bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
". . . If We Don't Scare You, You're Already Dead!": A Study of Imagery and Language Used on Fright Tourism Advertising
Authors: Weidmann Susan
Published: March 2023

In fright tourism, an unusual combination of human emotions such as fun and fear are experienced by tourists through activities such as haunted house visits and ghost tours. This study explores advertising materials for fright tourism attractions, including how business owners design
them, and how potential visitors respond to them. The study aimed to examine how fright tourism attractions use text and images to convey the emotions customers may experience at the attraction, and affective response generated in visitors to these advertising materials, specifically tourist
brochures. Data were obtained through interviews with business owners of fright tourism attractions and focus groups of potential visitors to discuss fright tourism advertising brochure design, and determine what affective responses were intended and subsequently generated (or not) by the
tourism brochures. Findings from the research include that emotions and feelings are ambiguous terms that are often used interchangeably, and generic horror imagery is often used to communicate emotions through fright tourism brochures; however, perceptions of horror are highly subjective.
This study helps broaden our understanding of the emotions experienced at fright tourism attractions, and how those emotions can be communicated through advertising materials.
Ice-Breaking Tourism and Local Resilience Building
Authors: Saunavaara Juha , Partanen Mari , Tanaka Masato , Fukuyama Takafumi
Published: March 2023

This study focuses on local ice-breaking tourism initiatives in Kemi (Finland), Mombetsu (Japan), and Abashiri (Japan). It adds to research on winter and cruise tourism and analyzes multiscalar challenges—ranging from the global warming and COVID-19 pandemic to dependency on local
governmental support—threatening the future of tourism dependent on frozen maritime conditions and vulnerable to changing climate conditions. As the case study cities have invested significantly in tourism built around the uncontrollable natural phenomenon, changes in this industry can
lead to substantial spillover effects in the surrounding communities. This qualitative comparative research is based on extensive fieldwork and utilizes the concept of resilience to discuss the means of responding to existing and predicted disturbances. The results of this study show that
the recent adaptation and resiliency-building strategies have focused on searching for alternative use of old, new, and renovated ice-breaking vessels, attraction of new types of (often domestic) visitors, and development of activities and facilities that are less sensitive to seasonal variation
and climate change. While introducing new local ideas concerning ecological and educational tourism, e-tourism, and community-oriented tourism, this article contributes to the understanding of resilience-building processes in tourism.
Going Against the "floe": the Intersection of Power, Culture, and Community at Icy Strait Point, Alaska
Authors: Holland Jennifer
Published: March 2023

Port development has been dominated by complex and often unequal power relations. This study explores the tangled relationship between ports, host communities, and cruise companies by examining the contested nature of the pier expansion at Icy Strait Point, Alaska. This study collected
data based on a keyword search of existing texts from multiple sources to better understand the impacts of tourism development on the local community and X'una Kaawu. Thematic analysis revealed key findings of power, access and exclusion, and the shifting Indigenous focus and commodification
of X'una Kaawu culture. The blue economy is used as a framework to critically examine the pier expansion and provides a unique theoretical approach for examining tourism development at a cruise port. This study provides a practical contribution by identifying challenges for port communities
when attempting to balance social and economic opportunities with development as a cruise destination and a theoretical contribution by adding to the literature on Indigenous tourism and cruise port development. Icy Strait Point is a successful Indigenous tourism destination in Alaska, but
the implications of further development highlight the difficulties facing the local community and the need to address power imbalances.
Cultural and educational mission of Ismail Gasprinsky (1851–1914)
Authors: Мир-Багирзаде Самира
Published: March 2023

В статье рассматривается просветительская деятельность, а также джадидистская реформа образования Исмаила Гаспринского, его вклад в мировую культуру. Анализируются и сравниваются методы «усул джадид» (новый метод), «усул кадим» (старый метод), «усул саутия» (звуковой метод), влияние методов Гаспринского на школу Востока, сравнивается крымская и азербайджанская школа джадидизма. Описывается учебный процесс новометодных мектебе, формы обучения, методические пособия для учащихся и преподавателей, деятельность редакции газеты «Терджиман». В фокусе внимания автора – влияние деятельности Исмаила Гаспринского на мировое культурное развитие.

The article discusses educational activities, as well as the Jadid reform of education by I. Gasprinsky, his contribution to world culture. The methods of “usul jadid” (new method), “usul kadim” (old method), “usul sautiya” (sound method), and the influence of these methods on the school of the East are analyzed; the Crimean and Azerbaijani schools of “jadidism” are compared. The educational process of new-method mektebes, forms of education, teaching books for students and teachers, work and distribution of the newspaper “Terjuman” are described. The activity of I. Gasprinsky and his influence on the World cultural development are considered.
Autologous Serum Therapy in the Management of Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria, Does It Really Work?
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Atiqur , Doha Mostofa Ahmed , Miah Sonia Shormin , Sharmin Mahbuba
Published: March 2023

Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a troublesome condition which affect the patient’s quality of life adversely. Conventional treatment of this condition comprises of antihistamines, steroids and sometimes monoclonal antibodies with varying degree of outcomes. Recently, autologous blood and serum used by some researcher to treat CIU with promising result. Here we present a case of chronic idiopathic urticaria that was treated successfully with autologous serum in Bangladesh.
Assessment of Joint Health Status of Haemophilia Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Akhter Nasrin , Kabir Amin Lutful , Islam M T , Aziz Md. Abdul , Yunus A B M , Begum Masuda , Shah Salahuddin , Khan Rafiquzzaman , Rahman Farzana
Published: March 2023

Background: Haemophilia is a sex-linked bleeding disorder. Affected patients suffer spontaneous or post-traumatic bleeding into various sites of the body, mainly into joints, depending on the level of coagulation factor deficiency. Recurrent joint bleeds lead to progressive disability. Susceptibility to joint haemorrhage in persons with haemophilia suggests that the routine assessment of joint health is an important aspect of clinical management and outcome studies assessing the efficacy of treatment. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess of joint health status in haemophilia patients attending in a tertiary care hospital, Bangladesh. Methodology: A descriptive observational study was carried out in the department of Haematology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. A total number of 45 patients who were attended in OPD and IPD, meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria of enrolled haemophilia patients, were included in the study. Joint assessment or any kind of joint impairment was assessed by the Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) score 2.1 version (an eight-item scoring tool for assessing joint impairments of the six index joints in boys with haemophilia aged 4–18 years. Clinical and laboratory information was recorded with a semi structured questionnaire. Result: Among 45 haemophilia patients, the mean age was 12.9±3.4 years while males were predominant (91.1%). Majority (80.0%) of the patients (36) were diagnosed as haemophilia A.  This study observed that, 48.9% of the patients had moderate and 28.9% had severe haemophilia. Knee joint was the predominant target joint. Left knee joint involved in 80% cases and right knee joint were involved in 55.6% of patients. The mean global gait score was found 1.49±0.66 and mean HJHS score was 15.8±4.4. There was no significant correlation between HJHS score and severity of haemophilia (r= -0.081; p=0.596) while significant correlation between the ages of patient with HJHS score (r=0.536; p=0.001) was observed. Conclusion: Haemophilia is a debilitating and life-threatening disease that affects mostly knee, ankle and elbow joints. The joint evaluation system is of paramount importance in clinical practice which is capable to prevent major haemarthrosis and chronic haemophilic synovitis. Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) is an effective and reliable tool to detect early and subtle changes in joint health and function. This study finding will help in future to assess early the joint conditions and complications, which will assist to modify the treatment approach on demand and start prophylaxis.
Comparative study between gold standard real-time RT-PCR assay and rapid antigen test for detection of COVID-19 in Sylhet CMH
Authors: Nurunnabi Md. , Mamdu Mosammath Khadiza , Siddika Ayesha
Published: March 2023

Background: The notorious pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been spread all over the world. Its third pandemic wave has been completed and now a fourth wave is running over many countries. Almost 60 million people have been infected and more than 5.7 million people have died. Till now almost 1.2 million people have been infected and about 30000 people have died in Bangladesh from Covid-19. It has not only taken away human lives but also has put a tremendous impact on our society and economy. So early detection of this virus and isolating the patients have a significant role to control the disease. Henceforth there is an urgent need for simple, accurate and rapid identifications of C0VID -19. Rapid antigen tests can provide timely results, which is of particular importance in a primary setting. So, Performance of the Rapid antigen detection test (RAT) should be evaluated and compared with gold standard real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for diagnosis of COVID-19. Methods: Specimens were collected from both naso and oropharyngeal region from 1000 patients who reported to the flu centre in CMH Sylhet with the complaints of fever, cough & headache for detection of COVID virus-2 RNA by rapid antigen (RAT) and RT-PCR test. We used real time RT-PCR kit (Sansure, Biotech china, gene RdRP & N) and COVID-19 Ag Kit (Wondfo, Republic of China) for detection of COVID-19 RNA. Results: Out of 1000 samples 158 were positive and 842 were negative by real-time RT-PCR assay where 154 samples were positive, and 846 cases were negative by rapid antigen test for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) CoV-2. The duration from the onset of symptoms to laboratory test in all suspected cases ranged from 0 to 02 days (with a median of 01 days). The rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection tests sensitivity and specificity were 97.29% (95% CI, 90.06–99.89%) and 97.94% (95% CI, 97.26–98.57%), respectively. Seven samples were found negative in RAT but were found positive in RT-PCR, other three samples were found positive in RAT while they were found negative in RT-PCR. Conclusions: It is observed that most rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 are significantly comparable with RT-PCR tests and had enough sensitivity and specificity for 158 individuals, infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV-2.
The Existentialist “Inter-Subjectivity” And The Problem of “Other’: A Philosophical Approach to Politics of Recognition
Authors: Adekeye Daniel O.
Published: March 2023

Humans are ontologically positioned to interact with one another in order to satisfy the essential conditions of humanity individually and collectively. It is the extent and the nature of the relationships among human beings that defines the civilization of each age. However, the inevitable interactions among human beings as conscious beings provide the medium for conflicts, tensions and crises among individuals and social groups within the society. The history of philosophy has been occupied with rigorous analytical and speculative exercises to unravel the foundation of the suspicious antagonisms between individuals and groups. At the same time, attempts have been made in philosophy to establish a metaphysical or spiritual justification for the reconciliation of the ‘self’ and other’ and ultimately promote mutual respect and recognition of both. Existentialism is a philosophical orientation that has been predominant in this project. This paper, through analysis of existing discourse, attempts therefore, to critically examine the existentialist concept of intersubjectivity as a viable philosophical approach to the politics of recognition and present it as a theoretical framework for peaceful cohabitation of individuals and groups of diverse worldviews.
Ogoni-Andoni War, 1993: The Role of Dialogue in Inter-Group Relations
Authors: Romokere Mgbowaji Benson
Published: March 2023

The focus of this paper is to examine the Ogoni-Andoni war of 1993 with respect to the role of dialogue in inter-group relations. The Andoni and Ogoni are immediate neighbours in the Eastern Niger Delta of Nigeria. Both ethnic groups have aged long relationship characterized by peace, conflict, crisis and war. The immediate cause of the 1993 Ogoni-Andoni war was attributed to the violent activities of the militant wing of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People during their agitation for Ogoni Kingdom and other environmental issues. In the 20thcentury the two ethnic groups fought wars at interval of twenty years; 1933, 1953, 1973, 1993. The war had great consequences on both ethnic groups which called for dialogue to end it. The paper explored primary and secondary sources to document the war history. This paper found out that the Ataba (Andoni)-Ogoni Peace Conference was the platform for the inter-ethnic dialogue which brought the war to an end by late 1994. Their relationship was restored fully by 1995. The Peace Conference forestalled subsequent crisis related development which would have snowballed into another full scale war between the Ogoni and Andoni in the 21stcentury. It concluded that dialogue did not only end the war but it sustained and enhanced inter-group relations between Andoni and Ogoni over twenty years today.
Direct and indirect contributions of internal and external quality traits on egg weight of Shika Brown layer using Path Coefficient Analysis
Authors: Rotımı Emmanuel Abayomi , Usman Babba Hussaina , Gambo Dauda
Published: March 2023

Path analysis procedure is a statistical procedure that can be applied to evaluate direct and indirect contributions of independent variables to the dependent variables for better understanding of the relationships between egg quality traits. One hundred and twenty (120) eggs, collected from Shika Brown layers, were used to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of internal and external egg quality parameters on egg weight of Shika Brown layers using Path analysis procedure. Data obtained on individual egg include the following; egg weight (EWT), egg length (ELT), egg width (EWD), shell thickness (STK), shell weight (SWT), albumen weight (AWT) and yolk weight (YWT). Correlation coefficient results show that EWT had a positively significant correlation (P<0.05) with ELT (0.715), EWD (0.758), SWT (0.460) and AWT (0.785). ELT had the greatest direct effect (0.360; P<0.05) on EWT followed by EWD (0.345; P<0.05) while the least of the direct effects on EWT (0.012; P<0.05) was from STK. However, the highest total indirect effect (0.487) on EGW was realised largely via EWD. Therefore, EWT of Shika Brown layer strain had a high positive relationship with ELT, EWD and AWT. The path coefficient analysis revealed that ELT, along with EWD contributed highest direct effect on the EWT. This information could be used in selection programme for the improvement of EWT of Shika Brown layer chickens.
Bazı patlıcan anaç adaylarının tuzluluğa tolerans düzeylerinin belirlenmesi
Authors: Sarıbaş Şeyma , Balkaya Ahmet , Kandemir Dilek , Arslan Hakan
Published: March 2023

Bu araştırmanın amacı, anaç performansları yönünden öne çıkan türler arası melez patlıcan anaç adaylarının, kontrollü koşullarda tuz stresine karşı dayanım düzeylerinin belirlenmesidir. Araştırmada genetik materyal olarak, 0832.STZ.2014 no’lu SAN-TEZ Projesi kapsamında geliştirilmiş olan 8 adet türlerarası melez patlıcan anaç adayı (Solanum melongena x Solanum aethiopicum) değerlendirilmiştir. Ayrıca AGR-703 ve AGR-704 ticari hibrit patlıcan anaçları kullanılmıştır. Aşılı bitkilerin elde edilmesinde Karabey F1 çeşidi de kalem olarak kullanılmıştır. Tuz stresi uygulanan aşılı ve aşısız patlıcan fidelerinde, incelenen kriterler yönünden artan tuz düzeyine bağlı olarak kontrol bitkilerine göre değişen oranlarda azalışlar olduğu belirlenmiştir. Farklı tuz dozları ile oluşturulan tuz stresi aşılı ve aşısız patlıcan fidelerinin bitki büyüme ve gelişmesini olumsuz yönde etkilemiştir. Ancak bu olumsuz tepkiler, anaç/kalem kombinasyonlarına bağlı olarak farklılıklar göstermiştir. Araştırma sonucunda, fide aşamasındaki aşılı patlıcan genotiplerinin aşısız Karabey çeşidine oranla daha iyi bir performans gösterdiği, tuz stresi koşullarında en iyi performans gösteren kombinasyonların AGR-704/K ticari anaç/kalem kombinasyonu ile RS-5/K ve RS-7/K anaç/kalem kombinasyonlarının olduğu belirlenmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda; anaç kullanımının sadece toprak kökenli biyotik etmenlere karşı değil, abiyotik stres faktörlerine karşı da etkin bir mücadele yöntemi olduğu ve tuz stresinin olumsuz etkilerinin önemli düzeyde azaltılabileceği sonucuna varılmıştır.
Tarımsal ürün grupları bazında konumsal erozyon uygunluk analizi: Seyhan Havzası örneği
Authors: Sönmez Erdoğan Fizyon , Berberoğlu Süha , Erdoğan Mehmet Akif
Published: March 2023

Çalışma ile Seyhan Havzası’nda üretilen tarımsal ürün grupları için konumsal erozyon hassasiyet analizinin gerçekleştirilmesi ile konuma özel ideal ürün tercihlerinin ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda özellikle toprak koruma ve ekolojik sürdürülebilirlik adına erozyon seviyelerine göre ideal ürün seçimi süreçlerin sağlanmasına katkı gösterilmesi hedeflenmektedir. Bu kapsamda uzaktan algılama ve CBS yardımıyla uygulanan Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) yöntemi ile Seyhan Havzası için erozyon; şiddet grupları olarak tahmin edilmiştir. Ürün gruplarının sahip olduğu toprak işleme ihtiyacı temel alınarak erozyon şiddet seviyeleri bazında her ürün grubu için erozyon uygunluk indeksi üretilmiştir. Üretilen uygunluk indekslerinin CBS ortamında çok kriterli değerlendirme yaklaşımı ile erozyon şiddet grupları verisine entegre edilmesiyle her ürün grubu için erozyon uygunluk haritaları ortaya koyulmuştur. RUSLE erozyon modellemesi sonucuna göre havzadaki ortalama yıllık erozyonun 14 ton/ha olduğu ve havzanın %28’inde orta, %12’sinde yüksek ve %2’sinde çok yüksek seviyede erozyon görüldüğü tespit edilmiştir. Her ürün grubu özelinde üretilen erozyon uygunluk indeksi sonuçlarına göre ise havza genelinde; mera, baklagil yem bitkileri ve turunçgil ürün gruplarının en yüksek uyguluğa ve lif, şeker ve nişasta bitkilerine ait ürün gruplarının ise en düşün uygunluğa sahip olduğu görülmüştür.
Molecular characterization of some parsley (Petroselinum crispum Mill.) genotypes
Authors: Coşkun Ömer Faruk , Gündüz Yakup Fevzi , Toprak Seher , Mavi Kazım
Published: March 2023

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum Mill.), a vegetable whose leaves are consumed, has many benefits for human health. The first step of parsley breeding is the characterization of existing genotypes. In this study, genetic diversity of 12 different parsley genotypes was determined by ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat) marker system. In the study, 41 of the 130 bands obtained from 16 ISSR primers were found to be polymorphic. The similarity coefficients ranged from 0.86–0.99 for ISSR. The average polymorphism was 31.5% and the number of bands varied between 4 and 14. While the genotypes that are genetically closest to each other were determined as the 5th and 6th genotypes, the most distant genotypes were the 3rd and 8th genotypes. Findings from the present study showed that there were genetic variations among the parsley genotypes examined. The obtained data will enable more effective utilization of the parsley genotypes, the genetic differences of which have been determined for the future breeding programs.
A comparative analysis of gender trend in academic achievement among history graduates of a University in Nigeria
Authors: Jekayinfa Oyeyemi J , Adeniyi-Egbeola Folakemi Oyeyemi , Daramola Dorcas Sola , Awoyemi Alfred O , Okesina Falilat A
Published: March 2023

Given gender as properties that distinguish organisms based on their reproductive roles as female or male, these properties have been argued to have discrepancies in the learning abilities of males and females. Therefore, this study analysed gender and academic achievement trend of graduates in History Studies from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, from 2019 to 2021. This study adopted ex post facto research design within a census population. 1,491 male and female graduates of History Education from the Faculty of Education and History and International Studies from the Faculty of Arts from 2019 to 2021 were used as the sample. Therefore, the Order of Proceedings of the University of Ilorin for 2019, 2020, and 2021 was used for data collection. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics, such as bar charts and percentages, to answer research questions, and inferential statistics, such as the independent t-test for the hypothesis at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings from this study revealed that the trend of academic achievement among male graduates with 2nd-Class-Upper and Lower was upward, while the proportion of males with 3rd Class and Pass was downward. The trend of academic achievement among female graduates with 2nd-Class-Upper, 2nd-Class-Lower, and Pass was upward, while the trend for 3rd-Class was downward. Additionally, there was no statistically significant difference in the academic achievement of male and female graduates from the University of Ilorin. Therefore, it is recommended that male and female students should take their studies and courses seriously, among other recommendations.
Evaluation of Vrikshayurveda treatments on physiological attributes and production of diterpenoids in Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees.
Authors: Ankad Gireesh M. , Hiremath Jagadishchandra , Pai Sandeep Ramchandra , Hegde Harsha V.
Published: March 2023

Background:

An ancient text on plant life Vrikshayurveda mentions the use of horticulture treatments, Kunapa Jala (KJ) and Panchagavya (PG) (cow milk, cow ghee, cow curd, cow dung, and cow urine) to enhance the efficiency of plants.

Aim:

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of KJ and PG application on total leaf area, leaf area index (LAI) leaf area duration (LAD), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), and net assimilation rate (NAR); production of andrographolide (A1), neoandrographolide (A2), and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (A3) of the Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees.

Materials and methods:

The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with six treatments, namely control, KJ, PG, farmyard manure, inorganic fertilizer, and humic acid. Simultaneous detection of contents was carried out using reversed-phase-ultra-flow liquid chromatography (RP-UFLC). The parameters were studied at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after sowing (DAS).

Results:

KJ produced higher leaf area and LAI at 90 DAS, LAD between 90 and 120 DAS. PG produced higher CGR, RGR, and NAR between 60 and 90 DAS. RP-UFLC analysis revealed the maximum amount of ingredients at 120 DAS. At this stage, PG treatment recorded the maximum amount of A1, A2, and A3.

Conclusion:

Kunapa Jala and Panchagavya treatments were better or at par on physiological parameters and production of diterpenoids of A. paniculata.
Relationship between Vedic personality traits (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas) with life satisfaction and perceived stress in healthy university students
Authors: Sharma Shubham , Bhargav Praerna Hemant , Singh Pooja , Bhargav Hemant , Varambally Shivarama
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Trigunas are three basic mental attributes of a personality according to Indian Vedic literature that explains the relationship between mental attributes and human behavior. The three attributes are Tamas (tendency toward lethargy and rigidity), Rajas (tendency toward ambition and activity) and Sattva (tendency toward selfless service), respectively. Satisfaction with life and perceived stress are the important determinants of one's quality of life.

Aim:

A cross-sectional study assessed the relationship between Trigunas, life satisfaction and perceived stress.

Materials and methods:

The study recruited 121 willing healthy university students (75 females) with general health questionnaire scores ≤3. All participants were assessed using standardized psychometric tools.

Results:

Spearman two-tailed correlation test revealed Sattva to have positive correlation with life satisfaction (r = 0.503) and negative correlation with perceived stress (r = −0.302) and other two Gunas (Tamas: R = −0.77; Rajas: R = −0.75), respectively. On the other hand, both Rajas and Tamas correlated positively with perceived stress (Rajas: R = 0.183; Tamas: R = 0.321) and negatively with life satisfaction (Rajas: R = −0.40; Tamas: R = −0.36).

Conclusion:

This cross-sectional study on university students in India suggests an association of Vedic personality traits (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas Gunas) with life satisfaction, and perceived stress.
Early Experience Managing Complex Deformities Using Autostrut™ Robotic-Controlled Hexapod External Fixators
Authors: Hoellwarth Jason Shih , Rozbruch S. Robert , Reif Taylor J. , Geffner Adam Daniel , Fragomen Austin T.
Published: March 2023

Context:

Hexapod circular external fixators allow bone manipulation in all planes to correct complex deformities. However, the patient must perform the strut adjustments consistently and correctly, often multiple times daily for weeks or months, to achieve intended corrections. This presents a potential source of variability, error, and anxiety to the patient. A computer-programmed, robotic automated motorized strut adjustment technology (Maxframe Autostrut™ Multi-Axial Correction System, Orthospin Ltd., Yoqneam, Israel) has been developed which automatically adjusts the struts without patient or clinician involvement.

Aims:

The aims of this study were as follows: first, to determine whether the motors performed the programmed initial and residual schedules and, second, to identify technology-specific problems and their management.

Settings and Design:

This was a retrospective observational study of a consecutive series of the first 16 patients who had the motorized hexapod frame applied.

Subjects and Methods:

A chart review was performed to record demographic information, indications and goals for hexapod frame care, whether the care goals were achieved, and whether unexpected and/or adverse events occurred (such as technical difficulties and medical complications) and the management of those issues.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Not applicable.

Results:

All patients achieved the index and residual adjustments as programmed.

Conclusions:

The Autostrut™ system appears reliable and safe. It executes programmed index and residual adjustments as well as strut change scenarios as directed. The system recognizes unexpected mechanical or programming issues and ensures patient safety by halting progress and alerting the patient. Future versions of the technology may benefit from added features such as remote reprogramming or current strut position monitoring.
Design and Fabrication of a Device for Reducing Hand Tremor in Parkinson Patients during Eating
Authors: Talaei Fereshteh , Kargar Seyed Mohammad
Published: March 2023

Background:

In this paper, the method of designing a noninvasive device for eliminating hand tremors in Parkinson's patients is presented. The designed device measures the tremors of the patient's hand and implements the tremor control accordingly. Since Parkinson's disease reduces patients’ abilities to perform daily activities, this device is designed as an electronic spoon. The inertial measurement units are used to measure hand tremors.

Method:

The signals got from motion sensors are passed through Butterworth's second order low pass filters to attenuate signals amplitude at frequencies higher than the human hand's natural frequency. The signals are sent to a proposed Proportional Integral (PI) fuzzy controller as a set point signal, and appropriate control signals are applied to two actuators installed orthogonal. Besides motion sensors, a microcontroller is installed inside the spoon handle that implements a PI fuzzy controller and provides control signals for two high speed servo motors installed perpendicularly.

Results:

As such, the spoon can minimize the tremor effect. In this system, no damper or mass is added to the hand, and the patients are not required to wear an orthosis. The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, we use sensor data fusion to increase measurement accuracy. In this paper, we use accelerometer and gyroscope sensors. Second, we proposed a robust PI fuzzy controller to compensate for the uncertainties and reduce the tremor.

Conclusion:

The test results show that the hand tremor of Parkinson's patients during eating is reduced up to 75% using this method.
A Novel Texture Extraction-Based Compressive Sensing for Lung Cancer Classification
Authors: Irawati Indrarini Dyah , Hadiyoso Sugondo , Budiman Gelar , Fahmi Arfianto , Latip Rohaya
Published: March 2023

Background:

Lung cancer images require large memory storage and transmission bandwidth for sending the data. Compressive sensing (CS), as a method with a statistical approach in signal sampling, provides different output patterns based on information sources. Thus, it can be considered that CS can be used for feature extraction of compressed information.

Methods:

In this study, we proposed a novel texture extraction-based CS for lung cancer classification. We classify three types of lung cancer, including adenocarcinoma (ACA), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and benign lung cancer (N). The classification is carried out based on texture extraction, which is processed in 2 stages, the first stage to detect N and the second to detect ACA and SCC.

Results:

The simulation results show that two-stage texture extraction can improve accuracy by an average of 84%. The proposed system is expected to be decision support in assisting clinical diagnosis. In terms of technical storage, this system can save memory resources.

Conclusions:

The proposed two-step texture extraction system combined with CS and K- Nearest Neighbor has succeeded in classifying lung cancer with high accuracy; the system can also save memory storage. It is necessary to examine the complexity of the proposed method so that it can be analyzed further.
The Complexity of Electroencephalographic Signal Decreases during the Social Stress
Authors: Barzegar Marzieh , Jahromi Gila Pirzad , Meftahi Gholam Hossein , Hatef Boshra
Published: March 2023

Social stress affects brain function. Trier social stress test (TSST) is a standard test to assess it. The study aimed to analyze the electroencephalographic (EEG) recording during and after TSST in healthy subjects. The EEG signals of 44 healthy men participating in the study were recorded in the control condition, during and after TSST and after 30 min of recovery. Salivary cortisol (SC) and the Emotional Visual Analog Scale (EVAS) score were measured in the control condition, after TSST, and after the recovery period. The false discovery rate correction was used to control the false positive of significance in EEG. In the comparison control condition, the SC and EVAS levels significantly increased after TSST. The relative Delta band frequency significantly increased during TSST. On the other hand, the Beta bands and, in less amount, the Theta and Gamma 1 (30–40 Hz) oscillations decreased, especially in the frontal region. The nonlinear features such as, approximate and spectral entropy, Katz fractal dimension behaved like Beta band oscillation. All changes returned to baseline after TSST except the increase of Katz in the F3 channel after the recovery period. Thus, stress on EEG increased low frequency (1–4 Hz), decreased high frequency (13–40 Hz), and complexity indices during TSST.
A GU-Net-Based Architecture Predicting Ligand–Protein-Binding Atoms
Authors: Nazem Fatemeh , Ghasemi Fahimeh , Fassihi Afshin , Rasti Reza , Dehnavi Alireza Mehri
Published: March 2023

Background:

The first step in developing new drugs is to find binding sites for a protein structure that can be used as a starting point to design new antagonists and inhibitors. The methods relying on convolutional neural network for the prediction of binding sites have attracted much attention. This study focuses on the use of optimized neural network for three-dimensional (3D) non-Euclidean data.

Methods:

A graph, which is made from 3D protein structure, is fed to the proposed GU-Net model based on graph convolutional operation. The features of each atom are considered as attributes of each node. The results of the proposed GU-Net are compared with a classifier based on random forest (RF). A new data exhibition is used as the input of RF classifier.

Results:

The performance of our model is also examined through extensive experiments on various datasets from other sources. GU-Net could predict the more number of pockets with accurate shape than RF.

Conclusions:

This study will enable future works on a better modeling of protein structures that will enhance knowledge of proteomics and offer deeper insight into drug design process.
Prediction of Biceps Muscle Electromyogram Signal Using a NARX Neural Network
Authors: Khodadadi Vahid , Rahatabad Fereidoun Nowshiravan , Sheikhani Ali , Dabanloo Nader Jafarnia
Published: March 2023

Background:

This study was conducted to compare the response between the results of experimental data and the results achieved by the NARX neural network model to predict the electromyogram (EMG) signal on the biceps muscle in nonlinear stimulation conditions as a new stimulation model.

Methods:

This model is applied to design the controllers based on functional electrical stimulation (FES). To this end, the study was conducted in five stages, including skin preparation, placement of recording and stimulation electrodes, along with the position of the person to apply the stimulation signal and recording EMG, stimulation and recording of single-channel EMG signal, signal preprocessing, and training and validation of the NARX neural network. The electrical stimulation applied in this study is based on a chaotic equation derived from the Rossler equation and on the musculocutaneous nerve, and the response to this stimulation, i.e., the EMG signal, is from the biceps muscle as a single channel. The NARX neural network was trained, along with the stimulation signal and the response of each stimulation for 100 recorded signals from 10 individuals, and then validated and retested for trained data and new data after processing and synchronizing both signals.

Results:

The results indicate that the Rossler equation can create nonlinear and unpredictable conditions for the muscle, and we also can predict the EMG signal with the NARX neural network as a predictive model.

Conclusion:

The proposed model appears to be a good method to predict control models based on FES and to diagnose some diseases.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Recovery after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients Under 40 Years of Age
Authors: Balouch Iram Jehan , Khan Kamran Ahmad , Shaikh Sajid Ali , Rasheed Shazia , Khalid Muhammad Rahman , Ahmed Iftikhar , Sial Jawaid Akbar , Qamar Nadeem
Published: March 2023

Context:

The context of this study was acute coronary syndrome.

Aims:

The purpose of the study was to evaluate left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery in postprimary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) patients under the age of 40 years.

Settings and Design:

Observational study, Hyderabad Satellite Center of National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD), Pakistan.

Subjects and Methods:

This study was conducted on 104 patients at “NICVD, Hyderabad Satellite Center.” ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients of both genders, between 18 and 40 years of age, and those who underwent coronary angiography were included in this study. LVEF of post-PPCI patients was assessed at admission, 40 and 90 days post-PPCI.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The McNemar–Bowker test was conducted to assess the variations in the distribution of LVEF at 40 and 90 days as compared to the baseline.

Results:

A total of 104 patients were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 34.84 ± 4.82 years. The most common risk factors were hypertension 38.5% (40) and smoking 18.3% (19). At 6 weeks, 18.3% of patient's EF was 40%–50%. At 90 days, 23.1% EF was at 40%–50%. Maximum improvement in EF was seen in patients who timely underwent PPCI.

Conclusion:

A significant improvement in LVEF was observed in young STEMI patients after 40 and 90 days of PPCI. Timely intervention by PPCI not only preserves LV function at baseline but is also associated with better improvement in the short term in premature STEMI patients.
Left Main Coronary Artery Arising from the Right Coronary Sinus Presenting as Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Toshniwal Saket , Pawar Twinkle , Kabra Ruchita , Rao Tarun , Kumar Sunil , Acharya Sourya
Published: March 2023

Coronary artery anomalies are extremely rare with a prevalence of 2.33% and they are extremely difficult to diagnose with the help of conventional tests. Once diagnosed, the associated life-threatening risks and complications that arise during surgical management are the dangers related to such anomalies. We present a case of a 45–year-old female, with chief complaints of chest pain radiating to back and left shoulder associated with palpitations for 7 days, a known case of systemic hypertension and diabetes mellitus type 2 for 7 years on regular medications. A series of investigations were conducted that included an electrocardiogram showing ischemic changes, a two-dimensional echocardiography that revealed globally dysfunctional left ventricle and an ejection fraction of 45%, and finally, a diagnostic coronary angiography leading to the diagnosis of the an abnormal origin of the left main coronary artery through the right coronary sinus associated with 80% stenotic lesion in the “left anterior descending artery” and 90% stenotic lesion in the “left circumflex artery”. The report concludes that anomalies arising from coronary arteries are extremely infrequent and difficult to diagnose. In addition, they can present with life-threatening complications during surgical management.
Role of Indian Fruits in the Prevention and Management of Hypertension
Authors: Prabhakar Pankaj
Published: March 2023

Hypertension (HTN) is a serious health problem worldwide and worse than other cardiovascular diseases. HTN is a chief risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease, and renal vascular disease. Herbal medicines are used by about 75% to 80% of the world population, in primary health care because of their enhanced tolerability and minor side effects. The consumption of fruits is advised for good health as a result of their high fiber, antioxidant, mineral, vitamin, and phytochemical contents. Of the many fruiting trees, indigenous to India such as mango (Mangifera indica), black plum (Eugenia jambolana), pomegranate (Punica granatum), and amla (Emblica officinalis) are useful in preventing HTN and in the treatment of HTN in validated preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, efforts are made to collate the fruits' antihypertensive effects and their important phytochemicals. Efforts are also made to address the underlying mechanism/s responsible for the beneficial effects of these fruits in HTN prevention and treatment.
Truncus Bicarotics with Arteria Lusoria - A Rare Incidental Finding with Clinical Implications
Authors: Nalawade Digvijay D. , Jadhav Ajitkumar K. , Wadhokar Pratik Satyajit , Kadu Rahul
Published: March 2023

Arteria lusoria, an aberrant right subclavian artery originating distal to the ostium of carotid arteries, is the most common congenital aortic arch anomaly. It is commonly associated with other congenital anomalies of the heart and great vessels resulting from embryologic malformation of the aortic arch, including truncus bicaroticus, which is a common trunk of bilateral common carotid arteries. The association between arteria lusoria and truncus bicaroticus is about 29%. We reported a rare case of truncus bicaroticus with arteria lusoria in a 40-year-old male patient detected incidentally during coronary angiography through the right radial approach.
Effect of Labetalol for Treating Patients with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
Authors: Bej Punyatoya , Das Sambhunath
Published: March 2023

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is one of the main causes of maternal mortality. Many first- and second-line drugs are available to treat the condition. Labetalol lowers blood pressure by blocking both α and β adrenergic receptors. It preserves uteroplacental blood flow efficiently. A systemic review was carried out to find the efficacy and safety of labetalol in the treatment of PIH. Three thousand twenty-six studies were retrieved in 20 years. Finally, 28 studies were selected after applying the review criteria. Twenty-three studies detected that labetalol had superior or similar action compared to other drugs in controlling hypertension in patients with preeclampsia and eclampsia. The systematic review concluded that labetalol is a safe, effective, first-choice of drug with few side effects in treating PIH.
Traumatic lingual hematoma after generalized tonic–clonic seizure in a patient with an acquired coagulopathy
Authors: Ralić Branislav , Ždraljević Mirjana , Ristić Aleksandar J , Berisavac Ivana
Published: March 2023

Oral lacerations are common complications of seizures and account for 92% of all oral injuries. Seizures are relatively commonly associated with chronic alcohol consumption. It is already known that provoked seizures can occur after a sudden cessation of prolonged alcohol intoxication. Meanwhile, chronic alcohol consumption can disrupt the blood coagulation process on several levels. This report aims to present a case of generalized tonic–clonic seizure in a man with chronic alcoholism and acquired coagulopathy who suffered severe tongue injury during a seizure. A 45-year-old man was brought to the emergency department after a first-in-life generalized tonic–clonic seizure. He gave information that he bit his tongue during the seizure. Shortly afterward, the patient had another generalized seizure during which he stopped breathing and was intubated. On admission, the patient was sedated, intubated, and on mechanical ventilation, with no signs of focal neurological deficit. A detailed physical examination revealed massive tongue swelling, which was significantly moved forward. Laboratory tests revealed coagulopathy (INR 2,10) severe thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of 50x109/L. Electrolyte values were in the reference range. According to the maxillofacial surgeon's recommendation, he was treated conservatively, and after 2 weeks, he was clinically stable with a significant reduction of lingual hematoma and without new epileptic events. In our case, decreased platelet count and probable platelet dysfunction associated with chronic alcohol consumption and tongue bite during generalized tonic–clonic seizure played a significant role in developing lingual hematoma. These fast-developing lingual hematomas can lead to possible airway obstruction; therefore, careful observation and timely intubation are mandatory to prevent possible fatal complications.
Acute pancreatitis due to hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Sahin Gonca Koksaldi , Gulen Muge , Acehan Selen , Unlu Nurdan , Celik Yilmaz , Satar Deniz Aka , Segmen Mustafa Sencer , Satar Salim
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVE:

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is the third-most common cause of acute pancreatitis. Plasmapheresis is an extracorporeal treatment method used for treatment. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of medical treatment and plasmapheresis in patients with acute pancreatitis due to HTG.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment they received as those who received only medical treatment and those who performed plasmapheresis with medical treatment. According to the treatment received by the patients; clinical, demographic, and laboratory data, Ranson scores, and bedside index of severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) scores, decrease in triglyceride levels in 24 h, length of hospital stay, and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS:

Forty-seven patients were included in the study. The level of triglyceride decreases at the 24th h was 59.7% ±17.3% in those who received medical treatment and was 70.4% ±15.1% in those who received plasmapheresis (P = 0.032). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to predict the need for plasmapheresis treatment, area under the curve (AUC) value of the triglyceride level was the highest (AUC: 0.822, 95% confidence interval: [0.703–0.940]; P < 0.001), the sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 72.4%, respectively, and the cut-off value of triglyceride was accepted as 3079.5 mg/dL.

CONCLUSION:

Plasma triglyceride levels and BISAP score on admission may help physicians to predict the need for plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis helps to rapidly reduce triglyceride levels in patients with HTG-associated acute pancreatitis.