bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Medication Traceability
Authors: Saha Prianka , Ritu Tamanna Haque , Nag Anindya , Sil Riya
Published: July 2024

The surge in counterfeit drugs threatens global health and safety through pharmaceutical supply chains. This chapter delves into medication traceability, scrutinizing emerging technologies like RFID, IoT, and blockchain to tackle this issue. Despite interest in supply chain management and blockchain, challenges persist with data privacy, transparency, and authenticity in traditional track-and-trace systems. Blockchain emerges as a decentralized solution, enhancing traceability with smart contracts that ensure data authenticity, sidestep intermediaries, and maintain an immutable transaction record. Integrating blockchain can curb fraud, optimize inventory, cut courier costs, build stakeholder trust, and expedite issue identification. Stressing robust traceability, the researcher is continuously monitoring for environmental and economic gains. In this chapter, the authors have augmented existing literature by empirically assessing blockchain's qualitative attributes in pharmaceutical supply chains, suggesting improved system integration and a broader scope for future endeavors.
Role of Artificial Intelligence in Strategic Debt Sustainability Planning
Authors: Gupta Shveta , Badal Gurwinder Singh , Kulshrestha Dhiresh
Published: July 2024

Artificial intelligence is being utilised to discover fiscal hazards, shady tendencies and patterns, and dangerous entities in revenue creation. Previously, public debt was regarded as a vital tool for temporarily increasing revenue or purchasing power in exchange for the government's commitment to repay the main sum borrowed and, in most cases, interest on that principal. However, it has now become a permanent feature. The purpose of the government borrowing is to fill up the gap between the government revenue and proposed spending for the fiscal year. The objective of the study is to examine the significance of artificial intelligence in estimating the public debt on fiscal deficit of the government's, and to examine the trends in the revenue and fiscal deficits, with the view to identify the factors responsible for the same. The secondary data has been collected from Union Government's budget documents of various years. Further economic surveys and various other publications of Government of India, RBI, and other regulatory bodies has also been used to collect data and other relevant information. To analyse the collected data, statistical techniques such as solow model, trend regression analysis, and ratio analysis etc., has been used. The analysis results found that liabilities and debt in relation to GSDP have been increasing, and this has been particularly noticeable throughout the UDAY scheme's execution era and efficiency can be achieved with the use of AI in the field. However, the debt-to-GDP ratio is significantly below the 25% target set by the fourteenth finance commission.
Applications and Future Innovations in Nanomaterials-Based Corrosion Inhibitors for Sustainable Development in 21st Century
Authors: Bhattacharya Sumanta , Sachdev Bhavneet Kaur , Seth Arkadyuti
Published: July 2024

Many sectors struggle with corrosion, which causes economic losses and safety risks. Efficiency, environmental effect, and sustainability are limited by traditional corrosion inhibitors. Nanomaterials enable the development of very efficient corrosion inhibitors. Recent nanomaterial-based corrosion inhibitor technologies and their future possibilities are discussed in this chapter. Recent research has improved nanomaterial-based corrosion inhibitors' efficacy, stability, and sustainability. New concepts include surface functionalization to make it more compatible with the metal substrate, encapsulation to regulate inhibitor release, and multifunctional nanocomposites that can cure and kill bacteria. Nanomaterial-based corrosion inhibitors have several potential prospects. Nanotechnology innovations including customized nanomaterials, better characterization methods, and computer modelling will promote corrosion inhibition innovation. Nanomaterials in smart coatings and self-healing materials might provide real-time corrosion prevention system monitoring and maintenance.
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Method for FinTech Credit Scoring and Risk Management
Authors: Roy Jewel Kumar , Vasa László
Published: July 2024

The ever-changing landscape of financial technology has undergone significant changes owing to advancements in machine learning, artificial intelligence, blockchains, and digitalization. These changes have had a profound impact on the provision of financial services, specifically, credit scoring and lending. This study examines the intersection of financial technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and digitalization in the context of credit services with a focus on credit scoring and lending. This study addressed three main research questions: The research followed a comprehensive methodology, considering factors such as population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and setting to ensure that collected data aligns with research objectives. The research questions were structured using the PICOS framework, and the PRISMA model was used for the systematic review and study selection. The publications analysed covered a wide range of datasets and methodologies.
Efficient Task Offloading for Mobile Edge Computing in Vehicular Networks
Authors: Han Xiao , Wang Huiqiang , Yang Guoliang , Wang Chengbo
Published: July 2024

In vechcular networks, a promising approach to enhance vehicle task processing capabilities involves using a combination of roadside base stations or vehicles, there are two challenges when integrating the two offloading modeth: 1) the high mobility of vehicles can easily lead to connectivity interruptions between nodes, which in turn affects the processing of the tasks that are being offloaded; and 2) vehicles on the road are not completely trustworthy, and vehicle tasks that contain private information may suffer from result errors or privacy leakage and other problems. This paper investigates the computing offloading problem for minimizing task completion delay in vehicular networks. Specifically, we design a trust model for mobile in-vehicle networks and construct a migration decision problem to minimize the overall delay of task execution for all vehicle users. The simulation results show that the scheme proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the execution delay of the task compared to the baseline scheme.
Trusted Computing and Privacy Protection of Computer Internet of Things Nodes Based on Deep Fuzzy Control of Dynamic Learning Rate
Authors: Sun Yufei , Pezzola Annagiulia
Published: July 2024

Under the background of mobile Internet of Things, this paper focuses on the solutions of trusted computing and privacy protection of Internet of Things nodes. Based on the research of existing mainstream service discovery protocols and the deep fuzzy control theory of dynamic learning rate, this paper proposes a trusted computing algorithm for Internet of Things nodes in mobile Internet of Things,which takes into account service quality and user preference.This paper combines the depth fuzzy control model of IoT nodes proposed before, uses a normal data set to train it, and then makes it generate and play the prediction residuals. It will be further used to build a privacy protection model and realize the anomaly detection of privacy protection data in the Internet of Things. This paper designs and implements a trusted computing system using the Internet of Things platform,which has been tested. Experimental results show that, compared with previous elastic matching algorithms, the precision and recall of the new algorithm proposed in this paper are improved.
A Neurotechnological Study to Quantify Differences in Brain Activity Using Game-Based Learning
Authors: Juárez-Varón David , Juárez-Varón Manuel Ángel , Mengual-Recuerda Ana , Andres Beatriz
Published: July 2024

This research delves into the comparative analysis of brain activity using gamification in the classroom versus traditional teaching. This study aims to employ neurotechnology to record and analyse the impact of active gamification methodology on relevant variables in the learning process within a traditional university education setting, presenting an innovative contribution to the existing literature. Neuroscience technology has been utilized to gauge cognitive processing of stimuli tailored for an academic experience in a university master's class. By scrutinizing brain recordings related to attention, interest, long term excitement, stress, relaxation, and engagement, the findings provide a quantitative assessment of key learning variables through brain signals. Gamification is the active methodology employed, and the application of neuroscience technologies facilitates an understanding of the variations in levels of brain activation among students, shedding light on the contributions of this active teaching methodology to the learning process.
Research on the Path of Folk Art
Authors: Wang Xiangqun
Published: July 2024

With the development of social economy, the globalization of the world has become an inevitable trend. However, the cultures of various countries and nationalities in the world are constantly communicating and merging with each other; the folk art in China has been greatly impacted, and the traditional culture with distinctive national characteristics has been rejected. Strengthening folk art education is needed not only to improve people's personality and cultivate people's aesthetic taste, but also to protect traditional culture and impart national spirit. With the rapid development of information technology relying on hand-held learning equipment, mobile internet technology, and network multimedia technology, life-long learning is possible. Using smart mobile devices to study the art teaching of folk art is conducive to in-depth exploration, applying the learning methods of folk art to our own study and life, and protecting and inheriting the infringed folk art.
Study on the Application of Error Back-Propagation Algorithm Applied to the Student Status Management in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Yang XinXiu
Published: July 2024

The objective of this work is to predict the employment rate of students based on the information in the SSM (student status management) in colleges and universities. Firstly, the relevant content of SSM is introduced. Secondly, the BP (Back Propagation) neural network, the LM (Levenberg Marquardt) algorithm, and the BR (Bayesian Regularization) algorithm are introduced. In addition, the LM algorithm is combined with the BR algorithm to optimize the BP neural network, so as to establish a prediction model of the employment rate of college graduates based on the LM-BP neural network (the established prediction model). Finally, the established prediction model is verified after the historical data of college students in the SSM are managed and processed using the big data analysis technology. It suggests that the established prediction model shows higher prediction accuracy, more stable prediction performance, more ideal prediction effect, and higher practical application value.
Practical Research on the Application of Multimedia and Visual Image Technology in the Cultivation of College Counselors in the Network Environment
Authors: Du Rui
Published: July 2024

In the context of the multimedia era, college counselors and college students should make progress together. This article aims to explore the practical issues of applying multimedia and visual-image technology to the training of college counselors. We propose a three-dimensional multimedia visual image recognition technology based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and apply the algorithm to image-recognition tasks to provide support and assistance for college-counselor training in network and multimedia environments. By combining a CNN with image recognition, our research results show that this method can effectively adapt to different types of image-recognition tasks. This means that our algorithm can be fully applied to these tasks and provide strong support for the training of college counselors.
Development of Multimedia-Assisted Clothing Try-On System for Elderly Individuals
Authors: Liu Li
Published: July 2024

With the improvement of living standards, the demand for high-quality, personalized modern fashion has surged, which has promoted the growth of this customized clothing industry. The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things with traditional clothing production has pushed virtual try-on technology to the forefront of global research. This study focuses on the technical challenges of 3D clothing dynamic virtual try-on system in real life—specifically, personalized posture tracking, high-fidelity real-time interaction and cost-effectiveness—using 3D visual sensing theory, clothing simulation modeling principle and advanced tools including Unity3d and Maya. It deeply studies the key areas: collecting sensory data based on Kinect, extracting the skeletal posture characteristics of the elderly, measuring their body circumference and size, developing a 3D dynamic model of clothing with tracking control, and realizing real-time dynamic display of virtual try-on results.
Probabilistic Model of Patient Classification Using Bayesian Model
Authors: Tansitpong Praowpan
Published: July 2024

The research emphasizes the effectiveness of Bayesian classification algorithms in predicting patient visits in healthcare settings. Bayesian algorithms examine past patient data to detect intricate patterns in admission dynamics, including demographic, clinical, and temporal factors. Through the use of Bayesian principles, prediction models are able to estimate the probability of certain patient demographics occurring at certain intervals, therefore assisting in the allocation of resources and the management of operations. Probabilities that have been estimated are used to make choices on staffing, resource allocation, and operational strategy. The variation in probability estimates across different observations improves the predictive usefulness, hence strengthening the effectiveness in healthcare management and planning.
College English Smart Classroom Learning Model Utilizing Data Mining Technology
Authors: Zheng Xinning
Published: July 2024

The integration of Internet technology and the collaborative development of smart classrooms is an essential step for colleges and universities to advance English instruction reform. This study utilized data mining (DM) technology to analyze the learning process in college English smart classrooms. The results indicate that the DM algorithm used in this study outperforms the other two algorithms across all metrics. After conducting 15 experiments, the centrality of the DM algorithm in this study reached 0.58, exceeding the ant colony algorithm's centrality of 0.42. The decision tree algorithm exhibited the lowest centrality, reaching a maximum value of only 0.39. Consequently, the methodology utilized in this study demonstrates a significant centrality within the classroom, indicating its suitability for investigating University English smart classroom learning. Hence, implementing a University English smart classroom learning model utilizing DM technology represents the primary approach to achieving intelligent education.
A SWOT Analysis of Small Private Online Courses
Authors: Dou Anqi , Xu Wei , Liu Ziqing , Yu Zhonggen
Published: July 2024

While some research has been conducted to identify the strengths and weaknesses of Small Private Open Courses (SPOCs), a significant research gap exists in comprehensively examining the opportunities and threats they face. To determine if SPOCs are beneficial to learners, the authors adopted the PRISMA protocol to filter literature for SWOT analysis in SPOCs. The authors identified and analyzed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by SPOCs using a SWOT analysis method. The strengths of SPOCs include high-quality content and course delivery, accessibility, and personalization. Weaknesses involve lack of social interaction, limited resources, credentialing issues. Their opportunities consist of market growth, collaboration with other institutions, and access to new student markets. Their threats include competition from traditional courses, technology updates, and student privacy concerns.
An in-vitro gastric digestion model with peristalsis function for the analysis of the food gastric digestion
Authors: Sachinthaka P. P. S. , Liyanage K. L. N. U. , Somaratne G. M. , Hettiarachchi A. , Chandrasiri K. A. K. L. , Amarasinghe A. A. P. S. , Silva F. H. C. A. , How M. S. , Prasantha B. D. R.
Published: July 2024

In vitro models of the human stomach offer a robust platform to explore the physicochemical processes during gastric digestion. In Sri Lanka, limited research has been conducted on the digestion behavior of diverse food structures using in vitro digestion models. This study aims to create a custom-built in vitro gastric digestion model, specifically designed for Sri Lankan laboratories to analyze food digestion in a simulated stomach environment. The physical model comprises a butyl rubber chamber simulating the stomach, 4 nylon rollers with 2 rubber belts, driven by geared motors, and 6 nylon pulleys, creating continuous contractions of the rubber chamber. The model simulates the peristaltic movements of the stomach wall, with contraction waves occurring at a frequency of approximately 3 cycles per minute, mimicking in vivo peristaltic movement. Gastric sieving, secretion, emptying, and temperature control mechanisms are employed to recreate dynamic gastrointestinal conditions. A polyester mesh bag with a pore size of 1.5 mm replicates the gastric sieving function, while manual gastric emptying is performed. Gastric juice is secreted into the chamber at a rate of 2.5 mL/min using a programmed peristaltic pump, and an automated temperature control system maintains the ambient temperature at 37 °C. In conclusion, this developed gastric device serves as an effective tool for studying the gastric digestion of various food structures within a simulated stomach environment.
Stereotactic Arrhythmia Radioablation Treatment for Ventricular Tachycardia – A Systematic Review
Authors: Li Xinmu , Tse Gary , Liu Tong
Published: July 2024

Ventricular tachycardia is a potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia that can lead to sudden cardiac death. One treatment option for ventricular tachycardia is stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation, which uses multiple beams of radiation to destroy regions of abnormal heart tissue responsible for arrhythmogenesis, while minimizing injury to the surrounding healthy tissue. In recent years, significant advances have been made in the highly precise radiation therapy used for ventricular tachycardia, which could potentially improve its effectiveness and safety. In this review, we aim to provide a detailed analysis of the technology mechanism, procedural details, and clinical experience of stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation to encourage the adoption of this novel technology.
Mutation Analysis of PAH Gene in Phenylketonuria Patients from the North of Iran: Identification of Three Novel Pathogenic Variants
Authors: Jalali Hossein , Zamanfar Daniel , Amirzadegan Muhammad , Ghadami Farshide , Mahdavi Mahan , Mahdavi Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2024

Background:

There are more than 1100 different pathogenic variants in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene that are responsible for phenylketonuria (PKU) diseases, and the spectrum of these mutations varies in different ethnic groups. The aim of the present study was to identify the frequency of pathogenic variants in all 13 exons of the PAH gene among patients with PKU in Mazandaran and Golestan provinces in the north of Iran.

Methods:

Forty unrelated PKU patients from Mazandaran and Golestan provinces were enrolled in the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from leukocytes using a Qiagen DNA extraction kit and polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), and Sanger sequencing methods were applied to detect the variants. In the case of new variants, the InterVar online tool (PMID: 28132688) was used to classify the variants.

Results:

Twenty-one different pathogenic variants were observed among the 40 investigated patients. The c.106611G>A variant had the highest frequency (27.5%) in the region, and the c.168+5G>C, c.473G>A, and c.782 G>A variants were the other most frequent mutations with allelic frequencies of 7.5, 5, and 5%, respectively. Three novel pathogenic variants including c.773T>G, c.878 T>C, and c. 1245del variants were observed among the investigated patients.

Conclusions:

The introduction of pathogenic variants in the PAH gene in each ethnic group provides valuable data regarding the understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and can be helpful for prenatal diagnosis programs.
Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31 for the diagnosis of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in long-term coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Yar Talay , Salem Ayad M. , Rafique Nazish , Latif Rabia , Siddiqui Intisar A. , Shaikh Mohammad H. , Aleid Mohammed A. , Almahfoudh Husain H. , Alsaffar Mohammed F. , Al Ibrahim Abdullah H. , Almadan Ali J. , Alaidarous Sana M. , Almulhim Razan A.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31 (COMPASS-31) is an easy-to-use screening tool for the evaluation of autonomic dysfunction in various diseases affecting neural function but has rarely been used in the assessment of long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the COMPASS-31 score in detecting dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system in patients 3 months after COVID-19 infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Fifty-nine subjects were recruited and grouped into 2: (a) controls (n = 31) who had never had positive polymerase chain reaction results for COVID-19 before and (b) the post-COVID-19 patients (n = 28) who had confirmed COVID-19 infection 3–6 months before recruitment. COMPASS-31 questionnaire was utilized to evaluate subjective symptoms or evidence of autonomic dysfunction. Autonomic dysfunction was assessed objectively by cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests (CARTs) and heart rate variability (HRV). For comparison of quantitative variables between two groups, t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate, were used. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), negative likelihood ratio (LR), and positive LR were used as measures of diagnostic accuracy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined the overall accuracy of COMPASS-31.

RESULTS:

The median COMPASS score was found to be significantly higher in post-COVID-19 participants than controls (15.5 vs. 10, P = 0.021). The median total CART score was also significantly higher in post-COVID-19 participants (0 vs. 1, P < 0.001). Out of 6 domains of the COMPASS score, the median value for orthostatic dysfunction was found to be significantly higher in post-COVID-19 participants than controls (12 vs. 0, P = 0.008). There was significantly fair accuracy of the COMPASS score with an area under the receiver operating curve 0.68 (0.54–0.82) following the total CART score ≥2 as the gold standard in the diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction (P = 0.021). The best cutoff point of the total COMPASS score was 12.5, where the optimal values of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were achieved. Nonsignificant and weak correlations between CARTs, HRV parameters, and COMPASS score were found.

CONCLUSION:

COMPASS-31 could be used as a user-friendly screening tool to detect autonomic dysfunction in post-COVID-19 cases with acceptable sensitivity and specificity.
The effect of patients’ empowerment on satisfaction of diabetic patients attending primary care clinics
Authors: Raslan Eman I. M. , Abdelmoaty Sarah A. , Khafagy Ghada M.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Different approaches, especially the patient-centered approach with emphasis on the patient’s empowerment, were used with diabetic patients to ensure a better quality of life. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of patient empowerment versus traditional health education models on the satisfaction of diabetic patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 130 patients, aged 40–65 years, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and attending a family medicine outpatient clinic. Patients were blinded and randomly allocated into one of the two Groups (A and B) for a health education session with trained family physicians using the empowerment model and the traditional model, respectively. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the consultation satisfaction questionnaire (CSQ). The relations between different qualitative variables were assessed by Chi-square test; differences in various quantitative variables were determined by t-test and ANOVA. Pearson correlation assessed the correlation between age and different domains as well as the total questionnaire scores of both groups.

RESULTS:

A highly statistically significant difference was found between Group A (n = 65) and Group B (n = 65) for the general satisfaction scale, professional care analysis, depth, and length of consultation (P < 0.001). In Group A, 61.5% were highly satisfied and 35.4% were moderately satisfied, while in Group B, 41.5% were moderately satisfied and 43.1% were neutral. Regarding physicians’ perceptions of the communication process with patients during the health education sessions, 83% in Group A perceived it as good, while 69.2% in Group B perceived it as average.

CONCLUSION:

The patient empowerment model of health education was linked to higher rates of patient satisfaction and a better physician perception of the communication process during the consultation. The study was self-funded, and no harm was done to the patients.
A Rare Case Report of Cystic Hygroma with Hydrops Fetalis Detected during First-Trimester Antenatal Scan
Authors: Lahel Ranjit S. , Tiwari Chandan
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

A 23 yr old primigravida reported for a 1st-trimester antenatal scan at 12 weeks of gestation. Sonography revealed findings consistent with Cystic Hygroma with Hydrops fetalis. The case merits discussion to reflect upon the findings of these rare co-existing grave medical conditions in the fetus and emphasize the relevance of timely antenatal diagnosis of Cystic Hygroma with concomitant hydrops, the condition known to have a very high rate of fetal mortality. The relevant review of literature and findings of the case are discussed thence.
Food Insecurity and Its Associates in a Village of Budge Budge II Block, West Bengal: A Mixed-Methods Approach
Authors: Mishra Ankita , Dutta Sinjita , Mukherjee Meghna , Shukla Vineeta , Saha Ripan , Basu Mausumi
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Despite the enactment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and National Food Security Act, food insecurity in India has been growing.

Objectives:

This study aimed to estimate the current magnitude of food insecurity in a rural setting of West Bengal; to find out the association of food insecurity with the health and socio-demographic profile of the study population, if any; to explore their food situation and its various impacts on the study population; and to integrate the findings from the qualitative and quantitative strands.

Methods:

An observational study with a cross-sectional design using a mixed-methods approach was conducted in Muchisa. Two hundred and twelve households were selected through cluster random sampling for the quantitative strand. The participants were interviewed using a predesigned, pretested, and structured schedule from February 6–March 26, 2021. Qualitative data were collected from 10% of food-insecure households employing an in-depth interview guide. Statistical evaluation was done using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25.0. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-square test, Cochran–Armitage trend test, ordinal logistic regression, and thematic analysis. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Food insecurity was observed in 62.9% of households. Noncommunicable diseases and psychological distress were associated with food insecurity. Qualitative data analysis revealed that the inability to cater to the needs of their children distressed the participants.

Conclusion:

Food insecurity is a major burden in rural Budge Budge II and is related to morbidity. The biggest obstacle in improving the food situation of rural people was their frame of mind to adjust to what they have in place of looking for possible solutions.
An Unusual Cause of Generalised Chorea: A Case Report
Authors: Khandait Pranit D. , Rohatgi Shalesh , Rao Prajwal , Nirhale Satish , Naphade Pravin U.
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

A 17-year-old girl was admitted to a private hospital with history of being bitten by snake. She had signs of neurotoxic envenomation in the form of breathing difficulty, chest pain, drooping of both eyelids, and difficulty in swallowing. Report of coagulation parameters was not available. She was treated with anti-snake venom and ventilataory support. She made uneventful recovery after a week and was extubated. There was no history of hypotension/hypertension before or after intubation. Following extubation she developed difficulty in vision which improved over next 2 days. On 9th day after snake bite she was noted to have abnormal movements of all four limbs and tongue tremors so she was transferred to our hospital for further management. On arrival to our hospital she was found to have generalized chorea and tongue tremors. There was no other neurological deficit. Initial MRI brain revealed diffusion restrction in both parieto-occipital regions involving white matter. MRI of spinal cord was normal. Repeat MRI brain after one week showed T2 and FLAIR hyperintesities in both caudate and lentiform nuclei in addition. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination was normal. On the basis of MRI she was diagnosed as a case of PRES (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome) and treated with tetrabenazine. She gradually improved and was discharged. Only few cases of PRES following snake bite have been reported and no case of only movement disorder as manifestation of PRES has been reported.
Sialocutaneous Fistula of the Parotid Gland Secondary to Tuberculosis
Authors: Mandepanda Sahana Sunil Subramani , Prasad Raveena , Kolathingal Biniyam , Bhat Vadisha , Bhat Shubha P.
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Sialocutaneous fistula is an epithelialized tract between the skin and salivary gland. Parotid tuberculosis is a rare form of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. It is rare even in an endemic country like India. It presents as a swelling or abscess in the parotid region. Drainage of such abscess may lead to formation of discharging sinus. We present a case of a 37-year-old female who presented with complaints of discharge from the left parotid region. She gave a past history of swelling in the left parotid region, for which she had undergone incision and drainage. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography neck was suggestive of left sialocutaneous fistula with inflammation of superficial lobe of parotid, for which she underwent fistulectomy. Histopathology was suggestive of sialocutaneous fistula with tubercular etiology and was managed with anti-tubercular treatment.
Dengue Fever Causing Hypokalemic Paralysis in a Young Male: A Case Report
Authors: Suri Kanika , Rijhwani Puneet , Pahadia Manish , Sarna Mukesh K. , Agarwal Pradeep
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Dengue infection is a mosquito borne arboviral disease of the tropics. It has a wide spectrum of presentation from flu-like illness to lethal hemorrhagic fever. Neurological manifestations are rare in dengue and can be due to neurotropic effect, immune mediated, or due to systemic complication. We hereby present a case report of a 21-year-old male presenting to us with acute pure motor quadriparesis due to hypokalemia caused by dengue fever.
Assessment of Learning Approaches of Final-Year Medical Students in Nigeria
Authors: Oguntoye Oluwatosin O.
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Approaches to learning can be broadly classified into three categories, namely deep approach, surface apathetic approach, and strategic approach.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to determine the learning approaches of final-year undergraduate medical students in Nigeria and to correlate them with their academic performance.

Materials and Methods:

This was a correlational study conducted among final-year (600-level) undergraduate medical students. The Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) questionnaire was used for the study to determine the learning approaches of medical students.

Results:

A total number of 100 final-year (600-level) undergraduate medical students participated in the study, of which 27 (27.0%) were males and 73 (73.0%) were females with a male-to-female ratio of 0.37 to 1. The age range of the respondents was 21 to 30 years with a mean (±SD) of 23.54 (±1.403). The strategic approach (40%) was the most predominant learning approach adopted by the medical students in this study followed by the deep approach (31%) and then the surface apathetic approach (29%). There is a significant positive correlation between the strategic approach and the self-rated academic progress of the students (P < 0.001). There is, however, no significant correlation between the academic progress of the students and the deep approach (P = 0.643) or the surface apathetic approach (P = 0.115).

Conclusions:

The strategic approach is the most predominant learning approach adopted by the final-year undergraduate medical students in this study with associated self-reported good academic performance. Appropriate study guidance should be provided to undergraduate medical students.
Effectiveness of Eight-Week Variable Resistance Training on Ball Release Speed, Jump Height, Speed of Upper Limb Performance, and Accuracy in Young Collegiate Basketball Players
Authors: Tyagi Mansi , Pal Sajjan , Yadav Joginder , Kalra Sheetal
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose:

As the only means of scoring in basketball, shooting or throwing is regarded as one of the essential skills that govern the game’s success. When it comes to improving muscle performance in a variety of sports, variable resistance training (VRT) also known as resistance band training is one of the effective training methods.

Objectives:

To examine the impact of an eight-week variable resistance training (VRT) on performance and fitness measures in young collegiate basketball players.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty male collegiate basketball players in the age group of 18–30 years were included in this comparative study and randomly divided into two groups, group A and group B with 15 players in each group. Group A received VRT using resistance bands, whereas group B received training with free weights. Both groups received routine basketball training as well. Ball release speed, jump height, upper limb performance speed, and shooting accuracy were measured with radar gun, vertical jump test, plate tapping test, stationary free throw shooting test, and dynamic shooting test. For eight weeks, both groups underwent training thrice a week for 60 min each day for eight weeks.

Result:

Significant differences were seen in VRT group P < 0.05. The experimental group improved in the following areas: ball release speed (up 9.13%), lower limb power (up 24.96%), speed of upper limb performance (up 8.24%), and accuracy (29.52%).

Conclusion:

Variable resistance training using resistance bands can be adapted as a regular training in basketball game along with conventional basketball drills for enhancement of skill performance variables in basketball players.
Study of Tone Burst Brainstem Auditory Response among Preterm Infants
Authors: Rana Ankita , Banerjee Joyashree , Khatun Julfa , Mukhopadhyay BulBul
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

It is well recognized that hearing deficit is a severe consequence of prematurity. Premature infants have many concomitant risk factors, which influence the occurrence of hearing deficit. Hearing impairment if not detected within first 6 months of life has an important consequence for language acquisition, communication and cognitive, social and emotional development. To quantify audiometric contour and to detect high-frequency hearing loss, tone burst BERA is more beneficial for the preterm infants.

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to detect the hearing impairment among the preterm infants.

Methodology:

The present study was carried out at the Department of Physiology, at R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital on 40 preterm infants and 30 age- and sex-matched term infants from February 2020 to January 2021. BERA testing was performed with the machine Neuro-MEPNET (version 3), Neuro-soft, Russia. The responses were recorded, and statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software version 20.

Result:

Out of 40 preterm infants, 34 (85%) infants showed abnormality in Latency in one or both ears. The major abnormalities were absence of wave V or increase in wave V latency at 70 dB in both the ears. From our study, it was also found that there was statistically significant increase in the hearing threshold of both the ears of the preterm infants compared to term infants.

Conclusion:

We can infer from the present study that there is significant delayed maturation of auditory pathway in the form of BAEP abnormalities among the preterm infants.
Use of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Red Cell Distribution Width as an Adjuvant in Assessing Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Subhashchandra B. J. , Shivaswamy Rajendra P. , Shreyas S. , Kiran H. S.
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease and the major cause of cardiovascular disease that still accounts for most of the mortality worldwide. The role of inflammation in the development and progression of atherosclerosis has been clarified, and several biological markers of inflammation predict cardiovascular risk. Red cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are the two markers of inflammation that are used to determine risk of mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Objective:

To study the left ventricular systolic function in patients with AMI in relation to neutrophil to-lymphocyte ratio, RDW, and hs-CRP.

Materials and Methods:

An observational study was done on patients with AMI-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) admitted to the hospital. On admission, Electrocardiogram (ECG) was noted, and blood was drawn for a complete hemogram, hs-CRP, cardiac enzymes, and renal function test (RFT). Point of care Echocardiography (ECHO) was obtained along with post-primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) ECHO.

Results:

In a study involving 100 patients, the mean age was 57.61 ± 13.151 years. The highest number of patients fell in the age group of 61 to 70 years (33%), followed by 51 to 60 years (22%). The study consisted of 76% males. Echocardiography revealed that 9% had normal ejection fraction, 57% had mild left ventricular dysfunction, 22% had moderate dysfunction, and 12% had severe dysfunction. Analysis showed that there is a strong negative correlation between ejection fraction (EF) and NLR (P < 0.001), as well as between EF and RDW (P < 0.001) in patients with STEMI. However, there was no significant correlation between EF and hs-CRP (P = 0.514).

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that higher NLR and RDW levels, in patients with first STEMI are associated with higher degree of left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
A Systematic Review of Perioperative Nerve Blocks for Cleft Lip and Palate Surgeries
Authors: Kerur Ravi , Mallapur Binita , Deshmukh Purvashree , Powar Rajesh
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Establishing a successful perioperative technique for better outcomes remains a priority in cleft surgery. In the present review, the safety and efficacy of nerve blocks for cleft lip and cleft palate are evaluated. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving the perioperative nerve block was conducted. PubMed, Google Scholar databases, and manual searching were performed to screen the eligible RCTs. Dosage and the route of administration of anesthetics were considered for all the studies. A total of nine RCTs with 568 children were included in our review. Six out of nine studies reported cleft lip surgery, only two reported cleft palate surgery, and one study reported both cleft lip and palate surgery. Lignocaine, ropivacaine, or bupivacaine was used as anesthetics. Adrenaline or epinephrine was used as adjuvants. Post-operative pain was lower in the perioperative nerve block group compared to the comparison group, resulting in fewer emergency analgesic prescriptions. Physiological factors like heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate did not differ between groups. There were fewer adverse outcomes linked with perioperative nerve blocks. Perioperative nerve blocks can be a useful adjunct to general anesthesia in cleft lip and palate surgeries to provide additional pain relief and reduce opioid use, but they should be used judiciously and with consideration of potential risks and complications.
Ferritin Levels among Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in a Tertiary Care Hospital Setting: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sharma Mukul , Jha Vedant Shekar , Bhatia Kapil , Misra Pratibha , Mukherjee Bhasker , Roy Bidhan
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

According to a WHO report, the prevalence of anemia is the highest in children less than five years of age (40%) and pregnant women of the global population (37%). The prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was 7.8% in India. 14% of maternal deaths are attributed to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, according to a WHO report. Our study aimed to evaluate the variation of serum ferritin (SF) levels in four different groups: (1) normal pregnancy, (2) pregnancy with anemia, (3) pregnancy with hypertensive disorders, and (4) pregnancy with hypertensive disorders and anemia, to derive an association of SF in patients of anemia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Methods:

Thirty diagnosed cases of each predefined group of similar gestation were enrolled. A venous blood sample was collected from all subjects of all four groups for estimation of SF levels and hemoglobin levels.

Results:

SF level was found to be significantly around twofold higher in groups 3 and 4 with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (60.6 ± 27.5 μg/dL and 54.4 ± 26 μg/dL, respectively) compared to normal pregnancy and pregnancy with anemia (31.3 ± 25 μg/dL and 23.3 ± 21.6 μg/dL, respectively). Hence, the Kruskal–Wallis test was conducted for four groups, and it was statistically significant.

Conclusions:

In our study, pregnant women with anemia had lower SF levels than normal pregnancy cases. However, in group 4 with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with anemia SF levels were higher than group 2.
Active fault-tolerant control and performance simulation of electric vehicle suspension based on improved algorithms
Authors: Xiao Caiyuan
Published: July 2024

Based on the semi-active suspension controller of an automobile, the control law can be adjusted based on the control law reorganization idea, and the active fault-tolerant controller of the semi-active suspension is designed to make the fault closed loop system and the fault-free suspension semi-active suspension. Active suspension closed-loop systems have the same closed-loop pole or proximity system performance. Bench test and simulation results show that: the fault suspension under the control of the active fault-tolerant controller lags behind its performance level after some time and can quickly recover to the same performance as the fault-free automotive semi-active suspension level. And the simulation test and bench test results are basically consistent. Based on the concept of control law reorganization to design the active fault-tolerant control strategy of semi-active suspension, it can effectively realize the active fault-tolerant control of the semi-active suspension of the vehicle to improve the suspension control quality and reliability, and optimize the suspension design.
Association of Combined Low Physical Activity and Low Dietary Diversity with Mild Cognitive Impairment among Community-Dwelling Japanese Older Adults
Authors: Kiuchi Yuto , Makizako Hyuma , Kimura Mika , Nakai Yuki , Taniguchi Yoshiaki , Akaida Shoma , Tateishi Mana , Kubozono Takuro , Takenaka Toshihiro , Shimada Hiroyuki , Ohishi Mitsuru
Published: July 2024

Background: This study aimed to investigate the potential association between the combination of low physical activity and low dietary diversity with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older Japanese adults. Methods: Data from 600 older adults (mean age, 74.1±6.4 years; women, 62.0%) were analyzed. We evaluated dietary variety based on the Food Frequency Score (FFS; maximum 30 points) by assessing the 1-week consumption frequencies of ten foods. An FFS of ≤16 indicated low dietary diversity. We assessed MCI using the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Functional Assessment Tool. Physical activity levels was determined based on participant responses to two questions: “Do you engage in moderate levels of physical exercise or sports aimed at health?” and “Do you engage in low levels of physical exercise aimed at health?” Participants who responded “No” to both questions were classified as having low physical activity levels. We classified the participants into robust, low-dietary diversity, low-physical activity, and coexistence groups. Results: The overall prevalence of MCI was 20.7%, with rates in the robust, low dietary diversity, low physical activity, and coexistence groups of 17.7%, 24.7%, 25.0%, and 41.9%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that low dietary diversity and physical activity were associated with MCI in older adults (odds ratio=2.80, 95% confidence interval 1.22–6.28). Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated the association of the co-occurrence of low dietary diversity and low physical activity with MCI. Older adults with both risk factors may require early detection, as well as physical activity and dietary interventions.
Contrasting a semiotic conceptualization of translation with AI text production
Authors: Haapaniemi Riku , Mesaros Annamaria , Harju Manu , Martín Morató Irene , Hirvonen Maija
Published: July 2024

Using a semiotically-informed material approach to the study of translation, this paper analyses an artificial intelligence (AI) system developed for automatic audio captioning (AAC), which is the automated production of written descriptions for non-lingual environmental sounds. Comparing human and AI text production processes against a semiotic framework suggests that AI uses computational methods to reach textual outcomes which humans arrive at through semiotic means. Our analysis of sound description examples produced by an AAC system makes it apparent that this distinction is useful in articulating the complex relationship between human and AI translation processes. Acknowledging the central role of semiotic meaning-construction in human text production and its arguable absence in AI computational processes allows for AI processes to be discussed under a translational framework, while still recognizing their fundamental differences from comparable human translation processes. Further, audio captioning provides a clear example of a translation task where non-lingual content must be considered on equal terms with lingual text, and our discussions illustrate how this can be achieved in computational and semiotic processes alike. Overall, this paper promotes a nuanced understanding of meaning in text production and suggests multiple fruitful points of convergence and divergence between translation theory and AI research.