bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring bias in the OCO-3 snapshot area mapping mode via geometry, surface, and aerosol effects
Authors: Bell Emily , O'Dell Christopher W. , Taylor Thomas E. , Merrelli Aronne , Nelson Robert R. , Kiel Matthäus , Eldering Annmarie , Rosenberg Robert , Fisher Brendan
Published: January 2023

Abstract. The Atmospheric Carbon Observations from Space (ACOS) retrieval algorithm has been delivering operational column-averaged carbon dioxide dry-air mole fraction (XCO2​​​​​​​) data for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) missions since 2014. The ACOS Level 2 Full Physics (L2FP) algorithm retrieves a number of parameters, including aerosol and surface properties, in addition to atmospheric CO2. Past analysis has shown that while the ACOS retrieval meets mission precision requirements of 0.1 %–0.5 % in XCO2, residual biases and some sources of error remain unaccounted for (Wunch et al., 2017; Worden et al., 2017; Torres et al., 2019). Forward model and other errors can lead to systematic biases in the retrieved XCO2, which are often correlated with these additional retrieved parameters. The characterization of such biases is particularly essential to urban- and local-scale emissions studies, where it is critical to accurately distinguish source signals relative to background concentrations (Nassar et al., 2017; Kiel et al., 2021). In this study we explore algorithm-induced biases through the use of simulated OCO-3 snapshot area mapping (SAM) mode observations, which offer a unique window into these biases with their wide range of viewing geometries over a given scene. We focus on a small percentage of SAMs in the OCO-3 vEarly product which contains artificially strong across-swath XCO2 biases spanning several parts per million, related to observation geometry. We investigate the causes of swath bias by using the timing and geometry of real OCO-3 SAMs to retrieve XCO2 from custom simulated Level 1b radiance spectra. By building relatively simple scenes and testing a variety of parameters, we find that aerosol is the primary driver of swath bias, with a complex combination of viewing geometry and aerosol optical properties contributing to the strength and pattern of the bias. Finally, we seek to understand successful mitigation of swath bias in the new OCO-3 version 10 data product. Results of this study may be useful in uncovering other remaining sources of XCO2 bias and may help minimize similar retrieval biases for both present missions (GOSAT, GOSAT-2, OCO-2, OCO-3, TanSat) and future missions (e.g., MicroCarb, GeoCarb, GOSAT-GW, CO2M).
Source apportionment of black carbon and combustion-related CO2 for the determination of source-specific emission factors
Authors: Alfoldy Balint , Gregorič Asta , Ivančič Matic , Ježek Irena , Rigler Martin
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Black carbon (BC) aerosol typically has two major sources in the urban environment: traffic and domestic biomass burning, which has a significant contribution to urban air pollution during the heating season.
Traffic emissions have been widely studied by both laboratory experiments
(individual vehicle emission) and real-world measurement campaigns (fleet
emission). However, emission information from biomass burning is limited,
especially an insufficiency of experimental results from real-world studies.
In this work, the black carbon burden in the urban atmosphere was
apportioned to fossil fuel (FF) and biomass burning (BB) related components
using the Aethalometer source apportionment model. Applying the BC source
apportionment information, the combustion-related CO2 was apportioned
by multilinear regression analysis, supposing that both CO2 components should be correlated with their corresponding BC component. The combination
of the Aethalometer model with the multilinear regression analysis (AM-MLR) provided the source-specific emission ratios (ERs) as the slopes of the
corresponding BC–CO2 regressions. Based on the ER values, the source-specific emission factors (EFs) were determined using the carbon
content of the corresponding fuel. The analysis was carried out on a 3-month-long BC and CO2 dataset collected at three monitoring locations in Ljubljana, Slovenia, between December 2019 and March 2020. The measured mean site-specific concentration values were in the 3560–4830 ng m−3 and 458–472 ppm ranges for BC and CO2, respectively. The determined average EFs for BC were 0.39 and 0.16 g(kg fuel)−1 for traffic and
biomass burning, respectively. It was also concluded that the
traffic-related BC component dominates the black carbon concentration
(55 %–64 % depending on the location), while heating has the major share in
the combustion-related CO2 (53 %–62 % depending on the location). The
method gave essential information on the source-specific emission factors of
BC and CO2, enabling better characterization of urban anthropogenic
emissions and the respective measures that may change the anthropogenic
emission fingerprint.
A database of marine macronutrient, temperature and salinity measurements made around the highly productive island of South Georgia, the Scotia Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula between 1980 and 2009
Authors: Whitehouse Michael J. , Hendry Katharine R. , Tarling Geraint A. , Thorpe Sally E. , ten Hoopen Petra
Published: January 2023

Abstract. We present a database from substantial collections of
macronutrient data made on 20 oceanographic cruises, primarily from around
the island of South Georgia and the Scotia Sea. This sector of the Southern
Ocean was studied comprehensively during the Discovery Investigations
between ∼1920 and 1950 and resulted in the hugely influential
Discovery Reports. Following this pioneering research period, there was a
lull of several decades prior to the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) initiation of an offshore biological programme to study the ecology of the
South Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. These studies began in the late
1970s and have continued until the present day. Between 1980 and 2009, the programme included macronutrient measurements as part of an integrated
ecosystem analysis. In addition to South Georgia and the Scotia Sea,
measurements were also made in the Bellingshausen Sea and the waters to the
west of the Antarctic Peninsula. Data were collected during all months of
the year with the exceptions of May and June and compiled into a database.
Vertical profile samples were taken from water bottles, while data along transects were collected by monitoring the ship's non-toxic seawater supply. Nutrients measured were silicate (Si(OH)4–Si), phosphate (PO4–P), nitrate (NO3–N), ammonium (NH4–N), and nitrite (NO2–N). Our database includes nutrient data along with contemporaneous temperature and salinity data where available. Further background and
supporting information is included for context. The profile and underway sample data have been deposited at the UK Polar Data Centre and are publicly available in NetCDF and CSV formats from https://doi.org/10.5285/4014370F-8EB2-492B-A5F3-6DC68BF12C1E (Whitehouse et al., 2022).
A GENERIC MACHINE LEARNING-BASED FRAMEWORK FOR PREDICTIVE MODELING OF LAND SURFACE TEMPERATURE
Authors: Rengma N. S. , Yadav M.
Published: January 2023

Abstract. In the realm of data analytics, machine learning (ML) is one of the most successful techniques for making predictions. The ability of ML algorithms has also been studied in various aspects of land surface temperature (LST) besides its retrieval. The few investigations on LST retrieval using ML algorithms suggested that it may potentially obtain the LST values incorporating relevant variables of land surface parameters; however, the variables and ML models used differ, and so do their accuracies. The accuracy of the model is affected by the variable's contribution, its quality and quantity, and the fulfilment of each technique's assumptions. Hence this study provides a wide range of LST indicators to be employed for LST retrieval using a widely used ML algorithm, random forest. The ML algorithm framework for LST prediction is illustrated with significant spectral indices and terrain parameters across the highly industrialised district of Jharkhand, India. With the exception of one (aspect) variable, the analysis shows that all 20 variables that were included as independent factors were significant and equally contributed to the model. The model built with all the variables including the aspect of the terrain obtained an RMSE of 1.13 degree Celsius and R2 of 0.48. However, after the removal of aspect, the model obtained an R2 of 0.89 and RMSE of 0.74 °C. The performance of the model on consecutive removal of lesser significant variables are evaluated and the study made clear how crucial it is to consider several environmental or land-use factors that could be pertinent to LST.
Assessing agriculture's vulnerability to drought in European pre-Alpine regions
Authors: Stephan Ruth , Terzi Stefano , Erfurt Mathilde , Cocuccioni Silvia , Stahl Kerstin , Zebisch Marc
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Droughts are natural hazards that lead to severe impacts in the agricultural sector. Mountain regions are thought to have abundant water, but have experienced unprecedented drought conditions as climate change is affecting their environments more rapidly than other places. The effect radiates by reducing water availability well beyond the mountains' geographical locations. This study aims to improve the understanding of agriculture's vulnerability to drought in Europe's pre-Alpine region, considering two case studies that have been severely impacted in the past. We applied a mixed-method approach combining the knowledge of regional experts with quantitative data analyses in order to define the region-specific vulnerability based on experts' identified factors. We implemented two aggregation methods by combining the vulnerability factors that could be supported with subregional data. Whereas the equal weighting method combines all factors with the same weight, the expert weighting method combines the factors with varying weight based on the expert's opinion. These two methods resulted in vulnerability maps with the expert weighting showing a higher vulnerability, and partly relocating the medium and lower vulnerabilities to other subregions within the case study regions. In general, the experts confirmed the resulting subregions with higher vulnerability. They also acknowledged the value of mapping vulnerability by adopting different aggregation methods confirming that this can serve as a sensitivity analysis. The identified factors contributing most to the regions' vulnerability point to the potential of adaptation strategies decreasing the agriculture's vulnerability to drought that could enable better preparedness. Apart from region-specific differences, in both study regions the presence of irrigation infrastructure and soil texture are among the most important conditions that could be managed to some extent in order to decrease the regions' vulnerability. Throughout the analyses, the study benefited from the exchange with the experts by getting an in-depth understanding of the regional context with feedback relations between the factors contributing to vulnerability. Qualitative narratives provided during the semi-structured interviews supported a better characterization of local vulnerability conditions and helped to better identify quantitative indicators as proxies to describe the selected vulnerability factors. Thus, we recommend applying this mixed-method approach to close the gap between science and practitioners.
The current state of the ichthyofauna and prospects for the fishery use of the reservoirs of Ekibastuz GRES-1 and GRES-2
Authors:   Алтайский филиал ТОО «Научно-производственный центр рыбного хозяйства, г. Усть-Каменогорск, Республика Казахстан,, Турсунханов . К.М
Published: January 2023

Данная научно-исследовательская работа проведена по материалам научных исследований 2021 года. Исследования проводились на водохранилищах Экибастузских ГРЭС-1 и ГРЭС-2. Представлена физико-географическая характеристика исследуемых водоемов. По результатам научно-исследовательских сетепостановок определен видовой состав ихтиофауны водохранилищ ГРЭС-1 и ГРЭС-2. Описаны основные биологические показатели рыб такие как длина тела (размерная структура - минимальная, максимальная и средняя), масса тела (минимальная, максимальная и средняя). Целью настоящего исследования является физико-географическая характеристика исследуемых водоемов, определение видового состав ихтиофауны, проведение биологического анализа рыб и дать рекомендации по рыбохозяйственному использованию исследованных водоемов. По итогам проведенных научно-исследовательских работ представлены рекомендации по рыбохозяйственному использованию водохранилищ ГРЭС-1 и ГРЭС-2 Экибастузского района Павлодарской области.
The discovery of the fossil cave lion Panthera spelaea on the territory of Kazakhstan
Authors:   Павлодарский педагогический университет, г. Павлодар, Казахстан, Алиясова В.Н. , Асылбекова Г.Е. , Клименко М.Ю. , Тарасовская Н.Е.
Published: January 2023

В статье рассмотрены вопросы обитания пещерного льва Panthera spelaea на территории Казахстана и сопредельных территорий в плейстоцене. Пещерный лев являлся одним из наиболее крупных представителей семейства кошачьих, остатки которого известны из отложений позднего неоплейстоцена в сопровождении представителей мамонтовой фауны. Анализ радиоуглеродных данных других находок пещерного льва указывает на диапазон его обитания от 50 000 до 14 000 лет назад. Описана находка плечевой кости пещерного льва (вымерший подвид львов, населявший в эпоху плейстоцена Европу и Сибирь) этого периода из местонахождения оз. Маралды (Павлодарская область).
Development of functional literacy among students in preparation for intellectual competitions in biology
Authors:   Pavlodar Pedagogical University, Pavlodar, Kazakhstan, Korogod N.P. , Zhumataeva S.E.
Published: January 2023

The issue of schoolchildren's functional literacy development is the main topic of the study, which is based on pedagogical literature. Analysis and testing are done on the outcomes of students both before and after the application of test tasks influencing the development of functional literacy in schoolchildren. The following characteristics of how these tasks affected the intellectual kids in two classes are taken into consideration: 8 and 10 In order to be prepared for the intellectual competitions in biology, it is found that complicated tasks have an impact on the growth of functional literacy. The style of inquiry was used with pupils between the ages of 14 and 16. The level of FL students was found to be impacted by tasks for the development of functional literacy Автор
Dynamics of the hydrological level of reservoirs of the Kanysh Satpayev Canal Summary This work is based on data on the research work carried out on the reservoirs of the Kanysh Satpayev Canal. The research paper describes the hydrological regime of the reservoirs of the Kanysh Satpayev Canal. The average monthly data on the volume of water in the reservoirs of the Kanysh Satpayev Canal in 2021 (January-September) are given. The dynamics of hydrological levels of reservoirs of the Kanysh Satpayev Canal in 2017-2021 is shown (according to the data of the Kazvodkhoz branch of the K. Satpayev Canal). A significant increase in the hydrological level occurs during the flood period (April-June). The article analyzes the dynamics of the average annual data on the volume of water in reservoirs for 2017-2021 (for 9 months). In conclusion, the influence of the hydrological level of the K. Satpayev reservoirs on the ichthyofauna is assessed. Key words: hydrological level, K. Satpayev canal, water volume, reservoir Материал поступил в редакцию 8.11.2022
Authors:   Алтайский филиал ТОО «Научно-производственный центр рыбного хозяйства, г. Павлодар, Республика Казахстан, Кабдолов Ж.Р.
Published: January 2023

Настоящая работа основана на данных по проведенной научно-исследовательской работе на водохранилищах Канала имени Каныша Сатпаева. В научно-исследовательской работе описывается гидрологический режим водохранилищ Канала имени Каныша Сатпаева. Приведены среднемесячные данные по объему воды в водохранилищах канала имени Каныша Сатпаева в 2021 году (январь-сентябрь). Показана динамика гидрологических уровней водохранилищ канала имени Каныша Сатпаева в 2017-2021 годах (по данным РГП «Казводхоз» филиал «Канал им. К. Сатпаева»). Значительное повышение гидрологического уровня происходит в паводковый период (апрель-июнь). В статье анализируется динамика среднегодовых данных объема воды в водохранилищах за 2017-2021 (за 9 месяцев) гг. В заключении оценивается влияние гидрологического уровня водохранилищ имени К. Сатпаева на ихтиофауну.
Isotope study of the connection of Ohrid and Prespa lakes
Authors: Eftimi Romeo , Skende Petrit , Zoto Jovan
Published: January 2023

Two big lakes are located in southeastern Albania, near the border with Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Prespa Lake at elevation 850 m above sea level (a.s.l.), and Ohrid Lake at elevation 695 m a.s.l. Mali Thate – Galichica Mountain, which is constructed mainly of carbonate karstfied formations, separates them. In the Tushemisht – Sveti Naum sector of Ohrid Lake, situated on both sites of Albanian – FYROM border, big springs issue that are supposed to be fed by Prespa Lake by the underground karst flow Environmental isotope data of Deuterium and 18O have been used to identify the origin of the recharge of Tushemisht springs situated in Albanian territory. The results of this study indicate that 52 % of the mean discharge of Tushemisht springs is recharged from Prespa Lake, and 48 % of their discharge is recharged from the infiltration of the precipitation in Mali Thate – Galichica Mountain.
Late Cretaceous Apuseni-Banat-Timok-Srednogorie (ABTS) magmatic and metallogenic belt in the Carpathian-Balkan orogen
Authors: Popov Petko , Berza Tudor , Grubic Alexander , Ioane Dumitru
Published: January 2023

The Apuseni-Banat-Timok-Srednogorie (ABTS) Magmatic and Metallogenic Belt can be traced from the Apuseni Mountains in the north, through the western part of the South Carpathians (Banat) in Romania, the Timok region in East Serbia, the Srednogorie zone (Bulgaria) and continues in Turkey through the Black Sea. The basement belongs to the southern margin of the European continent. The ABTS Belt is unconformly superimposed on older structures, including the Early Cretaceous ones. Furthermore, it crosses the Vardar ophiolite suture in the Mures and Voevodina regions. These facts indicate a new stage in the alpine evolution which followed the subduction of the Vardar Ocean and subsequent collision. This new stage was characterized by an extensional geodynamic regime. The ABTS arcuate rift was formed as a result of postcollisional orogenic collapse. The Late Cretaceous magmatic activity with submarine volcanic rocks and comagmatic intrusions began during the Cenomanian and ended during the Maastrichtian. Volcanic and associated predominantly flysch-type sedimentary deposits form a 2-3 to 7-8 km thick pile. The magma generation in ABTS extensional belt was realized in different depth level, which determines differences of melt compositions. Rock association of calc-alkaline, tholeitic, subalkaline and alkaline series are established. The petrologic features of the alkaline and subalkaline rocks and several Sr isotope analyses show the mantle origin of the parent magma. The calc-alkaline magma was generated predominantly around the boundary between mantle and lower crust. Porphyry copper and copper massive sulphide deposits are the most important. Some of them have an economical content of gold and/or molybdenum. There are skarn and vein type copper deposits, too. Other important deposits are iron, tungsten-molybdenum and lead-zinc skarn deposits. Besides, small hydrothermal base metal-gold, barite, porphyry gold, silver and volcano-sedimentary iron-manganese deposits are known. The plutonic, subvolcano-plutonic, volcano-plutonic, volcano-subvolcanic and volcanic ore-bearing structures are distinguished. The geochemical associations show the predominance of mantle sources of the ore-forming fluids.
Vertical velocity sections in the near-surface part of the Sofia graben
Authors: Ilieva Minka , Slavov Slavey , Gabrilova Galina
Published: January 2023

An investigation of the field of seismic waves velocity in the uppermost part of the geological section in the central part of the Sofia valley has been performed. Data, obtained at observations in shallow boreholes (down to 50 m), have been used by applying the method of up hole shooting. The results are presented in the form of 12 vertical velocity cross-sections, from which 6 are with westeastward and 6 - south-northward directions. The sections have been composed using computer programs in the system Linux. Analyzing the information obtained the following conclusions have been drawn: the velocity field is characterized by a too complex structure, the values of the velocities varying both in a vertical and lateral direction; the profiles with south-north direction have more varied velocity distribution in comparison with the profiles with west-east direction, at that for all profiles the velocity field on the territory of the city of Sofia is more complex; because of the strong variability of the velocities in horizontal direction, velocity layers cannot be traced, which made necessary the velocities to be grouped in 5 intervals and the sections divided according to these intervals; disturbances, some of which are of conditional character, are traced. The results obtained are important for the seismic microzoning of seismically dangerous regions such as Sofia valley.
PERANCANGAN AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH (ATS) BERBASIS ARDUINO UNO DENGAN SENSOR PZEM-004T
Authors: Asrar Leni Devera
Published: January 2023

Energi listrik merupakan salah satu jenis energi utama yang menjadi kebutuhan manusia dan digunakan secara kontiniu untuk berbagai keperluan. Salah satu sistem yang penting dalam pemenuhan kebutuhan listrik adalah sistem jaringan distribusi. Sifatnya yang komplek dan jika terjadi gangguan pada sistem jaringan distribusi dapat memutus aliran listrik ke konsumen. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) merupakan suatu perangkat yang mampu bekerja otomatis untuk menyesuaikan perubahan penggunaan sumber listrik utama ke sumber listrik cadangan ketika suplai dari sumber listrik utama ke beban terputus. Penelitian ini fokus pada perancangan sistem Automatic Transfer Switch berbasis Arduino Uno sehingga dapat melakukan switching tegangan PLN ke sumber tegangan cadangan dari aki dengan kapasitas 20Ah. Metodologinya adalah merancang sistem ATS dengan menggunakan beberapa peralatan hardware dan software berupa Arduino Uno sebagai mikrokontroler, modul PZEM-004T sebagai sensor tegangan untuk mendeteksi sumber tegangan dari PLN, battery sebagai energi cadangan , dan   software Arduino IDE. Hasil penelitian menunjukan sistem ATS mampu memindahkan suplai energi dari PLN ke battery dengan jeda waktu antara 1 menit 45 detik hingga 1 menit 55 detik. Sedangkan pemindahan energi dari battery ke PLN tidak memiliki waktu jeda.
在COVID-19 疫情時代的抗生素管理
Authors: 盤松青 盤松青
Published: January 2023

自2019年底，全球遭逢了COVID-19疫情，除了造成全球大量的感染及死亡，醫療機構也面臨重大的考驗。在病人處置中，傳統上於流感之後常見的次發感染為革蘭氏陽性菌，例如：肺炎鏈球菌感染。而在 COVID-19疫情中，自文獻發現有相當多的患者接受了經驗性抗生素療法，但實際上續發或共同感染的比率 並沒有比在流感疫情中來得高。所以在疫情中，立即可見的問題是經驗性抗生素的使用增加，可能的影響 是多重抗藥性菌株隨之增加，而背後的結構性問題是院內抗生素管理系統(antimicrobial stewardship program, AMS)運作的困難，如：AMS的人力挪為防疫人員，無法維繫多團隊溝通，或是基本的院內感染與多重感染 性菌株監測無法進行。因此如何面對現在COVID-19對抗生素管理的影響，為未來可能的新興疫情做準備， 是一個重要的議題。

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the globe since the late 2019 and caused immense infections and deaths worldwide, thereby posing severe challenges to medical institutions. Regarding patient treatments, a common secondary infection following influenza is associated with symptoms induced by gram-positive bacteria such as streptococcus pneumoniae. A review of relevant literature suggests that the during the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous patients have received empiric antimicrobial therapy. However, the incident rates of secondary diseases or coinfection during the COVID-19 pandemic are not higher than those during influenza epidemics. Consequently, an immediate problem emerges regarding the increased use of empiric antibiotics during the current pandemic, which may lead to the increase of multiple drug resistant organisms. A structural problem underlying this situation is incurred by difficulty associated with the operation of the antimicrobial stewardship program (AMS) in hospitals. For example, AMS personnel have been reassigned to pandemic prevention units, preventing them from maintaining communications with multiple teams. In addition, the pandemic has impeded the basic monitoring of nosocomial infections or multiple drug resistant organisms. Therefore, approaches to addressing the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on antimicrobial stewardship and preparing for emerging pandemics in the future are critical topics that merit further exploration.

 
Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices about Oral Rehydration Therapy in Under Five Children Suffering from Diarrhea in Mirpur, AJK
Authors: Ali Ijaz , Shafi Hina , Ahmad Jamil , Shafi Sundus , Anjum Muhammad Usman
Published: January 2023

Background: Dehydration associated with diarrheal diseases is a leading cause of mortality. Most of these deaths can be prevented by preventing or timely treating dehydration and using oral rehydration therapy is one of the options. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge and practices associated with the preparation and use of oral rehydration therapy in pediatric patients suffering from diarrhea. Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional study, Place & duration of study: Mohi-ud-Din Teaching Hospital, Mirpur, AJK, from January to August 2021, Methods: Mothers and care-givers of children were selected. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and practices of the participants. The information gathered included epidemiological and socio-demographic data as well as about the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding prevention of diarrhea, usage, preparation and mode of administration of oral rehydration therapy among study respondents. Result: Mean age of care givers was 31.53±5.973 years. Mean income of a household was 28233±10986 PKR while median income was 30000 PKR. As per the employment status, 78.33% were housewives and 21.67% of women were working. Regarding the educational status, 15.67% were illiterate while 84.33% were literate. About 46.66% of the participants knew about the various ways to prevent diarrhea. Regarding the knowledge and assessment of practices of care givers about home-based remedies and ORT, majority of the participants, 78.33%, knew about ORT, 75% have used ORT and 69.33% knew about how to prepare ORT. Furthermore, 64.66% prepared ORT using standard method and 65% knew that ORT replaced lost water in the body. Conclusion: There was a high level of information and awareness among caregivers about the oral rehydration therapy, its correct preparation, usage and method of administration leading to its appropriate usage in diarrhea patients. But still there is a need to increase the awareness among people by mass awareness campaigns to better inform the masses and to maximize the acceptability, usage and benefits of oral rehydration therapy. Keywords: Dehydration, diarrhea, rehydration, therapy, oral
Student Perception and Comparison of their Academic Performance in Online Formative Assessment Vs Summative Assessment during Covid Period
Authors: Naseer Uzma , Mahmud Tayyaba
Published: January 2023

Background: Covid pandemic forced the teachers and students to adopt e-learning to replace traditional pedagogy. Aim: To see student perception on altered teaching methodology, its effectiveness by comparison of their academic performance. Methodology: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 141 students of 1st year MBBS (session 2019-20), participated. After taking informed consent, data was collected from score sheets of online formative assessment, ‘Socrative,’ and marks obtained in on-campus summative assessment in histology. Different parameters regarding student perception for e-learning and assessment were measured by using a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: Paired Samples t-test was used to see the effectiveness of online teaching and was found to be insignificant (P = 0.307). Pearson Chi-square test showed a statistically significant result (P < 0.001) between the responses on learning and assessment tools, with linear association, (P value < 0.001). A correlation between learning and assessment scores (r= 0.727, P value < 0.001) was observed. Conclusion: Online learning can assist the teaching process in medical studies without influencing their academic performance. Practice of online teaching has prepared both students and teachers for blended learning in routine days as well as in case of a future pandemic. MeSH Keywords: Feedback, Academic Performance, Perception
Concomitant Chemo-Radiotherapy with Oral Capecitabine in Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cervix
Authors: Bashir Aalia , Mehreen Sana , Fatima Anis , Jabeen Fakhira , Ahmad Ayesha
Published: January 2023

Background: Cervical carcinoma is the fourth most common malignant neoplasm after carcinoma of the breast, lung, colorectal, endometrium and ovary. Aim: To assess the all RECIST responses of concomitant chemo-radiotherapy with capecitabine in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma cervix in a tertiary healthcare facility at Multan. Methodology: It was a Descriptive case series Conducted at the Department of Clinical Oncology, Nishtar Hospital Multan. Patients (n=60) with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma cervix received conventional radiation (Total Dose: 45Gy) with 825 mg/m2 twice daily Capecitabine for five days a week for 6 weeks and followed by brachytherapy. Data was evaluated by using SPSS version 23. Post stratification Chi-square test was applied with P-value of 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Mean age of patient population was 39.5±6.8 (range: 31-52) years. Majority i.e. 30(50%) were between 30 to 40 years of age. The overall response rate was 88%, complete Response Rate was 80%, Partial Response rate was 8.3%, Stable Disease lasting ≥6 months was 5%, Progressive Disease was 6.7% in 60 patients at the end of treatment. Commonly observed performance status was ECOG 0 (n=57, 95.0%) while most of the patients had stage IIB at presentation (n= 35, 58.3%). Practical Implication: Current project helped health providers to evaluate response rate to cervical carcinoma treatment to oral capeccitabine. With other chemo-drugs like Cisplatin, renal toxicity developed even with single low dose as elderly patients are more susceptible. Because renal toxicity of oral capecitabine was low as compared to cisplatin thus it was more effective than cisplatin. Due to low local data regarding oral capecitabine in cervical carcinoma as treatment option so planned present study. Conclusion: It was concluded that patients of cervical carcinoma showed better response rate to concomitant chemo-radiation using Capecitabine with low renal toxicity. Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Oral Capecitabine, Concurrent Chemo-Radiation and Brachytherapy.
Accuracy of CTSI in Predicting Severity in Acute Pancreatitis Keeping Ranson Score as Gold Standard
Authors: Shah Muhammad Junaid , Afzal Muhammad , Khan Mujeeb Alam , Ullah Aftab
Published: January 2023

Background: Acute pancreatitis is a common health issue that leads to emotional, physical and financial human burden. Aim: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of CTSI, in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis, keeping Ranson’s score as Gold Standard. Study design: Cross Sectional study. Methodology: Total of 148 patients were observed by using Sajid’s calculator for sensitivity and specificity, using a sensitivity of 87.5% with a margin of error = 10% and a specificity of 55.3% with a margin of error=10%, with a confidence interval of 95% and a prevalence rate of 20%. Moreover, random consecutive sampling technique was used for sample collection. Data was evaluated by using SPSS version 24. The results were presented as counts (percentage), means and, standard deviation as appropriate. Results: Our study showed that mean age was 42 years with SD±2.25. Twenty eight percent patients were male, 107(72%) patients were female. Diagnostic accuracy of CTSI score keeping Ranson’s score as a gold standard was analyzed as CTSI has the sensitivity 91%, Specificity 59%. Positive predictive value was 81%, Negative predictive value 67%, Diagnostic accuracy was 84%. Practical Implication: The routine use of CTSI has been practiced in our health setup since long but not much research was done to assess the validity of CTSI in our population. Thus present study assessed the effectiveness of CTSI in our population against the local standard validates in our local setup. Conclusion: It was concluded that CT severity index is still a very valuable and relatively inexpensive tool for assessing acute inflammation of pancreas and for predicting the severity of the pancreatitis. Keywords: Diagnostic Accuracy, CTSI, Acute Pancreatitis and Ranson’s Score.
Post COVID-19 Pandemic Generalized Anxiety Status of Health Professional undergraduate students
Authors: Kamran Rizwana , Tufail Shazia , Raja Hina Zafar , Alvi Rehan Uddin , Shafique Aqsa , Saleem Muhammad Nasir , Sami Waqas , Mahmood Asad
Published: January 2023

Aim: To assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 on mental status of undergraduate medical students, after reopening of educational institutions. Methods: This descriptive, online cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students of Combined Military Hospital Lahore Medical College & Institute of Dentistry, Lahore Pakistan for 6 months from 1st June to 30th November, 2021. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) was used as the study tool. Data was analyzed by using statistical software SPSS - 23. Frequencies and percentages were used for descriptive variables. A univariate analysis was utilized to identify the noticeable associations between traits of sample and the anxiety level in current scenario of COVID-19 pandemic. Finally multivariate logistic regression analyses, odds ratio (OR), and Spearman's correlation coefficient, r, was used to evaluate the association between COVID-19-related stressors and anxiety level. Results: Of the 324 respondents, majority were females residing in urban areas with their parents. Severe anxiety was experienced by 23.8% of students. Female respondents were found to have more anxiety as compared to males (OR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.173 – 2.815). Moreover, respondents having a relative or an acquaintance infected with COVID-19 reported to have more anxiety (OR = 3.007, 95% CI = 2.377 - 3.804). Conclusion: A significant number of students are experiencing anxiety in the post COVID-19 phase, especially those that had an acquaintance infected with COVID-19. There is a need to look after student's mental health and to implement appropriate psychological strategies and interventions to deal with this level of psychological distress in the students at this phase of pandemic for optimum training of future health professionals. Keywords: Anxiety, COVID-19, healthcare professionals, mental health, medical students, pandemic
Frequency of Diabetes Mellitus in Liver Cirrhosis Patients at Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Khattak Imran Qadir , Khan Rubaba , Bibi Romana , Anjum Javeria , Rafi Kanza , Shah Nazir
Published: January 2023

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition comprising of irregularly elevated level blood glucose. There are several different types of Diabetes mellitus. Several studies show the association between Diabetes mellitus and liver cirrhosis. Aim: To assess the frequency of diabetes mellitus in liver cirrhosis patients at tertiary care hospital Methodology: Our study was descriptive Cross-Sectional Study carried out at the Department of Medicine, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar for duration of one year from 08-11-2021—08-05-2022. The detailed medical history and physical examination, demographic detail of the patients such as age, gender, and address were recorded. The data entry and analysis was done by using IBM SPSS version 23. Results: This study was conducted on 144 patients presenting with liver cirrhosis. The mean age of patients was 49.73±13.26 years. The frequency of diabetes mellitus in liver cirrhosis patients in our study was 20 (13.9%) Conclusion: Our study concludes that the frequency of diabetes mellitus in patients with liver cirrhosis is high. To validate and identify the true effect of this co-morbidity in the Pakistani community, additional prospective studies with larger populations that examine the incidence of liver deterioration in diabetic patients are required. Keywords: Liver cirrhosis, Diabetes mellitus, Insulin resistance,Endocrinopathies,
Computed Tomography Scan Findings in Various Modes of Head Injury, Using GE Optima 128 Slice CT Scanner`
Authors: Khattak Nadia , Riaz Muhammad , Iqbal Raheel , Hussain Sana , Jawad Muhammad , Ahmed Fayaz
Published: January 2023

Background: Head injury is a global health problem that can cause disability and may result in death. CT scan detects and precisely localizes the skull fractures, epidural/subdural/subarachnoid hemorrhages, brain contusions and cerebral edema etc. CT has proven to be a valuable tool in the early diagnosis and prompt management of head trauma patients and has resulted in significant improvement in morbidity and mortality. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study, including 380 patients, presented to the radiology department of Hayatabad medical complex witha history of head trauma for computed tomography examination, from October 2019 to October 2020. The nature of the brain and skull lesions was analyzed in our study and the frequency of various findings was recorded. Results: Among 380 patients, the majority were males (248) making the male to female ratio to be around 2:1. The most prevalent finding was skull fractures (23.4%) followed by cerebral contusions (17.1%). Among extra-axial brain hemorrhages, extradural hematoma (15.2%) was observed more than subdural hematoma (6.8%) while only 3.4% presented with subarachnoid hemorrhages which also included intraventricular hemorrhages. Practical Implication: As road traffic accidents are the most common cause of head injuries so road traffic safety measures ought to be strictly enforced. Most of the CT scan done during head injuries were normal so CT guidelines for ordering should be implemented to scale back extra patient irradiation, unnecessary waste of resources and a further burden on the radiology department. Keywords: Head Injury, Computed Tomography (CT), Road Traffic Accidents (RTA), Skull Fractures, Epidural Hematoma.
Recent economic performance of Spanish SMEs and developments in their access to external financing according to the ECB’s half-yearly survey
Authors: Menéndez Álvaro , Mulino Maristela
Published: January 2023

Rationale

In recent years the Spanish business sector has experienced unprecedented shocks: the onset of the pandemic, supply chain bottlenecks and escalating commodity prices. In this setting, it is important to assess the sector’s economic and financial situation.

Takeaways

•Between April and September 2022, the recovery in activity recorded in the previous two six-month periods continued for Spanish SMEs. However, higher production costs meant that profits declined at the majority of the firms surveyed.

•For the first time since 2013, the survey signals a deterioration in the availability of bank financing.

•In any event, despite rising slightly, the indicator of obstacles to obtaining bank loans remains at historically low levels.
Smartphone addiction and its relation with bullying, sleep quality, and depression among children
Authors: Saied Hala , Mohamed Nora Behery , Abd Elrazek Fatma A.
Published: January 2023

Smartphone addiction has emerged as a major concern among children over the past few years and incredibly increase with the outbreak of COVID-19, making a greater threat to their physical and mental health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of smartphone addiction and its relation to bullying victimization, sleep problems, and depression among children. Sample: a total of 300 children (102 boys and 198 girls), 9-14 years old participated in the study. Setting: This study was conducted at two schools (Salka primary school, and 'Salka' preparatory school) in Salka village, Shpin Elkom city, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Tools: Four tools were used for data collection. Tool 1 consists of two parts. Part one was sociodemographic data questionnaire and part two was Smartphone Addiction Inventory Scale. Tool two: Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Tool three: School Bullying/Victimization Scale. Tool four: Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results: According to the cut-off level on the smartphone addiction, sleep quality, depression, and bullying scales, of the 300 children, 209(69.67) were addicted to smartphones and 246 (82%) have poor sleep quality, 264 (88%) were depressed and 249 (84.41%) were bullied.
Coaching with 360 and MBTI: A case study
Authors: Stothart Catherine
Published: January 2023

This article describes a case study of how 360 degree feedback and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) were used together as part of a leadership development programme in a manufacturing organisation. The synergy of the tools led to significant benefits for the individuals and the organisation.
So what and then what? An integrated approach of vocational assessment and coaching
Authors: Patmore Sharon , Maloney Shaun
Published: January 2023

This article sets out why vocational assessment, although useful as a standalone process, increases its usefulness when it forms part of an integrated process with coaching, thereby assisting individuals to recognise and successfully move towards new types of work or careers.
Re-thinking the use of the arts in applied psychology
Authors: Hammond Nick
Published: January 2023

The arts are intrinsically linked to the history of applied psychology, from Aristotle’s argument that the arts can build emotional capacity through cathartic experience (Bragg et al., 2011) to Vygotsky’s views that the arts are one means of symbolic social mediation (Daniels, 2001). Historical examples include role play (Kelly, 1963), drawing (Ravenette, 1999), robotics (Dautenhahn et al., 2009) and characterisation (White & Epston, 1990) amongst others. Recent examples of the arts used by applied psychologists include Forum Theatre (Hammond, 2012), dance (Watson & Alleyne, 2011), storytelling (Pomerantz, 2007) and drama (Bayliss & Dodwell, 2002). Yet the arts remain remarkably under-utilised in applied psychology.
The worldwide public impact of identifying super-recognisers for police and business
Authors: Davis Josh P.
Published: January 2023

Super-recognisers occupy the extreme top end of a wide spectrum of human face recognition ability. Although test scores provide evidence of super-recognisers’ quantitative superiority, their abilities may be driven by qualitatively different cognitive or neurological mechanisms. Some super-recognisers scoring exceptionally highly on multiple short-term face memory tests do not achieve superior performances on measures of simultaneous face matching, long-term face memory and/or spotting faces in a crowd. Heterogeneous performance patterns have implications for police, security or business aiming to utilise super-recognisers’ superior skills. Drawing on a global participant base (N ≈ 6,000,000), as well as theory and empirical research, this paper describes the background, development, and employment of tests designed to measure four components of superior face processing to assist in recruitment and deployment decisions.
Changing the perspective on supervising the supervisors: What would be helpful?
Authors: Christie Deborah , Lee-Jones Rachel , deSousa Sonia
Published: January 2023

This paper describes an in-service workshop that addressed the challenges of delivering key components of a child core placement. The paper discusses supervision from the perspective of the supervisor and the need to ensure clear communication between courses, placements and trainees.
‘How was it for you?’
Authors: Soffe Janine
Published: January 2023

This paper gives a flavour of the experience of undertaking a doctoral research project. Extracts of the journal kept during the project are presented to illustrate some of the specific aspects of the process.
Psychology and palliative care
Authors: Alexander Paul
Published: January 2023

Psychologists have recently started to work in palliative care and have much to offer patients, carers and staff. Key psychological issues are discussed, together with my own experience of working in a hospice.
Consulting with an assertive outreach service using a reflecting team approach
Authors: Dowling Zena , Manning Mary
Published: January 2023

This paper gives an account of applying a reflecting team process to our work with members of an Assertive Outreach Service. We discuss how we introduced this framework to the team and some of our reflections about our work together.
Seeing is believing: Adapting cognitive therapy for visual impairment
Authors: Corrie Sarah , Supple Sarah
Published: January 2023

In the context of ongoing discussions about how to work with disability in an affirmative way, this article contemplates the implications of visual impairment for cognitive therapy practice. Suggestions on how to adapt specific methods to ensure greater inclusivity are proposed.
DCP UpdateChanges to membership grades and the application process
Authors: Kelman Paul , Davies Felix
Published: January 2023

Paul Kelman(BPS Assistant Admissions Officer) andFelix Davies(DCP Honorary Secretary and Chair of the Finance and Membership Subcommittee) explain Society plans for fast-track protocols and cross-Divisional harmonisation
Sharing power in the research process: Interviewing young people in the Looked After system
Authors: Busso Lilliana Del
Published: January 2023

NHS initiatives to utilise service user feedback in developing mental health services raise particular issues for researchers working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH). This article examines some of the methodological issues raised in relation to obtaining the perspectives of young people who are Looked After on services that they have received.
Politicizing the personal and subverting power: the principles and practices of feminist therapy and counselling
Authors: Harlow Liz ,   University of Bradford
Published: January 2023

Feminist therapy is rooted in women’s knowledge, in women’s help and ways of help(Burstow 1992, p.viii).

Feminist counselling is not just a technique or style. There is no school of feminist counselling(Chaplin 1991, p.2).
A day in the life of…
Authors: Anderson Kate , Joyce P. F.
Published: January 2023

A story used in a recent older adult teaching block to highlight clinical issues and dilemmas sometimes absent from textbooks is offered for readers to compare their ideas with those of the trainee group.
Clinical supervision: Ten tests of the tandem model
Authors: Milne Derek , James Ian
Published: January 2023

The aims of this article are to outline an accessible, integrative and empirical account of clinical supervision, and then to examine this in relation to 10 tests of such a model.
Formulation diagrams: Is there more than meets the eye?
Authors: Moore Phil
Published: January 2023

This article aims to invite further debate by suggesting that the format in which formulations are presented will impact upon the way the formulation is understood, reasoned with and used to negotiate meanings in therapy. It is also suggested that thinking about how formulations are presented may be a useful starting point when thinking about formulation in more general terms.