bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Signals and Systems: Theory and Applications
Authors: Ulaby Fawwaz , Yagle Andrew 
Published: July 2024

This is a signals and systems textbook with a difference: Engineering applications of signals and systems are integrated into the presentation as equal partners with concepts and mathematical models, instead of just presenting the concepts and models and leaving the student to wonder how it all relates to engineering. The first six chapters of this textbook cover the usual basic concepts of continuous-time signals and systems, including the Laplace and Fourier transforms. Chapters 7 and 8 present the discrete-time version of Chapters 1–6, emphasizing the similarities and analogies, and often using continuous-time results to derive discrete-time results. The two chapters serve to introduce the reader to the world of discrete-time signals and systems. Concepts highlighted in Chapters 1–8 include: compensator feedback configuration (Ch. 4); energy spectral density, group delay, expanded coverage of exponential Fourier series (Ch. 5); filtering of images, Hilbert transform, single-sideband (SSB), zero and first-order hold interpolation (Ch. 6); the Cooley-Tukey FFT (Ch. 7); bilateral z-transform and use for non-minimum-phase deconvolution (Ch. 8). Chapter 9 covers the usual concepts of discrete-time signal processing, including data windows, FIR and IIR filter design, multirate signal processing, and auto-correlation and crosscorrelation. It also includes some nontraditional concepts, including spectrograms, application of multirate signal processing, and the musical circle of fifths to audio signal processing, and some biomedical applications of autocorrelation and cross-correlation. Chapter 10 covers image processing, discrete-time wavelets (including the Smith-Barnwell condition and the Haar and Daubechies discrete-time wavelet expansions), and an introduction to compressed sensing. This is the first sophomore-junior level textbook the authors are aware of that allows students to apply compressed sensing concepts. Applications include: image denoising using 2-D filtering; image denoising using thresholding and shrinkage of image wavelet transforms; image deconvolution using Wiener filters; “valid” image deconvolution using ISTA; image inpainting; tomography and the projection-slice theorem, and image reconstruction from partial knowledge of 2-D DFT values. Problems allow students to apply these techniques to actual images and learn by doing, not by only reading.
Recurrent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in a patient with type 2 diabetes, Graves’ disease, and foregut neuroendocrine tumor: Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges
Authors: Chatterjee Subhankar , Raja Md. Ramiz , Mahata Rahin , Chakraborty Partha Pratim , Maiti Animesh 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
While hypoglycemia is a frequent problem encountered in clinical practice, endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in a patient with diabetes is rare. Here, we describe such a case of recurrent hypoglycemia due to multifocal insulinoma (differential focal nesidioblastosis) in an adult patient with diabetes. The diagnostic dilemma, pitfalls in interpreting advanced imaging techniques, and difficulty in management of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia with underlying diabetes have been focused. The utility of acarbose and uncooked cornstarch to maintain euglycemia while combating two opposite sinister pathologies has been discussed. The novel association of antibody-negative Graves’ disease with insulinoma and nesidioblastosis is also reported in this study.
Severe hypercalcemia as the presenting manifestation of bilateral primary adrenal lymphoma
Authors: Chatterjee Subhankar , Raja M. D. Ramiz , Ranjan Prabhat , Chakraborty Partha Pratim , Maiti Animesh 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
Primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) is a rare tumor with fewer than 300 cases reported to date. In the absence of characteristic imaging features and diagnostic serum markers, a biopsy remains the definitive way to diagnose PAL. Although rituximab-based chemotherapeutic regimens have led to improved outcomes, late presentation, undetected, and untreated adrenal insufficiency result in a dismal prognosis. Although it is well known that hypercalcemia in malignancy carries a grave outcome, well documented cases of hypercalcemia association with PAL is very rarely described in the literature. Here, we describe a case of PAL that predominantly presented with gastrointestinal manifestations of hypercalcemia.
Longstanding iris foreign body to treat or not to treat!
Authors: Ramesh Arpitha , Umesh Y , Minija C K 
Published: July 2024

A 61 year female presented with whitish discolouration of left eye noticed few days ago with a forgotten history of trauma 28 years ago for which a consultation was made and was asked for review with orbital x-ray, which was not done as she was asymptomatic. On examination, her best corrected visual acuity was 6/6 both eyes. Examination of right eye was unremarkable except for early lens changes, while left eye showed a nebular corneal opacity, suggesting entry wound. A brown coloured foreign body was seen stuck to iris surface temporally, measuring 4*3mm with degenerative changes over it and exposing underlying pigment epithelium with focal cataract. Rest of anterior segment, gonioscopy and fundus examination were normal. A thorough search for other intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) was made, revealing no other IOFBs. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) demonstrated foreign body limited to iris surface, while orbital x-ray showed no evidence of metallic foreign body and electroretinogram (ERG) showed mildly decreased amplitude of b-wave.
Plan for foreign body removal with cataract surgery was made as per patient’s request for cosmesis, and was retrieved through viscoexpression after a failed attempt to remove it through magnetic forceps thereby confirming its non-metallic nature. Special care was taken during capsulorhexis to not damage the intact capsule. Rest of cataract surgery was performed as usual and anterior chamber wash was done to flush all the debris. Post operative picture shows an area of partial and full thickness iris defect while maintaining a good visual acuity. The debate for removal of longstanding, well encapsulated, inert foreign body over iris without functional impairment depends on multiple factors.[1,2] Which in our case was due to the patient’s demand for cosmesis.

Video link: https://youtu.be/pC3ZRoqxB8o
Application of Biomechanics in Medical Sciences
Authors: Jha Kamlesh , Gupta Manisha , Grover Alka 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Biomechanics, the study of the mechanical behavior of living organisms, finds numerous applications in medicine, from understanding normal physiological functions to designing medical devices and treatments. Biomechanics plays a vital role in various medical specialties and applications, from diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders to designing medical devices, optimizing rehabilitation strategies, and advancing regenerative medicine. Integrating biomechanics into medical physiology enhances our understanding of human function and drives innovation in medical technology and therapies.
Exploring the determinants of self-directed learning among medical undergraduates: A qualitative study
Authors: Krishnan Usha , Ravinder Thyagarajan , Dhason Therese Mary , Manikesi Suganthi , Chithsabesan Devi , Kalpanaraj Dorairaj 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:
The National Medical Council has recognized the importance of self-directed learning (SDL) for medical graduates and it has been included as one of the competencies for Indian Medical Graduates. The present study was conducted to explore different determinants, and the factors facilitating and deterring of SDL among medical undergraduates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted with 40 phase 2 MBBS students and data were collected through focused group discussions over a period of four weeks. A content analysis approach was used in the analysis.

RESULTS:
The participants included 23 women (58%) and 17 men (42%). The study revealed three main themes and six sub-themes as factors deterring SDL. The majority of participants (84%) favored individual learning, while a smaller number preferred team-based learning.

DISCUSSION:
Cognitive factors emerged as the most common barriers, including problems with initiation and engagement in SDL and the enormous amount of data available. Educational environmental factors, such as heavy workloads and time constraints, as well as frequent assessments, were also identified as barriers. Attitudinal and mental barriers encompassed issues like lack of practical experience, difficulties in adapting to new learning environments, and challenges in concentration and focus.

CONCLUSION:
Overall, this study fills gaps in our understanding of factors deterring students’ engagement in SDL and provides valuable insights for educators and institutions in implementing effective SDL activities. By addressing these barriers, medical education can equip students better to become lifelong learners and meet the evolving demands of the medical profession.
Effect of a structured health promotional program using the self-support groups on lifestyle behavior: The Ath Waas Interventional Trial
Authors: Wani Rabbanie Tariq , Nabi Sahila , Nazir Umar , Haq Inaamul , Khan S M Salim 
Published: July 2024

Background:

Ath Waas is a one-of-a-kind health promotion intervention that focuses on chronic disease prevention behaviors through peer support and social support network development. The goal of the study was to see how effective Ath Waas was in a city setting in India.

Materials and Methods:
From July 2018 to July 2019, we used a mixed-methods intervention research design including many sites. At 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 months, data were collected using participant surveys and in-person interviews. Throughout the research period, participants met in groups at least once a month to self-monitor health indicators, prepare and share a healthy snack, engage in physical activity, create a healthy lifestyle goal, and socialize. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test, and inferences were drawn thereof.

Results:
There were statistically significant improvements in the majority of the domains of health from pre- to post-program, and 59% of participants reported specific behavioral changes as a result of their participation in the Ath Waas. Peer support, obtaining particular health knowledge, inspiration, motivation, or accountability, the empowering effect of monitoring one’s own health indicators, overcoming social isolation, and knowing how to better access resources were all positive health outcomes. The mean knowledge scores for diabetes, hypertension, and nutrition in the first survey were 20.3 ± 2.1 and 5.2 ± 1.9 and in the last survey were 22.6 ± 3.1 (P < 0.05), 5.8 ± 2.4 (<.05), and 44.3 ± 3.9 (<0.001) after the intervention, respectively.

Conclusion:
The necessity to find novel approaches to chronic illness prevention and management drove the implementation and evaluation of Ath Waas. While more research is needed to confirm the current findings, it looks like Ath Waas could be a useful tool for empowering community members to support one another while promoting healthy lifestyle choices and recognizing early changes.

Clinical Trial Registry of India:
CTRI/2019/01/017028 (registered on 10/01/2019).
Effects of integrative behavioral couple therapy on communication patterns and marital adjustment
Authors: Salimi Chiman , Kachooei Mohsen , Dadashi Mohsen , Farahani Hojatullah 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:
Couples experience maladjustment and serious problems in establishing and maintaining intimate relationships. Therefore, therapists employ different methods for helping couples experience more intimate and compatible relationships. Nowadays, professionals are more interested in using integrative approaches than ever before. Integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT) is an exemplar of such methods. This study aimed to analyze the effects of IBCT on communication patterns and marital adjustment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This study included pretest and posttest steps with a control group. The statistical population included couples aged 20–45 years old visiting the counseling and psychological service centers of Tehran for marital conflicts in 2022. After the initial evaluation, 76 couples were selected as the sample through convenience sampling. They were then randomly assigned to the test and control groups. All participants were asked to fill out the Spanier Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and the Communication Patterns Questionnaire (CPQ) one week before the first intervention session and one week after the last intervention session. Participants in the test group attended eleven 90-minute sessions of IBCT, whereas those in the control group received no interventions in this period. The one-way ANCOVA was used for data analysis in SPSS 26.

RESULTS:
The results indicated that IBCT managed to significantly improve marital adjustment and constructive communication patterns. It reduced two communication patterns called “mutual avoidance” and “demand/withdraw” in the test group (P = 0.001). However, since the effect size of “demand/withdraw” was 0.26, this result should be interpreted cautiously.

CONCLUSION:
According to the research findings, Iranian couple therapists can employ IBCT to improve constructive communication patterns and mitigate destructive ones in couples. Given the effect size, IBCT increased dyadic cohesion, affection, dyadic satisfaction, and dyadic consensus as well as improving the marital adjustment of participants.
Modeling the structural equations of the corona anxiety level based on psychological hardness and physical activities in the treatment staff of Ilam Province with the mediator role of professional identity
Authors: Rezaei Shamseddin , Shams Morteza , Azizifar Akbar , Aibod Sehat , Gohari Ziba 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:
The increase in deaths due to COVID-19 has increased anxiety among the treatment staff. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to model the structural equations of the anxiety level of corona based on psychological hardness and physical activities in the treatment staff of Ilam province with the mediator role of professional identity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Based on the purpose, the method of this research is applied and based on how to obtain the data it is descriptive–correlational. The statistical population of the research includes all the treatment staff of Ilam province, with the number of 1900 people who were selected using Morgan’s table, 320 people with the stratified sampling method as the sample. To collect the data, four standard questionnaires were used: Alipour et al. (2020) coronavirus anxiety questionnaire, Kiamarsi et al. (1998) psychological hardness, Baecke et al. (1982) physical activity, Hao et al. (2014) professional identity, and their validity and reliability were also confirmed. To analyze the data, from the indicators of descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient test and structural equation model method (SEM) were used using SPSS and Amos software.

RESULTS:
The results of the research showed that psychological hardness, physical activities, and professional identity have a significant and inverse effect on the anxiety caused by corona, and the mediator role of professional identity in the relationship between physical activities and corona anxiety was confirmed, but this role was not confirmed in the relationship between psychological hardness and corona anxiety.

CONCLUSION:
To reduce the anxiety of the coronavirus in the treatment staff, the managers of the health and treatment centers of Ilam province should pay special attention to the employees’ perceptions of psychological hardness, physical activities, and professional identity and provide them with the opportunity to create sports activities.
Blood cross-matching using gel card technique compared to conventional tube technique: A diagnostic evaluation study
Authors: Pandey Aditi , Chandrakar Sonal , Lal Roshan , Chandrakar Kajal 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Conventional tube technique (CTT) is the most commonly used method for blood cross-matching in India. The gel card technique is the latest technique emerged and due to its accurate results, it is considered a method of choice for cross-matching.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to compare blood cross-matching using the gel card technique compared to CTT with and without anti-human globulin (AHG).

Materials and Methods:
A diagnostic evaluation study was conducted on 1500 blood samples. Patients’ blood samples were sent to the blood bank for routine cross-matching procedures. Both tube and gel techniques were used for Coombs cross-matching and their results were compared and analyzed.

Results:
In our study, males were slightly more than females. The most common indication for blood transfusion was associated with medical conditions (28.4%). The gel card technique was as accurate as CTT with AHG. It was 100% sensitive and specific. At the same, the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) are also 100%. The CTT sensitivity was 98.99% and it was 100% specific. The PPV was also 100% but the NPV was only 37.5% which means that the false-positive rate was very high with CTT compared to CTT with AHG. Because CTT without AHG in present study showed more false positive results as compared to gel matrix. The average time required for a single compatibility test by gel card method was 25 ± 3.5 min, while that for CTT with AHG was 90 ± 4.9 min (indirect antiglobulin test [IAT]) and 30 ± 3.8 min if IAT was not done. Thus, even though CTT with AHG was equally effective as that of the gel card method, but time taken was significantly more (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
The gel technique has definite advantages over the tube technique because of being able to give more accurate results, less chances of false-positive and false-negative results, interpretation of results more objective consistent and reproducible, and its shorter duration for cross-matching. However, in developing countries like India, the gel technique if applied widely, costs factor would come down and could be considered a better alternative to CTT to ensure successful transfusion.
Macrozoobenthos Communities Found In The Waters Of Mariah Bandar Springs
Authors: Sinambela Masdiana , Asiati Napitupulu Martina , Sinaga Tonggo 
Published: July 2024

Macrozoobenthos found in the waters of Mariah Bandar Springs, Pematang Bandar District, Simalungun Regency, along with physical and chemical parameters, where biological samples, namely macrozoobenthos, were taken using a quadrant and physical and chemical parameters of the water were taken using a dark colored sample bottle and then analyzed at the BTKL The waters that originate from the Mariah Bandar spring have very clear and shallow water, so that the bottom of the waters (substrate) can be seen directly, which consists of sandy rocks. The macrozoobenthos community in the waters of Mariah Bandar spring consists of four classes, namely Clitellata, Gastropod, Bivalvia, Insecta, and eight families, namely Lumbricidae, Thiaridae, Cyrenidae, Chironomidae, Gomphidae, Paludicola, Coenagrionidae, Libellulidae. The temperature at each observation station ranges from 220C – 350C, brightness ranges from 4 – 4.5 m from the surface, dissolved oxygen (DO) ranges from 6.84-8.25 mg/l, pH ranges from 7.36-8.85 , BOD ranged from 1.01-3.42 mg/l. In general, the physical and chemical parameters measured still support the life of freshwater organisms, unless the pH is classified as acid.
Interregional Cooperation Between Ukraine and the EU During Martial Law: Challenges and Dynamics Under the SDG'S
Authors: Lemko Yuliia , Dorosh Lesia , Zavada Yaryna , Stadnyk Olena , Bogoyavlenska Yuliya 
Published: July 2024

Objective: The research aims to study the specifics of the development of interregional cooperation between Ukraine and the EU under conditions of military conflict, including an analysis of programs and initiatives and the study of the relationship between problems and development directions.

Theoretical Framework: The development of interregional cooperation with EU member states requires considering the impact of the war on the political, economic, social, and environmental dimensions of cooperation between the regions involved.

Method: The research framework on interregional cooperation between Ukraine and the EU used methods of analysing literary sources, generalisation, and systematisation. The development assessment was based on expert evaluations of two groups and included correlation analysis using the JASP program functionality, specifically the "Bayesian Pearson Correlations" tool.

Results and Discussion: The study results indicate a high correlation between problems and directions of interregional cooperation development. The correlation analysis showed that political stability influences financial support for the economic stability of regions (r = -0.28 with BF₁₀ = 0.513). In turn, political cooperation in the formation of democratic reforms is significant for reducing the investment attractiveness of regions (r = 0.26 with BF₁₀ = 0.478), and the development of innovations requires additional financial investments for the effective implementation of cooperation programs (r = -0.25 with BF₁₀ = 0.461).

Research Implications: The initiatives for financial support of regions are closely related to solving environmental problems (r = -0.39 with BF₁₀ = 0.869), one of the biggest threats to further cooperation development between Ukraine and the EU.

Originality/Value: The development of interregional cooperation between Ukraine and the EU under martial law requires an integrated approach to adapting programs and initiatives.