bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La lotta alla corruzione in ambito “regionale”: il gruppo di stati contro la corruzione (GRECO)
Authors: Vannata Emanuele
Published: February 2022

The article aims to retrace the role of the Council of Europe (CoE) in the fight against corruption. The analysis focuses on the institution of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), mandated to monitoring and evaluating the implementation of CoE instruments in subiecta materia, according to the standards contained in it, through the peer review evaluation mechanism. A particular attention will be pledge to the corruption risks linked to the public health emergencies, in the light of the recent GRECO guidelines on preventing and managing corruption in the context of COVID-19 pandemic.
Anti-corruption and anti-money laundering: criminal networks and prevention models compared
Authors: Naddeo Marco
Published: February 2022

This paper aims to examine the phenomena of corruption and money laundering, outlining the relationship of “continuity” running between them. The analysis presented here focuses on the evolution of modern criminal networks and their methods in recent years. The results highlight the points of convergence between the prevention models compared here (anti-corruption and anti-recycling) and the importance of redressing the information imbalance underlying the asymmetry between the State and organised crime. From this point of view, judicial support and internal control systems are indispensable tools in the fight against transnational crime.
Cybercrime regulations: need for a new international approach?
Authors: Doneva Natasa
Published: February 2022

Cybercrimes, cyber terrorism and cyber war are the pandemic of the 21st century. This problem existed before, but lately they have spread with a rapid speed, and have modified from their basic appearance, which makes them difficult to follow. The purpose of this paper is to show the need for a cyber convention of a new kind, and to explain the need for better international legal framework. The paper is “dealing “first with the European Convention of Cybercrime and its use. Also having in mind that the cyber field is not only consisted from cybercrimes/ offences but also with cyber terrorism and cyber wars, the second part of the paper isdedicated to the need of a new Digital convention. The last part is giving a brief overlook of the Macedonian legislation considering the cybercrimes.
The balkan migrant route: a eu unresolved crisis?
Authors: Russo Teresa
Published: February 2022

This article aims to underline how the Western Balkans are an area of fundamental geo-strategic interest for the security inside and outside Europe. Its geostrategic importance was even more evident when, since 2015, the Western Balkans havebeen crossed by one of the most impressive migratory routes to Europe, the socalled “Balkan route”, showing the political instability of both the region and the EU. The massive flow of asylum seekers led the EU institutions to recognize in April 2015 the exceptional nature of the situation, calling unsuccessfully for the adoption of solidarity measures to overcome the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the so-called "frontline Member States". In this framework, the article intends to briefly investigate the limits of the existing regulatory framework, which was unable to offer an adequate response to such a situation, as well as of the proposals of the EU Pact on migration of asylum in order to find a solution to a crisis that is not only a migration crisis, but a deeper crisis of identity that is struggling to balance the coexisting interests of the EU legal system.
MUSEUM SEBAGAI DAYA TARIK WISATA DI INDONESIA
Authors: Raksapati Abadi
Published: February 2022

Museum merupakan sebuah kata dari bahasa latin yang diadaptasi dari istilah mouseion yang berarti tempat duduk Muses atau secara filosofi berarti tempat untuk melakukan kontemplasi. Muses sendiri dalam mitologi Yunani merupakan dewi-dewi seni dan ilmu pengetahuan yang berjumlah sembilan. Dalam perkembangannya, museum memiliki pengertian sebagai lembaga nirlaba yang secara permanen ikut melayani dan membantu pembangunan masyarakat, terbuka untuk umum, yang mengambil alih, melestarikan, meneliti, mengomunikasikan, dan memamerkan warisan kemanusiaan dan lingkungan yang berwujud maupun tidak berwujud untuk tujuan pendidikan, pembelajaran, dan kesenangan.
Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Respiratory Viruses Among SARS-CoV-2-Positive and Negative Patients by Multiplex TaqMan One-Step Real-Time PCR
Authors: Veisi Parsa , Shatizadeh Malekshahi Somayeh , Choobin Hamzeh , Jabbari Mohammad Reza , Mohammadi Torbati Peyman
Published: February 2022

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has clinical manifestations similar to other common respiratory viral infections. There are limited data on the frequency of viral respiratory coinfection among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Iran. Objectives: This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of multiple respiratory viruses among SARS-CoV-2-positive and negative patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Iran. Methods: We included oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swab specimens of patients suspected of COVID-19 from December 2020 to March 2021. A reliable multiplex TaqMan one-step real-time PCR method was employed to detect 17 viral respiratory pathogens simultaneously. Descriptive analyses were performed to characterize the specimens concerning age, gender, clinical manifestations, and underlying disease. Results: Multiple respiratory viruses with a frequency of 18.78% were detected in 197 studied patients. Human metapneumovirus was the most prevalent pathogen detected in both SARS-CoV-2-positive (n = 7, 7.7%) and negative (n = 7, 6.6%) patients. Moreover, the frequency rate of viral infection was almost the same in both SARS-CoV-2-positive (18.68%) and negative (18.86%) patients. Altogether, there were no differences in baseline demographic characteristics such as age, sex, clinical symptoms, and comorbidities between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The data presented here expand our understanding of the epidemiology of multiple types of viral respiratory pathogens in suspected COVID-19 patients. Therefore, simultaneous screening of other viral respiratory pathogens will be helpful for clinicians and researchers interested in the control of viral respiratory tract infections.
Collection of Hydrangeaceae family in the exposition "Fruticetum" of the Botanical Garden-Institute of VSUT
Authors: Sukhareva Lyudmila Vitalievna , Mukhametova Svetlana Valer'evna , Veselova Kseniya Aleksandrovna
Published: February 2022

The article presents the analysis of the dynamics of the Hydrangeaceae family collection in the "Fruticetum" exposition. The study was conducted on the basis of introduction cards and introduction journals of the BSI as of 2020. Currently, Hydrangeaceae includes 78 names: 6 Deutzia taxa (8 samples), 24 Hydrangea taxa (30 samples), 48 Philadelphus taxa (56 samples). Among all samples, 72.4% came in the form of seedlings, 22.3% – green cuttings, 5.3% – seeds. The main source of hydrangeas is the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences, from where 54% of all samples were obtained. Also, samples were received from other botanical gardens, nurseries and from private individuals. The oldest surviving specimen (Deutzia scabra) was received in 1974. The most intensive replenishment of the collection was observed in 1981–1983, later it slowed down. Since the mid-2000s, the attraction of new species and varieties has accelerated again. Graphs showing the dynamics of the number of taxa and samples of the studied genera are given. In total, 389 plants of the studied family grow in the exposition, of which the largest number are Mock orange. Most taxa are represented by 1 to 13 plant specimens. Further increase in the collection is constrained by the shortage of free territory for planting. This article is of interest to employees of botanical gardens, students of plant-growing directions and amateur gardeners.
Analysis of evolution of the attitude of the Federal Republic of Germany towards the Russian Federation within the framework of the establishment of German national identity after the German reunification
Authors: Veselov Yuriy Aleksandrovich
Published: February 2022

This article examines the relevant topic of Germany-Russia relations. The goal is set to analyze the German perception of these relations through the prism of specific German national identity. The key task lies in studying the German identity and its reflection in foreign policy of the Federal Republic of Germany with regards to the Russian Federation. The author believes that German identity is a crucial factor in the formation of foreign policy course alongside the establishment of advantageous business ties. The article covers the main characteristics and problems of German national identity since 1990, which allows tracing the evolution of Germany-Russia relations. Special attention is given to the characteristic features of German identity that have formed prior to the German reunification, but their fundamental traits remain essential for studying German identity. Leaning on the scientific research of the prominent specialists in German Studies, the author highlights not only the basic, but also complementary features of the modern German identity, and outlines the landmark events that currently acquire special resonance in German society. The author also traces the evolution of Germany-Russia relations, placing emphasis on the aspects that are of particular importance for the economic and ideological interests of the Russian Federation. The conclusion is made on unfeasibility of continuing the dialogue between Germany and Russia due to the fact that the Federal Republic of Germany is a full-fledged member of the European Union and no longer intends to implement solely national foreign policy.
Towards building a model for the formation of reading literacy in the course of teaching academic subjects in middle school
Authors: Sokolova Olga Veniaminovna , Lvovskii Vladimir Aleksandrovich , Znamenskaja Oksana Vitalievna , Dolgodvorova Elena Yur'evna
Published: February 2022

The goal of this research to develop the methodological foundations for improving the quality of education in the middle school. The object of this research is the formation of reading literacy among 5th – 7еп graders in learning various disciplines. The subject of this research is the system-forming relations of educational and meta-subject tasks, texts, situations and reading goals in the context of educational activity, the explication of which allows building a holistic model of the formation of reading literacy as a universal meta-subject ability of a student. Special attention is given to the contribution of each academic subject to the process of development of reading skills considering their specificity. The main methods of this study are the comparative analysis of text environment of a student in the educational space; classification, structurization, and generalization. The novelty of the approach lies in the systemic examination of the contribution of different academic subjects to the formation of reading literacy; in methodological approach, according to which the specificity of educational activity is examined for determination of the contribution of academic subject to the formation of reading literacy. The model of the formation of reading literacy leans on the representation of complex interrelation between subject and meta-subject learning outcomes. It is revealed that the development of reading skills in different subject fields complies with a number of general principles, but significantly depends on the content of the subject discipline and the type of educational tasks set within its framework. The learning process should be structured in such way to ensure the next step in the development of meta-subject skills. Analysis is conducted on the text potential of four academic subjects. The author offers the typology of educational tasks aimed at the formation of reading literacy, as well as outlines the key components of the model and the requirements. Such model would allow the methodologists and teachers to analyze the educational process, develop educational tasks, the solution of which without implementing the procedures outside the subject would lead to the achievement of subject and meta-subject results.
Research of the methods of creating content aggregation systems
Authors: Kiryanov Denis Aleksandrovich
Published: February 2022

The subject of this research is the key methods for creating the architecture of information aggregators, methods for increasing scalability and effectiveness of such systems, methods for reducing the delay between the publication of new content by the source and emergence of its copy in the information aggregator. In this research, the content aggregator implies the distributed high-load information system that automatically collects information from various sources, process and displays it on a special website or mobile application. Particular attention is given to the basic principles of content aggregation: key stages of aggregation and criteria for data sampling, automation of aggregation processes, content copy strategies, and content aggregation approaches. The author's contribution consists in providing detailed description of web crawling and fuzzy duplicate detection systems. The main research result lies in the development of high-level architecture of the content aggregation system. Recommendations are given on the selection of the architecture of styles and special software regime that allows creating the systems for managing distributed databases and message brokers. The presented architecture aims to provide high availability, scalability for high query volumes, and big data performance. To increase the performance of the proposed system, various caching methods, load balancers, and message queues should be actively used. For storage of the content aggregation system, replication and partitioning must be used to improve availability, latency, and scalability. In terms of architectural styles, microservice architecture, event-driven architecture, and service-based architecture are the most preferred architectural approaches for such system.
Quadrupolar lattice plasmon modes induced by diffraction of high-quality factors in silver nanoparticle arrays
Authors: Xiong Lei , Ding Hong-Wei , Li Guang-Yuan ,   School of Information Science and Engineering, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China,   Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
Published: February 2022

Periodic nanoparticle arrays with lower loss or high-quality (Q) factor resonances have made great advances in numerous applications. Such arrays can support narrow resonance modes by the hybridization of plasmonic-photonic modes, known as lattice plasmon modes (LPMs). The LPMs arise from the diffraction-induced coupling between localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) of nanoparticles in symmetric or quasi-symmetric refractive index environment. To date, the great majority of researches have focused on the coupling of dipolar modes to in-plane orthogonal diffraction waves in nanoparticle arrays, resulting in dipolar lattice plasmon modes (DLPMs). However, there are few studies about quadrupolar lattice plasmon modes (QLPMs) for parallel coupling in symmetric environment, especially for high Q-factor QLPMs. In this work, we explore the sharp QLPMs of the silver nanodisk arrays by x-polarized light at normal incidence. In the first place, the scattering cross-section and near-field electric field distribution of single silver nanodisk indicate the existence of dipolar and quadrupolar LSPRs, thus, the optical responses of silver nanodisk arrays exhibit the peak-and-dip profiles of DLPMs and QLPMs at different wavelengths. Also, the electromagnetic field distributions confirm that the parallel propagating electric field introduces QLPM and results in electric field delocalization, while DLPM is existent in another way in periodic silver nanodisk arrays. Moreover, the position, linewidth and lineshape of the QLPM strongly depend on the role of lattice period. We enable these resonance modes to be selectively accessed and individually optimized by tuning lattice periods in the x- or y-direction. By changing the lattice period in the x-direction from 300 to 550 nm in steps of 50 nm, the dip of transmission intensity increases gradually, and when periods in the two directions are equal, the transmission dip exhibits a narrow-band QLPM resonance with a linewidth of 0.4 nm, corresponding quality factor is as high as Q = 1815 under the x-polarized light. In particular, by varying periods in the y-direction, the QLPM can also be manipulated in a range from an asymmetric Fano-like lineshape peak to a dip. The acquisition of these results may provide a design strategy for high-Q factor resonance in nanolaser, sensing, and nonlinear optics.
Very Early Onset Severe Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Syndrome with Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome- A Catastrophe
Authors: Bhatia Ruby , Kaur Sukhbir Pal , Kaur Arshdeep , Raina Renuka
Published: February 2022

Early onset severe preeclampsia and eclampsia is a direct cause in the deadly triad of maternal mortality along with haemorrhage and sepsis with high perinatal mortality. Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) may also result in early onset severe preeclampsia, eclampsia and its catastrophic complications. Present report is a rarest case of a 33-year- old, unbooked G6A5 at 21+4 weeks gestation with eclampsia, HELLP (Haemolysis, Elevated liver Enzymes, Low Platelet count) syndrome, Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES), Intrauterine foetal demise (IUFD) with RPL due to APS with Hepatitis B positive status. Patient was managed by a multidisciplinary team of Obstetricians, Intensivists, Cardiologists and Neurologists. Eclampsia was managed with magnesium sulphate (Pritchard’s regime), intravenous labetalol and delivery of stillborn male foetus weighing 645 gm achieved within 24 hours of eclamptic seizure. Lupus anticoagulant and beta-2 glycoprotein IgM (Immnoglobulin M) antibodies were positive in high titres confirming APS. Postdelivery patient had persistent headache with blurring of vision. A diagnosis of PRES was confirmed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain. Patient was put on Levetiracetam and low molecular weight heparin and was discharged in satisfactory condition on seventh postpartum day with an advice to follow- up at two weeks, six weeks and 12 weeks. Early onset preeclampsia is encountered in Obstetrics but very early onset severe preeclampsia (<24 weeks of gestation) and eclampsia with HELLP syndrome, PRES in a patient of RPL due to APS is rarest. Early diagnosis of APS and early onset preeclampsia with timely referral to tertiary care and multidisciplinary management can save women from severe dreaded complications with a good obstetric outcome in future.
Ocular Rhinosporidiosis and Recurrence Postsurgery: A Case Series
Authors: Adhikari Anindya , Dutta Jayanta , Das Sanjeev , Barua Nabanita , Chakraborti Chandana , Chakraborti Pit Baran
Published: February 2022

Rhinosporidiosis, a chronic granulomatous disease, is caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi. It is an endosporulating microorganism causing polypoidal ocular mass. A clinician needs to have high degree of suspicion for oculosporidiosis, as it is more common in nasal cavity and other respiratory passage as compared to ocular lesion. The authors intend to increase awareness among ophthalmologists through this case series. It was intended to evaluate profile, clinical presentation and recurrence rate of ocular rhinosporidiosis in a tertiary care setting in Eastern India. The present case series is about 15 patients diagnosed with rhinosporidiosis, that was reported within one year. Age range was 6-50 years, with male:female was 9:6. All patients underwent total excision with around 2 mm lesion free margin and electrocautery of base. Postoperatively, antibiotic and lubricant eye drops were given, a follow-up schedule was day 1, 7, 30, six months and one year. Majority of the patients showed involvement of lower tarsal conjunctiva (eight), followed by upper (four), then bulbar conjunctiva (one), lower lid (one), and lacrimal sac (one). All patients recovered completely postoperatively. At one year follow-up no patient had any recurrence. Ocular rhinosporidiosis may have diverse presentation from chalazion, papilloma, keratoconjunctivitis etc. This disease is often missed because of poor pathological back up at many centres. In an endemic area, a high degree of suspicion should be there to detect this relatively rare entity.
Bronchial Hyper-responsiveness in Post-tubercular Patients: A Case-control Study
Authors: Ahmed Shamshad , Ahmed Zuber , Baneen Ummul , Masood Imrana , Bhargava Rakesh
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Bronchial hyper-responsiveness is the manifestation of excessive bronchoconstriction in response to diverse types of stimuli both physical and chemical. It is the most characteristic feature of bronchial asthma; it also occurs in a spectrum of other diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorders (COPD) and reactive airway syndrome and may be provoked by a variety of stimuli like histamine and methacholine. Patients of healed pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) show varying extent of lung impairment such as fibrosis, collapse, emphysema and broncho alveolar destruction. Aim: To assess the incidence and severity of obstructive airway diseases in previously treated TB patients. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective case control study, carried out in the Department of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, from September 2017 to September 2019, this study included 120 patients of previously treated TB, who were divided into two groups. The case group (71) included patients who completed treatment for TB and had dyspnoea. The control group (49) consisted of patients who completed the treatment but did not have dyspnoea. The patients were subjected to spirometry, histamine bronchial challenge test and computed chest tomogram along with routine investigations including sputum for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB). Results: The present study showed significant histamine hypersensitivity among post TB patients. In the case group, 34 (56%) patients showed positive response to bronchial challenge test with histamine; while in control group only 7 (14%) showed a positive response (p-value=0.004). Pulmonary function test (spirometry) showed an obstructive pattern in 35 (49%) case group patients, while normal pattern was the most common finding seen in 23 (47%) in the control group followed by obstruction in 10 (21%) patients. Among the cases, the mean Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) was 65.77±15.98, while among the controls, it was 80.02±8.81. The case group had a mean Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second/Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/FVC) of 78.09±15.75, as against 81.33±16.79 in the control group. Conclusion: Airway bronchial hyper-reactivity is a prominent feature in previously treated tubercular patients. This underlines the need for proper attention towards post-tubercular lung function impairment and proper treatment of such patients so as to lessen the impact of bronchial hyper-reactivity on patient symptoms and their quality of life.
Anti Bacterial Activity of Ricinus Communis Extracts against Common Human Pathogens Obtained from Surgical Wound Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Semi-urban Set Up at Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Voleti Archana , Bandaru Sriushaswini , Sagar Kvsb Vidya , Achanta Ranga Rao , Rao Banadaru Narasinga
Published: February 2022

Introduction: A number of medicinal compounds are manufactured with great exactness and simply from easily available raw materials at normal temperature and pressure from highly sophisticated chemical factories called plants and its parts. There are many methods of research associated with the medicinal plants and traditional medicine has shown very little attention in modern research and less effort has been done to upgrade the practice of using medicinal plants. Aim: To assess the antibacterial activity of Ricinus communis leaf extracts against common human pathogens obtained from surgical wound infections in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology of a Tertiary Care teaching Hospital for a period of one month in January 2021. The pathogenic bacteria isolated from the surgical wounds were used for this study and the antibacterial activity of medicinal herb leaf extract Ricinus communis L. was investigated against gram positive bacteria and gram negative bacteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique using the extract, ampicillin as positive control and Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO) as negative control. The zones of inhibition were measured using a special measuring scale. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the medicinal plant were also tested against the same pathogenic bacterial strains that were isolated. The statistical analysis of frequency and mean were calculated and the results were tabulated. Results: The methanol crude extract of plant leaves (300 mg/ ml) showed significant zone of inhibition against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Comparatively, very less zone of inhibition was obtained from the aqueous unrefined extract of medicinal plant when compared to the methanol solvent extracts. DMSO was taken as negative control and no zone of inhibition was seen. Ampicillin (10 μg) was taken as positive control and has shown significant zone of inhibition against the isolated bacterial pathogens from wound infections. The best MBC value was observed in the methanol extract and in aqueous extract, the growth was extensive and full. Conclusion: Ricinus communis concentrated methanol leaf extract had shown effective antibacterial activity in comparison with the standard ampicillin. Based on further chemical, pharmacological and molecular studies in the future on this leaf extract and identify phytochemical constituents in the leaf, seed, stem, roots and to screen other potential bioactivities of the leaf extract may be recommended for the treatment of wounds.
MRI Study of Lumbar Canal Stenosis by Morphological Grading and Thecal Sac Measurement- A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Naziya Shaik , Sandeep Velicheti , Sekhar Kondragunta Chandra , Kumar Kesinakurthi Satish
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows to the point at which it can exert pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. Aetiology is categorised into congenital, developmental and acquired (degenerative) causes. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is investigation of choice in the evaluation of patients with symptoms related to lumbar central canal stenosis. Aim: To assess the morphologically grade of thecal sac in lumbar central canal stenosis on MRI. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted from November 2017 to October 2019 at Department of Radiology of Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Gannavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. Study included 100 patients who were referred with symptoms of lumbar stenosis and outcome was to determine the correlation between the morphological grade and thecal sac axial antero-posterior diameter grade. Correlation was assessed by Fischer-exact test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test. A p-value <0.0001 was considered highly significant. Results: Morphological Grade II corresponded to maximum number of cases, amounting to 46% with mean anteroposterior thecal sac diameter of 6.21 mm, followed by 36% of Grade III with mean thecal sac diameter of 4.57 mm. Grade I corresponded to 14% of cases mean thecal sac diameter of 8.35 mm and Grade IV corresponded to 4% of cases with mean thecal sac diameter of 1.1 mm. Morphological grade had shown significant correlation of r value=0.78 with significant p-value <0.0001 with thecal sac measurement. Conclusion: Morphological grade of the thecal sac has significant correlation with the canal measurements and it helps in quick assessment of the severity of the lumbar canal stenosis.
Obesity: Overview of a Universal Health Conundrum
Authors: Pandey Aparna , Viswanathan Krishnan , Natrajan Prabhu Manickam , Sreedharan Jayadevan
Published: February 2022

Obesity is a worldwide health issue which is displaying increasing prevalence trend. World Health Organisation (WHO) has already given it a epidemic status. Many physiological parameters such as Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) are used for measurement of obesity. This review was written with the aim to give an inclusive picture of current prevalence of obesity along with discussing the physiology and function of different adipocytes and the numerous chemical messengers released by them. The manifold impact of obesity on various body systems can be elucidated by exploring the adipocytes, adipokines its functions and signalling mechanism. The adipokines enlist as key players in numerous systemic diseases. Obesity has a significant pathophysiological role in morbidity and mortality causing conditions globally. Obesity can potentially be the leading reason of economic burden on global health care, adversely impacting the comprehensive quality of life. This review is an effort to provide a better understanding of the current obesity status and emphasise further researches on its diverse aspects.
Hepatitis B and C Viral Infections among Dialysis Patients and Related Factors of Dialysis Centres in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljarallah Badr M
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Viral Hepatitis is a global disease, affecting millions of patients around the world. Dialysis dependent patients use an artificial kidney (haemodialyser) to remove waste product from the blood in severe renal impairment patients. Hence, they are more vulnerable to viral hepatitis. Aim: To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections among dialysis patients and related factors of dialysis centres in the Qassim province, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, reviewed the medical records of 707 patients from the data registry of 18 affiliated dialysis centres across Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia, during August 2017 to August 2018. A detailed questionnaire regarding the general information about the dialysis centre, isolation and screen status, vaccination status, and vascular access was completed by the Dialysis Centre Manager of all the 18 affiliated centres. The details of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) serology reports were extracted to establish the prevalence and epidemiological profile of these patients. Descriptive analysis was conducted, where numbers and percentages were used to summarise all categorical variables. Results: The majority 14 (77.8%) of the centres were government entities and the rest were for profit centres. Out of the 18 centres, 10 (55.6%) were hospital based, 5 (27.8%) were free-standing and 3 (16.7%) were free-standing but owned by a hospital. The prevalence of HBsAg positive cases among incenter haemodialysis patients was 3.2% and the prevalence of Hepatitis C (HBC) antibody positive cases was 6.4% with 0.3% cases of the HBsAg and HBC converted to positive during the previous 12 months. Conclusion: The incidence of hepatitis B and C positivity was common in patients receiving haemodialysis. The study found low prevalence of both Hepatitis B and C positive cases in comparison to several published articles. The decrease in HBV and HBC prevalence seen in this study may be attributable to the development and implementation of preventive strategies, increased adherence by medical staff to aseptic measures, better infection management, immunization, and isolation of affected patients. However, further studies are needed to generalise the outcome of this study.
Conservative Management of Traumatic Intercostal Lung Hernia: A Case Report
Authors: Gupta Sandhya , Choksi Kushal , Chauhan Gagandeep , Modi Naresh , Thakore Digpal
Published: February 2022

Pulmonary herniation is an uncommon phenomenon. It has been described sporadically in obscure case reports and rare case series. Owing to its sparse occurrence, a calibrated algorithm for its management does not exist. Even then, the popular consensus advises surgical management comprising prosthetic mesh repair. Hereby, authors report a case of a 24-year-old male, who developed left lung herniation after blunt trauma to the chest wall. Non Contrast Computed Tomography (NCCT) of chest revealed herniation of left lung through 3rd intercostal space, a hernia defect of 1.8 cm and a small left pneumothorax. Patient was managed conservatively with intercostal drainage and was discharged on day 5 of admission. This case report aims to delineate the conditions where conservative management of lung hernias can be undertaken successfully.
Fracture in a Person with Spinal Cord Injury with Heterotopic Ossification due to Improper Exercise in Pandemic: A Case Report
Authors: Swarnakar Raktim , Santra Shreya , Yadav SL
Published: February 2022

Fractures following inappropriate exercises are rarely reported in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) population. During pandemic, physical inactivity and barriers to access to rehabilitation facility are conspicuous. Authors report a case of 23-year-old male with femur fracture following improper exercise and its interrelationship with Heterotopic Ossification (HO) and impact of pandemic. Patient reported with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) grade C tetraplegia, presented with operated left femur shaft fracture following care-partner administered sudden improper exercise. X-ray of left hip and femur revealed HO around left hip joint and intramedullary nailing of shaft of femur. Routine rehabilitation protocol for SCI was followed especially focusing on safety home-exercise precaution program during pandemic time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of long bone fracture in a person with SCI following improper exercise which is influence by pandemic situation. Here, authors described the causation of fracture in perspective of the vicious cycle of HO, improper exercise and pandemic impact. Further studies are required to find out appropriate precautionary guidelines regarding exercise during pandemic times for people with SCI.
Impact of Physical Activity on Physical and Mental Health of Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kalra Sheetal , Yadav Joginder , Ajmera Puneeta , Sindhu Bijender , Pal Sajjan
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Menopause is associated with a variety of physical and mental issues. It’s critical to pay attention to postmenopausal women’s health issues and develop prevention strategies. Aim: To evaluate association between physical activity and physical and mental health problems in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: In the present systematic review, relevant studies were searched in international electronic databases such as, Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed and Google Scholar from 2004 to 2021. Terms like physical activity, physical health, mental health, bone mineral density, exercise training, and postmenopausal women were searched. All papers were screened for eligibility. Inclusion criteria of the study was, studies with atleast one exercise group versus one control group, should include women who were postmenopausal at the time of the study, studies that examined effect of physical activity on physical and mental health of postmenopausal women, full text articles written in English language. Results: Total 27 studies were included in this review. The results revealed that resistance, aerobics, walking, pilates and aquatic exercises have shown benefits in improving physical and mental health parameters of postmenopausal women. Conclusion: Physical activity plays a great role in maintaining overall health and quality of life of women. To avoid fractures, these women should engage in workouts with prudence. Physical and mental fitness can be achieved by incorporating exercise into daily routine of postmenopausal women.
Breakthrough Cases of COVID- 19 among Healthcare Workers: A Case Series
Authors: Mohapatra Anuradha , Velhal Gajanan D , Nair Uma R , Sudarson Nived G
Published: February 2022

Breakthrough infections after Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations are an expected phenomenon as no vaccine is 100% effective. Healthcare Workers (HCW) are at a higher risk of contracting the infection owing to the exposure at the workplace. This case series describes clinical profile of 27 breakthrough infections after two weeks of second dose of vaccination. Of the total HCWs with the COVID-19 infection during the study period, 21.77% were breakthrough infections. The mean age of these HCWs was 36±12.02 years. The mean interval between the second dose of vaccine and being detected COVID-19 positive was 24.41±7.69 days. Majority of them were doctors (66.67%) and nurses (14.81%). All of them suffered from mild disease and recovered fully. Availability of vaccines coupled with pandemic fatigue has led to false reassurance among population. Hence, COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) before and after vaccination should be followed rigorously to prevent such infections.
Role of Platelet Rich Plasma in the Management of Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Bezwada Sridevi , Khare Tarun , Ramamurthy Bhuvanamha Devi , Devisriprasad S
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Plantar Fasciitis (PF) is one of the most common chronic degenerative foot condition associated with pain in the bottom of the foot (enthesiopathy), encountered by an orthopaedic practitioner. Various treatment options have been implicated and it has been frustrating problem for both patients and treating doctors. Very limited studies are available showing the variable effects of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), the autologous conditioned plasma, in human tissues. Aim: To determine the role of PRP in the management of patients with PF. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics in collaboration with blood bank in SRM Medical College and Hospital, Potheri, Chengalpet district, Tamil Nadu, India, between November 2017 to April 2019. In this study, 70 patients with PF were treated with single dose of local injection of 3 mL autologous PRP. These patients were assessed for pain relief using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). In addition ultrasonographic evaluation of thickness of plantar fascia was done six months after treatment. The statistical analysis of each clinical outcomes was analysed individually, using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Statistical significance was done with student's t-test and p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the patients in this study was 38.8±4 years. There were 39 (55.7%) female and 31(44.3%) male patients in the study. The mean symptom duration from the approximate onset of symptom to the study enrollment was 7±2.3 months. The statistically significant reduction in VAS score from the baseline and reduction in thickness of plantar fascia was observed in the study. FAAM score also gradually improved from mean 32.05±8.20 at baseline to 60.97±8.94 after 24 weeks with mean difference of 28.92. Conclusion: The present study observed that PRP is potentially effective and safe treatment option for long term relief of PF
Farmers’ Use of Improved Practices in Potato Cultivation
Authors: Karim Md. Rezaul , Saem Md. Abu , Hasan Md. Faruq
Published: February 2022

The main purpose of the study was to determine the extent of use of the improved practices by the farmers in potato cultivation, and to explore the relationships between selected characteristics of the farmers and their use of improved practices. The study was carried out in Nandigram Upazila of Bogura District of Bangladesh. Data are collected via face-to-face interview from 94 randomly selected farmers by using structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics was used for measuring the frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Pearson’s product moment correlation co-efficient(r) was performed to determine the relationships between the selected characteristics and use of improved practices. Findings indicated that majority (70.2%) of the farmers had medium use of improve practices compared to 16.0% low and 13.8% had high use of improve practices. Among the selected characteristics; education, farm size, organizational participation and extension media contact had positive significant relationship with their use of improved practices in potato cultivation, while age showed the negative significant relationship. Hence, use of improved practices in potato cultivation was significantly affected by these significant characteristics. According to Use Index (UI), ‘ridge and furrow method’ and ‘ploughing with power tiller’ were the first ranked improved practices used by the farmers in potato cultivation having similar use index. On the other hand, the bottom ranked improved practices in the potato cultivation was ‘vermicomposting’. Further research on attitude and perception of the farmers towards improved practices in potato cultivation might be considered in same or other location of the country.
Comparative Analysis of Bank Health Levels towards the Profitability of Sharia Banks in Indonesia and Malaysia
Authors: Chairunesia Wieta
Published: February 2022

Aims: To analyze and compare the effect of bank health on profitability in Islamic banks in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Study design:  The research method used is quantitative descriptive research.

Place and Duration of Study: The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The study was conducted on Sharia Banks registered with the Indonesian Financial Services Authority and Sharia Banks listed on the Malaysia Stock Exchange with a research period of four years, from 2016-2019.

Methodology: The type of data obtained in this study is documentary data. The source of data used in this study is secondary data, namely data on audited financial statements of Islamic banks in Indonesia and Malaysia which were taken through the websites www.idx.co.id and www.bursamalaysia.com in 2016-2019. Data analysis was performed using multiple regression analysis using IBM SPSS to see the effect of the independent variables on the dependent variable, including the Descriptive Statistics Test and Multiple Regression Test.

Results: The results of this study indicate that in Islamic banks in Indonesia and Islamic banks in Malaysia there is no difference in the results of testing the effect of NPF on ROA, namely NPF is not significant in affecting profitability as proxied by ROA. However, the results of testing the effect of OER on ROA are different in the two samples. In the sample of Islamic banks in Indonesia, OER has a significant effect on ROA. While OER is not significant in influencing ROA in the sample of Islamic banks in Malaysia. Testing the effect of CAR on ROA also shows results that are not different between the samples of Islamic banks in Indonesia and Islamic banks in Malaysia, namely CAR has a significant effect on ROA. In terms of soundness level analysis, Islamic banks in Malaysia tend to be superior in the perspective of Risk Profile (NPF) and Earnings (OER), where most Islamic banks in Malaysia get the title of Very Healthy compared to Islamic banks in Indonesia. While in the perspective of Capital (CAR), both samples get the same predicate, namely Very Healthy.

Conclusion: The health level of Islamic banks in Malaysia is superior compared to the health level of Islamic bank in Indonesia.
Modelling the Effects of Mindfulness Based Stress on Breast Cancer Survival Rate among Women in Meru and Nyeri Counties, Kenya, Using Cox Proportional Hazard Model
Authors: Mutwiri M. N. , Muraya M. M. , Gitonga L. K.
Published: February 2022

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, affecting 34 women per every 100,000. This has led to high number of fatalities annually, which need to be mitigated. Establishing alternative conventional therapies such as working on mindfulness-based stress (MBS) may be a good alternative to improve prognosis and survival rate of breast cancer patients. However, there is little information on the effects of MBS factors on breast cancer survival. The objective of this study is to predict the effect of MBS factors on breast cancer survival rate among women in Meru and Nyeri Counties using Cox Proportional Hazard Model. Both primary data and secondary data were used. Primary data was obtained using a structured questionnaire from the breast cancer survivors and the medical practioners, while secondary data was obtained from records at Meru teaching and referral hospital and Nyeri level five hospital for the period 2012 to 2017. The MBS variables included cost burden of treatment, stress on diagnosis, prolonged time taken to access treatment, poor diet, alcohol use, physical activity and lack of awareness. . This study used mixed method research design. Data obtained were analysed using R software. Kaplain-Meier estimators were used to estimate the varying effects of MBS factors on survival rate. Log-rank test was used to perform comparisons of survival curves on the patients’ survival rate considering age. The likelihood ratio test showed that MBS factors are significant in predicting hazard rates ( X2= 66.7, p = 0.0000119). Treatment period, lack of awareness, ease of coping with stress  and observing the right diet  were also found to significantly (p < 0.05) affect breast cancer survival rate. Access of treatment immediately after diagnosis, availing the right information to the patients, helping patients to cope easily with stress and observing the right diet were found to be the best estimators in increasing breast cancer survival rate. The study showed the importance of using model in predicting breast cancer survival rates, which can greatly improve breast cancer prognosis.
Analysing the Views of Turks and Arabs on Human Milk Banking
Authors: Ekiyor Aykut , Taş Merve Özzeybek
Published: February 2022

Human milk is an important source of food for a new born baby to grow up in a healthy manner. World Health Organisation points to the importance of feeding on human milk and ranks it as the first source of nutrition.    

This paper aims to analyse the views of Turkish and Saudi Arabian citizens’ views on human milk banking comparatively. The research sample was composed of 184 individuals who lived in Turkey and 385 individuals who lived in Riyadh- the capital of Saudi Arabia. The participants were given the survey form on human milk banking. Mann Whitney U test was used in comparing the differences of independent groups for two-class data whereas Kruskal Wallis H test was used for multi-class data and Hochberg GT2 test was used in finding which groups had the source of difference. It was concluded that there were no differences between Turks’ and Arabs’ views on human milk banking and that they both had negative attitudes towards milk brotherhood.