bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of dose reduction of dutasteride in combination with alpha-blockers in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic enlargement
Authors: Abou-Farha Mohamed , Hagras Ayman , Nagla Salah 
Published: April 2024

Context:
Dutasteride is used in the treatment of benign prostate enlargement with reported many side effects.

Aims:
The purpose of this study is to examine how different doses of dutasteride (0.5 mg) in combination with tamsulosin affect the outcome of treatment of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).

Settings and Design:
Prospective study (phase III trial).

Subjects and Methods:
Between April 2017 and March 2020, this randomized study was conducted on 300 patients with moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms attributable to BPE and a prostate volume of more than 40 cc. The patients were divided into three therapy groups at random (one-to-one randomization), each with 100 patients: (Group I) daily tamsulosin 0.4 mg plus dutasteride (0.5 mg). (Group II) every other day tamsulosin 0.4 mg plus dutasteride 0.5 mg. (Group III) once a week tamsulosin 0.4 mg plus dutasteride 0.5 mg.

Statistical Analysis:
Statistical analysis was carried out with the help of the SPSS program 22. (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). The mean and standard deviation (SD) are used to express quantitative data (SD). When comparing two means, an independent-samples t-test of significance was used. To compare more than two means, a one-way analysis of variance was utilized. For multiple comparisons between distinct variables, a post
hoc test was performed.

Results:
Patients were followed up every 3 months, with a 1-year follow-up to examine the medications’ efficacy, prostate size reduction, and erectile function. After 1 year of treatment, all groups showed significant improvement in their symptom scores. However, Groups I and II experienced a considerable reduction in prostate size after therapy, but Group III experienced no meaningful reduction. In terms of sexual dysfunction, there was a considerable shift in Group I after 12 months.

Conclusions:
Dutasteride treatment on the other day schedule has the same efficacy as the daily dose on prostate size at the same time; the other day scheduled dose has better preservation of sexual function.
A prospective observational study on the efficacy of procalcitonin as a diagnostic test to exclude lower urinary tract infection and to minimize antibiotic overuse
Authors: Acharya Swastik , Mishra Sanjukta , Ghosh Arpan , Patro Shubhransu 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Urinary tract infection (UTI) stands out as the third-most common infection following gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections. Over the past decade, the biomarker procalcitonin (PCT) has gained prominence to facilitate the detection of bacterial infections and reduce excessive antibiotic exposure.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to mitigate the overuse of antibiotics, by promoting the noninitiation or early discontinuation of empirical antibiotics, which would significantly help minimize the proliferation of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Methodology:
A prospective observational study was carried out at the tertiary care center in the Department of General Medicine of Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, involving 200 patients with symptoms of lower UTI such as increased frequency, urgency, burning micturition, retention, and suprapubic tenderness with or without positive urinalysis. Detailed demographic profiles along with symptoms at the time of admission were recorded in a pretested structured format. To determine a positive diagnosis of UTI, signs and symptoms of UTI with or without urinary cultures were tested. The PCT level was estimated using enhanced chemiluminescence technique. Other routine tests such as complete blood count, renal function test, liver function test, urine routine microscopy, culture, chest X-ray, and ultrasonography abdomen pelvis were done and recorded. All patients, who had an initial serum PCT level of < 0.5 ng/mL, were kept under observation with only conservative and symptomatic treatments. Patients were further reviewed for improvement in symptoms and repeat urine microscopy. All patients, who had an initial serum PCT level of > 0.5 ng/mL, were initiated with antibiotics as per the culture and sensitivity reports. Patients were followed up for improvement in symptoms with reports of repeated urinalysis.

Results:
Our study reported the fact that 9.5% of the patients with initial serum PCT ≥ 0.5 ng/mL showed no improvement in symptoms despite starting antibiotics while significantly higher number of symptomatic patients (60%) with initial serum PCT < 0.5 ng/ml showed improvement in symptoms with conservative treatment without antibiotics.

Conclusion:
A lower PCT level rules out bacterial invasion and thus can be used as a novel marker in antibiotic stewardship.
Comparative Analysis of Encryption Algorithms Using Simulation Technique
Authors: Yabo Aminu S. , Aliyu Mansur , Auyo Salihu G. , Ali Amiru , Haruna Abdullahi M. , Rugga Bashar F. 
Published: April 2024

The unprotected electronic document may be subjected to a data breach in which private or sensitive information is stolen, taken, altered, copied, communicated, viewed, or used without authorization. This study evaluates the four most common encryption algorithms like Data Encryption Standard (DES) Algorithms, Rivest Cipher2 Algorithm (RC2), Triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES), and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). This aims to compare four (4) encryption algorithms using simulation in VB.NET programming approach that uses time and data size parameters to encrypt and decrypt data with greater efficiency. The simulation comparison technique using the VB.Net programming was adopted as the method for the study. A graphical user interface (GUI) was developed, and four algorithms were programmed to evaluate their performance based time and data size. As a result, the four Encryption Algorithms were evaluated and found that the Advanced Encryption Standard algorithm (AES) performs much faster in VB.Net.
Understanding the link between urban household food insecurity and contraceptive use among reproductive-age women in Lideta Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Goda Ephrem Tadesse , Boshera Terefe Degefa , Aredo Mengistu Ketema 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The enhancement of reproductive health in women can result in an improvement of children’s nutritional status resulting in improvement of reproductive health. This association is important for sustainable population growth without overusing resources. This study aims to examine the relationship between household food insecurity and contraceptive use.Method: A study was conducted on 651 reproductive-age women in three randomly selected Woredas (districts), Lideta Sub-city from February to March 2023. Six Ketenas (villages) were selected using a probability proportional to size technique from three Woredas. Data were collected through a validated survey by trained individuals, and household income and expenditure were used to measure food insecurity access. The Pearson chi-square test (c2) and logistic regression were used to examine the relationship between household food insecurity and contraceptive use, considering other covariates.Result: Modern contraception usage was at 50.5% in the study area. Women with food insecurity had only a 32.0% usage rate, while those who were food secure had the higher rate of 68.7%. Women in food-insecure households had a 76.5% lower chance of using modern contraception. Positive attitude, family planning information, partner discussion, income, and childhood mortality were associated with contraceptive use (p <0.05).Conclusion: Use of modern methods of contraception showed a negative correlation with food insecurity. Therefore, addressing household food insecurity as a potential obstacle to the development of family planning services requires comprehensive stakeholder engagement and socio-economic policy intervention.
Antioxidant status and acute phase reactants in pregnant women infected with Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Atere Adedeji D. , Kosamat Yekeen A. , Oluwatuyi Precious O. , Chukwuemeka Cinderella E. 
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION: Malaria during pregnancy remains a public health issue. The most deadly plasmodium, Plasmodium falciparum, kills about 40% of the world's population, especially pregnant women and children under five. In pregnant women infected with Plasmodium falciparum, MDA, CAT, H2O2, SOD, and GPx were measured as oxidative stress markers and SAA and CRP as acute-phase proteins.
METHODS: A total of 90 subjects were recruited for this study, which was subdivided into 30 pregnant women infected with malaria (PWM), 35 pregnant women not infected with malaria (PWN), and 25 healthy women without pregnancy (WWP) who served as the control groups. 5mls of venous blood was collected and dispensed into appropriate bottles for malaria parasite assessment using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and MDA, CAT, H2O2, SOD, GPx, SAA, and CRP analysis using conventional laboratory techniques. Statistical analysis was done, and P values under 0.05 were significant.
RESULTS: The PWM and PWN groups had significantly higher MDA and H2O2 values, but SOD, GPx, and CAT values were significantly lower (p<0.05). When comparing CRP and SAA levels between PWM, PWN, and control groups, both groups with pregnancy had significantly greater levels (p<0.05). A negative correlation (r = -0.442, p<0.05) was found between MDA and SAA, while positive correlations were seen between CAT and CRP, and SOD and SAA in pregnant women with malaria.
CONCLUSION: This study found that malaria during pregnancy increases oxidants and decreases antioxidant enzymes, causing oxidative stress. This study showed that CRP and SAA may indicate malaria infections.
Second Anatomy Annual Congress in Rwanda - October 15, 2023
Authors: SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ANATOMY OF RWANDA (S-CAR)  
Published: April 2024

Theme: Anatomy for patients’ safety and professional growth
It is with great honor that I welcome you to our 2nd anatomy annual congress. This year’s theme is “Anatomy for Patients’ Safety and Professional Growth.” Understanding anatomy is crucial for patient safety and professional development as it forms the cornerstone of healthcare practice. For accurate diagnosis and treatment, a solid understanding of anatomy is necessary in all areas, including the physical examination of a patient, the interpretation of symptoms, the interpretation of radiological images, and the comprehension of pathological illnesses. Thus, it may be claimed that a good healthcare worker is one who can use anatomical knowledge to give his or her patients high-quality care.
Patient safety is a concern in healthcare practice not just in Rwanda but globally, as it directly impacts the quality of care, patient outcomes, and public trust in healthcare. Rwanda is a low- and middle-income country with a developing healthcare infrastructure, and it is important that patient safety is a priority. This is why the 2nd Anatomy Congress of S-CAR offers the ideal setting for professionals to collaborate and share experiences, learn from specialists, embrace ongoing advancements in anatomy education, and advance patient safety and professional development in Rwanda and Africa.
Our participation in this S-CAR congress is a testament to our commitment to the well-being of our patients and our passion for professional growth. We will all promise to uphold not only the anatomy profession in Rwanda but also to support patient safety and carry the torch for our professional advancement. The 2nd Anatomy Annual Congress program offers an interesting package for both professionals and students, with 39 presentations subdivided into six sessions (medical education, learning assessment, anatomical study, anatomical variations, surgical anatomy, neuroanatomy, and neuroscience). This conference will help appreciate the beauty of the anatomy sciences and its importance in patient safety and professional growth in Rwanda. On behalf of S-CAR, I would like to express my gratitude to the sponsors of this congress, namely: UR, Operation Smile, and MMI.
Deep Learning Based Identification and Classification of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Hema Latha Indukuri  , Gayatri Mantena  , Shiri Ananya Penmethsa  , Sri Vignya Kusumpudi  
Published: April 2024

A major factor contributing to blindness in diabetic people is diabetic retinopathy (DR). Early detection and classification are crucial for preventing vision loss. This study investigates the efficacy of deep learning models for identifying and classifying DR in retinal images. We deployed 9 different pre-trained models and one developed CNN model. The pre-trained models include ResNet 18,ResNet 50, DenseNet 121, DenseNet 169,, DenseNet 201, EfficientNet B5, MobileNetV2, InceptionV3, and Xception and CNN model was developed with 64,32 dense layers for binary classification differentiating DR and those without (non-DR). The models are trained and validated, evaluated on a retinal image dataset labelled for DR presence. The study analyses the accuracy of both the training, validation, and test datasets for each model in identifying DR. Notably, MobileNetV2 achieved the highest accuracy, outperforming the remaining models with an accuracy of 98 percent on test dataset.
Kualitas Produk, Citra Merek dan Harga Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Smartphone OPPO
Authors: Puspita Sari Indah , Gunaningrat Rayhan 
Published: April 2024

Abstrak
Perkembangan dunia bisnis terutama industri produk smartphone di Indonesia mengalami peningkatan yang sangat pesat. Hal ini dikarenakan beberapa perusahaan smartphone mengeluarkan produk terbarunya dalam merebut pasar persaingan khususnya pada industri smartphone. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui kualitas produk, citra merek dan harga terhadap pembelian smartphone OPPO. Metode penelitian dalam penulisan ini menggunakan penyebaran kuesioner. Hasil dari penelitian yang dilakukan bahwa variabel kualitas produk dan citra merek tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian sedangkan variabel harga berpengaruh signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian. Pada variabel kualitas produk, citra merek, harga bersama-sama berpengaruh signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian.
Penerapan Tarif Pajak Pph Pasal 21 Bagi Karyawan Bank Jateng Ditahun 2021
Authors: Rachma Putri Ari , Estiningtyastuti Estiningtyastuti 
Published: April 2024

Abstrak
PPh pasal 21 merupakan pajak yang terutang atas penghasilan yang menjadi kewajiban untuk membayarnya. Yang dimaksud dengan pendapatan tidak hanya gaji tetapi juga honorarium, tunjangan dan pembayaran lainnya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui beban pajak dengan menerapkan 3 metode yaitu Metode Netto, Metode Gross, dan Metode Gross Up. Metode analisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kuantitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data ini menggunakan teknik wawancara dengan narasumber. Sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa penerapan metode gross-up memberikan keuntungan bagi kedua belah pihak.
What norms do team-based leadership development event teams use to create a culture of success?
Authors: Jacobsen Thomas , Bush Sarah , Conners James , Cletzer D. Adam 
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify norms and culture of teams who qualified for competition in team-based Leadership Development Events (LDEs) at the 2020 [State] State Virtual LDEs. We extrapolated differences in team norms and culture from the Agricultural Issues Forum, Parliamentary Procedure, and Conduct of Chapter Meetings (CCM) from interviews with the advisors of the teams. We conducted interviews via phone, voice recorded, and transcribed them for analysis. We open coded interviews in a meaning making process. From the interview data, we determined teams whose norms were student driven, Agricultural Issues Forum teams, had more of a team development experience, had more buy-in and experienced more elements of cooperation. Teams with advisor-driven norms, Parliamentary Procedure and CCM teams, were more focused on the competition and winning; in addition, individual accountability was a common theme. Accountability, cooperation, dedication, focus, and resilience emerged as themes in team culture. This information can be used to assist FFA chapter advisors in preparing their students and structuring team development plans to assist students in developing team-related employability skills.
Mental Health and Ayurveda: A Review
Authors: Khayamali Dr. Renu , Bhat Sowmya , Khayamali Rameswori 
Published: April 2024

Around 450 million people currently suffer from mental diseases, placing mental disorders among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide while mental health services in South-East Asia tend to be urban-centered and hospital-based and 80%-90% of populations have no access to treatment. The prevalence of the mental disorders are increasing day-by-day globally.
The equilibrium between the dosha-dhatu-mala (physiological functioning), mind, body and soul is considered as health in Ayurveda. The emphasis is given to the normal functioning of the emotion, cognition and mental health, and mental faculties of an individual has been indicated as the nidana (etiological factor) for many physical and mental disorder.
The mental faculties of an individual is described in term of manas in ayurveda. The word manas is derived from root word mana which means to think and it is considered to be the cause of mental well being. In the contemporary science the mind and brain activities are considered complimentary. In Ayurvedic text vivid description about manas (mind), causes, treatment and prevention of manasa vyadhi (mental disorder) are given and the mental well being is considered most important.
The causes of mental disorder are multitude in Ayurveda. The prime cause of manasa vyadhi(mental disorder) is pragyaparadha (volitional transgression). Other causes include violation of sadvritta (code of conduct), improper aahara and vihaara (food and lifestyle) or even may be due to the papa karma(sinful act) performed in this life or previous life. Even the physical disease can be the etiology of mental disorder and vice-versa.
The emphasis in swasthavritta(health regimens), sadvritta(correct behaviour, code of conduct), achara rasayana (ideal behaviour), medhya rasayana (nootropic drugs)and yoga are given in Ayurveda to prevent from mental ailments. The treatment of manasa vyadhi may be different according to the hetu(causes) or the symptoms of the individual. The therapeutic approaches are different to each and every individual according to the vitiated shariraka (vata, pitta and kapha )and manasika dosha (raja and tama).
The aim of this paper will be to collect the description regarding the mental health in the ayurvedic text and to describe its relevance in the present context and their role in the maintenance of mental wellbeing.
Mehmet Ozan Sungurlu, the legendary Turkish petroleum geologist
Authors: Mulayim Oguz 
Published: April 2024

Abstract. On the occasion of 29 October 2023, the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, I would like to pay tribute to M. Ozan Sungurlu (1939–1990), one of the most important non-academic competent Turkish field and petroleum geologists, and a pioneer of geological field observations throughout Türkiye. His scientific studies were published in numerous articles, many of which were co-authored by Turkish geologists. This article was written in memory and appreciation of M. Ozan Sungurlu, who made a great contribution to the field of geology in Türkiye and whose importance to Türkiye is undisputed. M. Ozan Sungurlu will be remembered as a valuable geoscientist whose passion and legacy we should share with future generations.
Dynamic modeling and performance analysis of the 2PRU-PUU parallel mechanism
Authors: Sun Tianze , Ye Wei , Yang Chao , Huang Fengli 
Published: April 2024

Abstract. This paper investigates the dynamic modeling and performance analysis of the 2PRU-PUU reconfigurable parallel mechanism (RPM); here, P, R, and U denote the prismatic, revolute, and universal joints, respectively. By altering one of the rotation axes of the reconfigurable universal joint in limb 3, the mechanism can be switched into two operation modes, 1R2T and 2R1T. The authors resort to the Lagrangian equations of the first kind to derive the dynamic model of the 2PRU-PUU RPM. The optimal driving force distribution is determined to solve the problem of the non-uniqueness solution in dynamic analysis. The dynamic formulations are verified with the results obtained in ADAMS software. The dynamic manipulability ellipsoid index, which offers a quantitative assessment of the ability in manipulating the end effector, is used to assess the dynamic performance of the mechanism. Then, the distribution characteristics of the rotational and translational dynamic performance of the RPM are derived.
Isotope study of monthly rainfall and its response in the Santos Formation phreatic aquifer, Mesa de Los Santos, Santander (Colombia)
Authors: Cetina Maria Alejandra , Taupin Jean-Denis , Gómez Sully , Patris Nicolas 
Published: April 2024

Abstract. Mesa de Los Santos is an elevated plateau located in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia (Andean region) in the Department of Santander (altimetric variation 300 to 1800 m a.s.l.). The region is marked by a shortage of potable surface water. The isotopic study of the rain and its relation to Los Santos Formation phreatic and fractured aquifer was carried out. Four rain stations were installed on top of the plateau (1275 to 1684 m a.s.l.) to collect monthly rainwater samples for stable isotopes. The rainwater stations recorded 1469 to 764 mm from North to South, and the seasonal patterns of stable isotopes were similar in all stations. The preliminary Local Meteoric Water Line is δ2H = 8.22×δ18O + 13.9, slightly above the GMWL with an intercept of +13.9 ‰, possibly indicating continental vapor recycling. The rain-weighted annual isotope means showed more depleted values in the southmost rain station (δ18O = −8.99 ‰, 1275 m a.s.l.). From the phreatic and fractured aquifer, 35 groundwater points were monitored bimonthly for stable isotopes (n=134) and three trends were differentiated in the isotopic content value of δ18O. Large temporal variability characterized 10 groundwater points (amplitudes greater than 1 ‰ in δ18O for each point) consistently with the seasonal behaviour of the rain, indicating flows with rapid transit on a monthly scale. 21 groundwater points showed a low temporal variability with year-round differences under 1 ‰ and presenting a spatial distribution of δ18O with enriched values towards the north (between −6.71 ‰ and −6.00 ‰) and depleted values towards the south (−8.97 ‰ to −8.14 ‰), which tends to be also consistent with the rainwater isotope distribution observed. The stability of year-round groundwater isotopic values is a sign of efficient mixing of groundwater and a slower transit. Finally, 4 groundwater points presented signs of evaporation, showing d-excess values between −6.4 ‰ and +4.3 ‰, in connection with surface water bodies that undergo evaporation before infiltration.