bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy
Authors: Shah Rajeev Kumar , Koirala Bipin , Rajbansi Lalit Kumar , Arjyal Batsalya
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Tracheostomy is the most commonly performed procedure worldwide. It is mainly done in critically ill patients requiring long-term ventilation, facial trauma, laryngeal fractures, laryngeal malignancy, etc., Converting from endotracheal intubation to tracheostomy has many benefits in terms of maintaining laryngeal function, feeding, and safety, it is more comfortable than endotracheal intubation. Tracheostomized patients require less analgesics and sedatives. It also helps in easier and early weaning from the mechanical ventilator, possibility of speech, and initiation of oral intake of medication. Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a safe and feasible procedure performed at bedside with minimal invasive technique in the intensive care unit (ICU). This all contributes to shorter ICU stay and hospital stay which becomes more cost-effective.

Methods:

This is a prospective observational study that was conducted in the 22-bedded neurointensive care and medical ICU of Birat Medical College and Teaching Hospital. The data were collected from August 01, 2021, to February 28, 2022. All patients needing tracheostomy for prolonged intubation, protection of airway, and to maintain tracheobronchial toileting was taking under study.

Results:

Our study was a prospective observational regarding PDT. A total of 71 patients were included in the study. Out of which, 39 (54.9%) were male and 32 (45.1%) were female with the ratio of (1.2:1). The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 82 years with the mean age of 53.25 years. The most common indication of PDT was prolonged intubation and that accounted for 29 (40.8%) of the patients which was followed by airway protection in 27 (38%) patients and to maintain pulmonary hygiene was seen in 15 (21.1%) patients.

Conclusion:

Tracheostomy is among the most frequently performed procedures in critically ill patients. PDT is a safe and feasible procedure performed at bedside with minimal invasive techniques in ICU.
Diagnostic Efficacy of Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Detection of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis among Patients with Oral Cancer in India – Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gopal Saraswathi K. , Priyadharshini S. , Poongodi V. , Harsha Vardhan B. G.
Published: September 2024

Background:

Oral cancer in India accounts for two-third of global incidence. Ninety percent are squamous cell type that are prone to neck lymph node metastasis. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are common imaging methods used in our clinical practice for treatment planning, determine the prognosis and after treatment follow-up.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic efficacy of CT and MRI in detecting cervical lymph node metastasis among oral cancer patients in India using systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

Literature search was conducted by manual search as well as in academic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar from 2000 to 2021. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria's, studies were analysed and tabulated. Qualitative assessment of included studies was done with QUADAS-2 which assessed the risk of bias. Further meta-analysis was done to know the efficacy of CT and MRI in identifying lymph node metastases.

Results:

A total of 14 studies including 516 participants were involved. With overall pooled sensitivity and specificity in the meta-analysis, CT showed a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 70% and MRI had a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 91%, which was identified in ROC curve in detecting the cervical lymph node metastasis. The diagnostic criteria for MRI and CT in identifying cervical lymph node metastasis includes key features like increases in size, round shape, structural changes, and extra nodal extension.

Conclusion:

CT has a good sensitivity and MRI has a good specificity, which are essential for selective neck dissection.
Prospective Study of Functioning and Outcomes of Code Blue System in an Indian Tertiary Care Center: An Observational Study
Authors: Michael Binoy , Rai Amit , Varadaraj G. , Kulkarni Sachin Narayan , Yadav Rahul
Published: September 2024

Background:

Code blue (CB) is a well-established and common emergency code used in hospitals to summon specialized medical personnel and equipment to resuscitate a patient in the event of cardiac arrest. Albeit, there are not many studies done in the Indian setup, especially in a government institution setting to assess the effectiveness of timely implementation of CB. In our study, we evaluated the effectiveness of CB system (CBS) in an Indian Armed Forces tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months which included all patients who were resuscitated by the CB team (CBT). A CB audit form (CBAF) was formulated through a questionnaire. CBAFs were filled and endorsed by the doctors who attended CB. The audit forms were compiled and analyzed using SPSS, version 21 software.

Results:

A total of 66 CB calls were initiated during the study period. While 23 patients (34.8%) had a successful return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), 43 patients (65.2%) were declared dead at the end of initial resuscitation and 10 patients (15.2%) survived to be discharged from the hospital. The average time taken by the CBT to arrive at the scene was 3.1 min. Maximum number (n = 30, 45.4%) of CB calls were received from 1200 h to 1800 h IST. While 63 cases (95.5%) had nonshockable cardiac rhythm, only 3 cases (4.5%) had shockable rhythm on initial assessment. Forty-three patients (65.1%) had either diabetes or hypertension or both and only 4 patients (6.1%) had prior known cardiac illness.

Conclusion:

The availability of CBS increased the chance of survival and about 35% of cardiac-arrested patients had successful ROSC. Since majority of the cardiac arrest patients had a nonshockable rhythm (about 95%), nonavailability of a defibrillator is not a limiting factor in providing effective resuscitation.
Choosing the Safe Anesthetic Technique in a Patient with Spinocerebellar Ataxia: A Clinical Dilemma!
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Saikia Dimpy , Bandyopadhyay Anjishnujit , Gupta Babita
Published: September 2024

Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is an inherited constellation of central nervous system disorders which is rare, progressive, neurodegenerative, and heterogeneous, mainly affecting the cerebellum. Administration of anesthesia in a patient with SCA poses challenges and a clinical dilemma in deciding the safe anesthetic technique. We describe the anesthetic management in a patient with SCA scheduled for proximal femoral nailing. Brief review of literature on the anesthetic concerns and choice of anesthetic technique is also discussed.
Modified BG Prasad Socio-economic Classification, Update – 2021
Authors: Sharma Nandita , Aggarwal Pradeep
Published: September 2024

One of the most key determinant of a person’s nutritional condition, health, illness, and death is their socioeconomic level. When conducting community-based studies, it is vital to determine the socio-economic level of the study participants, as this determines the incidence and prevalence of numerous health disorders. Modified BG Prasad socioeconomic classification is most widely used scale to determine the socioeconomic status of study subjects in health studies in India. This scale is based on the per capita income of an individual and has to be constantly updated by taking into account the inflation and depreciation of rupee, because the rupee’s value will depreciate owing to inflation, and economic variables will lose their significance. It is calculated by using the consumer price index (CPI) for industrial workers (IW). The monthly updated values of Consumer Price Index are available at the Labour Bureau of India website on the last day of every month.
Prevalence and distribution of tobacco intake in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir, J&K
Authors: Singh Malvika
Published: September 2024

CONTEXT:

India is one of the top three tobacco burden countries in the world. Tobacco intake causes loss of health, environment and increases financial burden of an individual.

AIMS:

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of tobacco intake among individuals of more than 15 years of age in union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

District wise data from National Health Survey-5, Ministry of Health and Family welfare 2019–2020 was analyzed and measured

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:

Mean, median and mode.

RESULTS:

Out of all the 20 districts in J&K, prevalence of tobacco smoking was highest in Kupwara district (56.6%) and lowest in Jammu district (26.6%).

CONCLUSIONS:

People should be made more aware about the ill effects of tobacco usage. Although, the Government of India enacted various legislations to control tobacco use, its reduction lies in our hands and same should be discussed with general masses my making them aware about the menace of tobacco on mental, environmental and health of individual.
Childhood obesity
Authors: Bhat Ulfat Amin
Published: September 2024

In both industrialized and developing nations, childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions, causing a variety of medical disorders that raise the risk of morbidity and hasten mortality. Obesity is a serious public health issue and is a complex disorder involving biological, developmental, environmental, behavioral, and hereditary components. Numerous research investigations have been carried out to determine what linkages and risk factors enhance the likelihood that a kid may present with obesity as a result of the rise in the incidence of obesity among youngsters. The integration of diet, workouts, biological changes, and psychological variables is important in the control and prevention of childhood obesity; therefore, all researchers concur that prevention is the key strategy for controlling the current problem. However, a comprehensive view of all the health conditions linked to obesity remains a mystery. This strategy could backfire because of the psychological problems with bodily habitus that may come along with puberty. Bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and night-eating syndrome are all conditions that can develop in teens as a result of unhealthful eating behaviors. Others who overshoot their objective of “being healthy” and limit their food may develop anorexia nervosa.
Psychological impact of quarantine and isolation on patients, carers, and frontline healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wadoo Ovais , Shah Naveed Nazir , Firdosi Mudasir M. , Hussain Arshad , Mushtaq Mehvish , Azad Aaliya Mohi-uddin , Ouanes Sami , Khan Zaid , Majid Shahid , Din Waseem-ud , Qadri Sabeena , Reagu Shuja
Published: September 2024

Background and Objectives:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a significant impact on the mental well-being of the general population and the impact is reported to be more in people in isolation/quarantine facilities and frontline healthcare workers managing patients in such facilities. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health is yet to be fully understood by family carers who attend to the patient for basic nursing care in hospital settings. We set out to bridge this gap by exploring the psychological impact on patients, carers, and frontline healthcare workers.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a COVID-19 tertiary care treatment facility. Consecutive adult patients admitted for quarantine and isolation purposes, their immediate carers, and frontline workers were included in the study. Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety-Depression Scale was used to study the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results:

In the patient group, the prevalence of depression was 60.2% and the prevalence of anxiety was 53%. In the carer group, the prevalence of depression was 46.2% and the prevalence of anxiety was 49.2%. In the healthcare worker group, the prevalence of depression was 16.7% and the prevalence of anxiety was 33.3%.

Interpretation and Conclusions:

COVID-19 has led to an increasing reliance on home and hospital carers. Our study underlines an important finding that the psychological impact is significant not only on the patients who contract the infection but also on their carers.
Analysis of Tobacco Cessation Programs in Dental Settings
Authors: Benjamin Niharika , Choubey Varsha , Bhasin Meenakshi , Sushma Bedkekar , Choudhary Anushree , Thomas Pallavi Ammu
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable diseases, including oral cancer and periodontal disease. Dental settings offer a unique opportunity for tobacco cessation interventions due to the frequent patient–dentist interactions.

Materials and Methods:

A randomized controlled trial was conducted across 20 dental clinics. Participants included 400 adult tobacco users who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 200) or a control group (n = 200). The intervention group received a comprehensive tobacco cessation program consisting of behavioral counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and follow-up sessions over 6 months. The control group received standard care, which included general advice on quitting tobacco. Data on tobacco use, quit rates, and oral health status were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24.0, and significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

At 6 months, the intervention group showed a significantly higher quit rate (45%) compared to the control group (20%) (P < 0.001). Additionally, participants in the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in oral health parameters, including reductions in periodontal pocket depths (a mean reduction of 2.5 mm) and improvements in gingival health scores. Satisfaction with the program was high among participants in the intervention group, with 85% reporting they would recommend the program to others.

Conclusion:

The tobacco cessation program implemented in dental settings significantly increased quit rates and improved oral health outcomes compared to standard care. These findings suggest that integrating tobacco cessation programs into routine dental practice can effectively reduce tobacco use and enhance oral health.
Artificial Intelligence in Health Care from Oncology to Perioperative Care
Authors: Wani Shaqul Qamar , Khan Talib , Wani Saiful Yamin , Farhat Deeba
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing health care by addressing some of the important concerns, the health-care organizations face daily. All partners in the health system must understand AI technologies and how they might improve the effectiveness and accessibility of AI-based health services, leading to value-based care. Effective and proper use of AI in health care is the primary emphasis of this narrative review article, which also helps readers grasp the basic ideas underlying AI. Despite the fact that AI is still in its infancy in other sectors of health care, it has made tremendous strides in a variety of specializations, including radiodiagnosis and imaging, surgery (robotic-assisted procedures), oncology, especially radiation oncology, anesthesia, and pathology. However, ethical concerns about utilizing AI in health care may delay its widespread usage.
Perception and Role of Indirect and Post-Discharge Surveillance in Predicting Surgical Site Infection in Surgical Patients: An Institutional Experience
Authors: Inamdar Padmanabh , Inamdar Dhanashree P. , Hota Prasan Kumar , Avinash Yakkali , Fothedar Pravalika , Basavaraju Anuradha , Reddy Bathina Nikhil , Reddy Naru Sabarinatha
Published: September 2024

Background:

Surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance is a process of observing and reporting of infections following surgery. SSI surveillance studies are few in our country.

Objectives:

Present study was conducted to know the perception and role of SSI surveillance. Incidence of surgical site infection, identification of risk factors and bacterial spectrum of surgical wounds during surveillance were also studied.

Methods:

Patients who underwent a surgical procedure between July 2022 and June 2023 at our hospital were included. A prospective incidence surveillance for SSI was done to look for any signs of infection and record them in the surveillance form. Wound swabs or pus aspirates were sent for microbiological culture.

Results:

A total of 2312 patients underwent surgery during the study period, of whom 61 patients were diagnosed with SSI. The incidence of SSI was 2.6%. SSI was encountered more in female patients (57.3%). Age distribution had a significant association with SSI (P = 0.025). Most operative wounds were clean-contaminated (45.9%). Most SSIs were superficial (91.8%), followed by deep (8.2%). Most patients who developed SSI had a National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS) patient risk index of 2 (45.9%). Bacterial growth was observed in 45.9% of cases. Multidrug resistance (MDR) among these isolates was 42.6%.

Conclusion:

This study helped to determine predictors of SSI like duration of surgery, type of wound, duration of hospital stays, and NNIS risk index. MDR isolates are now contributing to SSI. The perception of healthcare workers about SSI surveillance was that it was feasible to use and practice. Surveillance helped clinicians to strengthen the existing infection prevention and control practices for the future.
A Rare Case of External Jugular Vein Aneurysm Mimicking Branchial Cyst in a Nigerian Child
Authors: Ugwu Jideofor Okechukwu , Raymond Udoka Victor , Igwilo Innocent Ogundu , Ugwu Nwanneka Ogechukwu , Ifeanyi Emmanuel Samuel
Published: September 2024

Background:

An aneurysm of the external jugular vein is exceptionally rare. Its occurrence in children could present diagnostic challenges due to numerous potential differential diagnoses, including anomalies such as branchial cysts.

Objective:

This study aims to emphasize the necessity of raising suspicion for jugular venous aneurysms in children with cystic neck masses.

Case Summary:

We report an 18-month-old boy with a left-sided neck swelling persisting for 10 months. The swelling was cystic and increased in size during straining or crying. A preoperative diagnosis of a branchial cyst was made but was inconsistent with intraoperative findings, where a venous aneurysm was diagnosed. Ligation and excision were performed without sequelae.

Conclusion:

External jugular venous aneurysms, though rare, should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis in case of lateral neck swellings, especially if they demonstrate compressibility with an increase in size on Valsalva maneuvers. Simple ligation and excision are curative measures.
Perforated Peptic Ulcer in Lagos. Risk Factors and Management Outcome
Authors: Balogun Olanrewaju Samuel , Afolayan Michael O. , Lawal AbdulRazzaq Oluwagbemiga , Osinowo Adedapo Olumide , Olajide Thomas Olagboyega , Makanjuola Ayomide , Adesanya Adedoyin Adekunle , Atoyebi Oluwole Ayoola
Published: September 2024

Background:

Complications of peptic ulcers, such as bleeding, gastric outlet obstruction, and perforation, can be life-threatening and may require surgical intervention. Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) presents mostly as a surgical emergency and is one of the leading causes of secondary peritonitis with significant morbidity and mortality. The clinical outcome of surgical treatment of peptic ulcers varies due to the varying patterns of presentations and interventions between countries. There are few documented series on PPU in Nigeria. This paper reviews the management outcome of PPU in our institution.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review of the available medical records of patients managed for PPU between February 2008 and February 2023 was conducted. All patients had a single anterior peptic ulcer perforation managed by a modified Graham’s patch. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS for Windows, Version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).

Results:

There were 107 PPU patients comprising 93 males and 14 females. The mean age of all patients was 41 years. The peak prevalence of PPU was found among patients aged 30–39 years. Delayed presentation was recorded in about half of the patients. Ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was the most common risk factor for PPU. Among the 93 documented cases, perforated gastric ulcers (71 cases) were found in a much higher proportion than duodenal ulcers (22 cases). Large ulcer (10–30 mm) was the main perforation size category found in 47 out of 83 recorded PPU cases. PPU size was not associated with the incidence of complications or mortality. The median duration of hospital stays was 13 (1–19) days. Surgical site infection was the most common complication after surgery.

Conclusion:

PPU is present in our predominantly male patients in their fourth decade of life. Ingestion of NSAIDs is a major risk factor. Duodenal ulcers were the predominant type seen in our patients. Documented perforated ulcer sizes in our patients are predominantly in the large category. Surgical site infection, systemic sepsis, and superficial wound infection were major complications in our patients.
Natural phytochemicals as small-molecule proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors
Authors: Liou Je-Wen , Chen Pei-Yi , Gao Wan-Yun , Yen Jui-Hung
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

A decrease in the levels of low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs) leads to the accumulation of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) in the bloodstream, resulting in hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Increasing the expression level or inducing the activity of LDLR in hepatocytes can effectively control hypercholesterolemia. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) protein, primarily produced in the liver, promotes the degradation of LDLR. Inhibiting the expression and/or function of PCSK9 can increase the levels of LDLR on the surface of hepatocytes and promote LDL-C clearance from the plasma. Thus, targeting PCSK9 represents a new strategy for developing preventive and therapeutic interventions for hypercholesterolemia. Currently, monoclonal antibodies are used as PCSK9 inhibitors in clinical practice. However, the need for oral and affordable anti-PCSK9 medications limits the perspective of choosing PCSK9 inhibitors for clinical usage. Emerging research reports have demonstrated that natural phytochemicals have efficacy in maintaining cholesterol stability and regulating lipid metabolism. Developing novel natural phytochemical PCSK9 inhibitors can serve as a starting point for developing small-molecule drugs to reduce plasma LDL-C levels in patients. In this review, we summarize the current literature on the critical role of PCSK9 in controlling LDLR degradation and hypercholesterolemia, and we discuss the results of studies attempting to develop PCSK9 inhibitors, with an emphasis on the inhibitory effects of natural phytochemicals on PCSK9. Furthermore, we provide insight into the mechanisms of action by which the reported phytochemicals exert their potential PCSK9 inhibitory effects against hypercholesterolemia.
Hemorrhagic stroke in a young male with coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Aggarwal Amitesh , Garg Arunav , Aggarwal Abhinav , Aggarwal Arunima
Published: September 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused due to infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 which is a highly infectious virus causing multisystem involvement predominantly affecting the respiratory system. However, COVID-19 is not just a respiratory disease and can affect other organs, including the brain. There are accumulating reports of acute cerebrovascular disease complicating COVID-19, including both acute ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), with ischemic stroke being more commonly described. Furthermore, most cases of ICH have been described in patients with well-established risk factors, such as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, and advanced age. We describe the clinical features of a young COVID-positive doctor who developed acute-onset intracranial hemorrhage in the absence of any comorbidities or drug intake.
Lipid guidelines
Authors: Aggarwal Amitesh , Jain Ashmika
Published: September 2024

The silent pandemic of noncommunicable diseases has established its roots worldwide. India itself has witnessed a major shift of paradigm from communicable to noncommunicable diseases. This has caused a significant financial, social, and psychological burden on people. All eyes have now turned toward managing dyslipidemia, which is undeniably one of the major contributors to this pandemic. Over the last few decades, major health organizations have proposed guidelines and recommendations to free the world from this rampant pandemic. While the policies made have benefited millions of people across the world, India seems to be far from these benefits. This article aims to bring up the intricacies of lipid guidelines in the Indian context in a simpler way.
A study correlating clinical severity and outcomes in ischemic cerebrovascular stroke patients with blood sugar levels on admission
Authors: Kasundra Ankit B. , Kakadiya Chintan M. , Vipul Srivastav , Dipika Patel , Maulik Prajapati , Kamalchandra Naik , Mohnish Patel , Kakadiya Jay , Patel Pritesh
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Hyperglycemia occurs in 60% of the cases with acute stroke. The presence of hyperglycemia, regardless of previous history of diabetes, is associated with increased stroke severity and poorer outcome.

AIM:

The aim of this study was to correlate blood sugar levels on hospital admission with the severity and outcome in patients of ischemic cerebrovascular (CV) stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

All patients presenting with a history suggestive of acute ischemic CV stroke to the emergency department within 24 hours of onset were included in the study. Patients were followed up for the duration of their hospital stay and the improvement or worsening of their condition was documented by various scores.

RESULTS:

The group with diabetes mellitus (DM) and stress hyperglycemia (SH) had a lesser improvement of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score when evaluated on day 10 from baseline (day 0) as compared to the euglycemia group, with SH having poorer outcome than the diabetes group.

CONCLUSION:

SH and DM were significant predictors of poorer functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic CV stroke.
Study of organ system involvement in severe dengue fever cases admitted to a tertiary health care center
Authors: Kakadiya Gopi S. , Patel Pritesh G. , Vipul Srivastav , Kamal Naik , Dipika Patel , Mohnish Patel , Chintan Kakadiya , Maulik Prajapati
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Dengue, a febrile Flavivirus illness transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, is endemic in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and America and causes about 100 million clinically apparent infections annually. Although mostly it causes a fever and myalgia syndrome, some of the patients enter a critical phase - often as fever declines and develop the features of severe dengue fever: bleeding, shock, or respiratory distress due to plasma leakage or atypically, severe organ dysfunction.

AIM:

The aim of this study was to study the clinical profile of severe dengue fever cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

All adult patients who were admitted for or developed severe dengue fever during their stay in the medicine wards/intensive care unit of our tertiary care hospital in 2020–2021 were included and studied.

RESULTS:

Severe dengue fever had a predilection for young males in the 18–30 years age category. The spectrum of complications included serositis, thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, hypotensive shock, hepatitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute renal failure, and encephalopathy. The organ systems involved, in the order of frequency, were the coagulation system, gastrointestinal system, respiratory system, circulatory system, and renal and central nervous system.

CONCLUSION:

Besides the well-known hemorrhagic and plasma leakage complications, other organs such as liver, lung, renal, and brain are also affected in a significant number of severe dengue fever cases.
Enhancing Noise Reduction with Bionic Wavelet and Adaptive Filtering
Authors: C Shraddha , M L Chayadevi , M A Anusuya , H Y Vani
Published: September 2024

Speech signals often contain different forms of background and environmental noise. For the development of an efficient speech recognition system, it is essential to preprocess noisy speech signals to reduce the impact of these disturbances. Notably, prior research has paid limited attention to pink and babble noises. This gap in knowledge inspired us to develop and implement hybrid algorithms tailored to handle these specific noise types. We introduce a hybrid method that combines the Bionic Wavelet transform with Adaptive Filtering to enhance signal strength. The performance of this method is assessed using various metrics, including Mean Squared Error, Signal-to-Noise Ratio, and Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio. Notably, our findings indicate that SNR and PSNR metrics are especially effective in enhancing the handling of pink and babble noises.
Extremal weights and a tameness criterion for mod $p$ Galois representations
Authors: Le Daniel , Le Hung Bao Viet , Levin Brandon , Morra Stefano
Published: September 2024

We study the weight part of Serre’s conjecture for generic

n

-dimensional mod

p

Galois representations. We first generalize Herzig’s conjecture to the case where the field is ramified at

p

and prove the weight elimination direction of the conjecture. We then introduce a new class of weights associated to

n

-dimensional local mod

p

representations which we call
extremal weights
. Using a “Levi reduction” property of certain potentially crystalline Galois deformation spaces, we prove the modularity of these weights. As a consequence, we deduce the weight part of Serre’s conjecture for unit groups of some division algebras in generic situations.
Об асимптотике решения задачи Дирихле для уравнения Лапласа в полосе с тонкими ответвлениями
Authors: Budylin Alexander Mikhajlovich , Levin Sergei Borisovich , Yurova Tat'yana Sergeevna
Published: September 2024

В работе изучается асимптотика решения задачи Дирихле для
оператора Лапласа в области,
полученной из бесконечной горизонтальной полосы присоединением
вертикальной бесконечной полуполосы малой ширины. Методами теории потенциала задача сводится к интегральному уравнению на границе области. К полученному уравнению применяется альтернирующий метод Шварца в подходящем банаховом пространстве. Решение выражается через "операторы отражения". Формулу для одного из таких операторов удается получить лишь при дополнительных ограничениях на правую часть уравнения,
заключающихся в конечности некоторых весовых норм.
Библиография: 11 названий.
О предельном распределении числа вершин в слоях дерева процесса Гальтона-Ватсона
Authors: Pavlov Yurii Leonidovich
Published: September 2024

В статье рассматриваются деревья Гальтона-Ватсона, образованные критическим ветвящимся процессом. Распределение числа непосредственных потомков частиц процесса имеет бесконечную дисперсию. При стремящемся к бесконечности числе вершин найдено предельное распределение числа вершин в нижних слоях дерева.
Библиография: 8 названий.
Типичные корреляции и эргодические средние для сильно и мягко
перемешивающих автоморфизмов
Authors: Ryzhikov Valerii Valentinovich
Published: September 2024

Для последовательности $\psi(n)\to +0$ и интегрируемой в квадрате ненулевой функции $f$ для типичного перемешивающего автоморфизма $T$ неравенство $|(T^nf,f)|>\psi(n)$ выполняется для бесконечного множества значений $n$. Мягко перемешивающие автоморфизмы $T$ не допускают сходимость ненулевых средних $1/{k_n}\sum_{i=1}^{k_n}T^if (x)$ со скоростью $o(1/{k_n})$.
Библиография: 10 названий.
Равномерные формулы для асимптотического решения
в окрестности переднего фронта для системы Максвелла
с локализованными начальными данными и с учетом временной дисперсии
Authors: Dobrokhotov Sergey Yur'evich , Tolchennikov Anton Aleksandrovich
Published: September 2024

Рассматривается система уравнений Максвелла с временной дисперсией
и локализованным начальным условием.
При помощи канонического оператора Маслова строится
равномерная асимптотика, выражающаяся через производную функции Эйри
сложного аргумента, в окрестности регулярных точек
переднего фронта волны.
Библиография: 10 названий.
A Methodology to Enhance Transparency for Trustworthy Artificial
Intelligence for Cooperative, Connected, and Automated Mobility
Authors: Cañas Paola Natalia , Nieto Marcos , Otaegui Oihana , Rodriguez Igor
Published: September 2024

In this research, we propose a set of reporting documents to enhance transparency
and trust in artificial intelligence (AI) systems for cooperative, connected,
and automated mobility (CCAM) applications. By analyzing key documents on
ethical guidelines and regulations in AI, such as the Assessment List for
Trustworthy AI and the EU AI Act, we extracted considerations regarding
transparency requirements. Recognizing the unique characteristics of each AI
system and its application sector, we designed a model card tailored for CCAM
applications. This was made considering the criteria for achieving trustworthy
autonomous vehicles, exposed by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), and including
information items that evidence the compliance of the AI system with these
ethical aspects and that are also of interest to the different stakeholders.
Additionally, we propose an MLOps Card to share information about the
infrastructure and tools involved in creating and implementing the AI
system.
Etude comparative de la flore ligneuse de trois sites de conservation ex situ de flore dans la région de Dakar et de Thiès (Sénégal)
Authors: Pene Ibrahima , Camara Abdoul Aziz , Diop Doudou , Sambou Bienvenu , Noba Kandioura
Published: September 2024

L’homme a toujours pu compter sur la nature pour subvenir à ses besoins de base. Occasionnent ainsi des pressions de plus en plus  importantes. Aujourd’hui le constat est général ; il y’a une réduction alarmante de la diversité des écosystèmes de la flore animale et  végétale. Au Sénégal, ces facteurs sont accentués par la sécheresse. Pour Pallier cette perte de la biodiversité, au Sénégal, des stratégies  de conservation ont été mis en place par l’Etat du Sénégal mais aussi des initiatives privées de conservation de la flore ont vu le jour, des stratégies de conservation ont été mis en place par l’Etat du Sénégal mais aussi des initiatives privées de conservation de la biodiversité.  L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer la flore ligneuse de trois sites de conservation ex situ. La méthodologie utilisée a été celle  l’inventaire itinérant qui consiste à parcourir le jardin dans toutes les directions pour répertorier toutes les espèces ligneuses. Cette  méthodologie a permis de recenser 270 espèces réparties entre 178 genres et 62 familles. L’analyse a montré que les Phanérophytes  sont largement représentés et constituent 93,73% des espèces. Cette flore est dominée par les Fabaceae (20,66%) suivi des Euphorbiaceae (5,90%), et ensuite les Moraceae (5,54%), L’ensemble des sites était constitué majoritairement d’espèces africaines  (34,69%) suivi d’espèces afro-asiatiques (18,82%) et une faible représentation des espèces Cosmopolites (1,48%). L’analyse des indices de  similitudes a montré que les conservatoires Safina Parc et Keur Massar sont floristiquement plus proches que la réserve Naturelle de  Noflaye.
Biochemical characterization, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of Zygophyllum geslini Coss extracts
Authors: Touaibia Meriem , Dhoha Abdellali
Published: September 2024

Zygophyllum geslini Coss. is a medicinal plant growing wild in the northern Sahara of Algeria, belonging to Zygophyllaceae family. The  objective of this study was to evaluate some biochemical properties of the aqueous lyophilized extract and the methanol leaf extracts of  this plant, their antioxidant and antidiabetic activities were also tested. The content of total phenols, flavonoids and tannins detected in  the methanol extract (183.22 mg Gallic acid equivalent/g Dry Extract, 101.13±0.02 mg Quercetin equivalent /g Dry Extract, 54.07±0.98 mg Tannic acid equivalent/g Dry Extract respectively) was higher than those detected in aqueous lyophilized extract. The best DPPH  scavenging activity was found in the methanol extract followed by the aqueous lyophilized extract (IC50=65.36 and 67.44 µg/ml,  respectively), but still less effective than the positive controls. This two extracts showed also a very good ferric reducing activity. In  addition, animals treated with the methanol extract showed a significant decrease in blood glucose level and glycosylated hemoglobin. A  significant increase was observed in serum insulin and liver glycogen levels. This study reveals that the methanol extract of Z. geslini can   be considered as excellent candidate for future studies on diabetes mellitus.
ICP-MS determination of iron, zinc and others minerals bioaccessibility and their potential contribution in Moringa oleifera Lam leaf powder from Senegal
Authors: Diop Maty , Ndiaye Cheikh , Sene Abdoulaye , Diouf Abdou , Dieme Eliasse , Traore Djibril , Gaye Mohamed Lamine
Published: September 2024

Moringa oleifera is an edible tree whose leaf powder is increasingly used as the main source of iron and other minerals such as zinc,  magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. The objective of this present work was to determine the bioaccessibility of these minerals and their  potentials contribution in Moringa oleifera Lam leaf powder (Mlp) from Senegal by Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry (ICP- AES). Minerals experiments were done in duplicate and analyzed twice. Bioaccessibility experiments were done in duplicate with three  times for intestinal stage (each stage was performed two times). Mlp sample had the following mineral contents: iron (42.8 ± 2.97  mg/100g), zinc (1.88 ± 0.024 mg/100g), magnesium (506.28 ± 3.45 mg/100g), phosphorus (317.3 ± 2.04 mg/100g) and calcium (2273.39 ±  17.72 mg/100g). Mineral bioaccessibility (percentage) were respectively 9.04 ± 0.038, 66.32 ± 2.065, 87.64 ± 0.346, 69.44 ± 0.200 and 55.44 ±  0.316% for Fe, Zn, Mg, P and Ca. The total amount of bioaccessible minerals were respectively 3.87 ± 0.016, 1.25 ± 0.039, 443.71 ± 1.752, 220.34 ± 0.635, 1260.46 ± 7.176 mg/100g for Fe, Zn, Mg, P and Ca. These results show that Mlp is an excellent source of minerals except  iron whose bioaccessibility is very low; they can well be used by target cells. A daily consumption of moringa leaf powder divided into  number of intakes during the day can provide the required amount of mineral.
Assessment of the immuno-nutritional status of malnoutrished people living with HIV at ‘‘Notre Dame des Apôtres’’ hospital in Sarh/Chad
Authors: Sacramento Isabelle , Soudonou Odile , Anani Parfait Yawo , Kinsou Lysette , Sezan Alphonse , Ategbo Jean Marc
Published: September 2024

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to immune deficiency, reduced nutrient absorption, and malnutrition. Malnutrition  also affects the immune system and contributes to the progression of HIV. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the  immuno-nutritional state of malnourished people living with HIV/AIDS followed at the Notre Dame des Apôtres Hospital in Sarh/Chad.  For this we performed the assay of biochemical parameters including total proteins, transaminases (ALT, AST), alkaline phosphatase and  immunoglobulin E (IgE) was done 36 malnourished subjects living with HIV/AIDS aged at least 18 years at the People Living with HIV  (PLHIV) service were identified during this study. The sample population was dominated by the female sex with 75% of cases, i.e. a sex  ratio of 0.33. The most represented age group was 18 to 40 years old with 47.22%. The results obtained showed that 52.94% of the  samples had a level below the standard in total proteins, 100% of the samples analyzed showed a level extremely higher than the  standard in ASAT, ALT and alkaline phosphatase and 60% of individuals presented a higher level of IgE. From these results it could be  concluded that malnutrition and HIV lead to an immuno-nutritional deficit giving way to other opportunistic infections.
Dramatic literature as instrument for peacebuilding: an ultra reading of Ahmed Yerima’s Pari and Femi Osofisan’s Women of Owu
Authors: Ejelonu Ikechukwu O. , Joe Divine Sheriff Uchenna
Published: September 2024

Nigeria’s social environment is crime-infested as crime is elevated above virtue with criminals having a field day. Violent crimes such as kidnapping, assassination, armed violence and other acts of terrorism are committed with impunity.The nation’s instability nurture high growth of insurgency terror groups in the society and other conflict related issues. Thus, this lack of sociopolitical, religious and ethnic harmony in the society has put a lot of communities into conflict and war situations. This generally can be linked to ignorance, negligence and lack of awareness. This study points at the impacts of dramatic literature in creating effective awareness on the need for environmental stability and peace, as drama affects individuals, physically and psychologically in all ramifications. Hinging on Pierre Duhem’s Instrumentalism Theory (IT), this article X-rays the potency of dramatic works in creating awareness and making adequate corrections that could bring unity, peace and stability in society, using Yerima’s Pari and Osofisan’s Women of Own as textual referents of analysis and discussion. The paper adopts the historicocritical and content analysis methods of research to engage the selected texts. The conclusion reached is that peacebuilding is the responsibility of every member of society that demands eschewing insincerity, lawlessness, social insecurity/inequalities and religious extremism.
Teaching climate change through creative drama: The Lady Victoria Academy Secondary School, Makurdi experience
Authors: Asen Marcellinus Aondohemba , Aji Jacob Akura , Akombor Joyce Mgusuur
Published: September 2024

This paper advocates for the adoption of creative drama in teaching climate change in postprimary schools in Nigeria. This is predicated on the fact that beyond natural climate change, human activities have adversely affected the earth, thereby causing anthropogenic  climate change. It is imperative to bequeath the knowledge of climate change to students of postprimary school level of education in a  graphic manner that is capable of propelling them to lead the campaign against anthropogenic climate change and take steps that will  halt it. The article is anchored in Cognitivism Theory (CT). Using the qualitative method of research, the researchers identified the burning  of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) to make electricity and power vehicles, clearing forests for farms and cities, and  cultivating of livestock, among others, as some of the human activities that release “greenhouse gases” such as carbon dioxide, methane,  halocarbons, and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere; which, depending on the intensity, cause climate change. Through a  creative drama titled, “Earth to Someone,” the researchers engaged and taught students of Lady Victoria Academy Secondary School, Makurdi (LVASSM), on the subject of climate change, especially as it concerns the role of humanity in causing or averting climate change  issues. From the creative drama experience with students of LVASSM, the paper submits that students’ understanding of climate change and its impact on the earth is better enhanced if they participate in the learning process. The students affirmed that the understand the  subject better with creative drama than when they were taught theoretically in class. The conclusion reached is that the adoption of  creative drama in teaching climate change is very suitable because of its participatory approach which enhances a natural and graphic  approach to learning. It is recommended, therefore, that teachers of geography, basic and agricultural sciences, among others, should  synergize with theatre artists to practicalize the teaching of climate change for effective teaching and learning and attitudinal change of  students towards the environment.
Impact of Organizational Culture on Information Security Policy Compliance
Authors: Ejigu Kibrom , Siponen Mikko , Muluneh Tilahun
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study is to explore how organizational culture affects employee compliance with information security policies. To accomplish this goal, the authors developed a theoretical model and collected survey data from employees who work in organizations that have information security policies. We employed a quantitative survey research approach. We conducted our study at the commercial bank of Ethiopia (CBE). The collected data was analysed using analysis of moment structures (Cardoso and Ramos) software.  The findings show that organizational culture significantly affects employee compliance with information security policies. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of considering the dominant organizational culture when trying to embed an information security policy. The contribution of this study lies in providing empirical evidence of the influence of organizational culture on information security compliance. To limit the scope of the study, the sample used in this research focuses only on organizational factors in Ethiopia. It is recommended that future studies be conducted in other countries to validate the results and ensure the generalizability of the findings. Practically speaking, creating a culture that supports information security practices is crucial for organizations, as technical and management measures alone cannot fully address the human aspect of information security. To better understand and enhance organizational behaviour regarding information security, companies should examine their organizational culture and how it impacts the effectiveness of implementing information security policies.
Theoretical Investigation of Thermoluminescence in the Presence of Thermally Disconnected Deep Traps
Authors: Gemechu Nebiyu , Abebe Tamirat , Shogile Kebede , H/Mariam Solomon , Addisu Shimelis
Published: September 2024

Thermoluminescence  (TL) phenomenon is theoretically investigated using two active electron traps and one recombination center. The presence of one and two thermally disconnected deep traps (TDDTs) is taken in to account. The rate equations corresponding to this model are clearly formulated and the results are obtained using MTHEMATICA code. In particular, the variation of concentration of electrons in the active and thermally disconnected deep traps and the TL intensity are generated for various TL kinetic parameters such as activation energy and the frequency factor. The results show that the concentration of electrons in the active electron traps decrease with temperature while that in the TDDTs increase with temperature and approaches a constant. The generated TL glow curve (for E1 = 0.9 eV  and E2 = 1 eV ) has two maxima. However, one broad glow curve with only one maximum is obtained when  E1 and E2 are closer to each other.  The profiles of the TL glow curves and the variation of concentration of electrons in the conduction band are the same except for their intensity.