bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Optimization of Visible Light Communication
Authors:   Electronics Engineering Dept, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology karachi, 78300, Pakistan, Ali Agha Yasir , Farhi Lubna ,   Electronics Engineering Dept, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology karachi, 78300, Pakistan, Ahmed Usama ,   Electronics Engineering Dept, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology karachi, 78300, Pakistan, Subhan Asad ,   Electronics Engineering Dept, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology karachi, 78300, Pakistan, Safdar Hussain ,   Electronics Engineering Dept, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology karachi, 78300, Pakistan, Zaidi Syeda Shaherbano ,   Electronics Engineering Dept, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology karachi, 78300, Pakistan
Published: October 2021

This paper focuses to analyze the data rate, bit error rate (BER), flickering & bandwidth of visible light communication (VLC) system. The existing modulation scheme ON-OFF Keying (OOK) is modified and produces the trade-off between these parameters. The modified ON-OFF Keying (MOOK) is proposed in which the variation in the transmitted pulses is investigated. Therefore, the square and rectangular pulses are used to transmit zero and one bits respectively. The duty cycle of square pulse is increased to improve the flickering performance. Moreover, it utilized the bandwidth and deteriorates the BER performance. The differential MOOK (DMOOK) modulation scheme is also proposed in which the ON period of square pulse (zero bits) is removed. Therefore, the data rate of DMOOK is increased because the duration of zero bit pulse is decreased. Similarly, the high bandwidth is utilized and BER performance deteriorates. All performance parameters are evaluated on Arduino based hardware VLC system. We conclude that the BER performance deteriorates by improving flickering performance and data rate of the VLC system.
Editorial Note - Vol. 15., No. 2, 2021
Authors: Lemnitzer Anne
Published: October 2021

Welcome to Issue 2 of DFI’s Journal Vol. 15. We are happy to introduce six publications which span a wide mix of manuscript types and technical content. While most published papers in the DFI Journal have historically been research papers and technical case histories, this issue introduces a forum paper and a book review in addition to valuable research publications. Forum papers, a new type of paper to the DFI Journal, encompass a much shorter manuscript style, and can include commentaries, opinions, research highlights (e.g., of work currently underway), and responses to previously published papers. Forum papers do not require a response from the author if they discuss another author’s manuscript. However, should the forum paper be closer to a discussion, and should the author of the discussed manuscript desire to provide a response, the submission will be converted into a formal “discussion.” Forum papers and book reviews first undergo a review within the editorial board, and are only subject to external peer review if the content is found to be technically controversial and/or should the area of expertise discussed in the manuscript lie outside the capacities of the editorial board. Hence the Forum Paper is a unique outlet with much technical and editorial flexibility and will, along with the newly introduced book review, enrich the palette of products offered by the DFI Journal.
A Study to Assess Occupational Stress among Farmers Residing in a Selected Rural Area of Rahata Taluka, Ahmednagar District
Authors: Jitendra D Belokar
Published: October 2021

Background: During the recent years, farming has gone through lot of changes and it also found to be one of the potential areas for stress. Along with irregularities in weather and financial issues; greater use of automation technology, more use of organic production, decrease price for agricultural products and new complicated legislations have made the life of farmers more stressful one. In this study an attempt is made to find out the factors which are causing stress and made the life of farming community more miserable. Materials and Methods: A descriptive design with cross-sectional survey approach was used to collect the data. A modified version of farm stress inventory created by James & Lily Walker was used to assess the occupational stress. The samples were selected by purposive sampling technique. The samples comprised of 60 farmers of a selected village of Rahata taluka Ahmednagar District Maharashtra. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.Results: The findings of the study revealed that majority of the participants had occupational stress in each area of assessment (Financial stress, farming hassles, weather stress, work overload and other people as stressor) Conclusion: study concluded that farming hassles and financial stress was common and more significant type of stress among most of participant participants
La cooperación entre conservador y artista durante el desarrollo del proceso creativo y el montaje expositivo. El caso de Sheela Gowda en Bombas Gens Centre d’Art
Authors: Colomina Subiela Antoni , Pereira Avelino Carmen , Lehmann Gravier Priscila
Published: October 2021

Desde hace varias décadas los críticos y especialistas del mundo del arte y la conservación se preocupan por teorizar en torno al paso del tiempo y sus consecuencias en el estado de las obras. La transformación de los materiales utilizados en la creación artística, interpretada como deterioro o alteración, pero también como evolución natural y deseable, ocupará los constantes debates alrededor de esta cuestión. El caso de la exposición Sheela Gowda. Remains, en Bombas Gens Centre d’Art, Valencia, nos presentó un gran ejemplo de esta disyuntiva. Acompañados de la artista en todo momento, llevamos a cabo trabajos de conservación en los cuales nos vimos injeridos a realizar diversas tareas para garantizar la estabilidad y reajuste de sus instalaciones, entendiendo la conservación en este punto como un acto de creación participativa con la artista, para profundizar en su intencionalidad, función de la obra y composición integral.
Market Alışverişlerinde Düşük Fiyat Araştırmasının Demografik Özelliklere Göre İncelenmesi
Authors: ECEVİT Mehmet Zahid
Published: October 2021

Fiyat araştırma davranışı üzerine yapılan çalışmalar, tüketicilerin elde edecekleri ekonomik ve psikolojik faydalara göre fiyat indirimlerini araştırdıklarını ortaya koymaktadır. Bilginin ekonomik değeri teorisi tüketicilerin fayda-maliyet dengesine göre karar verdiğini öne sürmektedir. Ancak bu teorinin aksine tüketicilerin indirimli fiyat araştırmalarını ekonomik fayda-maliyet yaklaşımından ziyade bireysel gelişim (piyasa bilgisi, yatırım araştırması), psikolojik faydalar (piyasa uzmanı) ve fiyat farkı algısının daha iyi açıkladığını ortaya koyan çalışmalar da bulunmaktadır. Bu bağlamda çalışma, tüketicilerin indirimli fiyat araştırmalarını açıklamada etkili olan bu faktörleri ele alarak demografik özellikler açısından farklılık gösterip göstermediğini incelemiştir. Keşfedici bir araştırma olan çalışma kapsamında İstanbul ili ile sınırlı olmak üzere 161 adet veri toplanmıştır. Araştırma soruları için Urbany ve diğerleri (1996) ve Feick ve Prive (1987) tarafından geliştirilen ölçeklerden faydalanılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler SPSS programına işlenerek hipotezler test edilmiştir. Hipotezlerin test edilmesinde t-testi ve Anova analiz kullanılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda fiyat araştırma davranışını etkileyen faktörlerin yaş ve aile büyüklüğüne göre farklılık gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. Diğer bir ifadeyle yaş ve aile büyüklüğü arttıkça ortalamaların arttığı tespit edilmiştir. Bu nedenle fiyat araştırma eğilimlerinin de arttığı söylenebilir. Buradan yola çıkarak yalnız yaşayan tüketicilerin ve gençlerin fiyat araştırma eğilimleri düşük olduğundan bu tüketici gruplarına yönelik fiyat indirimleri yerine kalabalık yaşayan ve orta yaşlı tüketici gruplarının tüketeceği ürün gruplarına yönelik fiyat indirimleri düzenlemenin daha yararlı olacağı tahmin edilebilir.
BOBİ FRS’yi Uygulayan İşletmelerin Maddi Duran Varlıklar İçin Maliyet Modeli ve Yeniden Değerleme Modeline Göre Yapacağı Muhasebe Kayıtları
Authors: ALBENİ Nagihan
Published: October 2021

Bu çalışmada BOBİ FRS Bölüm 12 Maddi Duran Varlıklar ele alınmıştır. Bir örnek yardımıyla, varlık olarak muhasebeleştirilen bir maddi duran varlık için sonradan uygulanacak maliyet modeli ve yeniden değerleme modeline göre muhasebe kayıtlarının nasıl yapılacağının gösterilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Muhasebe kayıtları yapılırken Kamu Gözetimi Muhasebe ve Denetim Standartları Kurumu tarafından yayımlanan Finansal Raporlama Standartlarına Uygun Örnek Hesap Planı kullanılmıştır. Ayrıca uygulanan maliyet modeli ve yeniden değerleme modeli karşılaştırılmış, farklılıklar belirtilmiş ve bu farklılıkların nedenleri açıklanmaya çalışılmıştır.
CREATIVITY AND INTENTIONALITY: A PHILOSOPHICAL ATTEMPT AT RECONSTRUCTING A CREATIVE PROCESS
Authors: Gondek Paweł
Published: October 2021

The paper presents a philosophical proposition of elucidating creativity by means of distinguishing the category of intentionality. The intentional dimension of cognitive content encompasses predispositions for constructing sign systems. Such an intellectual modification of sign systems forms the foundation of dynamic creative acts. However, creative processes are not restricted to the sphere of intellectual operations, but also remain under the influence of object categories. For this reason, the results of creative processes must allow for the potential determinants of sensual matter. A transition between the subjective sphere of possibility and the objective sphere of potency indicates the dynamism of the process. A crucial component of the emergence of intentional relations is formulating the criterion of a creative process. It determines the rules of constructing sign systems, the forms of acceptable transformations as well as the possible modes of allowing for the results of this process.
Global Sky Models can Improve Flux Estimates in Pulsar and FRB Studies
Authors: Price Danny C.
Published: October 2021

It is commonplace in pulsar and fast radio burst literature to estimate sky temperature by frequency-scaling of the Haslam et al. 408 MHz map. I suggest that this practice should stop, in favor of using readily available global sky models of diffuse foregrounds. This practical change will improve accuracy of pulse flux estimates.
A Shortcut to Calculate SPAM Limb-darkening Coefficients
Authors: Morello Giuseppe , Chiavassa Andrea
Published: October 2021

We release a new grid of stellar limb-darkening coefficients (LDCs, using the quadratic, power-2 and claret-4 laws) and intensity profiles for the Kepler, U, B, V and R passbands, based on STAGGER model atmospheres. The data can be downloaded from Zenodo: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5593162. We compare the newly released LDCs, computed by ExoTETHyS, with previously published values, based on the same atmospheric models using a so-called “SPAM” procedure. The SPAM method relies on synthetic light curves in order to compute the LDCs that best represent the photometry of exoplanetary transits. We confirm that ExoTETHyS achieves the same objective with a much simpler algorithm.
Modulation of Insulin Gene Expression with CRISPR/Cas9-based Transcription Factors
Authors: Alzhanuly Bakhytzhan , Mukhatayev Zhussipbek Y. , Botbayev Dauren M. , Ashirbekov Yeldar , Katkenov Nurlybek D. , Dzhaynakbaev Nurlan T. , Sharipov Kamalidin O.
Published: October 2021

Background: The discovery and use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology have enabled researchers throughout the globe to continuously edit genomes for the benefit of science and medicine. Diabetes type I is one field of medicine where CRISPR/Cas9 has a strong potential for cell therapy development. The long-lasting paucity of healthy cells for clinical transplantation into diabetic patients has led to the search of new methods for producing β-cells from other human cell types. Embryonic stem cells are being studied worldwide as one most promising solution of this need. Aim: The aim of the study is to to check the feasibility of modulating human insulin transcription using CRISPR/Cas9-based synthetic transcription regulation factors.
Results: A new approach for creating potential therapeutic donor cells with enhanced and suppressed insulin production based on one of the latest achievements of human genome editing was developed. Both synthetic transcription activator (VP64) and transcription repressor (KRAB) proteins were shown to function adequately well as a part of the whole CRISPR/Cas9-based system. We claim that our results have a lot to offer and can bring light to many studies where numerous labs are struggling on to treat this disease.
L’assurance sociale confiée à des assureurs privés : Medicare Advantage aux États-Unis
Authors: ApRoberts Lucy
Published: October 2021

Unique assurance sociale pour la santé aux États-Unis, Medicare couvre les personnes âgées de 65 ans ou plus. Comme la couverture de Medicare n’exclut pas des restes à charge importants, ses bénéficiaires souscrivent généralement une assurance complémentaire privée. Toutefois, un autre dispositif en pleine émergence peut être souscrit par les bénéficiaires de Medicare : un contrat dit « Medicare Advantage » offert par un assureur privé qui gère un réseau de soins. Ce type de contrat est financé par Medicare et couvre les mêmes garanties, à ceci près qu’il offre en plus une couverture complémentaire. La proportion d’affiliés à Medicare qui choisissent Medicare Advantage – 40 % actuellement – augmente chaque année. Pour les assurés sociaux, les réseaux restreignent le choix des soignants mais ils réalisent des économies telles que les assurés obtiennent une meilleure couverture que Medicare sans payer davantage. Mais la concurrence entre assureurs privés impose des contrats qui réduisent la solidarité entre malades et bien portants.
Fuzzy-interval inequalities for generalized convex fuzzy-interval-valued functions via fuzzy Riemann integrals
Authors: Bilal Khan Muhammad ,   Department of Mathematics, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, Srivastava Hari Mohan , Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Baleanu Dumitru , Jawa Taghreed M. ,   Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3R4, Canada,   Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan,   Department of Mathematics and Informatics, Azerbaijan University, 71 Jeyhun Hajibeyli Street, AZ1007 Baku, Azerbaijan,   Section of Mathematics, International Telematic University Uninettuno, I-00186 Rome, Italy,   Department of Mathematics, College of Education, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani 46001, Kurdistan Region, Iraq,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Cankaya University, TR-06530, Ankara,   Turkey Institute of Space Sciences, P.O. Box, MG-23, R-76900 Magurele-Bucharest, Romania,   Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
Published: October 2021

The objective of the authors is to introduce the new class of convex fuzzy-interval-valued functions (convex-FIVFs), which is known as $ p $-convex fuzzy-interval-valued functions ($ p $-convex-FIVFs). Some of the basic properties of the proposed fuzzy-interval-valued functions are also studied. With the help of $ p $-convex FIVFs, we have presented some Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities ($ H-H $ type inequalities), where the integrands are FIVFs. Moreover, we have also proved the Hermite-Hadamard-Fejér type inequality ($ H-H $ Fejér type inequality) for $ p $-convex-FIVFs. To prove the validity of main results, we have provided some useful examples. We have also established some discrete form of Jense's type inequality and Schur's type inequality for $ p $-convex-FIVFs. The outcomes of this paper are generalizations and refinements of different results which are proved in literature. These results and different approaches may open new direction for fuzzy optimization problems, modeling, and interval-valued functions.
Credibilidade Orçamentária sob o Prisma da Metodologia PEFA: Estudo no Estado de Santa Catarina
Authors: Deon Simone Machado , Macêdo Francisca Francivânia Rodrigues Ribeiro , Zanin Antonio , Moura Geovanne Dias de
Published: October 2021

Este estudo teve por objetivo verificar a credibilidade orçamentária do Estado de Santa Catarina sob o prisma da metodologia PEFA. Pesquisa descritiva foi conduzida por meio de análise documental e abordagem quantitativa dos dados. O período correspondeu ao intervalo entre os anos de 2014 a 2019. Para verificar a credibilidade orçamentária, utilizaram-se os elementos direcionadores do Pilar I da metodologia PEFA. Os cálculos foram realizados no Excel consoante disposições, lógicas e cálculos do PEFA, dividido nos seguintes indicadores: despesas efetivas totais (ID-1), composição das despesas realizadas (ID-2) e execução da receita (ID-3). Os resultados indicaram que o estado em foco ostentou resultados positivos sob a ótica do programa de despesa pública e responsabilidade financeira (PEFA), visto que, de modo geral, obteve uma classificação entre A e B. Contudo, observou-se também que tais resultados não deveriam ser vistos como certezas absolutas e tampouco, analisados apenas sob uma lente superficial e holística. Posto que, quando esmiuçados os seus pormenores, fraquezas e ameaças importantes acabaram sendo reveladas, merecendo, portanto, atenção dos gestores públicos para que conseguissem otimizar seus resultados e redirecionar os passos tanto no quesito fixação e realização da despesa, quanto na questão da previsão e arrecadação da receita. Ao final, concluiu-se que um orçamento confiável, respeitando o orçamento votado e aprovado no legislativo, também poderia vir a melhorar a eficiência do governo na execução de suas despesas. Viu-se que desvios, como resultado da fraca capacidade de previsão da receita, representavam riscos para a gestão de programas existentes e futuros.
Mulher-Maravilha no Brasil: fãs, feminismo e práticas nas redes sociais
Authors: Domingos Nayara Carla , Greco Clarice
Published: October 2021

O artigo analisa as atividades de fãs da Mulher-Maravilha nas redes sociais. A partir do conteúdo criado e compartilhado pelos fãs em duas comunidades no Facebook, observamos parâmetros na circulação de conteúdo voltado à personagem e à cultura pop, bem como as interações dentro do fandom. Em exploração argumentativa, utilizamos exemplos de postagens, sites e redes sociais que contribuem com a análise de comportamento dos fãs em relação à interação digital, como criação de conteúdo (fanfics e fanarts), emancipação feminina e outras relações de afeto. Utilizamos autores como Booth (2010) e Jenkins (2009 e 2015), dentre outros que nos auxiliarão a compreender a cultura participativa dos fãs da Mulher-Maravilha.
Palavra-chave: fãs; Mulher-Maravilha; cultura popular, redes sociais.
Verifiable Authentication and Issuance of Academic Certificates Using Permissioned Blockchain Network
Authors: Babu Erukala Suresh , Srinivasarao B. K. N. , Kavati Ilaiah , Srinivasa Rao Mekala
Published: October 2021

Fake certificates pose a severe problem in today's world; they vouch for an individual's false skillset and put an organization's reputation at risk. Moreover, the existing verification process is performed in a centralized manner, often too cumbersome and time-consuming to the end-user, lacking transparency in the educational institutions' Issuance of certificates. Of-late, blockchain is a promising technology that provides transparent, secure, and reliable features, which offers solutions to the education sector. This paper provides the solution to the educational certification problem by employing the blockchain network. We proposed a permissioned blockchain network that identifies, authenticates the Issuer, adequate verification, securely shares academic records to the recipients, and stores the certificate credentials in the blockchain in a distributed manner.
Soft tissue injuries of ankle and calf
Authors: Ebner Maria
Published: October 2021

No abstract available.
A New Behavioral Addiction
Authors: Kakunje Anil , Shetty Neha , Kumar Kiran PK , Puthran Sowmya
Published: October 2021

Addictions are seen with non - psychoactive substances also. Behavioral addictions is a broad terminology used related to this. The essential feature of behavioral addictions is the failure to resist an impulse, drive or temptation to perform an act that is harmful to the person or to others. There are many individual (personal vulnerability) factors that may be involved in the acquisition, development and maintenance of behavioral addictions. Concepts of Internet addiction, Gaming addiction, Facebook addiction, PubG addiction are already in use and seen in clinical practice. There are people who read multiple newspapers and watch news channels all the time. Addiction to NEWS has become more prevalent with the increase in news channels and internet sources. Connecting to the News is becoming more prevalent with the media rich environment we live in. Based on different needs each person gets attracted to certain types of news that feeds these needs. When a person has a goal to know what is happening around, he never really achieves it because there is always something new happening! Persons with News addiction also feel emptiness when they are unable to get the news and can experience cravings when they go through news withdrawal. Identification is the first step in the process of learning about a problem / disorder. There needs to be systematic studies on this topic. 'NEWS addiction' has all the features to be the next major behavioral addiction disorder.
Study of Factors Associated with COVID-19 Mortality in a Rural Tertiary Health Care Center
Authors: Teli Josna Ganesh , Reddy Satish , Kamath Vasantha , Jacob M. J. , Mohan Dharani , Markanday Kushal
Published: October 2021

Background:

COVID-19 has swiftly spread to emerge as a global pandemic with no visible signs of decline. It is imperative to identify the parameters contributing toward COVID-19 mortality to facilitate prompt evaluation and control measures.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 1754 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection were admitted at MVJMC and RH, Bangalore, from July 1, 2020 to December 12, 2020. Various parameters such as demographical profile, symptomatology, risk factors, laboratory profile, and complications of 75 patients (4.27%) who succumbed were studied.

Results:

About 45.33% of the patients who died were older than 65 years. 77% of patients who died were males. About 61.33% had severe illness at the time of presentation. 84% of the patients who died had comorbid illnesses. Respiratory failure secondary to acute respiratory distress syndrome and bilateral pneumonia was the leading cause of mortality followed by sepsis/multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, myocarditis, coagulopathy, and acute cardiovascular event. The presence of lymphopenia elevated inflammatory markers, and comorbid conditions were identified as risk factors for the requirement of oxygen, mechanical ventilation, and death.

Conclusion:

Elderly patients (>65 years of age) and middle-age patients (45–65 years of age) comprised the highest and second-highest proportion of mortality respectively. The increasing proportion of deaths among the middle-aged patients and the narrowing gap of the same between these two groups are alarming. Old age, male gender, underlying chronic illnesses, and elevated inflammatory markers are some of the factors attributed to these trends. Hence, stringent preventive measures, early detection, and initiation of treatment pose a greater impact on reducing the burden of morbidity and mortality.
Association of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio with Clinical Outcome of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Shetty B. Abhiman , Shilpa T. A. , Rajanna Avinash Hanbe , Ravi K. , Rao Medha , Bhat Bhargav
Published: October 2021

Aim:

This study aims to find the association of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (N-L ratio) of COVID-19 patients admitted in an Indian setting with clinical profile and disease outcomes.

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020 with the presentation of varied severity of acute respiratory illness. This study tries to use N-L ratio as a predictor of adverse outcome.

Methodology:

The prospective single-center study considered adults patients of both the gender, diagnosed with COVID-19 infection by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique. Necessary demographic and clinical data were collected, and selected subjects were followed up until discharge or death. Individuals were classified as those who survived and those who succumbed to death. t-test was used for comparing continuous variables and Chi-square test for categorical data for comparing different parameters between the groups.

Results:

The study included 1977 patients with a male:female ratio of 1:0.62. Fever, dyspnea, and cough were noted as the major symptoms prevalent among patients who succumbed to death when compared to those who survived (P < 0.00001). Statistically significant variables noted between the groups were age, total leukocytes count (TLC), neutrophil, lymphocytes, all the comorbidity variables, and the asymptomatic status. Variables identified as significant predictors of disease outcomes were TLC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and N-L ratio. Most of the subjects belonging to the mortality group required oxygen and other intensive care unit facilities when compared to the survival group (P < 0.00001).

Conclusion:

TLC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and N-L ratio are noted as significant predictors of COVID-19 outcome. The mean days of viral clearance noted in COVID subjects is around 8.98 ± 3.54 days.
A Case Report of Pleural Effusion in a COVID-19 Patient with Multiple Comorbidities
Authors: Mahendra M. , Siddesh N. , Mohan C. N. , Narayanaswamy M.
Published: October 2021

We report a case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in a patient with multiple comorbidities diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and chronic liver disease. Although pleural effusion is rarely seen in COVID-19 infection, the presence of which should be interpreted carefully. In this case report, our patient presented with complaints of fever, cough, and dyspnea, and focused clinical examination revealed fullness in the left hemithorax compared to right; reduced chest movements in the left hemithorax and trachea deviated to the right; dullness in the left hemithorax and right infrascapular, infra-axillary, and mammary area; and absent breath sounds in areas where dullness was noted. A chest X-ray done revealed left massive pleural effusion with right mild pleural effusion and pleural fluid analysis on both sides revealed transudate picture; this was also similar to the ascitic fluid analysis that was done in this patient; at this point of time, a computed tomography of the thorax was done to rule out other causes of pleural effusion. Meanwhile, other laboratory investigations revealed evidence of liver cell failure showing hyperbilirubinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and deranged prothrombin time and international normalized ratio (INR) and imaging evidence of cirrhotic liver; the patient was treated accordingly. Therapeutic pleural tapping was done after INR normalized; the patient improved symptomatically. Pleural effusion although is a rare manifestation of COVID-19, the etiologies are varied, it is important for us to consider other possible comorbidities associated in a patient who is hospitalized for acute illness, in this case, the patient had multiple comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and chronic liver disease, and the cause for pleural effusion is attributed to decompensated chronic liver disease and ischemic heart disease. In this case, the acute infection has resulted in the decompensation of his preexisting chronic disease.
Case review of Ocular Scedosporiosis
Authors: Agrawal Alok , Raychaudhuri Mainak
Published: October 2021

Fungal keratitis is one of the leading cause of corneal blindness especially in developing countries like India. It requires prompt diagnosis and vigorous management as early as possible. Any delay in the initial period can have severe consequences on the quality of life of the patient. This often happens in a patient who is immunocompromised and is therefore slow to respond to treatment. However, as evident from this article, even an immunocompetent patient can prove to be a challenging case, especially if the causative organism is a rare filamentous fungi like Scedosporium apeospermum.
Association of Demographic Characteristics to Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Diabetics
Authors: Easwaran Vigneshwaran , Kudumula Mulammagari Sai Varun , Lakkepogu Chaitanyakumar , Byram Rajarajeshwari , Alshahrani Sultan Mohammed , Alavudeen Sirajudeen Shaik , Khan Noohu Abdulla
Published: October 2021

Background:

In India, there is a scarcity of epidemiological data related to risk factors and prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) among diabetics. Therefore, their estimation may provide data for an effective management of these disorders in diabetic patients.

Aim:

The current study was undertaken to analyze the effect of sociodemographic characteristics toward DAS symptoms and to estimate the prevalence of DAS among diabetics.

Materials and Methods:

It was a cross-sectional study conducted among diabetics at the resource-limited settings of South India. Non probabilistic convenient sampling was used for recruitment fo study subjects. DAS scale 21 questionnaire is a validated self-report questionnaire designed to measure the severity of a range of symptoms for DAS. The patients with established psychiatric disorders were excluded from the study.

Results:

Overall, the prevalence of DAS symptoms was 57.5%, 55.9%, and 44.9%, respectively, and which ranges from mild to extremely severe. Gender plays a major role in increasing the prevalence of depressive and stress symptoms. The elderly age group was found to have more prevalence of all these three symptoms than younger age.

Conclusions:

The study showed that the prevalence of DAS symptoms was high. However, in our study, these symptoms are poorly associated to demographic characteristics. We recommend to screen all the diabetic patients for DAS symptoms.
Hormone Secreting Juvenile Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary in an Infant Presenting with Massive Ascites and Precocious Pseudopuberty
Authors: Bhosale Minakshi , Kudrimoti Jyoti , Dangmali Deepak
Published: October 2021

Juvenile granulosa cell tumors (JGCTs), account for 4–5% of GCTs, the rare sex cord stromal tumors. Presentation of JGCTs in infants is even rarer. We present case of a 3-month-old female infant with abdominal distension, feeding intolerance and fever of 10 days' duration. The child had gross abdominal distension causing visible respiratory distress. She also had signs of isosexual precocious puberty. Radiological evaluation was suggestive of left ovarian tumor. Left oophorectomy with preservation of the fallopian tube was done after hemodynamic stabilization. Histopathology evaluation of the tumor was suggestive of JGCT, which was confirmed on immunohistochemical evaluation. On 1 year follow-up, the child is stable, has achieved age-appropriate milestones and is tumor-free. Parents have been explained importance of regular follow-up to detect tumor recurrence. This is probably the youngest case of JGCT presenting with precocious puberty reported in literature so far.
Factors Influencing Prevention and Control of Malaria among Pregnant Teenagers in Rural Parts of Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Ahuru Rolle Remi , Ighodaro Clement Atewe
Published: October 2021

This study was conducted to assess the factors associated with malaria prevention and control among pregnant teenagers in four Primary Healthcare Centers in rural Delta State. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 pregnant teenagers in the rural part of Delta State, and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire prepared in English and analyzed using STATA 13.0. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis were conducted to determine the prevalence of malaria adherence and its predictors among pregnant teenagers. The results revealed that 50.1% reported sleeping under insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), 49.2% reported using indoor residual spray (IRS), and 38.4% intermittently treat malaria in pregnancy (IPTp). Women who reported secondary educational qualification were approximately three times (adjusted odd ratio [aOR]: 2.72, P =0.01), five times (aOR: 5.27, P <0.001) and nine times (aOR: 9.23, P <0.001) significantly and respectively more likely to sleep under ITNs, use IRS and IPTp. Those who reported tertiary education (aOR: 6.16, P =0.04) were approximately six times significantly more likely to IPTp. Unemployed women (aOR: 0.46, P =0.02) were 54% significantly less likely to intermittently treating malaria in pregnancy. The findings suggest that malaria prevention programs and intervention strategists should consider the socioeconomic conditions of poor rural teenagers, promote female literacy, and target women with several births.
Inhibition of Pro-Inflammatory Mediator Expression in Macrophages Using Wood Vinegar from Griffith's Ash
Authors: Ho Chen-Lung , Lin Chuan-Shun , Li Lan-Hui , Hua Kuo-Feng , Ju Tz-Chuen
Published: October 2021

Macrophages are essential for host defense as they control foreign pathogens and induce acquired immune responses. Activated macrophages secrete pro-inflammatory reactive substances causing local cell and tissue inflammatory response, which helps an organism resist the invasion of foreign pathogens. Excessive or chronic inflammation can cause several diseases. Previous studies have reported that vinegar treatment decreases the levels of several inflammatory cytokines and biomarkers, including mitogen-activated protein kinases, cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nitric oxide (NO). However, the benefits of wood vinegar produced from Griffith's ash (Fraxinus formosana Hayata) in reducing inflammation have not been investigated yet. Thus, assuming that wood vinegar exerts anti-inflammatory effects in macrophages, in this study, we investigated the potential anti-inflammatory effects of the wood vinegar from Griffith's ash using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response model in RAW264.7 macrophages. We showed that the wood vinegar inhibited the production of iNOS, NO, and interleukin 6. In addition, we found that the wood vinegar reduced the phosphorylation levels of p38 and protein kinase C-α/δ in the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Based on these results, we suggest that the produced wood vinegar can reduce inflammation in LPS-activated macrophages.
Characterization and cytotoxicity of low-molecular-weight chitosan and chito-oligosaccharides derived from tilapia fish scales
Authors: Chaudhry Gul-e-Saba , Thirukanthan C. S. , NurIslamiah K. Murni , Sung Y. Y. , Sifzizul T. S. M. , Effendy A. W. M.
Published: October 2021

The present study evaluated the physicochemical characterization and cytotoxicity activity of chitosan and chito-oligosaccharides (COSs). The extraction of chitosan and COSs was executed by chemical hydrolysis. The physicochemical characterization and deacetylation (DA) value were determined using an FTIR. The molecular weight was determined by using the Mark–Houwink equation. The physical parameters such as solubility, water-binding capacity (WBC), and fat-binding capacity (FBC) were determination as per equation (i), (ii), and (iii) respectively. The cytotoxic activities of chitosan and COS against MCF-7, HepG2, HeLa-6, and 3T3 were performed by MTS assay. The COS induced enhance cytotoxicity with IC50 0.87 and2.21 mg/ml against MCF-7 and HepG2 respectively. However, COSs seem to be more sensitive toward the cell lines with the relative potential of MCF-7 > HepG2 > HeLa. Hence, the results showed promising future perspectives of chitosan and COS to develop biodegradable, antibacterial, cytotoxic naturally derived polysaccharides for cancer drug delivery and smart wound dressings.
On localized signature and higher rho invariant of fibered manifolds
Authors: Liu Hongzhi , Wang Jinmin
Published: October 2021

The higher index of the signature operator is a far-reaching generalization of the signature of a closed oriented manifold. When two closed oriented manifolds are homotopy equivalent, one can define a secondary invariant of the relative signature operator, called higher rho invariant. The higher rho invariant detects the topological nonrigidity of a manifold. In this paper, we prove product formulas for the higher index and the higher rho invariant of the signature operator on a fibered manifold. Our result implies the classical product formula for the numerical signature of a fibered manifold obtained by Chern, Hirzebruch, and Serre (1957). We also give a new proof of the product formula for the higher rho invariant of the signature operator on a product manifold, which is parallel to the product formula for the higher rho invariant of Dirac operator on a product manifold obtained by Xie and Yu (2014) and Zeidler (2016).
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis In Bone: A Case Report
Authors: KUTLU Orkide , MERAL Gizem , ERUZUN Hasan , BULUZ Özlem , KUTLU Ayça Zeynep , ÇELİK Suat Erol
Published: October 2021

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease in which histiocytic infiltrations can be seen in bone, skin, lymph nodes, lungs, liver, spleen, bone marrow, central nervous system and endocrine glands. Pulmonary LCH has been closely associated with smoking while there is no data on genetic, viral or neoplastic etiology. In LCH with multiple system involvement, unifocal/multifocal infiltrations occur in two or more organs together with systemic symptoms such as weight loss and fever. In histology, Langerhans cells that do not contain phagocytic material in their cytoplasm, have a folded "coffee bean" appearance in their nucleus, express histiocyte markers CD1a, S100 and C207 and contain Birbeck granules under electron microscope. In treatment, if there is a risk of collapse in spinal or femoral bone lesions, surgery and radiotherapy can be applied for stabilization; if necessary, chemotherapy can be applied in multisystem disease. Here, we reported a LCH patient with a malignant shaped lytic lesion in the thoracic spine and adjacent bone.
Evaluation of Serum Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in The Results of Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration: Can It Discriminate A Clinical Benefit for the Atypia of Undetermined Significance?
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Özlem , ÇINAR Hamza , AKALIN Çağrı , AKÇAY ÇELİK Mürüvvet
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Thyroid biopsy results are evaluated according to The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) worldwide. The most ambiguous result from these categories is the Bethesda-III which is defined as “atypia of undetermined significance” (AUS). Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is still evaluated in thyroid disorders and malignancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the NLR results in Bethesda Categories and whether the NLR can discriminate a clinical benefit for the AUS category.

Methods: In this retrospective study, 1771 patients who had fine needle aspiration biopsy(FNAB) were examined. Demographic characteristics, NLR, Bethesda scores, operation rates and postoperative histopathological results were recorded.

Results: The categories were; Bethesda-I for 298(16,8%), Bethesda-II for 1320(74,5%), Bethesda-III for 60(3,4%), Bethesda-IV for 27(1,5%), Bethesda-V for 36(2%), Bethesda-VI for 30(1,7%) results respectively. The mean NLR was 2,68. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of NLR(p=0.250). Overall, 226 (12,76%) patients were undergoing thyroidectomy. The AUS group was founded by 3.4%, operation rate was 21,66% and malignancy rate was 23,07%. There was a statistically significant difference between Bethesda scores and malignancy rates(p
Video game consumer profiles
Authors: Tolić Ivan , Šimunec Vanja , Vuković Dijana
Published: October 2021

The video game development path is full of drastic changes. The growth and strengthening of technology and the growth of innovation in the technology sector have inevitably led to the growth of this industry, which is nowadays achieving unexpected, enviable results. The

basic human need for entertainment and socializing contributes to the popularity of video games. Today, video games are played by people of all ages and genders, and the most common reasons for playing video games are fun, socializing, learning, and reducing stress,

but video games also provide interactive entertainment, unlike books, movies or theatre performances. The popularity of video games is witnessed by numerous communities on social networks through which professional gamers share their experiences, tips and video game reviews, and there are statistics that support this popularity and growth. The features offered by the video game industry do not need to be particularly emphasized because the results, statistics and enthusiastic players speak for themselves. This paper deals with the demographics and behaviour of consumers playing video games. The aim is to identify the main features of the user, video game players, and to identify and determine user habits and trends affecting the users. The consumer is a social and cultural being. At the same time, he is an individual for himself, a member of a family, a member of a group or a certain class

or class in society, a representative of a particular nation, race, religion, nationality of a particular country, etc. The consumer is a person who has the money (assets) and a will to buy the goods or a service. In this paper, the above consumer definitions will be brought in

correlation with the video game market, with an industry that encompasses various forms of modern entertainment. It is shown that technology and new modes of entertainment are present among all, and that we need to adjust the time we live in. Playing some kind of video games has become a normal activity of any normal, modern individual.
Podcasting as an Alternative Method of Social Research
Authors: Jati Rocky Prasetyo
Published: October 2021

This study examines the use of podcasting as a method in social research. The development of information and communication technology allows the use of various media in the research process. This article introduces podcasting as part of the method and not just as a research subject. Through strategies commonly used in qualitative approaches, such as ethnography, phenomenology, or case studies, podcasts can be used as innovative tools to support researchers in finding research answers and presenting research results. This article uses an example of implementing a “rock cast” podcast to illustrate this method's potential and implementation stages. Thus, this article argues that podcasts can be considered as an alternative method for social research.
Access to Justice: Comparative study of formal and informal dispute resolution mechanisms in district Swat, Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Irfan , Khan Muhammad Adeel
Published: October 2021

Effective provision of justice remains essential for preventing wartime grievances into feuds and mass conflict in strengthening the state and improving accountability. It can lead to quick and cheaper resolution of disputes. This research focuses on evaluating the informal system of governance and justice delivery system in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It evaluated the institutions of justice delivery (both formal and informal) in terms of structure, functions, and efficiency. The study reveals that informal mechanisms of dispute resolution is still preferred at large, despite the availability of formal institutions for this purpose. Majority of the respondents showed distrust on the formal institutions of justice delivery and dispute resolution across the sample population. This mistrust has been related to the ineffectiveness in terms of lengthy process of handling disputes of various types and the involved financial cost. Shariah and custom remained the preferred type of law to be adopted as compared to state law/statute for dispute resolution. The study concludes that state institutions of justice delivery and dispute resolution should work in collaboration with the informal institutions for effective provision of dispute resolution and justice delivery. A mixed method approach of depth interviews focus group and household survey is employed for collecting primary data.
Diagnosis Based on History, Not Examination
Authors:   Hospital Medical Officer, South West Healthcare, Warrnambool, VIC, 3280, Australia, Tepper Philippa , Ekladious Adel ,   Internal Medicine Specialist, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
Published: October 2021

Cat scratch disease (CSD), caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae, is usually self-limiting, presenting with low-grade fever and tender lymphadenopathy. With delayed diagnosis or reactivation of latent disease, CSD is associated with severe debilitating symptoms. We are presenting a patient who proved adiagnostic challenge, before being found to have reactivation of Bartonella henselae, requiring three-months IV Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole andHydrocortisone.
The Influence of Social Support and Characteristics of the Stigmatisers on Stigmatising Attitudes Towards People With Mental Illness
Authors: Möhring Michélle , Krick Natascha Katharina , Ditze Anika
Published: October 2021

The stigmatisation of people with mental illness has severe negative consequences for affected individuals. As research in the context of exemplification theory (Zillmann & Brosius, 2000) shows, single-case descriptions of affected individuals (i.e., exemplars) have the potential to either strengthen or reduce stigmatising attitudes towards people with mental illness, in general. We examine the role of depicting social support for exemplars with mental illness (i.e., depression), exemplars’ age and sex as well as characteristics of the potential stigmatisers (e.g., sex, relationship status) in generalised stigma-related attitudes towards people with mental illness. A 2 × 2 × 2 online survey experiment with 854 participants was conducted. Univariate ANOVAs yielded main effects and complex interaction patterns of participants’ sex and relationship status, as well as combinations of exemplar characteristics. Overall, our results confirm the influence that single-case descriptions can have upon generalised stigma-related attitudes towards people with mental illness. They underline the potential of depicting social support for exemplars with mental illness as well as the consideration of potential stigmatisers’ sex and relationship status for (de-)stigmatisation and give starting points for future research in the field of health and anti-stigma-communication.