bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Frontiers of Communication With Extended Reality (XR)
Authors: Dias João A. , Boavida Miguel , Estima Jacinto
Published: December 2024

Extended Reality (XR) is changing how we interact with digital information and communicate with each other by transforming how people experience and interact with their surroundings. It can be used to create immersive experiences like virtual tours or to promote companies, products, and brands. Although the industry and scientific community have improved recently, XR must overcome some issues to be fully deployed and understood in multiple areas. For example, it is essential to understand user experience guidelines to create realistic XR applications. Also, those applications require a lot of processing power, which can result in performance issues. Furthermore, integrating artificial intelligence opens a world of possibilities, presenting new research trends to explore. This chapter examines the definition of XR to demonstrate what it is possible to do with it, the emerging challenges, and how XR technologies can be applied to the communication field.
DeepRank
Authors: Rakhshani Hanieh , Abolqasemi Alireza , Keyhanipour Amir Hosein
Published: December 2024

Rank-aggregation takes multiple rankings of the same items and combines them into a unified ranking. Despite the existence of different rank-aggregation algorithms, they might struggle with capturing the intricate connections between different rankings. Deep-learning algorithms, with their ability to learn complex patterns, can effectively identify these relationships and leverage them for better aggregation. This paper introduces DeepRank, a novel rank-aggregation method that uses deep-learning ensembles to improve the ranking performance. It employs multiple deep-learning models as base rankers, which generate individual rankings. DeepRank captures relationships between the base rankers. This algorithm is evaluated on the MQ2007-agg and the MQ2008-agg as the rank-aggregation part of the LETOR4.0 benchmark dataset, a widely used dataset in the learning-to-rank area. DeepRank achieves improvements of 7.04% in P@1 and 4.3% in NDCG@1 compared to baseline algorithms on the MQ-2008 dataset. This gain demonstrates the potential of deep-learning ensembles for superior ranking performance.
Studies on Synthesis, Physical and Optical Properties of Dysprosium Ion-Doped Transparent Heavy Metal Oxide Glasses
Authors: Singhal Kiran , Ansari Ghizal F. , Bairagi Renuka , Lone M.Y. , Bairagi Sukhdev
Published: December 2024

The melt quench method was used to synthesize Dysprosium ions doped heavy metal oxide glasses of composition 50%TeO2–(30-x)%B2O3-10%Bi2O3–10%Na2O–x%Dy2O3(mol%) (x= 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8). The proof of glassy nature of prepared samples is substantiated by the X-ray diffractogram (XRD). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is carried to obtain the value of glass transition temperature (Tg). Physical parameters such as polaron radius, density, inter-ions distance, lanthanide ion concentration and oxygen packing density (OPD) were calculated. Tauc’s plot is drawn to get information of energy band gap and hence refractive index. The distinctive absorption bands of dysprosium ions exist at 320, 348, 365, 387, 794, and 882 nm. The energy transitions from the 6H15/2 level to various higher levels of dysprosium ions are responsible for the UV-VIS-NIR absorption spectra. Using emissions monitoring at 576 nm, the excitation spectra was obtained between 200 and 550 nm. The 6H15/2→4I13/2, 4G11/2, 4I15/2, and 4F9/2 transitions were identified as the sources of the excitation bands at 390, 426, 452 and 470 nm, respectively. Notable bands of emission were observed when stimulated at 447 nm for 485, 575, 662, and 756 nm wavelengths it is due to the energy transfer from 4F9/2→6H15/2, 4F9/2→6H13/2, 4F9/2→6H11/2, and 4F9/2→6H9/2, 6F11/2. It was found the light emission from the samples was white.
Mathematical Modeling of the Effect of TiC Nanopowder Particles on the Wear Resistance Properties of Low-Alloy Steel
Authors: Kholmirzaev Nozimjon , Saidmakhamadov Nosir , Khasanov Jamshidbek , Tadjiev Nuritdin , Yusupov Bekzod , Sadikova Nargiza , Yuldashev Omonjon , Makhmudov Fakhriddin , Nosirkhujaev Ibrokhim Sodik , Nurdinov Zokirjon
Published: December 2024

In this article, the effect of TiC nanopowder particles on the wear resistance of low-alloy steel 35XGCL (analog is JIS G 5111) is mathematically modeled. First of all, the composition for liquefaction in an electric arc furnace was calculated. 5 and 10% TiC nanopowder particles were added to the alloy as a modifier before pouring liquid metal into the ladle. This process was performed before pouring the liquid metal from the furnace into the ladle. 15% of TiC was added in the furnace as a modifier. Lagrangian interpolation polynomial construction was used in this modeling. The amount of wear resistance was calculated by polynomial expression of the function with determination of unknown coefficients. The results obtained on the basis of the developed model were compared with case studies. The results of the analysis are shown by graphs.
Study of Variability Phenomena in Direct Energy Deposition of Nickel-Based Superalloy on Geometric Accuracy and Residual Stress Formation
Authors: Khaimovich Alexander I. , Nosova Ekaterina , Baliakin Andrey , Zlobin Evgeny , Oleinik Maxim , Kuzina Antonina
Published: December 2024

This paper studies the effect of the direct energy deposition (DED) process parameters varying within 20% on the geometric accuracy and formation of residual stresses in the products. In the course of the study, an experiment was carried out according to Taguchi's L9 plan to fabricate samples by varying the laser travel speed, effective focusing distance, feed rate of metal powder composition, and process pause, which were then compared with the rates of geometry change and crystal lattice distortion. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis using correlation, regression and factor analysis to determine the influence and significance of factors. As a result, correlations between the process parameters and sample characteristics were identified. As correlation and factor analysis showed, a change in process factors within 20% does not significantly affect most of the quality parameters, except for the level of residual stresses. Geometric and strain parameters are weakly correlated with each other, but no statistically significant correlations were found between them. The analysis of variance showed that the fusion rate and powder flow rate have the greatest influence on the geometric accuracy parameters. These factors have the most significant statistical influence on the response, indicating the importance of controlling these parameters to achieve high geometry accuracy. Regression analysis allowed to obtain adequate models of residual stress level. It was found that the model for residual stress level by planes (200) is more reliable than the model for residual stress level by crystallographic plane (111). The obtained data allow to optimize the DED process in order to achieve a given geometric accuracy and reduce residual stresses in the manufactured products.
Isolation and Characterization Lignin of Sugar Palm Fruit Shell by Klason Method
Authors: Yulia Ruka , Husin Husni , Zaki Muhammad , Jakfar Jakfar , Sulastri Sulastri , Ahmadi Ahmadi
Published: December 2024

Sugar palm fruit shell is one of the biomass wastes that contains lignocellulose. Lignin is a valuable material that can be earned from the isolation of lignocellulosic material. In this work, lignin was isolated from palm fruit shell waste by Klason method with 72% sulfuric acid after removing free extractive by soxhlation process. The isolated lignin was analyzed to determine the functional groups, surface morphology, and thermal stability using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray. This work aimed to isolate and characterize lignin from palm sugar fruit shells. The yield of lignin in this experiment was 27%. The water content, ash, and lignin pH obtained were 4.50%, 3.41% and 9.98. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy spectra showed the many functional groups contained in lignin, such as carbonyl, hydroxyl, amine, ether, methoxy, and aromatic components. The Scanning Electron Microscopy showed a rough and porous surface. The Energy Dispersive X-ray showed the elemental composition in lignin, such as carbon, oxygen, and some inorganic elements. The Thermogravimetric Analysis showed that weight loss of lignin reached 47.948 % or 5.082 mg at 600°C. The characteristics of lignin obtained from sugar palm fruit shell by Klason showed that it had potency as a good material for further application.
The Influence of Palm Oil-Based Zinc Stearate Application on Vulcanized Rubber: Analyzing Hardness, Tensile Strength, and Elongation at Break for Hand Grip Formulation Development
Authors: Setianto Wahyu Bahari , Nasruddin Nasruddin , Astuti Astuti , Yohanes Heryoki , Sumarno Lanjar , Atmaji Gigih , Wijayanti Sri Peni , Maisaroh Maisaroh , Atmaji Priyo
Published: December 2024

Vulcanization of rubber compounds is a crucial step in the process of developing natural rubber end products. Selected components are then used to formulate a rubber compound, which is further treated to create vulcanized rubber. In this study, a palm oil-based zinc stearate compound (ZS) developed by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) was used as a replacement for ZnO and stearic acid, which were previously used as activator and co-activator in the process of vulcanization. The goal of this study was to create a compound made of rubber formulation for use in the hand grip. The zinc stearate applied in this study ranged from 4 to 6 phr. To examine the effect of applying zinc stearate to vulcanized rubber, three primary parameters - tensile strength, hardness, and elongation at break of the vulcanized rubber - were evaluated. The results of the tests revealed that adding zinc stearate at a loading rate of 4 phr gave the hardness value of 27 Shore A, the tensile strength of 19 MPa, and the elongation at break by 590%. With this mechanical characteristic, the formula was identified as the optimal choice for achieving a robust and deformation-resistant hand grip while ensuring user comfort.
Effect of Work-Family Conflict on Job Performance: Moderating Effect of Social Support among Teleworkers
Authors: Peiris M. , Sellar T.
Published: December 2024

The pressing economic situation that has made the Sri Lankans work remotely or work from home is highlighted as a tremendous challenge for businesses. Thus, the current study's primary purpose is to explore whether work-family conflict; both work-interference family and family-interference work affects the job performance among the selected teleworkers of Finance companies, while they were forced to work from home. In addition, the role of social support in this dynamic remains underexplored, particularly in high-stress environments like finance. Thus, the study focuses on the moderating effect of social support gained from both supervisor and family support in examining the relationship. The research utilized a mixed research approach to meet the objectives of the current study, where 125 workers of finance companies in the Colombo region who worked from home provided data through structured questionnaires and interviews. The sample was extracted using stratified random sampling. The statistical methods for analyzing the data were hierarchical regression and thematic analysis. In this study, the authors examined work-interference family and family-interference work as being negatively correlated with job performance. Furthermore, the results indicated that the social support received from supervisors and family members moderated the effect of work-family conflict on job performance, where it showcased a tactic to lessen the teleworkers' work-family friction. This study fills in gaps in the literature and assists employers in addressing issues that WFC employees experience.
Promoting playfulness through a play-based occupational therapy intervention: A study protocol
Authors: Rautenbach Gaby , Hoosain Munira , Zunza Moleen , Plastow Nicola
Published: December 2024

Background: Play is integral to optimal childhood development. Occupational therapists often use play to improve play skills. However, when it comes to learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in South Africa, there is limited research regarding play-based interventions that address the underlying motivators of play, namely, social play and playfulness.Objectives: In this study, the authors present a rationale for the development of a protocol for a study aiming to measure the impact of the Playbox Africa Intervention. This is a play-based occupational therapy intervention with the aim of enhancing the playfulness, social play and occupational performance of South African children with ASD.Method: The study will utilise a within-subject, repeated measures design and will be implemented over 16 weeks with 8–10 learners (aged 3–8 years) with ASD attending a developmental-centre environment in Johannesburg, South Africa. The playfulness and social play of the learners will be assessed using the Test of Playfulness (ToP). The modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (M-COPM) will be used to measure occupational performance factors.Results: Given that this protocol outlines an intervention that has not yet been implemented, there are no results to report on.Conclusion: The development of this protocol could encourage the adaption of existing play-based protocols, for children with ASD, perhaps within different settings or varying support needs.Contribution: Additionally, it could lay the foundation for future clinical trials and culturally relevant play-based interventions to be developed in the South African special needs context.
Optometry students’ views on preparing for private practice via standardised patient simulation
Authors: Kempen Elzana , Labuschagne Mathys J. , Jama Mpho P.
Published: December 2024

Background: Standardised patient (SP) simulation can significantly enrich the learning environment in health professions education. Simulation in optometry has yet to be widely adopted, especially in Africa, prompting this study to investigate whether students perceived the use of SP simulation in optometry education as an effective method for enhancing the development and refinement of core competency skills.Aim: This study aimed to determine optometry students’ perceptions of simulation learning experiences with a SP.Setting: This study was done at the Department of Optometry at the University of the Free State, South AfricaMethods: A qualitative case study was undertaken. All 17 final-year optometry students (n = 17) were invited to participate. Data were collected using an open-ended questionnaire. Content analysis was used to analyse the experiences and perceptions of the participants.Results: The response rate was 100%. The students perceived that the educational objectives of the simulation experiences were successfully achieved. They felt that the simulation helped them develop core competencies like professionalism and communication while boosting their confidence. They attributed this success to the realistic, appropriate and safe learning environment that the simulation provided.Conclusion: The findings suggest that optometry students perceive SP simulations as a valuable tool in preparing them for private practice. This study highlighted the effectiveness of SP-based training in bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world practice.Contribution: This study is the first in South Africa to explore optometry students’ preparation for private practice through SP simulation. The findings offer insights that can guide other optometry programs using SPs to support students’ holistic development, enhancing their professionalism and readiness for practice.
Religious-social leadership values and principals’ morality in Christian school
Authors: Arjanto Paul , Wahed Andi , Jaya Hasmaa N. , Safitri Apriani , Ariefianto Lutfi , Sartika Rody P.
Published: December 2024

Leaders’ morality in the context of principals in Christian school is of great significance in the education environment. However, there are gaps between religious insights, western education and principal’s leadership in Christian schools in Indonesia. Anthropological, social, cultural and other differences can pose hindrances to the effective implementation of external ideas. Therefore, this research emphasises the importance of embracing moral religious leadership values from local cultural heritage that are appropriate to the Indonesian context. Tonaas and Walian leadership in Minahasa are promising alternatives that can contribute to the discourse on principals’ morality in Christian school. This research adopts a descriptive qualitative methodology, critical analysis and argumentation to explore the intersection of moral leadership, local cultural heritage and educational leadership in Christian schools in Indonesia. As a result, the morality values of Tonaas and Walian religious leaders in Minahasa demonstrate the significance of responsibility towards the Christian school environment.Contribution: The results of this study contribute to the conversation about morality among leaders in the Christian school environment. Specifically, the religious leadership of Tonaas and Walian in Minahasa provides valuable local insights that are relevant to the context of education and principals in Indonesia.
Mission schools as seedbed for social transformation: Lessons drawn from the Methodist Church
Authors: Masvotore Peter
Published: December 2024

In Africa, and in Zimbabwe in particular, education has played a critical role in transforming society through missionaries who brought education as inseparable from Christianity. This article argues that mission school education was a pillar of transformation and that mission schools functioned as centres of integration facilitation where learners discovered how to contribute in the change of their biosphere. It further argues that Zimbabwean mission schools are still bearing fruit in various contexts as seedbeds of social transformation. For Zimbabwe, education was and is still the hub of social transformation. Using a desk research approach of historical analysis and participant observation, this article explores how Zimbabwean Methodism transforms society by remaining within the academic niche that continues to facilitate societal transformation. It also discusses how the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ) has influenced universal transformation processes through mission schools. The article concludes that mission schools are positive contributors to social transformation in Zimbabwe today, and that no transformation can be argued to have taken place without them.Contribution: This study contributes to the ongoing academic niche that facilitates social transformation through mission schools in society. This also feeds into fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goal 4 of quality education which is contributed by mission schools.
African women, pandemics and religion: Exploring religion, resilience and responsibility
Authors: Chirongoma Sophia , Naicker Linda W.
Published: December 2024

No abstract available.
Effectiveness of dissemination strategies of maternal clinical guidelines: A narrative review
Authors: Atsali Eunice N. , Kaura Doreen , Tomlinson Mark
Published: December 2024

Background: Maternal clinical guidelines (MCGs) provide evidence-based recommendations for skilled birth professionals (SBPs) at the point of care. The dissemination strategies and use of MCGs are inconsistent among skilled birth providers despite their potential to improve the maternal care outcomes.Aim: This study examined the effectiveness of dissemination strategies of MCGs by SBPs in a primary care setting.Method: We searched in Medline, PubMed, CINAHL and Google Scholar. Search terms were effectiveness, dissemination and use, MCGs, SBPs and primary health care facilities. Studies published in English, conducted between 2010 and 2023 and focussing on dissemination strategies and use of MCGs were included. The final articles were presented in narrative format.Results: The search yielded 212 studies. After removing duplicates, seven articles that met the inclusion criteria for the review were included. The narrative review summarised the findings as: Use of MCGs which showed the barriers and enablers for the use of maternal guidelines. The level of adherence to MCGs was summarised, and one study showed the use of support supervision and collaboration improved aspects of MCGs.Conclusion: The findings show how skilled attendants acknowledge that MCGs can contribute to improving maternal outcomes. They further describe how, in practice, they are rarely used at the facility level. There is a need for more research on dissemination strategies to ensure improved use of MCGs in primary health care facilities.Contribution: We highlight the key gap in the dissemination of MCGs at primary health care facilities which if improved can potentially improve the use of MCGs.
Deceptive Allure: The Tobacco Industry’s Targeted Hookah Marketing to Youth and Its Public Health Impact
Authors: Kokane Noopur , Khanke Vaishnavi , Khatri Sachin , Nikhar Yashika
Published: December 2024

Teenagers are increasingly turning to hookah smoking because they believe it to be a less dangerous option than smoking cigarettes. This article examines the misleading marketing strategies used by the tobacco industry to normalize youth use of hookahs and suggests some strategies to combat this emerging threat this article covers the harmful impacts of hookah smoking on one’s health and suggests multipronged strategy to combat this misleading advertising, which includes community support, stronger laws, and public health education.
Prevalence of problematic eating behavior and assessment of awareness on eating disorder among medical students
Authors: Priyam Aayush , Das Sudipta K. , Samantray Swayanka , Ravan Jayaprakash R. , Pattnaik Jigyansa I.
Published: December 2024

Background:

There are few studies that highlight the problematic eating behavior of college students; however, similar data on the medical undergraduate population is sparse, especially in India. Awareness among medical students would be considered different compared to other students, owing to their training and education.

Aim:

To know the prevalence of problematic eating behavior in medical undergraduate students and to measure the extent of awareness regarding problematic eating behavior present amongst the students.

Materials and Methods:

The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted over 2 months that included students (1st -4th year and interns) aged 17–30 years, studying MBBS. Ethical approval to do the study was taken from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Purposive sampling was done. Those students who gave informed consent to be a part of this study and were not diagnosed with any severe mental and physical illness were included in this study. Socio-demographic data was collected in a semi-structured proforma. The questionnaire was given to the students to fill up. The questionnaire included EAT-26 (Eating Attitudes Test-26) score for screening the students for problematic eating behavior. For objectively assessing awareness amongst the students regarding the same, a few questions of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on problematic eating were included in the form. The result was analyzed using SPSS- 25 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) and appropriate statistical tests.

Results:

Among Medical undergraduates, 19.9% had EAT-26 score more than or equal to 20, suggesting some problematic eating behavior. A total of 36.7% of students were obese, while 5.6% were underweight. Gender and background do not play any role in the causation of Problematic Eating Behaviour (PEB). There was a significant difference in the EAT score with respect to the education of the head of the family (P < 0.01), positive history of mental illness in the family (P = 0.01), positive history of childhood obesity (P < 0.01), and positive history of bullying (P < 0.01). Awareness or knowledge about eating disorders is high among MBBS graduates, which could be a protective factor in general.

Conclusion:

Obesity is a more concerning issue in the medical undergraduate population rather than underweight. Childhood obesity and bullying emerge as important factors affecting the eating attitudes and behavior among medical graduates
Depression, anxiety, and quality of life among kidney donors before and after the kidney donation: A prospective study from a tertiary care center in India
Authors: Chopra Geetika , Gaur Vikas
Published: December 2024

Background:

Kidney donation is a significant procedure that can profoundly impact the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of renal donors. However, there is a lack of sufficient evidence regarding the specific effects of donation on the mental health and quality of life (QOL) of living kidney donors.

Aim:

To evaluate and compare the levels of depression, anxiety, and QOL among living kidney donors before and after the donation procedure.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study involving 50 consecutive living renal donors, assessing them before and 3 months after kidney donation. Depression and anxiety were evaluated using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), respectively. Furthermore, the QOL of kidney donors was compared using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF).

Result:

The average age of kidney donors was 40.86 ± 8.59 years. Pre-transplant HAM-D and HAM-A scores showed significant negative correlations with post-transplant QoL domains (**P < 0.001). Regression analysis highlighted pre-transplant HAM-D as a significant predictor of post-transplant depression (P = 0.013).

Conclusion:

Statistically significant differences in pre- and post-donation HAM-D and HAM-A scores were found, but clinical significance is crucial for interpreting real-world implications. Renal transplantation did not worsen mental health or QOL for donors post transplant, highlighting the importance of addressing pre-transplant depression and anxiety. Further research is needed to assess clinical significance and integrate mental health considerations into transplant care.
Catatonia in a psychiatric setup having diverse etiology: A case series
Authors: Yalgi Raj , Dere Shubhangi , Ponda Aakash , Kaur Darpan , Ghildiyal Rakesh
Published: December 2024

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by stupor, mutism, negativism, posturing, mannerisms, stereotypies, waxy flexibility, catalepsy, grimacing, echolalia, and echopraxia. This syndrome has a plethora of etiologies that arise from neurological and medical conditions, psychiatric illnesses, and withdrawal of psychoactive substances. Adding to this, it has numerous differentials, including an acute confusional state, which often adds to the diagnostic dilemma. The incidence of catatonia is between 5 and 20%. A comprehensive workup of the patient is required to rule out organic causes, after which a diagnosis of catatonia can be looked into for treatment. We present three case reports who presented with catatonic syndrome but had different etiologies.
Cross-sectional and comparative study of comprehensive neuropsychological profiles in headache using the AIIMS comprehensive neuropsychological battery
Authors: Ghosh Anindita , Sharma Avinash , Bhattacharyya Madhumita
Published: December 2024

Background:

Headache presents as a common symptom turned disorder ranging from harmless to life threatening. The inconsistent conclusions across various studies or methodological lacunae have resulted in absence of a unified neuropsychological profile. Thus, the efficacy of establishing a holistic picture of deficits and their rehabilitation in Indian context creates a need for comprehensive investigative tools.

Aim:

To explore the impact of headache, on the neuropsychological functioning of individuals using AIIMS Comprehensive Neuropsychological Battery.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional and comparative hospital-based study. The sample compared 20 patients with diagnosis of any kind of headache, according to International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 (ICHD-3) criteria with 20 matched healthy controls selected via purposive sampling. Both the groups were subjected to AIIMS Comprehensive Neuropsychological Battery and NEO-Five Factor Inventory-3, and a comprehensive neuropsychological profile was obtained. The profile obtained was further subjected to analysis using the independent samples t-test and product moment correlation using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (Version 27.0).

Results:

The findings indicate no significant impairment in any of the groups for neuropsychological correlates due to all scores being within normal ranges. Higher scores on neuroticism were found in patients with headache, with a higher incidence in females of the clinical group.

Conclusion:

The present study underscores neuropsychological deficits as perceived component among the headache population as conducted using a complete battery standardized in the Indian context. A longitudinal approach with greater sample size and randomized sampling might promise better results and generalizability.
Profile of cognitive deficits among children residing in areas with high ambient air pollution in Odisha
Authors: Dash Kulumina , Jena Pratap Kumar , Pattnaik Jigyansa Ipsita , Mishra Sayali , Ravan Jayaprakash Russell
Published: December 2024

Background:

The detrimental effects of air pollution on human health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, have raised concerns globally. While prior research has explored the association between air pollution and cognitive impairments, it is poorly studied in the Indian population.

Aim:

This study aims to specifically profile the cognitive deficits experienced by children residing in areas with high ambient particulate matter air pollution (PM10 and PM2.5) in Odisha.

Material and Methods:

A total of 30 children aged 6–8 years from Kalinga Nagar, Odisha were sampled, and their cognitive functions covering domains such as memory, attention, IQ, executive function, verbal skills, vocabulary, visuospatial ability, and processing speed and accuracy were assessed using the Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC).

Results:

The mean full-scale IQ of the children was 84 as per MISIC, indicating that on average, the children’s IQ falls below the normal range. Specifically, the children showed lower performance in tests assessing attention, working memory, general knowledge acquisition, mathematical skills, vocabulary, and spatial reasoning.

Conclusion:

Six- to eight-year-old children residing in areas with high ambient particulate pollution exhibited lower cognitive abilities, including deficits in attention, working memory, mathematical skills, vocabulary, and visual-spatial processing.
Point-of-care lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of childhood pneumonia
Authors: Vaitheeswaran Gayathri , Velmurugan Lakshmi S. , Jayabalan Raveendran , Kalpana Sivasambo
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Lung ultrasound is emerging as a rapid, simple and safe alternative for diagnosing pneumonia since it has a higher sensitivity than X-rays and lower radiation exposure than computerized tomography. This is a prospective observational study done at a tertiary care centre in Chennai to study the diagnostic utility of lung ultrasound in pneumonia.

Methods:

Children aged 1 month to 12 years who were admitted to the hospital with complaints of cough, fever and/or breathing difficulty and on examination had tachypnea and/or chest indrawing were included in the study. All children underwent chest X-rays which was a standard hospital protocol. At admission, an independent investigator who was blinded to the clinical and radiological features of the child performed lung ultrasound. In all children, the final diagnosis of pneumonia was made by another independent expert paediatrician on the basis of the clinical features and chest X-ray. The test characteristics of ultrasound and chest X-ray were compared against this gold standard of physician-diagnosed pneumonia.

Results:

Out of the 252 children studied, 225 (89.3%) had pneumonia while the rest 27 (10.7%) had other diagnoses. Among the 225 children with pneumonia, 223 (99.1%) were detected by ultrasound while 157 (69.8%) were detected by chest X-ray. All the test characteristics such as sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of ultrasound were higher than those of chest X-ray. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound to diagnose pneumonia were 99.11% and 81.48%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of X-ray for the same were 69.77% and 74.07%, respectively. Overall diagnostic accuracy for chest ultrasonography was 97.22% (94.36% to 98.88%), whereas for chest radiography, it was found to be 70.24% (64.18% to 75.81%).While both modalities were able to diagnose pneumonia significantly, ultrasound had better strength of association (Cramer’s V value = 0.849) than X-ray to the final diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Lung ultrasound can be employed as a point-of-care investigation to diagnose pneumonia in suspected cases and can even replace chest X-ray in such circumstances.
Development and validation of health belief model questionnaire on attitude toward the prevention of cancers in Bengali language: A cross-sectional study in urban field practice area of a tertiary care hospital, Kolkata
Authors: Sarkar Paramita , Dasgupta Pallabi , Karmakar Anubrata , Basu Rivu , Lahiri Saibendu Kumar
Published: December 2024

Background:

Promoting preventive measures of cancer among people should be based on a psychosocial model and be tailored to attitude which is a difficult variable to measure.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire to evaluate the attitude of urban adults toward the prevention of cancer.

Methods:

This observational study with cross-sectional design was done in the field practice area of a tertiary care hospital, Kolkata. Four hundred and fifteen respondents were interviewed. The content validity, construct validity, and reliability were performed, followed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to identify the factors.

Results:

Items were generated by literature review. Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) value suggests that the model was reasonably fit (KMO > 0.8). The final attitude questionnaire contained 19 items. The factorial analysis revealed four domains such as perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived barrier, and perceived benefit that explain the 58% estimated variance. Overall reliability was measured by Cronbach’s alpha (0.716) and McDonald’s omega (0.709).

Conclusion:

The results show that the questionnaire is relatively valid and reliable to assess the attitude of urban adults toward cancer prevention. Understanding the attitude of people with respect to cancer prevention will help develop more effective cancer-preventive programs.
Sporadic Late-Onset Nemaline Rod Myopathy: An Interesting Case
Authors: Narwal Anubhav , Mann Mohit , Srivastava Achal K , Sharma Mehar C
Published: December 2024

Sporadic late-onset nemaline rod myopathy is a rare, acquired, sub-acute, adult-onset myopathy characterized by proximal muscle weakness and nemaline rods in the myofibers. In contrast to its congenital form, the prevalence in adult population is comparatively rare. Herein, we report a case of 60-year-old male who presented with insidious onset proximal muscle weakness with myopathic pattern on electromyography. Histopathological examination showed type 1 and 2 muscle fiber atrophy with minimal chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate. Modified Gomori trichrome staining revealed granular deposits in the myofibers. Ultrastructure examination showed numerous nemaline rods in the myofibers; hence, the diagnosis of sporadic late-onset nemaline myopathy was rendered. Its association with monoclonal protein has been reported in the past. One should be aware of this rare entity as without correct diagnosis, there can be treatment failure and unfavorable outcome.
The Effect of Acute Stroke Treatment on S100B, IMA, and Thiol-Disulfide Balance
Authors: Varan Edip , Oguz Esra F , Neselioglu Salim , Erel Özcan , Bektas Hesna
Published: December 2024

Background:

A variety of processes, ranging from blood–brain barrier disruption to circulating biomarkers, contributes to reperfusion injury in acute stroke treatment.

Objective:

We aimed to investigate the effects of thrombolytic therapy and endovascular thrombectomy therapy on serum S100 calcium-binding protein B, ischemia-modified albumin and thiol-disulfide balance in patients who arrived within the first 6 h of acute ischemic stroke.

Material and Methods:

The study considered 66 patients with the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke who underwent thrombolytic therapy or EVT in the first 6 h, as well as 32 healthy volunteers. Venous blood samples were collected before tPA and EVT and 24 h after treatment. S100B, native thiol, disulfide, total thiol, and Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels were measured.

Results:

The S100B, total thiol, and native thiol values of the patients in the tPA group before and after the treatment showed statistical significance (P < 0.001). S100B, total thiol, and native thiol values were shown to be lower. The disulfide and IMA values of the patients in the tPA group did not differ significantly (respectively, P = 0.302, P = 0.054). However, disulfide and IMA levels were found to increase after treatment compared to pretreatment. The patients in the EVT group showed a significant difference in terms of S100B values (P < 0.001) and IMA values (P = 0.024).

Conclusions:

Determining how to protect the brain from free radical damage is important. More research should be carried out on treatments that prevent free radical damage in ischemia–reperfusion injury, as well as treatments for acute ischemic stroke.
Primary gastric tuberculosis mimicking gastric malignancy: A rare etiology of pyrexia of unknown origin
Authors: Mahajan Paras , Garg Keshav , Raghu R. V. , Anand Nidhi , Singh Harpreet , Kumar Suresh
Published: December 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) of the stomach comprises 1%–2% of gastrointestinal TB cases, most of them being secondary to pulmonary TB. Due to the nonspecificity of symptoms and often overlap with gastric carcinoma and other gastrointestinal disorders, the diagnosis of gastric TB requires high clinical suspicion. Very few cases presenting as pyrexia of unknown origin have been reported. However, if diagnosed early, it responds well to medical management and prevents complications. Here, we describe a case report of a patient presenting with prolonged fever, initially evaluated for carcinoma stomach with nodal metastasis but eventually diagnosed with gastric TB with lymph nodes.
GENDER INTEGRATION OF GERMANISMS IN BOSNIAN PHRASEOLOGY
Authors:   Filozofski fakultet Univerziteta u Zenici, POLIĆ Belma
Published: December 2024

The Germanisms that are the subject of this paper are components of idiomatic expressions, and are taken from online portals in the region. Their origin is checked in the Dictionary of Germanisms and Austrianisms in the Bosnian language by Memić. The paper deals with gender integration in the Bosnian language, and the meaning of idiomatic expression, and checked whether there is an equivalent in German, based on which we could talk about the possible takeover of idiomatic expression from German, not just nouns. Idiomatic expressions, which are the subject of this research, are defined by Zgusta (1991: 137) as „lexicalized phrases“ that always have figurative meanings. In this paper, 28 idiomatic expressions that contain Germanism as their component are excerpted. An online portal confirming the use of the specified term is provided. It also states the origin of Germanism, its meaning, and gen-der integration in the Bosnian language. At the end, the equivalent in German is given, if any. Confirmation of whether the said idiomatic expression exists in the German language was sought in the German Universal Dictionary of the Duden Editorial Office (1989) and the online edition of the Duden Dictionary.
WORDS AS AN OBJECT OF STUDY – THE CULTURAL LEXIS OF THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE
Authors:   Filozofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Splitu, BRALIĆ Snježana
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the interaction between language and culture with particular reference to the cultural lexis of the Italian language and considering the progress achieved so far related to the studies of the Italian lexis. The underlying assumption is that programmes for learning Italian as a foreign language do not sufficiently keep abreast of lexical innovations taking place in the language. The paper analyses the familiarity with more recent lexical units of the Italian language and draws attention to the fact that vocabulary should have a more significant role in the process of language learning and teaching. The importance of the development of lexical competence is pointed out on the example of the corpus material that was taken from the Italian daily newspapers and is proposed as a language pattern underpinning the reason and purpose of this research. Based on the findings of quantitative and qualitative analysis, a conclusion was made which focused the research on finding new solutions with the aim of enriching the didactic material. What is emphasized is the need to use monolingual dictionaries in foreign language teaching as well as authentic texts which, in an indirect way, bring and reveal all the novelties that are happening on the lexical level. The words of a language reflect the culture of the people who use it and are consequently an important object of study and learning with lexis being a basic linguistic element by which we express the reality that surrounds us.
THE ISSUE OF DEPARTURE FROM THE NOVI SAD AGREEMENT IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA IN THE 1970s
Authors:   Univerzitet u Sarajevu – Institut za jezik, HODŽIĆ Jasmin
Published: December 2024

Exploring the thesis that establishment of the Sarajevo Language Institute in 1972 laid the foundation for the institutional approach to language policy and recent linguistic research in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with an emphasised Bosnian and not necessarily Yugoslav orientation, in this paper we analyse some important views expressed in documents on literary and language policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the time before the establishment of the Sarajevo Language Institute, but also after its founding, which granted Sarajevo the status of a separate language centre after Belgrade and Zagreb, disrupting the principles underpinning the Novi Sad Agreement on a Common Language which developed around two centres, Belgrade and Zagreb. In addition, we reflect on the representation of the concept of a slight and imperceptible but still sufficiently concrete departure from the Novi Sad Agreement through the appearance of the Orthography Manual in Sarajevo in 1972, recognised as Bosnian in the philological jargon of the time.
ANDRIĆ, BOSNIA, BOSNIAKS(On the beginnings and character of the critical reception of Ivo Andrić’s literary work in Bosniak literary criticism and literary historiography)
Authors:   Filozofski fakultet Univerziteta u Sarajevu, KODRIĆ Sanjin
Published: December 2024

The paper deals with the problem of critical reception of Ivo Andrić’s literary work in Bosniak literary criticism and literary historiography. It is about the problem of the politics of representation of Bosnia and Bosnian Muslims – Bosniaks in Andrić’s literary work, in which connection the paper focuses the first critical texts of this type. Considering that it is often claimed that Bosniak critical reception of Andrić’s literary work is actually nationalist, even islamist, i.e. „tendential“ and „wrong“, the paper argues against this claim and presents the thesis that it is basically a reception realized from a different, specific interpretative-reception context, that is reception from the perspective of the Other, understood in a postcolonial sense.
„THE WISE MEN OF ZION AND THE THREE INTERNATIONALS“ – Mysterious image of the Jewish world in pro-occupation propaganda in Montenegro during the Second world war
Authors:   Fakultet za crnogorski jezik i književnost – Cetinje, BATRIĆEVIĆ Boban
Published: December 2024

This paper analyzes pro-Nazi and profascist propaganda of Montenegrin collaborators who promoted antisemitism as a part of special war against Yugoslav and Montenegrin Partisan units.
La Salpingoclasia Bilateral Forzada como Delito contra la Mujer: análisis Jurídico en el Ámbito Penal
Authors: Larrea Márquez Diana Paola , Pino Andrade Edmundo Enrique , Bravo Pesantez Claudio Esteban
Published: December 2024

El presente artículo analiza la Salpingoclasia Bilateral Forzada (SBF) como una violación de los derechos humanos y un delito penal en contra de la mujer. Se estudian las implicaciones legales, éticas y médicas de este procedimiento cuando se realiza sin el consentimiento libre e informado de la mujer, y cómo se configura como un delito penal en diversos sistemas jurídicos. Este estudio también examina casos paradigmáticos y la jurisprudencia relacionada, destacando el papel del consentimiento informado y la autonomía de la mujer en la toma de decisiones médicas.
The Enlightened Social Worker
Authors: Forrester Donald
Published: December 2024

This text offers a new concept of social work that is an inspiring and practical vision of what Social Work is and should be, placing rights at the heart of practice, enabling students and workers to become more confident dealing with the uncomfortable realities of practice.
Neighbourhood Policing
Authors: O'Reilly Carina
Published: December 2024

Neighbourhood policing has been called the 'cornerstone of British policing' but changing demand, pressures on funding and cyclical political support mean that this approach is under considerable pressure. The book investigates whether this UK model - intended to build confidence and legitimacy - has been successful and assesses its future.
Precarious Intimacies
Authors: Taylor Faith MacNeil
Published: December 2024

In a time of increasing social and economic inequality, this book illustrates the precarity experienced by millennials facing both rising rents and wage stagnation. Featuring the voices of those with lived experience of precarity, the book reveals the crucial role of British housing policies in deepening inter- and intra-generational injustice.
Theroy of Islamic Short Story: A Research Study
Authors: N Amirudeen , Hameed Dr. S. Shahul
Published: December 2024

Islamic Short Story theory is About Short Stories on Social Ideas Social Problems, Soultions and Islamic Values. This Article Examines the above Hypothesis . The Following sub head lines are discussed in the Article such as the Nostalgia of the mature virgins, kindness, the unchanging affection of the step mother, the remarriage of the brides maides, the femininity, the burden of the family, the poverty, things found out, the oppression of workers, poverty and motherhood. Each short story is briefly reviewed taking into account the total page number of the article.
Madrassa-An Islamic System of Education In Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Authors: K Noushad
Published: December 2024

Madrassas, apart from imparting religious education, influences the socio-cultural aspect of a person. With an established recognition board, syllabus, Curriculum, and training programme for Madrassa teachers, they have become integral part of the Muslim Community in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The present paper explains the Madrassa System of Education with special reference to Kerala and Tamil Nadu.