bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Most Smashing Sleeper of the Season’
Authors: Dawson Clive
Published: January 2024

The film’s promotion, release, and reception are examined in this chapter. By the time production had been completed on I Walked with a Zombie, Lewton’s first film, Cat People, had received extremely positive preview responses, which emboldened the producer during the editing process for Zombie. However, Lewton still faced significant hurdles. The film first had to secure the approval of his RKO bosses, seek clearance for domestic release by the Production Code Administration, and, finally, obtain an overseas release license from the Los Angeles Board of Review. To achieve this, Lewton and RKO had to play ‘hide-and-seek’ with the Office of War Information, who sought to censor themes relating to slavery in wartime Hollywood films. Critical responses to the film are also examined in detail, along with the film’s box-office success.
Introduction
Authors: Kéchichian Joseph A.
Published: January 2024

Shaykh Yusuf Yassin was probably the most trusted political advisor to King ‘Abdul ‘Aziz (r. 1932–1953). The introduction provides a careful reading of the founding monarch’s rule starting in 1925, seven years before the King formally announced the re-establishment of the monarchy, when Yassin was recruited to produce Umm al-Qurah, a weekly Makkah newspaper. Yassin became editor-in-chief of the religious and literary affairs publication that, over time, evolved into the country’s official bulletin. Umm al-Qurah presented the ruler’s views and policies to Arab and global audiences, clarified his concerns, including putative difficulties with colonial powers, and covered perceptions on the core Arab issue that pre-occupied the Arab and Muslim worlds: Palestine. Within a year, Yassin assumed additional duties, first as political secretary to the ruler and, by the early 1930s, as advisor. Promoted to the rank of Minister of State and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs whenever Prince Faysal bin ‘Abdul ‘Aziz—who, in turn, acceded to the throne in 1964—was out of Sa‘udi Arabia, Yassin played a critical role in defining the Kingdom’s foreign policies as discussed in his short biography.
From Latakiyyah to Riyadh
Authors: Kéchichian Joseph A.
Published: January 2024

Devoted to Yusuf Yassin’s transition from Latakiyyah to Riyadh, this chapter focuses on his early life in Syria, including the kind of education he received, and assesses the impact that several teachers and mentors have had on him. There is a special emphasis on Rashid Rida, someone who lived the part rather than someone who only delved in educational theory. Yassin’s experiences in Jerusalem are also analyzed, especially as these shaped his perceptions of British occupation. The chapter relies heavily on Shaykh Yusuf’s recollections—from his limited oral history—as he described how he traveled to Makkah, where he met the Sharif Husayn bin ‘Ali, and provides rare insights of his first encounter with Al Sa‘ud family members, especially King ‘Abdul ‘Aziz, as he accompanied the latter through various desert treks. Because of the controversy surrounding the Ikhwan (Brotherhood) rebellion and the role that Yassin played on ‘Abdul ‘Aziz’s side, an assessment of these key events is also provided, which opened many doors and earned the ruler’s confidence. Competence and courage were the primary reasons for his promotion to become private secretary and, in time, to occupy the ultimate position—as the King’s Amin al-Sirr [confidential secretary]. In time, he even assumed the key office of deputy foreign minister that, for all practical purposes, meant that he ran the country’s foreign policy machinery on a day-to-day basis.
Concerns, Threats and Regional Convulsions
Authors: Kéchichian Joseph A.
Published: January 2024

Chapter 5 identifies the core Arab concerns that preoccupied Riyadh between 1953 and 1962, when King Sa‘ud ruled. A tested hand, Yassin realized that Arab revolutions threatened the Sa‘udi monarchy and, relying on the Palestine Question, developed appropriate policies. Two fundamental questions are tackled here to better assess Riyadh’s critical contributions. How did the 1948 creation of the State of Israel redefine Arab dilemmas and were they ready to confront this existential challenge through joint political and defense mechanisms developed within the League of Arab States (LAS)? Arab revolutions that threatened Sa‘udi stability are assessed, especially the 1952 Nasir Coup in Egypt and how the latter goaded Sa‘udi officials to use oil as a political weapon. Riyadh pushed for the creation of its Tapline conduit, in part to circumvent the rise of the Nasir-inspired mobilizations against “imperialists,” and how Yassin navigated the Sa‘ud–Nasir relationships were major developments worthy of attention. Likewise, the serious ideological rivalries between Sa‘ud and Faysal, which were routinely used by foreign powers to meddle in internal Sa‘udi affairs, led the counselor to help save the day-by-day co-counseling both his sovereign and his long-time advisor. The chapter further assesses regional convulsions starting with the 1956 Suez War, the Eisenhower Doctrine, successive crises in Jordan and Lebanon, the formation of the United Arab Republic, and the Cold War in Arabia that culminated with the Ankara, Turkey-based Central Treaty Organization.
Phylogenomics reveal Populus gonggaensis as a hybrid between P. lasiocarpa and P. cathayana (Salicaceae)
Authors: Du Wenyan , Wang Yachao , Xie Dajun , Li Enze , Bai Yuran , Shang Ce , Zhang Zhixiang
Published: January 2024

High levels of intra-specific polymorphism and frequent hybridisation make it difficult to define species and correctly apply their scientific names. Populus L. is a challenging genus with plentiful natural and artificial hybrids. This study is a part of the project ‘Flora of Pan-Himalaya’ and aims to determine the taxonomic identity of P. gonggaensis N. Chao & J.R. He and to find out whether it is of hybrid origin. Whole-genome sequencing data were obtained from 57 samples. The SNP matrix was developed for phylogenetic reconstruction, ABBA-BABA statistics, PCA and ADMIXTURE analysis. The results indicate that P. gonggaensis is a spontaneous hybrid between P. lasiocarpa and P. cathayana. This study points out the importance of SNP data and comprehensive analyses for discovering the potential interspecific hybridisation and clarifies the usage of the name. In addition, the lectotype of P. gonggaensis was designated.
Description of a new karst-adapted species of the subgenus Japonigekko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Gekko) from Guangxi, southern China
Authors: Wang Hao-Tian , Qi Shuo , Zhou Dan-Yang , Wang Ying-Yong
Published: January 2024

Abstract

A new species of the genus Gekko Laurenti, 1768, Gekko paucituberculatussp. nov., is described here, based on two specimens from Tianyang District, Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. It was placed in subgenus Japonigekko on the basis of morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis and can be distinguished from all congeners in this subgenus by significant divergences in the mitochondrial 16S and ND2 genes and by a combination of the following morphological characters: Moderate body size, SVL 77.2 mm in the adult male and SVL 85.9 mm in the adult female; tubercles only present along dorsolateral trunk and absent on other regions; fingers and toes with weak webbing; continuous precloacal pores 12 in the male, absent in the female; a single postcloacal tubercle on each side; a light-coloured vertebral line from nape to tip of tail; dorsum greyish-brown, with 7–8 dirty-white bands between nape and sacrum. Meanwhile, the distribution of G. palmatus in China has been confirmed as occurring in Guangxi and Guangdong Provinces. This study brings the total species of the subgenus Japonigekko in China to 19.
Mechanical properties of vinyl ester hybrid composite laminates reinforced with screw pine and glass fiber
Authors: Subbarayalu Venkatarajan , Chinnaraman Subbu , Ayyanar Athijayamani , Chinnapalanisamy Jayaseelan
Published: January 2024

The screw pine and E-glass fibers were hybridized in the vinyl ester resin matrix to prepare the hybrid composite laminates in the present communication. Hybrid composite laminates at the constant volume fraction of 35.12% has been fabricated using the hot press compression molding in two forms, namely dispersed and skin-core, to evaluate the mechanical properties. Mechanical properties of composite laminates were studied based on the various volume fraction of glass fiber content (0, 3.32, 8.15, 12.44 and 16.53 vol.%). The scanning electron microscopy (HITACHI S-3000N) was used to study the fracture surface of composite laminates. The results of hybrid composite laminates were compared with a neat resin sample and screw pine fiber (35.12 vol.%) alone composite. The results revealed that the mechanical properties of both the type of composite laminates increased as glass fiber addition was increased. The SPF18.59/GF16.53 hybrid composite laminate exhibits the highest level of mechanical properties because of the concentration and higher elongation percentage of glass fibers. Moreover, the skin-core type composites perform better than those of the dispersed type hybrid composites. Because of the stretching nature of screw pine fibers, they elongate when the load is transferred from glass fibers to screw pine fibers, resulting in an increase in mechanical properties. The property values were predicted using a theoretical model, and it was found that the two were in good agreement.
On a class of Lyapunov's inequality involving $ \lambda $-Hilfer Hadamard fractional derivative
Authors: Ragoub Lakhdar , Gómez-Aguilar J. F. , Pérez-Careta Eduardo , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we presented and proved a general Lyapunov's inequality for a class of fractional boundary problems (FBPs) involving a new fractional derivative, named $ \lambda $-Hilfer. We proved a criterion of existence which extended that of Lyapunov concerning the ordinary case. We used this criterion to solve the fractional differential equation (FDE) subject to the Dirichlet boundary conditions. In order to do so, we invoked some properties and essential results of $ \lambda $-Hilfer fractional boundary value problem (HFBVP). This result also retrieved all previous Lyapunov-type inequalities for different types of boundary conditions as mixed. The order that we considered here only focused on $ 1 < r\leq 2 $. General Hartman-Wintner-type inequalities were also investigated. We presented an example in order to provide an application of this result.
A machine learning projection method for macro‐finance models
Authors: Valaitis Vytautas , Villa Alessandro T.
Published: January 2024

We use supervised machine learning to approximate the expectations typically contained in the optimality conditions of an economic model in the spirit of the parameterized expectations algorithm (PEA) with stochastic simulation. When the set of state variables is generated by a stochastic simulation, it is likely to suffer from multicollinearity. We show that a neural network‐based expectations algorithm can deal efficiently with multicollinearity by extending the optimal debt management problem studied by Faraglia, Marcet, Oikonomou, and Scott (2019) to four maturities. We find that the optimal policy prescribes an active role for the newly added medium‐term maturities, enabling the planner to raise financial income without increasing its total borrowing in response to expenditure shocks. Through this mechanism, the government effectively subsidizes the private sector during recessions.
Measuring trust in institutions and its causal effect
Authors: Penczynski Stefan P. , Santana Maria Isabel
Published: January 2024

We propose a novel way of measuring trust in institutions, which draws on the experimental method used to elicit time preferences. Our measure is provided in the meaningful metric of the subjective probability of trustworthiness of the trustee. In a lab‐in‐the‐field setting in the Philippines, we measure trust in two different financial institutions. Additionally, we exploit exogenous variation in the eligibility for a future payment to examine whether a promise fulfilled by the institution increases trust and changes individual financial behavior. We find that eligible individuals significantly increase savings held with the institution.
On the complexity of forming mental models
Authors: Kendall Chad , Oprea Ryan
Published: January 2024

We experimentally study how people form predictive models of simple data generating processes (DGPs), by showing subjects data sets and asking them to predict future outputs. We find that subjects: (i) often fail to predict in this task, indicating a failure to form a model, (ii) often cannot explicitly describe the model they have formed even when successful, and (iii) tend to be attracted to the same, simple models when multiple models fit the data. Examining a number of formal complexity metrics, we find that all three patterns are well organized by metrics suggested by Lipman (1995) and Gabaix (2014) that describe the information processing required to deploy models in prediction.
Persistence in a dynamic moral hazard game
Authors: Bohren J. Aislinn
Published: January 2024

This paper explores how the persistence of past choices creates incentives in a continuous time stochastic game involving a large player (e.g., a firm) and a sequence of small players (e.g., customers). The large player faces moral hazard and her actions are distorted by a Brownian motion. Persistence refers to how actions impact a payoff‐relevant state variable (e.g., product quality depends on past investment). I characterize actions and payoffs in Markov perfect equilibria (MPE) for a fixed discount rate, show that the perfect public equilibrium (PPE) payoff set is the convex hull of the MPE payoff set, and derive sufficient conditions for a MPE to be the
unique PPE. Persistence can serve as an effective channel for intertemporal incentives in a setting where traditional channels fail. Applications to persistent product quality and policy targeting demonstrate the impact of persistence on equilibrium behavior.
Identifying the Determinants of Platform-Based E-Government Service Use
Authors: Nam Hyundong , Nam Taewoo , Kim Songeun
Published: January 2024

Governments have embraced platform-based business models, increasingly used in companies, to enhance efficiency, standardize information, and deliver a broader range of information quickly and easily. The integration of platform-based e-information services is essential for innovative e-government policies, as it leads to improvements in administrative efficiency and better information quality. A theoretical review of success factors highlights the significance of service efficiency, user satisfaction, and the intention for continuous use. The authors conducted their own survey of Korean citizens using Government 24, an integrated platform for frontline e-services. Their analysis revealed that information and service quality boost user satisfaction, while system and service quality heighten perceived efficiency. Perceived efficiency and satisfaction in platform-based e-services play a crucial role in encouraging users to continue utilizing these services.
Mudanças e permanências no pequeno comércio de produtos alimentícios: os circuitos da economia urbana de Sobral/CE
Authors: Fontenelle Filho Joffre , Lima Luiz Cruz
Published: January 2024

As modernidades, que se materializam no território dos países subdesenvolvidos, ocorrem de forma seletiva, gerando desigualdades e desorganizando as economias locais. Atualmente, novas formas de produção e consumo vão se disseminando em vários pontos do território. Sobral, cidade média do sertão cearense, vem sendo incluída na divisão espacial do trabalho e tem se tornado um lugar importante de consumo. O comércio varejista moderno, característico do circuito superior da economia e representado nesta pesquisa pelos supermercados, chegou à cidade e tem contribuído com uma nova dinâmica em todo o comércio local, varejista e atacadista, de produtos alimentícios. O pequeno comércio de alimentos, característico do circuito inferior e representado nesta pesquisa, principalmente, pelos mercadinhos, padarias, hortifrútis, açougues e bodegas, manifesta permanências e mudanças decorrentes das relações que envolvem, de um lado, a sobrevivência de uma parcela da população que vive na pobreza e, de outro, a necessidade de se manter em um mercado que vem se tornando cada vez mais competitivo. O objetivo central desta pesquisa foi analisar se a coexistência das diversas formas de comércio de alimentos aponta para uma intensificação das relações de complementaridade e subordinação entre os dois circuitos da economia urbana a partir da análise das mudanças e permanências percebidas nos diversos segmentos desse ramo da economia. Estabelecemos como recorte espacial a sede do município e como recorte temporal para nossa análise o período de 2006 a 2018. A metodologia, fundamentada no método crítico, utilizou como recursos a periodização, a análise de dados quantitativos e qualitativos coletados em bancos de dados disponíveis e em trabalho de campo. A pesquisa constatou inúmeros contrastes no pequeno comércio de produtos alimentícios da cidade Sobral e a flexibilidade típica da economia pobre.
Um estudo de revisão sobre a Geografia e a Educação Ambiental nos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental
Authors: Lelis Diego Andrade de Jesus , Marques Ronualdo , Pedroso Daniele Saheb
Published: January 2024

A presente pesquisa concentra-se nos campos da Educação Ambiental e do Ensino da geografia nos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental. Partindo do pressuposto que estas são marcadas pelo estudo sobre a relação entre o ser humano, sociedade e o meio ambiente. De modo que é possível afirmar que as questões ambientais fazem parte o escopo da Geografia. Para o desenvolvimento desta pesquisa, amparou-se em um estudo de revisão do tipo estado da arte buscando responder a seguinte questão: Quais reflexões emergem sobre o ensino de Geografia e Educação Ambiental nos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental a partir da produção stricto sensu brasileira? Tendo como objetivo mapear a relação do ensino da ciência geográfica com Educação Ambiental nos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental a partir dos resumos extraídos da Biblioteca Brasileira Digital de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD) entre os anos de (1967) e 2020. A análise dos dados foi realizada com o auxílio do software ATLAS.ti. Como síntese da pesquisa exploratória aponta-se a carência de estudos que envolvam Geografia e a EA no nível de ensino escolhido para essa pesquisa, visto que, das 816 pesquisas inseridas nos critérios estabelecidos para esta pesquisa, apenas 16 tratavam diretamente e somente desta etapa de ensino. O quantitativo de pesquisas encontrado evidencia a necessidade de expansão de trabalhos nesse campo.
A desertificação nas pesquisas de degradação ambiental no semiárido brasileiro: uma revisão sistemática integrativa da literatura
Authors: Souza Sérgio Domiciano Gomes de , Souza Anny Catarina Nobre de , Sousa Maria Losângela Martins de
Published: January 2024

A degradação ambiental é um problema oriundo de causas naturais e das ações humanas espoliantes sob a superfície da Terra. Entre as zonas climáticas áridas, semiáridas e subúmidas secas do planeta Terra, pode ocorrer um tipo de degradação ambiental em estado avançado: desertificação. No Brasil, esta pode ocorrer no território semiárido, dada a gravidade do problema e a configuração socioambiental deste espaço, sendo importante os estudos que revelem seu estado de degradação. Nesse sentido, o presente escrito tem por objetivo identificar o tratamento dado à desertificação nas abordagens sobre degradação ambiental no Semiárido brasileiro. Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática integrativa da literatura, com base em protocolo de busca amparado na literatura especializada de metodologia científica, critério de análise das teses, dissertações e artigos científicos presentes nas bases Portal de Periódico Capes e Base Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações. Dessa forma, os dados resultantes da revisão sistemática demonstraram que, embora haja uma diversidade de abordagens, parte significativa dos estudos sobre degradação do semiárido brasileiro estabelece relação direta e indiretamente com a desertificação, à medida que apenas uma minoria focaliza no estudo da desertificação em seus objetivos, o que demonstra a necessidade de estudar a desertificação no semiárido brasileiro.
Análise da fragilidade potencial e emergente em três sub-bacias do Alto Rio Taquari, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil: subsídios para o planejamento ambiental e a conservação da biodiversidade
Authors: Güntzel Adriana Maria , Rocha Rodrigo , Silva Érica Martins da , Oliveira Víncler Fernandes Ribeiro de
Published: January 2024

Modelos de análise da fragilidade ambiental auxiliam na espacialização de áreas com maior e menor grau de fragilidade aos processos erosivos e na compreensão da relação entre esses processos e as atividades humanas. Este estudo se propôs a avaliar três sub-bacias do rio Taquari, no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, a partir da integração de informações sobre o potencial natural dos processos erosivos e o uso da terra, para fundamentar ações de planejamento socioambiental, visando o uso sustentável dos recursos naturais e a conservação da biodiversidade nessa região do Alto Taquari. O estudo se baseou na geração e sobreposição de informações de produtos cartográficos, obtidos a partir de imagens do satélite Sentinel 2; dados vetoriais de solo; pluviosidade; áreas prioritárias para a conservação da biodiversidade; e dados de declividade, em Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG). As três sub-bacias apresentaram pastagem como forma de uso principal e diferentes graus de antropismos. Apenas as nascentes do Córrego do Sítio, que estão situadas no interior de uma Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA), encontraram-se preservadas. Diante dos resultados obtidos no presente estudo, considera-se necessária a recuperação das áreas de preservação permanente em nascentes e marginais aos cursos d’água, nas sub-bacias do Veado e Criminoso, dada a fragilidade natural dos processos erosivos existentes na região e a proteção de importantes remanescentes de vegetação de Cerrado, que devem ter medidas efetivas de conservação para a manutenção da qualidade do solo, da água e dos serviços ecossistêmicos, advindos da biodiversidade local. Considerando as características socioambientais do município de Coxim, deve ser avaliada a viabilidade de regulamentar o turismo sustentável na região, uma vez que se trata de uma das poucas áreas do bioma Cerrado com características naturais e propícias ao desenvolvimento dessa atividade (vegetação nativa e recursos hídricos preservados), que poderia representar um importante incremento na renda da população.
“EM NOME DO PAI, AMÉM”: PRAZER E SOFRIMENTO NO TRABALHO DE LIDERANÇAS RELIGIOSAS
Authors: Pinheiro Leonardo Victor de Sá , Vieira Uliana Rodrigues
Published: January 2024

O presente estudo buscou identificar as vivências de prazer e sofrimento no trabalho em líderes religiosos pertencentes a denominação batista tradicional, derivada do protestantismo histórico. Por meio de uma abordagem qualitativa, investigou-se, através das histórias de vida, o contexto de trabalho eclesiástico de treze líderes religiosos. Para isso, realizou-se entrevistas semiestruturadas, sendo os dados analisados utilizando-se a análise de conteúdo temática de lógica interpretativa, proposta por Braun e Clarke (2006). Dentre os principais resultados evidenciados, destaca-se que a liderança religiosa parte do princípio “vocacional”, sendo um forte determinante no sentimento de propósito e prazer. A investigação também constatou que o sentimento de solidão é algo comum entre os clérigos e a medida em que os anos vão passando a percepção desse sofrimento tende a diminuir. Ademais, os resultados coletados revelaram que o ambiente eclesiástico tem se aproximado de organizações não-religiosas, exigindo, cada vez mais, capacitações por parte dos pastores e adoção de modelos de gerenciamento para alcançarem os objetivos almejados.
3D modeling and volume measurement of bulk grains stored in large warehouses using bi-temporal multi-site terrestrial laser scanning data
Authors: Hu Xingbo , Xia Tian , Yang Leidong , Wu Fangming , Tian Yinghong
Published: January 2024

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is a promising technology for quantity checking huge grain stocks with low cost, light workload and high efficiency. Existing applications of TLS in bulk grain measurement and quantification lack the ability to capture complete structural information of grain bulks and thus will result in large errors. In this paper, we propose a bi-temporal TLS scheme for fast 3D modeling and accurate volume measurement of bulk grains stored in large warehouses. The scheme uses bi-temporal multi-site TLS datasets acquired under both empty and full or high loading conditions to obtain complete surface information about grain bulk’s structure. In order for a grain bulk’s all external surfaces and the 3D volumetric model reconstructed therefrom to be automatically derived from the bi-temporal TLS dataset, several dedicated methods are developed for the scheme. A fully automated marker-free strategy exploring structurally semantic information inherent in the large grain storehouses is adopted to register multi-scan TLS point cloud data captured in large-scale granary scenes. Also, a local minima-based region growing technique is devised to extract underlying surfaces from a granary scene point cloud model. Experiments show that the proposed 3D modeling and volume measurement scheme can work effectively and quickly in TLS-based granary field applications and repeated test data demonstrate its correctness, repeatability and accuracy. Compared with the conventional manual measurement approach, the bi-temporal TLS scheme can not only achieve much higher measurement precision, but also greatly improve efficiency by significantly reducing cost, workload, and manpower. It has good potential for use in the area of nation-wide grain inventory inspection in China.
A no-win situation: psychiatrists navigating competing obligations between free will, paternalism, duty of care, and position of guarantee
Authors: Scognamiglio Pasquale , Iniziato Valeria , La Pia Silvestro , Martiadis Vassilis
Published: January 2024

This paper examines the ethical tensions psychiatrists encounter in balancing competing obligations to patients and society, heightened in the COVID-19 era. With reference to the Italian situation, legal concepts such as duty of care or the rule of law defined “position of guarantee” engender heightened duties of care but generate discordance concerning patient autonomy. As a matter of fact, Italian psychiatrists are considered responsible for the effects of their interventions on patients and their behaviors. Consequently, managing involuntary treatment, assessing risk, and worrying about liability strain practitioners' efforts to uphold non-maleficence. As mental healthcare needs escalate globally amidst resource constraints, the application of ethical principles is imperative. Evidence-based approaches prioritizing collaborative harm reduction over social control must be reinforced through education, oversight, and organizational policies. With balanced civil commitment criteria and realistic expectations acknowledging risk prediction limits, therapeutic alliances can be maintained. Greater investment in community-based systems can mitigate coercion and marginalization. Psychiatrists worldwide endeavor to uphold beneficence and non-maleficence within shifting accountability landscapes. This perspective advocates collective efforts to promote patient welfare through equitable, quality care. Navigating the multifaceted nexus of competing obligations demands thoughtful dialogue and judicious reforms responsive to both practitioner and patient needs. By engaging with ethical complexities with scientific rigor and compassion, psychiatry can uphold humane, ethical standards despite mounting challenges.
The relationship between the quality of life and social well-being among the families of COVID-19 patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Adibi Amir , Jamshidbeigy Tayebeh
Published: January 2024

Social well-being is one of the essential aspects of well-being that is highly connected to psychological health and has been challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this respect, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the quality of life and social well-being among the families of COVID-19 patients. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 300 people were selected by simple random sampling among the families of COVID-19 patients who were admitted to Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, Iran. Also, data were collected using Keyes’s social well-being questionnaire and the World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire, which were finally analyzed by Stata version 12 software and linear regression models. The findings showed the quality of life of divorced people was lower than that of single people. People with university education also had a higher quality of life than people with undergraduate education. Besides, a significant relationship was observed between age, all subscales of social well-being, and quality of life. It seems that the COVID-19 crisis has been a challenge to social well-being and can threaten people’s psychological health. Therefore, the emphasis should be necessarily placed on self-care, maintaining social commitments, and asking for help with mental and emotional disturbances during this pandemic.
Multiple Gastrointestinal Haemangiomatosis: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Adefarakan Shina , Tshifularo Nyaweleni
Published: January 2024

Gastrointestinal (GI) haemangiomatosis is a very rare cause of GI bleeding in children. Due to this fact, making the diagnosis sometimes is delayed. In this case report, two different patients with multiple GI haemangiomatosis are presented. Of note is an 8 year old male with a previous history of a vascular malformation of the face presented with features of bowel obstruction (intussusception) and a history of recurrent blood in stool. At laparotomy, multiple haemangiomatosis were seen on the small bowel, right colon, liver, diaphragm and on the body of the gallbladder. Surgical management with excision of the enteric lesions and stapled anastomosis was done.
No Child’s Play: Under-five Child Feces Management in a Rural Area of Bengaluru Urban District, India
Authors: Thattil Anissa Mary Thomas , Agrawal Twinkle , Surti Abdul Kader , Sebastian Stallon , Mirza Kiyana , Jacob George , Fathima Farah Naaz
Published: January 2024

Background:

Inappropriate feces disposal leads to environmental contamination, and increases the risk of exposure to children. We aimed to estimate the proportion of rural households with knowledge and practice of safe management of feces (SMoF) among under-five children and to identify associated factors.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in eight villages in Bengaluru Urban district over 2 months, using a face-validated semi-structured interview schedule. SMoF was defined based on five criteria – defecation site, transport tool, feces disposal, cleaning of transport tool, and hand washing.

Results:

Out of 320 under-five children surveyed, 15.7% were pre-ambulatory and 84.3% were ambulatory. The majority of the caregivers (92.5%) felt that children should defecate in the latrine and only 23.7% were aware that child feces were more infectious than adult feces. SMoF was only practiced by caregivers of ambulatory children (52.6%). Households with older caregivers (P = 0.01) and those living in a pucca house (P = 0.02) with a latrine inside (P = 0.04) were found to practice SMoF. Children of households that practiced unsafe disposal of child feces experienced more diarrheal episodes (P = 0.04). Caregivers >20 years were found to have better odds of SMoF [20–25 years (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 9.02), 26–30 years (aOR: 12.17), >30 years (aOR: 8.93)] compared to those <20 years.

Conclusion:

The proportion of households with knowledge and practice of SMoF was low. Awareness of SMoF is essential to reduce the incidence of diarrheal diseases and improve sanitation. Our findings also call for awareness building at schools and colleges.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine/Therapy for Tobacco Cessation in India: A Secondary Analysis of GATS-1 and 2
Authors: Kapoor Shivam , Dhankhar Anushikha , Bhatt Garima , Goel Sonu , Singh Rana J.
Published: January 2024

Background:

India has nearly 267 million adult tobacco users, with a slowly improving quitting rate. Among the many approaches to quitting the habit, such as counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, nicotine patch or gum, and prescribed allopathic medicines. Complementary and alternative medicine/therapy (CAM), a thousand-year-old practice in India, may also prove to be a potential method in tobacco cessation; however, there is scarce literature on the extent of use of CAM among tobacco users who attempt to quit the habit. Therefore, this study attempts to examine the potential of CAM as a strategy for tobacco control in India.

Material and Methods:

We undertook a secondary analysis of the data from both rounds of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2009 and 2016). The dependent variable included in the analysis was the use of traditional medicine as a method for quitting tobacco in three types of users—smokers, smokeless tobacco users, and dual users. The prevalence of CAM use was reported, and Chi-square test was applied to find the factors significantly associated with the use of CAM among tobacco users considering a P value of 0.05 to be statistically significant.

Results:

The overall prevalence of traditional medicine use for GATS-1 was observed to be more among dual users (4%), while for GATS-2, it was highest among smokers (3%). For both rounds of the GATS survey, the use of traditional medicine was found to be higher among males, rural residents, users with no education or less than primary education, and the eastern region.

Conclusions:

CAM has a promising potential for supporting tobacco cessation provided a concerted effort is undertaken to standardize pharmacopeia and establish robust clinical evidence. In addition, there is a need to create awareness, build the capacity of healthcare providers, and foster academic-industrial research in indigenous Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) systems.
Extent of Smartphone Addiction and its Association with Physical Activity Level, Anthropometric Indices, and Quality of Sleep in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kumar Sathish , Rajasegaran Rajalakshmi , Prabhakaran Soundararajan , Mani Thenmozhi
Published: January 2024

Background:

Smartphone addiction among young adults is a growing concern that is often underestimated despite its significant health hazards. The objective of this study was to assess the extent of smartphone addiction and its association with physical activity level, anthropometric indices, and quality of sleep in young adults.

Material and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 allied health sciences undergraduates of a tertiary care medical school in Puducherry, South India. The participants’ extent of smartphone addiction, physical activity, and sleep quality were assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. Anthropometric indices (body mass index [BMI], waist-to-hip [W: H] ratio, waist-to-height [W: Ht] ratio, Conicity Index, and A Body Shape Index [ABSI]) were also measured following standardized procedures. Correlations between smartphone addiction, physical activity, anthropometric indices, and sleep quality were evaluated using Pearson’s/Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result:

Over 50% of participants showed smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality. Although a significant negative correlation was observed between SAS scores and physical activity levels, significant positive correlations were noted between SAS scores and BMI and SAS and PSQI scores.

Conclusion:

Smartphone addiction is associated with decreased physical activity, increased BMI, and poor sleep quality in young adults.
Morbidity and Treatment-Seeking Pattern among Low Birth Weight Infants: A Community-based Cohort Study from Puducherry
Authors: Manghat Sreeja , Sarkar Sonali , Kar Sitanshu Sekhar , Bethou Adhisivam
Published: January 2024

Background:

To compare the morbidity and treatment-seeking pattern of low birth weight (LBW) and normal birth weight (NBW) infants during the first six months.

Material and Methods:

A prospective cohort study was conducted in the service areas of eight urban primary health centers of Puducherry from October 2019 to July 2021. Details of LBW and sex-matched NBW infants were obtained from the birth registers of selected PHCs. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule on completion of the first, third, and sixth months at their homes. For comparison, Mid-p exact test was used for incidence rates, t-test/Mann-Whitney for continuous variables and the Chi-square/Fisher’s exact test for the categorical variables.

Results:

Ninety-four pairs of LBWS and NBW infants were recruited. The incidence of morbidity during the first six months among LBW and NBW infants was 37.5 and 33.3 episodes per 100 child months, respectively (P value 0.118). Though the incidence of all-cause morbidity was similar, skin infections were significantly higher among LBW (3.10 vs 1.21 per 100 child months, P = 0.04). The incidence of all-cause morbidity was high in LBW infants with poor weight gain.

Conclusion:

Birth weight was associated with all-cause morbidity during the first three months. However, this association varied in age points and infants’ weight gain.
A Study on the Prevalence of HCV Genotypes and the Effect of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy on Clinical and Laboratory Parameters in HCV-Infected Patients at a Tertiary Care Center in North India
Authors: Shahanas S Muhammed , Verma Rajeev , Kumar Kanishka , Verma Manisha , Srivastavsa Deepak Chandra , Budhwani Priyanka
Published: January 2024

Background:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of different HCV genotypes, as well as to evaluate clinical and laboratory parameters in HCV-infected patients before and after DAA treatment.

Material and Methods:

An open-label prospective study was conducted on 50 HCV-infected individuals. The HCV-infected patients underwent a baseline evaluation with complete history, examination, and other clinical investigations. These patients received the appropriate DAA according to the genotype for 3 months. At the end of 3 months, these patients were again evaluated clinically.

Results:

The majority of instances were among younger age groups. Genotype 3 (66%) was the most common. There was a statistically significant difference found in clinical parameters regarding total bilirubin (p=0.008), SGOT (p=0.001), SGPT (p=0.035), ALP (p=<0.001) and Blood Urea Nitrogen (p = 0.004). When 1a vs 1b intragroup comparison was drawn, there was a significant mean difference found in SGOT (p value= 0.053) and Creatinine (p=0.050) parameters while rest shows no significant difference when associated. In the comparison of 1a vs 3 or 4, none of the parameters shows significant difference while; when 1b vs 3 or 4 comparison was laid out, SGOT and Creatinine was found near to significant.

Conclusion:

This study concludes that with the availability of DAAs, highly effective, short-duration, and safe regimens have created better outcomes for patients with HCV infection, especially in those groups where SVR was low with prior therapies or in those where IFN-based treatment strategies were contraindicated.
Effect of Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin Combination Use in COVID-19 Patients – An Umbrella Review
Authors: Nag Kaushik , Tripura Kaushik , Datta Anjan , Karmakar Nabarun , Singh Manvi , Singh Meenu , Singal Kusum , Pradhan Pranita
Published: January 2024

Background:

Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin combination was used rampantly in management of COVID-19 patients in different countries. Present review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin combination compared to the control (standard care) and any adverse effect following this combination use in COVID-19 patients if any.

Material and Methods:

We included all the systematic review with or without meta-analysis reporting the effect of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and Azithromycin (AZM) combination use in COVID-19 patient using three databases namely PubMed, medline, CINHAL, Web of Science from July 2020 till Jan 2022.

Results:

The systematic search strategy has identified 104 studies in total, after removal of duplicates only 4 systematic reviews were included in the qualitative synthesis. The various tools for assessing and reporting the data in the reviews were PRISMA, ROBINS-I, Robs2, AMSTAR, MASTER checklists. Mortality among the hydroxychloroquine with azithromycin combination group was significantly higher than among the Standard Care group. The duration of hospital stay in days was shorter in the Standard Care group in comparison with the hydroxychloroquine group or the hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin combination group. Of the 4 systematic reviews included, 3 had low risk of bias and one had unclear risk of bias using the ROBIS tool. Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine combination did not shorten the duration of hospital stay.

Conclusion:

Rampant use of Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine alone or with Azithromycin combination caused adverse effects like QT prolongation. Finally, there is no evidence to support use of either Hydroxychloroquine with or without Azithromycin, for the treatment of COVID-19.
Carotid Endarterectomy in a Hostile Neck: To Do or Not to Do
Authors: Agarwal Rahul , Atrepurapu Viswanath , Sharma Pritee , Krishna Y Vamsi , Gupta Prem Chand
Published: January 2024

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the procedure of choice in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. However, in patients with hostile necks due to previous surgery or radiotherapy, there is a fear of higher complication rate, blood loss, and poor wound healing. We report two patients with hostile necks in whom we performed standard CEA with no cranial nerve injuries, no stroke, no blood transfusion, and normal wound healing and briefly review the literature.
Periaortitis Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair – A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Dhanpal Nikhil , Raj Sumanth , Motukuru Vishnu , Vivekanad  , Suresh K R
Published: January 2024

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive well-described procedure used in the management of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Periaortitis following EVAR is a rare but possible complication that must be considered during surveillance. We recount a case of a 77-year-old man who underwent an EVAR with coiling of the right internal iliac artery for an incidentally detected inflammatory AAA. Due to intractable lower back ache, fatigue, and low-grade fever that surfaced a month postoperatively, he was evaluated with inflammatory markers, Positron emission tomography-computed tomography angiograms which revealed features of periaortic inflammation and involvement of the right ureter and duodenum. He was managed with broad-spectrum antibiotics to which he responded albeit transiently. Persistent symptoms prompted us to start systemic corticosteroids as per body weight that was tapered over 2 months and ureteric stenting was offered. Management with corticosteroids, tamoxifen, and early stenting has been described in the reported literature. His symptoms improved dramatically and the evidently high inflammatory markers also reduced. Keen monitoring and early management with steroids of periaortitis following EVAR is a prudent paradigm to be implemented.
Case Report of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia with Pulmonary and Hepatic Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Aggarwal Tanya , Meena Neerja , Ramnani Shivani , Chowdhary Jai , Bansal Nikhil , Bhargava Rahul
Published: January 2024

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) (Osler–Weber–Rendu syndrome) is a rare vascular disorder that usually presents with epistaxis, mucocutaneous telangiectasia, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are at serious risk of cerebral stroke due to paradoxical embolism, indicating the need for early diagnosis and intervention. We report a 24-year-old man who presented with hypoxemia and a history of recurrent spontaneous epistaxis, and radiologic workup demonstrating pulmonary and hepatic AVMs. He was diagnosed with HHT and treated by endovascular embolization.
Different Configurations of Neoaortoiliac System Operation: An Institutional Experience
Authors: Indira Nandam Srikantiya , Mahapatra Sandeep , Arumalla Anusha , Paul Roma , Gokavarapu Siva Kumar , Vempati Apoorva , Mukkamala Harichandana Pragna Sree , Palepu Sneha , Venkatesh Narra Naga , Sai Gorentla Narasimha
Published: January 2024

Background:

Mycotic aortic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta is a rare entity. Repair of infected aneurysms is challenging because of the deleterious consequences of the usage of prosthetic material as an arterial conduit with limited availability of autogenous grafts. Aortic graft infection is one of the most morbid complications in vascular surgery. The main objective in treating aortic graft infection is to remove the infected graft material, thoroughly debride, and re-establish the vascular continuity. Neo-Aortoiliac system operation utilizes the femoropopliteal vein in various configurations, depending on the extent of infection and the availability of the conduit.

Aim:

This article aims to report our experience of various configurations of Neo aortoiliac system operation and various conduits used along with femoropopliteal vein, when the femoropoliteal vein is inadequate.

Materials and Methods:

The study was performed in a single tertiary care center. Between January 2022 and June 2023, 4 cases of Neo aortoiliac system operation were performed. The demographics, clinical presentation, operative data, and postoperative outcomes were subsequently collected and analysed.

Results:

3 out 4 patients of Neo-Aortoiliac system operation survived, one patient had Major Adverse Limb Event and one patient succumbed to death due to sepsis.