bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voluntary peer-mentoring program for undergraduate medical students: exploring the experiences of mentors and mentees
Authors: Cho Mina , Lee Yoon-Seon
Published: August 2021

Purpose: We aimed to examine the participants’ satisfaction and evaluation of the program’s appropriateness, outcomes and benefits from participants’ perspectives and gather suggestions from students to improve peer mentor programs.Methods: From 2016 to 2018, 67 mentees and mentors participated in the peer mentoring program. All program participants were asked to participate in the survey, and the respondents were invited to focus group interview (FGI). Quantitative data was collected from the survey questionnaire. Qualitative data was gathered from the open-end questions in the survey and supplemented from additional semi-structured FGIs. The interview data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.Results: Nineteen responded to the survey, and six participated in the further FGI. Qualitative data contained outcomes and mutual benefits, factors for mentoring success, negative experiences, and suggestions for improvement. Especially factors for mentoring success consisted of various methods of studying assistance, motivation, autonomy, responsibility, emotional support, and relational bonding as important topics concerning mentor-mentee experiences. The satisfaction scores about the program appropriateness, others’ attitudes, program implementation, ranged from 3.5 to 3.9 (5-point Likert scores) without significant difference between mentors and mentees. The only negative experience reported by a mentee was feeling the pressure. Specific guidelines on program implementation, pre-education for mentees, appropriate matching, and mentees’ clear purpose and spontaneity were suggested to improve the program.Conclusion: Participants were generally satisfied with the peer mentoring program, gaining academic and non-academic achievements, including emotional support and improved relationships. Furthermore, we expect that this program can be improved with participants’ suggestions in the future.
Stress and associated factors with received and needed support in medical students during COVID-19 pandemic: a multicenter study
Authors: Puranachaikere Tidarat , Hataiyusuk Somboon , Anupansupsai Rungarun , In-iw Supinya , Saisavoey Nattha , Techapanuwat Tanawat , Arunrodpanya Fasinee , Charonpongsuntorn Chanchai , Wiwattanaworaset Pakawat , Siripongpan Areerat , Pruttithavorn Wisarat , Wonglertwisawakorn Chayut , Pojanapotha Pichaya , Rueangrong Butsayanart , Pattrakornkul Nalinee , Piyawattanametha Nontaphon , Piyawattanametha Siriwan , Ratanapichayachai Dheeravut
Published: August 2021

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health crisis that has impacted daily life due to the policies created to contain the outbreak. Recent studies showed that medical students, a high-stress population, experienced deteriorated mental well-being during the pandemic. The aim of the present study was to assess stress and the need for support among Thai medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a multicenter study.Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study which collected data from second through sixth year medical students. Data was collected during the pandemic from multiple medical schools spanning all six regions of Thailand. Questionnaires included: demographic data; the Thai version of the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (T-PSS-10) assessing stress level and the sources of stress; and the received supports from medical schools, the satisfaction with the supports, and the further necessary needs.Results: There were 1,395 medical students who responded to the questionnaires. Mean T-PSS-10 score was 17.8. Most of the sources of stress were related to the changing of teaching and evaluation system. Students residing in larger medical schools were significantly more satisfied with received support and tended to gain greater support than those in medium and small sized schools. Stress-relieving activities arrangement was considered the most sought after additional support by students.Conclusion: Medical student stress levels were higher during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. Stress relieving activities, availability and access to mental health resources, and other strategies to reduce stress among medical students are urgently needed.
Effect of Discharge on Hatching and Growth of Age-0 Black Bass in Two Southeastern U.S. Rivers
Authors: Sammons Steven M. , Earley Laurie A. , Goclowski Matthew R.
Published: August 2021

We examined the influence of variable discharge on hatching and age-0 growth for fluvial specialist and habitat generalist species of black bass Micropterus spp. in two southeastern U.S. rivers, the Flint River, Georgia (unregulated), and the Tallapoosa River, Alabama (regulated by several hydropower dams). Between 2008 and 2010, we collected 285 Largemouth Bass M. salmoides (generalist) and 254 Shoal Bass M. cataractae (specialist) from two reaches of the Flint River. In 2010–2011, we collected 309 Alabama Bass M. henshalli (generalist) and 216 Redeye Bass M. coosae (specialist) from two regulated reaches and one unregulated reach of the Tallapoosa River. Successful hatching of black bass in both rivers generally occurred from late March to early June when water levels were low and stable. Hatching distributions of all black bass were generally unimodal with little evidence of spawning disruption, except for Alabama Bass in the most-regulated reach of the Tallapoosa River, which appeared to be disrupted by large discharge events. Mean growth of both species in the Flint River varied from 0.64 to 0.82 mm/d across reaches and years; Shoal Bass generally grew faster than Largemouth Bass in all reach–year combinations. Largemouth Bass growth was inversely correlated to discharge variation in one reach, but Shoal Bass growth was not correlated to discharge variation in either reach. Alabama Bass and Redeye Bass growth rates in the Tallapoosa River were similar to rates observed for congeners in the Flint River; Alabama Bass grew faster than Redeye Bass. Growth of both species was inversely related to discharge variation in five of six reach–species combinations; the only exception was for Redeye Bass in the less-regulated reach. Results from this study suggest that variable discharge has less influence on successful reproduction of black bass than was reported for other fishes, but growth may be more affected by discharges resulting from anthropogenic sources than those associated with the natural regime.
La Smart City à Bruxelles : quand « intelligence » rime avec vidéosurveillance
Authors: Bocquet Nicolas
Published: August 2021

En retraçant le processus de mise à l’agenda ayant conduit à l’appropriation du concept de Smart City par la Région bruxelloise en 2014, cet article interroge les choix de politiques publiques visant à faire de Bruxelles une « ville intelligente ». Tandis qu’un des objectifs théoriques de la Smart City consiste à vouloir décloisonner l’action publique en favorisant la réalisation de politiques transversales par le recours aux technologies, force est de constater que les politiques bruxelloises en la matière restent essentiellement cantonnées aux compétences de l’organisme technique régional. Cet article tente ainsi de comprendre pourquoi aucune politique transversale en matière de mobilité – secteur habituellement prioritaire pour ce type de projets – n’émerge dans le cadre de la Smart City bruxelloise, tandis qu’une politique sécuritaire s’impose comme son principal chantier. La centralisation de la vidéosurveillance régionale constitue l’unique politique du projet Smart City bruxellois parvenue à dépasser le cloisonnement institutionnel régional. Cet article démontre par conséquent comment, à Bruxelles, l’organisation politico-institutionnelle régionale influence les choix de politiques publiques.
The Brussels Smart City: how “intelligence” can be synonymous with video surveillance
Authors: Bocquet Nicolas
Published: August 2021

En retraçant le processus de mise à l’agenda ayant conduit à l’appropriation du concept de Smart City par la Région bruxelloise en 2014, cet article interroge les choix de politiques publiques visant à faire de Bruxelles une « ville intelligente ». Tandis qu’un des objectifs théoriques de la Smart City consiste à vouloir décloisonner l’action publique en favorisant la réalisation de politiques transversales par le recours aux technologies, force est de constater que les politiques bruxelloises en la matière restent essentiellement cantonnées aux compétences de l’organisme technique régional. Cet article tente ainsi de comprendre pourquoi aucune politique transversale en matière de mobilité – secteur habituellement prioritaire pour ce type de projets – n’émerge dans le cadre de la Smart City bruxelloise, tandis qu’une politique sécuritaire s’impose comme son principal chantier. La centralisation de la vidéosurveillance régionale constitue l’unique politique du projet Smart City bruxellois parvenue à dépasser le cloisonnement institutionnel régional. Cet article démontre par conséquent comment, à Bruxelles, l’organisation politico-institutionnelle régionale influence les choix de politiques publiques.
La pratique du journal : outil de réflexivité et d’apprentissage en FLE
Authors: Kharbouch Omar
Published: August 2021

“Il diario”, all’infuori della sua connotazione intimista o di mediatizzazione, è poco noto come pratica di scrittura formatrice. Cercheremo qui di affrontarlo in quanto scrittura di riflessione e di autoformazione in francese lingua straniera. Passando in rassegna le sue grandi figure, evocheremo di nuovo la sua definizione per estrarne in seguito, nel contesto di una sperimentazione in una scuola media in Marocco, una delle sue dimensioni essenziali : la riflessività.
Sconfinamenti dell’italiano – riflessioni di un’insegnante italotedesca negli Stati Uniti
Authors: Hösle Borra Adriana
Published: August 2021

Cet article examine la réussite de l’italien à travers le monde, surtout en Allemagne et aux Etats-Unis. Il reflète les motivations de ceux qui étudient la langue, qui se sont modifiées en même temps que l’image du pays. Il insiste sur les efforts fournis, tant en Italie qu’au dehors, pour promouvoir la connaissance de la langue et culture italiennes, que ce soit grâce aux sites comme We the Italians ou US speaks Italian, ou à des programmes tel que l’AP (le test d’évaluation disponible pour les étudiants américains du secondaire). L’expérience personnelle de l’auteur en tant qu’enseignante plurilingue de l’italien aux U.S.A. est également mise à profit pour réfléchir aux malentendus culturels potentiels et se termine sur quelques propositions très concrètes pour améliorer l’enseignement de l’italien.
Dimension interculturelle de la communication du risque. Le cas du Rhin supérieur
Authors: Breugnot Jacqueline , Laemmel Christine
Published: August 2021

Quest’articolo tenta di mostrare le specificità della comunicazione in un contesto transfrontaliero, plurilingue e pluriculturale – qui, lo spazio del Reno superiore – a proposito dei rischi del quotidiano. Presenta l’ipotesi secondo cui gli atteggiamenti di fronte al rischio siano culturalmente marcati, partendo da una forma più individuale par giungere ad una più collettiva di responsabilità. Un contesto interculturale è capace di generare persino rischi ulteriori. La convivenza su un medesimo territorio con vocazione ad essere condiviso necessita lo sviluppo di nuove competenze. La ricerca di una compatibilità fra i vari comportamenti osservati si iscrive nella conoscenza dell’interpretazione delle norme e delle leggi, dei modi di comunicazione specifici e nell’elaborazione di atteggiamenti come la curiosità ed il mutuo riconoscimento fra i gruppi culturali dello spazio in questione.
Être plurilingue : combinaisons et complémentarité
Authors: Diémoz Federica
Published: August 2021

Federica Diémoz (born 1975) comes from Roisan, a village near Aosta, town in the Aosta Valley, an autonomous and bilingual region in the North-West of Italy. Her mother tongue is the Francoprovençal patois, a Gallo-Roman language. Entering school meant for her learning good Italian and correct French, the first being dominant. The patois, looked down upon and banned from the schools, remained the language of the family and the neighborhood. The gap between her public school life and her private life grew larger. At the University, she went on to study French, English, Latin and especially, she discovered dialectology, a subjet matter that allowed her to get back in touch with her origins. After a dissertation on the Roisan Patois, she left for Neuchâtel (Switzerland); to start a Ph.D. on the Francoprovençal tongues spoken in the Aosta Valley. The patois, which before she could only whisper in, is now the respected and valued object of her research.
A Contextual Study of Regulatory Framework for Blockchain
Authors: Fazi Muhammad Abdullah
Published: August 2021

This study seeks to understand and explain the technological and regulatory challenges of blockchain technology particularly in execution mechanism of smart contracts as compared to regular contracts and to explore legal implication attached the blockchain technology. While evaluating the early days of regulatory framework of blockchain, the current study provides a focused review of relevant studies to identify the legal challenges arising from the application of AI in smart contracts and to find solutions to overcome these challenges. The study has emphasized certain areas related to the blockchain such as AI application and execution of smart contracts and finds that that there is currently a lack of legal certainty as to how various requirements of a valid contract would be satisfied. Hence, it highlights the need of regulation without disrupting the key yet essential features of blockchain. Keywords: Blockchain, Smart contract, AI, Framework, Legislation, Cryptocurrency
Legal and Regulatory Landscape of Blockchain Technology in Various Countries
Authors: Karisma Karisma , Moslemzadeh Tehrani Pardis
Published: August 2021

Blockchain technology can be leveraged to record information securely, ranging from public sector data to private records. It has the potential of being ubiquitous due to its far-reaching use cases and revolutionary features. The deployment of blockchain technology can radically transform corporate and government operations and services. The blockchain legislative landscape is rapidly evolving, and an in-depth analysis is provided to offer a legal and contextual perspective of the regulatory trends across the globe. Part I explores the widespread use of blockchain technology for various industries and business applications. It also outlines two types of legislation that can be enacted, namely enabling and prohibitive legislation, to advance the policy objectives of a country. Part II examines the regulatory responses of various countries relating to blockchain use cases and applications.
Blockchain Technology in China's Digital Economy
Authors: Yu Poshan , Gong Ruixin , Sampat Michael
Published: August 2021

Compared with the traditional industrial economy, the Chinese digital economy uses brand-new production factors and production organization methods to bring changes to human society and promote the transformation of the economy. This chapter aims to explore the practical problems of adopting blockchain technology in China's digital economy and study how different cities (managed by various local governments) enhance their unique financial technology ecosystem's economic performance and promote RegTech policy in order to improve the digital economy under the central government's institutional setting. This chapter in turn analyzes the recent cases of blockchain in China's financial industry, compares the application and development of the latest financial technology related policies in major cities, and demonstrates how these regulations can promote the development of blockchain technology in the transformation of China's digital economy.
Cryptocurrency and Blockchain
Authors: Dhanda Namrata
Published: August 2021

As the technologies are evolving day by day, they are able to rejuvenate any sector either individually or by incorporating other technologies. There are many prominent sectors in the market such as healthcare, education, entertainment, business, information technology, retail, etc. Every sector has its own set of profits and consequences, but apart from all, the banking or finance sector is the only sector that provides dynamicity to all other sectors and helps them to generate maximum revenue from their principal investment. In this chapter, the authors are focusing on the traditional and modern ways of banking, currencies such as cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and how the modern currency will change the transaction procedure in the global banking system, creating an amalgamation of such currency with a current transaction system with the role of technology such as Blockchain in the betterment of the global banking system making the system fully decentralized, distributed, transparent, fast, immutable, and efficient.
Education During COVID-19 in the Ortega-Marañón Foundation
Authors: del-Olmo-Ibáñez María-Teresa , López Vega Antonio
Published: August 2021

The pandemic has challenged the human race, as it had been understood in the beginning of the 21st century, and it has been equalized under the effects of COVID-19. It is impossible to ignore the modifications with which transhumanism has superimposed itself on humanism. However, the pandemic has come to question this 'power' of man and science over man himself. The initially uncontrollable destructive action of a virus has been enough to almost paralyze all this progress, even in medicine itself. Health spaces and efforts had to concentrate on the search for resources to quickly stop the increase of contagions and deaths and to find definitive solutions to halt the disease. Economic, social, and cultural activities have required a response to the emergency and a capacity to react and adapt for survival. The Ortega-Marañón Foundation harmonizes humanities and sciences in its two research institutes: Instituto Universitario Ortega y Gasset and Instituto de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Salud Gregorio Marañón, affiliated to the Complutense University of Madrid.
Friar Pau of Alacant
Authors: Escartí Vicent Josep
Published: August 2021

The Capuchin friar Pau of Alacant-Jaume Fornals Colomina (Alacant 1612-1664), in view of the impact of the plague epidemic that hit many European territories in the mid-17th century and in order to highlight the martyrdom suffered by his religious brothers who had helped the sick in Valencia, wrote a letter that included several hagiographic-looking accounts, published in 1648. This chapter provides information on this forgotten author and analyzes the construction of micro-biographies that stress human values in difficult times.
Social Networks and Blogs as Educational Communicative Resources During a Pandemic
Authors: Martínez-Roig Rosabel , Álvarez-Herrero Juan-Francisco , Urrea-Solano Mayra
Published: August 2021

This work aims at researching the use of social networks and blogs as resources of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in non-face-to-face educational environments, which, in this case, education centers have had to reshape on a large scale due to the pandemic. With this aim in mind, an analysis is performed about the most important aspects which make social networks and blogs into important educational resources in the classroom, which enable us to propose collective and individual activities based on digital technology. Such activities make it possible for us to undertake experiences referred to formal, non-formal, and even informal education, which have the potential to enrich the current non-face-to-face context thanks to their diversity. The conclusion is that these resources can serve as effective communicative tools to generate true learning communities within an online environment.
Narratives and Metaphors Inspired by the COVID-19 Trauma
Authors: Salvador Vicent , Nastasescu Diana
Published: August 2021

The process of the COVID-19 pandemic has produced various social convulsions in our environment. Among these consequences is the development of an abundant literary and paraliterary production. Much of this production stimulated by the pandemic adopts a narrative form (micro-narratives, tales, personal testimonies): it consists of short narratives by non-professional writers included in recent books or on the internet. Based on a sample of this type of text in Spanish, the authors have carried out a study of various aspects of this creative activity, mainly metaphors that convey thematic motifs such as the war against the virus and the home as a complex, ambiguous symbol.
Cry Wolf!
Authors: Sapiña Lucía , Lafita Íngrid , Domínguez Martí
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged societies all around the world since the beginning of 2020. A state of alert was declared in Spain from March to June. The country came to a complete standstill, until restrictions gradually began to be eased. This study examines how the first wave of the pandemic was reflected by analysing 1,007 cartoons published in various Spanish newspapers between January and June. The results show that criticism of the political management of the public health crisis was the most extensively featured issue. Protection measures against the coronavirus, such as lockdown, hand hygiene, and social distancing were also important issues. Although the cartoonists at first minimised the risk, as soon as the state of alert was declared, the often contradictory measures and strained relations of the government and the opposition parties were the main focus of attention for cartoonists. The present analysis also shows that despite being the main victims of COVID-19, neither the elderly nor healthcare professionals are the most commonly depicted actors in the sample.
Digital Nudge Efficacy and the Influence of Personality in Pre-Purchase Information Research
Authors: Schär Armando
Published: August 2021

This study analyses digital nudging in the early stages of the customer journey. The experimental approach investigates the influence of digital nudging principles on decision making when searching for educational programs. The online experiment shows significant impact for three of the five digital nudging principles and greatly varying effect sizes. Social norms, anchoring and adjustment, and status quo nudging principles have a substantial impact when used in the pre-purchase stage. Loss aversion and hyperbolic discounting nudges have not shown a significant influence on choice behavior. Furthermore, extraverted individuals show significantly less behavioral change when confronted with a loss aversion nudge. These results imply a careful consideration of the chosen nudging principle and the target groups personalities when implementing digital nudges and start a novel discussion on the usage of digital nudges in the pre-purchase stage of the customer journey.
Use of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and Other Working Approaches in Youth in Hong Kong
Authors: Ling Henry Wai-Hang , Tsang Kenneth Ho-Him , Yu Kenneth Sau-Yin , Lee Vincent Wan-Ping , Wong Johnny Chung-Yee , Ng Winnie Ka-Ying , Sun Icy , Avis Ngan
Published: August 2021

This research explores the possibility of providing a general guideline for the use of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) in youth work and examining the experiences of the frontline youth workers in Hong Kong who have adopted LSP to engage youngsters, who have been experiencing enormous socioeconomic challenges in different aspects. A 12-session workshop applied into social training for special educational needs (SEN) secondary students was held with the major objective of enhancing their communication skills. All sessions were divided into three parts: introduction, utilization, and expression. Most participants' abilities in oral description and word usage improved upon completion of the workshop, and they have more motivation and initiation in communicating with others in the group. LSP could thus be proven as a useful method in the SEN workshop in terms of establishing rapport and relationships, expressing the participants' thoughts, as it has provided an alternative for trainers to support the kids concern. Apart from LSP, this research has also found that other approaches such as snorkeling, adventured-based counseling, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) could also be effective approaches adopted by practitioners to support young people.
Emotional Agents in Educational Game Design
Authors: Gutica Mirela , Petrina Stephen
Published: August 2021

Evaluating the subjective playing experience and engagement in learning is important in the design of advanced learning technologies (ALTs) that respond to the learners' cognitive and emotional states. This article addresses students' attitudes toward an educational game, Heroes of Math Island, and their responses to the emotional agent, an animated monkey. Fifteen students (seven boys and eight girls) from grades six and seven participated in this quasi-experimental study (pretest, intervention, post-test, followed by post-questionnaire and interview). This research presents a detailed analysis of students' subjective reactions with respect to Heroes of Math Island and to the underlying mathematics content, their learning gains and emotions triggered during gameplay, and design issues resulting from the evaluation of the game and of its emotional agent. The findings from this study inform how ALTs and educational games can be designed in order to be effective and provide emotional engagement, enjoyment, and learning.
Effects of Deep Learning Technologies on Employment in the Field of Digital Communication Systems
Authors: Woolman Thomas Alan , Lee Philip
Published: August 2021

There are significant challenges and opportunities facing the economies of the United States in the coming decades of the 21st century that are being driven by elements of technological unemployment. Deep learning systems, an advanced form of machine learning that is often referred to as artificial intelligence, is presently reshaping many aspects of traditional digital communication technology employment, primarily network system administration and network security system design and maintenance. This paper provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art developments associated with deep learning and artificial intelligence and the ongoing revolutions that this technology is having not only on the field of digital communication systems but also related technology fields. This paper will also explore issues and concerns related to past technological unemployment challenges, as well as opportunities that may be present as a result of these ongoing technological upheavals.
Combining Response Surface Method and Metaheuristic Algorithms for Optimizing SPIF Process
Authors: Shaaban Amr Ahmed , Shehata Omar Mahmoud
Published: August 2021

Recently, studies have focused on optimization as a method to reach the finest conditions for metal forming processes. This study tests various optimization techniques to determine the optimum conditions for single point incremental forming (SPIF). SPIF is a die-less forming process that depends on moving a tool along a path designed for a specific feature. As it involves various parameters, optimization based on experimental studies would be costly, hence a finite element model (FE-model) for the SPIF process is developed and validated through experimental results. In the second phase, statistical analyses based on the response surface method (RSM) are conducted. The optimum conditions are determined using the desirability optimization method, in addition to two metaheuristic optimization algorithms, namely genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The results of all optimization techniques are compared to each other and a confirmation test using the FE-model is subsequently performed.
Numerical and Experimental Investigations on Deposition of Stainless Steel in Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Maji Kuntal
Published: August 2021

This paper presents numerical and experimental investigations on wire arc additive manufacturing for deposition of 430L ferritic stainless steel. Finite element analysis was used to predict temperature distribution for deposition of multiple layers in wire arc additive manufacturing. The transient temperature distribution and predicted by finite element simulation was in good agreement with the experimental results. A wall type structure was fabricated by deposition of multiple layers vertically, and deposited material was characterized by tensile testing and microstructure study. The microstructure of the deposited wall structure was investigated through optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDS. The microstructure of deposited material was changed from fine cellular grains structure to columnar dendrites structure with the formation of secondary arm. It was found that the YS, UTS, and EL of the deposition direction were better than the build direction. The mechanical properties of the WAAM manufactured material was found comparable to that of the wire metal.
The Role of Particles and Clusters Size on the Catalytic Activity of Different Types of Gold Nanocatalysts for Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation
Authors: Ghadamgahi Sedigheh
Published: August 2021

: In this paper, activation procedures under size effects of some gold nanoparticles (Au101, Aunaked and Aucitrate) and nanoclusters (Au8 and Au9) immobilized on powder Norit® activated carbon (abbreviated to AC) and/or Vulcan carbon (abbreviated to VC) on the catalytic activity of gold nanocatalysts were studied. The gold nanostructures were activated through the washing procedure with a base in MilliQ water or hot toluene and then followed by heating in static air (abbreviated to W+S) or under vacuum (abbreviated to W+V) at 100 °C for 3 h. The highest activity of gold nanocatalysts for benzyl alcohol oxidation was obtained for activated (W+V) ‘naked’ gold nanoparticles immobilized on Norit® activated carbon when the gold nanoparticle diameters was ~4.4 nm.
Visitor preferences on different safari tour packages: A Case Study of Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wasantha Rathnayake Rathnayake Mudiyanselage
Published: August 2021

In Sri Lanka, visitors to national parks are not offered a choice when they go on safari tours regarding the type of wildlife viewing that they are interested in such as elephant watching, bird watching or general wildlife viewing. Although wildlife watching is as much a recreational activity as an educational activity, visitor requirements are often not met at national parks. In the present study, under different prices, facilities and services, four tour packages were presented to the visitors as choice sets at Udawalawe National Park (UNP) in Sri Lanka. Four hundred visitor groups were surveyed at the ticket-issuing office located at the entrance to the UNP within a 06 months’ period covering week days, weekends, holidays and school vacations. A choice experiment was conducted and ‘different willingness to pay (WTP) values were estimated for the safari tours. In addition, the WTP values for the visitor facilities and services presented to visitors were estimated. There was a significant difference in demand for the attributes found in tour packages. The majority were willing to pay more for the attributes of distance to be travelled and the availability of a professional guide in the safari vehicle. There was less demand for the facility of ‘open hood’ and one stop relaxation service in the tour package. The findings of the study will be helpful to park managers in proposing a price structure for safari tours and in providing a proper service to visitors at the UNP.
A Glance into the Life of Street Vendors in Sri Lanka: An Overview
Authors: Karunaratna A. C. , Tjandra Nathalia C.
Published: August 2021

Street vendors play a vital role in the contemporary business context. However, considerable attention has not been paid to street vendors, and only a handful of studies have been conducted to evaluate the behaviour of street vendors. This study was conducted to analyze the key attributes of street vending in the context of Sri Lanka and the background of street vendors. The triangulation approach, involving qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, was adopted to conduct the study. Accordingly, qualitative tools such as in-depth interviews, observations and disguised customers were used in addition to the survey conducted. The background of street vendors was evaluated in terms of personal & family, educational, social & cultural and economic aspects based on the data gathered from street vendors. Moreover, a few specific features were recognized in the context of street vending in Sri Lanka. As a major outcome of the study, a classification of street vendors was presented based on their behaviour, intention, functions and demographic variables.
CXCL20a, a Teleost-Specific Chemokine That Orchestrates Direct Bactericidal, Chemotactic, and Phagocytosis-Killing–Promoting Functions, Contributes to Clearance of Bacterial Infections
Authors: Zhang Yanqi , Xiao Xun , Hu Yazhen , Liao Zhiwei , Zhu Wentao , Jiang Rui , Yang Chunrong , Zhang Yongan , Su Jianguo
Published: August 2021

The major role of chemokines is to act as a chemoattractant to guide the migration of immune cells to the infectious sites. In the current study, we found that CiCXCL20a, a teleost-specific chemokine from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), demonstrates broad-spectrum, potent, direct bactericidal activity and immunomodulatory functions to bacterial infections, apart from the chemotaxis. CiCXCL20a kills bacteria by binding, mainly targeting acid lipids, perforating bacterial membrane, resulting in bacterial cytoplasm leakage and death. CiCXCL20a aggregates and neutralizes LPS, agglutinates Gram-negative bacteria, and binds to peptidoglycan and Gram-positive bacteria, but not agglutinate them. All the complexes may be phagocytized and cleared away. CiCXCL20a chemoattracts leukocytes, facilitates phagocytosis of myeloid leukocytes, not lymphoid leukocytes, and enhances the bacteria-killing ability in leukocytes. We further identified its receptor CiCXCR3.1b1. Furthermore, we investigated the physiological roles of CiCXCL20a against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in vivo. The recombinant CiCXCL20a increases the survival rate and decreases the tissue bacterial loads, edema, and lesions. Then, we verified this function by purified CiCXCL20a Ab blockade, and the survival rate decreases, and the tissue bacterial burdens increase. In addition, zebrafish (Danio rerio) DrCXCL20, an ortholog of CiCXCL20a, was employed to verify the bactericidal function and mechanism. The results indicated that DrCXCL20 also possesses wide-spectrum, direct bactericidal activity through membrane rupture mechanism. The present study, to our knowledge, provides the first evidence that early vertebrate chemokine prevents from bacterial infections by direct bactericidal and phagocytosis-killing–promoting manners. The results also demonstrate the close functional relationship between chemokines and antimicrobial peptides.
Esoteric power, useless, useful: considerations about dreams in cognitive-behavioural therapy
Authors: Carcione Antonino , Santonastaso Marta , Sferruzza Francesca , Riccardi Ilaria
Published: August 2021

For a long time dreamwork in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) was considered useless and as a technique specific to psychodynamic approaches, consequently overlooked in the treatment course. In the last twenty years, thanks to the contribution of neuroscience studies on sleep and dreams, dreams joined the attention and interest of authors belonging to the CBT field. The central feature of dreamwork in CBT is the abandonment of the exploration of latent meaning, which is instead considered in continuity with the waking life. Dreams reflect a patient’s view of self, world, and future, and are subject to the same cognitive biases as the waking state. Consequently, the dreamwork can be used to get information about the patient, overcome impasses in therapy, restructure self and interpersonal schemas, and stimulate reflective functioning. Therefore, guidelines have been defined and models of well-articulated intervention in terms of process and content, replicable and teachable through specific training structured. This paper aims to provide an overview of theories regarding the use of dreams in CBT, from a clinical perspective, from Beck to more recent proposals.
Immunohistochemical Study of Adhesion Molecules in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Mitselou Antigony , Grammeniatis Vasileios , Varouktsi Anna , Papadatos Stamatis S. , Klaroudas Antonios , Katsanos Konstantinos , Galani Vasiliki
Published: August 2021

Background:

The surface of endothelial cells is covered with cell adhesion molecules including E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) that mediate the adhesion and extravasation of leukocytes and play a pivotal role in inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of expression of adhesion molecules in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients, and normal colonic mucosa.

Materials and Methods:

IBS and IBD patients along with normal colonic mucosa were recruited in the study. In all groups, two biopsies were taken from each of the three anatomical sites (terminal ileum, cecum, and rectum). Three monoclonal antibodies, E-selectin mAb, VCAM-1 mAb, and ICAM-1 mAb, were applied for immunohistochemical analysis.

Results:

In IBD patients, the expression of intensity of E-selectin, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 was found decreased, at least in cecum and rectum, in comparison with IBS patients and controls (P < 0.001, P < 0.005, and P < 0.007, respectively). Comparison of the expression of intensity of the aforementioned molecules in IBS patients and controls revealed significant augmentation at the cecum and rectum of IBS patients.

Conclusions:

The expression of adhesion molecules appeared lower in IBD patients compared to IBS patients and controls. In addition, the expression of adhesion molecules appeared higher in IBS compared to the control group. Therefore, it could be hypothesized that the expression of adhesion molecules could be considered as an early event in the process of proinflammatory IBS group and may be other factors play a crucial role in the process of intestinal inflammation in IBD patients.
Effect of Single Preoperative Dose of Duloxetine on Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Total Abdominal Hysterectomy under Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Rajamohan Sharmila , Chikkapillappa Manjunath Abloodu , Rath Prapti , Pujari Vinayak Seenappa , Anandaswamy Tejesh C. , Rajappa Geetha C.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Women undergoing hysterectomy present a unique set of challenges to the anesthesiologist in terms of postoperative pain management. This study was conducted to see the effect of single-dose perioperative duloxetine 60 mg on postoperative analgesia following abdominal hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective randomized placebo-controlled study was conducted on 64 patients scheduled to undergo elective abdominal hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia. The patients were divided into two groups of 32 in each, Group D received duloxetine 60 mg 2 h preoperatively and Group P received placebo 2 h preoperatively. Postoperatively, the patients were evaluated by an independent observer for pain on rest and during cough at 0 (arrival at postanesthesia care unit), 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h. In addition, the postoperative analgesic requirements and adverse effects were noted.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Independent t-test/Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare the pain score between two groups.

Results:

The demographic data were comparable between both the groups. The mean Visual Analogue Scale scores assessed postoperatively at rest and during cough which were not statistically significant between the two groups. The rescue analgesic consumption in Group D (0.97 ± 0.86) and Group P (1.25 ± 0.76) was comparable and statistically not significant. The total analgesic requirement between duloxetine (4.94 ± 0.84) and placebo (1.25 ± 0.76) group was comparable and statistically not significant. The incidence of nausea vomiting and somnolence was higher in Group D.

Conclusion:

We conclude that patients receiving a single dose of 60 mg duloxetine as premedication before hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia are no better than placebo on postoperative pain during the first 24 h.
Anesthesia for a Child with Congenital Long QT Syndrome, a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yaman Ferda , Baydogan Nurdan , Bilir Ayten , Incesulu Armagan
Published: August 2021

Long QT syndrome is an inherited disorder of the heart's electrical activity that may also be associated with malignant arrhythmia and cause sudden death. In addition to this inherited condition, several commonly used anesthetic drugs can prolong the QT interval. We present here a 17-month-old male patient who underwent general anesthesia for a cochlear implant. No cardiac arrhythmia was observed in the patient, whose muscle relaxant effect was reversed using sugammadex. The application of intravenous anesthetics was preferred to maintain anesthesia for this patient and was safely applied.
Prospective Comparative Evaluation of Noninvasive and Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in Patients of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Acute Respiratory Failure Type II
Authors: Sohal Amartej Singh , Anand Asha , Kaur Prabhjot , Kaur Harpreet , Attri Joginder Pal
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Acute respiratory failure is a potential complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that severely affects the health of the patient and may require mechanical ventilation. We compared noninvasive and invasive mechanical ventilation in COPD patients with acute respiratory failure type II to validate clinical outcome based on biochemical analysis of arterial blood gases (ABGs) and pulmonary parameters in terms of duration of mechanical ventilation, period spent in intensive care unit (ICU) and mortality.

Materials and Methods:

After approval of institutional ethical committee 100 patients were selected for randomized prospective controlled trial and divided into two groups of 50 each according to mode of mechanical ventilation. Group-I patients managed with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) Group-ll managed with invasive ventilation.

Results:

Demographic data between two groups were comparable. ABG parameters were better at 2 h and 6 h interval in NIV as compared to invasive ventilation (P < 0.05). The duration of ventilation and total time spent in ICU was 106±10 hours and 168±8 hours respectively in NIV group and 218 ± 12 and 280 ± 20 in invasive group. On intergroup comparison these were significantly less in noninvasive group (P < 0.05). Hospital acquired pneumonia occurred in 10% of patients in invasive group whereas no incidence of pneumonia found in noninvasive group. Mortality rate was 12% in invasive groups and 2% in noninvasive groups.

Conclusion:

NIV leads to significant improvement in ABG and pulmonary parameters and it reduces duration of ventilation and total period of hospital stay so it can be used as an alternative to invasive ventilation as first-line treatment in COPD.
Comparison of Intrathecal Fentanyl and Buprenorphine as an Adjuvant to 0.5% Hyperbaric Bupivacaine for Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Dhawale Tanvi A. , Sivashankar K. R.
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

This study was designed to evaluate and compare three groups, that is, (1) normal saline 0.5 mL with 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine normal (BN), (2) intrathecal fentanyl 25 μg (0.5 mL) as an adjuvant to 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine fentanyl (BF), and (3), 150 μg buprenorphine with 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine buprenorphine (BB) with respect to the onset and duration of sensory and motor spinal block, level of anesthesia, effects on hemodynamic parameters, requirement of postoperative analgesia, and side effects in patients aged 16–60 years undergoing surgical and orthopedic procedures requiring spinal anesthesia.

Methods:

A prospective, observational study was performed at a single center with 90 consecutive patients enrolled as per the inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into three groups of 30 each based on drugs administered, BN, BF, and BB groups, and outcome measures were recorded. The three groups were compared with the analysis of variance test for the continuous variables, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results:

The groups were similarly matched with respect to age. The earliest onset of sensory block was in the BF group (2.87 min), P < 0.05. Similarly, the mean time to achieve the highest sensory level was least in the BF group (9.63 min), P < 0.05. The onset of motor blockade was earliest in the BB group (7.65 min), P < 0.05. The mean time for two segment regression was maximum in the BB group (126.03 min), P < 0.05. The mean time for regression to L1 was the longest in the BB group (200.83 min), P < 0.05. Maximum duration of analgesia after spinal drug administration was the highest in the BB group (412.17 min), P < 0.05.

Conclusion:

The addition of both buprenorphine 150 μg and fentanyl 25 μg to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 15 mg enhances the quality and duration of sensory block for spinal anesthesia providing better postoperative analgesia, while decreasing the incidence of complications associated with each drug alone.
Effect of Gelfoam Soaked Epidural Dexmedetomidine or Bupivacaine for Postoperative Analgesia in Lumbar Laminectomy
Authors: Prakash Ajay , Giri Manoj Kumar , Kumar Suraj , Pandey Chandra Kant , Malviya Deepak , Mishra Smarika
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims:

Postoperative pain is spine surgery can last for an average of two to three days. Epidural catheter management are difficult in spine surgery for postoperative pain. Still, there have been not much studies on epidural administered gelfoam soaked dexmedetomidine or bupivacaine, to enhance postoperative analgesia.

Methods:

Ninety six adult patients were randomized into three groups. Gelfoam soaked in 0.1 mg dexmedetomidine (0.02 mg. mL-1) in group D, 0.25% isobaric bupivacaine (5 mL) in group B and gelfoam soaked in 0.9% normal saline (5 mL) in group C. The Primary outcome was to compare the total amount of rescue analgesic consumption till 48 hours. The Secondary outcome was to compare time to first dose of rescue analgesia (duration of analgesia), the visual analogue scale and side effects up to 48 hours. Chi-square test, independent t test and analysis of variance test were used, and P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Ninety patients completed the study. Total dose of rescue analgesic consumed in 48 hours was significantly higher in control group (paracetamol 4.17 ± 0.75 gm with tramadol 205 ± 37.94 mg). Bupivacaine soaked gelfoam group (paracetamol 3.04±0.71 gm with tramadol 151.85 ± 35.31 mg) had more rescue analgesic consumption than dexmedetomidine soaked gelfoam group (paracetamol 1.72 ± 0.57 gm with tramadol 86.11 ± 28.73 mg). Time for first rescue analgesic requirement with dexmedetomidine soaked gelfoam group was significantly longer (14.67 ± 7.76 hours) than in bupivacaine soaked gelfoam group (11.33 ± 6.08 hours) and control group (6.40 ± 2.77 hours). Postoperative mean VAS scores were lower in group D and group B compared with group C along with no significant adverse effects.

Conclusion:

Patients undergoing lumbar laminectomy with gelfoam soaked epidural dexmedetomidine or bupivacaine decreases rescue analgesic consumption, prolongs the duration of analgesia and decreases mean VAS score postoperatively.