The Aftermath of War: Improving Psychosocial Measures to Address Trauma in Child Refugees in the Schengen Zone

With the large number of refugee children currently displaced due to war and conflict, there is a necessity to look into alleviating any resulting trauma so that these children don’t face further social or health effects later in life. The study focuses on how to improve psychosocial care for child refugees in the Schengen zone suffering from war trauma. Through a combination of research done using existing literature and interviews with experts, there were three main findings on improving psychosocial support for this population. These include improving consolidation of psychosocial programs and focusing on education, having greater cultural awareness when working with children, and acknowledging the resilience of children when addressing trauma. These results call for changes in approaches to psychosocial care and the study encourages greater awareness in host populations. Further research on specific populations within this group would be beneficial

Socio-Economic Impact of Global Warming

The research focuses on understanding the impacts of global warming on different aspects of thesocio-economic structure. Global warming is a raging problem, and it is caused due to the urbanization andindustrial scenarios. The research aims to understand the reasons behind global warming and its impact ondifferent economic segments such as agriculture, energy, and land usage. It has been found in the research thatglobal warming will result in lower availability of freshwater. This results in lower production of crops across theglobe along with massive damage to the existing economic framework. It is essential to take precautionary steps atan early level so that further damage can be mitigated

A Comparative study of Ripasa Score and Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common acute abdominal surgical emergencies; the diagnosis of which is often challenging. If there is a delay in the diagnosis and prompt action is not taken, it may lead to perforation and other complication. Many scoring systems have been devised for the diagnosis of appendicitis, among which Modified Alvarado score is being used widely. Ultrasound also has gained importance in recent years. Our study aims is to evaluate the use of RIPASA score and USG in the diagnosis to bring down the rate of negative appendicectomies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of RIPASA scoring system and ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and to reduce the rate of negative appendicectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Design: Cross sectional study. This study was done in 100 patients admitted in Government Royapettah Hospital for a period of 6months. Patients were evaluated using RIPASA scoring and USG. Decision for surgery was made independent of the score and USG findings. Diagnosis was confirmed by intraoperative and histopathological findings. Results were confirmed by chi-square test. A negative appendicectomy was considered when a non- inflamed appendix was removed. RESULTS: In our study, out of the 100 patients who were operated, 80 patient had appendicitis and 20 were normal according to intraoperative and histopathological findings. RIPASA score (> 7.5) had a sensitivity and specificity of 81.25 and 60 % respectively. USG had a sensitivity of 73.75% and a specificity of 55%. CONCLUSION: In this study RIPASA scoring system showed a better diagnostic accuracy than USG in the diagnosis acute appendicitis and in reducing the negative appendicectomy rate

ANTICONVULSANT PROPERTIES OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS- A REVIEW

Introduction: Epilepsy is the tendency to have seizures that start in the brain. The brain uses electrical signals to pass messages between brain cells and when these signals are disrupted, it leads to a seizure. A number of synthetic antiepileptic drugs are available in practice, but various medicinal plants act as an important source of treatment for epilepsy; plants such as Aeollanthus suaveolens, Passiflora caerulea, Persea americana, Annona diversifolia, and Boerhavia diffusa have good anticonvulsant activity.Objective: Anticonvulsant drugs are used to control the convulsions by inhibiting the discharge and then producing hypnosis. The objective is to understand various medicinal plants and plant components, which are being used as an anticonvulsant.Results: A. suaveolens essential oils are the main constituents were deemed to display anticonvulsant activity. P. caerulea is reputed to have herbal activity as a sedative and anticonvulsant and it is often used as a relatively disease resistant root stock. Whereas P. americana, extract produces its anticonvulsant effect by enhancing gamma-aminobutyric acid ergic neurotransmission and or action in the brain. B. diffusa consists of a calcium channel antagonist compound, liriodendrin that is responsible for its anticonvulsant activity.Conclusion: Since epilepsy has become a common brain disorder, having knowledge of the medicinal plants with an anticonvulsant activity will be beneficial to the society.Keywords: Antiepileptic, Aeollanthus suaveolens, Passiflora caerulea, Persea americana, Annona diversifolia, Boerhavia diffusa

Antimagic Labeling of Generalized Edge Corona Graphs

An antimagic labeling of a graph $G$ is a one-to-one correspondence between the edge set $E(G)$ and $\lbrace 1,2,...,|E(G)|\rbrace$ in which the sum of the edge labels incident on the distinct vertices are distinct. Let $G$,$H_1$,$H_2$,...,$H_{m-1}$, and $H_m$ be simple graphs where $|E(G)|=m$. A generalized edge corona of the graph $G$ and $(H_1,H_2,...,H_m)$ (denoted by $G\diamond (H_1,H_2,...H_m)$) is a graph obtained by taking a copy of $G,H_1,H_2,...,H_m$ and joining the end vertices of $i^{th}$ edge of $G$ to every vertex of $H_i$, $i\in\lbrace 1,2,...,m\rbrace$. In this paper, we consider $G$ as a connected graph with exactly one vertex of maximum degree 3 (excluding the spider graph with exactly one vertex of maximum degree 3 containing uneven legs) and each $H_i$, $1\leq i \leq m$ as a connected graph on at least two vertices. We provide an algorithmic approach to prove that $G$ $\diamond$ $(H_1,H_2,...H_m)$ is antimagic under certain conditions

Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical Studies and Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Roots of Melia Azedarach Linn.,

Herbal medicines are found to be effective in treatment of various ailments but the major problem is lack of proper scientific validation. Hence the present study is aimed at investigating the selected plant Melia azedarach Linn. for the diabetes problem. The root of plant Melia azedarach L. belongs to the family Meliaceae, is claimed to be useful for diabetes, but the claim has not been scientifically validated. Authentication of the plant material plays a key role in pharmacognostical studies. The roots of Melia azedarach, were collected from sunguvarchattram, Kanchipuram. The collected specimens was botanically identified and authenticated by Dr. K.N. Sunil Kumar, R.O. and HOD Pharmacognosy, Siddha Central Research Institute, Arumbakkam, Chennai-106. It was identified as Melia azedarach Linn., Meliacea family. The parameter studied were Macroscopy, microscopy, powder microscopy, histochemical studies and physiochemical constants to establish data for proper authentication and detection of adulterants. The qualitative analysis and quantitative estimation were carried out to identify inorganic elements present in the plant. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of toxic heavy metals like Cadmium, Arsenic, Lead and Mercury were within the WHO limits and ensure the safety of the drug. In phytochemical analysis, extraction is the first step involved. The coarse powder was extracted by petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol by successive solvent extraction by hot percolation method and aqueous extract by cold maceration method. The preliminary phytochemical screenings of various extract of the plant have revealed the presence of phytoconstituents like flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, carbohydrates, triterpenoids and steroids. Quantitative estimation of flavonoids and phenolics compounds done by UV for all Successive extracts. Fluorescence analysis of both powder and extracts were performed. There is presence of fluorescent compounds. TLC of successive extracts and HPTLC of ethanolic extract of Melia azedarach Linn were carried out to identify phytoconstituents present. The pharmacological studies include in vitro α-amylase inhibition assay, non enzymatic glycosylation of haemoglobin method and in vivo antidiabetic activity. Active extract was selected based on the results of in vitro studies carried out for various extracts such as pet. Ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, aqueous extracts. Ethanol extract showed maximum inhibition when compared to others. Hence ethanolic extract selected for in vivo studies. Anti diabetic activity assessed by Streptozotocin induced diabetic model. The parameter examined were blood glucose level, body weight, lipid profile. The Histopathological study of pancreas was performed. The inference made from it that the β-Cells in the normal control group were in normal size. Where as in the diabetic control group were reduced in size, damaged β-Cells population and extensive necrotic changes, followed by fibrosis and atrophy. While in the group received that the test dose showed the absence of necrosis, fibrotic changes, increased number and size of the islets and presence of normal pancreatic cells. These were in the levels comparable with the ones that were administered the standard drug Glibenclamide. The present study revealed the ethanolic extract has the significant antidiabetic activity in the both in vitro and in vivo models. From the above studies, it can be concluded that the roots of Melia azedarach Linn exhibited promising antidiabetic activity and further studies can be directed towards the isolation of active constituents, characterization of individual compounds responsible for the antidiabetic activity and mechanism of action responsible for this activity

Effectiveness of social media based oral health promotion programme among college students in Chennai: An Interventional study

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the effect of social media based oral health promotion programme in improving the oral health among 18-20 year old college students in Chennai city. OBJECTIVE: 1. To assess the level of addiction to WhatsApp mobile application among the College students in Chennai using WhatsApp Addiction Test. 2. To assess the baseline oral health status of the study population using the Oral Hygiene Index- Simplified by John. C. Green and Jack. R. Vermillion (1964) and Modified Gingival Index by Lobene et al (1986). 3. To assess the changes in oral health status in the intervention group at first, third and sixth month after oral health education through WhatsApp mobile application. 4. To assess the changes in oral health status in the control group at first, third and sixth month after oral health education through demonstration and models. 5. To compare the changes in the oral health status between the intervention and the control group. 6. To evaluate and compare the mean Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) scores of the study population Pre- and Post intervention. METHODOLOGY: An interventional study consisting of 140 students who met the eligibility criteria and who were willing to participate in the study were selected. Oral health status was assessed using Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and Modified Gingival Index (MGI). Their oral health Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP), was also assessed using a 22-item self administered questionnaire, and the level of WhatsApp addiction was assessed using a 20-item self administered questionnaire. Oral health education was provided to all the students using various methods such as lectures, peer teaching and demonstrations using tooth models and other oral health education aids. The participants were allocated randomly into intervention and control group, 70 in each group. Intervention was given to the interventional group during the first, second and third month, through the social networking application called WhatsApp– which aimed at providing oral health education through pictures, videos and text messages to improve the oral health status. Follow up examinations were carried out for both the groups at the first, third and the sixth month using Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and Modified Gingival Index (MGI) and their oral health Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) were assessed at the end of sixth month. RESULTS: The mean OHI-S score in the intervention group reduced from baseline (2.52) to sixth month (0.77) which was statistically significant (p<0.001). The mean MGI score in the intervention group reduced from baseline (1.58) to sixth month (0.58) which was statistically significant (p<0.001). The mean OHI-S score and MGI score in the control group, reduced from baseline (2.47) to the first month (1.72) (p<0.05); but increased during the third (1.88) and the sixth month (2.06). The mean MGI score in the control group, reduced from baseline (1.56) to the first month (1.22) (p<0.05); but increased during the third (1.26) and the sixth month (1.39). The percentage change in the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice score from baseline to sixth month among Intervention group was 170.73%, 73.38% and 60.19% and among the control group was 46.19%, 36.45%, 35.67%. CONCLUSION: The intervention given through the social media based oral health programme using WhatsApp application improved the oral health status among the intervention group. Also, the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about oral health greatly improved among the intervention group when compared to the control group

Evaluation of Coordinated Ramp Metering (CRM) Implemented By Caltrans

Coordinated ramp metering (CRM) is a critical component of smart freeway corridors that rely on real-time traffic data from ramps and freeway mainline to improve decision-making by the motorists and Traffic Management Center (TMC) personnel. CRM uses an algorithm that considers real-time traffic volumes on freeway mainline and ramps and then adjusts the metering rates on the ramps accordingly for optimal flow along the entire corridor. Improving capacity through smart corridors is less costly and easier to deploy than freeway widening due to high costs associated with right-of-way acquisition and construction. Nevertheless, conversion to smart corridors still represents a sizable investment for public agencies. However, in the U.S. there have been limited evaluations of smart corridors in general, and CRM in particular, based on real operational data. This project examined the recent Smart Corridor implementation on Interstate 80 (I-80) in the Bay Area and State Route 99 (SR-99, SR99) in Sacramento based on travel time reliability measures, efficiency measures, and before-and-after safety evaluation using the Empirical Bayes (EB) approach. As such, this evaluation represents the most complete before-and-after evaluation of such systems. The reliability measures include buffer index, planning time, and measures from the literature that account for both the skew and width of the travel time distribution. For efficiency, the study estimates the ratio of vehicle miles traveled vs. vehicle hour traveled. The research contextualizes before-and-after comparisons for efficiency and reliability measures through similar measures from another corridor (i.e., the control corridor of I-280 in District 4 and I-5 in District 3) from the same region, which did not have CRM implemented. The results show there has been an improvement in freeway operation based on efficiency data. Post-CRM implementation, travel time reliability measures do not show a similar improvement. The report also provides a counterfactual estimate of expected crashes in the post-implementation period, which can be compared with the actual number of crashes in the “after” period to evaluate effectiveness

A Comprehensive Approach to Supporting Homeless Communities through Free Clinical Screenings

Hearts for the Homeless Orlando is a part of an international organization that is “focused on eliminating health disparities through practicing preventative healthcare and providing free healthcare services.” At each event, free heart health and eye health screenings and education are given to the homeless population in Downtown Orlando. Once arriving at the screening location (Christian Service Center), a table is set up with 2 blood pressure monitors, the KardiaMobile EKG Monitor, hand sanitizing wipes, germicidal wipes, gloves, and pamphlet handouts. These supplies help volunteers understand the health conditions of the individuals who visit to the site, and allow volunteers to recommend them to nearby free health clinics to further check up on them. H4H has worked with the Mothers and Children’s Health Association to host donation drives, as well as with Service and Love Together to provide mobile showering for the homeless population.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2023fall/1008/thumbnail.jp

Effect of Etchant System on Bond Strength of Teeth subjected to Desensitizing Agent Application: An In Vitro study

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the role of etch-and-rinse and self-etch on bond strength of teeth subjected to gluma desensitizer in office desensitizer and Sensodyne repair and protect (Novamin). METHODOLOGY: A sample of 36 sound freshly extracted human mandibular premolar teeth was selected. The samples were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 – etch-and-rinse (n=18), Group 2 – self-etch (n=18). Group 1 was further subdivided into 1A - Gluma Desensitizer (Heraeus Kulzer GmbH) (n=6), 1B - Sensodyne Repair and Protect, powered by Novamin (Group Pharmaceuticals Limited,India) (n=6), 1C - control where no desensitizing agents were applied (n=6). Group 2 was similarly subdivided as in group 1.After adhesive procedure, the restored samples (n=30), 5 in each group were selected for mechanical testing and 1 in each group (n=6) was allotted for scanning electron microscope analysis. After microtensile bond strengths, each of the specimens were observed using a microscope (Labomed, Prisma Microscope, USA) under 2.5x magnification to observe the type of fracture (Cohesive / Adhesive). RESULTS: Self-etch group showed significantly greater bond strength when compared to the etch-and-rinse group. But no significant difference was seen among the desensitizer agent groups, Sensodyne paste, Gluma Desensitizer and control group in both the etch-and-rinse and self-etch category. When considering within the groups Sensodyne paste group had higher incidence of adhesive failure when compared to Gluma Desensitizer and control group in self-etch group and etch-and-rinse group but was not significant. Post hoc test depictts no significant difference among between Gluma Desensitizer, Sensodyne paste group and control groups. CONCLUSION: Bond strength increased with self-etch and it performed better when compared to etch-and-rinse along with the desensitizers used and was statistically significant. Higher number of adhesive fractures was seen in Sensodyne Repair and Protect group when compared to Gluma Desensitizer and the control group. When dentin has been treated with desensitizing agents it is preferable to opt for mild self-etching bonding agents