bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sentence topics in Italian: An analysis on the CHROME Corpus
Authors: Alfano Iolanda , Cataldo Violetta , Orrico Riccardo , Schettino Loredana
Published: November 2022

The present study deals with the phonetic description of sentence topics in Italian tourist guides’ speech. Topical coherence characterizes the communicative strategies that human experts adopt when delivering contents to the visitors of cultural sites. Topical progression, which ensures temporal, spatial, and referential continuity, is frequently expressed by sentence topics as well.
The relevant literature generally supports the idea of a topic accent and a rising-falling (or “hat”) contour is described as the most frequent for the unmarked topic in Italian utterance structures, but other realizations are also possible. The hypothesis that we want to test in this work is whether this variability is due to specific factors. Hence, we investigate phonetic realization of sentence topics as a function of syntactic features -structure, function and weight- and textual-pragmatic features -discourse role considering ±aboutness, ±contrastiveness, ±givenness-. Specifically, tonal events, i.e., accents and boundaries, phonetic phrasing, and disfluency phenomena were investigated. Results show that both syntactic and pragmatic factors play a role in the phonetic realization of topics, though they act at different levels. In particular, disfluencies are found to be affected by syntactic weight and givenness, while tonal events seem to depend mainly on the discourse role.
Sex, acoustic space and vowel centralization in Bogota Spanish
Authors: Correa Alejandro
Published: November 2022

The present study analyses sex-specific differences in acoustic vowel space area (VSA), formant centralization ratio (FCR) and vowel dispersion in Bogota Spanish. In addition, we explore the relationship between speaking fundamental frequency (f0), an acoustic parameter that conveys speaker sex information, and VSA.
Results suggest that, in line with previous research, females have a larger VSA than males. However, some speakers produce vowels that show the opposite pattern to the gender stereotype. Formant centralization and vowel dispersion are related to individual phonetic differences and vowel type respectively. Finally, results show that speakers with a higher average f0 also have larger vowel spaces.
Psicoterapia Breve On-line e o Cuidado em Saúde Mental na Universidade
Authors: Rossato Lucas , Coelho de Souza Deise , Paiva Carvalho Patrícia , Fukumasu da Cunha Vivian , Scorsolini-Comin Fabio
Published: November 2022

O objetivo deste estudo foi refletir sobre as dificuldades e as possibilidades da psicoterapia on-line oferecida a estudantes universitários durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Trata-se de um estudo de caso exploratório relatado a partir de duas pacientes/clientes atendidas em um serviço de apoio psicológico existente em uma Universidade pública do Estado de São Paulo e que desenvolve ações de acolhimento estudantil. Os atendimentos na abordagem cognitivo-comportamental ocorreram de maneira remota ao longo de 2020 e início de 2021 junto a estudantes de um curso da área da saúde. Identificou-se que o atendimento psicoterápico breve nessa modalidade possibilitou acesso a recursos de acolhimento e enfrentamento em um momento de fragilidade por meio do desenvolvimento da autorregulação emocional, autoconhecimento e melhora na gestão de conflitos interpessoais e de sintomas de ansiedade motivados, sobretudo, pelo contexto de incerteza e de suspensão de aulas presenciais, estágios e atividades práticas. Os desafios trazidos para a psicoterapia relacionaram-se à impossibilidade do contato presencial entre terapeuta e paciente, a falhas na tecnologia de comunicação durante as sessões, dificuldade de controle do setting e, consequentemente, de manutenção do sigilo. Endereçamentos nos campos da psicoterapia e do acolhimento estudantil foram apresentados a partir dos casos atendidos.
Issues, Challenges, and Progress of Autonomous Robotic Platoons
Authors: Gunagwera Alex , Zengin Aydin Tarik
Published: November 2022

The number of vehicles on the roads worldwide grows annually. With the increase in the population of on-road vehicles comes the increase in traffic-related problems such as emissions, traffic accidents, traffic jams, and increased fuel consumption, to mention but a few. The field of robotics presents the autonomous robotic platooning concept, which presents a very promising future for the transportation industry in general and intelligent transportation industry, in particular. With autonomous platooning, efficient road usage, reduced fuel consumption and emission are possible. This promising field, however, faces issues and challenges barring the deployment of autonomous platoons. In this chapter, the authors introduce the user to the concept of autonomous platooning, present the current state-of-the-art of autonomous robotic platoons and issues that they still face, and ultimately, discuss their progress and future trends.
Applications of Robotics in Gynecological Surgery
Authors: Comparetto Ciro , Borruto Franco
Published: November 2022

Robotic-assisted surgery is a branch of engineering that develops robotic machines that allow the operator to perform surgery by maneuvering, from a distance, a robot that is not completely autonomous but capable of performing controlled maneuvers. It is a technique that has recently come into use, even in selected centers, and represents a further step in the field of minimally invasive surgery (MIS). It has basically the same indications, but, at the moment, it is reserved for selected patients. Compared to traditional video-assisted surgery, it has some important differences. The surgeon is physically distant from the operating field and sits at a console, equipped with a monitor, from which, through a complex system, he controls the movement of the robotic arms. To these are fixed the various surgical tools—forceps, scissors, dissectors—which a team present at the operating table introduces into the cavity where the surgery is performed.
Significance of Brand Image on SME Survival in Digital Competition
Authors: Güven Esra
Published: November 2022

With the digitalization of the world and the spread of social media, competition conditions are also changing, and SMEs must keep up with this rapid transformation. SMEs that use these digital platforms correctly and reflect their brand images properly will achieve their goals at a minimal cost. This chapter aims to give required descriptions and explanations about the significance of the brand image of an SME as well as the things to do to build a brand image in a sequence from the widespread content to the digital environments. Brand, image, and brand image concepts have been explained, respectively. The related topic has also elaborated on the kinds of brand image. Social media and its effect on brand image and the things to do to build a brand image in digital environments have been discussed in detail in the chapter. There are also some brand image development activity examples from successful SMEs worldwide.
The Relevance of Supply Chain Preparedness on the Long-Term Sustainability of SMEs
Authors: Asortse Sefa , Denga Edna Mngusughun
Published: November 2022

The variety of risks and the frequency with which they can disrupt a supply chain are now vastly wider than ever, rendering heightened volatility the emerging norm for contemporary supply chains. Thus, resilience has grown in importance as a component of supply chain management. It is suggested that firms increase risk prevention and response strategies to inject resilience into supply chains. SMEs require resilient supply chains to anticipate potential changes, react to actual changes, and deliver superior value. By creating strategies that enable the supply chain to recover normal operations after a disruption, building supply chain resilience can assist in lessening and overcoming vulnerabilities to risks. The chapter aims to provide a detailed insight into the impact of one critical dimension of supply chain resilience, supply chain preparedness, which is aimed at boosting SME sustainability.
Digital Marketing and the Sustainable Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Denga Edna Mngusughun , Rakshit Sandip
Published: November 2022

Contemporary marketing innovation embraces digital platforms, and irrespective of where SMEs operate, they are confronted with highly volatile, competitive, and dynamic market conditions. Research shows businesses cannot become profitable and competitive without implementing appropriate digital marketing strategies. By utilizing digital tools, SMEs can identify, engage, market, and successfully sustain consumer relationships. Therefore, the chapter analyzes literature to identify the various digital marketing strategies SMEs can adopt, the benefits they stand to gain, and the potential direct and indirect effects on SME performance.
The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Southeast Asia
Authors: Mongkol Kulachet
Published: November 2022

Thailand's robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) skills are increasing quickly as a result of its relevance to global supply chains and the improvements pushed by the coronavirus outbreak and global megatrends. The Thai government has incorporated AI into its National Development Plan, and the Thailand 4.0 national policy pays a lot of attention to AI, robotics, and digital industries. Since AI has a significant influence on digital transactions and Thailand's economic growth, the Thai government must foresee future advancements, particularly in the AI industry, in order to respond effectively to the volatile and uncertain future. Therefore, the technique of strategic foresight was employed to analyze the future of AI in Thailand. At the end of the chapter, a policy recommendation for how Thailand should deal with the future of AI is also made.
The Trading Robot Regulatory Naratives
Authors: Hamjen Hilarion , Rumata Vience Mutiara , Damanik Marudur Padapotan
Published: November 2022

Digital finance trading is a thriving market in Indonesia as an emerging country with enormous digital economy potency in the world. The increasing number of transactions in this market yields inevitable risks such as illegal trading, ponzi scheme, or binary option that may harm Indonesian investors as well as developers. Amid its huge potential in the future, this AI-based finance “trading robot” brings regulatory challenges since it may expose a gray area of the regulation. Study on this matter is limited. Therefore, this chapter introduces trading robot regulation in Indonesia based on narrative policy analysis approach through literature reviews, which highlights three domains of discussions: 1) the provider legality; 2) the technology specifications, and 3) the developer criteria.
Augmented Reality-Based 3D Human Hands Tracking From Monocular True Images Using Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Saif A. F. M. Saifuddin , Mahayuddin Zainal Rasyid
Published: November 2022

Precise modeling of hand tracking from monocular camera calibration parameters using semantic cues is an active area of research for the researchers due to lack of accuracy and computational overheads. In this context, deep learning-based framework (i.e., convolutional neural network-based human hands tracking in the current camera frame) has become an active research problem. In addition, tracking based on monocular camera needs to be addressed due to updated technology such as Unity3D engine and other related augmented reality plugins. This research aims to track human hands in continuous frame by using the tracked points to draw 3D model of the hands as an overlay. In the proposed methodology, Unity3D environment was used for localizing hand object in augmented reality (AR). Later, convolutional neural network was used to detect hand palm and hand keypoints based on cropped region of interest (ROI). The proposed method achieved accuracy rate of 99.2% where single monocular true images were used for tracking. Experimental validation shows the efficiency of the proposed methodology.
An Introduction to Principal Component Analysis and Its Applications
Authors: Chaudhari Vaibhav , Dumka Ankur
Published: November 2022

Huge datasets are progressively normal and are frequently hard to decipher. Principle component analysis (PCA) is used for reducing dimensions of huge datasets and thus used in expanding interpretability by minimizing information loss. This is achieved by making uncorrelated variables that successively maximize variance. PCA finds eigen values/eigen vectors, and the new factors are characterized by the current dataset, and thus making PCA a versatile data analysis technique. This chapter will focus on explaining the working of PCA with various mathematical proofs and derivations along with discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of it. This chapter lucidly explains the working of PCA in detail along with the various mathematical proofs and derivations.
A Philosophical Discussion of Sustainable Development
Authors: Roy Parimal Kumar , Wahab Haris Abd , Hamidi Mashitah
Published: November 2022

This chapter aims to present a logical discussion on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how they are being treated as incorrect concepts in the academic world and the ethnic community. The Santal is one of the examples from Bangladesh. Methodologically, this chapter follows the 'capability approach' by Amartya Sen to understand the changing trend in the Santal community of Bangladesh. The discussion shows that despite being a global phenomenon, sustainable development is not an ideal coupling phrase to combat global issues because it falls into the global trap within. Based on secondary data from the literature and the first author's reflections, the study of versatile literature has been noted in this chapter.
Implications of Using Mobile Technologies in Higher Education Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nghuulondo Patrick , Goosen Leila
Published: November 2022

The purpose and objectives of this case study are to explore the effective use of mobile technologies by first year students amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, using a situational analysis and active theory. Moreover, this study will unveil intersectional problems and educational inequality among ‘digital natives' and ‘digital immigrants' at the Rundu campus of the University of Namibia (UNAM). The study aims at examining how the interventions of distance and/or online learning are exclusive, exposing many, especially first year, students to educational inequality. Finally, the implications of sustainable development in higher education in terms of teaching, learning, and assessment will be considered.
Learning Styles and Enhancing Learner Engagement in Online Platform Strategies for Sustainable Development in Higher Education
Authors: C. Therasa
Published: November 2022

Online learning replacing face-to-face interactions is a preferred medium now and gained popularity especially after pandemic. The success in online learning would depend upon different learning styles, and it is highly necessary to understand the strategies to handle Gen Z for developing learner engagement. The purpose of this paper is to throw light on the inter-relationships between different learning styles and learner engagement and also to understand the characteristics of Gen Z and the strategies used to create engagement with Gen Z. The suggestions from this chapter insist that the different learning style require different pedagogies to create engagement among learners. The sociability skills and care about sustainability are incredibly more for Gen Z than previous generations, and hence, the learning environment can be carefully structured using these strategies, which brings in sustainable development.
Ensuring Quality Education to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh
Authors: Hosen Shamim , Islam Md. Shafiul
Published: November 2022

Bangladesh's development paradigm would change visibly once the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are implemented by 2030. Quality tertiary education can act as a catalyst for the country's economic and social development, enabling it to realize its full potential. By 2030, the entire national system will have undergone gradual modification to accommodate the “Development Junction.” Therefore, the main goal of this research is to identify the institutional and procedural barriers to ensuring quality tertiary education to fulfil the Sustainable Development Goals. Multiple primary data gathering techniques have been used in this study's mixed (qualitative and quantitative) approach. Again, in this study, both thematic and descriptive analyses were used. Finally, based on the findings, several recommendations have been put together for policy formation to ensure quality tertiary education in order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
Microfinance and Women Empowerment: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Sinha Madhabendra , Mahapatra Sudhansu Sekhar , Dutta Abhijit , Sengupta Partha Pratim
Published: November 2022

The present chapter empirically examines the role of microfinance access on women empowerment by using primary data on women borrowers from different microfinance institutions in Nadia and Murshidabad districts of West Bengal in India. Microfinance institutions play an important role in strategies related to gender and development due to their active relationships with women empowerment and poverty alleviation. The various programmes under microfinance like self-help groups (SHGs) are promoted and inspired for their significant economic impacts on empowerment of women. We investigate the impact of microfinance access on three dimensions of women empowerment, which make influence upon decision making on the issues of credit, expenditure and children. We conduct a primary survey on about eight hundred respondents of women borrowers from different microfinance institutions and apply multivariate probit estimation. Our findings imply that the greater access to microfinance credit negatively impacts on economic empowerment i.e. decisions on credit and expenditure related issues.
Empowerment of Women Through Microfinance
Authors: Patilkale Prity Purushottam , Haque Shabana , T. Sathya
Published: November 2022

One of the most popular goals of most of the development programs and especially of microfinance programs is empowerment of women. Empowerment is closely related to the concept of power, which can be understood in terms of “power to,” “power within,” “power with,” and “power over.” Empowerment can be judged at various levels such as at individual level, family level, and collective level. Microfinance has become an important component of development, poverty reduction, and economic regeneration strategy around the world. By the early 21st century, tens of millions of people in more than 100 countries were accessing services from formal and semi-formal microfinance institutions (MFIs).
Conceptual Framework for Enhancing the Implementation of Specific Microfinance Policies in Sub-Sahara Africa
Authors: Quao Kwami Hope
Published: November 2022

Deficient policy formulation processes and inadequate monitoring and supervision remain factors impeding the growth of microfinance in sub-Saharan Africa. This article explores issues mitigating policy implementation for microfinance institutions to propose a framework that will integrate stakeholders in the microfinance sector for effective financial policy implementation and promotion of microfinance performance and growth. The article proposes financial monitoring policy ownership structure and argues for the creation of an independent national microfinance supervisory authority as an alternative to ensuring effective implementation of microfinance policies in Ghana. This framework, the authors argue, will enhance stakeholder engagement in police formulation and create the necessary implementation environment, with adequate information, in which policy implementation for microfinance will flourish.
Employing Islamic Microfinance in Addressing Poverty Challenges in Brunei
Authors: Kakembo Ssemambo Hussein , Ahmad Abu Umar Faruq
Published: November 2022

Countries within the Asian region are continuously struggling to improve the living standards of their citizens. Some of them are still facing a plethora of challenges due to the ever-increasing levels of both relative and absolute poverty. This is especially among the poorest of the poor who have no access to the mainstream financial services. The conventional microfinance institutions have been greatly criticised for their dubious acts of charging exorbitant interests. Islamic microfinance has therefore, been seen as one of the viable alternatives to meeting the challenges of poverty and as an opportunity in the livelihoods of the people in the Asian region. This article analyses the magnitude at which Islamic microfinance can play a fundamental role in alleviating insignificant poverty levels in Brunei Darussalam through using a proposed Mudarabah financing model.
Reflections on Microfinance
Authors: Mukherjee Sovik , Das Ramesh Chandra
Published: November 2022

Microfinance has become the latest buzzword in the credit markets where it shoulders the responsibility of alleviating poverty coupled with socio-economic development. Dealing with microfinance coupled with the issue of poverty reduction, the first concern is to handle the twin objectives of poverty alleviation and achievement of financial self-sufficiency, which are often at loggerheads. To begin with, the present chapter constructs a five-dimensional human poverty index (HPI) in terms of the rate of unemployment, state wise illiteracy rate, state-wise infant mortality rate, state-wise percentage of population below the poverty line, and the percentage of population not having an access to electricity for the states across India. Thus, this will serve as an index for the extent of poverty. Consequently, a fall in the value of the index actually implies poverty alleviation. This empirical model does not justify the hypothesis that “microfinance reduces poverty” at the macro level using cross-state panel data for India.
Role of Microfinance Banks in Provision of Credit for Poverty Reduction in Pakistan
Authors: Raiysat Kamran , Younas Humaira
Published: November 2022

Microfinance banks started their operations in Pakistan in 2000 and have been working over the years. This chapter mainly considers microfinance bank growth in the provision of credit for poverty reduction. Six hypotheses are developed to address the main issues under investigation in this study. Secondary data is used to calculate compound annual growth rate for the period 2011–2015. Results showed growth in microfinance banks (total assets and branch network) and provision of loans/credit (customers, gross advances, net advances and advance per customer). For better returns on investment and economic development, further investment is suggested in the same sector.
Impact of Financial Inclusion on Poverty Through Islamic Microfinance in Mauritania
Authors: Mokhtar Maouloud Vatimetou , Kassim Salina , Othman Anwar Hasan Abdullah
Published: November 2022

Poverty is a severe problem, particularly in third world countries. Since reducing poverty is the first goal of Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, it is the concern of numerous organizations and governments. This chapter is a conceptual paper that discusses the effectiveness of microfinance in eradicating poverty. The main purpose of this chapter is to present the current situation of poverty in Mauritania and the prospect to alleviate it through Islamic microfinance and financial inclusion. It also attempts to propose new suggestions for the Mauritanian government to alleviate poverty and increase people's wellbeing. It has been concluded that Islamic microfinance can reduce poverty in Mauritania. Thus, this research recommends policymakers and managers of Islamic microfinance to enhance the outreach of microfinance institutions to reach a large segment of vulnerable people. This study is among the pioneers in the field of Islamic microfinance in Mauritania, so it fills up this gap in the literature and adds new theoretical discussion to the topic worldwide.
Ag Nanostructure Morphologies and Physicochemical Properties Dictated by the Polyols Used in the Synthesis
Authors: Sharif Sadia , Ahmad Zahoor , Hoskins Clare , Choudhary Muhammad Aziz , Mehmood Arshad
Published: November 2022

: The mixing of ethylene glycol (EG) with diethylene glycol (DEG) has been studied to analyse the effect of viscosity rise of solvent on the Ag nanostructures and their morphologies. The rise of viscosity has been adjusted by increasing the molar ratio of DEG to EG under optimized conditions of temperature and capping agent- polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). It has been seen that increasing the proportion of DEG resulted increasing the viscosity of solution and thus decreased the diameter of nanowires. The production of quantum nanowires has further become possible during reaction. The synthesized material was characterized using UV−Vis spectroscopy, SEM, EDX, XRD, PL and DSC. Surface Plasmon resonance and luminescence was determined using UV−Vis spectroscopy and PL spectroscopy. The data showed that Ag nanowires have a strong absorption band at 356 nm and 401 nm which can be attributed to the transverse and longitudinal surface Plasmon resonance. The XRD results indicated that the prepared product is made of pure Ag with face centred cubic structure, and the DSC analysis demonstrated the presence of amorphous domain within metal nanostructures. Finally, temperature fluctuations have caused the formation of nanoparticle of different shapes and sizes which bears the synthetic mechanistic insights. Our research work supplies new evidence to illustrate the actual growth mechanism and kinetics of silver nanowires. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of solvent in polyol synthesis of silver nanowires (Ag NWs) on the nanostructures diameter and morphologies
Synthesis and Antioxidant Investigation of Ag2S Nanoparticles Obtained from Silver(I) Complex of N-Methyl-N-Phenyl- Dithiocarbamate
Authors: Ajiboye Timothy O. , Onwudiwe Damian C.
Published: November 2022

Monoclinic Ag2S nanoparticles have been synthesized via a thermal decomposition of Ag(I) complex of N-methyl-N-phenyl dithiocarbamate (as a single source precursor) in oleylamine at 180 °C. The complex was characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The decomposition profile was studied using thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) coupled to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the results obtained from these characterization techniques confirmed the formation of the silver dithiocarbamate complex. The Ag2S nanoparticles was characterized using X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible spectroscopy, and fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The XRD patterns of the silver sulphide nanoparticles confirmed acanthite phase, with the most prominent (-121) peak identified at 2θ value of 34.39o, while EDS analysis showed Ag:S ratio of 2:1, which agreed with the XRD result. FTIR spectrum revealed the presence of amine groups, thereby confirmed that the synthesized Ag2S was capped by oleylamine. Finally, the antioxidant activity of the Ag2S was determined by using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and it exhibited better antioxidant activities than silver nanoparticles.
Rhus longipes (Engl.) infusions improve glucose metabolism and mitigate oxidative biomarkers in ferrous sulfate-induced renal injury
Authors: Beseni Brian K. , Olofinsan Kolawole A. , Salau Veronica F. , Erukainure Ochuko L. , Islam Md. Shahidul
Published: November 2022

Objective:

To explore the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities ofRhus longipes (R. longipes)leaf and stem bark aqueous infusions.

Methods:

R. longipesleaf and stem bark infusions were characterizedviagas-chromatography mass-spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis.In vitroantioxidant and carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzyme inhibitory activities ofR. longipesinfusions were determined. Additionally, the modulatory effects ofR. longipesinfusions on intestinal glucose absorption, muscle glucose uptake, and biomarkers of renal oxidative injury were evaluated. Molecular docking was performed to determine the binding affinities of the identified compounds from the leaf and stem bark infusions on carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzymes.

Results:

GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several phytocompounds, including palmitoleic acid, octadecanamide, 24,25-dihydroxyvitaminDandL-ascorbic acid. The bark infusion had significantly higher total phenolic contents compared with the leaf infusion, with better DPPH scavenging [IC50: (10.50±1.03) ±g/mL] and ferric reducing [IC50: (9.85±0.32) ±g/mL] activities (P<0.05). BothR. longipesinfusions at their highest concentrations significantly increased glucose uptake in yeast suspension and rat psoas muscle with marked suppression of glucose absorption in the rat jejunum (P<0.05). With no cytotoxicity on Vero cells, the infusions lowered lipid peroxidation, increased cellular reduced glutathione concentration, and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in renal homogenate treated with FeSO4.

Conclusions:

R. longipesshows antioxidant and antidiabetic activities and could be a potential therapeutic candidate for diabetes.
Inhibition mechanisms of secretome proteins from Paenibacillus polymyxa Kp10 and Lactococcus lactis Gh1 against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus
Authors: Zainal Baharin Nurul Hana , Khairil Mokhtar Nur Fadhilah , Mohd Desa Mohd Nasir , Dzaraly Nurul Diana , Muthanna Abdul Rahman , Al-Obaidi Mazen M. Jamil , Yuswan Mohd Hafis , Abbasiliasi Sahar , Rahmad Norasfaliza , Wan Nur Ismah Wan Ahmad Kamil , Hashim Amalia Mohd , Mustafa Shuhaimi
Published: November 2022

Objective:

To determine the inhibition mechanisms of secretome protein extracted from Paenibacillus polymyxa Kp10 (Kp10) and Lactococcus lactis Gh1 (Gh1) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).

Methods:

The sensitivity and viability of MRSA and VRE treated with secretome proteins of Kp10 and Gh1 were determined using minimal inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and time-to-kill assays. The morphological changes were observed using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. To elucidate the antimicrobial mechanism of secretome protein of Kp10 and Gh1 against MRSA and VRE, 2D gel proteomic analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was run by comparing upregulated and downregulated proteins, and the proton motive force study including the efflux of ATP, pH gradient, and the membrane potential study were conducted.

Results:

MRSA and VRE were sensitive to Kp10 and Gh1 secretome protein extracts and displayed apparent morphological and internal composition changes. Several proteins associated with cellular component functions were either downregulated or upregulated in treated MRSA and VRE by changing the membrane potential gradient.

Conclusions:

Kp10 and Gh1 secretome proteins reduce the growth of VRE and MRSA by damaging the cell membrane. Cell division, cell wall biosynthesis, and protein synthesis are involved in the inhibition mechanism.
Collateral Circulation- Evolving from Time Window to Tissue Window
Authors: Sharma Archana , Agarwal Ayush , Vishnu Venugopalan Y. , Padma Srivastava M. V.
Published: November 2022

Cerebral collateral circulation refers to the auxiliary vascular structures which compensate cerebral blood flow when it has been compromised due to stenosis or occlusion of the principal supplying arteries. They play a vital role in sustaining blood flow to the ischemic areas in acute, subacute or chronic phases of ischemic stroke or TIA. Good collateral circulation has shown protective effects towards a favorable functional outcome and a lower risk of recurrence of stroke. The benchmark mechanical thrombectomy trials utilized these collateral scoring methods to guide patient selection and prognosticate favorable outcome models. This shows a promising future of the collateral circulation for extending the time frame of the reperfusion therapies by optimally guiding patient selection and moving from a “time window” to a “tissue window.”
Efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Tension-Type Headache and Migraine
Authors: Saloni Gupta , Deepak Goel , Preeti Mishra , Shobit Garg , Tushar Singhal
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

Headache is one of the most common conditions troubling nearly 68% of the world's population. Tension-type headache (TTH) & migraine are the most common forms of classical headaches, which is nowadays mostly neglected, associated with frequent, severe pain and significant functional impairment. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), is a non-invasive, painless brain stimulation treatment that uses direct electrical currents to stimulate specific parts of the brain. Various studies demonstrated tDCS as a valued device to treat neuropsychiatric conditions such as chronic headache & associated anxiodepressive condition.

Objective:

The aim of this the current review was to evaluate the effectiveness of tDCS in the management of TTH and Migraine. Results generated from various studies for the effectiveness of tDCS in TTH & Migraine.

Methods:

We programmed our search strategy, to identify studies pertaining to use of tDCS and pain management in TTH & migraine, within the Database of the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, & various author manuscripts in PMC, MEDLINE, EMBASE, NLM, PsycINFO, Other indexed citations from inception to December 2021 and potentially relevant studies.

Outcomes:

The outcomes of interest include: Effective pain management, in terms of headache intensity, frequency, its episodes, associated depression, anxiety, in target population prioritised by the individual reviews. The evidences were mapped and synthesised with appropriate health problem, patient subgroups, intervention type, context and outcome.

Conclusions:

We found a significant reduction of pain intensity in patients receiving tDCS treatment, also the pain intensity and duration were significantly improved from baseline after tDCS treatment and during a follow-up period. There was a significant reduction of pain intensity by both anodal and cathodal stimulation conditions, with noteworthy decrease in episodic headaches equally by both 1mA and 2mA current intensities. The aforementioned works support the utility of tDCS in the pain management of TTH and migraine offering a hope for patients with this debilitating disease. However, the review shows promising results in the pain management by tDCS, but the included studies must be analysed critically since most of them were pilot studies, with some having adapted an open-label design.
Comparison of Efficacy of Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block Using Ropivacaine Versus Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine Versus Ropivacaine with Dexamethasone for Acute Pain Relief in Patients with Femoral Fractures
Authors: Arora Kishore Kumar , Pauranik Ritu , Mittal Minanshu
Published: November 2022

Context:

Landmark-guided fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) has been used in operation theater to facilitate patient position before administration of subarachnoid block, but its utilization is yet to be explored in the accident and emergency department for acute pain relief in patients with femoral fractures.

Aims:

The study aims to compare dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone as adjuvants to ropivacaine for FICB for onset and duration of analgesia.

Settings and Designs:

This was a prospective randomized controlled study performed in Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Indore.

Subjects and Methods:

Ninety patients with femoral factures were allocated into three groups, and each group received 15 ml of study drug; (i) ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine (RD) group (0.2% ropivacaine with 50 μg dexmedetomidine), (ii) ropivacaine with dexamethasone (RM) group (0.2% ropivacaine with 4 mg dexamethasone), and (iii) ropivacaine alone (RP) group (0.2% ropivacaine). Patients were assessed for onset, duration of analgesia, and need for rescue analgesic. Severity of pain was assessed using Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Comparison of means of three groups was done using One-Way ANOVA and pair-wise comparisons using post hoc Tukey's test.

Results:

The onset of analgesia was earlier in Group RD at 4.38 min followed by Group RM at 4.45 min and Group RP at 7.86 min, whereas the duration of analgesia was longer in Group RD at 725 min followed by Group RM at 594 min and Group RP at 275 min. NRS Score was comparable before application of FICB. After the block, the mean NRS score in Group RD was 3.83, in Group RM was 5.30, and in Group RP was 7.93.

Conclusions:

FICB is an effective alternative to intravenous opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for acute pain relief in patients with femoral fractures, and dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone can be used as adjuvants to ropivacaine as they both enhance quality of block.
A Rotator Cuff Injury Affecting the Prognosis of a Patient with Myofascial Pain
Authors: Naz Syeda Shaista , Sibha S. D.
Published: November 2022

Shoulder pathology occurs most commonly in food service workers, who repetitively perform motions of the upper limbs. About 85% of patients who visit pain clinics complain of nonarticular musculoskeletal impairments. Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the common, painful musculoskeletal disorders characterized by the presence of trigger points in muscles at discrete places. Here is a case presenting with symptoms of myofascial pain of the upper trapezius; on clinical examination, ultrasonographic findings were diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury delaying her recovery. This also highlights the importance of clinical examination of ipsilateral shoulder joint whenever the patient presents with myofascial pain involving upper back.
Effect of Adjunctive Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Cognitive Behavior Therapy on Headache Disability in Episodic Frequent or Chronic Tension-Type Headache
Authors: Gupta Saloni , Goel Deepak , Garg Shobit , Tikka Sai Krishna , Mishra Preeti , Tyagi Priya
Published: November 2022

Background:

Literature suggests that non-pharmacological treatments like non-invasive brain stimulation and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be used as augments in the management of Tension-Type Headache (TTH).

Aims and Objectives:

To assess the efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) compared to treatment as usual (TAU) on headache-related disability and the psychological impact of headache on life of patients suffering from TTH.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty right-handed TTH patients HDI (headache disability index) > 30 were randomly allocated to group A (tDCS + TAU), group B (CBT + TAU), and group C (TAU). While the primary outcome measure was headache related disability (Headache Disability Index(HDI)), somatic symptoms (Somatic Symptom Severity (SSS-8)), anxiety & depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Assessments were done at baseline, end of the third and sixth month.

Results:

We found a statistically significant reduction in HDI (F=12.419, p <0.001), SSS-8 (F=4.587, p=0.010), and HADS-anxiety (F=4.810, p=0.002). tDCS showed better efficacy than CBT, while these two were significantly better than TAU on HDI and SSS-8. On HADS-A also both tDCS and CBT were better than TAU, but showed no significant difference between them.

Conclusion:

Supplementing non-pharmacological techniques like tDCS and CBT will be effective in reducing headache-related disability and associated psychological symptoms.
The Myth and Half-Truths of Fetal Pain Decrypted
Authors: Goel Sargam , Choudhary Suman , Saxena Ashok Kumar , Sonkar Mayank
Published: November 2022

Fetal pain is one of the most controversial topics in medicine because of the disagreement between people whether the fetus can perceive pain or not and the absence of any direct objective method for the assessment of fetal pain. Although fetus is incapable of declaring pain, various studies have shown that the mere experience of pain without the aptitude of self-contemplation is worth paying attention to, and that the pain in fetus need not be comparable to that of a mature adult to matter. Furthermore, refusing to acknowledge fetal pain in late preterm fetuses would jeopardize the advances in neonatal care because it would question the use of analgesia in neonates of similar gestational age. This systematic review article examines the neuroanatomical and physiological evidence of nociception in the fetus and its implications, which compel the need for its alleviation. It looks into the adequacy of International Association for the Study of Pain definition of pain to define fetal pain. The article also provides a brief overview of the existing literature on whether safe analgesia and anesthesia techniques exist for abortions and therapeutic fetal procedures. We performed a literature search for English-language articles using the electronic database with keywords: controversy in fetal pain, fetal anaesthesia, fetal analgesia, fetal pain, fetus, neuroanatomy of fetal pain, neurophysiology of fetal pain, nociception, and recent advances in understanding of fetal pain
A Novel Approach to Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Fibromyalgia
Authors: Aragón-Benedi Cristian , Rocha-Romero Andrés , Fajardo-Perez Mario , Heredia-Coca Carmen
Published: November 2022

This manuscript aims to report the successful treatment of a patient with fibromyalgia using a novel approach to vagus nerve (VN) stimulation. The patient reported significant pain relief and improved performance after almost 3 months of follow-up. VN stimulation has been Food and Drug Administration approved for epilepsy and depression, but recent studies have shown its usefulness for pain management. Our novel approach is minimally-invasive compared to surgical techniques; it provides long-lasting analgesia within a single session and is cheaper than current methods. This technique should be evaluated in clinical trials to clarify the optimal parameters and treatment intervals.
Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices of Chronic Pain Among Uttarakhand Patients
Authors: Saini Kirtika Yadav , Gupta Namrata , Kumar Ajit
Published: November 2022

Background:

Chronic pain is a silent pandemic with a prevalence varying from 15% to 30% globally. Yet there is widespread ignorance among health professionals as well as society. We conducted this institution-based study among chronic pain patients with the aim to know their awareness and knowledge about chronic pain and pain physicians. The gist of this study can help us in future to bridge the gap and create mindfulness among the masses regarding chronic pain.

Materials and Methods:

Two hundred and seventy-three people with chronic pain were questioned about their knowledge and awareness of chronic pain through a questionnaire comprising eight questions.

Results:

Out of 273 participants, 84.62% took treatment for chronic pain. Yet only 2% consulted pain physicians. 62.64% and 73.63% had no idea about chronic pain being a disease in itself and pain physicians, respectively. All the illiterate participants were unaware of the presence of pain specialists and 89.47% of them were ignorant of the sound effects of physical activities in treating chronic pain conditions.

Conclusion:

The majority of the participants were not aware that chronic pain can be a disease in itself and that there are pain physicians who specialize in treating this condition. However, most of them had an idea about the beneficial effects of performing daily physical activities. Furthermore, the level of education had an impact with illiterates having the least insight about the participants. These lacunae can be improved by educating people, creating more awareness, and further encouraging pain services.
A Case Report on Botox for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – An Alternative to Surgery
Authors: Chandra Minal , Dara Sudheer , Varma Rachna
Published: November 2022

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) remains one of the underdiagnosed conditions due to the unavailability of specific tests. The pain of TOS may mimic shoulder pain and or cervical radicular pain. Understanding the pathology and type of TOS is the key to successful management. Although surgery remains the final permanent solution in a conformed case of TOS, conservative therapies do provide great relief from pain. Botox remains one of the modalities in managing TOS pain by relieving the spasm of the scalene group of muscles and thereby alleviating the compression symptoms.
Impacts of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt on Hearing Threshold and Speech Discrimination Among Hydrocephalic Children
Authors: Abdelhafeez Marwa , Elbeltagy Reem
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hearing loss (HL) in children with hydrocephalus (HCP) and to assess the impact of the ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt on their hearing threshold and speech discrimination percentage.

Methodology:

This was a case–control study. A total of 20 children who experienced HCP and 20 healthy controls were recruited. All participants in the study were subjected to a systematic clinical examination including otomicroscopic, audiometric (Pure-tone audiometry and speech audiometry), and tympanometric examination before and after VP shunt.

Results:

The mean age ± standard deviation for the HCP children and the control group was 5.4 ± 0.994 and 5.8 ± 1.196 years, respectively. The prevalence of HL in hydrocephalic children was 40%, and they had raising mild-to-moderate sensorineural HL. Children with HCP (preoperative) had a statistically significantly higher pure-tone threshold at 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz than the control group. They also had a statistically significantly lower speech discrimination percentage than the control group. There was a statistically significant difference between the preoperative and the postoperative groups in pure-tone thresholds at 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. There is also a statistically significant difference between the preoperative and the postoperative groups in speech discrimination percentage.

Conclusion:

Early diagnosis in children with HCP is important. The results of the current study add further evidence of hearing impairment in hydrocephalic children and improvement in hearing after shunt operation. Auditory assessment is highly recommended for all hydrocephalic children as a routine examination.
Ossiculoplasty Outcome Parameter Staging Index as a Prognostic Factor in Ossiculoplasty
Authors: Ahmed Aftab , Khan Danish Ahmad , Sharma Satish Chandra
Published: November 2022

Aims:

To evaluate the prognostic value of Ossiculoplasty Outcome Parameter Staging (OOPS) index with reference to the audiological outcome in the patients undergoing ossiculoplasty.

Study Design:

A prospective study.

Setting:

A tertiary referral hospital.

Subjects:

The study comprised 118 patients suffering from chronic otitis media with or without cholesteatoma.

Materials and Methods:

Ossiculoplasty was done by autologous incus interposition, partial ossicular prosthesis, and total ossicular prosthesis. Temporalis fascia graft was used for myringoplasty in all the patients. When partial ossicular replacement prosthesis or total ossicular replacement prosthesis was used a thin slice of cartilage was interposed between graft and prosthesis. The mastoidectomy was performed when needed, and whenever possible, a canal wall-up procedure was performed.

Results:

The short-term (measured after 3 and 6 months of surgery) and long-term (measured at 1 and 2 years after surgery) outcome of ossiculoplasty measured as a relationship between mean audiological gain and OOPS index score had a statically significant difference.

Conclusion:

The OOPS index is an appropriate prognostication index to predict accurately both the short- and long-term outcome of ossiculoplasty.