bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The novelties of the regulation on health technology assessment, a key achievement for the European union health policies
Authors: Pisapia Alice , Banfi Giuseppe , Tomaiuolo Rossella 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Health technology assessment is a key tool for ensuring healthcare quality, accessibility, and sustainability. The novel European Union (EU) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) regulation of 15 December 2021, in harmonizing the laws of the Member States about the procedures and criteria for the evaluation of health technologies (i.e., medical devices and in vitro diagnostic tools), constitutes a significant achievement in the definition of EU health policies. On the one hand, for the European Union, it constitutes an essential driving force for the development of a competitive market for health technologies and, on the other, for European citizens, it guarantees the application of superordinate safety and quality standards with an impact positive on access to health technologies, including expressly also in vitro diagnostic medical devices classified in class D by art. 47 of Reg. (EU) 2017/746. As pointed out by the European Commissioner for Healthcare, the regulation identifies a new way for the Member States to cooperate on healthcare matters in the Union. The clinical efficacy and safety of drugs and devices are legal assets that today find their protection in a binding and directly applicable regulatory instrument, superordinate in the hierarchy of sources. Implementing the regulation will also be essential to achieve the objectives of the Union’s pharmaceutical strategy and the European plan to fight cancer. The novel HTA European regulation, applicable from January 2025, will ensure inclusion and transparency in evaluating health technologies and increase the predictability of decisions for both Member State authorities and industry.
Accounting for current limitation and input saturation in adaptive nonlinear control of fuel cell power system
Authors: Intidam Abdessamad , El Fadil Hassan , Nady Soukaina , Gaouzi Khawla , El Idrissi Zakariae , Koundi Mohamed , Giri Fouad 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In this paper, a dc–dc boost converter with continuous input is investigated. In addition to its input current, the converter offers the advantage of using a reduced number of electronic components. The objective is to design an appropriate controller for the nonlinear model taking into account the system nonlinearities, the uncertainty of the resistance load, the constrained fuel cell current, and the saturation of the control input signal (duty ratio).The point is that the converter presents a no minimum phase feature, and the duty ratio must constrain between 0 and 1. Then, a saturated nonlinear controller is elaborated. Detailed analysis and simulation show that the proposed controller meets all control objectives, namely: tight dc-bus voltage regulation and asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system. Experimental results are also given, which show the effectiveness of the controller.
Stability analysis and numerical simulations of the fractional COVID-19 pandemic model
Authors: Alalyani Ahmad , Saber Sayed 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to formulate a simplified nonlinear fractional mathematical model to illustrate the dynamics of the new coronavirus (COVID-19). Based on the infectious characteristics of COVID-19, the population is divided into five compartments: susceptible S(t), asymptomatic infection I(t), unreported symptomatic infection U(t), reported symptomatic infections W(T) and recovered R(t), collectively referred to as (SIUWR). The existence, uniqueness, boundedness, and non-negativeness of the proposed model solution are established. In addition, the basic reproduction number R
0 is calculated. All possible equilibrium points of the model are examined and their local and global stability under specific conditions is discussed. The disease-free equilibrium point is locally asymptotically stable for R
0
leq1 and unstable for R
0 > 1. In addition, the endemic equilibrium point is locally asymptotically stable with respect to R
0 > 1. Perform numerical simulations using the Adams–Bashforth–Moulton-type fractional predictor–corrector PECE method to validate the analysis results and understand the effect of parameter variation on the spread of COVID-19. For numerical simulations, the behavior of the approximate solution is displayed in the form of graphs of various fractional orders. Finally, a brief conclusion about simulation on how to model transmission dynamics in social work.
Electro-mechanical to optical conversion by plasmonic-ferroelectric nanostructures
Authors: Karvounis Artemios , Grange Rachel 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Barium titanate (BaTiO3) is a lead-free ferroelectric crystal used in electro-mechanical transducers and electro-optic films. Nanomechanical devices based on thin films of BaTiO3 are still unavailable, as the internal stress of thin ferroelectric films results in brittle fracture. Here, we use the electro-mechanical force to fabricate deformable assemblies (nanobeams) of BaTiO3 nanocrystals, on top of plasmonic metasurfaces. The mechanical deformation of the nanobeams is driven by the piezoelectric response of the BaTiO3 nanocrystals. The plasmonic-ferroelectric nanostructures due to the plasmonic enhancement enable subwavelength interaction lengths and support reflection modulation up to 2.936 ± 0.008%. Their frequency response is tested across 50 kHz up to 2 MHz and is dependent on the mechanical oscillations of the deformable BaTiO3 nanobeams. The ferroelectric nanobeams support mechanical nonlinearities, which offer additional control over the electro-mechanical to optical conversion.
Statistical Analysis of Assigning a Corporate Credit Rating with Regard to the Sovereign Rating in the Russian Federation
Authors: Грачёва Анна , Копнова Елена 
Published: May 2022

The paper presents the results of a statistical study of the formation of a corporate credit rating, with regard to the sovereign rating. The research is based on the data from 19 non–financial companies in Russia’s leading industries for 2014–2018. It is shown that the sovereign credit rating, despite the relaxation of the sovereign “ceiling” rule by Fitch, Moody’s and S&P rating agencies in 1997, remains closely correlated to the risk level of Russian companies. The obtained results related to macroeconomic and idiosyncratic risk indicators denote the peculiarities of credit rating formation for Russian companies. In particular, in contrast to the results of similar studies, it reveals the negative effect of certain profitability and liquidity variables, as well as the country’s foreign trade turnover on the corporate rating. It also demonstrates that acredit rating has a “short memory” – its current value is historically determined only by the level in the previous period.
This paper is of practical relevance for private and institutional investors and lenders that use credit ratings to form their own perception of the default risk level in the corporate sector.
Pathological features in perinatal autopsy and its relation with clinical and antenatal sonography findings
Authors: P. Aswathy , Pothen Lillykutty , Thambi Renu , S. Sankar 
Published: May 2022

Background: Perinatal mortality is considered as a yardstick of obstetric and maternal care before and around the time of death. Perinatal autopsy is an inevitable procedure which helps to ascertain the cause of death, identify rare diseases, supplements clinical diagnosis and provide risk estimates for future pregnancies. The aim of the study was to describe the pathological features in perinatal autopsy specimens and to compare the pathological features with clinical and antenatal sonography findings.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among 43 perinatal autopsy cases. A thorough perinatal autopsy was done. Detailed maternal medical and obstetric history including the laboratory and USG findings were collected. Collected data analysed using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software. Results: The results were grouped into fetal, maternal and placental findings. Congenital anomalies were detected in 20% cases. That included gastrochisis, ebstein anomaly, isolated dextrocardia, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, cleft lip and palate, prune belly syndrome, club foot. Placenta findings observed were chorioamnionitis, placental thrombotic vasculopathy and placental findings in COVID-19 positive cases. The most common maternal comorbidity was hypertension (20.9%). Perinatal mortality was high in those cases with past history of abortions and history of infertility treatment. Full agreement between perinatal autopsy and antenatal USG findings was detected in 36.36% cases. Additional anomalies detected on autopsy was 54.54%.Conclusions: A thorough clinical history, prenatal ultrasonography and perinatal autopsy features could be described in detail in all the cases. Comparison of finding at autopsy with antenatal ultrasonography finding indicate that ultrasonography finding have only a reasonable value in assessing fetal status. Advanced radiology techniques could be maximum helpful.
Factors associated with home delivery and outcomes: a case study of homesteads in Kapoeta North County, South Sudan
Authors: Matueny Ramzy Muorwel , Suleiman Mbaruk Abdulla , Juma Joseph N. 
Published: May 2022

Background: Delivering infants in homesteads is still considered the norm in many parts of the world. However, the practice is fraught with health risks for both pregnant women and newborns. Kapoeta North County in the eastern part of South Sudan is known to have high levels of maternal and infant deaths with an estimated 97.8% of women delivering outside health facilities. This study investigated demographic, socio-economic, and health system factors associated with home deliveries in Kapoeta North County, South Sudan. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical research design was used. A sample of 400 women of reproductive age who had delivered in the past six months were interviewed. Cluster, stratified and simple random sampling were used to identify the study areas and to select study respondents. Quantitative and qualitative techniques of data collection were employed.Results: Homestead delivery was found to be high, 272 (68%) women of reproductive age delivered at home. Being educated (OR=9.93, 95% CI: 2.56-38.47), distance to the health facility (OR=10.87, 95% CI: 0.04-0.20), gender of the birth attendant (OR=2.61, 95% CI: 1.25-5.45) and availability of the amenities (OR=1.83, 95% CI: 0.86-3.90) were significantly associated with home delivery. Conclusions: The study concluded that homestead delivery at Kapoeta North County of South Sudan is high at 68%. There is a need for expansion of the health infrastructure, financial empowerment of the vulnerable women, and improved awareness through social media about the consequences of delivering at home.
Factors influencing the uptake of antenatal care services among pregnant women in South Gaalkacyo district, Mudug region, Somalia
Authors: Haji Omar A. , Suleiman Mbaruk Abdulla , Juma Joseph N. 
Published: May 2022

Background: Focused antenatal care addresses specific health conditions of pregnant mothers, therefore, improving health outcomes for mothers and infants including maternal and infant mortality. Somalia is among the first twenty African countries with the greatest maternal and infant mortality rates. Therefore, this study was conducted in the South Gaalkacyo district, Mudug region, Somalia, to investigate the factors influencing the uptake of antenatal care services among pregnant women.Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study with 385 participants. Data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Logistic forward linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between two or more variables of interest. And P-value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Of the study participants (52.67%) had poor knowledge of antenatal care and (88.1%) were satisfied with antenatal care services. There was a significant association between the study participants’ level of knowledge (p=0.0001), accessibility to health facilities (p=0.016), and health care workers’ attitudes (p=0.014) with the use of antenatal care attendance. From qualitative responses lack of support from husbands played an essential role in seeking antenatal health care.Conclusions: Underutilization of FANC was influenced by women’s knowledge, level of education, socio-economic and cultural factors as well as infrastructural factors. More education and awareness are required to educate women on the importance of utilizing ANC services.
Prevalence of sleep disorders among shift and day workers in industrial workers of North Guwahati, Assam
Authors: Krishnatreya Mousumi , Borah Rinku 
Published: May 2022

Background: General sleep disorder and comorbid sleep disorder are highly prevalent in industrialized societies of India because of the work hours that displaces the sleep timing. There is rapid rise of Industries in the North Eastern region of the country, but research have been conducted on a sparse proportion of the population in this area. Aim of the study is to compare the prevalence of sleep disorder in shift worker and day worker based on international classification of sleep disorders (ICSD) criteria in a sample drawn from the working population of industries in North Guwahati, Assam. Methods: Data was collected by administering a set of well validated questionnaire on a sample of 161 shift workers and 161 permanent day workers from 16 industries, from July to December 2021. Additional data concerning demographic profile were also analysed. Results: Among the shift workers and day workers prevalence of general sleep disturbance was 34% and 19% respectively. Prevalence of insomnia, restless leg syndrome was found to be higher among the shift workers compared to day workers.Conclusions: Shift workers experienced more difficulties with the variability of their sleep times. It was associated with a higher prevalence of ICSD-defined symptoms of sleep disorders like insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. Thus, the study may play a role in occupational health intervention aimed at reducing sleep problems and improving the resilience of shift worker especially in the areas of new industrial development.
Study to determine self-medication pattern and drug use behavior in rural areas of Etawah district
Authors: Singh Nishant , Sahu Priyanka , Saroj Mahendra Kumar , Singh Vaibhav , Siddiqui Arshiya Masood 
Published: May 2022

Background: According to William Osler, a great feature which distinguishes man from animals is the desire to take medicine. Self-medication is an age-old practice. According to world health organization guidelines “Self-medication is defined as use of medicinal products by the individuals to treat self-recognized disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent or continuous use of a medication prescribed by a physician for chronic or recurring diseases or symptomsMethods: The study population included study subjects from the rural areas of Etawah district. A total sample of 200 was recruited in the study based on 40×5 cluster sampling techniqueResults: most of the participants in rural areas 65% belong to the age group 20-39 years. Among the rural participants males were 134/200 (67.0%) and females were 66 (33%). Most of the participants in rural areas were married i.e. 76.0%. Most of the participants (50%) belonged to joint family followed by nuclear family (40%) in rural areas. Most common reason for self-medication practice in rural area most common reason for practice of self-medication was high fee which makes 29% (58) of all respondent and other reasons were Doctor/clinic away from home (27.5%), to save time (20.5%), medicine of family member (6%), no trust in doctor (0.5%) and pharmacist advice (3.5%).Conclusions: Most common age group indulged in the practice of self-medication was 20-39 year in rural study area.
Salivary urea and uric acid levels as biomarkers in dental caries: in vivo study
Authors: Raj Gagan , Kumar Dhananjaya , B. S. Suma , Mangal Garima 
Published: May 2022

Background: A new approach in caries research is focused on the fact that salivary Substrates, like urea and uric acid, may play an important role in biofilm pH, homeostasis and in inhibiting dental caries and thus act as biomarker. Methods: A clinical in vivo study was conducted in Dental college of Patna among simple random sample of 30 dental students (10 caries active and 20 caries free based on DMFT index) and of age group 18-25 years after satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Unstimulated saliva samples of dental students were collected at Coachman position using draining technique and salivary urea and uric acid estimation done at private pathology laboratory, Patna.Results: The mean for urea level was higher among Caries free Group (61.15±18.85) as compared to Caries group (9.91±3.64) while the mean uric acid level was higher among Caries group (10.19±2.16) as compared to caries free group (5.25±2.78). The caries experience when assessed by correlating the DMFT Score with salivary urea and salivary uric acid concentration, it was found that the DMFT Score is in negative correlation with urea level (r=-0.790) and positive correlation with uric acid level (r=0.751) suggesting when salivary urea level increases there was decrease in caries rate and vice versa.Conclusions: Thus value of salivary urea and uric acid in adolescence can serve as a parameter for determining the risk of caries, thus acting as biomarkers in dental caries and this, in turn, can be used in the planning and implementation of appropriate caries preventive measures.
Development of simulation based medical education in India
Authors: Raja V. Pragadeesh , Lenin Dharani 
Published: May 2022

Medical education has undergone various changes in the last decades in India. From 2019 competency based medical education has been implemented as per National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines and there was various modifications made in teaching learning methods, assessment method. The new CBME curriculum stress the importance of proficiency in several clinical skills by medical graduates rather than mere gaining of knowledge. As per NMC regulations 2020 skills lab is compulsory in medical colleges. Need of skills lab now practically realized after the COVID 19 pandemic so NMC advised to start separate skills lab for COVID 19 called COVID 19 skills lab in all medical colleges and mentioned the list of the 42 topics and to train and cover all the level of health workers.
Clinicopathological analysis of sinonasal lesions
Authors: Thokal Mansi , Kulkarni Medha , Sidhewad Shital , Gosavi Alka 
Published: May 2022

The sinonasal tract is exposed to a variety of infections, chemical irritants, antigens and trauma giving rise to diverse inflammatory as well as neoplastic lesions. The aim was to study the clinicopathological profile of lesions of nose and paranasal sinuses in this area of western Maharashtra. The study included 59 biopsies/resection specimens received in the department during Jan 2015 to June 2019. Clinical and pathological details were analysed. There were 33 females and 26 males. Out of 59 cases, 46 were nonneoplastic and 13 neoplastic, with 10 benign and three malignant. The most common nonneoplastic lesion was sinonasal polyp (42 cases). Other nonneoplastic lesions included three cases of mucormycosis and one case of rhinosporidiosis. In the benign neoplasms, there were three cases of hemangiomas, two hamartomas, two inverted papillomas with one case each of hidradenoma, angiofibroma and schwannoma. We had three malignant tumors, one case each of, melanoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma and squammous cell carcinoma. Nonneoplastic lesions were much more common than neoplastic ones in the sinonasal tract. Histopathological examination plays an important role in correct diagnosis and management.
To study HPV and EBV in squamous cell carcinoma of upper aerodigestive tract by immunohistochemistry markers
Authors: Raya Gorantla Vamshi Vasantha , Manjunath G V  
Published: May 2022

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) is one of the predominant causes of mortality and morbidity in a developing nation like India. The major risk factors being tobacco usage and alcohol. Besides these there are certain viruses like high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Epstein Bar Virus (EBV). Which have a potential role in the etiology of SCC. More over these HPV positive tumors have better prognosis compared to HPV negative ones due their radiosensitivity. There are several methods employed in identification of these viruses of which IHC is cost effective, reliable with high sensitivity and specificity.In the present study, we identified 30 cases of SCC in UADT sent to Pathology department. Expression of p16 for HPV and LMP1 for EBV was performed on the tissue blocks manually.p16 was positive in around 17% (5/30 cases) whereas LMP1 showed 0% (0/30 cases) positivity. Majority of patients with p16 positivity in SCC of UADT are in the older age (above 50 years), showed moderately differentiated (Grade II) SCC, had nodal metastasis at the time of presentation. Some studies showed the association of HPV of SCC in UADT in younger population have better prognosis compared to HPV negative ones. In the current study HPV was identified (17%) in older population (above 55 years) and none of the cases showed positivity for LMP1(EBV).
The struma with a twist: an uncommon case report
Authors: Srinivasamurthy Banushree Chandrasekhar , Senthilarasu Soundarya , Pulavarthi Sabita , Bhat Ramachandra V 
Published: May 2022

Strumaovarii, monodermal ovarian teratoma with incidence of 0.3%. Complications of struma ovarii includes torsion, rupture, infection and malignant transformation. We present you a unusual case of struma ovarii undergoing torsion without any clinical features of thyrotoxicosis in a 45year old postmenopausal women presented with lower abdominal pain and vomiting. Imaging study showed Right ovarian cyst and her thyroid function test, tumor markers(Ca-125, Ca 19-9) are within normal limits. It was histopathologically proven as Torsion struma ovarii. A solid cystic ovarian tumour diagnosed as Struma ovarii undergoing torsion as a complication.Even though struma ovarii is a rare ovarian tumor, we should keep in mind the complications which can happen with this type of tumor including the malignant transformations.