bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bitemark Analysis
Authors: Butler John M
Published: September 2022

This report summarizes a review of the scientific foundations of bitemark analysis conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Bitemark analysis typically involves examining patterned injuries left on a victim or object at a crime scene, identifying those injuries as bitemarks, and comparing those marks with dental impressions from a person of interest. This review specifically focuses on pattern injuries found on human skin. Over 400 sources were considered via literature searches and input from previous efforts by the National Institute of Justice Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. Our NIST review also utilized input from an October 2019 Bitemark Thinkshop organized by the Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence (CSAFE) where experts and stakeholders associated with bitemark analysis were convened to discuss key issues. Based on this input, our study found a lack of support for three key premises of the field: 1) human dentition is unique at the individual level, 2) this uniqueness can be accurately transferred to human skin, and 3) identifying characteristics can be accurately captured and interpreted by analysis techniques. Furthermore, our review noted a lack of consensus among practitioners on the interpretation of bitemark evidence as well as thoughts on how to move the field forward. If the field seeks to advance, the key takeaways provided in this review are starting points for areas needing improvement, not an exhaustive list of specific shortcomings.
Bitemark analysis reference list
Authors: Sauerwein Kelly
Published: September 2022

This report provides supplemental information to NISTIR 8352 Bitemark Analysis: A NIST Scientific Foundation Review. Publicly available resources relating to bitemark analysis were collected to assist in the review of the scientific foundations of bitemark analysis conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Over 400 sources were collected from literature searches and input from previous efforts by the National Institute of Justice Forensic Technology Center of Excellence, the American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO), and other public resources. This reference list is meant as a resource for the odontology community and interested stakeholders but does not represent an exhaustive compilation of the literature pertaining to bitemark analysis.
Kazakhstan experience in distance learning in higher education in the field of choreography
Authors: Bakirova Samal , Saitova Gulnara , Kair Zhanibek , Іzіm Toigan , Kenzikeyev Ruslan
Published: September 2022

The study examines the features of the distance learning system of the university in the field of choreography training. The purpose of the study is to analyze the Kazakhstan experience of organizing distance learning in higher education in the field of choreography training. As an example, the experience of the [BLINDED] in the distance learning process has been analyzed and practical recommendations on teaching professional disciplines in this field of training have been given. To analyze distance learning, surveys among teachers and students have been conducted. In addition, based on international scientific literature, dance lessons have been analyzed in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions. The disadvantages and advantages of the online learning system for students have been identified based on a questionnaire. The survey involved teachers and students of ballet pedagogy, choreography pedagogy, choreography directing, ballroom dance pedagogy, as well as undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. A total of 20 teachers and 75 students have been interviewed, and the effectiveness of the platforms used in distance learning has been determined. On the basis of available research, the opinion that in the field of choreography pedagogical skills of rising professionals and performers cannot be formed exclusively through distance learning has been substantiated.
Percepción de los musicoterapeutas profesionales sobre el trabajo de las emociones en la musicoterapia de improvisación
Authors: Pérez Eizaguirre Miren
Published: September 2022

El estudio de las emociones y la música ha sido de gran importancia ya que como todos sabemos la música emociona. Sin embargo, se han recorrido diferentes caminos encontrando que en la música existen ciertos elementos que gozan de universalidad en cuanto a emociones se refiere. Para los musicoterapeutas profesionales estas investigaciones pueden ser de gran utilidad en su formación a la hora de llevar a cabo las sesiones a través de la musicoterapia de improvisación. En este estudio se intenta analizar si esto es una realidad y si existe una conciencia a la hora de trabajar las emociones, en cuanto al impacto que tienen los parámetros de la música sobre estas. Para ello, 50 musicoterapeutas profesionales rellenaron un cuestionario con diferentes preguntas sobre la realización de sus sesiones a través de la musicoterapia de improvisación. Los resultados arrojan que es necesaria mayor formación en este campo para poder afianzar a través del entrenamiento musical su práctica real.
Cartografías experienciales desde el archipiélago de Chiloé (Chile)
Authors: FERRADA SULLIVAN JORGE ALBERTO
Published: September 2022

Fueron más de cuarenta invitados e invitadas de ocho países los que trabajaron en seis islas del Archipiélago de Quinchao en Chiloé durante el V Congreso Internacional Arte, Ilustración y Cultura Visual en Educación: “Pensar lo Invisible” el que fue organizado por la Subdirección de Arte, Cultura y Patrimonio de la Universidad de Los Lagos (Chile) y la Facultad de Bellas Artes de la Universidad de Granada. La sede Chiloé de ULagos acogió diálogos, talleres y una clase magistral, mientras que autoridades y docentes de los departamentos de Humanidades y Artes, Educación y Arquitectura de ULagos participaron de mesas de trabajo, impartieron talleres en escuelas rurales y llevaron a cabo lanchamientos de libros a bordo de la Bibliolancha de Chiloé, entre otras actividades con motivo del encuentro.
LA DANZA DE LA MOZA DONOSA DE ALBERTO GINASTERA
Authors: Vela González Marta
Published: September 2022

El presente trabajo pretende ofrecer herramientas al alumnado de nivel superior acerca de determinados parámetros analíticos, la forma, fundamentalmente, que inciden en dos moldes estilísticos fundamentales, forjados, a lo largo del tiempo, en el género de la música instrumental, la forma tripartita, procedente, a su vez, de la binaria, y la forma cíclica. Una vez agotados estos modelos, tras el largo período clásico-romántico, los compositores comenzaron a mezclar estas estructuras con otros métodos de organización, como la sección áurea, sobre todo, en la primera mitad del siglo XX, donde tuvo lugar una gran corriente neoclásica. De este modo, la Danza de la moza donosa, perteneciente a la suite de las Danzas argentinas Op. 2, de Alberto Ginastera, se presenta como un ejemplo paradigmático de la fusión entre los moldes reseñados –forma tripartita, cíclica y áurea–, en el que autor supo aúnar las formas tradicionales de la música académica europea junto al folclore argentino, en suma, dos de las características preeminentes de la música neoclásica, la recuperación de elementos del pasado y la inclusión de la música popular, cuyo estudio puede ayudar al alumnado a la comprensión de la obra musical a través de la forma.
The Impact of IFRS 9 on the Link Between Lending and the Capital Ratio in Publicly Traded Banks in Poland
Authors:   University of Warsaw, Bojar Paweł , Olszak Małgorzata Anna ,   University of Warsaw
Published: September 2022

This paper aims to determine the role of the expected credit loss approach as defined in IFRS 9 in the effects of capital ratio on loans growth in publicly traded banks in Poland. To resolve this problem, we apply semi-annual data of individual banks in 2012–2018. Using several estimation techniques, we find that in the period of implementation of the expected credit loss approach, the links between loans growth and the capital ratio were enhanced. In particular, lending growth is more sensitive to levels of the capital ratio. These results are important with respect to the goal of bank financial stability and have implications for the conduct of macroprudential policy.
What determines the quality of remuneration policy in financial holding companies? An analysis based on the example of the UniCredit Group
Authors:   University of Lodz, Wieczorek Agata , Szymańska Agata ,   University of Lodz
Published: September 2022

This study seeks to examine the quality of the remuneration policy (RP) and identify its main determinants within a financial holding company (FHC) – the UniCredit Group. The results show that the quality of remuneration policy in the examined FHC was low. Although the dominant bank is characterized by high remuneration policy standards, the rest of the group is not. The empirical approaches used show that remuneration policy quality was positively related to the size of the bank and the transparency index of the remuneration policy, but negatively affected by the selected corporate governance determinants.
The healing effect of resveratrol and platelet rich plasma in corrosive esophagitis model in rats
Authors: ÖZDEN Hüseyin , GÖMEÇ Muhammed , ŞAHİN Yaşar , KARACA Gökhan , BULUT Huri , KİLİTCİ Asuman
Published: September 2022

Background: Corrosive esophageal burns have high morbidity and mortality. The effective treatment is controversial. In our study, we aimed to examine the effects of resveratrol (RSV) and platelet rich plasma (PRP) on healing in the corrosive esophagitis model in rats.

Material and methods: A total of 24 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups each as esophagitis, control, PRP and RSV groups. No treatment was administered to the control group. The esophagitis model was induced in the esophagitis and treatment groups. The esophagitis group was not treated. PRP group was treated with PRP, RSV group was treated with RSV. Pathological and biochemical examinations were performed from distal esophagitis.

Results: The highest tissue IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were observed in the esophagitis group. The lowest tissue IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were noted in the control group. The highest tissue TAS levels were observed in the control group. The lowest tissue TAS levels were noted in the esophagitis group. The other groups had significantly lower mean tissue TOS and OSI levels than the esophagitis group (P
How to Design a Bank Levy: The Effect of a Levy Scheme on Bank Performance and its Activities
Authors:   Kozminski University, Hryckiewicz-Gontarczyk Aneta , Puławska Karolina ,   Kozminski University
Published: September 2022

Purpose: One of the regulatory responses to the 2008 financial crisis was to internalize the costs related to banks’ distress by introducing bank levies. More than 23 European banking sectors have been confronted with the new levy regime imposing the additional tax on banks’ balance sheet. Methodology: This study analyzes the effect of the levy introduction on banks’ profitability, credit activity, and on their business models. More importantly, we confront two different levy regimes – one imposed on banks’ assets and the other on liabilities – to assess their differential impact. A generalized least squares regression with a random effect is performed on a data sample of Hungarian and German credit institutions from 2005 to 2015. Results: The results show that levy introduction weakened banking sectors in terms of their profitability as well as their lending activity. Even though banks try to compensate for the cost of the levies by passing some of the costs on to the customers and restructuring their operations to limit the tax burden, we find that these activities are not sufficient to offset the whole tax burden. We also note that while the asset levy has a more severe effect on banks’ profits, the liability levy severely affects banks’ lending due to lower interest margin resulting from higher cost of funding. Findings: Our research results provide important conclusions for regulators, especially during turbulent periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen the banking sectors by considering the levy suspension.
Workspace and kinematic structure analysis of a 6-DOF Lambda parallel kinematic machine
Authors: Nešovanović Ljubomir , Živanović Saša
Published: September 2022

This paper presents workspace and kinematic analysis of a parallel kinematic machine based on the Lambda mechanism. The considered parallel kinematic machine has six degrees of freedom (DOF), achievable with six actuated translation joints. The kinematic analysis includes the definition of every active part of the machine, as well as the definition of every active or passive joint used to connect machine parts. The mathematical model of the machine is created for the better understanding of the machine's operation. The proposed mathematical model of the machine includes inverse kinematic equations, whose solving presents the first step in workspace analysis. In this case, the offered parallel kinematic machine has six active-joint variables, and every active-joint variable is the result of one inverse kinematic equation. Verification of the inverse kinematic equations has been done analytically, using MatLab software and a CAD/CAM system. Workspace analysis, as one of the most important parameters of the parallel kinematic machine, presents the main topic of this paper. In this case two approaches to the workspace analysis are given. The first considered analysis is used to determine the achievable workspace of the machine, and the second analysis is used to determine the total orientation workspace of the machine. Polar coordinates are used to simplify the process of the workspace analysis.
Possibility of Applying Data Mining in Health Insurance
Authors: Krneta Dragoljub , Krstev Sofija
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a great range of possible applications of data mining, data warehousing and knowledge discovery is described. With the increase of costs and complexity of healthcare systems, application of the following techniques and algorithms can help decision makers in health insurance organisations to increase productivity, cut costs and lower the complexity of their daily processes. The application of data mining is described by using CRISP-DM methodology, while example of possible application is given for each type of data mining approach.
Eisenstein series of level 6 and level 10 with their applications to theta function identities of Ramanujan
Authors:   Department of Studies in Mathematics, University of Mysore, Vijaya Shankar A. I.
Published: September 2022

S. Ramanujan recorded theta function identities of different levels in the unorganized pages of his second notebook and the lost notebook. In this paper, we prove level 6 and level 10 theta function identities by using Eisenstein series identities.
COVID-19 mass media coverage in English and public reactions: a West-East comparison via Facebook posts
Authors: Pratama Ahmad R. , Firmansyah Firman M.
Published: September 2022

Newspapers and other mass media outlets are critical in shaping public opinion on a variety of contemporary issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines how the pandemic is portrayed in the news and how the public reacted differently in the West and East using archival data from Facebook posts about COVID-19 news by English-language mass media between January 2020 and April 2022 (N = 711,646). Specifically, we employed the Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner (Vader) to measure the news tone on each COVID-19 news item shared on Facebook by mass media outlets. In addition, we calculated a polarity score based on Facebook special reactions (i.e., love, angry, sad, wow, haha, and care) received by each post to measure public reactions toward it. We discovered that people in Western countries reacted significantly more negatively to COVID-19 news than their East counterparts, despite the fact that the news itself, in aggregate, generally contained a relatively similar level of neutral tone in both West and East media. The implications of these distinctions are discussed in greater detail.
Effects of grazing strategy on facultative grassland bird nesting on native grassland pastures of the Mid-South USA
Authors: Buckley Byron R. , Lituma Christopher M. , Keyser Patrick D. , Holcomb Elizabeth D. , Smith Ray , Morgan John J. , Applegate Roger D.
Published: September 2022

Understanding how livestock grazing strategies of native warm season grasses (NWSG) can impact facultative grassland bird nesting can provide insight for conservation efforts. We compared pre and post treatment effects of rotational grazing (ROT) and patch-burn grazing (PBG) for facultative grassland bird species nest success and nest-site selection on NWSG pastures at three Mid-South research sites. We established 14, 9.7 ha NWSG pastures and randomly assigned each to either ROT or PBG and monitored avian nest-site selection and nest success, 2014–2016. We collected nesting and vegetation data in 2014, before treatment implementation, as an experimental pre-treatment. We implemented treatments across all research sites in spring 2015. We used a step-wise model selection framework to estimate treatment effect for ROT or PBG on avian nest daily survival rate (DSR) and resource selection function (RSF) at the temporal scale and within-field variables. Daily survival rates were 0.93% (SE = 0.006) for field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), 0.96% (SE = 0.008) for red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), and 0.92% (SE = 0.01) for indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea). Model support for PBG treatment and vegetation height were indicated as negative and positive influences for field sparrow DSR, respectively. Red-winged blackbirds’ DSR were negatively influenced by ROT while vegetation height positively affected DSR, and DSR for indigo bunting did not differ among treatments. Combined RSF models indicated nest-site selection for all species was positively related to vegetation height and only weakly associated with other within-field variables. We provide evidence that ROT and/or PBG effects vary by species for DSR for these three facultative grassland birds, and vegetation characteristics affected their nest-site selection in the Mid-South USA. A lack of disturbance in Mid-South grasslands can lead to higher successional stages (i.e., mix shrub-grassland), but some combination of ROT, PBG, and unburned/ungrazed areas can provide adequate nesting habitat on small pasture lands (∼1.8 –7.8 ha) for various facultative grassland birds and potentially offer the opportunity to simultaneously maintain livestock production and grassland bird nesting habitat.
Endangered plant species under differing anthropogenic interventions: how to preserve Pterygopleurum neurophyllum in Wondong wetland?
Authors: Kim Seongjun , Park Hwan-Joon , Lee Chang Woo , Kim Nam Young , Hwang Jung Eun , Lee Byoung-Doo , Park Hyeong Bin , An Jiae , Baek JuHyoung
Published: September 2022

Endangered wetland plants are important as the potential keystone species and mediators for plant-soil interactions. Establishing conservation strategies for endangered plants is also prioritized because of the elevating extinction risk by human-induced wetland disturbances. The present study examined the factors controlling the incidence of Pterygopleurum neurophyllum, the endangered wetland plant experiencing severe habitat loss throughout Northeast Asia. Here, P. neurophyllum populations and their surrounding environments were addressed in the last natural Korean habitat to assess the possible influential factors (vegetation coverage, species richness, exotic plant species, coarse rock content, soil bulk density, and soil electroconductivity and pH) under anthropogenic wetland interventions (with or without soil disturbance). Our results showed that P. neurophyllum occurred 6 out of 32 plots in the study area. All P. neurophyllum were found in Miscanthus-dominated area, but preferred microhabitats featuring reduced vegetation coverage, increased species richness, and undisturbed soils under vegetation removal. Multimodel inference also indicated that vegetation coverage (relative importance = 1.00) and coarse rock content (relative importance = 0.70) were the major influential factors for P. neurophyllum population size, and the surviving P. neurophyllum were strictly limited to where both of them were kept lowered. Furthermore, the wetland intervention with soil disturbance had a negative effect on P. neurophyllum by creating the rocky and compacted soil surface as a result of land reclamation treatments. Conversely, the wetland intervention without soil disturbance enhanced the P. neurophyllum incidence by decreasing vegetation coverage of the overcrowding competitive plants. Overall findings reflect that the strategies to counteract habitat loss and manage the overly dense competitive plants should be necessary for conserving P. neurophyllum, as well as other wetland plants threatened by the human-induced disturbances and excessive competition intensities.
Beyond the fish-Daphnia paradigm: testing the potential for pygmy backswimmers (Neoplea striola) to cause trophic cascades in subtropical ponds
Authors: Rakowski Chase J. , Leibold Mathew A.
Published: September 2022

Trophic cascades, or indirect effects of predators on non-adjacent lower trophic levels, are a classic phenomenon in ecology, and are thought to be strongest in aquatic ecosystems. Most research on freshwater trophic cascades focused on temperate lakes, where fish are present and where Daphnia frequently dominate the zooplankton community. These studies identified that Daphnia often play a key role in facilitating trophic cascades by linking fish to algae with strong food web interactions. However, Daphnia are rare or absent in most tropical and subtropical lowland freshwaters, and fish are absent from small and temporary water bodies, where invertebrates fill the role of top predator. While invertebrate predators are ubiquitous in freshwater systems, most have received little attention in food web research. Therefore, we aimed to test whether trophic cascades are possible in small warmwater ponds where Daphnia are absent and small invertebrates are the top predators. We collected naturally occurring plankton communities from small fishless water bodies in central Texas and propagated them in replicate pond mesocosms. We removed zooplankton from some mesocosms, left the plankton community intact in others, and added one of two densities of the predaceous insect Neoplea striola to others. Following an incubation period, we then compared biomasses of plankton groups to assess food web effects between the trophic levels, including whether Neoplea caused a trophic cascade by reducing zooplankton. The zooplankton community became dominated by copepods which prefer large phytoplankton and exhibit a fast escape response. Perhaps due to these qualities of the copepods and perhaps due to other reasons such as high turbidity impairing predation, no evidence for food web effects were found other than somewhat weak evidence for zooplankton reducing large phytoplankton. More research is needed to understand the behavior and ecology of Neoplea, but trophic cascades may generally be weak or absent in fishless low latitude lowland water bodies where Daphnia are rare.
A novel alkane monooxygenase (alkB) clade revealed by massive genomic survey and its dissemination association with IS elements
Authors: Wang Shaojing , Li Guoqiang , Liao Zitong , Liu Tongtong , Ma Ting
Published: September 2022

Background

Alkanes are important components of fossil energy, such as crude oil. The alkane monooxygenase encoded by alkB gene performs the initial step of alkane degradation under aerobic conditions. The alkB gene is well studied due to its ubiquity as well as the availability of experimentally functional evidence. The alkBFGHJKL and alkST clusters are special kind of alkB-type alkane hydroxylase system, which encode all proteins necessary for converting alkanes into corresponding fatty acids.

Methods

To explore whether the alkBFGHJKL and alkST clusters were widely distributed, we performed a large-scale analysis of isolate and metagenome assembled genome data (>390,000 genomes) to identify these clusters, together with distributions of corresponding taxonomy and niches. The set of alk-genes (including but not limited to alkBGHJ) located near each other on a DNA sequence was defined as an alk-gene cluster in this study. The alkB genes with alkGHJ located nearby on a DNA sequence were picked up for the investigation of putative alk-clusters.

Results

A total of 120 alk-gene clusters were found in 117 genomes. All the 117 genomes are from strains located only in α- and γ-proteobacteria. The alkB genes located in alk-gene sets were clustered into a deeply branched mono-clade. Further analysis showed similarity organization types of alk-genes were observed within closely related species. Although a large number of IS elements were observed nearby, they did not lead to the wide spread of the alk-gene cluster. The uneven distribution of these elements indicated that there might be other factors affecting the transmission of alk-gene clusters.

Conclusions

We conducted systematic bioinformatics research on alk-genes located near each other on a DNA sequence. This benchmark dataset of alk-genes can provide base line for exploring its evolutional and ecological importance in future studies.
Sobre la poesía de Rubén Jacob
Authors: Cameron Juan
Published: September 2022

Sin Resumen
Flipped Classroom Approach in Undergraduate Medical Education: The Need of the Hour
Authors: Jategaonkar Smita Priyadarshan , Damke Sachin , Jain Manish
Published: September 2022

Introduction: In the era of changing medical education system, our teaching methods are not able to cope up with ongoing evolution of medical education. There is a definite need of introducing newer techniques of teaching-learning methods to improve the learning process to higher levels of Bloom’s taxonomy. Aim: To explore the perceptions and attitudes of final year undergraduate medical students and teachers in paediatrics towards Flipped Classroom (FCR) model. Materials and Methods: The present prospective observational study was conducted at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences Sevagram, a rural tertiary care institute of central Maharashtra, India from December 2020 to November 2021. The full class strength of 100 undergraduate final year medical students and all eight faculty members participated to conduct FCR sessions on Paediatric infectious diseases. Prereading study material in the form of videos and reading materials was provided for asynchronous learning, while classroom time was spent on solving problem-based questions based on “think-pair-share” with the faculty as facilitators. Student and faculty feedback was recorded via a five-point Likert’s scale. Consequently, small-group discussions were carried out to know the students’ reflections. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 software. Results: The students showed overall encouraging response to the flipped classroom method with active participation. Eighty two students (82%) were happy about the content of the reading material and time spent on preclass activity. More than 75% of students agreed it to be more interactive with peers and teachers and that it enhanced active learning with development of interest in the given subjects. Seventy-five students (75%) gave positive responses towards the utility of flipped model for future classes as it helped in self directed learning. The faculty members also enjoyed this activity, though they found it time-consuming. Conclusion: FCR is an effective way to motivate and enhance active and self-directed learning. Unlike didactic lectures, it helps the students in conceptual understanding of the subject and makes the teaching-learning experience enjoyable.
Effect of Oral Contraceptive Pill and Metformin on Metabolic and Endocrine Parameters in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Asad Mustafa , Nandy Manab , Banerjee Manasi , Mukherjee Mayukh
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies, affecting women of reproductive age group worldwide. There is no comprehensive data, regarding the outcome of various treatment modalities. Aim: To assess the effect of Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP) and metformin on metabolic and endocrine parameters in PCOS. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective interventional study, done over a period of 12 months from January 2017 to January 2018 at the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical College, Kolkata. A total of 162 PCOS patients were recruited. The selected patients were divided into two groups A and B, based on the clinician’s assessment with respect to the patient profile. Group A received lifestyle intervention plus metformin (started at 500 mg / day and according to patient’s response and the clinical judgement titrated upto 2000 mg/day for 6 months) and group B received lifestyle intervention plus oral contraceptive pill. (fixed dose combination of ethinyl estradiol 50 micrograms and cyproterone acetate 2 milligrams per day for 6 months). The patients were assessed for metabolic parameters [Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Post-Prandial Blood Sugar (PPBS), Haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), lipid profile] and endocrine parameters [testosterone, prolactin and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)]. The Student t-test, Chisquare test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test were used to compare the data. Results: A total of 162 patients were recruited for the present study with the mean age in group A was 23.75±1.7 and in group B was 22.40±1.6 years. The mean HbA1C levels of group A before the initiation of the treatment was found to be 7.51±0.89% which was reduced to 7.45±0.49% and 6.83±0.34% at the end of two months and six months respectively (p-value=0.001). In group B, serum testosterone was significantly reduced from 2.86±0.48 to 2.18±0.42 (p-value=0.0001), however the glycemic control worsened. Conclusion: OCPs and metformin do not significantly correct metabolic abnormalities associated with PCOS, although, gynecological symptoms are improved significantly. Comparatively, metformin helps in control of blood sugar levels but high BMI and deranged lipid profile remains unaltered by both metformin and OCP.
A Review on COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Choudhary Vinita , Choudhary Chetan , Sharma Ayushi , Sharma Vinod , Saraswat Pushpendra
Published: September 2022

Coronavirus associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has been identified as Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID19) Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), first detected in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, the National Health Commission of China received reports of 27 cases of pneumonia, including seven severe cases of unknown origin, on 30th December 2019. In order to diagnose COVID-19, the virus responsible for the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, was analysed for its Ribonucleic Acid (RNA). It is possible to detect specific sequences of genes encoding the RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP), nucleocapsid (N), envelope (E), and spike (S) proteins of viruses using Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). There are four major groups of drugs recommended by treatment guidelines worldwide: antiviral drugs (eight drugs), antimalarial drugs (two drugs), systemic corticosteroids (five drugs), and immune-based therapy (seven drugs). The recommendations for the treatment with these drugs in all of the guidelines differ depending on the severity of the case and the health conditions of the patient. A successful preventative vaccine is the most important and time-sensitive measure in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 12 SARS-CoV-2 vaccines approved/authorised for full or emergency use in various parts of the world as of 25th February 2021, with more than 200 million doses administered worldwide. Because the disease is still relatively new and healthcare is under considerable pressure, many questions remain unanswered. There is a lack of publications regarding the effectiveness and safety of these drugs in COVID-19 patients. In addition, community members with limited financial resources must still consider the costs associated with some of the proposed treatment regimens.
Clinical Evaluation of Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of IV Nalbuphine versus IV Butorphanol in Patients Undergoing Tympanoplasty: A Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Hazar Shrutii , Kaur Mankeerat , Sathish Anjali , Vyas Varsha , Gadde Srinivas , Vaswani Jayshree
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Middle Ear Surgeries (MESs) are generally performed using local anaesthesia under sedation. Butorphanol and nalbuphine both are well-known synthetic opioid with agonist-antagonist characteristics. However, no reports present a direct comparison of the analgesic efficacy of these two drugs. Aim: To evaluate analgesic efficacy of intravenous butorphanol versus intravenous nalbuphine during Monitored Anaesthesia Care (MAC) in patients undergoing tympanoplasty. Materials and Methods: This randomised clinical trial was conducted at the Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Medicine, D.Y. Patil Deemed to be University, Mumbai, Maharashtra India, from March 2018 to March 2021. Total 112 adult patients, undergoing tympanoplasty, were randomly allocated into two groups. Group N received 0.2 mg/kg nalbuphine intravenous (i.v.) and group B received i.v. 0.02 mg/ kg butorphanol. The patients were then evaluated for analgesic efficacy, sedation, blood pressure, Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), Heart Rate (HR), Respiratory Rate (RR), blood oxygen levels (SpO2 ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Score, need for intraoperative rescue sedation/analgesia, duration of action and side-effects. Results: A significant difference was observed in the patients’ responses to needle prick, where only 8 (13.3%) subjects gave a vocal response in group N versus 22 (36.6%) in group B. A significant difference in the mean time of onset of pain amongst both the group was recorded (3.16±1.38 hrs in group N and 2.63±1.19 hrs in group B). A significant difference was also recorded in the mean VAS at 15th (p-value=0.012) and 30th min (p-value= 0.017). Only 7 patients (11.6%) from group N, and 12 patients (20%) from group B required rescue agent (0.5 mcg/kg/ hour dexmedetomidine injection and 75 mg diclofenac sodium injection intravenous). Conclusion: Both 0.2 mg/kg nalbuphine and 0.2 mg/kg butorphanolprovide satisfactory results in terms of analgesic efficacy, sedation, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, albeit, nalbuphine can be coined to be superior in terms of response to pin prick and duration of action.
A Review on Palliative Care Challenges and Benefits
Authors: Agrawal Amit , Singh Dalwinder , Chanchlani Roshan , Pando Alejandro
Published: September 2022

Palliative care is a treatment strategy that aims to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from various serious illnesses. Palliative care is provided to these patients by experts from multidisciplinary fields utilising a holistic approach. It reduces the burden on families and patients by providing services related to pain management, early diagnosis and assessment, and by addressing their psychological, spiritual, ethical, and cultural issues. The aim of this narrative review is to cast light on the cost-effectiveness, evolution, and challenges of palliative care. Databases including Medline/PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to retrieve relevant studies including clinical trials, case studies, and meta-analyses and reviews. Information obtained from these studies includes cost-effectiveness, palliative care evolution, and palliative care-related social issues among patients and family members as well as healthcare professionals.The purpose of this narrative review is to summarise the barriers and recent advancements of palliative care in terminally ill patient care.
Role of Anterior Colporrhaphy in Post Void Residual Urine Volume and Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Handa Nishtha , Datta Kamna , Tandon Neha Pruthi , Sarkar Bani
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Pelvic floor disorders are quite debilitating for middle aged and elderly women. Post Void Residual (PVR) urine volume is a key marker for the efficacy of emptying of bladder. Both, preoperative and postoperative assessment of PVR volume helps to know about the voiding dysfunction and help to detect Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). There is a paucity of data available regarding postoperative outcome assessment of surgical intervention in terms of PVR urine volume. Aim: To identify the risk factors for elevated PVR and to evaluate the rate of resolution of elevated PVR in patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with anterior colporrhaphy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Delhi from June 2019 to June 2021. A total of 50 patients with POP meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Preoperative grade of prolapse, SUI and PVR urine volume was assessed. All patients enrolled in study, underwent vaginal hysterectomy with anterior colporrhaphy. Postoperative PVR urine volume and de novo SUI and occult stress urinary incontinence (OSUI) was assessed. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Qualitative variables were analysed using Fischer's exact test. Results: Preoperative PVR (≥50 mL) was seen in 28 (56%) women. Advancing age (p-value 0.043) higher Body Mass Index (BMI) (p-value=0.033) higher POP (p-value=0.003) and higher degree of cystocele (p-value<0.001) staging were significantly associated with elevated preoperative PVR. In this study, only 22% of patients (11/50) had preoperative SUI and 12% (6/50) had preoperative OSUI. In this study amongst the six patients with preoperative OSUI, 100% had significant preoperative PVR. None of the patients with preoperative SUI and preoperative OSUI had postoperative persistent SUI or de novo SUI after undergoing anterior colporrhaphy with vaginal hysterectomy (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: PVR urine volume is increased with degree of prolapse. Raised PVR is also associated with OSUI, which is usually seen in patients with advanced prolapse and cystocele. Vaginal hysterectomy with anterior colporrhaphy significantly reduced postoperative PVR and SUI.
SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Associated Transverse Myelitis: A Case Report
Authors: Kumar Bhargavi , Thangavelu Saravanan , Selvam Sakthivel , Raja Vikranth , Chandran Aditya
Published: September 2022

While policy makers around the globe have meticulously organised mass immunisation against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19), its safety concerns and adverse events that need prompt evaluation are also emerging. Acute Transverse Myelitis (TM) is a rare neurological phenomenon where motor, sensory or autonomic disturbance occurs as a result of spinal cord injury. The aetiology of transverse myelitis is thought to be immune-mediated as a result of infection, parainfectious disorder, autoimmune disease or malignancy. Though a rare disease, acute TM warrants prompt recognition and aggressive therapy for favourable neurological patient outcomes. Hereby, authors presented this case of a 61-year-old male patient who developed symptoms of acute TM, 20 days after receiving an adenovirus vectored ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. The patient was treated with intravenous steroids, supportive care with Foley’s catheterisation and his weakness and bladder control improved over 1 week.
Invisalign Therapy in a Case of Mandibular Incisor Extraction
Authors: JÃºnior Sergio Luiz Mota- , Vitral Robert Willer Farinazzo , Pithon Matheus Melo , Gasparello Gil Guilherme , Tanaka Orlando Motohiro
Published: September 2022

Clear aligners have been sought by patients as an aesthetic alternative to conventional orthodontic treatment. Despite the limitation that the aligner system offers, its use has improved over time. Hereby, authors discusses case of a 35-year-old female with Angle’s Class I malocclusion patient with severe mandibular crowding who was treated with mandibular incisor extraction using the Invisalign system. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed skeletal Class I malocclusion, severe crowding of the lower incisors, light crowding of the upper incisors, crossbite of the mandibular right canine, a convex profile, prominent lower lip, and a Bolton discrepancy in the lower anterior region. Fourteen trays were used in the maxillary arch and 28 in the mandibular arch. Two additional refinements, one with 13 and the other with 10 trays were delivered. After 2 years and 2 months of active treatment, good posterior occlusion and alignment of the teeth with adequate occlusion function and a balanced smile were achieved. The maxillary retainer was used continuously for 1 year, and at night until now. Successful tooth alignment and space closure were maintained, and the patient was satisfied with the results on the 2 year follow-up.
Growth and Export Performance of Maize from India
Authors: Kolhe P. R. , Perke D. S. , Chande J. A.
Published: September 2022

Maize is India’s third most important cereal crop after rice and wheat and it is the only cereal crop which can be cultivated throughout the seasons. The present study focuses on the growth in area, production, productivity and export performance of maize from India by using secondary data for the period (1999-2019). To estimate the growth rate in area, production and productivity of maize in India, the following analytical tool was used that is Compound Growth Rate (CGR). The results revealed that area, production, productivity observed positive compound growth rate at one per cent level of significance during overall study period. Export quantity showed the positive growth rate at ten per cent level of significance. Export value of maize showed the positive compound growth rate at one per cent level of significance during overall study period. In country wise analysis Yemen Republic showed highest growth rate in terms of export quantity and Nepal showed highest growth rate in terms of export value respectively. The research will help us understand the primary factors influencing maize production and export of maize from India. So, it becomes a paramount importance for a country like India to start promotion measures to boost up the pace of its exports.
Knowledge Level of Mango Orchardists in Relation to Different Practices of Mango in Meerut Districts Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Yadav R. N. , Doharey R. K. , Yadav Vishal , Kumar Manoj
Published: September 2022

This study was carried out in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh to evaluate the current situation of mango orchardists with the objective, Knowledge level of mango orchardists in connection to various practices of mango orchardists. With the assistance of progressive orchardists and the local pradhan, 10 orchardists were randomly selected from each preferred village, making a total sample size of 80 orchardists for the current study. The structured schedule was developed keeping in view the objectives and variables to be studied. The respondents were contacted personally for data collection. Out of 14 cultivation practices i.e. agricultural practices of Mango cultivation, the majority (56.25%) under high-level knowledge of improved varieties of mango. Most of the orchardists (63.75%) were medium level of knowledge the land preparation practices. It was found that (62.50%) of orchardists had a medium level of expertise in plantation procedures. About (66.25%) had medium level of knowledge the manures and fertilizers application. The majority (72.50%) were medium level of knowledge irrigation management. The majority of orchardists (48.75%) had a moderate degree of expertise on plant protection strategies. It was noted that the majority of orchardists (63.75%) have extensive understanding of the proper harvesting technique. From the orchardists (67.50%) were medium level of knowledge about yields take to bearing of fruit plant. The majority (55.00%) were low level of knowledge about the use of plant growth regulators. It was found that (58.75%) were high level of knowledge about the suitable inter crops. It was observed that the most of the orchardists (38.75%) were reported under medium level of knowledge about the storage of fruits after harvesting. It was noted that (45.00%) of orchardists had low levels of packaging of mango fruits for sale at nearby markets. The majority of orchardists (42.50%) were found to have limited expertise of how to package mango fruits for sale at distant markets. It was found that (48.75% of orchardists had a high degree of understanding on mango marketing.
Comparative Study of Physiochemical Properties of Different Brands of Vegetable Oil Sold in Ihiala Market of Anambra State
Authors: Maduako Maryann Chinenye , Amaefule Kizito Ifeanyi , Ifemeje Jonathan Chinenye
Published: September 2022

Objective: To compare the physicochemical properties of four brands of vegetable oil sold in Ihiala market.

Methods: The samples were brought from different super stores in Ihiala market and standard methods were used to analyze the physicochemical properties of the various  samples.

Results: The analysis showed that the peroxide value, saponification values, acid value, ester value and glycerol of palm kernel oil (43.91 ± 0.01, 1234.20 ± 0.01, 74.14 ± 0.01, 38.56 ± 0.02, 1195.60 ± 0.01 and 65.40 ± 0.02) is significantly higher than Lahda, Devon King’s and Power vegetable oil P < 0.05. While the iodine value, refractive index and specific gravity of Power oil and  Devon King’s oil (56.53 ± 0.10, 0.26 ± 0.01 and 0.91 ± 0.01) brought from Ihiala market were significantly higher than the other brands of vegetable oil i.e Lahda and Palm Kernel oil at P < 0.05. There is no significant difference in the refractive index and specific gravity of Palm kernel and Lahda oil (0.01 ± 0.01 and 0.01 ± 0.01) at P < 0.05.

Conclusion: The difference in the values of iodine, peroxide, saponification, acid value, FFA, ester value and glycerol level in the samples could be attributed to differences in the sources of the oil and in processing. However, the nutritional composition of the vegetable brands is still adequate for human consumption except that of Palm Kernel oil which has the highest values from the above analysis.