bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les miaphysites d’Irak : une seconde « Église de l’Orient » à la veille de la conquête arabe ?
Authors: Pierre Simon
Published: July 2023

L’histoire du mouvement syro-orthodoxe en Irak a principalement été écrite à partir de sources médiévales et syro-occidentales. Cet article tente de reconstituer l’histoire originelle de cette Église, à la fois miaphysite et syro-orientale. Il questionne deux figures fondatrices : d’une part l’hypothétique catholicossat d’Aḥudemmeh au milieu du vie siècle, qui fut peut‑être le résultat d’une construction historiographique, d’autre part le couvent de Mar-Mattaï dont la rupture avec l’Église dyophysite officielle pourrait témoigner d’un mouvement de radicalisation institutionnelle et christologique du tournant du viie siècle. L’étude de deux foyers essentiels, les régions des futures Kūfa et Mossoul, permet de retarder l’apparition des premières structures miaphysites en Irak à la fin du vie siècle. Ces milieux se développèrent alors en réaction à une évolution de l’Église dyophysite majoritaire, mais ne semblent pas avoir bénéficié d’un éventuel soutien impérial. Plus qu’une émanation du courant miaphysite de l’Empire romain, la province miaphysite de l’Orient paraît être le produit de processus qui, sans être hermétiques aux flux d’idées et de personnes venues d’Occident, eurent également leurs propres moteurs internes.
الخط الحيري المسيحي في القرون السادس والسابع والثامن الميلادية وأثره في صدر الإسلام
Authors: شاكر ليث
Published: July 2023

أغفل الباحثون العرب والمسلمون مسألة إبراز الخط الحيري مقارنة بالخط الكوفي؛ فيما تؤكد الأدلة المادية والمرويات المكتوبة أن الخط العربي أُنتج في الحيرة رسماً ومضموناً وأنه انتقل بفضل أبنائها من التجار والقساوسة وكذلك الرهبان في صحراء شمال الجزيرة العربية ومدنها (دومة الجندل وتبوك وتيماء ويثرب ومكة). وإن أسماء الكتَّاب قبيل وأثناء عصر النبوة لتشير أنهم كانوا في غالبيتهم العظمى من بني أمية في مكة، ممن زاروا بلاط ملوك الحيرة أو ممن كان لهم تواصل مباشر مع من زار الحيرة وتعلم الخط فيها. وإن تاريخ مدينتي الحيرة والكوفة ليشهد على أقدمية الخط الحيري على الخط الكوفي التي يتضح أنه ليس سوى تطور عن الأول.
Editorial: New Ethnic Issues
Authors: Raulin Anne , Crenn Chantal
Published: July 2023

The issue of ethnicity has always been a controversial one, especially in France — whether on the mainland in relation to regional minorities or migrants, or in the French overseas territories. As a former colonial Empire and an epitome of secular republicanism, France resists use of any ethnic identification, including in the academic world and anthropology. This topical collection reconsiders this position and takes stock of the “ethnic situations” in relation to the new postcolonial and post-socialist historical conditions, the generalisation of the global market, the accelerated movement of goods and people, as well as the intensification of the diasporic phenomenon. The various contributions provide insights into specific ethnic affiliations, seen from the inside, in diverse ethnographic fields related to migration to France, from Senegal, Morocco, Comoros, Asia, or within the framework of particular French institutions.This editorial seeks to give space to consideration of the issue of ethnicity, emancipating it from its current national suppression in France, by connecting it to other currents of thought developed by non-French, French-speaking sociologists, such as Danielle Juteau, and English-speaking sociologists, in particular Jean and John Comaroff, who have addressed this topical collection in diverse national contexts (Quebec, United States, South Africa, China, etc.). The authors of this editorial and coordinator of this topical collection emphasise that ethnic affiliations show a real capacity of adaptation, paradoxically using it as a means of integration into the French urban economy and republican landscape, as a way to promote their form of citizenship. They show how this sociological category can be interpreted by individuals in a rigid way, or with openness to other ethnic markers, thus demonstrating “transethnic competence”. They conclude that, far from being an archaism, ethnic dynamics are always at work in contexts dominated by national representations. Moreover, ethnic identification, one of the modalities of perception of otherness, which should not be limited to minorities as it also concerns majority groups, deserves a specific approach, distinct from race and discrimination. This editorial and topical collection of the Revue Européenne des Migrations Internationales seek to contribute, from the perspective of the case of France to the general and international reflection on the processes of ethnic differentiation in a globalised world.ethnic, ethnicity, ethno-nations, minorities, majorities, migration, diasporas, circulation, imagination, market, globalisation, associations, hospital, religion, race, Asians, Moroccans, France, Senegal, Mayotte, Comoros
Optimizing Energy Consumption in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Python Libraries
Authors: Jose Jency , Arulkumar N.
Published: July 2023

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are widely utilized in various fields, including environmental monitoring, healthcare, and industrial automation. Optimizing energy consumption is one of the most challenging aspects of WSNs due to the limited capacity of the batteries that power the sensors. This chapter explores using Python libraries to optimize the energy consumption of WSNs. In WSNs, various nodes, including sensor, relay, and sink nodes, are introduced. How Python libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-Learn, and Matplotlib can be used to optimize energy consumption is discussed. Techniques for optimizing energy consumption, such as data aggregation, duty cycling, and power management, are also presented. By employing these techniques and Python libraries, the energy consumption of WSNs can be drastically decreased, thereby extending battery life and boosting performance.
Cost-benefits of relocatable modular buildings (RMB) for  construction site offices: the case of Sri Lanka
Authors: Sandamini K. Y. , Waidyasekara K. G. A. S. , Weerapperuma U. S.
Published: July 2023

Relocatable Modular Building (RMB) technology is widely utilised worldwide as a versatile solution for temporary shelter needs, including site offices. The substantial cost benefits associated with RMBs have been acknowledged globally. Nevertheless, the lack of empirical data hampers the ability to substantiate the cost advantages of utilising RMB technology. Therefore, the study aimed to find the cost benefits of RMB technology for temporary offices on construction sites in Sri Lanka through Life Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA). From a methodological perspective, the research adopted a case study strategy. Data was mainly collected through semi-structured interviews, document reviews, and market surveys while following LCCA as the analysis method to derive findings. The findings disclosed that the initial cost of an RMB site office is 32% higher than a conventional site office, but the annual cost saving is 23%. Hence, it is worth investing in RMB because of its yearly cost saving due to its long life span and higher salvage value. Sensitivity analysis further established that employing an RMB is more cost-effective for contractors even at different discount rates, functional lifetimes, and project durations. This study enlightens construction industry practitioners about the cost-effective utilisation of RMBsin their projects.
Editorial
Authors: Sridarran Pournima
Published: July 2023

No abstract available
Defining occupational stress: A systematic literature review
Authors: Gunasekra K. A. , Perera B. A. K. S.
Published: July 2023

Stress is the health epidemic of the 21st century. Stress results in negative outcomes as well as positive outcomes. Moreover, with the evolution of industries, work-related stress is a phenomenon that constantly increases in severity. Therefore, a professional's stress can negatively impact the quality of their work. Thus, the ‘Occupational Stress’ study requirement is a timely topic. However, the lack of a wholesome generic definition for occupational stress is a hurdle for further research on the study area. Hence, this study aimed at developing a definition for ‘Occupational/ Job/ Work/Workplace Stress’. The research was wholly based on an in-depth literature review. One hundred one research publications were analysed to extract twenty-five definitions of ‘stress’ and ‘occupational stress’. The definition was conceptualised by establishing three ‘Themes’ and ‘Key Constructs’ within the themes using the content analysis of the available definitions in the literature. As a result, a new theme was identified in addition to the ‘occupational stress’ compared to the ‘stress’. Furthermore, it is evident that ‘Occupational Stress’ is also linked to occupation/ work/ job acting as a subset of ‘Stress’. Therefore, the derived definition can be used as a basis for further research on occupational stress.
Comparative analysis of three memory selection methods for time integration of Fractional Reaction-Diffusion Equations
Authors: Somathilake L.W.
Published: July 2023

By discretising in space, a non-linear time fractional reaction-diffusion equations (TFRDEs) can be converted into a system of time-fractional differential equations (TFDEs). The full memory method (FMM) and short memory method (SMM) are well-established memory selection methods used in the time integration of TFDEs. The main drawbacks of FMM and SMM are higher computational cost and uncontrollable error respectively. The only way to increase the accuracy of SMM is by increasing short memory length which causes an increase in computational cost. Especially when we apply these two methods to integrate TFRDEs, we have to solve a large system of TFDEs. Therefore, the drawbacks of these two methods affect seriously, when these are applied to solve TFRDEs. This paper aims to investigate the accuracy and efficiency of the memory selection method, Exponentially Decreasing Random Memory Method (EDRMM), and compare it with FMM and SMM when these methods apply to integrate TFRDEs. Based on these three memory selection methods, three semi-implicit numerical schemes namely semiimplicit scheme with full memory method (SI-FMM), semi-implicit scheme with short memory method (SI-SMM), and semi-implicit scheme with exponentially decreasing random memory method (SI-EDRMM)) are proposed and the accuracy and CPU time (computational time (CT)) of these three numerical schemes are compared. To do this comparison, these three numerical schemes are applied to four TFRDEs whose exact solutions are known. Numerical experiments confirm that the accuracy and efficiency of the SI-EDRMM are better than that of SI-SMM and the efficiency of SI-EDRMM is higher than that of SI-FMM. Therefore, EDRMM is better than SMM and FMM for the integration of TFRDEs.
Fluoride analysis in aqueous solutions - a comparison of two colorimetric methods
Authors: Fernando A. , Liyanage S. , Cooray A.T.
Published: July 2023

Fluoride is beneficial for human health only in a narrow concentration range. Over the years, many analytical techniques have been developed to quantify fluoride in a variety of sample matrices. In this research, fluoride concentrations of twenty (20) natural water samples determined by SPADNS (SPA) and Eriochrome Cyanine R (ECR) colorimetric methods were evaluated to ascertain whether these methods can produce comparable fluoride concentrations. According to the paired t test for comparing individual differences, the two datasets are different at 95% confidence level suggesting that the two analytical methods produce statistically different fluoride concentrations for the analysed water samples. The potential interferences of Al3+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ on the fluoride analysis was evaluated using 0.85 mg L-1 fluoride standard solutions spiked with various amount of the above-mentioned metal ions. The highest interference was observed with Al3+ ions, which underestimated the fluoride concentration by 26% and 23% for ECR and SPA methods respectively at 20.0 mg L-1 Al3+ concentrations. The minimum interference was observed for Ca2+ ions which underestimated the fluoride concentration by 8% and 7% for ECR and SPA methods respectively at 100.0 mg L-1 Ca2+ concentrations. Acid distillation resulted in the samples spiked with Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions in the range of 0.50 to 100.0 mg L-1 reaching the theoretical concentration of 0.85 mg L-1. Acid distillation also worked well for the Al3+- fortified samples, except for Al3+ concentration at 20 mgL-1.  The efficiency of the acid distillation method was also tested with three (03) natural water samples. The fluoride concentration increased significantly after the acid distillation; however, even after the acid distillation, statistically comparable fluoride concentrations were not observed.
Identification of depositional features in the Albian and Aptian sections over the hydrocarbon exploration block M2 on the Mannar Basin, Sri Lanka
Authors: Munasinghe T.M. , Premarathne U. , Weerasinghe D.A.
Published: July 2023

The Mannar Basin extends over 45,000 km2 off the western coast of Sri Lanka. It has evolved due to the multiphase rifting between Indo-Lanka landmasses during the Barremian-Paleocene time. The sediment thickness of the basin ranges from about 4 to 10 km. The northern part of the basin is a targeted area for hydrocarbon exploration in Sri Lanka. Though two natural gas discoveries were made in 2011, the basin remains a frontier due to lack of well penetration and 3D seismic coverage. As a result, the depositional features of sediment in the basin are little known. This study focuses on identifying paleo depositional features in the Albian and Aptian strata using 650 km2 3D seismic data from the Mannar Basin. Root Mean Square (RMS) amplitude was used to characterize the depositional features in three-time windows on IHS Kingdom software (v.8.3). The results show the existence of a multi-level paleo submarine fan system in the Albian and Aptian strata. They are located relatively close to the western coastline compared to the fan system in the Eocene strata. The deposition of this paleo submarine fan system has taken place in a shelf marine environment and has been influenced by relatively high sea levels during the Albian and Aptian compared to the relatively low sea levels in the Paleocene and Eocene.
Molecular and phenotypic characterization of Colletotrichum plurivorum and Colletotrichum musae causing banana anthracnose disease in the Central Province of Sri Lanka
Authors: Kurera W.M.S. , Adikaram N.K.B. , Yakandawala D.M.D. , Maharachchikumbura S.S. , Jayasinghe L. , Samarakoon K.
Published: July 2023

Most of the commercial banana cultivars in Sri Lanka are susceptible to anthracnose disease. Colletotrichum musae has been known as the causal agent of banana anthracnose for decades and the pathogen has been identified using morphological characteristics. Molecular analyses based on multigene phylogenetics are now standard protocols to identify Colletotrichum species. The present study was aimed at identifying Colletotrichum species causing banana anthracnose by molecular and phenotypic characterization. Thirty-seven isolates were obtained from ripened bananas showing anthracnose symptoms, collected from different locations in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Of them, 36 were preliminarily identified as Colletotrichum based on conidial morphology. The remaining isolate did not sporulate during the entire study period. Ten isolates taken for molecular studies consisted of eight with orange/white arial mycelia and orange conidial masses, one with a white to greyish colony and blackish clusters of ascomata, and one with a white to faint pink colour colony. DNA extracted from each isolate was subjected to multi-gene DNA sequence analysis using ITS, TUB, GAPDH and GS loci. Based on phylogenetic analyses, eight isolates were identified as Colletotrichum musae, and the other two as C. plurivorum and C. siamense. The vegetative morphology of C. plurivorum differed considerably from C. musae and C. siamense. Slight differences in colony morphology were observed among the C. musae isolates. Freshly harvested healthy bananas were artificially inoculated with isolates of C. musae or C. plurivorum and produced typical anthracnose lesions within a week. The Colletotrichum siamense isolate failed to develop anthracnose symptoms. This is the first report of C. plurivorum causing banana anthracnose.
Autonomic Nerve Function Tests in Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Jin Heung Yong , Park Tae Sun
Published: July 2023

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates the internal functions of the body organs, such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupil response, urination, and sexual arousal. The ANS is divided into two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. However, the ANS can be damaged or degenerated by metabolic problems including hyperglycemia, leading to diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN), which is a prevalent complication among diabetic patients. Cardiac autonomic neuropathy is an important form of DAN that results from an imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve responses. This imbalance can lead to symptoms such as resting tachycardia, postural hypotension, and orthostatic tachycardia along with other types of autonomic neuropathy. Special tests can be performed to evaluate and diagnose this condition, including cardiovascular autonomic function tests. The aim of this review is to discuss the various tests used to diagnose and monitor autonomic neuropathy in diabetic patients and how to use and interpret them effectively.
Patient Education to Prevent Hypoglycemia
Authors: Do Woo Kyung
Published: July 2023

Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients is an obstacle to self-management of diabetes. Severe hypoglycemia reduces quality of life and increases the risk of death in diabetic patients. Factors associated with hypoglycemia include older age, insulin use, inadequate diet, excessive exercise, and alcohol consumption. Patients who experience severe hypoglycemia may require adjustment of glycemic target and insulin dosage. Patients who frequently suffer from severe hypoglycemia may need to prepare glucagon in advance and use a continuous glucose monitor system or sensor augmented insulin pump. All diabetic patients should receive education on how to prevent and manage hypoglycemia. Healthcare professionals should identify the cause of hypoglycemia in patients visiting hospitals with severe hypoglycemia and provide appropriate patient education to prevent recurrence.
Dietary Management after Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Obesity and Diabetes
Authors: Heo Jungyeon
Published: July 2023

Weight loss is a key therapeutic goal of glycemic control in obese diabetic patients. Bariatric surgery is an effective method for weight loss and diabetes remission, but weight regain is not uncommon after surgery. Based on safe blood glucose control before and after bariatric surgery, appropriate dietary management should be implemented to minimize nutritional deficiencies due to changes in the gastrointestinal tract after surgery. Long-term dietary management is necessary to prevent weight regain, and the role of a dietitian is very important.
miR-22-3P Ameliorates the Symptoms of Premature Ovarian Failure in Mice by Inhibiting CMKLR1 Expression
Authors: Pan Miaomiao
Published: July 2023

Premature ovarian failure (POF) affects many adult women less than 40 years of age and leads to infertility. This study was aimed at exploring the improving effects of miR-22-3p on the symptoms of POF in mice by inhibiting chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1) expression. Female mice were intraperitoneally injected with cyclophosphamide to construct POF mice models. Lentiviral vectors containing miR-22-3p, short hairpin RNA (sh)-CMKLR1, and overexpression (oe)-CMKLR1, respectively, or in combination, were injected into the ovaries of both sides of POF mice. miR-22-3p and CMKLR1 expression in ovarian tissues of mice was assessed, and the targeting relationship between miR-22-3p and CMKLR1 was predicted and verified. Serum estradiol (E2), anti-Mullerian hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were assessed. Ovarian weight was weighed, and pathological changes and the number of primordial follicles, primary follicles, secondary follicles, and atresia follicles were observed. Apoptosis of ovarian tissues was determined. In ovarian tissues of POF mice, miR-22-3p expression was decreased while CMKLR1 expression was increased. miR-22-3p up-regulation or CMKLR1 down-regulation restored sex hormone levels, improved ovarian weight and the number of primordial follicles, primary follicles, and secondary follicles, and reduced the number of atresia follicle and ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis in POF mice. miR-22-3p targeted CMKLR1, and overexpressing CMKLR1 reversed the ameliorative effects of miR-22-3p overexpression on POF mice. Our research highlights that overexpressed miR-22-3p down-regulates CMKLR1 to ameliorate the symptoms of POF in mice. Therefore, the miR-22-3p/CMKLR1 axis could improve the symptoms of POF.
Long-term outcomes of single monocular resection–recession in adult sensory strabismus and factors affecting the postoperative drift
Authors: Kaur Savleen , Korla Shagun , Sukhija Jaspreet
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of our study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcome of horizontal strabismus surgery in patients having sensory strabismus and to analyze the factors that affect the postoperative drift in these patients over a follow-up of three years.

Methods:

This was a retrospective case series. Patients aged ≥18 years, having low vision (visual acuity ≤20/60) in one eye, and undergoing horizontal strabismus surgery (standard recess–resect procedures) in the same eye were recruited. All patients were advised patching of the good eye six weeks prior and continued for six weeks post strabismus surgery. We excluded patients who had paralytic disorders, motility defects, or those with chronic systemic conditions. Patients with a minimum follow-up of three years were recruited.

Results:

The study included 56 patients whose mean age was 22.9 ± 4.93 years. Exotropia (n = 38; 67.8%) was more common than esotropia (n = 18; 32.1%). Preoperative visual acuity was 1.1 ± 0.85 (range perception of light to 6/18p). The cause of low vision was amblyopia (n = 30; 53.5%) followed by trauma (n = 22; 39.2%). The mean preoperative distance deviation was 57.7 ± 15.5 PD in the primary position (range: 20–65 PD). The success rate of exotropia (78.9%) was more than esotropia (52.9%) at three years. Two patients with esotropia were overcorrected. All patients with exotropia showed an exotropic drift with time.

Conclusion:

The motor alignment after a single recession–resection procedure was satisfactory at the long-term in our cohort of sensory strabismus. The duration or extent of visual impairment had no relation to the postoperative outcome.
Frontal osteomyelitis post-COVID-19 associated mucormycosis
Authors: Kulkarni Pooja , Beeraka Deepika , Tanwar Meghana , Kim Usha , Ganesan Rajniganth Mahalingam , Saini Pragya
Published: July 2023

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is the most commonly noted form of mucormycosis, which is the most common secondary fungal infection following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Osteomyelitis is one of the rare sequelae of ROCM, frontal osteomyelitis being the rarest. We present four patients of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis, who presented with frontal bone osteomyelitis after being treated for ROCM surgically and medically. This is the first case series highlighting this complication in post–COVID-19 mucormycosis patients and needs utmost attention as it can be life-threatening and can cause extreme facial disfiguration. All four patients are alive with salvage of the affected globe and vision being preserved in one patient. If identified early, disfiguration of face and intracranial extension can be avoided.
Impact of glaucoma on vision-specific quality of life in monocular glaucoma patients using the Indian vision function questionnaire
Authors: Maheshwari Devendra , Ingle Isha , Tara Techi Dodum , Ramugade-Shinde Sarika , Pillai Madhavi R , Kader Mohideen A , Rengappa Ramakrishnan , Uduman Mohammed Sithiq
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

To evaluate the determinants affecting the quality of life in monocular glaucoma patients using the Indian vision function questionnaire.

Methods:

In this prospective cross-sectional study, total of 196 patients were divided into two groups: cases and controls. Indian Vision Function Questionnaire (IND-VFQ) was administered and analyzed. One hundred twenty-nine (58.6%) patients who had lost their vision in one eye due to glaucoma were included as cases and 67 (30.4%) patients who had lost their vision due to other causes were taken as controls.

Results:

Median composite score of subscales was 54.62 (29.7–74.7) in group 1 and 45.38 (23.7–76.7) in group 2. The psychosocial impact scale was the most affected scale, the median scores were 33.02 (0 to 60.0) and 19.07 (0 to 53.0) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Among all dimensions of IND-VFQ, the highest score was for color vision 100.0 (0–100.0) and 100.0 (0–100.0), and the lowest median score was found in mental health and dependency in both the groups. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that visual acuity was associated with a low score (P < 0.001). Female gender was significantly associated with the overall score in the univariate model (P = 0.006).

Conclusion:

Monocular glaucoma patients have a poor general and vision-related quality of life. Depression associated with monocularity and the perception of dependency and being a burden on their family members greatly impacted the mental health of the participants.
Microkeratome chronicles: Management of a free flap
Authors: Paryani Mukesh , Israni Neeraj , Kochar Shruti , Aggarwal Karishma
Published: July 2023

Background:

In LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis), a hinged corneal flap is made, which enables the flap to be lifted and the excimer laser to be applied to the stromal bed. If the hinge of the corneal flap detaches from the cornea, the flap is called a free cap. A free cap is a rare intra-operative complication of LASIK most commonly associated with the use of a microkeratome on corneas with flat keratometry, which predisposes to a small flap diameter. Free caps are preventable and treatable. Rarely does the complication lead to a severe or permanent decrease in visual acuity.

Purpose:

As free caps are avoidable, prevention is critical. Our video gives some tips and tricks on how to avoid a free flap and also focuses on how to manage a cut through a free flap.

Synopsis:

If a free cap is created, the surgeon must decide whether to continue with excimer laser ablation or to abort the procedure. When to abort: If the stromal bed is irregular, the flap is replaced without applying laser ablation. Without ablation, generally, there is no change in refractive error or significant loss of visual acuity. When to continue: If the stromal bed is regular and the cap is of normal thickness, the surgeon may proceed with ablation. To prevent desiccation, the free cap should be handled with caution and should be placed on a drop of balanced salt solution. The free cap should be placed epithelial facing up, along with a bandage contact lens. The endothelial cell pump mechanism typically allows the cap to re-adhere tightly.

Highlights:

Risk factors for a free cap are generally anatomic or mechanical. Especially in flat corneas, an appropriate ring and stop size should be chosen looking at the nomogram on the basis of the keratometry values. Deep orbits and deep-seated eyes should be looked for as PRK is a better option in such cases. Inadequate suction should be dealt with a lot of care, and once this is done, the vacuum should be stopped. Re-docking of the microkeratome with suction can be done again. Prior testing of the microkeratome and a good verbal anesthesia are a few more such important points to be pondered upon. This video gives us such tips and is a comprehensive video for a novice surgeon performing microkeratome LASIK.

Video link: https://youtu.be/piU9nK6rbm4

Key words: Flat cornea, free flap, microkeratome LASIK
Hypertensives versus Normotensives: Study on Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Determinants among Industrial Workers, Hyderabad, South India
Authors: Palagiri Sushma , Bala Sudha , Pandve Harshal , Polamuri Chandralekha , Katkuri Sushma
Published: July 2023

Background:

Establishing an association between the coping strategies, stress, and lifestyle determinants with blood pressure levels among industrial workers is very essential to incorporate in the management of hypertension.

Material and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was undertaken at three factories located in Hyderabad on a camp-based approach which employed the usage of two standardized data collection tools—brief cope inventory scale and perceived stress scale along with other lifestyle determinants.

Results:

There were 256 study participants consisting of 144 known diagnosed cases of hypertension and 112 normotensives. Overarching coping styles mainly emotion-focused and avoidant mean scores were found to be significantly higher among the hypertensive group compared to non-hypertensives with the following facets: planning, venting, self-distraction, substance use, and behavior disengagement having higher scores and low humor scores. Mean perceived stress score, increased mean body mass index, sedentary lifestyle, and family history of hypertension were found to be statistically significant with increased odds ratio among the hypertensives group.

Conclusions:

A need exists to target this group with psychological interventions of cognitive behavior therapy at the earliest to improve the coping strategies which can be incorporated into the management of hypertension.
Teaching basic life support for medical students: Assessment of learning and knowledge retention
Authors: Silva Nara Lúcia de Carvalho , de Melo Maria do Carmo Barros , Liu Priscila Menezes Ferri , Campos João Paulo Ramos , Arruda Marina de Abreu
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Education mediated by simulation is a widely used method for teaching basic life support (BLS). The American Heart Association recommends protocols based on scientific evidence to reduce sequelae and mortality. We aimed to assess learning and retention of knowledge of BLS in students of the first semester of the medical course using teaching methods of dialogic expository class (group 1), expository and demonstrative class (group 2), and the two previous methodologies associated with simulated practice (group 3), and after 3 months, memory retention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was an experimental, prospective, randomized study. Participants were assessed in terms of performance in theoretical and simulated practical tests, satisfaction with training (Likert scale), and knowledge retention.

RESULTS:

The practical test results were analyzed by two experienced observers. Students had 20% progression in knowledge and 80% retention of knowledge after 3 months of exposure comparing the theoretical pre- and posttest. The students in group 3 performed better than the others (P = 0.007) in the posttest. With the simulated practice, the knowledge acquired was maintained after 3 months with a mean performance of 90%, but in the test of the infant age group, there was a loss of learning retention by 10%. There was no difference of the results between the two evaluators (P < 0.001). The training was positively assessed by the participants.

CONCLUSION:

The use of different methodologies promoted knowledge progression, with emphasis on simulated practice. Learning retention was maintained after 3 months. In order to teach BLS to infants, it may be necessary to improve teaching techniques.
Factors influencing quality of life among the elderly: An approach using logistic regression
Authors: Ahmadi Maryam , Kazemi-Arpanahi Hadi , Nopour Raoof , Shanbehzadeh Mostafa
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Improving the physical, psychological, and social factors in the elderly significantly increases the QoL1 among them. This study aims to identify the crucial factors for predicting QoL among the elderly using statistical methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this study, 980 samples related to the elderly with favorable and unfavorable QoL were investigated. The elderly's QoL was investigated using a qualitative and self-assessment questionnaire that measured the QoL among them by five Likert spectrum and independent factors. The Chi-square test and eta coefficient were used to determine the relationship between each predicting factor of the elderly's QoL in SPSS V 25 software. Finally, we used the Enter and Forward LR methods to determine the correlation of influential factors in the presence of other variables.

RESULTS:

The study showed that 20 variables gained a significant relationship with the quality of life of the elderly at P < 0.05. The study results showed that the degree of dependence (P = 0.03), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.03), formal and informal social relationships (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02), ability to play an emotional role (P = 0.03), physical performance (P = 0.01), heart diseases and arterial blood pressure (P = 0.02), and cancer (P = 0.01) have favorable predictive power in predicting the QoL among the elderly.

CONCLUSION:

Attempts to identify and modify the important factors affecting the elderly's QoL have a significant role in improving the QoL and life satisfaction in this age group people. This study showed that the statistical methods have a pleasant capability to discover the factors associated with the elderly's QoL with high performance in this regard.
Comparative evaluation of periodontal health status of pre and postmenopausal females
Authors: Singh Neha , Verma Santosh Kumar , Sharma Nitesh Kumar , Gupta Vivek , Jha Awanindra Kumar , Priyank Harsh
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Menopause in females is a corporeal stage that gives rise to a number of adaptive changes both at systemic and oral levels, prototypically occurring in the late fourth or fifth decade of life. Though physiological aging affects the oral tissue, the hormonal changes due to menopause also act as a major contributing factor in deteriorating the health of oral tissues. Thus, the main aim of our study was to compare the overall periodontal status and alkaline phosphatase levels in the saliva of females in their pre and postmenopausal ages.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

This study was conducted on 200 female subjects coming to the Department of Periodontology at Rajendra Institute of Medical Science for oral prophylaxis. The subjects were arbitrarily selected in the age group ranging from 15 to 70 years and were further divided based on the inclusion criteria. Group A included 100 subjects with age ranging from 15 to 45 years, and group B, 100 subjects with age 54 to 70 years. Signs of periodontitis including clinical attachment loss, furcation involvement, and probing depth and salivary alkaline levels were obtained, evaluated, compared, and analyzed.

RESULTS:

In group A 65% of patients had grade 0 and 28% had grade 1 of clinical attachment level. Similarly in group B, 44% of the total had grade 0 of clinical attachment loss, 38% had grade 1, and 18% were of grade 2. On evaluating grades of furcation involvement, around 45% of the total patients in group A were grade 1 (incipient, pocket formation), while in group B, 51% of the total patients were grade 1. At least 46% in group A and only 20% in group B had no signs of furcation involvement. Salivary alkaline phosphatase levels in pre and postmenopausal patients showed a significant difference between the two groups was obtained.

CONCLUSION:

The study concluded a major difference in the periodontal health of pre and postmenopausal women with many influencing factors apart from menopause itself.
Evaluation of the clinical educational environment based on the DREEM model from the viewpoint of the OR students
Authors: Galehdar Nasrin , Habibi Maryam , Ebrahimzadeh Farzad , Moradi Behzad
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

The most important part of learning happens in the clinic. To determine the differences between the real educational environment and the desirable environment, the DREEM1 model is used. The present study was conducted to evaluate the clinical educational environment based on the DREEM model from the viewpoint of the OR2 students of the Lorestan University of Medical Sciences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study evaluated the viewpoint of 118 students of operation room (OR) technology using the DREEM (Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure) questionnaire in the hospitals affiliated with the Lorestan University of Medical Sciences during the second semester of 2020. The DREEM questionnaire has 50 statements and is divided into five sections, which are rated on a five-point Likert scale (0–4). The data were analyzed using frequency distribution tables, mean and standard deviation indices, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0. IBM Corp.; 2013. and the level of significance was set at 0.05.

RESULTS:

The total perception of the students of the clinical educational environment was good and excellent in 73.8% of the cases and of the subscales was also good (50.8%–63.2%). There was a significant relation between the total score of students' perception of the clinical educational environment and age (Z = 5.618, P < 0.001), semester (χ2 = 43.929, df = 3, P < 0.001), internship hospital (χ2 = 12.948, df = 6, P = 0.044) and also the mean score of the subscales (P < 0.001). As the GPA3 and interest in the major increased, the mean score of total perception and its subscales also increased except for perception from the educators (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

According to the results, the studied students had a positive perception of the clinical educational environment. It is recommended that the scientific foundation of the educators, the physical facilities of the operating rooms, and social communication should be strengthened to improve the care, treatment, and educational services. It will be useful to use the results to improve the accreditation level of medical centers.
Persian version of the support and control in birth questionnaire among Iranian women
Authors: Ghanbari-Homaie Solmaz , Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi Sakineh , Asghari-Jafarabadi Mohammad , Meedya Shahla , Mohammadi Eesa , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Lack of perceived support and control during labor and childbirth is known as an important predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth. However, there is no standard scale to measure perceived support and control for Iranian women. This study determined the validity and reliability of the support and control in birth questionnaire for Iranian women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Support and control in the birth questionnaire were translated into Persian by the forward and backward translation method in 2019. Among a total of 102 healthcare centers in Tabriz, 50 urban and 10 rural centers were selected randomly. Then, 660 women with vaginal childbirth during the postpartum period were extracted by each center and selected randomly. The validity of the Persian version was evaluated in terms of face, content, and construct validity. Internal consistency and reliability were assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used for evaluating the construct validity of the tool.

RESULTS:

Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.95) and intraclass correlation coefficient (0.99) were acceptable. In an exploratory analysis, three factors were extracted and these three factors explained 63.1% of the total variance. Items 14 and 17 were removed from the Persian version due to low factor loading and impact factor values. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three factors extracted in the exploratory analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis showed suitable indexes of fitness for 31 items.

CONCLUSION:

Persian version of the support and control in the birth questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for the Iranian women population.
The effect of the communication skills training on the sensitivity and cultural competence of the nurses in the pediatric wards: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Zeidani Azin , Soltanian Mitra , Edraki Mitra , Mirshah Elham
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the communicative training skills on the sensitivity and cultural competence of the nurses in the pediatric wards.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The participants included 54 nurses from the pediatric ward of Namazi Hospital affiliated with REDACTED. The sample members entered the study through voluntary registration in the in-service training system.

RESULTS:

The results showed that cultural sensitivity score was 44.22±11.78 before the intervention, 48.51±13.34 immediately after the intervention, and 55.55±20.20 one month after the intervention. Cultural sensitivity score significantly increased immediately and one month after communication skills training for nurses compared to before the intervention (P < 0.001). The results also showed that cultural competency score was 51.68±9.43 before the intervention and increased significantly immediately after the communication skills training and one month after the intervention (57.64±10.43 and 62.56±11.53, respectively), showing significant improvement (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

The communication skills training promoted the nurses' cultural sensitivity and competence in childcare wards. Therefore, the implementation of the theoretical and practical methods of teaching communication skills is suggested to improve nurses' cultural competence and consequently, improve childcare quality in different cultures.
Investigating the effect of implementing a sensory stimulation program by family members on delirium status of brain injury patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Adineh Mohammad , Elahi Nasrin , Molavynejad Shahram , Jahani Simin , Savaie Mohsen
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Delirium is the most common psychological disorder in brain injury patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU), one of the leading causes of which can be sensory deprivation or sensory overload. This study aimed to determine the effect of implementing a sensory stimulation program by family members on the delirium status of ICU-hospitalized brain injury patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 66 brain injury patients hospitalized in the ICUs were assigned to intervention and control groups using stratified random sampling. For the intervention group, a sensory stimulation program was implemented by family members for 1 h a day during the ICU stay. The control group received routine care. Patients' delirium status was assessed daily using the confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit (CAM-ICU). Data were analyzed by the SPSS software version 22, using Chi-square, independent t-test, and Binary logistic regression model tests, at a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS:

Odds of delirium Incidence in the intervention group was 94% lower than in the control group (OR = 0.057, 95% CI 0.017, 0.19, P = 0.001). There is a significant difference between the two groups in terms of length of delirium (P = 0.001), stay in ICU (P = 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (P = 0.001). The mean of all three variables in the intervention group was lower than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Implementing of sensory stimulation program by the family members, as a non-pharmacological method, can reduce the incidence of delirium in brain injury patients admitted to ICU.
Investigating the relationship between menopausal women's health anxiety and sexual performance and attitude towards menopause
Authors: Malaijerdi Raziyeh , Amini Leila , Haghani Hamid , Sadeghi Avval Shahr Homa
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Menopause is a natural event in the life of women. Women's concerns during menopause and the role of health anxiety in the attitude and sexual performance of women during this period affect the quality of life. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between health anxiety and sexual performance and attitude towards menopause in postmenopausal women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study was a cross-sectional study of communication type that was conducted on 200 postmenopausal women with records in Sabzevar Comprehensive Health Centers in 2021–2022. In order to collect information, standard questionnaires of health anxiety, attitude towards menopause, and sexual performance were used. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS version 16 software and descriptive and analytical statistical tests (Spearman). A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered.

RESULT:

The results of data analysis showed that health anxiety has a significant relationship with the dimensions of desire (p = 0.045 and r = −0.142) and sexual pain (p < 0.001 and r = 0.274). Also, there was a significant relationship between the attitude towards menopause with sexual performance (p < 0.001 and r = 0.244) and health anxiety with the attitude towards menopause (p < 0.001 and r = 0.27).

CONCLUSION:

The results of this study showed that there is an inverse relationship between health anxiety and sexual desire and a significant direct relationship with sexual pain. Also, the attitude towards menopause has a significant direct relationship with sexual behavior and health anxiety. Therefore, it is suggested to pay attention to the mental health of postmenopausal women along with the physical aspect and to pay attention to educational programs to improve the care and health programs of these women.
psicología del habitar: las emociones como parte integral de un proyecto arquitectónico
Authors: Lotito C. Franco
Published: July 2023

El objetivo principal de este artículo es reflexionar acerca del significado del habitar desde un punto de vista psicológico y arquitectónico, así como destacar la importancia de consolidar una alianza estratégica entre arquitectura y psicología. Esto es especialmente importante cuando advertimos cómo reaccionan emocionalmente los seres humanos ante ciertos estímulos visuales y sensoriales de una determinada construcción, ya sea por su diseño, estructura, tamaño, color, etc. El enfoque metodológico adoptado es de tipo cualitativo, con un diseño documental, apoyado en la revisión bibliográfica y sustentado en un análisis crítico. En las conclusiones se destaca la urgente necesidad de tomar en cuenta los intereses, las emociones, las expectativas y las preocupaciones del principal interesado de un proyecto arquitectónico: el ser humano.