bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dyslipidemia as a risk factor for acute myocardial infarction in postmenopausal women: An observational study
Authors: Som Pradipta , Seth Bikas C , Acharyya Malay 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objective:
This study has evaluated risk factors, especially dyslipidemia, for an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in postmenopausal women.

Materials and Methods:
This was a hospital-based, observational, single-center study among 100 postmenopausal women admitted to the medicine ward with AMI. They were categorized based on lipid profile groups, viz., dyslipidemic group and non-dyslipidemic group. All clinical parameters were studied between the groups.

Results:
Among anthropometric profiles, in the comparison of mean height (cm), weight (kg), body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), and waist circumference (WC) (cm) for the dyslipidemic group and non-dyslipidemic group, only WC was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Most patients were hospitalized between 6 and 12 h after the onset of symptoms. At the time of hospitalization, most patients from both groups were observed to have diabetes and hypertension with poor control of postprandial blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P < 0.05). The dyslipidemic group’s mean C-reactive protein was higher (P < 0.05). The comparison of mean total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol in mg/dL, and TG: high density lipoprotein was significantly increased (P < 0.001), while high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (mg/dL) was significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in the dyslipidemic group. ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is standard in both groups. The maximum patient has regional wall motion abnormality in echocardiography after day 3 of admission. Among the dyslipidemic group, ejection fraction was on the lower side, and the predominant complication was in the left ventricular failure (LVF) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
WC has a positive association with patients with AMI who have dyslipidemia and can be used as an indicator of the risk of AMI when BMI is normal. WC is a surrogate marker of abdominal fat mass (subcutaneous and intra-abdominal); increased WC is a significant component marker of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance related to cardiovascular mortality. There was poor glycemic control and blood pressure (mainly DBP) among the dyslipidemic patients. Hypertriglyceridemia is the most common lipid abnormality, followed by hypercholesterolemia among the dyslipidemic group. LVF is the most common complication in dyslipidemic patients.
Clinical presentation and fungal species distribution in otomycosis in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Samorekar Arjunsing Vijaysing , N Sai Sarath , N Manoj Kumar , S Sweta , Kumar Praveen , SA Lakshminararyana 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objective:
Otomycosis is a common fungal ear infection in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. This study aimed to perform mycological analysis on fungal debris from the external auditory canals of the patients to study the most common clinical presentation and fungal species distribution in otomycosis.

Materials and Methods:
Patients who met the inclusion criteria for this cross-sectional study were included and evaluated after providing written informed consent. After obtaining a thorough medical history, ear swabs for culture, sensitivity, and potassium hydroxide were provided. Patients with positive culture results were studied between September 2019 and March 2021.

Results:
Among 103 cases observed for 18 months in the Department of ENT, Rajarajeswari Medical College, and Hospital, Bengaluru, India, we found that males (56.31%) were more affected than females (43.68%). Itching (67.96%) was the most primary and common symptom that was observed, followed by pain (20.38%), and the most common predisposing factor was the usage of earbuds (26.21%) followed by water in the ear (23.3%) and oil in the ear (16.50%). Unilateral infection was most common (96%), and the left ear was most affected (64.07%). Aspergillus niger was the most common fungal isolate (60.19%), and otomycosis was very common in postmonsoon (October–December) (58.25%).

Conclusion:
The most frequent fungal isolates in otomycosis are from the Aspergillus and Candida species. The left ear was typically affected by otomycosis, which frequently had a unilateral predominance. The most common clinical symptoms were itching and pain.
Achromobacter Spp.: A retrospective review of rare and emerging pathogen
Authors: Sinha Soni , Raj Nikhil , Dobhal Shipra , Das Anupam , Agarwal Jyotsna 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background:

Achromobacter spp. is a rare nosocomial pathogen known to cause many serious infections like bloodstream infection, osteomyelitis, meningitis, urinary tract infections, corneal ulceration, peritonitis, and endocarditis.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, we retrospectively analyzed all the bacteriological sample records from the bacteriology database from January 2021 to December 2021 to determine the prevalence of Achromobacter spp.

Result:
Nine patients with Achromobacter xylosoxidans causing bacterial infection were identified, from whom five blood samples, two pus, one respiratory sample, one central venous pressure (CVP), and one cerebrospinal fluid were found positive for Achromobacter spp., among whom one was a 6-year-old patient having the same organism from two different body sites—CVP line and cerebrospinal fluid. Five patients had coinfection with another organism, whereas acute kidney injury was the most common comorbidity.

Conclusion:
In our single-center experience, approximately 50% of the cases with Achromobacter denitrificans bacteremia suffered from chronic kidney disease and had a history of antibiotic therapy, hospitalization, and the presence of devices. Active research on rising trends of Achromobacter spp. needs to be promoted.
A Qualitative Study of the Knowledge, Experiences, Perceived Roles, Cultural Barriers, and Skills of Community Pharmacists Dealing with Saudi Patients with Asthma
Authors: Alzayer Reem 
Published: March 2023

Background:
In Saudi Arabia, asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases. Previous studies have identified that asthma management can be influenced by patients’ cultural beliefs and levels of asthma education. Therefore, community pharmacists should have good knowledge of both asthma and Saudi cultural beliefs to be able to effectively educate Saudi patients.

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to explore Saudi community pharmacists’ knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on providing care for Saudi patients with asthma.

Materials and Methods:
A qualitative method was employed to conduct semistructured interviews in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Community pharmacists were interviewed on the phone using an interview guide, and participants were recruited purposively. Verbatim transcripts of interviews were then thematically analyzed.

Results:
Analysis of 22 interviews resulted in five emergent themes: (1) lack of asthma knowledge among community pharmacists; (2) cultural and religious issues; (3) counseling issues; (4) patient medication issues and navigating the healthcare system; and (5) the need for asthma recourse and training. The findings indicate that community pharmacists have unsatisfactory levels of asthma knowledge and lack access to asthma guidelines in Saudi Arabia. It was also evident that the asthma management of Saudi patients was influenced by patients’ cultural and religious beliefs, which pharmacists needed to consider during patient counseling.

Conclusions:
Due to the lack of knowledge about asthma among our participants, there is an urgent need for asthma training. Furthermore, pharmacists should consider the impact of cultural issues on Saudi asthma patients to achieve better clinical outcomes.
Algebraicity of L-values attached to quaternionic modular forms
Authors: Bouganis Thanasis , Jin Yubo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we prove the algebraicity of some L-values attached to quaternionic modular forms. We follow the rather well-established path of the doubling method. Our main contribution is that we include the case where the corresponding symmetric space is of non-tube type. We make various aspects very explicit, such as the doubling embedding, coset decomposition, and the definition of algebraicity of modular forms via CM-points.
Students using programming for pure and applied mathematics investigations
Authors: Buteau Chantal , Broley Laura , Dreise Kirstin , Muller Eric 
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we recount our research on undergraduate mathematics students learning to use programming for mathematics investigation projects. More precisely, we focus on how a particular theoretical perspective (the Instrumental Approach) helps us better understand this student activity. Pulling data from students' and instructors' experiences in a sequence of courses (offered since 2001), our results expose, at the micro and macro levels, how the student activity is organized (through stable 'ways of doing'), and highlights the complexity of this activity (as an intertwined web of 'ways of doing' involving a combination of both mathematics and programming competencies). We end with concrete recommendations to instructors.
Dans cet article, nous présentons notre recherche sur les étudiants de premier cycle en mathématiques apprenant à utiliser la programmation pour des projets d'investigation en mathématiques. Plus précisément, nous nous concentrons sur la façon dont une certaine perspective théorique (l'Approche instrumentale) nous aide à mieux comprendre cette activité de l’étudiant. S’appuyant sur des données des expériences d’étudiants et d’instructeurs dans une séquence de cours (offerts depuis 2001), nos résultats décrivent comment l'activité de l’étudiant est organisée (par le biais de «façons de faire» stables), et met en évidence la complexité de cette activité (comme un réseau entrelacé de « manières de faire » impliquant une combinaison de compétences en mathématiques et en programmation). Nous terminons par quelques recommandations concrètes pour les instructeurs.
Analysis of the use of industry 4.0 technologies as competitive advantage
Authors: León García Omar Alexánder , Madinabeitia Damián 
Published: March 2023

Industry 4.0 was born amid a technological breakthrough and development which set information out to become a valuable element in strengthening competitive advantages and innovation processes to improve organizations productivity performance. For this, the scientific and business community is debating the negative and positive effects of these technologies and their relationship with business management, in the search for sustainable solutions for organizations. In this sense, the main purpose of this article is to identify the perceptions of SME managers in Colombia on the importance of implementing information technologies to promote competitive advantages that match the pace of industry 4.0. The research method used in the study was analysed by sampling using the questionnaire as a data collection tool. 75 managers provided complete and useful answers to this research. The collected data were analysed using different regression models were carried out; showing like principal results that a greater use of these technologies generates a positive impact on the competitive ad-vantage related to price/cost, quality, delivery reliability, product innovation and time to market. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to the analysis.
Curcumin reduce creatine kinase (CK) levels without decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels after 24 hours of high-intensity physical exercise
Authors: Kusnanik Nining Widyah , Ayubi Novadri , Herawati Lilik , Jatmiko Tutur , Muin Abd. , Bird Stephen P. 
Published: March 2023

This study aims to analyze the effect of curcumin on serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and malondialdehyde (MDA) after 24 hours of high-intensity physical exercise. This experimental study used a pre and post-control group design. A total of 18 healthy men with an average age of 23 years participated in this study. Subjects were selected using a random sampling technique and then the subjects were divided into 2 groups, namely the group given a placebo and the group given curcumin at a dose of 400 mg. On the first day, all subjects took data on the characteristics of the research subjects, and then the subjects did the high-intensity physical exercise in the form of squad and leg press exercises with an intensity of 80-90% of maximum ability. On the second day, after 24 hours, all subjects took pre-test data samples to measure serum CK and MDA levels, then the intervention was given based on their respective groups. On the third day, after 24 hours, all subjects took post-test blood samples to measure CK and MDA serum levels. Blood samples were analyzed in the laboratory using the ELISA method. The results of this study reported that the group given a placebo did not significantly reduce serum CK levels, while the group with curcumin at a dose of 400 mg could significantly reduce CK levels (p<0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant decrease in serum MDA levels in the placebo group or the curcumin group (p>0.05). It can be concluded that the administration of curcumin after 24 hours after high-intensity weight training was able to reduce serum CK levels without a decrease in MDA serum levels. Since the decrease in serum CK levels is an essential part of recovery during muscle damage. Therefore, curcumin is recommended to be taken after 24 hours after exercise to speed up recovery.
Keywords: Curcumin; creatine kinase; malondialdehyde; muscle damage; free radicals; physical training
The Usage of Mediation in Interpersonal Bias Mitigation
Authors: Pillai Salini , Elkin Natalie 
Published: March 2023

Oftentimes, biases, whether conscious or unconscious, may be easily identifiable from language choices; however, the most effective approach to address such mindsets is more ambiguous. Small tonal inflections, negative body language, and accusatory language choices are commonplace approaches to addressing bias which can result in defensive behavior, ultimately preventing people from processing new information, a function that is imperative in reduction of bias. Such approaches may also anger those who express biased viewpoints, thus, causing an increase in heart rate (Kreibig, 2010). This increase shifts decision making from the frontal lobe, involved with morality and rational thought, to the limbic system which is involved with emotional thinking and impulsivity. Additionally, past studies have linked such physiological changes to a reduced capacity to adequately reason and evaluate societal problems (Grossman et. al., 2016).
Although mediation is a strategy used in the legal field to facilitate conversations, this procedure may be applied to other fields, whereby the strategic process may prevent escalation and reduce biases. The techniques that mediators use in facilitating conversations could be key to addressing bias in interpersonal interactions. Alternatively, though the accusatory approach is most commonly used in addressing bias, the efficacy of such an approach is questionable.
This study aimed to test the effects of these two approaches by presenting subjects with both in a controlled setting and attempting to see whether or not mediation should have a role in addressing biases and reducing prejudice. Results indicated that mediation was more successful in minimizing increases in heart-rate.
The Design & Implementation of a Self-adaptive Hybrid Electric Skateboard
Authors: Tan Sicheng , Akin Bilal 
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a novel electric skateboard control architecture to hybridize the skater's manual operation and electric motor drive. The proposed scheme does not need a handheld remote controller for steering; hence provides better man-machine coordination and enhances the safety of new skaters. For this purpose, a torque-speed control algorithm is designed to compensate for the manual acceleration force and rolling resistance by sensing the motor's speed, acceleration, and torque outputs. The compensation level is configurable according to the skater's comfortableness. The proposed electric control solution also enhances the battery mileage per charging and can be applied to various electric skateboards since it does not require a dedicated weight/pressure sensor to detect if the skater is on or off the board. The control scheme is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink and experimentally verified by a controller based on C2000 DSP that supports sensorless brushless DC(BLDC) motor drive.
Cross-Cultural Analysis of Social Media Addiction Likelihood and Social Media Designs in the US and China
Authors: Ong Eva , Lee Paris 
Published: March 2023

Social media platforms or Social Network Sites(SNSs) are platforms we incorporate into our daily lives. They connect individuals from around the globe, present us with information, and provide content tailored to our interests. However, social media addiction in certain communities like the youth has become widespread. In order to understand where social media addiction stems from, we must first explore the motivations behind its use and the design features that social media companies incorporate into their platforms to make them addictive.
In this review, we will discuss how motivations for social media use are not homogeneous and differ by culture. As risks for social media addiction differ based on use cases and design, this review serves to see how social media design in China differs from those in the US based on their cultural differences. It will be seen that collectivist communities tend to have higher rates of social media addiction however, this is amplified through social media platforms’ employment of certain design features that play to these cultural features. As a result, these companies have increased the likelihood of social media addiction in already susceptible communities.
Equality Means Business: Factors Affecting Indian Women-Owned Small Business’s Scalability & Impact of Entrepreneurship On Financial Independence
Authors: Singh Maanya 
Published: March 2023

The lack of women’s economic participation and financial independence is a major contributor to gender inequality in India. The creation of women-owned MSME businesses in the cottage and F&B industry not only provides women with job opportunities, but also empowers them in the sense that they no longer need to be socioeconomically subordinate to their male representatives. Towards this need, the aim of this study was to understand the factors that impact the financial independence of India’s urban-based women entrepreneurs owning small F&B businesses, as well as evaluate the impact of entrepreneurship on their social and economic empowerment. The sample set of the data were 21 urban India-based female entrepreneurs, between the ages of 20-60 years of age, owning small (less than 10 employees) businesses. The interviews and surveys were conducted in English. The results of this research study have established that the creation of MSME enterprises results in a significant increase in Indian women’s financial independence and social empowerment. While the 95% entrepreneurs aspire to upscale their business ventures, they are being held back by a lack of access to mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and financial support. Qualitative analysis evidenced the ability of entrepreneurship to socially empower Indian women, through the formation of a professional identity, as well as newfound economic self-sufficiency. These findings imply that entrepreneurship is a tool that can be leveraged by government and non-profit organizations to radically increase Indian women’s financial independence and economic participation, leading to an increase in social empowerment as well.
Anthropometric Study of the Nasal Index of Adult Native of Ikwerre of Rivers State, Nigeria.
Authors: Agburum G. C , Horsfall A. U , Victor P.D , Ajie P.C , Okpara P. E , Reuben Reuben, E , Nkpurukwe C.I. , Otto B.J. , George B.O 
Published: March 2023

Background: The human nose differs in its anatomy and morphology among different ethnic groups. The nasal index is a vital measurement for classifying the ethnic groups and sex of an individual. The study aims at determine the nasal index of adult male and female Ikwerre natives in relation to age and to show its interest in forensic anthropology.
Materials and methods: Three hundred and thirty subjects (160 males and 170 females) aged 20–59 years were recruited for this study. Nasal height and width were measured using a digital Vernier caliper. The nasal index was calculated as nasal width/nasal height ×100.
Results: The mean nasal index of females aged 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 years were 87.45±0.85, 94.69±1.30, 93.90±1.71, and 93.94±1.39 respectively. The mean nasal index of males aged 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 years were 94.22±0.8, 90.46±1.45, 90.24±1.10, and 99.46±1.68 respectively. The nasal index of overall males and females was 77.22±2.11 and 94.23±0.90 respectively. The higher nasal index was observed in males within the age groups 20–29 and 50–59 years, as compared to the females, who had a higher nasal index within the age groups 30-39 and 40–49 years. The result revealed sexual dimorphism.
Conclusion: This study showed that males in the Ikwerre ethnicity fall within the Mesorrhine nose type while females have the Platyrrhine nose type.