bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring and Calibrating the Efficiency of the Remote and Hybrid Remote Work
Authors: Nikiforova Oksana , Zabiniako Vitaly , Garkalns Pāvels , Kornienko Jurijs , Nikulsins Vladimirs , Romanovs Andrejs
Published: May 2023

Remote (or hybrid remote) work is currently becoming more and more trending. This happened in recent years, driven by technological advancements and the global COVID-19 pandemic. This model of work offers immense opportunities for employers and employees, such as increased flexibility, improved work-life balance, and reduced commute time. However, the shift to remote work also comes with its own set of challenges and complexities. The paper describes the results of the research, which specifies data for the approbation of the method for calibrating the efficiency of remotely working employees and observing the dynamics of work productivity in an experimental environment developed during this research. The method offered for efficiency calibration supposes to use data regarding workers’ activities according to business domain.
Does Transformational Leadership Still Run Effectively in A Conflict Setting?
Authors: Tusianah Rias , Sudjarwo Sudjarwo , Sutarsyah Cucu , Agustina Eka Sofia , Rahman Bujang
Published: May 2023

This article aims to describe the influence of servant and transformational leadership on teacher work productivity and the role of mediating conflict resolution. There is a lot of research on leadership but not much research on how leadership handles conflict. Several research studies have investigated how leaders respond to conflict and the most common conflict management. However, no research is available to determine public preferences for conflict resolution options. The application of transformational leadership is known for its toughness and has been widely discussed. However, there is a phenomenon where school principals experience a decline and schools experience many problems. One of the factors inhibiting school progress is conflict. The author presents how to manage a school or organization in conflict settings by offering a servant leadership style. These matters are discussed in this article. This study used a quantitative survey design with 300 high school teachers as respondents to rate the leadership of school principals from 15 districts in Lampung Province. The results of Amos 23 calculations state that servant leadership has a positive effect on handling conflict (87.5%) and on teacher’s work productivity (37, 4%), while transformational leadership has a positive effect on handling conflict (8.7%) and negative effect on teacher work productivity (-68.8%). The research concludes that (1) servant leadership is a good predictor of teacher work productivity and a solution for conflict resolution in schools; (2) when there is conflict, transformational leadership is not a solution; (3) conflict handling is directly proportional to teacher work productivity; and (4) conflict handling becomes a good mediator for servant leadership and transformational leadership for teacher work productivity.
High altitude morphotype of the widespread Lobrathium multipunctum (Gravenhorst, 1802) (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae) revealed by DNA-barcoding
Authors: Hansen Aslak Kappel , Jenkins Shaw Josh
Published: May 2023

High altitude ecosystems are often home to endemic species that have evolved in isolation from their low elevation counterparts. In many cases, especially in insects, such mountain endemics are often apterous (due to their reduced ability to fly and disperse). In most cases, so far, these mountain endemics are genetically differentiated from lowland sister species or populations. During an excursion in Central Spain, we encountered two such strikingly different morphotypes of the rove beetle Lobrathium multipunctum (Gravenhorst, 1802) (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae). The morphotype from high elevation was smaller and paler than those at low elevation, which were slightly larger, darker and regularly coloured. The high altitude morphotype was earlier considered a separate species (Lobrathium hispanicum Dodero, 1916) from its widespread lower-land counterpart (Lobrathium multipunctum (Gravenhorst, 1802)) before their relatively recent synonymy. Using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcode region, we tested whether these distinct morphotypes are distinct species. We found that their synonymy is supported, based on multiple species delimitation methods. We suggest that this phenomenon may be more widespread amongst insects and other organismal groups. We note that the presence of high altitude morphotypes which are phylogenetically nested within, or genetically identical to, widespread lowland species (regular morphotype) is rarely reported in the literature on beetles (and other insects). These findings thus highlight the need for caution when describing mountain endemics and further highlight DNA barcoding as a helpful tool for their study.
Notulae to the Italian alien vascular flora: 15
Authors: Galasso Gabriele , Domina Gianniantonio , Argenti Carlo , Bajona Enrico , Banfi Enrico , Barberis Davide , Barone Giulio , Bartolucci Fabrizio , Biscotti Nello , Bonali Fabrizio , Bonifazio Chiara , Bonsanto Daniele , Buldrini Fabrizio , Cannucci Silvia , Cozzolino Alessia , De Natale Antonino , Del Guacchio Emanuele , Di Gristina Emilio , Fiaschi Tiberio , Lallai Andrea , Lonati Michele , Lucchese Fernando , Lupoletti Jacopo , Marchi Niccolò , Motti Riccardo , Nota Ginevra , Pica Antonio , Pittarello Marco , Potenza Giovanna , Ratini Giuseppe , Rota Franco , Santi Francesco , Santini Claudio , Sarigu Marco , Selvaggi Alberto , Simonazzi Marco , Tardella Federico M. , Tripi Silvia , Vetromile Roberto , Lastrucci Lorenzo
Published: May 2023

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of vascular flora alien to Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, exclusions for Italy or for Italian administrative regions. Nomenclatural and distribution updates, published elsewhere, and corrections are provided as Suppl. material 1.
Émergence
Authors: Neuburger Robert
Published: May 2023

Un traumatisme est la conséquence d’un évènement qui ébranle notre sentiment d’exister. Celui-ci s’appuie sur la confiance que l’on peut avoir au monde qui nous entoure et sur le respect de notre intimité, de notre intégrité. Quelles sont les conséquences d’attaques à ce sentiment, comment y parer ? L’auteur introduit le terme « émergence » comme concept majeur dans l’abord de ces questions.
Cliniques de chronicité et de crise, la place du trauma
Authors: Matossian Araxie
Published: May 2023

La survenue de la maladie et de la mort peut impacter le patient et l’unité familiale. La construction de la relation entre le patient, la famille, les soignants, pourra transformer cet événement dramatique en une blessure traumatique ou en une histoire de vie cohérente et soutenable. L’auteure illustrera son propos par deux situations cliniques.
D’un désem-boite-ment générationnel à l’ouverture d’une boite en héritage : clinique actuelle auprès d’enfants des survivants de la Shoah, ex-enfants juifs cachés durant l’Occupation
Authors: Feldman Marion
Published: May 2023

Cet article se propose de rendre compte d’une clinique particulière auprès d’aidants de conjoints et de parents atteints de la maladie d’Alzheimer survivants de la Shoah, anciens enfants juifs cachés en France durant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Après une description de ce dispositif innovant et de la particularité de la psychopathologie des ex-enfants juifs cachés et de leur descendance, nous monterons comment le confinement imposé en 2020 en raison de la crise sanitaire produite par la circulation de la Covid-19 a impacté ces suivis cliniques et a fonctionné comme un effet loupe du « télescopage des générations », tel un emboitement générationnel. À partir d’un suivi clinique particulier, nous décrirons comment la réception d’une boite en héritage, a permis de travailler à un désem-boite-ment générationnel et à soutenir une dynamique d’élaboration.
Accueillir un enfant de retour de zone d’opérations de groupements terroristes : le groupe de parole à l’intention des familles d’accueil
Authors: Mapelli Alessandra , Veyret-Morau Maurween , Ferault Leila , Baubet Thierry
Published: May 2023

À partir de 2017, un dispositif de prise en charge des mineurs ayant séjourné dans des zones d’opération des groupements terroristes et de retour en France a été mis en place par le gouvernement français. Une partie de ce dispositif concernait l’évaluation et la prise en charge médico-psychologique des enfants. Dans ce contexte, nous avons reçu une centaine d’enfants, dont 60 % avaient 5 ans ou moins. Dès 2018, la nécessité de penser un espace de soutien pour les assistants familiaux qui prennent soin de ces enfants s’est imposée à nous. Plus de 80 séances d’un groupe ouvert auquel 34 assistants familiaux ont participé se sont déroulées jusqu’ici. Nous présentons ce dispositif et deux des thématiques qui ont été des fils rouges de ces groupes : la question de l’insécurité et la question du religieux. Ce travail souligne la complexité du travail des assistants familiaux dans ce contexte, leur besoin de soutien, et nous permet de dégager des pistes de réflexion qui peuvent être utiles à tous les professionnels impliqués dans la prise en charge de ces enfants.
Bioéthique et droits des femmes en Tunisie : sexualité, procréation et liberté
Authors: Hamrouni Salwa
Published: May 2023

Les acquis juridiques en matière de libertés individuelles et d’égalité entre les hommes et les femmes sont loin de clore le débat sur la sexualité, l’enfantement, les rapports familiaux et la santé physique et mentale de la femme. Le corps des femmes reste au cœur des préoccupations sociales, notamment sur la sexualité et la reproduction. Il est parfois objet de la science mais il est surtout le symbole de toutes les transgressions sociales. La légalisation de la contraception et de l’avortement dans la Tunisie post-indépendante est aussi liée à une politique démographique et à un certain féminisme d’État. Cependant, les défis rencontrés par ces acquis expriment cette quête identitaire et cette volonté de donner à la société un droit de regard sur la décision de donner la vie. D’un autre côté et devant le désir de l’enfantement, la médecine tunisienne a précédé le droit pour aider les couples à procréer. C’est alors l’intervention du législateur avec la loi relative à la médecine de la reproduction. Les conditions d’accès à la procréation, restent totalement déterminées par les interdits sociaux culturels : la condition du mariage, l’interdiction des donneurs et des mères porteuses en sont des exemples. La filiation reste enfin un moyen de pression sur les femmes/mères victimes avec leurs enfants de perceptions sociales les réduisant à leurs généalogies. Il s’agit ici de questionner la cohérence d’abord entre les différents textes juridiques mais aussi entre les choix législatifs et la perception sociale du corps en général et du corps féminin en particulier.
Perceptions par les soignant.e.s des demandes de patient.e.s musulman.e.s en milieu hospitalier belge
Authors: Pinsart Marie-Geneviève
Published: May 2023

Nous partons d’un contexte où le patient est une femme, et la demande discriminatoire est fondée sur la religion musulmane. Pour commencer, nous analysons deux situations hospitalières belges où la soignante est en désaccord avec le refus de traitement exprimé par une patiente musulmane enceinte. Après cela, nous considérons la perception de discrimination à son égard de la part d’une patiente musulmane. Premièrement, nous montrons que l’appel à l’autonomie du patient ne peut justifier une demande discriminatoire contre la personne soignante. Deuxièmement, l’identité de genre entre le patient et le soignant est mentionnée comme une garantie de compréhension, mais cette hypothèse ne peut être généralisée. Troisièmement, la soumission de la femme à l’homme défendue par une religion justifierait que l’homme prenne des décisions à la place de la femme et que celle-ci ne soit soignée que par une femme. L’acceptation de cette discrimination à l’égard des hommes soignants renforce la discrimination dont les femmes sont généralement victimes. Aucun « accommodement raisonnable » ne peut justifier une telle dynamique qui s’oppose aux droits de la personne. Quatrièmement, le soignant doit néanmoins cultiver une sensibilité culturelle et religieuse. Cela ne signifie pas qu’il divulgue ses convictions ou qu’il inclut a priori un patient dans une catégorie donnée. En conclusion, la perception du soignant est un bon indicateur de la façon dont une pratique culturelle ou religieuse respecte les droits de la personne dans un contexte pluraliste et démocratique.
Mineração aurífera e desafios ambientais na região das Guianas
Authors: de Vilhena Silva Gutemberg
Published: May 2023

L’objectif dans cet article est d’analyser les enjeux environnementaux en Guyane en lien avec l’exploitation aurifère. La méthodologie s’appuie sur une revue bibliographique et quatre travaux de terrain réalisés au cours des 5 dernières années (2017-2022). Le texte démontre que les mines d’or sont présentes dans toute la région et que la érosion du sol et, plus encore, l’utilisation du mercure, sont des enjeux environnementaux importants dans cette activité.
Éducation populaire : intervenir en milieu carcéral  ?
Authors: Antoine Romane , Champion Thomas
Published: May 2023

Notre première intervention en prison n’a pas été quelque chose qui allait de soi. Les contradictions du milieu carcéral, telle celle opposant le désir de réhabiliter/réinsérer et celui de punir, se traduisent nettement par le manque de moyens déployés pour les aspects socio-éducatifs et culturels. Nous nous sommes posé la question : l’éducation populaire a-t-elle sa place dans un cadre si particulier ? Dans l’affirmative, comment pouvons-nous l’incarner, et quelles sont les conditions pour la mise en œuvre de dynamiques émancipatrices ?
Exercise reduced the concentration of an inflammatory makers without modulating the levels of epigenetic marker potentially involved in hypertension: a preliminary study
Authors: Ramis T.R. , Boeno F.P. , Pochmann D. , Munhoz S.V. , Mallmann A.L.S. , Reischak-Oliveira Á. , Elsner V.
Published: May 2023

Epigenetic mechanisms such as histone acetylation status mediated by HAT and HDAC2 enzymes play a central role in the pathophysiology, etiology, and progression of hypertension. The anti-inflammatory effects of physical exercise may be related to the modulation of histone acetylation status, which may alter the epigenome, providing therapeutic benefits for hypertensive individuals. To investigate the effects of an exercise training protocol on epigenetic parameters (HAT activities and HDAC2 concentrations), inflammatory markers (interleukin (IL)-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP)), and cardiopulmonary fitness parameters (VO2peak, ambulatory blood pressure, NOx, endothelin 1 (ET-1), flow-mediated dilation, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and triacylglycerol levels) in treated hypertensive patients. Nine hypertensive patients aged 30-59 years underwent 12 weeks of strength or aerobic exercise 3 times a week. Physical fitness, 24-h blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), flow-mediated vasodilation, blood lipid profile analysis, and biomarkers were assessed before and after the intervention. No alterations were found in epigenetic parameters since HAT activities and HDAC2 concentrations remained unchanged after the intervention. Significant increases were found in VO2peak (pre: 29.1±6.3 and post: 31.5±6.3, P=0.021) and HDL (pre: 41.4±9 and post: 46.8±9.5, P=0.003). Furthermore, a significant reduction was seen in 24-h systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively: (pre: 119.1±5.6 and post: 114.4±4.5, P=0.6; pre: 73.9±4.1 and post: 70.5±4.2, P=0.4) and in CRP (pre: 2.4±1.4; post: 1.2±0.7*, P=0.03). Lastly, no alterations were found in IL-10 and TNF-α. In treated hypertensive individuals undergoing 12 weeks of exercise training VO2peak, 24 h blood pressure, HDL, and CRP improved. However, changes were not found in concentrations and the activity of HDAC2 and HAT, respectively.
Ileal digestibility of amino acids in defatted black soldier fly larva meal and adult black soldier fly fed to pigs
Authors: Kim J. , Ji S.Y. , Kim B.G.
Published: May 2023

The objective was to determine crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) digestibility of fish meal, defatted black soldier fly (BSF;Hermetia illucens) larva meal, and adult BSF fed to pigs. Eight castrated male pigs with a body weight of 72.6 kg (standard deviation = 10.4) surgically fitted with T-cannulas in the distal ileum were individually housed in pens that were equipped with a feeder and a nipple drinker. The pigs were allotted to a replicated 4×5 incomplete Latin square design with 4 diets and 5 periods to obtain 9 replicates. Three experimental diets were prepared to contain fish meal (686 g/kg CP and 75 g/kg ether extract), defatted BSF larva meal (595 g/kg CP and 76 g/kg ether extract), and adult BSF (590 g/kg CP and 268 g/kg ether extract) as the sole source of AA. Additionally, a nitrogen-free diet based on corn starch and sucrose was formulated to determine the basal endogenous losses of CP and AA. All diets contained 5 g/kg chromium oxide as an indigestible marker. Each period consisted of 4 days of adaptation and 2 days of ileal digesta collection. The coefficient of standardised ileal digestibility (CSID) of CP in defatted BSF larva meal was lower (0.738 vs 0.883;P<0.05) than that in fish meal but was higher (P<0.05) than that in adult BSF (0.561). The CSID of all indispensable AA except for methionine and phenylalanine in defatted BSF larva meal was lower (P<0.05) than that in fish meal. The CSID of all AA except for proline in defatted BSF larva meal was higher (P<0.05) than that in adult BSF. Overall, AA in defatted BSF larva meal were less digestible than those in fish meal when fed to growing pigs but were more digestible than those in adult BSF.
Formative research: Perceptions of Communication Science students at a Peruvian university
Authors: Esquivel-Grados José , Venegas-Mejía Valia , Venegas-Mejía Clotilde Paula , Gonzáles-Benites Manuel Tomás , Valdivia-Huaranga Heber Arnaldo , Bacón Salazar Nelson
Published: May 2023

La investigación formativa genera diferentes percepciones en los estudiantes de pregrado, y para conocer más sobre ellas se encuestó a 80 y se entrevistó a 12 estudiantes de Ciencias de la Comunicación en una universidad nacional en Lima (Perú). Los resultados evidencian que la conciben como: la formación para realizar investigaciones científicas, las actividades curriculares o extracurriculares como parte o para la investigación científica, la preparación para la realización de trabajos de investigación para la graduación o la obtención de un título, el desarrollo de competencias para investigar en la profesión, una estrategia instruccional para desarrollar competencias investigativas, y un fortalecimiento de la cultura investigativa, entre otros. Pero más allá de estos variados conceptos, surge la estimación mayoritaria de que la investigación formativa ha sido desatendida por la universidad,
Action of projections on Banach algebras
Authors: Ali Shakir , Alali Amal S. , Rafiquee Naira Noor , Varshney Vaishali
Published: May 2023

Let $ \mathcal{A} $ be a Banach algebra and $ n > 1 $, a fixed integer. The main objective of this paper is to talk about the commutativity of Banach algebras via its projections. Precisely, we prove that if $ \mathcal{A} $ is a prime Banach algebra admitting a continuous projection $ \mathcal{P} $ with image in $ \mathcal{Z}(\mathcal{A}) $ such that $ \mathcal{P}(a^n) = a^n\; \text{for all} \; a \in \mathcal{G} $, the nonvoid open subset of $ \mathcal{A} $, then $ \mathcal{A} $ is commutative and $ \mathcal{P} $ is the identity mapping on $ \mathcal{A} $. Apart from proving some other results, as an application we prove that, a normed algebra is commutative iff the interior of its center is non-empty. Furthermore, we provide some examples to show that the assumed restrictions cannot be relaxed. Finally, we conclude our paper with a direction for further research.
Comprehensive Study of Face Recognition Using Feature Extraction and Fusion Face Technique
Authors: Mehra Jayanti , Singh Neelu
Published: May 2023

Face recognition is a process by which the identity of a person is determined from the face images stored in a face database. Face recognition is one of the most successful applications of image analysis. In the present scenario, face recognition plays a major role in commercial and law enforcement applications, such as surveillance system, passport, security, personal information accesses, human machine interaction, etc. At present, very reliable methods of biometric personal identification exist. In face recognition, a feature vector usually represents the salient characteristics that best describe a face image. However, these characteristics vary quite substantially while looking into a face image from different directions. This chapter addresses this issue by means of image fusion and presents a comprehensive study of different image fusion techniques for face recognition. Image fusion is done between the original captured image and its true/partial diagonal images.
Metaverse
Authors: Flores-Albornoz Judith , Asis Edwin Hernan , Asnate-Salazar Edwin Asnate-Salazar , Espinoza-Rodríguez Hugo , Ramirez-Asis Norma , Pandey Digvijay , Dadheech Pankaj
Published: May 2023

The transition from a physical economy to a digital economy is happening across the globe, and since the worldwide pandemic, this process has accelerated substantially. People are spending more time online than offline, which means that work and daily life are becoming more and more dependent on the internet. Today's internet is frequently the primary means through which millions of people access information and services, engage in social interaction and commerce, and find entertainment. COVID-19 has also altered corporate practices, accelerated the growth of e-commerce, and altered workplace culture. As more people work remotely, businesses are beginning to prioritize virtual environments. The pandemic has so demonstrated that technology is essential to maintaining many jobs in operation. Since COVID-19 is becoming more and more widespread, the demand for virtual reality is rising, and the Metaverse sector is expanding. Blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and the virtual environment known as the Metaverse are all merged here.
A Study of AR and VR in the Real World
Authors: Bala Rajni , Saini Rajni
Published: May 2023

The most well-liked and developed technologies for the future are augmented reality and virtual reality, known as AR and VR. When you use high-tech equipment, you just enter another universe and engage with it. With data, visuals, and customised experiences superimposed on the real world, virtual reality transports us to parallel realms, and augmented reality brings the real world to life. In virtual reality, it is easy to observe how a software programme can produce a virtual environment that is mostly driven by sight and sound. The user's experience of virtual reality is presented to them in a way that makes them see it as real. AR, on the other hand, transfers aspects from the virtual world to the physical one. Augmented reality serves as a link between the physical and digital worlds. This chapter focuses on better understanding of augmented reality and virtual reality concepts. The chapter discusses the functions of AR and VR, their impact on society, the challenges of implementing AR and VR, and their impact on customer purchase behavior.
Laboratory-confirmed three rabid spotted deer in Colombo suburbs in Sri Lanka: does it alarm the disease transmission to humans?
Authors: Kalubowila K. , Hapudeniya C. , Liyanage D.
Published: May 2023

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease which is fatal if post-exposure prophylaxis is not administered immediately after an infected bite. In Sri Lanka, around 20-30 human rabies deaths are reported each year, nearly all of which occur from being bitten by rabid dogs, which could occur due to lack of dog vaccination coverage, dog population management and community awareness (1).
Three laboratory-confirmed rabid spotted deer were found in August 2022 in Homagama and Athurugiriya areas in Sri Lanka. Prevention of deer-to-human and deer-to-dog transmission is strengthened by multi-stakeholder collaboration. Controlling and preventing of transmission of the disease among the herd of deer, locating them in the dry zone as well as controlling their breeding remain a challenge. The rabid positive cases indicated that more animals could be affected by the disease, thus, the risk to human health and economic losses remain unknown. Therefore, vigilant attention is needed.
Association between serum level of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) and plasma level of vitamin D receptor with bacteriological index in leprosy patients
Authors: Hilma Rizka Farah , Widaty Sandra , Marissa Melani , Ilyas Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Macrophages respond against Mycobacterium leprae infection through interacting with vitamin D and vitamin D receptor (VDR). There has been no study analyzing the association between vitamin D and VDR with bacteriological index (BI) in leprosy patients in Indonesia. To analyze the serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH)D) and plasma level of VDR as well as their association with BI in leprosy patients in Indonesia. This is a cross-sectional study. Serum level of 25(OH)D was assessed with in vitro chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA). Plasma level of VDR was assessed with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Median serum level of 25(OH)D was 12.68 ng/ml. There was no correlation between serum level of 25(OH)D and BI (r=0.033; p=0.869). Median plasma level of VDR was 1.36 ng/ml. There was no correlation between plasma level of VDR and BI (r=-0.063; p=0.749) and no significant association between BI and serum level of 25(OH) and plasma level of VDR (R2=0.055). There was no association between serum level of 25(OH)D and plasma level of VDR with BI in leprosy patients.
Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in the household contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis, time to treat
Authors: Sangma Vinnie Sarah Ch , Jaggi Surabhi , Saini Varinder , Aggarwal Deepak , Kumar Pankaj , Chander Jagdish
Published: May 2023

Treatment of latent pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in the household contacts of TB has been included in the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) to achieve the target of TB elimination of Govt of India by 2025. However, there are no clear estimates of the prevalence of latent TB among the contacts that could suggest the impact of this intervention. The study was conducted to find the prevalence of and factors predicting latent TB among household contacts of pulmonary TB. All microbiological confirmed pulmonary TB patients registered between January 2020 to July 2021 and their household contacts were enrolled. All contacts underwent Mantoux testing to find the prevalence of latent TB. All symptomatic patients also underwent CXR and sputum examination to diagnose active pulmonary TB. Thereafter different demographic and clinical factors were evaluated to find predictors of latent TB using logistic regression model.  A total of 118 pulmonary TB cases and their 330 household contacts were enrolled. The prevalence of latent TB and active TB among the contacts was found to be 26.36% and 3.03% respectively. The female gender of index TB cases was independently associated with a high proportion of latent TB cases in the family. (aOR-2.32; 95%CI-1.07-5.05; p=0.03). Neither the higher sputum smear positivity nor the severity of chest radiograph of index TB cases had any association with the number of contacts being diagnosed as latent TB or active TB. The results showed a significant prevalence of latent TB among household contacts with pulmonary TB. The severity of the disease in the index patient had no association with the prevalence of latent TB.
A Case of Acute Pancreatitis: An Unusual Manifestation of Acute Q Fever
Authors: Arfa Sondess , Bougossa Rebeh , Brahem Mouna , Bannour Ichrak , Chelli Jihene , Berriche Olfa
Published: May 2023

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation affecting the exocrine region of the pancreatic parenchyma. Infectious etiologies are rare. Here we report an exceptional case of a 44-year-old woman from a rural area who was referred to our hospital with fever and abdominal pain. A physical examination revealed pale skin and epigastric tenderness. Thoracoabdominal computed tomography revealed a Balthazar score of D. Serum laboratory findings revealed hemolytic anemia, hepatic cytolysis, and high C-reactive protein level. Calcium and lipase levels were normal. There was no history of recent trauma, alcohol consumption, or drug intoxication. The diagnosis of “query” pancreatitis was confirmed by serological Coxiella burnetii positivity. Oral doxycycline 200 mg daily was initiated. The clinical evolution was favorable. To our knowledge, no association between acute pancreatitis and hemolytic anemia caused by C. burnetii was reported previously. Q fever must be considered in cases of acute pancreatitis, especially when the patient is from a rural area or has a high-risk profession.
Rehabilitation Professionals’ Perspectives on Psychosocial Needs of Family Caregivers of Persons with Spinal Cord Injury: A Qualitative Study from India
Authors: Pallerla Srikanth , Krishnareddy Shanivaram Reddy , Parthasarathy Nirmala Berigai , Navaneetham Janardhana , Gupta Anupam
Published: May 2023

Background: This study explored the psychosocial needs of family caregivers of persons with spinal cord injuries from the perspective of rehabilitation professionals.Methods: An exploratory qualitative approach was used, and a total of 14 rehabilitation professionals from various backgrounds participated in face-to-face interviews. All interviews were audio recorded, and session notes were added to the existing data and later transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes.Results: Nine need themes emerged: informational, psychological, personal care, financial, social support, welfare, vocational, telemedicine, and referral.Conclusion: The findings of this study will aid the design or development of need-based customized psychosocial interventions for family caregivers of persons with spinal cord injuries in India. Multiple stakeholders involved in spinal cord injury management should understand the importance of meeting the needs of family caregivers of persons with spinal cord injuries and the timely delivery of customized psychosocial interventions.
Comparison of the effects of open and closed aspiration on end-expiratory lung volume in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Yildirim Süleyman , Saygili Saba Mukaddes , Süneçli Onur , Kirakli Cenk
Published: May 2023

Background: Alveoli tend to collapse in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Endotracheal aspiration may increase alveolar collapse due to the loss of end-expiratory lung volume (EELV). We aimed to compare the loss of EELV after open and closed suction in patients with ARDS.Methods: This randomized crossover study included 20 patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for ARDS. Open and closed suction were applied in a random order. Lung impedance was measured using electric impedance tomography. The change in end-expiratory lung impedance end of suction and at 1, 10, 20, and 30 min after suction, was used to represent the change in EELV. Arterial blood gas analyses and ventilatory parameters such as the plateau pressure (Pplat), driving pressure (Pdrive), and compliance of the respiratory system (CRS) were also recorded.Results: Less volume loss was noted after closed suction than after open suction (mean ΔEELI: −2661 ± 1937 vs. −4415 ± 2363; mean difference: −1753; 95% CI [−2662, −844]; P = 0.001). EELI returned to baseline 10 min after closed suction but did not return to baseline even 30 min after open suction. After closed suction, the Pplat and Pdrive decreased while the CRS increased. Conversely, the Pplat and Pdrive increased while the CRS decreased after open suction.Conclusions: Endotracheal aspiration may result in alveolar collapse due to loss of EELV. Given that closed suction is associated with less volume loss at end-expiration without worsening ventilatory parameters, it should be chosen over open suction in patients with ARDS.
Corrigendum: The pastor as spiritual mediator between God and the congregation: Corruptions of the relationships of the ‘under-shepherd’, the ‘flock’ and the ‘chief shepherd’ in a Zambian context and their implications for spiritual maturity
Authors: Nyirenda Misheck
Published: May 2023

No abstract available.
Erratum: Environmental awareness of Protestant youth in Germany: Perspectives from an empirical exploration
Authors: Kroeck Thomas
Published: May 2023

No abstract available.
Ultrasound and computed tomography in the evaluation of mesenteric lesions: A pictorial review
Authors: Kose Snehal I. , Singh Sapna , Garg Anju , Manchanda Alpana , Singh Rajdeep
Published: May 2023

The mesentery is a broad fan-shaped fold of peritoneum that suspends the loops of small intestine from the posterior abdominal wall. Although primary neoplasms arising in the mesentery are rare, the mesentery is a major avenue for the dissemination of tumours, which can spread through hematogenous, lymphatic, direct or peritoneal seeding. Imaging helps in the diagnosis of these tumours and aids in directing appropriate treatment by assessing their size, extent and relationship with adjacent structures. The aim of this article is to describe the spectrum of imaging findings of the various mesenteric lesions using ultrasound and CT.Contribution: Evaluation of the mesentery is often neglected during routine ultrasound (US) because of inadequate training and unfamiliarity with the common US features encountered with mesenteric disease. CT plays an essential role in the diagnosis of mesenteric disease. Knowledge of imaging characteristics of various mesenteric lesions helps in timely diagnosis and management.
Diakonaat en die Afrikaanssprekende AGS van SA
Authors: Nel Marius
Published: May 2023

The diaconate and the Afrikaans-speaking Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa. The aim is to discuss the development of the diaconate in the Afrikaans-speaking white Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa (AFM) in order to examine its effectiveness. This is done on the basis of a comparative literature analysis. To understand this development, the church’s early antipathy towards established mainline churches must be understood, born out of the pentecostal movement’s self-definition and experience of rejection and discrimination. One consequence was that all traditional offices were denied, including the office of minister, elder and deacon. Early members were generally poor, like most other Afrikaners. Yet they supported each other and helped where possible. Their assistance excluded people of colour. There was no organised diaconate until the AFM was eventually forced by reality to institutionalise. From this a Welfare Department was born in time which also organised welfare work through Dorcas councils at regional and parish levels. The Welfare Department also established and administered old age and children’s homes. In general, only women served on Dorcas councils while the congregational council (church council) consisted only of men. Still, welfare work was mainly limited to the ‘own people’. In the run-up to unification, the ‘white’ AFM relegated all power to the local level as much as possible to protect their own identity. After unification in 1996, as a result of this process, local congregations were again left on their own to do welfare work. At the same time, many Afrikaans-speaking congregations exclusively use Afrikaans in their worship services, excluding non-Afrikaans speaking people of colour. As a result, their welfare work is mainly limited to white people. The importance of the conclusion is that the church needs to address deficiencies in the diaconate task, which is essential to the church’s mission.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The evaluation of the diaconate in the AFM implies a new welfare strategy and redesign of the diaconate based on the church-historical description, exegesis of relevant Scripture passages and description of the current South African scene marred by social inequality and the occurrence of widespread poverty to relate to the church’s task.
A Study on Evaluating the Effectiveness of Pre- and Posttest Model of Learning Microbiology in a Tertiary Peripheral Medical College of West Bengal
Authors: Gupta Indrajit , Kumar Simit , Bishwas Abhilekha , Debnandi Arani
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims:

Traditional didactic lecture methods were previously dominant in medical education in India, where students tend to lose their concentration after 15–20 min of lectures. In the context of competency-based medical education, a teaching–learning method that includes pre- and posttests were hypothesized to have the potential to enhance the learning process and make difficult topics easier for students to understand. This method was implemented for phase 2 MBBS students at Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital in India.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted in the department of microbiology in October 2021, with 65 male and 33 female students who provided informed consent. All the students were allotted immunology topics and were asked to present seminars. The students were required to complete a pretest and posttest questionnaire covering key areas of immunology. The mean and standard deviation of the scores were calculated. Paired Student’s t-test was used to compare pre- and posttest scores, and P values were calculated using SPSS 20. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The total number of correct responses on the posttest was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the number of responses on the pretest. Gender-specific posttest responses were also significant (for males, P < 0.001; for females, P < 0.001). Overall marks were improved on the posttest, and the mean scores among all the students showed significant improvement in their posttest scores compared to their pretest scores.

Conclusions:

Evaluating students using a pretest and posttest was found to be a practical and feasible tool for learning. The majority of students reported that this method of learning helped them engage in critical thinking and understand topics more systematically, which they believed would contribute to their success as competent Indian Medical Graduates.
Clinico-pathological Factors Determining Recurrence in Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast
Authors: Sain Baijaeek , Gupta Arnab , Halder Sudip , Mukherjee Vishal , Bhattacharya Samir , Mondal Radha Raman , Saha Bijan , Sen Aditya Narayan , Roy Shravasti
Published: May 2023

Background:

Phyllodes tumour(PT) of the breast are rare fibroepithelial tumours that are generally more prone to recurrence.

Aims and objective:

The study aimed to assess the clinico-pathological features, diagnostic modalities and therapeutic interventions with their outcomes leading to recurrence in Phyllodes tumour of the breast.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective cohort and observational study which entailed clinico-pathological data of patients who were previously diagnosed or presented with Phyllodes tumour of the breast between 1996 and 2021 were analysed. Data included- total number of patients diagnosed with Phyllodes tumour of the breast, age, type of tumour on initial presentation or biopsy, side, size, therapeutic interventions carried out- surgery(mastectomy or lumpectomy) and adjuvant radiotherapy, final biopsy type, recurrence, type of recurrence and time to recurrence.

Results:

We analysed a total of 87 patients who were pathologically proven to have PT and 46 patients(52.87%) were found to have recurrence. All patients were recorded to be in the female gender only with a mean age at diagnosis of 39 years (range 15–70). Age <40 years had the highest incidence of recurrence of 56.82%(n = 25) followed by age>40 years with 48.84%(n = 21). 55.4% patients presented with primary phylloides and 44.6% had recurrent phylloides at presentation. Average time of local recurrence from the time of completion of treatment were 13.8 months whereas for systemic recurrence it were 15.29 months. Surgery(mastectomy/lumpectomy) with regard to local recurrence was the major determinant for recurrence followed by adjuvant radiation. (P <0.05)

Conclusion:

Patients who received adjuvant radiation had minimal recurrence. Patients who were found to have malignant type of biopsy on initial diagnosis(triple assessment) had more incidence and were prone to systemic recurrence over local recurrence. Surgery again played a determining factor leading to increased rate of local recurrence following lumpectomy over mastectomy.
Role of Endobronchial Needle Aspiration Cytology in Diagnosing Lung Cancer in Bronchoscopically Visible Tumors
Authors: Patil Shital , Acharya Abhijit , Narwade Ganesh
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Bronchoscopy is an important diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of lung cancer, and various techniques have documented increase in diagnostic sensitivity. In this study, we have analyzed the role of bronchoscopy in diagnosis of lung cancer with special emphasis on endobronchial needle aspiration cytology (EBNA) in comparison to other conventional diagnostic techniques (CDTs) such as bronchial wash (BW) and forcep biopsy (FB).

Materials and Methods:

Prospective, observational study screened 1564 cases with suspected lung malignancy on clinical and radiological basis. Bronchoscopy-guided techniques such as EBNA, BW, and FB are used in exophytic endobronchial lesions (EELs) in confirming the diagnosis of lung cancer and to find additive yield over other techniques such as BW and FB. Rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) analysis of all EBNA samples done in pathology lab allied center. Finally, histopathology proven 917 lung malignancy cases are included in this study. Statistical analysis is done by using chi-test.

Results:

In this study, 917 diagnosed lung cancer patients between 29 and 85 age group predominant 61.83% (567/917) and smokers by addiction in 52.12% (478/917) cases. Presented with cough in 80.80% (741/917), clubbing in 55.83% (512/917) cases, and mass lesion in chest radiograph in 53.10% (487/917) cases. Anatomical location is documented on the right side of tracheobronchial in 58.66% (538/917) cases during bronchoscopy. Yield of FB and FB plus BW in EEL is 86.69% (795/917) and 90.94% (834/917), respectively. Yield of EBNA, EBNA plus BW, and EBNA plus FB in EEL is 70.22% (644/917), 75.13% (689/917), and 97.16% (891/917), respectively. Overall yield of all bronchoscopy-guided techniques (EBNA + FB + BW) in our study in EEL is 100%. Additional yield of EBNA in EEL over other CDTs (FB plus BW) is 9.06%. Sensitivity of FB and EBNA in diagnosing lung malignancy in EEL is 86.69% and 70.22%, respectively. FB is more sensitive technique than EBNA in EEL (P < 0.00001). Sensitivity of FB plus BW in EEL is 90.94% (834/917). Sensitivity of EBNA plus BW in EEL is 75.13% (689/917). Sensitivity of EBNA plus FB in EEL is 97.16% (891/917) (P < 0.00001).

Conclusion:

EBNA is underutilized bronchoscopic technique in visible endobronchial lesions (exophytic endobronchial type) in spite of satisfactory diagnostic yield as compared with other CDTs. Although FB is most commonly preferred technique in bronchoscopically visible tumors, the addition of EBNA has improved overall diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy and decreased need for repeat bronchoscopy procedure.
Role of nanoparticles loaded with pirfenidone after bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in adult male albino rats
Authors: Kamel Asmaa K.R. , Mahmoud Mamdouh A. , Haiba Doaa A. , Azzam Asmaa R.
Published: May 2023

Background

Lung fibrosis is a severe form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. Targeting cells is a good approach in drug delivery. Pirfenidone is an antifibrotic drug ‘used’ for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Aim

The aim of the present work was to study the effect of nanoparticles (niosomes) loaded with pirfenidone on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in adult male albino rats with different histological techniques.

Material and methods

A total of 40 rats were divided into six groups: group I, control (five rats); group II pirfenidone treated (five rats); group III, encapsulated-pirfenidone treated (five rats); group IV, bleomycin treated (five rats); group V, bleomycin-pirfenidone treated (10 rats), which was then subdivided into two subgroups, that is, subgroup Va (five rats) and subgroup Vb (five rats); and group VI, bleomycin-encapsulated-pirfenidone treated (10 rats), which was then subdivided into two subgroups, that is, subgroup VI a (five rats) and subgroup VIb (five rats). Lung specimens were stained using hematoxylin and eosin-stained, Masson’s trichrome, anti-transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), and toluidine blue for light microscopic examination and transmission electron microscopy. Assessments of mean area % of the stained collagen fibers and intensity of TGF-β1 and the mean thickness of blood–air barrier of ultrathin sections were performed and then subjected to statistical analysis.

Results

Encapsulated pirfenidone-treated subgroups showed more patent alveoli, sacs, and ducts; patent bronchioles; blood vessels; and more type I pneumocytes and less type II. The blood–air barrier had thin basal lamina. There were better results in collagen deposition and TGF-β1 in lung tissues with encapsulated pirfenidone treatment.

Conclusion

Encapsulated pirfenidone resulted in better improvement than using pirfenidone only.
Serum B-cell maturation antigen level in multiple myeloma
Authors: El Shewaikh Hend S. , El-Shahat Dina A. , Taha Atef M. , Abdo Nagwa M.B.-E.
Published: May 2023

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant neoplasm of plasma cells that accumulate in the bone marrow producing excessive amounts of monoclonal immunoglobulins (Ig) and suppression of other normal polyclonal Igs, leading to bone destruction and marrow failure. B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is known to bind to B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) or a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), leading to the activation of cell proliferation pathways and upregulation of antiapoptotic proteins, which is considered the main step in the pathogenesis of MM.

Aim

This study was planned to evaluate serum BCMA levels in MM patients and its clinical significance.

Patients and methods

This study was carried out on 40 newly diagnosed MM patients and 40 apparently healthy individuals served as the control. The two studied groups were compared as regards serum BCMA levels using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.

Results

Results showed that there was a statistically significant increase in MM patients when compared with the control group, and there was a significant positive correlation between BCMA level and plasma cells in bone marrow, M protein, number of bone lesions, and beta-2 microglobulin. However there was no correlation between BCMA level and age, creatinine, and hemoglobin.

Conclusion

Serum BCMA level was significantly elevated in MM patients compared with healthy controls that may suggest the role of BCMA in the pathogenesis of MM. The high sensitivity of BCMA suggests that it may be a novel diagnostic marker, and its level was positively correlated with other prognostic markers. It may be used as a prognostic marker in MM patients.