success depends on data from several fields, yet it is very crucial and beneficial for us in the long run. In this chapter, the applications that have created novel techniques and produced significant yield in this field are reviewed.
Research on Thermal Structure Analysis Technology of Supersonic Missile Rudder
Authors: Yi Long , Li Yu Liang , Lin Hai Bin , Luo Bing , Zheng Jian
Published: February 2023

A method of thermal structure analysis is developed for supersonic missile rudder. The method calculates the aerodynamic heat based on Eckert reference enthalpy method, and calculates the temperature field by finite element method. The temperature field is taken as the volume load while calculating the thermal stress gradient and time history. Considering the influence of thermal stress, the natural vibration characteristics such as the mode and vibration frequency with time are obtained. The numerical computation results show that the aerodynamic heat is distributed unevenly across the rudder, such as stagnation point, laminar flow, transition and turbulence. The solid blocks of rudder shaft, longitudinal and transverse wall plates cause local low temperature, and large temperature gradient leads to higher thermal stress. Due to the change of material properties and thermal stress, the natural vibration frequency of the rudder has a significant decrease at sometime. The software of ANSYS was used to calculate and output cloud diagrams. The software of Microsoft Office was used to make curve graphics. The developed APDL command flow is very efficient and portable, which is convenient for complex structural model, and can provide technical support for supersonic missile rudder.
A Short Review on AWJM of Natural Fibre Reinforced Composite Materials
Authors: Pragadish N. , Kaliappan S. , Natrayan L. , Selvam M. , Patil Pravin P. , Arvinda Pandian C.K.
Published: February 2023

A composite is a solid material created by combining two or more different substances, each with its own set of qualities, to create a new substance with properties that outperform the original components for a specific use. Currently composite materials are widely applied across various fields due to its superior properties. The fibre reinforced composites being light in weight, and high strength are replacing metals in many applications. Nowadays, more focus is paid in developing sustainable and environment friendly materials without compromise in the quality. This reason led to the development of Natural Fibre Reinforced Composite (NFRC) materials, which is gaining more attention towards them. Though many NFRCs were developed, machining is a very big challenge. Compared to the traditional machining processes, the non-traditional machining process is proved to be recommendable for machining NFRC materials. In this article, the numerous research endeavors carried out in machining of NFRCs using Abrasive Water Jet Machining (AWJM) process is reviewed. This article describes the different parameters considered in AWJM process and their influence over the machining characteristics of NFRCs. Based on the different research carried out, the use of nanofillers in the right composition is expected to increase the performance of the AWJM process over NFRCs.
The Performance of Magnetostrictive Material for Wind-Induced Vibration Power Generator
Authors: Barata La Ode Ahmad , Ngii Edward , Takahiro Takahiro , Ueno Toshiyuki
Published: February 2023

This research investigated the effect of span length variation and capless prismatic structure on the performance of the micropower generator from flow-induced vibration. The vibration response type covers galloping and vortex-induced vibration regimes. The mini harvester energy induced by the harmonic oscillation of prismatic structure was implemented based on the magnetostrictive principle to gain electricity using a galfenol alloy (Fe-Ga). The power generation variations are influenced by the amplitude, frequency, structure displacement, span length, and shape of the bluff body. The optimum power generation is 2.87 mW, and the maximum power generation is 10.63 mW at the resonance velocity Vr of 6.45. Reducing the frequency characteristics of circular cylinders by applying a cap end tip affect power generation characteristics and galloping behaviour for the prism with a span length of 200 mm but not for other span lengths. The effect of span length variation on free vibration and power generation performance for all prism models is similar in that both features are decreased by increasing span length. However, it enhances onset valued power generation. Power generation is considered for the independent electricity supply for specific sensor or wireless devices of an IoT system.
Study on Fuzzy Control of Trawler Winch Based on AMESim
Authors: Wang Jun , Xie Yong He , Li De Tang , Zhang Jia Qi , Gao Wei Peng , Hong Yong Qiang , Chen Qing , Li Cun Jun
Published: February 2023

This paper introduces the rapid automatic control module of trawler based on the hydraulic system of ‘Zhejiang fishery scientific research ship No.2’.The hydraulic simulation model of double motor winch system is built in AMESim software, and SIMULINK module in MATLAB software designed closed loop fuzzy PID controller for hydraulic system simulation. through fuzzy PID control technology drives the hydraulic winch to quickly adjust the tension of the traction, maintain the stable balance of the traction force, maintain the optimization of network horizontal expansion, not only improve the fishing efficiency, but also timely and effective protection mesh. the technical achievements formed by the research will enable small and medium-sized trawlers to adjust the tension under various working conditions through the fuzzy PID control system to stabilize the opening shape of the trawl, so as to improve the automation level and fishing efficiency of related trawling equipment, and provide technical support for precision fishing.
High-temperature settling of bitumen from Aostra's underground test facility
Authors: Mikula R J , Parsons I S , Munoz V A , Lam W W , Payette C , McAuley K C
Published: February 2023

Several bitumen samples from AOSTRA's Underground Test Facility were obtained (heat exchanger outlet) in order to characterize the emulsion droplet size distribution and to ultimately establish whether or not high temperature settling could successfully be used
to separate the bitumen and water phases. Characterization of the dispersed phase was not straightforward since the samples varied. The samples would sometimes be separated into a large bitumen mass and significant free water and sometimes be quite fluid with dispersed bitumen. It was our opinion
that sampling contamination, perhaps with residual soaps, lead to some samples remaining as a bitumen in water emulsion without separating. Normally, one would expect that the bitumen would separate from the free water. Preliminary characterization of the solids in the feed was also done since it is
known that mineral/solids composition can influence emulsion formation and the stability of rag layers in bitumen/water separation schemes. High temperature settling evaluations proved the feasibility of this type of settling as a method of bitumen separation producing a product of less than 5%
water. Good results were achieved with temperatures from 190 to 220 °C and 250 to 1000 ppm demulsifier. Separation without demulsifiers vas not successful. Product samples were examined microscopically to determine the dispersed water size distributions.
A Prescription Audit Using the Who Core Drug Use Indicators in a Rural Health Training Center of Pondicherry
Authors: Mercy Mani , Antony Lourdu Jafrin
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Prescription auditing is an important tool to assess the appropriateness of drug dispensing in any health-care setup.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prescriptions as per the World Health Organization (WHO) core indicators.

Materials and Methods:

The study is an observational study undertaken in the outpatient department of the rural health training center. About 310 prescriptions were analyzed for their completeness as per the WHO guidelines.

Results:

The auditing showed the distribution of gender as 62.90% in the male category and 37.09% in the female category. The age distribution of the prescription falls across the ages from 1 to 60 years with 64.51% in the under-five categories, 54.83% in the adolescent category, 17.74% in the middle age group, and 38.70% in the geriatric age group. The prescription indicators such as name and age of the patient, hospital id, dose of the drug, and duration of treatment were completely recorded in the out patient (OP) slip. The parameters like were near to completion such as history (98%), examination (99%), and signature with the name of the doctor (96.12%). Generic names of the drugs are entered in 89.67%, investigations were ordered in 63.87%, and follow-up was advised only in 54.19% of the prescriptions. Handwriting in capitals was only in 56.77% and the registration number of the doctor was entered only in 46.77% of the prescriptions.

Conclusion:

This study showed some pitfalls in the areas of prescribing indicators which have to be sorted out through proper training of the medical officers and interns posted in the health centers.
Permanent Pacemaker Insertion in a Patient with Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava
Authors: Gulati Amit , Calton Nivedita , Mathew Cinosh , Calton Rajneesh
Published: February 2023

Implantation of a permanent pacemaker (PPM) in a patient with venous anomalies can be quite difficult, especially in a patient with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC). Our patient was a 63-year-old female who presented with complaints of dizziness and an episode of syncope. Her electrocardiogram was suggestive of a complete heart block. We approached the right side of the heart through the right infraclavicular cephalic vein initially, as that is the preferred site in our hospital. We encountered difficulty negotiating the leads through the right side, which raised the possibility of PLSVC. We report the various steps we took while inserting the PPM in this case.
Psychometric Properties of Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale in the Patients of Schizophrenia
Authors: John Sally , Gupta Pankaj Kumar , Sathe Harshal Shriram , Yadav Priyanka
Published: February 2023

Background:

The assessment of disability is an integral part of the management of patients with schizophrenia. The Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS) is a government-recommended tool used for the assessment and certification of disability in mental illnesses. The literature on the psychometric properties such as reliability and validity of IDEAS for the assessment of disability in schizophrenia patients is relatively scant.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study done in a tertiary health care center catering the rural patients in central India. A hundred male and female treatment-seeking schizophrenia patients, who were in symptom remission, were purposively included in the study. Apart from sociodemographic profile and severity assessment, the disability levels of the patients were assessed using IDEAS as well as the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Scale version 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0).

Results:

The mean age of the patients included in the study was 36.6 (±9.11) years. Among the four disability domains in the IDEAS, maximum disability was seen in the work domain, whereas self-care was the least affected domain. Males had a higher disability in work, whereas in the individuals belonging to joint families and rural backgrounds, self-care was significantly affected. Pearson correlation test implied that IDEAS showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.892) and concurrent validity with the WHODAS 2.0 in the assessment of disability in the study participants.

Conclusion:

IDEAS is a reliable and valid instrument for the measurement of disability in severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.
Factors Affecting Health-Related Quality of Life among Patients with Colorectal Cancer using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-CR29
Authors: Dey Soumya , Basu Abhishek , Banerjee Suparna , Bandyopadhyay Rajat
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

The deterioration of health caused by colorectal Cancer (CRC) and its treatment leads to physiological, functional, and social damage impairing a CRC patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The study was done to estimate the factors affecting the HR QoL among patients with CRC.

Methodology:

Fifty-four CRC patients who had completed the treatment with surgery/chemotherapy/radiotherapy in a peripheral Medical College between May 2021 and April 2022 were enrolled. The objective was to assess patient’s perceived global health status and QoL (GHS/QoL), functional outcomes, and symptoms measured by the European organization for research and treatment of cancer Quality of life questionnaire core (QLQ-C30) and the CRC-specific QLQ-CR29 and to determine the demographics, clinical, treatment factors and symptom scales of the QLQ-C30/QLQ-CR29 that are associated with of GHS/QoL in patients with CRC

Results:

The mean age was 46 years, 59% were male, 41% had other long-term medical conditions, an ostomy was present in 30% and 41% of respondents had multimodal CRC treatment with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The final analysis of stepwise multiple regression revealed that four variables namely physical functioning, sexual interest, body image, and fatigue remained significant independent predictors of overall HRQoL score in CRC survivors accounting for 67.4% of the variation in overall HRQoL. Physical functioning made the strongest contribution. Women, at the extremes of the age groups (≥60 years), with an ostomy, without a spouse/partner, and those with other medical conditions in addition reported poorer functioning, symptoms, or overall HRQoL.

Conclusions:

The current study identifies factors associated with overall HRQoL among CRC survivors. Functional capacity and CRC-related problems were most strongly associated with overall HRQoL among CRC survivors. Greater efforts to identify CRC-related symptoms and diminished physical functional capacity among CRC survivors are warranted in an attempt to improve their overall HRQoL.
Immunohistochemical expression of FAP and PCNA in neoplastic epithelial colonic lesions
Authors: Ali Aya S. , Helal Duaa S. , Mohamed Dareen A. , Sallam Fersan A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Colorectal carcinoma is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Fibroblast-activation protein is expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts and its expression is upregulated during the transformation of benign colorectal tissue into cancer. Proliferating-cell nuclear antigen expression was used as a marker of cell proliferation and is considered as a marker able to identify aggressive adenomas that may in turn become malignant.

Aim

To study the expression of fibroblast-activation protein and proliferating-cell nuclear antigen in neoplastic epithelial colonic lesions and their role in adenoma–carcinoma sequence.

Patients and methods

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the expression of fibroblast-activation protein and proliferating-cell nuclear antigen in 80 cases of neoplastic epithelial colonic lesions.

Results

In malignant colorectal epithelial tumors, high fibroblast-activation protein expression was detected with an increase in histological grade, depth of invasion, vascular invasion, and lymph-node metastasis. No fibroblast-activation protein expression was detected in all benign cases. In included benign cases, there was a significant relation between proliferating-cell nuclear antigen labeling index and both histological type and grade of dysplasia. In the included malignant cases, there was a significant relation between proliferating-cell nuclear antigen labeling index with grade of tumor and the depth of invasion.

Conclusions

Both fibroblast-activation protein and proliferating-cell nuclear antigen labeling index suggested to have a role in early detection of malignant transformation and had a prognostic role in malignant cases.
Pharyngoplasty versus buccinator myomucosal flap in the management of velopharyngeal-insufficiency coronal pattern of closure
Authors: Maamoun Toulan Esraa Farid , Shalaby Helmy Ahmed , Elsayed Darwish Mohammed , Amer Aymen Mohammed , Serag Shaima Mohammed
Published: February 2023

Background

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is an anatomical or structural defect that hinders sufficient velopharyngeal closure, as visualized on nasoendoscopy.

Aim

The aim of this work was to compare the result of sphincter pharygoplasty versus buccinator myomucosal flap in management of VPI cases with coronal pattern of closure in order to select the proper operation for managing these cases.

Patients and methods

This study included 20 patients in our institute with residual VPI after primary repair of cleft palate with age range between 3 and 12 years. Randomly, patients with coronal pattern of closure were categorized into two groups: (A) 10 patients underwent sphincteroplasty and (B) 10 patients underwent buccinator myomucosal flap. Preoperatively and 2 months after operation, every patient was evaluated by auditory perceptual assessment, flexible nasopharyngoscopy, and nasometry. The results were documented, tabulated, and statistically analyzed.

Results

There were statistically significant improvements of auditory perceptual assessment in obligatory speech disorders and intelligibility of speech, nasometeric evaluation in oral and nasal sentences in both groups. Additionally, there were significant improvements of nasoendoscopic evaluations in the degree of velar movement, presence or absence and size of persistent gap in both groups, and in the degree of lateral pharyngeal wall movements in group A.

Conclusion

Sphincterpharyngoplasty or buccinator myomucosal flap have satisfactory results in treatment of VPI patients with coronal pattern of closure with no statistically significant difference between both groups.
Optimization of the anisotropic Cheeger constant with respect to the anisotropy
Authors: Parini Enea , Saracco Giorgio
Published: February 2023

Given an open, bounded set
$\Omega $
in
$\mathbb {R}^N$
, we consider the minimization of the anisotropic Cheeger constant
$h_K(\Omega )$
with respect to the anisotropy K, under a volume constraint on the associated unit ball. In the planar case, under the assumption that K is a convex, centrally symmetric body, we prove the existence of a minimizer. Moreover, if
$\Omega $
is a ball, we show that the optimal anisotropy K is not a ball and that, among all regular polygons, the square provides the minimal value.
Perceived Factors Influencing Farmers’ Preference for Rice Varieties in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Okoro John Chukwuma , Ugah Desmond Emeka , Aroh Jacinta Amuche , Obioha Obinna Gorgio , Udoye, Charles Ekene , Agwu Ekwe Agwu
Published: February 2023

The study assessed perceived factors influencing farmers’ preference for rice varieties grown in Enugu State, Nigeria. A structured interview schedule was used to obtain information from 150 rice farmers. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts and percentages. The major rice varieties grown by the farmers were Faro 44 (60.7%), R8 (28.7%) and Mass II (20.7%). The farmers’ major sources of information that perhaps influenced their preferences for rice varieties were fellow farmers (93.3%) and personal observation (86.7%).The farmers’ perceived factors influencing preference of varieties were high yield (74.7%) and cooking characteristics like not sticking together on cooking (64.0%), nice taste (60.0%) and rising better while cooking (59.4%). Aside from the preference for FARO 44 rice variety because of high yield, the perceived factors influencing farmers’ preference of other rice varieties (R8 and Mass) were mainly because of seed availability. Therefore, farmers need information on affordable sources of FARO 44 rice seeds for higher yield that could increase their profit and raise their standard of living.
Perhitungan Neraca Massa Pada Reception Oil Tank di Stasiun Klarifikasi PKS XYZ Sumatera Utara
Authors: Simatupang Dimas Frananta , Paranita Darni , Nuranika Nuranika , Saputra Hendra , Simbolon Merta
Published: February 2023

Reception Oil Tank (ROT) is a unit at a clarification station that has a function as a temporary storage tank for filtered crude oil from the vibro-separator unit and also to retain heat. In this ROT, the heat provided comes from direct injection of hot steam and steam coils with temperatures ranging from 90-95 0C. This research was conducted with the aim of determining the flow rate of materials into and out of ROT using the principle of mass balance and determining the levels of each component in the oil in ROT before further processing. Based on the results of the mass balance calculation, it was obtained that the flow rate of crude oil entering ROT was 10794.2 kg/hour. The composition content of the materials entering ROT in 10 mL includes 37.6% oil, 26.6% water and 35.8% non-oil solid while the composition levels of materials leaving ROT to CST include 41.6% oil, 27% water, and non-oil solids 31.4%. The oil content has increased during the process that occurs in the ROT at the clarification station.
Business Valuation Using Discounted Cash Flow Method in Restaurant Industry (Case Study: Coffee Shop XYZ)
Authors:   Master of Business Administration, School of Business and Management, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, Indonesia, 40132, Putri Nisrina Balqis Maharani , Noveria Ana ,   Master of Business Administration, School of Business and Management, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, Indonesia, 40132
Published: February 2023

The level of coffee consumption continues to increase from year to year due to the influence of third wave coffee, this also affects the sales of Coffee Shop XYZ which continue to increase. Departing from this success, management wants to open two new branches, namely in Purwakarta and in Subang through raising funds on the equity crowdfunding platform. That’s why Coffee Shop XYZ needs steps for company valuation to find out the business value and share price that Coffee Shop XYZ will provide. Coffee Shop XYZ’s company valuation assessment uses absolute and non-absolute valuation methods, where the absolute valuation method uses discounted cash flow with terminal value, while the non-absolute valuation method uses a relative model which compares Coffee Shop XYZ’s financial ratios with similar companies in the same industry. , namely the restaurant. Based on the results of the study using the absolute valuation method, it was found that Coffee Shop XYZ had an enterprise value of Rp 19.930.457.260, with a share price of Rp 49.706,38 and 390.000 outstanding shares. Meanwhile, based on the non-absolute method, the EV/EBIT, P/E and P/B ratios indicate that Coffee Shop XYZ is undervalued, meaning that the business will generate greater profits, and the business is considered not too high-risk for investment. It also has a fair share price and the ratios show its ability to distribute dividends to investors. In conclusion, based on Coffee Shop XYZ’s valuation, it is known as a declining overvalued company. Even so, Coffee Shop XYZ will still provide positive residual income.